Ground reality

This is with reference to the editorial “Home truths” (March 19). Investors prefer to hold on to property in anticipation of price appreciation, especially when supply is limited. Meanwhile, both state governments and municipalities need to do their bit to improve overall infrastructure at local level, which also enhances the value of property. Another critical aspect is the gap between demand and supply. The lesser the gap between these two, the better it is for the real estate market.

Bal Govind

Noida

The government should come forward to create satellite townships in all major cities with all facilities and infrastructure to enable people to buy their own homes at moderate cost.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

It is desirable that the next boom in realty should be spearheaded by urban investment and that it should be decentralised, making it easier for people in the suburbs to commute to work. In the long run, the sector can prosper only on the back of investment and infrastructure development.

NR Nagarajan

Sivakasi

Russia versus the world

The treaty signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin making Crimea a part of Russia has stirred a hornet’s nest.

Russia went against the advice of the international community to refrain from using force and annexing the small peninsula in the Black Sea.

Russia’s move has put its ties with the US, Europe and many other countries on the line. With the historic redrawing of Russia’s borders and Putin shrugging off the sanctions, are the Russians engaging in a Cold War with the West?

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

More power to women

With the new Companies Act making it mandatory to appoint women directors, the search may be on. But only getting experienced and capable women may help. It depends on the promoters and shareholders to select the best.

Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

The CSR cake

This is with reference to “Yours socially” by Mohan Lavi (March 19). The clamour for a tax break on corporate social responsibilty (CSR) is not only unjustified but also robs lustre off the noble activity.

A corporate’s net profit is arrived at after deducting the eligible tax benefits, and asking for another tax break on CSR is akin to eating the cake and having it too. The best returns a corporate gets from a well-run CSR policy are enhanced brand reputation, goodwill and above all, the ‘feel good factor’ on giving back to society.

About 6,000-7,000 firms are expected to set apart a whopping ₹27,000 crore for the newly formulated CSR policy. If they are willing to play their role, they can contribute handsomely to improving the lives of millions of people in the country. Come on, India Inc.

Kuriakose CG

email

Cong no to Kalmadi

Congress denying the party ticket to Suresh Kalmadi to contest Lok Sabha polls is welcome news. However, it is no wonder if these tainted elements are appeased with some other public office by these parties after some time. In our nation, politicians who are most loyal to the so-called high command or first families of political parties enjoy special privileges even if they are indicted for corruption. It is amusing that Arvind Kejriwal and Anna Hazare are keeping mum on such issues now.

VS Ganeshan

Bangalore

Capital ideas

The analytical article “Crony capitalism? Really?” by Harish Damodaran (March 19) has raised the right questions.

Unbridled individualism paved the way for a good number of financial scams, as the rich became richer and the poor became poorer as India sought to graduate into a developed economy.

India has, however, survived mainly because of factors such as individual entrepreneurship, small savings build-up and family-oriented social security.

Vazuthur Raghavan

Chennai

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