This is with reference to the editorial “The next infra boom” (April 15). Indeed, at a time when the country is suffering from a huge shortage of investments in infrastructure, the PPP route stands out with the development of ports, power generation and highways projects.

At the same time, their struggle to manage the paucity of returns and repay debt is a problem to be solved by the government. Allowing a longer gestation period for such entities to repay, with tax incentives, will make them achieve more by way of investments through the PPP route.

N.R.Nagarajan

Sivakasi

Personal attacks

“Now, everyone’s getting personal” (April 15) made for worrisome reading. Sadly, it looks like these politicians have decided to outdo one another in personal attacks and derogatory remarks, beyond the bounds of decency. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Amit Shah, Rashid Alvi, Abu Azmi — the list of offenders goes on. Leave aside the Election Commission’s punishment of banning them from speaking in public, what kind of role models are they for younger politicians?

How unfortunate that even a leader of the stature of Rahul Gandhi has indulged in personal remarks against Modi.

This election ought to be largely fought on issues such as governance, development and growth. Yet, our politicians are obsessed with trivia and personal attacks, touching new lows in their remarks day after day in a desperate and vain attempt to stay relevant.

Bal Govind

Noida

Mindless litigation

This refers to “We don’t need no litigation” (April 15) by PG James. The high percentage of court cases where the government is a litigant is part of the self-defeating legal system.

India probably has the largest number of laws but many of them suffer from poor drafting and are too stringent to comprehend and follow. The resulting violations are pursued by the government, apparently with little application of mind, as just 11 per cent cases are taken to a logical end.

Cases of income-tax arrears, breach of labour laws and commercial contracts are taken to court without an appropriate cost-benefit analysis. It follows that the government’s failure to win the majority of cases yields more expenditure than gains.

What we fewer but more meaningful laws (judged by ease of understanding and practicability of execution). Only such a legal system will strengthen the investment climate and reduce corruption.

Y.G. Chouksey

Pune

Easy choice

This refers to the article “Difficult choice: For ONGC, it is US shale or Iran gas” (April 13). What’s so difficult about this choice? Isn’t it a no-brainer? The choice is not about owning gas, but importing gas to India. Gas can be imported only after it is liquified and compressed to 1/700th of its volume. US has 30 LNG projects, six of them already approved and funded, while Iran does not have a single viable project, with technology and funding.

Gas prices in the US are below $4 when India is signing up deals at $15 from unstable countries in Africa. Iran prices after accounting for insurance is even higher. The extra shipping cost to the US is only $1 per MMBtu. India does not have to love the US to do business with US LNG producers! It’s the most economic option, which can bring clean, cheap energy to India.

ONGC was never on any blacklist. Its investment arm was mentioned in a report by a watchdog (not an arm of the Government). The US Government reviewed it, and immediately offered a waiver. The watchdog then removed OVL from the list. Let it go. Let it flow!

Pathfinder

Plano, US

Opinon polls

“How reliable are opinion poll predictions?” (April 14) highlights important issues. What with paid opinion polls and a pliable fourth estate, it may not be surprising if media declare in a few days that the BJP will get 450 seats. More money, more seats. The opinion polls got it wrong in 2004 and 2009: Why will 2014 be different? .

Ujwal

Mumbai

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