The editorial ‘Data distortions’ (April 16) deserves serious attention from statisticians, administrators, surveyors and policy-makers at all levels in think-tanks, State and Central Governments.

Former RBI Governor Subbarao had repeatedly mentioned the poor quality of data. It is unfortunate that it has not captured the attention it deserved of the powers that be.

As a result, economic decisions and policy measures taken on their basis are topsy-turvy, reflecting poorly on the economic indicators and welfare of the people. Whether it is GDP growth, industrial or agricultural production, exports, imports, employment, inflation, power generation and distribution or tax matters — the numbers rarely reflect the actual position.

There is often gross underestimation adversely affecting the nation, economy and the people in different ways.

The new Government should give accurate data collection the utmost importance as this will lead to higher growth in the country's GDP.

It can save the country a lot on subsidies and improve the government’s finances.

TV Gopalakrishnan

Bangalore

Watershed moment

The Supreme Court's judgment on Tuesday recognising transgenders as a third gender will go down in history as a watershed moment.

The ruling should be welcomed, not only by the community concerned but also by human rights groups who have been working tirelessly for a new social order.

The apex court’s direction to the Centre and States asking them to treat this most marginalised section of society as a socially and educationally backward class should provide transgenders the much-needed opportunity to mingle with the mainstream.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Climate change

This refers to the report “US greenhouse gas emissions down to 10% since 2005” (April 16).

A recent UN report on climate change suggested that one viable solution to cutting down greenhouse gases is the use of solar power to run industries and homes.

Unfortunately, the use of renewables is not as widespread as it ought to be. Nuclear energy is a costly affair.

Developed nations should not play politics with climate change, just so that they can continue to consume higher quantities of petroleum and its products.

Deendayal M.Lulla

Mumbai

Creating jobs

The article “Create jobs where the job-seekers are” (April 16) is informative and serves as a call to the new government to focus on the employment scenario, which is not as bright as it it appears, given that lakhs of graduates pass out every year and the availability of jobs is virtually static. The key reason for this is the absence of a proper machinery to monitor job availability against the number of persons who qualify every year.

The opening of engineering colleges every year (this year, no colleges have been approved for opening) should also have been done after considering the demand-supply position of candidates. Due to the economic slowdown, job opportunities too have been affected. Another important factor is to increase awareness among the authorities about the skill-deficit and the need to make fresh graduates more employable.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Tall order

Narendra Modi’s promise that, if voted to power, he would send guilty MPs and MLAs to jail within a year (April 15) may sound like a good intention, though it is a moot point how far it is possible.

His promise to free the system of criminals is possible if all political parties show the will and resolve to deny tickets to known criminals and wrong-doers. Whether he delivers on the assurance or not, the proposal to rid our body politic of abhorrent elements is to be welcomed.

CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

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