The article “Japan’s culture of learning on the job” ( Business Line , November, 1) provided valuableinsights. No wonder the Japanese could rise from the ashes after World War II. Japan’s achievements are truly spectacular in every field, considering its size, the calamities faced by it and the lack of essential raw materials there. Japan gives its best to everything it does and succeeds most of the time.

C. G. Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Impractical

Kirit Parikh’s recommendations on rationalising oil prices make economic sense. But they are not practical from the politicians’ viewpoint. With elections to five States due soon and the general elections in May 2014, the recommendation to hike the price of cooking gas by Rs 250 will definitely hurt urban voters.

Increasing kerosene price by Rs 4 will affect the poor. It looks like it is quite easy to make radical suggestions and earn the goodwill of society. The committee should have suggested gradual hikes in prices; only then will it be practical. Can we then conclude that this report too will only gather dust? .

K. V. Rao

Bangalore

Judgement on babus

The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment on minimum fixed tenure for civil servants. The direction that they should not act on oral orders must embolden them to act without fear or favour. However, subordinates cannot expect officers to give everything in writing; such an arrangement would obstruct smooth functioning.

The law must ensure safeguards to ensure that the staff cannot blackmail officers by insisting on written instructions. The direction to set up a board to manage transfers, postings, inquiries, promotions, and so ontill a suitable law is legislated is welcome.

K. V. Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

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