Lending to agri-business

This refers to “ADB eyes India's education, agri-biz for private sector operations” ( Business Line , February 5). India has not so far been benefited by ADB, especially because of its size and initial policy. Considering the number of people below the poverty line, ADB should intensify its assistance programmes here.

While it is good that ADB is already involved in the renewable energy and transport sectors, low-cost affordable housing should receive attention too. More than the quantum of financial assistance involved, the lending institution's expertise, which has an Asian flavour, could bring about a profitable shift in the technological and commercial approach, especially in such areas as education, agriculture, agro-industry, health care, microfinance and electronics. Each of these sectors could benefit from complementarities in terms of the wide knowledge base of the international lender.

While in education, quality upgradation at higher education levels, especially management, engineering and medical education, could be the bank's focus, in agriculture and agro-industry, it could intensify diversification and value-addition. In the rural sector, strengthening of the non-governmental sectors could be a thrust area. Instead of housing, the healthcare sector could substantially benefit from collaborative low-cost innovations, especially in the rural and semi-urban areas.

In micro-finance, ADB expertise could pave the way for strengthening the infrastructure of self-help groups by ensuring greater transparency, openness, sharing of knowledge and integrity. An improved infrastructure could act as eyes and ears of the microfinance system so that the micro-finance institutions (MFIs) do not exploit the borrowers.

K. U. Mada

Mumbai

Arise and awake!

“Perverse policy on kerosene” and “Brand India in Davos” ( Business Line , February 7) made compelling reading. The essence of both the articles relates to insensitivity, indifference, inertia and the overpowering greed of our politicians for self-aggrandisement at the cost of nation-building. Corruption has been the root cause for increased poverty, red-tapism, political opportunism and the consequent delay in implementation of developmental projects over the last six decades.

If democracy can be subverted in this way by politicians, akin to fence eating the crop, where are we heading to? Under different styles of governance, China and many countries in the Far East have progressed much faster and to the common man's benefit. With all the power in the hands of people, in democratic India, we are unable to tackle the virus of corruption. Talent without discipline and freedom without responsibility and accountability are dangerous and promote only anarchy, and not development.

No doubt, the problems are daunting. The solutions are hard, but available. However, there is no will for implementation. How do we get rid of the politicians who have no commitment to nation-building? It is time for Indians to ‘arise and awake' for a second time to bring about a democratic revolution.

M. Mohanan

Hyderabad

Revisit kerosene policy

The article “Perverse policy on kerosene” ( Business Line , February 7) brings out the general belief that subsidies are not meant to help the poor, but to enrich any number of criminals. The Sonawane murder vindicates the theory. Apparently, the Government, which apparently does not want to increase kerosene prices along with the price hikes of other fuels based on the populist platform, continues to wink at smuggling and other misuse of the subsidised kerosene.

The price of kerosene is kept low mainly for lighting purposes for the poorer sections of society, and not for cooking. Cooking gas connections could be provided free to all those who come under BPL, irrespective of the urban/rural distinction. No doubt, the rich oil companies in India should shoulder this responsibility as a social obligation.

The State electricity boards could consider providing cheap connections and power at low rates. The issue of retaining subsidy to kerosene for the sake of poor could be addressed thus. The remaining section which deserves cheaper kerosene may perhaps be fishermen and the like.

These people could be provided kerosene with at less prices through the PDS on a tough surveillance basis. There is no need for the prices of kerosene to be kept intact, to help smuggling, adulteration and other illegal activities. The suspected criminal-politician nexus for making illegal gains out of subsidised kerosene should be broken and for all.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

Well done

Business Line deserves credit for its investigation into and bringing to the public fora the spectrum deal between ISRO and Devas, expected to have caused a loss of a over Rs 2 lakh crore to the exchequer. Already a scam involving Rs 1.76 lakh crore is unravelling and this new case deserves thorough investigation without fear or favour.

The way precious spectrum is being treated by the government is casual while it merits adherence to basic principles of fairness and transparency.

T.R.Anandan

Coimbatore

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