Letters To The Editor: Generally cautious

Generally cautious

It was widely expected that a key factor would be inflation to determine as to whether RBI would tinker with the key policy rates. It is obvious that concerns on this count persist because of uncertain monsoons. Maintaining the status quo is a step towards ensuring sustained disinflation. The decision to reduce the statutory liquidity ratio by 50 basis points was also largely expected, to improve the banks’ liquidity position.

Srinivasan Umashankar

Nagpur

ATM charges unfair

The move by banks to charge ₹20 for ATM transactions beyond two attempts lacks vision. First of all, the idea of introducing the machine was to bring in the convenience of availing funds at any time. It considerably reduced the workload of the bank. But within a few years of its existence, it introduced a rule to levy charges for cross usage; some banks charged even for balance details. It is the duty of the bank to ensure smooth functioning of the machine before the rule is brought into force. Many ATMs are closed between 10 pm and 6 am and they charge us exorbitantly to draw our own money! If at all charges are to be levied they should be minimal.

Baskar CS

Chennai

Best solution

This is in response to the article “Perils of urbanisation: parking, a major issue” by S Ronendra Singh (August 5). To eliminate this problem, cities must focus on putting more buses on the roads and identifying more bus routes such that the incentive to take one’s car is minimal. I am reminded of Bombay in the 70s and 80s, when the thought of owning a car never occurred to any of us in our family. BEST ensured that buses were plenty, and they introduced routes even before citizens could suggest them. Their inspectors would stand at crowded bus stops and communicate to the bus depots to send more buses when they found the crowd building up at the bus stops. Ticket-checking was frequent and random and done at all times of the day. At the end of the day, as BEST has proved, it is creative ideas and smart implementation that solve problems.

Aravind Narasipur

Chennai

Train food blues

This refers to the article, “IRCTC could be Govt’s Flipkart” by Mamuni Das (August 5). It is a good move by Indian Railways to induct reputed caterers like MTR, ITC and Haldiram’s. The food sold in the pantry car and in railway stations are not only of poor quality and stale, but also prohibitively priced. Kudos to the new railway minister for directing officials to crack down on caterers who don’t care about the well-being of the passengers.

HP Murali

Bangalore

Landed issues

This refers to the editorial, “The ground beneath our feet” (August 5). As far as the land acquisition is concerned, the demand and supply equation is being manipulated by a section of people. High Net Worth individuals are now concentrating on land acquisition, as it yields them high return on investment.There are some crucial problems faced by companies during and after the land acquisition process.

The real problem is getting the approval of the owner/s and legal heirs and the encumbrance certificate. The next problem is protests by local people or social activists on the basis of environmental issues.

S Lakshminarayanan

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

Tap solar energy

This refers to the article, “The Aladdin Solution” by G Krishnamurthy (August 5). Concentrated solar energy is a technology mature enough for the Government to incentivise so that we become less dependent on coal and other polluting resources. The Government should give tax breaks to attract private investment because the inception costs for these technologies are high. But when the fuel costs are calculated on a 30-year basis, they can be competitive compared to coal-based plants. Instead of starting new nuclear plants, the Government can just make policy changes which support solar technology.

CR Arun

Email

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