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G Parthasarathy is absolutely correct that peace with Pakistan through dialogue in the present context is a fantasy (“Fantasising about peace with Pakistan”, August 28). Unless the cost of (non-peace) conflict escalates to unsustainable levels, the Pakistani military will not accept normal relations with India. The Indian view of peace at any cost has led the world to perceive us as being weak-kneed, a befuddled country incapable of defending its borders. The Modi government came to power on the assurance of a strong response to cross-border terrorism; they have a mandate to respond strongly. Any further pussyfooting in the name of peace will not yield results.
NV Subramanian
Without doubt we can say that a peace deal with Pakistan will become a reality only when a strong democratic government emerges in that country. It seems the Pakistani military establishment enjoys veto power over the civilian government when it comes to taking diplomatic decisions which have a bearing on security.
The existence and supremacy of the Pakistani military is inextricably linked to its enmity with India. After the calling off of secretary-level talks, the Pakistani side stepped up its aggression across the LoC — that says it all. But by calling off the talks India actually weakened the position of Nawaz Sharif and that’s what the army wants.
Kiran Jose
Pala, Kerala
Laudable scheme
The launching of the Jan Dhan scheme by the Government through banks is quite laudable. Though banks had been making some efforts earlier, no perceptible results were seen. A lot of effort is needed to penetrate this unbanked segment. Banks should ensure that some of the irritants in the matter of KYC are removed.
Another area needing focus is insurance inclusion. Insurance penetration in India is abysmally low. I suggest that the Government soon launch another drive for insurance reach.
L Rangarajan
Chennai
Already, it is reported that a clutch of PSBs have opened a few lakh accounts. About 75 million households are likely to be covered under the scheme. Even an account per household with the promised ₹2,000 overdraft facility after six months of satisfactory operation of the account would result in ₹15,000 crore loans in the books of PSBs. If the number of accounts is doubled, it would result in ₹30,000 crore loan! Remember, the applicant would be granted an unsecured overdraft not backed by collateral. The borrower would not be able to do any business other than vegetable vending or some such petty business on a day-to-day basis; they would not have shops. Account holders would be exposed to the financial literacy plan of the Government during the first six months.
Can that guarantee proper use of funds or would it be diverted to liquor and gambling? Imagine also the number of financial literacy outfits that will surface. As for PSBs, they have not been able to monitor big-ticket loans. They would eventually write off such dues or get them reimbursed through credit guarantee schemes. How come our no-nonsense Prime Minister has blessed this scheme?
KV Rao
Bangalore
Banks in the dock
Of late, we have seen many large borrowers going to court against lenders, especially banks. The most recent example is Kingfisher versus the Punjab National Bank. First and foremost, the bank is exclusively responsible for this; it invited the problem by lending to Kingfisher even though the company did not have expertise. Banks are spending incredible amounts of time and money on litigation.
All this could have been avoided if projects, financials and risk management had been assiduously assessed. People have not forgotten the Bhushan Steel episode. Bank frauds are increasing, as we have seen in Dena Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and others. The impact on the economy and on society is immense. The Government must take swift action on this.
Ravindranath Shetty
Mangalore
Sobering thought
“Fantasising about peace with Pakistan” by G Parthasarathy (August28) should make sober anyone clamouring for early normalisation of relations with the troublesome neighbour. Whoever may be the prime minister of Pakistan, he or she would have no objective freedom and independence to negotiate with India as long as the Pakistan army is the real power there. Its army will lose its dominance and unbridled access to influence politics in Pakistan if there is normalcy in relations with India. Buddha said: “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” Pakistan should be bluntly told that it has to match its words with deeds.
CG Kuriakose
Kothamangalam, Kerala
Save energy
The announcement that cooking gas consumers are entitled to 12 gas cylinders (of 14.2 kg) a year and that it is not necessary that they should consume one bottle per month is really welcome. I see this as the first welfare decision of the Government. Nevertheless, consumers must understand that energy saved is energy gained.
S Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
Super idea
The Government considering installation of solar panels on the rooftops of government buildings and open spaces of official buildings is a step in the right direction. Due to truant, erratic and deficient rainfall besides shortage of coal, we are unable to meet the increasing demand for electricity resulting in severe shortage. Once this is implemented, it could capture the imagination of private enterprises and individuals who would follow suit.
The initial investment for solar panels costs the exchequer but bereft of maintenance and fuel to generate power, it is the best option.. Some Bangalore entrepreneurs have come out with the idea of fitting solar panels on the rooftops of rail coaches to fuel trains. The sooner it is implemented, the sooner will it benefit the Railways which could curtail its costs on fuel.
HP Murali
Bangalore
Belittling leaders
All the three founding leaders of the BJP are now out of the top decision-making bodies of the party. LK Advani and MM Joshi have been accommodated in a newly created body called Margdarshak Mandal. This belittles them and is not good for the party. It is cruel to put all the work into middle age and all the regrets into old age.
KA Solaman
Alappuzha
It is damaging Show cause
With reference to your edit “The Cost Of No Power” (August 28), let us give them the extra 50 paise for every unit of power after we are presented with a report on the stakes these companies own in Indonesian mines. The returns generated by these mines and the profits should be clearly known to the people of this country before we raise the tariffs. If the losses made by them here are made up by the profits in the Indonesian mine stakes there is no reason to raise the tariffs for these companies. If they can prove that they don’t make any money we should punish them for the kind of incompetence shown by them while bidding for 25 years. Let’s not create wrong examples for the future. How is that the new plants power costs are between ₹4 and ₹7 a unit and these companies will be unaffected with just a 50 paise hike?
CR Arun
Significant ban
When you are travelling in Kerala, you come across a surge of men frantically buying liquor bottles from beverage outlets. In a State where little social stigma is attached to alcoholism, the Government’s decision to introduce prohibition is a significant move. It is bound to alter many men’s and fewer women’s lifestyles. The measures announced by the government can be implemented, provided civil society extends its support and the government shows the requisite will.
The major worry is that when liquor becomes unavailable in the ‘open market’, habitual drinkers may turn to hooch with lethal consequences. Prohibition will prove futile if the liquor mafias are allowed to thrive on bootlegging. Occasional drinking in moderate quantities without harm to anyone is no sin. Still it is hard to agree with writers and filmmakers harping on the human need for intoxicants to escape from painful existential reality. The ruin of families due to the alcohol addiction of bread-winners of poor families weakens their case against prohibition.
The revenue loss is nothing compared to what the State stands to gain in terms of health benefits, increased economic productivity, reduction in drunken brawls and serious crimes, domestic tranquillity and road safety. Meanwhile, it is the State’s responsibility to provide job opportunities to those who will be rendered unemployed due to the enforcement of prohibition.
G David Milton
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
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