Mom and pop stores

This refers to the article “That retail FDI bogey again”(April 17). The BJP is just playing politics on this issue.

Once it is in power it will concede and allow FDI in retail. India has a low per capita income and purchases on credit are commonplace, especially in groceries; big multinational retail outlets cannot compete with that.

Owing to the low rentals for space, reduced employee costs and the credit option, the local annachi kadai will always have an edge over big retailers. Hence one can only hope that the BJP, if it comes to power, realises this and allows FDI in retail.

CR Arun

e-mail

Linking rivers

The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has assured the electorate that if the BJP comes to power, it will make sure all the river systems in the country will be linked.

This should be the government’s first priority, as linking of rivers can do a world of good to the people. Water, after all, is the one of the most important ingredients of life. If this is implemented, it will mark a great achievement for the country. S Ramakrishnasayee

Ranipet

Bad precedent

The editorial “Sunny days ahead” (April 17) is aptly timed since the Confederation of Indian Industries has rightly disapproved of the ban on sale of electricity (through open access system) put into effect by two State governments. I

t is a revelation of politicians’ intentions and cleverness: they intend create a topsy-turvy situation by banning sale through open access. It will not augur well for the economy if other States follow suit. Instead, the Central government should bring these States to book. It is high time States facing a power deficiency begin to harness solar and wind energy sources. And consider nuclear energy as an alternative source (with all safety measures in place).

The Central government should encourage power generation projects and seek ways to increase the quantum of power so that it may be distributed through the general access system.

NR Nagarajan

Sivakasi

Dairy farming

This refers to the article “Indian cow, may your yield increase” (March 26) One of the major constraints dairy farmers face is the increasing feed costs and severe fodder shortage.

Feeding costs alone comes up to 80 per cent of production costs in most areas. At present, feeding systems are not designed to suit local conditions and needs. Concentrate feeding, feeding of roughage, both green and dry are mostly done separately in many parts of the country.

Unless there is a wholesome feed on the lines of TMR (total mixed ration) and unless farmers go for a practice called precision feeding (depending on lactation cycle and body weight), instead of feeding whatever is available at that point in time, dairy cows will not perform at their optimum potential. Such haphazard feeding practices affect the cow’s health.

R Unnikrishnan

Hyderabad

Women’s empowerment

The article about the Bharatiya Mahila Bank signing an MoU (April 16) with Naturals, a hair and beauty chain, looking to expand in North India, makes for an interesting read. It is, no doubt, a great business opportunity for the bank. But, the bank should not confine itself to promoting such ventures alone. It was created with an intention to contribute to women’s empowerment.

The bank should encourage women entrepreneurs engaged in other industries and services as well. Such ventures would, going forward, contribute substantially to India’s GDP growth.

N Swaminathan

Trichy

Coal allotment scam

The PM is fully responsible for violating standing instructions without taking the Cabinet’s approval before allotting a coal block to Kumar Mangalam Birla. He cannot allocate a coal block meant for a Central government enterprise.

Govindan Thekkay

Chennai

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