Moral responsibility

This refers to “Should the Centre have sunk the Navy chief?” by Bidanda Chengappa (March 1). We can only recall late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning over a rail accident and now Navy chief Admiral DK Joshi over a submarine accident. It requires great courage to take moral responsibility and Joshi needs to be appreciated for this.

Of late, differences between armed forces and the Centre are growing, and stress levels are also very high among the armed forces because of growing dissatisfaction.

They have a difficult life, working in a tough terrain and without getting the recognition they deserve. Not just that, they are made to run around for their pensions..

Despite investing in a big way, if we do not have world-class equipment are not able to protect our territories, the nation is in trouble.

It’s time the government learnt from past mistakes and did a course correction.

Bal Govind

Noida

Public vs private banks

This refers to “PSBs vs private banks: Trust plays a big role” by Radhika Merwin (March 3). It must be agreed that the banks do not enjoy a level-playing field in the area of business competition.

Public sector banks (PSBs) definitely enjoy more government patronage when compared to the private banks even though both are expected to function as per the same directives and guidelines of the Government and the RBI.

Huge interest-free deposits/funds of governments and public sector undertakings are normally with kept with the PSBs. This will not only substantially add to their deposit figures but also them improve their profitability.

However, PSBs face more asset quality issues. This could because of extraneous pressure and influence on their lending activities.

To the credit of private banks, they too find a place in the sun due to their drive and commitment, and more hard work and innovations despite falling short in the number and network of branches.

CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Misplaced priorities

The article “A city undone by a strange idea” by Narendar Pani (March 3) on the misplaced priorities in developing the northern part of Bangalore has analysed the reasons well and is thought-provoking.

It is history that the policy-making authorities failed miserably in proving efficient transport and managing traffic in Bangalore.

The authorities could have retained the airport services at Marathahalli /HAL itself, at least for the domestic air travel.

Though shifting the airport from Marathahalli to the far north end appears to have improved growth and economic activity, but at the cost of loss of precious time and fuel.

The so-called educated administrators have re-engineered the traffic movement in the most uneconomic way. What makes it worse is that the public transport system in Bangalore is pathetic.

RS Raghavan

Bangalore

Signs of hope

This refers to “A new high in sight” (March 3). Rightly, the economic system is waiting for the leadership deficit to be addressed. After the elections, hopefully, the deficit might disappear.

We have the right setting and currently there is a static mood calling for an accelerated thrust. Once that happens, all growth ingredients will fall in place. India is poised for a steady growth of 5-6 per cent. The Hindu rate of growth is a thing of the past.

KU Mada

Mumbai

Some confusion

In the article “Why a Telangana weakens federalism” by Arun Sagar (February 28), it must be clarified that Madras presidency’s Telugu-speaking areas were carved out as “Andhra” on October 1, 1953. This area and the Telugu-speaking areas of “Hyderabad” were merged into one and “Andhra Pradesh” came into existence with effect from November 1, 1956.

VL Ainavolu

Navi Mumbai

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