Non-performing Assets (NPAs) not only bring down the profits of commercial banks, they are a curse on the national economy. It is disturbing to know that education loans contribute a hefty 20 per cent to the growing NPAs. Banks provide timely loan to deserving students to pursue higher education. Though a small percentage of students might find it difficult to service these loans after they have completed their courses for reasons such as not getting jobs and so on, many try to cheat the banks.

It is ironic that youngsters, who blame the ‘system’ for any shortcomings, conveniently forget that it is their duty to repay the loans to banks which have helped them in their time of need. The finance ministry must step in to streamline the education loan scheme so that defaulters are punished severely, otherwise needy students might find it difficult to get loans.

BN Bharath

Hubli, Karnataka

Modi’s moves

It is unfortunate every move by Narendra Modi is seen and commented upon and given a religious colour (“Why did Modi opt for Varanasi?” by Rasheeda Bhagat, March 18). Can you show anyone who is better than NaMo at this point? Let us give him a chance and see the results. Or else India is in for trouble.

P Viswanath

Chennai

It is up to an individual to decide where he/she should contest from. If Modi does not contest anywhere but in Gujarat, then the media will say he is not a risk-taker. Modi should contest where he thinks his chances are brightest. It is his democratic right. Why should the media dictate?

Ravikumar

online

It’s a balanced article. There are two reasons why Modi selected Varanasi: as the world’s oldest living city it has symbolic value and being a difficult seat, it poses a challenge for NaMo who likes challenges. His presence will affect results in eastern UP and Bihar. Hemant Dubey

online

The article shows limited grasp of the situation. Modi is showing the country he is not just a Gujarati hero, he has a power base in hardcore UP as well.

Raj Panigrahi

online

Bear and barking dogs

The Crimean crisis reminds me of a brave bear and barking dogs! The bear in this case is Russia which wants to protect its cub (Crimea). The barking dogs are the Western countries.

Today’s Russia is not the Soviet Union of the 1980s and early 1990s, dancing to the tunes of the West. Sanctions against Russia will only backfire.

As the veteran Indian diplomat G Parthasarathy rightly remarked in an interview to Russian Television, Europe is living in a fool’s paradise if it thinks it can punish Russia! Europe depends on Russia for gas, trade, tourists and students. European businessmen have already opposed sanctions against Russia.

Europe, which is reeling under recession, should think many times before committing blunders just to please the US or NATO. The world is fast becoming mutipolar with Russia, China, India and Brazil emerging as superpowers. If the West sincerely believes in peace and harmony, it should not provoke Russia.

Lakshman Sundar

Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Bad move

Microsoft’s decision to withdraw its XP version has lead to a most unpleasant state of affairs. The decision may apply in the case of ATMs because technical flaws can lead to problems that in turn may lead to cyber security breaches. But most desktop and home users find XP comfortable to use, as against Windows 7 which is often cumbersome. Microsoft needs to bear this in mind.

M Vignesh

Madurai

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