This refers to ‘How India banked on reforms’ by C Rangarajan (August 17). There is a lot more to be done considering we are now operating in a global environment. For example, even after the introduction of prudential norms in line with BASEL guidelines aimed at strengthening the capital structure of banks, the CRR and SLR ratios at 4 per cent and 21 per cent respectively are still high when compared to other countries.

There is no level playing field between public and private sector banks with government being a major shareholder in PSBs. The autonomy of the RBI needs to be ensured but the government nominating three independent members to the MPC dilutes it.

In spite of globalisation, we are still awaiting conversion of the rupee on capital account. Further, though the automatic monetisation of fiscal deficit through issuance of ad hoc treasury bills by government has been phased out, the same seems to be resorted to indirectly by government as shown by the RBI’s decision to pay ₹57,000 crore in dividends in 2016-17 which otherwise would have gone to its contingency/asset development fund leading to strengthening of its balance sheet.

Srinivasan Velamur

Chennai

Tax-evader tag

The Prime Minister has promised to ease the rules for middle-class taxpayers, while taking credit for this government removing various hurdles such as those related to refunds. But the truth is, the I-T department treats all taxpayers as tax evaders. Why else would it sent emails and SMSes to taxpayers saying “Declare undisclosed income under income declaration scheme 2016. Get immunity from enquiry and prosecution. Scheme open till 30/09/2016. Visit www.incometaxindia.gov.in for details”?

There should be sufficient proof of tax evasion or hoarding before the departments sends such messages to them. Even notice under the I-T Act for re-opening a case needs sufficient evidence for tax evasion or concealment of income. How come such e-mails/SMSes are being sent to all taxpayers resulting in mental agony for honest payers?

India is the only country in the world where the I-T department treats all taxpayers as tax evaders. This is a matter fit for filing a PIL.

M Kumar

New Delhi

Expose them

The list of names of 500 Indians supposedly linked to the Panama Papers scam is still at the preliminary stage. This could be because too many celebrities, politicians and high profile persons are involved, leading to pressure being brought to bear on the the authorities to either delay it or erase it. For unbiased delivery of justice, it is the responsibility of the Government to take action before it is too late.

Chandra Kantha Awasthi

Hyderabad

Appreciable initiative

Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi has said that street children may soon get birth certificates and Aadhaar cards. This would help thousands of children join the mainstream and give more accurate population data. Although details regarding date and place of birth, parents and so on may not be accurate, the population data will be useful for economic planning and allocation of resources.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Ranipet, Tamil Nadu

We have no right

This refers to ‘Medals don’t matter’ by Prince Thomas Mathew (From the Viewsroom, August 17). We are a nation of over a billion people and millions of our children aspire to become sports superstars,but we as a society have let them down. It starts from the home where we push our children towards marks over any other activities. Then our schools don’t have the required facilities which can help our children in any way.

For the role of the government, look at what is going on in Jharkhand where the selected State swimmers are training in a filthy canal, risking their lives in this monsoon season. They have a swimming pool 10 km from that canal but it has become redundant. Why? As a society we don’t have any right whatsoever to expect medals at the Olympics.

CR Arun

Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.

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