Ruthless humans

The demise of police horse, Shaktiman, which succumbed to multiple fractures sustained during a BJP protest in Dehra Dun, has saddened animal lovers. The assault evoked widespread condemnation and led to the arrest of BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi. The incident not only showed the protesters in poor light, it showed our lack of compassion for fellow creatures. It is time stringent laws are enacted to protect animals from ruthless humans.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bengaluru

A sense of belonging

‘Of entitlements and privileges’ by Ashish Nanda (April 21) is incisive and beautifully analyses how workers’ perception of responsibilities and privileges shapes the future of their organisations and their own levels of contentment and performance. When the workers identify with their organisation they take responsibility for its growth without being asked to do so. When workers are not proud of their organisation they are more concerned about entitlements and duties. Traditional organisations are hierarchical in structure. The social contract between owners and workers is transactional: it’s a give and take policy. In professional organisations there are no boss. The ‘owners’ are the human capital providers. It is the resolve of the members to strengthen the brand value of the organisation by their work. In such a culture members will be subject to self-discipline and peer pressure to fall in line with the dominant values of the organisation. The logic of responsibilities and privileges is not only applicable to professional organisations but also to other profit and non-profit organisations.

Philip Sabu

Thrissur, Kerala

Big problems

This refers to your editorial, ‘Avoid paternalism’ (April 21). The problems arising out of the recent orders on withdrawal from PF savings are correctly explained. Ordinary persons will face many problems. Therefore, extensive consultations must be made before orders governing the withdrawal of the funds are framed.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Back to square one

This refers to the well-researched article, ‘What next after financial inclusion’ by Jayshree Venkatesan (April 20). The fact that over 60 per cent of 14 crore accounts opened under PMJDY, though a matter of concern, should not stop further measures to bring more people into the banking net. The initial enthusiasm of banks to show results might have resulted in opening some accounts which may not be operated at all. A second account opened in the same family or some accounts opened under duress may become inoperative. Perhaps, the RBI could consider transparent norms for transferring accounts to the ‘inoperative’ category if the accounts remain dormant and do not serve the purpose for which they were opened.

The ‘target’ of adding 80 crore new bank accounts in India by 2020 may be ambitious. But, the challenge will continue to be the number of families remaining poor and unable to save anything. Plainly put, we are back to square one: we do not have a respectable and acceptable prices, wages and income policy.

MG Warrier

Mumbai

Tame the auto drivers

With reference to ‘Delhi govt to continue ban surge pricing’ (April 21), the Delhi government is trying to portray itself as the saviour of those who can afford to travel by private radio taxis. But what about those who usually travel by three-wheeler, and the daylight robbery they commit? When will the government publicly act against them for openly fleecing hapless passengers?

SK Gupta

Email

Braveheart

The report, ‘A cordial invitation to vote’ by LN Revathy (April 21) makes for inspirational reading. Though it is a herculean task to hit the target, Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni’s innovative idea to reach out to the electorate in far-flung areas on a two-wheeler with the campaign material, despite the scorching heat, is laudable. May his tribe increase in other States as well!

HP Murali

Bengaluru

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