This refers to the article “Govt has failed to evaluate itself” ( Business Line , March 14). The Centre is burdened with developmental activities, costing crores of rupees, besides political issues to be tackled. The establishment of an Independent Evaluation Office, as informed by the Finance Minister, is a good idea and was long overdue. . But, it is essential that the functions of this new organisation do not overlap with those of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

T. R. Anandan

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Short-sighted policies

It has been a horrific tragedy for Japan where the earthquake and tsunami have wreaked havoc. This should open the eyes of our urban planners who, to appease unscrupulous builders, recklessly permit recovery of land from coastal areas, destroying flora and fauna, or allow sand to be removed for construction. When Nature decides to take revenge, it does so without any warning — in the form of earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, disease, drought, and so on. Our political leaders and bureaucrats seem to be only interested in short-term gains. Hence, their policies are short-sighted, which is very harmful to the country.

Harish Parshuram

Corruption charges

This is with reference to “Shades of corruption” (Business Line, March 14.) Only those who have never bent rules, either for favouring their kin and friends or yielding to bribe-givers can accuse others of corruption. The author is right in saying that it is no crime to be an entrepreneur, using the knowledge obtained in such a specialised field as satellite usage, after serving there. At the time the deal was signed, no one knew if the lauch would succeed.

R. Sundaram

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