Reform Railways
This is with reference to the article ‘Railways in 2024:The Positives and Negatives’ (December 31). The Indian Railways requires thorough reforms with all round development, improvement of service. Private investment/partnership and FDI should be allowed in Railways for improving passenger facilities/comforts, safety and cleanliness in Indian railways.
Railways is a vital engine of economic growth. The Railway Minister should initiate bold reforms in Railways by starting new railway lines especially in backward states like Bihar, Odisha and North-Eastern States. A special board should be set up to draft a manifesto to bring about reforms in railways especially with regards to connectivity, safety and cleanliness in the railways.
Veena Shenoy
Thane
Inclusive vision
The article ‘An unrealised inclusive vision’, (December 31), calls on our policy makers and leaders to introspect on the state of the economy. Much as the author and most reasonable men are in awe of the unassuming personality of Dr Manmohan Singh, and acknowledge his contribution in making India what it is now, we cannot miss the contrast with today’s leaders.
That the fruits of growth and development sidestep and bypass the ordinary folks is a harsh reality our leaders loath to admit. Citing statistics of rural consumption outpacing urban, they portray a lopsided version of the reality of losing job opportunities and gainful employment staring at most households on the periphery of mainstream society.
Those who jettisoned Dr Singh’s prescription couldn’t come with anything better, is a sad reflection on our politicians.
Jose Abraham
Kottayam
Cabinet reshuffle
Apropos ‘Cabinet reshuffle on the cards in the coming weeks’ (December 31), it was interesting to learn that the capital is abuzz with reports of a Union Council of Ministers reshuffle in the coming weeks. This reshuffle could largely be attributed to some inherent political ‘compulsions’ arising out of both “pre/post poll” power centric alliances.
It also goes without saying that the proposed move is bound to usher in the political windfall for some of those who have anxiously been waiting for luck to smile on them.
However, one also shudders to imagine as to who will eventually get ‘axed’ in such political hobnobbing? But all is fair in a political world sans of morality.
SK Gupta
New Delhi