Challenges for Delhi
This refers to ‘Delhi CM Rekha Gupta presents ₹1 lakh crore ‘historic budget’ for 2025-26’ (March 25).
While this budget tries to please every Delhite as 31.5 per cent increased spending over AAP govt’s last year’s budget, is being earmarked towards infrastructure development, including roads, sewer systems, and water supply but huge budgetary allocations alone may not suffice.
The budget does not talk about an early getting rid of the ‘Inspector Raj’, a major cause of concern for businesses in the NCT of Delhi.
Her budget speech also remained silent about those not covered under the AAP’s ‘freebue regime’. They are also learnt to be bearing the ‘pension” cost of the erstwhile DESU employees, arising subsequent to its privatisation that took place during late Sheila Dixit’s regime.
SK Gupta
New Delhi
Needless pay hike
This is with reference to the news report, ‘Centre hikes monthly salaries of MPs by 24% from April 1’ (March 25).
Our MPs are already enjoying higher salaries and perks, in addition to various other concessions such as daily allowance, travel allowance, medical facilities, pension, etc. Subsidised food is also available to them in the Parliament canteens.
Many in India are finding it difficult to get even a square meal a day. The enhancement of salary for the Parliamentarians, who often indulge in creating ruckus in Parliament, is a needless exercise.
S Sankaranarayanan
Chennai
Unclaimed deposits
This is with reference to the article ‘Unclaimed deposits of over ₹45,000 crore transferred by PSBs to special fund’ (May 25). There should be regular correspondence by the banks with the customers so that the number of unclaimed deposits will reduce. There should be a dedicated department in the Banks to deal with unclaimed deposits.
There should also be regular campaigns to reduce unclaimed deposits/regularize dormant accounts. If banks regularly send letters/notices on the available address of the customers/deposit holders, the legal heirs/relatives can approach the Banks to claim the unclaimed deposits.
Finally while opening accounts, customers should be apprised about advantages of opening joint accounts and nominations in the account.
Veena Shenoy
Thane
Remittance surge
Apropos the Editorial ‘Diaspora power’ (March 25). It is really heartening to note that remittances are flowing into India from immigrants (blue collar as well as white collar workers) working in US, UK, Europe, and UAE.
But if the immigrants invest in businesses in India, there will be a huge inflow of foreign exchange leading to favourable balance of payments.
Moreover, investments are of a long-term nature and can ensure sustained progress of the Indian economy.
S Ramakrishnasayee
Chennai