A long legacy
This refers to ‘Growing dishonesty in the civil services’ (May 6). The article makes one more crucial point which deserves some comment — shrinking space for out-of-the box thinking by new entrants in civil service. The malign is deep-seeded and has its roots in the bureaucratic culture of toeing the rules almost mechanically.
Secondly, the fear of “punishment posting” for defying their seniors or political masters haunts all bureaucrats. Many of them would compromise even on ethical behaviour as long as they are rewarded with plum postings and promotions. Pejoratively IAS means, “I agree, sir” in popular parlance.
Lack of creative mindset at junior levels may be linked with prevalence of corruption among them.
YG Chouksey
Pune
Setback for banks
The Supreme Court’s rejection of JSW Steels’ resolution plan for Bhushan Power and Steel will hit banks’ balance sheets. The Supreme Court’s decision has come much after banks made provisions in their books when they proceeded under the IBC. Under these circumstances since financial creditors including banks would have accounted the money received from JSW as income, they have either to debit their P&L account and pay or dip into the reserve with RBI approval. They may prefer the latter.
The court’s decision defeats the purpose of setting the IBC to solve the NPAs of banks.
So the IBC needs to be amended to ensure speedy resolution of insolvency cases. This judgement is a setback for banks.
TSN Rao
Hyderabad
Hollow threat
Apropos, ‘Pak threatens nuclear response if India attacks or disrupts water flow’, (May 6). Pakistan’s threat is a hollow one, rooted more in psychological posturing than strategic viability.
India’s second-strike capability and robust missile defense make a successful Pakistani nuclear first strike implausible.
Any such move would invite overwhelming retaliation, effectively ensuring Pakistan’s annihilation.
Economically fragile and diplomatically vulnerable, Pakistan risks total isolation and severe sanctions if it crosses the nuclear threshold. India’s doctrine of credible minimum deterrence maintains restraint, but any miscalculation by Pakistan would be terminal.
Therefore, Pakistan’s nuclear threats serve more as a political tool to garner attention and deter conventional military responses, rather than a feasible military option. The threat exists— but using it would be self-destructive.
N Sadhasiva Reddy
Bengaluru