L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Liberalisation depicts prosperity in penury

The slogan of inclusive and sustainable growth is a myth (‘Corporate social responsibility’, March 24). The government has put the economy on liberalisation mode and has been framing policies and programmes that suit the rich. The primary objective of these policies is to help corporates reap maximum profit. Therefore, rules are bent in their favour. Under Structural Adjustment Policy (SAP) that is drafted and dictated by WTO, WB, and IMF, a drastic cut is being made on subsidies of all shades. On the other hand, liberal tax concessions are being granted to corporates.

Fertile land is being given to corporates at throwaway prices. The establishment has been using its full might to thwart any resistance that poses a threat to the interest of corporates. The opening up of SEZs is a classic case in point. SEZs are being touted as export –oriented development models and ‘islands of prosperity in the sea of penury’. SEZs have strengthened the already existing dualism. It has hit SSI/ SME model of growth hard besides adversely affecting the agrarian model of economy.

All talks of inclusive growth are a humbug. The problem lies in the neo-liberal model of economy. This needs to be reverted to bring about inclusive growth.

Prof RAJAN KAPOOR, Nakodar

Mocking at poor

Whatever be the statistics dished out by the Planning Commission, there are a few ponderables regarding poverty in our country (‘Poverty statistics’, March 23). About four decades ago, a country voted in favour of the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Remove poverty). The poor, being gullible, sincerely hoped that soon their woes would be over. But hope seems to have turned into despair, because even in 2012 we are bent upon deceiving ourselves that a per capita income of less than half a Euro per day (Rs 28 per person per day) is enough to be not counted as a ‘poor’ person.

Interestingly, it is not the poor who commit scams running into thousands of crores. They rather earn every penny by the sweat of their brow. Neither are they, in any way responsible for loss of public money caused through non-performing assets.

Anatole France once said, ‘It is only the poor who pay cash, and that not from virtue, but because they are refused credit’.

Instead of juggling with statistics, let the powers that be focus on the systemic flaws and failures, and also target the vested interests that are the real wolves in sheep’s clothing.

VINOD KUMAR KHANNA, Mohali

II

What game is the Planning Commission of India playing? What a fantastic way to improve GDP figures and mitigate fiscal deficit? By giving a new figure that any person who is spending Rs 28.65 in rural areas and Rs 22.42 in urban areas is supposed to be belonging to an APL family, the Planning Commission has incriminated itself. If it is really true, why is Montek Singh Ahluwalia not paid a monthly remuneration of Rs 900?

If you cannot formulate and execute welfare policies for the poor, then why you are making them rich in papers? And Mr Prime Minister you do not have any coalition compulsion this time round. It is your government’s commission which you head yourself.

VIKRANT SHARMA, Nurpur (HP)

Quota crutches

I endorse DR Chaudhry’s views in the article, “Reservation stir in Haryana” (March 23) that reservation was meant for a period of 10 years, hoping that deprived sections would climb up the social ladder and would no longer be in need of a quota crutch”.

The founding fathers’ vision of reservation policy was like that of the crutches lent to a limbless person until his limbs grow up and he stands on his own legs The time has come at such a pass, paradoxically, where we see that the erstwhile limbless person, now having fully-grown limbs, does not want to let go off the borrowed crutches, and the inherently able-bodied person has also started clamouring for the crutches.

It is time now to gradually phase out reservations. The concept of creamy layer in the SC/ST should be introduced. The income from any other source including salaries should be included while computing annual income.

Other modalities of affirmative action like financial help in the form of various scholarships, fee reimbursements, dedicated training programmes etc should be stressed on.

Some other criteria in addition to caste factor for entitlement to reservation should be put in place.

Dr RAJENDER GOYAL, Delhi

Self-devised mechanism

It is a natural phenomenon that painful emotions are more frequent in elderly persons. Leaving aside the physical decay with advancement in age, the control of sudden eruption of ‘agonising’ feelings is important to make life of elderly persons less miserable.

Such persons give vent to their disgust on everything around them. It is the result of negative thinking of any past, present or expected future event. They should concentrate on the bright side of any event and find solutions to problems rather than feel disgusted and depressed.

Every person has to devise one’s own methods of getting rid of troubles. Emperor Shah Jahan, while in detention used to hear the events of his past victories through an emissary of King Aurangzeb.

The understanding of emotional problems of old persons can be realistically gauged by empathising with them.

JIWAN DASS CHICKERVARTI, Una (HP)