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Indian politics turning away investors

The editorial “Why investors are leaving” (May 28) has pointed out that FIIs are pulling out of India due to sinking stocks and depreciating rupee and moving their money to Indonesia and the Philippines which do not face problems of high current account or fiscal deficits. This move by FIIs is to avoid tax problems in India.

Indian investment rating has dipped down from 8.9 per cent last fiscal to about 6.5 per cent partly as a result of serious fiscal trouble in Europe.

More than this, Indian polity is at fault. The narrow selfish ends of almost all political parties and the hyperbolic tirade let lose by the narrow-minded civil society groups who vouch for corruption-free egalitarian civil society are responsible for the wrong signals going out to the outsiders.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry poses as a specialist to sully the image of the government. Almost all ministers and majority of the MPs are shown in bad light.

Unfortunately, some of the chief ministers of Indian states are forming a heterogeneous lobby to scuttle well-meaning decisions of the central government. One day it is FDI, another day it is NCTC, third day it is uniform tax structure and similar such alibis are created to flex their muscles and oppose important decisions under the garb of federalism.

No doubt, it is the weak and dilatory attitude of the central leadership that has seriously undermined the cardinal principle of sovereignty of India as a state. Some of the politicians who are lording over the states care two hoots to the hollow commands of the central government.

If the Opposition parties have shown the country in bad light, it is the ruling UPA that too has not been able to take quick and firm decisions to contain inflation, black money, skyrocketing prices and corruption.

TEK CHAND, Una

Cruel red tapism

The news item “20 prisoners behind bars despite completion of terms” (May 31) has rightly highlighted the condition of the aged, helpless and hapless convicts who are still languishing in Ferozepur Central Jail despite completion of their jail term. The Home Department is headed by the Deputy CM himself who claims to be busy in the ‘second phase of reforms’. We hope his reforms reach the concerned jail authorities who have crossed decent limits of red tapism. Jail officials should be asked to explain. I am reminded of an instance where an official in the defence ministry who sat over the file concerning some equipment urgently needed by the soldiers in Siachen glacier was given a token punishment to visit the glacier.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

Sports lovers’ delight

India staged a superb second half win to beat Great Britain 3-1 and bagged the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament held at Ipoh in Malaysia (“Dominant India rise to Podium”, June 4).

In a fiercely fought contest, India accomplished a podium finish, which was India’s first win against Britain in four recent matches. India lost 2-4 and 1-2 in the four nation test in London last month and 2-3 in this competition.

Chief coach Michael Nobbs was delighted with the victory. Sardar Singh whose control over the match was exemplary, was outstanding and he and Sunil were included in the Azlan Shah XI. Undoubtedly the podium finish has come as a big boost to the team but India has a lot do to make a mark at the forthcoming London Olympics.

IQBAL SINGH SAROYA, Mohali

Inter-country help

To stop the menace of dumped brides, the involvement of governments of both the countries (one in which NRI is residing) is imperative (editorial ‘Nowhere brides’, June 4). Many countries across the world do not recognise dowry as a non-cognisable offence resulting in unscrupulous NRI grooms remaining untamed. Also, the LOC (Look Out Circular) issued by the police after registration of case remains ineffective.

Necessary steps need to be taken at the government’s end in making close liaison with the foreign countries, whenever necessary. Antecedents of NRI groom-to-be must be verified before solemnisation of marriage and facsimiles of necessary documents like passport, visa should be kept by the parents of the girls. Otherwise, holiday marriages will continue to be solemenised and unscrupulous NRIs will continue making a mockery of the sacred institution of marriage and laws.

SANDEEP NAIN, Karnal

II

The Punjab government’s decision to start a helpline and a website to help NRI brides is a step in the right direction. Information regarding marriage and whereabouts of the NRI grooms or brides should be made available in the respective embassies of the respective countries. Through diplomatic channels our governments should explore the means to rehabilitate the deserted brides.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

Turning 60

Parliamentarians celebrated 60 years of Indian Parliament by holding a special session. What were they celebrating? Past and present MPs have given birth to corruption and scams. How much black money is sent to foreign banks is still unknown and untraceable. The gap between the poor and the rich has widened instead of narrowing down due to faulty policies of the successive govts in states and at the Centre. Governments have failed to check price rise and the poor find it difficult to meet both ends meet. It is the poor voters who cast the maximum votes in election after being lured by temporary benefits, but nobody cares post the elections.

SS TAGGAR, Ludhiana