Our democratic approach to every issue is also one of the roadblocks to a faster growth rate. There is a need to emphasise on value-based education making it an integral part of development. Our cultural heritage should be harnessed as a social dividend to usher in an era of integrated education and development.

S KUMAR, Panchkula

III

The write-up “China’s growth story” was a brilliant piece of treatise on the modus operandi of how a nation can grow faster despite the universal scarcity of natural resources. It is no denying that the road map of unprecedented development saga of China has been a milestone which would continue to motivate a host of nations like India and others which are so diligently making endeavours to progress further.

What India lacks today to match the fast growth rate of China and Japan is the inertia of the people as well as the callousness of the government to realise the dreams which its citizens see. The government’s utter failure to curb population growth as well as underestimate the high-yielding impact of building various economic and social infrastructure facilities, no doubt, is what it needs to work on with more vigour.

SHREEPRAKASH SHARMA, Samastipur, Bihar

GM crops

Opinion is sharply divided amongst scientists the world over about the risks involved in human consumption of GM food crops (Article “Should GM crops be banned”, September 26). In a study published in “Food and Chemical Toxicology” (Quoted from Sustainable Agriculture, Sept 19, 2012), researchers from a France based international group of experts, CRIIGEN (Committee for Research and Independent Information on Genetic Engineering), found that the rats fed on the diet containing NK 603 tolerant GM maize suffered severe liver and kidney damage, developed cancer faster and died earlier than the rats fed on standard diet.

Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to grow GM wheat commercially and test it in human feeding trials. Professor Heinemann, an expert on the subject, however, cautions on the CSIRO- GM wheat technology regarding the transfer of some gene to humans through food which will have the biological capacity to cause an ill effect. This research was commissioned for Safe Food Foundation, an Australian non-profit organisation.

Scientists warn that genetically modified wheat may cause glycogen storage disease resulting in enlargement and cirrhosis of liver. Current GM food crops like Canola and maize are experiencing fierce resistance across the globe and there is growing anger in the US, the birth place of GM food technology.

Although this technology has the potential of aiding improved performance of crops, caution must be observed regarding biological effects of GM food crops on animals, birds and health of humans in view of the conflicting reports. Extensive and exhaustive studies still appear inadequate to promote these crops with confidence.

Dr GULSHAN SINGH BAHL, Ludhiana

Full-proof system

Cases of rape, molestation and sex crimes are not investigated and examined carefully in India (editorial “Rape victims”, October 1). Instead of taking impromptu action against the culprits, investigations are addressed to the victim apathetically and discourteously. Society continues to blame the victim for the crime.

To treat the victim and her family with respect, the government must make the system of providing justice full-proof. Society and friends should be supportive.

ANDE DEAN ANAND, Solan

Correction