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MSP issue: More than mere figures
In our country, agriculture and allied activities are still the primary source of employment and livelihood of around two-thirds of our population. The way our agriculture-related policies are handled is really a cause of concern and sometimes callous and ridiculous as if making a mockery of farmers. The recent discussion on the fixing of MSP for wheat for the coming season is strange. The government these days is led by people who have worked with World Bank and other global institutions and are more concerned about inflation figures, hence are wary of increasing the MSP of wheat as it may distort their economic figures. Like the government has instituted pay commissions, it has instituted an advisory body on farm pricing policy, Commission for Agricultural costs and Prices (CACP). While the recommendations of the sixth pay commission were duly approved and implemented by the government, why is the same not done for agriculture. The government's latest scheme of cash transfer of subsidies will not help farmers; first subsidy will be given and again taken back. Why does the government not abolish subsidy altogether and increase the MSP of agricultural products accordingly. The process of setting MSP for agriculture products is a faulty process with no clear understanding. There is a need to follow a clearly defined policy for fixing MSP by taking into account the actual cost incurred by farmers and providing them a reasonable profit. The government should understand that they are not dealing with figures but lives of people. AMANVIR SINGH TIWANA, Patiala
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Management skills FDI in retail or elsewhere is inevitable as a consequence of liberalisation and globalisation, irrespective of the government in place. The skill of political management of the UPA that ensured its victory will not suffice in the management of the nation unless coupled with honesty and sincerity. A debate under rule 184, was agreed upon, after Parliament had been stalled for quite a few valuable days. Even before the debate concluded in Lok Sabha, the verdict was manoeuvred and stood finalised. For the members participating in the debate, it was a good occasion to display their oratory and debating skills. The common people who happened to follow the debate live on TV were lost in the jugglery of words. HL SHARMA, Amritsar Check eve-teasing The need of the hour is to have a check on the rising number of eve-teasing incidents. It has rather become a hobby for young boys and lecherous men who have nothing more worthwhile to do. It is a major hindrance for young girls and women to move on their own even during the day. Strong action from administrative machineries in towns, cities, localities and villages is required to create fear in the minds of such unscrupulous elements. Eve-teasers are generally dismissed as harmless and bailed out with a mild warning. Police teams must be constituted to check the increasing cases of molestation and eve-teasing particularly around educational institutions, girls' hostels, shopping malls and other public places. Laws need to introduce eve-teasing as a crime wanting stringent punishment. Also, eve-teasers need to be punished on the spot. Besides police protection, preventive measures taken by women can also ward off eve-teasers. HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana Exaggeration Indian political leadership seems to be expressing exaggerated optimism over the Indo-China bilateral ties (G Parthasarthy's article 'Dynastic Dictatorship', December 6). Although India practised 'tit for tat' policy with regard to the passport issue, it was done only after much vacillation and there is yet a clear asymmetry in the confrontationist stance adopted by both the countries. In the light of rapid modernisation of the border military infrastructure being undertaken by China, India can't afford to sit idle and easily accept Chinese stances on controversial issues as in the case of building a dam on the Brahmaputra. Taking relationship with China easy and not accepting the realities can cost India dearly as happened in 1962. KETAN BANSAL, Barnala (Punjab) Politics apart The editorial 'In the name of aam aadmi' (November 27) has rightly said that Kejriwal must concentrate on the vision of the party and the major concerns of the people that is price rise, unemployment, health care, de-addiction, environment protection , storage of food grains, people friendly and clean governance which are far more important than corruption and black money. The overall conditions are conducive for Arvind Kejriwal and his party to deliver what he has promised. His plus points are his rapport with the media and support of people who have been badly disillusioned with political parties. Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR , Mohali II I had the privilege of attending the historic gathering of thousands of true 'Aam Aadmis' who voluntarily participated in the historic process of inception of Arvind Kejriwal's 'Aam Aadmi Party' and gave it great strength. A war has just begun to re-build this country and we have a historic opportunity to lend a helping hand towards this campaign. We must come together to make this initiative succeed so that our children and grandchildren get a chance to relish the product of our efforts. DHANADA K. MISHRA, Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
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