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Getting it wrong

Apropos "The rust belts of Punjab" by Ruchika M Khanna (Sunday Tribune, August 11), the industrial policy of Punjab has not been successful. With industrialists unhappy, the industry is on a shifting spree. A large number of small-scale units migrated to Panipat and Faridabad during militancy and now these are on the verge of extinction in the state due to the 'wrong' policies. The industrial belts look deserted. It is a shame that Punjab has less than 25 per cent of the industry as against three decades ago.

RK Kapoor, Chandigarh

Tough ask

Raghuram Rajan has to make financial inclusion through microfinance as a viable business model which needs coordination with the Finance Minister ("Will he get the rupee rolling?" by Sanjeev Sharma; Sunday Tribune, August 11). He needs to use the prognosis approach instead of the postmortem approach with swan strategy (taking milk and leaving water in the pot). Let him work to increase the domestic saving rate which will lead to inducement in investment, including FDI. There is a strong case for controlling the current account deficit caused by the falling rupee, which calls for an eclectic approach for growth and exchange rate.

Dr MM Goel, Kurukshetra

II

At the time of our Independence, the value of the rupee and the US dollar was the same. In 1991, the rupee was devalued by 19 per cent by Dr Manmohan Singh, the then Finance Minister. Since then it failed to rise. India has been a prey of FDI withdrawals due to the falling rupee. The Centre's efforts to introduce FDI in retail is proving to be hollow. It is time to rise above political gimmicks and take a stand to protect the economy.

Manu Jindal, Delhi University

Misfired act

Apropos "A CM gets his calculation wrong" by Shahira Naim and "State can only bully, the Centre has the final say" by Ajay Banerjee (Sunday Tribune, August 11), UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav suspended Durga Shakti to appease the Muslims. A 10-page report has been sent to the Department of Personnel and Training, accusing her of violating norms. The move has backfired. Everyone is supporting her and is proud that honest and courageous officers still exist.

Sahil Garg, Chandigarh

Nothing can stop them

Many people have accomplished a lot in their respective fields despite severe physical limitations ("Conquering the Everest within", Spectrum, August 11). They symbolise the power of the human spirit in the face of adversities. With exemplary courage, determination and positive attitude, they have broken the prejudice barrier, overcome major obstacles and pursued their dreams successfully. While these achievers motivate the physically challenged, there is need to raise public awareness about disability issues so others can also make a mark in their life.

DS Kang, Bahadurpur

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