Talks between Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and senior Industry Ministry officials to reach an out-of-court settlement of the dispute over the appointment of the new Managing Director of Maruti Udyog Ltd. (MUL) failed to make any significant headway today. However, according to sources, the two parties have decided to “analyse the irritants” that came up at the meeting, and are likely to sit together once more tomorrow to find an amicable solution. (A top Suzuki official, asked if there would be a meeting with government officials, however, said: “I don’t think so. There is no information”).

Why is Suzuki gunning for Bhaskarudu?

Who’s afraid of Bhaskarudu? Not Suzuki, if he happens to continue in Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) in his earlier capacity as Joint Managing Director (JMD), a post he has been holding since 1993. No questions on his “competence” and “capability” either, then. For, as a professional technocrat, he was picked up in 1983 from Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) — having served there for 21 years — by none other than Mr. R.C. Bhargava, the out-going Managing Director and Suzuki nominee for Chairman now.

2 mt shortfall in foodgrain production forecast

The delayed onset of the South- West monsoon and the uneven temporal and spatial spread of rainfall is likely to result in a two-million-tonne shortfall in the foodgrain production target set during the current Kharif season. Foodgrain output is expected at only 103.49 million tonnes in Kharif 1997, against the target of 105.50 million tonnes and last year’s record Kharif output of 105.14 million tonnes. The production of other Kharif crops, including oilseeds, cotton and sugarcane, is also estimated to be lower than last year’s corresponding levels.

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