This is with reference to the editorial “The July miracle” ( Business Line , August 13). Export growth is good, but it should not be at the cost of the falling rupee, export subsidies and increasing domestic scarcity.

Trade deficit has been at $100 billion plus in the last three fiscals and inflation may soon touch higher levels. Import substitution should also be on our minds — the best way to achieve this is to use domestic, cheaper energy instead of costlier, imported oil, whenever and wherever possible, for whatsoever purpose.

Rain-water harvesting obviates the need for use of excessive electricity and diesel for irrigation.

The cost of railway electric and diesel traction is as much as 50 and 10 times cheaper than transporting goods by road.

In India, labour and raw material are in abundant supply and inexpensive and, with cheaper energy, water and transport, and exports can be increased without incentives and rupee devaluation. All these points should be kept in mind by the policy-makers and industry.

Alok

An end in itself

The article “There's no end to reservation” ( Business Line , August, 13) is not surprising at all. Reservation system in its present form is certainly detrimental to the country. It has become an enormous source of wealth for the present beneficiaries.

However, the theory that “the system will probably end because the beneficiaries will get tired of it and give it up on their own” sounds too optimistic.

We, the people of India should inspire our elected representatives to bring about the required changes in the system. Reservation should stay, but forvery specific and good purposes. In order to inspire fellow citizens, people must think and act beyond their own selfish interests.

Manoj Kochikkaran

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