The article ‘Getting the Railways back on track’ by Roshni Rajiv (February 25) talks about reforms being needed to modernise the Railways into a world class mode of transportation to cater to the needs of the new century and to support the inclusive growth of the nation. Periodic review and modification of policies are required.
The Railways are a public entity and as such should enhance the welfare of the nation and contribute to the economy. Other areas of national interest should also be vitalised by the Railways. Increasing or decreasing zones are a matter of administrative convenience and operational achievements. Profit-making is the feature of privatisation. The Railways should remain a prestigious, service-oriented, central entity, and the rolling stock the property of the nation. The ultimate motive should be comfortable transportation at affordable cost to commuters.
Every budget has been setting some goals regarding reforms, but implementation is always at a snail’s pace. The immediate requirement for the Railways is to renovate its stations giving utmost importance to passenger amenities by providing escalators or lifts as it has become very difficult for senior citizens to climb up and down. Coordination between the railway zones is important.
As suggested, utilisation of railway properties in a profitable manner will generate additional income. Decentralisation of power is essential. Instead of announcing new lines and new trains, it is better to improve amenities and safety standards.
TSN Rao
Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh
Follow the trail
This refers to your edit, ‘Corporate espionage’ (February 25). It is now clear that the documents stolen from the petroleum ministry were sold to corporate executives and monetary benefit is the key to the whole episode. Follow the money and if the trail goes to the door of corporate executives who were responsible for specific project wins, then it cannot be termed individual misconduct, it is the company which has benefited.
The corporates cannot distance themselves; they have a lot of explaining to do. The suggestion that we legalise lobbying and bring in more transparency in government policies will go a long way in improving governance. Systems followed in government departments in handling important and sensitive information should be fine-tuned such that it doesn’t suit only a few big corporations. Moving towards minimum government and maximum governance will solve this problem in a wholesome way.
CR Arun
The leakages leave a lot to be desired and proves a non-starter for the new dispensation in preventing corruption in its own corridors. While the government has lot of explaining to do in this regard in Parliament, it has its task cut out in bringing relief to the citizenry from never-ending stories of gratification to fulfil its promise of acche din .
R Prabhu Raj
Chennai
High time
It is satisfying that the BJP and the PDP have shown political maturity and reached an agreement to form the government in J&K, ending the two month-long political uncertainty. In spite of contentious issues the two parties have worked out a middle path keeping equitable development in the State at the top. A new chapter of political reconciliation has begun in J&K. Though the alliance between the BJP and the PDP is complex, the mutual understanding opens a new chapter of political reconciliation. There is reason to believe the parties will provide a stable, full-term government.
MC Joshi
Lucknow
Kudos!
With reference to ‘Dial 1 for success’ (Flightplan, February 25), it is astounding that IG airport in Delhi has risen so rapidly to be número uno. This clearly shows privatisation has paid off. One is at a loss to understand why Chennai and Kolkata were not handed over to these efficient private players.
DV Ramesh
Chennai
Indefensible
It is unfortunate that the government has gone ahead with introducing the controversial land acquisition Bill in the Lok Sabha despite stiff resistance from the Opposition. Interestingly, Maharashtra-based allies Shiv Sena and the Swabhimani Paksha, too, refused to support the Bill in its present format. Social activist Anna Hazare has also trained his guns on the NDA government. The Bill, which has been termed anti-farmer and anti-poor, is seen as a pro-corporate measure and will only result in well-to-do companies grabbing land from the poor farmers. Arun Jaitley’s remarks that Congress-run governments had passed 80 per cent of the 636 ordinances since Independence is a poor defence.
NJ Ravi Chander
Bengaluru
Cheering cooperative federalism
It is interesting to learn that the share of States in central taxes has gone up to 42 per cent from the current 32 per cent, thanks to the 14th Finance Commission recommendations. But the billion-dollar question is: Will the States endeavour to utilise the monetary resources judiciously and maximise the welfare of the people? In this part of the world, there is no dearth of money, at least for governments (Centre and States). But it is imperative that they spend it on the creation of sound infrastructure (roads, canals, bridges) and maximum employable skills for ensuring the perpetual economic development of the nation. Be that as it may, the Centre’s insistence on cooperative federalism will certainly help build the bridge between the Centre and States.
S Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
Very many, very late
The suggestions given by Rohini Rajiv in ‘Getting the Railways back on track’ (February 25) are worth trying. Had the article been sent to the Railway Board ahead of the Railway Budget, it would have served the intended purpose.
The Railways can tie up with post offices to leverage their network in using kiosks and ATMs and other banking services to take financial inclusion forward. The maintenance of railway stations, and locomotives and rail stocks should be improved. As the railway tracks are dedicated, more passenger load per hour should be ensured and the connection between railways, roadways and airways need to be checked. It is imperative to ensure that rail traffic makes maximum utilisation of infrastructure for incremental revenues.
RS Raghavan
Bengaluru
The best bet
It has taken almost 28 months to reach unanimity and the present settlement is the best in the prevalent circumstances. Both the unions and the IBA are aware that they could avoid the strike, which would have exposed their real strengths, rather than weakness. The unity among staff members is not as strong as it was in the sixties and seventies, thanks to the number of new recruits which exceeds the number of old comrades. The militancy present in the earlier days in on the wane and continuous strike would have weakened the trade union further.
Similarly the IBA and the government cannot afford a strike in the banking sector, especially during the Budget session. However there is something more to be done in the case of bank retirees who look upon the ongoing talks for relief. Retirees prior to 2002 are the worst sufferers with regard to DA. Further their pension is not revised with every settlement; as a result the gap widens between new and old pensioners. There is urgent need to update their pensions to restore parity. It is also a fact that by setting right the DA formula and updating pensions, the profitability of banks will not be affected as the pension funds will take care of this.
G Ramachandran
Thiruvananthapuram