Quota banks

8226; The question of reservations has been very sensitive, complex and controversial the world over, not only in India. It is true that i...

8226; The question of reservations has been very sensitive, complex and controversial the world over, not only in India. It is true that in India there are economically disadvantaged sections of society owing to discriminatory social practices of the past. The disadvantages of centuries cannot be erased overnight without changing the mindset of the entire populace in a caste-ridden society. The earlier this is realised, the better it would be. Those belonging to the minorities and backward castes should be provided education facilities and training, so that they can compete on equal terms. However, the root cause of the problem is the caste-based system of discrimination in jobs. Discriminatory reservations are only palliatives, like painkillers, which do not cure the disease. Instead of expanding the employment opportunities in the manufacturing and services sector by creation of extensive infrastructure and employable educated individuals, politicians 8212; including the reservationists 8212; are playing votebank politics.

8212; Chandrashekhar Sarfode Mumbai

Picture of us

8226; Arun Shourie8217;s articles are very informative and expand the middle ground 8216;How we deal with life and death matters8217;, IE, October 11.

8212; P. Natarajan Chennai

Follow Bhutan

8226; The increase in terrorist activity in the eastern part of our country should be a matter of grave concern not only for us but also for other countries in the region, including those that are seemingly colluding with disgruntled elements to spite us. Whereas India being far too big can take terrorism head-on, the smaller nations would be hardly able to withstand the onslaught should terrorism rebound on them.
At least Bangladesh 8212; that owes its freedom in great measure to India 8212;should do a Bhutan to flush out anti-Indian insurgency being nurtured on its soil.

8212; Raghubir Singh Pune

Judge the umpire

8226; This refers to 8216;The Men in the Muddle8217; by Harsha Bhogle IE, October 10. Indian cricketers have been at the vanguard of vigorous, aggressive appealing; I even remember Saurav Ganguly berating his wicketkeeper for not appealing, shouting, 8220;Appeal to kar yaar.8221; We all remember how Virender Sehwag in his very first Test series charged towards the umpire when the ball was clearly caught on the bounce! Let us do what Bhogle is advocating for Steve Bucknor 8212; which is to introspect.

8212; G. Ramesh Bangalore

8226; The umpiring in the Bangalore Test has been pathetic. Aakash Chopra in both innings and Sehwag in the second innings got atrocious decisions. How can there be a fair contest if umpiring is so bad? Steve Bucknor would be advised to retire. Billy Bowden was never more than mediocre anyway.

8212; N.C. Padmanabhan Chennai

Note for Laloo

8226; I totally agree with Laloo Prasad Yadav8217;s suggestion that state governments should be allowed to print currency notes to prevent them from going bankrupt 8216;Laloo as Rumpelstiltskin8217;, IE, October 10. City municipalities, village panchayats, even schools and colleges, sports clubs, liquor joints, chara dealers, etc, should be allowed to print their own currency. With just one condition: they should have Laloo8217;s picture on these notes!

8212; Hari Pai Mumbai