Raring to reform

8226; Your editorial 8216;Doctor8217;s prescription8217; June 26 hits the nail on the head while evaluatin...

8226; Your editorial 8216;Doctor8217;s prescription8217; June 26 hits the nail on the head while evaluating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh8217;s refreshingly sober, mature and comprehensive 25-minute address to the nation on June 24. Of course, reform in pubic administration is easier said than done in a federal system, and we still have to work out a proper system of devolution of finances from the Centre to the states and then to local bodies panchayats and municipalities.
As you rightly put it, it is not that we need much more money for health, education, etc 8212; what we require are proper institutions and mechanisms for its delivery to the intended beneficiaries, instead of to politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen among other vested interests, who act as middlemen. The proof of the pudding lies in the eating but at least Manmohan Singh has made a good beginning with his speech which, had an irresponsible opposition not prevented him from speaking, he could have made in Parliament on June 10 in reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the president8217;s address.

8212; Vinod Chowdhury Delhi

Little things to do

8226; Providing facilities at tourist spots and keeping them clean and accessible should be a priority for the tourism ministry 8216;You can8217;t lock up history, you can8217;t tie it up in bureaucratic red tape and keep people out8217;, IE, June 29.
Also, the ministry under Renuka Chowdhury must ensure that guides are well informed. It should encourage private houses to take in people for board and breakfast. This way, middle-class tourists would benefit.

8212;Umesh Kalbag On e-mail

Ready to fly

8226; It is heartening to know that government has shown maturity and resilience in probably its first major decision impacting reforms and liberalisation. The GoM8217;s approval for the civil aviation ministry8217;s proposal to privatise the Delhi and Mumbai airports is a step in the right direction and must be welcomed. It will clear any ambiguity that may still persist over the UPA8217;s commitment to economic reforms.

8212; Munir Parikh Ahmedabad

In whose interest?

8226; EPF trustees should take a strong stand against increasing the interest rate beyond the current rate 8216;Govt shows reality check to unions: EPF hike favours few8217;, IE, Juky 1. If anything, the rate should be reduced.

8212; Dami Rambhia On e-mail

Aid, in bits

8226; There are serious problems with reservations in jobs 8216;Captain, a hole in your argument8217;, IE, June 28. Reservations should only be available for the physically handicapped. Merit should be given high priority. However, assistance to the backward castes and classes should not be ruled out.

8212; Venu Kothuri On e-mail

Amitabh8217;s a hero

8226; One must appreciate Amitabh Bachchan8217;s decision to turn down Eveready Industries8217; 8216;Jeevan Saathi8217; advertisement showing a torchlight as a lucrative dowry item 8216;Big B sees red, rejects Eveready ad8217;, IE, June 30. There are some filmstars who accept any advertising assignment that comes their way even if it is to promote products injurious to one8217;s health. They fail to realise the effect this has on impressionable youngsters who constantly ape their heroes.

8212; V. Rajesh On e-mail