Sensible approach

Jaithirth Rao has done well in defining who a true conservative is (‘The Age of the Conservative’, IE, Oct 29). Amer...

Jaithirth Rao has done well in defining who a true conservative is (‘The Age of the Conservative’, IE, Oct 29). Americans have always appreciated this virtue but Indians, never. Conservatives have the same objectives as the traditional Indian left-wing, English-speaking liberal. However, the techniques to achieve their objectives are different and usually more successful. I once worked with an African-American in the Boston area with a degree in Mathematics from Harvard. Because of the paucity of people with his skills and background, he was a rising star. He once told me his background. It seems that a group of affluent white alumni from Ivy League schools decided in the early ’60s that minority students needed help, and it was the job of private enterprise to do this. Each person concentrated upon a few minority schools where each selected 10-12 poor students 3-4 years away from high school graduation. Those selected had, they felt, the potential to do well. They promised these students that they would take care of finances and other problems, and also guaranteed a place at a Ivy League school on graduation. The student had to promise that he/she would try their hardest to get good grades. My colleague from Harlem came up from this effort. How differently India handled similar problems with the Dalits!

— Arul Bhaskar New York

Not law-breakers

• The Supreme Court judgment for the closure of industries is based on enforcing Masterplan 2001 and not on grounds of pollution. Masterplan 2001 projected the growth of population of Delhi up to 2001 and envisaged a plan of action to develop residential, commercial and industrial areas to meet the demand of the rising population. While the estimated increase in numbers came true, the authorities did nothing to provide residential, commercial and industrial areas, resulting in the mushrooming of hundreds of unauthorised colonies, which were later regularised. They included industries too, and they got all kinds of government facilities. It is most unfortunate that reputed newspapers are branding those running these industries as criminals. These industries are on the land purchased by them. The law breakers are those who did not implement the constructive part of the Masterplan.

— M.C. Garg Delhi

Political crimes

• In your editorial, ‘Heart of darkness’ (IE, Oct 20), you have posed the right question: what becomes of the network that supported Veerappan? Our society, sadly, has come out openly in support of the lawless lot. The outcry of the crowd which gathered at the hospital that it was a fake encounter is a glaring example of how we condone heinous crimes. If not, could Phoolan Devi have become an MP? Your editorial ‘Pappubhai, MP’ (IE, Oct 19) is also relevant in this context.

— Asirvatham V. Ross New Delhi

Touching faith

• Apropos of Ila Patnaik’s ‘RBI’s pride, India’s dilemma’, the writer wants the market to determine how excess forex reserves are used(IE, October 26). She wants the Planning Commission itself closed down. This is surely a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

— Vinod Chowdhury Delhi

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

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The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

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