Opinion A new Fund

Out of its 187 member countries,a few dominate its functioning. In view of the growing global importance of the emerging economies,especially the BRIC,the IMF should consider giving developing nations a bigger role in governing it. There is no dearth of talented and deserving persons in continents outside Europe.

— S.K. Khosla

Chandigarh

Off track

THE Indian Railways has been a most unfortunate victim of political opportunism (‘Training Trains’,IE,June 3). From being called the backbone of Indian economy,it is sinking into losses now. It is good that the PM is looking into the matter. Let the Indian Railways not become another Air India.

— Shamael Jafri

Lakhimpur Kheri

Across the fence

THIS refers to ‘Act now,at least’ (IE,June 2). With Pakistan’s army,intelligence agency and the terror networks going to any extent to prevent the exposure of their machinations,the government is clueless on how to clean up the Stygian situation. Do we need a more conclusive proof of Pakistan heading for anarchy than the murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad? This follows the killing Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti. Because of geographical proximity and other ties,India needs to act and forewarn the world of Pakistan becoming a trouble spot.

— Tarsem Singh

New Delhi

Mapping policy

THIS refers to ‘Shadow lines’ (IE,May 31) about the government’s touchiness over boundaries represented in maps. Perhaps India’s “prickliness” over map-making is symptomatic of a deeper malaise in its foreign policy: when it comes to sorting out border disputes,the government focuses on grand posturing for a domestic audience rather than achieving anything concrete on the ground.

— R.P. Subramanian

Delhi

Force Baba

YOUR story ‘Govt goes to the Baba’ (IE,June 2) aptly describes the bizarre events in New Delhi. That four Union ministers were deputed to meet,befriend and persuade a yoga guru to change his mind and seek his support in the ongoing contest between the government and social activists over the drafting of the Lok Pal bill is an indication that the government has lost its nerve as well as its connect with the people. It might well be that the government has a case and a reasoned stand on the issue,but will the ministers please explain that to the public?

— Pramod Deshpande

Mumbai

An amendment to the Constitution or the formulation of a law can only be made by MPs. It cannot be forced by an individual on a government. An unelected person’s demand might be his right but it cannot become the voice of

the people.

— Mohd. Umar Khan

Bahraich