Opinion Not the answer
Shantaram Naiks outburst in Rajya Sabha was uncalled for. Naik should know that a rape is indeed rape and the fact that the person involved is a foreigner....
Shantaram Naiks outburst in Rajya Sabha was uncalled for. Naik should know that a rape is indeed rape and the fact that the person involved is a foreigner whose dignity stands violated is no excuse for the MP to sermonise on their easy virtues. When Naik and his ilk harp on some rape victims inviting trouble by socialising with strangers even during late hours,they are exhibiting their reluctance to handle stark realities. Rather than MPs becoming moral regulators it would be in keeping with the ethical standards proffered to have an efficient police force manning the territory. If the media highlights incidents of rape in Goa it is because none of these cases are brought to a rightful end.
Pachu Menon
Goa
Good service
This refers to M.K. Venus Good and sensible tax (IE,December 17). Dr Dalton and Professor Musgrave,founders of Public Finance,must have appreciated the GST. That the incidence of tax will be halved can work as a stimulus. The current tax system feeds the black economy. Harmonisation in tax structure of different states can also be done. The threshold is also maintained such that interests of small producers are protected. However,the GST can be opposed by a minority like real estate developers because it will not allow the creation of black money. But on the whole,the GDP will increase. The only problematic area may be increased agricultural prices,leading to more food inflation. Nevertheless,the manufacturing sectors prices will decline,providing relief to consumers. Finally,state governments will benefit from increased revenue.
Shishir Sindekar
Nasik
Too soon to tell
It is true that the Indian economy has not yet fully recovered from the recession although the process has begun (Tweak,dont tighten,IE,December 18). At this stage,an increase in interest rates,with the aim of curbing inflation,may not be of help. More time is required for actual recovery. Meanwhile,an investigation is necessary to determine whether todays food price inflation which has the potential to lead to further inflation via the wage-cost escalation route is really the result of demand-supply or the greed of the infamous middleman in the Indian agricultural sector.
Bidyut K. Basu
Think before dividing
Ironically,political parties that had agreed on Telangana before the Lok Sabha election are now divided along the predictable regional lines of vote-bank politics (Sizeable matters,IE,December 16). Politicians often cite the federal argument for carving new,smaller states wherein people get greater representation. But would they disclose their own federal principles? We must articulate rational principles aimed not at just carving new states but rather at building them. Therefore a new states reorganisation commission is required,but formed not of retired judges,bureaucrats and politicians but of administrative,economic and financial experts too.
Ved Guliani Hisar
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