Opinion Slipping on oil
This refers to the editorial Burden of truth. It is heartening that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised to tackle the burden of the oil subsidy.
Slipping on oil
* This refers to the editorial Burden of truth (IE,May 30). It is heartening that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised to tackle the burden of the oil subsidy. Apart from the amount of money wasted in subsidies for petrol,diesel and kerosene,the benefits do not trickle down to end-users. It encourages a black market and rampant adulteration. If subsidies are scrapped,people will be compelled to use oil products more sparingly,and only according to their requirements. The government will save crores of rupees. Nowhere in the world is oil so unrealistically subsidised let us price petroleum at international prices,and adjust to reality.
R.K. Kapoor,Chandigarh
Tighter ties
* I would like to compliment M.K. Venu for his column,Trading a new route (IE,May 27). Since Independence,Indias foreign policy has overlooked Africa,and it is time these historical ties,bound through Mahatma Gandhi,are further strengthened. Africa has a wealth of natural resources,and India,as a growing economy,needs them. However,in its ongoing quest for resources,India must be careful not to come across as a country seeking to drain the continent of its natural wealth. As Venu pointed out,what is required is soft power and a deeper engagement with the people of Africa.
Manas Upmanyu,Shimla
Influence in Africa
* The PMs Africa sojourn should underline that China has been very active in this region. It is now firmly within their sphere of influence. While India talks of $5 billion in aid for all the African nations on its list,China already gives that much money to individual countries where it has economic interests. India,for various reasons,has squandered its legacy of goodwill in Africa. India is regarded neither as a moral powerhouse nor an economic one,and moreover,Africa itself is changing. It is best to offer help only when asked for.
S. Kamat,Goa
All eyes on Mamata
* Charulata Ravi Kumars State of incivility (IE,May 28) gives timely advice to the new West Bengal chief minister,Mamata Banerjee,to hit the ground running and fulfil her electoral promises. Those who are now celebrating her and pinning great expectations on her victory will,in no time,turn on her if she fails to walk the talk. The Lefts stunning defeat after 34 long years has made people realise their power to effect change. Banerjee may not have a magic bullet to solve their problems instantly,but she will have to prove her will,courage and determination to change things in the state.
Tarsem Singh,New Delhi
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