Opinion Taking offence
The editorial Not making nice has exposed the thin skin and touchiness of our politicians.
The editorial Not making nice (IE,October 28) has exposed the thin skin and touchiness of our politicians. One of the hallmarks of Indian politics is that most of its leaders live in glass houses,yet dont hesitate to throw stones at others. Instead of expounding their views on important public issues during elections,they resort to character assassination. They become highly pugnacious when defending or denouncing the person at the centre of the controversy if s/he matters in the party. Their behaviour is part of the culture of sycophancy prevailing in our politics. So we should not be surprised at what passes for debate and discussion in our assemblies and Parliament.
Satwant Kaur Mahilpur
Keep cool
Sharad Yadavs remark that Rahul Gandhi deserves to be thrown in the Ganga is really a silly,undignified remark,not hate speech as the editorial,Not making nice(IE,October 28) points out. It needs to be taken in the spirit of light back-and-forth rather than zealous condemnation.
R.K. Kapoor Chandigarh
Small is effective
Your editorial on microfinance insitutions (Dont micro-manage,IE,October 28) acknowledges their contribution to the growth of the local financial market. Any regulation by the government should help MFIs perform better,and not make them defunct. Its the failure of the commercial banks to reach out to the masses and their diverse credit needs that had given rise to money lenders. MFIs,with their people-friendly approach based on trust,have been able to provide people help whenever its urgently needed. Their interest rate is justified not only in terms of economic viability but also taking their limited operational area into account both geographical and credit needs. As far as recovery of loans is concerned,MFIs have a more human face than big commercial banks. MFIs follow a middle path unlike the exclusionary approach of banks and the traditional,exploitative approach of money lenders. The government should recognise their importance in the growth of the financial market,and guide and support them.
Anil S. Sutar Mumbai
US and them
The policy of the United States towards Pakistan has always been layered and cryptic to outsiders (Mixed signals,IE,October 27). On the outset,it might appear that there is a widening rift between the two nations on the issue of intervention on Kashmir,which the US sternly refused. And yet,the $2 billion military aid package presented to the Pakistan government,with no real plan of action from them,seems like another instance of carte blanche given to our neighbour. Barack Obama and his administration will have a lot of convincing to do during his visit to India,and they will have to explain how they know this largesse will be judiciously used by Pakistan to solve its internal conflicts rather than fuel unrest in Kashmir. Rahul Anand Delhi
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