Opinion Track changes
The rail budget presented by Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal offers little to the common passenger.
Track changes
The rail budget presented by Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal offers little to the common passenger (Rail Budget: 67 express,26 passenger trains introduced,IE,February 13). A tariff authority has been set up to assess and control fares,which means the cost of travel is likely to go up every three to four months. Electorally important constituencies have been catered to. The real focus should be on ensuring the safety and security of passengers. Funds should be arranged for improved infrastructure,modernisation and new trains. Little has been done to address corruption and malpractices among railway staff. There should be greater vigilance in order to avoid financial losses. However,this budget may help the government in the next election. People expect they will get more amenities and rail journeys will be comfortable.
S.C. Vaid
Greater Noida
Dont bank on it
THIS refers to Banking on change (IE,February 25). Banking in urban India is competitive and it is difficult to gauge what new banks will bring to the table. The RBIs efforts to expand financial inclusion might not come to anything either. Financial institutions in unbanked areas might not be viable to start with.The introduction of new banks could only end up queering the pitch.
Bal Govind
Noida
Justify this
APROPOS the report Sibal takes on judges,says let the court allocate spectrum,explain its orders (IE,February 25),the information minister must be aware that the judiciary may issue diktats and address blatant corruption,but it cannot implement decisions or take on the governments role. If the apex court intervened in the 2G spectrum case,it was because of gross irregularities in the auctions arranged by UPA 2. These irregularities put then telecom minister,A. Raja,behind bars. Sibal should realise that the courts have the right to intervene when elected representatives formulate damaging policies that cause massive losses to the exchequer. He should also admit that the judiciary functions transparently,unlike the political establishment.
A.Seshagiri Rao
THE Centres frustrations with the courts incursions into its territory are understandable. Every government should have the freedom to act in the interests of the people. But this assumes that the government is honest in its actions and intentions. The present government has lost its credibility with the people. So Sibals outburst is not fully justified. This government is not expected to change this late in its tenure,so short-term solutions must be found. Perhaps a responsible opposition could help in the decision-making process.
Sadashiv S. Apte
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