The article “Drought of justice, flood of funds” (Aug. 15) was an eye-opener. A good government must ensure the welfare of all sections of people. But it appears that those at the helm are interested only in filling the kitty of corporates. While the income forgone by the government for pleasing the corporates has risen exorbitantly, the investment on programmes such as the NREGS has risen only marginally. It is time the government allocated more money for education, the Public Distribution System, and health care which have a direct bearing on the lives of the impoverished masses.
Abhilash Mony,
Thiruvananthapuram
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The article is an excellent analysis of the dual policy that exists in India. That Rs. 700 crore was doled out to corporates every day in the past two years is unbelievable. It is our leaders, cutting across party lines, who are responsible for this daytime robbery. This is worse than what the British did to India.
Pandurang Hegde,
Sirsi
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The principles of equality and socialism have been given the go-by and India’s enormous wealth is fast being usurped by the rich. In every sphere, there is some kind of dichotomy. A multi-millionaire accused of murder or fraud gets immediate bail and his case prolongs for years, while thousands of innocent languish for decades as undertrials in jails. Quality education is denied to a majority of children. Similar is the case with regard to health care and other basic services.
S.S. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
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The article is an apt description of the way the present system is designed to work — in favour of the powerful corporate lobby and the rich. The priority accorded to the slashing of duties on consumer items and aviation fuel in the name of fighting recession at the cost of resource allocation to the social sector shows the insensitivity of the law-makers — half of whom are crorepatis — towards the impoverished majority. Do we need cheaper airfares, cars and consumer goods or universal education and health, and elimination of poverty? Is the government incapable of making the right choice?
Kasim Sait,
Chennai
