As though the problem of non-performing assets is not enough, now bank officials are also indulging in malpractices that will further deteriorate India’s financial condition (“₹11,500 crore scam rocks PNB, stocks hit”, Feb. 15). The phenomenon of bank officials scuttling the system to favour a few is not new; we have been seeing this since the Harshad Mehta days. That such a situation continues shows that there is no vigilance. It is also worrying that such instances happen in an institution whose activities are being monitored by no less than the Reserve Bank of India. It is sad that while the common man was forced to stand in queues to withdraw his own money after demonetisation, vast amounts were being siphoned off from banks through the back door.
V. Subramanian,
Chennai
This scam is shocking. To make matters worse, banks are unable to recover money from these individuals who are fleeing to other countries. Vijay Mallya is yet to be extradited from the U.K. Are our banks safe for small depositors?
Gopal S.,
Kakinada
This is only the tip of the iceberg. A thorough investigation of such cases in nationalised banks may reveal the reasons for non-performing assets that threaten the very existence of these banks. As a common man, I shudder to think of the volume of money involved. When we approach banks for even small loans, they demand so many documents and sureties. And yet, thousands of crores of rupees are being sanctioned to some individuals and traders, who flout all banking norms. Naturally, such advances end in non-payment. The involvement of bank officials in such transactions cannot be ruled out. The government should initiate tough action on erring officials and reveal all those behind such scams.
M.R.G. Murthy,
Mysuru
No more charts
I don’t understand why reservation charts are no longer going to be pasted on train coaches (“No more charts on train coaches”, Feb. 15). A majority of passengers boards the train at the beginning of the journey. The charts give them an opportunity to double-check their seats and see if they are entering the right coach. If they realise that they have boarded the wrong coach and if the train has started moving, they will be forced to use the vestibules to cross coaches, sometimes with considerable luggage. This is very difficult for the elderly and for those with children. No passenger will take the risk of getting down from the coach at the next station to look for the right one. Also, the need to cut down expenditure on paper is laughable. How much is spent to prepare charts?
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur
Praise or insult?
The song Manikya Malaraya Poovi is from the Mappila Pattu, a compilation of popular folk songs in north Kerala (“A viral wink, a new heart-throb, and a controversy”, Feb. 15). It is sung during weddings and other joyous occasions. Kerala, which has a 29% Muslim population, is richer for the Mappila Pattu. Describing Hazrath Khadeja as a “pearl flower” is a tribute to the Prophet’s wife. By no stretch of imagination can it be construed as irreverence. In fact, it is full of praise for her. To say that a woman desired or desires a man is not being irreligious. It cannot be helped if someone cannot distinguish between praise and blasphemy.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode
Protecting our soldiers
It is unfortunate that there is a lack of will to equip our Army with modern technologies (“Mind the perimeter”, Feb. 15). It seems as though every time a terror attack takes place, the government wakes up only then. Our soldiers rely on ad hoc measures in the absence of any technologically advanced techniques. The government must correct the flaws so that infiltration attempts are unsuccessful.
Shubham Singh,
Fatehpur
