IT is unfortunate that when it comes to exploitation of natural wealth, most political parties take the same stand, although they are ostensibly in favour of development and growth (Plunder & profit, July 16). India needs to learn a lesson from China. Aware of the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining, China recently decided to tighten control on its 17 rare earth elements and is exploring the possibility of limiting their production to a select group of state-run enterprises, a move that would give the government almost complete control over the destination of exports and a greater say in regulating supply and pricing.
The spiralling growth of illegal mines across the forest areas in the country is due to the blatant abuse, misuse and misdeeds of businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats.
Ettirankandath Krishnadas Palakkad, KeralaInflationTHE government's decision to deregulate fuel prices has more implications than the rise in the price of commodities (Cover Story, July 30).
The 2010-11 Budget recommended increasing the import duty of petro products, and the Kirit Parikh Committee recommended linking domestic petro products with world oil prices. Both recommendations cannot be concurrently implemented because there is an inherent conflict of purpose and intent. Deregulating transport fuel and allowing market forces to determine the price sidelines the major components of pricing. The government can correct this anomaly by instituting an independent permanent statutory body to fix the price of diesel and petrol.
C. Koshy John PuneRISING food inflation along with the government raising the fuel prices at intervals has left the common man with tears in his eyes. The government has been indifferent to the woes of the masses. What exposes it is that while petroleum companies have been said to be making losses, some of them have been awarded the maharatna status.
Syed Khaja New DelhiIT is believed that the present state determines the future. The government's policies seem targeted towards a future in which India will have a place on the world stage. This has led the government to unsee the current stage where its policies are affecting the aam aadmi.
Ronak M. Asrani Tiruchi, Tamil NaduTHE Cover Story article With no safety net gives one the real picture of the poor condition of workers in the unorganised sector. The government is focussing only on the Commonwealth Games and not on the common worker.
Nikhil Jha New DelhiPOVERTY is deep-rooted in the forest-resource-rich tribal-dominated regions of India. The tribal people are deprived of an adequate income. They do not have money to buy bus tickets to travel out to get work as daily wagers if work is not available in the area.
The officials and bureaucrats concerned should see that the anti-poverty schemes of the State and Central governments are implemented properly.
T.V. Jayaprakash Palakkad, KeralaTamil conferenceTHE World Classical Tamil Conference showcased the richness of Tamil literature and culture before the entire world (Celebrating Tamil, July 30).
It is widely believed that the Tamil language was the gift of the sage Agasthya, one of the Saptharishis (seven rishis) of Hindu mythology, to the people of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest living languages.
With its many programmes, debates and exchange of views on different topics, the event will be etched in memory.
S. Balakrishnan Jamshedpur JharkhandLaw examTHE introduction of a Bar entrance examination by the Bar Council of India is a welcome step (Test of sorts, July 16). The state of affairs in the lower courts presents a gloomy picture. There is no strict check on the competency of the lawyers graduating from the law colleges that have mushroomed all over the country. The lower court is not only the first step towards justice but often the most decisive one.
Thus, the examination will ensure that unwary clients are not taken for a ride by lawyers. I think this examination should be given a chance for the greater good it intends to do.
Nikita Mishra Gwalior, M.P.ANNOUNCEMENTLetters, whether by surface mail or e-mail, must carry the full postal address and the full name, or the name with initials.
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