Date:14/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/10/14/stories/2004101403601003.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Policies to blame

Sir, — To answer the question why, in the absence of reservation, Indian industry has produced substandard stuff (Letters, Oct. 13), it is because of the economic policies followed by successive governments. Rajaji warned way back in the 1920s that licence, permit and quota raj would promote and breed corruption and inefficiency. The poor output of industry has much to do with the shortsighted policies that encouraged inefficiency.

G. Natesh,
Chennai

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Sir, — The instinct to oppose reservation per se is the result of a 3500-year-old culture, which is based on a quadruple division of society. If the weaker sections are not able to compete, it is because they do not have access to quality education. Private firms are getting enough government subsidy and they have to abide by its policies. What about the privilege of being held in high esteem by virtue of birth? Is it also not reservation?

Siddhartha Bhatti,
New Delhi