As India celebrates another Republic Day, with an air of euphoria about its economy growing at 8%, it is crucial that we do not ignore the damning reality that the country is still very much underdeveloped. There is an ?other? India which comprises about 400 million people, or about 40% of the population. The other Indians live in villages, small towns or city slums. They are a much deprived and helpless lot. About 250-300 million of them are mostly illiterate and live below the poverty line. Unfortunately, the provision of liveable homes, potable water and electricity for most of these citizens exists only on paper. They offer a grim picture of official neglect. Officials are just too busy with mega-projects and PR in Davos. Who will ensure a fair degree of prosperity ?trickling down? to the other India?
?Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
We?re hyperlinked
The government, time and again, tells us that India is ?delinked? from the troubles of the US economy. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as recent stock market crashes proved. To make ?delinking? work, FII investment must be restricted to 3% in any company listed here. Also, FIIs must not be allowed to withdraw more than 25% of their investment in a single day. The clout of FIIs has to diminish.
?Mobed Paurusasp D Magol, Ahmednagar