Best Letters of the week

No more tall promises

The article “Alternative Budget - A Budget for Rahul Gandhi” by Arindam Chaudhuri (TSI, March 11) put forth some radical, refreshing and revolutionary prescriptions on key issues. Indeed the Union Finance Minister would do ample good for the country if he pays heed to these suggestions. Given the prevailing set up, the suggestions presented on resource mobilisation like legalising black money, eliminating tax exemptions and abolishing most subsidies may sound bizarre and politically suicidal. However, if effectively implemented, these proposals can do the country a lot of good. The aam aadmi no longer wants to be confined merely with tall promises and noble intentions in the budget. It seeks inclusive growth and all round development.

Uma Das

Kolkata

 

A proud day 

As an Odia, it is really heartening to know that Odisha Tourism has bagged the “Best Emerging Destination Award” by Travel and Leisure, India and South Asia as reported in “Signposts” (TSI, Mar 04). Indeed, Odisha is a land of virgin beauty and fabulous flora and fauna that is still awaiting to be explored and savoured by tourists far and wide. Our state government and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation should work in tandem and offer some attractive packages for the prospective tourists. Moreover, the people of Odisha should keep in mind the age old dictum, “Athithi Devo Bhava” while welcoming tourists from the world over.

Jyotiranjan Biswal

Angul, Odisha

 

Govt must step in

Sharing his serious concern for the Indian Insurance Companies affected by the frauds Prasoon has rightly commented in “Cashing on claims” (TSI, March 18) that the rising incidents of frauds in the country's insurance companies is driving up costs for the companies and premiums for policy holders. It is a wake up call for the Insurance companies. There is a dire need for heightened and more stringent anti-fraud regulations in the area of claims and surrender. As complacency around fraud, bribery and corruption, combined with cost-cutting initiatives at many companies creates additional exposure. The Government should come forward to introduce new legislation such as the UK Bribery Act giving regulators stronger enforcement powers. Management, in particular, should demonstrate greater commitment to ethical conduct through their actions, including making tough choices regarding departmental budgets and disciplinary measures. Mr Prasoon has rightly suggested that to arrest the problem of frauds the Government should further make the system electronic and automatic, with less human intervention. Proactive fraud monitoring is be the need of 

the hour. Only through that can these frauds canbe controlled.

Gaurav 

Haryana.