The winners of Rs 3,000 are...

 

 

Time to act

Prasoon S Majumdar has rightly said (TSI, January 11-17) that the root cause for dwindling revenue from property transactions is not only the high rate of stamp duty, but also the absence of clear-cut guidelines for valuation of the properties. Unless and until the loopholes are plugged, the impression that higher the rate, would yield higher revenues may remain a pipe-dream to the detriment of the interest of the state of Maharashtra. The classic example is Andhra Pradesh where the registration has gone up due to reduction in stamp duty, thereby encouraging middle-class to acquire their dream house. In other words, higher stamp duty not only pinches the common man's pocket badly but also puts the real estate business in jeopardy in the long run. Even the attractive offer of sale of properties may not enthuse the buyers. Thus Maharashtra government's presumption that the higher rate of stamp duty will pep up the sales consequently increase the revenue earnings is clearly proved wrong. Despite all the hue and cry, it is the compulsory duty of state government to accord priority to affordable housing at reasonable rates of stamp duty like what is followed in all other states throughout India as well other nations. Only then, we can say that it has fulfilled the basic needs of homeless, which is also a fundamental right of every citizen of this country.

R Srinivasan

Secunderabad Give some sunshine

Your cover story on the movie "3 Idiots" (TSI, January 11-17)is superb. Discussions are going on regarding the Indian education system after the release of the movie in which Amir Khan and his team brings out the failures of the Indian education system. Mr Chaudhuri was right about the current condition of our education system and how it needs to be nailed. Dr. Parth J Shah also correctly pinpointed that Indian education system promotes more idiots. The film truly questions the system of evaluation on the basis of examination in particular and the entire education system in general. The present education system doesn’t help our children to have an inquisitive mind that possesses questions. And because of this creativity and undoubtedly, a huge potential that is hidden in us largely remains untapped. It is the right time to discover the diamond within us and take our education seriously.

Dharam Singh

Seekar Praiseworthy article

The closing line of Anchal Gupta on the inflation story once again axes the plans of UPA is very apt. And he rightly said that the trinity of abysmal infrastructure, rogue politicians and burgeoning population ruling the roost, no central banker, interest rate cut or monetary tightening can climb this stallion without hurting the backbone. The only solution to the problem is that the politicians should stop playing ‘sugary’ politics and speed up the developmental work that need quick attention. In fact, they should also focus on major issues rather than putting them on the back burner, else high liquidity would keep chasing few assets and demand would rise to new heights.

Neelam

Patiala