The article ‘Why incomes, jobs aren’t rising fast enough’ (October 22) is interesting and informative, highlighting the issues facing the country’s. Of importance is the point of how technological advancements are playing a key role in various sectors of the economy. What was considered technically relevant in a certain field a few years back would have become irrelevant today. This fact is relevant in all fields of productive enterprise. Therefore, to stay ahead, enterprises will need to regularly upgrade the technology in use.
TR Anandan
Coimbatore
Improving air quality
While vehicular and industrial pollution are chronic issues that need a long-term solution, the degraded air quality in the Capital region, just before the onset of winter, is primarily attributed to crop-residue burning. In the absence of a robust smog-mitigation plan, acceptance seems to be the only option.
The authorities, rather than get into emergency mode, should have over the years initiated proactive steps to educate the farmers, encourage efficient waste management by grant of subsidies or impose penalties on repeated offenders. The discomforting fact is that the situation, which usually persists for weeks and dampens the festive spirit, impedes overall productivity, besides affecting public-health.
With cleanliness/hygiene and healthcare having been prioritised by the government, it is time to enhance capability and infrastructure to overcome the challenge going forward.
Girish Lalwani
New Delhi
Khashoggi killing
Saudi Arabia’s admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was ‘inadvertently’ killed in a chokehold inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has confirmed our worst fears. It contradicted the earlier version that he died in a fist-fight or brawl. Clearly, Khashoggi was killed in cold blood as part of the campaign targeting dissidents. No one would believe that the 15-member ‘hit squad’ acted without the knowledge or consent of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Tragically, Khashoggi had to pay with his life for writing columns critical of his repressive measures. He got fired from his job as editor more than once ‘for pushing the boundaries of debate within Saudi society’ and was ordered ‘to shut up’. He took the Saudi’s totalitarian regime to task for its role in Yemen war costing thousands of lives. He has become a martyr to the cause of freedom of the press and his death is now mourned by the entire world.
G David Milton
Maruthancode, TN
Competitiveness index
The news that India has been improved its ranking to 58th among 140 nations (rose by five places from 2017) on the World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness index for 2018 is heartening. It was the largest gain among G20 economies. While India’s main competitive advantages were its market size, innovation and business dynamism, the areas that the country needs to improve include health, labour market, product market, education and skill development.
Ibne Qasim
Madhya Pradesh
MSP for farmers
It is a matter of great concern that the prices received by farmers continue to be below the minimum support prices (MSPs). Despite big policy announcements, the problems in India’s rural economy are still piling up with little hope of an uptick in farm incomes. Agriculture contributes around 17 per cent of India’s GDP and provides employment to nearly half the population. Rural prosperity also generates industrial demand.
Ismail Ansari
Secunderabad
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.