Feedback from the readers

Innovation is essential

The cover story on India’s most innovative companies is very encouraging for those who are investing in innovation. Indian companies must focus not just on reducing costs, but on bringing innovation in delivery and production as well. Many Indian companies are at it and several others are coming up with different business models. With vision, effort and will, India can emerge as a one-stop shop for manufacturing in the world.

Jacob Sahayam, through e-mail

In top gear

The feature, In the driver’s seat ,(BT April 20, 2008) showcased how business expansion exercises are taken seriously by the Tata Group under the leadership of Ratan Tata. In recent times, JLR (Jaguar-Land Rover) is the second big-ticket overseas acquisition by the Tatas. These signify the coming of age of Indian corporate giants. The Tata Group’s experience, knowledge base and talent pool will definitely enable it to overcome the teething troubles it will doubtless face in this difficult venture. It is perhaps the only car manufacturer in the world that makes inexpensive, affordable vehicles, like the Nano, as well as high-end ones now that it owns JLR. Tata has redrawn the contours of the car business globally. He is, in fact, in top gear with his well-crafted deal towards an all-inclusive car portfolio—from Nano to JLR.

B. Rajasekaran, through e-mail

Need for PDS

The feature on Inflation, Soaring through the ceiling, (BT April 20) shows how inflation is eating into our savings. The rise in the prices of essential commodities is the direct result of the wrong economic policies of the UPA government. The present situation is also a result of retailers making a huge profit by arbitrarily increasing their margins. The government must ensure that farmers and vegetable growers get the right prices for their products and that middlemen do not charge usurious margins. One alternative is retail shops controlled by the government where prices are controlled.

Mahesh Kumar, through e-mail

Broadband: What now?

The new technologies in internet access you mentioned in the story The connectivity wars (BT, April 20, 2008) will hopefully make internet access easier for all. Although availing internet at homes has become affordable, the service is still poor. Download speeds are always lower than the promised speed. Moreover, a broadband connection is not a cheaper option as is often made out. Then, there is always a cap on downloads. The internet is a major source of knowledge and information and is a must for students and others. But in India, it is still an expensive affair for the public at large. The scenario in small towns in the country, and particularly, in the newly formed states, is bad. One still has to wait for months for an internet connection. Even the presence of private phone companies has not brought in any major change.

Mahesh Kapasi, through e-mail

In need of big push

These are difficult times. The stock markets are volatile, the wholesale price index is touching new highs and there’s concern about corporate earnings. So, it comes as a whiff of fresh air to find that some deal makers and entrepreneurs are still hopeful (Dark clouds on Dalal Street, BT, April 20, 2008). In the recent past, there was much hype about new IPOs hitting the market, but some companies have had to postpone their public offers due to lack of liquidity in the market. Perhaps one needs to be patient and adopt a wait and watch policy before taking a call. We hope that FIIs return soon with a vengeance.

A. Kumar, through e-mail

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