Letters to the Editor

Business Today readers give feedback on magazine's coverage of the March 29, 2015 issue -

Undaunted Hero

This refers to your cover story on Hyundai (Chasing Maruti, March 29). In the Indian car market, Hyundai has been a serious competitor to Maruti for a long time. I feel technology advancements and timing of launches have paved the way for Hyundai to increase its market share. However, the road ahead will be much more competitive as the portfolios of major players are increasing with the introduction of new segments, such as premium hatchbacks and compact SUVs, every now and then. The only success formula for all car manufacturers will be to offer more benefits, such as fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, to the consumer to conquer the roads.

- K.M. Muthuraman, Chennai

The IITian Tea

This refers to the article on Chaayos, a new start-up by two IITians (Cutting Chai, Cafe Style, March 29). The attempt to open tea cafes/parlours along the lines of Starbucks and Cafe Coffee Dayis definitely a novel idea. But whether they will be able to survive in this competitive market is a million 'kullad' question. Many new generation entrepreneurs often forego lucrative corporate careers after passing out from elite institutions such as the IITs to start such "funky" experimental ventures, but do they have the appetite to go the whole hog? Hope the tea-sipper will be compensated by the ambience, novel flavours and add-ons for the Rs 59 they pay for every cuppa.

- J.S. Broca, New Delhi

A Budget or 5-yr Plan?

This refers to your story on Budget 2015, For A Few Rupees More (March 29). The Union Budget came a cropper on income tax concessions for individuals and was anti-middle class. The common man has not got a single major window to even save a little more. On the other hand, an increase in service tax rate from 12 per cent to 14 per cent will prove to be a big drain on his pocket. Was this an annual Budget or a Five-Year Plan of the newly-formed Niti Aayog? There is no doubt that long-term measures are a necessity to benefit the Indian economy as a whole, but at the same time short-term measures that will benefit the common middle-class people must not be ignored.

- Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi

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CORRECTION
The article Game of Screens (March 29) erroneously reported the number of screens for PVR and Carnival Cinemas. PVR has 469 screens, while Carnival has 346 functional screens. The error is regretted.