Indo-US nuke deal: Problem of reprocessing
Sir, It is reported that expert level meetings between India and the US on the nuclear deal have run into problem over the issue of reprocessing. Plutonium recycle forms an important strategy in nuclear power programme that envisages its use as the fuel in the next generation fast breeder reactors. Plutonium has to be separated from the spent uranium fuel by reprocessing. So, to deny the right to reprocess the spent fuel amounts to denial of our energy sovereignty and security. As the chairman of the Atomic Energy Council said, India cannot compromise on this vital issue in any nuclear deal. Even if the US promises supply of uranium, unless it assures to take back the spent uranium fuel, India cannot store the highly active irradiated fuel. Closing the fuel cycle by reprocessing and plutonium recycle is the most responsible option for any country.
V Venkatasubramanian
Mumbai
Corruption in projects
Sir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s opinion that the major reason for poor quality of rural roads is corruption and lack of quality assurance is true. Most government civil works reflect this. Sincere action is needed to address the problem.
M M Kotian
Bangalore
Pay revision
Sir, Six lakh government employees are happy with the wage revision effective from April 2006. The ten-year period is too long for the employees to wait, considering the enormous rise in the prices of essential goods. The adverse effect of the delayed pay revision has corrupted the employees and the common man is the victim.
Now the employees have the responsibility to render corruption-free services to the common man for the consideration shown by the government.
K V Seetharamaiah
Hassan
A drop in an ocean
Sir, Trees are being uprooted and transplanted by the executing authorities of the Metro project. To protect the green cover being lost day in and day out for “development”, transplantation of trees is no solution. The damage done till now is so much that Bangalore, famous for its perennial coolness and pleasant climate, will never ever be the same.
H Narayanan
Bangalore
What an irony?
Sir, It is laudable that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy intends to have a first hand experience of the frightful living conditions of farmers in villages. Each of his experimental overnight stay in a village might be costing the government enough to rehabilitate a hundred farming families. A son of the soil, himself, it is surprising that the CM has to stay now in villages to sense the fragrance of the farmland. Can any of our technologies help him get the picture more easily and economically?
S Dwaraka Nath
Bangalore
Favourite past-time
Sir, Bureaucrat bashing has become a favourite past-time for politicians. They point finger at the officials but forget that they are also responsible for the present sorry state of affairs. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is taking the officials to task in public. Will such reprimands improve the commitment of the officials? Why can’t he find out the root-cause for the apathy shown by officials and those who hold power in the government?
D B N Murthy
Bangalore
Our own franchises
Sir, Almost every week, a new franchise of a MNC is being opened in India. The franchise system creates jobs. But MNC franchises come with heavy royalty and other payments. They are welcome, where comparable Indian resources and expertise are not available. But it is a drain on our foreign exchange. So, Indian companies should explore ways and means to provide all products and services to us.
K Venkataraman
Mumbai
