Investors' interest takes a backseat in private sector

Sir, Approps ‘PSU Vs private sector’, (DH June 5). Business, PSU IPOs give more returns than private sector, says a study, is an interesting revelation of the true colours of PSUs. In the last 5 years, PSUs have done exceeding well for themselves, thereby giving credence of their performance to the investors. About 85 pc of the private sector undertakings in India are family controlled and the common investors’ interest in earning dividend for them takes a backseat. This is so, since the greed to amass wealth for the benefit of the family supersedes investors in most of the private sector companies. Classic example of this is the Satyam scam. Even when it comes to corporate governance, PSUs appear to be more  transparent than private sectors. In the private sector, for some unknown reasons, bottom line stays in the ‘red’ all the time. Public confidence in PSU IPOs will definitely go up.

ASHOK JAYARAM
Bangalore

Effective action needed

Sir, This is with reference to President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world. Muslims would like Obama to take effective action on everything and make meaningful shifts in the foreign policy, not just to deliver fashionable speeches to woo the Muslims.

IRSHAD AHMED
Bangalore

Only bragging

Sir, No use External Affairs Minister S M Krishna philosophising about not negotiating under threat. No point bragging about preempting pressure from outside. It is the big blunder of the  UPA government that if within hours of  promising the parliament not to have any talks with Pakistan unless... it looks for ways to break ice with Pakistan. The BJP should thank the UPA for infusing life in the demoralised opposition.

MOOKHI AMIR ALI
Mumbai

Compliments to Obama

Sir, Barack Obama’s landmark speech in Cairo was unique. He deserves to be complimented for his efforts on reaching out to the Muslim world. His call for all inter-faith divide and to carve out a common agenda for progess is welcome since the Muslim world see the US only by its military strength.
On the other hand it should positively reciprocate to the clarion call of the US President and denounce WMD and terrorism and vice vesa.

N R RAMACHANDRAN
Ooty

Pre-paid meters

Sir, Media has reported that several crores worth of power bills are not being paid by various government departments and the BESCOM in the city is not initiating any steps to disconnect the power supply as it is being done in the case of ordinary customers.
It is not understood why there exists double standards in so far as the non-recovery of the arrears of power bills of Government departments are concerned. Doesn’t this amount to discrimination, as ordinary customers and the government departments should be weighed on the same scale?Further it is not known how many big industries are due to pay their heftly power bills and whether any similar concession is granted to them. The BESCOM including all ESCOMS should think of installing pre-paid meters in all government and private industrial establishments.

B S RAGHAVENRA RAO
Bangalore

Show potential

Sir, External Affairs Minister, Krishna’s emphatic refusal to hold talks with Pakistan till some sensible steps to prevent terrorism are taken, is quite welcome. India should never budge in this matter and henceforth, should adopt positive steps in dealing with Pakistan as it seems to be least bothered about sensible and responsible behaviour.      
Chidambaram’s instant response to illogical US advisory on people who intend visiting India is also appropriate. It is a pity that many nations including West and our neighbours think that we can be taken for granted inspite of our inherent strength to face any situation.      
It is high time India shows it’s potential as a powerful nation in all issues by responding aggressively.   
         
V S GANESHAN
Bangalore

Our readers are welcome to post, hand deliver, fax or e-mail letters to our office at 75, M G Road, Bangalore 560001. All letters must carry the sender’s postal address. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail].