The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Human face

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Saturday, Feb 26, 2005

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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Human face

Sir, — Jagdish Bhagwati and Amartya Sen indeed represent two competing visions ("How human would the human face be?" Feb. 25) of development. Mr. Bhagwati, while advocating growth via globalisation, has also cautioned that the optimal speed at which one liberalises is not necessarily the fastest. Similarly, Mr. Sen, though emphasising the role of the state in providing opportunities for the poor, has commented that the issue of national sovereignty should not be raised every time an international treaty is signed.

While formulating economic policy for the country, we should be open to all contending visions but adopt the one that is most appropriate to address the ground realities.

Manas Chakravarty,
Secunderabad

Sir, — Almost all the writings on economic reforms assume that the current pattern of economic reform will automatically lead to higher growth. Recent ILO and UNDP studies have shown that there is no evidence whatsoever that liberalisation leads to higher growth, and that its effects have varied across countries due to a host of factors. In many cases it has actually led to negative growth.

Shankar Gopalakrishnan,
Kodaikanal, T.N.

Sir, — In the coming budget, it is hoped the Government will provide for more generation of wealth. At the same time equitable distribution should also be ensured by way of allocating more funds for improving the quality of life, especially in the rural areas. It is not enough if the funds are allocated; the Government should have the means to ensure that the funds reach the people.

K. Viswanathan,
Coimbatore, T.N.

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