Kerala chief minister a.k. Antony deserves to be complimented for his bold initiatives on economic reforms ("Writ of the People", February 25). The state's economy has been suffering due to populist concessions for quite some time. Though the state can truly boast of the successful implementation of several welfare measures and projects, these have led to the erosion of the economy to a point of no return. Nobody understands this better than the state employees. But running away from reality, they have chosen a path of confrontation instead of one of reconciliation.

Bichu Muttathara, Pune

Kerala has been the South's answer to West Bengal as far as strikes are concerned. Antony needs to be applauded for the firm stand he has taken against the striking government employees despite scathing criticism from his own party leaders (read K. Karunakaran)-not forgetting the slogan-shouting red brigade. It was heartening to read that people in Kerala have acknowledged the bold steps taken by Antony by supporting him in whatever way possible. May his tribe increase in today's politics.

Suresh Menon, on e-mail

Due to the strike by government employees and teachers, the administration in Kerala has come to a standstill. Just before the strike, the Government had announced that several benefits enjoyed by the employees had been cut as part of austerity measures. With 19 ministers in the Cabinet, the state Government's expenditure will certainly skyrocket. It should start implementing austerity measures at the top and not at the grassroots level. When there are easier and better ways for the Government to tide over the present crisis, going after its own employees is not correct.

Mukundan, on e-mail

Flattering to Deceive

Some information in Jairam Ramesh's column, like R.K. Shanmukham Cheettiar being the father of Balasaraswati's child, was irrelevant to the main context ("Time to Tune in to FM", February 25). Ramesh also says, "On the whole, North Block has been served well by men of great distinction and competence." North Block, sure, but has the country been served well?

C.G. Prasad, Chennai

Misdirected Mission

I don't understand why social activists are planning to file a petition against the portrayal of foetal sex determination in an episode of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi ("Prime Time Faux Pas", February 25). Lots of illegal acts are portrayed in TV serials and movies: policemen employing third-degree torture to get convictions, inspectors living in palatial houses, heroes lying in courtrooms to save a loved one, etc. These are also blatantly illegal act but nobody comments about them. Shouldn't human-rights groups be creating a ruckus about them? The portrayal of foetal sex determination is not illegal in itself. The NGOs are only interested in getting a healthy dose of publicity. Instead of panning the serial, activists should be more interested in going against the people performing these illegal acts in real life.

Dr Arvind Sinha, on e-mail

FOR SUBSCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

CALL AT: DELHI: board numbers: 3352233, Ext. 165/173/179 Toll free numbers: 1600111155 (Delhi only) Tele/Fax 3352874 Fax 3712998 KOLKATA: Tel 2821922, 2827726, 2825398 Fax 2825398, 2827254 BANGALORE: Tel 2212448, 2290562, 2218343 Fax 2218335 MUMBAI: Tel 4444423/4/5/6 Fax 4444358 CHENNAI: Tel 8531605, 8591729, 8532247 Fax 8532178.
WRITE IN: WE CARE, The India Today Group, Post Box No. 141, New Delhi-110001. e-mail: wecare@intoday.com