This refers to the edit “The insider’s complaint” (March 2). The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is currently saddled with many problems and is worried about losing the 2014 general elections. Trade unions have, therefore, correctly assessed this is as the right time to put pressure on the government and get some of their demands heard. However, it would be detrimental to India’s economic interest if the government succumbs to trade unions’ pressure, especially at a time when manufacturing needs to be given a big push. India missed a couple of opportunities earlier to get into manufacturing in a big way. The first time was after the industrial revolution. And the second time was over the last few decades of the 20th century when most south-east Asian countries made big strides in industrial growth. The reason for these missed opportunities was possibly the political turmoil that India was going through. One hopes that we don’t miss the bus the third time around.
Kishor Kulkarni, Mumbai
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