•The recent past has seen concerted efforts by the government to set up controversial special economic zones to offer tax incentives to investors and, at the same time, promote economic growth along with employment opportunities. However, while SEZs are indeed necessary for economic development, there is little that the agriculture sector can gain from such schemes.

Thus, the government must set up model special agricultural zones to do away with the problem of small land holdings. Larger tracts of land would allow crop diversification and also increase productivity. Of course, the government would have to provide irrigation facilities and power to ensure the success of the project. Nonetheless, given high food grain prices and the stagnant agricultural growth rate, a jumpstart is needed in this crucial economic domain.

— Karan Thakur

New Delhi

Govt as employer

•The Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendation of a 40 per cent pay hike for Central government employees is welcome. But comparisons with the private sector should be avoided, since private firms don’t tolerate an employee being even a mere five minutes late for work.

The work pressure is much higher on private sector employees, nor are they always able to avail themselves of the leave due to them. They don’t have the leisure to read magazines and newspapers at work or even make a trip to the canteen whenever they want to.

To keep them at the desk, employers would rather ensure that they were served tea or coffee at work. More importantly, there is no provision for pension for private sector employees. Above all, appointments in the private sector are made on the basis of merit, and employees remain accountable to the employers. If an employee fails to contribute to the company’s profits he is fired. Will the Central government take these factors into consideration when it hikes the salaries of its employees?

... contd.