• Environmentalists unfortunately depend upon economists to prove their theories and axioms. One needs to recognise and understand the limitations of economic theories and statistics, which are very often based on certain assumptions that do not hold true at all times. Theories and logic should therefore go hand in hand. Further, one needs to question whether it is possible to quantify thousands of variables. Has empiricism diminished the value of economics?

— Shishir Sindekar

Nasik

Jet, set, stop

• Jet Airways’ striking pilots have once again caused great inconvenience to the public. It is preposterous that the pilots’ unions have allowed for such irresponsible behaviour because of trivial provocations from the airlines’ executives. Perhaps it would be wiser for the pilots to recognise the luxuries they are afforded, for instance accommodation at world-renowned hotels. What if these facilities were withdrawn? Would further strikes follow? Lastly, one should not forget that bus drivers provide a similar service yet their lives are extremely humble.

— S. Venkataraman

Mumbai

• The satirical editorial ‘Dump the pilot’ has zoned in on the pilot strike issue aptly. One questions where the pilots’ sense of responsibility is? Given that their job consists of provision of services should pilots themselves not recognise the inconvenience they cause? The question that needs to be asked is, why has the aviation industry given into the pressures of the pilots?

— Ved Guliani

Hisar

Well paid

• One of the major bottlenecks that the country faces is the pay structure seen in government-controlled organisation. With reference to the pay commission, bureaucrats have the final say. This tends to under evaluation of other jobs. Given that the country has steadily developed, perhaps it is high time that job evaluation takes place. Given that the Goverdhan Mehta Committee recommendations are not markedly different from the pay structure now, it would do well if those concerned are paid based on quality of research and consultancy earnings of the faculty.

... contd.