Letters to the Editor

This refers to your cover story package on India's Best Banks (February 14 issue). To become big, you have to first dream big and then work big. Paradoxically enough, in today's intensely-competitive milieu, even the best cannot afford to take their place for granted as we talk about the best of the best. HDFC Bank (Best in Class) has been a consistent player in the market right since its inception. It has never rushed into any new venture without fully understanding the ground realities. No business is without risk. The bank also has never been averse to taking risk as it's always backed up by a sufficient cushion through prudent policy initiatives. The well-timed acquisitions of Times Bank in the initial stage of its existence and Centurion Bank of Punjab in the subsequent period are cases in point. Having such a large balance sheet, strong capital adequacy ratio and the lowest net non-performing asset ratio among banks is something that is incredible, especially when the entire industry is reeling under the pressure of high non-performing loans. It shouldn't surprise anybody that HDFC Bank has bagged the coveted Bank of the Year award from BT-KPMG.

A great effort by the BT team for an excellent issue that is packed with information on a range of issues concerning Indian banking with related data. It is a treasure trove of information for the bankers. - Srinivasan Umashankar, Nagpur

Harnessing Natural Resources to the Hilt

This refers to your article on green buildings (Greening Begins at Home, February 14). It was a great fund of knowledge and wealth of information for construction of green buildings in India to reduce cost, improve amenities naturally, promote comfort of the dwellers holistically and protect the environment cohesively. It drives home the message that every house must harness the natural resources to the hilt. The recent selection of 20 cities out of the 100 proposed smart cities and allocation of funds for these cities will be the right channel to adopt the concept of green buildings from the inception itself. The abundant solar power and surplus storm waters during monsoons must be systematically utilised to foster a comprehensive ecosystem. These measures need to be taken up in the forthcoming Budget session and included in urban and housing policies.

Public sector banks must transfer the benefit of interest cost reduction to clients as envisaged by the RBI. This will motivate aspirants to avail housing loans. If these things are streamlined, India will definitely be a leader in adopting green technologies, topping even the developed nations of the world. - B. Rajasekaran, Bangalore

Anticipating Great Tax Relief

This refers to your article on corporate taxation (Reform Path, February 14). It is a timely piece before the Union Budget. The recommendations for bold tax reforms by the Easwar committee are most wecome. If implemented, they will definitely be a great relief to both the corporate sector and the individual taxpayer. - Namita Mahapatra, Faridabad

Kudos for an Excellent Edition

This refers to your 24th Anniversary Issue (Jan 17). I extend my sincere compliments for weaving together an excellent edition. The mix of writers and topics selected was very apt, considering the current and future needs of India. The article by Jack Hidary on smart cities was the best. He has nicely pointed out what it takes to make a smart city. India has some way to go to make its cities smart! - Manoj Kabre, On e-mail