Sir — A British translator living in Norway, Lucy Moffatt, recently discovered striking similarities between Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and the work, Jernvognen, by the Norwegian writer, Stein Riverton, raising questions about the authenticity of Christie’s masterpiece. While she may have read Jernvognen, does that take away from her credibility as a writer? Authors are often influenced by the works of others and a good work of fiction consists of many more dimensions than just the plot. Thus, people will continue to enjoy Christie’s works. They have set a benchmark for mystery writers all over the world.

Suhasini Sen,

Calcutta

Second try

Sir — In spite of Swapan Dasgupta’s argument, it must be acknowledged that the prime minister of India makes bold speeches which in the end do not mean much (“A bold vision”, May 14). The last speech delivered to the nation was no exception. The administration must be held responsible for the deaths of innumerable migrant workers who have suffered the most during the lockdown. The message of self-reliance is perhaps relevant for the business community.

The second relief package that was announced last week can only be considered a survival package, not a stimulus. For instance, the announcement of the collateral free loan scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises seems like an attempt at the repair and maintenance of a sector that was about to breathe its last during an unplanned lockdown. The government is also focused on strengthening the supply chain, but not much has been done to ensure that there is an improvement in demand. When people do not have the spending capacity, how long can production be expected to continue?

It will be difficult to predict the medium or long-term impact of this survival package at the moment. The Reserve Bank of India should also consider an immediate extension of the moratorium on loans as it would bring relief to the middle class which is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. The biggest concern, however, is that much of the finances intended for the relief of the poor do not actually seem to trickle down.

Shovanlal Chakraborty,

Calcutta

Sir — The article by Swapan Dasgupta has rightly appreciated the steps taken by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, in the fight against Covid-19 where social distancing and phase-wise implementation of the national lockdown have been crucial. India has proved that it can hold its own in this war against the novel coronavirus. Although the number of infections has increased, the recovery rate, too, is on the rise.

The country is at a unique juncture. The prime minister’s discussion with the chief ministers of states regarding reopening the economy is going to be pivotal. The second economic package amounting approximately to Rs 20 lakh crore that was recently outlined by the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, is going to help the economy recover so that the country can eventually move towards its vision of atmanirbharta. This is perhaps the boldest decision that has been taken by the government during this pandemic.

Birkha Khadka Duvarseli,

Siliguri

Sir — The second financial package announced by the Narendra Modi government which stands at roughly 10 per cent of the gross domestic product was really needed. The package is comparable to that of the United States of America in terms of percentage although it might not be fair to make that comparison as the American dollar is much stronger than the Indian rupee. At this stage, it would require a number of enabling legislations to prop up the economy. Another major area of concern is the bureaucratic red tape that must be navigated before these measures can be implemented. Although there are a few capable analysts and administrators in the finance ministry, this is undoubtedly the most daunting challenge they have ever faced.

At this stage, the twin tasks of revival and reform are important, and the urgency to return to normalcy will demand the best from economists, bureaucrats and politicians. The country would have benefited if leaders like P.V. Narasimha Rao or Manmohan Singh had been at the Centre. The Modi government is bound to feel the absence of Arun Jaitley in this hour of need. Hence, there is all the more reason for the government to put its best foot forward.

R. Narayanan,

Navi Mumbai

Sir — Swapan Dasgupta has not shied away from heaping praise on the Narendra Modi government for its handling of the coronavirus crisis in India. In doing so, he has exposed his bias towards the incumbent government, the decisions taken by which have been the source of misery for the majority of the population. Although the second financial package boasts of a substantial sum, the actual cash outlay and its impact on the fiscal deficit are expected to be far less. The emphasis on atmanirbharta when people are struggling to meet their basic needs can only be considered insensitive.

Whether the second financial package eases the problems of the people remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain — it is too hasty to consider Covid-19 as a legacy moment for the prime minister.

Ahana Ray,

Durgapur