Women lawmakers

This refers to the article ‘Women as lawmakers’. India has made notable progress in various sectors, yet the representation of women in legislative bodies remains relatively low. Increasing women’s participation in lawmaking is not merely a matter of equality but it is a strategic economic decision.

It has been proved that women leaders tend to prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and social welfare, sectors that are crucial for social and economic development. Women lawmakers are also more likely to advocate for inclusive policies that support small businesses, SHGs, and entrepreneurship, particularly among rural and marginalized communities.

Empowering women in legislative roles is not just a social reform but it is an economic imperative.

Bal Govind

Noida

IPO blues

With reference to the Editorial “Misreading markets” (April 24), the market impact of the significant decline in the IPOs of the companies due to war is noteworthy, considering the substantial cost of launching the offerings involved.

In majority of the issues floated in the recent past, promoters and external investors made exits from investments at superfluous valuations causing colossal losses to the retail investors, due to poor price sustainability post listing of the shares. The the current situation has hit the fund raising plans of companies, especially SMEs, it has also insulated retail investors from losses. Regulatory norms permitting extension of launching timelines and reduction in offer size for already approved offers, is a great respite to companies, which would save time involved in preparation of new offer documents and additional disclosures.

Sitaram Popuri

Bengaluru

‘Spread’ dynamics

It is with reference to the article ‘Spreads are crucial to oil prices’ (April 24). Spreads are indeed crucial for oil prices and act as key market indicators that reflect supply/demand dynamics, storage constraints and refined product demand. Crack spread is the price difference between crude oil and its refined products. If crack spreads are high, refiners run at capacity to make products driving up demand for crude. Ultimately, spreads provide a more accurate picture of physical market tightness than the speculative flat price of crude.

P Victor Selvaraj

Palayamkottai (TN)

Mother Dairy’s success

Apropos ‘Mother dairy crosses ₹20k cr turnover milestone, eyes 20% growth’ (April 23).

Being a subsidiary of NDDB, a govt of India enterprise, this achievement is truly remarkable.

With 20 per cent growth as target, it would be ideal if farmers are offered a chunk of profits as an incentive for their contribution to companies growth and success.

KMF must take a cue from this growth story and encourage more farmers to take up dairying.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village (Karnataka)

Published on April 24, 2026