This refers to the editorial ‘Creditable move’ (February 13). At a time when risks are inevitable in banking, DICGC’s move to charge insurance premiums differentially on banks based on risk assessment is prudent, as it provides benefits to those banks that are resilient. This will urge banks to implement robust risk assessment and mitigation measures to strengthen compliance culture and governance.

However, non-disclosure of information with regard to premiums paid to DICGC by depositors is not fair as it goes against the interests of the latter. The depositor has every right to choose a bank whose business risk is moderate. Though the RBI will act proactively to safeguard the interest of depositors, it is paramount to publish the information about the rating of DICGC.

VSK Pillai

Changanacherry, Kerala

Survival index

Apropos, ‘Jan retail inflation at 2.75% under new CPI base year’ (February 13). This new index hides the real struggle of the common man. The index today gives weightage to housing, transport, and services. What matters for survival are groceries like rice, wheat, pulses, oil, milk and vegetables, essential for two square meals a day. Medicines for BP, diabetes, cold, and cough are also part of basic needs. Without these, life becomes hard. Therefore, an exclusive index should be created for these items alone. It should reflect the cost of survival, not luxury.

O Prasada Rao

Hyderabad

Gaps in school education

Apropos, ‘Digital divide not the real problem in schools’ (February 13). Although the digital divide undeniably persists between public and private school students and between urban and rural learners, reform efforts must transcend the narrow obsession with devices and connectivity. Before bridging this gap, education systems must institutionalise rigorous curriculum delivery in language, science and mathematics, while systematically cultivating analytical reasoning and adaptive skills to confront everyday challenges scientifically. Equally essential is the deliberate integration of moral education, ethical standards and civic responsibility so that knowledge evolves into wisdom, character and social consciousness. .

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

Promoting tourism

This refers to ‘Give tourism a boost’ (February 13). India with its vast and ancient culture, heritage sites and historical places should have become the epicentre of world tourism. However due to poor upkeep of our historical/heritage sites, the domestic tourism industry is in a bad shape. The Tourism Ministry should identify such sites and work speedily towards refurbishing them. Non-availability of guides who can speak foreign languages is also a constraint in attracting foreign tourists.

Veena Shenoy

Thane

Published on February 13, 2026