A question of equity

Inequality is certainly a serious problem in India but Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh seems keen to ensure equality in every aspect of public life. At a recent event in the capital, he was asked to moderate a panel discussion. When the floor was opened for questions, he took the stage and declared that he would ensure that “demographic, professional and racial equity” was maintained even during question hour. Accordingly, he took one question from an Indian, one from a foreign national, one from a journalist and so on.