The alarming shortfall of power is making the economy stagnant and also acting ts a deterrent to industrial growth in the cou itry, especially in rural areas. The question of se ting up backward linkage industries and expan >ion of poultry, fisheries and other livestock fan ting are at big challenge.

Modern technology and employment opportunities are absolutely power base 1. If generation and distribution of power bee ime so costly and time consuming, we suggest use of solar energy to overcome this situatio 1, at

least partially.

If we fail to make any breakthrough in this top priority area within a short time, the question of achieving the MDG and poverty reduction goal shall remain a far cry for years to come.

The power policy of the government to make the country self-sufficient by the year 2021 should be pursued vigorously.

Kumar Prithwiraj Nath

Toronto, Canada