Introduction to Ecology

paper on the Soviet transport system by Khachaturov may have some relevance since transport service is, by and large, in the public domain in most developing countries. His paper, which is more descriptive than analytical, highlights the Soviet achievement of low transport costs and fares and a satisfactory level of profits, through centralised planning and generation of economies of scale. Contrary to the general belief, the author points out that though capital investment costs could be covered out of general revenues, the Soviets have decided to cover these costs through appropriate pricing in the transportation sector itself. Lack of inerest in the public services of the developing world could be for. two reasons. It is possible that economists of the developing countries have limited access to conferences of this type. Alternatively, very few persons are working on the economics of public services in the developing countries, including economists of such countries. If the former is the plausible reason, we need not worry too much since other forums exist for dissemination of research. But if the latter is the case, it is high time that our professionals wake up and address themselves to this neglected, yet highly relevant area of stud}-. Must we wait till some Western economists descend on us and make such studies fashionable in our own countries?