L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Let’s support what is just and right

In his article, “Violating the rule of law” (Perspective, Jan 17), N.H. Hingorani has rightly highlighted the need to draw lessons from the Ruchika case and cleanse the system. It is thanks to the media and conscientious citizens like Hingorani and many others that the nation has been united in an emotional string to seek justice for Ruchika.

We see a great hope in this emotional upheaval. The pent-up steam had to find a release. It is not only good for the emotional and moral health of the nation but also beneficial to send the right message to the powers to be. No body is above the law.

The police needs to reform itself. The criminal justice system requires an immediate re-look. The promotion policy of officers has to be foolproof to prevent criminals from attaining higher posts. The police-politician nexus has to be broken.

The judiciary has to view its shortcomings seriously so that Aradhana does not have to wait for 19 years to hear a sentence of six months against the molester of her friend.

I salute the media for taking up the Ruchika case. Let’s support what is just and right. Let’s contribute our bit to save future Ruchikas.

Col R.D. SINGH, Ambala Cantonment

SHANTI SWAROOP SHARMA, Dharamshala

Assessing teachers: Issues in question Once again there is discussion on the need to assess the performance of university teachers. Clearly, the focus of attention is not only on the assessment of a teacher’s knowledge and his methodology to deliver it to students but also on his ability to love, understand, encourage and inspire his students to grow mentally and socially. One can also not miss to judge the teacher’s love for and dedication to his/her profession, academic pursuits and interests, social and moral qualities and vision of a better and happier Indian society. Obviously, this does not make the task of assessment a simple affair. The subject raises many questions. Are teachers willing to be assessed? The capable among them are. Others will follow suit if the module or programme of assessment is well-conceived. Then who should assess them? Their equals and superiors in the academic field and in other walks of life or their students? In fact, both. Of course, students should have a simplified format for the purpose. Though physically grownup, a good number of our students are playful, non-serious and immature attaching importance to trifles. Moreover, most students do not have a broad vision of things and lack the knowledge and appreciation of higher human values. They need a very thorough and continuous training to assess their teachers objectively and dispassionately. Otherwise, students will do more harm than good and the enlightened and happy human relationship that we aim to see in the university will elude us. The university also needs to think of ways and means to pull up or get rid of teachers whose performance is continuously below expectations. Dr P.S. CHANANA, Patiala

Emerging class

My article, “Incomes – High and low” (Sunday Oped, Jan 17), deals with the emerging middle class and not the emerging economies. The expression “emerging” pertains to the movement of people from the poor segment to the middle class through rise in incomes.

The income definition made is for this particular segment and certainly not the middle class. The amendment of the Gini Index suggested is meant only for the poor consumers joining the middle class. Our studies address not the middle class but the addition to the middle class from the ranks of poor and very poor people.

Prof K.S. RAMACHANDRAN, Gurgaon 

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