M A I L B A G

Correcting the imbalance in PCS exam

APROPOS of the report “PCS exam evaluation system not so fair” (Dec 9), there is a need to improve the present system so that the candidates belonging to humanities stream are not denied justice. Undoubtedly, candidates of science stream often obtain more marks than those of humanities stream. The intelligence of candidates belonging to different streams is not treated on a par with their respective levels of scoring.

There is, certainly, an imbalance in scoring marks in different optional subjects in the Punjab Civil Service examination but there is need for a formula for correcting the imbalance. This formula should correct the imbalance created in the same optional by virtue of different yardsticks adopted by the examiners for awarding marks.

It is also widely believed that the majority of the bureaucrats, from the humanities stream, have proved to be able administrators because the concepts and dynamics of humanities play an important role while discharging their duties. I avail myself of the opportunity to invite the attention of all concerned to suggest ways and means by which the imbalance in scoring marks can be corrected. Also examine how science subjects help bureaucrats carry out their duties which are mostly non-technical.

MAJOR HARDEV SINGH (retd.), New Delhi

Lighting the lamp of wisdom EVERYDAY, the newspapers tumble out a new story of fraud with public faith by those in whom people repose faith. It is a matter of national shame for us that our legislators and public servants whose names figure in crimes and scams play havoc with our society. To say that the waters of life have got polluted is understating the facts which tell us that we are living in a cesspool of sewerage waters. I wonder why the human river remains dirty and human deeds are stinking despite so much of religiosity all around — from leaders visiting temples to TV channels churning out bhajans and shabads daily. Perhaps we have reached the point which W.B. Yeats has hinted in his great poem “The Second Coming”: “The Centre cannot hold, things fall apart”. The human centre of our civilisation has weakened. God is a saleable commodity. Faith is a thing of the past. Mediocre values like commerce have become the ruling passion of an average man's living style. Education has taken a back seat. It is the politician who rules the world. Mad dreams rule our passions. Who will stop this? Who will light the lamp of light and wisdom in the lighted towers burning with darkness? Nothing short of a spiritual reawakening, a spiritual revolution, a going back to the light which transcends religious identities and restores our faith in humankind. Dr J.S. ANAND, Bathinda

On meritocracy

True, reservation is guaranteed for STs, SCs, OBCs and other categories. But this is not at the cost of the rights of those in the General category. Often, the reserved categories have to face a stiff competition from their own lot. And when they sweat and toil to secure a good job, they are labelled as “opportunists” who, some sections say, could make it due to his/her reservation tag only.

The real problem does not lie within the system of reservation. It lies deep down in our psyche. We are just like that bunch of frogs who will pull down the other frog who tries to get out of the well. Most of us don’t accept the fact that others who fall under the category of reservations are as much human as we are. And they face the same problems of education, job and livelihood like us. So, it would be better if we look into ourselves before accusing others of taking away our merit.

DIMPLE KATOCH, New Shimla

The best option

Apropos of the report “Ministers fear losing jobs” (Dec 26), I feel the best option regarding cabinet formation under the new constitutional scheme would be to go in for an elected cabinet, the Chief Minister retaining or enjoying the prerogative of allocating portfolios only among his ministerial colleagues. The method would help eliminate grumblings, factionalism and dissidence against the Chief Minister.

Alternatively, let ministership go to legislators of the majority party by rotation, thus ensuring equity and fairplay and, in the bargain, promote cohesion in the ruling legislature party. Over to Mr Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh!

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

What a downfall !

Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar and President of Rashtriya Janata Dal, will soon call himself as Dr Laloo Prasad Yadav, thanks to the unanimous decision of the Syndicate of Patna University. What a downfall! The conduct of the Syndicate and of Vice-Chancellor Dr K.K. Jha force me to hang my head in shame.

The following couplet of Dr Iqbal is for the likes of Dr Jha:

“Lekin mujhae paida kiya us mulk maen tune

Jis Mulk ke bande hae gulami pe trajmand”.

Dr NARESH RAJ, Patiala