M A I L B A G

Some concerns about school education

Apropos of Professor Yash Pal’s views (Perspective, Dec 12), child-inspired education will help develop imaginative human resource. Since the employment agencies in particular and society in general judge candidates merely by test-scores, our education system has so far remained a regimen of learning or memorising answers. We are yet to create knowledge-based and skill-oriented educational environment.

Shortage of trained teachers in rural schools is seriously damaging the knowledge delivery process. As a result, the system is failing to develop inquisitive, inventive and efficient performers. Under the emerging e-education system (education satellite), involvement of both learners and teachers in developing the right kind of digital-courseware and other interactive multimedia-based educational programmes can prevent the distribution of electronic-(educational) filth.

The overall structure needs systematised reorientation to develop our human resource that can face challenges of information, communication and technological revolutions and changing socio-economic needs. To assure uniform, higher quality educational standards in different rural and urban schools, adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, region specific ‘school (student-teacher)- industry- society’ linkages, regular monitoring and ‘performance audit’ and responsive politico-bureaucratic approach are paramount.

Dr M.S. BAJWA, Former Dean, PAU, Ludhiana

Charm of Dalhousie

This refers to A.J. Philip’s ‘A Little England’ (Saturday Extra, Oct 30). Dalhousie was an integral part of Punjab before the reorganisation.

Before Partition, Dalhousie was the summer headquarters of the Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur. The Commissioner, Lahore division, also held courts there. The aristocracy of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Lahore, Shekhupura and Gujranwala districts shifted to Dalhousie during summers.

The writer has not mentioned the samadhi of Ajit Singh, a freedom fighter and uncle of Bhagat Singh. He has also not mentioned the mica ingredients found in the water of Subhash bauli which is known to heal respiratory ailments.

KEDAR NATH SHARMA, Pathankot

Trauma of admissions

This refers to Gitanjali Sharma’s “Rites of Admission” (Spectrum, Nov 14). It is important that such tests should be done away with. A centralised selection system should be encouraged and the admission process made simpler.

The ambition of the parents to get their children admitted to a convent school is responsible for the frustration that results on being denied admission.

In case of a limited number of seats in a school, a “lucky draw” system may be placed which neither discourages the parents nor the children. The government should also set up a body to monitor those schools which have stressful admission tests.

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore

For quick justice

This has reference to Mr Rajbir Deswal’s article “Hate crimes: Need for speedy disposal of cases” (Perspective, Dec 12). I fully agree with his views that hate crimes need speedy disposal of cases. Generally, such cases are not settled for decades. Consider the Delhi riots case, for example. Punishment is not given to the accused even if there is evidence for the crime perpetrated in broad daylight.

The settlement of case is delayed by the prosecutors and evidence is destroyed in course of time. This is the biggest flaw in the judiciary system. Only independent inquiries by credible agencies will help bring the culprits to book, especially in the case of murders and crimes done against women. These cases should be settled within say, 3-6 months, to provide quick justice to the victims.

AVTAR SINGH BIMBRAW, Ludhiana

Population explosion

Apropos of Seema Dasgupta’s article “Need to contain India’s expanding population” (Perspective, Nov 7), early marriages must be discouraged and social customs which tend towards growth of population ought to be smothered by making the masses aware of the evil consequences of large families. The rustic people ought to be told that the arrival of a new baby in the family frequently is not a divine gift but a bane in disguise. Moreover, a vigorous and persistent campaign should be launched against the monster of population.

I fully endorse the writer’s views that the government needs to sustain efforts to improve female literacy as the illiterate mothers tend to breed more children and fail to understand the gravity of the situation. Only then, the present accelerated population growth can be stemmed.

TARSEM S. BUMRAH, Batala

Woes of the aged

Aditi Tandon’s “Age of Neglect” (Spectrum, Nov 21) gives a grim picture of the plight of the aged. Last year, in an article “Speaking up for the aging guardians”, Kiran Bedi also suggested that one should contribute towards a home for the aged from the day one starts earning.

Such methods can prima facie provide social security, medical care and dignity to the life of senior citizens. The joint family system is crumbling and the need of the hour is to provide social security and care for the aged.

The elderly should be made a productive arm of society. The young generation must understand that the aged need affection which must be given to them as a matter of right and not as a favour.

T.C. KATHPALIA, Chandigarh

II

The article opens one’s eyes to the indifference of the government and society. In the West, the government takes care of the aged by providing harmony lodges. They are also given pension in addition to free medicare and travel facilities. Khushwant Singh, lamenting old age, in his write-up (Windows, July 1, 2000), said “Har cheez sey hota hai bura burhaapa, aashiq ko allah na dikhalaee burhaapa”.

The state should allot 2 per cent of its budget for the benefit of senior citizens who have no service pension or other source of income. The state must pay Rs 1000 per month as old age pension. In every locality there should be a society of senior citizens that can fight for their rights.n

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana