M A I L B A G

The public has no say in Pakistan

The state of Pakistan was created more out of machinations between the British and Muslim leaders than genuine freedom struggle undertaken by the Indians. The faulty base of its creation couldn’t sustain democracy.

Its shaky political system, perhaps, couldn’t sever its umbilical chord from its past and therefore, continued to draw its sustenance from it. Hence, any genuine political participation was hijacked by the vested interests, leaving little chance to Pakistani public to have a say in its governance.

To expect the same public to break this vicious circle is, perhaps, asking for too much. The bonhomie created by recent detente along the borders and increasing public contacts culminating into Indo-Pak Punjab Games cannot be carried further given the unresolved Kashmir issue. The platitudes and gratitudes expressed by visiting delegates notwithstanding, substantial progress can only be made if there is perceptible change on Kashmir. Till then, piggyriding public emotions will never bring us closer.

SUSHIL KAUSHAL, Ludhiana

Learn from China

We are running industrial units at Rampura Phul and have visited various industrial cities of China and seen rapid growth of industry, road construction and building construction. China is capturing world market through competitive rates and quality.

DEEPAK GARG and others, Rampura Phul

85th Amendment

The Chief Minister had repeatedly announced at the time of two byelections in Punjab that the 85th Amendment will be implemented very soon. Three months have passed both the notification has not been issued.

Print and electronic media should come forward to highlight the problem and difficulties of SC, ST and BC people. Also, educate the youngsters of these communities so that they do not believe in such parties which do not fulfil their commitments and prove the proverb “All that glitters is not gold”.

SURINDER PAL SINGH, President, Scheduled Caste Diploma-Engineers Welfare Association, PWD Irrigation Branch, Punjab.

New exam pattern

The decision of the H.P. School Education Board, Dharamshala, to give up its age-old subjective type system of examinations and to switch over to the new exam pattern from the current academic session April-2005 is an appreciable decision.

This decision will prove to be highly rewarding for the students, since they can get good score in their annual examinations. The board should publish the style of new type of question papers in the leading newspapers, so that the students may have an idea of the new pattern of examination.

Besides, the chairman should take strict measures to cope with copying in the annual examinations. Copying can be controlled if flying squad teams keep a close eye on all the schools each day and in every paper.

VIKAS DOGRA, Nagrota Surian (Kangra), HP. 

Sliding dollar

The US debt bomb and the rising deficit are causing continuous slide in dollar prices. Two economists, Mr Maurice Obstfeld of the University of California and Mr Kenneth Rogoff of Harvard University, in their new paper have predicted a potential collapse of the US dollar.

India’s forex reserve has crossed $ 125 billion. Taking into account the continuous downfall of the dollar, it will be in the best interest to switch over to other stronger currencies like euro dollar and francs.

Dr B L TEKRIWAL, Mumbai.

Crux of the problem

In his well-argued article, “When to subside and why” (Education Page, Dec 7), Dr Amrik Singh has given an agreeable solution to raise the falling standards of our universities by raising fees. His view that some teachers are capable of better performance exposes the main malady that is severely inflicting our institutions of higher learning, and which needs to be addressed before getting into the contentious fee raising issue.

For, the non-performers in our universities, thanks to our flippant education and examination system that is often frequented by political interference, being in majority would never allow any such desired change. As such, a change would expose their incapability as academicians.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh.