M A I L B A G

Decision on PG courses needs a fresh look

The Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana, has formulated a policy that post-graduates courses shall not be permitted at the college level in future. No reasons have been cited for this, but a suggestion has been mooted that the desirous students be encouraged to pursue their PG studies either in the university campuses or through correspondence.

The decision is hardly in keeping with the present times. Haryana is still backward in the domain of higher education. A large number of PG aspirants particularly in Arts subjects like English are left high and dry year after year, thanks to limited seats in the desired courses. The need of the hour is to create greater opportunities for students than imposing a ban on the growth of additional facilities.

There are three general universities in Haryana. A campus department offers about 60 seats in a discipline. The colleges, in such a situation, cannot be wished away from catering to the ever-increasing clientele yearning to enhance their academic profile in the rather fiercely competitive job market.

The correspondence mode is a poor substitute for classroom teaching. The Directorate should instead stress on improving the quality of teaching in the colleges than impair free access to higher education in a welfare state. The decision deserves a fresh look.

SUBHASH SHARMA, Fatehabad

Disturbing trend

The governments at the Centre and in the states should tackle poverty on a war footing. There is abject poverty in the country. About half the population lives miserably in slums with no food, shelter, education, health care and clean drinking water.

The political system is not responsive to their problems. Disrespect to women and disregard of the poor and the weak have assumed horrifying proportions. The moral fabric of society has been eroded due to the modern lifestyle and the rapidly growing consumerist culture. This has increased the crime rate. Increasing cases of rape, murder and corruption have penetrated deep into our psyche.

The government is not taking any steps to check derogatory movies and TV serials aping the Western culture, full of sex, abuse and other perverse postures poisoning the young minds. This disturbing trend must stop.

D.R. SHARDA, Chandigarh

Water in Faridkot polluted The underground water of Faridkot is not fit for drinking. This has led to water borne diseases. Water supply here is canal based. Earlier, hand pumps were not allowed to be installed. Of late, the Public Health Department (Urban) has announced that instead of canal based water, hand pump water should be used. If early action is not taken, Hepatitis B can spread in Faridkot. Industrial effluents including poisonous chemicals are dumped in the canal water. The Public Health Department should ask the Irrigation Department to supply clear water to the people. M.G. GUPTA, Faridkot

An effective CBM

In his article, “Indus water woes: A useful dimension to peace process” (April 27), B.G. Verghese has brought to the readers’ attention that the surplus water of the rain and other eastern rivers that India cannot utilise, could perhaps be harnessed, through joint cooperation of India and Pakistan. He suggests that this idea can form a component of the CBM process between the two countries.

Consequently, Punjab should set up a core group to prepare a feasibility report, considering the actual ground reality which can be considered by the joint panel of the Indus Commission.

Dr G.S. DHILLON, Chandigarh

Need for a rethink

I refer to the news-item, “Continue issuing provisional NOCs,
CM tells board” (April 29). This subject pertains to environmental laws and I am in doubt whether the concept of provisional NOC can be applied to such projects.

What shall be the fate of these projects, if the Environment Ministry rejects the proposal on technical grounds? Crores of rupees spent on such projects will go down the drain. Apparently, the Punjab government has not been advised properly on the subject. This needs to be reviewed.

Dr RANJIT SINGH TOOR, Patiala

Scrap NET

The committee constituted by the Union Human Resources Development Ministry to review the NET exam conducted by the UGC has very rightly put forth the suggestion to scrap the NET examination. Moreover, Prof Mungekar’s suggestion to give more weightage and consideration to an M.Phil or a Ph.D degree holder for the teaching posts in colleges and universities should be welcomed and implemented.

This issue raises the question as to why merit, hard work and research work of an M.Phil or Ph.D scholar is ignored and preference is given to a NET qualified candidate.

GITANJALI THAPAR, HP University, Shimla

Case for a museum

I refer to the news-item, “Rs 8 crore to develop areas around
Amritsar, Wagah” (April 27). It would be in the fitness of things if Bhai Vir Singh’s Museum situated on Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Lawrence Road, Amritsar, is also incorporated in the list of 15 places of historical importance which will be developed.

Padma Bhushan Bhai Vir Singh is called ‘Father of modern Punjabi literature’. He was also a thinker, philosopher, saint, reformer, humanist and spiritual teacher.

K.J.S. AHLUWALIA, Amritsar

Ribeiro’s fight

Of the many distressing social evils, casteism, communalism and corruption are dangerous. The efforts made by the former Punjab DGP J.F. Ribeiro against these evils through an NGO in Mumbai, as reported in The Tribune (April 28) deserve support.

It is common knowledge that most complaints lodged by ordinary people go unheeded in offices, including police stations. Persons of stature and high integrity like Mr Ribeiro can play a vital role in checking this irresponsible attitude of the officers concerned. Those who retired from top positions can also take up this challenging task as a social and humanitarian service. C.L. ARORA, Ferozepore City