Biometric I-cards

To the editorial “Thumbs up to  I-cards: But info must be duly protected” (April 16) I would like to add that the Herculean task of managing the data needs skilled and trained hands. Even voter cards often carry distorted information because at times incompetent persons collect the data. Extraordinary cautiousness is needed to make these cards.

ANUP K GAKKHAR,

Haridwar IPL mess

Everything is being politicised in India and the IPL is no exception.

Many cricketers of the world are participating in this bonanza. The public response towards these matches is also heartening. Young Indian cricketers who are hoping to enter international arena have got an opportunity to prove themselves. The slinging match between the warring groups should be stopped. At least, let the IPL matches be over.

RK MITTAL, Kapurthala

Campus violence

Shootouts, ragging, display of money, muscle power and ugly politics is now a ground reality of Panjab University, Chandigarh (editorial, “Violence on campus”, April 15) 

There are at least five active students’ political groups in Panjab University. Students are usually emboldened and resort to arson and hooliganism because of the support and protection from political parties and caste leaders. Since most of the students leaders in PU campus belong to non- political families and are not encouraged by their family to join politics, it would be easy for the authorities to control them.

Stern action against the guilty will deter others from indulging in violence. Concerted efforts by the teaching faculty and the governing authorities can be effective to curb the violence in the university and college campus.

Dr S K AGGARWAL,

Amritsar

Recruit teachers

B S Ghuman’s article “Investing in people” (April 17) has made a suggestion to set up an independent regulatory commission for education. While it is quite easy to propose such a panel, the ground 
realities vis-à-vis primary and secondary education in Punjab are an eye-opener.

One need not visit government schools in border areas to know the dismal reality. A visit to schools in areas near Chandigarh would suffice.

I know of a specific case where a teacher retired as a headmaster in Punjab even without taking a single class during his ‘illustrious’ teaching career. I am sure his is not an isolated case.

So, instead of building castles in the air, we should start with the recruitment of intelligent and hard-working teachers who are passionate about imparting education to children, particularly from the disadvantaged sections of society.

TAJINDER BAINS, Chandigarh

Check naxalism

The government policies are responsible for the growth of naxalism in states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Orissa (editorial, “Agenda for Chidambaram: Hit Naxals hard but give succour to tribals”, April 17). The tribals feel deprived of their livelihood and access to forests because of the mining operations carried out by the multinational companies and corporate houses. Maoist groups are naturally exploiting their dissatisfaction with the government for their vested interests.  

It is beyond one’s comprehension as to why the government is not making tribals stakeholders in the mining activities if these are must for the development of those areas.

One also wonders when will the government fix a time frame for ending the Maoist violence. It must stamp out corruption, poverty, unemployment and social and economic inequality in society. These factors are to a large extent responsible for the general unrest in the country. Strong- arm methods alone cannot wean away the disaffected people from the left wing extremists.

TARSEM SINGH, New Delhi

II

Experience tells us that insurgency or Dantewada like situation(s) invariably thrive in underdeveloped terrains with adverse climatic conditions and dismal living conditions. Insurgencies in Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura are glaring examples.

The need of the hour is to train our security forces and provide them good and motivated leadership. Besides, good administrative support is also essential.

Brig VK SHARMA, (retd) Chandimandir