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India a reliable partner in US war on terror

The editorial “US-India bonhomie: Strategic dialogue will take the process forward” (June 4) has well delineated the possibility of improvement of relations between India and the US in the wake of discussions held recently between them on various bilateral and international issues. But we should not read too much into them.

Only Pakistan benefits both in terms of military and economic aid from the US’s amorphous Af-Pak policy. Of late because of the US’s real or perceived tilt towards it, it also became bold enough to up its ante over the Kashmir issue and started rubbing India the wrong way. Perhaps but for the Time Square incident in New York, the US would have continued to treat Pakistan with kid gloves and ignore India’ regional interests and concerns.

Permitting Indian intelligence agencies to interrogate David Headley involved in the 26/11 Mumbai bloodshed, the US did not do us a favour. This was our legitimate demand. As the editorial stated, India should have been allowed to interrogate Headley much earlier. As both India and the US are victims of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, sharing of intelligence on the terrorist activities is useful for both the countries.

While this time round, we hope that the US will consider India as its reliable partner in its war against terror and that the newfound bonhomie does not prove to be a flash in the pan. Still we should not allow it to take us for granted on its every move and strategy to wriggle out of the Afghanistan quagmire.

HEMA, Langeri (Hoshiarpur)

Visa denial

Canada’s silence, enigmatic or obvious, is only an echo, a silent one though, of our executive decision to stay mum on the matter (news report, “Post-regret, Canada has little new to say”, June 6).

Moral strength is required to stand up and fight for others, a quality much desired in politicians on each side of the fence. The Tribune has done a commendable job by highlighting this issue when many who matter and can make a difference have backed out.

RUPESH BHANDARI, Amritsar

CBSE guidelines

The guidelines issued by the CBSE, instructing the teachers of affiliated schools to play the role of facilitators rather than instructors are welcome. The advice to cut down talk time to 15 minutes and let students discuss and ponder over the issue too is praiseworthy. Classroom coaching does get monotonous. Undoubtedly, the initiative taken by the CBSE is appreciable as it would encourage students to participate and promote classroom interaction. The guidelines issued by the CBSE are of cardinal importance to transform the rote learning system and to keep pace with the changing needs of the future.

Still it has raised doubts in the minds of the teaching faculty. They fear that if these recommendations are enforced in totality, it may hamper classroom efficiency, completion of syllabus and teacher’s creativity or innovation. Every change for the betterment is welcome. But it might have been far better if the teaching fraternity had been consulted.

RAJESH BAJAJ, Panchkula

Vacant posts

Hundreds of posts of lecturers for various subjects are lying vacant in government colleges of Punjab. The government has not made any permanent appointments in these colleges for many years. Therefore, the government should take necessary steps to expedite the process for recruitment of lecturers in government colleges before the commencement of this session.

VISHAL BHARDWAJ, Abohar

Sterner punishment

The editorial “Rathore in jail, at last!” (May 26) aptly summed up the sentiments of millions of people. The Tribune has done a commendable service by highlighting the Ruchika case. However, the quantum of punishment is so meagre that it is unlikely to discourage men like Rathore. Punishment should serve as a deterrent.

RAVI DATTA, Dehra (Kangra)

School board’s poor image The editorial “Heads must roll” (June 4) has made me write to you. I want to congratulate you for bringing out the true picture of the poor working of Punjab School Education Board. In my nine years of experience as the principal of a PSEB affiliated school, there was hardly any session when we did not feel the pinch due to mistakes in results, spellings of names of students or those of their parents in the certificates. Moreover, whenever a school head approached the Chairman with a problem, he was surrounded by a large number of advisors. Thus neither he could listen to nor solve any problem. The Punjab Board should set a system of accountability and must find more time to listen to the genuine problems or suggestions of school heads. This will certainly help save the sagging image of the board to some extent. PUSHPA MITTAL, Barnala