L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Education system needs overhaul

This refers to the article, “Coaching industry — A parallel education system” (July 27). To survive in today’s cut-throat competition, coaching has become a compulsion rather than an option. Our education system is responsible for this. The present education system does not allow us to prepare for competitive examinations. There remains a huge gap between the level of preparation for Board examinations and competitive examinations.

No doubt, coaching institutes provide relevant knowledge and expertise. But schools can also recruit such experts. Schools and colleges also can have personality development classes. If the government can introduce environment studies as a subject in schools and colleges, why can’t logical reasoning and aptitude be included?

Coaching is not bad. But it puts a heavy burden of cost on students and their parents. Therefore, the entire education system needs an overhaul.

SHIRPA NAGRATH, Ambala

II

Vipul Grover’s article, “Coaching industry — A parallel education system” (July 27), and Punam Soni’s article, “Students need timely help” (July 27), are timely and thought provoking. There is no doubt that schools and colleges provide basic education, but to succeed in today’s cut-throat competition, strategic inputs are required.

Coaching institutes, run by experts, are in a better position to provide proper guidance. But only children from rich families can get the benefit of coaching institutes. So, the education system needs to be reformed. However, most of these coaching institutions are doing a great job in providing quality education to their students.

ANJU D ANAND, Solan

Fighting corruption

I partly agree with the writer that vital changes are needed in the proposed Lokpal Bill (Lokpal Bill belies hopes, August 2). He has expressed serious concerns over the issue of not including the Prime Minister, the judiciary, and now even MPs and MLAs, who are trying their best to seek cover under Article 105 of the Constitution to put their case for exclusion from the Lokpal Bill.

Apart from this, in the proposed Bill, class I officers have also been exempted. Another serious flaw in the government’s Bill is the denial of power to the Lokpal to prosecute those accused of corruption. This means the proposed Bill will be for a toothless institution, which can only chew but cannot bite.

However, it is a million-dollar question whether the Lokpal will be able to fight and solve corruption-related issues. Where will you find a Yudhishter in this Kaliyug dedicated to the cause of corruption for more than two decades with an impeccable track record, and that too for a toothless Lokpal?

I think no person with self-respect will agree to be on the Lokpal body if his/her decision is subject to control by the government. I am of the view that no Lokpal will be able to solve the vexed issue of corruption. This can only happen if government servants and citizens of the country vow neither to accept nor give bribe. Rules should be made people friendly, and framed in consultation with the community concerned. Once framed, these rules should not be allowed to change. Then only can one hope for a drastic change. It is difficult, but not impossible.

SANJAY SAKSENA, Dy. Director (PR),
M.P. Information Centre, New Delhi

Sex workers

The Supreme Court has quite rightly expressed its unhappiness over the efforts of various states for the rehabilitation of sex workers (“Do more for rehab of sex workers, states told”, August 3). Sex workers continue to suffer because they have no other alternative source of income. Our society looks down on them and we do not feel responsible for their plight. Poverty has driven such people to become sex workers, and society takes advantage of their helplessness.

But when it comes to supporting such people so that they can come out of this miserable life, there is none to help.

There are NGOs that work for the welfare of sex workers and their children. But nothing concrete is possible in the absence of support from society.

During my surveys, I found teenagers forced to become sex workers. Most of them were hesitant to speak to me. But when I was able to win their faith, they told me that they wanted to go to school.

The government alone cannot do much in this regard. Prostitution is prevalent in other countries also. But the condition of sex workers in India is pitiable. Our society, which even now boasts of high moral values, should first develop compassion for these children, and do something for their betterment.

DIPINDERJIT SINGH,
Researcher, Jalandhar

India’s debacle This refers to the article, “India not deserving of English envy” (August 2). The article quite rightly points out that the Indians have hardly done anything right so far in England. We are not like the West Indian side of the 60s and the 70s. We are also not like the Australian side, which was led by Steve Waugh in the 90s. It is only for the last few years that we have started doing well abroad. So, the Indians need to work hard. It was obvious after watching the two Tests that the Indians did not prepare themselves adequately for this tour. This is the reason they do not look like a champion team. Dhoni has to remember that Test cricket requires perseverance, and for the first time in his career, he does not seem to be focused on his job. HARISH VERMA, Faridabad