Job opportunities can be created in rural areas, provided the education system provides skills like repair and maintenance of farm machinery, welding, electrician etc. NCC can enable young men and women to join the armed forces. Sports as a subject can also be introduced at school level which may be a positive step to attract students and may help in producing good athletes and players for future.

Teachers' absenteeism need to be tackled by involving panchayats and parents. Jobs in IT sector can be created for the rural youth. Government help can transform the education scenario in rural areas to a large extent.

SC VAID, Greater Noida

III

There are two major reasons for setback to the education system in Punjab: one is shortage of teaching staff and second, the lack of interest of teachers in rural postings. The PAU recommendations to make a separate cadre for rural teachers are appreciated but these too will be practical if some extra posting allowance is attached otherwise no one would like to opt for rural postings. 

The depressing education scenario in rural areas can change if the authorities have the will and foresight. The government should undertake it as a mission in Punjab to tackle deteriorating condition of education.  

HARISH K.MONGA, Ferozepur

IV

Unfortunately, majority of school teachers have chosen their profession not by choice but by chance. The government should make every effort to build schools in the vicinity of every village or town. Additional incentives and residence should be provided to teachers working in rural areas to reduce absenteeism among teachers. The statistical figures of Department of Education show that the public expenditure on education is only 4-5% of GDP.

English is a global language and key to a successful communication. Students should be taught to have good command on the language other than their regional language in order to be more employable.

The 1986 National Policy on Education devotes a section on ‘’teacher’ and part of it states that ‘Teachers should have the freedom to innovate, and to devise appropriate methods of communication and activities relevant to the needs, capabilities and concerns of the community’. The teacher-training course should be rigorous and enough practical exposure should be provided to the teachers.

KANUPRIYA TANDON, Sydney

Ex-CJI in the dock

It is heartening to see the apex court taking a strict view of the government for failing to conduct a prompt probe into charges of corruption against former CJI KG Balakrishnan (news report, ‘SC to govt: Tell us the status of complaint against ex-CJI’, Feb 14). Investigation of graft charges against any judge, not to speak of a recently retired Chief Justice of the country, should be conducted in the most transparent and expeditious manner.

The case against Justice Balakrishnan should have been examined more seriously because he is not only an ex-CJI but also, as chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), he is occupying a high post in government hierarchy and is responsible for protecting the basic human rights of even the most vulnerable.

It is unfortunate that despite vociferous protests from numerous humanitarian groups and individuals, including retired CJI VR Krishna Iyer, the Indian government has remained completely silent and justice Balakrishnan has also refused to step  down voluntarily.

As the universally accepted legal acumen says, justice should not only be done, it must also be seen to be done.