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

Regulation must

Apropos Raj Chengappa’s article “Should Indian media be restrained?” (Ground Zero, Dec 9), checking media will lead to suppression of views and would be harmful for society. Instead, it should be regulated so it does not overstep its limits. Media coverage in the Jessica Lal and Aarushi Talwar murder cases uncovered many hidden stories, but instances like the alleged blackmailing by Zee News editors over coal allocations raise suspicion in the minds of people. A check on media is also necessary so that it does not become a tool in the hands of politicians and the rich. Regulation should not be seen as an encroachment on its freedom.

Kshitij Gupta, Narwana

II

Media is a powerful tool of communication. A section of the media has indulged in hasty judgments. In the race to bring news first, the quality of information has become the first casualty. At the same time, we cannot ignore that media strives to awaken the conscience of people to their social and national duty. One may object to media trial, but one cannot forget the positive role it has been playing in various cases. If the law has been able to nab influential and powerful criminals, the credit goes to the media.

Ved Guliani, Hisar

Ram Varma, email

Violence no good

Reference Kishwar Desai’s “Spare the rod to save the child” (Sunday Tribune, Dec 9), framing laws alone will not help. Certain teachers use corporal punishment to discipline students. This must change as the need is to teach children lessons in tolerance and human values. The management and parent-teacher associations must help schools create a congenial environment. Every school must have a counselling cell.

HK Monga, Ferozepur

II

There is need for stringent laws to protect children from violence. Many parents and teachers hit children. This can leave indelible marks of fear and hatred on impressionable minds, affecting their physical, mental and intellectual development. A teacher who inflicts violence should be shown the door. Each district must have a child protection cell and children should be encouraged to expose such perpetrators.

Sudesh Kumar Sharma, Kapurthala