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Implement 134A

The implementation of 134A of the School Education Rules 2009 is not taking a smooth sail in Haryana. In news reports also, it is sometimes confused with the implementation of RTE 2009 under which Haryana formulated the Rules in 2011. These two provisions with regard to EWS and other deprived sections of society should not be mixed. There is no bone of contention in implementing the RTE in Haryana. It should go as per the Act and subsequent Rules framed in June 2011 for elementary classes. As regards 134A, private schools should not shy away from their social responsibility of implementing 134A to the extent of 10% in classes IX to XII and only to poor students on merit against fees at the rate of the government schools in lieu of the introductory benefit in the form of land at concessional rates. Since there is no fees charged in government schools, the government should reimburse the fees last charged. The contribution of private schools should be recognised and it is in this spirit that the problem should be amicably resolved. The two types of management are complementary. The government should also raise the standard of education in its own schools.

Dr S. KUMAR, Panchkula

Beacon-crazy VIPs

This refers to news item “Now, amber beacons for new VIP category” (April 19). The Punjab Government’s Transport Department has issued a notification which allows the use of amber beacons atop the official vehicles of a new category of officials and politicians. The Supreme Court had in December ordered that those on constitutional posts alone be allowed to use red beacons on their vehicles, leaving out IAS and IPS officers, MPs, MLAs, CPSes etc. The Punjab government, by issuing this notification, has effectively carved a way out to please politicians and officials. It has created three new categories of VIPs. This notification defeats the purpose of the SC orderrestricting the use of red beacons. Our politicians are fond of displaying power by flaunting red beacons atop their vehicles. Now, if the SC bans the use of orange beacons by all and sundry, our bright politicians would come up with another notification allowing the use of green, blue, grey or black colour beacons!

Arun Hastir, Babehali (Gurdaspur)

BJP’s poll ad blitz

Why spend Rs 5,000 crore for advertising in one election? Since the BJP does not allow RTI (right to information) in its party, we will never know where this money came from.

As an economist, I want to make some things clear. The party has booked 15,000 hoardings across India for up to three months. It has bought about 2,000 spots a day across Hindi, English and regional news, general entertainment and sports TV channels. A spot in most popular entertainment channels costs about Rs 80,000 per 30 seconds. The budget is Rs 800-1,000 crore. It spent another Rs 150 crore during the T20 World Cup.

The online and radio budget is about Rs 35 crore. “The BJP’s spending is at least four times that of the Congress,” said Santosh Sood, former COO, Rediffusion Y&R, a media buying agency. Sources close to the BJP’s campaign said the party could end up spending about Rs 5,000 crore by May 12, the last phase of polling.

Gaurav Singh, via email

Hindi films, English names

These days, the names of Hindi films are mostly in English or partly in English, e.g. 2 States, Highway or Shaadi Ke Side Effects. It is surprising that the makers cannot find suitable names in Hindi, like earlier films which were aptly titled with one-word names or lengthier names.

Everything in these films, including music, is detoriating.

IPS Anand, Mani Majra

No street manners

Though we are aware that the streets in small towns are very narrow, people park their cars insensibly, causing inconvenience to the others. When there is not enough space at home to park cars, they park them in the streets in front of their homes. But some streets can accommodate only one car. People who create problems for others should be warned by the police, but I have never seen a policeman in the streets. Is their duty limited to market areas? The police must pay attention to streets also to avoid jams.

Jayant Garg, Mansa

Sirmaur roads perilous

The deteriorating condition of roads in Sirmaur district is no secret. The matter has been raised time and again, but to no avail. Accidents have taken a toll of numerous lives. Many old and new roads are full of pits and holes, making the journey perilous. It is very risky to give way to other vehicles, specially on narrow and zigzagged roads. That is why tourists do not visit Sirmaur. More funds should be earmarked for making the roads broader and safer to escalate tourism.

KISHAN S GATWAL, Sataun, Sirmaur

Rash drivers

I would like to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned about the rash driving of PRTC bus drivers. They have a sense of false pride in driving rashly and competing with each other without caring for the others on road. They neither follow traffic rules nor fear the police. Any conversation with them reveals that they care two hoots as they have a ‘sarkari naukri’. It is high time that this menace is controlled.

Gurjeet Singh Pandher, via emai

Singers, too, have right

Since when has it become a crime for public figures like singers to support a political party? All kinds of Bollywood personalities not only support and canvass but also run for political parties. Harbhajan Mann and Jazzy Bains have every right to express their opinion like all other citizens of this free and democratic country.

STS Dhillon, Canada

Tailpiece

Politics: Pool of ticks
Leader: Launder
Campaign: Champagne
Manifesto: Many jest o
Election: Ail action
Pool: LOL

Amandeep Singh, Ottawa

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