State of varsities

The condition of universities in India is appalling. The curricula in 168 universities are outdated. Only 69 universities have updated the curricula as per the recommendations of the National Council for Teacher Education. Another deplorable factor is that 60 per cent of posts of teacher in higher educational institutions are lying vacant. If this serious neglect continues, our teachers and students will not be able to meet challenges in life. The education sector can be revitalised only if we end the policy of adhocism and indifference.

PROF KRISHAN MALHOTRA, Ambala Cantt

Exam evaluation

Apropos the report “Soon, 3 copies of answersheets” (August 22), introducing the concept of three copies of answersheets to be evaluated by examiners will remove many grievances of the examinees. Uploading answersheets on the website will certainly remove their suspicions as they can access marks. The time-consuming exercise of revaluation will come to an end.

The Punjab Education Minister can add another feather to his cap if he takes a sympathetic view of the diminishing cadres of teacher of privately managed government-aided schools. That the merit list of any board examination comprises more than 90 per cent students from private aided schools indicates that these school are imparting quality education by dedicated teachers.

Shyam Sunder Airi , Kapurthala

Fill posts of teacher

The standard of education has gone down due to such factors as shortage of staff and non-availability of basic infrastructure. In Punjab, for about 28 lakh students in schools, 28 per cent posts are lying vacant. The teacher-student ratio point is 1:35. In certain schools, the strength of students in one section is more than120. As per the statement of the state Education Minister, 1,300 teachers are on long leave and many on allied duties such as census and elections.

No doubt, the strength in the schools has increased with the introduction of schemes like mid-day meal, free books and cycles to girl students, but the shortage of teachers continues. From the literacy point of view, Punjab is at the 21st position as 64 lakh people are illiterate. The policy of Adarsh schools has failed considering that out of 24 such schools, only six or seven are working satisfactorily.

The RTE Act would be a non-starter unless teachers’ strength is increased.

HARISH MONGA, Ferozpur

Colleges sans teachers

Apropos the report “Colleges cry for teachers facilities” (September 3), despite the intervention of the HP High Court, the state Government has failed to provide teachers and other basic facilities in colleges, putting the careers of students at stake

Some politicians have opened colleges, but they are least concerned with their quality. Another pathetic aspect is that students have been agitating for elections, but not for facilities. Some colleges that were started decades ago in Himachal are still without infrastructure. At Mandi Degree College, the IIT Mandi, has occupied the accommodation provided to the college. Hence, students are facing a shortage of classrooms.

BR Kaundal, Mandi

Impart values to kids

Students are the future of India. The future of our country depends on the moral values imparted to them in their student life. Children have an immense power of observation and their feelings are deep-rooted. They observe their parents and teachers. Imparting moral values to students is the most important duty of the teachers. If a child misbehaves or tells lies, people blame the parents and teachers. Children resort to lies for personal gains. They will steal and say that they have not. Telling that them that stealing or telling a lie is bad is not enough. Examples of honesty and truthfulness are more effective than moral preaching. The teachers should always behave properly and set an example. The students look up to them as their ideals. It is important that a student has a sound base of moral values.

MOHIT SHARMA, Mahilpur

Teacher like potter

A teacher is a potter and students are like clay. Putting them on the wheel of education and right values of life helps them receive knowledge of the practical world.