Schools sans basics

Apropos the editorial “Speech delivered” (September 8), on Teachers' Day, PM Narendra Modi revived the tradition of personalised communication with the children of the nation. Ironically, the decision caused schools across the country to showcase the pathetic state of their infrastructure. Schools were seen to be without teachers, without a roof, having dilapidated structures without walls, where millions of children are supposed to receive education.

In the name of construction of toilets and buildings, millions of rupees are pocketed by politicians-turned-contractors. Substandard structures are built with maintenance funds. Ultimately, the sufferers are students who mostly belong to low socio-economic strata. It would be a step towards quality education if these aspects are considered by the Prime Minister.

BR Kaundal, Mandi

Traditional doctors

Apropos the editorial “Zero medical error” (September 9), in reference with doctors, non-MBBS doctors are never considered. There are other kinds of institutionally qualified doctors in the country who are equally functional and rendering yeoman’s service. Especially, those practising the traditional Indian System of Medicine (ISM), supplemented with modern western methods as per the need. Many states have legalised the ISM, based on reports and studies conducted by government agencies. The World Health Organisation too has recommended it. Approximately seven lakh such doctors are registered in the country. If their services are utilised, the patient-doctor ratio would increase from 1:17,00 to 1:1,000 and it would be nearer to the universal standard of 1:800. But certain vested interests in the market-oriented society are against ISM. Policymakers, please don’t ignore ISM.

Dr Naresh Dalal, Jhajjar

Medical reimbursement

The Punjab Government is paying a mere ~500 as medical reimbursement to its employees and pensioners. This amount is also subjected to income tax. It was last revised about 10 years back, with the last two pay panels not touching it. Since then, the DA has increased by more than 100%; doctor's fee three or four times and medicine cost many times. Various employees’ unions and associations have been highlighting the issue. The government must raise medical reimbursement to at least Rs 1,500 pm and exempt it from income tax.

Er Rabinder Singh Arneja, Jalandhar

Apt cartoon

The cartoon by Sandeep Joshi and its caption in the column 'In Passing', "Sir, he had come only to repair the AC, and you appointed him Chairman?!" (September 7), were superb. It aptly highlighted the politicians’ desperate attempt to please everyone on the eve of assembly elections. There is an urgent need of an effective mechanism/authority to curb squandering of public money by politicians to entice voters, forgetting that they are its trustees and not proprietors. The freebies promised by politicians before and after elections virtually bleed a state's economy irreparably.

Lalit Bhardwaj, Panchkula

Govt’s ‘to-do list’

There is a long ‘to-do list’of the Modi government, including setting up of 100 smart cities, bullet trains, IIMs and IITs in all states, cleaning and connecting national rivers, providing pucca houses for all and Rs 1 lakh insurance to every farmer. 

Tek Chand, Una

Needed sincere men

There is no doubt that the separation of the judiciary and the legislature is important for democracy. But, it is equally important that the post of Governor needs mature men of integrity. The former Chief Justice has demonstrated good work while in office. He will no doubt do justice as Governor, too.

The country needs the services of sincere, honest and mature persons with experience.

R S Mathoda, Chandigarh