Literacy and political will

  Apropos of the editorial “Literacy and political will” (September 10), Punjab’s Ropar district, by its best performance in implementing the total literacy scheme in the country, has really done the state proud. On the other hand, the fact that Punjab’s highest percentage of illiteracy is found in Mansa district is certainly not a performance to be proud of.

It is no exaggeration to say that literacy holds the key to a nation’s progress, and that of all the problems afflicting our society today, illiteracy is the most formidable and crucial one to be tackled if India has to successfully step into the 21st century.

By the way, what have we been doing all these years to solve the problem? The percentage of illiterates has been galloping with the increase of population. For example, the figures swelled from 300 million illiterates in 1951 to 432 million in 1981, and might have gone up still further by now. A literacy rate of not more than 55 per cent after five decades of Independence is a performance to be rather ashamed of! More so, because 95 per cent of rural women, particularly in such backward states as Rajasthan, UP, Orissa and Bihar, have not seen the inside of a school.

The National Literacy Mission was launched with great fanfare in 1988 by the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, to “banish” illiteracy. It aimed at providing in the first instance “functional literacy” to 80 million people in the 15-35 age group in two phases by 1995. It was proposed to involve educated persons from all walks of life. But has the millennium been reached? In 1986 the “Each one, teach one” programme, too, did not really take off because of its inherent drawbacks. Ill-trained staff unimaginative approach, inadequate attention to the production of right type of material and unsatisfactory follow-up have all contributed to make universal literary a pipedream.

Kerala, which has the highest literacy rate in the country, also has the lowest infant mortality rate and the lower proportion of married women in the 15-19 age group. The reason why similar literacy programmes have not met with much success elsewhere is lack of political will. High-minded rhetoric does not necessarily mean results.

K. M. VASHISHT

Mansa

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Extension of service in Army

This refers to the news-item published on September 5 regarding the notification issued by the government on across-the-board extension of service by two years in the Army, which finally closes the chapter.

However, we are forced to think that what the pressing constraints and hurry were for the Army to take such a decision. The first compulsion could have been the obsessive desire to equate it with other Central services. The second restraint may be to help the government in keeping the budgetary deficit to a manageable level for the next two years.

Whatever may have been the pressing compulsions, the Army has landed itself into an inexplicable mess. A moratorium on promotions for the next two years from the rank of lieutenant-colonel upwards has been announced. In addition, three categories of officers are to be endured. Army commanders are proposed to be allowed a rotational geographical tour of duty areas. The officers not cleared for next promotion are to be given an extended gift bonus for two years of pre-pension resettlement.

The long-term effects of it are going to be even worst. The probability of maintaining the young profile of the Army, reaching towards the apex of rank pyramid, has been put to sword forever. The possibilities of side-way movement and absorption into the private sector would remain a distant dream.

The Army is essentially a forward-looking institution, where innovative decisions are always adopted vis-a-vis the obtaining global trends and future projections.

K. D. PATHAK (retd)

Chandigarh

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Not a non-issue

In his letter "A non-issue" (September 15), Brig Hardit Singh (retd) has remarked that the use of chairs and tables in "langar" is not a violation of the Sikh code of conduct.

Guru Nanak set up the institution of "pangat" (free common mess) with that of "sangat" (congregations). With a view to putting into practice the principle of equality and wiping out social hatred, he made it obligatory on all people, whatever their status or position in life, to sit on the ground and eat food of "langar" together. Even Emperor Akbar, on his visit to Amritsar, sat on the ground to partake of such food.

In the Rehatnama of Bhai Desa Singh, which mentions "rehat" formulated on the basis of the dialogue between Guru Gobind Singh and Bhai Nand Lal, the Sikhs, irrespective of their status, are enjoined to eat food of "langar" by sitting in rows on the ground and never on cots.

The Sikhs, who can sit on the ground in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, while hearing the recitation of the sacred hymns, should eat food of "langar" also in the same manner. The use of chairs and tables in "langar" is certainly against the Sikh code of conduct.

BHAGWAN SINGH

Qadian

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Clinton must go

Mr William Jefferson Clinton, alias Bill Clinton, President of the USA, is in serious trouble. You had rightly emphasised in the editorial “Clinton's fight for survival” (Sept 14) that it was a crime, indeed, though not impeachable.

Mr Clinton has no moral right to continue in office. Though he apologised publicly for having a intimate relationship with Ms Monica Lewinsky, there is another aspect of the action of Mr Clinton. Suppose he had committed a murder in the White House and later on apologised for his "action", would he have been spared?

Moreover, he has accepted the responsibility for his actions and admitted wrong-doing, about his liaison with the former White House intern. So he should be punished according to the law of the land. Public opinion is in his favour, but the law is supreme.

One thing more I want to says is that we should not unnecessarily give importance to the news-stories related to sex scandals. It may have a bad impact on the younger generation as our culture is different.No doubt, everyone reads such reports with taste, but it is not a healthy trend in the media. Our media should play the role of a guide to society.

AMARJIT WARAICH

Patiala

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Polythene menace

With reference to the “Polythene menace” (Sept 7), the best alternative to polybags lies in the use of shoulder bags — “thailas” made of traditional material like cotton, jute, bamboo and grass. This cottage industry will provide employment to the jobless too.

Awareness through the media and education is necessary for “green” consumerism.

ROSHNI JOHAR

Shimla

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Tailpiece

The poster published in “Chandigarh Calling” (September 7) conveying the message that prevention is the only way to fight AIDS, was really good.I feel that it should be shown to Mr Bill Clinton.

SURENDRA MIGLANI

Kaithal