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

Let peacebe given a chance

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

We Indians have always stood up for peace. However, the peace initiative should not be construed as a sign of weakness. Let it be known that we all are for peace, no doubt, but if heartlessness and cruelty is ever forced on us again we are prepared for that too.

NIDHI MALHOTRA, Panipat

III

The editorial reflects vision and genuine concern for the people of the sub-continent. Surely, peace talks with Pakistan are not feasible until its internal situation improves. Terrorism and peace talks cannot go together. The road to peace is tricky. India is seriously worried about the activities of the Taliban in Pakistan.

The responsibility of creating the right atmosphere for resumption of bilateral talks lies with Pakistan. India has to be cautious keeping in view the past record of Pakistan in creating troubles.

CAPT S K DATTA, Abohar

IV

India has always desired friendly relations with its neighbours, especially  with Pakistan, and has never lost an opportunity to assure Pakistan that peace must prevail between both countries. The editorial conveys the sentiments of the entire nation. Only Pakistan should take concrete steps to undo the damage caused to the peace process. 

The Pakistani government, despite promises, has failed in tackling the Taliban and other terrorist groups. The Pakistan President, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, should avail the opportunity to break the ice with India.

MUKAND LAL KAUSHIK, Chandigarh

V

If Pakistan is really sincere about tackling terrorism, India should support the Pakistan government. Dr Manmohan Singh’s peace initiative is appreciable and may help to defuse the prevailing tension between the two neighbouring nations.

DIWAN CHAND MOHINDRU, Jalandhar city

Deemed universities

In the editorial, “Why deemed varsities? : Kapil orders review of Arjun’s decisions” (June 10), you have rightly called the step taken by the Union HRD Minister to check the mushrooming of deemed university status in a dubious manner, a timely one.

At the same time it needs to be admitted by everyone that treating higher education as a commodity for sale and purchase will be a disastrous misadventure. It is the duty of society to ensure that sanctity of higher education is maintained.

The basic idea behind the “deemed university” status was to recognise the importance of that institution. Nobody ever imagined that there would ever be “born deemed universities” as was done by Mr Arjun Singh who had accorded the “deemed university” status to brand new institutions that even lacked faculty and infrastructure.

However, it is not only the private educational institutions that do not conform to the UGC norms and guidelines. Several government educational institutions including full-fledged universities offer new courses every other day without meeting the basic requirements. The UGC needs to be extra- vigilant.

DR I M JOSHI, Chandigarh

Inept bureaucracy

A recent survey ranked the Indian bureaucracy as the most inefficient in Asia. The involvement of bureaucrats in cases of favouritism (editorial “Ending cronyism”, June 11) and corruption, are on the rise. Invariably, their decisions are motivated by ulterior motives.

The reality is that by and large politicians nurture their favourite bureaucrats and police officers. Such officials also find their godfather in politicians to favour them in need. No Act, commission or high-powered committee can crack this nexus. Both use each other to set their opponents right by filing false cases.

Political vendetta is a reality and shall exist till the criminals and persons involved in corruption are elected due to flaws in our election system. How can one-stop politicians from playing favourites? They are not accountable and can conveniently break any law. They can only be set right by the voters who have the power of ballot to reject them.

CAPT AMAR JEET KUMAR (retd), SAS Nagar

Adulterated milk

The Tribune (editorial, “ Beware! It’s not milk”, June 10) deserves praise for taking up a public health issue. Adulterated and synthetic milk is a cause of slow death. With shortage of testing laboratories and the apathetic attitude of the authorities concerned, adulterated milk is being sold openly in the markets. The adulterators must be booked and given exemplary punishment.

KARAN GARG, Chandigarh

Stress upon vocational training The article “College degree not the only option” by Roopinder Singh (June 9) was timely as now is the time when students have to take decisions about their careers.   He is right in saying that there is a demand for skilled workers i.e. blue-collar workers as against the white-collar workers, who would like to sit in the comfort of air-conditioned rooms giving directions as to how a screw is to be tightened.  There is an urgent need to delink degrees from jobs which is being adopted by the private sector. For practical skill is far more important than academic knowledge. No doubt, the government is making an earnest effort and laying considerable stress upon vocational training. Students still have to be motivated to choose the right career.  HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepore City