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

Exams are crucial part of education

I agree with the views expressed in the article “Class X exams, or No? Spare a thought for rural children” (July 3) by Sudhamahi Regunathan as part of “Education Policy —A Tribune Debate”. Indeed, “many rural youth stop studying after Class X and seek employment as peons, drivers, etc.” If Class X examination is scrapped, “new yardsticks will be sought and then the basic education will have to be Class XII”.

I would also say that maximum people get employment on the basis of matriculation examination. Class X examination should not at all be made optional, keeping in view the Indian rural masses in particular.

OM PARKASH WADHWA, Rohtak

II

The focus of the HRD ministry should not be on the Class X board exams, but on making the syllabi uniform and relevant to the present times. Making Class X exam optional would further increase the divide between rural and urban children in terms of competition. As it is, there are glaring differences in the ways of imparting education in rural and urban areas.

In order to ensure employment of youth, vocational courses should be introduced. Proper computer education can enable many a youth to earn a livelihood. Merely doing away with the Class X exam will not bring in an era of change in the ailing education sector.

ARPU BATTA, SAS Nagar

MASHAAL, Chandigarh

Improve juvenile homes The Tribune deserves credit for exposing the pitiable state of affairs in juvenile homes through a series of write-ups. The latest series by Geetanjali Gayatri, too, are commendable. The apathy and neglect of those at the helm is wreaking untold havoc on the juveniles, especially delinquents who are at an impressionable age. Juveniles have every right to lead a decent life. However, transforming these apathetic homes requires grit and perseverance. It is the moral imperative of the minister concerned, administrative officers and the MP of the area to keep strict vigil on these homes and to ensure that the rules are not flouted. Juvenile homes should be well-designed, adequately staffed, well-managed and sufficiently funded. Dedicated teachers, administrators of unimpeachable integrity and proficient psychiatrists can change the lives of the inmates of juvenile homes.  Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

Adulteration menace

There has been large-scale adulteration of food items especially spices, ghee, edible oil and khoya. While stringent punishment should be given to the adulterators who are playing havoc with the health and life of people, the officials of government departments concerned should be held accountable.

The adulteration menace cannot be allowed to go unchecked.

KANCHAN, Shimla

Safer journey

The railway budget needs to be appreciated. However, steps should be taken to make both railway stations and train journey safer. CCTV cameras should be installed in all major stations and proper monitoring as well as maintenance should be done. Illegal travellers, sellers, rag pickers etc should be restricted from entering the trains. Steps should be taken to ensure safety in remote areas. Police personnel should be more responsible.

SHAILESH KUMAR, Bangalore

Mayawati’s statues

As a rule only statues of dead persons are installed to salute their remarkable service to the nation. Ms Mayawati nurses the ambition of becoming the Prime Minister of the country. She has lust for money and power. In fact, she has scant respect for democracy and law as well as great leaders of our country. Earlier, she made disparaging remarks against Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation, and called him “natakbaz”. Now she has wasted money on statues.

Dr R S VARMA, Karnal

Undue publicity

The publicity given to Michael Jackson during his lifetime and now the coverage being given by the media and the Indian media in particular after his death is totally undeserving. He was a product of the West and Indians generally lap up what the West has to offer.

GURSHARAN SINGH NARULA, Ludhiana