M A I L B A G

Restore the pride of teachers

The Punjab government needs to restore the pride of the teaching profession. In the absence of talented teachers and adequate infrastructure, we hear about poor results in the schools run by the state government.

Articles have appeared in The Tribune about the pathetic condition of education in Punjab. Unless the teacher’s recruitment is fair and they are paid well, the reform process would be a futile exercise.

The government should monitor the present education system and teaching being imparted in academic institutions (in terms of latest adequate infrastructure) in Punjab to make these on a par with those of national fame. They must be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and efficient staff with impeccable credentials.

ASHOK KUMAR BHANOT, Ropar

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I read the piece “A target hard to achieve” (Oct 2). Higher education remains the exclusive privilege of the chosen few. Our youth must excel globally by their knowledge and training.

The nation pays the teacher a handsome salary for teaching 180 days in a year. Why are the teachers not accountable? What is the cause of strikes in these temples of learning? Why should our youth not be give modern instruction?

The teachers need to made accountable. While some of them don’t attend classes, incompetent teachers skip portions of syllabus. Practicals are a big farce and sources of corruption in our colleges and universities. There is a holiday at the drop of the hat. Curtail holidays and increase the teaching hours.

Prof B. S. AGGARWAL, Panchkula

Time to check drug menace The Centre and the states need to take effective steps to check the alarming drug menace in the country. The situation is particularly disturbing in Punjab where the youth waste money on drugs and spoil their health. Unfortunately, owing to the lack of proper parental control and discipline, those in the rural areas start smoking at a very early age. Then they get addicted to drugs like opium and smack. A massive effort by the government and NGOs is needed to wean away the youth from drug addiction. We need stringent laws to check the drug menace. However, legislation alone won’t help. What is needed is a change in the societal attitude, particularly in the countryside, towards drugs. SANDHAN SONIA SHARMA, Ludhiana

Impetus to teaching

Punjab University Vice-Chancellor R. C. Sobti, while inaugurating a training programme on research methodology and methods of research in social sciences, has rightly recommended supplementing teaching with research. It is a source of fresh new ideas and provides impetus to teaching (Oct 9).

I wonder one optional paper on research in the subject of social sciences including education is allowed from this academic year in the final year of master’s degree courses instead of theory examination. This is the need of modern times trying to reach excellence in all subjects.

I have read Sunit Dhawan’s article on “Higher education in a mess” (Oct 9). As the products are not suitable for different jobs in society, his recommendation has little relevance for the current system of education. Educationists dare not speak the truth before their managers at the top level. I had recommended many a time that Principals, Directors of Education, District Education Officers need special courses of training in planning and skillful management of resources. But the university Vice-Chancellors brushed aside the idea.

SURJEET SINGH, Mohali

Waiting for salary

The Punjab government does not understand the agony of the government aided school teachers. It is indifferent to the demand of the teaching community. These teachers have not been paid their salaries for the past six months. They are facing an acute financial crisis. The government should release the grant in aid to these schools at the earliest.

The arrears of 50 per cent basic pay merger have also not been released. The re-implementation of the pension scheme is also pending. The vacant posts in these schools should also be filled.

ASHOK BHANOT, Jalandhar Cantt

TN CM on Ram

I read the news-item “Karuna tries to play down remarks on Ram” (Oct 10)”. The Archaeological Survey of India’s controversial affidavit in the Supreme Court (since withdrawn) and the irresponsible remarks of the DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi about Lord Ram have hurt the feelings of the Hindus. Such utterances were not expected from a senior politician like him.

Moreover, Mr Karunanidhi’s DMK party is an important ally of the ruling UPA government at the Centre. He himself is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A leader like him should rise above all differences – religious, linguistic and so on.

Col. R. S. GURUNG (retd), Kandrori (Kangra)

Obscene posters

Ludhiana city walls give a very bad impression of social values as obscene pictures and posters are pasted everywhere. I am afraid, the manifestation of vulgar pictures, bad writings and slogans will tear apart the teenagers’ innocence and modest behaviour. It is time the civil and police authorities banned these posters. Severe action must be taken against those found guilty of this despicable practice.

RAJESH SARAF, Ludhiana