Focus turns to education

Refer to ‘Booster dose for education’ (March 2); priority given to the education sector is heartening. The fact is that Punjab and Haryana are focusing more on real issues and areas of development rather than getting involved in religion-based and blame-game politics. It is a heart-winning move by the governments of both the states. The states, which till now have focused mainly on sports and agriculture, will now shine in the field of education as well.

Surbhi Attreya, Meerut

Ensure quality

It is a praiseworthy decision of Punjab and Haryana to allocate more funds to education. Quality education is essential, but for that, trained teachers and sufficient infrastructure with modern facilities are necessary, besides ample funds. The most important organ is proper monitoring under experts with an honest evaluation system. Primary education needs immediate attention to strengthen the basic concepts. Rural areas need special attention. Science, maths, language and environmental curricula may be updated to inculcate the fundamentals to compete globally. Teachers should not be engaged in non-teaching work.

Dilwar Ali Meerak, Tohana

Will uplift society

Punjab and Haryana have taken a crucial stride toward the evolution of human resources. Increased priority to education is vital for every state. This will create the aura of equality and help in the uplift of every aspect of society. The spotlight is on allocating the resources on literacy at the primary level and to reach out to the majority who cannot afford education.

Ashu Arora, Chandigarh

Now, to make it work

The Budget focus of Punjab and Haryana is on education and health. Perhaps, they did so as Arvind Kejriwal contested the elections in Delhi on these issues and won. Funds for agriculture have also been increased. It remains to be seen how well the governments use this Budget, only then will the move be successful.

Fiaaza Gour, Chandigarh

Where are we headed?

Refer to ‘Oppn to raise Delhi riots, CAA’ (March 2); the recent communal violence in Delhi has left a trail of destruction, death and despair, and it is very difficult for those who have lost their loved ones to pick up the pieces and move on. The scars inflicted by communal violence will take a long time to heal. But the government is still not in a mood to withdraw the Citizenship Amendment Act. One does not know where things are headed for. The parliament session is likely to be heated and opposition parties are sure to put the government in a tight spot.

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal

Writing on the wall

Home Minister Amit Shah’s stance on CAA is as strong as the violence it has caused in the country (‘Won’t stop till all refugees are given citizenship, says Shah’, March 2). The flak the Modi government has received from all over should be enough for it to stop conducting pro-CAA rallies. Having received no major support from the country, the act is a complete fiasco. The communal rampage that the Act caused in Delhi is a clear sign.

Maitri Bhardwaj, Patiala

Distinguished sportsmen

Apropos of ‘1968 Olympic medallist Balbir Singh passes away at 77’ (March 2), it was a sad day for Indian sport as the nation is grieving the demise of Balbir Singh and Joginder Singh Saini, two of its distinguished sportsmen. Balbir Singh’s name is synonymous with hockey. At one point of time, India had four-five Balbir Singhs in its team on a tour to France. The French commentator had problem describing Balbir Singhs. He approached his Indian counterpart for a solution. Thereafter, he described them as Balbir Singh (Senior), Balbir Singh (Junior), Balbir Singh (Railways), Balbir Singh (Punjab Police) and Balbir Singh (Services)! Balbir Singh was a member of the Indian hockey team that won gold in the 1966 Asian Games. The other legend, Joginder Saini, was the Dronacharya of Indian athletics. He proved his mettle when he coached the athletics team that won 18 medals, including eight gold in the Asian Games in 1978.

Gurdeep Singh, Dharampur

Valid concern over deal

Apropos of the editorial ‘US-Taliban deal’ (March 2), since the Kabul government was kept out of the deal, the US withdrawal will pave the way for the Taliban’s return to power and facilitate increased Pakistan-sponsored terror activities. China, too, may be waiting in the wings to fish in troubled waters. The deal marks the beginning of a potentially dangerous phase in the unfortunate recent history of Afghanistan. New Delhi has every reason to worry about the massive investments made in Afghanistan since it rallied behind the Ghani government, whose legitimacy has eroded.

SS Paul, Nadia

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