Indo-US talks

Apropos of ‘India-US dialogue’, the dialogue has brought to the fore the concerns of every nation in the midst of the raging Russia-Ukraine war. Notwithstanding the reaffirmation of commitment by the US delegation, what the Secretary of State has said about the ‘challenge’ and how India decides to approach it needs to be paid due attention. Similarly, the reference to human rights violations by the delegation deserves an objective approach, as its true appreciation determines the quality of Indian democracy that goes a long way in enhancing India’s stature. The recent India-US dialogue provides an opportunity to see afresh the dynamics of the changing world scenario and its new requirements. The most fundamental issue for the world community is to see cessation of the Russia-Ukraine crisis which has compounded the pandemic impact.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

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Fixing own pension

Refer to ‘One pension for MLAs’; the people are delighted and grateful to the Punjab Government for stopping the loot of public money which was going unchecked as lawmakers had been appropriating multiple pensions brazenly. The people were aware of this unjustifiable practice but were helpless spectators. A lot has changed since the days when leaders would renounce their successful professional careers for the service of the country, without any pecuniary benefits. Now, politics has become a high-paying profession. It is an unbecoming and unethical practice that the lawmakers themselves fix their salary and other allowances. A wide-ranging committee should be formed to discuss a mechanism for fixing salary and other perks of elected representatives. This would be a transparent way and enhance the stature of the lawmakers among the people, which, as of now, is at an all-time low.

Yoginder Singhal, Ladwa

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Stop this loot

There is a consensus among the public on the ‘one MLA, one pension’ rule. Except for a strong public opinion, there is no other check to rein in MLAs from adding to their pensionary coffers. No study has been made whether under the existing constitutional scheme, the Supreme Court can intervene to stop this loot of the exchequer by the MLAs, the so-called servants of the people. The effect of the Punjab ordinance on the pension drawn by Haryana MLAs remains to be seen.

Beant Singh Bedi, Mohali

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Rationalise pension

Refer to ‘One pension for MLAs’; this public and state-friendly decision was, no doubt, the brain child of the AAP government in Punjab, but other states too should follow suit, especially, when our country is reeling under financial crunch, and some states are finding it difficult to even pay the salaries and pension to employees. Even though the lawmakers may feel uncomfortable in implementing this decision, it is vital to avoid unnecessary burden on the exchequer. Crores thus saved can be utilised for public welfare schemes.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

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Degrees don’t matter

Refer to ‘Students can now opt for two degrees at the same time’; earlier there was a plea for abolishing requirement for a university degree for jobs. The new move will shut any job openings to those who have no degrees but have the required job skills. Formal education plays an increasingly minimal role in upward social mobility that it is supposed to promote. The academic and economic value of a degree has been reduced to a zero. BA or MA degrees have lost significance as a distinguished mark of educational attainment. Even so, every year there is increase in university enrolment. No knowledgeable employer reckons a degree at its face value. We should develop a national system of testing for different skills and proficiencies required for various cadres of public service.

Anil Bhatia, Hisar

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Dual degrees

The UGC has approved simultaneous dual degree courses to customise education. Pursuing two degrees would help in acquiring multiple skills, expanding knowledge, all-round development etc., but what impact would it have on universities struggling to become world class? Pillars of excellence for a university rest on the quality of teaching and research, which depends on the quality of faculty and students. Pursuing two degrees may upset this balance.

Lokesh Godara, Chandigarh

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Focus on skills

Under the new UGC rules, students will now be able to pursue two degrees at the same time. The decision may have a devastating effect. Just getting a degree will not help students unless they are familiar with their subject. They will not be able to focus on core subjects of interest. Their main focus should be on education based on skills. The government should reverse this decision.

Jasmine Kaur, Chandigarh

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