The Hindu : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 26, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Readers' Mail

Foster, not curb, quality research

Sir,_ The emphasis of the Andhra University Vice-Chancellor, Y.C. Simhadri, that research work cannot be taken lightly and shall be completed in the stipulated time-frame is justified. However, one would not agree with his opposition to part-time research, especially by persons working in different organisations and who have made a mark on their lines of activity.

A quality research work is characterised by the nature of the theme chosen for research, its relevance, objectives and the benefit the outcome may bring to the discipline concerned, apart from the innovativeness of approach adopted by the scholar. Of course, the above shall have to be backed by the commitment of the researcher to complete the task within the time-frame.

It should be realised that quality research does not depend on trivial issues like whether it is carried out within or outside the campus compound or whether it is done on full-time or part-time basis. Many reputed universities offer special programmes for working personnel to pursue research while continuing in their jobs. AU should similarly encourage senior personnel from various professions to pursue research, as long as the university is satisfied with such scholars' credentials, capabilities and commitment to execute the research within the stipulated time. Prof. Simhadri is committed to make AU a `centre of excellence', and this can be achieved only if quality research is encouraged, without curbing the enthusiasm of people by insisting on full-time research.

S. Madhuvanthi,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Post office

staff erratic

Sir,_Though the forenoon working hours of the Lawsons Bay Post Office are from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., as displayed at the counters, the employees actually start work anywhere between 8.10 a.m. and 8.20 a.m. This has been the situation at the post office for the past five months.

When questioned about this aberration, the counter staff concerned suggested a public representation to appropriate authorities to effect a change in the timings convenient to both the public and the staff. The staffers do not realise that the public implicitly follows the indicated timings unlike the former.

I appeal to the higher-ups in the Department of Posts to ensure that the timings are strictly adhered to by the staff at the post office.

U. Murali Krishna,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Wanted road-divider

Sir,_ On January 18, I witnessed an accident in Durganagar Main Road of Nayuduthota locality. The mishap had occurred due to the absence of a road divider. At present a divider is existing at the end of the road. It should be extended up to at least Vepagunta, to prevent such accidents.

Shaik Shamiulla,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Pat for Vajpayee

Sir,_The Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, deserves kudos for elevating the Election Commission member, T.S. Krishnamurthy, to head the ECI, upholding the established convention and brushing aside efforts at bypassing him. Mr. Vajpayee has thus honoured the age-old maxim, `Clear usage of custom outweighs the written text of law'. Vizagites may fondly recall Mr. Krishanmurthy's valuable services to Hindustan Shipyard Limited during his tenure as its General Manager (finance) from 1979-82.

Y. Sankara Rao,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Water rate highest

in Gajuwaka

Sir,_ Participating in a symposium on the water meter issue, organised by the Visakha Nagara Paura Samkshema Sangham, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, M.V.S. Sarma, said that there was no need to pay water charges at all, as it was the primary responsibility of the Municipal Corporation to provide safe drinking water. He also said that the monthly charge of Rs. 60 levied by the VMC was the highest in the country.

Mr. Sarma is obviously unaware of that the residents of the Vinayakanagar VUDA Colony have been paying Rs. 90 a month to the Gajuwaka Municipality for the last several years. Despite such a heavy levy, the municipality is supplying only borewell water, which is hard and dirty.

The sangham should take up this issue also with the municipality.

Venkata Rama Rao Gugilam,

Gajuwaka

* * *

Increasing egg prices

Sir,_ The egg prices are steadily going up these days, much to the chagrin of the poor and the middle class people. Egg is a wholesome food full of nutritious value and, perhaps, it is the only commodity that cannot be adulterated. The National Egg Coordination Committee, which is popularising egg among the people with its regular campaigns, and the Government should have a control over egg prices and ensure that it does not become dear and a rich man's food.

T.S. Nagabhushana Rao,

Peddapuram

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