The Hindu : Karnataka News : Judgment not followed

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Monday, Aug 18, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Judgment not followed

Sir, — It has been more than a month and a half since the High Court of Karnataka pronounced its judgment on the Government Order of 1994 quashing the clause making mother tongue or Kannada the medium of instruction at the lower primary level. The High Court has emphasised that the parents have a fundamental right to choose the medium of instruction for their children. Despite this verdict, harassment of school authorities by Education Department functionaries continues, causing anxiety among teachers, children and parents. It is incredible that the department officials have not been briefed about the import of the judgment. Though the State Government has approached the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the order, until a stay order is issued by the Supreme Court, the High Court order continues to remain in force.

G.S. Sharma,

Bangalore

Action needed

Sir, — After many hiccups, the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has now started functioning. Efforts seem under way to improve connectivity to the airport. Construction of a six-lane highway with underpasses and magic boxes is nearing completion, while air-conditioned buses are being operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation. However, the buses are seen running empty most of the time. A high-speed railway link is also being proposed to connect the airport and the city. All this seems aimed at transporting only 10,000-odd passengers a day. On the other hand, no action seems to be taken with regard to providing easy transport from different parts of the city to the City Railway Station and the Kempe Gowda Bus Terminus, from where more than five lakh passengers travel every day. The City Railway Station and bus terminus area are generally chaotic, particularly between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Travellers are put to severe inconvenience owing to lack of infrastructure. The people have lost hope in political leaders and bureaucrats. The onus on enforcing some sense of duty now lies on the media.

V. Balachandran,

Bangalore

Water supply

Sir, — The residents of 9th Main, Ramachandrappa Layout, Kariyannapalya, ward number 94, are deprived of regular water supply. We receive water based on the whimsical regulation of the attendant in the Water Supply Department. Earlier, we used to get water for at least 16 hours a day, but now it has become irregular. This is in contrast to neighbouring areas which receive sufficient water throughout the week. I request the authorities concerned to take action in this regard.

Kiran B.M.,

Bangalore

Signal lights required

Sir, — Signal lights are required at Herohalli Cross on Bangalore-Magadi Main Road. People, including schoolchildren and working women, are put to hardship while crossing the road to go towards Andhrahalli. I request the authorities concerned to install signal lights at Herohalli Cross and post a police constable to control the traffic.

K.R. Raghavendra Rao,

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