MAIL BAG
Lok Adalat
The report “Lok Adalat or Joke Adalat” by Jean Dreze and Reethika Khera (Magazine, February 22) makes interesting reading. It is seen that even within a short space of time, tens of thousands of complaints were received for disposal at the Adalat and the authorities rather found it very difficult to deal with them and to give replies. Since there were no proper arrangements to deal with the situation, many of the complainants could not get the replies due to them nor were the issues they raised in their complaints settled. Yet, it is a good attempt to gauge or assess the public response on a national scheme. There are widespread complaints about the tardy and haphazard way in which this Scheme is being implemented in the States across the country. There are reports/allegations, even in Tamil Nadu, on the diversion or misappropriation of funds, misuse or abuse of authority, non-payment of wages, not giving employment in time, non-payment of unemployment allowances etc. Taking cue from Jharkhand, if such an Adalat is arranged in Tamil Nadu, it is bound to receive numerous complaints and petitions. Why can’t Tamil Nadu as also the other States in the country arrange for such an Adalat so that a clear picture on the implementation of the Scheme could emerge and the people would be in a position to know about the Scheme and its implementation and benefits? With a little bit of sincere and effective action on the part of the conveners and authorities concerned, the Adalat could be made fool-proof, capable of attending to any number of petitons successfully.
S. Bakthavathsalan,
Chennai
Thought-provoking
“Perceptions of failure” by Aruna Sankara Narayanan (Magazine, February 22) is thought provoking. The stress of an average Indian student is well sketched. The need for a change in the mindset of both students and parents towards failure is to be further emphasised. Apart from this it is high time for educational reforms in the country. The present system of counting of marks in the final examination to determine the future of the students is to be changed. Internal as well as external assessment in different forms during the course of their studies are to be taken into account before awarding the final marks. By adopting such a method the perceptions of failure at the time of the final examinations can be eliminated to a certain extent which in turn helps to carve a healthy and energetic generation for the country.
Petson Peter C.
Kochi
I hold all the parents responsible for this sad situation of students. We want our children to learn, know, practise, compete, top in every exam, come first in any event. We want our children published in newspapers, receive prizes, award from dignitaries, prime minister, president. You name anything good on this earth. We want them to achieve that. We as parents are greedy. We do not hesitate to tell lies to our children to make them work hard. We tell them what subjects to select in graduation, branches in engineering. Added to the woes of present day students are the methods of corporate colleges. These corporate colleges not only believe that they can manufacture intelligent students but make the parents believe that they can really do. Students have forgotten subjects like Arts, Literature, etc. Students have forgotten the habit of reading books, sports, playgrounds, and so many lively things in their life. They are all haunted by percentages, top rankings, and with questions like what next. A day should come once again when at least the next generation students should enjoy their journey of education from LKG to post-graduation and beyond without the worry of failure and employment.
R.K. Sarma,
Vijayawada
The article is thought provoking. Parents and teachers should take a cue from this article and lead the children to safer havens of life, free from mental anguish and stress caused by the “do or die” method of competitive education and help them to think beyond securing a seat in the medical college and develop their mindset to nurture a spirit of enquiry while pursuing their studies.
N.C. Sreedharan,
Kannur
Sorry neglect
With reference to the article “Children in need” (Magazine, February 22) though 18 per cent of the population of India are children, the callousness of the powers that be in catering to the essential needs of this section is glaring. Be it the affluent or the slum children, the policies of the government are far from satisfactory. No government worth its name has evolved a scientific primary education policy and the fate of those who cannot afford even free education is better not mentioned. Harsh Mander’s article highlights the finer points of the negligence of the powers that be. But enough has been written on the subject over the years, to no avail.
Divakar N.,
Mysore
The article was definitely an eye-opener. This is certainly a very serious problem that needs to be attended to immediately. These children are our future citizens and to lock them up and to curb their rights is not the right way to protect them. I completely agree with Harsh Mander. It is time our government did something effective. These children not only lack protection but care and affection too. This is the need of the hour. It is time for us to join hands and make a change for the better.
G. Betsy Christina
Salem
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