Opinion Textbook cases
The major reason for the continuing decline in learning outcomes is the non-detention policy that is followed till Class VIII.
* This refers to the editorial ‘Bottom of the class’ (IE, January 14). The major reason for the continuing decline in learning outcomes is the non-detention policy that is followed till Class VIII. While this was introduced to clear the negative stereotypes surrounding the detention process, there are no alternative arrangements to equip students with the necessary skills that are needed for the next level. Provisions like bridge courses in every class could have a positive impact on learning outcomes.
— D. Aravind
Mumbai
Hearing people
* This refers to the article ‘Not at a janta durbar’ by Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri (IE, January 16). In the largest democracy of the world, it is not possible to solve the problems of people at one nodal point and by five or six ministers. Decentralisation has always been a strength of democracy and is also mentioned in our Constition. With its janta durbar, the Aam Aadmi Party tried a new experiment in addressing public grievances. It might have failed, but it gives rise to an opportunity to discuss the issue of finding solutions for
public grievances.
— Pravin Kadu
Nagpur
The decline
* Apropos of ‘Being left out’ (IE, January 15), post-Independence, the Left has formed governments in some states. But the quirks of its ideology meant that development played second fiddle to the mythical superiority of the Left manifesto. While it harnessed its energies to improve the lot of the tillers of land, it almost abandoned the industrial worker. Setting up modern education systems, industries that would create jobs and an effective administration — all these imperatives took a backseat. The greatest weakness of communist regimes across the globe and across time has been the refusal to admit to their mistakes. An inclusive political dispensation may require a Left bias but in today’s global economy, growth and development are sustained by a corresponding swing to the Right. In seceding from the UPA on the US nuclear deal, the Left hastened its political decline, and enabled fledgling liberal set-ups such as the AAP to fill its place, perhaps permanently. The lack of political pragmatism has led to the Left losing its hold.
— R. Narayanan
Ghaziabad
These old ways
* News reports give the strong impression that Sangeeta Richard was being exploited by her employer, Devyani Khobragade (‘Devyani told maid not to fall ill in New York’, IE, January 16). The episode should be a warning to all diplomats who have become habituated to a feudal lifestyle. Through the decades, the Indian Foreign Service has largely been the preserve of the elite. That
tradition does not seem to have waned.
— Suraj Pandey
Noida
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