The marks scored in Board exams in Class XII cannot be a barometer of one’s knowledge of subjects, language skills and general awareness acquired during the entire years of schooling. Also, it cannot be an index of one’s intelligence. Cramming is the order of the day in our school education system. Admissions in colleges and universities should be based on entrance exams which should test different aspects so that crammers are kept at bay. Entrance-based admission in educational institutions will help improve the teaching-learning environment and put a check on tuition culture which is eating into the vitals of the education system.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Responsible tourism

Apropos of the editorial ‘Reckless tourists’, the Covid-19 crisis is testing safety measures to the hilt. While flocking to the hills for merrymaking, tourists must observe the pandemic protocol as a precautionary measure. Exercising restraint and minimising social gatherings are the key to avoidance. Moreover, we have no right to endanger other people’s lives. Prevention remains the best option.

Vimal Sethi, Atlanta

Wheels of justice

Reference to ‘A Christmas gift’, it took 28 years for the CBI to establish that Abhaya, a 21-year-old nun, found dead in a convent in Kerala in 1992, was murdered. This also highlights that some time, the wheels of justice turn too slowly, more so when the accused are helped and sided by the powerful. It hardly calls for celebrations but it does evoke a sense of trust in the due process of law. The Abhaya verdict should be a moment for renewal and reflection at both levels, individual and institutional.

LJ Singh, via mail

UK-EU deal

The tariff-free trade agreement in goods that the UK and the EU inked last week, days before the post-Brexit transition expires, should mitigate somewhat the consequences of Britain’s narrow decision in 2016 to leave one of the largest trading blocs. The eleventh hour decision averts a catastrophic ‘no deal’ scenario. Moreover, given the UK’s reliance on the EU for food product imports, the significance of zero-duty trade for consumers and the retail economy cannot be exaggerated. Brexit’s biggest trade-off for the ordinary citizen is perhaps the restrictions on the right to free movement and work. A major challenge now would be to keep border checks and red-tape to the minimum, besides ensuring that supply chains are not unduly disrupted.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Sustaining agriculture

Reference to ‘Oppn misusing stir, claims Modi; give laws a year, Rajnath appeals to farmers’; after a long stir, the government should have given MSP guarantee for all the crops. Though the government has transferred funds to the farmers’ account, it will not solve their long-term problems. The government should engage with the farmers’ representatives and try to reach a mutually amicable settlement. Rajnath Singh’s proposal to try out the new farm laws for a year to test their benefits is absurd.

Yugal Kishore Sharma, Faridabad

WHO advisory

Reference to ‘Need to invest more in public health: WHO’, although the advisory has not come a day too soon, it must be taken seriously by the developing countries. The pandemic caught us unawares. In India too, the government was not prepared to deal with such a global calamity. As it may not be the last pandemic, India should pay attention to its healthcare budget and boost facilities in government-run hospitals by providing adequate manpower and equipment.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Urdu poet

In the demise of Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, the curtain has come down on an era of Urdu poetry. He was a respected Urdu poet and literary critic. A recipient of many awards, his contribution to literature in that language was unmatched. His death leaves a void in the field of literature.

Ramesh G Jethwani, Bengaluru

Tumultuous year

The year 2020 is about to end. It will be remembered for the study in contrast that it was. While the coronavirus pandemic and the devastation it wrought disrupted life, it was also notable for some far-reaching decisions taken to deal with the situation. As the New Year unfolds, attempts should be made by the government to determine the reasons that have led to unrest among the people and resolve them. Here is hoping that the dawn of a new decade will open the door to a happier future.

Kavya Shah, Ujjain

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