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Devalued degrees

Prasoon, (TSI, Jan 18-24 Jan) the term, "deemed university", has always had an enigmatic effect. This phenomenon had taken off during Murli Manohar Joshi's tenure as Human Resource Development Minister, but deemed universities increased spectacularly during Arjun Singh's tenure. Now that the HRD ministry under Kapil Sibal has derecognised 44 deemed universities in 13 states for not living up to their claims and standards. The ministry has asked a number of other such institutions to demonstrate their fitness for the label within three years, if they do not wish to lose their status too. What is painful is the thoughtless policies and ad hoc measures in the field of education. However, when it is backed by callousness and greed, people are made victims, who come to educational institutions with trust and hope. Two of these institutions have received crore of rupees in grants from the government. It is those who bestowed the deemed university status on unworthy of it, and those who asked for it and did not bother to live up to their commitments after acquiring the label. Although the HRD minister has promised that not a single student will suffer — and perhaps they will not — they are still left with insecurity, devalued degrees and a sense of having been let down.

Jayatheertha S A

Hyderabad Ray of hope

Prasoon Majumdar's column on IGNOU (TSI, Jan 18-24 Jan) imparting free education to Mizo prisoners is worth an applaud. Like always, he has highlighted the need of the hour issues and proved the old saying that there is always a ray of hope even in darkness. IGNOU’s latest move of free education for prisoners is really praiseworthy as these culprits need a direction and a chance to prove their abilities. This means that they can shape up their lives and they should indeed utilise this opportunity to return to the mainstream of life and live a happy life both morally and vocationally. This will sure be a catalyst for others.

Tina C Jose

Via e-mail Nice write-up

“Autumn of the satraps" (TSI, Jan 18th-24 Jan) made a very interesting reading. It is accepted that regional parties will thrive when the national parties are in doldrums. All the same regional parties will fail, if they do not work for the people. That ways, DMK leader M. Karunanidhi is clever. Tamil Nadu is an investment destination for auto makers and for telecommunications and software companies. Bihar, UP and other states are yet to attract a major investor in the last few years. May be Anil Ambani is interested but with the exit of Amar Singh there can be problems, not to talk about gas pricing. Karunanidi has also given a lot of free sops to the people like television sets, gas and gas stoves, sarees, dhotis and essentials at reduced rates. While dynasty is the bane of many political parties, Karunanidhi is tying to balance between his children. Mamata is very simple and uncorrupted, but she is very temperamental. While Lalu did not bring his children into the fray, his brother-in-law brought him a bad name.

V Uma

Mumbai