Need for measures to reform the education system
The excellent success rate reflected in the latest SSLC results,
that has come in a context of systemic changes effected in the
teaching-learning process with a claimed emphasis on quality, has
become the subject of a political debate with some parties in the
Opposition describing it as deliberately inflated. How do parents,
teachers, educational administrators and, most of all, students, view
it?
Our readers respond:
Improved learning
The credit for the excellent success rate of students in the SSLC
examination does not go fully to Education Minister M.A. Baby. The
results reflect the systemic teaching and improved learning process
among students. The newly introduced grading system has helped children
and their parents overcome fear. The coverage given by the media to
rank holders has had a negative impact on other students. This is one
reason why suicide rates among students in this age group increased.
The government should take steps to reduce the number of dropouts
before the next academic year begins. One must not forget that the SSLC
examination is not the end of the road called education, but a gateway
for further learning.
Sreeni K.R.
Thrissur
Source: The Hindu
2008/05/26
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Concerted effort needed to promote organic farming Peoplespeak
The State Government is planning to promote organic farming to
counter genetically modified (GM) crops. The Chief Minister has said
the government wants a complete switch-over to organic farming. What
does this spell for the agriculture sector and the farming community?
Our readers respond:
Higher yield
Paddy fields are fading into oblivion. The key challenge before the
government is to sustain fast growing populations. Organic farming can
help promote self-sufficiency or food security in Kerala. The new crop
varieties need a lot of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. All these
contaminate the soil and waterbodies.
Organic farming could augur well for the agricultural sector and the
farmers. The increased soil health in the organic farms lowers the
incidence of disease. Organic farming systems produce high yield crops
and increase soil fertility, besides preventing loss of topsoil to
erosion. Animal manure also provides enough nitrogen not only to
sustain high crop yields but also to build up the nitrogen storage in
the soil. The emphasis on small-scale family farms has the potential to
revitalise rural areas and the economy. Only organic farming methods
can help small family farms survive, increase farm productivity and
knit communities into smaller, more sustainable distribution networks —
all leading to improved food security.
Sreeni K.R
Thrissur
Source: The Hindu
2007/09/22
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Political initiative can get State its due share in railway development
With another railway budget round the corner, questions relating to
the growth needs of the railway system in Kerala have again come to the
fore. What are the immediate needs and imperatives? And what should be
the State’s strategy to realise them? Our readers respond:
Change strategy
Railway is the cheapest and the most widely used mode of transport.
Thousands of common people depend on the service everyday. Our
compliance to Railway systems like tickets, platform tickets,
cleanliness etc is highly commendable. In spite if this we do not have
enough facilities.
The train services in the State cannot meet the demand. Kerala is
becoming a major IT and tourist destination. The development of
Railways is essential for the overall development of the Sate.
Companies should not avoid Kerala for lack of infrastructure. The
number of trains during peak hours should be increased. The State’s
strategy should be to cooperate with the Centre rather than
politicising all issues. The State government should acquire land
required for railway projects and hand tit over to the authorities
concerned.
Sreeni K.R.
Chalakudy
Source: The Hindu
2008/02/25
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