THE Tamil Nadu Education Rules was applicable to all schools, and Rule 92 prescribed the rate of fees to be levied by schools (Fee imbroglio, November 5). The Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Act gave statutory protection to certain provisions of the Education Rules. But matriculation schools, then under the University of Madras, were kept out of it. Now that they have come under the State government, the exemption may be withdrawn and all schools brought under the Act.
The Education Rules prescribes a uniform rate of fees for all schools, whether they are run in thatched sheds or in pucca buildings. Similarly, a uniform fee structure could be enforced instead of doing so school-wise, which is cumbersome and fraught with litigations. Commercialisation of education is dangerous in the long run.
KarnatakaCHIEF Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa's winning the confidence vote in the Karnataka Assembly betrays the ugly face of Indian democracy and the open horse-trading indulged in by so-called guardians of democracy (Cover Story, November 19). The BJP stands exposed in the unseemly series of events. It will take it a long time to salvage its reputation as a disciplined party.
The harsh but unpalatable reality is that few politicians are untouched by the spoils of power.
FOR the sake of power, democratic norms have been thrown to the winds. It is disturbing that a mining magnate was behind the move to undermine and unseat Yeddyurappa. The whole episode was disgraceful. It is time the BJP weeded out the corrupt elements in the party.
It is also necessary to remove the Governor because it has been proved that he acted in haste to throw out a duly elected government on flimsy grounds.
Peace PrizeFRONTLINE explained the controversial history of the Nobel Peace Prize when it should have logically explained why Liu Xiaobo should not have been given the prize (Not so noble, November 5). In countries such as China, it is difficult to talk about freedom and democracy.
Let the Peace Prize be controversial and wrong to some extent, but I appreciate the Nobel committee for this daring decision.
AyodhyaHIGH Court and Supreme Court judges arrive at what are called compromise judgments because they are asked to rule on issues that should have been dealt with by the executive (In the name of faith, October 22).
Political parties avoid taking unpopular decisions as they fear losing their vote banks. The verdict in question was the best that could have been reached in the present circumstances.
KashmirTHIS is with reference to the article Reaching out (October 22).
We wish to point out certain inaccuracies:1. The article says that By directing' the State government to reopen schools and colleges immediately, the Union [Home] Minister made himself a laughing stock
The decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which was made available to the media, reads: Request State government to take steps to immediately reopen all schools, colleges, universities.
2. The article says that an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakh would be given to the next of kin was already among the measures taken by the State government.
This is not correct. The order of the State government directed the Deputy Commissioner to provide compensation of Rs.1 lakh plus a job to the next of kin or Rs.5 lakh lumpsum to those found to be without culpability. The offer of the Central government of Rs.5 lakh per person killed in the civil disturbances was without any conditions and it was intended to be given as additional ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased persons.
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