Promoting technical education

Sir,

In this modern age there is always a need for education. Rather education is the bed rock of the progress of any country. It is the measure and quality of education that eventually determines the strength of a country. Our country being a developing one has to keep abreast with the latest in technical as well as academic education. Many states in our country lack better infrastructure in this highly important field.

Our State has not made a significant headaway in the field of technical education. It does not mean that the avenues of technical education are absent but where ever and in whatever form they are they need to be upgraded. In this context a news report was published in this paper (Jan 24) in which a news was carried to revamp the technical education in the State.

The basic institutes that are responsible for imparting technical education are ITIs. There are scores of ITIs in the State where basic knowledge about various technical trades are given. These ITIs are woefully short of good teaching staff as well as intrastructure. World Bank has provided funds in this regard. These funds have to be utilised in a much better way than they are being utilised at present. Same is the case with polytechnics. In order to make Polytechnics at par with others in the country there is a need to make them better equipped to serve the interests of the State. In the present age of technology it is important that polytechnics and ITIs are modernised and upgraded. These institutes have to give a thought to the development of such technologies which are suited to the needs of the State.

Yours etc...
Ashok Dogra
Canal Road
Jammu

Mandigam encounter

Sir,

Three militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba have been killed in a fierce encounter at Mandigam village in Kupwara District (DE, Jan 22).

The news report about the killing of these militants has appeared in this paper which makes a Bollywood style reading. Ofcourse the news report is reflective of what is happening at the ground level in the valley. There are some elements in Kashmir who having reach as Government employees are using their influence to subvert and sabotage the national interests.

These three militants who have been dubbed as 'mehman mujahideen' were issued EC identity cards from Tehsildar. In addition to this photo identity cards issued to these militants were also issued. These militants got killed in the houses of villagers who insisted upon their bonafides when army zeroed in suggests that there are black sheep in our own population who are providing direct and indirect support to these enemies of the people. These elements have to be identified and brought to book. It is heartening to note that all these three 'mehman mujahideen' got killed in the gunbattle with no loss of life to the security forces. This neatly executed operation may be a matter of satisfaction for the security forces but over all this operation is an eye opener also. Militants are getting Election Commission identity cards to prove their bonafides suggest that there is an unholy network that is working to sabotage the process of peace in the State. These elements are working in tandem with some employees otherwise how can such an important document like an EC-identity card be issued to militants. Authorities need to inquire into the whole process of issuing of EC-identity cards and make it as near fool proof as possible. Because under such circumstances we can hardly afford to lower our guard.

Yours etc...
Ramesh Koul
Bhawani Vihar
Trikuta Nagar,
Jammu

Heritage trains

Sir,

According to a survey conducted by society of International Railway Travellers, a us based railway survey group, three Indian trains have been included in the list of twenty five top luxury trains in the world.

Indian railways being third largest in the world will ultimately become second or even largest in the world in terms of road and length of railways lines in the world. At present it is already world's largest employer. It employs more than 1.6 million employees. The heritage trains that was fired the imagination of tourists all over the world are palace on wheels, Darjeeling Toy train and Decan odyssey. Darjeeling Toy train has already been on the list of world's heritage. Built between 1879 and 1881 this train employs the unique loop system which is not seen in any other railway line in the world.

We wonder that these survey societies will one day add another train to its list. That too will come from India. When the railway line between Jammu and Srinagar will be completed it will not only be a great technological marval but it will be one of the most picturesque in the world. This train will not only pass through unchartered course but will also have some of the largest tunnels in the world as well as the highest bridge in the world.

Heritage trains have become a great sources of revenue earning for the respective states where they run as well as for the railways. They have enabled to showcase India as a country where there is immense tourist potential on wheels.

Yours etc...
Prakash Jain
Talab Tillo,
Jammu