Proxy attendance
Sir — Students are often accused of skipping classes and faking illness to avoid school but an attendance monitoring application in Meghalaya recently revealed a similar phenomenon among teachers as well. After facial recognition technology was mandated to mark teachers’ attendance, it turned out that several schools had been running with proxy teachers. Seemingly, some teachers recruited through examinations prefer to run side businesses while paying a fraction of their salaries to substitutes whom they send to take classes on their behalf. Moonlighting is, evidently, not a challenge exclusive to the information technology sector. But given the rising cost of living and paltry salaries, can people really be blamed for seeking multiple avenues of employment?
Smita Dutta,Guwahati
Undeserved award
Sir — It is astounding that the Gorakhpur-based Gita Press, which allegedly remained silent on the assassination of M.K. Gandhi in 1948, has won the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2021 (“And the Gandhi Peace Prize goes to...”, June 19). Even more baffling is the fact that in spite of the publishing house’s known antipathy towards the Gandhian principle of shunning untouchability, the jury, headed by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, found that the Gita Press had contributed to transformation through “Gandhian methods”.
Samir Das,Cooch Behar
Sir — The Gandhi Peace Prize has formerly been awarded to stalwarts like Nelson Mandela and Mujibur Rahman and to institutions like Ramakrishna Mission and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh for their humanitarian efforts. It is embarrassing that the contribution of the Gita Press is now being seen as an equivalent to their efforts. The Gandhi Peace Prize is a recognition that highlights significant contributions towards fostering peace and religious harmony. Turning it into religious propaganda will undermine the value of the award.
Abhijit Chakraborty,Howrah
Quell the fire
Sir — Although the Union home minister, Amit Shah, visited Manipur, the continued unrest there reveals his inability to deal with the situation (“Riddle in Sangh appeal for peace in Manipur”, June 19). The prime minister’s silence on this matter is disheartening. The peace committee set up by the Union government has failed to keep its flock together. Even a tighter security arrangement has not been able to bring the situation under control. The Bharatiya Janata Party government no longer enjoys the support of the people in Manipur. Unless administrative policies are made conducive to peace, the situation will not improve.
Shovanlal Chakraborty,Calcutta
Sir — People in Manipur have rightfully protested against Narendra Modi’s continued silence regarding the violence in the state by smashing transistors (“In Manipur, radio gets Mann ki Boot”, June 19). It is disappointing that instead of resolving conflicts in the country, Narendra Modi is more interested in his tour of the United States of America. This apathy will hopefully reflect in the BJP’s electoral fortunes in the upcoming general elections.
Aayman Anwar Ali,Calcutta
Sir — The unabated violence in Manipur is unfortunate. The government should bring together the local administration, police, military and Central agencies to restore peace. People, too, must take every possible step to revive harmony and ensure the safety of fellow citizens. A solution must be reached through amicable dialogue.
D. Bhattacharyya,Calcutta
Stop the waste
Sir — Freebies distributed by political parties — both in and out of power — seem alluring, but they have no real impact — the four-gramme gold thaalis handed out by the Tamil Nadu government are a case in point. The substandard products that are often handed out to influence voters are only a waste of money. Government should instead focus on providing employment and enabling people to lead dignified lives so that they do not need freebies. Squandering away taxpayers’ money simply increases the tax burden on the people eventually.
Calicut Krishna,Bengaluru
Risky ritual
Sir — The Indian Railways has started preparing for the Kumbh Mela in 2025, sanctioning a fund of Rs 837 crore for infrastructure work. In a bid to tackle the high footfall, the national transporter has planned to operate more than 800 special trains.
Our rivers are more polluted than ever before. Yet, instead of discouraging millions of people from bathing in the river during the Kumbh Mela, the government is encouraging and arranging transportation and other amenities for them. This goes against the scientific temper prescribed by the Constitution as well as the long-term interests of the country.
L. Kantamsetti,Visakhapatnam
Stupid behaviour
Sir — It is not uncommon to hear of crowds at a concert throwing things at the performers. In an unfortunate incident, the singer, Bebe Rexha, was injured when a fan hurled a phone at her. Apparently, the fan thought this would be funny. The lack of empathy and common sense in people is astonishing. Throwing things at celebrities or storming the stage they are on violates their personal space and is unacceptable.
Roshni Ojha,Howrah
Musical bond
Sir — Fête de la Musique was celebrated in Paris on June 21, 1982 and, since then, over 100 countries celebrate the day as World Music Day. The celebration highlights how people all over the world can be connected through music.
Himel Ghosh,Calcutta
