TOXIC AIR
   Date :05-Nov-2019

AS DELHI finds itself engulfed in high pollution and poor air quality -- a regular feature in winters -- a political storm is brewing between the Delhi Government and the Centre over implementation of pollution control measures to combat the problem. Both the Governments are seeking solution to the problem and pointing fingers at each other over inability to counter the deadly menace. Some distance away, in the fields of Punjab and Haryana, the real problem of stubble burning lies unattended. Delhi’s air quality index is directly affected by the smoke from these fields where precious little has been done to sensitise the farmers on the ghastly effects of burning stubble. Almost 44 per cent of pollution in Delhi is caused by stubble burning followed by transport and construction activities. Diwali crackers, the favourite whipping objects, are hardly a point of problem. Instead of fretting over non-issues like crackers, the stakeholders should find out ways to deal with the real problem at hand. Scientific approach and strong deterrents can only clean Delhi air.
 
THINK ‘BASICS’
 
EVEN as the Human Resource Development Ministry thinks of making examinations “easier” by changing assessment system, the need must be stressed of thinking of ‘basic’ idea of education as the main trigger. It is true that the students must be led to a stress-free examination system. Yet, it is also essential to consider the larger issue of the society’s current value system in which high-performing students are the goal as part of the thought of providing the kids good careers that would ultimately bring in good money as reward. This approach is actually spoiling the charm of learning and using the knowledge for upliftment of persons to next levels. It is perfectly fine for the HRD Ministry to think of ways and means to making examinations “easier” for the students. But the quality of that goal will be enhanced further if a thought, too, is given to upliftment of the individual student as the member of the society of the future. It is in this zone of basic thought that the HRD masters must enter to evolve the right model.