Violent incidents
It is a matter of great concern that violent incidents are on the rise in Tamil Nadu.
The number of murders, particularly in the southern districts, has already crossed hundred.
The gang rape incidents that happened in two places have shocked us.
Recently, there were malpractices in higher secondary examination using advanced technology. Above all, an IAS officer, who has been investigating the irregularities in granite mining in Madurai district, is under threat.
These happenings certainly disturb the peaceful life of people.
Our government is taking steps to control this trend but, at the same time, everyone should feel that it is our duty to cooperate with the government to curb violence.
As a retired higher secondary school headmaster, I request the chief superintendents of examination halls not to allow money and power to decide the result. Let hard work and discipline decide the result.
S.J. Sylvestine,
Koottapuly
Pathways
The bridge over the Tamiraparani on the North Bypass Road in Tirunelveli has two pathways on either side to reach the river. Though the pathways are sandy and have never been laid with stones and asphalt, lorries and other vehicles can easily be driven down to the waters on the one side. Unfortunately, the vehicles are washed here polluting the perennial river.
Though civic laws prohibit washing of vehicles in the river, the practice goes on uncheckedThe alleyway on the other side of the bridge leading to the cremation ground is full of thorny bushes. Will the corporation authorities look into this and take steps to set things right?
E. Rajakumar Arulanandham,
Palayamkottai
Aadhaar card
One of the reasons for tardy progress of Aadhaar card distribution to the public is its linking with the National Population Register (NPR). Those who are working elsewhere and their names not finding a place either in their native place or working place find it very difficult to enrol themselves for Aadhaar.
As one cannot get more than one card, insisting on inclusion in the NPR may be waived as a special case. This will mitigate the problems of those who have migrated for their livelihood.
A. Gomathinayagam,
Tirunelveli
Amma pharmacies
The Department of Cooperation has opened Amma Marundhagams (pharmacies) in many parts of the State, offering a discount of 12 per cent on the maximum retail price.
The public patronage to the pharmacies is very encouraging since they are assured that the drugs and medicines sold are genuine and there is no chance for the sale of spurious drugs.
These pharmacies declared holidays for seven days from March 25 to 31 due to annual stock taking and auditing. Due to the intervening public holidays, it so happened that the pharmacies had to remain shut down from March 25 to April 5. This caused great hardship to customers.
While private medical shops and establishments function round-the-clock, the closure of Amma pharmacies for more than a week is unjustified.
The regular customers feel unhappy with the long stretch of holidays.
S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli
Biology question
I chanced to go through this year’s Biology question paper for State Board higher secondary examinations.
The Zoology part of the paper was somewhat difficult compared to the Botany portion.
However, a three-mark question that figured in Section B as question number 17 in the Zoology portion posed considerable hardship to children due to translation of a technical term into Tamil.
The particular question read: Define Homeostatic mechanism. Students of Tamil Medium are also used to this particular technical term ‘Homeostasis.’ In the Tamil textbook also the word has been retained as such.
ly But framers of the paper have so painstakingly translated the said term as ‘thannilai kaatthal panbu enral enna’?
The students have not come across the Tamil word in the proper context and hence the question has been omitted in full and some have answered it in part.
The nature of this difficulty being somewhat odd, I appeal to the authorities concerned to consider this case with the sympathy it deserves.
G. Nataraja Perumal,
Elathur
Bad condition of buses
Many towns in Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts like Marthandam, Kuzhithurai, Kaliakkavilai, Mariagiri, Mankad and Nithiravilai are served by old and worn-out buses.
There are several schools and colleges located in Marthandam, Kaliakkavilai and Mariagiri and their students are the worst affected due to these buses.
Besides this, the condition of buses plying between Tirunelveli Junction and the new bus stand is not up to the mark. Protruding iron rods and damaged seats are an awful sight,not to mention a dangerous travel experience.
Hence I request the authorities to take urgent steps to ply new buses on Tirunelveli Junction-new bus stand route and in Marthandam, Kaliakkavilai and Mariagiri in the larger interest of the people.
P. Senthil Saravana Durai,
Vazhavallan
