Thisis further to your editorial ‘Govt should pronto drop cases against Jantar Mantar protestors’. There are no two views about genuine student protesters at Jantar Mantar who were involved in violent rioting with the police be granted one time pardon, and the police cases against them be quashed. But, there must be genuine remorse on their part, not to repeat the act in future protests, hoping for a similar reprieve. The CJP agitation, if enacted solely on the strength of students, without any out side anti-social elements being part of it would have been a success; in which the general public too would have extended their spontaneous support. But, needless shortcut methods were adopted involving ruffians with criminal elements to be part of the movement in order to intimidate the police. The acts of such characters were amply evident on the ground when the policemen were attacked and the vehicles vandalised. The blanket clemency on accused in the Jantar Mantar incident will further embolden the students who are on a warpath. The government must be tough on those elements involved in the crime; but be considerate of students, whose careers are at stake if a police complaint is filed against them.

S Lakshmi, Hyderabad

RSS members in NCERT panel

Whilethe din over irregularities in the conduct of national examinations, particularly NEET by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the student protests that followed may be dying down, another matter of serious concern has emerged. It is reported that the NCERT has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for Classes 11 and 12 Political Science, with at least four members having direct or indirect links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). There have long been allegations that some CBSE textbooks reflect RSS ideology, distort history, and glorify Hindutva figures who had little or no role in India’s Freedom struggle. The new panel is reportedly tasked with reviewing textbooks and integrating themes such as cultural rootedness and Indian Knowledge Systems. Given the availability of eminent scholars and academics in education and political science, why were individuals reportedly associated with the RSS chosen for such an important task? One cannot help wondering whether this is part of a deliberate attempt to reshape the political narrative presented to future generations.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

TN CM should act fast on DMK ‘misrule’

TheTamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said he had evidence of corruption in the previous DMK Government, and would reveal it when necessary. The people of State have every right to clear the cloud by the CM since the matter is concerning much and involves public money. The Chief Minister has sworn an oath to faithfully and conscientiously discharge his duties and to do right to all people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour. If he possesses credible evidence of corruption committed under the previous government, does that constitutional oath permit him to simply keep the evidence “on his table” and wait indefinitely for a politically convenient time? The oath may not require him to disclose every piece of evidence publicly before due process. But it surely requires him to act upon credible evidence through the lawful constitutional and investigative mechanisms available to the State. Otherwise, allegations of corruption risk being reduced to political rhetoric while potential offences involving public money remain uninvestigated. If the evidence exists, let the appropriate authority investigate it, let those responsible answer it, and let the law take its course.

A P Thiruvadi, Chennai

T N largesse could be contagious

Apropos,“A car, driver and Rs 1L allowance: TN MLAs’ windfall from CM Vijay,” (THI, Aug 20). The reported decision of the Vijay-led TVK government to provide cars, ₹75,000 monthly allowance to each of Tamil Nadu’s 234 MLAs, and another ₹25,000 for an assistant deserves strong public criticism. Such a generous package raises serious questions about priorities and financial responsibility. At a time when citizens demand better roads, healthcare, education, jobs and basic services, public money should not be spent on expanding political privileges. Elected representatives enter public life to serve people, not to treat politics as a source of comfort and personal benefits. Moreover, such concessions could set a dangerous precedent, with legislators in other States demanding similar facilities. Governments must promote austerity, accountability and responsible spending.

N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru