There are two news items that did not catch the attention of many. They appeared only in the smallest letters in some papers. I do not know whether these items deserve to be lauded or decried.
The first one is about the parents in Sacred Heart College resisting the onslaught of the youth wings of the ruling party and making sure that the entrance examination was conducted without a hitch. Those who came to block the examination had to go away, shouting slogans. Have the parents begun to realize the importance of imparting quality education to their children even if it involves payment? Those who are really interested in the progress of education in Kerala might pray: "May the creed of these parents increase!"
In this context, I would like to believe that the recent agreements made by the Government with the Managements of professional colleges smack of surrendering to the Will of the managements. Most colleges have been given the freedom to charge the fees as they like, provided the Government gets 50% quota at the rate of fees prescribed by the managements!
The second news item is about permitting the use of beedi in jails and increasing the wages of the prisoners three fold. I don't know whether this is a progressive move, but I am sure that this will certainly encourage more and more criminals to opt for the jail. The exemption can easily be extended to liquor and mobile phones at a later stage, which will make life in jail more confortable than life outside.
It is said that if a despatch clerk becomes a minister, he will be very concerned about improving the lot of despatch clerks in all offices. So, there is nothing wrong in Kodiyeri Balakrishnan taking these steps to improve the lot of criminals in jails. He should certainly know that he belongs there!
