The crying needs of this city are depressingly familiar. A large part of its population lives in appaling conditions. The increasing pollution levels are choking it to a slow death. And while its health standards are abysmally poor, the transport system may soon be nearing the point of collapse. Also, AIDS and tuberculosis are threatening to assume alarming proportions. Yet, all is not lost. Amidst apparent chaos, there is still a certain sense of discipline which keeps the city functional. Despite much crime, an overwhelming majority of Mumbaiites are law-abiding.

But there are so many things that need to be taken up urgently in this premier metropolis of the country -- we need to strengthen the public transport system and dissuade people from using private cars, except when absolutely necessary and the anti-pollution measures for vehicles and other sources of pollution must be strictly enforced. However, I shall confinemyself to educational matters.

Though the literacy level is rising and there is increasing educational awareness among the underprivileged strata of society, Mumbai still needs a public education drive on a war-footing regarding AIDS, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases, and above all cleanliness. The literacy campaigns need to be intensified and resources mobilised for quality improvement of primary education, particularly in the disadvantaged strata of the population. A number of NGOs are doing notable educational work and their efforts need to be greatly multiplied. These ideas are, of course, accepted by everybody. What is required is a socio-political will on the part of both the Govt. and the people to implement them.

There is one thing, however, that is basically unsound but has now gained universal acceptance in the city. We are referring to the orientation of the entire education system towards the final scores at SSC and HSC and the emergence of the coaching class culture. Because ofits vital importance for career, emphasis on scoring well is understandable at this stage. But there is no reason why this orientation should pervade down to the kindergarten level! Parents and even teachers need qualitative change in their mindset.

We needs to ensure that a child's natural creativity and curiosity is not killed by an excessive and uncalled for emphasis on performance. Though this trend is now everywhere in India, Mumbai seems to be particularly bad in this regard.

Lastly, Mumbai needs better newspaper and other media coverage of science. While prime space is devoted week after week on how the distant celestial objects are going to influence your finance, romance and such other matters, there is scarcely any effort (exceptions apart) made for in-depth analysis and comment on the issues surrounding science, technology and society, or, for that matter, for simply informing the readers about the fascinating new discoveries in science. Mumbaiites can do with more of science and less ofpolitics.