— Sadashiv S. Apte

Pune

• Even though it has taken the Liberhan Commission 17 years in delivering its report to the prime minister, the fact is that the report is now in. Therefore, the onus is now on the government to act, not least so given the time and resources spent on the commission. There’s been a lot of speculation and misinformation regarding the report and it will undoubtedly open a can of worms. Yet, it’s a can that must be opened. The Liberhan report shouldn’t be treated like previous inquiry reports.

— Asjadullah Qasmi

Mumbai

How they ail

• This refers to B.N. Srikrishna’s ‘Errors of commission”. Srikrishna has analysed well what ails commissions of inquiry. Such commissions are usually announced on the spur of the moment to tide over an impending political crisis and cool tempers. Resources of such commissions are neglected and the minister concerned soon leaves it all to the bureaucracy. Having had occasion to work with two commissions, one statutory — the Finance Commission — I must say only a dynamic secretary could ensure such a body adhering to a given time-frame.

— M.K.D. Prasada Rao

Ghaziabad

Nothing learnt

• The BJP’s challenge to the UPA government to rebuild the Babri masjid in the wake of the Liberhan report is ridiculous. The party seems unable to learn its lessons. It will not be able to return to power at the Centre by banking on a supposed Hindu vote base whose passions will be raised by the issue. From the looks of it, that vote bank has deserted the BJP and, like most Indians, doesn’t care anymore for matters irrelevant to them. How the BJP handles what happens henceforth will make or break the party.

— J.M. Manchanda

New Delhi

Systemic overhaul

• India’s education system is obsolete and needs to be revamped. HRD Minister Kapil Sibal’s agenda is welcome. But, there’s nothing in it to improve the quality of education. Reforms should be undertaken with caution and in phases. Education has suffered from frequent changes in India. Making Class 10 exams optional will not reduce exam pressure. While it’s hoped Sibal will not retreat under pressure, he should consult the states — since education is on the Concurrent List — and engage in a nationwide public debate first.

— S.K. Aggarwal

Amritsar