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Khaleej
Times Weekend - 12 September 2008
Kick the
habit
I WAS very
happy that the Editor discussed the dangers of smoking in
Editor’s Notes (Clearing the Air, August 22).
There have
been many discussions and debates on this issue in the
media. But we don’t see a significant change in the mindset
of smokers. I don’t think carrying the hazard symbol on
cigarette packets will help. But, public awareness campaigns
might.
Stopping
import of cigarettes and related products may not be
feasible for commercial reasons, but the government can
seriously think of considering such a move in a phased
manner. This will help safeguard the younger generation from
the threat of diseases that are caused due to excessive
smoking.
Ramachandran Nair
Gulf News -
06 September 2008
Tough times
The high fee structure in most schools is really alarming.
It has become an added burden to parents who are already
suffering from other factors such as inflation and rising
cost of living. I think private schools need to implement a
plan for fee structuring and establish proper guidelines,
with a revision in tuition fee. Everything is becoming more
expensive, and middle-income expatriates are facing very
tough times. Food, housing, medical services and education
are the top priority for any individual, but they all have
become extraordinarily expensive.
Ramachandran Nair
Gulf News - 28 August 2008
Safety measures
Fires
seem to have become a common occurrence these days. As far
as the facility of workers is concerned, there needs to be a
better safety arrangement, in order to avoid similar
incidents in the future. It was quite embarrassing to read
that 500 people were housed in 30 rooms! Such accidents
reveal the ignorance of most people regarding the need to
follow basic safety requirements in residential and
commercial buildings, particularly in labour accommodations.
Ramachandran Nair
Gulf News -
26 August 2008
Involving people
The authority's initiative to fight against corruption and
bribery practices needs support from people of all walks of
life. This would definitely help improve the level of
services that people enjoy in their day-to-day interactions
with ministries and offices. Corruption and malpractices in
office routines prompt people to do away with their
self-integrity for the sake of temporary benefits. In the
UAE, there are several social organisations that could help
launch public participation. Frequent awareness campaigns
can help people be sincere in their approach and work in an
ethical manner.
Ramachandran Nair
Gulf News –
21 August 2008
Morale boost
Gulf News
recently reported that Oman plans to improve literacy levels
in the country ("Oman plans to tackle illiteracy", Gulf
News, July 15). However, Omani youngsters have already
proven their mettle in education as well as in the
employment sector. Private companies employ a large number
of qualified Omanis and they are often encouraged to take up
jobs in both the public and private sectors. Hundreds of
Omanis graduate from universities every year and they are
well received in the job market. The new initiative will
further boost the morale of young Omanis.
Ramachandran Nair
The
National – 09 September 2008
Zardari
faces tough challenges
Asif Ali
Zardari has been elected president of Pakistan. It is quite
unfortunate that in countries like Pakistan, there is no
proper prerequisite for candidates who contest for key
positions. Zardari was behind bars for years on corruption
charges, and now he has taken his country’s top position.
While world leaders hail Zardari’s victory, the most
difficult task for him in the coming days will be uniting
the present coalition government, in which his own party has
a good number of attendees. Other issues such as terrorism
and strengthening relations with neighbouring countries will
also present a challenge for him.
Ramachandran Nair
The
National – 06 September 2008
Foreign
troops sustain instability
The idea
of foreign troop cuts in Iraq and Afghanistan has been on
the discussion table for a long time. But such talk by the
US is indirectly sending the wrong signal to Iraq. The
recent announcement by the Bush administration underlines
its plan to keep forces in Iraq and Afghanistan for an
indefinite period of time. However, the current instability
in the respective countries will continue as long as foreign
troops are there.
These countries should be able to use their own military
forces to solve internal problems and reduce the presence of
foreign troops. In order to strengthen and build up defence
capabilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, they need to carry out
independent operations on their own soil. An unlimited stay
by foreign troops could have a long-term negative impact.
Foreign troops in these countries need to chalk out a proper
timetable for their permanent withdrawal.
Ramachandran Nair
The
National – 31 August 2008
Rising
school fees must be regulated
Spiralling
school fees are alarming, and another burden for parents who
are already dealing with an overall increase in the cost of
living, “School fees skyrocket” (August 31). The private
school sector needs to develop a proper system for
increasing fees, with Government approved guidelines. Not
only have school fees gone up, but so have the cost of
school accessories. The UAE is becoming too expensive, and
some in the middle class expatriate community are facing
difficult times.
Food,
shelter, health and education are the top priorities for any
individual, but they have all become expensive, and not only
in the UAE but in the rest of the region as well. If the
increases continue, expatriates might start to rethink their
future in the Gulf. In Muscat, however, the Indian schools
have recently revised their fee structure with a minimum
increase – a reasonable move.
Ramachandran Nair
Khaleej
Times - 08 September 2008
Zardari as Pak President
Now Asif Ali Zardari has been elected as the next President
of Pakistan! It is quite unfortunate that in the
subcontinent countries like Pakistan and India there is no
proper pre-requisite for candidates to contest for key
positions.
As it was a known fact that Zardari has been behind the bars
for years on corruption charges, he has been assigned the
country’s top most position.
Ramachandran Nair |
