NTA needs revamp

The NTA was conceived as a technologically efficient, politically insulated testing body. Instead, it has become an overburdened examination superstructure. Technology alone cannot defeat a criminalised examination economy.

The NTA should be radically downsized or structurally split into specialised verticals rather than one omnibus agency running every major exam.

Medical, engineering and research entrance systems require dedicated professional bodies with independent oversight.

Move away from a one paper Oracle toward multiple test windows and percentile-based evaluation,

Criminal penalties must extend not only to middlemen but also to complicit officials, vendors and institutional heads. Examination systems must reclaim moral legitimacy.

R Narayanan

Navi Mumbai

Gold worries

Apropos, ‘Precious saving’, (May 15). The government’s decision to raise import duties on gold and silver aims to curb non-essential imports and protect foreign exchange reserves.

However, history warns that higher tariffs offer only a short-term fix, risking a revival of illicit smuggling networks rather than truly extinguishing domestic demand.

To permanently reduce India’s structural dependence on imported bullion, deeper financial reforms are indispensable.

Policymakers must aggressively revitalize the Gold Monetization Scheme, lowering deposit thresholds to unlock idle household wealth. Ultimately, gold remains the preferred safe haven.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

Pathetic apathy

This refers to ‘Keonjhar incident, an institutional failure’ (May 15). Well narrated, the sad suffering of Jitu Munda’s travails remind that key public institutions continue to practice apathy towards the public concerns instead of concern for their grievances.

The bureaucratic and institutional apathy is directly proportional to the geographical remoteness.

The system must inculcate a culture of public service in employees.

YG Chouksey

Pune

Published on May 15, 2026