Reforming poll landscape

We are undertaking many reforms to correct unacceptable practices. Why not amend the Representation of the People Act to curb the unchecked growth of political parties? India has one of the world’s highest numbers of political parties, many controlled by families, communities, or narrow regional interests. Pre-election alliances with tiny parties that lack even basic electoral presence encourage the mushrooming of such entities, often for ulterior motives. One solution is to require every newly registered party to contest independently in its first election and secure at least 10% of the total votes polled. Failing that, its registration should be automatically cancelled. Pre-poll alliances should also be barred. All parties recognised by the Election Commission of India should contest independently with their allotted symbols. Only after results are declared should parties be allowed to form alliances to secure a governing majority.

Dhanasekharan V.,

Chennai

Academic quality

There is a growing rush in Indian universities to increase research papers, PhDs, and patents, especially in private institutions where rankings are a key selling point. The article, “Quality over quantity” (EducationPlus page, May 18), is right in that patents are rarely transferred effectively to industry. Universities engage too little with industry, while industries often treat universities as manpower suppliers. They seldom approach faculty with real-world problems, perhaps due to weak protection of intellectual property rights. In addition, PhD thesis evaluation is often not rigorous enough.

P. Radhakrishnan,

Coimbatore