Indian school changes target infrastructure

The Right to Education Act is forcing government schools and the richer private schools in India to improve their infrastructure. Other topics include BlackBerrys and Schengen visas.

A reader addresses the issue of infrastructure in India's schools. Simon De Trey-White / The National
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I am writing in reference to EU debates visa-free travel for UAE citizens (February 11).

The Netherlands wholeheartedly supports the wish of the United Arab Emirates to be exempt from Schengen (EU) visa requirements.

It has done so from the beginning and will continue to do so. The Dutch Foreign Minister has promised his full support to his UAE counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah.

I regret any misunderstanding which may have occurred because of the article in The National quoting an unnamed EU official.
Gerard Michels, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE

Indian school changes target infrastructure

I am writing in reference to Schools axe leaves pupils in limbo (February 7), regarding possible school closures in India.

The schools will not be shut. The Right to Education (RTE) Act is forcing government schools and the richer private schools to improve their infrastructure.

It is not only about land, it is about having a healthy teacher-pupil ratio, among other things.

Private schools are required to have 25 per cent poor students, so they are losing money and raising issues against the RTE.

The schools won't have to shut, but they will have basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, a library and teaching aides.

A Rashid, India

BlackBerry loses its best feature

Only 2 per cent of social-media uses in UAE give new BlackBerry the thumbs down (February 8) mentions video calling through BlackBerry Messenger Voice, a feature similar to FaceTime on the iPhone.

However, I believe that the feature is not available in the UAE.

Also, why has there been no mention of the fact that unlimited data plans are no longer available?

Those plans were arguably the best reason for anyone to buy a BlackBerry.

M Nystedt, Dubai

Mother faced a terrible situation

I am overwhelmed about the situation of the 27-year-old mother who was forced to leave her five children (Dubai mum-of-five leaves children home alone with maids for 10 months, February 5).

This should not happen to anyone.

Monica Carver, Dubai