Sir: The state of government schools is appalling. Much like government hospitals, the schools here are in tattered condition with almost no care given to structure, utility and experience for the students. There is a dearth of teachers in many public schools and a dire shortage of adequate classrooms for the students to avail. In many rural areas, in places where schools and their classrooms ought to be, many students can be found sitting out in the open, under the shade of trees being taught their lessons just so they can get an education. Why is the education department not looking into this example of neglect? Students are students everywhere, whether rich or poor, and providing them with basic education, within acceptable norms, is the duty of the government. SIDRA FAIZ Rawalpindi