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Fee refund, admission: Students in dilemma
Caparo campus closed about two years ago but 87 students yet to get fee refund
Jalandhar, May 13
As many as 87 students of B.Tech, who had taken admission in the Caparo School of Manufacturing and Material Sciences, have alleged that their tuition fee and other charges had not been refunded even as the campus was closed about two years ago.

BTech students show documents to support their claim in Jalandhar on Thursday. A Tribune photograph

20 kids left clueless as KV dithers on admission issue
Keeps general category students waiting for SC, ST seats
Jalandhar, May 13
The future of nearly 20 children hangs in the balance as even after one month of the commencement of the current academic session, the management of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Suranussi, Jalandhar, is neither admitting nor denying them admissions.

Students of St Soldier's Nursing Training Institute celebrate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, marked as Nurses Day, in Jalandhar on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Malkiat Singh

Minority 5,700 primary school students wait for scholarship
Jalandhar, May 13
Nearly 5,700 students of primary schools across the district are waiting for the pre-matric scholarship, which was to be facilitated by the Department of Minority Affairs of the Central Government during the last academic session.

New courses on colleges’ menu list
Jalandhar, May 13
With college admissions are going on in full swing, students can explore many more options this academic session. Courtesy: A wide range of new UGC-approved graduate and postgraduate disciplines introduced in colleges.

National Rivers Conservation Plan
Rs 36 cr to tackle pollution in Sutlej
Phagwara, May 13
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, under the National Rivers Conservation Plan, has sanctioned Rs 3,589.73 lakh for additional interception and diversion (I&D) and sewage treatment plant to check pollution in the Sutlej at Phagwara, SDM Amarjit Paul said.

Young World LPU invites 15 UK varsities Jalandhar, May 13 Lovely Professional University invited 15 universities of the UK to visit its campus on Tuesday. The idea was to let aspiring foreign students get an opportunity to meet UK academicians. LPU students interact with guests from the west on the university campus. A Tribune photograph

‘Bridal Affair’ exhibition held
Jalandhar, May 13
A two-day “Bridal Affair” exhibition was held at Hotel Radisson on May 8 and 9. The dream-wedding exhibition highlighting Punjabi culture had various stalls providing things and services for the brides-to-be.

Welfare Dept to start children awards
Jalandhar, May 13
The Women and Child Welfare Department has decided to give the national awards for children in the 4-15 age group category. Madhvi Kataria, Director, Social Welfare, said the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement comprises a gold medal, a citation and 20, 000 in cash.

BACK TO BACK: A recovery van tows two vehicles in Jalandhar. Tribune photo: Malkiat Singh Northern Railway General Manager Shailendra K. Budhlakuti gives away the Vishishth Seva Parman Patra to Ramesh Verma, MW fitter (grade-I) at the bridge workshop in Jalandhar cantonment, for his excellent services in New Delhi. The award carries Rs 2,000 and a citation.

Fake Currency Notes
RBI organises workshop for cops
Jalandhar, May 13
With rising cases of recovery of fake currency notes in the region, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Chandigarh branch, organised an awareness workshop for police personnel here today.

Biz Buzz
UCO Bank to start mobile banking service
Jalandhar, May 13
UCO Bank will start a mobile banking service in the Shahkot area for the convenience of rural people. Ripen Murgai, field commercial manager, Chandigarh, said the bank would soon install a coin-vending machine.

Feast For Mind
Have a look around you and you’ll find multitudes of souls brimming with the desire to excel in dancing and singing. There seems to be no end to the mad race in which the parents are thrusting their children to gain name and fame.

Punjab fails to implement Central schemes: MP
Phagwara, May 13
Congress MP Santosh Chaudhary, who has been appointed chairperson of the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, held a meeting with Phagwara officials and took stock of the implementation of various Central schemes.

J&K Govt flayed for increasing cess
Jalandhar, May 13
The Yuva Hindu Manch has flayed the Jammu and Kashmir government for arbitrarily increasing the cess for various services that are provided by the langar organisers to the Amarnarth yatra pilgrims.

Fee refund, admission: Students in dilemma
Caparo campus closed about two years ago but 87 students yet to get fee refund
Deepkamal Kaur
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
As many as 87 students of B.Tech, who had taken admission in the Caparo School of Manufacturing and Material Sciences, have alleged that their tuition fee and other charges had not been refunded even as the campus was closed about two years ago.

The students said while they had been shifted to the DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology after the second semester, they had still not got refund of tuition fee amounting to Rs 4,000 and hostel fee of Rs 4,000 that they had deposited with the Caparo Society for admission to the third semester.

The students, who are about to complete their sixth semester, said the society given a public notice in newspapers on April 28 mentioning that anyone with a claim could contact them within 15 days.

The students said they had prepared a joint representation and met a member, Praful Gandhi, at the institute. The students said they had been assured that their money would be refunded within 10 days

The students also claimed that the refund of counselling fee of Rs 7,500 paid three years ago had still not been made to them by Punjab Technical University. “All students of DAVIET have got the refund but not us,” they seemed upset.

PTU Dean Dr N.P. Singh said the university was verifying the claims which had led to the delay. He said the money would be refunded within 10 days.

Meanwhile, the students said that they feel cheated and were planning to knock the door of the court. “We had been presented a rosy picture about our future. We were promised world-class facilities, specialised courses, UK study for two years and absorption there. But we have been left in the lurch being given the only option of taking ordinary education,” they rued.

20 kids left clueless as KV dithers on admission issue
Keeps general category students waiting for SC, ST seats
Amaninder Pal
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
The future of nearly 20 children hangs in the balance as even after one month of the commencement of the current academic session, the management of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Suranussi, Jalandhar, is neither admitting nor denying them admissions.

Names of the 20 children, whose parents are interested to get them admitted in KV, have been put on the waiting list by the management.

“It is confirmed that a few seats are still vacant in the school. However, the management is not offering admission to our wards. We are suffering in both ways as the managements of other schools are also denying admissions to our wards due to the commencement of the academic session in all other good schools,” said parents.

However, the KV management has cleared that only six seats are vacant in the school for the current session and that too do not fall in the general category.

“Six vacant seats are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes and as per the directions of the higher authorities the seats would not be filled till the end of July. If these remain vacant even after July end, the seats will be offered to candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes,” said Principal G.S. Sethi. He, however, added that there are chances of an increase in the number of seats in all KVs if the recent decisions taken by the Central government materialised. That being the reason that students in the waiting list were still not being denied admission.

Minority 5,700 primary school students wait for scholarship
Amaninder Pal
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
Nearly 5,700 students of primary schools across the district are waiting for the pre-matric scholarship, which was to be facilitated by the Department of Minority Affairs of the Central Government during the last academic session.

As per the data available in the office of the District Education Officer, total of 5,731 students, including 858 students of Class I to Class V of government aided and un-aided schools have applied for the benefits under the scheme.

Though the Central Government is responsible to provide 100 per cent financial aid under the scheme and has already transferred the funds to the state, lackadaisical attitude of the state government has delayed the release of the funds and left the students in a lurch even after the completion of the academic session.

Students had applied under the scheme in the mid of last year and funds had to be released before the closing of the last financial year. Under the scheme, the district education authorities forward applications and the amount is disbursed through the Department of Social Welfare.

“We have received an amount of Rs 188 lakh for primary students under the scheme. However, the amount has been released against the names of those beneficiaries who have applied under the scheme in the year 2008-09, but not for the students, who have applied in 2009-10. If we go by the routine practice of the state government, the amount would definitely take a few more months to be released,” said an employee in the District Welfare Department.

Students belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi families, who have secured not less than 50 per cent marks in previous examination and the annual income of whose parents is not more than Rs 1 lakh per annum, are eligible for availing the benefits under the scheme. Maintenance allowance of Rs 100 per month for 10 months in an academic year is provided in the scheme.

New courses on colleges’ menu list
Kusum Arora
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
With college admissions are going on in full swing, students can explore many more options this academic session. Courtesy: A wide range of new UGC-approved graduate and postgraduate disciplines introduced in colleges.

From foreign languages to cyber laws, fashion designing and postgraduate degree courses the students can opt for a variety skill development programmes, apart from the basic courses in the city colleges. While add-on courses in hospitality, event management and taxation have also been started.

The Tribune takes a look at the new courses in the colleges. For those who have been looking forward to join a language course can get admission in Kanya Maha Vidyalaya as the college is starting three-month courses in French, Spanish, German and Chinese. The college has hired native teachers from the respective countries.

Principal Atima Sharma said the courses had been started keeping in mind the craze of foreign languages among the students. “Last year we introduced French course. The extension in the courses has been done owing to a good response from this NRI belt,” she added.

KMV is also coming up with MCom, MSc (fashion designing), PG diploma in financial services, bachelor’s degree course in journalism and mass communication. The college is also starting add-on course in hospitality and event management. “We are also all set to start a diploma in cosmetology directly after Class XII,” she said.

While those students who were till date forced to pursue a master’s programme in geography in other states can now heave a sigh of relief. Lyallpur Khalsa College has become the second institution to start MA (geography). Earlier this course was available in Government College, Amritsar. “We have 40 seats for this course,” said Principal Jaspal Singh Randhawa.

The college is also starting evening courses in BCA, BCom (regular), BCom (professional), MCom and MSc (IT) this session.

“We are also starting a UGC scheme - remedial courses for minorities and SC/BC students. The course is aimed at providing English speaking and communication skills.

“This year we have also decided to advertise the UGC-sponsored single girl child scholarship scheme to receive the maximum response,” he maintained.

Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya is starting PG diploma in cyber law and information security, MSc (fashion designing) and a vocational training programme under which certificate courses in beauty culture, personality development and soft skills would be held in the afternoon. Principal J. Kackeria said, “We are also starting an evening centre for civil services under the Career Development Programme.” DAV College is starting MSc in food science and technology, PG diploma in financial services (banking and insurance), PG diploma in baking technology, diploma in baking technology and MPhil in political science, English, chemistry, physics, Hindi and Sanskrit and PG diploma in mass communication and journalism, said Principal V.K. Tewari.

The Jalandhar cantonment-based BD Arya Girls College is introducing MSc in fashion designing, MCom and add-on courses in taxation, basic clinical lab techniques and a special international accountancy course in collaboration with the Association of International Accountants, England. “The classes for this course would be held once a week on Sundays only. The examination would be conducted online and that too at reasonable fee structure,” said Principal Sarita Verma.

National Rivers Conservation Plan
Rs 36 cr to tackle pollution in Sutlej
Our Correspondent

Phagwara, May 13
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, under the National Rivers Conservation Plan, has sanctioned Rs 3,589.73 lakh for additional interception and diversion (I&D) and sewage treatment plant to check pollution in the Sutlej at Phagwara, SDM Amarjit Paul said.

He said Rs 1,414.17 lakh had been sanctioned for the Sutlej Action Plan, Phagwara North Phase-II, under construction near Palahi village in which Rs 262.37 lakh would be spent on intercepting sewer, Rs 2 crore for two acres of more land, Rs 9.12 crore for 8 MLD sewage treatment plant and Rs 39.65 lakh on pumping station.

The SDM said Rs 2175.56 lakh had been sanctioned for Phagwara South (Hadiabad). Out of this Rs 899.43 lakh would be spent on 8 MLD sewage treatment plant, Rs 352.53 lakh on lateral sewer, Rs 341.14 on main sewer, Rs 223.62 lakh on main pumping station, Rs 292.96 lakh on secondary pumping station, Rs 292.96 on rising main, Rs 65.88 lakh would be spent on electricity substation.

He said Rs 42 lakh would be deposited with the Railways for the construction works near Mohalla Shivpuri to lay the main sewer line.

Young World
LPU invites 15 UK varsities
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
Lovely Professional University invited 15 universities of the UK to visit its campus on Tuesday. The idea was to let aspiring foreign students get an opportunity to meet UK academicians.

It also aimed at seeking possible collaborations with foreign universities for the benefit of Indian students. The representatives of foreign universities also met the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor of the LPU to seek collaborations to promote students and faculty exchange programmes, articulation and joint researches.

As many as 600 students enquired about various details from them.

Manav Sehyog School students chill out at a pool party held in Jalandhar. A Tribune photograph

Pool party

The pre-primary section of Manav Sehyog School found a refreshing way to combat the scorching heat by organising a splash pool party. Kids enjoyed splashing and getting drenched in the cool water of splash pools.

Music competitions

More than 400 students participated in a music and fine arts competition which was organised by Bharatiya Nritya Sangeet Kala Kendra in Little Blossoms School. Jahanvi of Rabindra Day Boarding School bagged the first position in classical vocal category. In the instrument category, Krishna Malhotra (tabla), Garvita (mandoline), Priksha (mandoline) and Sukhmani (casio) of Little Blossoms School and Mudit (tabla), Jyotika (violin), Naveen(guitar), Tejas (casio) and Bhumika (harmonium) of Bharatiya Nritya Sangeet Kala Kendra won the first prizes.

‘Bridal Affair’ exhibition held
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
A two-day “Bridal Affair” exhibition was held at Hotel Radisson on May 8 and 9. The dream-wedding exhibition highlighting Punjabi culture had various stalls providing things and services for the brides-to-be.

From latest designer wears to honeymoon planners, flower decorators, wedding photographers and event managers the exhibition was a one-stop shop for the brides-to-be. Among the various stalls were Melange Collections from Kolkatta, Lavenders Fashion from Delhi, Kala Creations from Ludhiana, Aura from Chandigarh, Studio M from Amritsar, Prayaas fronm Hisar and Color Fab from Jaipur.

A special range of Pakistani salwar-kameez was an attraction of the exhibition. Heena Creations from Karachi, Pakistan, was thronged by the shoppers. Accessories, jewellery and a special helicopter company, Monarch International, were the other key feature of the exhibition.

Welfare Dept to start children awards
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
The Women and Child Welfare Department has decided to give the national awards for children in the 4-15 age group category. Madhvi Kataria, Director, Social Welfare, said the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement comprises a gold medal, a citation and 20, 000 in cash. A silver medal would also be awarded. Applications for the same should reach the department by July 31.

She also disclosed that the Rajiv Gandhi Seva Award for those who have contributed in the filed of child care and development will also be given. The award comprises, a citation and a certificate besides Rs 1 lakh in cash.

The forms for both the awards can be downloaded from the website www.wed.nic.in <http://www.wed.nic.in>.

The applications, recommended by the DCs, should reach them by May 31 at Directorate of Social Security, SCO 102 - 103, Sector 34- A, Chandigarh. Further information can be sought on telephone number 0172 - 2602726, she added.

Fake Currency Notes
RBI organises workshop for cops
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
With rising cases of recovery of fake currency notes in the region, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Chandigarh branch, organised an awareness workshop for police personnel here today.

Police personnel, deployed with the Crime Wing, including Sanjeev Kalra, IG Jalandhar (Zone), and other senior police officials, attended the workshop and got tips to identify the fake currency notes.

Manish Kumar, an official from the RBI, Chandigarh, gave tips to the cops and asked the police authorities to help the bankers and general public in educating them about identifying the fake currency notes. He said more such seminars would be organised in educational institutions to rope in students for educating general public about the menace.

Biz Buzz
UCO Bank to start mobile banking service
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
UCO Bank will start a mobile banking service in the Shahkot area for the convenience of rural people. Ripen Murgai, field commercial manager, Chandigarh, said the bank would soon install a coin-vending machine. The bank has a currency chest equipped with the state-of-the-art note-sorting machine.

The others present on the occasion included zonal manager S.B. Banga and chief officers Ashok Ahuja and Rashpal Singh.

Exporter trophy

Jalandhar: HR International, a leading manufacturer and exporter of hand tools, has been awarded the top exporter trophy for the highest exports of hand tools during 2007-08. The Engineering Export Promotional Council in a brief ceremony organised in Shimla gave away the award to Sudarshan Sharma, Suresh Sharma and Naresh Sharma, directors of HR International.

Feast For Mind
Vandana Bansal

Have a look around you and you’ll find multitudes of souls brimming with the desire to excel in dancing and singing. There seems to be no end to the mad race in which the parents are thrusting their children to gain name and fame. Everywhere in the visual media dance-based programmes are being aired incessantly. It is good to develop a taste for these art forms among the young generation but we should also take care of the intellectual side of the thing. An appropriate balance must be maintained for the overall development of the youngsters’ personality. Along with these activities, efforts should be made to develop a taste for the somber studies.

Jalandhar was recently privileged to be the host for the silver jubilee annual conference of the renowned Ramanujan Mathematical Society. This year their venue was NIT, Jalandhar. The distinguished and eminent mathematicians mostly from the field of algebra and analysis gathered under one roof for three days (from May 3 to 5) and discussed the latest developments in their respective fields. The aura was charismatic. It was a golden opportunity for the upcoming mathematicians to share and gain from the highly intellectual personalities. It proved to be an excellent feast for the mind and soul. Kudos to the organisers who dexterously managed everything. Such events should become a regular feature to create awareness and interest among the general masses. It is really good to promote such kind of events which can boost up the spirit of scholars. At the same time, such events may ignite a spark among the budding researchers also. If our society has to progress in every facets of life, it is essential that a proper balance should be maintained between these two different streamlines. In a healthy society, complete nourishment should be given to the mind along with the senses.

Punjab fails to implement Central schemes: MP
Our Correspondent

Phagwara, May 13
Congress MP Santosh Chaudhary, who has been appointed chairperson of the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, held a meeting with Phagwara officials and took stock of the implementation of various Central schemes.

Taking serious notice of the working of the state machinery, Chaudhary claimed that the SAD-BJP government was working only with the financial help of the Union government.

She alleged that despite a huge financial help, the Punjab government had failed to implement the schemes, and huge amounts sent by the Centre were either lying unspent or being misused in other state government schemes in violation of the democratic process. She claimed that UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were very kind to Punjab and helping the state in various aspects.

J&K Govt flayed for increasing cess
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 13
The Yuva Hindu Manch has flayed the Jammu and Kashmir government for arbitrarily increasing the cess for various services that are provided by the langar organisers to the Amarnarth yatra pilgrims.

Kishan Lal Sharma, presidsent of the outfit, said the government had increased the tax on buses from Rs 300 per day to Rs 2300 per day that was totally unjustified.

Similarly, the langar items too have been taxed at a flat rate of Rs 1500. All theses decisions will put an additional burden on the yatris, he pointed out.

He alleged that the space given to them, 100 feet X 200 feet has been reduced to just a space of 40X 50 feet that was insufficient to store all their commodities.

To make things worse, the government has ordered that Kashmiri’s will provide all the tents for the stay of all the yatris, Kishan Lal Sharma added.

If the hike were not rolled back they would resort to a state aide agitation besides resorting to the ‘rail roko’ agitation, president of the outfit warned.