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10-yr-old falls off slide, dies
Ludhiana, September 9 According to an eyewitness,
the incident took place at around 4 pm when Mishu and his friend fell from the slide.
Since the slide was not properly installed, it collapsed. Mishu’s head struck against a brick following which he started bleeding profusely. He died on the way to hospital. No official information was available about the second child who sustained injuries. It is learnt that the child was rushed to a private clinic and sent home after first aid. According to residents, the civic administration had recently put up a play station in the area, but had not properly installed the swings and recreation equipment. The Sherpur police post in charge, Dalip Singh, said the child might have slipped while playing. Tragic scenes were witnessed at the spot where the child succumbed to his injuries. A huge crowd gathered in the area and shouted slogans against the authorities. His mother was inconsolable. Mishu was the eldest among three siblings. The incident soon took a political colour as leaders in power visited the place and began to downplay the incident. But Congress leaders used it as an opportunity to corner the SAD leader and Mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said the child died due to the lackadaisical attitude of the civic authorities since the swings had not been installed properly.
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19 lakh finds its way back into account
Ludhiana, September 9 Additional deputy commissioner (development) Davinder Singh filed a written complaint against Laxman, accusing the latter of forging his signature and siphoning off Rs 49,52,145 from his account. The scam, which rocked the district administration yesterday, has now taken a new twist. Out of the Rs 50 lakh funds that were embezzled by allegedly "forging" the ADC’s signature, Rs 19 lakh were deposited back in the account after the fraud was detected. Facing criticism from all quarters, Davinder submitted reports of an inquiry conducted in the affair to deputy commissioner Rahul Tewari, who in turn forwarded the complaint
to police commissioner Ishwar Singh. Not only has the administration recovered half of the stolen amount, they have also zeroed in on the man who was allegedly robbing the administration “bit by bit”. The complaint, a copy of which is with The Tribune, states that Laxman opened a bogus current account (no 2407) in Davinder’s name in Punjab & Sind Bank. Interestingly, the latter has a saving account in this bank. Davinder said Laxman Singh aware about the fact that funds were lying unused. According to the plan, Laxman transferred the entire amount of Rs 1.66 crore from the savings to the current account (no 12390). Later he siphoned off almost Rs 50 lakh from the latter account. Suspicions have also been aroused about the bank’s role as the money could not have been withdrawn without active involvement of an insider. Sources said a bank employee “helped” Laxman in fraudulently withdrawing the funds from the account. In his complaint the ADC has stated that Punjab & Sind Bank manager Gurmeet Singh brought the matter to his notice on September 6, following which he issued a letter (ref no 4927-28) to the bank seeking details of the transaction. On September 7 the bank officials responded and stated that Rs 49,52,145 were withdrawn from the account. The bank manager later said Laxman had deposited Rs 19 lakh into the account after the fraud came to light. Deputy police commissioner Yurinder Singh said he had yet to receive the complaint, adding, “An FIR will be registered after going through the contents of the complaint”. The district administration had reportedly received a grant of Rs 1.66 crore from the central government under the Indira Awas Yojna scheme to build concrete houses for ‘below poverty line’ families living in ‘kutcha’ (makeshift) houses in
villages. The money was lying unused for some time as the administration had stated the district did not require funds for ‘below poverty line’ families. According to officials, the administration was in the process of returning the funds and had informed the ministry concerned about it.
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Biomed Waste Disposal NGO pursues
issue Rohit Sabharwal, who heads the NGO ‘Anti-Corruption & Crime Investigation Cell’, procured details on indiscriminate disposal of biomedical waste in violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998, under the Right to Information Act. However, PPCB officials failed to initiate action following which the NGO pursued the matter with the board’s head office. PPCB has now taken up the issue.
Ludhiana, September 9 However, instead of taking up the matter with PPCB, the hospital has not bothered to apply for renewal of the authorisation since then. However, what is surprising is the fact that the seven violations that the hospital has been accused of in the board’s notice are in contravention of the functioning of a reputed medical institution. The objections include the absence of needle destroyers in all the hospital wards and improper segregation of biomedical waste, with wastebaskets being used in some places instead of coloured bags for segregation, which are mandatory under the rules. The discarded biomedical along with solid waste, which was being disposed of at the municipal corporation - as was witnessed by PPCB inspectors during a surprise check at CMCH, also figures in the violations mentioned in the notice issued to the hospital. Disposal of waste glass and plastic bottles without autoclaving and shredding is another major violation pointed out by the board. It is mandatory for every hospital to submit details of biomedical waste generated there under various categories, but PPCB records state CMCH had not submitted the required details after 2005. Meanwhile, Ashley Isaiah, medical superintendent (general) at CMCH, admitted to "minor discrepancies" in observing the Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, which he said would be “taken care” of at the earliest. "Our sincere intentions are to comply with the laws as none of the violations mentioned in the PPCB report were deliberately committed. Even then, we have already initiated an intensive training programme for the nursing and paramedical staff at the hospital to make sure they abide by every rule prescribed under the rules”, he went on to add. |
Hospital in spot over false blood report
Hospital’s
Take GL Pahwa, president of Krishna Charitable Hospital, said: “As far as the lab test reports are concerned, we cannot say anything until we conduct the test again at the hospital laboratory. We have asked the complainant to come and meet us in person so that we can look into the matter. The management will not hesitate in inquiring into the case.”
Ludhiana, September 9 Sanjay Verma, an employee with a private company, in a complaint to the president of the charitable hospital, has alleged that doctors and the laboratory staff gave wrong blood report of his wife followed by the medication. However, his wife tested negative for hepatitis B when she underwent blood tests at two private pathological laboratories. The complaint has also been forwarded to the Ludhiana Civil Surgeon. The complainant stated that his wife was admitted to the hospital for delivery on September 1 and was tested for hepatitis B soon after. “A few hours after the delivery, the paediatrician refused to examine the baby after learning about it,” he alleged. His wife was injected with a medicine to prevent milk production as a result the baby was deprived of feed. |
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Admn gets ‘illegally’ occupied flats vacated
Ludhiana, September 9 Led by executive magistrate cum ‘tehsildar’ Rajinder Oberoi, the team arrived at the scene amid heavy police presence. Many flat occupants put up some resistance and even requested the officials to give them some time to leave. However, the team was able to get possession of all the flats. Oberoi said everything went off peacefully and the flats, constructed by PUDA, were handed over to the administration. Officials said the flats had been occupied by several retired government employees in some cases had sublet to others. Household goods, furniture, clothes were seen strewn in courtyards and the street outside the flats after the cops got the
flats vacated. Earlier the flats in the Dugi area were a cause of dispute between the government and the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, who claimed the flats were allotted to them. Eventually they were also forced to vacate them. |
Forcible land acquisition for gas pipeline
Ludhiana, September 9 The stand of the Chief Minister against small and marginal farmers was unfortunate, remarked the Punjab state committee of the party. In a statement here today, MCPI state secretary Kuldip Singh said Badal should have come to the rescue of agitating farmers. Instead, he chose to
extend support to the forcible laying of gas pipeline through fertile land under cultivation. Clarifying the motive of the agitating farmers, the MCPI leader said the farmers and their organisations were not standing in the way of development in the state as was being made out to be by vested interest. “What the farmers want is change in the proposed layout of the gas pipeline so that it is laid through barren land along canals, railway lines and feeder roads. The farmers are merely holding protests to save cultivable precious land for the sake of food security.” The state committee of the party came down heavily on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his remarks to the Supreme Court against interfering in policy framework over free distribution of food grain to the poor. “The MCPI is of the considered view that when the government fails to implement the policy, the apex court is well within its jurisdictions to intervene and direct the government in the interest of the nation and its people,” said Kuldip Singh, adding that if the government could dole out billions of rupees by way of packages
and incentives to big industrialists and traders, it could also distribute free and subsidised food
grain to the poor and needy people.
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Miraculous escape for tempo driver
Doraha, September 9 ASI Balwinder Singh of the Sadar police station said the tempo driver along with the cleaner was on their way to Ludhiana from Doraha when the cattle came its way. The driver had to take a sudden turn on the spot. The heavily loaded tempo could not keep its balance and hence slide down the canal. “Had the edges at that particular spot been missed, as is the case at a number of places along the canal, there was no chance of survival,” said the tempo driver. The commuters apprehend that had such a fault accidentally occurred at the place where the edges are missing, the tempo would have definitely fallen into the canal, thus jeopardizing two lives. Although the two had a narrow escape, but the commuters who take to the canal road, as a matter of routine, could not help but grudge at the scene. They rued, “Although the work of four laning has been initiated for good but the construction of the edges, especially at those places were they have been dangerously eroded, is urgently required. Putting a stick as a warning does not suffice in any way as the vehicles ply at a breakneck speed along the canal. The authorities should better initiate such steps on priority basis, which require immediate attention and rectification, failing which a number of precious lives can be at stake.” “The deteriorated edges along the canal and at places opposite to the canal, where the earth has become soft enough to give in, carry the highest risk to life at present. The buffalo of Gujjars are further playing havoc with the edges. Also, the cattle suddenly appearing on the humming road, has become a day-to-day matter of which the authorities seem to be unmindful. At night the passage becomes dreadful as it becomes literally impenetrable, especially for a driver who is new to the road,” he further added.
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Industry welcomes govt’s move on VAT refunds
Ludhiana, September 9 Bhambra said a large number of small units would benefit from this move and the refund amount would be utilised for the industrial development. Subash Bajaj, chairman of the federation, said, “ This step is in the right direction, but the government should not have put limit of VAT refund to Rs 1 crore. These large units should also be entitled for 75 per cent Vat refund of their full refund amount so that they can also have smooth sailing in business, which has adversely been affected in the past due to delayed VAT refund. Ryait and Bhambra added that numerous states had reduced the VAT from 13.75 per cent to 5.5 per cent on auto parts, thus providing a big relief to the industry and paving the pay for the progress and the Punjab government should also reduce VAT on auto parts to 5.5 per cent from the present 13.75 per cent in order to enable the state’s auto industry to be competitive and progressive. While Avtar Singh, general secretary, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings, said except the small scale industry and the medium and large scale industry would remain deprived of this special facility of 75 per cent VAT refunds. The Chamber had requested the Chief Minister to review the present order of having a cap of Rs 1 crore for its waiver, so as to enable the whole industry to avail this special decision issued by the Punjab government.
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New SSP vows to make district crime free
“I feel that setting an example is always better than precept and it is only when the criminals be actually penalised for their inhuman activities, that such like other elements be forced to think doubly before engaging themselves in any sort of immoral activity. A special move shall be initiated against the eve- teasers and wrong doers who try to destabilise the safety and security of the region apart from creating awe in the minds of the common man,” the SSP said while emphasizing his point. “The complaints of the people shall not only be heard promptly but all out efforts shall be made to resolve their cases at the earliest as I strongly believe that justice delayed is in a way justice denied. So the streamlining of the working of the department shall be my foremost task,” he said. Talking about the incidence of drug trafficking he said, “Those involved in the sale and supply of the drugs, shall be dealt with heavy hands. Meetings in this regard would be arranged with the chemists association from time to time so that strict vigil is kept on the ones selling the restricted drugs.” Police personnel shall be deployed to supervise and decongest the flow of traffic in and around the city. Due to the widening of the National Highway No. 1 problems related to accidents and congestion are pouring in, but the department would deal with all such problems,” the SSP added. The SSP said, “I believe that the functioning of the department can drastically change with the involvement and the support of the public. It is through various community-oriented policies and programmes that a healthy rapport can be maintained with the public.”
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Rohit Choudhary is police academy chief
Phillaur, September 9 He said the priority areas of his new assignment would include modernisation and strengthening of the professional parametres of the police force through latest training techniques and technological inputs. Another innovative technique of imparting knowledge and specialised sensitization to police personnel especially at the cutting edge level is to do it through e-training and e-learning and for this purpose the institution would be directly connected with the District Police Training Centres through the Internet. Some of the training programmes as well as testing will be done through these latest technological facilities. He further asserted that police should be sensitive to the public needs and should be accountable for their actions and deeds. While having focus on human rights and linkage with other specialised agencies and institutions within as well as outside the country, it is of
paramount importance to make police training field-oriented. He further said that Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur is already known world over for its training standards and our every effort would be to make it further stand out in the new emerging fields also in the days to come. Earlier in the day all officers and trainees of the academy extended hearty welcome to Sh. Rohit Choudhary the new Director of the Academy. MF Farooqui, IPS, who has joined as the Joint Director, Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur was also present on occasion.
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Dharna by power staff
Ludhiana, September 9 Staff from the city east, city west and suburban circles participated in the protest. Speakers at the dharna, including Harbhajan Singh, Swarn Singh, Parkash Singh Mann, Ramesh Kumar, Jasvir Singh, Harjit Singh, Kishore Chand, Kulwant Singh, Jaswant Singh, Biloo Khan and Hari Dutt, alleged that at a meeting with the joint forum of PSEB Unions, held on April 16, 2010, the government had promised that a tripartite agreement about service conditions would be signed within 10 days but even after five months of unbundling, the issue was hanging fire. On the contrary, the trade union leaders asserted that the PSPCL authorities were flouting the service conditions to promote privatisation and contractual work. Further, crucial issues of revision of pay scales, allowances and time scales were being dragged, and more than 20,000 posts lying vacant in power and transmission corporations were not being filled. Serving an ultimatum on the authorities and the government, the protesting employees announced that if their pending demands were not acceded to, they would hold a state-level dharna at the headquarters of the PSPCL, which would be followed by a day-long strike on September 21.
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Interview of drug inspectors
Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 9 Maintaining that the declared result was provisional, officials at the directorate office of the department said objections if raised in written would be taken up in a committee meeting constituted for this purpose. Alleging that at least 35 out of 60 candidates shown successful for the interview for the selection of the drug inspectors were not even eligible for the posts, a few unsuccessful candidates led by Punit Singla of Mullanpur have urged the higher authorities to review the list. Showing the list of 60 candidates invited for the final interview, the complainants rued a few candidates whose result for qualifying examination was yet to be declared at the time of the submission of application were shown successful whereas extant instructions state that only inspectors having at least 18 months experience in manufacture or testing of one of the substances in the Schedule “C” of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules would be authorised to perform his duties as an inspector. A few candidates who had failed to deposit draft for required amount of Rs 500 at the time of submitting application were also shown successful in the list. Candidates appearing on diary Nos. 575 and 763 were cited as examples. A candidate whose name started with letter R was shown successful whereas his name did not appear in the list of candidates. The complainants alleged that officials concerned had refused to entertain their claims. “Though they have invited objections from us, they did not receive our representation when presented at the office. The emails, highlighting our grievances have not been responded so far,” rued Punit Singla adding that the officials insisted on written objections to be sent through post only. They apprehend that authorities will ignore their objections on pretext of delayed receipt at their office. Sources at the directorate of the department maintained that the published list was provisional and final list would be prepared after verifying claims made by the candidates. Any objection received in written would be taken up during the meeting of senior functionaries, maintained the official responding to a phone call by this correspondent. Investigations revealed that the department had called for applications for the posts of drug inspectors after a very long span. At least 1,300 candidates appeared in the examination conducted at Chandigarh and 60 out of them have been invited for the interview. The candidates who have been dropped for none of their fault apprehend they would become overage by the time next examination is conducted.
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Aradhna crowned Ms Fresher
Ludhiana, September 9 PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang was the chief guest while the deans, directors, officers and faculty members of the University were also present on the occasion. Dr Kang described holding freshers’ function as a good tradition of getting introduced. “Things have changed tremendously since our student days,” expressed Dr Kang adding that the youth of today was much confident and exposed to information and knowledge. He said the PAU had the best facilities in biotechnology and other fields and efforts were on to bring the SAB at par with the world class schools for agricultural biotechnology. He said the competent scientists, state-of-the-art facilities and well planned programmes were the strength of the university. He added that the SAB would have a new building in the near future. The confident girls and boys performed in various dancing and singing programmes. Pawan enthralled the audience with her dance on the tune of “Kachh dian sohniyan kadhaian jhajran” while Tamanna performed on “Dance pe chance mar le”. The dance items reflected a kaleidoscopic Punjabi culture. The dance performance on “Kharr ke dekh shaukinan tor Punjaban di” by a group of students drew huge appreciation by the audience. Aradhana of MSc (biotechnology) was crowned ‘Miss Fresher’ while Sukhpreet Singh was adjudged as ‘Mr Fresher’. The title of ‘Best Dressed’ was bagged by Tandeep Kaur and Bhupinder Singh in the girls and boys category, respectively, while Harmanpreet Kaur was declared ‘Fresher with Best Smile’. Earlier, Dr SS Gosal, director, SAB said biotechnology at the PAU was well sought after programme at the national and international level and informed that over and above 160 Indian students, four foreign students, one each from Ethiopia and Vietnam and two from Nepal, were studying in the SAB.
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Robotics, air show at RIMT
Mandi Gobindgarh, September 9 While addressing students and staff he said aero-modelling club would comprise group of students who would build small models of planes and gliders to explain science behind flight. The club aims at building 6-7 such models every year with a basic intention of introducing an innovation and uniqueness in every model it makes. RIMT-IET College principal Dr Harsh Sadawarti said at the end of an academic year the club would display its models and it is expected that the performance of the institute at inter-college events of aero-modelling would improve.
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Panel honours teacher
Ludhiana, September 9 Dr Arun Mitra was also honoured for being elected on the board of members of international physicians for the prevention of nuclear war. Maj Sher Singh Aulukh, president, Dr Arun Mitra, general secretary, Krishan Lal Malik, Dr Balwant Singh, Gurcharan Kochhar and Sohan Singh, vice-presidents, Dr Rajinder Pal Aulukh, Amrit Pal, Dr Narjit Kaur, secretaries, and Dr Gurpreet Singh, finance secretary, honoured Kusum
Lata.
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Social equality day
LUDHIANA: The Women Forum of GCW celebrated Social Equality Day here today. Principal of the college Gurminder Kaur was the chief guest of the day. Dr Surinder Gill, in charge, Women Forum, welcomed the guests. Sukhwinder Kaur of political science department introduced the topic of the day. Her information was very valuable to all students present. A paper reading contest was held on this occasion in which many students participated. The participants spoke on the topic and prizes were also given. The principal also encouraged the audience to come forward. Many students came and expressed their views which were of great relevance in the present scenario. In the end prizes were given to the winners. Baljeet Kaur of BA II got the first prize, Harneet Kaur of BA II bagged the second position and the third prize went to Jaswinder Kaur of BA III. Guest lecture
The training and placement cell of Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology (GNIMT) organised a guest lecture for its MBA students. A warm welcome was accorded to Chandneet Bindra and Deepinder Serray, representatives from SPS Apollo Hospital by Wing Commander SS Arora (retd), training and placement officer of the institute. Resource person Chandneet Bindra, manager, Capability Management, SPS Apollo Hospital, delivered an interactive talk on “Orientation Programme at Satguru Partap Singh Apollo Hospital”. Bindra stated, “Through orientation we come to know about hierarchy, basic conditions of employment, working conditions and details about their job profile. Through orientation new joinees are integrated more quickly into the organisation and become more productive at a faster pace. Orientation process should be extended to all employees.” The resource person highlighted the main HR practices, which are generally implemented in an organisation. It was an interactive session in which over 100 students and faculty members were present. Dr Sandhya Mehta, deputy director of the institute, highlighted the importance of such lectures. She thanked Bindra and Serray for their interactive session with the students. Thanksgiving
Newly-elected president of the governing body of Kamla Lohtia SD College Sunil Aggarwal organised a thanksgiving function on Wednesday for the support extended by the members of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha and others for the elections recently held. Aggarwal is the son of the founder president of Kamla Lohtia SD College. A cultural programme was also presented by the students of SD School. Distinguished sportsmen of the college in the field of swimming, weightlifting, powerlifting and best physique were given cash prizes worth Rs 85,000. MoU signed
Richard Handley, chief executive of Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Zealand, visited Ludhiana College of Engineering and Technology, Katani Kalan, to sign the MoU for offering higher studies. The programmes are NZQA accredited. Various college activities and current courses run by the LCET were discussed with Handley. Handley later visited most of the classrooms, workshops and was impressed by the infrastructure and facilities provided by the college. Results
Students of MBACIT semester II of Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women brought laurels to the college by showing excellent results in the final examination of Panjab University held in May. The overall result is 100 per cent and all students have got first division. Kulveer Kaur stood first in the university by scoring 77 per cent marks, while Tanvee and Yuvika stood second and third with 76 and 73 per cent marks, respectively. Principal Dr Parveen Kaur Chawla congratulated the students and staff.
— TNS
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Quiz contest
LUDHIANA: The pre-primary wing of Guru Nanak International Senior Secondary Public School, Model Town, organised a quiz contest in the series of Chote Ustad-2010 for the students of Class II today. The questionnaire round included mental ability round, antakshri round of nouns, jumbled words, question-answer round, listen-and-tell and shapes (drawing different objects using a given shape). There was a mass participation as each round consisted of a set of different students. Principal G Gill encouraged the children and gave away certificates to the winning team. Headmistress C Paul, co-ordinator Abhineet Sarna and other senior staff members were also present and enjoyed the
programme. Grandparents’ Day
Tiny tots of Penguin Castle Pre School celebrated Grandparents’ Day on the school premises. The principal addressed the function and shared the importance of the relationship between children and grandparents. The kids performed an act on the song “Dadi amma, dadi amma maan jao” which was followed by a fancy dress competition in which children enacted as their own grandparents. The celebrations concluded with games for grandparents and brief introduction by them. — TNS
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Speaking Out
— Paramjit
Kaur, principal, BCM Arya Senior Secondary School — Amarjeet Kaur Dhaliwal,
principal, GMT Public School — Rohit Syal,
parent — Davinder Behl, parent — Mehak
Joshi, Class X,
Bhartiya Vidya Mandir —
Harman, Class XII, Green Land Senior Secondary School
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Seminar on social evils
Amloh, September 9 Front chief Raj Singh Todarwal said corruption was the main hurdle in the development of the country. At least Rs 5,000 crore allotted by the centre for the uplift of the poor had never reached them. He also blamed the ruling parties for the spread of drug menace to further their vote bank. Front’s action committee chairman and legal adviser Gurdev Singh Marara alleged that in numerous instances of cheating and corruption, the police had failed to lodge a complaint or take action against the culprits. Among others, State Brahman Sabha press secretary Shashtri Gurudutt Sharma, Markit Committee chairman Randhir Singh Bhambri, Punjab Power Com Workers’ Circle chief Prithipal Singh, SBBSBPC chief Gyani Gurbhajan Singh, Block Samiti member Baljit Singh Anian and Front district chief Pal Singh Bhadalthuha spoke on various issues.
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PRINT YATRA
Ludhiana, September 9 The yatra has helped the formation of associations in eight cities. The remaining cities covered during the yatra are expected to form associations in due course of time, officials said. OPA general secretary Kamal Chopra said their aim was not only to promote “PrintArt 2010” to be held in Ludhiana but to invite printers of the region to work together in the growth of printing industry.
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CME on urogynaecology
Ludhiana, September 9 The programme will include live demonstrations of latest surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence, cystocele and rectocele. Dr Baldev Singh Aulakh,professor of urology and transplant surgery and organising secretary of the conference, said the aim of this conference was to keep the healthcare professionals updated with latest scientific advances in this field.
— TNS
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VHP committed to building Ram temple: Singhal
Samrala, September 9 He was talking to mediapersons at Bhaini Sahib after meeting with Namdhari chief Satguru Jagjit Singh. He said he would also visit Dera Beas, Dera Sirsa and some other sects apart from the SGPC. He reiterated that though the court verdict was awaited on the issue, the VHP was committed to the construction of Ram Temple, as it represented the feelings of 100 crore people of the country.
— OC
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Doraha, September 9
Wiping out the social networking sites out of children’s lives is not possible. The more you stop them from something, more they will be curious to do it. In such cases, talks work best. Talk to children, tell them about the do's and don'ts of the Internet behaviour, counsel and monitor them. Make them so strong morally that they themselves know what is good and what is bad for them. In school, total curb on access to such sites work. At home, Net access should be regulated and allowed only under parental guidance.
The battle is not against social networking websites. It is against their misuse. Our main concern is to safeguard our children from being victims of resultant problems and others' ill intentions. Banning children completely from them is not a practical solution. Schools, teachers and parents should together counsel children about the pros and cons of using such sites. We have been talking to parents in detail about the issue seeking their assistance. In addition to that, monitoring and regulating the Internet use in a school and at home is also very important.
Social networking sites have gripped the minds of children in such a way that it has turned into an addiction. Studies often go for a toss. What is worse, kids often strike up an acquaintance with unknown individuals, who intrude upon their privacy and collect personal information to be used against them later. It is impossible to stop children from accessing these websites. It is important to have elaborate discussions with children and teaching them the pros and cons of social networking. Here, the role of parents is crucial. Vigil and proper supervision is important. 
There is no point banning social networking websites. It only makes kids more curious and defiant. In fact, I would say imagining that you can have your kids off such sites totally is foolishness. Instead, make the children understand the negative impact of social networking websites. Believe me, they listen. On a personal front, I monitor what my children are seeing on the computer. 
I stay connected with my cousins and friends through these sites. But I know it also has its downsides. I know many members use abusive language and indulge in objectionable behaviour. I prefer staying away from them and also from fellow school mates who indulge in offensive interaction on such sites. I never accept anonymous friend requests. Moreover, my teachers and parents have been constantly telling me and guiding me on what to do and what not to do. So, I guess I am well aware of the pros and cons of social networking and can never go wrong. 
Social networking is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends but has been grossly misused by youngsters the world over. I have seen instances where my own friends have misused these sites to trouble others. But in most cases, talks and parental guidance have worked. Moreover, banning access to such sites is not a solution. That brings about a feeling that when the entire world is doing it, why can't we? But yes, if we are wrong, we should be corrected because I seriously feel at 16 or 17, we are not mature enough to understand certain things. And I also feel youngsters should listen to their parents after all, what they do is for our benefit.