Jalandhar, June 16
Despite MC claims, cleanliness drives and campaigns, the sanitary conditions of the city (in some areas) are bad.While condition of the central road of the city, the GT Road, is not so bad, things start getting unbearable once one reaches BMC Chowk.

Many inner city areas are full of big stinking garbage dumps, some age-old and some relatively fresh, which have been a result of MC apathy and lack of civic sense of the residents.

The areas like the 120-Foot Road, bus stand (both sides of it), New Hargobind Colony (Lal Pahari area), Basti Gujan (Bohr Thalla, near the post office), etc, have made residents life difficult.

Other problem areas are Guru Nanak Pura (near railway crossing), Surya Enclave, entrance to Uddham Singh Nagar, BMC Chowk and near railway station.

A look at some areas:

120-Foot Road

The 120-Foot Road area, flanked by Dilbagh Nagar on one side and Grover Colony on another, is a hub of garbage dumps. Though both residents and officials say things are not as bad as they used to be some years ago, residents do admit that their area is perceived as backward and dirty.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Chowk, also called Bhaiya Mandi Chowk, is the site for two huge plots of land which are full of garbage and filth. Interestingly, a temple is now being constructed on a part of one of these lands, while its surroundings are still full of garbage.

Manohar Singh, a doctor, who resides in the Dilbagh Nagar area, says it is a huge problem. “My parents’ morning walk to the gurdwara is a nightmare. Though things are still better than some years ago, a lot needs to be done. Relatives don’t come to our house due to the stench and it is a nightmare for commuters too.”

His brother Satnam Singh, president of the Car Dealers Association, Jalandhar, says, “About 15 years ago there used to be a chappar (pond) full of filthy water here. Now much of it has been cleaned up and roads have been made. But the area still needs work. It is worse during the rains. Water flows on to the road and fills the area with filth, sometimes making way to the houses. The area around the mandi is dirty and a home for stray animals that feed on filth. It is a hub for diseases. People lack civic sense. There are many places where people throw garbage at a distance from their houses in total disregard for cleanliness.”

Kamaljit Bhatia, Senior Deputy Mayor, who is responsible for Ward No 45, where the dump falls, says, “I have worked a lot here and there has been a huge change from how things were earlier. The dump near the temple area has only rubble that has been dug out to create a basement for the temple. The plot opposite it is a private land (owned by a Congress leader) so I can’t say much about it.”

Jalandhar, June 16
The Municipal Corporation is planning to start solid waste management project soon under which it has proposed user charges for door-to-door collection from commercial houses.

The proposal is in the agenda of the MC House meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Monthly charges proposed for one to 10-room hotel are Rs 100, 11 to 20-room hotel Rs 1,000 and more than 20-room hotel Rs 2,000.

Garbage collection rates being fixed for AC restaurants and sweet shops are Rs 1,000 and non-AC restaurants and shops as Rs 500. An AC dhaba will have to pay Rs 500 while non-AC will have to dole out just Rs 100. Monthly charges of collection from a factory are being fixed at Rs 50 per sq yard.

A mall, multiplex or a cinema will have to dole out Rs 200 per shop per month. A marriage palace in 500 sq yard area or less will have to pay Rs 8,000 per year, palace in 500 to 1,000 sq yard area will have to pay Rs 12,000 per annum and a bigger one will have to spend Rs 25,000 per annum.

Jalandhar, June 16
Blame it on the apathy of the councillor or the bad luck of the residents falling under Ward 2 that all they have got in return of the votes is lack of civic amenities in their localities.While the harried residents ended up complaining about ample problems, all that meets the eye in various localities of this ward is broken roads, non-functional streetlights, filth, huge potholes and sanitation problems.

The Tribune team visited various colonies of the ward and the condition of Gadaipur, which is surrounded by industries, was probably the worst area in the ward.

Such is the magnitude of the problems of Gadaipur residents that they have almost lost hope of any development and respite from their problems.

Joginder Singh, a resident of Gadaipur, said appalled over the functioning of the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation and their councillor, Ved Kumar Vashisht they finally took some developmental work themselves.

“Recently we laid mud worth Rs 4,000 in the locality roads to make way for the commuters. Three days back when it rained, the Gadaipur was struck. We spent the next day making way for ourselves but who bothers,” he questioned.

While many lanes in Gadaipur are facing problem of stagnant water, filth and garbage leading to a mess of sanitation problems and other link roads were flooded with dirt, making it an apt breeding ground for diseases.

Probably it is owing to the filth and sanitation problems that a majority of the residents have been reporting of skin disorders for the past long time. The local Civil Hospital on Tuesday conducted a free skin disorders check-up camp at an anganwadi centre in Gadaipur. This camp was conducted under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) through which the residents were given free medicines and prescription.

District Leprosy Officer Dr Ashwani Kumar Gupta, after examining the patients, said, “The frequency of leprosy and skin disorders have increased manifold in the past some time in Gadaipur. Considering this factor we have been conducting free skin disorders check up camps.”

Darshan Kaur, an elderly woman also from this area, said, “Look at the stagnant water in our lane, it has almost become difficult for us to come out of our houses. While the soot and dry ash coming out from factories further adds to our problems. The lanes and houses remain covered with a thick blanket of ash. We approached the councillor many a time but it seems he is least bothered about our welfare”, she said.

The residents of Ward 2 maintained that what could be worse than the fact that the councillor despite being from the ruling SAD-BJP combine failed to develop the area.

At another such location on Guja Peer Road a foundation stone laid by Mayor Rakesh Rathoure highlights the making of a new road. But, surprisingly the road in question was nothing but a bumpy ride.

Even a vast area of Verka Milk Plant is an utter picture of neglect. Barring a few residential areas in this locality, heaps of garbage and broken roads just add to the problems of the residents.

Councillor Vashist said he had started the sewerage work in Gadaipur, which would be completed soon. “Most of the problems of this locality would come to an end once the sewerage is laid. The work has already started and we would complete it soon”, he added.

Jalandhar, June 16
Under an initiative of the Queensland Government, Australia, one of the students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) has been awarded a Queensland-India Friendship Scholarship.

Kiranjit Kaur, a student of bachelor of business administration (honours), has been selected for the scholarship of 10,000 Australian dollars. In the semester beginning in July, 2011, the student will also be moving to Central Queensland University under an exchange programme, Pro-Chancellor of LPU Rashmi Mittal said.

She added that the scholarship would cover her entire tuition fee, accommodation and food expenses for her fifth semester at the Australian university, her visa processing fees and to and fro flight charges. The remainder would be deposited into an Australian bank account in her name to be used to cover study and personal expenses, she said.

As a part of the same exchange programme, one brilliant student from Australia, Christine, is studying in the School of Education of LPU. She will study here for six months.

Nakodar, June 16
Despite having the status of a subdivision, Shahkot, near Nakodar, is managing without important officials. These posts are mostly managed by officials on additional charge that hampers working.

Residents of the sub-division have sought immediate filling of these vacant posts to avoid inconvenience to the public at large.

There is no regular Executive Officer (EO) in the Municipal Committee here

The post, lying vacant for a long time, is managed by the EO of Municipal Council, Nakodar. Earlier, Phillaur EO Jagtaran Singh handled the post on additional charge.

The Tribune has highlighted the issue when residents had faced inconvenience in getting their work done.

Aman Malhotra, former councilor, and Parveen Grover, senior Congress leader, alleged due to unavailability of EO, public often faces problem to get their birth and death certificate on time. He alleged, sometimes, people have to visit to Nakodar Municipal Council, to meet the EO concerned to complete the formalities of getting the certificate.

Sonu Mittal, president, City Press Club, Shahkot, also alleged that post of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is also to be filled permanently.

He alleged though additional charge had been given to Jalandhar SDM Iqbal Singh Sandhu, development works gets delayed as he visits the Shahkot office very rarely.

Satish Rehan, another resident, alleged that sometimes they are forced to visit Jalandhar to meet the SDM. He also alleged that Shakhot DSP is on two-month leave and its additional charge is given to Nakodar DSP.

Residents demanded that the DSP should make some shift arrangement and should sit in Shahkot office for at least two days a week for the convenience of public.

Sources said post of accountant in Municipal Committee Shahkot is also vacant for a long time.

Jalandhar, June 16
Where performing arts institutes are busy filling their pockets, charging hefty fees for art and music lessons, a workshop for charity is a rarity.

The ‘Parindey Beyond Fitness’, an institute of performing arts, in association with the District Child Welfare Council, organised a 15-day summer camp (June 1 to 15) at the Virsa Vihar, Jalandhar.

The money earned through the camp would go to the Red Cross.

Children in the age group of 4 to 12 years were given lessons in art, craft, music and dance.

Rajan Syal, owner of Parindey, says, “I have been holding summer classes for the past few years but this time I wanted to do something different. So I did it for charity. The money I get from my regular classes is enough to sustain me.”

After a diploma in theatre architecture from National School of Drama’s (NSD) Mandi branch and a dance training course from Ashley Lobo, Delhi, Rajan set up grooming sessions for kids in the city in the year 2007.

“In the beginning it was just me. I would go to my little one-room studio all alone, dance, and come back home. Slowly I started getting clients through word-of-mouth and now I see a change in the lives of my students.”

His camp has 35 students all of whom seem to be having a great time, the mothers agree.

Shubh Jain, mother of Maulik (12) and Srishti (5) says she wanted to give her children a different experience this summer. “I wanted to give them a life and a chance to enjoy different opportunities. They seem to be having a great time here.”

Deepti says she sent her daughter, Vidhushi (6) here for change and awareness. Vidhushi beams and says she loves the art and craft lessons most.

“I loved playing games, dancing and art and craft,” says Vansh (9).

As he teaches them how to make a mud mask, Rajan says he is astonished at some parents’ impatience. They want results within days and pressurise their children to do things that they might not even like. Some people themselves told me that they want their children to dance better at parties.

“Many children were hesitant when they first came but I have made them choose what they like. So now they open up and make the most of this camp,” he adds.

The final day of the camp would see the children put up an exhibition of their works.

“The children would also perform the dances that they picked up at a function organised by the Dance Sports Association of Punjab at the little Blossoms School,” Rajan quips.

Jalandhar, June 16
What next after 100 per cent? It was the common question that arose today following the decision of a college under Delhi University declaring 96 to 100 per cent cut off in its first list released for undergraduate commerce courses.

The students and academicians, who were virtually shocked at the illogical declaration, said on one hand the Ministry of Human Resource Development is introducing measures to reduce ‘performance pressure’ among students and on the other hand they have failed to frame rules for the prestigious colleges of the country.

The Tribune spoke to some principals of the colleges in the city and commerce toppers in this regard. Excerpts:

Jaspal Singh Randhawa, Principal of Lyallpur Khalsa College: It was strange that some prestigious institutions under Delhi University introduced a near impossible 100 per cent cut off list for commerce. If these colleges have been facing the ‘problem of plenty’ then they should introduce an All-India level common entrance for the commerce stream.

Another option is that number of seats in these colleges should be increased so that ‘100 per cent cut off list’ don’t exist. Moreover, it is not necessary that a student who has secured above 95 per cent marks is actually intelligent. Many top scorers in real sense are crammer, as their only focus is percentage. Even students who score above 70 per cent marks also excel in these students.

In fact at present there are around 5 to 6 per cent students in the country who are pursuing higher education whereas the Government of India has plans to take this percentage to 12 to 20 per cent. If 100 per cent cut off list is to be introduced then higher education will never prosper.

Rekha Kalia Bhardwaj, Principal of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya: The present scenario in Delhi University is a case of demand and supply and they should introduce entrance tests for their respective colleges. It is unjustified as the students would end up as crammer in the number race. This will become another cause of concern for the ministry as students would be found caught in the web of stress and performance pressure.

And there is no doubt that owing to vast career opportunities commerce stream has become one of the most sought after subjects. Even at our college we got students with above 80 per cent marks in class XII opting for commerce. Such is the craze among students for this stream that all the seats of B.Com (Professional) were filled within two days of admission in our college.

Atima Sharma, Principal of Kanya Maha Vidyalaya: Higher education is all about learning, acquiring skills and conducting researches and not does just scoring higher percentage. But if ‘100 per cent cut off list’ will be entertained, it will generate a ‘compartmentalised talent’. Education should be enjoyable and a means of understanding the subjects and not something which leads to ‘tremendous pressure’ for the students.

It is a hard fact that why do students prefer to study in the foreign countries because their education system respects creativity, research, skills and talent of students. However our education system focuses on rate race of percentage, which in turn takes its toll on the performance of the students later.

Achintya Soni, Class XII commerce topper in district from Apeejay School. (He has applied for admission in Lady Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi): I consider this cut off list of 96 to 100 per cent ‘justified’ not because it talks about the intelligent students but because even science students have applied for commerce stream in these colleges.

The problem has arisen due to a flood of science students with above 95 per cent marks who are looking forward to shift to commerce stream. Moreover this stiff competition is due to lack of seats in the college. No doubt the college will give preference to commerce students first and then consider the students from other streams but it has an utter chaos in Delhi University colleges.

Gagandeep Kaur Makkar, Class XII commerce topper of MGN School: It seems that these prestigious institutions of the country have no respect for students who score above 80 or 90 per cent marks. The question is not about ‘100 per cent cut off list’ but that they do not acknowledge us as intelligent students. It is a big task scoring above 90 per cent marks and requires the same level of hard work as those with above 96 per cent marks do.

Even, I scored 92 per cent marks in Class XII CBSE exams and joined DAV College for pursuing my BCom (Professional). Does that mean that any student with this much score would not be eligible for admissions to such prestigious colleges? The MHRD should immediately rectify this blunder, else there would be more students committing suicides in the coming days due to performance pressure. 

Jalandhar, June 16
The students of the local Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya bagged top positions in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Deeksha got second position in BSc-III (Computer Science) and secured 1,881 marks out of 2400, Roopali Sachdeva bagged second position in BSc-III (Medical) by scoring 1,931 marks out of 2,400 while Pushpinder Singh Kaur got second position in BSc-III (Economics) and secured 1,802 marks out of 2,400. Meenakshi Sharma got third position in BSc-III (Economics) and secured 1,796 marks.

Meanwhile, in the BBA-III results the students of HMV bagged first, sixth and ninth positions in the varsity. Ojasvi stood first by scoring 1,845 marks out of 2300 followed by Naina Grover who secured 1,687 marks and Shagun Aggarwal who bagged 1,676 marks.

In the BA-III results, Reena got first position in the university by scoring 1,987 marks out of 2,400. Hina Bhasin bagged second position and scored 1,968 marks followed by Hardeep Kaur who stood third and scored 1,932 marks in the university merit list.

The students of BCom (Regular)-III of the local Apeejay College of Fine Arts bagged third and fourth positions in GND varsity, Amritsar. Jyotika Prabhakar stood third in the varsity by scoring 1,640 marks out of 2,100 and Garima Arora bagged fourth position and secured 1,629 marks.