The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

Protest against school closure
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, March 31 — Over a thousand agitating persons blocked traffic on the National Highway near Pinjore, today in protest against the closure of the HMT Kendriya Vidyalaya. The traffic remained blocked for a short duration of time.

The decision to close down the school will come into force from tomorrow. The HMT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Students Parents Association, Panchkula, lamented the decision of the management to close down the school, thereby threatening the future of 717 students.

In a latter addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, the association urged the Government to intervene in the matter. The President of the association, Mr Mam Chand, said the HMT-sponsored Kendriya Vidyalaya project, which started in 1977 by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, should not be closed on grounds of insufficient funds. He said HMT, Pinjore, had earned huge profits to the tune of Rs 35 crore in 1998-1999.

The General Secretary of the association, Mr K.S. Yadav, said neither the school nor HMT, Pinjore, issued any notice of closure or for handing over the school to private management. The Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, notified that the school would issue transfer certificates to all the 717 students by April 4 and it was impossible for all students to make alternative arrangements at this short notice, he lamented.

Party shoes hung up for books
By Monica Sharma

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — ‘’Exams, dreadful exams are round the corner’’ is the common refrain of most students. Examination fever is on the rise as Panjab University students dust their books and run around asking for notes from others. The exams are scheduled to begin on April 4.

The university library is choc-a-bloc with scholars literally “eating up the books”. Supreet, an MBA student, sitting behind a pile of books sums up the general feeling,’’ It is time to get serious, hang up the party shoes and get down to some serious studying if I have to make it.”

Many students believe that if they study the whole year, there is no need to stress themselves at the end of the session. Niti, a student of M.A. English, feels,’’ I only have to devote two to three hours a day whole year to get through the exams”. Then there are those who keep sitting the whole day in the library, studying till late in the evening.

Jaenni, a second year Psychology student, says,’’ The reading room in the library has the best environment where one can concentrate without any distraction. I prefer studying here with my friends”. Another MBA student, Kunal, says,’’ I sit till late in the night because it is the need of the hour.’’

Elsewhere in the city, too, tension is in the air as students prepare for their viva and practical. Last-minute preparations are under way. Ananya, a B.A. first year student, is nervous. She says,’’ I have jotted down the things I have to prepare and am going through them, besides wishing that I fare well in my exams.’’ Girls appear to be more serious in preparing for their exams, joked a final year student, Anil.

One can see students burning the midnight oil and putting in their best. Some students complained that they feel disturbed during the early hours when loudspeakers blare bhajan from gurdwaras and temples. It is our grouse each year and yet nobody seems to care, lamented Shashi, another final year student.

Come exam time and the food patterns also change. Light food is the order of the day for optimum use of the time and keeping sleep at bay. Rahul, a student of B.Sc says,’’ Coffee or tea is consumed in large quantities all day long. Listening to music while studying relaxes my mind”.

Many B.Sc final year students were worried.” The exams should be postponed because the syllabus has just been completed. If we get an extension, then it will give us time to prepare for better results.’’

On the other hand, there are a few exceptions: students who are tension free. They say, ‘’There is no hard and fast rule and we make plans for exam preparations according to our convenience.’’

There are some who have just started buying books and making notes, and even taking time out for playing chess, table tennis or chatting with their friends in the student centre or freaking out in the city.

Students return disappointed
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, March 31 — Students of government schools in the SAS Nagar block, who appeared in the middle class examination, had to return disappointed today as result was not declared.

Enquires revealed that an official of the Block Education Office, who was supposed to collect the result gazette of government schools in SAS Nagar block from the office of the District Education Officer (primary), Ropar, failed to reach the latter’s office.

Meanwhile, the Principal of Shastri Model School, in a press note said Anwant Kaur stood first in the middle class results in Kharar block.

Thundering performance by students
From A Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — The students of Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bhaddal (Ropar), gave a thundering performance at the first annual function of the institute held at the auditorium of Government Polytechnic for Women, Sector 10, here today.

The electrifying performance by the students kept the audience glued to their seats through the function as the jam-packed auditorium was a testimony to the celebration. Lighting of a lamp marked the beginning of the function followed by a Saraswati Vandana.

A dance number “Kaho Na Payar Hai” won the applause of the audience. The other items preceding the event depicted the rich culture and traditions of Punjab. “Rangla Punjab” and “Punjabian De Dhol Vajde” were hit with the spectators.

A skit Gup shup, a satire on the present politics, went down well with the audience. The items like “College Days” and The Blending of the Elements” portrayed the student life. A fashion show — presenting a modern outlook of the students — was another attraction of the function.

There were moments of headaches for the organisers when a section of spectators started hooting and whistling. Solo song items by “Divesh Garg” and “Birpal Singh” were was also appreciated.

Later the Principal Dr R.S. Seehra, read out the annual report and thanked the chief guest Mr S.P. Sharma, member of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), for gracing the occasion. After the prize distribution function a performance of giddha and bhangra, ended the celebrations.

Middle school results out
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 31— The result of the Annual Middle Standard Examination held in February, 2000 were declared today. The pass percentage is higher this year as compared to 1999. The pass percentage of ordinary middle schools is 69.60 as compared to last year 62.84 last year. Model schools have a pass percentage of 90.15 as compared to 88.57 in 1999. The overall pass percentage this year is 76.69, which was 71.20 last year, according to Registrar Examination Department, Chandigarh Administration.

Meritorious candidates who secured 630 marks or above are Renu Bala (646), Moti Ram School. Dimple (637), private candidate; Kamini (636) private candidate; Rahul Garg (634), Moti Ram School. Kamal Kumar (633), private candidate; Jyoti Sharma (632), private candidate. Nandini (654), Government Model, Sector 16; Nishtha (653), Government Model, Sector 16; Amneetpal Singh Bhalla( 651), Government Model, Sector 16; Tarandeep Kaur (649), Government Model, Sector 16, Nalini Sahni (644), Government Model, Sector 16, Meenu (642), Sharda Sarvhitkari Sector 40-D, Meenakshi Malik (641), Government Model, Sector 35; Sakshi Kaplush(639), Government Model, Sector 16. Gurpreet Kaur (639), Moti Ram School, Mayuri Gupta (635), Shishu Niketan School, Sector 22; Vivek Sharma (634) , Government Model, Manimajra, Anuradha (633), Government Model, Sector 20; Nidhi Gupta (633), Government Model, Sector 16; Nistha (633), Private candidate; Navdeep Kaur (633), Sishu Niketan, Sector 22; Manish Chawla (632), Government Model, Manimajra; Gunjan Gupta (632), Sishu Niketan Sector 22; Rahul Mittal (631), Sishu Niketan, Sector 22; Puneet Gupta(630), Manav Mangal, Sector 21; Kumar Manish (630), Government Model, Sector 19, Bharat Brij (630), Govt Model, Sector 33; and Ritu Goyal (630), Government Model, Sector 35.

Candidates securing 420 marks or above are placed in first division, and those getting from 315 to 419 marks are placed in second division and those getting less than 315 marks are placed in third division.

COURTS

Proclaimed offender gets bail
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — Proclaimed offender Narinder Singh accused of carrying a knife without licence was today granted bail by UT Chief Judicial Magistrate Sant Parkash.

The accused — Narinder Singh —was directed to be released on bail after furnishing bail bonds of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the like amount.

He was booked by the Chandigarh police under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act on December 9, 1992. According to the prosecution, the accused was carrying a kamanidar knife at the Inter-State Bus Terminus here without licence.

Today, pronouncing the orders in the open court, the CJM observed: "As per the original file, the accused absented himself on October 19, 1993, and could not be apprehended till he was declared a proclaimed offender and the file was sent to the record room on November 26, 1998".

The CJM also observed: "As per the medical report filed along with the application for bail, the accused is a patient of psychiatry and has been getting treatment since 1997. There is no rebuttal to this evidence".

In his detailed order, the CJM added: "In the light of the circumstances explained above, I am of the opinion that accused Narinder Kumar deserves to be enlarged on bail."

Warm send-off to B.S. Bedi
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — A warm send-off was today given to UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr. B.S. Bedi, by judicial officers and the court staff after he retired upon attaining the age of superannuity. Additional District and Sessions Judge S.S. Lamba will act as the Sessions Judge for the time being.

Mr. Bedi had taken over as the District and Sessions Judge of the Chandigarh Sessions Division on June 3, 1998. He was earlier posted as the District and Sessions Judge at Sangrur.

Today, a farewell party was organised in the afternoon by Court staff and later in the evening by the judicial officers. Mr. Lamba and UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr. Sant Parkash, were present during the function.

Anticipatory bail for Sidhu
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — PCS officer Manvesh Singh Sidhu, accused of being involved in an incident leading to the damaging of a car, was today granted anticipatory bail by a city court.

He was apprehending arrest in a case of alleged house-trespass, besides "mischief and thereby causing damage to the tune of Rs 50 or upwards", lodged with the Chandigarh police under Section 452 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code.

The case was registered after the police received a wireless message regarding the damage to a car belonging to a Sector 21 petrol-pump manager, Lieut-Col J.S. Brar (retd).

He had alleged that on March 11, his staff was assaulted and he was threatened by Sidhu and another officer. Later, on the night of March 27, the roof and glasses of his car were damaged.

In his complaint before the police, Lieut-Col Brar had said the incidents of the previous days, coupled with threats given by the two officers, were related and following this attack, he feared for his life.

Today, seeking the grant of anticipatory bail, the defence counsel said the allegations were false and concocted. Arguing in the court, the counsel said the applicant was being implicated in the case.

Twist in case of abduction
From Our Correspondent

KHARAR, March 31 — The case of abduction of a 24-year-old local girl about which a FIR was registered by the Kharar police under Sections 363, 366 and 120B on March 22 has taken a new turn, following an application moved by the girl in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ropar, for recording her statement yesterday.

The girl has stated that she got married with Jasbir Singh on March 18 according to Hindu rites at a mandir in Chandigarh. She has written that she is a major and the marriage was conducted without any pressure or influence. This act of hers had annoyed her parents and relatives and that is why her father had got a case registered. During investigations, the police arrested Gurpal S. Bains, a friend of her husband. He had nothing to do with her marriage, she added.

She pleaded that the criminal case against her husband be withdrawn.

Mrs Neelam Arora, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kharar, yesterday directed the police to take the applicant to her husband.

Remand for rape accused
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 31 — A Sector 22 resident, accused of kidnapping and rape, was today remanded in police custody till April 3 by the UT Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr H.S. Madaan.

The accused — Jasbir Singh — was booked by the Chandigarh Police for kidnapping and rape under Sections 363, 342, 354, 376 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, the victim had initially alleged that Jasbir Singh and a co-accused had outraged her modesty after kidnapping her. During investigations, the prosecution had added, the victim had stated that Jasbir Singh had also raped her, while the co-accused had attempted the same, in a Sector 19 house on March 25.

Today, pronouncing the orders in the open court, the ACJM observed: “The allegations are well founded. There are sufficient grounds to give the police remand as such, the accused is remanded in police custody till April 3. He be produced in the court on that date.”