Sukriti-2000 concludes
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, May 30—The annual summer camp for personality development and character building, Sukriti-2000, concluded at the ACC DAV Senior Public School, Surajpur, here today.

The 10-day camp organised from May 19 to 30 saw as many as 500 participants in activities ranging from theatre, dance, public speaking to painting. Experts in respective fields were engaged from the local Ghoomer academy and Sangeet Natak Academy among others.

Other activities available at the camp included basic training in civil defence, fire-fighting, first aid, rifle shooting, adult education with the help of government agencies like home guards, fire-fighting department and saksharta samiti. Lectures on value education, consumer rights and AIDS awareness were an integral part of the workshop.

The SDM (Civil), Kalka, Mr MK Ahuja, presided over the valedictory function and lauded the efforts made by the school in promotion of co-curricular activities.

Extension of last date triggers chaos
By Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 30 —What seems a hasty decision, extension of the last date for acceptance of forms for the entrance examinations of postgraduate courses in Panjab University, poses an uncomfortable situation not merely for hundreds of aspirants but also for staff of the examination branch.

The earlier last date announced for acceptance of forms was April 26. This has been extended to May 15 which is nearly three weeks ahead. The scheduled date of the examination is June 6 which, however, remains unchanged.

A senior official of the examination branch conceded functional difficulties in wake of postponement of date for acceptance of the examination forms. “One or two days change could have been managed through adjustments but even a nearly three week change offered no plausible cause. At least reasons have not been underlined through any circular”, the official said. One of the biggest problems cited for the examination branch is speedy compilation of data which can only be done after the last date of accepting forms is over. Only after this, roll numbers have to be dispatched which ordinarily takes a week time for outstation candidates. Moreover, this saves candidates from unnecessary ‘mental tension’.

The process involves checking eligibility of candidates and preparing a consolidated cut list. Sources said that some of the roll numbers are being done on computers and the rest by hand. By hand dispatches have started to travel. However, a large number of roll numbers still await their turn on the dispatch ferry.

The examinations start from June 6. Examination for LLB (professional), LLM, Master of Computer Application and Post-Graduate-Diploma in Computer Science and Application are scheduled for the first day.

The following day entrance examinations for M.Sc (honours school), mathematics, anthropology, botany and chemistry will be conducted.

The list for June 8 includes examinations for mathematics, physics, zoology, bio-chemistry and bio-physics. On June 9 there will be examination for microbiology, anthropology, statistics, bio-technology and geology. Masters in commerce, mass communication, bachelor in Library and Information Science and Masters in Library and Information Science are scheduled for June 10.

The last in the list includes examination for Masters of Arts (education), Bachelor of Physical Education and Master of Arts (Physical Education) on June 11.

An official of the branch concerned said one major trouble expected when roll numbers were dispatched late and non-receipt by students on time. They could come during the free time earlier. The situation now would lead to rush on the counters concerned on the last day causing unnecessary harassment to students as well as the staff.

It is learnt that June 5 despite being a university holiday will have the examination counters open to help students who do not receive their roll numbers. The service will also be available on June 4.

Foundation day celebrated
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 30 — The seventh foundation day of INSPIRE (The Institution for Secretariat Practices and Development) was celebrated yesterday at the CSIO auditorium. To mark the occasion, a souvenir highlighting the objectives and activities of INSPIRE was released.

Mr M.P. Singh, UT Home Secretary, appreciated the efforts of INSPIRE towards the development of facilities for in-service training and development of secretarial practitioners and emphasised the need for acquiring additional skills in keeping with the requirements of modern offices. He called for laying more emphasis on better inter-personal relations. Mr Singh asked the secretaries to adapt and imbibe personality traits necessary to deal with efficient discharge of public responsibilities.

Earlier, chairman of the INSPIRE, Mr DMS Bedi, reiterated its commitment for creating opportunities for on-job training through regular short-term development programmes as also towards developing integrated facilities for comprehensive training in the field of secretariat practices at Chandigarh.

Mr N.P. Amoli, Secretary-General, INSPIRE, revealed that programmes on information technology and office automation were being given special emphasis in order to upgrade professional competencies of secretaries.

PU yet to finalise fee structure
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 30 — Panjab University is yet to finalise the fee structure for various courses in the forthcoming session.

Sources said that a meeting was held in the Vice-Chancellor’s office here today. However, no final recommendations have been put forward.

The university had decided to follow Guru Nanak Dev University pattern in principle which was cleared by the Syndicate. Many members have shown their reservations against “astronomical” hike in several l cases which was “unjustified”.

The university is faced with a peculiar position because the funding agencies have assured aid and asked that the fee structure be revised on pattern of GNDU, it was pointed out.

Faculty for review of decision
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 30 — Panjab University faculty has expressed a difference of opinion with the Bar Association of India, Delhi, regarding its decision asking universities for not allowing admissions to evening classes in the Law degree course.

A review has been demanded saying that a substantial number of candidates will be affected. The entrance examination is also scheduled on June 6. It is also pointed out that the department maintained normal regular morning class academic standards in the evening courses as well.

Sources reveal that the issue will be taken up at the highest level soon.

COURTS

HC allows ZP member to submit affidavit
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, May 30 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court today allowed an application for placing on record the affidavit of allegedly detained Panchkula Zila Parishad member Prem Singh.

In his short affidavit submitted before Mr Justice H.S. Bedi and Mr Justice A.S. Garg of the high court, the member said he was kidnapped by a Haryana Police party headed by DSP Jag Parvesh Singh “with the object of ensuring that he does not cast his vote in favour of petitioner Upinder Kaur in the election for the Zila Parishad President”.

Seeking appropriate action, the member also stated that he was “illegally prevented from casting his vote by the official machinery of Haryana”.

Taking up the application, the Bench adjourned the hearing to July 13. The Bench also directed that the interim order against publishing the result of elections for the president’s post would continue.