EDUCATION

Involve NCC cadets in disaster preparedness plans: Jacob
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — The Punjab Governor and UT Administrator , Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (Retd), today stressed the need for involving NCC cadets in disaster preparedness plans in order to train them to deal with natural calamities.

Speaking after felicitating NCC cadets who participated in the Prime Minister’s Rally and Republic Day Parade –2001, the Governor said the NCC cadets did a commendable job in earthquake affected areas of Gujarat. They worked relentlessly day and night retrieving injured people and bodies from the rubble setting an example for others. He said that young boys and girls in NCC should be trained to meet such eventualities.

Emphasising the need for making the NCC training mandatory for school and college students, the Governor said that it inculcates a sense of discipline among youth.

Exhorting the NCC candidates to participate actively in the literacy drive, the Governor said that it cadets should go to slums and villages where literacy level was low and adopt one child in a slum or a village ensuring his total education. He said that we should aim for 100 per cent literacy in Punjab. Congratulating the cadets who won the medals in the Prime Minister’s Rally and Republic Day parade, the Governor said that he was happy that out of 51 cadets who participated in the Republic Day parade, five have won gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.

Earlier speaking on the occasion Mr G.P.S. Sahi, Principal Secretary Higher Education, informed that NCC budget of NCC has been raised by Rs 38.16 lakh this year. The NCC cadets in Punjab would now get a allowances on the to the Central Government pattern. Master Mohan Lal, Minister for Higher Education, and Mr Balbir Singh, Minister of State for Education and Brig R.S. Kalha also spoke on the occasion.

The Governor gave away the prizes to the winners. Surinder Singh of 2 Pb Air Sqn NCC, Amritsar, won a gold a one silver medals, whereas Narinder Singh of Patiala won two gold medals. Avninder Singh of Patiala won two gold medals whereas Seema Madan of Ludhiana won a gold and a silver medal. Madhu Bala won a silver medal. Harsangeet Pal Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Harpreet Singh were felicitated for participating in the guard of honour. Sundeepinder Kaur, Salika Sehgal, Amrita Dhaliwal, Hardeep Singh, Deepak Sharma, Pawan, Jaspreet Singh and Manish Gill were felicitated for participating in the march past at the Rajpath. Narinder Singh, Surinder Singh and Supreet Bajwa were felicitated for securing first and second positions in NCC camps and competitions.

The Governor also honoured Lal Chand, N. Mckenzi, Nitin Chhoker, Kiran Raghav and Manujata of Union Territory, Chandigarh. Similarly Prashant Kumar, Davinder Singh, Rupinder Singh, Manpal Singh, Manish Saxena, Geetesh Nigam, L. Kanta Khangamba, Munish Thakur, Mohit Thakur, Vikash Dhuria, Ranjit Devi, Reena Gulla and Paramjeet Kaur of Chandigarh were also honoured.

VC gives away prizes to 100 students
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, gave away prizes to more than 100 students of the Department of Correspondence Studies, of the university at the annual prize distribution (academic) function of the department held at the campus here today.

The programme began with the recital of the Saraswati vandana by students of the Music department of the university. Prof Ujagar Singh Sehgal, Chairman of the department, welcomed the guests and read out the annual report of the department. He informed that from the initial offering of only undergraduate courses to a few hundred students, the department had grown to enroll over 15,800 students in 14 undergraduate subjects, 9 post graduate subjects and two professional diploma courses. He also informed the audience that the department had started Hindi medium in MA Economics, Political Science and History from this session which were earlier offered only in English medium.

Professor Pathak while speaking on the occasion, complimented the toppers and the prize winners for their hard work and wished them success in the forthcoming final examinations. He also appreciated the efforts being put in by the department to innovate its methods of printing and mailing of lessons and hoped that these would improve further.

Those who secured first position in various subjects in MA II year include Shilpi Bansal in English, Rajni Bala in Hindi, Jasdeep Kaur in Punjabi, Mandeep Kaur in History, Sonia in Economics, Sandeep Gupta in Political Science, Damanpreet Singh and Anshula Nanchahal in Public Administration and Suresh Kumar in MFC. Saneep Kumar was first in the diploma in Statistics while Gagandeep Kaur topped the diploma in HIW and Population Education.

In the MA Ist year examinations, Amit Sadana topped in English, Rakhi Khanna was first in Hindi, Manpreet Kaur topped in History, Tina came first in Political Science, Ashish Kumar topped in Economics, Rajat Soni topped in Public Administration, Anil Preet Kaur topped in MFC while Pradip Kaur was first in M.Ed.

Seminar held at UBS

The use of technology in human resource development and management is one of the most neglected fields in the corporate world. This was stated by Prof Biju Varkkey, from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad at a seminar organised by the Chandigarh Management Association in collaboration with the University Business School (UBS) at the university here today.

Speaking on ‘Web Enabled HRM,” Prof Varkkey said digital technology was being used the maximum for marketing but also essential was its use in human resource management. And since the economy of the future depended on digital technology its role in human resource management was even more important.

Govt college annual function held
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — Government College, Sector 11 held its annual prize distribution function at the college here today. Mr R.S. Gujral, Home Secretary, UT, was the chief guest and gave away prizes to more than 300 students.

Dr S.N. Singla, Principal of the college welcomed the guests and read out the annual report.

Thirteen students were awarded the college roll of honour, 16 got certificates of distinction in academics, 39 received the college colours for co-curricular activities, 25 prizes for distinctions in sports, NCC, NSS etc. Two hundred and twelve students were given prizes on the basis of their performance in the December tests.

Sajjan Singh was adjudged the best student, of the college for the last session. Kamaljeet and Shivani both MA students, were honoured for bringing a trophy at the inter-varisity English literature symposium. Kapil Pandey was honoured for securing second position in geography honours while Baljeet Singh, Anant Modgill, Avneet Singh, Sandip Singh, Ravjot Singh, Parvesh Kumar were the other outstanding students who got prizes. Sumeet Singh was honoured for displaying extraordinary courage in saving the life of a child.

Prof J.P. Garg, Vice-Principal of the college proposed a vote of thanks.

Farewell function

Meanwhile the BA (IIIrd year) students of MCM DAV College, Sector 36, were given a warm farewell by the other students and staff of the college at a colourful function held in the college here today.

The College Student Council President, Prachi Yadav, gave voice to the emotions of the outgoing students.

A glittering cultural function followed. Karundeep became Miss MCM, while Maurya was the first runners up and Nameeta was the second runners up. The principal, Ms Usha Gupta, gave away prizes and appreciation certificates to students.

SAS NAGAR

Students honoured

Cultural festivity marked the 17th annual function-cum-prize distribution function of the local Government College, Phase 1, here. Mr Gurnam Singh Derabassi, who was the chief guest, urged the students to work. He gave away prizes to students.

Ms Jatinder Kaur, Principal of the college, read out the annual report of the college. The students who were honoured for excellence in academic were Kiran Bala, Rajni Kant, Gurpreet, Jagtar Singh, Manjeet, Harpreet Kaur, Ganagdeep and Monica. The best athlete award was given to Baljeet Singh in memory of Maj Harminder Pal Singh, who sacrificed his life in Kargil.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Central sanction not needed
Prosecution of 5 cops
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court today held that the Central Government’s sanction for prosecuting five Punjab Police personnel in an encounter case was not necessary as the alleged act had not been performed during the discharge of their official duty.

The five — Reserve Inspector Balbir Singh and others — were earlier booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation for murder and kidnapping, along with other offences under Sections 364, 302, 34, 120-B, 201 and 218 of the Indian Penal Code on the allegations of staging a fake encounter in which four persons were killed.

The case, according to the prosecution, was registered on February 28, 1997 after the statement of Mr Chaman Lal, father of an alleged victim, was recorded.

The accused had, however, stated that the four were killed after they opened fire on July 23, 1993. Seeking discharge in the case, they had stated that the court could not take cognizance without sanction from the Central Government. Their application for discharge was dismissed by the trial court during the proceedings.

Today, dismissing their appeal against the trial court’s order, Mr Justice K.S. Garewal observed: “The offences for which the petitioners are to be tried could, by no stretch of imagination, have been committed in discharge of their officials duties”.

Termination order quashed

Allowing a writ petition, a division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday quashed an order issued by Haryana’s Director, Panchayat, terminating the services of a gram sachiv.

Satya Kumar of Charkhi Dadri tehsil was initially appointed on ad hoc basis against posts occupied by on-strike members of the Municipal Committee Employees Union of Haryana. His services were terminated on the ground that he had not worked during the entire period of the strike.

Delivering the verdict on his petition, Mr Justice R.S. Mongia and Mr. Justice K.C. Gupta directed that the petitioner was entitled to all consequential benefits.

In their detailed order, the Judges observed: “To terminate the services of the petitioner on the ground that he had not worked during the entire period of strike, according to us, would do injustice to him. Petitioner had worked for substantial period during the strike. We are of the view that the order of termination is not well based”.

Anticipatory bail granted

Granting anticipatory bail to two Amritsar-based doctors, Mr Justice S.S. Nijjar of the High Court on Monday directed that the petitioners shall be released on bail to the satisfaction of the arresting officer in the event of their arrest.

The two — Dr Devinder Kaur and Dr Manmohar Singh — were apprehending arrest in a criminal intimidation and breach of trust case registered at Police Station Civil Lines in Amritsar under Sections 498-A, 406, 323 and 506 of the IPC on the complaint of their daughter-in-law.

Pronouncing the orders, Mr. Justice Nijjar observed: “The petitioners are not likely to abscond or misuse the concession of anticipatory bail”.

DISTRICT COURTS
2-year RI in cheating case
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, March 5— Sham Lal, a resident of Sector 40, was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment, today by the UT Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Mr Mahender Singh, in a case of cheating. The case against the accused had been registered under Sections 420, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, on June 17, 1995, in police station.

The complainant, Mr Baldev Singh, had alleged that the accused, Sham Lal along with Amar Nath, being proprietor of a travlers’ company had demanded Rs 80,000 from him, for sending his son, Gurtej and another person, Jugraj Singh, abroad. Amar Nath, the co-accused in the case, had already been declared a proclaimed offender. The complainant had deposited a sum of Rs 80,000 with accused company on March 1994.

The accused was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and a fine of Rs 10, 000.

Soni murder: judicial remand for suspect

The UT Judicial Magistrate(First Class) today sent Sukhdev Singh, allegedly involved in the murder of Sector 32, woman Ms Prem Lata, in judicial remand till March 19.

Bail plea dismissed

The UT Additional Sessions Judge, Mr R.C. Godara, today dismissed the bail plea moved by a resident of Nepal, Dal Bahadur, in a case of rape. The case against the accused had been registered under Sections 376, 34 of the IPC, on June 16, 1999. The accused had moved bail plea under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code. It was alleged that the accused, Dal Bahadur along with a co-accused Balram had committed gang rape in Sector 21, park. Both the accused had been taken to the custody on June 16, 1999 and have been custody since then.

The defence counsel had argued that the prosecutrix was not coming forward for deposing before the court, therefore the accused deserve the concession of bail.

The judge observed that the accused along with the co-accused had committed a heinous crime, therefore he does not deserve the concession of bail.

Bail granted in theft case

The UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Sant Parkash, today granted bail to a resident of Ludhiana, Jagtar Singh, in a case of theft. The case against the accused was registered under Sections 380, 411 of the IPC on March 4, at Industrial area, police station. It was alleged that the accused had stolen a drill machine from the CTU Depot.

The accused was granted bail on the furnishing bail bond of Rs 10, 000 and surety of same amount.

Judicial remand for murder suspect

Nazeem, who was allegedly involved in at least 23 cases, including nine murders, was sent to judicial remand till March 17 today by the UT Judicial Magistrate (First Class). The accused had been arrested in a joint operation by the Rishikesh and Chandigarh police on February 15, from Mani Majra.

Lawyers oppose Civil Procedure (Amend) Bill
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — The provisions of the Civil Procedure (Amendments) Bill 2000, which concerns examination of witness, right to file letters patents appeal, revisional jurisdiction of the high court, provisions for formulating terms of settlement by the court and empowering the court to issue directions to applicants seeking interim injunction, were strongly opposed by lawyers in a seminar held here.

According to a statement issued by the local chapter of All India Lawyers Union (AILU), senior advocates practising in the Supreme Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court shared their views on the above mentioned Bill, which has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

The local president of AILU, Mr J S Toor, while introducing the topic, said the approach of the government in scrutinizing the forum and avenue of litigants was basically wrong. He said government functionaries were not delivering justice to the people and acting arbitrarily without affording the opportunity of a hearing.

Mr R. S. Mittal said the bill would cut down delay by creating tribunals at every level and by restricting remedies, which would not serve the purpose, while Mr M L Sarin was of the opinion that the most of the amendments were not in the favour of litigants and opposed the curtailment of revisional jurisdiction of a high court Judge.

Mr Harbhagwan Singh was of the view that since high courts had plenary jurisdiction, revisional powers should not be curtailed. Limiting right of appeal in the disputed question, he added, could cause tremendous loss to the parties involved.

Mr M J. S. Sethi said present amendments were cosmetic in nature and did not settle the point raised by laywers earlier, while Mr G. S. Grewal said the case should be decided at the motion stage. Mr Hardev Singh said the creation of a judicial commission was in the manifesto of every political party, but the same was not being constituted and that the whole system required to be re-considered.

CULTURE

Seraiki Mushaira held
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, March 5 — A kaleidoscope of emotions came alive through the words of the poets who gathered at Punjab Kala Bhavan to participate in the Seraiki/Multani Mushaira , organised by the Federation of Migrant Groups from the North-West India (now in Pakistan) here today.

About 17 poets got a chance to portray various aspects of Seraiki lifestyle .The programme started with Arjan Dev Pankaj Chugh’s Saraswati vandana.

Ms Kanha Devi of Mohali recited a Patohari, poem portraying the dreams and expectations of a young girl while Subhash Bhasi Multani of Delhi focused on the colours of Holi. His another recitation spoke about the truths of life.

Munnavar Sirhadi of Delhi in his composition talked about the evils that have plagued the Seraiki society. Sushita Devi’s Dohra recitation was also quite informative and entertaining.

Besides reciting their compositions, Prof Rana Pratap Ghanorui from Panipat, Naz Sonepati Mahinder Pratap Chand from Ambala and Munnavar Sirhadi from Delhi also spoke on the occasion. Prominent among those who participated in the Mushaira were Prem Kumar Sindhi from Rajpura, Krishan Nanda Krishan from Karnal, Bhagawan Das Ezaz from New Delhi, Dev Raj Dilbar from Sonepat, A.V. Bharati from Sonepat, Bashi Multani from New Delhi, Sat Pal from Rajpura, Baljit Singh and Dr Paruthi from Chandigarh.

The programme was sponsored by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, and was compered by Mr Govind Rakesh.