EDUCATION

CBSE examinations begin
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 7
Thousands of students of Class XII appeared in the annual examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination which commenced here today.

In the morning, the students were much anxious and seen discussing the paper amongst themselves for almost an hour before the paper started. Parents and teachers of the students accompanied the students to encourage them.

Three hours later, when the paper was over, the students came out much satisfied from the examination halls. The students, while talking to Ludhiana Tribune, said that the paper was quite easy and it came as it was expected.

Govt teachers demand revision of seniority list
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 7
Pointing several anomalies in the seniority list of government school teachers prepared by the Education Department, the Government School Lecturers’ Union, Punjab, has demanded that the list be revised at the earliest.

Stating this in a press note, Mr Sukhdev Singh Rana, president of the union, said that there were several mistakes in the list. He said some of the school teachers were given two to three ranks. Giving instances, he pointed out that Mr Gurmeet Singh Siat was allotted three positions, 1206, 1263 and 1267. Similarly, Mr Hari Om Kaura from Machhiwara was given two ranks, 520 and 3094. Besides, there were several others whose name was repeated at different ranks several times.

Mr Rana also said that there were mistakes regarding date of birth, date of appointment and name of the school where they were currently working. The members of the union have alleged that several teachers have not been placed at the right position on the list and majority of the promotions, based on the list, would be incorrect if the same was not revised.

COURTS

PSEB told to pay Rs 5,000
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 7
The District Consumers Disputes and Redressal Forum has directed the Punjab State Electricity Board to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation on account of deficiency in services along with Rs 500 as cost of litigation to Mr Kishan Singh. The forum further quashed the disputed electricity bill and directed to refund the amount along with interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from the date of deposit till the date of refund.

According to the complaint, Mr Kishan Singh, a resident of Abdullapur Basti, was having an electric connection and he had been making regular payments of the electricity bills. The complainant stated before the forum that he had received a bill for Rs 26,718 (Rs 25,251 plus Rs 1,467) which was on the higher side as compared to the normal bills.

The complainant stated through his representative, Mr S.S. Sarna, that he was told by board officials that the amount was claimed against the standing arrears of the electricity connection in the adjoining house which was purchased by him. He was told that he had to make the payment of the said amount.

The complainant told the board officials that the amount had fallen due prior to the purchase of the house by him. But he was allegedly threatened that in case he did not make the payment the supply would be disconnected. The complainant refused to make the payment and as a result the supply was disconnected in the first week of March, 2000.

The complainant stated before the forum that he paid the said amount in four instalments and Rs 120 as re-connection charges. The connection was restored after the said payment. Mr Sarna stated that the complainant suffered a lot of inconvenience as the connection was restored after 49 days.

The board pleaded that the electric connection was used by the complainant and as such the sum of Rs 26,718 outstanding against the said account was added to the disputed bill. The board further stated that the complainant was bound to make the payment and the amount was rightly recovered.

The forum observed, "The amount which has been added to the account of the complainant relates to Pawan Kumar and the board is not entitled to add arrears of some other meter to the account of some other consumer. The forum held that the disputed amount was illegally added to the account of the complainant and recovered from him.

CULTURE

Kulwant Jagraon: poet of the masses
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 7
Given his simple but brilliant expression Kulwant Jagraon may rightly be called the poet of masses, as he articulates the voice of masses. He only reflects what he sees around him, no other pretensions are claims of sublimity. He believes in simplicity of expression and brilliance of ideas.

Born in Sheikhupura district, now in Pakistan, Kulwant did his masters in English and was teaching all through his life. However, the poet in him always remain alive to the circumstances around him and he constantly composed poetry in Punjabi. His poems have been published in reputed literary magazines of international standing. He has also given programmes on the All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Kulwant has so far published four books. These include Samein De Bol, Sughdhe Pall, Kaun Dilan Diya Jane and Adhure Bhol. Besides, he had done profile of about 30 Punjabi writers of repute. His poetry reflects concern for the well being of humanity. He tries to share the grief and pain of everyone in his poems as Jad kidhre vee bomb digda hei, mainu jape har wari hee mere he tan ghar sarda hai.

He has received several awards and honours for his outstanding contribution to the Punjabi literature. These include Dhanwant Singh Sital Award, Yamla Jat Award, Prof Mohan Singh Memorial Award, Baba Buleh Shah Award and several others. Tomorrow he will be presented Principal Takhat Singh Award.

Kulwant is also associated with several literary associations like Punjabi Sahit Academy as secretary, Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation as general secretary, Punjabi Sahit Sabhiachar Manch as president and the Punjabi Lekhak Kalakar Society as general secretary.