EDUCATION

PU inquiry committee report today
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 16
The inquiry report into the alleged misappropriation of funds during the last Vice-Chancellor’s tenure will be submitted to the Panjab University authorities tomorrow.

Sources said that a high-level committee had completed the preliminary investigations and a report would be submitted to Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor. Mr R.S. Verma, chairman of the committee, confirmed the completion of the report. He, however, refused to comment on the findings of the committee.

There was a persistent demand from Senators for an independent inquiry into the alleged misutilisation of university funds during Prof M.M. Puri’s tenure as the VC. First a letter was sent to the Chancellor’s office in October 1999. This was followed by another letter, this time to the Governor of Punjab in 2000 asking for a ‘high-powered inquiry commission and for taking of suitable corrective administrative action.’

The letters alleged “serious financial irregularities, maladministration, chaotic academic situation and appointments in contravention of the university rules”.

The matter was raised again in August 2000 when the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.N. Pathak, took charge of the office. As many as 26 fellows signed request for an inquiry.

In December 2000, the Vice-Chancellor announced the formation of a high-level committee. First the committee would submit a report to the Vice-Chancellor which would then be forwarded to Justice D.V. Seghal, sources said. Flouting of UGC norms in various appointments was pointed out in the December 1999 meeting.

The university did not clear the university budget in the March, 2000, meeting. Prof Puri said “I do not know anything about the budget”.

This was followed by a tussle between the VC and the UT Administration. Five members in a communication to the Governor alleged misutilisation of money out of the Fund for higher education. There was talk on errors in the university budget and huge telephone bills of the Vice-Chancellor.

The present VC has shown deep interest in setting the university records straight and the committee findings are being looked forward to with great interest from all quarters.

Japan relaxes rules for students
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 16
At last, Japan has opened its doors for under-graduate students from India, without making the knowledge of Japanese language a pre-condition.

A 100-year-old trust, Ritsumeikan, set up Asia Pacific University (APU) in 2000 to commemorate its centenary with the purpose of “creating a mutual international understanding of various cultures”, as Mr Nakamura Nobuhiro, Director (Recruitment) of the university, who was here today, says.

He was accompanied by his colleague, Mr Asci Akihiro, and Dr Satya Bhushan Verma, Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, and visiting Professor and Academic Adviser of APU. They had come here for an interaction with students at Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary Public School, Sector 7, at the invitation of Mr Ashok Jain, president of the Haryana chapter of the Indo-Japanese Friendship Association.

Mr Nobuhiro said the media of instruction in the APU were English as well as Japanese. The university and the local government of the city offer various scholarships to foreign students. He said the university enrolled students twice a year in April and October. But the Indian students, who had appeared in the Class XII examination this year, can apply till May 31. 

YPS wins inter-school trophy
Our Correspondent

SAS Nagar, May 16
The local Yadavindra Public School has won the overall trophy in an inter-school painting-cum-poster-making competition, while Ajit Karam Singh International Public School, from Chandigarh, has won the trophy in an essay writing contest.

The results of both contests, organised by the Generation Saviour Association here earlier this month in connection with World Tobacco Day, were announced today.

As many as 1,300 students from different schools took part in the painting contest and 500 in the essay writing competition.

Ms Amteshwar Kaur, president of the association, said the prize distribution function, along with an exhibition of the award-winning paintings, would be held at Shivalik Public School here on World Tobacco Day — May 31.

The following are the results — essay writing competition: group A (Classes VI and VII) — Ramneek Gill (Ajit Karam Singh International Public School) 1; Manpreet Kaur (Ajit Karam Singh International Public School) 2; Komal Preet Grewal (Shivalik Public School, SAS Nagar) 3; Group B (Classes IX and X) — Arshdeep Chahal (Ajit Karam Singh International Public School) 1; Amandeep Kaur (Shivalik Public School, SAS Nagar) 2; Himani Datta (DAV Public School, Sector 8-C, Chandigarh) 2; Bhanpreet Singh (Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Chandigarh) 3; group C (Classes XI and XII) — Sukhmani Bachal (Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar) 1; Ambri Pukhraj (Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar) 2; Shaneez Bajwa (DAV Model School, Sector 15, Chandigarh) 3.

Painting-cum-poster-making contest: Group A (Classes 1 to III) — Arshdeep (Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar)1; Manpreet Kaur (Shivalik Public School, SAS Nagar)2; Aashish Garg (Yadavindra Public School, SAS Nagar) 3; Group B (Classes IV and V) — Sapna (Gem Public School, SAS Nagar) 1; Jasleen Sethi (St Soldier International Convent School, SAS Nagar)2; Manpreet Singh (Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Chandigarh) 3; group C (Classes VI to VIII) — Prabhdeep Kaur Gill (Gem Public School, SAS Nagar) 1; Geetika Goyal (Golden Bells Public School, Sohana) 2; Monami (Shivalik Public School, SAS Nagar) 3; group D (Classes IX and X) — Satjeet Kaur ( Shivalik Public School, SAS Nagar) 1; Jasleen Kaur (Mount Carmet School, Chandigarh) 2; Minti Nagi (DAV Public School, SAS Nagar) 3.

Award of excellence instituted
Computer literacy in schools
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 16
For spreading computer literacy among students, the Union Government has introduced ‘’Award of excellence in schools for implementation of computer literacy and Information Technology”.

The awards will be given in the last week of December.

Haryana teachers hold dharna
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, May 16
Hundreds of members of the Haryana Rajkiya Adhayapak Sangarsh Samiti held a dharna in front of the office of the Director of Haryana Education in Sector 17, here today. The teachers protested against the anti-teacher policy of the Government.

The leaders demanded that the control of schools should not be handed over to the local bodies and panchayati raj institutions. The teachers should be notified as gazetted, as per the announcement made by the Haryana Chief Minister at Hisar, they said.

The teachers also demanded that the anomalies in the release of pay scales to various categories should be removed. 

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Judge asked to explain
Conviction under Section 302, IPC
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 16
Taking up an appeal, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today asked Bathinda’s District and Sessions Judge to explain how an agriculturist was convicted and sentenced for murder even though he had concluded that the accused had “exceeded the right of private defence”.

Pronouncing the orders, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice H.S. Bedi and Mr Justice A.S. Garg, observed: “Counsel for the accused has pointed out that the trial Judge had repeatedly given a finding in the judgement that accused Gurdip Singh had exceeded the right of private defence but nevertheless chose to record a conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code”.

The Bench added: “To our mind, this finding is erroneous for the reason that exceeding the right of private defence would be punishable as culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the IPC”.

The Judges concluded: “We, therefore, deem it appropriate that the trial Judge be called upon to explain as to how a conviction and sentence under Section 302 of the code could be recorded”.

Gurdip Singh was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment, besides being fined, by the Bathinda District and Sessions Judge. He, along with other accused in the case, was booked for murder under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC, besides under the provisions of the Arms Act.

Companies told to appear in court

Disposing of a petition filed by HFCL Infotel Limited, the High Court on Wednesday ordered that the stay on the operation of directions issued by the Jalandhar Civil Judge, restraining the company from issuing press statements or advertisements soliciting business from general public without disclosing the true contents, shall enure till June 6.

Delivering the verdict, Ms Justice Bakhshish Kaur of the High Court also directed HFCL, along with V.V. Telecom Limited to appear before the trial court through counsel on that date.

The Civil Judge, it may be recalled, had restrained HFCL from issuing press statements or advertisements soliciting business from general public for providing fixed service with limited mobility without disclosing the true contents and direct or indirect impact of orders passed by TDSAT, on a suit filed by V.V. Telecom Limited.

The plaintiffs had sought directions for restraining HFCL from issuing press releases and other such material claiming the grant of uncircumscribed rights to provide basic telecom service, along with limited mobility.

Today, the Judge observed: “In case the impugned order is set aside, it may result in the failure of justice as it would amount to giving a finding without going into the merits of the suit particularly when the entire material was not before the court”.

The Judge added: “Considering the fact that ex-parte interim injunction was passed against the petitioner by the trial court vide the impugned order and that the petitioner has straightway filed this revision petition, it is considered appropriate that he should first avail the remedy available under order 39 rule 4 of the code”.

GCM: defence counsel to rejoin trial
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 16
The defence counsel representing Maj Maneesh Bhatnagar has decided to rejoin the trial after he learnt that the general court martial did not issue him any warning on his conduct.

The counsel, Capt Rajneesh Bansal, said that after learning that no warning was actually issued by the court and that the proceedings related to the warning were only advisory in nature, he had decided to rejoin the trial.

He said that during court proceedings yesterday, after the accused contended that the court had threatened his counsel, the court had replied that it had never threatened the counsel but only advice on his conduct had been given.

Captain Bansal had with drawn from the trial last week, contending that a warning on his conduct issued by the court was unwarranted and unjustified.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned without transacting any business today as the accused reported sick.

HC quashes plot resumption
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 16
Setting aside the orders directing the resumption of a plot in Sector 34 for violation of building bylaws, a division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today observed that the poor citizens were being harassed though far more serious violations had been sanctioned or overlooked by the Administration in government houses and buildings.

The observations were made by the Bench, comprising Mr Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta and Mr Justice N.K. Sud, on a petition filed by Ms Sunena Rani Anand. Her plot was resumed on the ground that butch work had been done on the front elevation and sun shades had been constructed on the sides.

Challenging the orders, Ms Anand, in her petition, had stated that initially the resumption orders were passed by the Estate Officer, but were set aside by the Chief Administrator on the condition of removing the violations within six months. The same could, however, not be removed due to reasons beyond her control, she had added.

After hearing the arguments, the Bench ruled, “It is admitted position that so far as the butch work is concerned, it is duly authorised under the instructions issued by the respondents. So far as the sun shades are concerned, these have since been removed. This being the position, the very basis for resumption of the site has ceased to exist”.

The Judges concluded, “The impugned orders are consequently set aside in so far as the order of resumption is concerned. The site shall stand restored to the petitioner”.

CULTURE

Another offering from “Queen of Songs”

YOU have heard “Piya se milke aaye nain” the highest selling pop album released in October 1999 by the Tips Music Company. Now tune in to new album ‘Sajnaa’, by India’s most versatile female singer Hema Sardesai, courtesy Tips. Star maker Jawahar Wattal has once again, teamed up with ‘Hindustani Gudiya’ Hema Sardesai and lyricist Sameer in the new pop album ‘ Sajnaa’.

Hema Sardesai is in a celebrity mood and she has ample reason to be. Sajnaa’, Hema’s third album is going to be released soon. In a brief interview at Jawahar Wattal’s 24 track digital studio, ‘Ad Camp’ at Hauz Khas, New Delhi, a relaxed Hema spoke about the past, present and a bright future. Hema is clearly dominating the music scene today and deservedly so, with her voice and clear flawless singing. Though she made her presence felt with ‘halle halle - (Aar ya Paar) “Tere mere sapne” — (Tere Mere Sapne) and “Mere saiyan —- ( Shastra) songs, it was the song “Aawara bhanwre” of Rajiv Menon’s “Sapnay” which catapulted her to the number one position. Hema said she had never thought that “Awara Bhanware” would make it to the top of the countdown charts.

Born in Mumbai, brought up in Goa, Hema Sardesai’s talent was discovered by her school teacher at the tender age of six. Hema made her debut at the age of eight with a live performance at the Navratri festival. She graduated with Honours in Indian classical music besides nurturing her passion for art and pop music.

Hema has successfully performed at TV and live stage shows all over India as well as abroad. She proved her versatility by singing not only Indian classical and western pop but folk music, rhythm, blues, hip hop and fusion music etc. Hema has also successfully performed in the USA, UK, Germany, Yugoslavia Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, West Indies Gulf countries, Thailand, Guyana, Nepal, Indonesia, Holland and Spain. She also represented India at the international Unicef concert in 1989 with internationally acclaimed artistes.

Hema’s most commendable achievement has been her win in the ‘Grand Prix’ at the 16th International Pop Song Festival’89 held in Germany. She was adjudged the best singer amongst top crooners from 20 countries. She was awarded the ‘Audience Darling’ award and she also earned the nickname’ “Indian Nightingale”.

Hema’s debut on MTV Asia 1993 with the Hindi pop song “Choote na tera saath.... is still remembered by her fans all over India. She has rendered and written a large number of songs in numerous Bollywood remix albums like “Love me”, “Punjaban’ and” “Laila mein laila”. She has also rendered her voice for famous TV serials “Yeh Hai Raaz”, “Duniya Ke Sitare” “Raahein”, and “Hip Hip Hurray”.

Another facet of Hema Sardesai’s versatility is her success as a playback singer for Hindi films. ‘Aar Ya Paar’, “Tere Mere Sapne”, “Dastak”, “Pardes”, “Sapnay”, “Miss 420”, “Zor”, “Keemat”, “Salakhen”, “Shyam Ghanshyam”, “Hero Hindustani”, “Soldier” “Janam Samjha Karo”, “Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rahte Hein’” “Biwi No 1, are some of the Hindi films in which Hema displayed her versatility as a playback singer.

She has also earned a huge fan following from her appearances on TV programme like “Close Up Antakshri”, “TVS Sa Re Ga Ma”, “Bournvita Quiz Contest”, “Star Yaar Kalaakar”, “Public Demand” etc. In 1998 at the prestigious Lux Zee Cine Awards she proved her versatility with her performance with Europe’s famous pop star Whig Field. MTV announced Hema as “ The Queen of Songs in 1999. Movers and Shakers announced her as the most happening girl on the music scene vivacious and full of fun in February 2000. Dharam Pal