EDUCATION

Students not allowed to take entrance test
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
More than 50 candidates who were not allowed by the Punjab University authorities to appear in the entrance test for M.Tech (Microelectronics) course held at the university today have decided to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for justice. These students were not allowed to appear in the said examination as they did not have the marksheets of the qualifying examinations.

These students, however, claimed that they had not been issued marksheets by Panjab Technical University, Jalandhar, and hence they were unable to produce these.

These students met the Dean, University Instructions, PU, today, and explained their problem. But the DUI experienced his helplessness before the rules already set for the test. According to sources, the head of the Department of Microelectronics had requested the DUI before the start of the paper to allow these students to take the test, but the permission was not granted.

The entrance test for MSc (IT) and M.Tech instrumentation will be held tomorrow.

Literacy rate: city leads in region
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
Chandigarh leads in literacy rate in North Zone comprising Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The percentage of literates is 81.76, with 85.65 per cent of males and 76.65 per cent of females being literates.

This is due to high degree of urbanisation and availability of modern educational facilities, argued experts at a discussion during the regional data dissemination workshop census 2001 held at ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, here today

These states, including the UT, have 63 districts and the provisional population of this zone has been calculated at 6.24 crore persons, accounting for 6.07 per cent of India’s population as per 2001 census.

Literacy is an important demographic trait which portrays the quality of population and provides impetus to the economic development. In census, population aged seven years and above who can read and write with understanding in any language is treated as literate. Children below seven years have been classified as illiterate conceptually.

Chandigarh has shown that growth of literacy rate is gradual and the proportion of literates is appreciably high. In the city the total literacy rate was 76.45 per cent in 1971, which rose to 81.76 per cent in 2001, recording an increase of 11.33 per cent during the past 40 years. In UT the percentage of male literate is 85.65 per cent and female is 76.7 per cent.

The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner delivered the keynote address. The Director of Census, Punjab, presented a note on population distribution and its growth trends.

A lecture was delivered on rural urban distribution of population by Director, Census, Chandigarh. The Director of Census, Haryana, while speaking on the issue of sex ratio, revealed that if men were in excess some would not get life partners.

For comparative size of population of a total of 35 states and UTs of India, Chandigarh ranked 21st. The population of the northern region displays remarkable diversity in patterns of distribution and density of population. This diversity follows special constraints in physiography, cultural and social structures, history of settlement, economy and political conditions, among other factors.

India’s population growth during 1991-2001 varied from state to state. In Jammu & Kashmir the rise was 29.4 per cent while Himachal Pradesh recorded 17.53 per cent growth. Punjab and Haryana recorded 19.76 per cent and 28.06 per cent, respectively.

Chandigarh recorded the highest growth in the past decade at 40.33 per cent. Compared in the context of the post-independence era, these figures reveal differing trends and differing stages of demographic transition.

Sex ratio in Chandigarh had decreased by 54 points, falling from 899 to 845. Migration cannot answer this phenomenon. Studies made so for have offered several explanations for this phenomenon in the past. Some of them are preference for male children resulting in neglect of female children, causing higher mortality rate among females, sex ratio at birth favourable to males, large immigration of males in search of work and neglect of females at all ages right from birth to death.

It was also brought to notice of the participants of the workshop that where had the girl child gone. After the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (Regulation and Preventive of Misuse) Act, 1994, was notified, hope has come up that a woman’s chance to live will not be reduced.

All set for college admissions
Tribune News Service

There are 1120 seats in BCom first-year in the city, 320 in BBA and 280 in BCA. DAV College, Sector 10, has 70 seats in BCom first-year and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. Dev Samaj College, Sector 45, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. Government College, Sector 46, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. GGDSD College, Sector 32, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. Government College, Sector 11, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. Government College, Sector 42, has 70 seats in BCom and 40 seats in BBA. Government College for Girls, Sector 11, has 70 seats in BCom and 40 seats in BBA. SGGS College, Sector 26, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats in BCA. GGS College for Women, Sector 26, has 140 seats in BCom and 40 seats each in BBA and BCA. MCM DAV College, Sector 36, has 70 seats in BCom.

1,392 students get admission
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 10
The general category seats for science stream in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 19, got filled with 72 per cent cut-off marks on the fourth day of the ongoing centralised admissions here today.

Nearly 1392 students have been admitted till date to different government model senior secondary schools as a part of the ongoing admissions.

In total 1165 students have been admitted in science stream, 168 in commerce stream, 33 in humanities stream and 26 in vocational courses .

The science seats in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 33 and Sector 10, are expected to be filled during the first session of the interview tomorrow.

About 209 candidates securing 68 per cent to 69.8 per cent marks and left-over cases with higher merit are to appear for counselling between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In all 575 candidates securing 65 per cent and above are expected to seek admission in government model schools.

In four schools, including GMSSS, Sector 16, with cut-off percentage 81.4, GMSSS, Sector 35, with cut-off percentage 81.6, GMSSS, Sector 37, with cut-off percentage 77.4 and GMSSS, Sector 19, cut-off percentage 72, science seats (medical and non-medical) for general category have already been filled.

The total number of seats given in the detailed chart include seats meant for different categories.

Academic courses in gurdwaras advocated
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, July 10
Members of various gurdwara management bodies, today unanimously advocated the need to run academic courses, including computer education and sports activities, on the premises of the gurdwaras to attract the Sikh youth towards the faith. Preaching religion alone was not enough, they felt. The matter came up for discussion at a one-day Gurmat training camp organised by the local Gurdwara Coordination Committee at Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Phase-VIII, here today. As many as 250 persons participated in the camp.

All speakers felt that preaching religious doctrine alone was not enough to attract the youth towards religion.

Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, spoke on the qualities and duties of a preacher. Mr Prithi Singh Khalsa, stage secretary of the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, divulged on the feelings of the youth. He said there was a need to run academic courses in the professional stream.

Principal of Sikh Missionary College, Anandpur Sahib, Mr Surinder Singh, spoke on ‘Sikh Rehat Maryada’. Bhai Sahib Singh from Shahbad Markanda spoke on the use of right grammar and pronunciation of the Gurbani. Mr Ranjit Singh of Khalsa Panchayat, spoke on the new methods for preaching the faith. Management of the affairs of gurdwara was the topic delivered by Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, a former secretary of the SGPC.

Mr Joginder Singh and Mr Tarlochan Singh, president and general secretary, respectively, of the Gurdwara Coordination Committee also spoke on the occasion. Mr Gurmeet Singh, president of the Amb Sahib Gurdwara management was honoured on the occasion.

Quizmaster’s course for local kids
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh July 10
Quizmaster Derick O’ Brien was in the city today to finalise his plans for the launch of a three-month course for local school students starting in August.

The programme called Derick O’ Brien’s KQ Advantage will be run by two city schools. As many as 480 students chosen from the city’s 25 schools will participate in the programme.

Priced at Rs 2000 for the complete three-month course, the intensive 24 sessions of a little above one hour each will aim at developing the complete personality of the child. There are three levels being made available of the course, the first called primary for students of Classes IV to VI, secondary for Classes VII and VIII and career ready for Classes IX to XII.

The pilot of this course is being done in the city. A successful launch here will lead to launch of a similar course in more than 25 cities of the country by the end of 2002.

The school students of the city have been asked to send a letter giving career details. Only 480 students will be chosen initially on first-come firstserve basis. Every course will have a strength of 40 students each.

These 40 students will be divided into groups of eight each and they will be worked upon by a facilitator. The students will be taught time management, effective habits, creativity skills, human relation skills, functional skills and memory skills.

Mr Derick O’ Brien visited St Stephen’s school today. He interacted with the students and their parents regarding the programme. In a lively interaction, he answered every query of theirs.

Later talking to mediapersons, he explained that quizzing was not just about knowing a large number of facts, but also had the ability to teach the students many other qualities like memory skills, presentation and confidence.

‘‘This course is aimed to ensure that the child has a well-developed personality. We believe that there is a bright child in every child and all that is required is to help that brightness shine.’’

PU results
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
The results of the examinations of BSc I (HS) physics, BE mett. III semester, BE (computer science and engineering) II semester and BE (E & Ec) II semester were declared by Panjab University today.

Result of diploma in forensic science and criminology would be declared tomorrow while BSc III (HS) bio-physics result was declared yesterday. The result gazette can be seen at the Panjab University enquiry counter or on telephone number 784869 or 534818 on all working days from 9 am to 1.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm.

PU supplementary exams from Sept 27
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh July 10
Panjab University will hold supplementary examinations for BA/BSc/BBA/BCA/BCom first, second and third year, MA /MFC part I and II, diplomas and MIL from September 27, 2001. The admission forms will be available till July 27 without late fee, till August 3, with late fee of Rs 690, till August 27 with late fee of Rs 2065 and till September 18 with late fee of Rs 8250.

Saplings planted
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 10
A sapling plantation programme was held at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School 26, here today. Students delivered speeches highlighting the importance of trees for human beings.

The Director, Environment, Chandigarh, Mr Ishwar Singh, presided over the programme. He said, “Trees have a very important significance in our life.” He informed the students about the “Nature Trails” in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary for children of different age groups. He appealed to the students to avoid the use of polythene bags.

Mr Ishwar Singh, Principal of the school and students planted saplings of neem, aujar and amla on the school campus.

Librarians’ forum
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
A librarians’ forum was launched at a joint meeting of librarians of Panjab University library and British Council Library held here yesterday.

The forum will aim at forging closer links among the leading libraries of the city, resource sharing and creating awareness about the latest developments on the information technology front.

Librarians represented on the forum belong to Panjab University, British Council, NIPER, IMTECH, CSIO, TTTI, CRRID, ICSSR, PGI, Central State Libraries (Sector 17 and 34) and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration.

Information technology professionals and teachers will also be associated with the forum. To begin with, the forum will operate from the PU library and hold meeting on the first Friday of each month.

COURTS

HIGH COURT
Bansi Lal’s petition on security admitted
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
Haryana’s former Chief Minister Bansi Lal’s petition alleging surveillance in the garb of security and for providing him with adequate protection was today admitted by a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In his petition taken up by Mr Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta and Mr Justice Ashutosh Mohunta, the former Chief Minister had earlier stated that police officers had been directed to make entries regarding his arrival and departure in the daily diary. This, he had added, indicated that the objective behind the order was to keep tabs on his day-to-day activities.

Seeking directions to the respondents to provide him adequate security keeping in view the threat to his life while addressing rallies and public meetings, the petitioner had also asked for quashing an order passed by the Inspector-General of Police (CID) whereby his gunmen were transferred to CID Lines at Panchkula.

Going into the background, his counsel had stated that seven police officials were initially provided to Mr Bansi Lal after treating him as “Z plus protectee”.

The security was, however, withdrawn after Mr O.P. Chautala was declared Chief Minister following which a writ petition was filed by Mr Bansi Lal. It was disposed of by the High Court after an undertaking for providing security was given on behalf of the respondents. The cover was again withdrawn on March 3 last year without assigning reasons, counsel had asserted.

Selection of teachers

On a petition filed by a Yamunanagar district resident for quashing the selection of four Home Science teachers by the Secretary of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission in pursuance to an advertisement, a Division Bench of the High Court on Tuesday ordered that the “appointment, if any, shall be subject to the decision of the writ petition”.

Pronouncing the orders in the open court on the petition filed by Ms Kamal Lata of Sabapur village, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice S.S. Sudhalkar and Mr Justice A.K. Goel, added that the fact regarding the appointments being subject to the decision of the writ petition should be mentioned in the appointment letters.

In her petition, Ms Lata had earlier alleged that certain respondents had been selected for the post of Home Science teachers reserved for BC “A” category even though they did belong to it.

Arguing on her behalf, her counsel had also sought directions to the state of Haryana and other respondents against issuing the appointment letters and to appoint the petitioner as her academic record was certainly better and she was number one on the waiting list.

Civic body elections

Issuing notice of motion for August 13 on a petition seeking the quashing of orders removing the petitioner from the post of Lehra Gagga Municipal Council President, a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed that “the elections, if held, shall be subject to the result of the writ petition”.

In his petition taken up by Mr Justice S.S. Sudhalkar and Mr Justice A.K. Goel of the High Court, Mr Bhushan Kumar Goel had earlier stated that the MC members, in an illegally held meeting, passed “no confidence” resolution against the petitioner by raising hands in his absence.

He had added that the respondents, instead of permitting him to prove that the resolution was illegal, wrongly removed him from the post. The respondents also directed the holding of fresh elections for filling the post, his counsel had added.

Going into the background of the case, counsel added that the petitioner was a member of the Congress party, while the rival group of MC members belonged to the BJP.

Termination of service

The High Court on Tuesday admitted two separate petitions, filed by HCS officers, seeking the quashing of orders issued in October, 1998, terminating their services.

In his petition, Mr Anant Ram Goel had also sough directions for quashing a notification dated September 3, 1998, to the extent “it declared that the petitioner had passed Group C-I (Finance Rules) paper by lower standard instead of higher standards”. The other petition was filed by Mr Dalip Singh.

Rape accused remanded
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, July 10
The two city residents arrested by the police yesterday in a case of rape were sent to one-day police remand today by the UT Judicial Magistrate (First Class). The two; Amit Kumar and Davinder Bisht, were booked on charge of raping a 15-year-old maid in a house in Sector 44.

It was alleged that the duo along with their friend, Prithi, raped the girl. The case against the accused were registered under Sections 376 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. 

CULTURE

An evening of lyrical melody
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
Lyrical melody flowed from the sitar of Dhrubajyoti Chakraborty, a Calcutta-based artiste, who was today in town on the invitation from Pracheen Kala Kendra in Sector 35. Instead of taking to a cliched style of performance, the artiste, who took to the instrument at a tender age of four, exhibited tremendous variation. His hallmark was the complete prowess on the various performing styles like meend, ghaseet and jod jhala.

Dhubrajyoti’s meaningful learning of the sitar from none other than the renowned Prof Santosh Kumar Banerjee was reflected in each melody he unleashed before the gathering at Bhaskar Rao Auditorium of the kendra today. The beginning of the recital itself was well made in that the artiste decided to flow with the mood of the nature. Before commencing the show, he announced, I will play ‘Mian ki Malhar’, the raga which pays a tribute to the beauty of rains. ‘Mian ki Malhar’, the raga composed by the legendary musician Mian Tansen, is known to be the best raga among Malhars.

The beauty of the performance, which began with an impressively blended aalaap and jod, followed by vilambit and drut in teen taal, was furthered by the delightful accompaniment provided by Debashish Bhattacharjee on the tabla and Ruchira on the tanpura. The drut was followed then by jhala, which was equally enthralling.

The second item in line was a dhun in a light classical raag Mishra Pahari. The rendering had nostalgic streaks, weaving a folk ambience. The artiste handled the instrument very well despite the fact that its suras kept varying on account of the rainy day. Dhubrajyoti, who represents the famous Senia gharana, is particularly famous for his successful blending of stylistic nuances of Dhrupad and Veen Ang (counted as the speciality of Senia gharana) particularly in Aalaap and jod renditions. Dhubrajyoti aptly skilled to enhance the subtle beauty of the ragas with varieties of excellent gat compositions.

Chinese film fest opens today
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
With the four-day Chinese film festival starting here tomorrow, cinema buffs will have an occasion to relish. The four-day festival beginning tomorrow will feature four famous Chinese films, which will be screened everyday in CSIO Auditorium at 6.30 pm.

The films to be screened include A Cradle in taxi, Red river valley, The bewitching braid and My fair daughter.

A cradle in taxi, directed by Mi Jiashan, is a film about a single taxi driver adopting a girl. Red river valley focuses on the British expedition to Tibet in the early part of this century. The bewitching braid is about Adizinho, a young Portugese man, who meets a Chinese girl and gets attracted by her braid. My fair daughter is woven around family ties of two members of a family.

Learning traffic rules through theatre
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 10
A comedy play titled ‘Adhunik Mahabharata’ was staged at the Kalagram along the Chandigarh-Shimla highway here today. The play, a satirical comedy, was presented by the Marassi Mandli and was directed by Sanjay Sharma.

The play, set along with a cultural programme, was hugely witnessed and appreciated. The performance of characters was convincing and so was the theme of the play. In fact the entire troupe worked together well to bring the sensitive theme of Mahabharata. The play also stood out for its educational and informative value. It aimed at highlighting the various traffic rules and regulations and also subtly conveyed the importance of making safe use of roads.

The chief guest for the evening was Mr D.S. Saroya, DPI, Schools.