M A I L B A G

MIT students left high and dry

G.N.D. University lured students to join the M.I.T. degree course in 1999 and 2000 at Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, and Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, through attractive advertisements.

But when the U.G.C. discontinued this degree in June, 2000, the students were left bewildered. As their degree had lost its charm, they tried to find its recognition through the Principals and the Vice-Chancellor. But instead they got warnings.

When students approached the V.C., Mr S.P. Singh, he said that he was not liable to the decision taken by his predecessor. He added that he had all rights to grant any degree to any student without the permission of the U.G.C., the A.I.C.T.E. and the A.I.U.

The Principals of the two colleges called the students after their meeting with the V.C. and warned them that they would be rusticated if they raised this issue any more.

The big question is: what is the status of the M.I.T. degree?

In spite of being an information technology related degree, it is neither recognised nor approved by the A.I.C.T.E. The degree is only partially approved by the U.G.C. An M.I.T. degree holder is not eligible for the GATE and other tests.

M.I.T. students of Lyallpur Khalsa College & Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar

Municipal mess

Is it desirable to have two sets of administration in Chandigarh? Ever since the Municipal Corporation has come into existence, its burden on the public exchequer has increased.

Of what use are the 4 to 5 feet high railings in the centre of roads? Why after years these are now considered necessary safety measures?

The corporation removed the cement slabs from the centre of the road between sector 21 and 22, wasting money.

The corporation has constructed three bridges on the Sukhna lake choe, one on the road joining the Golf area and Kishangarh, the second parallel to the old bridge and the third near the industrial area on the road to the railway station. Why has the height of the second bridge been kept at the level of the old bridge? This amounts to wastage of money.

The corporation officials thought of four-laning the road from the bridge up to Dhillon Cinema on the excuse of rush of traffic. The rush is only from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m., which can be managed by the traffic police. The corporation creates unnecessary work for contractors.

I strongly feel that the Municipal Corporation should be wound up to save the U.T. exchequer from further plunder.

Lt Col P. S. SARANG (retd), Chandigarh

 

Colonial schooling Apropos Shelley Walia’s “The privileged culture of colonial schooling”, It must be terrible to live with such a complex! An extended hangover from the Raj. Indian girls win every glamour pageant in the world. Indian I.T. professionals are the best in the world. Indian doctors the most sought after around the globe. Why? They are the best. Where do they come from? B.C.S. Sanawar, Doon School, not your village schools. These public school boys are M.P.s, Ministers, Chief Ministers, Prime Ministers, captains of industry, Generals, Admirals, Air Marshals and Ambassadors for India. All public school products. At the other end of the spectrum you have your Laloos. They accomplished all this by sitting in the college quad while you went to class. Can you imagine, what they would have accomplished if these boys had gone to class. Mind-boggling! That hilarious incident you talk about a Cottanian and Etonian meeting. Don’t compare Cottonians with Etonians — it’s the other way around. We, Indian public school products, are a cut above the rest, better than the best. There is so much more to say in praise of Indian public schools, but my modesty prevents me from blowing our combined trumpet. Vive le public schools! HAK, a Cottonian, Chandigarh

Marksheets in Punjabi

G.N.D. University issues marksheets in Punjabi for all its academic courses, However, this presents a problem to students who go for higher studies abroad or in other states. It should issue an English transcript of the marksheet along with, or the same marksheet should contain the Punjabi as well as English transcript.

PRABHUTT KAUR, Jalandhar

Octroi abolition

Every trader is demanding that octroi should be abolished but none has ever stated that he would reduce the rates of commodities correspondingly. Why are they pressing for its abolition when they pass it on to customers. Since the day the octroi collection has been privatised, a dramatic increase in income has occurred and money is being spent on providing amenities to common people.

KHUSHWANT SINGH GILL, by e-mail

B.Sc (Nursing)

A few seats of B.Sc (Nursing) could not be filled in all the three institutions in Punjab due to the unavailability of P.M.T. candidates. Many students did not know that to join the B.Sc (Nursing), they had to sit in the PMT. The government should allow students other than P.M.T. candidates to join B.Sc (Nursing).

SHIKHA, Sufi Pind, Jalandhar cantt

Faridkot powerless

The Chief Minister of Punjab at a recent sangat darshan declared Bathinda as a “No-power cut town”. As a result, drastic power cuts have been imposed in Faridkot, affecting water supply also.

ATUL GUPTA, Faridkot