The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

EDUCATION

PU told to follow UGC rules
Appointment of Assistant Registrar
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4
The University Grants Commission (UGC), in a letter to the Panjab University Registrar, has asked the university to take immediate action to follow the UGC regulations regarding the minimum qualifications for the appointment of the Assistant Registrar. Till now, the PU has been following the Panjab Government rules regarding the recruitment qualifications, terms of service and corresponding pay scales of the Assistant Registrar. According to the letter addressed to the PU Registrar, the minimum qualifications laid down by the UGC for the appointment of an Assistant Registrar are mandatory to be followed by all universities.

The letter also says, “It is observed from the reply furnished by you (PU) that you have changed the minimum qualifications for the appointment of Assistant Registrars. The contention of the university is that the terms and conditions of service and qualifications of non-teaching employees in Panjab University, except Registrar, the Finance and Development Officer and the Controller of Examinations, are governed by the rules, regulations or decisions approved by the Syndicate or the Senate of the university. You say that the UGC pay-scales and qualifications are not applicable to such non-teaching employees.”

The UGC, in its notification of December 24, 1998, had stated that for direct recruitment of Assistant Registrars in Indian universities “a good academic record and postgraduation with at least 55 per cent marks or its equivalent grade (B) on the UGC seven-point scale” were the minimum qualifications.

However, in its advertisements dated June 19, 2000, and December 27, 2000, for inviting applications for the post of Assistant Registrar, the PU has dispensed with “good academic record” as well as the “minimum 55 per cent marks condition”. Instead of postgraduates, law graduates were favoured and the university exempted its in-service candidates from both possessing the LLB degree as well. The university employees having a certain service experience were considered for the post. The PU has also put the condition of a two-year work experience for the recruitment. The PU had also said in a press note that a committee had been constituted to consider whether the university could allow the recruitment on the basis of the Panjab recruitment rules or not. This committee had decided that the university could go ahead with the recruitment.

Convention on higher education
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4
A Joint Action Committee of 172 non-government aided and unaided colleges has decided to hold a state level convention on “Save Higher Education” on January 10, at Panjab University Law Auditorium.

The state-level convention is likely to be attended by representatives of managements, principals, teachers, students, political leaders and non-teaching employees.

The convention will focus on the proposal of the Punjab Government to generate resources by hiking fee structure and other funds.

Meanwhile, Dr Ishar Singh, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee, has constituted a committee for the January 10 convention which comprises Dr A.C. Vaid as convener and Principal P.S. Sangha, Prof Charanjit Chawla, Prof N.P. Manocha and Dr Jagwant Singh as members.

Book fair opens at Circus Ground
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, January 4
After a gap of one year, the Pustak Mela Samiti, Delhi, has once again presented a vast collection of books to the book lovers of the city by organising a National Book Fair on the theme “Children, their families and books”. The fair was inaugurated by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Mayor, Ms Lalit Joshi Bhardwaj, at Circus Ground in Sector 17 here today.

The book fair has brought together about 150 book stores from Delhi and Chandigarh catering to various tastes of readers — from fairy tales to microwave cooking, from encyclopaedia of science to the travel series. The fair has also accessories like globes, world maps or charts describing the basic fundamentals of geography like volcanoes or plate tectonic movements of the earth, which would be useful for both laymen and geographers.

Inaugurating the fair by lighting the traditional lamp, Ms Bhardwaj said such events rejuvenate old culture and history and by reading the biographies of great personalities can help the present generation to lead their lives on their footsteps. The Senior Deputy Mayor, Mr Surinder Singh, said books were a store house of knowledge and by reading them a person can rise to any height.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr D.S. Saroya DPI (S), Chandigarh Administration, said this was a good opportunity for the people of the city to purchase good books at low prices. Mr Chander Trikha, Director, Sahitya Academy, presided over the inaugural function.

The fair has been organised by Pustak Mela Samiti in collaboration with Education Department, Chandigarh Administartion, and will be concluded on January 13.

Workshop on scientific literacy to all
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4
A workshop on ‘‘scientific and technological literacy for all’’ organised by the Centre for Education and Voluntary Action (CEVA) started at Alliance Francaise here today.

Parents too have been involved in the workshop to ensure that they can inculcate scientific attitude in their children by using opportunities for exploring the application of scientific understanding in everyday activities in their homes.

Apart from several parents, 12 city schools representing a cross section of social and economic classes are participating in the workshop. Two educational societies working in slum areas — YTTS and Aasha School, Sector 25 — are also participating.

The workshop will continue till January 6.

‘India needs own education policy’
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, January 4
“The English system of education introduced by Lord Macaulay in the country has failed. India should now evolve its own education policy,” remarked Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Ramnareshacharya Ji Maharaj of Shrimath Kashi (Varanasi), while addressing the audience at Law Auditorium, Panjab University, today.

Swami Ramnareshacharya was invited by the Panjab University Students Association to express his views on the present education system in India and the need for proper guidance in the education field in colleges and universities .

Regarding the possibility of a war, the Swami said: “India is not interested in extending her territory but wants protection at the LoC. And for this purpose, India should not be afraid of any world power.”

Commenting on the recent events, including an attack on the World Trade Centre and America’s war against terrorism, he categorically stated, ‘’It was in the knowledge of America that Osama bin Laden is Pakistan’s creation and that is why it directed Pakistan to locate Osama bin Laden.”

He further said, “India should dispell fear and leave the policy of wait and watch. India should repell terrorists activity with vigour and force. The country should not fear even declaring a war against Pakistan and should strike at the very root of evil”.

“There are some other supreme powers which do not want that Pakistan and India should lead peaceful lives. The conflict between the two countries suits them”, he added.

COURTS

CONSUMER FORUM
Maxworth Orchards told to pay Rs 8.59 lakh
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, January 4
In a major decision, finding deficiency in the services of Maxworth Orchards India Limited company, the UT Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has directed it to refund Rs 8, 59, 004 (inclusive of interest at the rate 18 per cent from the date of deposit) to two city residents. The Commission has also directed the company to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation for causing harassment.

“Maxworth Orchards India Limited and Maxworth Orchards India Limited, Magnum Business, Sector 34 (the opposite party) have not been able to develop the schemes as promised by them and as admitted in their own communication and hence are guilty of deficient services.

These complainants are thus entitled to get the refund of their amount of Rs 4, 89, 600 with agreed rate of interest 18 per cent till the date of maturity (total 8, 59, 004) and further at the rate of 12 per cent till realisation.

The opposite party parties are further directed to pay consolidated amount of Rs 25,000 to the complainants towards mental harassment and cost of litigation,” said the Bench of Commission, comprising president, Mr K.K. Srivastava, and member, Ms Devinderjit Dhatt, in its order.

The complainants, Ms Sarita Khanna and Mr Kulbhushan Khanna, both city residents, had invested different amounts in various schemes floated by Maxworth Orchards India Limited, Sterling Road, Loyla College, Chennai, and Maxworth Orchards India Limited, Magnum Business Centre, Sector 34 (opposite party).

As per the averment made in the complaint, the company with its head office at Chennai was having office at Noida and Chandigarh and is engaged in the business of developing and maintaining orchards at various locations in the country.

The company had proposed to organise the sale of land of its customers in the units of 1 acre, 1/2 acre and 1/4 acre to the prospective buyers and develop and maintain this land into orchards and nut-bearing trees under various schemes.

The complainants alleged that they were lured by the impressive schemes floated by the opposite party and invested an amount of Rs 4, 89, 000 in its different projects. They alleged that after receiving the payments, the opposite party could not honour the obligation as scheduled and described in the agreement brought on record.

The complainants further alleged that the opposite party did not carry out the promises as stated in the agreement entered into by them and the cheques received from the complainants were also dishonoured by the local office in the city.

Patient claims compensation
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, January 4
The UT State Dispute Redressal Commission issued a notice to Inscol Tertiary Care Hospital, through its in charge for January 29 on a complaint filed by a city resident, Ms Renu Jain.

The complainant alleged that a doctor of the hospital had assured her that the operation was successful and accordingly the complainant was discharged. But later the complainant suffered acute abdominal pain and was shifted to another private hospital sensing cardiological problem and feeling that a cardiologist should be consulted.

After that the complainant was admitted to the PGI emergency. The complainant will have to go for endoscopy after three months to remove the stent which was put to prevent bile leakage.

The complainant alleged that there was medical negligence on the part of doctor of the hospital at the time of operation. The complainant had prayed for a compensation of Rs 12, 00, 000.

CULTURE

Channel V to hold audition in city
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4
Want to be a popstar? Here is your chance to be one.

One of India’s leading youth brands, Channel [V], is all set to launch its first-ever glam-reality drama, “Coke [V] Popstars” later this month here.

The popstar project will span over six months and result in a five-girl pop band album with music directors, press concerts, press tours and mega concert and a glam-reality serial on Channel [V]. The auditions for the band will commence in mid-January during which the Coke [V] popstars team, including the jury members, will travel through six cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Kolkata to shortlist 24 girls. These girls will be later brought to Bombay for a more extensive audition to shortlist 10. The jury will then visit the 10 girls at their homes and inform them if they made it or didn’t, revealing the five winners. The five winners will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with some of India’s top music directors, song-writers, choreographers, designers and stylists.