An attempt to make education ‘child centred’
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, January 27
A nursery school in Sector 8 comes as a respite for many a parents who do not believe in subjecting their children through gruelling interviews for admission in nursery schools. The first of this school chain, which was inaugurated here today, believes in imparting “child centred” quality education, shunning the process of interviewing the tiny tots.

“The Little Kingdom Nursery School(LKNS) is based on American principles of education which is child centred rather than subject centred and upholding the belief that children learn best through play, the school has been working towards developing personality of children”, says Ms Neeru Kukreja, founder Principal of the school.

“We have done away with the concept of homework and the idea is to nourish the child into becoming a good human being along with educating him in a practical sense rather than burdening him with works,” adds Ms Kukreja. Teaching of moral science and spirituality through Yoga are the major thrust areas of the school.

Ms Kukreja who started her venture in 1989, is an educationist. For her foresight and vision, this Delhi-based woman has been honoured with “Award of Excellence in Nursery Education”.

Full reimbursement for heart patient ordered
Kiran Deep

Chandigarh, January 27
In a significant judgment in favour of government employees to have best medical treatment facility either from government or private hospitals, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed the Ministry of Finance, New Delhi, Commissioner, Central Excise Commissioner, Director-General, Health Services, and Assistant Commissioner, Ludhiana, to reimburse of full expenditure incurred by a petitioner on medical treatment and medical attendance, including the one obtained by him at Escorts Hospital.

A division bench of the CAT comprising of judges, Mr Jasbir S. Dhaliwal and Mr G.S Maingi, said the petitioner was entitled to reimbursement of full expenditure incurred by him on medical treatment and medical attendance. “The petitioner shall also be entitled to interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum on the amounts denied to him with effect from the date of submission of the medical bill up to the actual date of payment by the authority concerned,” CAT further said in its order.

The petitioner, Mr R.P. Mehta, who retired as Superintendent from the Central Excise Department, said that while in service in August 1998, he had suffered from a severe heart trouble. He was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. After certain tests, he was advised to undergo coronary artery by-pass surgery. Later he was admitted in the Escort Hospital and incurred a sum of Rs 1,85,900 on account of his treatment.

The petitioner said that he had submitted all necessary bills for reimbursement but could get reimbursed only Rs 1,12,950. He made a representation for reimbursement of the balance amount of Rs 72,950. He complained that despite his efforts, the authorities had declined his claim for full reimbursement of medical expanses.

The authorities declined the claim on the ground that the petitioner undergoing treatment for angiography and other specified tests in the private recognised hospitals will be reimbursed to the extent mentioned in the medical rules and the amount charged over and other prescribed rates will have to be borne by the beneficiaries. Therefore, the petitioner had challenged the provision contained under medical rules and prayed for the reimbursement of the balance medical claim.

The Health Department had refuted the petitioner’s claim in its reply before CAT that the petitioner has been paid reimbursement as per the Government of India Policy decision taken on October 31, 1994. According to the policy, the amount charged over and above the prescribed rates would have to be borne by the beneficiaries. As per the terms, the rates for various investigations are regulated on package deal basis. The petitioner was, therefore, entitled to get reimbursement in terms of package deal and has been paid accordingly.

HP helpline society function
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 27
The Tribune Employees HP Helpline Cooperative Society organised its first Parivar Milan Himachali Samaroh at Tagore Theatre on the occasion of Republic Day. More than 500 Himachalis from Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula attended the samaroh, according to Mr Raj Kumar Maria, press secretary of the society.

The main objective of the function was to promote the rich customs and culture of Himachal Pradesh. It was inaugurated by Mr Kamlesh Sharma, a social worker.

Ms Lalit Joshi, Mayor of Chandigarh, presided over the function.

The main attraction of the samaroh was a colourful cultural function comprising Himachali songs, dances, skits and other items. Ms Ritu Sharma, a well-known singer, enthralled the audience with her performance.

More than 100 prizes were given to participants and others. The society’s souvenir, carrying addresses, telephone numbers of its members and messages from distinguished persons, was released by Mr Rajinder Rana, a social activist. Mr Rana said social work gave a sense of satisfaction. He gave Rs 11,000 to the society.

The society honoured prominent Himachalis in the city with the Himachal Gaurav award comprising a memento and a shawl. Among those honoured included Dr S.K. Sharma, Director of the PGI, Chandigarh; Mr R.S. Verma, Director, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh; Mr Nand Lal, Accountant-General, Punjab; Mr Vijay Saighal, Editor, Dainik Tribune; Mr H.R. Nagra and Mr D.S. Balouria, Executive Magistrates, Chandigarh Administration.

Mr O.P. Sharma, president of the society, detailed the objectives of the society and Mr Ram Murti Sharma, general secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.

The samaroh was followed by traditional Himachali “dham”. The society also honoured students Shilpa Sharma, Manisha Sharma, Kanupriya Awasthi and Rohit Sharma.