Appointment of new DPI likely soon
Our Correspondent

Khanna, June 16
Hectic activities are on for capturing the prestigious post of Director Public Instructions (DPI) in Education Department, Punjab. Sources close to education department authorities said despite all efforts made by the sitting DPI, Mr Jagtar Singh Khattra, to continue on the post, the appointment of a new DPI was on the cards as a decision in this regard was likely within a day or two.

Sources said there were four officers having DPI grade — DPI, Jagtar Singh Khattra, Sohan Lal Director, SCERT, Hardial Kaur DPI (Primary) and Harmanjit Kaur posted in Punjab School Education Board.

Out of these officers, Ms Harmajit Kaur is going to retire on July 31 while Ms Hardial Kaur on October 31.

The sitting DPI Jagtar Singh Khattra was posted during Akali regime. He was said to be close to former Education Minister Tota Singh. A powerful Congress lobby is against him and they are saying that mass irregularities were committed during his tenure while he is trying to win the support of a minister and some MLAs of Ludhiana district.

Mr Sohan Lal, another contender for the post, is however banking on the support of some Congress leaders of Doaba region. But sources said the chances were bleak due to allegations levelled against him for his alleged involvement in irregularities committed in entrance tests of ETT.

Besides these, a senior officer of the department Mr Sadhu Singh Randhawa, presently posted as Deputy Director (P), is also trying his luck for the coveted post. The sources said Mr Randhawa’s clean image may benefit him.

Sources also revealed that a major reshuffle is also on the cards for the posts of CEOs, DEOs and Deputy DEOs.

Eviction of don draws criticism
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 16
Yesterday’s incident of forcible eviction of a Professor of the PAU from his campus residence has invited criticism. Dr Amarjit Singh Grewal, a former Senior Immunologist, was forcibly thrown out of his residence.

Dr Khem Singh Gill, a former Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said the incident was most uncalled-for and a senior teacher should not have been treated like this. Moreover, Dr Grewal is a senior and capable scientist.” Dr Sukhdev Singh, another former Vice-Chancellor, PAU, termed the incident as ‘unfortunate’. He said: “I can only say that the incident is most unfortunate and I don’t want to comment any further.”

Ironically, Dr Sukhdev Singh was the person who had motivated Dr Grewal to join the PAU while he was working in Australia in 1986. At that time Dr Sukhdev Singh was Vice-Chancellor. He had even allowed him to join the university as a professor directly.