AGRICULTURE

Delay in paddy MSP condemned
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 21
The Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI) has criticised the Union Government for its failure to announce the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy even though the crops had started arriving in the market.

The secretariat of the party, which met here under the presidentship of Mr Kiranjit Singh Sekhon, while charging the BJP-led government in the Centre for pursuing anti-farmer policies, held the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), a constituent of the ruling coalition in the Centre, equally responsible for the situation.

Mr Jagjit Singh Lyallpuri, general secretary of the party, termed it unfortunate that the Union Government and its agencies were devising such plans that would put additional burden on the farmers and practically decrease the MSP, yet to be announced by the government. “The government must come out immediately with the MSP for paddy which should be based on increased cost of inputs and the drought which had hit the crops hard,” he added.

The MCPI secretariat strongly opposed the hike in power tariff for domestic consumers, terming it as uncalled for and unjust. The party asked the government not to act on the recommendations of the Punjab Electricity Regulatory Authority in the larger interests of the consumers of various categories and state as a whole.

The MCPI further expressed its concern over the unnecessary tension created on Indo-Pakistan border by the rulers of both Pakistan and India. “The tension is affecting the interests of people, particularly the farming community and calls for effective and urgent measures to defuse the situation.”

Animal welfare camp at Kaunke Kalan
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, September 21
An animal welfare camp was jointly organised at Kaunke Kalan village, 9 km from here by the State Bank of Patiala, Kaunke Kalan and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab.

Under the guidance of Dr Kanwal Kumar Sharma, Senior Veterinary Officer, Jagraon, a team of the vets comprising Dr Hardial Singh, Veterinary Officers, Kaunke Kalan and Dr Paramjeet Singh, Veterinary Officer, Jagraon, treated about 60 animals. Medicines free of cost were given by the State Bank of Patiala.

Parents write to DC in favour of school staff
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 21
Parents of students of Nauria Mal Jain School have raised their voice against the complaint lodged by Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma, who had lodged a complaint against the Principal, Vice-Principal and a staff member of the school. Mr Sharma had complained that his daughter Rajni Sharma, a Class IX class student, was severely punished. The parents have forwarded copies of their letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, the SSP and the DGP besides the Press.

In a signed statement the parents have said, “We the parents of children studying in senior classes of Nauria Mal Jain Girls Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana do pray that due to the above cited complaint of Mr Ashok Kumar Sharma, against the Principal, Vice-Principal and a teacher, Ms Sukhwinder Kaur of the school, tension and fear exist among the staff members and have created havoc in the school. Due to these kind of complaints the teachers cannot pay full attention to our children. The above complaint regarding severe punishment to Rajni Shamra does not seem to be genuine as our children have never reported anything against the Principal or the staff regarding any kind of punishment and misbehaviour. Rather, we have always found the Principal and the teacher to be very cooperative.

We are very much worried about the studies and career of our children. Therefore, we humbly request you to kindly intervene in the matter personally.

DIET students polish shoes at Chhapar Mela
Mahesh Sharma

Ahmedgarh, September 21
First time in the history of fairs, spectators at Chhapar Mela saw graduates and postgraduates, polishing shoes of visitors to express their resentment on government’s education policy. These ‘educated shoeshine youngsters’ were the students of various branches of the District Institute of Education and Technology (DIET). They had gathered there under the banner of the DIET Students Welfare Association, Punjab, headed by Birender Singh Khatra.

Amongst high-pitched speeches of political leaders, Baljinder Singh Kaka senior vice-president of the association, was trying his best to convey the feelings of students to the public. Not getting any place for their demonstration, they organised their show on the roadside where large number of visitors gathered to get their shows published by up-to-date looking young girls and boys.

Briefing their demands, they said the association has demanded the withdrawal of condition of two-year internship after completion of the ETT course. Though the Chief Secretary, Education, Mr K.K. Bhatnagar, had earlier assured the association that only rules and regulations mentioned in prospectus would be implemented, but now department had imposed the conditions of one-year internship whereas there is no mention of such condition in the prospectus. “If we have to do manual labour even after completion of the course, then why not start practising for the same now, “said Baljinder.

Storming a ‘male’ bastion
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 21
Deepti Arora has stood first in M.Sc Physics examination conducted by Panjab University in 2002. She has topped the list with 80 per cent marks.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Deepti said,” I always had a desire to do something different. So I chose to do Masters in Physics. Somehow, I never found physics a dull and a boring subject unlike most of the students. I always wanted to do some defence related research work. For this reason I have applied for a job in Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). I am awaiting the results of my interview with bated breath.”

Deepti further said, “I get the job then I will be appointed as Scientist B. Then I will be able to do my research in defence related subject. If I am not appointed then I would carry out my research in quantum field. I want to tell the girls that physics is very interesting subject if pursued with interest,” Deepti said, “I studied for seven to eight hours daily, but never took any tuition.” She gives the credit of her success to her parents and her teachers.

Freshers’ Day at GNIMT
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 21
Freshers’ Day was organised today by senior students of Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology, Gujjarkhan campus, Model Town, Ludhiana, to welcome the freshers of BBA, BCA, MCA and MBA courses. The chief guest on the occasion was eminent educationist, Dr (Mrs) H.K. Bal.

A cultural extravaganza comprising a welcome dance, choreography and musical items captivated the audience and lent colour to the occasion. The function provided an avenue for the students to exhibit their inherent talents. A wave of enthusiasm made the day and the students participated in the events in overwhelming numbers.

The highlight of the function was the Ms Fresher Contest which held the audience glued to their seats. The judges for the contest were Mrs Karamjit Virdi and Mrs Veena Sharma. The winners were judged on the basis of their presentation, communication skills and overall personality. Separate rounds were held for under graduates and postgraduates.

The girls looked glamorous as they sashayed down the ramp in their scintillating attires. The question round put the beauties on a test of brains as they attempted to answer questions. Gurminder was selected as Ms Fresher (BBA/BCA) followed by Bhartinder (first runners-up) and Gagneet (second runners-up) followed by Richa Sharma (first runners-up) and Simrandeep Kaur Dhillon (second runners-up). Vaishali Khattar was adjudged Ms Beautiful Smile, Parul Munjal as Ms Catwalk and Sageena Sarreen was Ms Well - Dressed for the day.

Dr A.S. Bansal, Director, GNIMET, welcomed the chief guest and the distinguished guests and the audience.

Exam schedule announced
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 21
Mr Bachitar Singh , District Education Officer Schools, Ludhiana, has said the in house examinations of the local government schools will commence from September 26. There will be three sets of papers in the examinations. The exam will begin in the morning at 8.30am and finish at 11.30am, while the papers of important subjects will be held from 12pm to 3pm. The marking of the papers will be done simultaneously. Parents -teachers meeting will be held on October 19.