Fodder sent for drought-hit farmers
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 21
A goods train with 40 wagons loaded with fodder was flagged off by Mr Anurag Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner, from the Mullanpur railway station yesterday. The fodder, donated by farmers of the area, was for free distribution among draught-hit farmers of Rajasthan.

Mr Agarwal said the train had been dispatched on the request of the Deputy Commissioner, Jodhpur. It would carry the fodder to Floudi, 150 km from Jodhpur. He said in case of more demand, the administration would mobilise more farmers to contribute the dry paddy straw, which they usually burn in fields.

He said more than 250 trolleys had been contributed by the farmers. This would also help in reducing the pollution being caused by the burning of straw. Mr Agarwal appreciated the efforts of Mr Mukesh Kumar, Naib Tehsildar, for persuading the farmers for this noble cause.

‘Check mushrooming of institutes’
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 21
A meeting of the executive of the Principals’ Association of Non-Govt Colleges affiliated with Panjab University was held at DM College, Moga, yesterday under the chairmanship of Principal P.S.Sangha of Chandigarh.

The executive called upon the university to take immediate steps to stop the mushrooming of academic institutes being established under the guise of women’s education. Mr Buddhiraja, general secretary of association and member Senate Panjab University, said these institutions were fleecing the students by charging exorbitant fee and employing unqualified staff.

In view of the decision taken by the state government on grant to the colleges, it was decided that fee and funds of the colleges be increased by 10 to 15 per cent keeping in view the local conditions. In another resolution with regard to the composition of the managements of the college, it said the government should not be a silent spectator when rules of the university were being flouted. It was also felt that penal clauses be immediately implemented in cases the colleges did not have the managements duly approved by the Vice-Chancellor and DPI Colleges.

In another resolution, it was decided to move a resolution in the Senate with regard to encashing the earned leave of the employees working in the colleges.

It was also decided to persuade the University not to demand “endowment fund” for the creation of new cells for financing courses as the fund, which is normally to the tune of Rs 5 lakh was a big hindrance to the development of the college.

The association urged the Punjab government not to shift out the plus one and two classes from colleges as the colleges situated in the rural areas would be ruined. The association also urged the state government to allow the colleges to convert the posts in other subjects wherever needed.

A tribute to Mukesh
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 21
A musical evening in the memory of Mukesh, “Melodies of Mukesh,” was held by Parampara, a society devoted to promotion of good music. The function was held on Saturday at Nehru Sidhant Kendra. Music lovers from Ambala, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Sirhind, Moga and the city turned up to enjoy the evening.

The singers, including Shashi Atree, winner of Mohd Rafi Award, Reema, winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Alpha Punjabi TV Award and Geeta, Head of Music Department, Apeejay College, Jalandhar, enthralled the audience with their songs. Mr Balkit Singh was awarded for his amazing collection of songs in their original form.

Mr S.K. Sharma, Commissioner, MC, was the chief guest, while Dr Naresh Malhotra was the guest of honour. Music Director Ramakant had come from Chandigarh to arrange music for the show.