EDUCATION

Education to all, but not for slums
48,000 Yamuna Pushta kids have No access to schools
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25
Contrary to the government’s claims that by 2003 all children under 14 years would be provided education under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, as many as 48,000 children in the slums of Yamuna Pushta in the heart of the Capital have no access to schools, according to a survey.

Despite education for children below 14 years having been made a fundamental right under the recently amended Article 21-A of the Constitution, the study showed that there were only two MCD schools to cater to a population of more than 50,000 children.

The survey conducted with a sample size of 511 households revealed a very high rate of illiteracy at 77.1 per cent. Conducted by the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation, an NGO run by Kiran Bedi, recently appointed as UN Police Advisor, the study highlighted the dismal conditions prevailing in the slum.

It pointed out the urgent need to provide civic amenities in the area, which has next to nil basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water or health centres. The study noted that instead of taking urgent measures required to tackle these issues, the local leaders had also thrown up their hands saying the slum was to be relocated soon.

While the relocation has been on the cards since long, nothing concrete has been done, it pointed out.

The survey also defied certain preconceived notions about slum dwellers.

While 90 per cent had electricity available in their houses, as many as 83 per cent of the residents here were paying Rs 125 per month on an average. 

Stress on technical education
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 25
“Proper provision, focus on technical and professional education, and training could help tackle the growing problem of unemployment among the rural and urban youths.”

This was stated by the Commissioner, Gurgaon Range, Mr L. S. M. Salins, while presiding over a function, organised by 'Rashtriya Chetna Sakti Foundation' (RCSF), an NGO at Government School of Kheri Kalan village of the district here today.

Mr Salins claimed that lack of awareness was the main problem faced by the rural society and if the women and youths do not get proper education, the society would not be able to overcome many ills faced by it. He said more NGOs and societies should come forward to promote the cause of spreading education and awareness among the masses. Mr Salins gave away certificates to 127 youths for training in various fields provided by the RCSF. These included 27 persons who took training in auto repair, 67 girls in cutting and tailoring, and 27 in the field of tutorials.

Dr Sukhbir Singh, chairman of the RCSF said that his organisation provides scholarship to at least 12 students of rural background, who are placed with merit in matric and plus two examinations every year.

MDU teachers protest fast against EC
Our Correspondent

Rohtak, February 25
The members of Maharshi Dayanand University Teachers’ Association (MDUTA) kept a fast in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office in protest against the non-representation of teachers in the Executive Council (EC). The 163rd meeting of the EC of Maharshi Dayanand University was held today under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Maj-Gen Bhim Singh Suhag.

The EC approved the setting up of Surya Kavi Pt Lakhmi Chand Ji chair in the Hindi Department. It also gave its nod for the provisional affiliation to National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad, and Sri Govind Tricentenary Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Budhera in Gurgaon district.

The EC also approved the 24th annual report of the university. The matter concerning reduction in the rate of interest on provident fund was referred for reexamination.

Registrar Dr A. K. Rajan said that the EC confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on December 12 last. He informed that a meeting of the Finance Committee of the university would be held on February 28 at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh.

He said the annual budget of the varsity for 2003-2004 would be taken up in the meeting.

Meanwhile, MDUTA claimed that the leaders of different political and apolitical organisations extended support to the agitation launched by them. They said the leaders of Kurukshetra University, Guru Jambheshwar University and Ch Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University had also expressed solidarity in the agitation.

However, the Vice-Chancellor nominated Dr S. B. Dahiya, Professor, Department of Economics as a member of the Executive Council for a term of one year with immediate effect. Moreover, the teachers had been demanding that the elected representatives of the association should be included as members of the EC.

COURTS

Seven fined for supplying power in Sainik Farms
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25
The Delhi High Court on Monday “sentenced” seven officials of two firms “till the rising of the court” and imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on their companies for generating and supplying electricity illegally in Sainik Farms locality.

Finding the officials of Anupam Garden and Green Country guilty of generating electricity and distributing it to the residents of Sainik Farms, Justice Manmohan Sarin said they were being sentenced to stand in the court till it rises for the day.

The court also directed the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to furnish a list of other firms generating electricity illegally in the locality.

Anupam Garden, whose generator was sealed on the court’s earlier directive for “violating” the prohibitory order on running high capacity generator sets, had sold it to Green Country for Rs 16.6 lakh, it was informed.

The Green Country counsel submitted that the firm was not aware of any court directive when the sale deed was executed. The court did not agree with their contention and said the firms had violated its order and committed contempt of court. 

CULTURE

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Where the fare is shudh and veg 
Smriti Kak

Icy Spicy Tomato’ with cancer fighting properties, ‘Chai Smoothie’ to help you relax and ‘Cottage Cheese Salad’ aimed at inducing children to eat cumin are some of the sumptuous health foods that are being offered by Shudh, an innovation in vegetarian fare.

The restaurant, which opened its doors in the Capital, attracted more than a fair share of attention, thanks to its tie-up with the ‘People for Animals’. The former minister and well-known animal lover, Ms Menaka Gandhi, dropped in for a bite.

With the aim to turn people ‘vegan’, the restaurant has a special section for kids called the ‘Kid’s Kitchen’, where the young will be treated to salads, hot dogs and sandwiches, all vegetarian.

‘Chow ho jaye’ is an oriental meal that offers a variety of vegetable barbecue and stir-fries. One can opt for ‘Crispy Cottage Cheese with Honey Sesame Sauce or ‘Pok Choy’, which is the Chinese spinach.

While ‘Desi Kona’ is for those who love the Indian fare like ‘Dahi Arbi Kali Mirch’, ‘Hearthstone’ is the hearty wholesome goodness of freshly cooked Italian and Mediterranean stuff. ‘Stress Buster’ at Shudh is a carrot juice pitcher with tons of magnesium that helps reduce blood pressure.

And if you are wondering why to refrain from sinking your teeth into flesh, PETA has reasons lined up for you. They not only claim that vegetarians live longer, but also point out that apart from causing disease like arthritis, heart ailments and diabetes, 40 per cent of all cancers have been medically linked to eating meat.

Distinctive simplicity

Claiming that their pret range is inspired by retro chic, Shantanu & Nikhil presented their latest collection at the Hyatt Regency. The collection showcases a look that reads between elegance and sportswear and creates different moods of distinctive simplicity. The designers have used a whirlwind of checks and polka dots. The fabrics used are a unique blend of exciting cotton, linen and chiffon.

There are over 70 designs on display and four luxurious distinct lines for women. They are Checkmate-dominated by large checks cut at different angles. The shirt collar fronts dominate this look in white lowers. The Polka-with red dots on a white base-brings out the young and vivacious element.

Linen and Chiffon-frills and flares capture the vitality of spring, with European embroidered butterflies on a blue base. The Black & White line is inspired by the masculine fabrics in ice blue lowers. The texture and gathered details dominate the collection.

Sounds of silence

The music industry lost over Rs 600 crore to piracy in the year 2002 alone, while the Government loses between Rs 75 to Rs 1000 crore annually. According to claims made by the Indian Music Industry (IMI), of every two music cassettes and CDs sold in the country, one is illegally manufactured.

To stop music piracy, the IMI has begun a campaign called, ‘Sounds of Silence’, part of which was the copyright workshop held for the Delhi Police here today. This was aimed at creating awareness amongst the forces to curb the menace.

The IMI has recorded 5,247 criminal cases, out of which 253 have been convicted. The workshop was held to sensitise the forces on the need for strict enforcement of the law to curb this problem.

Jazz ambassadors

Jazz flutist and composer Jamie Baum, bass guitarist Jerome Harris, jazz drummer Jeff Hirshfield and pianist Gary Versace will be performing at the Roosevelt House today. The troupe will perform jazz tunes from some of the more important jazz composers of recent times along with their own compositions. The repertoire has a plethora of pieces including the Four in One, Trickster, Spring Rounds and Seven Sides of the Story.

From thumri to kathak

Gourie Verma will be presenting a Kathak recital at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium on February 28. Having mastered the art form under the tutelage of the noted Kathak dancer Uma Sharma, Gourie’s affair with the classical art began when she was taking lessons in classical singing. From singing Thumri to performing Kathak, Gourie has won reviews for her performance.

The chief guest at the function will be actor Aman Verma, who incidentally is Gourie’s brother. Talk of talented siblings!

French connection

Clarins has introduced their French ‘Lifestyle’ make up in India. Renowned make-up artist Paul Williams made a halt in the city to demonstrate the make up techniques.

The range includes foundations powder blush and Clarins ‘Bronzing Duo’ for light reflection. For the lips, there are lip pencils and lip-gloss and pure mascara and liner pencils for the eyes. The sheer shimmer collection is to give the nails a lasting nail colour.

Cultural meet

Eastern zone came first in the skit competition held on the second day of the PNB Inter Zone Cultural Meet. The play ‘Charandas Chor’ was adjudged the winner while ‘Mirz Sahib’, staged by the Northern Zone, came second. East UP, with their skit ‘Sudama ke Chawal’, came third.