The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

Inaction on inspection reports worries Syndics
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 30
Panjab University has taken serious notice of the poor follow-up on inspection reports of affiliated colleges. College laboratories had been found ill-equipped in several colleges and libraries wanting for books, despite strict objections by the inspecting teams.

The colleges were supposed to give an action report to the university within six months of the inspection. Most colleges have not sent in the reports. Neither has the university shown commitment in seeking reports from quarters which have not responded.

The issue was raked up at a meeting of the Syndicate considering affiliation for new subjects to at least 14 colleges. Mr Ashok Goyal, Fellow, said granting affiliation was a mere formality as hardly any follow-up action was reported on the original inspection reports on colleges.

A large number of colleges were found wanting in books, with scant attention to their upkeep and subscription to research journals and regular magazines.

Laboratories were found ill-equipped in a large number of cases, a syndic said. A number of colleges did not have adequate sports facilities.

Another crucial area where college inspection reports laid emphasis was lack of staff. Appointments and salaries to new appointments were not as per the University Grants Commission requirements.

Principal P.S. Sangha and Principal S.C. Marriya had pointed out the need for relaxations in appointments in view of the financial conditions existing in a majority of affiliated colleges.

Prof Charanjit Chawla said the university could not provide any relaxation and compromise on the university regulations. Not ensuring standard appointments in matters of recruitment meant compromising quality and not paying the staff properly meant exploitation.

Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, is learnt to have assured the House that no compromise would be done with regard to the appointments.

Schools to set up centres for special kids
Parbina Rashid

Chandigarh, August 30
The UT Administration is, at last, gearing up to implement the Integrated Education for the Disabled Children Scheme in government schools here. To be carried out by the UT Education Department, the first phase has started with identification of five schools for setting up of resource centres for physically and mentally challenged children.

Though the scheme was formulated way back in 1992, it is for the first time the UT Administration has received a grant of Rs 3.33 lakh to carry out the project in a phased manner.

“We have been trying to get grants from the Centre to implement the scheme. For the first time it has sanctioned half of the total project money for the year 200-03,” said Ms Sudesh Kalra, Deputy Director, Department of Adult Education, who is in charge of the project. The total amount earmarked for this year is Rs 6.66 lakh.

This centrally sponsored scheme aims to provide educational opportunities for disabled children in schools. The aim of the scheme is that disabled children in special schools are integrated with those in regular schools once they acquire communication and daily living skills at the functional level.

The five schools which are to have all-equipped resource centres to deal with special cases like children with low vision or Orthopaedically handicapped children are Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10, Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32, Government Model Senior Secondary Schools, Sector 19, Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 37 and Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mani Majra.

At least 50 teachers from these schools will be trained by experts from the department to handle these children — from technical aspects of teaching them with various teaching aids to taking care of their emotional and psychological needs.

“We are also teaching them about the legal rights of special children during the training course,” said Ms Kalra. The five-day teaching module includes a field visit to a school in the Mansa Devi complex, which already has a resource centre.

The Education Department under this scheme will provide certain facilities to these children for uniform, book grant and transport facility. “We will be providing Rs 400 for books and stationery, Rs 200 for uniform and Rs 50 per month for transportation to each child once we receive a certificate from the authorities, declaring the child is physically or mentally challenged.”

An executive committee has already been set up, comprising members from various institutions like the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, Government Institute for Mentally Retarded Children and members from the Education Department.

“We are collecting data regarding the total population of physically and mentally challenged children and during the next phase, this scheme will be introduced in another 20 schools,” said Ms. Kalra.

According to sources, about three per cent of the total population in Chandigarh is physically challenged and out of that three per cent 40 per cent are school going children, which roughly comes to 1,000 boys and girls.

Dhanwantri college messes up with admissions
Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 30
The callousness and haste shown by Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College authorities in making admissions, without seeking prior permission from the Panjab University, has left two students in the lurch. After attending classes for one month, they have been told that their admission stands cancelled and their names are on the waiting list.

Nomika Kakkar and Ankur Verma, were in for a rude shock today, when they were told about this strange development, at the centralised admission counselling for MBBS, BAMS and BHMS course held at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The Principal Director, GMCH, is the Coordinator for these admissions.

“When we have already deposited a fee of Rs 85,000 and my daughter has been attending classes from August, 4 how can the college authorities cancel the admission,” remarked an agitated Mr V.K. Kakkar. He said, the future of his daughter was at stake as she had left the BHMS seat at another institute, to join the Dhanwantry college.

The students and parents said the confusion arose after eight admissions were done on July, 31 by the college authorities, without seeking the prior approval of the university. The college, which had 40 seats, was given an additional 10 seats by the Central Council of Indian Medicines (CCIM), for which they were holding admissions.

“It was on July 30, that we were given a letter from the university in this regard, but there was little we could do then as we had already given advertisements for holding counselling on July 31, for filling these seats,” said Dr Devinder Shukla, the Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College representative. We had to hold the counselling, today again as these were the directions given by the court to the University, she added. She however, said that the admissions done on July, 31 were provisional and this had been conveyed to the parents of the students admitted.

“Though we have been given the assurance that they will consider, adjusting our children against the NRI seats, but we are really unsure about their future,” said the parents, sounding sceptical about the assurances. They refuted the claim of college authorities that the admissions were done on a provisional basis.

“The college authorities have told us that if my daughter is adjusted against the NRI quota, we will have to pay Rs 1.50 lakh, but I fail to understand why should we be made to suffer for the fault of the college,” said Mr Kakkar. The parents have threatened that they will not pay the money and in case the admission of their children is cancelled, they will seek legal help by moving court.

Some of the college officials, on the condition of anonymity, said even if these two admissions were converted to the NRI quota, there are bound to be technical problems, as there are specific university guidelines in this regard, which the two students will be unable to fulfill.

Meanwhile, the college authorities have called the parents of Ankur, who has been placed first on the waiting list and Nomika, fourth on the list, to the college on Monday. Their case will be discussed by the management, to find out a way.

	Nine city students clear talent search exam Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 30 Nine students of the city have cleared the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) conducted by the National Council for Education, Research and Training (NCERT), the results for which were declared here today. Out of the state quota of 10 students, chosen by the State Institute of Education (SIE) that conducted the State Talent Search Examination (STSE) in November last year, nine cleared the theory examination and interview to come out with flying colours in the examination. The successful candidates are Ankit Goyal and Manonit Singh of St John’s, Anu of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 27, Diya Sharma of St Anne’s, Harjot Kaur of Sacred Heart, Kirti Puri of Carmel Convent, Piyush Goswami of DAV Public School, Sector 8, and Sameer Madan and Suhail Singh Shergill of Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27. These students would be given a scholarship and an annual stipend for books and journals during their study tenure. Special preparatory classes were held at the SIE for the students selected in the STSE. They were trained for the written examination and the interview. The Director of the SIE, Dr Saroj Saini, felicitated the students, faculty and parents for their sincere efforts. She said the result percentage of the city was the highest in the country and the students had done the city proud.
	Debate contest at SD College Our Correspondent Chandigarh, August 30 A debate contest on “Moral values — an outdated phenomena” was held at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Sector 32, here today. The contest was held in memory of Punjab’s former Home, Education and Finance Minister Pandit Mohan Lal. About 200 persons, including students, college staff and members of the Alumni Association, also donated blood on the occasion. Pandit Mohan Lal was the founder of the college. Bhajans were presented by Saraswati Award winner Ratnika Tiwari. Some students also sang hymns. Among those present of the occasion were president of the college managing committee Upkar Krishan Sharma, college general secretary H.L. Sharma and college finance secretary Professor Anirudh Joshi. Punjab’s former Governor Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber and sangeet natak academy award winner Kamal Tiwari were also present. The winners of the contest were Rohit Arora (BA I), Shyana (BA II) and Lokesh Malhotra (B.Com II). The contest was held under the guidance of hostel wardens Ajay Sharma and Pooja Sareen. Mukesh Gupta (B.Com III) did the comparing.
	72 students awarded certificates Our Correspondent Chandigarh, August 30 In a colourful function, “Sky Hai Manzil”, organised by the National Institute of Technical Education (NITE), 72 students of the old batch of GDS Fares and Ticketing Certificate Course were awarded certificates at Food Craft Institute Auditorium in Sector 42 here today. Awarding the certificates, eminent scientist C.P. Vohra stressed the need for hard work and professionalism. He said North India had great potential for tourism industry and students should make the most of the opportunity. Cmdr Trilochan Singh Trewn, who presided over the function, blessed the students and advised them to be self-confident and self-dependent in life. While welcoming the chief guest, Mr G.L. Kaushal, director of the institute, said the institute provided quality education and gave employment assistance to talented students. The students presented a number of cultural items. The function started with a prayer item: “Itni shakti hamen dena data,” by the students of fresh batches. Both group and solo songs were presented by old and new students. The function concluded with a Bhangra item.
	150 students vie for singing honours Our Correspondent Chandigarh, August 30 More than 150 students from 16 schools of the city took part in a group song competition organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad , at the Government College of Education, Sector 20, here today. The contest on “Patriotism and national integration, started with teams presenting songs highlighting secularity and struggle for freedom. Some songs depicted India’s scenic beauty and nation’s leap towards the era of globalisation. The contestants were divided into two categories based on their age. In the junior category, the team representing Government Model School, Sector 20, was declared the winner, followed by Mount Carmel School, Sector 47 and IS Dev Samaj School, Sector 21, in second and third positions, respectively. In the senior category Government model senior Secondary School, Sector 21 won the contest followed by I S Dev Samaj School, Sector 21, Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI (Schools), UT Chandigarh, who was the chief guest, gave away prizes to the winners. Earlier, Mr Jai Bhagwan Bansal, a prominent industrialist, inaugurated the function by lighting up the ceremonial lamp.

Senior citizens’ club launched
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 30
A senior citizens’ club — Prerna — was launched by Sector 8 DAV Public School. For becoming a club member, a person should have attained 55 years of age. He should also be a grandparent, or should be related to student or staff of the school. Registration is free of cost.

In a press note, the Principal, Ms Sarita Manuja, said: “The school community must dedicate itself to the senior members of society”. She further said the club members would have an access to newspapers, journals, magazines and indoor games on the school campus.

On weekdays, the members can also play games. Prerna would also organise picnics and cultural activities. “Special days in the lives of the members would also be celebrated. Their experience and maturity would be also utilised for the students by arranging talks. Once a week, a medical van of HelpAge would also visit Prerna to look after the medical needs of the members.

COURTS

Special lok adalat settles 2,828 cases
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 30
As many as 2,828 cases, including matrimonial dispute cases and summary challans, were settled, while a sum of Rs 32 lakh was awarded as compensation to the litigants in MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) cases during a Special Lok Adalat organised at the District Courts, Sector-17, here today. Besides, a sum of Rs 1.20 lakh was recovered in summary cases and another Rs 70,000 was released as fine.

The UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr H.S. Bhalla, today visited various courts and settled matrimonial and accident claim cases.

Giving details, the UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr C.L. Mohal, said 15 Benches were constituted to take up all categories of civil cases, including matrimonial disputes, bank disputes, service matters, landlord-tenant controversies, MACT cases, compoundable criminal cases, etc.

Two make-shift reception-cum-enquiry counters were set up near the main gate of the District Courts. Literature to impart legal awareness and information about the available legal services, besides the persons eligible for free counselling, was also distributed by the local State Legal Services Authority.

The UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr C.L Mohal, informed that the next lok adalat will be held on National Legal Service Day on November 9.

‘Hawayein’ producers aghast at ban on film’s screening
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 30
Babbu Mann, music director and co-producer of film “Hawayein”, today lashed out at the police authorities of Jammu, where the film ran into serious trouble on the very first day of its screening.

Set in the backdrop of 1984 communal riots, the film, which was being screened at KC Theatre, Jammu, on August 29, was withdrawn after the SHO of Bakshi Nagar, where the theatre is located directed the manager of the theatre to immediately stop screening of the film in public interest.

Talking about the high-handedness of the SHO in question, Babbu Mann, while holding a press conference in Sector 35 this afternoon, said the SHO concerned did not have the authority to stop the film from being screened. He reasoned that the film made a point without negatively referring to the consequences of 1984 riots. He said viewers all over the world had related to the concerns which the writer and-director the had highlighted through “Hawayein”.

The film, directed by Amitoj Mann, has a fairly new cast. It also has veteran Tom Alter in its star cast. First released to a foreign audience in Canada and America, the film travelled to Indian metros on August 22.

Babbu Mann said the film created no tension at any of the centres where it was screened.

He also circulated the letter which the SHO of Bakshi Nagar had written to the manager of KC Theatre. It read: “An important matter to be brought to your notice is that simmering discontent among members of the society might lead to communal tension on film Hawayein, which clearly revives 1984 communal tension. As already delegations are approaching higher authorities against the above-mentioned situation, please look for an alternative so as to avoid any untoward incident which could affect peace of the area.”

Alleging that the SHO acted on his own without seeking any legal opinion on the matter, Babbu Mann hinted that he might move court against the unsavoury development.

A powerful satire on female foeticide
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 30
A powerful social satire on female foeticide and infanticide, “Daairey,” which was staged at Dev Samaj College of Education, Sector 45, here today, challenged the redundant social norms and customs that deprived the girl child of her right to life.

Aimed at creating awareness for a change in public attitude the play, presented by the National Theatre Arts Society, proved to be an innovative attempt at reinterpreting the husband-wife relationship.

Divided into nine scenes, the play opens with the suspicion of the husband on the wife’s character and chastity after she conceives a child against his wishes. Another part deals with the husband’s effort to convince his wife to terminate the pregnancy followed by a visit to a doctor.

Speaking of the hypocratic behavior of the husband who pleads for women’s rights and independence despite being narrow-minded and self-centred at home, this part shows tension between the husband and wife. The play concludes with the wife giving birth to a son who becomes a great source of happiness for him. However, they realise in the end that he is mentally challenged. The artistes attempted to send across a message that the birth of a son was in no way better than that of a girl.

Effigy burnt: Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), as part of its nationwide “Save Education — Increase Employment” campaign, held a gate meeting and burnt the effigy of the World Trade Organisation at DAV College, Sector 10, here today.

The speakers at the gathering targeted the forthcoming meeting of the WTO scheduled to be held in Mexico in September wherein education and services are expected to be included in General Agreement on Trade and Services.

12-year-old devotes album to Lord
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, August 30
Jonathan Ivan Charles’ debut album “Let’s Praise the Lord” comes with a freshness which is almost a rarity. Deviating from the popular music, this 12-year-old boy who is a class VIII student of Mount Carmel School has set up a new trend of serious music. The album was released by Mr Vivek Attrey, Joint Secretary, Technical Education, in an impressive ceremony held on the school premises in Sector 47, here today.

Jonathan has used both his talent for his debut album — his deep melodious voice which is quite unusual for a boy of his age and his writing ability. The lyrics he has written in the praise of the Lord shows promise. The album comprises of eight songs like “Who is the best”, “One lonely night”, “I just want to live” — all of which are written and composed by Jonathan himself.

In today’s function, Jonathan presented a few soul-searching numbers from his album. His confidence on stage backed up his claim that he was giving stage performance since he was five. Though Jonathan likes all sorts of techno music and plays the drums, he is totally focused on what he wants to do with his musical talent — dedicate it for devotional music.

However the launching ceremony was not entirely devotional as a group of students from class IX and X, presented a scintillating Goan dance and a foot-tapping western dance. A visual presentation depicting various moments from young Jonathan’s life was also presented. The function was concluded with bhangra.