Agitating students block traffic
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 2
Protesting against the decision of the Punjab Government to privatise its polytechnic and industrial training institutes (ITIs), hundreds of students under the banner of Ludhiana Students’ Union blocked traffic outside the Mini Secretariat here today.

The students carried placards and raised slogans against the state government. They presented a memorandum of their demands to the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anurag Verma. The students demanded that their institutes should not be handed over to private organisations since it would lead to hike in the fee, forcing majority of them to discontinue with the courses.

The students also said a number of seats for fresh batches in the institutes were still vacant and that many aspiring students were being refused admission. The students also demanded better infrastructure. They said neither facilities nor courses were being upgraded. They said many of them had to take classes while being seated on the floor due to inadequate furniture. 

‘Aaghaas-2003’ welcomes freshers
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 2
Aaghaas-2003, a party to welcome the freshers, was held at the Khalsa Institute of Management and Technology, Civil Lines, here today. Ms Jaswinder Kaur, president of the students’ council, along with other seniors welcomed the fresh batches. Mr Johnpreet, Head of the Department, said the total strength of the institute had almost doubled this year because of the introduction of new courses like MBA (International Business), MSc (IT) and PGDCA.

He said the institute was likely to start courses like MSc and BSc in bio-informatics next year onwards.

Prof M.S. Seekree, director, welcomed Dr V.K. Sharma, Registrar of Punjab Agricultural University, who was the chief guest.

Addressing the students, the director urged the students to strive for perfection in academics. He also apprised them of the various activities held for promotion of culture, sports and literary activities.

Senior students presented various dance, music and drama items. Fourteen students took part in freshers’ contest, while 10 participated in Ms Talented Contest. Ms Indu Bhaskar, Ms Rupinder Bedi and Ms Poonam Bindra were the judges on the occasion.