The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Pvt colleges hail SC verdict on quota
Shivani Bhakoo

Ludhiana, August 13
Terming it to be a “long-awaited” decision, the managements of private unaided colleges and minority institutions have hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict directing that states cannot enforce quota reservations in these institutions. They feel that the verdict, if implemented honestly by the respective managements and followed the principle of fairness and transparency, would definitely stop exploitation of students.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Dr Mohan Verghese, Principal, Christian Medical College and Hospital, said the managements of minority institutions were looking forward to this judgement. By providing a fundamental right to admit or choose their own students, the SC has given an opportunity to unaided/minority professional institutions to progress independently.

“The unaided colleges have been asked to be fair, non-exploitive and transparent while giving admission to the students, which clearly indicates that there can be no capitation fee or profiteering deals”, said Dr Verghese.

To promote merit and curb malpractices, a seven-Judge Bench has recommended to regulate the admissions by a centralised and single-window procedure." There can be no chance of exploitation following this landmark decision,” said Dr Verghese.

Mr Maheshinder Singh Grewal, former Akali Minister and additional secretary, Guru Nanak Engineering College, said the Bench had given a timely decision which will allow such institutions to flourish further. “The private managements had to face a lot of harassment at the hands of government, otherwise. Now they have been given a clean chit to devise their own fee structure, which will be under scanner of the court-appointed committees, in order to ensure transparency,” he added.

“The amount received from NRI quota will be used for the benefit of poor students. This would certainly benefit the poor, meritorious students”, said Mr Grewal.

One of the members of managing committee of private unaided college here, on condition of anonymity, said the decision would benefit both the management and the students. “If the verdict is honestly followed, meritorious students would be given recognition," he said.

He also added that during the admission process of B.Ed courses, they had to face the wrath of bureaucrats and politicians. “They would always pressurise us to accommodate their candidates and it was impossible to oblige all”, he said.

Honours for 37 at I-Day function
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 13
As many as 37 persons will be honoured for their outstanding achievement/services in different field on Independence Day. These include 18 students who topped in the university exams, 10 sportspersons for national-level achievements, two members of the Fire Brigade and parents of two persons who sacrificed their lives while saving drowning persons at the Dugri canal recently.

Mr Anurag Verma, Deputy Commissioner, said a special meeting of heads of all departments was held at the site of the venue i.e. Government College for Boys, after the final rehearsal today.

He directed all officers to make foolproof arrangements concerning their departments and warned that any lapse on the part of an officer in this connection would be taken seriously.

Mr Verma said Mr R.C. Dogra, Health and Family Welfare Minister, would unfurl the national flag.

The toppers of Panjab University to be honoured include Mandeep Kaur (MA Final Geography), Varinder Pal Kaur (MA Part-I Geog), Amandeep Kaur Mangat (MA Part-I Eng.), Dipin Sagar (MA Part-I Eng), Bharti Sareen (MA Part-I Hindi) all from SCD Government College for Boys, Varinder (MA Part I Fine Arts), Monu Arora (BA Final Honours), Monika Arora (B. Com Part I), all from Govt College for Girls, Shilpa Ahuja (B. Com Final) Khalsa College for Women, Navkiran Sharma (B.Sc Final), Govt College for Women, Upansana (MA Final Pol. Sc), Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, Sureta (B.Ed) Partap College of Education, Ranjeet Kaur, MA- I Music, Government College for Women, Amanpreet Kaur (MA II History), Khalsa College for Women, Shafali Kohli Khalsa, BCA II) College for Women, Inderpreet Kaur (BCA III), Khalsa College for Women, Khushdeep Kaur (BCA III), Khalsa College for Women, Shevta (M.Sc) Khalsa College for Women, Prabhjot Kaur, Govt Girls Sr. Secondary School, Civil Lines, in 12th (Vocation), Sunila Kumar, BCM Govt Sr. Sec. School, Jamalpur, 12th (Arts) and Jasmeet Kaur of RS Model Senior Secondary School, 12th (Commerce), all from the Punjab School Education Board, Ankriti Bhandari, DAV Public School, 10, and Mr Ridhi Singla, BCM School, both from CBSC Board (international level).

The sportsperson to be honoured include Balwinder Singh, gold medalist, Vivek Monga, gold medalist, Gurpreet Singh, bronze medal (all blind players) of the Special Games held in England, Malkit Singh (athelete), Gurdev Singh (wrestler), Paramjit Kaur (kho-kho), Parminder Singh (handball), Mangal Singh (handball), Talwinder Singh (handball) and Miss Swati Jain (IInd position in National Science Seminar).

Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Surat Singh, fathers of Mr Tarlochan Singh and Mr Jassa Singh of Lohara village, who died while saving drowning persons in the Dugri canal, will also be honoured.

Mr Ram Kumar Sharma, ADFO, and Mr Krishan Lal Kakkar, Sub Fire Officer, would be honoured for excellent performance of duty while controlling fire in Chaura Bazar.

From Schools and Colleges
Fervour marks I-Day celebrations
Tribune Reporters

Ludhiana, August 13
Independence Day was celebrated at Holy Angel’s Nursery and Pre-nursery School. There was a lot of enthusiasm as students enacted roles of Nehruji and Gandhiji. The students raised patriotic slogans.

Tagore School: As part of the Independence Day celebrations and to infuse a feeling of patriotism and vigour among participants, a fancy dress competition was organised at Tagore Public School for the nursery students here today. Kids came dressed as national heroes. The results of the competition are: Divanjot 1st nursery section, Komalpreet and Rishab Ist from LKG and Dishant Ist from UKG.

Cutes Nursery School: Kids of Cutes Nursery School, Sarabha Nagar, celebrated Independence Day in a novel way.

Dummy birds were set free from cages by the kids with the help of teachers. This was done to make the children understand the concept of freedom. The students danced on patriotic songs. Boys and girls wore white dresses with accessories of tricolour like caps, belts and bangles.

Holy Heart School: Independence Day was celebrated at Dr Punj Memorial Holy Heart Public School here today. The students presented a cultural programme comprising solo dances, folk dances and performed on patriotic songs. A fancy dress competition was also held. Madhav Aneja dressed as Subhas Chandra Bose bagged the 1st prize. Students came dressed as national heroes.

Little Blossom: Little Blossom Nursery celebrated I-Day with great fervour here today. Ms Kochar unfurled the National Flag. The Principal spoke about the freedom struggle. Tiny tots presented a cultural programme. A fancy dress competition was also organised.

Everest Playway: Children of Everest Playway and Nursery School, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Park, celebrated ‘ I-Day today with fervour. Tiny tots dressed as various national leaders gave an impressive show. Mrs Poonam Sharma, Principal, spoke about the importance of the day.

M.G.M School: Independence Day was celebrated with great fervour and gaiety at M.G.M. Public School. The function began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Director of the school, Mr Gajjan Singh Thind. Later, tricolour balloons were released into air as a mark of unity and peace.

The spirit of patriotism was clearly visible as all students had Tricolour flags in their hands and “Jai Hind” on their lips.

Small Wonders: Children of Small Wonders Nursery School celebrated I-Day by tastefully decorating the school with Tricolour balloons and flags. Kids were made aware of the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the role played by them in the freedom struggle.

GMT School: I-Day was celebrated at GMT Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar Bypass Chowk, Ludhiana, here today. The function started with a flag-hoisting ceremony. The school organised a talent hunt competition.

The results are as follows:

Extempore speech -Bhavleen I, Chahat II, Navpreet III

Creative writing: Divneet I, Komal Walia II, Naveta III

Poem recitation: Karan Kapoor I, Harjit Kaur II, Chandan III

Singing: Taranjot I, Jaisika II, Karan Joshi III

Dancing: Inderpal I, Avni II, Supriya III

Monoacting: Priyanka I, Khushboo II, Jaspreet III

Clay modelling: Anjali I, Parminder Singh II, Pratibha III.

Doraha College of Education
DORAHA: Independence Day was celebrated with fervour by the Doraha College of Education today. Mr Sukhpal Singh, chairman of the college, unfurled the National Flag. The students sang the National Anthem. The Director, Ms Amrit Kaur Gurm, laid stress on spiritual uplift

Guru Harkrishan Public School: Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha, celebrated the Independence Day on the school premises with great pomp and show. The function began with the guard of honour to the chief guest Mr Sukhpal Singh, director of the school. He unfurled the National Flag, which was followed by the National Anthem.

Welcome party organised
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 13
A welcome party was organised by the Commerce Association of Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujarkhan Campus, here today. A variety of colourful items were presented by senior students of the commerce department to welcome the freshers. Classical dance, western dance, and skits were the main attractions of the day.

I-Day celebrations: To celebrate the 59th Independence Day, the Department of Home Science and Fine arts of Ramgarhia Girls College held a function today with the motto “Celebration through participation”. The students of fine arts participated in painting/collagemaking, while the students of Home Science participated in tie-dye, fabric painting , embroidery, crockery painting, bindi making, face painting and rangoli. The colours of National Flag could be seen in each item. Ms Harmeet Kaur, Principal, appreciated the efforts of the students and teachers.

Teej functions: Teej was celebrated with great pomp and show at the DD Jain Memorial College for Women, here today. A cultural programme was presented on this occasion. Harneet was selected as Teej queen. Reena and Ravneet were the runners-up.

VLCC celebrated Teej at its Sarabha Nagar centre with great enthusiasm. Ms Rimpi was adjudged Teej queen and Ms Priyanka, Ms Mana came first in Saas-Bahu competition. Ms Deepti got the second prize in the event.

The Teej festival was celebrated at the Khalsa College for Women here today. Ms Sushma Singla, wife of Finance Minister of Punjab, Mr Surinder Singla, graced the occasion. She was welcomed by the Principal, Dr (Ms) Varinder Kaur Thind, in the presence of the members of management, staff and students.

The entire college presented a colourful and festive look with young Punjabi “mutiyaran” decked up in all traditional finery enjoying rides on swings which were decorated with flowers. The numerous stalls dotting the campus were offering a variety of wares from the season’s speciality glass bangles to the mouth-watering malpuas and other delicacies.

An exhibition associated with the rich and unique cultural heritage of Punjab was organised in the college hall. Colourful bags, durrees, phulkaris, crochet work, hand-embroidered bed-sheets and table cloths, etc were exhibited.