School bus operators threaten to take buses off road
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 19
It could be a hard time for parents in Mohali and Panchkula, who send their children by school buses to different schools in Chandigarh. School bus operators have threatened to take their buses off the road if the issue of the proposed road taxes by the Punjab and Haryana Governments was not resolved in the coming days.

The operators had categorically told the parents that levying of new taxes would mean an increase of Rs 100 per month for each child. The burden would ultimately be passed on to the parents. “It is high time that taxes in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula as applicable to school buses should be at par,” said Mr Manjeet Singh, President of the Chandigarh School Bus Operators Welfare Association.

Mr Naresh Kumar, a resident of Sector 15, Panchkula, said, “The bus fares were already on the high side. The issue should be resolved keeping in mind the issue of children.” Similarly, Mr Bhupinder Singh, a resident of Phase 7, said , “I always prefer to send my children by bus as the auto rickshaws are not a safe mode of transportation. I am already paying Rs 500 per month.”

The association has urged the UT Home Secretary and the State Transport Authority to talk with their counterparts in Punjab and Haryana for a “reciprocal agreement” for the school buses picking up and dropping the children in the satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali.

Femina Miss India awards diplomas to students
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 19
Amruta Patki, Miss India (earth), awarded diplomas to 500 NIFD students from all across the region who had gathered at Tagore Theatre for the annual convocation.

At the function, students of 2 years Advance Diploma and 1 year Professional programme from the streams of Fashion Design, Interior Design and Textile Design were awarded felicitations and the toppers were honoured for their achievements.

Speaking on the occasion, Ritu Kochhar, Director, NIFD, Chandigarh, claimed, “In a short span of 10 years NIFD has moved from national to international, which is a landmark achievement in the world of fashion and design. In collaboration with the Los Angeles Design Academy it is offering courses in Fashion, Interior and Textile Design from six months to three years.”

While addressing the students, Amruta Patki congratulated and encouraged the budding designers and wished them luck to make a mark in the world of fashion and design.