Chandigarh, November 10
The Panjab University Vice-Chancellor, Prof R.C. Sobti, has made it clear to the principals of affiliated colleges that they will be responsible for the delay in the declaration of results in case the internal assessment marks are sent late by the colleges.

Prof R.C. Sobti was addressing principals of the colleges at their annual meeting held here. He said the colleges had to send the internal assessment marks by March 15, failing which the university would not be obliged to declare the results on time.

Sharp reactions followed a statement made by the DPI, Colleges, Punjab, Mr Kanwarjit Singh, regarding the 2002 pension scheme for college teachers. He said the 2002 scheme was all that the government could offer to them. College principals, led by P.L. Tandon, Mr S. Marriya and Dr A.C. Vaid told the DPI that the scheme had been rejected by them already and no discussion on that scheme could be held.

The principals also demanded the lifting of the ban regarding the appointment of college teachers in the state. They said the Congress regime had made no fresh appointments in colleges as a result of which teaching in colleges was suffering.

Some principals objected to PU officials insisting on making teaching of environment education compulsory in colleges. Principal Tandon pointed out that letters were being issued to them despite the fact that the senate had not given a nod to the matter. It was felt that this lack of coordination between the Dean, College Development Council, and the Senate decisions was due to the fact that the Dean was no longer a special invitee to the Senate.

The principals also said the Punjab Government was being unfair in demanding an NOC from the colleges, affiliated to Panjab University for starting new courses. They pointed out that the government did not ask for the NOC from its own universities — Guru Nanak Dev University and Punjabi University. It was demanded that this system of NOC should be done away with by the government since it led to long delays in granting affiliation.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the university’s college house which was being constructed would be yet another landmark on the campus. He assured the principals that all issues highlighted by the principals today would be taken note of and an action taken report prepared within the next two months.

The much-awaited Directory of Colleges affiliated to Panjab University was released by the Vice-Chancellor today. The directory contains the details of 129 colleges affiliated to the university across Punjab.

Chandigarh, November 10
The Department of Professional Studies of DAV College, Sector 10, here organised a UGC-sponsored seminar on “Education on the Wings of Virtual Classrooms” today.

The seminar stressed on the web collaboration technology, which permits real time access to a live instructor or subject matter expert right from the user’s PC.

Mr Sanjay Kaushik, UBS, PU, Chandigarh, delivered the keynote address and emphasised on how virtual classrooms would be the reality of tomorrow. Prof Sonal Chawla, Department of Computer Science and Application, PU, Chandigarh, stressed on the technical aspects of visual classroom implementation bringing to light the learning environment in terms of software and infrastructure. Mr Vivek Verma, Technical Director, NIC, Chandigarh, brought to light the changes in education system and training through e-learning. Col D.S. Cheema (retd) of DAV College, Chandigarh, shared his practical encounters in life relating to e-learning and e-education. Prof Sanjeev Sofat focused on differences between virtual classrooms and the traditional methods of teaching. More than 100 participants from different streams, including students from postgraduate and under-graduate courses, participated in the seminar. 

Chandigarh, November 10
The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen S.F. Rodrigues (retd), has strongly advocated the need for reorienting and restructuring universities and educational institutions for strengthening the capabilities and capacities to meet the future needs of a ‘resurgent India’.

Addressing a function after laying the foundation stone of a multipurpose hall of Panjab University Alumni House, south campus, here, General Rodrigues said: “It is time for us to have a hard look and introspection of our existing educational programmes and policies and modify them in view of the changing socio-economic scenario. Our academicians and educationists have an important role to play in the education reform process.”

He emphasised the need for constant performance audit and periodical analysis of academic missions to identify shortcomings and inadequacies. He said the fast changing needs of global society demand a pragmatic and progressive approach for us to compete successfully. He appealed to the luminaries of Panjab University to act as a catalyst and create new opportunities for youth in different disciplines of education, research and career development programmes.

Dr R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, PU, welcoming the Governor said the university had drafted a vision document with short term, medium term and long term action plan, as per the Governor’s directions. The university will emerge as a premier educational institution engaged in quality teaching, research, consultancy and developing intellectual capital for societal needs and nation building.

The mission statement is to promote quality education at affordable prices; attract and retain highly talented and innovative minds; undertake basic and fundamental research; promote quality research relevant to the society, economy, polity and administration; engage actively in patenting of its research; promote students and faculty-friendly governance and produce not only relevant to the market (both domestic and international) but also sensitive to much cherished Indian culture and human values.

He said the proposed hall, the foundation stone of which has been laid by the Governor will have a capacity for 1500 persons with stage and green room facilities. In addition it will also have a seminar hall, lounge and foyer.

Dr Sobti made a fervent plea to the Governor to issue instructions for releasing the arrears of maintenance grants of Rs 2304.46 lakh to Panjab University and also to secure the ratio of 40 per cent grant in aid to the University.

Chandigarh, November 10
The Juvenile Justice Board, Panchkula, which is responsible for matters concerning minor offenders, is currently non-functional.

Two non-official members of the board — Dr Shakuntala and Lieut-Gen J.L. Malhotra — have not been participating in the board proceedings for the past many months.

In a report sent to the District and Sessions Judge, Panchkula, on September 18, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panchkula, Anshu Shukla stated that Dr Shakuntala had not appeared in the court in connection with cases of juveniles despite many notices sent to her.

Similarly, the second member, Lieut-Gen J.L. Malhotra, has told her that since he is occupied with social activities, he cannot visit the court regularly.

There are over 100 cases of juvenile offenders pending in the Panchkula court, which have not been decided due to lack of assistance from the members.

The District and Sessions Judge then sent the report to Mr Justice Hemant Gupta of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.