 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Unbridled hike in school fees, but admn helpless
Chandigarh, March 17 Parents say banks should come out with admission loans under the education loan plan. Vivek High School-38 has raised the amalgamated funds from Rs 3,400 to Rs 7,000 this year, apart from the regular fee hike. “The fee of Rs 6,500 has been divided into four sessions. I paid Rs 7,000 in addition to the regular fee in the first session. From this year, they have doubled the funds,” rued a parent whose child studies in Class II. Another parent whose children study at Kundan International School-46 and DPS-41 have to shell out around Rs 3,800 as monthly fee. “How can we question the fee structure of the school when every school has devised its own rules?” they asked. Administration officials, when contacted, expressed concern, but at the same time said they were helpless. “There is no control mechanism in the system yet to monitor this, but something needs to be done,” they agreed. School administrators justify their decisions. “The amount we receive is ploughed back into the welfare of children. We provide them with the best of facilities like AC rooms, sports infrastructure, transport, instructors, a well-equipped gymnasium etc,” they said. The DPI (S), S.K. Setia, said in the absence of any policy on this matter, the schools tended to get away with it. Barring schools run by a trust or society, no private school could legally divert the fee towards raising fixed assets of the school. “Under the education code, these schools can be questioned if the schools run by individuals raise fee to divert such expenditure to raise the capital. No school can ask for building fund from students legally,” he said. Sources said private schools evaded action on the pretext of showing “building repair” expenditure, but they did not issue receipt for the amount. On this, Setia said: “Ways are there to check this practice. No private school can draw surplus amount out of the amount received from the students’ fund for raising resources. Even if they do not issue a receipt, their balance sheets and income tax receipts can be taken into account. But this can happen only if the administration so wills.”
|
|
Govt official by default
Chandigarh, March 17 As per information available with the registering and licensing authority (RLA), the registration number is yet to be surrendered by the buyer. According to RLA officials, the number can be misused. Security agencies say that the car could be a potential risk as official cars are virtually “waved in” by security personnel at the secretariat, the high court and even at Raj Bhawans. Niharika Rai, an RLA official, said the person in question had not got the new registration number yet. The department is not aware about the latest auction. CTU director P.S. Shergil said, “We have already informed the RLA about the auction and also about the numbers that were sold.” However, officials at the RLA are not aware about the intimation by the department. S.S. Srivastava, SSP, said, “A government vehicle can easily be misused if the buyer does not get a new registration number.” Ajay Singla, proprietor of Balaji Motors, bought the Ambassador at the auction and wants to sell it. He said he had the registration certificate.
|
|
12-year-old killed in accident
Chandigarh, March 17 According to the police, the accident took place at 2.30 pm when the mini truck hit the motorcycle from rear. The motorcycle skidded and fell under the truck. The truck ran over Akash, killing him on the spot. His mother was seriously injured. Akash’s father of Madrasi Colony, Sector 26, was driving the motorcycle. They have been admitted to the Sector 32 Government Medical College and Hospital. The police has arrested the truck driver, Bubby Lal of Nepal, on the charges of rash and negligent driving.
|
|
Roundabouts to go under the hammer
Chandigarh, March 17 The administration has realised the marketing potential of the roundabouts as companies and banks have been vying in this regard. The shift in policy will be formally announced in a few days. It has been decided not to renew existing agreements. Sources said the waiting time for vehicles at most rotaries is about a minute and advertisements have good visibility. With a huge demand for roundabouts on the Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg, the administration is identifying high-value locations. A resident, meanwhile, remarked that if everything has to be auctioned, then roads could also be auctioned to the highest bidder.
|
|
2 robbed at gunpoint in Panchkula
Panchkula, March 17 In a similar incident about two months ago, a cashier of Berkley showroom in the Industrial Area had been robbed of Rs 5.16 lakh at gunpoint. According to the police, two employees of Vishal Mega Mart were returning from a bank in Sector 10 when they were waylaid and robbed. The manager of the showroom said Satinder and Kamal had gone to the bank to get currency notes of smaller denomination. When they were returning, a Zen car intercepted them near the Hafed office and two of the four occupants got down. They slapped the employees and took away the money before fleeing toward Sector 6, he said.
|
Army high on stress: Expert
Chandigarh, March 17 Emphasising upon the increasing need for managing stress, Col Singh cited various reasons as to why the armed forces were not able to cope up well with stress. The most important reason amongst others, he said, was the lack of awareness about managing stress. He highlighted the need for officers to add a personal touch in attending to the grievances of men under their command and at the same time, ensuring healthy breaks for men from routine tasks and commitments. He further advised them that due importance should be given to job satisfaction and job enrichment. This in turn would help in reducing the monotonous nature of duties being undertaken by the personnel. He also delved upon the Japanese way of management, whereby the officers should understand the fact that there are human beings working under them and along with them. These human beings are very much affected by each and every thing which is with them and around them. Thus, in order to manage stress effectively and efficiently, the officers must take a strong cognizance of each and every factor with which a human being is affected, he added.
|
|
Seminar on transformation of Dalits
Chandigarh, March 17 Recalling her days at the university when she was a student of the department of English and a resident of Sarojini Hall, she said though she was a part of the English department, she spent most of her time at the geography department. She went on to recall the oppression faced by the Dalits in India who were not even considered to be a part of the varna system of the Indian caste structure. She emphasised the relevance of education, legislation and social awareness in elevating the status of Dalits. She also mentioned that like the public sector even private sector should have reservations to give equal opportunities to all. Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Prof R.C. Sobti, vice-chancellor, identified the problems faced by the Dalits in society and urged the academicians and policy makers to take steps to redress their situation. He went on to give details of the illustrious alumni that the university has produced and of the developments taking place in the university with respect to academics and sports. Prof K.D. Sharma, coordinator SAP, department of geography, introduced the theme of seminar by stating that the transformation of the situation of the Dalits has to be through a multifaceted effort and the role of the State is very important. He also presented a life profile of Prof R.P.S. Gosal, in whose memory this seminar is being held. Dr P.S. Verma, formerly head, department of political science and director, Academic Staff College, PU, while presenting the keynote address highlighted the role played by Dr Ambedkar in the upliftment of Dalits in India.
|
|
‘Operation Pehchaan’ to be extended to UP, Bihar
Panchkula, March 17 The SP was making a presentation during a meeting held here to discuss the modus operandi of criminals active in the region and share information about crime in the area. Around 500 unidentified bodies were recovered by the GRP from railway tracks every year. ‘Operation Pehchan’ was launched in Ambala, Faridabad, Jind and Hisar last year and yielded good results as five to six bodies were identified at all stations. Flex boards with photographs and particulars of unidentified bodies had been installed at various railway stations, she said. The operation now had been extended to five districts, including Patna, Bagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, and Chhapra of Bihar where it yielded good results and it would be started in Uttar Pradesh as well in the near future, said the SP. Senior railway officials also participated in the meeting. ADGP V.B. Singh said the railway security agencies had agreed to make registration of crime free.
|
|
Fauji Beat IT is most unfortunate that a battle has been started between the Army and the Air Force over the famous battle of Laungewala, which reflects adversely on the image of the armed forces. The government should not remain a mute spectator to this dismaying controversy. The answer lies in making the official war record of this battle of the 1971 war public. India is the only country that has not declassified the official records of its wars except that of the 1947-48 war. Nor has it fixed any time limit to do so. Take the case of 1962 war; Lieut-Gen Henderson Brookes’ report on this debacle has still not been made public. As for the 1965 war, a controversy starts in September every year on whether the then Army Chief General J.N. Chaudhuri had told the then Western Army Commander Lieut-Gen Harbaksh Singh to pull back to the east of the Beas. Perhaps, very few people know that the government had deputed Lieut-Gen Kalwant Singh to visit the forward areas and submit a report on the 1965 war. What does his report say about the episode of pulling back to the Beas? More on this later. The only way to kill these controversies is to make the official war records public after a stipulated time limit. Sailing becomes popular
To popularise this sport in other arms and services and to promote blue water sailing, an Adventure Sailing Node was established at the Heavy Bridging Training Camp at Marve, Malad (West) in Mumbai by the College of Military Engineers, Pune in May, 2006. It is running a basic course for four weeks and an intermediate and advance course of three weeks each, for all ranks. Those who score well in the advance course are short-listed for sailing expeditions that are undertaken in seagoing yachts to domestic and foreign ports.
An overcrowded canteen
The CSD canteen in Sector 21, Chandigarh, gets so congested in the first 10 days of each month that one has to struggle hard to seek entry into it, thanks to its small car park and insufficient space in the building for its large clientele, which has increased manifold over the years. After the introduction of canteen smart card last year, most of the entitled personnel from the surrounding areas of Chandigarh come to this canteen for drawing liquor. The answer lies in shifting this canteen to a bigger building elsewhere in Chandigarh. The canteen smart card entitles you to draw liquor and grocery from any unit run canteen in India. But in practice this does not happen as the smaller canteens, like the TA Group Headquarters canteen in Sector 8, Chandigarh, do not issue liquor to those who get their cards made from other canteens. All such customers also throng the Sector 21 canteen for drawing liquor, which further increases rush at this canteen. — Pritam Bhullar
|
|
Encroachers to be challaned from tomorrow
Chandigarh, March 17 The aim of the awareness drive that covered the city was to educate the shopkeepers regarding the encroachments done on government land. The area councillors, along with the inspector of the enforcement wing, educated the shopkeepers not to violate government norms and also about the illegal construction. “This is a healthy and a positive step taken by theMC, which will certainly have a good impact on the shopkeepers,” said a shopkeeper running a sweet shop in Sector 15. “Though, I was challenged by the enforcement wing a number of times, yet I was unaware about the violation. But during the awareness drive, I was made aware about where we shopkeepers normally go wrong,” asserted Mohan Lal, a shopkeeper. aAvtar Singh, inspector of the enforcement wing, in charge of Mani Majra said, “During the week, we have guided and requested the shopkeepers, booths and showroom owners about the consequences of the encroachments and illegal structures. Though, the councillors are supporting us, but the effect of this drive would be seen only after the drive gets over. The enforcement wing will start challaning the encroachers from March 19.
|
|
Shops raided
Panchkula, March 17 According to deputy commissioner Rajinder Kataria, he got complaints that the ration items being sold on these shops were not of good quality. He asked the health officials to conduct raids on these shops and take samples of items being sold at theses shops. A team took samples from two shops while other shopkeepers left the market after closing their shops.
|
|
|
Orphanage reunites woman with family
Kharar, March 17 After two years of treatment, she claimed to be Gurmeet Kaur from Gharuan village. The orphanage gave information in newspapers with Gurmeet's photograph and even made an announcement in her village but did not get any response. A few days back, one more such young woman was brought to the orphanage by a police official and sarpanch of Gharuan village. They were apprised of Gurmeet Kaur and her details were given to them. The sarpanch managed to trace Gurmeet's relatives following which her husband nambardar Sohan Singh and other relatives came to take her home. According to them, she had left her home in a state of depression
|
|
Sec 57 residents block traffic
Mohali, March 17 The traffic was blocked for about half an hour and protesters raised slogans against the authorities concerned. The blockade was lifted after the police intervened and persuaded them to sort out the matter by holding talks with officials. GMADA has put up some pillars and fenced a part of the area. The protesters removed the pillars and fencing. Gulfam Ali, president of the local Muslim Welfare Association, said the land in question was a graveyard. It was allotted to the community by PUDA. At no cost would they allow GMADA to take any part of the land, he said. According to reports, an SDO had gone to Sector 57 today for the demarcation of a site for the shifting of a truck union. GMADA is planning to construct a bus stand at the site where trucks are being parked at present. The truck union is being given an alternative site in Sector 57. Residents of the area had also brought the matter to the notice of the Kharar MLA some days ago.
|
|
P’kula MC Poll
Panchkula, March 17 The party, after declaring to contest the municipal committee elections on party symbol for the first time, declared the list of its candidates here today. However, ward numbers 6 and 12, belonging to sitting municipal councillors R.K. Kakkar, city president of the Congress, and V.K. Kapoor were left for open contest. Both the leaders had left the Chander Mohan camp in May 2006 when Manvir Kaur Gill was elected to the post of MC chief. They had alleged that they were ignored for the post and thus, joined the Bhupinder Singh Hooda camp. Meanwhile, the number of candidates who filed their nomination papers has increased to 102 as a total of 69 candidates filed their papers at SDM office. The candidates who got Congress ticket from respective wards include Saroj Rani Sodhi (1), Veena Datta (2), Champa Rani (3), Dewan Tarsem Garg (4), Sangeeta Goyal (5), Rajesh Kumar (7), Ram Parsad (8), Mohammad Nasir (9), Bhavna Gupta (10), Jalmegha (11), Naresh Rawal (13), Ravinder Rawal (14), Gitanjali Dhawan (15), Om Parkash (16), Jaswant Singh (17), Anita Tiwari (18), Arti Thakur (19), Manveer Kaur Gill (20), Omwati Puniya (21), Anang Pal Singh (22), Om Parkash Taneja (23), Anmoljeet Kaur (24), Mamta Mittal (25), Kasturi Devi (26), Ram Nayan Nisad (27), Krishan Nanha (28), Upinder (29), Major Singh (30), Pawan Kumar (31).
|
|
PGI OPDs to remain closed on Holi
Chandigarh, March 17 OPDs will function on March 21, a gazetted holiday on account of Good Friday, according to a press note issued here today.
|
|
3 new Gram Sampark centres
Chandigarh, March 17 Such centres have already been established in Khuda Jassu, Dhanas, Kaimbwala, Raipur Kalan, Raipur Khurd, Makhan Majra and Behlana. A spokesman of the administration said all the centres have been constructed by renovating old buildings that were in a dilapidated condition. The Gram Sampark center not only provides the rural citizens various public utility services but also act as a rural knowledge centre equipped with an IT support structure. Keeping in view the lifestyle of the villagers, the timings of the Gram Sampark centres would remain open from 9 am to 6 pm. The Sampark centres, however, would continue to function from 8 am to 8 pm.
|
|
Tibetans take out protest march
Chandigarh, March 17 Carrying banners, flags and candles, the protesters demanded immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Tibet. They urged people from all walks of life to support their demand for self-determination and condemn China for human rights violations. They urged the international community to put pressure on the Chinese authorities to accept the genuine demands of the Tibetan community
|
|
Employees protest against budget
Chandigarh, March 17 The protestors, members of the Punjab Mulazim Action Committee, assembled at the plaza from morning and the protest lasted till late in the afternoon. They threatened that in case the government fails to meet their demands they would be forced to intensify their stir. They said they would carry out district-level protests across the state on March 20.
|
|
Abandoned Baby
Chandigarh, March 17 Taking a lenient view, judicial magistrate first class Atul Marya observed: “In ordinary circumstances, severe punishment would have followed as the accused had abandoned her female child. If any punishment is awarded now, it would further deprive the child of her rights by her mother.” According to the prosecution, a nurse found the baby lying unattended in the OPD of the paediatrics room in 2007. She took the child to a doctor who informed the police. A case under Section 317 of the IPC was registered and the police traced her parents and handed her over to them. The defence lawyer argued that the prosecution had failed to prove the offence under Section 317 that amounted to intention to abandon. The court stated that the child was abandoned by Jasbir Kaur as she had made no efforts to find her baby. Thus, she had left the baby intentionally. She was released on probation after furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10,000.
|
|
Letters
Panchkula is certainly a poor cousin of Chandigarh. Its name has been derived from five streams of river Ghaggar. These natural source of fresh water have had long dried up by flawed planning and sightless growth. Now there is no water body, hitherto, city lacks sufficient drinking water and fresh air.
City looks as a jungle of concrete barring few unkempt gardens. Today HUDA is exhorting money from owners of small flats by imposing various taxes and compulsory registration. Retired class is forced to part with their savings by paying these hefty fees. In return HUDA has failed in every respect to provide good roads, adequate drinking water, power supply, necessary infrastructure and amenities. Haryana government should intervene and direct HUDA to fulfil its commitment of welfare of people and save Panchkula by making it green, repairing roads and discontinue putting additional burdens on proprietors of petite flats. Suresh Khosla,
Panchkula
Readers are invited to write to us. Send your mail, in not more than 200 words, at news@tribuneindia.com or, write in, at: Letters, Chandigarh Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh – 160 030
|
Foreign Varsities
Though a number of top British universities are keen to set base in India, they are awaiting clarifications from the Indian government on whether degrees provided by them to students here would be recognised. This was stated by the British High Commissioner, Sir Richard Stagg, during an interaction with The Tribune, here today. He said that some of the top universities like University of Birmingham, Cambridge University and Imperial College of London had shown interest in setting up campuses in India. “Even the UK Minister, Liam Byrne, is putting together groups of universities and colleges, who would be keen to enter into India. Though our universities have now opened campuses in China and Malaysia, they are still awaiting a final nod from the Government of India,” he said. The High Commissioner said that even during the recent India - UK summit, the heads of the two countries had emphasised on joint cooperation in education sector, and UK had shown interest to help establish Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institute of Management and Indian Institute of Science. “The students here can greatly benefit from the advanced courses in accountancy, design, agriculture, media, hospitality and technology. If the campuses are set up in India, not only will they get quality education at a nominal price, but also more number of students can benefit,” he added. He was in town to meet the president of Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, and discuss the prospects of trade relations with the state. “We would be scouting for partners from Punjab in the areas of Information Technology, education, agriculture and retail, infrastructure, energy and automotive sector. We would like to promote a two-way technology transfer process, wherein industry in both the countries can benefit mutually. We are also scouting for intellectual property here, and a person having a unique project could also be helped with venture capital in UK to set shop there,” he added. Sir Richard Stagg had earlier met the Director General of Police, N P S Aulukh, to discuss the issue of illegal migration to UK.
|
|||
|
From Schools & Colleges
Chandigarh, March 17 The function began with the traditional lighting of the lamp. The principal read out the annual report of the college. As many as 393 students were awarded degrees, out of which, 27 were post-graduate students. 74 students from BCom, 13 from BCom (Hons), 73 from BSc 152 from BA, 35 from BA (Hons) and 19 from BCA were also awarded degrees. Delivering the convocation address, Krishna Mohan urged the students to instil a feel of ‘vivek’ alongwith the inculcation of moral and human values. Krishna Mohan advocated to take up Yoga for good health. NSS function: Jagwinder Singh of BA III and Nitya Wadhwa of BCom III were declared best volunteers during the annual NSS function held at Government College, Sector-46, here today. G.S. Bhatti, assistant programme adviser, NSS Regional Centre, Chandigarh, presided over the function and gave away prizes and mementos to around 65 NSS Volunteers. Speaking on the occasion Bhatti congratulated the prize winners and advised the NSS volunteers to continue the selfless service to the community with enthusiasm and zeal. Principal, Dr K.S. Saluja welcomed the chief guest and appreciated the role of NSS volunteers for their selfless service. Sahib Singh, programme officer, NSS read out the annual report of NSS. Dr Baljit Singh also spoke on the Aims and objectives of NSS. Moral Education: A nine-day refresher course on ‘Moral values and civic duties in education’ commenced at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, here today. The DPI (S) S.K. Setia was the chief guest on the occasion. A large number of teachers from government and private schools attended the opening session.
|
|||
|
Students protest
non-issuance of certificates by nursing institute
Mohali, March 17 The protesters blocked two gates of Fortis Hospital and raised slogans against the concerned authorities. They demanded that the certificates of nursing students be issued at the earliest. The protest went on for more than three hours. Teja Singh said his daughter Kirandeep Kaur had completed her three-year nursing course. The result was declared in December but the certificates were not being issued to the students. Students felt harassed as they could not apply for jobs. He said all dues to the institute had been paid by him. He said some parents had met the authorities two days back and requested them to issue the certificates. Since their request fell on deaf ears, they had to resort to a protest today. Principal of Fortis School of Nursing Munir Gujral said the batch of nursing students admitted in 2004 passed out in 2007. Out of 39 students, 29 had filed a case about fee, in the high court. The school trained all the 39 students fully and all of them had passed the examination with flying colours. The case filed by 25 of them was pending in the high court and the matter was thus, subjudice. The relevant documents could only be handed over to the students after the court orders. At present, there were 134 students under training in the school.
|
|||
SC judge gives tips to magistrates
Chandigarh, March 17
In the mathematics of judiciary, it is two plus three minus one equals to four. Giving tips to the newly selected 93 judicial magistrate second class, undergoing yearlong training at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy (CJA), Sector 26, Justice Sinha questioned the judicial officers, “On which topic you want me to speak?” Noticing a lukewarm response to his query, Justice Sinha commented, “Judges are supposed to be decision makers. When I asked you this question I expected all 93 of you to decide and speak in chorus, but there were only two people who gave response.” Sharing the pendency of cases in various courts in Punjab and Haryana, Justice Sinha specified, “We need to work on reducing the pendency of cases in the courts. There are 1 lakh cases pending in courts in city, 5.24 lakh cases in various courts in Punjab and 5.15 lakh cases pending in Haryana courts. We all need to work on bringing these numbers down.” Drawing the thin line between the powers that a judge has and its implementation, he stipulated, “It is wrongly said that a judge sits on a trial and pronounces judgments. In fact a judge is always on a trial. He is under the constant scrutiny of the society as he provides them relief by his judgements.” Addressing the judicial officers as the future of the Constitution of India he said, “It is the function of a judicial officer to protect and preserve the fundamental rights of common man.” Present on the occasion was Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Vijender Jain who welcomed the judicial officers to the academy. Speaking on the occasion he said, “Today is a very special day for you and me as well. You are now becoming a part of an organisation which has the faith and hope of a number of people.” Others present on the occasion were Justice M.S. Gill, president, executive committee of the CJA and director of the CJA.
|
|
|||||
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
It is a little known fact that sailing, which is one of the well-known adventure sports, was started in India by the Corps of Engineers of the Army, commonly known as Sappers. They have undertaken several sailing expeditions to a number of ports in India and friendly neighbouring countries over the last five decades. The Sappers were the first Indians to sail around the world in Trishna in 1986-87.
Chandigarh,
March 17
