Panchkula, August 25
The verbal instructions given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court judges to the officials of district administration as well as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday to cooperate and finish the pending work on the Pinjore-Kalka highway stretch seem to have proved insufficient. Though the work commenced today, both the administration and the NHAI still differ on the matter.

Justices J.S. Khehar and A.K. Mittal, who visited Pinjore and Kalka on Saturday, reportedly asked the district administration and the NHAI to coordinate and expedite the work on the highway. The judges also asked the authorities to take steps for widening the road and the executive engineer of the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) was given one week’s time to shift the electricity poles along the highway to facilitate the work.

Even as the work for shifting of poles started today at Pinjore, the NHAI authorities maintained that there was no proposal from their side to widen the road.

“I was told to widen the road by judges, but I informed them accordingly that I had no authority to take action in this regard,” said project director, NHAI, Lt Col K.P. Sharma. In case the district administration feels the need to widen the road, it can send its proposals to the NHAI, Sharma added.

The district officials, however, differ from what Sharma said. “The judges had asked the NHAI project director to widen the road and he’s supposed to follow the instructions,” said Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Rajinder Kataria. “Our role is to extend logistic support in the matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, the UHBVN has started digging work on Pinjore highway to facilitate the shifting of the poles. “The poles will be shifted in the given time frame of one week,” said UHBVN executive engineer P.K. Sharma. Around 30 poles and four transformers would be shifted on the 1.2-km stretch, he said. 

The principal punished us even without asking us the reason for coming late. He cancelled our recess and didn’t allow us to drink water too
 n A student

Chandigarh, August 25
If your interpretation of ‘Athiti Devo Bhav’ is confined to the traditional ‘tilak’, ‘aarti’ and ‘namaste’, think again as the city education department is all set to add peculiar mannerisms as an important ingredient of the recipe to woo our foreign guests.

Sample these: ‘Stop eating the very moment your guest finishes his food even if you’re hungry and bothered to finish the stuff in plate.’ ‘Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal.’ ‘Don't laugh in the loud Indian way and shut up when your guest has had his laugh.’ ‘Never initiate a handshake, but if your guest offers a hand, grasp it with all warmth and don’t be apprehensive of the opposite sex.’ ‘Do not stick to the Punjabi habit of munching all day and don’t take chewing gums.’

These are a few of the instructions issued to the students by the education department in order to impress the student delegation from Singapore.

The list having clear instructions on personal hygiene and code of conduct, mostly crafted by DPI (S) S.K. Setia, has failed to either excite or impress the city students.

Chandigarh, August 25
The hopes of the faculty members, students and the employees of the Panjab University (PU) for the Central status fizzled out today when SAD president and MP Sukhbir Badal did not make any related announcement today.

Sukhbir, however, said: “ I can only convey your feelings to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as regards the Central status”. He said he was restricted by the protocol and since he was not the CM, he cannot make any official announcement in this regard.

Contrary to speculations doing rounds that Sukhbir would be handing over an official letter to the Vice-Chancellor regarding the Central status, he left everyone high and dry.

He was addressing the faculty members and students of the PU at a function organised by the students’ wing of the SAD - Student Organisation of India (SOI).

The SAD chief said that he was in favour of Central status to the varsity and assured that he would take up the matter with the CM and urge him to write to the Central government in this regard.

When contacted, Punjab Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh said: “The matter is under active consideration of the government.” However, he did not confirm about any letter sent to the Centre or the PU in this regard.

Chandigarh, August 25
Have you ever purchased medicine strip without tablets in it? The former joint director, food and civil supplies, the Punjab government, G.S. Chawla, was surprised to purchase a medicine strip - a pack of 10 - with six tablets missing.

Furthermore, when he decided to get it replaced the shop owner misbehaved with him.

A resident of Sector 27, Chawla had purchased this medicine strip from a chemist store, Sector 16.

On noticing this, Chawla rushed back to the shop. He alleged that the shop owner was rude to him. Narrating the whole incident Chawla said, “I had purchased two strips of medicine, Joincerin M, marketed by Surien Pharmaceuticals, for Rs 105. The bill receipt number is 8310. However, I realised that the six tablets were missing. I went back the shop and asked him to change it. He misbehaved with me.”

Later, he agreed to replace it but by then I had changed my mind.”

Chandigarh, August 25
Patients’ attendants at the PGI and advocates at the district courts today had a harrowing time when lifts at the buildings stuck.

In two separate incidents, one in which attendants of two patients admitted to the emergency ward at the PGI and the second wherein two advocates at the district courts were stranded in lifts.

While the relatives of the patients at the PGI remained stuck in the lift for more than half an hour, the advocates at the district courts were luckier as they managed to come out within 15 minutes.

At the PGI, the lift developed a snag around 4.15 pm when Raju, the husband of Sunita, a cancer patient from Ludhiana, was going to collect the blood sample of his wife. One more attendant of a patient lying at the ward was present in the lift at the time of the incident while the lift operator was missing.

Fortunately, there was no patient in the lift at the time of the incident otherwise it could be a fatal negligence on the part of the PGI administration as the lift is meant for shifting critical patients. The security staff deputed at the emergency ward said the lift had been developing sang for the past many days.The technician was informed after which the two were able to come out .Similarly, two advocates had to spend at least 15 minutes knocking at the door of the lift at the district courts.

The two advocates kept ringing the emergency bell but there was no one to bail them out. It was despite the fact that five lift operators have been appointed here. The lift which got stuck at 12:45pm with two advocates - Sukhwinder Singh and Inderjit Singh - could be opened only at 1 pm when a group of lawyers got together and traced the lift operator who then opened the lift.

Thereafter an agitated group of lawyers complained to District Sessions Judge K.K. Garg on the poor maintenance of lifts.

Chandigarh, August 25
The 23rd National Fortnight on Eye Donation was inaugurated at a function held at the Advanced Eye Centre, PGI, here today. The adviser to the administrator, Chandigarh, Pradip Mehra, presided over the function.

The highlights of the function included release of a souvenir on eye donation to mark the occasion as well as inauguration of the eye bank website.

Dr Amit Gupta, honorary secretary, Eye Bank Society, Chandigarh, explained that the website (eyebankpgi.org) would provide information on eye donation as well as provide the facility of pledging eyes online.

Speaking on the occasion, the adviser urged the people to discard superstitions and change their attitudes towards organ as well as eye donation and come forward to make it a family tradition. The PGI director, Prof KK Talwar, also commended and congratulated the eye bank, PGI, for improving the number of corneal transplants performed every year. Prof Amod Gupta, head of the department of ophthalmology, PGI, also urged people to come forward and increase the number of voluntary donations in this region. 

Chandigarh, August 25
The administration's reported decision to charge hefty amount for the regularisation of the general power of attorneys (GPAs) of group housing societies has kicked up a storm.

A section of residents has sent an SOS to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister Shivraj Patil to intervene in the matter and come to the rescue of over 15,000 families in the Phase III sectors (from Sector 48 onwards).

In a representation, Satish C. Sharma, secretary general of the Chandigarh Social Welfare Council, claimed that the Chandigarh Allotment of Land to Cooperative House Building Societies Scheme 1991 had nowhere mentioned the levy of the "unearned increase" which was sought to be imposed on GPA holders by the 
administration.

In fact, the administration seemed to have devised its own formula to "fleece" the GPA holders, whose money was instrumental in completing almost all housing society projects. The administration had given a go by to the "pro-people" policies framed by Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, which charge only a nominal amount for the transfer of the society flats.

"It is an irony of fate that allottees, despite having sold their flats on GPAs, are still interfering in the affairs of the management of societies. Hefty amounts are paid to such allottees to vote for particular persons on the management board of societies paving way for corrupt practices.

The administration on its part should have addressed to this malpractice by regularising of the GPAs rather than be a party to promote it, representation asserted. A majority of the GPA holders had taken huge loans from banks to own a house in Chandigarh. However, the administration was playing spoilsport to frustrate the efforts of over 15,000 members of the cooperative societies to own a house -- a basic necessity being encouraged by the UPA government.

The administration, the representation alleged, was hell bent on implementing "unrelated and outdated rules" in isolation to charge hefty transfer fees (running in lakhs) from the hapless GPAs. Opinion of registrar, Cooperative Societies, has been given no merit. Even pleas of Pawan Bansal, union minister of state for finance, for regularising the GPA in cooperative societies in a rationale way have been ignored apparently to damage his popularity among the electorate ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Mohali, August 25
Even as thousands of residents have been suffering due to shortage of water in the summer, water storage tank of 5 lakh gallon capacity has been lying unused for four months following the failure of the Public Health Department to take it over from GMADA.

Underground water tank which is not being used in Sector 71, Mohali. A Tribune photograph

The underground water storage reservoir in Sector 71, constructed at a cost of over Rs 40 lakh, was ready for use before the summer in April. Repeated requests by the GMADA authorities to department officials failed to yield any response even when the area was facing shortage of water. However, the public health officials said the charge of the underground reservoir had not been taken because GMADA had failed to install every equipment that was needed to make it properly functional.

Satinder Kaur and Inderjit Kaur, living in Sector 71, said during summers they faced shortage of water. Overhead water tanks had to be filled by running motors as water did not reach even the first-floor level.

Sources said GMADA had requested the public health officials through a letter dated April 24 to take over the charge of the underground reservoir as the work of installing machinery, connecting pipes and getting power connection had been completed and the system had even been tested. The aim was to provide adequate water to the residents of the area but the charge was not taken over by the authorities concerned.

According to sources, the underground reservoir, which was full of water, was emptied and cleaned as per the wishes of the public health officials. It was again filled up and checked by officials concerned.

The sources said the issue was also discussed at a meeting held on June 20 which was presided over by the chief administrator of GMADA. An assurance was given by the public health officials that the charge of the water reservoir would be taken over soon.

Executive engineer of the water supply wing of the department Avtar Singh Kalsi said he had not received any complaint regarding the shortage of water from Sector 71.

He said the underground water reservoir could not be taken over as GMADA had not installed a gas chlorinator which was necessary to maintain the quality of water. A generator set was also required as a standby arrangement in case of power failure. He said, moreover, GMADA was asked to deposit 1 per cent of the cost of the project for illegal usage of water during the construction of the reservoir as a water connection had not been taken.

Chandigarh, August 25
The Gita Prachar Samiti organised a Gita Pustak Mela at Gauriya Math Mandir, Sector-20, Chandigarh, Shiv Mandir, Kharar, Santhan Dharam Mandir, Zirakpur & Morinda Anaj Mandi with enthusiasm, today.

Ravi Gulati, secretary of the Samiti stated that the mela was conducted at various parts of North India in order to propagate the sacred message of Srimad Bhagvadgita. On this occasion, free distribution of religious books also took place. The main attraction of the event was Bhagvadgita written in Punjabi language.

Chandigarh, August 25
The Chandigarh Police have arrested two more members of the inter-state gang of dacoits and robbers, which was busted on Sunday.

Giving details, DSP, Operation Cell, Vijay Kumar said, “During the interrogation, the arrested members -Manjit Singh alias Dimple, Ashwini alias Ashu, Deepak alias Lucky and Shubham - provided vital clues about the activities of the other members.”

Acting swiftly, the police today arrested two of their accomplices, identified as Satpal alias Satta, a resident of Ludhiana, and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi of Zandiala Guru in Amritsar, from the city. 

Chandigarh, August 25
“Whichever school you go to, whatever your home background is, we will help you develop your talent. The ladders are steep, but we will provide you many ladders to success and help you climb as high as you can,” said Apollos Induchoodan, vice-principal of Yishun Secondary School, Singapore.

Apollos is leading a 34-member delegation, which is here under an education exchange programme. Apollos talked to The Tribune about the hallmarks of an ability-driven phase of education and the teaching methodology in Singapore. The nation is emphasising on information technology with the national vision of ‘Intelligent Island’ by 2015.

Singapore’s formula of teaching is ‘Teach Less, Learn More (TLLM)’. With this approach, the students can go beyond academic excellence and help develop the attributes, mindsets, character and values that are essential to have a successful living. The higher education enrolment is between 70-75% and the dropout rate is as low as 1.5 per cent in Singapore.

“Our curriculum is based on ‘concepts’ and ‘rote learning’ is a big ‘no’ over there. The teacher-taught ratio has been restricted to 1:20 and we make sure that no child should be left behind on account of financial grounds,” said Apollos.

Since all schools get a lot of funding from the government, children belonging to economically weaker sections get all possible help such as huge concessions in tuition fee, uniforms, books etc. For deserving students, 75 per cent of examination fee is borne by the government. Special learning support programmes have been designed for the Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Admissions in the schools are made on the basis of ‘neighbourhood’ pattern. This implies that the students are admitted to the schools that are situated within a walking distance, in a radius of two kms, from their homes.

Singapore is following the ‘Thinking Schools, Learning Nation (TSLN)’ system since 1997. Student assessment is done through ‘grades’ not ‘marks’. They are taught language through drama and dance.

“English is a language of opportunities and is the first language of Singapore. Since this language is necessary to succeed, we try every bit to let children understand and know this language. Various innovative methods like dance and dramas are adopted for the purpose,” he said.

Apollos added that Singapore needs people who are willing to try new and untested routes, and to inspire teams and organisations to take leaps of innovation. 

Chandigarh, August 25
Students of Yashun Secondary School, Singapore, visited Rock Garden today. A 34-member delegation of the Singapore school, which includes students, teachers and a parent, are in the ciy on an education-exchange programme.

Earlier, an interactive session was held in the auditorium of Government College for Girls-11 between the delegates from Singapore and educationists from Chandigarh. The programme started with an official welcome by Promila Kausal, principal, GCG-11. This was followed by a briefing of the education system in India in general with focus on the school education system in Chandigarh by DPI (S) SK Setia.

This was followed by a presentation by Apollos Induchoodan, who started his presentation by "From the Garden City to the City Beautiful". Apollos talked about the history of Singapore, its educational system and the programmes of education undertaken in Singapore.

There was a visual presentation on Yishun Secondary School, Singapore, by two students R. Sapna and Royhana. Dr Iqbal Indge from the Department of English, GCG-11, gave an insight into the activities of GCG-11. Saroj Gupta, deputy DEO, presented a vote of thanks.

Thereafter, the guests visited Gurukul School in Sector 20, Panchkula. The visiting team was welcomed in the typical Indian traditional manner and tilaks were applied on their foreheads. They participated in a hawan performed in the school hall. The guests had a glimpse of Indian classical dance as students of The Gurukul presented a short cultural programme. Preeti Swami, head, Department of Mathematics, gave a presentation on the teaching of mathematics.

The delegates also visited the Chandigarh branch of The Gurukul. Principal Aruna Bhardwaj apprised them about smartboards used in all classrooms, the latest teaching techniques and earnest endeavours made by her team of teachers for the all-round development of the students.

Chandigarh, August 25
To explore the need and significance of family relations and sensitising people to deal effectively with children in different environs, the Government Home Science College, Sector 10, has come out with advanced diploma in Child Guidance and Family Counselling.

Dr Suman Verma, head of department, Child Development and Guidance Cell told that the motto was to change the mindsets with counselling. She said, “The main objective of this course is to impart advanced knowledge in guidance and counselling psychology to students as able counsellors.”

Extended over a period of nine months and three months of internship, this self-financing course offers 25 seats and requires a minimum qualification of graduation with teaching experience or post graduation.

“Since our course is child centric, our preference would be for those candidates who have experience of working with the children, for example teaching or some NGO involved in children’s welfare. After completing this course, the students have prospects in schools and selected government organisations that offer counselling services for children and their parents.”

“Besides this, the students can work in Non Government Organisations (NGOs) that provide rehabilitative services to underprivileged children. The course would help enhance the education qualification and competencies of the in-service teachers who can make practical use of their counselling skills with the students and their parents,” told Dr Verma.

Speaking on add-on courses on counselling being run by several institutes, Dr Verma said, “It is a serious study and very sensitive because it involves driving the tender minds of the children. The add-on courses can hardly teach the technicalities and the expertise required to be a good child counsellor.” 

Chandigarh, August 25
A sapling-plantation drive was carried out at Panjab University today wherein SAD president and MP Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with vice-chancellor Dr R.C. Sobti, senior university functionaries and students, planted saplings on the campus. State president of the Students’ Organisation of India (SOI) Raju Khanna was also present.

Sharing his concern for the cause of education, Sukhbir Badal said the Akali government was committed to giving a boost to education. He recalled his days as a student of the university and shared that its environment was the best as compared to other top-class universities in the world. He emphasised the need for constant upgradation of technology to meet the ever-changing requirements.

Earlier, Dr Sobti, in his welcome address, thanked Badal for visiting the campus. Among others who addressed included fellow and former MP Satya Pal Jain, who made a fervent plea for grant of the central status to the university, PUTA president Raunki Ram and student leaders from the SOI. The leaders informed that they had already planted over 70,000 saplings in the colleges and universities across Punjab and were close to achieving their target of planting 1 lakh saplings.

Chandigarh, August 25
Government College-46 organised a talk on “Effect of Tobacco on health” in the college campus, here, today. Dr. Vineet from department of psychiatry, PGI, was the keynote speaker.

Dr. Vineet shared vital data with the students, which proved to be an eye opener. The effects of tobacco on health are significant depending on the way the tobacco is consumed (smoke, snuffed or chewed). He told the students that tobacco was an extremely addictive drug with many harmful side effects.

Dr. Achla Dogra vice principal of the college presided over the talk and also shared her views on the effect of tobacco. Prof. Bikram Rana asked the students to be more vigilant and stay away from this addiction since they were the future of the nation.

Talk on first-aid techniques: MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, today hosted a highly informative seminar conducted by Dr. Vandana Sharma of Safety Circle for providing training on dealing with life-threatening disasters and emergencies. Safety Circle is the international training centre of National Safety Council, USA which is the world’s largest occupational health and safety training multinational operating in 35 countries.

Dr. Sharma gave the students easy-to-learn tips on handling natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake, fire, road accidents etc. She also instructed the students on first aid in medical emergencies such as brain stroke, choking, drowning, fracture, heart attack, injuries, poisoning etc. which could be threatening and dangerous to the victims’ lives.

The training was given with the aid of audio-visual materials and demonstrations on giving Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid for various medical emergencies, stress management and so forth.