The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	khalsa college Clash between two student groups turns ugly Two students hurt, 16 booked for the clash PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 A dispute between two students of the Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences took an ugly turn when the two groups, which they were representing, clashed in front of Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in the intervening night of September 8 and 9. The two persons identified as Dilpreet, a resident of Nakodar, and Ashish Gupta, a resident of Nabha, both students of Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences IInd year of the Khalsa college, had sustained injuries in the clash. They were admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. At least 16 persons were booked today and a case under Section 307, 323, 324, 148 and 149 of the IPC and 25,54 and 59 of the Arms act registered against them at the Cantonment police station. The suspects have been identified as Hridaypal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Ravalpreet Singh, Dugri Pehlwan and PP Singh. SHO of the Cantonment police station, Dinesh Singh, said Dilpreet and Hridaypal Singh had a grudge against each other ever since the poll for electing a class representative was held. All votes went in favour of Hridyapal Singh. Hridaypal Singh entered into a heated argument over the issue of potable water at a coffee house outside Guru Nanak Dev University on Thursday, he said. Agitated over this, Hridaypal called Dilpreet outside the college. Dilpreet along with a few accomplices came out of the hostel. Both groups clashed with each in front of the college. The SHO said manhunt had been launched to nab the suspects. Dr SK Jhand, principal of the college, however, feigned ignorance about the incident while adding that he would look into it.
	Khalsa College principal’s office gutted in fire Takes an hour for information to reach fire brigade; Principal rules out foul play GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 A major fire engulfed the office of the principal of Khalsa College here last night at about 9 pm. The false ceiling in the principal's room got burnt and fell due to the fire. Since, wooden panelling was prominently installed for the interiors, it took no time for the fire to spread I the office. The entire furniture, computer system, pictures of former principals of the college got destroyed in the fire. Though the exact cause of the fire is not known yet but short-circuiting is being looked upon as the main cause of the incident. It took the college security staff at least one hour to even intimate the fire brigade office, as the direct phone numbers of the fire brigade were not available with them. A fire official, on the condition of anonymity said two motorcycle-borne persons delivered the information to them at 10 pm. "It's a pity that such a big and important educational institution did not even have the emergency telephone numbers which cater to their area. The helpline number 101 was constantly engaged. We have widely publicised our direct numbers and they too should have had them handy," the fire officer said. On how the information of the fire reached them, the fire official said two persons on a motorcycle drove two km to the Civil Lines fire office to call for help. The information was then passed on to the Berrigate fire station and as many as four fire tenders, including one from the Sewa Society were pressed into service. "It took us more than an hour to douse the flames but because a major portion of the interiors of the office were made of wood, it caught fire instantly and almost everything inside was destroyed," he said. Honorary Secretary of the college RS Chhina while confirming the incident agreed the lapse on their part. He said no important papers were kept in the office at the time of the incident. "We do not have any information board installed in the premises. If we had those numbers handy, information could have reached us well in time and the damage could have been minimised. It is a lesson to be learnt and I would make sure to keep such important numbers on priority," he said. Ruling out any sabotage, Principal Daljit Singh said the office was open till 8.15 pm because of a visit of a NAAC delegation to the college. "At about 8.30 pm, they were sent back to their hotel. Meanwhile, I received a call from the watchman that smoke was coming out of the office window, but before fire control arrangements could be made, it had destroyed the entire room,” he said.
	Woman commits suicide Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 Sunita, a resident of Islamabad, allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance after her second husband snatched the money, which she had received after surrendering the LIC policy of her first husband. The Cantonment police has booked her second husband, Narinder Singh, on charges of abetting her to commit suicide. Deepak Kumar, brother of the deceased and a resident of Islamabad, in a complaint lodged with the police stated that Sunita was married to her first husband Sunil Kumar about 12 to 13 years ago. Sunil died about one-and-half year ago. Narinder, a friend of Sunil, got married to Sunita later on. “I received a call from my sister on September 8. She told me that Narinder had forcibly taken the entire cash, which she had received after surrendering the LIC policy of her first husband, and was demanding more money from her. Furious at Narinder’s attitude, she consumed some poisonous substance. She was admitted to a private hospital where she breathed her last. Meanwhile, Rachna, a resident of the Chintpurni Chowk near Hindu Sabha College Market, allegedly tried to commit suicide by consuming some poisonous substance. She was admitted to a private hospital. A case has been registered against her.
	New counter opens for sale of tickets for Duronto Express Sale of tickets from unreserved ticket counters discontinued PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 Sale of tickets for Duronto Express from unreserved ticket counters has been discontinued. The railway authorities have opened another current booking counter at Amritsar Railway Station. The passengers, who had failed to get on-the-spot tickets even as a majority of tickets for seats on the Amritsar-Chandigarh Duronto train were vacant, had protested which led to the launch of the facility. This had led to a delay of an hour in the departure of Duronto as well as several other express trains from the station. The passengers would now have to either reserve the tickets through advance reservation counter or through the current booking counter located at the front gate of the railway station just before the train's departure. It may be mentioned here that the number of passengers going from Amritsar to Chandigarh was till between 300 and 350 as compared to 1,400 seats available in the train, including 1,287 chairs in the non-AC and 145 seats in the AC coaches, according to the railway authorities. Sources said with the sale of tickets for Duronto from the unreserved ticket counters had become a headache for the catering staff. It became difficult for the catering staff to ascertain the exact number of passengers as several reservations were made on the train itself by charging the remaining amount. The railway officials claimed that this has also led to unrest among the passengers who had to shell out money again for the reservation. The passengers travelling with unreserved tickets would have to shell out extra money as a punishment, they add. However, the railway officials claimed that the step has been taken because of opening of second current booking counter only. "The number of passengers has remained constant between 300 and 350 even after three weeks of its launch. Out of these just over 50 per cent passengers book berths through advance booking and remaining commuters do their booking through current booking counter,” the railway officials claimed.
	Now, a software to set CBSE question papers, says board chairman GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 The CBSE is considering a proposal to develop software to facilitate teachers to set question papers based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) pattern. CBSE chairperson Vineet Joshi, in city to preside over an interaction session of mentors and parents at Sri Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary Public School here, said today. Joshi said a bank of question papers on various subjects would be uploaded on the official website through which this software would generate a unique question paper. “We have already started uploading the question paper bank. The software would prescribe the paper setter a unique options based on the questions uploaded on the bank. Once this software application is developed, it can be downloaded from the site through an identification password,” he said. Joshi said the new Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) programme would help assess the basic instinct of the children by identifying their learning progress at regular intervals so as to help parents choose a career for them. “We have introduced this programme for Class X and it was a successful experiment. For Class XI and XII, consultations are on with the higher education authorities because the moot point is that our evaluation system should be acceptable at their level too, but efforts are on in this direction,” he said. He called on the teachers and principals to desist from using negative comments on students’ performance and encourage them to learn through applying a variety of teaching aids. “Brilliance does not lie only in academics. Focusing on excellence in academics alone undoubtedly results in the lop-sided development of a child’s personality. It is thus essential that due importance be given to participation in co-curricular activities like music, dance, art, dramatics and other areas of the child’s interest to make life more fulfilling and enjoyable. It is the duty of the teachers to recognise the hidden talent among them. It is important to note that there might be students who do not excel in academics but have good taste and perform well in other co-curricular activities. This technique is a must for the overall development of a student. It is not recommendable to call a student brilliant who is good at studies only and does not know how to appreciate a singing or art talent,” he added. Earlier, the programme was well punctuated with performance by teachers of the school titled ‘Taare Zameen Par’, which highlighted the need to develop diversification in the education system and equal opportunities for special children. Action plan l Stern action would be taken against those school managements who have been allegedly fleecing the parents by misusing the name of the CBSE. l All the principals to ensure at least a 16-hour per month study schedule for children studying in classes 11 and 12 under the CBSE’s Adult Education programme.
	Midday Meal workers block traffic Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 Hundreds of Midday Meal workers from 32 towns of this district blocked traffic at the busy Hall Gate for 20 minutes today. The protesting workers staged a protest in the middle of the road leading to the Golden Temple shrine. This led to vehicles the queuing up of vehicles right up to Bhandari Bridge. Commuters had a tough time as some of them were forced to take a U-turn while others had no option but to wait for the blockade to be lifted. The workers also raised slogans against the state government for not fulfilling their long-pending demands, which include minimum wages of Rs 4,160 per month, introduction of insurance policy of Rs 2 lakh for each worker besides making mandatory the provident fund contribution to secure their future. Addressing the gathering, Jarmanjit Singh, spokesman, Joint Front Midday Meal Cook Workers, Punjab, said if the state government failed to fulfill the demands they would be forced to hold a state-level protest rally at Chandigarh on October 2. He said they were also charting out a plan to hold rallies at Lambi, which is also the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's constituency. Mamta Sharma, general secretary said on an average one worker is appointed for every 100 students and no training is being provided to the Mid-Day meal workers who are paid a meagre Rs 1,000 as salary per month. She said the education department was resorting to a pick-and-choose policy in the appointment of workers. While demanding minimum wages of Rs 4,160 per month, Mamta said if any worker gets injured while cooking food instead of giving any compensation she is asked to leave the job. She also demanded that provident fund contribution should also be made mandatory for the workers to secure their future. “We are being treated like a bonded labour by the state government as we have been getting only Rs 40 per day besides forcing us to stay in the school till 2 pm,” she added.
	City’s date with top designers Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 A two-day luxury lifestyle event, hosted by Ranjit's Svaasa heritage boutique spa, Haveli, brought in 20 designers from Delhi and Mumbai with their best collections on display at an exhibition Design Weekend which began here today. The brand names included the regulars like Lakme Fashion Week and WILF as well as some exclusive brands like Amrapali and Mille Fiorii honey. "The exhibition covers all aspects of luxury living-clothes, accessories, interiors, beauty products and wellness. People in Amritsar are very progressive when it comes to fashion. The A-list designers, too, are coming here. The entire concept proves itself with Design Weekend," shares Vishal Chand Mehra, MD-PR & development, Ranjit's Svaasa. Designer labels had AM: PM, Gaurav and Ritika, Atithi Gupta, Harangad Singh with an emphasis on the western and Indo-western outfits rather than traditional. The cuts are innovative, colours are fresh, details and silhouettes have been kept subtle with lot of prints. The fabrics were kept light with lots of chiffons and georgettes. Delhi-based Gaurav and Ritika exhibited their winter collection that included weaved woolen tunics, jackets with hints of embroidery and innovative cuts. "Our clothes are not just about style but about wear ability as well. Its fun, chic yet utilitarian," said Gaurav. Harangad Singh's collection was perfect example of turning ethnic into chic. Subtle embroideries and creative drapes; block printed anarkalis embellished on trousers did the magic. His designs were delicate on surface but rich in feel. His runway collection too impressed with its classy, minimalist and subtle drapes. Being from the region, he still prefers exhibition to flagship stores. "Amritsar does have potential clients but the number is limited. Opening an exclusive store is not viable as monetary returns may not good." says the designer.
	Ophthalmology institute progress reviewed Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 Assistant Director General (Health Services), Union Ministry for Health, Dr AS Rathore, visited the city today to assess the progress of the upcoming Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and the success of an eye-donation fortnight. The Ophthalmology Department of Government Medical College was granted the status Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in January itself. Rathore also met the college principal, Dr SS Shergill, and other staff members of the institute. “All northern states can seek help from this institute as it would train doctors and paramedical staff in various techniques of ophthalmology,” he added. The institute has been granted Rs 60 lakh for purchasing equipment and Rs 15 lakh for setting up an eye bank. We have purchased equipment worth Rs 58 lakhs so far, Dr Shergill added.
	Seminar on TB concludes Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 A daylong seminar for health staff under the Axshya project for controlling tuberculosis was organised at the local TB hospital today. Rajeev Chaudhary, district coordinator of the project, said paramedical staff were trained to deal with TB patients. At least 25 employees working under various institutions for the revised national tuberculosis programme took part in the seminar. Dr Naresh Chawala, district TB officer, told the paramedical staff about the basics of TB and the DOTS. The health employees must encourage people to get themselves examined at various hospitals at regular intervals. The people must be made aware that the disease is curable and the government provides free of cost medicines, he added. Four NGOs have been roped in to make people aware of the disease and the programme has started yielding results, he added.
	Vigilance Bureau nabs accountant on graft charge Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 The Vigilance Bureau arrested Rajpal Singh, an accountant of Chougawan Market Committee, for allegedly accepting Rs 25,000 as bribe from Amarinder Singh on Friday. The accused was allegedly demanding a bribe in lieu of releasing funds of Sawinder Singh, father of the complainant who died in 2008. Sawinder was an Auction Recorder with the department. The Vigilance Bureau registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Rajpal. Lakhbir Singh, DSP Vigilance, said the accused was demanding Rs 1.50 lakh to release funds to the tune of Rs 3 lakh. According to him, as per the statements of the complainant Amarinder Singh, the accused had taken a bribe from him to release some other funds too.
	Lawyers’ delegation leaves for Lahore Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 An 85-member delegation of advocates from all over the country on Friday crossed over to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah land route to attend a three-day conference starting from today in Lahore. The delegation, which includes advocates from various high courts and Apex court, was headed by Harjeevan Das, president Supreme Court Bar Association. It would return on September 11.
	Duplicate paint seized Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 The D-division police has arrested on Ashok Kumar, a resident of Shivam paints, situated at Sirki Banda Bazaar in the walled city for allegedly making and selling duplicate paint of Nerolac and Asian Paints. The police raided the premises of Ashok Kumar on the complaint of Ramesh Dutt of Chandigarh. The police registered a complaint under Sections 63 and 65 of the Copyrights Act, 1957, and Section 420 of the IPC against him. It also recovered 15 buckets (300 liters) of duplicate during the raid.
	Pen down strike by lab technicians from Sep 12 Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 10 The laboratory techniques in the district have decided to observe a pen down strike for three days to press upon government on their various demands, a decision which would affect medical services to a great extent. Baldev Singh Jhander, vice-president of the technicians' district association said they would observe a pen down strike from September 12. He said their case for revised pay scales is pending with the anomaly committee for a long time. "Earlier, we had a grade second to the medical officers, but in the present scenario our grade is kept lower than the staff nurses," he said. He said as their jobs pose multiple health hazards and thus they are entitled for a risk allowance. Malkiat Singh Bhatti, president of the association said, "The employees put on emergency duties in hospitals are required to be given accommodation free of cost but in our case we are charged 5 per cent of our pay." He said the union has demanded recruitment of Senior Lab technicians in the newly-formed districts too. The association has also decided to hold a protest outside Civil Surgeon office on September 14.