|
|
|
|
|
Tribune Special
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cong trying to run parallel govt through Guv’s office: Modi
36-hour rail blockade in Telangana ends
‘Rail roko’ paralyses Telangana for second day
Judge recuses from palmolein import case
Jantar Mantar
Bomb threat grounds SpiceJet flight to Delhi in Kathmandu
Pak minister coming to talk trade, will stay at Mumbai Taj
21 fishermen from India held in Pakistan; six boats seized
AFT: Army Chief can’t terminate services
Quake toll rises to 93 in Sikkim
|
|
Tribune Special
New Delhi, September 25 Venkatesh, who studied at IIT-K and now heads its faculty association, mourns the terrible reality of students succumbing to academic pressure, but attributes much of this stress to rising expectations of parents and JEE’s mechanical coaching. The coaching trains students to crack entrance exams, but fails them when it comes to the real challenge of being an IITian which involves thinking and innovating. "I trace much of this to parents who torment their wards for not scoring the top 9 grade. Even during the counselling sessions with JEE crackers, parents ask us what their child’s starting salary would be were he to consider a particular branch. They behave like customers, asking us to show their child’s worth. Naturally, students too no longer come to us for the love of learning. They basically come to make money. It’s time parents start telling children to do as well as they can, not as well as they must," says Venkatesh. He also warns of growing depression among M Tech students who stay on for research instead of jumping into jobs after four years of graduation. Eighty per cent IIT suicides in the last three years have involved undergraduates UGs. Causes of stress vary as an IIT Delhi student explains, "The first year is tough as you are getting to absorb the system where professors naturally demand performance from you. That’s the nature of IITs. The stress of scoring is the highest in the first two years. In the final year, peer pressure is at its worst as you face the fiercely competitive campus placements. Here top scorers are major gainers; hence the pressure on low scorers." On May 2, an M Tech student from IIT Madras, Nitin Reddy, committed suicide after being asked to repeat a course in the final year. This meant losing the job he had landed. IIT Madras later concluded that Nitin was depressed, but his father approached the National Human Rights Commission for justice. UB Desai, Director of IIT Hyderabad, say the systems - such as counselling units - are in place, though more psychologists are needed. The institutes also appoint faculty advisers for freshers to help them understand the new place. But all this has not always helped. In IIT Bombay, for example, the counselling unit failed to identify regular visitor Srikant Malapulla (21) as a depressive. He later committed suicide. Alarmed by the surging cases, IIT Council recently decided to set up a taskforce of directors to study the problem which Prof Sanjay Dhande, Director, IIT Kanpur, describes as a "social scourge". He wants the media to stop glorifying the IITs and NITs as the only quality institutes. "Turn the arc lights to other unsung institutes; ease the stress on IITians," he appeals, asking parents to tame their expectations. "Students must also realise they now have more freedoms without responsibilities. There are distractions like cell phones and the internet. These issues require introspection considering changing moral values and lifestyles," he says. An IIT-K panel constituted to look into the spate of suicides had earlier suggested an end to single-room hostel occupancy system and suggested that students share the rooms. They also said ceiling fans should be replaced with pedestal fans and internet speed should be reduced to prevent unhindered web access in the institutes. The logic given was constant internet use left students too tired to concentrate on lessons. The new taskforce, directors say, will give fresh suggestions. Meanwhile, the IIT faculty admits they have been unable to attend to students the way they used to. Since 2007, the intake at all central educational institutes increased manifold following the 27 per cent mandatory OBC reservation. "At IIT-K, the student teacher ratio used to be 8:1. It is now 16:1," Venkatesh explains. In a lighter vein, he even suggests that ragging must be allowed in small, decent measures to ensure that seniors talk to juniors and inter-personal ties build. "Look at our students today. Each one is an island, each one a loner," he says.
|
|
Cong trying to run parallel govt through Guv’s office: Modi
Ahmedabad, September 25 Addressing a big rally held at Vastrol on the outskirts of Ahmedabad to highlight what he calls "injustice against his government", Modi said, “You (Congress), for the last three years, have used the Raj Bhavan to make a back-door entry to run a parallel government in the state.” “This is a mega rally against the conspiracy hatched against my government,” Modi said, adding, the Governor has "lost the dignity of the post" and demanded her recall. "We have maintained silence since 2009 against the injustice by the Governor's office, in order to maintain its dignity and grace," he said. Lashing out at the Congress, Modi said despite sustained efforts, the Congress had failed to come to power in the state. "In 2004, just 24 hours after the UPA government came to power, the Congress had said that Modi should pack up as the Centre will invoke President's rule here. Since then, they are conspiring to remove my government," Modi alleged. The Modi government and the Governor have been at loggerheads since the latter appointed Justice RA Mehta as the Lokayukta, bypassing the state government. She has returned as many as five Bills in the last three years passed by the state Assembly. The Modi government has challenged the decision in the High Court. "Can a state have two governments? What will happen if there are two governments in one state? Where will the people go?" Modi asked. — PTI
|
|||||
|
36-hour rail blockade in Telangana ends
Hyderabad, September 25 As a part of the 'Sakal Janula Samme' (general strike by all sections of society) for separate Telangana state, the JAC had enforced rail blockade since yesterday morning. With the blockade coming to an end, South Central Railway (SCR) announced restoration of a few passengers trains from Secunderabad station here and other places from tonight. However, the general strike, which entered 13th day today, continues. "The rail roko programme was a huge success," T-JAC chairman M Kodandaram said, adding that the future course of action would depend on the response of the government over the Telangana issue. Earlier in the day, as a part of the rail roko, agitators including TRS and BJP activists continued demonstrations, squatted on railway tracks and held sit-ins at stations at several places across Telangana districts and Hyderabad city. Telangana supporters also organised mass cooking on tracks and platforms. Cultural programmes and protests were held in Medak, Nalgonda, Adilabad, Mahabubnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad and other Telangana districts. Train services across the region had come to a grinding halt since yesterday, with the SCR cancelling 55 express trains, diverting 55 and partially cancelling 48, besides cancelling 222 local trains. As a part of the general strike, pro-Telangana outfits staged protests, brought out processions and organised human chains in all the 10 Telangana districts and the state capital. — PTI
|
|||||
|
‘Rail roko’ paralyses Telangana for second day
Hyderabad, September 25 In view of the rail blockade, train services across Telangana came to a standstill. The South Central Railway (SCR) cancelled 55 express trains, diverted 55, partially cancelled 48 besides cancelling 222 MMTS or local train services and rescheduling other trains passing through various routes of the region. The 'rail roko', organised as part of general strike by all sections, had begun at 6 am yesterday. Activists of TRS, BJP and pro-Telangana groups led by their leaders continued their demonstrations and organised sit-ins on railway tracks and railway stations at several places in all Telangana districts and Hyderabad city. Telangana supporters also organised mass cooking and had lunch on rail tracks and platforms. Telangana Political Joint Action Committee chairman M Kodandaram announced that the 'rail roko' programme was a success. “It is difficult to put a figure on the number of places where 'rail roko' was organised, but I guess it could be more than 300," he said adding that the next course of action would be announced in a couple of days. Meanwhile, the general strike entered the 13th day today with pro-Telangana organisations staging protests, carrying out rallies and organising human chains in Warangal, Karimnagar and other Telangana districts. With the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspending its services in the Telangana region as a precautionary measure, commuters had a tough time reaching their destinations. Asked about the appeals from the government to call off the strike by all sections of people, Kodandaram said the strike would end automatically if there was a concrete response over the separate statehood demand. Meanwhile, TRS MLA and party president K Chandrasekhar Rao's son KT Rama Rao said his father was still considering the option of undertaking an indefinite hunger strike in support of the separate Telangana demand. "No final decision has yet been taken. The idea of undertaking a fast between Dussehra and Diwali is being considered. A massive 'Chalo Hyderabad' is also being planned," he said. The strike by all sections of people has been organised by the JAC that comprises TRS, BJP and a number of people's organisations like pro-Telangana Andhra Pradesh government employees. — PTI
|
|||||
|
Judge recuses from palmolein import case
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 25 Announcing his decision while taking up the case suo motu, Special Judge PK Haneefa said he had passed an order in the case on August 8 with “clear judicious consciousness and due procedure demanded But unfortunately, there was some personal attack against me through the media. So I do not think it is fair on my part to continue to hear the case further.” He said he had also requested Kerala High Court to take necessary steps to transfer the case to other courts. The next date for hearing in the case would stand as November 10, he added. The court had suo motu advanced the case for Saturday. Meanwhile, Chandy told reporters at Kochi that no one had said anything against the judge. — PTI
|
|||||
|
Jantar Mantar
After Nirupama Rao’s appointment as India’s ambassador to the United States, fierce jockeying is on for the much-coveted High Commissioner’s post in London that fell vacant over a month ago. Author-diplomat Pavan Varma, who is currently the Indian ambassador in Bhutan, is apparently heading the race. Not only is he close to the current political dispensation, but Varma probably believes that as a man of letters, he would acquit himself well in this job. Several other names are also doing the rounds. India’s current High Commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal is being mentioned as a possibility, especially since he is known for his proximity to National Security Advisor (NSA) Shivshankar Menon.
Being a political appointment, it is also possible that the job may not go to a career diplomat as has happened in the past. Former Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, whose close ties with Congress president Sonia Gandhi are no secret, is invariably mentioned each time there is a high-profile job up for grabs. This list of 10 Janpath loyalists had now been extended to include SPG chief Bharat Vir Wanchoo, who was part of the security provided to Rajiv Gandhi when he was PM and later to Sonia Gandhi and her family. On the other hand, there is a view that Wanchoo may be better suited for a governor’s post. The guessing game continues.
Vaastu makeover for BJP HQs
There is a flurry of activity at the BJP headquarters (where party chief Nitin Gadkari sits) on Ashoka Road. It is been given a complete makeover. Vaastu experts are also being consulted. The old ramshackle press room has been dismantled and a plush auditorium has come up in its place for daily media briefings and other party meetings. Other old structures have also been demolished and would replaced with new and modern offices.
Chandy shares his coalition mantra
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was in the Capital last week, had a piece of advice for his senior colleagues here on managing a coalition government. Speaking from the Congress’ long experience of heading coalitions in his home state, Chandy said the key to success lies in building trust with allies and keeping them informed about important government decisions. There would be occasions when all the partners are not on the same page, but they should also agree to disagree in such situations, he said. But it was important to keep the dialogue going so that each side understands the other’s position, he added.
|
|||||
|
Bomb threat grounds SpiceJet flight to Delhi in Kathmandu
Kathmandu/New Delhi, Sept 25 However, after a thorough search of the plane, the authorities at the Tribhuvan International Airport here said that it was a hoax. "Nothing was found during the security check and the aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, has been cleared for flight," a SpiceJet spokesperson said in New Delhi. The flight SG-042 was delayed for about four hours due to the threat. The aircraft with 173 passengers and 6 crew members was ready for take off for Delhi from Kathmandu airport at 10.30 am. According to sources, a lady passenger was talking about a bomb, which was overheard by her fellow passengers, who informed the cabin crew. The cabin crew informed the pilot and as per the standard procedure, the aircraft war taken to an isolated bay and was checked thoroughly. All the passengers were evacuated after one of them reported that there was a bomb inside the aircraft at the time it was about to take off at 10 am, said an official at the airport's Rescue Coordination Committee. The plane was isolated and the security personnel conducted thorough checking of the aircraft for more than three hours after the bomb threat was reported. The flight had landed in Kathmandu from Delhi this morning. The flight took off from Kathmandu for Delhi after a four-hour delay. Earlier reports said a foreign tourist, whose nationality was yet to be established, was being interrogated, the officials said. — PTI
|
|||||
|
Pak minister coming to talk trade, will stay at Mumbai Taj
Mumbai, September 25 Painstakingly restored to outshine even its former glory after the devastating terror onslaught, the 108-year-old luxury hotel played host to US President Barack Obama in November last year when he chose to begin his India visit from Mumbai. "That the Pakistani Commerce Minister is beginning his four-day visit from Mumbai shows the seriousness that Islamabad accords to trade ties with India," said a FICCI official. On the first day of his visit, Faheem, leading a 70-member official-cum-business delegation, will stay at the Taj and hold a round-table with select businessmen and potential Indian investors. — PTI
|
|||||
|
21 fishermen from India held in Pakistan; six boats seized
Jamnagar, September 25 The PMSA had initially seized eight boats which were fishing near the Indo-Pak marine border, and apprehended 24 fishermen. But it released two boats and three fishermen who returned to Okha and gave details of the incident to the officials. The other fishermen had been taken by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to Karachi where they would be produced before the court, officials said here. The boats seized by the Pak agency are Maruti Nandan (three fishermen aboard), Raj Laxmi (3), Al-Amin (4), Raj Divya (4), Shiv Raj (4) and Bhagyalaxmi (3). All the boats are from Porbander district in Gujarat. — PTI
|
|||||
|
AFT: Army Chief can’t terminate services
Chandigarh, September 25 Granting relief to a Lieutenant-Colonel against whom administrative action was initiated for alleged irregularities despite having been held not guilty twice by a general court martial earlier, the tribunal held that plenary powers under Section 19 of the Army Act read with Rule 14 have been reserved with the Central Government only and these cannot be resorted to by any other person. The court observed court martial proceedings were held against Lt-Col Harish Kumar twice and on both occasions, the findings were returned as “not guilty” and then administrative action was resorted to under the aforementioned provisions by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. “Leave aside the GOC-in-C, even the Chef of the Army Staff cannot resort to this power. Therefore, the order passed by the GOC-in-C awarding a severe displeasure cannot be sustained,” the tribunal observed while quashing the order and allowing all consequential benefits to the petitioner. The petitioner’s counsel, Maj SS Pandey told The Tribune that since he had been acquitted by a GCM twice, no action could have been taken subsequently on the same charges by issuing a show-cause notice and the action of the respondents was arbitrary and actuated with malice. Pandey said the petitioner was responsible for recruiting civilian labourers in the Ordnance Corps. After the end of the selection process, he received three letters from the Defence Ministry through the Army Headquarters, which contained names of some individuals, seeking help in recruitment. The petitioner had expressed his inability to accommodate such a request. Later, based upon “mild and baseless” allegations, a court of inquiry was ordered to investigate any malpractices in the recruitment.
|
|||||
|
Quake toll rises to 93 in Sikkim
Gangtok, September 25 Official sources said the body was found during the day by rescuers from the building which caved in during heavy rains on September 23 night after developing cracks due to the quake. With this the toll in East District has gone up to 14, while it remained same in rest of the state — 74 in North District, 1 in South District and 4 in West District. Sources in control room in North District said at least 13 villages on the Mangan-Djongu side remained inaccessible. — PTI
|
|||||
Jagjit Singh still in ICU
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Between 2008 and 2011, IITs, IIMs and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) together reported 26 student suicides; 16 of these at IITs alone and seven at NITs. This Friday, IIT Kanpur saw the fifth suicide in the last three years; the 10th in its entire history. After scribbling a telling note - "I am tired of IIT" -- across his hostel room wall, 18-year-old Mahtab Ahmad ended his life by hanging from a ceiling fan.
The BJP is still to resolve its leadership issue, but that has not stopped it from making serious preparations for taking on the mantle of power in the not-so-distant future. 
