Govt degrading education: teacher
Our Correspondent

Ahmedgarh, November 18
The Government Teachers’ Union has criticised the Punjab Government for deliberately degrading primary education in government schools to ensure privatisation of education in the state.

Led by the state president, Mr Sukhdev Singh Bari, GTU leaders and PSSF leaders, namely, Harbans Singh Cheema, Nand Lal Juneja, Sikander Singh Jartoli, Jarnail Singh Jandali, Harbans Singh Aulakh and Jagtaran Kanganwal, alleged that the administration often deputes primary teachers on non-teaching duties which adversely affected the teaching in schools. Worried about the future of their wards, even poor guardians put their wards in public schools and borrow money to get them educated there, they alleged.

The leaders said on an average two of the three teachers posted at a school were deputed on non-teaching tasks, although, 40 per cent of the sanctioned posts were lying vacant.

Giving details of the non-teaching duties performed in the recent past, the union leaders said three days were spent on identity card preparation. It was followed by four days’ exercise to prepare fresh votes. Half of the past week was spent in the second round of voters’ enlistment and depositing of the lists with subdivision office of area.

The formation of the Vidiak Vikas Committees under a new scheme has proved more time consuming, they said. Further, submitting monthly report along with group photograph of all committee members has proved cumbersome because it is difficult to meet the members in working hours.

Primary teachers are also unnecessarily deputed on pulse polio camps, though there is enough medical staff on duty and also social organisations are generally associated with camps, said the teachers.

The teachers demanded that the practice of deputing teachers, particularly in pre-examination days, should be avoided as it caused immense loss to the educational structure.

College fete organised
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 18
Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women held Fete-2001 on the college campus yesterday in in connection with Divali.

Mr Ravi Inder Singh, MLA, former Speaker, Vidhan Sabha, was the chief guest. He exhorted the students to work hard and help in the uplift of the nation. He also inaugurated a newly constructed building with a seating capacity for about 250 students on the college premises.

Dr Madanjit Kaur Sahota, Principal of the college, thanked Mr Ravi Inder Singh for donating Rs 2.5 lakh to the college for various development projects. The fete attracted more than 4,000 visitors. Cultural events, mehndi competitions, games and various food stalls offering continental delicacies, evoked an overwhelming response.

Young students attired in colourful apparel, jived to the tunes of songs played at the request-stall. Some students sold handmade bags to promote eco-friendliness, ‘Ban polybags’ was the motto of this stall. Handmade soft toys, and bouquets were also in great demand.

Lala Lajpat Rai, member Rajya Sabha, was the chief guest for the valedictory session. He exhorted the students to explore new vistas of intellect and assume their rightful positions in the society. He drew the lots and gave away prizes to lucky winners. He donated Rs 1 lakh for the development of the college.

Dr Madanjit Kaur Sahota thanked the chief guest and other dignitaries who contributed liberally to raise funds for the college. Mr Swaran Singh, president; Mr Amarjit Singh Ji, vice-president, and Mr Surjan Singh Thekedar, a Shiromani Akali Dal leader, were also present on the occasion.

Colourful programme at school function
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 18
The annual prize distribution function of Everest Public Senior Secondary, School, Moti Nagar, was organised here yesterday.

A colourful programme of dances and skits was presented by the students. Prizes were distributed among the students who had got distinction.

Amarjit and Raman Sharma of class XII were adjudged best students of the school. A total of 24 students were given special awards.

Mr Rajinder Sharma read the annual report of the school. Ms Asha Sharma, the Principal, thanked the guests. Mr Lajpat Rai, MP, who was the chief guest, inaugurated a room built in memory of Rakesh Sharma, alias Happy, son of Mr Roshan Lal.