The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Teachers' protest against ad hoc appointments
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
Upset over contractual appointments of teachers by the state government, the Democratic Teachers Front, Punjab, today held a protest rally at Mini Secretariat here demanding strict action against alleged culprits of a murderous attack on a teacher in a girls school in Khanna on August 20.

Addressing the protesting teachers, the district president of the DTF and other functionaries of the body, demanded that one of the alleged accused, Ajit Singh, should be placed under suspension and the contractual appointment of the other - Mandeep Singh - should be cancelled. They also sought a stern disciplinary action against the Principal of the school, whom they charged with abetting in the incident.

The DTF further asked the government to make regular appointments in primary schools and do away with the policy of contractual appointments. Moreover, the shifting of regular teachers to adjust those appointed on an ad hoc basis, should also be discontinued. The functionaries of the front tacked the government for its failure to fill more than 20,000 vacant posts of teacher in the education department.

The teachers also demanded immediate release of salaries, help up for three months now. Other demands, raised at the rally included cancellation of notification under which circular of 1957 was withdrawn, increase in the number of ETT institutes, end to political interference in transfers of teachers and introduction of a comprehensive transfer policy purely on merit.

Prominent among others, who addressed the rally were Mr Joginder Azad, Mr Madan Pal, Mr Maninder Singh, Mr Jarnail Singh, Mr Vijay Narain, Mr Rajinder Singh, Mr Boota Singh, Mr Mohinder Singh Kamalpura, Mr Kulwant Tarak, Mr Charan Singh Noorpura, Mr Balwinder Singh Bali and Mr Yash Pal Khamanon.

Student's death mourned
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Students, staff and management of the GGN Institute of Management and Technology today condoled the death of a student of the institute, Balveer Singh, who was electrocuted yesterday. They have sought strict action against the persons responsible for the negligence leading to his death and have also demanded suitable compensation.

A press note issued by the institute said it was a matter of grief and sorrow, that the victim, a student of BCA(1st semester) had died in such a manner. The staff and the students held a condolence meeting in the institute to pay homage to the departed soul.The institute was closed for the day.

Due to some constraints, Balveer Singh used to sell newspapers.

Students celebrate Teej
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
The Teej festival was celebrated on the premises of Everest Public Senior Secondary School, Moti Nagar, here today with the students of different classes attired in colourful dresses. Most of the students were in traditional Punjabi dresses. Tiny tots presented a cultural programme comprising songs and dance.

Ms Poonam Sharma, in charge, Everest Play Way School, near Shingar Cinema, motivated the children to participate in such cultural activities. Girl students from senior and senior secondary classes performed giddha and kikli. A 'Miss Punjaban' contest was also organised.

From Junior group (Class I to VII) Amandeep Kaur , a student of Class V, was awarded first prize followed by Surjit Kaur of Class III, who was adjudged second. The third prize went to Sonam, student of Class IV. In the senior group (Class VIII to XII) Sukhwinder Kaur of plus one (arts), Daljeet Kaur of plus two (arts) and Palwinder Kaur of plus one (arts) were awarded first, second and third prizes respectively.

Ms Asha Sharma, Principal, distributed sweets and prizes among the students.

Football match: The inaugural football match of Class IV, in a series of inter-house football matches being played on the grounds of Guru Nanak Public School in Sarabha Nagar, got under way today. The inaugural match between Ranjit Singh House and Prof Mohan Singh House was won by the former 4-1. Abhijeet Singh of Ranjit Singh House scored all goals for his team, including a hat-trick.

Hearing adjourned in Arshia case
Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
The Additional Sessions Judge, Mr Sukhdarshn Singh Khaira, today adjourned the hearing of an anticipatory bail application filed by Dr Vandna of Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital till August 14. He has been accused of medical negligence resulting in the death of a baby,Arshia.

On the last date of hearing the court had stayed the arrest of the doctor.Today it was extended till the next date of hearing. The hearing was adjourned as the prosecution failed to produce the record. The police file has been sent to the High Court, where the Registrar(Anesthesia), Mohan Dai Hospital, Dr Harjeet Kohli, had applied for the pre-arrest bail. Earlier, his anticipatory bail application was rejected by the court of Mr Khaira.