 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
AICTE allows Sukhmani college to make admissions
Chandigarh, June 24 The AICTE has allowed the college to make admissions to various courses for academic session 2006-07. With this, the uncertainty over admissions to the institute is virtually over. The AICTE, a statutory body regulating technical education in the country, has reduced the total number of seats of at least 13 colleges recently bringing bad news for thousands of engineering aspirants of the state. In fact, in the “status of approval for the AICTE-approved engineering institutions for academic year 2006-07”, the AICTE website has mentioned that there would be “no admissions” to the institute. However, today the website restored the original 450 seats to college for which admission could be made. While the institute has been allowed to make 60 admissions each in computer science and engineering, information technology and the masters in computer education (MCA) streams, the electronics and communication engineering and mechanical streams will accommodate 120 students each. The institute can admit 30 students in the electrical engineering branch, it is learnt. The restoration of seats followed an inspection by the AICTE team that expressed satisfaction over infrastructure, including faculty. Following inspection, the team gave a go-ahead for admissions, said Mr Avtar Singh, chairman of the institute. It may be recalled that the institute, in an appeal to the AICTE, had contended that the institute was a premier engineering institute established in 1998. The fifth batch was passing out in 2006. “Our pass-outs are well-placed in various sectors in India and abroad,” it was highlighted. Meanwhile, a press note issued by the institute said admissions against the intake of 450 seats in various branches stood approved. Therefore, admissions under the management quota and through CET/AIEEE counselling had been restored, it added.
|
|
Scientists stress on the need for collaborative research
Chandigarh, June 24. These remarks assume a special significance as they come from Dr Navin Khanna, India’s who known genetic scientist, currently working at the International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi. Dr Khanna is in the city to participate in the 14-day National Workshop on Genetic Engineering being held at the Department of Biotechnology. Panjab University. Dispelling several myths, Dr. Khanna told a spellbound audience that included many scientists that there was an urgent need to educate people about need and importance for scientific experiments. “For example people should be told about the concept of cloning and that its objective is to create identical animals for the study of human diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, dengue fever, HIV and so on”. The vaccines for these diseases are prepared with the help of recombinant DNA. Now, it is being used to make insulin in India as well which has been tested and is available in the market, he added. In India, the imported drugs are not within the reach of the common man. Diagnostic kits for most viral and bacterial infections are also not readily available. If these medicines are produced in India, they will be available at cheaper rates of Rs 60-70 and if bought in bulk not more than Rs 20, he said. Dr Khanna advocated focusing of biotechnology research saying, “there has to be a closed loop of biotechnologists who should work in a systematic way and only focus on one particular issue at a time, finish it and then work on another subject. There is a strong need of teamwork between the institutes and industries for obtaining better results”. In his keynote address on “Recombinant DNA Technology”, Dr Khanna talked at length about the basic cellular metabolism using animations. He further introduced the participants to the basic techniques involved in genetic engineering. Dr. Navin Khanna has developed many diagnostic kits for the diagnosis of dengue infections and has sold the technology to biotech industry. Welcoming the participants, Prof. K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, laid emphasis on the importance of biotechnology in the medical and engineering fields. Dr Suman Govil, Director (DBT, Govt. of India), highlighted the “Human Resources Programme” being carried out by DBT, Govt. of India. DBT is spending crores and crores of rupees to produce skilled professionals in the field of biotechnology. It is funding over 30 M.Sc. Biotechnology cetntres all over India. Recently they have initiated 100 scholarships for Ph.D. programmes. Dr (Mrs.) Jagdeep Kaur, President of the organising committee for this workshop talked about the achievements of the Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Almost every faculty member of the department has a national-level research project. After completion of the Ph.D. from the Department o Biotechnology the students are easily absorbed by MNCs or go to developed countries like the USA, Canada or England. Prof R. Tewari talked about the theme of the workshop. It is basically aimed at exposing young brilliant scientists to the exciting world of gene cloning. The participants have been chosen from different places like the IIT, Bombay, IIT, Roorkee, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai, National Mushroom Centre, Solan; Gwalior University, Gwalior; Shere Kashmir University, Jammu; Sagar University, Maharashtra; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; the PGI and Panjab University, Chandigarh. Response to this workshop was overwhelming. Over 100 applications were received for 15 seats.
|
|
Gang-rape: 2 accused nabbed
Lalru, June 24 According to the police, the two accused, Amandeep Singh, a resident of Sarsini, and Harvinder Singh of Jharmari, who had already been identified by the victim, were arrested by a police party led by the Lalru SHO, Mr Nachattar Singh Bhullar, near the Jharmari Barrier following a specific information. Meanwhile, the other two accused in the case have been identified as Mintu Kumar, a resident of Batoli, and Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Mirpur. The Indica car involved in the crime reportedly belongs to Gurmeet Singh. All four accused are said to be in the property business. On the other hand, the police was conducting raids at several places to nab the two other accused, sources said.
|
|
Fire in HT office
Mohali, June 24 The fire broke out in the advertisement department of the office. The panic gripped the office and employees of the newspaper, working in other departments moved out by breaking windowpanes of their departments. According to fire department sources, the first call was received at 8.39 pm. As many as two fire tenders were pressed into service to put out the blaze. Firemen had a tough time in putting out the fire. The exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained, they said. According to Kamal Kishore Sood, Mohali fire station in charge, fire personnel controlled the fire in about two hours. Though computers and some important documents were destroyed in the fire, no loss of life was reported.
|
|
Kidnap bid: Hindu samiti secretary, gunman nabbed
Chandigarh, June 24 The boy was allegedly kidnapped as he was found talking to a girl, who was the niece of Varinder Bajaj. The family of the girl had descended on the scene in Hyundai Accent (CH 03 K 4066) on getting a tip-off that the boy was meeting the girl at the spot. Moments after the boy reached the spot, the occupants in the car overpowered the boy and the girl into the car. The entire drama was clicked by a Tribune
lensman. On seeing that their act was caught on the camera, the boy was pushed out of the car and made to sit on his motor cycle. The Punjab Police gunman sat behind the boy. When the drama was continuing, a police control room vehicle reached the spot. On seeing the police, the occupants of the car fled from the spot leaving behind the boy, the Punjab Police gunman and some other accomplices. The police has registered a case under Sections 365, 511 and 34 of the IPC against the occupants of the car and was investigating the matter.
|
|
Ray of hope for CITCO shed allottees
Chandigarh, June 24 At the time of allotment 15 years ago, CITCO had made a commitment to transfer the sheds to the allottees. The transfer affects approximately 500 cases. For allowing the transfer, the issue would be tabled in the forthcoming meeting of the Board of Directors of CITCO, said sources in the Chandigarh Administration. After being approved, the case would be referred to the UT Estate Officer who will revise the lease deed to enable the transfer of property. The Estate Office had given the sites on 99 years lease to CITCO for leasing out the same to applicants. But instead of leasing the sites as per the terms and conditions of the Estate Office, CITCO rented out the sites, said a senior official. Now the mistake on part of CITCO would have to be rectified before the Estate Office revises the terms and conditions in the lease deed. This would enable the allottee to sell their sites. At least 150 applications were pending with the department. Instead of rectifying the flaw, CITCO demanded subletting fee from the allottees of the sheds. The allottee lamented that they could not enjoy several financial benefits, including the loans till the time they had the plots transferred in their names. The Chandigarh CITCO Shed Owners Association pointed out that when they approached CITCO for transfer of property, they were asked to contact the Estate Office. Officials in the Estate Office said when CITCO has collected the money how Estate Office can issue the certificate. Official sources said that a mistake had been committed by CITCO saying that the “leasehold rights in the industrial shed of the corporation shall be transferable in your favour after the expiry of 15 years from the date of allotment. How can CITCO transfer the shed which is in name of the estate office?” A senior official said that a large number of the disgruntled owners were those holding the general power of attorney. Legally, they are not supposed to be hiring out these even on GPA. It, practically, amounts to subletting and in case doing that they will have to pay the fees.
|
|
Puppet show to create awareness on AIDS
Chandigarh, June 24 More than 250 labourers, including males and females, participated in the camp. A team of professional doctors treated them and Yuvsatta volunteers provided them free medicines, counselling, HIV/AIDS awareness material and condoms. The puppet show titled “Drugs are not child’s play”, emphasising on saving children from drugs was also staged on the occasion, informed Mr Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta. Earlier, Mr Bhim Sen, president of the market committee, grain market, inaugurated the camp and appreciated the organisation for educating the uneducated about AIDS. Mr Prem Chand, president of Satsang Bhavan Committee, Sector 26, was also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Dr Inderpal Singh, project doctor of
Yuvsatta, said one should avoid drugs, especially the intravenous drugs which some people take as they are the gateway to HIV and AIDS. The HIV transmission among intravenous drug-users was most rapid. He also said there were many examples, where drug-addicts had resumed normal life and behaviour after proper counselling, treatment and family support. Ms Yashwanti Arya, a project manager of Yuvsatta, said the effects of drugs, especially on children, have witnessed an alarming rise. In an effort to increase public awareness on this issue, the United Nations’ office on drugs and crime has selected “Drugs are not child’s play” as the theme for the 2006 international campaign, she claimed.
|
|
Tough stand by administration on voters’ registration irks candidates
Mohali, June 24 It is reported that the office of the SDM-cum- Electoral Registration Officer, Mr Sandeep Hans, had received about 5,000 applications filing claims while more than 300 forms were received in which objections were made. It is learnt that certain prospective candidates for the civic body poll had made all efforts to get maximum residents of their respective areas registered as voters. As such claims were filed even in the case of persons who did not fulfil the required conditions. It was found that forms were filled on behalf of underage persons and those hailing from Nepal. The authorities concerned rejected all such cases after proper questioning. Sources said that some factory owners were interested in getting their workers registered as voters. Such cases were also not entertained by the authorities concerned on the ground that these workers lived by themselves here while the members of their families lived in other states. Moreover, such workers often kept moving from one town to another instead of having a permanent address. Such cases had been bracketed under doubtful category and votes would be made only in the case of persons who fulfilled the required conditions. The tough stand taken by the administration has caused resentment among certain prospective candidates. Mrs Manmohan Kaur, a former municipal councillor, has alleged that in some cases bogus votes had been prepared by the authorities concerned while the administration was acting tough in other cases. Mr Amrik Singh, another former municipal councillor, said that the authorities concerned kept changing their stand now and then causing harassment to residents. However, the SDM said that all the allegations were baseless. The administration was only making efforts to get genuine residents of the town registered as voters.
|
|
|
Rousing response to Lalji’s yoga camp
Chandigarh, June 24 Swamiji presented a set of books published by ashram, along with various yoga health products and a pack of CDs of his programmes running on various TV channels, to Mr Surinder Singh, Mayor, Chandigarh, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Swamiji also attended to the patients at the Yog Divya Mandir, Sector 30, from 5 pm onwards. Talking about the response of people to the shivir, Swami Ji said, “There is still a day left of this camp and already the requests to organise other such camps are pouring in at the Yog Divya Mandir. “Many people have requested me personally in this regard. Even Mr Chander Mohan, Deputy Chief Minister, Haryana, asked me to organise such camps in Haryana, when he came to the camp.” Swami Ji also announced that he would be organising another yog camp in Chandigarh soon. The camp would focus on “Stress Management”. There are eight parts of yog according to ‘Patanjali Yog’. Complete information on one of these parts is being given each day along with the Yog sadhna in the ‘Yog Sukh Sagar’ camp to ensure maximum benefit to the participants. The practice of these parts, namely Yam,
Niyam, Asan, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dhaarna, Dhyan and Samadhi, helps in the healing of all kinds of diseases and provides inner
peace. Today, information about Dhyan was given in the camp. Kirtan was performed after the completion of yog session today and it was announced that people interested in meeting Swami Ji could meet him from 5 to 7 pm daily in the Yog Divya Mandir, Sector 30. Tomorrow will be the final day of the Yog Sukh Sagar Sadhna
Shivir.
|
|
Complaint against Airtel
Mohali, June 24 She said that she had fulfilled the conditions laid down under the scheme, including the payment of all bills received by her. She said that when she did not receive any message from Airtel regarding the air ticket, she was compelled to close the mobile after a 10-day period. Mrs Bedi said she felt cheated and had written to senior company officials regarding her complaint but had so far not received the air ticket. She said she planned to move the consumer court to get justice. However, Mr Atul Tyagi, Nodal Officer (Customer Care), Punjab, told The Tribune that Mrs Bedi did not contact Airtel before closing the mobile. She also stopped paying the bills without finding out the status of her case from the company office, he added.
|
|
Parking contractor ‘harassing’ employees
Chandigarh, June 24 The contractor was managing the paid parking in the area which was reserved for government employees. “ We all have been issued authorised paid parking stickers by the Municipal Corporation”, said Mr N.K.
Jhingan, one of the affected employees. The contractor was charging Rs 2 from them instead of the permitted Re 1. This resulted in non-availability of parking space to the authorised pass holders. “On refusal to pay Rs 2, the staff of the contractor uses derogatory language and misbehaves with the employees”, added Mr Jhingan. Besides, the contractor was using the space meant for entry to offices as parking lot for private vehicles. For cars, the contractor was charging Rs 5 instead of Rs 2.50 for the area meant for pass parking. The employees have forwarded their grievance to the Joint Commissioner of Municipal Corporation.
|
|
Speaking contest for kids
Chandigarh, June 24 A large number of students of different age groups participated in the competitions with great enthusiasm. Jatinder Bhatia, a municipal councillor and finance secretary of the SD College Managing Committee, who was the chief guest, distributed mementos among winners. The results are as follows : Special group (6 to 12 years) Level I : Vansham (1) and Tushar (2). Level II : Karan (1) and Tinish (2), and Level III : Shrishti (1) and Sarthar (2). Special group (14 years onwards) Level I : Tarwinder (1); Kuljeet (2) and Sanjay (3), Level II: Parveen (1); Chandni (2) and Om Prakash (3), Level III: Kriti (1); Savita (2) and Shivani (3), Level IV: Sonika (1) and Shivani (2).
|
|
Cycle expedition concludes
Chandigarh, June 24 The Chief Signal Officer, Western Command, Maj-Gen D.V. Kalra, flagged off the expedition. Senior officers and Army personnel were also present on the occasion. General Kalra applauded their efforts and presented them souvenirs. Organised by the Western Command Composite Signal Regiment, the expedition was flagged off on June 19, from Pooh and passed through Karcham, Jhakri, Narkanda, Jutogh and Kalka before reaching here. Before that the team members consisting of one Junior Commissioned Officer and 13 other ranks underwent two weeks’ physical training to get themselves prepared for the mission.
|
|
|
British Library workshop ends
Chandigarh, June 24 Besides group discussions and puzzle solving, some other competitions were also organised during the workshop. A prize distribution function marked the conclusion of the workshop. Ms Poonam Sidhu, Director, Tariff, Punjab State (PSERC), who was the chief guest on the occasion, honoured the winners. She also appreciated the efforts of British Library in helping young aspirants in developing their careers. In the 5-6 age group, Sunrose Billing, Abhinav Gupta and M. Shraddha bagged the top three positions.
|
|
Homoeopathy camp at AG Punjab office
Chandigarh, June 24 The camp was inaugurated by Mr Onkar Nath, Accountant-General (A&E), Punjab, who promised to extend help to the society for future projects. Mr H.S.
Heer, general secretary of the society, said a team of doctors from Progressive Homoeopathy Society, Chandigarh, which included Mr B.S. Kalra, Mr Sanjay Gupta, Mr Sunil Setia, Mr Mukesh Gaba, Mr Amrinder Singh and Gaurav checked as many as 500 employees and their dependants.
|
|
|
Garbage plant MoU: BJP for CBI probe
Chandigarh, June 24 In a statement issued here today, the party alleged that the civic body seemed to have signed the MoU with the private party by flouting various rules and regulations as reported in a section of the press. An independent inquiry was necessary to bring out the truth behind the signing of the deal, it said.
TNS
|
|
Verification drive for servants
Chandigarh, June 24 A spokesman of the police said verification of the servants and tenants was necessary to check organised crime. During the drive, rolls of 178 rickshaw pullers were filled by the police officials. The exercise was supervised by Sub Divisional Officers.
|
|
|
Satish Kapoor chief of CMA
Chandigarh, June 24 The other office-bearers of the association include Mr Vikram Hans — vice president, Mr JN Vohra — general secretary; Dr Manoj Sharma — joint secretary, and Mr Vivek Goel; treasurer. Mr PR Singhania, Dr Niraj Pasricha, Mrs Madulka Kak, Mr AK Gandhi, Mr Avinash Mathur, Prof SM Sharma and Col MGS Khurana have been elected the executive members of association.
|
|
Piaggio 'Ape
Mahautsav' ends
Chandigarh, June 24 Sudhanshu Shiromani, DGM, North,
PVPL, said, "The core emphasis of the event will be to build loyalty for the brand''. The company plans to conduct ''Ape
Mahautsav'' across 44 cities in India in 3-4 months.
|
|
|
Singh Sabha executive
Chandigarh, June 24
|
|
Woman’s body found
Panchkula, June 24 Some residents noticed the body parts scattered on the railway line and subsequently the railway police was informed. The railway police personnel reached the spot and took the body in possession. The body was later sent to the Civil Hospital, Kalka, for a post-mortem examination this evening. A case has been registered in this regard.
|
|
VAT can boost industrial growth: seminar
Chandigarh, June 24 The minister was addressing a seminar "Recent Trends in Cost Management and Role of Cost Accountants under VAT" organised by the Chandigarh-Panchkula Chapter of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India here today. A former chairman and member of NIRC of ICWA, Mr D.C. Arya, suggested that self-assessment under VAT should be promoted by introducing VAT audit by cost accountants to create industrial-friendly atmosphere in the state. He also opined to promote more investments and introduce performance audit by cost accountants with respect to budgeted and actual physical achievements to ensure proper utilisation of funds allocated for upliftment of the people of the state. Mr Balwinder Singh, chairman of the chapter, said the industry had no control over prices. He explained how VAT could fasten industrial growth, if implemented as national tax. He also said the introduction of VAT in most of the states and Union Territories should go a long way towards integration of the domestic trade in a single market and put an end to the unhealthy competition among states. Prof. Pankaj Gupta from IMT Ghaziabad, who is a recipient of Full Bright Scholarship, a highest award of excellence in commerce from the US government, gave detailed case studies to present how important cost management in today's scenario was. Rajiv Gupta, Head Operations, Trident group, Barnala, and Vikas Gupta, Secretary of the chapter, also shared their experiences.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
