Right to Information Act
Educational institutions can create awareness
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 30
“Universities and colleges are the purveyors of thought in the information age and such institutions can be a good medium to create awareness among the people about the Right to Information Act.” This was stated by the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Mr Rajan Kashyap, while delivering his presidential address at a conference of principals of government colleges and nodal officers organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of SCD Government College today.

He said he had asked the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University to form a specialised group to suggest changes in the curriculum of law and political science courses to include Right to information Act and also to design courses both for public and information officers of various departments to remove ignorance about the Act among them. He further said the VC had agreed to his request and a core group will be formed soon.

Others who addressed the conference included Mr P.P.S. Gill, member, Information Commission, who shared his views on his experiences as an information officer in Punjab Agricultural University.

Dr Kanwarjeet Singh, DPI (Colleges), said the educational machinery in the colleges should gear itself to provide information to the students, parents and general public. He emphasised on the efficient record keeping both from educational and administrative point of view.

He asked principals to ensure total transparency in the admission procedure and prepare efficient records of admission to show if needed by any member of the public.

All colleges accredited by the NAAC should launch their informative websites at the earliest and display all the necessary records of students’ attendance, courses available, academic schedule, employee records, examination schedule and contact information on it, he said.

An informative presentation was given by Dr Venketesh, a project co-ordinator of an NGO formed for the promotion of the RTI Act. He highlighted the various provisions of the Act and apprised the principals how they could implement it in their institutions.

Others who attended the event included Dr Malkiat Singh, Principal, SCD Government College, Prof Rajinder Singh, Editor, Satluj Magazine, Dr P.S. Sohi, Dean, Students Welfare, Prof Ashwani Bhalla, nodal officer, PTOSS, Prof Jaipal Singh, President, PGCTA, Punjab, Prof B.M. Sarwal, member, NAAC Steering Committee. A vote of thanks was presented by Dr Malkiat Singh.

Engg college alumni have a gala time
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 30
It was a walk down memory lane for scores of old students of Guru Nanak Engineering College as they strolled down the sprawling campus pointing out their favourite hangouts on the campus to their spouses and children.

The college wore a festive look today. The passouts from 1960 to the current 2006 batches were filled with enthusiasm. The meet started with the recital of Shabad Gayan by Prof Hari Singh, former Principal of the college, followed by the welcome address by Mr J.S. Kular, president, GENCO Alumni Association.

Dr Harkirat Kaur Grewal, Principal and an alumna of the college welcomed all those present. Significantly, all former Principals of college, Dr R.S. Seehra, Dr R.P. Singh, Dr D.S. Hira, and Dr S.B. Singh, were present.

Teachers not given appointment letters
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 30
Hundreds of computer teachers got disappointed as they were not given appointment letters from the DEO's Office, Ludhiana, here today. These teachers had been duly interviewed and selected by the panel and were to be given appointment letters and stations to which they were to be posted.

Hundreds of them had gathered at the DEO's office hoping to get the appointment letters and stations. But, they were told that they would not be getting their letters as the code of conduct had been set for the Assembly elections. The teachers said their careers had been nipped in the bud. They have urged the government to allot them stations or else they would have to take stiff steps to pressurise the government.