Ludhiana, March 12
Students of the Department of Business Management, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, could not have asked for a better deal. With the number of jobs offered exceeding the strength of students in the department this year, many companies had to return without being able to get any recruit.

Indicating a fairly good record, 35, out of a total of 39 students in the department, accepted the job offers while rest of the four students were also likely to do so very soon. The package offered this year ranged between Rs 2.25 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per annum.

According to Dr G.S. Chahal, Dean, College of Agriculture, the 36th batch of MBA and second batch of MBA (Agri-Business) was to pass out in June 2007 but the placement of these students had to be started much earlier this year due to the pressure from corporate sector.

Interestingly, the students were quite choosy this time in appearing for interviews owing to their preference for job profiles over pay packets, he added.

Dr S.K. Singla, head, department of business management, said the good placement scene could be attributed to good quality of students admitted through CAT for MBA and MET for MBA (Agri-Business), coupled with rigorous training schedule at the PAU. The department was able to attract companies, national and multinational, from all over the country. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 12
Taking cognizance of reports of uneasiness at the examination centre at Government Senior Secondary School, Chakohi, in Ludhiana district, the district education officer has deputed principal Varsha Shukla to supervise the functioning of the centre.

Tension started at Government Senior Secondary School, Chakohi, near here, during the middle class examination, being conducted by the Punjab School Education Board, last week. Situation turned ugly when a team led by Anil Sudhir, sent from the DEO office in response to a complaint made by Dr Charanjit Singh, then controller of the centre, asked Sushma Goel, superintendent, to hand over the charge to them, but she left office along with records and documents concerned with functioning of the examination hall.

She later lodged an FIR at the Khanna police station against Dr Charanjit Singh, Anil Sudhir and Ravi for obstructing her from performing her official duty.

Accusing Major Singh Sandhu, DEO, Ludhiana, of trying to shield superintendent Joginder Azad, secretary, Democratic Teachers Front, claimed that innocent officials, including former controller Dr Charanjit Singh, Anil Sudhir and Ravi had been victimised at the instance of certain political leaders.

“Instead of acting against Sushma Goel who had shown gross irresponsibility during the conduct of the examination, the DEO went to the extent of pleading before the panchayat to allow her to join duty at the centre,” alleged Azad.

Recollecting the sequence of events, Azad said Sushma Goel and Dr Charanjit Singh had developed confrontation during their service at Ekolaha School.

Refuting charges levelled against him, Major Singh Sandhu claimed that Sushma Goel had been appointed superintendent by the Board authorities and was admitted to a hospital after she was hurt in an accident.

“It is premature to say who is at fault in the whole episode, as we have to complete investigations. However, we have deputed Varsha Shukla to supervise the functioning at the said centre,” said Sandhu, adding that certain persons with vested interest had threatened her (Varsha Shukla) with dire consequences in case she interfered in the functioning of the centre.

Ludhiana March 12
Instrumental Music Department of the Government College for Women organised a music competition in Sitar recital at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. About ten students from the post-graduate and an equal number from the undergraduate level took part in the competition.

Harjeet Sharma declared first in BA I, followed by Kamalpreet Kaur and Manjit Kaur in second and third positions. In BA II, Amandeep bagged the first prize followed by Rupinder and Sukhchain in second and third positions, in BA III- Navdeep was declared the winner with Magan and Navneet sharing the second and the third spot.

In MA I Sohrab Singh won first position followed by Bhagwant Kaur in second and Raghbir Kaur in the third place. In the MA II category Inderpreet was the winner followed by Amanpreet in the second spot.

Prabhjot Kaur principal GCW presided over the function. In her presidential address she emphasised the need for more and more participation of students in such competitions to encourage them. Winners of the quiz and paper reading contests of post-graduate level were also given prizes on the occasion. Performances by Sohrab Singh, Bhagwant Kaur and Inderpreet were appreciated. 

Ludhiana, March 12
A mini cartoon land was seen at the fourth annual day function of Mother's Touch Kindergarten. Three year olds presented folk dance Kaal Baaliya, classical dance and a cartoon dance based on the theme for the function.

Children presented a skit to give the message of being polite. The school honoured four students from its very first batch. Harish Rai Dhanda, MLA, Ludhiana was the chief guest and Dr Bindra was the guest of honour.

Narang in Bar Council
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 12
Harish Narang has been unanimously elected member of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana. This was announced by Navtej Singh Toor chairman bar council.

The seat had fallen vacant, following the resignation of Harish Rai Dhanda on Feburary 22. Dhanda was later elected a legislator.