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Three years on, school awaits equipment
Chandigarh, September 17 Known as the 25:75 scheme, the importing schools, colleges and clubs as also state associations besides paying 25 per cent of the cost of the equipment (the government would pay 75 per cent of the remaining cost) was also supposed to give an undertaking to the effect that as and when the state association and/or the federation needed to use the imported equipment these would be provided by the importing institutions. It was under this rule that Shivalik Public School had, in 2004, applied to the Gymnastic Federation of India through the Chandigarh Gymnastic Association to import a full set of equipment for artistic gymnastics (both for men and women) and had fulfilled all conditions laid down by the government. A cheque for Rs 12.5 lakh was also sent to the Gymnastic Federation of India through the Chandigarh Gymnastic Association (to which Shivalik Public school was affiliated) for the said equipment on April 2, 2004. In February 2005, the then general secretary of the Gymnastic Federation of India, Kan Singh Rathore, had written to the secretary of the Chandigarh Gymnastic Association to inform him that the money deposited by the school had been received by the association and the application of the school had been forwarded to the Government of India for approval. Three years have passed since then. The school, which has a very good sports background having groomed quite a few players of international and national level in different games, is still waiting for the elusive equipment. A hall has been built in the school for placing the equipment, which would have helped budding gymnasts of not only the school but also of Chandigarh to hone their skills, is still to be put to proper use. In fact, the school authorities had drawn up plans to set up a gymnastic centre of excellence once the equipment had been installed. But now the programme has been put in cold storage. Principal D.S. Bedi has written a number of letters both to the Chandigarh Gymnastic Association as well as the Gymnastic Federation of India but without any success. Last year, totally fed up by the attitude of the national body Principal Bedi had asked for the refund of the money. But the Gymnastic Federation of India is yet to respond to this letter. Speaking to TNS, he said given the financial position of the school he was willing to import the equipment directly from the manufacturers but for that he would like the national body to refund the money, along with interest, deposited by him way back in 2004. He is yet to get a reply from the national body. And everybody talks of sports promotion in the country!
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Stop sanctions to DAV colleges: Teachers
Chandigarh, September 17 The union leaders said the college authorities are charging enormously high fees and are fleecing the students. The executive placed on record that the staff is opposed to such arbitrary and illegal fee hikes and fund collection drives. R.K. Anand, union secretary, said, “The two colleges, in utter disregard of their obligations of affiliation, continue to violate most provisions contained in the PU calendar. They have completely marginalised the role of the statutory governing bodies of the colleges, stopped inviting nominees of the director, higher education and the vice-chancellor, PU, to the governing body meetings, refuse to give information under the RTI Act, maintain accounts in violation of PU rules and decline to appoint a bursar; amalgamated fund and building fund committees, according to PU rules.” The executive appealed to the Chandigarh Administration that in light of the above, no sanction might be granted to the DAV Colleges Managing Committee for any new project in Chandigarh, especially in Sarangpur, until they show compliance to PU statutes/director, higher education instructions. They also pointed out that the two DAV Colleges in Chandigarh indulge in wasteful expenditure of public money with impunity. They do not subject themselves to any scrutiny from any lawful agency. Further, MCM DAV College has spent lakhs of rupees on the construction of the principal’s residence in the college campus that is lying unused for the last two years.
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From Laws to Spices
Chandigarh, September 17 Three students from the University of Stockholm, Sweden - Camilo Goine (24), Emil Akander (23) and Sara Abdulhalim (24) - are here not just to delve into the laws of the land but also plan to soak in some Indian culture before they go back. An unusual month-long exchange programme takes them from the classroom of the department of laws at Panjab University to the lawyers’ chambers and even to the courtrooms. But that does not stop the trio from tasting the local flavours of the region. What is interesting about the exchange programme is that it is fully run by students with one professor or teacher acting as the coordinator. Collaborated between ELSA (European Law Students’ Association) and ALSA (Asian Law Students’ Association, headquartered in Tokyo), the idea is to facilitate exposure of law studies in other countries. “It helps in a greater understanding of international law and also to promote social responsibility in existing systems because these students are future lawyers, judges, teachers and researchers,” explains department chairman, Prof S.K. Sharma. But selection process is no piece of cake. “You have to be capable to handle a lot of work,” says Camilo. This means not just keeping up with their own course back home (they head into exams as soon as they go back), but also coping with class-work here. Help, however, has come in the form of their hosts, co-students Imanbir Dhaliwal and Divanshu Jain, heading them off in the right direction, especially the classes. “The teachers play such an active role. It really motivates us. In our country, a lot of what we study is through our books and not so much through out teachers,” says Emil. Also with greater frequency of classes and longer periods, they are learning concentration, the Indian way. However, not everything is new. “Criminal and international law are similar but obviously family law is different here. Religious beliefs are given special consideration here which does not happen there,” says Emil. What they are excited about, though, is getting the idea of how Indian law works. “This provides us with a perfect platform to compare and learn. When we go back, because of our exposure here, we will be able to give suggestions on how things can be improved,” they Akander. But it is not all work for the trio. Short trips, spicy food, especially their favourites koftas and dosas, shopping (think cookbooks and spices too!) have them enthralled. And catching them by surprise is the serenity of the city with its positive and safe vibes resulting in a trip that has been revelatory and happy. The trio go back on September 26.
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Gym for GCG girls soon
Chandigarh, September 17 Now staying fit and maintaining curves would no longer be difficult for the girls as soon the college is going to have a gym, equipped with all modern fitness machines. It was in October 2006 that Pawan Kumar Bansal had announced Rs 5 lakh from the MP lads’ funds for the gym and it took the college authorities almost a year to come out with the structure after getting the required approvals. Taking the lead among city government colleges - as the only gymnasium in Government College, Sector 11, is in shambles - this gymnasium will not only be beneficial for sports students but the hostel residents will also be able to have their daily dose of exercising. “Being hostellers its impossible for us to go outside and join a regular fitness centre in the city. But with the gym coming up in our own college, we would be able to maintain an exercise schedule”, says a hostel resident beaming with excitement. The gymnasium would have 17 stations, which would include all equipments including treadmill, air bike, exercise bike, torso twist, ABD et al, for toning and strengthening muscles from head to toe, informed Suman Malhan, head of the department of physical education at the college. Next to the gym situated in the basement of the department of physical education, will be a waiting room equipped with locker facilities for the users and a relaxation room is also proposed alongside the air conditioned gymnasium. “Not only it will give a boost to the budding sportspersons but will also be beneficial to all those who can’t afford to go to a regular gym,” said a senior lecturer. “Carpeting and interiors of the gym are yet to be done. The gym will be open for use very soon”, maintained Promila Kaushal, principal. A gym instructor is awaited and the college has already written to the higher authorities for the same.
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CCTVs at university raise debate
These cameras have been installed at the three main gates, students’ centre, old UIET building, administration block, dental college building and UIET building. However, the employees and students of the university, both feel the move is a mere eyewash and would not solve any purpose. Most of the students are of the view that “the authorities are just wasting the money on superfluous things.” The need of fresh coat of paint over the hostel walls and renovating the pond of department of Gandhian studies are being ignored for a long time, they added. Gurjeet Singh Baba, law student, said, “These cameras will serve no purpose as security personnel deployed at the gates do not check the vehicles. So what will these cameras do?” Ramesh Kumar, a clerk in the university, whispered, “To check thefts through these cameras does not seem practical. It is just a trick to give an impression of hi-tech control, nothing else.” Declaring the cameras useless, Swarn Kumar, a Ph.D student said, “In spite of installing these cameras, the security personnel should do their job more attentively. Even after ascertaining the identity of an offender, the university authorities turn a blind eye on the issue of further proceedings, so why this kind of show off?” Giving a brief account of the new system, Nawal Kishore, dean, student welfare, said these cameras would serve as a check instrument on theft of vehicles and other activities of miscreants. When the system will start working properly only then everyone will realise the purpose behind it.”
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From Schools & Colleges
Mohali, September 17 Investiture ceremony: An impressive investiture ceremony was solemnised to confer honours on and to distribute duties among the newly elected student’s council of Shivalik Public School, Mohali, for the current session. Director principal D.S.Bedi and principal Satwant Kaur Bedi lit the lamp of knowledge. The oath to the office was administered by the director principal. The new appointments included school head boy Gulinder Singh, head girl Gurleen Kaur, deputy head boy Rajvir Singh, deputy head girl Komal, activity leader Bhavneet Singh, art and craft leader Shifali and sports leader Aridaman Singh, Sanchit, Rohit, Tushardeep and Diljot Singh were selected as boys’ captain, Baljinder Kaur, Preet Aman, Gurleen Pal and Dolker as girls’ captain of Partap, Azad, Ranjit and Subhash houses respectively. Workshop: A six-day fine arts workshop organised by the department of youth welfare, Punjabi University, in Rayat and Bahra College of Education, Sahauran, for professional as well as degree colleges of Ropar zone began here today. Principal of the college, Dr Indu Rihani, and faculty members welcomed Prof J.P. Singh from Government College of Arts, Sector 10, Chandigarh. As many as 32 students from 12 different colleges of Ropar zone are participating in this workshop. Freshers’ party: Freshers’ Party-2007 was organised at Sri Sukhmani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dera Bassi. The party was organised by Prof Gurpreet Kaur, dean, cultural affairs. The first year students also showcased their talent during the event. The chief guests were greeted by Principal Dr. I.P.Singh. Titles of Mr and Miss Fresher were given to Nishant Sharma and Divya respectively by director of the Sukhmani Group, Kanwaljit Kaur. Best personality and Ms Charming awards were given to Simaran Jeet Singh and Shikha respectively. Chairman Avtar Singh welcomed the new students. Toppers: Six students of Chandigarh Engineering College, Landran, have captured positions in the merit lists of 6th semester B.Tech exams held by PTU in May, 2007. Ashish Paul has secured second position with 90 per cent marks, Deepak Katoch (86.1 per cent), Navpreet Kaur (83.6 per cent) and Pallavi Pathak (82.3 per cent) have secured second, sixth and ninth positions respectively. Amit Thakur and Vibha Mahajan stood at sixth and seventh positions in their respective disciplines.
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PU Notes
Chandigarh, September 17
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Poor facilities at dist courts
Chandigarh, September 17 Talking of the problems faced by lawyers, former vice-president of the district bar association Arun Dogra said, “The water collects up to 2 ft in the basement during
monsoon.” As it didn’t rain heavily this year, the condition of the basement is better compared to last year. Agreeing with him is a regular visitor at courts, M.K. Sharma. “Stagnant water can breed mosquitoes, making it a breeding ground of diseases,”
he said. One of the toilets in front of chamber number 225 has a big hole that can even take one’s life. Navdeep Kaur, a litigant, says, “As you open the door of the toilet, there is a trench. I have been coming to the district courts since the past two years and this door is usually open. Anyone can slip.” The president of the association, A. S. Chahal, has hired private safai karamcharis to clean the toilets but he was unaware of the one with the trench. The canteen also leaves much to be desired. “The canteen contractor has been changed a number of times but the quality of the food remains the same. Advocates usually do not have meals in the canteen.”
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High Court
Chandigarh September 17 The contents of the government’s advertisement policy mentions that the department of public relations would release display advertisements on important occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, Haryana Day, and death or birth anniversaries of prominent national and state leaders. Such advertisements may also carry the appeal message of the Governor, Chief Minister, minister or any other dignitary. The Bench observed that the expressions “or any other dignitary” and “prominent national and state leaders” were vague and required to be properly explained or defined. The Bench had a word of praise for the Punajb Government’s proposed advertisements policy, which clearly states that no photograph of any political leader not holding any government office, or of any officer shall appear in the advertisement on display. The court adjourned the matter to January 9. The Bench issued these directions on a PIL filed by an advocate H.C. Arora, who had alleged wastage of public funds by the state and union government and various institutions under them, on political advertisements.
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CBI told to return documents to petitioner
Chandigarh, September 17 In the meantime, he purchased a house in SAS Nagar under regular sale deed with his personal income. He said he was arrested by the CBI and to secure his presence, the petitioner seized a file regarding his allotment from the office. The petitioner later appeared before the trial court in Ludhiana and was also sent to Nabha Jail. He was discharged in January 1999 but his documents have not been released yet. The court has issued notice of motion for January 9. Temple demarcation
A petition was filed in the High Court seeking directions for the notified area committee, Zirakpur, Kalgidhar Real Estate and Housing Development Limited and others to demarcate the plot left for the construction of a temple as per the site plan which the petitioner said was submitted to the NAC. The petitioner said despite a representation to the authorities about the demarcation, no field staff had been deployed by the authorities. The court has issued notice of motion to the respondents.
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Jailed for cheque bounce
Chandigarh, August 17 The complainant had filed a case at the district courts under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
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Chandigarh, September 17