The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Teachers ignored for awards protest
Our Correspondent

Ahmedgarh, September 4
The State Awardee Teachers Union of Punjab has criticised the state Education Department for not considering the names of four teachers, recommended by a selection committee of Sangrur district, for the state and national awards to be given on Teachers Day on September 5. These names were ignored because the District Education Office of Sangrur had not forwarded these before the deadline.

Mr Ram Singh Dhillon, state president of the union, said the DEO office had delayed the submission of the cases for 3 state awards and one national award to facilitate the selection of certain teachers of the other districts. The deadline to send these cases to the DPI (secondary schools) was May 31, but the DEO called a meeting of the selection committee on June 6 and the files had not been forwarded to the DPI even by June 10.

The teachers, then, sent the case files to the DPI on their own. The DPI refused to consider their cases, whereas, the DPI (primary schools) is said to have considered one such case of a primary-school teacher of Sunam that had been forwarded in July. Various other teachers’ unions have shown support for the affected teachers. These unions have urged the Education Minister and the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter.

To teacher, with love
Our Correspondent

Students of Gupta Model School present a cultural programme to celebrate Teachers' Day on Wednesday. — A Tribune photograph

Ludhiana, September 4
Tomorrow, September 5, is Teachers' Day. To pay homage to the great philosopher, teacher and former President, Dr Radha Krishnan, his birthday is dedicated to teachers of the countries.

G.N.I.P. School, Model Town, celebrated Teachers' Day today and students organised a function on the occasion.

The students of class X taught junior classes and maintained discipline in the campus. They honoured the Director, Ms P. Kahlon, the Principal, Ms B. Gulati, and teachers of the school. The students organised a cultural programme and the head girl of the school presented the welcome speech. Games were also organised for the teachers.

Everest Public Senior Secondary: School Teachers' Day was celebrated at Everest Public Senior Secondary School, Moti Nagar. Dr Inderpal Singh, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of GNDU, was the chief guest.

Speeches on the life and achievements of Dr Radha Krishanan were presented by students on the occasion. Dr Inderpal Singh exhorted teachers to be more committed and dedicated to quality education. Dr U.C. Pandey, Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre,Khanna, honoured the teachers of the school.

A colourful programme of songs and dances was also presented by tiny-tots, followed by a vote of thanks by the Principal, Ms Asha Sharma.

Cultural programme on Teacher's Day: Teachers, students and their parents jointly celebrated Teachers' Day in Gupta Model High School.

Ms Sushil Gupta, Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation, was the chief guest on the occasion.

The students presented a cultural programme, including songs and a humorous skit. Ms Gupta lauded the efforts of teachers in shaping the character of students. The Principal, Ms Simmi Gupta, also thanked the teachers for their dedication.

Murder accused acquitted
A Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 4
Mr Justice V.B. Handa, Sessions Judge of Ludhiana, has acquitted a man named Harjinder Singh of Basti Abdullapura of the charge of killing a girl named Pooja of Muradpura. The allegation against him could not be proved, as there was no eyewitness.

The police had registered this case on August 31, 1998, on the statement of a man named Ramesh Kumar. Ramesh had told the police that Pooja, before her death, had last been seen in the company of Harjinder, so, he believed that it was Harjinder who had killed her.