Training programme for village artisans
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 6
The Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Punjab Agricultural University, has started a 20-day training programme for the village artisans belonging to the states of Punjab and Haryana.

The workshop on ‘Advances in Manufacturing Technology for Agricultural Machinery’ has 30 artisans who are being trained in devising new in farm machinery. Dr I.K. Garg, Head of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery and Principal Investigator of the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) on ‘Prototype Manufacturing of Agricultural Implements’, said the programme was being organised to transfer the latest and improved farm machinery technologies to the rural artisans so that recently recommended farm machinery developed at PAU could reach the rural masses.

He said training was being imparted in developing engine-operated power weeder, manual garlic planter, minimum-tillage technologies like strip-till drill and zero-till drill and multi-crop planters for sunflower, maize, groundnut, gram and peas, paddy straw management technologies and self-propelled sprayers. These training programmes would also help in promoting the diversification programme.

Dr Ahuja, programme coordinator, said the training would also emphasise on the use of proper jigs and fixtures for quality production of these equipment to achieve standardised production. He said the participants would be provided with the lecture notes, necessary drawings. Free lodging and boarding arrangements had also been made, he said. 

Teachers to hold rallies on Aug 9
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 6
Protesting against the non-payment of dues, the Punjab State Aided School Teachers Union has decided to hold rallies on August 9. Mr Teja Singh, state president of the union, said the third and fourth instalments of the arrears were due since long. As per a notification issued in March 1999, they were to be given the arrears in four instalments. While the first two instalments had been paid on time, the government seemed hesitant in paying the rest of their dues.

The union president said while all working teachers were getting salaries as per the grades revised in May, 2003, retired teachers had been denied the revised pension. Even though the pension grades had been revised in January, 1996, dues were still being paid as per the old scale. The union had given several reminders to the DPI, but nothing had been done in this regard.

The union also demanded rural-area allowances for teachers of aided schools working in villages. The issue had been taken up several times with the Education Department.

Teachers would now hold rallies on August 9 in all districts and gherao ministers at their residences. If their grievances were still not redressed, the struggle would be intensified.

Workshop for students
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 6
‘Deflating interest: from ideas to interest’, a three-day workshop organised by the Sidhartha Academy of Competitions and Rotary Club Midtown for the students of Sacred Heart Convent School, Urban Estate, concluded here today.

Addressing the students, Dr M.A. Zahir, former head of the Department of Business Management, Punjab Agricultural University, talked about the various challenges in the field of management. He also gave the students some tips on preparing for the entrance test. He said even though the entrance test could be cleared by preparing for it in just three months, it was the group discussion in which most of the students failed to compete.

Dr Zahir motivated the students to improve upon their communication skills and personality development to find themselves successful in the field. He urged them to even improve their leadership qualities and inter-personal relationships that come into fore during the group discussions.

The seminar had begun with a talk on ‘Unleash the champ’ delivered by Mr Makhinder Singh, former president of the Junior Chamber of India, on Monday. Yesterday, Dr Dinesh Badyal from the Christian Medical College and Hospital had given tips to the students on preparing for entrance to various medical and engineering colleges. Mr Mahesh Munjal, president of the Rotary Club. was present on the occasion. The programme was co-sponsored by The Tribune. 

Academic session begins at GGNIMT

Ludhiana, August 6
New academic session began at the Gujranwala Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology (GGNIMT), Civil Lines, with a talk delivered by Mr V.K. Goyal, CEO of Vardhaman Spinning and General Mills Limited. Mr Goyal encouraged students to work hard. OC