City page for January 31

WEATHER

Forecast (January 31): Weather will remain dry in low and middle hills; rain and snow at isolated places in high hills.

Temperatures:

Shimla: 7.8, -0.4 Degrees Celsius Sunrise: 7.15 am, Sunset: 5.55 pm

Dharamshala: 9.2, 2 Degrees Celsius

Manali: 7.6, -5.4 Degrees Celsius

READERS SAY

Sinking ridge

Despite tall claims of the Public Works Department and the Shimla Municipal Corporation of finding a permanent solution to sinking problem at The Ridge, nothing is being done and the situation is going from bad to worse. The state government keeps organising rallies, Republic Day parades, summer festivals and other functions on The Ridge. It is high time that the government wakes up and finds a permanent solution for the problem –Aman, Shimla

Stray cattle on National Highways

Stray cattle roaming on roads are posing risk to commuters. The Solan-Parvanoo National Highway is almost complete, barring few stretches, and vehicles move at high speed but stray cattle roaming on the NH is a common sight and they often cause accidents. The government is constructing cow sanctuaries but the problem still persists. Urban local bodies and panchayats should be entrusted the task of taking the stray cattle to cow pounds and fine should be imposed on these bodies for negligence of duty. –Kanak Joshi, Solan

EDUCATION NOTES

IHM students perform street play

A street play, under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, was organised by students of the IHM, Kufri, under the direction of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. About 35-40 students, staff and faculty members, led by activity incharge Sushil Dhiman, participated in the event. During this programme, all stakeholders (dhaba walas, porters and pony drivers) were made aware of the importance of tourism.

Pre-primary classes started in 3,740 schools

Pre-primary classes have been started in 3,740 government schools, in which 47,000 children have been enrolled, said Urban Development Minister Sarveen Chaudhary, while speaking at the annual prize distribution function at Government Senior Secondary Schools at Charri and Rehlu. She said the initiative had given the parents the facility to send children to schools near their homes. Stressing on discipline and hard work, she said all children should set a goal for their life and should prepare for competitive examinations focused on that goal. She called upon the parents to visit the schools from time to time and get information from teachers about the progress of their wards. Principals Sanjay Mogu of Government Senior Secondary School, Charri, and KS Chauhan of Government Senior Secondary School, Rehlu, read out the annual reports. The minister gave away prizes to meritorious students.

NSUI submits memorandum

The Himachal Pradesh University unit of the NSUI submitted a memorandum to the Controller of Examination, demanding extension of the last date for availing a special chance given to undergraduate degree students from before 2013 who could not complete their degree. The president of the campus unit, Praveen Minhas, said a large number of students could not fill the form due to bad weather. He said they had also demanded the extension of date for filling the forms for RUSA, first semester and also extend the date of admission to second year till the results of revaluation of first year are declared.

31 get jobs in campus interview

Thirtyone students of Computer Department of Government Polytechnic, Kangra, were selected during campus placement by Competent Synergies, Mohali. Head of Department Puneet Sood said it was for the first time that 31 students, including both boys and girls, were selected in one go. The selected students will get an immediate salary of Rs 10,000.

Basant Panchami celebrated

The DAV School, Rehan, celebrated Basant Panchami with great pomp and show. Students gave many presentations in the morning assembly, highlighting the importance of the day. The Goddess of learning was also paid tributes through Saraswati Vandana. A “havan” was performed on the auspicious occasion. Besides, a kite-flying competition was organised for classes V to VIII. Students participated in the competition with great enthusiasm.

WHAT’S ON

Mini Pension Adalat, Office of Defence Pension Disbursing Officer, Shimla, January 31, 10 am

National chairperson for child welfare to address children on examination fear at Fairlawns Shimla on February 1 at 11 am

Himachal Pradesh Master Badminton Championship, Sports Complex, Kumarhatti, Solan, February 2-4

Jan Manch, Panchayat Ghar, Jhakri, Rampur, District Shimla, February 9, 10 am