NSUI calls off chain hunger strike

Activists of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday called off their chain hunger strike against the holding of entrance examinations after receiving an assurance from Congress MLA and former Congress president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Sukhu met students and assured them that he would raise the issue on the floor of the House during the monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha. He said he would raise the issue of waiving the fees of students studying in government institutions for the last six months in view of the pandemic. NSUI state president Chattar Singh said the threat of Covid could not be overlooked, especially after students in Mandi and Dharamsala and a teacher in Amb have tested positive.

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Mathematician addresses students

Patna-based mathematician Anand Kumar addressed students of the APG Shimla University through video-conferencing on Tuesday. Kumar has earned accolades for preparing students from underprivileged background to crack entrance exams to IITs and universities. “Challenges always come with opportunities. All that is required is to recognise them,” said Kumar. The mathematician added that the APG Shimla University was a hub of excellence for students pursuing higher professional education. APG Varsity Vice-Chancellor Prof Ramesh Kumar Choudhary will award Anand Kumar with a lifetime achievement award.

BBA, BCA admission on merit

University College of Business Studies Director Prof Pawan Garga has said it is impossible to conduct entrance test for BBA and BCA for the 2020-21 academic session in view of Covid-19. The admissions to these courses have been approved by the university authorities on the basis of merit. Prof Garga said candidates who had applied for admission had been directed to update marks obtained in Class XII on the admission portal https://admissions.hpushimla.in/Home.aspx by Sepetember 10. For more details, they can call on 0177-2807790.

Minister talks about education policy

Education Minister Govind Thakur said the new education policy had been prepared after discussions with all stakeholders. Speaking at a webinar organsied by Vidya Bharti Himachal Pradesh and Power Council, the minister said the draft of the policy, prepared by the Kasturirangan committee, was made public and suggestions were invited. The government received numerous suggestions, following which the policy was framed. The other speakers hailed the policy as “historic”.