Punjab to abolish octroi on petrol and diesel

Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

by CHANDIGARH, APRIL 30

In a bid to provide much needed relief to the people of the state, the Cabinet today approved to abolish octroi on petrol and diesel in Punjab.

            A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Council of Ministers held under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet also gave nod for the requisite amendments in the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911, Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 and Punjab Municipal Fund Act, 2006.  The state government would issue required Ordinances in this regard immediately. 

It may be recalled that the state Government had already abolished octroi on all items except electricity, petrol and diesel with effect from 1^st September, 2006.  However, the levy of octroi of petrol and diesel is adversely affecting the sale of these products in urban areas of the state, which are adjacent to other states, because the rate of these products in the neighbouring states is much less.  Therefore there is a need to abolish octroi on petrol and diesel which is currently charged at the rate of 1 percent and 2 percent on diesel.  Hence the amendment to the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 has been proposed.   The state government would compensate the Local Govt. department by enhancing the share of Local Bodies in the VAT from existing 10 percent to 11 percent which would offset the revenue loss following the abolition of octroi.  . 

To enable the panchayats to give land to government departments,  boards and corporations for implementation of projects of public importance, the Cabinet also decided to remove the condition on the panchayat retaining 50% of the cultivable land available with it after sale, gift or exchange as provided under Section 5 of the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act, 1961.  The state government would soon issue Ordinance in this regard after following due legal procedure. 

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also decided that no retired official of the state government except the PCS would be re-employed in any form in future.

Badal urges Centre to evolve political consensus to curb terrorism

by Punjabnewswire4u

JALANDHAR, APRIL 29

            In a bid to curb the terrorism, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union government to make concerted efforts to evolve political consensus at national level for the eradication of social maladies like poverty, illiteracy and unemployment in the country.

             Addressing the gathering at Shaheed Parivar Fund function organized by the Hind Samachar Newspaper Group here today, the Chief Minister said that these social maladies were the root cause of wide spread terrorism and in order to provide security to the countrymen it was the bounden duty of the Union government to make stupendous efforts for removing them. Advocating the constitution of a national level forum for discussing such key issues Mr Badal said that at present the state governments hardly have any forum to raise the matters relating to public interest before the Union government. He said that as a result of this on one hand heavy concentration of powers was taking place in the hands of Centre government and on the other hand due to communication gap between the Union and state governments the welfare of general public was being adversely effected.  

            The Chief Minister further said that with the constitution of such national level forum all the political parties would be able to contribute towards ensuring peace and communal harmony in the country thus paving way for its all round development. Reiterating that the grants given by the Union government must be disbursed in proportion to the share of taxes collected from the state, Mr Badal said that it would provide the required fillip for the development of the states. He also said that the Centre government must formulate the policies at national level keeping in view the diversities in the states so that uniform development could be ensured in them.

The Chief Minister also demanded that the Union government must take adequate steps for effectively checking the smuggling of drugs into the states from across the border. Mr Badal also exhorted the people to come forward and join hands to support the state government for curbing the menaces like poverty, corruption and drug trafficking so that a new era of all round development could be heralded in the state.

            The Chief Minister lamented that the state has adversely affected on the count of long spell terrorism and its consequences were apparent from the fact that Punjab which was once the most prosperous region of the world was today lagging behind in many fields. He moaned that though the people of state had very bravely fought against terrorism but the Union government had never bothered to fulfill the economic loss suffered by the state during that troublesome period, despite the fact that the state fought a nation’s war. However the Chief Minister said that the silver lining had been that the state government with the active co-operation of the wise people of Punjab has been able to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state.

            Lauding the role played by Hind Samachar Newspaper Group in helping the victims of terrorism and in preserving the unity and integrity of the country, the Chief Minister said that due to such selfless efforts the menace of terrorism could be curbed from the country.    

            Earlier talking the media persons the Chief Minister said that for successful implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) act to benefit the weaker sections of society, the Union government must ensure that the reimbursement to be given to the private schools for waiving off the fee of poor students must be released in advance. He said that the financial burden of this act should not fall on the state governments rather the Union government must release funds for successful implementation of this act. Mr Badal also said that the Union government must draft the policies keeping in view its financial implications. 

            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani (All Cabinet Ministers), Mr KD Bhandari and Mr Pawan Teenu (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), former Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.  

Around 40000 students appeared in AIEEE-2012 in Punjab, Haryana & Himachal

by Punjabnewswire4 (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29

This time Chandigarh was not in the list of off line centers of AIEEE exam .So students had to move to other states to appear in this exam.

On the other hand,Around 40,000 students from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh appeared in 11th all India engineering entrance exam (AIEEE) 2012 offline paper, today. There were around 60 centers in Bathinda, Shimla, Hamirpur, Hissar & krurkshetra region. The online version of the exam shall be conducted between May 7 and 26, 2012 in 22 cities all over India.  

Commenting on AIEEE,Dr.Sangeeta Khanna,Head Chemistry Coaching Circle said that this year CBSE Introduce Assertion Reasoning questions in AIEEE  pattern.

Commenting on AIEEE,Dr.P.B Mahapatra, Director Aryans College of Engineering (ACE) said that overall the exam was easy compartively last year , However the Physics part was little tough only for AIEEE Aspirants .

 It is to be mentioned that All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) is an all-India common entrance examination conducted by CBSE, for admission to Engineering and Architecture/Planning programmes at the undergraduate level. National Institutes of Technology (NIT), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT), Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management (IIITM), Deemed Universities, Central Government Funded Institutions and other State Institutes are participating in AIEEE.The result of the test will be declared on or before June 15. 

PM stresses need for industralisation in Punjab

  by Punjabnewswire4u
PHULOKHARI (BATHINDA) APRIL 28

            Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today emphasized the need for industrialization in Punjab as it would not only contribute to economic growth of the state but also create new employment opportunities for its youth. 

            In his address after dedicating the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery to the nation, Dr. Singh said that Rs.21500 crore refinery with a refining capacity of 9 MMTPA was a unique example of partnership between the public and private sector and complimented the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Mittal Energy Limited led by global captain of industry Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal for setting up this giant venture with the world’s latest technology and experts in the petroleum industry.  Dr. Singh said: “Refineries act as catalysts for industrial growth and development in the areas in which they operate. I am sure that this refinery will provide the impetus for the setting up of a number of major industries and ancillary units and will lead to sustained growth and development in and around Bathinda”.

            The Prime Minister said that this refinery was equipped with latest technology and capability to introduce Bharat stage III and IV fuels, which reiterated our commitment to safeguard our environment and push ahead with growth.  The refinery sector in the country has shown phenomenal growth and India has emerged a refining hub.  From 62 MMTPA per annum, in 1998 the country’s refining capacity has grown about three-and-a half times to 213 MMTPA today.  He said India had sufficient refining capacity to enable us to export petroleum products and hoped the products from this refinery would especially help in bridging the gap between demand and supply in the northern region of the country. 

Lauding Punjab as the torch bearer of the Green Revolution, Dr. Singh said that the State had immensely contributed to our country's food security besides its hard working farmers fed the nation and has also had a glorious history of industrial growth, especially in the small and medium sectors.  He underlined the need to regain its lost glory in industrial sector as Punjab today needed a new wave of industrialization.    Projects such as the one dedicated to the nation today would help the process of industrialization in Punjab. 

Laying greater emphasis on the initiatives for skill development and vocational training in the state to give stimulus to industrialization, Dr. Singh said that Punjab has not lived up to its potential in areas such as Information Technology and we need to correct this situation. We also need improved infrastructure in Punjab- better roads and transport facilities, reliable power supply and so on. He assured that the people of Punjab that Centre would continue doing everything possible to ensure that Punjab touches new heights of development.

Responding to the demand of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for setting up of the state-of-the-art Cancer & Research Hospital on the pattern of PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Singh said that he was fully aware of the recent increased incidence of Cancer in Punjab and large number of the people suffering from this disease in this region despite the fact of average Punjabi to be known for his robust health and high productivity.   The Prime Minister informed that Baba Farid University of Health & Sciences, Faridkot had requested permission to set up an advanced cancer diagnostic and research centre at Bhatinda. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has since granted permission for setting up two of the three facilities that were proposed. The third is being processed.  He said that they have also included Bathinda, in addition to Hoshiarpur and Mansa, as one of the districts under the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetics, Cardio-Vascular Diseases & Strokes and Cancer.
            Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal demanded a special economic package for the industrial growth in the state on the pattern of concessions and incentives given to industry in our neighbouring states.  He also raised an issue to grant moratorium on the repayment of the loan advanced to Punjab for next five years as the 13^th Finance Commission had already recommended such concessions for the debt stressed states of Punjab, Kerala and West Bengal.  He also urged the Prime Minister to take initiatives for opening of Hussainiwala border to further boost the bilateral trade ties between India and Pakistan besides enhancing the list of items from 137 to around 6000 traded through ICP Attari to bring it at par with the Mumbai-Karachi sea route.   He also asked the Centre to make its policies and formulae for giving grants to the states under centrally sponsored schemes in a realistic and objective manner without being impartial to any state.    

Appreciating Prime Minister’s concern to boost industrialization in Punjab, Mr. Badal sought his cooperation and support to make Punjab as the most preferred destination for industrial investments.  He urged Dr. Singh to immediately direct the Ministry of Civil Aviation to allow international flights from Mohali and domestic flights from Bathinda Airports in order to facilitate the prospective investors and entrepreneurs who intend to make investments in the state. 

Mr. Badal also asked the Prime Minister to immediately provide relief to the beleaguered farmers of the Punjab in terms of complete waiver of debt to the tune of Rs.30000 crore.  He said that the state government had pleaded for debt waiver at different fora of Centre but of no avail.  He said agriculture was no longer a profitable proposition as both the land holdings and the margin of profit have been considerably squeezed.  He impressed upon Dr. Singh being an eminent economist to implement the recommendations of world renowned agri-economist Dr. MS Swaminanthan to provide much needed relief to the hapless peasantry.

Concluding issues related to Punjab, Mr. Badal urged the Prime Minister to immediately constitute a committee of experts for their early resolution so that the justice could be done to Punjab. 

The Chief Minister complimented the world’s steel tycoon and Chairman Mittal Energy Limited Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal for setting up this huge refinery in the Malwa belt which would soon herald industrial revolution in this region.  He also asked Mr. Mittal to set up more such mega projects in that state especially in the power sector.     

In his address Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mr. S Jaipal Reddy appreciated the unique partnership model between public and private sector companies for establishing a hi-tech refinery.  He hoped that this sort of novel partnership would be replicated in other states also for setting up such more mega refineries to give stimulus to the energy sector. Mr. Reddy also said that owing to world class technology being adopted in Bathinda refinery it has the distinction of being a ‘Green Refinery’ as it was not causing any sort of environmental pollution.

Mr. Reddy pointed out that the inauguration of GGSRL was another feather in the cap of petroleum industry as it would add another 9 MMTPA to the total existing country’s refining capacity of 213 MMTPA.   He hoped that Punjab would soon emerge as a petroleum hub as the new refinery would not only propel the industrialization in the state but also be instrumental in boosting up its economic progress by setting up of ancillary units down the line. 

Earlier in his address the Union State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gases Mr. RPN Singh termed it as a historic day for Punjab as with this refinery getting operational, a new era of economic development had been ushered in the state which would result in manifold increase of employment opportunities in the state. He said that due  to easy availability of the raw material most of the private refineries have been set up earlier in the coastal areas of the country but with the installation of this refinery in Bathinda, the transport cost of petroleum products to the region would decrease, which would prove helpful in providing impetus to the much needed industrialization of the state.

Expressing gratitude to the dignitaries present on the occasion the Chairman of MEL and Steel Tycoon Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal said that the refinery would set up  a new milestone in the state as it would not only strengthen the power sector of the country but would also help in developing Punjab as a Petrochemical hub in the world. He said that owing to its tremendous capacity this refinery would not only cater to the demands of petroleum products of the state but would also fulfill the demand of neighboring states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Rajasthan.  Thanking Union and State government along with the residents of Bathinda for their unstinted support in completion of the project, Mr Mittal said that his group would make untiring efforts to double the capacity of refinery from 9 MMTPA to 18 MMTPA in the coming years.

Later on Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and MP from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal honored the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Petroleum Minister Mr. S Jaipal Reddy, Union State Minister for Petroleum Mr. RPN Singh, Union State Minister for Planning, Science & Technology Mr. Ashwani Kumar and Steel Tycoon Mr. Lakshmi Niwas Mittal by presenting them a model of Sri Harmandir Sahib, a Shawl and a Sword.

Meanwhile, C&MD of HPCL Mr. S.Roy Choudhury proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion. 

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V.Patil, Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr Anil Joshi, Mr Surjit Singh Rakhra (All Cabinet Ministers of Punjab), Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Sarup Chand Singla and Mr. NK Sharma, MP from Faridkot Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan besides several MLAs, leaders and workers of SAD-BJP and the members of SGPC. 

…

Punjab CM awards Aryans Group of Colleges

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

MOHALI, APRIL 21

Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal honored Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) in  Mohali Press Club, here. On behalf of Aryans Group, Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges received the award from Mr Badal.

On the occasion Balwant Singh Ramoowalia; Chief Parliamentary Secretary , NK Sharma; office Bearers of Press Club SAS Nagar,  Kewal Singh Rana Chairman; Gurpreet Singh Niamian -Vice Chairman; Pardeep Singh Happy -President; Hillary victor -Senior Vice-president; Darshan Singh Sodhi -General Secretary etc. were also present there.

It is to be mentioned that Established in 2007, Aryans campus is located at Chandigarh–Patiala highway, near Chandigarh on lush green 20 acres pollution free campus. The group is running MBA, BBA/ BCA, B.Ed, Engineering College & Junior Science College (+1 & +2). The College is going to start M.Tech, Polytechnic, GNM & ANM courses this year to cater to the diverse needs of students.

While giving this information to media, Dr Anshu Kataria said that earlier also Aryans Business School (ABS) has also been ranked 48th in India by Dainik Bhaskar. ABS has recently been awarded the Best upcoming B-School of North India by the renowned Magazine "Business and Management Chronicle" and Dr. Kiran Bedi, 1st Woman IPS of India, has also awarded ABS as the Best upcoming B-School of North India.

It is to be mentioned that Aryans Group of Colleges is GMAT, GRE and XAT allied college of this region also the college uses CAT and MAT scores for admitting the candidates. The college has in its name the prestigious membership of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ (AACSB), USA. In India only 22 Business Schools are the members of AACSB. The college is also having   membership of CII, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CMA and AIMA.

To expose the students to international education standards, employment facilities and opportunities of education abroad Aryans Group has entered into number of tie-ups / collaborations with foreign institutions such as Outline System (USA); LMSE (London); AUPP (Australia) & Fontys University (Netherland).

Welcome party at Golden Bells School

 

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
MOHALI, APRIL 19
A ‘Welcome Party’ was organized in the Kindergarten section of Golden Bells Public School, Sector – 77, Mohali.
The tiny tots were attired in colourful party dresses and brought various party delights. Storytelling, colourful balloon blowing, snack sharing were the main activities of the day. Kindergarten children danced on the tunes of various dance numbers.
The basic objective of the party was to Welcome small kids to their new classes and give them a chance to get familiar with their co-mates and teachers.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Anjali Chaudhry welcomed the kids and wished them a great academic session, filled with fun and learning.

MGSIPAP organises re-orientation workshop for PR professionals

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 19

 With a view to imparting professional skills to the Public Relations Officers of the Punjab Government and equipping them with the latest technological advancements in the field, the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Punjab (MGSIPAP) organized a three-day’s orientation workshop which concluded here today with Outward Bound Learning Programme.

 The focused themes taken up during the workshop by the media management experts include Ethics of Public Relations: Time management, Communication skills, Media Management and developing positive attitudes to various developments in the changing global scenario. Besides this, the thoughtful lectures were also given by the Media experts on Managing Public Relations Campaigns,  Processes, Procedures and Practices to be followed in crisis like situations and also to take feedback from the stakeholders for further remolding and rejuvenating policies  and programmes beneficial to the society at large.

    The experts who gave lectures to the participants included Col. (Retd.) Mr. B.M. Sabhlok, Mr. C.J. Singh, Ms. Ekta Gupta and Mrs. Sudha Sabhlok. The Public Relations officials were also given tips on preparing Press Notes, organizing Press Conferences, liaison with the Media, to conduct surveys, gather Public Opinion and Research in Government Plans and their successful implementation for fulfilling aspirations of the people.

Sukhbir seeks special security package for Punjab

 by Punjabnewswire4u

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 16

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today sought a ‘Special Security Package’ for border state Punjab to overcome the challenges posed by inimical forces and to combat narco-terrorism effectively. 

Speaking in the meeting of Chief Ministers on Internal Security presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mr. Badal made a forceful plea demanding extension of scheme providing funds for Modernization of police force by minimum 10 years, increase of modernization budget from Rs 30 crore to Rs 150 crore, allocation of Rs 50 crore for training and equipment of Special Security Group, allowing raising one more Indian Reserve Battalion besides introducing basic change in the allocation of budget from Union Government making the schemes state specific.

Seeking a special package from Union Government to tackle left wing extremism, Mr. Badal pleaded that state should be considered category ‘A’ instead of category ‘B’ looking at historic roots of Naxal agitation in Punjab. He also advised to have separate state specific conference quarterly besides annual conference on Internal Security.

Mr. Badal, who is also holding the portfolio of Home Ministry in Punjab, underlined the threats in the state and sought National support to combat these elements. He said that Punjab being a border state with 553 kilometer long international border with Pakistan that adjoins with troubled Jammu and Kashmir was influenced by sensitive geographical location coupled with various outfits active in the neighbouring states. He said that the matter gets further compounded with interstate dynamics and national issues having bearing on the state matter besides socio-economic and politico-religious issues affecting the sensitive state.

 He said that we should not forget the fact that state has passed through turbulent period of violence in ’80 and early ‘90s in which 11694 innocents including 262 family members of policemen and 1780 security personnel including 6 IPS Officers were killed. He said that the fact that out of 271 gallantry awards to the security personnel in this period, 42 were awarded posthumously was indicative of resolve of Punjab Police to tackle violence head on.

He said that Punjab was perhaps the only state which has successfully fought with both Naxalism and Terrorism. Mr. Badal said that Naxal movement was controlled in the 1960s and early 70s and terrorism in the 80s and early 90s. Advising caution against their re-eruption Mr. Badal said that being a border state we continuously face threats from across the border for the revival of terrorism and there was a long continuous threat for revival of Naxalism. He underlined that our state was continuously fighting these Battles, besides this facing continuous flow of Weapons, Explosives, Drugs and Fake Currency from across the Borders.

Emphasizing the need for effective sharing of intelligence regarding movements and threat perceptions of important personalities at interstate and international level, Mr. Badal said that advance information was imperative to tackle the situation effectively.

Reiterating the resolve of SAD-BJP Government to tackle Narco-Terrorism, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was worst sufferer with its geographical proximity to ‘Golden Crescent’ comprising of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, largest producers of illegal opiates. He said that drive of Punjab Police against Narco-Smuggling could be gauged from the fact that Punjab accounted for 1/5 of total heroine recovery in the country. He said that Government was giving special attention to combat drug trafficking and an anti-narcotic task force under Inspector General of Police has been established with each districts having separate anti-narcotic cells. He sought installation of ‘Special Equipment’ in the border area to freeze signals of Pakistani SIM cards being used by smugglers.

The Deputy Chief Minister said In order to fight all these problems we have Recruited more than 18000 policemen in last 3 years, set up a Special Security Group (SSG) on lines of NSG ,established SWAT Teams, created independent cadre for the Intelligence Wing, introduced Commissionerate System in major towns , increased State Police budget from 1500 crore to 3000 crores in the last 5 years.  He said that to change the traditional image of Police and to provide Single window service to citizens Saanjh Centres have been set up, Right to Service Act Implemented as a major initiative towards Community Policing

Emphasizing to equip police force technologically, Mr. Badal said that today wars were won by technology. He lamented that in India, Internal Security gets the least importance in our Budget. Looking at the allocation of funds for modernization in the Budget which is approximately 1000 crores per year Mr. Badal said that this budget was a pittance when compared to while Defence  that gets 1,93,000 crores, even NREGA gets 30000 to 40000 crores per year.

Stressing the need  to take preventive measures rather than curing it, when the problem become in full blown, Mr. Badal said that we do not believe in this theory. He said that for example to tackle Naxal Problem, Terrorism, we spend thousands of crores on CURE rather than spending a little amount onprevention.

           Laying stress on capacity building of police, Mr. Badal said that Union Government must help the state in improving infrastructure, providing better manpower and financial resources at Police Station level, equipping police force with modern weaponry and gadgetry, improvised Non-Lethal Weaponry.

Seminar on “Recent Trends in Chemical Engineering”b

 

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

MOHALI, APRIL 15

Aryans College of Engineering (ACE) organized a seminar on “Recent Trends in the field of Chemistry” in the college campus at Village Thuha, Chandigarh-Patiala Highway near Chandigarh. Dr. Manmohan Chhibber, Faculty, Thapar University, Patiala was the keynote speaker of the event. Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) presided over the function. Dr.P.B.Mahapatra, Director, Aryans College of Engineering welcomed the guest.

While addressing the students he highlighted   the importance and application of chemistry in various branches of engineering. He further added that Chemical engineering principles are used to produce DNA sequences in large quantities. He also stated that the completion of the “Human Genome Project” is seen as a major development not only advancing chemical engineering but genetic engineering and genomics as well.

Dr. Chhibber also explained few lessons from the social insects like ants, have been an inspiration and subject of study. The successful techniques used by ant colonies have been studied in computer science and robotics for solving problems for example, Ant colony optimization and Ant robotics.

He also stressed that the fundamental principles of chemical engineering underlie well beyond the boundaries of the chemical industry and chemical engineers employed in a range of operations outside traditional areas.  The nuclear industry makes similar demands on the chemical engineer, particularly for fuel manufacture and reprocessing. Chemical engineers are involved in many sectors of the metals processing industry, which extends from steel manufacture to separation of rare metals.

Dr. Chhibber also laid emphasis on finding solutions through chemical engineering to at least two of the world’s major problems i.e. supply of adequate fresh water through desalination of sea water and environmental control through prevention of pollution.

Also present on the occasion were Prof. D. C. Kataria, Vice- Chairman, Aryans Group; Mrs. Rajni Kataria, Treasurer, Aryans Group; Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kataria, Director General, Aryans Group; Dr.Manjula Kataria, Principal, Aryans College of Education & Chandrama Singh, Registrar, Aryans Group.

Baisakhi and Ambedkar jayanti celebrated in Golden Bells

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir) MOHALI, APRIL 12
The festival associated with the harvesting i.e. Baisakhi and ‘Ambedkar Jayanti’,  birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was celebrated with gusto and gaiety in Golden  Bells Public School, Sec- 77, Mohali. Students from the senior classes gave  speeches on the topic like ‘History of Baisakhi’ covering topics like why we
celebrate it and how’. Not only this, students spoke on the life history of Dr. B.R Ambedkar. To commemorate the birth of Khalsa Panth, five religious students were traditionally dressed as ‘Panj Piaras’ who recited verse from the scriptures.
Poem recitation competition was held and through poems students from junior and senior wing showed harvesting by acting as farmers thereby telling and showing us the real pictures of North Indian farmers. This festival also stands for the dawn of the New Year in Northern India. Various competition like turban typing for
senior boys were held and students of class- VIII sang a melodious song related to occasion. School’s Bhangra team performed an energetic Bhangra.
In end, Chairman of the school Col C.S Bawa (Retd.) spoke on the importance of
the day and encouraged students to follow the footsteps shown to us by our Gurus.

GNDU Vice-Chancellor gets three-year extension

 by Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, APRIL 3

The Punjab Governor and Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Mr  Shivraj Vishwanath Patil  has given three-year extension to Prof. A.S. Brar as Vice-Chancellor of GNDU.

            This information has been received from Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh vide letter no. PRB-2G-2002/GNDU/2232 dated, Chandigarh, April 2 2012. According to the letter, the Guru Nanak Dev University Act 1969 as amended from time to time, the Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar is pleased to extend the term of appointment of Sh. Ajaib Singh Brar, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar for a period of three years with effect from 14-07-2012. 

This extension by the H.E. Governor of Punjab happened only due to the innovative and scientific approach of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ajaib Singh Brar. Due to his initiatives the University Grants Commission has awarded Guru Nanak Dev University as the Centre with Potential for Excellence and sanctioned Rs. 50 crores for updating. With this status, now the University has included in the best ten high status Universities of the Country.

During his tenure a record Grants of Rs.170.65 Crore from Govt. of India, UGC and State Government has received

            Due to personal interest of Prof. Brar, It is important to mention in the context of efforts of the University to reach out to the rural poor, an organization named Progressive Education Society has been formed to help and train children from poor families of the rural Punjab and to equip them to crack IIT-JEE.

Introduction of Credit Based Evaluation System from the on going session is a big step in the direction of improvement in the academic standards by Prof. Brar. This is the first University in the region to start this system. It will not only raise the standards of teaching but will also bring about transparency in examination and evaluation. This system is based on the Trust on the integrity of teachers.

            In rich cultural heritage, the University is getting in to oblivion at a fast pace. A heritage village is being constructed because of his personal interest to show case our rich cultural past in on an 11 acre piece of land at the University Campus.

            Earlier, Prof. Brar joined as Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar since 15th July, 2009. Prior to joining as Vice-Chancellor of this University, he was the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lucknow.

During career span of more than 35 years of Prof. Brar, places him not only in the top bracket of committed teachers and researchers but also able administrators. He has a vast experience of working in the field of education, research at prestigious National and International Institutes in various capacities. Prof. Brar has worked in the fields of catalysis, Mossbauer Spectroscopy, Photochemistry and in the field of NMR Spectroscopy of Polymers. He has international recognition in these fields.

Prof. Brar joined IIT Delhi as Assistant Professor of Chemistry in 1982 and rose to the position of Professor (Higher Academic Grade - HAG).  He had also been Joint Professor, Centre for Polymer Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi.  Prof. Brar did his B.Sc. from Faridkot, Punjab in 1968 and M.Sc. from Punjabi University, Patiala in 1970. He did his Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in 1977.  He got UNESCO fellowship in 1974 while doing Ph.D.  Prof. Brar joined as Lecturer in Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in 1976 and served the University for six years.

Prof. Brar has published more than 210 papers in refereed International and National journals and 50 papers in the proceedings of conferences / symposia. Prof. Brar has delivered more than 115 lectures in conferences / symposia at various Institutes /Universities. He has delivered invited lectures at American Chemical Society conferences and at leading universities in USA, Europe and Japan. He delivered lectures in Japan on the invitation of JSPS and in The Netherlands on the invitation of The Royal Academy of The Netherlands for Arts and Science.

Prof. Brar is having research collaboration with RWTH, Technical University, Aachen, Germany (ranked as the best Technical University in Germany). He was a visiting faculty at RWTH, Aachen during June-July in 2005 and 2006. Prof. Brar has guided 25 Ph.D. students and 20 M. Tech. students. He has sponsored projects of Rs. 1.50 crores and established High Resolution NMR Center at IIT Delhi.

Prof. Brar was Chairman GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering) 2002, 2004 and JMET 2002, 2004. He was chairman for conducting DRDO-SET 2004 (Defense Research and Development Organization - Scientist Entrance Test), through which, about 600 scientists were recruited for various DRDO laboratories. He was Head of the Department of Chemistry, IIT Delhi . Prof. Brar was awarded Outstanding Research Award, IIT Delhi in 1994.  He is Fellow of the "National Academy of Sciences" and “Punjab Academy of Sciences.  

Here are a few achievements of Dr. Brar as Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar since his joining - Started Batch of 50 rural students in +1 Non-Medical, as per policy of the Punjab Government to prepare rural students of Punjab for admission to Indian Institutes of Technology and other National Level Engineering Entrance Tests.

The University regained the highest sports Award in the country Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy for the year 2009-10. The university has won National Championship in Inter-University Youth Festivals in the year 2012. The university has been National Champion for 10 times. The University won the Overall Championship in North Zone Inter-University Cultural Competitions in November 2009, 2010, 2011 and was Runners up of National Cultural Trophy in 2009.

The University has risen to rank 13 in the top 50 universities of the country, as per recent survey conducted by ‘India Today’. The University has 11^th Position, out of the 500 universities, in Science Publications in the Scientific Analysis of some disciplines : Comparison of Indian institutions with other International Institutions.

First University to introduce on-line admissions to its courses/on-line counselling for State Level Admissions. Computerization of Examination and Registration Branches. First University in the State to introduce Credit Based Evaluation System. Earmarked Rs. 10.00 Crore for purchase of sophisticated instruments. Decentralization of Examination System. Conduct of examinations, declaration of results, as per schedule, before 30^th June each year; and commencement of classes as per schedule. Swapping of Supervisory Staff in the examinations. Revision of all the courses and increase in number of seats in various courses.

Introduction of Pre-Ph.D. courses in all the University Departments. Grant of 50 Ph.D. Fellowships every year funded by the University. Waiving of Tuition fee from the students studying in the School of Punjabi Studies and the Department of Guru Nanak Studies. Merger of Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics Departments to their parent Departments of Chemistry and Physics, respectively.  Centre for Genetic Disorders in the Deptt. of Human Genetics.  Similarly, Sugar and Alcohol Technology has been separated from Applied Chemical Sciences and merged with Food Science & Technology.  On the same pattern, School of Legal Studies merged with the Deptt. of Laws at Regional Campus, Jalandhar.

Starting of Rural Colleges in Verka, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts under the Punjab Govt. / UGC scheme at a cost of Rs. 1.5 Crore for each college; and two Regional Campuses - one at Sathiala (with cost of  Rs. 9 Crore for the Centre and 5 Crore for Hostel)  and Fattu Dhinga (Sultanpur Lodhi), Distt. Kapurthala.

Introduction of New professional courses in Shaheed Ram Singh Pathania Memorial College, Niari, the constituent college of the University. Starting of MCA 3-Years course at Guru Nanak Dev University College, Jalandhar. New Astro-turf for Hockey Ground with a cost of Rs. 12 Crore and addition of Velodrome costing Rs. 1.20 Crore conforming to international standards.  Extension of Hockey Stadium costing Rs. 4.50 Crore. Establishment of Internal Quality Assurance Cell. Introduction of Semester System in all PG courses. On-line submission of examination admission forms. Detail of marks on the Website and through SMS. Construction of ASC Guest House with support from UGC and Emerging Life Sciences building.  Further,  New Lecture Theatre Complex under construction. Construction of new IT Block at Regional Campus, Jalandhar, Extension of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Bhawan with eight Lecture theatres with a seating capacity of more than 120 students and ramp for physically handicapped, extension of Physics and Chemistry Blocks, extension of renovation of Gymnasium and Boundary wall at ASSM College, Mukandpur.

Installation of new Sewerage Treatment Plant at Regional Campus, Gurdaspur. Opening of branch of State Bank of Patiala at the Amritsar Campus. Shifting of University College, Jalandhar in new premises allotted by the Govt. of Punjab on Ladhowali Road, Jalandhar.

Starting of Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib with a grant of Rs. 47.05 Crore from UGC. University granted the status of "University with Potential for Excellence" entailing a grant of Rs. 50 crore by UGC.

Approval of Centre on "Genetic Basis of Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Punjab" by UGC under the Scheme "Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area" (CPEPA) entailing a grant of Rs. 6.15 Crore. University selected by the Deptt. of Science & Technology, GOI to receive support of Rs. 9.00 crore for 3 years under the programme "Promotion of University Research & Scientific Excellence (PURSE)" for incentivizing R&D activities.

Installation of X-ray Machine costing Rs. 28.5 lacs, Incinerator with a cost of Rs. 11.5 lacs to dispose off the bio-medical waste, Hot Air Woven, DCA Vantage HBA IC Analyzer in the Clinical Lab, DEXA Machine and increase in the facilities at the Health Centre and renovation of building. Echocardiography Machine for heart patients and Random Access Chemiluminiscense Analyzer for conducting all Harmone tests and fully Automatic 5 parts Haematology Cell Counter Lab Analyzer and Blood Chemistry Analyzer being installed in the Health Centre.

            Prof. Brar is Chairman, Convener and Member of 24 State and National Level bodies and committees. He is also Life Member of 5 Important national and International bodies.   Prof. Brar received 10 prestigious Awards and Honours of National and International repute. He also Contributed to Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) of National Level. He has supervised about 32 Ph.D. students