Jalandhar, July 7, 2014: PCM S.D.College have got 5 seminars, sponsored by UGC for the session 2014-15 in the discipline of English, Maths, Library Science, Fashion Designing and Computer Science. In English the topic of the seminar is ‘Voice and Vision of Women Writers in Indian English Literature’,  Application of Advanced Mathematics to Business Management and Financial Sectors and Emerging Areas Research (Mathematics) in Library Science topic is ‘Library Automation: Planning and implementation, Surface ornamentation of garments (Fashion Designing), ‘Wireless and Mobile Communications and Networks’ in Computer Science.

Jalandhar, July 7, 2014: With the onset of new academic session, the orientation of TDC I (all streams) was held in the Ragini Auditorium of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.  The new entrants flocked to the college campus in high spirits and full enthusiasm. The orientation of the students started with ‘Saraswati Vandana’ presented by Music Department of the college. 

Officiating Principal Renuka Bhatti welcomed the students and encouraged them to show good performance in the coming session.  During the orientation, many teachers interacted with students and gave their best wishes for the new session. First of all, Dr.JasbirRishi told them about the importance of moral values in life and also guided them regarding leave rules and eligibility conditions.  Dr. Anjana Bhatia gave them relevant information about Add-on-courses.  Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Neety Sood, Kuljeet Kaur and Gullagong provided information regarding NCC, Discipline, NSS and Placements respectively.  Meenakshi Syal and Mamta provided important information regarding general academics and examinations respectively.  The stage was conducted by Dr. Anjana Bhatia and Dr. Jasbir Rishi.

Dharamsala, July 8, 2014: Dharamsala has had the privilege to have the oldest government college for education in the state. This educational institute was founded in October 1956 to meet the growing demand of trained teachers for middle and secondary schools. It was then affiliated with the Panjab University, Chandigarh, but after the reorganisation of states in India and the creation of Himachal Pradesh, the College was affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Shimla, a co-educational institution catering to the needs of pre-service teacher-trainees only.
But it is really pitiful that inspite of having 235 seats for B.Ed course, the college does not have a single seat for medical students. All over Himachal all the 30 seats that are meant for medical students, are at Shimla only, and not at Dharamsala. Even all the private colleges are having seats for medical students, so why is this facility not being given to the brilliant medical students of the area who attain topmost ranks in the qualifying entrance Exam.
The institution in question sends requests to the state government to provide atleast 10 seats of the course for medical students from in Government BEd College of Dharamsala and help the needy parents and students of the area, who otherwise have to go to Shimla (as it is the only other government institute of the state). But the concerned department of the Himachal ignores the demand, whereas no extra staff or infrastructure is required to add medical wing in B Ed College, Dharamsala to start it as the counseling for the B.Ed course has not yet started, government can provide the medical wing in Dharamsala. 

Chandigarh, June 8, 2014: The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes today assured that there will be no halt in ongoing Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students in the state and it will be continued.
Rajesh Bagha, Chairman of SC Commission, said that the commission has already discussed the issue with Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Welfare of SC/BC, who has directed Welfare Department to continue the scheme keeping in view interests of Scheduled Castes students. The Chairman informed that he personally discussed the issue with Director Welfare Paramjit Singh to avoid the unnecessary harassment being faced by SC Students, covered under the ambit of the scheme, at various educational institutes.
The Chairman gave this assurance while meeting with high level delegation of Bahujan Samaj Party led by its former state president Gurlal Saila, Dr. Nachattar Pal, General Secretary State BSP and Avtar Singh Sikri, Member National SC Morcha of BJP. The delegation accompanied by affected students from various districts of Punjab apprised that thousands of SC Students with maximum family income of Rs. 2.5 lakh annually were facing several problems to pursue their studies in different schools and colleges since the managements of respective institutes were demanding hefty fees, which they were unable to pay. They alleged the managements and institutes were clarifying that they were instructed by the Punjab Government to collect the fee before giving admission as the Scheme has been withdrawn. The delegation also raised the demand to four fold increase in annual family income from Rs. 2.5 lakh to 10 lakh and inclusion of needy students from General Category under this scheme.
After hearing the issues of delegation patiently, the Chairman assured that interests of SC students eligible for Post Matric Scholarship would be protected at any cost. He said the Commission has dispatched a charter of recommendations to Punjab Government in this regard, so the scheme could remain in process.  
On other demands of the delegation, Bagha said they will take up the issues with Union Minister for SC/BC Welfare and Social Security Thawar Chand Gehlot.
Bagha also felicitated Technical Education Minister Madan Mohan Mittal directing technical institutions not to collect fee from SC Students, who have maximum family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh annually.

Ludhiana, July 9, 2014: BCA 6th students of GGN Institute of Management & Technology (GGNIMT), Ludhiana brought laurel to the institute by performing fantastically well in the PTU May-June 2014 Final Examination.
A student, Yogesh Prasad stood first in the class by scoring 91% marks. Saurabh Makkar bagged the second rank with 90.3% and Amandeep Singh Rai got the third position with 87.2% marks. About 80 % of the students scored more than 75% marks. More than 93% of the total students  passed the examination with flying colors.  Yogesh Prasad while talking to the media attributed his success to the regular studies in college and his perseverance.
Prof.Manjit Singh Chhabra, Co-ordinator GGNIMT congratulated the students for their stupendous result and wished them good luck for their bright future. Principal Dr. P.S Khattra   applauded the performers for their smart work and zeal to succeed.

New Delhi, July 9, 2014: Recognised as the centre of learning and knowledge since ancient times, India has produced some of the world’s most eminent scholars and thought-leaders over the ages. Today, the country has one of the largest higher education set ups in the world along with the USA and China, and boasts of educational institutions that have produced renowned scholars.
Yet, its potential as a global education destination remains somewhat underutilised due to several factors. A lack of an international platform to certify Indian institutions and absence of aggressive campaigns in this direction are among the reasons.
With this lacunae in mind, SkillTree Knowledge Consortium has launched the first of its kind initiative to identify and recognize Indian educational institutions that make a global appeal. And there is no dearth of such institutions.
The ‘SkillTree Great Place to Study’, an initiative aimed at putting a renewed spotlight on India’s education sector, has succeeded in positioning some of the selected Indian colleges and universities as proven leaders on a global platform. The first international education convocation of its kind in London to profile some of India’s most renowned institutions in the sector, certified 20 Indian educational institutions with a ‘Great Place to Study’ honor.
SkillTree Knowledge Consortium is India’s first syndicate of private universities and institutions in the country, and a thought leadership communication strategy firm that aims to promote India as a global destination for education.
20 institutions from across the country have so far been awarded certificates of international league by the initiative. The institutes that were picked up for the honour are AIMS Institutes; Ansal University; Apeejay Education Society & Apeejay Stya University; Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa; FORE School of Management; G D Goenka University; GOA Institute of Management; Great Lakes Institute of Management; ICFAI University; IMT- Centre for Distance Learning; ITM University, Gwalior; JIS Group, Educational Initiatives; Manipal University; R.V. College of Engineering; S.R. Group of Institutions; Shoolini University; Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies; Whistling Woods International; XLRI- Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur; and Yenepoya University.
 “Skilltree Great Place to Study is an international academic auditing and research wing that studies, recognizes and creates great institutions of international standard. It is a biannual recognition and India’s only international award and felicitation platform. We have a thorough scrutinizing process of rigorous research and auditing, & a dedicated jury that goes about its task scrupulously. To ensure that the credibility of the process is not compromised, there are also in place high-end transparent benchmarks for the selection of institutions. Our objective is to highlight institutions that offer excellent world class education. This was our first certification ceremony,” elaborates Shekhar A. Bhattacharjee, Founder, SkillTree Knowledge Consortium, on the aims and aspirations of ‘SkillTree Great Place to Study’.
This will be the first international education platform for India which is known to produce world class techies, engineers, IT experts, doctors as well as thinkers.
Renowned since ancient times for being a leader in knowledge and learning, India today is regaining its glory on the educational front. With one of the largest higher education set ups in the world, India churns out an estimated 50 lakh graduates each year and boasts of 35000 educational institutions.
SkillTree Knowledge Consortium is an organization engaged into higher education advisory, spreading knowledge and sharing ideas through research and publication, television series, conferences, talk shows and learning theatre. The ‘SkillTree Great Place to Study’ India edition has been sponsored by Lavasa Corporation, with a long term aim to make India counted as a global destination for higher education.
 “India has great potential to become a global education hub for people from different destinations. Already, a number of students from our neighboring countries as well as several African nations turn to India for higher education. This country has a share of approximately 8% of the global student market with somewhere around 200000 students having decided to pursue higher education in India. ‘SkillTree Great Place To Study’ initiative is aimed at magnifying the appeal of India by giving Indian Institutions an international platform. India's higher education system has exhibited impressive growth over the past two decades. The private sector has played an instrumental role in this growth and can be credited with the establishment of some globally renowned institutions that have established state-of-the-art infrastructure and impart world-class education,” says Arvina Purkayastha, COO, SkillTree Knowledge Consortium and Editor, Great Place to Study.
“In ancient times, India was recognized as a leading centre for education in the world. Gradually over a period of time the country lost its pivotal position. Today, a number of favorable factors are once again at play which will propel India to the position of a global education hub. One of the many endeavors to promote higher education is taking shape at Lavasa, the first of India's 100 new cities. Being developed as a premiere education hub, the city is slated to host 50,000 students across the many education institutes based here. ‘Great Place to Study’ is an excellent platform for promoting Indian education institutes which are growing in stature and to showcase what India has to offer in the education space. Hence we decided to support this pioneering initiative,” says Nathan Andrews, President and CEO of Lavasa Corporation Ltd.

Chandigarh, July 9, 2014: Taking serious cognizance of the case of rape of a minor student in the school premises during school timing, the Education Minister of Punjab Dr.Daljit Singh Cheema today suspended Head Mistress Joginder Kaur and two other teachers Tarwinder Kaur and Yojna Sharma of the school with immediate effect.
In a press communiqué the Education Minister termed this incident as serious crime which was committed in the school premises of Government High School Sanet (Ludhiana). He said that this kind of incidence is a blot on the education system. He asked the District Education Officer (Secondary Education) to further probe the matter deeply and put up the detailed report at the earliest.
The minister further said that school heads would be directly responsible for any kind of such anti social activities. He said that the maintenance of discipline in the school premises is sole responsibility of school head. He said that in case f any negligence in the discipline the erring would have to face the music.

Jalandhar, July 9, 2014: The final year students of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya bagged First three positions in GNDU examination in Psychology Hons.  On this occasion, Principal Dr.Rekha Kalia Bhardwaj congratulated Head of Psychology Department Dr.Jasbir Rishi and Ashmeen Kaur and the students.  She told that Varunpreet Kaur bagged first position in Psychology Hons.in University, Rubandeep Kaur and Balroop Kaur won Second position.  Jasmine Randhawa and Shivjot Gill bagged fifth and sixth positions respectively. 

Principal Dr. Bhardwaj told that the Department of Psychology is offering Diploma in Psychology in which the students are showing good interest.  This diploma has been designed keeping in view the needs of the industry.  Counsellors are required at every place, so job opportunities are good in number.

Jalandhar, July 9, 2014: The Department of Design, Applied Art and Multimedia of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar organised a Wish Fulfilling Day for the newcomers to the various graduation courses on 9th July 2014. During this creative exercise, the students displayed products made of paper and fabric that reflected their concern and desire for a better life.

Majority of the students wished for a healthy life and a healthy environment. They made artifacts showing smiling birds, animals, flora and foliage.  Others wished for a society free from various social evils like honour killings, female foeticide, caste discrimination etc. Some even wished for success for themselves by making crowns and sashes. 

Congratulating the organisers, Dr. Sucharita, Principal of the college said that this activity has helped the students to channelise their creative talent and show their attitude and interest.  This unique event will go a long way in giving a direction to the teachers to help the students hone their particular talent.

Jalandhar, July 9, 2014: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Kanya Maha Vidyalaya had set up its Audio Studio with latest equipments.  A digital console, Imac, Avid protocol Software, audio monitors and microphones had been installed in the audio studio.  The department possesses state of art audio studio as well as video studio which are fully air conditioned and sound proof. 

The setup of audio studio will facilitate audio recordings of advertisement, jingles and practical training of students as radio jockey’s and producers.  The equipments of audio studio will acquaint the students with technical knowhow of equipments and its utilisation in best manner.  The equipments of studio will hone the skills of students of Journalism for their professional growth.  The Department of Journalism also possesses a state of video studio as well which is fully equipped with equipments like teleprompter, cool lights and editing software MacPro etc. 

The Principal of the college Prof. Atima Sharma congratulated the faculty of Department of Journalism for the successful setup of audio studio.  The infrastructure of the department will enhance the practical skills of students and help them in gaining a professional edge in the field of Journalism.

Chandigarh, July 10, 2014: ‘World Population Day’ is an annual event observed on 11th July every year since 1989 and seeks to raise awareness of issues relating to population. Population Census is the most comprehensive source of information for use by the government departments, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, corporate houses, academicians, research scholars and individual data users both within and outside the country. Census data is put in public domain on printed as well as electronic format.
Apparently, Census data has a great significance for developmental activities and in taking informed decisions. Needless to say, sensitisation on Census data released is vital for which various ‘Data Dissemination Activities’ are carried out from time to time. As a part of the efforts to disseminate data from Census 2011, Dr. C. Chandramouli, IAS, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has drawn a massive programme “Census & You” to sensitize school students. The programme is being implemented in about one lakh schools in the country to expose school students on the significance of Census data.
Seema Jain, IAS, Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Science, Technology & Environment and also the Director of Census Operations, Punjab has said that in Punjab, “Census Week” is being celebrated from July 7 to 12 in 3,000 schools spreading over all the 22 districts in the State. Lists of schools identified for this purpose have been obtained from the Education Department, Punjab. The objective of the programme is to sensitize students on the significance of Census data. The schools identified for this purpose have been provided with a School Kit. The School Kit Folder consists of items, viz;  A letter to the Principal highlighting purpose of this programme, Message to be read in the School Assembly, Literature, Data Sheets, Census Quiz, Certificate, Census info-graphics India, Census info India pamphlet, Map, Census & You (DVD), etc. The winners of the School Quiz shall also be eligible to take part in an on-line ‘National Quiz Contest’ proposed to be organized in November, 2014. A monitoring system to ensure proper implementation of the programme has also been devised.

Jalandhar, July 10, 2014: Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar organised Havan Yagya to mark the auspicious beginning of the 129th academic session.  All the staff members and students attended this havan and sought the blessings of the almighty for a successful session.  The Principal of KMV Prof.Atima Sharma welcomed all to the new session of the college.  
Speaking on the occasion, Principal acquainted the new comers with the rich and glorious history of the institution and the maintained the students to enviable the rich cultural values of the historic institution.  Madam Principal wished success, happiness prosperity and good luck to all the students.   After the Havan the new entrants were taken on a round of the college by the senior students to acquaint them with the glorious institution which has such a rich legacy and an equally rich present.  KMV provides value-based education to its word.  
Prof.Atima Sharma averred that this tour was designed to familiarize the new students with KMV and it resulted a sense of belonging and pride in the senior students. 

Chandigarh, July 10, 2014: The Education Minister today taking cognizance of reports published in a section of media regarding substandard food in mid-day meal being served at Government Elementary School, Kot Ram Dass in Jalandhar asked Circle Education Officer to submit a detailed report on the issue before July 15.
In a statement issued here Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister said that the negligence in serving food under mid-day meal scheme will not be tolerated at any cost. He said that there would also be no compromise with quality of food under the scheme. He said they were committed to get quality food served in government schools.
Cheema said that he has been directed Circle Education Officer to personally look into the matter and submit a detailed report before July 15. He said that necessary action would definitely be taken against erring staff, if found guilty.

Ludhiana, July 10, 2014: GGN Institute of Management & Technology (GGNIMT), Civil Lines organised a felicitation ceremony to celebrate the stupendous performance of BCA 6th Semester in PTU May-June Final Examination 2014.
Co-ordinator Prof.Manjit Singh Chhabra welcomed the students and motivated them to keep up their good work for a highly rewarding future.
The top three achievers of BCA 6th semester: Yogesh Prasad, Saurabh Makkar and Amandeep Rai were awarded with merit awards for their exceptional performances.
Jaskaran Singh, Director, T.E.G Edu -Sol Pvt. Ltd. then addressed the students and guided them with various higher education and career opportunities.
Satinderjit Singh, HOD, Computer Applications Dept., GGNIMT encouraged the students to equip themselves with technical and personality skills for a bright career.
Principal Dr. P.S Khattra proposed a vote of thank and wished good luck to the students for their life ahead.

Post Matric Scholarship fee to be deposited directly to colleges
Chandigarh, July 10, 2014: Punjab Government has directed all the colleges/institutions not to take admission fee from all those students who are eligible for scholarship under post Matric Scholarship Scheme from schedule caste students.
Disclosing this here today Welfare Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said that payment  would be made by the government directly to the colleges. He said that parents’ having annual income of 2.50 lakh would be eligible to get these scholarships.  He said that 2.64 lakh students of 2000 institutions were being given scholarship for the year 2012-13 from out of the sanctioned amount of non-refundable fees. He also said that Rs. 31.75 crore has also been released during the year 2013-14 for this purpose. He said that maintenance allowance will not be included in the fee
He further said that the scheme would prove to be beneficial for the students going for Diploma Certificate, Degree courses, Professional Courses. The Minister has directed the Secretary and Director of Welfare Department to issue instructions to the  educational institutions immediately not to take fee from SC students at the time of admission.

Mohali, July 10, 2014: Punjab Education minister Dr.Daljit Cheema today inaugurated one day Seminar on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) organised by RMSA at Manav Mangal School, Mohali. In his inaugural speech Dr.Cheema said," Education Department would soon launch awareness Campaign in schools to educate students against sexual offences and they would also be educated about laws formulated against such crimes.
Referring to the incident happened in a Government school at Ludhiana, the Minister said that such offences were a blot on our society. He further said that POCSO was formed to protect children from sexual offences but lack of awareness among people was the cause behind such offences. Divulging the details Dr. Cheema said that 280 education officers and teachers would be sensitised regarding offences against children and women.
He further said that the officials trained here would conduct awareness sessions at their concerned districts schools thereafter. Minister added that education department is very much concerned about such offences and department further accelerate its efforts against it. He said that education institutions were as pious as religious places in our society so any incident of sexual offence in schools would not be tolerated. He instructed teachers that they should impart moral teachings in students along with school education.
Earlier, principal secretary of education department Anjali Bhawara welcomed all the delegates and said that, "this seminar of department would be helpful in protecting children and women against sexual offences. In first session joint director of national institute of public corporation and children development Dr. Tejinder Kaur also threw light on the various aspects of POSCO which included information of compensation and pervasive law to curb all such incidents.
On this occasion minister also released a Charter which provided detailed information about beneficiary schemes of department and book titled 'career guidance and counseling' by author Preetinder Kaur. DEOs of 22 districts, 110 Principals and 130 Teachers took part in this seminar.
Prominent among others who were present on this occasion included Chairperson of School Education Board Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, DPI (Secondary Education) Darshan Kaur, Director SCERT Pankaj Sharma, Additional Director Bhagwant Singh,  Director Manav Mangal Smart School  Sanjay Sardana, Principal Neena Peter, DEO (Secondary Education) Meva Singh Sandhu and DEO Gurjeet Singh.

Chandigarh, July 10, 2014: The two-day painting exhibition Chitrali 2014 of the Rayat College of Education at Punjab Kala Bhawan, sector 16, is a riot of colours beaming with its theme – women empowerment and the Delhi rape victim Nirbhaya. The painting of a girl enjoying her ride on swing is much more than a symbol of freedom. It exuberates with confidence, which everyone can co-relate to. Its not a professional painter, albeit a student of B Ed Kanika Agnihotri who has painted it. Accompanying Kanika’s paintings are 62 such works from the students of Rayat College of Education, Ropar campus. The secretary of Punjab Kala Bhawan and fine arts department head Prof Sadhna Sangar inaugurated this exhibition.
College principal Dr Jagdeep Kaur said the exhibition is a reflection of the women empowerment, the Rayat-Bahra group supports and stands by. “Beyond Chandigarh, we plan to take this exhibition to different places,” she said.  The chairman Gurvinder Bahra congratulated students for their endeavour.
The paintings ooze with the concept of women empowerment. Oil colours, acrylic colours and mix media have been used to prepare it. Lord Ganesha, Radha-Krishan and Durga have their traces in it.
Apart from students, the exhibition has four paintings of the fine arts teachers as well. The first painting is of Shveta Verma, who is the exhibition’s coordinator and assistant professor of the College of Fine Arts. Science’s assistant professor Deepak Gill, Punjabi assistant professor Rajinder Kumar and social science associate professor Dr Gurjit Kaur’s paintings are also included.
Shweta said that 175 students have collaborated for this exhibition. “Though all the exhibition participants are students of B Ed, fine art is an integral part of life. We started making these paintings in February this year.  This is our college’s first art exhibition and we plan to continue this endeavour. Preparing for the exhibition, we have held a fine art workshop at college wherein the professional artists taught students,” she said. The professional artists Devanshu, Depinder Singh Khaira, Rashmi Verma, Kamalpreet Kaur Mavi and Ravinder Singh taught the students.

Amritsar July 11, 2014: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for Punjab proposed in the Union Budget would be set up in Amritsar revealed Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Punjab.
In an interaction with media at Information Office, Golden Temple, DCM said that development of the holy city has always been his personal priority and now with the decision to set up IIM in Amritsar coupled with Union Finance Minister’s announcement to include holy city of Amritsar in the New Heritage City Development Yojna have given further impetus to the development of the region.  The step towards completion of the Kolkata-Amritsar industrial corridor would get the much needed impetus, added Badal.
He further said that although Dr. Manmohan Singh Former Prime Minister of India belonged to Amritsar but he never worked towards bestowing highly prestigious status on Amritsar. Adding further he said that people of Punjab in general and Amritsar in particular were deeply indebted to the NDA government to have understood the religious and historical significance of Amritsar.
He said that the union budget had spelt the end of an era of discrimination against Punjab at the hands of the Congress led UPA. The UPA government had never bothered to allot any significant project to the state.  “It is for the first time in a decade and Amritsar and Punjab have got its due”, he added.
Terming the Union budget as “progressive, growth-oriented and common-man friendly effort” Deputy Chief Minister said that NDA in its maiden budget had proved its sincerity and honesty towards the hard working people of Punjab by rewarding them with a bonanza to usher in an era of economic prosperity and growth in the state.
Later replying to a query pertaining Haryana Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Badal said that any such move on part of Haryana government would be a clear transgression upon the residual power of the Parliament to make such a law as the existing Board was an Inter-State Body Corporate. He said that the move to divide the Sikhs by creating a separate Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had been initiated by the Gandhi family as its latest anti-Sikh conspiracy. He said that Congress would not get through its nefarious design to weaken the Sikh community. Slamming the Congress government in Haryana for its proposal to constitute separate body for the management of Gurudwara affairs in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this move was in accordance to age long policy of the Congress party to divide and rule. He said that by initiating this step Congress was again trying to divide the Sikh community, which would not be tolerated at any cost. Badal said that the SGPC was the supreme body of the Sikhs, which came into existence after countless sacrifices and none would be allowed to bifurcate it.
Earlier, Sukhbir Singh Badal along with his better-half, Union Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, paid obeisance at the Golden Temple and partook in the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. They also reviewed the progress of the ongoing work of the Golden Temple Plaza.
Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Bhagat and Commissioner of Police, Jatinder Singh Aulakh were also present on the occasion.