Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

C.M. PRESIDES OVER STATE LEVEL PRINCIPALS CONFERENCE

Date of Submission: 2008-07-03 18:55:10

CHANDIGARH–July 03, 2008: It is for the first time that at the behest of
Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab, a State Level Convention
of academics which included U.G.C. top brass, 500 Principals from the State
of Punjab, Vice-Chancellors, Administrators was held at University
Auditorium at P.U. Campus here today.
    In his welcome address, Dr. R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab
University shared the concern of the Hon’ble Chief Minister for educating
people in rural areas. He informed that in deference of his directions, a
workshop to guide and counsel +2 students of rural areas was organized
during 20th June to 3rd July 2008 in which more than 1500 children
participated and benefited. He exhorted the gathering to work collectively
to fulfill the dream of the Chief Minister.
    In his presidential remarks, Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, Chief
Minister, Punjab observed that the objective of holding such a Conference
was to ensure enrichment of everyone who in turn could secure academic and
all round development in rural areas. Sharing his joy of having secured
admission and financial support to a labourer’s son who had stood first in
Matric Examination, the Chief Minister asked the gathering to evolve
innovative courses which take care of not only the exceptionally brilliant
students but also equip those who are above average and can become
employable. The Chief Minister said that the potential of students coming
from backward/rural areas should be channelized and the system should ensure
their proper growth and development.
    The Chief Minister said that commitment is necessary to do something
in life. Nothing in life can be achieved without commitment. He felt that
the Vice-Chancellors, Principals and administrators to do their part
sincerely in building of the state and the nation.

He advised the Principals to learn and update themselves vis-à-vis getting
grants from U.G.C. and other organizations. He also complimented Dr. Mool
Chand Sharma Vice-Chairman, U.G.C. for his earnestness in counseling.
The Chief Minister made it clear that it was wrong on the part of those who
said that he was opposing Panjab University in becoming a Central
University. In fact he said I had insisted that the State of Punjab should
get two Central Universities. Once that is done he would in no way come in
the way of Panjab University getting its Central Status.
    Prof. Mool Chand Sharma, Vice-Chairman, U.G.C. in his inimitable
style highlighted the importance of education, guided the gathering the ways
and manner in which they could get maximum grants from U.G.C. and informed
the U.G.C’s plans to open 374 Autonomous Colleges all over India which could
be availed by those who were willing to apply for. He was all praise for
the Chief Minister whose commitment and concern for education and have-nots
had been an overwhelming experience.
Shri Hussan Lal, Director, Social Welfare, Punjab highlighted in detail the
three Post Matric Scholarship Schemes to students belong to Scheduled
Castes, other Backward Classes and Minority Communities.
    Shri A.K. Dogra, Joint Secretary, U.G.C. apprised the Principals of
the Colleges regarding availability of UGC Grants under different schemes
during the XI Plan period and the experts from the UGC will interact with
the Principals of the Colleges with regard to the procedure and date/period
of applying to the UGC for obtaining such grants.
Press Note No.441

     S.T./P.S.