Vijyender Sharma
SHIMLA-----Himachal Pradesh University celebrated its 45th Foundation Day here today. Smt Urmila Singh Governor was the Chief Guest and Sh Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister presided over the function.
While congratulating the Faculty and students of the Himachal Pradesh University on the occasion of its 45th Foundation Day, Chief Minister, Sh Virbhadra Singh said that such high learning centers play a pivotal role in development of the nation and shaping the career of its students besides empowering them with treasure house of vast knowledge towards a better tomorrow.
He said that the HPU has traversed a long journey of 45 years and has emerged as one of the pioneer institution in imparting quality education to the students, adding that it was a matter of pride that the HPU has been ranked at 22nd position out of 170 universities in a survey conducted by an independent agency throughout the country, adding that efforts should be to increase its ranking amongst first ten top universities in next five years.
There was no dearth of experience and dedication in the Faculty and other teaching and non–teaching staff and our University should excel in studies and research and create a better atmosphere rather than indulging in all sorts of violence. "All such anti social activities should be stopped and those indulging in violence should be dealt with strictly and strict action be taken against them. He said that such anti-social elements should be immediately expelled from the campus who disturbs the peace of the institution and hamper the studies."
"I am determined to have discipline in all school, colleges and all educational institutions in the State and won't even tolerate teachers participating in Politics and necessary amendments, if necessary, would be made" said the Chief Minister.
The Job of teachers is not to indulge themselves in Politics and form a nexus with few miscreants. Such elements should be identified and strict action be taken by the University, he remarked "I won't allow any professional teacher to be part of student politics and will be liable to be dismissed from the Job" he said.
He said that keeping in view the future expansion of this institution, about 232 bighas of land has been identified for the same in the outskirts of the town.
"Time has come when more private houses were setting up Universities in the State and rather, I except from them that they provide quality education to the youth and equip them with the latest trends and technologies in educational sector" said the Chief Minister.
He said that such institutions should create an atmosphere of academic and should maintain better educational standards so as to achieve new heights of
excellence. The Chief Minister said that two new Regional centers of HPU were coming up at Mandi and Una.
"We have achieved 100% enrollment at Primary education level and efforts should be there to attain above 60 percent admissions/enrollment in Universities and other higher centers of education.
"My government was committed to impart education to the children of the State at their very door step and in last one and a half years of our regime as many as 650 schools were either opened/upgraded and 15 degree colleges were opened in the State" said he, adding that our Government was endeavoured to provide all facilities to the Girl Child. He said that under Rajeev Gandhi Digital Vidyarthi Yojna 7500 net books will be provided to the meritorious students.
He said that the students who were successful in seeking admission in IIT, IIM or AIIMS, one time financial assistance amount of Rs. 75000 will be given to them to pursue their studies.
He said that he was well aware of the problems of the University and ensured that all the financial requirements of the University would be met accordingly and I will see that the University gets its adequate share.
While welcoming the Chief Minister and after honouring him on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, HPU, Prof. A.D.N Bajpai said that it was a matter of pride for the university to celebrate its foundation day with zeal and enthusiasm and expressed his gratitude to the Governor and the Chief Minister to spare their valuable time. He said that many academicians had been visiting the university and our professors have played a pivotal role in shaping the career of the students. Besides, the University has achieved many mile stones in other fields may it may be outdoor activities or games or other curricular activities.
The Governor and the Chief Minister together released quarterly News Letter 'Himshikhar' Research Journals and Books on the occasion. He also honoured the meritorious students besides the faculty members and Non-teaching employees. They also released Special Cover of HPU issued by Postal Department.
Earlier the Chief Minister inaugurated newly constructed Two Storeyed Academic Staff College/Guest house constructed at a cost of Rs 1.22 crore in which RS 75 lakh was UGC Share and Rs 51.60 lakhs was contributed by Teachers Welfare Fund. He also inaugurated Pre-Examination Coaching Centre for SC/ST and OBC completed at a cost of Rs 1.11 crore which consists of 20 double bedded rooms.
Prof Mohan Jharta, Registrar proposed vote of thanks.
Prof TC Bhalla read the activity report of the University.
Sh Inder Dutt Lakhan Pal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sh, Bambhar Thakur, MLA Sh Rajinder Singh Chauhan Pro Vice Chancellor, HPU, Prof Mohan Jharta, Registrar were also present on the occasion amongst the teaching faculty and the students.
