Regularisation of Punjab contractually employed teachers

Punjab Education Department regularised contract teachers
Lahore, Oct 20: The Punjab Education Department has regularised all contractually employed teachers, an official notification said on Monday. "The appointees shall remain on probation in terms of Section 5 of the Punjab Civil Servants (Appointment and Conditions of Services) Rules 1974," the notice said.

"The posts presently held by the contractual employees shall stand abolished to create regular posts." The notification also said, "Contract employees who do not intend to be appointed on regular basis should submit their options within 30 days. They may continue with their present employment as per terms and conditions of their contract." The news

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Book Street still a hope for book-lovers
Lahore: The project of Pakistan's first 'Book Street' envisaged by PML-N during 1999 on Thornton Road, a side lane on The Mall, is still alive amid growing speculations to dump literary-cum-tourist venture in the heart of the City.

The plan of establishing 'Book Street' that got delayed during the government of former Punjab CM Ch Pervaiz Elahi took new leaf of life when the PML-N-led government embarked on its third tenure of power in Punjab. In July 2008, Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif ordered the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) for setting up a book street besides a teashop for writers on The Mall to promote literary activities and give street book vendors a place to set up stalls.

Despite the firm resolve of Punjab government, rumours to shelve off the project are still on the phenomenal rise. Even some PHA officials claimed about the lapse of the marvellous project. Seeking anonymity, they said funds allocated for the project in 2006-07 had been utilised for other development works. As there is no fund available, the Book Street project stands nowhere. "Despite spending Rs 70m for laying down drainage and sewerage system on the Thornton Road to facilitate the development of "Boot Street", the government has lost its interest in the project," a senior PHA official regretted.

However, PHA DG Rahil Ahmed Saddiqi dispelled the impression to wrap up the project, saying the Book Street project was still part of mega project of beautification of The Mall. He said NCA and renowned architect Rizwan Baig had designed the project. As the pre-qualification process has been completed, tendering stage would be finalised within 15 days, he added. On a query, he said this project would become a reality during the current financial year.

Under the project, 1200-yard-long street will offer books at cheaper prices. Gates will be erected on the ends of the street. The street will be a blend of Mogul and British architectures. The shops at the book street will be leased out. There will be proper sitting and lighting arrangements. It is also a possibility that tourism department will open a shop in the book street to raise awareness about Lahore's cultural heritage and promote tourism. The city government might also publish brochures and other material for the promotion of Lahore's heritage.

Sharjeel, a book viewer, said the street would help students buy books at affordable prices. She said people could buy rare books from these stalls. Dr Azhar, a book enthusiast, said the street would attract people from across the country. There are several rare books that are not available in the market but these were being sold by the street vendors, he added. If all of them are made available at the book street, it would be a great place to buy books, he said.

It may be recalled that idea to set up the Book Street came when Government College, Oriental College and Punjab University had repeatedly objected the vendors selling books along the walls of their buildings. "To these institutions, the booksellers are encroachers and encourage other encroachers such as paan sellers. It does not look nice and creates obstacles for pedestrians as well," the joint complaint said. The nation

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Nursing School defies POF chief's orders
Taxila: The POF Nursing School administration appears reluctant to implement the POF Chief's orders regarding termination of a student who got admission in the school on fake documents.

The admission was allowed to only bachelors, but the student was married and a mother of four children and provided affidavit declaring herself as unmarried.

Taking notice of a news report appeared in a section of press, the management of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) ordered inquiry into the admission, which found all the officials involved in the admission guilty. As a result the POF chairman issued termination orders for the officials involved in the scandal.

However, the POF Nursing School officials, in connivance with the authorities concerned defied the POF chairman's orders.

When contacted Deputy Commandment POF hospital Dr Zafarullah has said that the matter was with the administration department and only officials dealing with recruitment and training wing (R&T) would comment on the issue.

The incharge of the R&T wing acting director administration Ghulam Mohammad was not available for comments despite repeated calls made to him. Dawn

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Police to monitor madrassas
Lahore: The police should ensure that registered seminaries and madrassas are not involved or used in any terrorist activity, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Pervaiz Rathore said on Monday. "It should be ensured that seminaries continue their lawful academic and religious activities," he said while talking to a delegation of ulema that called on him at the Capital City Police Headquarters. Rathore said it was essential that all persons entering religious places and participating in congregations should be frisked and motorcycle and cycle stands should be kept away from the crowd.

He appealed to the religious leaders and mosque administrations to depute guards to keep an eye on suspects. He informed the ulema that police was ensuring stern and effective action against the sale and purchase of illegal cellular SIM cards. He said all SIM card dealers were being asked to sell SIM cards after thoroughly checking the original identity card of the purchaser and, retaining its copy. He urged the ulema to promote religious harmony, brotherhood, tolerance and unity in society. The ulema assured the CCPO of complete cooperation in eliminating crime and terrorism. Daily times

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