28102025-CT-01.qxd 10/28/2025 12:49 AM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune WESTERN COMMAND MARKS 79TH INFANTRY DAY MAHA’S PRITHVI SCORES THIRD FASTEST DOUBLE TON MADHAVAN TRANSFORMS INTO EDISON OF INDIA GD NAIDU Commemorates the selfless service, courage and valour of the Army’s largest fighting arm. P2 Right-handed batter helps team set 464-run target for hosts Chandigarh in Ranji Trophy match. P3 R Madhavan in his biopic GDN plays the role of Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, aka the Edison of India. P4 » » MAINLY CLEAR MAX 30°C | MIN 16°C YESTERDAY MAX 32.5°C | MIN 15.9°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5.39 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6.34 AM » TUESDAY | 28 OCTOBER 2025 | CHANDIGARH FORECAST /THETRIBUNECHD FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE City emerges as India’s higher education model Redefines 2035 vision with double the national enrolment rate, full NEP rollout, women-majority student base Nitin Jain Tribune News Service WHAT’S ON CHANDIGARH CONFERENCE: Department of Physics, Panjab University (PU), to host three-day international conference on advances in condensed and nano materials (ICACNM-2025); PU, 10 am onwards ROUNDTABLE MEET: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region to host 3rd roundtable on futureready Indian higher education institutes; CII NR headquarters, Sector 31, 3 pm MOHALI LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW: Punjab School Education Board to hold the event to honour the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur; PSEB building, Sector 62; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm APNI MANDI Chandigarh: Sectors 29 and 56, and Dhanas Panchkula: Sector 15 Mohali: Sectors 68 and 71 Please send information about events in tricity at: whatson@tribunemail.com Patient hangs self at hospital Our Correspondent Fatehgarh Sahib, October 27 A patient, identified as Pargat Singh of Mandi Gobindgarh, allegedly hanged himself from a fan in a private room of the local Civil Hospital. The police said Pargat was admitted to the hospital on October 25. He allegedly died by suicide in his private room (No. 3) last night. The police are investigating the matter. Chandigarh, October 27 Chandigarh’s higher education ecosystem has set new national benchmarks, outperforming India’s averages on every measurable parameter — from enrolment and gender balance to research capacity, infrastructure growth and reform implementation. A comprehensive review presented by UT Education Secretary Prerna Puri to Chief Secretary H Rajesh Kumar, showcases the Union Territory as a front-runner in translating the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 into action and achieving the vision of a multidisciplinary, inclusive and technology-driven learning environment by 2035. The city’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 64.8 per cent — more than double the national average of 28.4 — while its Gender Parity Index (GPI) of 1.33 confirms that more women than men pursue higher education here. “Chandigarh represents what the NEP 2020 envisioned — equal opportunity, access and academic freedom in their most practical form,” said UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, commending the Education Department’s UT charts futuristic, research-led, digitally empowered learning model THE ROAD AHEAD ■ Grant of autonomous status to leading colleges. ■ Education City, Sarangpur, to serve as an innovation and research hub. ■ Strengthened academia-industry MoUs and research collaborations. ■ Full adoption of UGC 2018 norms for parity and transparency. ■ Continued focus on SDG-linked reforms — quality, gender equity and sustainability. KEY ISSUES ■ 266 faculty posts vacant; Students at the Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh. PHOTO: PARDEEP TEWARI WHERE CITY STANDS ON VARIOUS PARAMETERS INDICATOR Gross enrolment ratio (GER) Gender parity index (GPI) Student-faculty ratio Colleges with A Grade & above NEP 2020 implementation Digital admissions & e-fee system consistent progress. With nine government and seven government-aided colleges catering to over 46,600 students, the city’s institu- CHANDIGARH 64.8% 1.33 30.9 : 1 80%+ 100% Fully operational NATIONAL AVERAGE 28.4% 1.01 33 : 1 35% Partial/ongoing Limited coverage tions have built strong reputations nationally. The Government Home Science College, Sector 10 (Rank 35) and GGDSD College, Sector 32 EDGE 2.3 times higher Women-majority enrolment Better learning ratio Top-tier quality Full compliance End-to-end digital (Rank 70) feature prominently in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, while MCM DAV and DAV College, Singer fires shot in road-rage clash Tribune News Service INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MOHALI INDUSTRIAL AREA Mohali, October 27 The police have booked several persons, including Punjabi singer Prince Randhawa, for firing into the air during a road-rage clash between two groups near Phase 9, Industrial Area, here. Several persons from both groups, including women, were injured after a fight broke out between them late last night. The police said the singer and his friends were returning from the Bestech mall. When they The police said the singer and his friends were returning from the Bestech mall. When they reached the industrial area, their car reportedly hit Mohali resident Pratap Randhawa on the leg. Arguments ensued, which turned ugly. reached the industrial area, their car reportedly hit Mohali resident Pratap Randhawa on the leg. Arguments ensued, which turned ugly. Randhawa fired a gunshot into the air during the clash. The police reached the spot and began investigation. The injured were admitted to the Phase 6 Civil Hospital. On the statement of Gagandeep Singh, alias Prince Randhawa, a native of Guja Peer village in Amritsar, and at present residing at Sector 110, Mohali, a case under Sections 115(2), 126(2), 351(2), 190, 191(3) of the BNS has been registered against Partap Singh Randhawa, Mandeep Kaur and around ten unidentified persons. The police also registered a cross-case on a statement of Partap Singh Randhawa, a resident of Sector 78, against Prince Randhawa, Annie and two unidentified persons today. The case has been registered under Sections 125, 115(2), 126(2), 351(2) of the BNS. Meanwhile, DSP Harsimran Singh Bal said, “Two FIRs have been registered. It is being probed whether the weapon used in the crime is registered. The CCTV footage of the area is also being scanned.” national deputation process underway for 73. ■ Contractual faculty regularisation and pay parity under litigation. ■ Implementation of UGC 2018 Regulations pending Finance/Personnel clearance. CHALLENGES ■ Overdependence on contractual faculty affecting research continuity. ■ Delayed infrastructure utilisation due to procedural approvals. ■ Policy bottlenecks arising from litigation on service norms. Sector 10, are among India’s top 200 institutions. Chandigarh’s colleges now host 21 Panjab Universityapproved PhD centres, inte- grating research across life sciences, commerce, management and performing arts. Institutions are also advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through projects on gender equality, renewable energy, water conservation and inclusion of Divyang students. The NEP 2020 has been fully implemented across all affiliated colleges — a distinction only a few regions can claim. The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), multiple entry-exit options, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and APAAR IDs, along with credit-linked internships and SWAYAM/MOOCs integration, are all in place. Undergraduate curricula are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring flexibility and cross-disciplinary learning. Digital transformation has made the system seamless — from paperless admissions and e-fee deposits to a mobile-based e-Campus app, reflecting the spirit of the Digital India Mission. Infrastructure is expanding rapidly with ?80 crore sanctioned under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and PM-USHA for hostels, laboratories, audito- riums and research facilities. Recently completed projects include hostels at PGGCG-42 and GCCBA-50, a research block at PGGC11, and four multipurpose auditoriums. A Rs 16.7-crore hostel complex at PGGC-46 is under construction. The education budget for 2025-26 totals Rs 307.98 crore, with 43 per cent utilisation already achieved. Salaries and grants-in-aid form the bulk of expenditure — underscoring the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the teaching base. Looking ahead, Chandigarh plans to grant autonomous status to select colleges under UGC’s 2023 regulations and operationalise the Education City at Sarangpur on 32.86 acres as a hub of innovation, research and global collaboration. “Our goal is to make Chandigarh not just a city of good colleges, but a true learning ecosystem — a laboratory of ideas, creativity and research that will shape the nation’s higher education narrative,” said Chief Secretary H Rajesh Kumar, appreciating the Department’s forward-looking roadmap. Despite its progress, the UT faces challenges — 266 faculty posts remain vacant, cases continued on page 2 Night shelters with heating system to come up in UT Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, December 27 The Municipal Corporation has decided to set up waterproof night shelters at eight locations across the city for the homeless from December 1 to February 28 during winter. These shelters will be equipped with beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets, table, chairs, carpets, heating and CCTV system. The civic body has floated a Rs 1.63-crore tender for setting up these shelters at Sector 29 opposite Sai Temple, near Laxmi Narayan Temple sector 20, opposite Shani Temple in Sector 19, near the government hospital in Sector 16, opposite Sector GMCH-32, at the ISBT, near the PGI and at Sector 34. The bidder will not be allowed to delegate/transfer/ assign the contract to any other party. The shelters will have fire safety equipment, first aid kits, lighting arrangements (inside & out- side), CCTV connection, drinking water facility etc. The shelters — “German Hangers” — will be made with an aluminium framework. The entire work of setting up and commissioning these temporary night shelters at all designated locations shall be completed before November 30. Dally cleaning and disinfection of shelter interiors, bed sheets and surroundings will be ensured. Staff will maintain the record of visitors. Faith and festivity: Tricity glows in Chhath Puja spirit Thousands turn up at Sector 42 lake in UT Panchkula soaks in festive fervour Dushyant Singh Pundir Sheetal Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 27 Thousands of devotees, especially those hailing from Bihar and UP flocked the Sector 42 , Lake to celebrate Chhath Puja with devotion and enthusiasm. With chants, prayers and traditional songs, the lake wore a festive look as devotees offered “arghya” to the setting sun and sought blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their families. Women dressed in vibrant sarees carried baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane and other offerings, while men assisted in the rituals. The Purvachal Yuva Seva Samity had invited folk singers from Eastern Uttar Pradesh to perform during the celebrations at the Sector 42 lake. Samiti president Brijesh Kumar Gupta said Bhojpuri singers Sapna Singh and Vinita Divakar performed during the Chhath Puja. Gupta, who hails from Bihar but is now settled in the city, said the samiti has been organising Chhath Puja events since 2016 in the city. Panchkula, October 27 As the golden sun dipped below the horizon at “Chhath Ghat” in Sector 21 here, thousands of devotees stood immersed in devotion — palms folded, eyes closed, faces lit by faith and flickering diyas. Chants of “Chhathi Maiya ki Jai!”, conch shells and the fragrance of fresh sugarcane, turmeric and marigold marked the celebrations, which were also attended by Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini. Calling Chhath Puja a “bridge of culture and faith”, Saini said the festival embodies the essence of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. He offered arghya to the setting sun alongside hundreds of families and announced support for the beautification of the Chhath Ghat. “The soil of Haryana holds strength, and the culture of Purvanchal reflects devotion. Together, they symbolise unity and brotherhood,” he said. Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal joined the gathering at Abhay- A woman performs Chhath Puja at the Sector 42 lake in Chandigarh. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VICKY The Engineering Department had carried out the cleaning of the lake, repair and maintenance of infrastructure. Provision of adequate lighting power backup were in place. Proper parking facilities have also been set up for the convenience of devotees and the general public. A large number of police personnel were deployed in and around Sector 42 Lake to manage the crowd and maintain law and order. Vimla Rani, a resident of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, said it was a 36-hout fast and they would eat only after offering arghya to the rising sun tomorrow morning. Shashi Shankar Tiwari, a member of the Purvachal Association, said the devotees would start arriving before 4 am tomorrow to offer arghya to Sun God. Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation organised vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations at Sunder Nagar, Mauli Jagran and New Indra Colony in Manimajra. Hundreds of devotees gathered at these places. c m y b Heavy rush of devotees at the "Chhath Ghat" on the banks of the Ghaggar in Panchkula. RAVI KUMAR pur village, offering prayers for the city’s prosperity. “Chhath Puja is a symbol of our cultural heritage — a festival of purity and collective harmony,” he said, praising the preparations made by the Purvanchal Yuva Ekta Manch Chhath Puja Committee. Elsewhere in Kalka and Pinjore, Member of Parliament Kartikeya Sharma par- ticipated in local celebrations. She expressed joy at joining the sacred rituals. He announced plans to construct a grand pond in Kalka for next year’s festivities. Three children lost way, reunited with families With thousands of devotees gathered at various ghats, the police remained on high alert. Commissioner of Police Sibash Kabiraj and Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta supervised arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event. During the peak hours of the celebrations, three young children lost their way in the crowd — but were soon found and reunited with their parents.