New Year at PAU after V-C’s directions: EO on bicycle, CE on foot

The Ludhiana Newsline team reached the varsity around 9 am on Thursday and saw that some of top officials reached on foot or cycle to Thapar Hall.

Vice-Chancellor Dhillon who resides at PAU preferred coming on foot. He did not reach his office at Thapar Hall directly but turned his foot tour into an inspection tour and on the way he inspected library and canteen. He was seen tasting food at the canteen near Students Home.

At Thapar Hall, estate officer Jaskaran Mahal was seen enjoying a ride on bicycle. Similarly chief engineer Jaspal Singh came to office on foot.

Some officials, however, continued use of vehicles as the circular said that the “step is voluntary” to shoulder responsibility for environment.

Talking to Newsline, estate officer Mahal said, “It was a good step and we enjoyed first day of 2015 in a unique way. I enjoyed my cycle ride.”

Director extension R S Sidhu was seen coming in his official vehicle. Less number of vehicles were spotted in front of College of Agricultural Engineering as the majority of its staff came on foot or cycles.

Information obtained by Newsline under the RTI Act says that PAU spent Rs 52 lakh in 2013-14 on its conveyance bills, including Rs 14 lakh for taxis hired by its staff and officials.