& V I C I N I T Y
Thursday, March 25, 1999
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C H A N D I G A R H & V I C I N I T Y |
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Thursday, March 25, 1999 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Auction of vends nets Rs
54.30 crore
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  A view of termite-affected Tecoma argentia trees along the Jan Marg in Chandigarh. — A Tribune photograph Termites threaten silver oaks CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The health of hundreds of magnificent silver oak and Tecoma argentia trees, particularly those standing along the Jan Marg and in certain city gardens, is in peril as these trees are increasingly falling victim to termites due to the alleged official apathy towards them. |
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Free NTPC advice for
proposed power units Fernandes
must quit: Tewari UT
staff to carry I-cards Demand
to re-employ teachers 120
students given prizes TV
dealer penalised
Is
swadeshi relevant today? File
returns or face action: IT Department Error in yet another
paper Administration
lists houses for demolition Inter-state
gang duping traders busted Notice
to UT Home Secretary on Jerath's sack Phone
information service 104
BJP-SAD workers held, freed |
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Auction of
vends nets Rs 54.30 crore CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The auction of liquor vends, selling both country liquor and Indian made foreign liquor, netted a sum of Rs 54.30 crore for the Chandigarh Administration here today. This is 3.09 crore or 6.02 per cent more than the current financial year’s revenue of Rs 51.25 crore. The auction was conducted by the Excise and Taxation Commissioner-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Mr M. Ramshekhar, at the Tagore Theatre. The Joint Secretary Finance, Mr K.A.P. Sinha, was the observer from the Administration. This year’s auction also followed the trend of the past three years as there was no formation of a cartel or syndicate that used to control the liquor trade in the city till a few years ago. As has been the practice in the past three years, the Excise Department divided the liquor vends into 10 groups based on areas and then invited bids. In Chandigarh, the prices of IMFL vends are hiked on an average while the country liquor vends are put under the hammer. Both types of liquor are sold from common vends, enabling a person bidding for country liquor to get a licence to sell IMFL also. A total of 44 liquor shops having sale of both country liquor and IMFL were auctioned, while five shops where only IMFL is sold were auctioned through a smooth process that lasted around two hours. The maximum hike over the current year was witnessed in the group comprising vends in sectors 28, 19 and the Industrial Area . The group was auctioned for Rs 3.44 crore. This was 22.09 per cent more than the current year’s auction bid of Rs 2.81 crore. However, the maximum revenue was made from the group comprising vends in Sector 46, and the villages of Kajheri, Badehri and Maloya, among others. This group was auctioned for Rs 9.31 crore. Bidders had come from neighbouring states also. In the year 1997-98, the
revenue was an all-time high of Rs 54.58. This was
largely due to prohibition in Haryana as traders from
that state made bid for vends here. In the current
financial year, prohibition was lifted and the revenue
dropped to Rs 51.25 crore. Interestingly since 1993-94
the revenue has increased manifold from Rs 30.22 crore. |
Investors
cheated of crores DERA BASSI, March 24 — Thousands of investors are feeling cheated by INCAN Mutual Benefit Limited, a parabanking company which has its offices at Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh and 67 branch offices. Incorporated under the Company Act, 1956, it is administered mostly by ex-servicemen with head office in Lucknow. The company has allegedly not made any payment for the past few months. More than Rs 105 crore has been deposited by investors in the northern region alone under various schemes as fixed deposits, recurring deposits and saving accounts. The branch office of this company here has been doing business worth crores for the past two years. Mr Surat Singh Gill, an 85-year-old ex-serviceman, who has deposited Rs 11 lakh, has paid several visits to get his money back after the maturity of his deposit but to no avail. Brig Manmohan Singh (retd) who has deposited Rs 5 lakh for the marriage of his daughter also could not get the money back. He was told to return the amount by rescheduling the policy by Mr Manjit Singh Aujla, Chairman of the INCAN group of companies. The company has reportedly wound up its office. Mr Dhirendra Singh, a street hawker selling bread, who has deposited Rs 2,730 has also been cheated. He said that the branch manager, Mr H.S. Sidhu, and other employees here often used to dole out false promises whenever asked about the matter. “The authorities closed the office about two months ago and our hopes have been belied,” he said. Mr Balbir Singh, a property dealer, said that besides some wealthy investors, a number of poor investors like teastall owners, autorickshaw owners, sweepers etc have been cheated. He said that the person concerned have gone underground. Mr J.S. Saini said that the company has money in crores. And in spite of “commitment to the nation”, the company has cheated the investors. He alleged that the Executive Director (ED), North Zone, Mr Dileep Singh Multani, has not framed any transparent policy to return the money of the depositors. He added that the ED had assured them that the Board of Directors would frame a new policy to return the sum. Mr Devinder Singh, Accounts Officer of the Regional Office, when contacted said that the company is facing major financial crunch. The Board of Directors has decided to sell some fixed assets of the company so that the investors may get their money and the company would publish a notice regarding it in leading newspapers soon, he added. Mr Multani was not
available for comments. |
Termites
threaten silver oaks CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The health of hundreds of magnificent silver oak and Tecoma argentia trees, particularly those standing along the Jan Marg and in certain city gardens, is in peril as these trees are increasingly falling victim to termites due to the alleged official apathy towards them. According to an estimate, as many as 100 silver oaks have been considerably damaged in the Sector 16 Rose Garden alone, where one can see a large number of colonies of white ants along the barks of these trees. Many such trees are located in the backyard of the garden near its entrance from the Sector 16 side. In the absence of a proper treatment, some trees — mostly silver oaks — have decayed to such an extent that they are as good as dead. This is obvious as they have been left with little or no foliage at all. The number of trees afflicted with the menace of termites is much more on the Jan Marg up to Sector 10. Almost half of the trees — both silver oaks and Tecoma argentia — on the stretch have been partially eaten up by armies of white ants, against which no effective treatment has allegedly been undertaken by the Horticulture Department of the UT Administration, responsible for the upkeep of the trees along the stretch of the road. As a result, the number of trees falling victim to the menace is increasing with each passing day. The state of nearly 20 Tecoma argentia trees in the Sector 30 Hibiscus Garden, too, is not different, as over the years, these have become victims to the malady. According to sources in the horticulture wing of the local Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for looking after the garden, the problem was mainly due to shortage of water, as there is no tubewell in the garden. “We are trying to contain the problem and we have even given an anti-termite treatment to the affected plants, but the malady cannot be eradicated completely until enough water for proper irrigation of plants and trees in the garden is available,” said an official. Enquiries with the Horticulture Department showed that trees along the Jan Marg and in the Rose Garden have been affected for the last seven to eight years, but in spite of a number of rounds of anti-termite treatment, the state of affairs remains the same. “The problem is that silver oak and Tecoma argentia, are the two most vulnerable species, particularly in the termite infested semi-Shivalik belt, where these two species have been a big failure,” said an official. He said for the very reason, the plantation of silver oaks had been discouraged in the UT after initial experience. While claiming that the
anti-termite treatment was not a permanent solution to
the malady, an official, requesting anonymity, said if on
one hand such treatment had little effect on the rough
surface of the bark of silver oak and Tecoma argentia
trees, it offered an ideal place for the white-ant
colonies to remain stuck and proliferate along the barks
of the trees. |
Free NTPC
advice for proposed power units CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The NTPC has agreed to provide free consultancy to the Chandigarh Administration for setting up liquid-based 100 MW captive power generation units in Chandigarh. A communication to this effect from the NTPC along with a letter from the Union Power Minister, Mr P.R. Kumaramangalam, has been received by the Chandigarh Administration. The Union Power Minister has also conveyed the financial clearance for setting up of a 220 KV sub-station with 2x100MVA 220/66 KV transformer at Mani Majra at a cost of Rs 9.65 crores. The Administration had made a budgetary allocation of Rs 150 lakh for the project during the current financial year. The NTPC has, however, not mentioned dates from which it will undertake consultancy work in Chandigarh for the captive power generation units here. It will provide consultancy on both technical and environmental issues of the project. A decision to set up 100 MW liquid-based captive power generation unit was taken in July last year when Mr Kumaramangalam visited Chandigarh and presided over a meeting of top functionaries of power sector here. Chandigarh projected an annual 10 per cent growth in demand for power supply, saying that in summer last year , the demand touched 32.78 lakh units a day. Initially, the NTPC offered additional power to Chandigarh from the eastern grid. The request was turned down on the plea that the NTPC was asked to provide consultancy for setting up a power generation plant in Chandigarh than buy power on a long-term basis from outside. Subsequently, the NTPC raised a demand of Rs 41 lakh as consultancy fee and Rs 5,000 per man day for the duration of the consultancy which worked out to be another Rs 20 lakh. After exchange of correspondence, the NTPC initially agreed to waive the additional fee of Rs 5,000 per man day. In February, the Administrator of Chandigarh, Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (retd), spoke to Mr Kumaramangalam and requested him that the NTPC be asked to provide this consultancy free of cost on the plea that Chandigarh was a very small Union Territory. Subsequently, a formal letter was also sent to Mr P.R. Kumaramangalam on behalf of General Chhibber. Now after receipt of official communications, both from the NTPC and the Union Power Minister, the work on the feasibility of the project, its location and other parameters is expected to start soon. The Administration has
also got green signal for its proposed 220 KV substation
to receive and control the transmission of power received
from different sources. In the first phase, the
substation is proposed to be constructed with one
transformer only with an estimated cost of Rs 965 lakh.
The substation is proposed to be constructed at Mani
Majra. |
UT staff to
carry I-cards CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Chandigarh Administration, as a security measure, has urged all Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments to ensure that all employees working under them should carry their identity cards while on duty at the UT Secretariat in Sector 9. Those who do not have proper identity cards should get these made quickly. It has also been decided that no visitor will be allowed to enter the Secretariat building except between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. If any visitor has urgent work, he or she will have to contact the officer concerned through reception. All visitors will be issued passes and will have to register their name, address and purpose of visit. On holidays, no employee would be allowed to enter the Secretariat building without showing his identity card to security guard. The in charge of security would maintain a register regarding detailed particulars of the employees working in the UT Secretariat. Marriage Officer: The
Chandigarh Administration has granted licence to St
Naresh Paul of Ram Darbar, a pastor in End Time Harvest
Ministries, for granting certificates of marriage between
Indian Christians in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. |
Fernandes
must quit: Tewari CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The President of the All-India Youth Congress Committee, Mr Manish Tewari, today demanded the resignation of the Union Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, saying that charges levelled against him by dismissed Admiral V. Bhagwat in his affidavit should be independently probed. Talking to newsmen here, Mr Tewari said that in case Mr Fernandes did not resign on or before the start of the session of Parliament on April 12, the AIYC would urge the President to dismiss him from the Council of Ministers. Besides, the AIYC would also launch an agitation not only outside Parliament but also at all state capitals to press for his resignation. Mr Tewari said that during its one-year rule at the Centre, the BJP-led government had pushed the country economically backwards by a decade. He also charged the BJP leadership at the Centre with “encouraging forces which have been trying to disturb the social fabric of the country”. “The BJP’s slogan of providing a clean administration has turned out to be hollow. See what happened in the Finance Ministry where Mr Guruswamy has made such serious allegations”, Mr Tewari said. The AIYC chief maintained that the Congress would mount pressure on the Rabri Devi government to resign following the recent spurt in killings at Jehanabad and Gaya districts. Mr Tewari also disclosed that a three-day orientation camp will be organised at Chandigarh from March 29 to streamline the party functioning. The camp will be for the AIYC activists from northern states where AICC General Secretary, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, will be the chief guest on the first day. He admitted that there had been a delay in reconstituting the Haryana unit of the Youth Congress. The delay, he said, was because of lack of consensus. The party General Secretary, Mr Jagdish Chander, has been asked to look after the affairs of the Haryana Youth Congress Committee till the state unit is reconstituted. Talking about the meeting convened by Mr Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi yesterday which was attended by Mr Venod Sharma, President, CTCC, and Mr Pawan Bansal, a former CTCC chief, Mr Tewari said that the agenda of the meeeting was to strengthen the party in Chandigarh. He, however, refused to divulge details of the meeting which was also attended by him. Mr Tewari also maintained that before appointing Mr Chander Mukhi Sharma as President of the CTYCC chief, he had consulted both Mr Pawan Bansal and Mr Venod Sharma. Similarly, the Punjab PCC chief was consulted before the appointment of the Punjab Youth Congress chief, he added. Mr Tewari was accompanied
by Mr Jagdish Chander, General Secretary, AIYC, and Mr
Chander Mukhi Sharma, President, CTYCC, at the
conference.
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120 students
given prizes CHANDIGARH, March 24 — About 120 graduates and postgraduates were given prizes at the annual prize distribution function of the Department of Correspondence Studies, Panjab University, held at the auditorium of the department here today. The chief guest, Prof. I.B.S. Passi, Dean, University Instruction, gave away the prizes. He said that the modes of distance education were fast changing due to rapid advancement in information technology. He said it would enable a broader coverage of the needy student population. He asked the toppers not to limit their interests to academics but widen their involvement outside it. He appreciated the trend of girls outnumbering boys in academic achievements. Earlier, the function began with a “Saraswati vandana” after which the Chairperson of the department, Prof Santosh K. Sharma, called upon the winners to dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity. She said that the department had grown in size with 18,000 students on its rolls. Prof Manmohan Singh proposed the vote of thanks. The winners of the essay, poetry and story-writing contests, held today, are: Essay writing: English — Rajni Bhargava 1, Sanjay Krishen 2, Nidhi Ganjoo 3; Hindi — Rakesh Kumar 1, Subhasini 2, Alpana 3; Punjabi — H.K. Dolly 1, Shakti Singla 2, Lakhwinder Kaur 3. Poetry: English — Tulika 1, Inderjeet Kaur 2; Hindi — Vikas 1, Paramjit 2, Kushal 3; Punjabi — Paramjit Josen Adib 1, Paramjit Singh Sagar 2, Niranjan Kumar 3. Story writing: Hindi
— Paramjit Josen Adib 1, Alpana Kumari 2, Mamta Jain
3; Punjabi — Manwinderjit Kaur 1, Vinay Kumar 2,
Neelam Naaz 3.
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Demand to
re-employ teachers CHANDIGARH, March 24 — Members of the Nav Niyukt Adhyapak Union staged a rally in support of their demands here today. The teachers of the union whose services had been terminated after 89 days, have been agitating for their reinstatement for the past many months. At the rally in front of the office of the DPI (Schools), they alleged that the government had done little to re-employ more the 2, 000 teachers whose services were terminated 15 months ago. Members said the inaction of the government had jeopardised the career of many as they had become overage for many government jobs during the period. Addressing the rally, leaders of various trade unions said the teachers were not alone in their fight but would be supported by other organisations as well. They also raised slogans against the “anti- employee, deaf and dumb Badal government.” Expressing their concern at the deteriorating health of four former teachers who were on an indefinite fast, they said it proved that the agitators were prepared for a fight to the finish. Mrs Tejinder Kaur, Mrs Ritu Joshi, Mr Jaspal Singh and Mr Gurcharan Singh Randhawa have been on fast for the past 17th, 14th, seventh and third day, respectively. The fast of the former duo continues although cases under Section 309 (attempt to suicide) , IPC, have been registered against them. They said it was a matter of shame that women had to leave their families and small children at home to take to the streets. The gathering resolved to hold district-level rallies in the state on March 30 and devise means to get their jobs back. The rally was addressed by Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, a former Chief Minister, Mr Tej Prakash Singh, Mr Avtar Singh Brar and Santokh Singh — all former ministers — besides Mr Inderjit Singh Mataur, MLA. The speakers promised to
get their demand fulfilled and appealed to the Punjab
Government to accept the demand of the teachers.
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TV dealer
penalised CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The UT Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, comprising its President J.B. Garg and members Sada Nand and P. Ojha, while upholding the order of the district forum, has directed a BPL TV dealer to refund the booking amount of Rs 50,000 with interest at 15 per cent per annum and costs of Rs 2,100. The interest and penalty has been imposed for failure to deliver the TV set within the promised time. Earlier, before the District Forum, the complainant, Mr Raj Babu Thakur of Chamba district (HP), had contended that he had deposited Rs 50,000 with M/s Unique Electronics of Sector 22, Chandigarh for a BPL colour TV of 29” on August 16, 1994. The dealer had promised to deliver the set within a fortnight but it was not delivered despite Thakur’s several visits to the shop. The dealer pleaded that he had requested the complainant to collect the TV set several times but the complainant did not turn up to take its delivery. The plea of the dealer was rejected by the court as he failed to produce any letter, receipt or postal certification to establish his contention. Holding him guilty of
deficiency in service, the commission upheld the order of
the district forum in its entirety and further directed
that the awarded sums be remitted by bank draft to the
respondent-consumer by means of a registered letter
immediately. |
Insurance
Co. told to pay Rs 69,285 CHANDIGARH, March 24 — A household policy holder has been directed to be compensated for the loss of his household articles by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum-II comprising its President, Mr R.P. Bajaj and members Mr H.S. Walia and Mrs Kamlesh Gupta. The complainant, Mr R.S. Bansal had alleged that on September 5, 1989, a fire broke out at his house in Kalka. In the commotion that followed, various household articles were burnt or stolen, which included 228 gm of gold jewellery. A police report was filed and a request for an insurance claim was also lodged with New India Assurance Company. The complainant had completed all formalities but the company rejected the claim in spite of the surveyor’s report being in his favour. The company, in its reply, disputed the loss of jewellery. It explained that the matter had been investigated through Mr S.S. Sachar, who had reported that no theft of jewellery had taken place and accordingly the claim was rejected. The records produced before the forum showed that all three surveyors appointed by the company had reported in favour of the insured. The loss was finally assessed at Rs 69,285, which was to be paid to the complainant after the formal approval of the Divisional Office of the company. The forum rejected the report of the investigator saying that “in the absence of the affidavit of the investigator, his report cannot be givenmuch value.” The company has been directed to pay the compensation along with an interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from April 1991 plus Rs 2,200 as costs. Case settled The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum- I comprising its president Dr H.C. Modi and members Dr R.K. Behl and Ms Shashi Kanta has allowed a car insurance claim of Rs 13,700 against United India Insurance Company along with costs of Rs 3,000. Mr O.P. Longia of Sector 42-B had complained that his car had met with an accident on July 20, 1994, and the surveyor had allowed the car to be repaired but the company did not re-imburse the expenses. In its reply, the company argued that the insurance stood in the name of the previous owner and Mr Longia had not got it transferred in his name. It also said, he did not have any insurable interest. However, when the complaint was pending, the company had offered to pay Rs 13,700 as assessed by the surveyor. The forum observed that “had the insurance company been efficient in settling the claim within a reasonable period, he would not have entered the arena of litigation. It, therefore, further awarded Rs 3,000 as compensation for the harassment and costs of the complaint. Hence, the company has to
make an aggregate payment of Rs 16,700 to the
complainant. |
Is swadeshi
relevant today? CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The University Business School, Panjab University, today organised national seminar on ‘Swadeshi today’, at the ICSSR Complex. Participants from various parts of the country presented 42 papers today on the topic. Dr Vikram Chadha in his paper ‘Implications of India’s global orientation during the 1990s’ suggested a slow and cautious approach to exposing the Indian economy to world competition, since trade growth and FDI flows has left much to desire. Prof S Murty in his paper ‘Foreign investment and economic growth through MNCs’ referred to the stronghold of MNCs over Indian economy, which control 53.7 per cent of the assets of the industrial sector in India. Dr Parminder Singh and Ms Swaraj Kaur in their paper, ‘MNCs and developing countries — an Indian experience’ lamented that the Vajpayee government had geared up its swadeshi overtones. Prof P.P. Arya referred to trade unions’ resistance to the new economic policy as it creates job insecurity, wage stagnation, retrenchment and unemployment. Dr A.S. Sidhu and Dr C.S. Cheema observed that the role for the state is important to tackle the problem of mass poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, inflation and fiscal and BOP deficits. Prof B.B. Tandon in his presidential address said Gandhiji’s concept of swadeshi was relevant today. He wanted indigenous research and development practices to be stregthened so as to counter the influence of MNCs. Meanwhile, the inaugural function of the training programme of vocational courses in office management and secretarial practices was held today at University Business School. About 20 participants from various colleges attended the course, which was co-ordinated by Dr A.K. Vashisht. Prof Paramjit Singh, Registrar of the university, in his inaugural address emphasised the importance of acquiring knowledge about the use of latest equipment in office management. Prof R.P. Gupta, Chairman,
welcomed the participants.
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File
returns or face action: IT Department CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Income Tax Department has warned prospective income tax payers who do not file mandatory income tax returns by March 31, under a new six-by-one scheme. According to a press note of the department, it was mandatory for assessees fulfilling one of the six criteria to file income tax returns in Form 2-C, irrespective of the income being taxable or not for 1997-98, before March 31. The department had despatched over 40,000 letters to the persons, who fulfilled any of these criteria. The data had also been computerised. Non-filing of Form 2-C would attract penal action, the press note said. It added that notices under Section 142(1) of the Income Tax Act would be issued to them and penalties under Section 271 imposed. The following are the six criteria: * Occupation of immovable property by way of ownership, tenancy or otherwise, exceeding 1,100 square feet for residential purposes and 125 square feet for commercial purposes. * Ownership on lease of a motor vehicle. * Subscription to a telephone or a cellular phone. * Expenditure on self or any other person on travel to foreign countries, except Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. * Possession of a credit card not being an “add-on” card issued by a bank or any institution. * Membership of a club
having entrance fee of Rs 25,000 or more.
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Error in
yet another paper CHANDIGARH, March 24 — Candidates of Class X Punjabi paper of the CBSE were in for a minor shock today. Marks assigned for question number 7 of series KLS of Code 6 were 16 — two marks each for the eight parts of the question. However, only seven parts were listed in the paper, putting the students at a disadvantage by two marks. Incidentally, the
instructions on the paper say: “Please check that
this question paper contains 10 questions”. Is the
number of sub-parts of a question not important enough?
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Six booked
for forgery PANCHKULA, March 24 — Six persons including an assistant of Panchkula Urban Cooperative Bank, have been booked by the police for allegedly preparing forged documents of land ownership of a person at Islam Nagar village, near here. A case under Sections 407, 420, 471 and 506 of the IPC has been registered against Fateh Mohd, K.D.Sharma, Kaka Singh, Tony, Mohinder and Yadav on the basis of a complaint lodged by Lara Singh, a resident of Islam Nagar. He alleged that he entered
into an agreement with Fateh to sell his land at Islam
Nagar village. Fateh along with other persons allegedly
forged the papers of ownership of his land and took a
loan of Rs 5 lakh from the Panchkula Urban Cooperative
Bank. They also allegedly prepared a fake ration card in
the name of the complainant.
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Administration
lists houses for demolition CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Chandigarh Administration has shortlisted 2804 houses in various villages and colonies, which are likely to be demolished shortly.The process of issuing notices to the owners of 2681 houses has been initiated. The houses had been constructed in violation of the Punjab New Capital Periphery Act. The necessary formalities like issuing notices before carrying out the demolition, have been completed or are being carried out. Sources in the Estate Office said while all formalities for the acquisition of land and the demolition of the Deep Complex had been completed, the action had been delayed due to political pressure. Meanwhile, a visit by officials of the Land Acquisition Department is reportedly scheduled for March 31. In the case of the constructions in Behlana, the orders had been issued some days back but were yet to be implemented for reasons best known to the authorities. Orders had also been issued to the owners of two houses in Kajheri. More than 100 houses had been demolished in this village recently. The targeted constructions are located in the Deep Complex in Hallo Majra (577), Daria ( 545), Sandhyaraj colony (344), Palsora (175), Shastri Nagar (158), Kaimbwala (64), Khuda Jassu (58), Dadu Majra ( 45), Mauli Jagran (45), Raipur Khurd (217), Maloya (20), Jhumru (62) and Behlana (21). Sources revealed that all
the necessary formalities for the remaining houses would
be completed by the first week of April and all houses
shortlisted were likely to be demolished by the month
end. |
Inter-state
gang duping traders busted PANCHKULA, March 24 — In a major breakthrough an inter-state gang of transporters, involved in duping traders of their consignments after faking registration numbers of their trucks, has been busted by the Chandi Mandir police. Goods worth over Rs 4 lakh — stolen by the truck operators in the past four months — have been recovered from them in three separate cases with the arrest of three of the five-member gang. The recovered goods include items of rice, cement and cattlefeed. A case of a truck carrying 140 bags of rice, which had been missing since January this year, led the police to the gang. The truck, bearing registration number HP-07-1767 had been booked by Laxmi Rice Mills, Barwala, with a transport company based at Ambala to carry an export consignment of rice worth Rs 1.25 lakh to Kandla port in Gujarat. The rice mill owner had got a case registered under Sections 407, 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC against the driver of the truck, Jeevan Singh. On the basis of clues a party led by SHO Mukesh Kumar of Chandi Mandir police station, raided places in Rohru, Shimla, Delhi and some towns in Punjab and Haryana. A godown in Ambala was being used by the gang to hide the stolen goods. The Superintendent of Police, Mr Alok Mittal, said two of the members of the gang Kuldeep of Rohru, and Satish of Shimla, owned trucks bearing numbers HP-51-741 and HP-10-773, respectively. They were helped in the operation by Neeta, a mechanic in Mani Majra, Goga, a brother of Neeta and Karnail, a truck driver. So far only Satish, Kuldeep and Neeta have been arrested. Mr Mittal said these truck operators based at Shimla used to carry raw material used in manufacturing cement from Darlaghat in Himachal Pradesh to a cement manufacturing unit in Kanauli at Ropar. All the members of the gang are in their early twenties. The modus operandi of the gang was to steal registration papers of other trucks and use these to dupe traders after booking consignments on the fake registration numbers. The registration papers of trucks bearing numbers HP-07-1767 and HP-07-0387 had been stolen and used on their trucks in at least four cases. In the incident at Barwala
the gang had used the fake registration number
HP-07-1767. Similarly in two other cases during December
1998 consignments of rice and cement were stolen. In the
same manner 360 bags of cattlefeed were stolen by them
last year. |
Notice to
UT Home Secretary on Jerath's sack CHANDIGARH, March 24 — On an original application filed by K.K. Jerath, dismissed UT Chief Engineer, who challenged various orders including dismissal passed by the Chandigarh Administration, Justice R.K. Nehru, Vice-Chairman of the local Central Administrative Tribunal Bench, issued notice for April 16. The notice has been issued to various respondents including the CITCO, Managing Director, who was the Inquiry Officer, and the UT Home Secretary. The respondents have been directed to file their replies before the date of the next hearing. On January 9, last year, the CBI registered a case against the applicant under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act and in pursuance thereto raided his house. An FIR was registered by the Vigilance Department against the applicant. Departmental proceedings against the applicant were also initiated by issuing a charge sheet. The applicant has challenged all the orders including the charge sheet, inquiry and the suspension and dismissal order dated March 8, 1999. The charge against Jerath in the charge sheet dated August, 10, 1998, was that he committed gross misconduct by wilfully absenting himself from his headquarters (Chandigarh) on various dates from February 6 to March 27, 1998, and later without permission of the competent authority. The applicant has not only challenged the charge sheet, the enquiry and the dismissal order but also the action in not paying him subsistance allowance and arrears of salary on account of revision of pay with effect from January 1996. His counsel contended that no charge whatsoever, was made out against the applicant. It has been submitted
inter alia, that this charge was only made out where
there is relationship between master and servant. By
placing the applicant under suspension, the
respondent-administration suspended the relationship and
that inquiry proceedings had been conducted in haste and
by ignoring various provisions of the law. It was further
alleged that the entire action was the result of mala
fides on the part of Ms Anuradha Gupta, UT Home
Secretary. |
Phone
information service CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Chandigarh Telecom Department has introduced a computerised information service (CIS) that will provide details about various services provided by the department by dialing 1959. Upon dialling this number a subscriber will be able to get information about dynamic STD locking procedure, morning alarm usage, Internet usage and charges, call transfer procedure, besides call waiting activation and deactivation procedures. The services is computerised and is based on the integrated voice response system (IVRS). The system is being introduced due to manpower shortage resulting in complaints from the public about the non-availability of the desired information. The number can be reached
from any telephone. It is proposed to add more
information later, official sources say. |
104 BJP-SAD
workers held, freed CHANDIGARH, March 24 — Even as the dharna by BJP-SAD alliance leaders outside the office of the Adviser to the UT Administrator, Mr Jagdish Sagar, has drawn a flak from various quarters, the alliance today took to streets and 104 of its workers courted arrest. The workers assembled near the Government Press chowk, Sector 18, this afternoon and after marching in procession to the Sectors 7,8,18 and 19 roundabout, they courted arrest. Raising slogans against the Adviser, the agitators also burnt the effigy of Mr Sagar. The agitators tried to break the police cordon following which 104 persons, including 18 women, were arrested.They were let off in the evening. In a signed statement addressed to the UT Administrator, senior alliance leaders, Mr Jai Ram Joshi, Mr Yash Paul Mahajan, Mr Suresh Verma, (all BJP Vice-Presidents), Mr Neeraj Tayal and Mr Mahaveer parsad, (BJP General Secretaries), Mr HS Sahani, (SAD General Secretary) and Mr GS Palia, (SAD Senior Vice-President) demanded immediate removal of the Adviser for “insulting” representatives of the people. They also demanded that the cases against the nine arrested leaders should be withdrawn and the “unconstitutional and illegal” working of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) checked immediately. Meanwhile, the Mayor, Mr Kewal Krishan Addiwal, while terming yesterday’s dharna as unfortunate, said it was result of and was result of frustration of the party leaders. The action of the alliance had lowered the prestige of the BJP, he said. As regards the recasting of the committees, Mr Addiwal claimed that the resolution to this effect was duly passed at a meeting of the corporation with amendments proposed by Mr RS Kailey under Rule 24 of the Act and 39(2) of the Act and according to the recording of proceedings, it was clear that the resolution was passed. The election to the committees had been held legally and representation to all sections of the MCC, including the Congress and nominated councillors, had been given, he added. The SJP President, Mr Devinder Singh Babla, while demanding, the dissolution of the civic body as it had become a burden on the residents, urged the Chandigarh Administration to pay heed to the demands of the political leaders. Mr Joginder Singh Bhogal,
a former member of the Advisory Committee, while
condemning the dharna by the leaders, demanded the
dissolution of the civic body to save the fruitless
expenditure being incurred on the perks of the
councillors. |
CHANDIGARH, March 24 — For the first time, two councillors of the Opposition will head subcommittees of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC). In the elections held here today, Ms Kamlesh (Cong) was unanimously elected the Chairperson of the Electricity Committee. Ms Satinder Dhawan (SJP) was elected Deputy Chairperson of the panel. Mr Gurcharan Dass Kala (Cong) was elected Chairman of the Apni Mandi Committee and the Deputy Mayor, Mr Bachan Singh, was elected Deputy Chairman. Mr Mohinder Singh (SAD) and Ms Ranjana Shahi (BJP) stayed away from the meeting. A nominated councillor, Major-Gen Gurdial Singh (retd), was elected Chairman of the Water Supply and Sewerage Disposal Committee. Mr Raj Kumar Goyal (Cong), was elected deputy chairman of the committee. The elections were boycotted by Mr Des Raj Tandon (BJP). Mr R.K. Aggarwal (nominated), who is reportedly abroad, was also conspicuous by his absence. The ruling group had tried
to give representation to all the sections except the
BJP-SAD alliance, which had boycotted the elections. This
had been achieved without annoying the seven ruling group
councillors, who head five panels and are Deputy
Chairpersons of another two. |
CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Panjab University has finalised the schedule for the postgraduate examinations. These are slated to commence on April 19 and will end on May 8. The practical examination in music (instrumental, vocal, tabla and dance) will be held before the theory examination. For other subjects, candidates must contact the superintendent of their examination centre before the end of their theory test to know the exact date of their practical examination. The MA I examinations, will be held in the afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm. These will begin with the English, Punjabi, German, Persian, Tamil, ancient Indian history, culture and archaeology, education, Gandhian and peace studies, mathematics and geography papers. This will be followed by history, psychology, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, French, history of art, philosophy and public administration papers on April 20. The physical education and economics paper will begin on the April 22. The examinations will conclude on May 7. The second-year examinations will commence with the papers of public administration, Arabic, Bengali, French, history of art, psychology, philosophy, physical education and ancient Indian history, culture and archaeology on April 19. These will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at 12 noon. Tests of Punjabi,
political science, geography, Sanskrit, Urdu, dance,
defence and strategic studies, Indian theatre and
mathematics will be held the following day. The
examinations will end on May 8 with the public
administration paper.
|
CHANDIGARH, March 24 — A three-year-old girl, who was reportedly missing from her home in colony 5, was found dead this morning. The girl, Laxmi, had been missing from her home since March 15. Her father had lodged a complaint with the police. The body of the girl was found in a ditch near the colony. The ditch is filled with water and rags and polythene bags float on the surface. Probably the girl died due to drowning, the police claimed tonight . Her body did not come to the surface due to growth of weeds and polythene bags on the surface of water, the police claimed. The body was found this afternoon by rag-picker. He saw a hand and thought it was a doll. He pulled the arm and out came the body. The rag-picker screamed and called in others. The body has been sent for a post mortem. A case has been registered. Suicide bid: A boy studying in class IV allegedly tried to commit suicide by hanging himself in his house in Mani Majra this afternoon. The boy received some injuries to his neck and he has been identified as Soni. It is yet not clear if his action was based upon a TV serial that has led to many suicides by school children across the country. Meanwhile, Mr R.L. Jena of Sector 44 and Mr Balbir Singh of Sector 40 were injured and admitted to the PGI after their respective scooters skidded in separate incidents. Two nabbed: The police has nabbed Manjeet Singh of Kajheri village and Paramjeet Singh Singh of SAS Nagar for their alleged involvement in bashing up two students of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32. The incidents had occurred last month when two students were beaten up in hostel on the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) campus Car stolen: A car ( CH—01—Q—7347) owned by Mr Rakesh Bhalla of Sector 47, was stolen from his residence. Three arrested: Three persons — Mohan Singh, Nathu Lal and Rajesh Kumar — all residents of Maloya village were arrested while allegedly playing cards in a public place. Falls from bus: Anita Devi of Hallo Majra village was injured and admitted to the PGI after she fell off a moving Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) bus near Sectors 9,10,16 and 17 round about. Arrested: Dhan Bahadur of Mauli Jagran , was nabbed while carrying a knife in Daria village. A case has been registered. Meanwhile in separate incident , a resident of Sector 20 , Mr Ranbir Singh Sodhi, was allegedly attacked by some misreants. PANCHKULA One killed: One person was killed and two others were injured in three separate incidents in the district during the past 36 hours A cyclist, Dharmendar Singh, died on the spot after being hit by a truck near Sector 17 here on Tuesday. The police has registered a case under Sections 279 and 304-A of IPC against the truck driver on the basis of a complaint lodged by Gurvinder Singh. Dishanand Singh, who was driving a moped was injured after being hit by a truck near Ramsheori village near here. The driver of the truck, Sukhdev Singh is a resident of Zirakpur in Patiala. A case under Sections 279 and 338 of the IPC has been registered against the truck driver. In another case, Mangal Singh, a resident of Mauli Jagran, was injured when he was hit by a truck near the Kalka level crossing. A case under Sections 279, 337 and 427 of the IPC has been registered against the truck driver. Burn injuries: Sishpal, a resident of Golpura village near here, who was admitted with burn injuries, died at the PGI in Chandigarh on Wednesday. The police has initiated inquest proceedings in the case under Section 174 of the Cr.P.C. Body found: The
body of an unidentified person was found near the Mansa
Devi temple here on Tuesday. An autopsy of the body
conducted at the General Hospital revealed a heart attack
as the cause of death. |
CHANDIGARH: Vibrant colours and unique style are the hallmark of Kanchan’s paintings. A postgraduate in fine arts she has worked extensively on folk life as it has always attracted her. Starting with still life compositions in the classroom Kanchan has graduated to working with different medium. But she likes to work with acrylic the most. All the paintings in the exhibition have been done in the same medium. She celebrates life through female figures. There is a mixture of figurative with abstraction, lending a mystic quality to the frames. Women in rural surroundings have been captured in varied profiles — in one she is sharing her dreams with her daughter, in another she is waiting for her lover and in another doing some daily activity. What is interesting is the depiction of the saree. It has been shown as an endless attire moving in rounded curves. Even the figurines have a roundness around them. The colours used are bright and catchy. There is not a single dull shade. These lend a freshness to the creations. The style of working is Kanchan’s very own. She evolved this over a period of time and took six months to prepare for the show. This exhibition will be
open at Government Museum and Art Gallery till March 28. |
Cyclist
killed ZIRAKPUR, March 24 — A Haryana Roadways bus (HR-03-7620) crushed a cyclist to death near Dhakoli near here, on Tuesday night. The bus was on its way from Mansa Devi to Zirakpur when it hit the cyclist Jagpal Singh alias Palla, a resident of Mathiana village. The police has arrested the bus driver, Rambir Singh, and impounded the bus. A case under Sections 279,
304-A and 427 of IPC has been registered against the bus
driver.
|
Istri sabha
flays excise policy CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Punjab Istri Sabha has criticised the Chandigarh Administration’s excise policy for 1999-2000, which will make light beer, wine and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) slightly cheaper. Ms Oshima Raikhy, President of the Sabha, said with violence and sex crimes on the increase and addiction to liquor and drugs prevailing, this was an ill-conceived move. She said that most of the city pubs were visited by school children. The policy, she said, seemed to be of “catch them young” to make them habitual drinkers by the time they reach college. She also said that instead of social and development works, the future of the some politicians, bureaucrats and liquor contractors was being promoted. “The Punjab Istri
Sabha feels that the administration should revise the
policy and gradually decrease the number of vends and
pubs to limit the sale of liquor in the city. Drinking
has become a major source of dispute and violence in the
family leading to its break-up, leaving the children
insecure”, she concluded. |
Medicine
supply poor in villages MANAULI (SAS NAGAR), March 24 — There is an irregular supply of medicines supply to this peripheral village. The village dispensary also lacks in many other facilities. The government dispensary at Dhakauli village near Zirakpur is not having proper supply of medicines. Even medicines like paracitamol and disprin are not supplied on a regular basis. It becomes difficult to treat a patient in emergency cases. At Manauli village, near SAS Nagar, the dispensary covers a population of more than 10,000 in the area. It has a doctor, a pharmacist and an attendant. More than 60 patients visit the dispensary everyday Sources said though lists are invited from each dispensary regarding the requirement of medicines, no attention is given. In the absence of supply of disposable syringes boiled water is used for sterilisation purposes. According to Mr Prem
Singh, a resident of Pappri village, near SAS Nagar,
“we purchase medicines from market at higher rates
because of their non-availability at the village
dispensaries”. |
Health mela
on March 28 CHANDIGARH, March 24 — A unique health mela is being organised on March 28 at the Government Institute for Mentally Retarded Children in Sector 32 Government Medical College and Hospital. The event will be conducted by a team of the Department of Psychiatry, headed by Dr S.B. Chavan. The main aim is to provide a free health check up for mentally retarded children. The children will be screened by associated medical disorders. Doctors of the GMCH from departments of paediatrics, eye, ENT, orthopaedics, dentistry and skin will attend on the children. Efforts will be made to detect preventable causes of mental retardation. IQ testing will be available on the spot to determine the extent of retardation. Psychologists and counsellors will be available to educate parents about common problems in these children and coping skills to handle them. All these facilities will be provided free of cost. The institute also has facilities for vocational training; IQ and behavioural assessment; special educators for mentally retarded children; hostel facility with attached mess; day boarding for children of working parents; indoor and outdoor games and regular medical check up by doctors of the GMCH. The Health Secretary, Mrs
Anuradha Gupta, will inaugurate the health mela. |
Free
coaching for CET/PMT CHANDIGARH, March 24—The Sikh Mission-ary College (Chandigarh) has been organised coaching classes of CET/PMT for needy, deserving and brilliant candidates free of cost for the past six years with the coordination of Management Committee of Sector 34 Gurdwara Sahib. The faculty comprises teachers for Panjab University and colleges, who provide free services for the purpose. The entrance test for
these classes will be held on March 31. Forms are
available in the college office at the Sector 34
gurdwara.
|
Decision on
phone rentals hailed CHANDIGARH, March 24 — The Ghar Bachao Committee, Naya Gaon has welcomed the decision of the Ministry of Communications for its decision to charge the rentals and registration fee from rural telephone subscribers at the rates prevailing prior to August 15 last year. The ministry has also decided to charge for local call facility within whole SDCA at the rate of 5 minutes duration per call unit or untimed if capacity is less than 30,000 lines. This was earlier on 3 minutes duration per call unit. Long distance charges for connections beyond 5 km have been removed which earlier was Rs 600 per km per annum beyond 5 km and connections under rural package to be continued. The Panchyat Secretary, Mr
Balbir Singh Bajwa, has urged Principal General Manager,
Telecommunication, Chandigarh, to implement the decision
and make refund of the excess rental charges collected
from the subscribers soon.
|
Teachers
firm on exam boycott threat CHANDIGARH, March 24 — An “educational” bandh was observed by teachers of various colleges and the university, here today. The call for the bandh was given by the joint co-ordination committee of teachers working in the universities and colleges of Chandigarh and Punjab Teachers of non-government aided colleges and universities gathered at MCM DAV College, Sector 36, to hold a protest rally against the inordinate delay by the Punjab Government in releasing the pay scales for the teaching staff of the 150 non-government aided and unaided colleges affiliated to the three universities of Punjab and UT. The rally was addressed by Prof V.K. Tewari, National Secretary of AIFUCTO, Prof N.P. Manocha, Finance Secretary of PCCTU, Dr S.P. Gautam, President of PUTA, and Prof Charanjit Chawla, fellow of Panjab University. They reiterated that they would boycott examination work if the pay scales are not implemented with immediate effect. The principal representative conveyed the decision of a meeting of principals held with the management of the colleges to disallow use of college premises for examination work. The meeting was held at Jalandhar on the 21st of this month. Later in the day, however,
the Governor of Punjab, Lt-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber, made it
known that the teaching staff in the non-government aided
colleges would get pay scales on a par with those of the
university and government college teachers with effect
from January 1,1996. |
271 checked
for TB CHANDIGARH, March 24 — As many as 271 persons of Ram Darbar were examined free of charge by doctors of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day here today. The camp was run by the Department of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis in collaboration with the Departments of Community Medicine, Microbiology and Radiology. A team of doctors, paramedical staff and nurses worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Investigations like chest X-ray, lung function test and sputum examination were carried out. Dr Ashok Kumar Janmeja said the camp would benefit patients of pulmonary TB, brain TB, bronchial asthma and bronchitis. In a separate camp
organised by the Chest Clinic in Sector 22, more than 120
patients living in Colony Number 4 were examined by Dr
R.K. Chopra. |
Students
for change of exam centre CHANDIGARH, March 24 — Students of Government College, Zira, today started their agitation outside the office of the Vice-Chancellor Panjab University, to protest against the shifting of their examination centre from their college premises to RSD College, Ferozepore, for the BA part-I, II and III examinations. The students are demanding shifting of the examination centre back to Zira. In a memorandum presented to the Vice-Chancellor, the students said the shifting of the examination centre 50 km away from the college was not justified. The students alleged that the Principal of their college had recommended the cancellation of the centre as teachers had gone on leave and also because of shortage of staff. They said the temporary staff of their college, and the Principal of Guru Nanak College Ferozepore were ready to depute staff for conducting the examinations. Meanwhile DPS Randhawa,
President PUCSC, has also extended support to the
students. |
Kompal,
Amrita get college colour CHANDIGARH, March 24 — Kompal Khurana of B Sc final year was awarded the Dr P.K. Devi Award of Rs 1000 for excellence in academics, co-curricular activities and possessing humanitarian values at the 31st annual prize distribution function and convocation for graduate and postgraduate students of Government Home Science College, Sector 10, here today. Amrita of M.Sc (I) and Kompal Khurana were given the college colour for the laurels they brought to the college during the youth festival. Nitya, a post-graduate student of the Clothing and Textile Department of the college, pocketed the prize for the “Best Hosteller’’. About 150 prizes were given to students for excelling in academics, co-curricular activities, and to members of the students’ council and the committee that helped organise the fete on the college campus. Degrees were conferred on about 150 students of the college. The chief guest, Prof Vijay Kumar Kak, Director-Principal, Government Medical College, gave away the prizes. He quoted the duties of a student, enlisted in the Taittriya Upanishad, according to which a student should not be negligent of truth, virtue, welfare, prosperity, teaching and study. “In one passage, all virtues are brought together under the three Ds: namely dama (self-restraint), dana (self-sacrifice) and daya (compassion),’’ he added, the students would do well to follow these teachings. Prof Kak concluded his address with a quote of Jawaharlal Nehru which spelt out the message that achievements require character, discipline, united action and readiness to sacrifice the individual self for the larger cause. Earlier, the Principal, Dr Usha Dhawal, read out the college report in which she highlighted the academic achievements of the students and staff, achievements of the college in co-curricular activities, sports, highlights of the hostel function and activities of the NSS wing of the college. The winners of Panjab University examinations are: M Sc: Food and Nutrition : Anu Aggarwal 1, Shalini Bansal 2; Child Development : Deepali 1, Sonal 2; Clothing and Textile: Manisha Aneja 1, Reena 2. Postgraduate diploma :
Dress Designing : Shilpa Bansal 1, Krishma Verma 2;
Nutrition and Diet : Ruchi Dhamija 1, Ekta Jindal 2.
Aggregate B Sc: Veenu Jindal 1, Shivani Aggarwal 2. |
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