Cyclist crushed by truck
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, Nov 11 — An unknown cyclist was crushed to death by a truck near the Sector 45-46 dividing road here today.

According to police sources, the man in his mid-forties was hit by a truck at 4.30 a.m. and died on the spot. The truck driver fled from the scene of the crime.

Car hit
Mr Dalip Singh of Nayagaon reported that he was hit and injured by a car (HR-03-B 5192) near the Golf Club. The driver reportedly fled the scene. He has been admitted to the General Hospital.

Goods stolen
In separate cases, Rs 10,000 and household goods were stolen from various parts of the city.

Mr Rajan Modi of Sector 28 reported that his domestic servant, Babli, a resident of Bapu Dham colony, had stolen Rs 10,000 when she was cleaning his room. She was employed two months ago. A case has been registered at the Sector 26 police station

Hallo Majra resident Sanjiv Kumar reported that some one had stolen a TV and VCR from his house. A case under Section 380, IPC, has been registered at the Sector 31 police station.

DERA BASSI

Held for murder
The police has arrested Roshan of Tandowal in Shahzadpura, Haryana, for allegedly killing Ranvir Singh of the same village near Handesra village, near here, on October 18.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr H.S. Bhullar, the accused was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by Mr Sukhraj Singh, the victim's brother under Section 302 of the IPC. The police raided the house of the accused and arrested Roshan.

The DSP said that the accused confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation. On this basis, the shoes of the deceased and the weapon, a knife, used in the crime have been recovered by the police.

The accused also disclosed that he was suspicious about illicit relations between the deceased and his wife.

KALKA

Collision
Three persons were injured when a bus collided with a Maruti car near Kalka. The car was going from Delhi to Solan. The bus was going from Kalka to Chandigarh.

The bus driver fled from the scene. The bus has been impounded. A case has been registered for rash driving.

PANCHKULA

Suicide
Ram Asra (74) committed suicide by immolating himself at his house in Sector 10. He was mentally unstable, said police sources.

Students showcase culture
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, celebrated International Students Day at the Law Auditorium today evening in memory of its founder, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the great scholar-statesman and free India's first Education Minister.

Nearly 500 students from 15 different countries of the world studying in the university participated in the function by putting up a variety of items reflecting their folklore and their cultural heritage. The Adviser to the UT Administrator, Mrs Vineeta Rai, presided over the function.

The council also celebrates this day through Indian embassies abroad especially in the countries which send a substantial number of foreign students. The programme commenced with a welcome song sung by a group of students from Bhutan. A girl from Thailand depicted the culture of her land through her dance. The group song presented by the Ethiopian students and the Kazakhistan dance of girls was impressive indeed.

The other highlights were the yak dance of Tibet and its fashion show, group dance of Fiji and the dance of Uganda, which received loud applause. Students from Nigeria, Kenya, Kazakhistan and Bangladesh also reflected their cultures through the items they presented at the function.

HUDA told to improve sector
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Nov 11 — The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the Chief Administrator of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), to immediately constitute a committee comprising the Administrator of HUDA as its presiding officer, besides Executive Engineer (P and H) and Executive Engineer (Building and Road) as its members which should undertake steps to improve the condition of Sector 12-A. This has been done on a the basis of a complaint filed by the Senior Citizens Social Society of Sector 12-A.

The committee will be required to take action to stop the supply of contaminated water to residents of the sector and remove leaking pipes. It will also remove 'jhuggi' dwellers, get roads repaired, maintain parks properly and take suitable action to stop defecation at vacant plots. The committee has been given time upto April 30, 2000, failing which, action under Sections 27 under the provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, will be taken.

In the order, the forum has said that the Chief Administrator of HUDA, shall ensure and satisfy himself regarding the day-to-day working of the committee and submit an 'action taken report' before the forum on May 1, 2000.

The complaint said the sector came into existence in 1981 and in the advertisement inviting applications for allotment of plots on payment, promised that basic amenities like education, medical centre, shopping centre and a community centre will be set-up on a priority basis for the residents. Provisions for the same were made in the plan of this sector, but even after a lapse of 17 years, the facilities were not provided.

It also said the site allocated for the school had been encroached by marble traders and other shopkeepers. Also, there was a provision for a 'dharamshala' in the plan which had still not come up. The health centre had been degraded to a government dispensary. It said the heaps of rubbish on the roadsides were due to the presence of 'jhuggi' dwellers. The supply of contaminated water due to laying of substandard plastic pipes was also resented by the council in a supplementary complaint along with details of the pathetic condition of roads in the sector which made driving impossible.

In its reply, HUDA said no promises were made to provide facilities mentioned by the complainant and the shopping centre and schools were a policy matter of the government. The sector was fully developed and had basic facilities.

However, after arguments advanced by both sides, the bench observed that HUDA had failed to provide proper roads, sewerage, community buildings, parks and hygienic conditions in the area, following which the formation of the committee was recommended.

Prices of pulses stable
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — The prices of pulses have not witnessed any fluctuation in the local market during the past two weeks.

During a survey of the market today, it was found that if a kg of 'mah sabat' was priced at Rs 28 and Rs 26 in retail and wholesale, respectively, two weeks ago, the commodity was still available at its old price today.

'Mah Chilka' was stable at Rs 28 and Rs 26 a kg in retail and wholesale markets, respectively, while one could purchase 'dal mah' for Rs 32 a kg in retail and for Rs 28 a kg in the wholesale market.

Similarly, one could purchase a kg of 'moong sabat' at its old price of Rs 28 a kg in retail and for Rs 25 a kg in the wholesale market. 'Moong chilka" was priced at Rs 29 a kg in retail and for Rs 26 a kg in the wholesale market. Similarly, a kg of 'dal moong' was available for Rs 32 in retail and for Rs 27.50 in the wholesale market.

There was no fluctuation in the price of 'kala chana' as it was available for Rs 20 a kg in retail and for Rs 17.50 in the wholesale market. 'Dal chana' was also available at the same price.

One could buy 'kala masar' for Rs 28 a kg in retail and for Rs 25.50 a kg in the wholesale market. The same was the case with 'arhar' as a kg of it was priced at Rs 36 in retail and for Rs 32 a kg in the wholesale market.

According to traders, there was no fluctuation in the prices of pulses as on the one hand the arrivals were normal and on the other unlike in the past there was no extra consumption during the festival days this year.

'White chana' was available in the retail market for Rs 36 a kg while in the wholesale market the same was priced at Rs 32.50 a kg. One could buy 'rajmah' after paying Rs 32 a kg in retail and Rs 26 a kg in the wholesale market. 'Malka masar' was priced at Rs 30 and Rs 27 a kg in the retail and wholesale markets, respectively. 'Roungi' was priced at Rs 36 a kg in retail and Rs 32 a kg in the wholesale market.

ISDS-21, BV-27 enter final
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — Hosts IS Dev Samaj Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, beat Sacred Heart School, sector 26, 37-6 (half-time score 25-4) to move into the final of the CBSE basketball tournament today. Earlier, they defeated Central School of Tibetan, Shimla, 51-8 (half-time score 28-3).

The other team to enter the final was Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, when they defeated Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, 22-12 (half-time score 9-3). Earlier, Carmel Convent School got the better of Central School of Tibetan, Paonta Sahib, 31-6.

In the semi-final between Dev Samaj and Sacred Heart, Navneet scored 15, Shweta 8, Harpreet 6 and Kavita 4 points for the winners. Ravneet scored 4 points for the losers.

In the semi-final between BV-27 and CC-9, Rajita and Alipt scored 13 and 8 points, respectively, for the winners. Neha and Deepika scored 6 and 3 points, respectively, for the losers.

Inter-school karate

Jabarjung of St Joseph's School, who won in the above-62 kg category in the UT inter-school karate championship held at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, was adjudged best karateka of the day. Sukhdev Singh won gold in below-54 kg, Kamlesh in below-58 kg, Aniket Jain in below-62 kg categories in under-17 age group. In sub-juniors, Jaideep won gold in below-20 kg, Hinashu in below-23 kg, Abhin in below-36 kg, Parmider in below-29 kg, Sohit Verma in below-32 kg, Vishal in below-38 kg and Amrik in below-41 kg categories.

Parents of some participants alleged that results were manipulated by officials and coaches. They have, in an appeal to the DPI (Schools), UT Administration, requested him to re-evaluate the matches of the inter-school karate meet and to hold it again.

Carrom series

The second triangular carrom test series will be hosted by the Chandigarh Carrom Association at St Stephen's School, Sector 45, on November 13 and 14. Tejinder Harry will lead the Chandigarh team, which will also include Gagandeep, Ramanpreet Pahwa and Sanjay Negi. Teams from Haryana and Delhi will also take part.

Cricket tourney

Hosts St John's High School, Sector 26, defeated Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 42, by ten wickets in the under-14 UT inter-school cricket tournament. Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32, beat Shishu Niketan Senior Secondary School, Sector 22, by 53 runs.

Sport Day celebrated
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — Gian Jyoti Public School, SAS Nagar, celebrated its Sports Day today to mark its 25th anniversary. While giving away the prizes, Mr Nusrat Ali Khan, Minister of State for Sports, Punjab, said the school would be provided with sports equipment.

The school runs the coaching centre for judo and hockey. Prominent sportspersons of the school include Simer Kaur (taekwondo), Amardeep Kaur (shooting) and Harsimran Kaur (swimming).

Earlier, a one-day meet was inaugurated by Mr Amrik Singh, Senior Vice-President of Municipal Council, SAS Nagar. Prizes were given by Mr O.P. Popli, SDM, SAS Nagar.

The meet had events in long jump, shot put, hockey, kabaddi, volleyball, kho-kho, throwball, couple race, 50 m races, sack race, relay races, fancy dress show and yoga demonstration. Bhangra was also performed.

Inter-bank golf

Punjab and Sind Bank clinched the Chandigarh inter-bank golf tournament held at the Chandigarh Golf Club.

Teams from Reserve Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Punjab, Punjab and Sind Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, State Bank of India, Deutsche Bank and Punjab Cooperative Bank took part. Reserve Bank of India were the runners-up.

The ceremonial tee-off was done by Mr K. Vijayraghvan, Regional Director, RBI, and the prizes were given by his wife.

Results — best gross: S.S. Sawhney 1, Harpal Singh 2; best net: K.S. Bhullar 1, T.P. Singh 2; lucky partner: S.P. Singh and Arjun Bhandari 1, R.K. Rehani and G.S. Mangat 2; stable ford: K.S. Bedi 1, Jasbir Singh 2; above 50 years net score: K. Vijayaraghvan 1, Sarabjit Singh 2; longest drive hole 2: S.P. Singh; nearest to pin hole 3: K.S. Bhular; consolation prize: S.S. Bahnwal.

New sport policy to be formulated
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — To broadbase participation in sport and to utilise existing open spaces, parks and playfields in schools, the Chandigarh Sports Council at its meeting held here last evening decided to constitute a four-member committee to suggest a new policy.

The council also decided to set up a five-member sub-committee to suggest ways and means of making Lake Club a viable and active centre for sport enthusiasts of the city.

Besides, the council also took a policy decision to enhance cash awards for medallists of Olympic Games, World Cups, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and National Championships. It also approved the Budget for the current financial year.

Mrs Vineeta Rai, Adviser to the Administrator of Chandigarh, presided over the meeting which was attended by all members of the general house, including the local MP, Mr Pawan Bansal. Mr Rakesh Singh, Secretary, Sports, and Vice-President of the council, and Mr M. Ramsekhar, Director of Sports-cum-Secretary of the council.

A paper on the creation and maintenance of sport infrastructure and developing sport centre in the city generated an interested debate. It was during this debate that it was decided to review the existing policy of the administration on broadbasing sport in the Union Territory. It was resolved to constitute a four-member committee to review the existing policy and suggest a new model. The committee will submit its report by December 31 this year. The other committee on making Chandigarh Lake Club viable and popular will be headed by Mr Rajan Kashyap.

Mr Pawan Bansal suggested that in an attempt to broadbase participation in sport, Resident Welfare Associations and other such committees should be encouraged to maintain open spaces, parks and even playfields of both government and private schools. Some eminent sportsmen and women of that area should be associated on voluntary basis with such committees to encourage participation. Mr Bansal also suggested that all future colonies of the Chandigarh Housing Board must have provision for open spaces and playfields, including those for volleyball, basketball or football.

Mr Bansal volunteered to divert 20 per cent of his annual MP Area Development Fund for the development of parks, open spaces and playfields in colonies, villages and various sectors. As such, he said, he would contribute Rs 20 lakh per annum for the next five years.

He also offered to sanction funds for the purchase of three computer terminals with scanners and printers for the council for its data bank. Mr Bansal wanted that membership of Chandigarh Lake Club should be open to all citizens of Chandigarh and should not be confined to bureaucrats and high-ups of the Administration alone.

The Adviser to the Administrator, Mrs Vineeta Rai, agreed that the existing policy of starting sport wings and sport hostels needed to be reviewed as it was shrinking the base of sport in the Union Territory. Sport should be a mass movement and more and more people should be encouraged to take to sport. The emphasis, she said, should be to encourage participation at the grassroots level.

The general house, by another significant decision, decided to sponsor the new national hardcourt champion for his participation in various ATP tournaments.The sponsorship for Sunil Kumar of the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association would be up to 50 per cent of his total cost on travel, kit and participation to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for two years. The general house also placed on record the good work done by the CLTA in producing national champions and national ranked players.

The general house also decided to increase the diet money for day scholars from Rs 10 to Rs 15 and for boarders from Rs 20 to Rs 30.

When the issue for adoption of Punjab State Sports Council rules came up, Mr Rajan Kashyap suggested that the council must look for a more accountable and hire and fire system to which Mr Ajmer Singh felt that sport alone should not be picked for such a thing and the rules as applicable to other departments should also be made applicable to the Sports Council.

The Secretary, Mr M. Ramsekhar, wanted that the grant from the Sports Department, which used to be Rs 20 lakh per annum and had been slashed to Rs 5 lakh and then increased to Rs 10 lakh, should be restored to its original level of Rs 20 lakh. At that Mr Rakesh Singh said that efforts would be made to give the council more money. Also, the money spent on awards to outstanding sportsmen and women would be given from the Sports Department to save the council Rs 10 lakh.

It was also suggested that the sports cess was not being paid to the council for the past couple of years. Other suggestions for augmenting resources were also considered.

No decision was taken on replacement of the worn out Astroturf at the Sector 42 stadium as it involved a huge expenditure of Rs 1.8 crore.

It was, however, decided to get the damaged portion of the synthetic surface repaired for the time being.

The house was informed that setting up of the State Sports Award was under consideration.

Good show by city boy
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Nov 11 — Abhinav Bindra of Chandigarh scored 588 out of 600 in his first match to secure the sixth position in the air rifle event in the Oceanic shooting championship in Sydney (Australia).

Abhinav scored 587 out of 600 in his second match and finished seventh. This message was received by his father.

The top scorer was a German shooter who scored 593 and 592 out of 600. Abhinav is the youngest shooter in this championship and is ranked sixth in world.

The meet will end on November 15. He will then move to Auckland (New Zealand) to participate in the third Commonwealth shooting championship.