Cops face mob fury
Angry villagers enforce blockade near police lines
Our Correspondent

Ghaziabad, September 29
Ten policemen, including one Circle Officer and five SIs, were injured in sustained stone-pelting by villagers. The police was trying to persuade them to lift a road blockade on Hapur Road near police lines.

Following the mob action, contingents of police and PAC rained lathis on the villagers and chased them for a fairly long distance.

About 50 villagers were injured in the lathi charge by the cops, who even fired in the air to disperse the mob.

Some journalists and photographers were injured in the lathi-charge. Later, thirty-four persons were taken into custody by the police.

The residents of Harsanw village had organised the blockade near the police lines, Ghaziabad, in protest against the rising incidence of crime and the failure of the police to nab a murderer.

It all began in the Harsanw when one Kanhya’s tethered buffalo broke free from its peg and damaged a neighbour’s wooden property on September 27.

This resulted in an altercation between the two neighbours, which later developed into a fight. In the fight, Kanhya’s brother Rajinder and another person were injured. Rajinder had later succumbed to his injuries. Following Rajinder’s death and the police failure to arrest his killers, the villagers jammed the Hapur road in protest.

When Rajinder’s body was brought to the village in the afternoon, the villagers carried it to the police lines and blocked the road for two hours, demanding the registration of a murder case and immediate arrest of the culprits. After the police failed to persuade the villagers to lift the blockade, it tried to forcibly get the traffic going. The police, as a precaution, tried to steer the women to one side, which further infuriated the agitated villagers who stated pelting stones on the cops.

CO Dharam Singh, SO Kavi Nagar, and half a dozen cops were injured in the stone-pelting.

Police contingents from Indirapuram, Kavi Nagar, Vijay Nagar, Sihani Gate and Mussori police station and two companies of PAC were rushed. The contingents rained lathis on the agitating villagers and also fired many rounds in the air.

Even half a dozen press reporters and photographers were beaten up. Two cameras were snatched and damaged by the cops.

Even people inside their houses were allegedly pulled out and beaten up by the police. The police handed over Rajinder’s body to his family, who cremated it later. The police and the PAC are still deployed in the village as a precautionary measure.

PANIPAT
Private school owners livid over ban
Our Correspondent

Panipat, September 29
The Private School Owners Common Front, an apex body of scores of privately-managed schools in the city, is on the warpath.

At a meeting held here today, the front decided to oppose tooth and nail the recent order of the Haryana Education Government barring the students of private schools from appearing in the matriculation examination of the Haryana Board of School Education.

Speaking at a meeting of the front here, the secretary, Mr Ram Dutt Sharma, threatened to launch an agitation on the issue if the government failed to reverse the decision immediately.

In fact, the order, the members highlighted, defied logic since the earlier arrangement of allowing the private students to take the matriculation exam was working fine. This arrangement would also have helped reduce illiteracy among the youth in the long run.

The government orders, barring the students of private schools from appearing in the matric exam, are effective from the current session. Now, for appearing in the matric exam, they either have to be regular students or appear through the Haryana Open School, thus limiting the options of the student community.

However, in the case of middle examination, the situation is just the opposite. Any candidate, who is 12 years old or above and who has no qualification worth the name, can appear in the middle examination after submitting an affidavit.

Why then this discrimination against the students of private schools wanting to appear in the matric exam, demands Mr Sharma, adding that the new system would play havoc with the careers of students, whose circumstance were not favourable and conducive to regular studies.

The meeting, which was held under the chairmanship of the president, Mr Raghubir Singh Chaudhary, decided to take several steps for the overall development of the students.

For instance, it was decided that height will be the benchmark of sports competitions. Class-wise contests will be scrapped.

It was also decided that a handwriting competition in Hindi and English will be held at M R High School, Tehsil Camp, on October 12. Also, sports competitions will be held on the Haryana Day.

No attempt to fill up legal posts as cases pile up
Syed Ali Ahmed
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
Despite the assurance of the Delhi Lt. Governor, Mr. Vijai Kapoor, in January this year that all vacant posts in the crucial Legal and Writ Cell of the Department of Land and Building would be filled, so that it can carry out its functions effectively, the proposal continues to gather dust in the Administrative Reform Department of the Government of NCT Delhi.

The proposal was referred to the Administrative Reform Department in June this year after the LG was informed that the department was finding it difficult to cope with cases owing to manpower constraints and these were piling up much to the discomfort of the public.

According to sources, there are 12500 writ petitions, 3570 reference cases, 399 suits in civil courts and 15,000 appeals in reference in the Delhi High Court. Incidentally, the proposal for filling up of over a dozen posts in the Land and Building Department, both at the headquarters and at the Divisional Commissioner’s office at Tis Hazari, was submitted to the L-G after the High Court had asked the Department to streamline its functioning in view of the mounting litigation.

These sources said that in the headquarters itself there were four posts lying vacant for several years. These are the two posts of Deputy Legal Advisors, one officer of special duty (litigation), another of a law officer and one post of additional legal advisor. At the Divisional Commissioner’s office the posts lying vacant are that of two deputy legal advisors and one of assistant legal advisor.

Sources said that with this kind of staff shortage, it was but natural that the cases would continue to pile. They claimed that this was despite the fact that officers were spending extra hours and some times even working on holidays to clear the backlog.

Officials in the Government of NCT Delhi’s Administrative Reform Department, when contacted, said that the matter was being looked into.

They maintained that since some of the posts had lapsed over the years, a lot of red tape was involved in getting new sanctions. The matter was being studied to ascertain the genuine requirement.

Smart cards for vehicles: Legal hurdles cleared
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
Clearing the way for introduction of smart cards for registration of vehicles, the Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to study offers from manufacturers, and pass appropriate orders for finalising the contract within eight weeks.

A division bench, comprising Chief Justice S B Sinha and Justice A K Sirki, said: ‘‘Considering the fact that the matter was pending for a long time, we would request the authorities to pass an appropriate order at an early date and preferably within a period of eight weeks.’’

In deference to the Central Government's policy decision dated October 31, 2001, the Delhi Government had invited tenders in February 2001 for supply, on build, own and operate (BOO) basis. However, the tenders could not be finalised as one of the bidders moved the court and obtained interim orders to this effect.

The aforesaid bidder – Smart Chip Ltd – filed a petition in the court, claiming that the tender was in violation of the Union Government's policy and alleged that another bidder, Shonkh Technologies, was also being awarded the contract in violation of the said decision.

The Central Government, in its guidelines, had provided for a minimum required 1 KB (up to 4 KB) capacity microprocessor chip to be mounted on the plastic card and gave liberty to the states to have additional features on it. While the Delhi Government initially ordered for a 1 KB chip, it later revised it to a 4 KB. This "variance" from the given policy decision had been challenged.

The judges said there could not be any doubt whatsoever that the State Government was entitled to lay down higher criteria than those in the policy decision, the requirement in which were mentioned as the minimum.

They, however, said it was not within the parameters of the judicial review power of the court to consider whether Shonkh's Smart Optical Card fulfilled the said criteria or not. The bench, therefore, asked the Delhi Government to study the offers by the companies and pass appropriate orders within eight weeks.

Counsel for Shonkh, Jagdeep Kishore, had submitted that his client company not only fulfilled the minimum conditions but also offered much more, which was required by the State Government. The firm was offering two components on the Smart Card, a 4 KB microprocessor chip and a 1.5 MB optical memory strip, he said.

"In today's world, where technological advancement takes place at a very fast pace, the State Government has shown farsightedness in asking for a more advanced technology in the nature of an optical strip, which is tamper proof," he added.

Molestation incidents rock govt college
Vipin Sharma

Rohtak, September 29
The alleged molestation of two girl students by a lecturer and a lab attendant at the government college for women here has generated a feeling of insecurity among the other students and their parents.

The affected students recently charged a lecturer of Fine Arts and a lab attendant of the Psychology Department of the college with behaving indecently during the college hours. They reported the matter to Mrs Saroj Hooda, principal of the college, who constituted a committee of senior teachers to investigate the matter.

However, the teachers of the college took the matter seriously and submitted a complaint signed by 68 teachers of the college to the commissioner, Higher Education, seeking stringent action against the 'erring' employees who had undermined the dignity of a teacher. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Ashok Yadav, was also informed about the incident. He, in turn, directed the principal of the college to submit a detailed report within three days.

When contacted, the principal refused to comment on the issue before the inquiry committee report. However, she admitted that a complaint signed by 68 teachers against the 'erring' duo was submitted to the higher authorities. When asked about the details of the incident, she refused to say anything, pleading that she was not present in the meeting of teachers which was held to discuss the incident of molestation.

Qutab festival concludes
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
The Qutab Festival, a two-day cultural extravaganza organized by Delhi Tourism, concluded today. The day opened with a rhythmic Odissi composition by Kiran Segal. Her dance forms, Tallangiya and Dashaavataar, left the audience mesmerized. Tallangiya is danced to the rhythm of drums, cymbals and bells; Dashaavataar captures the evolution of cosmic energy through ten incarnations.

Next on the show were Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Though the brothers have many solo albums to their credit, the concert brought them together.

The show was wrapped up by Saeed, Fareed and Ameen Sabri, the father-son trio, counted amongst the best qawwals in the country. Their qawwali `muqabala’ with Salma Tabassum won the hearts of the crowd. In the exclusive precincts of the towering Qutab Chaumukha Darwaza and distant Dilkhushan, thousands witnessed for two days renowned artists like Shovana Narayan (kathak) and Ivan Martin Barroso (Spanish Flamenco). Navtej Singh Johar and group also performed at the show.

Gujral honours social worker for improving life of the blind
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, September 29
Former Prime Minister I K Gujral has given the NAB-Sarojini Trilok Nath National Award to Mrs Nandini P Munshaw, honorary secretary of the Blind People's Association (India) Ahmadabad, in recognition of her pioneering work in the field of the visually impaired persons.

Mrs Munshaw, during her social service spanning over three decades, has achieved enviable milestones in ameliorating the living conditions of the blind, especially in Gujarat.

This award has been instituted by the NAB (National Association for the Blind) in the memory of Mrs Sarojini Nath, a renowned social worker. It carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a scroll of honour. The award has been given annually to a social worker or social institution for the outstanding contribution in education, rehabilitation training, placement of the blind and also in the prevention and cure of blindness.

The NAB, Delhi is an affiliate of the National Association for the Blind (India) Mumbai, has its campus at Sector V in R K Puram, New Delhi. Mr Jagdish Kapur, a renowned industrialist of northern India is the president of NAB Delhi. It became functional in 1986.

According to Mr Kapur, more than 300 children with visual impairment are benefited from the modern facilities available at its preparatory, integrated and multi-handicapped units. A modern computer training centre, well-stocked Braille library, a general and home science labs are prominent among them. All the three units have been provided with professionally qualified teaching and training facility.

Mr Gujral gave the award to Mrs Munshaw at a function organised by the National Association for the Blind on September 27. Mr Gujral also lauded the role of Mr Kapur who, he said, has been finding avenues for the gainful employment to the visually impaired persons in open industry with a view to integrating them with mainstream society.

Mr Kapur, it may be recalled, is the president of the Atlas Cycle Industries Limited, Sonepat.

Gandhi more relevant today: L-G
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
The Delhi Lt-Governor, Mr Vijai Kapoor, said that Mahatma Gandhi was more relevant today than he was in his own time because a developing society like India needs value system based on truth, honesty and integrity to make progress.

While inaugurating the Gandhi Jayanti Mela, organised by the MCD opposite Red Fort grounds, the Lt-Governor lauded the restrain shown by masses after the terrorist attack on temple in Ahmedabad. “We can show our regard to the great soul by exercising restrain, forbearance and keeping unity. Delhi faces tough time in the coming months as the festivals of Navratras, Durga Pooja, Dussehra and Ramzan are celebrated on mass scale,” he said.

He underlined the need for alertness and restrain during the celebrations of the festivals.

Mayor Jaishree Panwar, who presided over the function, said that the sole purpose of celebrating the birth anniversary of Gandhiji was to take inspiration from his personality and to learn how to change our way of life according to the path shown by Gandhiji.

The Chairman, Standing Committee, MCD, Ram Babu Sharma, said that through organising Gandhi mela, the purpose of the Corporation was to popularise the principles of the Father of Nation among the masses.

He said the mela would also showcase the progress made by the Corporation in different fields.

The nation can pay tributes to the great soul by fighting terrorism by following his principles of courage, conviction and forebearance.

NCR BRIEFS
Plans chalked out to remember Gandhi
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
The Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti have chalked out a string of programmes to commemorate the 133rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year. The programmes will include voluntary labour (shramdan) by schoolchildren, special crafts and computer classes for the underprivileged and launch of a special website the “Second Quit India Movement-National Mission for Social Regeneration through Voluntary Action”. “The purpose behind such programmes is to promote better understanding of the man who spearheaded India’s freedom struggle,’’ Samiti Director Savita Singh said. Beginning tomorrow, about 400 children from various schools in the Capital will undertake a ‘’shramdan’’ for giving a facelift to 5, Tees January Marg, where the Father of the Nation fell to the bullets of an assassin. The Australian High Commissioner will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Lok Adalat settles 945 cases

Noida: The Lok Adalat resolved a total of 945 cases out of the 3,070 cases brought before it, said District Judge Gautam Budh Nagar. The next Lok Adalat will be held in Dankore on October 2, he said. The district judge said that there was no controversy in the cases decided by Lok Adalat. The aim is to resolve most of the cases by mutual consent. The district judge Gautam Budh Nagar thanked the bar association and social workers for their cooperation in making the efforts of Lok Adalat successful.

Scholarship schemes

Panipat: The Haryana Government proposed to spend Rs 447 crore on social welfare activities, including Rs 220 crore on the old age pension scheme this year, the Director of the Social Welfare Department, Mr Fateh Singh Dangar, said here. Speaking to representatives of the NGOs and social service organisations at the Government Institute for the Blind, Mr Dangar, while underlining the role of the NGOs in the social sector.

Accidents claim two lives
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29
Two persons were killed in accidents that took place in different parts of the Capital during the last 24 hours. Ustadji, alias Jugnu, a cyclist was crushed to death by a bus in BU-block market in Pitampura last night.

In another case, Kunji Lal who worked as a helper in a tempo (TATA 407) was killed when the tempo overturned this morning in Timarpur. According to the police, the tempo was carrying flour bags. The helper was buried under the bags when the tempo overturned near Gopalpur. He died on the spot. The driver of the tempo is absconding. The police have registered cases of causing death due to rash and negligent driving, the police said.

Liquor seized

The East district police seized a huge quantity of illicit liquor with the arrest of Ganesh Das, a sanyasi from Jwala Nagar near Shahadra in East district yesterday.

The police received a secret information that illicit liquor was being supplied from the house of the suspect. Soon, a police contingent was deployed in the area. As soon as the police team came to know that consignments of illicit liquor had arrived at the house of the suspect, a raid was conducted at the premise.

During the raid, the police seized 1,680 quarter liquor bottles. The marking printed on the containers indicated that it was bottled by Jagjit Industries Ltd, Industrial Area, Tehsil Behror in district Alwar, the police said.

Caddy killed

Vijender (22), a caddy at Qutab Golf Course at Lado Saria, was found murdered near DDA Nursery in Malviya Nagar. The body had injury marks on his head and neck. The police suspect that he was killed using a sharp-edged weapon. A case of murder has been registered and was being investigated, the police said.

Acid thrown on girl
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, September 29
A college girl received burn injuries after an unidentified youth threw acid on her while she was on her way to her house in Sector-16 here on Saturday.

The victim who is a student of M.Com here in Nehru Government College, was returning after her computer classes at an Institute, when a boy on a motorbike threw the acid on her. She is reported to have got about 2 per cent burn injuries. She has been admitted in a private hospital here. A case has been booked, but no arrest has been made.

Bangladeshi held

The police arrested six Bangladeshi nationals for overstaying here without legal permission. Identified as Lukman Ali, Manik Mukharkar, Sunil Dass, Noor Kalam Bidul Sarkar and Mohammad Abdul, these youths had been residing in Jhuggis here along the Agra canal.

BUSINESS

SHOWCASE
This machine will take care of farmers’ need for low-cost operations

NEW Holland tractors, the leader in tractors and farm machinery, has launched its new ‘Ford International Series’ of tractors with a 2-year warranty. The new Ford series would be available in all the hp segments and will be available through the company’s extensive dealer network.

The launch comes at a time when New Holland India has recorded a splendid growth of 80 per cent in its retail sales in the first eight months of the year. The new ‘Ford International Series’ with a 2-year warranty has kept in mind the farmers need for greater reliability, low cost farming operations and the need to increase productivity.

Sound master

The new LG’s Soundmaster 1200’ with a sound output of 1200 watts is the highest sound output offered by any player in the industry. Re-defining the concept of sound in televisions by bringing the world’s most powerful digital sound to India, the LG Soundmaster 1200 is available in two models of 20” and 21”.

The Soundmaster 1200 is equipped with PMPO of 1200 watts, and has the world’s only eight-speaker system that has two woofers for low frequency, two tweeters for high frequencies and four speakers for mid frequencies.

Trendy shirts

Zodiac has launched its latest collection Florence-the Florentine range of shirts and ties. Announcing the launch, Salman Noorani, managing director, Zodiac, said, “Zodiac has always endeavoured to bring the latest trends in international fashion to the discerning Indian audience. The Florentine collection offers the finest combination of fabrics, colours and styling available in India today.

Superfast CD drives

Iomega Corporation, a global leader in reliable, portable data storage, has announced its latest internal CD-RW drive to date, the 48x24x48 internal CD-RW drive, which boasts of higher performance with major speed breakthrough for both recording and rewriting.

The drive offers excellent Digital Audio Extraction (DAE) speed with ‘buffer under run protection’, with no risk of wasting CD media. It comes at a time when the industry and the software companies needs to easily and quickly burn CDs.

Flaunt your shoes

Tej International has come up with its new ‘Flaunt’ range of casual shoes that gels with your khaki trousers. The perfection of tan shade in rich bovine leather gives the TSF shoes a unique and casual look that suits with all your trousers of khaki family.

Daljeet Singh, MD, Tej International Ltd, said “We believe that the quality is not just the last minute formality before delivery but it has an international standard which must be ensured at every stage of manufacturing process.”

Ultra-slim DVD-video player

Philips Electronics has introduced its ultra-slim DVD-video player, the DVD Q50, with the DCDi chip by Faroudja. Directional Correlation De-interfacing (DCDi) is a technology, which ensures perfectly smooth lines. This translates into a clear advantage when viewing movies, sports or music videos.

The new Philips DVD-video player is designed to appeal to consumers who want to combine superior digital video performance with outstanding design. It also has an ultra-slim format with a stylish silver design and jewellery detailing.

Vegetarian jelly

Weikfield Jelly, the Pune based culinary conglomerate introduces four new flavours of jelly: mint, banana, apple and lime, to the already existing list of jelly flavours.

They can be used in many delectable desserts like truffles, mousses, puddings and they give a fresh and delicious touch to them. India’s first vegetarian jelly is unique in the sense that they even set without refrigeration. It is especially made to suit the religious and health preferences of a large majority of Indian households.

Designer fragrances

Pennzoil, a leading name in lubricants and car care products, has launched its new range of international air fresheners in designer fragrances, inspired by the world’s best selling designer perfume brands like CK one, Cool Water, Giorgio, Poison, Polo, Tommy etc.

These designer fresheners in the form of hanging leaf are available in 10 fragrances and the Illusion spray in 12 fragrances like Eternity by CK, Michael Jordan, Boss, Beautiful and Pleasures by Estee Lauder, Safari, Drakkar Noir and Cool Water by Davidoff.

Contemporary jewellery

Oyzterbay, the trend-setting company that has carved a new segment of jewellery for young women, has introduced its new collection ‘Coordinates’ sets in solid gold.

The exclusive ‘Coordinates’ collection comprises of over 60 sets of earrings and pendants, embellished with natural gemstones and set in solid gold. The collection, suitably priced, makes an ideal gifting option, besides an excellent personal purchase.

Contemporary and stylish, ‘Coordinates’ collections are a tribute to the spirit of Indian women.

Watches for formal occasions

Titan, the pioneer in watch industry, has announced the launch of new Regalia collection for men. Characterised by luxurious designs, embellished with stones and plated in gold, steel and two-tone, the new Regalia collection is designed for formal occasions. The Regalia collection is primarily targeted at the discerning individual who plans his wardrobe in elan.

Electronic flushing system

Parryware, the leading Indian sanitary ware brand, has launched a stylish and innovative integrated touch-free ‘Electronic Flushing System’ for Indian bathrooms. It has the urinal and an electronic flushing system integrated in one sleek compact unit, with the water inlet line concealed.

Hence, after using the urinal, no manual flushing is required. The hands-free technology enables the flushing to start automatically, once the user moves away from the urinal.

Pharoah collection

Pierre Cardin watches has introduced an exquisite ‘Pharoah’ collection. This limited edition features individual serial numbering and out of the 1000 watches available worldwide, the first 200 watches are available in the Indian market.

The luxurious collection stands out and has aspirational value. The collection combines the design and function requirements of the fashion conscious. Close attention has been paid to the design and choice of materials in developing these watches.

Bacteria-resistant

Euro range of undergarments has introduced a new concept of hygiene in the Indian hosiery industry. Elastifit is a body fitting brief with unique exposed elastic, which clips to the body tightly.

This new range of French cut brief has bacteria resistant finish that does now allow bacterial growth even after daylong use, thus sparing the wearer the embarrassment of itching.

Cartoon apparel

Weekender in association with Warner Bros has launched their new range of apparel with cartoon characters across the country.

Targeted at boys and girls between 4-10 years of age, the merchandise consists of apparel and accessories featuring world-renowned cartoon characters such as Tom and Jerry, Sylvester and Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck. The merchandise will gradually extend to include other popular cartoon characters such as Road Runner, Taz and Marvin.

Gifts for a lifetime

D’mart Exclusif has launched a corporate gift collection. A wide selection of masterpieces in pewter, crafted by the reputed brand Artina-SKS, has been imported from Austria. The collection includes wall hangings, ashtrays, wine glasses, potpourri bowls and much more. These pieces will make exceptional gifts and help forge relationships that last a lifetime.

Crowning glory

Ayur has come up with Hairolin, the perfect hair treatment oil for all kind of hair. It will surely reduce the woes of those who have a tendency to loose hair.

Hair care is the buzzword in the world of grooming. Not only women, but more and more men too find it essential to have a crowning glory.

Pollution and stress, caused by a hectic life-style, lead to a lot of hair problems, like premature greying of hair, dandruff and even balding. These problems are further accentuated by the use of hard chemicals in various hair products.

Herbal face packs

Lotus Herbal has launched its new herbal face packs with different categories of therapies like Clay, Thalasso, Fruit and Aroma that are meant for all types of skin. This particular product range is available in all metro cities in the country. Kamal Passi, CMD, Lotus Herbals, said, “with a strong research and development base, we keep on developing products based on the skin categories.”

The romantics

Hidesign has launched the ‘Romantics’, a new range of leather accessories and garments. Like the current international fashion scene, the spring-summer 2003 collection, expresses feminine, ethereal but modern spirit, with an air of enchantment and escape.