& V I C I N I T Y
Saturday, August 22, 1998
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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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Saturday, August 22, 1998 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Buying vegetables amidst
slush Family
rules out suicide theory
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 Tribunal
upholds transfer
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Dharna outside banks
planned Two
suspects seek bail Salary
not paid, say teachers Another
chance to get voter-I cards Suspect's
release ordered |
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Buying vegetables amidst slush CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — If the unhygienic conditions prevailing at the Sector 26 vegetable market, one of the biggest in this part of the country, are any indication, calling Chandigarh as "City Beautiful" would be nothing but a misnomer. People have to wade through ankle-deep water and sludge here due to choked sewers and apathy on the part of the authorities concerned. Another factor contributing to the problem is lack of civic sense among vegetable sellers. It seems they are least concerned about cleanliness of their surroundings as they continue to throw rotten vegetables on to the roads. A number of vehicles, especially trucks coming to the market for loading and unloading of vegetables and fruits keep passing over vegetable waste and garbage accumulated on the virtually non-existent patches of roads inside the market complex. Enquiries at the market pointed out that, in spite of the complaints by vegetable sellers, the area has not been cleaned for the past two weeks. To cope with the problem, some shopkeepers have devised a novel way by placing wooden planks to enable the buyers to cross from one side of the road to the other. Mr Jagat Ram, a salesman said he had not seen anyone cleaning the area for the past 15 days. Another trader, Mr Gobind Mehta, complained that the market committee,which is responsible for the upkeep of the place, did nothing except collecting market fee from the traders. He said in spite of the visit of the UT Administrator to the place,after traders complained to him a week ago, no change was visible. Mr Munish, a trader, suggested that to eliminate the traffic problem in the market, entry as well as exit points should be specified. It is not that such conditions prevail at the main market only. Equally bad conditions can be seen at the backyard of the market known as "Phar", where auction of apples is held. The situation is such that knee-deep slush remains accumulated in almost every season, let alone monsoons. Despite
repeated efforts, the secretary of the market committee
was not available for comments. However, it was learnt
that the committee authorities had prepared an estimate
of about Rs 1 crore for the repair of the roads of the
market. |
Family rules out suicide theory CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — The family of Des Raj, a photographer who was found dead in Sector 17 two days ago is refusing to believe that he committed suicide. Des Raj left his resident at Sector 46 on August 19 around 7 a.m. after reportedly taking some cash from his wife. The exact amount of cash is not known. The cash, the scooter (CH-01-S-3335) driven by Des Raj and his black coloured bag is yet to be found. Family members of the deceased say that he could not have committed suicide, saying there was no serious injury mark on the body. The police on its part says that it had pressed for a post- mortem. However , the family members refused and put pressure to get the body released without post-mortem. This part of the story has been substantiated by the family members also. Mr Harbans Lal , a cousin of the deceased, said the body had no visible marks except a cut on the ankle. How did the man manage to reach the roof of the building which is a government office before the opening hours of the office is a question asked by the family. The missing scooter , cash
and the black bag containing the documents has raised
further doubts in the family, which is yet to approach
the police. |
. CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — A sudden change in the admission pattern for "payment seats" in dental colleges of Punjab has taken a large number of students by surprise. The prospectus mentioned that admissions for all seats, including "payment seats" would be held through a central counselling . However, parents were informed recently that admissions for "payment seats" in private dental colleges of the state would be held on an individual basis. A parent while talking to the TNS said on August 4 counselling for general categories was held. The counselling for reserved categories was deferred. The prospectus mentioned the second day of counselling as August 20. When parents reached the venue on the announced date they were informed that the counselling had been postponed till August 24. It was also mentioned that admissions for "payment seats" in dental colleges would be handled by colleges themselves. A total of 35 per cent seats in dental colleges are "payment seats". Another parent said the change in the policy of admissions was too sudden and parents had not been informed till the last minute. A student said there were apprehensions that the private colleges might charge more fee than announced earlier. It was also pointed out that parents will now have to travel to colleges in far-off places instead of a centralised facility. The dates of counselling are also likely to be according to will of the colleges. Once a candidate paid the fees which usually is non-refundable he is likely to loose out on his options. "In any case the move amounted to saying that either merit will be ignored or colleges will charge according to their choice", a parent said When contacted, Mr K. K. Bhatnagar, a secretary in the Department of Medical Research and Education, confirmed the fact that private colleges had been allowed to go ahead with admissions for "payment seats" on an individual basis. Due to a "technical point" which required private colleges only to submit their scheme of reservation to government there was no provision under which they could have been stopped. Mr Bhatnagar said the fear of students that they would be overcharged i.e. tuition fees was baseless as the structure had already been announced. This year admissions for free seats of private colleges had been held on the basis of centralised counselling. In next session we would try to streamline the "payment seats" also, he added. Seminar: The National Service Scheme department (NSS) organised a seminar on child and mother care at the Maloya colony here on Friday. Dr C.L. Narang, programme coordinator, NSS, PU, said "we cannot expect a healthy child from a sick mother. The mother should be provided with a nutritious diet and doctors must be consulted if there were any infections so as to avoid complications later." A nutritious diet may not always mean a costly diet, he added. Dr Neerja Gulati said it was unfortunate that even today unsafe and unhygienic deliveries were a reality. Vaccination and access to the basic medical facilities were the need of the hour. Orientation programme: The
Centre for Women's Studies and Development of the
university will organise a three-day orientation
programme for women councillors of Punjab from August 24,
according to a statement by Ms Pam Rajput, director of
the centre. Mr N.K. Arora, principal-secretary, Local
Government, will address the plenary session at the ICSSR
complex at 10 a.m. |
CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — A member of the Panjab University Senate and a former student leader , Kuljit Singh Nagra , was arrested for allegedly firing upon two students and injuring one of them on the PU campus this evening. A gunman of the Punjab Police, Asa Ram , attached with Nagra was also arrested. The incident has taken place within 48 hours of the announcement that elections to the students' council are due next month. The injured, Baljinder Singh Sangha, was hit on his right ankle and is admitted to the PGI. While another bullet went through the lower part of the trousers of Dayal Pratap Singh Randhawa , president of the Students' Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU). Both are studying in PU. The incident
occurred around 5. 15 pm when Nagra was sitting in his
car parked outside the auditorium of the arts block. The
other group was standing nearby and a wordy duel ensued
over an old grouse. Nagra, a former chairman of the
Panjab University Students Union (PUSU) later told media
persons that he had quit student politics four months ago
and had tried not to fight with SOPU boys. After the firing Nagra tried to flee through the PU gate facing the PGI, according to the police. Meanwhile SOPU boys took a short cut and tried to stop Nagra's car on the road leading to the gate. Once again both parties exchanged blows and Nagra turned around to flee when a police party comprising Sub-Inspectors Jai Prakash Singh and Jarnail Singh nabbed him, the police said. Though Nagra has a licence to carry a weapon he did not have the necessary permission to carry it once the prohibitory orders were imposed in Chandigarh last week , the SP , Security , Mr Baldev Singh said while giving details of the incident. For this Nagra will face action under Section 188 of the IPC, the SP added. Besides this Nagra and his gunman were booked under Sections 307 and 34 of the IPC , Sections 25, 27, 54/59 of the Arms Act. In light of the incident special nakas have been set up on the campus and the police will check the antecedents of all students staying or visiting the campus , Mr Baldev Singh said. Later in the night Arun Sood , Punjab state vice-president of the (ABVP), demanded the removal of Nagra from the Senate. He appealed to the Chandigarh Administration not to postpone the poll due to the incident. Threat alleged: The Regional Passport Officer , Mr Bhagat Ram has alleged that a travel agent , Surinder Goyal , has threatened him with dire consequences . Mr Ram had written to the External Affairs Ministry against Mr Goyal. The police has registered a case. Driver held: A car (CH-01-E-9870) owned by Mr Arun Abrol , of S.A.S. Nagar was hit by a truck driven by Surinder Singh on the road dividing Sectors 45 and 46. The truck driver has been arrested. Paint
stolen: Paint worth Rs 21,000 was allegedly
stolen from the store of Mr Susheel Kumar of Fadain
village on Thursday night. The police has registered a
case. |
Tribunal upholds transfer CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — The local Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal ( CAT ) has upheld the order issued by the commissioner, Central Excise, Chandigarh, transferring Mr R.P. Singla, Superintendent, from the Commissionerate, Chandigarh-I, to the Commissionerate, Chandigarh-II. Mr Singla had challenged his transfer on the grounds of its being against the policy guidelines and mala fides. He had alleged mala fide against Mr S.S. Jha and Mr I.R. Soni, both commissioners, and Mr Nirmal Singh, Deputy Commissioner. He had also alleged terrorist links of Mr Nirmal Singh. Dismissing Mr Singla's case, Mr Jasbir S. Dhaliwal held that the applicant had not hesitated to take false pleas for making false allegations. "This Bench, with a heavy heart, has to record that not only the applicant has failed to substantiate the allegations of mala fides, but such pleas are, in fact, false". Referring to Mr Nirmal
Singh's alleged links with terrorists, Mr Dhaliwal said:
"It is sad and unfortunate that discipline in
offices is eroded by the subordinates for getting small
benefits by making false and wild allegations, including
allegations of connections with terrorists, which appear
to have become quite a common allegation to be made
against a vulnerable officer in this part of the
country." |
Dharna outside banks planned CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — The Haryana unit of the Bharat Krisham Samaj has decided to stage a one-day dharna outside the regional offices of various banks at Rohtak on September 14. Stating this here today the President of the Haryana Samaj, Mr Shamsher Singh Surjewala, said the dharna would be staged to highlight the deteriorating financial health of farmers and landless agriculture labour. He said the Samaj's five point charter of demands was reduction of interest on loans to farmers to 6 per cent, abrogation of laws which empowered the banks to detain defaulting farmers for 45 days and to auction their land, provision for consumption loan to landless workers at the rate of 4 per cent interest and provision of credit limit for landowners and landless workers. Mr Surjewala has meanwhile nominated Mr Phool Chand Mullana, former Minister, and Capt Ajay Singh, MLA, as the vice-President and General Secretary of the unit, respectively. He has also nominated Dr
K.V. Singh (Sirsa), Mr Virender Singh Narnaund, former
Minister Mr Sohan Lal Gupta (Ghauronda), Mr Dharambir
Gauba, MLA, Mrs Kartar Devi, MLA, and Mr Ran Singh Mann,
former Minister, as Executive Committee members. |
General Nagra suffers heart attack CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — Maj-Gen Gandharav Singh Nagra of Fourth Gorkhas, who became the first Indian General to enter Dhaka with troops in December, 1971, is convalescing at the Command Hospital, Chandimandir, after suffering a massive heart attack on August 19. General Nagra, who is still in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is improving. The doctors attending on
him, however, are not allowing any visitors to see him.
The Nagra family has conveyed its gratitude to all those
who made enquiries about the welfare of the General who
will be hopefully discharged from the hospital soon. |
Expedition to Mount Leo Pargial CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — An expedition to Mount Leo Pargial in Zaskar Range was flagged off by Brig Anil Malhotra, Commander, 36 Sector, at Pooh valley this morning. The expedition led by Lt S.K. Anand of Kumaon and comprising men from various units of 36 Sector, will attempt to scale the 23000' high Mount Leo Pargial. Brigadier Malhotra, while handing over the expedition flag to the team leader, said this expedition was the final test of the skills and spirit of the brave soldiers. Mount Leo Pargial is the highest peak in Zaskar Ranges and forms a formidable barrier with Tibet. The expedition members had undergone strenuous training in the high altitude environs of Kinnaur district for three months. The expedition is expected to reach the summit on September 3. In a message to the
expedition, Lieut-Gen H.B. Kala, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, said adventure
being the epitome of the "profession of arms",
the Army had always been the torch bearer. He hoped that
the expedition would be successful in its endeavour. |
Two suspects seek bail CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — Satnam Singh and Baljit Singh, two suspects in the Burail jail blow-up conspiracy, today moved their applications for bail. They stated in their applications that the police had failed to file challan within the statutory period of 60 days. None of the offences they were charged with entailed punishment more than 10 years. Therefore, the police was duty-bound to file the challan. As the police had failed to put up the challan they were entitled to be enlarged on bail. Mr A.K. Bishnoi, Judicial Magistrate, before whom the applications were listed, issued notice to the Chandigarh Police for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the police have moved another application in the court of the Sessions Judge, Mr B.S. Bedi, for the arrest of Jagtar Singh Hawara and Jagtar Singh Tara in connection with the jail blow-up case. In its application the police stated that it had enough evidence to prove that Hawara and Tara were involved in this case. The judge will take up the
application tomorrow. |
Salary not paid, say teachers PANCHKULA, Aug 21 — Certain lecturers of Government Senior Secondary School, Rajipur, have complained to the District Education Officer (DEO) that the principal of the school had not paid them salaries for the month of July allegedly due to some differences with them. The lecturers alleged that they were being forced to take junior classes. The DEO, Mr Phool Khatri, when contacted confirmed that the salary of the teachers could not be drawn due to some problem. She said she had visited the school to iron out the differences between the principal and teachers. She added that due to
shortage of teachers in the school there was no option
but to ask the lecturers to take junior classes. |
Another chance to get voter-I
cards PANCHKULA, Aug 21 — The district administration has given another opportunity to the voters of the Kalka Vidhan Sabha constituency to have their voter-I cards made. The Deputy Commissioner
said today that the I-cards were being made in room no.
110 in the mini secretariat complex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on all working days. |
Suspect's release ordered CHANDIGARH, Aug 21 — The Sessions Judge, Mr B.S. Bedi, today ordered the release of Harcharan Singh, one of the suspects in the Sector 17 district courts firing incident. The judge ordered that the suspect be released on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of the like amount. Mr Bedi accepted the plea
of Harcharan Singh on health grounds. He had stated that
he was suffering from a heart disease. |
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