& V I C I N I T Y
Friday, December 4, 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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Friday, December 4, 1998 |
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No threat to Central Govt: Naidu CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The BJP-led coalition government at the Centre faces no threat following elections in four states, says Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Mayor faces trust vote today |
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Admn
keen on 'helping NGOs' Tomatoes,
gourd cost more Central
holidays in 1999 |
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No threat to Central Govt:
Naidu CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The BJP-led coalition government at the Centre faces no threat following elections in four states, says Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Talking to newsmen after a presentation at the northern region headquarters of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here this afternoon, Mr Naidu said that there was no end to coalition governments at the Centre though the possibility of a third Front could be explored. The government must improve its functioning as holding elections again and again created a big hurdle in development, he added. The Andhra Chief Minister said that the SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, had just made a courtesy call on him and nothing about the Third Front was discussed at that meeting. Talking about the next Assembly elections in his state, he said his party would not enter into any alliance and contest the elections on its own."We have extended conditional support to the BJP at the centre," Mr Naidu added. The focus of his government was on the development of Andhra Pradesh and not on politics. Asked about his joining politics at the Centre, Mr Naidu maintained that he had set certain targets for the development of Andhra Pradesh. Once Andhra Pradesh developed, the country would gain as the state was part of the country. "I have been twice asked to come to the Centre," he quipped. Mr Naidu categorically denied that an American company, Monsanto, was using controversial terminator gene in extensive field trials in the state. The seed testing was being done under government control, he added. The Andhra Government has invited the agro-based industry to tap vast opportunities in the state to achieve complete eradication of poverty from the state by 2020. Addressing a session on "Andhra Pradesh-Vision 2020" at the northern region headquarters of the CII as a part of the ongoing Agro Tech '98, Mr Naidu said that he planned to introduce scientific farming through a major research and development effort, improved post-harvest technology, backward integration, improve processing and packaging technology, reduce market intermediaries, reorient curriculum of agricultural universities and quality certification. Mr Naidu said that he visualised integrating production, processing and marketing of farm produce to achieve an annual growth rate of 10 per cent by year 2005. Now there was realisation among various states about the use of Information technology. He said he has added another city - Cyberabad - to the existing twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Talking about the problems plaguing the political system in the country, he said it was the mindset of last 50 years which was difficult to break. During his recent visit to the USA, he said, he found Indians doing very well there. "Why cannot they do well here? Andhra Pradesh has taken up the challenge to create an atmosphere so that they could do well here as well. "I indulge in politics only at the election time, and concentrate for rest of the time on development programmes, including rural development. For me, good governance is good politics. A common man has a lot of common sense. A common man wants good governance. We have involved people in the governance. Soon Andhra Pradesh will be a role-model for the rest of the country". In the past three years, Mr Naidu said, the state had worked towards this vision with certain major initiatives by way of formation of water users associations, joint forest management involving beneficiaries, watershed development committees and integrated training to farmers. More than 10,000 water users' associations were involved in more than 22,000 works at a cost of Rs 166 crore. Similarly, the watershed committees would bring 100 lakh hectares under irrigation in 10 years. In 1997-98, over two lakh farmers were given extensive training apart from bringing about awareness on market committee, soil test labs and taken on tours for learning better practices, Mr Naidu claimed. The Chief Minister in his presentation gave details of the opportunities for investment in horticulture, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, commercial crops, palm cultivation and oil processing, cotton and sericulture sector, spices, foodgrain and seeds sector, marine foods, and poultry. He said it was the time that the attitude of the politicians changed. He felt that if Israel, a tiny nation with the land area of only one of his districts, East Godavari, could create tremendous wealth, there were no limits for India if it tapped its potential. Earlier, Mr Arun Bharat Ram, Chairman, CII (NR), said that the belief of the CII was that good economics made good politics. Mr Anil K. Vepur of Andhra, Mr IS Paul and Mr Sunil Kant Munjal were others who spoke at the session. Mr Naidu also answered
questions from the audience. He later visited the Expo at
the Sector 17 Parade Ground before flying back to
Hyderabad. |
Mayor faces trust vote today CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — Even though the Opposition and SAD councillors are likely to stay away from voting, yet it is likely to be a tough-going for the Mayor, Mr Gian Chand Gupta, in the confidence-seeking vote at the meeting of the Municipal Corporation tomorrow. All eyes are on seven suspended BJP councillors, owing allegiance to the Satya Pal Jain group, to bail out beleaguered Mr Gupta. The councillors were suspended after they had allegedly voted against the official BJP candidate, Mr Des Raj, in the election to member of finance and contract committee (FCC) on December 1. The resolution for the Mayor to seek confidence of the House has been sent by the expelled BJP councillor, Mr O.P. Goyal, who alleged that Mr Gupta had "lost" the confidence of the House. With the four Congress councillors likely to stay away from the voting on account of the visit to the city of the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and the Akali Dal chief, Mr Gurpartap Singh Riar, saying that his party's two councillors will not vote, if it was held, all depends on nine nominated councillors and the Jain group. If the Jain group votes against the Mayor, he is certain to lose and as the Gupta group has the backing of only five councillors as had been demonstrated in the election of the member of FCC. The Mayor is also likely lose a few nominated councillors' votes as he had alienated them by accusing them of playing "petty politics". Sources said that the Jain group was likely to finalise its strategy tomorrow morning. Though the two groups do not see eye to eye after the expulsion of Mr Goyal from the party, yet the seven councillors may bail out the Mayor, whose term in any case is going to end on December 23. This may stand in good stead on two counts. One, they may take the plea before the Central observer, who is likely to visit the city on December 5, that in spite of their suspension from the party, they had stood by the party in trying circumstances like disciplined party workers. Second, as the next Mayor is to be from the Scheduled Caste category, the Jain group stands to gain from the "compromise" in bailing out the present Mayor. The Jain group had two
contenders for the post-Mr Kewal Krishan and Mr Bachan
Singh. |
Poll fever grips PU campus CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — With elections to the Panjab University Syndicate just two weeks away, the campus is abuzz with poll-related activities. The election for 15 seats of the 17- member house is scheduled to be held on December 18, followed by poll to the posts of eight Deans and selection of two Fellows of the finance board at the Senate meeting on December 20. As many as 81 of the 84 Senators are expected to exercise their franchise to choose the Syndics belonging to different faculties such as arts, science, languages and combined faculties. The last meeting of the Syndicate will be held on December 12. Even as candidates are yet to be announced by both groups of Senators and vigorous canvassing is expected to take place during the coming week. Members of both of groups are leaving nothing to chance to embrace victory in the poll. The aim of both groups with an equal division of about 30 each is to woo maximum members of a third non-aligned group of comparatively 'non-active' members, the strength of which is expected to be around 20 to 25. Members of these groups have started targeting such voters by contacting them on a one-to-one basis and by making them attend a meeting convened by them, which strategies to be adopted during campaign are also discussed. According to sources, one such meeting was organised by members in the fold of Mr Gopal Krishan Chatrath group in Ludhiana last week. Similarly, the rival Deepak Manmohan Singh group, which is dominating the house with as many as eight members, has jumped into the poll fray by holding a meeting at the Dev Samaj College of Education in Sector 36 today. According to a member of the group, besides holding deliberations at the meeting on the strategy to be adopted, a committee would be constituted for the selection of candidates for different faculties. He said the strategy would be to introduce new faces with ability to fetch maximum number of votes. According to him, the contest is likely to be a neck and neck affair this time. Interestingly, as compared to 84 Senators last year, 81 Senators will exercise votes following a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs whereby three members from Haryana will not be able to exercise their voting rights. According to sources, the notification of October 27 last year was issued following disaffiliation of its colleges and stoppage of grant by Haryana in 1976. These three ex-officio members — the Haryana Chief Minister, the Education Minister and the Director, Higher Education — would, however, retain their seats in the Senate till its expiry on October 31, 2000. Similarly, two registered graduate seats of Haryana will cease to exist after the said date. According to sources, representation of all the four districts of the university in Punjab in the 81-member House is likely to increase following shifting of 10 seats of Principal and Lecturer from Haryana to Punjab. However, two elected members of the house would retain their seats. A clear picture will
emerge only after the reallocation of faculties on
December 12 after the Syndicate puts its stamp. The
members could apply for a change in their faculties by
December 11. |
Ichak dana — Israeli style An evening with the Israeli jazz at the PGI Auditorium was an evening of visuals through music. Presenting a musical salute to Israel's 50th anniversary the Dan Gottfried Quintet was in town on an invitation of the CII. The jazz evening began with 'Get Down' a composition by Mamelo 'Gaits' Gaitanopolus who plays the tenor saxophone and trumpet in the band. All the five artists of the band, star performers in their own fields, presented a beautiful blend of classical jazz with different kinds of jazz interpretations of Israeli and traditional Jewish tunes. The second item transported the sensitive listeners to the desert lands of Israel. Dedicated to camel, the desert ship, another composition by Mamelo sketched through musical notes the gait of a camel, it's rhythmical movements and vast stretches of desert land with its loneliness. Then came a composition titled 'India' composed by Albert Piamenta-a veteran saxophone and clarinet player of the band who chose to base his composition on one of the Indian classical ragas. A very receptive audience clapped through the tune. An Israeli jazz oriented Moroccon tune titled 'Din Allah' presented within a very catchy beat the solemnity of the muazzin's azan reverberating through the minarets of a mosque. The composition had a beautiful blend of the serene and the vibrant. This was followed by a medley of standards from the traditional jazz. All the artists performed solo as well as combinations. Each one received applause for brilliant performance. The star attraction of the evening was a jazz interpretation of popular Raj Kapoor film tune of the 60's 'Ichak dana, on saxophone and Dan Gottfried playing 'milestone' on the piano. The brilliance of the performers was best witnessed while playing the last item for the evening titled 'Red Sea' composed by Mamelo for the international jazz festival of Israel, 'The Red Sea Jazz Festival'. An applauding audience demanded more from the artists but they stuck to their scheduled performance. Arale Kaminsky enthralled
the jazz lovers of Chandigarh with superb drumming. The
evening will remain stamped in the memory of music lovers
of the town - for a long time to come. — Vandana
Shukla |
Resident wins case against
coloniser CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The UT Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered the refund of Rs 7. 37 lakh, along with interest at the rate of 18 per cent on the amount paid by a city resident to a coloniser for a cottage at Jabli (Himachal Pradesh). Besides this, costs of Rs 500 were also imposed on the respondent. An ex-parte judgement in the case was announced by Mr J.B. Garg and Mr Sada Nand, president and member of the commission, respectively. According to the order, the complainant in response to a brochure issued by the coloniser, M/s Silver Oaks Health and Tourist Resort Private Ltd made an initial deposit of Rs 50,000 on November 5, 1990, at the Chandigarh office of the company for a Type-C Majestic Cottage, comprising two-bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a lounge-cum-dining room. The complainant said a sum of Rs 7. 37 lakh was deposited by him and the respondent was required to hand over possession of the cottage within one year from the date of receipt of the deposit of the earnest money. Though a period of four years had elapsed before the institution of the complaint, neither the construction work has been completed nor the possession has been given. The complainant had demanded the respondent company to deliver the possession of the fully furnished cottage or compensation by payment of 24 per cent interest for the period the money had been lying with the company or in the alternative refund of the money with 18 per cent compound interest and damages of Rs 4 lakh or restraining the respondents from allotting the land to any other concern. The commission stated that
it had been established that complainant had paid the
amount, but the respondent had been deficient in not
handing over the possession of the flat and announced the
ex-parte order. |
Admn keen on 'helping NGOs' CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — A meeting of office-bearers of voluntary organisations of the city was held here today in which around 50 organisations took part. The UT Administrator, Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (retd), said the Administration was keen on helping non-government organisations to make them more effective in performing welfare activities. The Administrator stressed NGOs should function in close coordination among themselves and with the Administration. The NGOs should be self sufficient and should not be dependent on others for basic recurring expenditure, but the Administration would like to ensure funding for viable projects, he said. Mr Jagdish Sagar, Adviser to the Administrator informed NGOs had been divided into sub groups on the basis of their activities. He said that meetings of these sub groups would be held shortly for detailed discussions after which an effort would be made to motivate the NGOs to take up activities in those fields which were not covered to sufficient extent at present. He asked the Director, Health Services, to have a list of NGOs which were running clinical laboratories and coordinate the work relating to referring of patients for clinical tests to these laboratories. Responding to suggestions
that space should be provided to mobile medical teams in
colonies and slum areas, the Adviser asked the Deputy
Commissioner to make available community centres,
anganwari centres and other such government buildings to
NGOs where the mobile team could camp and provide medical
aid to the needy. |
Tomatoes, gourd cost more CHANDIGARH, Dec 3—The price of tomato has shot up in the past 24 hours. Tomatoes which were priced between Rs 30 and Rs 35 a kg yesterday, were available today in Sectors 15 and 22 at a price between Rs 50 and Rs 55 a kg. According to traders, the hike in the price was because of less arrivals of the crop from Himachal Pradesh during the past two days. Gourd too has become
costlier, at Rs 16 a kg today as compared to Rs 10 a kg
on Wednesday. |
Central holidays in 1999 CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — A meeting of the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee was held here yesterday and it was decided that the following gazetted holidays should be observed by all Central government offices located in Chandigarh, Panchkula and SAS Nagar in 1999. Id-ul Fitr (January 20); Republic Day (January 26); Holi (March 2); Id-ul-Zuha and Mahavir Jayanti ( both March 29); Good Friday (April 20); Baisakhi (April 14); Muharram (April 27); Buddha Purnima (April 30); Id-e-Milad (June 27); Independence Day (August 15); Janmashtami (September 3); Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (October 2); Dasehra(October 19); Divali (November 7); Guru Nanak's birthday(November 23); and Christmas (December 25). In addition there will be
two restricted holidays, according to a press note here
today. |
Chest India 1998 opens on Dec 11 CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — A three day all-India conference "Chest India 1998" will open at the PGI on December 11. The conference will deal with lung diseases and respiratory critical care with 500 delegates from all over the globe are expected to attend. The chairman of the organising committee, Prof S.K. Jindal, said that common interest problems like asthma and TB, among other diseases, would be discussed. Leading International and
Indian experts will be addressing various sessions during
the conference, he added. |
5000 plant species in Herbal
Garden CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — Sufficient quantity of fertiliser and water should be made available for fast and constant growth of various herbal and medicinal plants of the Herbal Garden being developed at the Institute of Indian System of Medicine and Research, Panchkula, said the Haryana Governor, Mr Mahabir Prasad, while presiding over a meeting of this voluntary organisation at Panchkula today. The institute aims at providing treatment to the patients through various Indian systems of medicine like naturopathy, ayurveda, acupuncture and yoga etc. The Governor, who is also Chairman of the Council for the institute, directed the council to arrange resources for providing adequate funds to promote the institute in a systematic, scientific and modern way. He asked the council to approach the Government of India for getting financial assistance for allround development of this institute. The Governor said the Herbal Garden would be a useful asset for the people to provide them cheap and immediate treatment. Mr Raj Singh Hooda, Additional Chief Principal Conservator of Forests, informed the Governor that about 5,000 plants of various species with medicinal values such as neem, anwala, ashok, arjun, bahera, herar, papita, kadamb, molsari, mulathi etc., had been planted in the Herbal Garden. Among others who attended
the meeting were Mrs Kanta Devi, Minister of State for
Ayurveda, Mr L.M. Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief
Minister, Mrs Komal Anand, Financial Commissioner and
Secretary, Health Department and Mr Manik Sonawane,
Secretary to Haryana Governor. |
Exhibits of women entrepreneurs CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The Sector 11-B Young Women's Christian Association will organise an exhibition-cum-sale of women entrepreneurs' creations on December 5 and 6. According to Dr (Ms) Kiran Rekha Banerjee, General Secretary of the YWCA, the exhibition aims at providing a platform to women for exhibiting their talent and creations. Dr Banerjee said that the creative work of girls and women from neighbouring semi urban areas will also be displayed with the objective of giving them self confidence and providing them a launching pad for self employment. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Mrs Meenakshi Dutta Ghosh, Chairperson, CITCO and Chandigarh Housing Board on December 5 at 10 a.m. A variety of handicrafts, linen, woodens, pashminas, quilts, garments, pieces of furniture and other items would be on display. Besides, a Christmas mela
is also being planned for both days to raise funds for
the YWCA Arts and Crafts Centre at Dadu Majra. There will
be a number of attractive games and eating stalls for all
age groups, Dr Banerjee added. |
Sonia coming CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 —
The Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, will visit the
city tomorrow. She will preside over the sixth annual
Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Lecture by Prof
Werner Arber, Nobel laureate, at the Institute of
Microbial Technology in Sector 39-A. The subject of the
lecture is "Molecular genetics, roots, strategies
and applications." Mrs Gandhi will also visit Agro
Tech' 98. |
Eviction order surprises post
office staff PANCHKULA, Dec 3 — The post office functioning from a residential accommodation in Sector 15 was today shifted to the Sector 4 post office after the house was vacated following a court order. As soon as the post office was opened for public in the morning a bailiff came with an eviction order from the local court. The furniture, record of the consumers and stationary of the post office were placed outside the house, putting people to a lot of inconvenience. While the bailiff had the court order for eviction, the staff of the post office alleged that they had received no intimation from their Circle Headquarters at Ambala, regarding the status of the court case. A number of consumers
complained that the situation had arisen due to a
communication gap between the local post office and the
headquarters at Ambala. The residents of the area,
covered by the post office, would now have to go all the
way to the Sector 4 post office. |
Teachers must 'set an example' CHANDIGARH, Dec 3—A prize distribution function of the state-level children's festival for nursery and primary classes was held at the State Institute of Education, Sector 32, here today. As many as 1000 students participated in the competitions. Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI Schools and Colleges, who presided over the function, emphasised the role of parents and teachers in developing the spirit of exploration among students. Dr H.C. Sharma, Director,
SIE, said that teachers should be conscious about their
role and set an example for the students. |
Ghaggar bridge repaired CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The bridge on the Ghaggar near Dera Bassi has been repaired and the traffic on this stretch of National Highway 22 restored. The bridge had been closed for inserting compression seals and a party from a private company in New Delhi, engaged in the highly specialised task, had been carrying out the repairs. As some of the slabs of the bridge had been damaged by frequent accidents due to heavy traffic, they too were repaired. According to sources in
the Punjab Central Works division, the bridge was opened
a day late as the special quality cement which is used
for such repairs had not been fully cured. The damaged
steel railings on the approach road and on the bridge
have also been installed, sources added. |
Computer contest results CHANDIGARH, Dec 3— The second Vishvas Computer Awareness contest was organised by Vishvas Publications Private Limited, at Chandigarh, Amritsar and Delhi. Over 500 students from four states participated. The one-hour paper was based on computer applications. The winners were given cash prizes of Rs.1500, Rs.750 and Rs. 500 for the first, second and third positions, respectively, besides a merit certificate. The winners of the contest
are Harjot Kaur of the local Guru Nanak Public School,
Nikhil Walia of GTB 3rd Centenary Public School (New
Delhi), Shaily Matharu of Sri Guru Nanak Girls School
(Amritsar). |
Dec 7 Armed Forces Flag Day CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — The Zila Sainik Board will provide scholarships to outstanding wards of ex-servicemen widows besides giving gifts to war veterans, their widows and handicapped ex-servicemen at a function to be organised on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day on December 7. Two running trophies, one for an educational institute and the other to public private sector institute for collecting maximum donations on the day will also be given. Mr R.K. Rao, Deputy
Commissioner, has appealed to the UT residents to
contribute generously as a gesture to reassure our
Service personnel that the entire nation was with them. |
CHANDIGARH, Dec 3 — Two young girls have died in separate incidents in the city since morning. A student of local college was killed in a road accident, while a girl undergoing studies in Karnal hanged herself from a ceiling fan in her home in Mani Majra. Ms Ankur Chopra a student of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26, was crushed to death this afternoon when a CTU bus driven by Bahadur Singh hit her two wheeler near the housing board round about in Mani Majra. The driver of the bus ( CH-01-G-5275) fled from the scene first but was nabbed later and produced in court. Ms Chopra, a student of second year BA, lived in Panchkula and was going back home after attending college. A case under Sections 279 and 304 -A, IPC, has been registered. Meanwhile, Ms Amanjyot Sikka, a student of nursing in Karnal, committed suicide by reportedly hanging herself from a ceiling fan this morning. The cause of her taking the extreme step was not known. Her mother, Ms Meena Sikka, had also committed suicide by setting herself on fire on June 1. The girl's father is languishing in jail for attempted murder. Criminal escapes: A criminal, Subhash Sharma, who was brought to the district courts in Sector 17 by the police to be produced before a magistrate, managed to give the slip to the police on Thursday afternoon. Sharma, hailing from Nurpur, was arrested by the Sector 11 police a few days ago and was wanted in at least five cases of theft. He was being led to the courts through a ramp when he jerked his hand off, jumped off the railing and escaped. The accompanying police cops failed to nab him. The Sector 17 police has registered a case under Section 224 IPC. Duped: A Sector 20 resident lost Rs 2000 as he was duped by an unknown person. The servant of Mr Kishori Lal went to deposit the power bill totalling Rs 2027 at the Sector 20 bill collection centre. As he stood in the serpentine queue he was approached by an unknown person who said that he would get the bill deposited out of turn. The servant who had given him the money kept on waiting, and the person never turned up. Cheated: A Dera Bassi resident, Mr Jarnail Singh, was allegedly cheated by a local resident and two of his associates in the sale of 11 bighas of land in Dera Bassi. Mr Jarnail Singh of Dera Bassi purchased the land on a power of attorney from Jai Singh, a resident of Patiala. The power of attorney had been forged by a Sector 47 resident named Jarnail Singh. Jarnail had produced Jaswinder Singh before a local magistrate by making him pose as Satwinder Singh to forge the power of attorney. The Dera Bassi resident lodged a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Chandigarh police. Jai Singh, Jaswinder Singh and Jarnail Singh have been booked under Sections 419,420,467,471 and 120--B of the IPC. Burglary in office: An office in Sector 22 was burgled and a sum of Rs 52,000 was stolen. Mr K.K. Jha, of the anaesthetic gases limited told the police that the sum had been stolen. The police has arrested Shammi, a resident of Sector 22 and booked him under Sections 380 and 457, IPC. Car stolen: A Maruti Esteem (PB -08-V-9600) owned by Mr Rajinder Pal of Ganganagar, Rajasthan, was stolen from a parking lot in Sector 17. A case under Section 379
of the IPC has been registered. |
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