• Plea to set up dispensary
• Court official quizzed
• Governor orders probe
• Dropsy case in UT
• Tributes to Mother Teresa
• 'Kafis' to mark annual function
• Liquor was `meant for club's bar'
• Admn cancels function

Protesting youths lathi-charged
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — Hundreds of lathi-wielding Dalit youths blocked roads in and around the city this morning, resulting in traffic bottlenecks. Later, around noon, some of them vandalised a few shops in the Sector 22 rehri market, and the police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse them and ease the tension.

They were protesting against the "inaction" on the part of the Chandigarh Administration in punishing the three teachers who had allegedly beaten up two girls in the Government High School, Sector 38 around 12 days ago. One of the girls, Pinky (12), had committed suicide. The Administration had suspended yesterday the three school teachers and initiated action for punishment for them.

Despite the action taken against the three teachers, youths from Colony no 5, Kumhar Colony, Sector 25, Colony No 4 and other labour colonies were like a law unto themselves as they forced residents to take circuitous routes to reach their destinations.

Around noon, nearly 150 youths with lathis reached the Sector 22 rehri market and started forcing the shopkeepers to down the shutters. This was resisted by shopkeepers and the police had to resort to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Though no one was nabbed, shopkeepers were not in favour of the closure of any shop.

At places like the road leading to the railway station, people had to take a detour. The main road leading to Panchkula was blocked. As a result, traffic was diverted on to the newly built causeway. This was blocked within minutes due to the sheer volume of traffic.

A similar story was repeated on the road that divides Sector 44 and the Colony no 5. All trucks that pass through the city use this road as a passageway and they had to be diverted, leading to congestion on other roads .

On the road dividing Sectors 37 and 38, youths made use of pipes of concrete of an under-construction sewerage to block the road. At several places old people and women could be seen arguing with protesters. Many people were turned back. Even an ambulance was stopped for a few minutes before better sense prevailed on the protesters.

Around 50 youths, carrying placards, raised slogans outside Vivek High School. A senior teacher had to come out and talk to them. A parent coming out of the school said action must be taken against the protesting youths as the Administration had done its duty by conducting an enquiry and suspending the teachers concerned.

At several places youths chopped off branches of several trees and put them on the road, and later when the agitation was called off the tree branches and pipes had been left as it was, thus endangering road users.

Vehicle owners being fleeced
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — In the absence of any action by the authorities concerned, thousands of residents and tourists leaving their vehicles at most of parking lots in the city are being fleeced by unscrupulous contractors.

Insecurity of vehicles even after paying the prescribed parking fee, overcharging and rude behaviour of the staff manning the parking lots were some of the problems confronted by a Tribune team during the course a survey of parking lots today.

A majority of contractors do not display the rates fixed by the authorities. Those, who display the rates, overcharge the public with the authorities turning a blind eye to the problem.

A visit to the parking site at Sukhna Lake, where the contractor had been charging Rs 10 for parking a car for less than two hours as against the prescribed fee of Rs 2, revealed that in spite of complaints to the municipal corporation authorities, nothing seemed to have been done. He is still charging Rs 2 for a two-wheeler for a whole day or part of it though a board nearby clearly indicated that the charge for up to two hours was only Re 1.

And there is no uniformity in the rates mentioned at different parking lots. Though the rates mentioned at the Rock Garden parking lot are Re 1 and Rs 2 for scooter and car, respectively, the tourists are overcharged according to the whims of those manning the parking lot.

But the fear that haunts the vehicle owners is that in case of theft of a vehicle, the contractor could not be held responsible. A parking slip issued by the contractor at the Lake mentioned: "No responsibility for the loss of accessories, vehicle and petrol without endorsement and lock and fully insured vehicle."

This besides instilling a sense of insecurity among the vehicle owners particularly in the "unsafe" parking lots like the one at the Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 17, which is open from two sides is contrary to the terms and conditions regarding the auction of parking lots by the MCC which said: "In case of loss of any vehicle, the matter should first be sorted out amicably by both parties — contractor and the visitor. In case the matter is not sorted out , it can be referred to the arbitrator (Assistant Commissioner), whose decision will be final and binding.

It may be recalled that the MCC had reportedly issued notices to the contractors of parking lots at the Lake and the Rock Garden for overcharging recently after the problem was highlighted in these columns. But in the absence of any follow-up action, things have not improved and the situation is back to square one.

What makes the situation worse is the fact that the MCC and the Chandigarh Administration, which had earned lakhs of rupees through the auction of the parking lots, have failed to evolve a fool-proof system by which the grievances of the public could be redressed . At a press conference yesterday the Mayor, Mr Gian Chand Gupta, said that the MCC could only act if a written complaint was lodged with it.

He had assured that strict action, including the cancellation of the licence, could be taken by the civic body. But the ground reality seems to be entirely different. In fact the MCC had failed to take any action against contractors who had published the parking slips indicating that in case of loss of vehicle they would not be responsible. The slips were later withdrawn after a strong protest by traders and government employees of Sector 17 besides political parties.

Administration to withhold one day's salary
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — Even as government teachers staged a rally in Sector 20 here this evening to register their protest against the suspension of three of their colleagues, the Chandigarh Administration said that today's salary of the striking teachers would be withheld under the no-work no-pay rule.

A spokesperson of the Administration said that it had been decided to take strict action against the teachers if the strike continued tomorrow. The Administration was not trying to placate either the teachers or the protesters. However, no criminal offence warranting arrest had been established, thus the demand of the Balmiki Samaj for arresting the teachers was misconceived, the spokespersons added.

Action against the teachers had been taken violating the standing orders of the UT Administration that ban corporal punishment in the schools. Three teachers of the Government High School, Sector 38, were suspended yesterday following the findings of a three-member committee set up to probe the reported suicide of 12-year-old Pinki, a student of the school.

The enquiry had found the teachers guilty of beating Pinki and her friend Seema, following which the latter committed suicide. The teachers were subsequently placed under suspension by the Administration.

At a largely attended rally, union leaders expressed resentment against the "one-sided report" of the committee and alleged that the findings of the committee were biased. They demanded the repatriation of Mr Pirthi Chand to his parent state and the posting of his wife to a school in one of the colonies of the city.

Mr Harbir Singh and Mr K.R. Sharma, convener and co-convener of the union, respectively, said the suspensions were unwarranted and arbitrary and should be revoked with immediate effect.

Other leaders — Mr J.S. Tiwana, Mr Surinder Kumar and Mr R.D. Shastri — said a committee with members drawn from the teaching community and other sections of society, should be constituted by the Administration to redefine the role and responsibility of a teacher.

Teachers at the venue resolved to fight for restoring the dignity of the teaching community.

The assembly also urged the teachers not to receive awards at the state-level function at Tagore Theatre tomorrow. It was also decided that Teachers Day tomorrow should be observed as a black day.

HHB told to refund registration amount
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Sept 4 — Holding the Haryana Housing Board (HHB) responsible for not refunding the registration amount of a consumer for 14 years, the local Consumer Forum has directed the board to refund the amount along with 12 per cent interest till the date of payment.

The consumer has been awarded Rs 2000 on account of the mental agony and harassment undergone by him.

The order was passed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum on the basis of a complaint lodged by Mr M.R. Vij, a resident of Sector 12-A here.

The complainant in his application before the forum alleged that he had applied for a HIG house and deposited Rs 3850 as the registration amount on April 12, 1982. The total cost of the unit was Rs 77,000.

After the complainant was unsuccessful in the draw of lots held in June,1983, he was not refunded the registration amount. After more than three and a half years of the draw of lots, he was allotted a house at a total cost of Rs 1.48 lakh (double the cost of the original house) without any request in this regard, he alleged.

He also alleged that the board in a letter dated February 2, 1997, ordered to forfeit 50 per cent of the registration amount. Representations to the board from time to time by the complainant did not bear fruit.

On being noticed by the forum, the board maintained that the complainant had never applied for the refund and was interested in further allotment. The board said that the complainant was allotted a house in 1986 at a cost of Rs 1.48 lakh but he failed to deposit the allotment amount following which 50 per cent of the registration amount was forfeited.

The forum in its orders observed that the board was responsible for deficiency in service for not refunding the registration amount immediately after the draw of lots.

Industry told to be innovative
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Sept 4 — The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has launched a programme that will invite proposals for innovations by scientists all over the country and fund their projects.

The Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr R.A. Mashelkar, stated this while delivering the second Prof B.K. Bachhawat memorial lecture at the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) here this afternoon.

This year five innovations have been chosen out of 200 applications.

Dr Mashelkar speaking on "Launching the Indian innovation movement", said an innovation movement should be launched that would free our minds.

He called upon the industry to be innovative. So far the industry had stood for inhibition and imitation. He was of the opinion that knowledge would come only when we look at the areas that were outside the conventional.

The problem was that the scientists were not looking at the risky spots and doing only conventional work, he said.

"We need to have institutions that cater to the needs of the scientists and understand that a scientist can fail thus accept failure normally. Only those who will innovate will fail," Dr Mashelkar said.

Citing examples of innovation, he said the green revolution and white revolution were the apt examples to be followed.

Shopkeeper duped of Rs 5,000
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — Surjit Singh of Maloya village was killed when his cycle was hit by a vehicle near Maloya Colony last night.

He succumbed to his injuries at the PGI.

Duped: Shiv Narian, a shopkeeper in Sector 28, was reportedly cheated of Rs 5,000 by a youth.

The incident occurred on Friday when he was counting cash. A smartly dressed youth approached him saying he could count the notes for him as he appeared tired.

The youth later slipped away with the cash, according to the police.

Four booked: The police has booked four persons for allegedly possessing and selling liquor without a permit.

They have been identified as Krishna Murti of Madrasi Colony, Sector 26, Rajinder, Harinder Saha of Mauli Jagran and Ram Roop of Panchkula.

Cash stolen: A sum of Rs 11,000 was reportedly stolen from a shop in Sector 10.

Pawan Kumar, the owner of the shop has accused two persons of the theft.

A case under Section 380 and 34, IPC, has been registered.

Kids' emphasis on civic sense

CHANDIGARH: An attractive display of a stimulating and an entertaining experience was in store for the city audience on the second day of the Children's Theatre Festival organised by G.S. Channi's Centre for Education and Voluntary Education (CEVA) at the Sector 17 Plaza. A result of the culmination of community theatre workshops held at five different schools here, the street plays put up by cute little school kids provide an insight into the innocently ecstatic world of children.

Today's first performance — "Kukad da Gawacha Aanda" by Guru Nanak Public School — dealt with the predicaments surrounding hostel kids, along with questioning the influence of Daler Mehndi on themselves and even the ill-effects of pollution engulfing all of us!

The second production of the evening, "Kachra Uddant Aayee Basant" by Government High School Chandigarh, Sector 24, dwelled on the subject of cleanliness. This play was put up last year during the Rose Festival, a spectacle which it dismisses as being a "shosha" that is done in order to "waste a lot of money" and because "the people of Chandigarh won't even perform their early morning jobs without this annual event"!

Though 16 actors of "Kachra Uddant Aayee Basant" were absent, because of ongoing strikes in the city, it did not lack the verve and enthusiasm that one associates with the children's theatre. A little boy, with horns attached on his head, romping as a buffalo, boys and girls yelping like dogs who have cut their tails to set the latest trend; basant season being treated at the PGI, because she has an itching problem, the earth urging everyone to clear the surroundings, else it won't let anything grow — all these images and much more, highlighted the importance of social and civic sense missing most Indians.

— Sonoo Singh

Officials' visit delays Shatabdi departure
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The departure of the Delhi-bound Shatabdi Express, which arrived an hour behind schedule today, was further delayed as the visiting members of the Passenger Services Committee of the Railways had to see a slide show and verbal presentation by officers of the Ambala division.

The members, minus the chairman of the committee, were here for hardly 90 minutes during which they also witnessed the mechanised cleaning of a coach compartment as officers explained the advantages of the high jet pressure cleaning machine, specially brought from Ambala.

After arriving at 11.30 am, the members left at about 1 pm, 40 minutes behind schedule, resulting in tense moments for the passengers who were scheduled to catch connecting trains from Delhi. Instead of making up for wasted time, the train was further delayed so that the members could attend the presentation in the officers' rest house.

A spokesperson of the Railways, on the other hand, clarified that the train was delayed for cleaning.

Among those who were held up today included the city member of Parliament, Mr Satya Pal Jain, who was on his way to Delhi, complained to committee members that he had come to know of their visit when he tried to ascertain the reasons for the delay.

He later told newspersons that he had not been intimated about the visit of the committee members. He was on his way to Gwalior, he said.

While the committee chairman, Mr Ram Kapase, could not come the visiting committee members included Mr R.R. Paswan, Mr M.A. Ali Khan, Mr J. Deshpande, Mr N.K. Singh and Mr V. Kishwara.

Mr R.S. Grover, Ambala Divisional Manager, highlighted various activities of the division and said that the goods earnings had declined by 28.98 per cent while passenger earnings had gone up by 18.46 per cent, resulting in a net decline of 16.19 per cent in the total earnings last year.

There was public demand for the introduction of a third Shatabdi between Chandigarh and New Delhi besides stoppage for New Delhi-Amritsar Swaran Shatabdi Express at Ambala Cantt, he added.

He also brought to the notice of the committee that the work of construction of a new rail line between Chandigarh and Ludhiana had been approved by the Ministry of Railways but the execution work had been held up for want of approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Besides this, the occupation of waiting rooms, waiting halls and other passenger utility areas by GRPF personnel was causing a lot of inconvenience to the passengers, he said.

Jain seeks probe into demolitions
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The local MP, Mr Satya Pal Jain, has condemned the demolitions at Maloya and demanded a high-level probe into the operation, in a press note issued here today.

He visited Maloya yesterday and interacted with those whose jhuggis had been demolished.

He assured the affected people that he would send a copy of their memorandum to the Administrator. He also held discussion with senior functionaries of the Administration last night.

Meanwhile, a deputation of the local unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha met the Deputy Commissioner, Mr R.K. Rao, and demanded immediate ban on the sale of two brands of toffees which allegedly contained beef bone gelatine.

Plea to set up dispensary
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The Coordination Committee of Central Government Pensioners Associations Chandigarh has urged the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to set up a dispensary in the city under the central government scheme.

In a press note issued here today, the secretary-general of the association, Mr B.S. Dard, said in spite of a number of pleas, nothing had been done in this regard.

Court official quizzed
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The defence counsel conducted the cross-examination of Mr Madanjit Chhina, an assistant in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in the court of the Sessions Judge, Mr B.S. Bedi, in the ongoing trial of the Beant Singh assassination case at the high security Burail jail.

Mr Madanjit Chhina revealed to the court that he knew that 'human bomb' Dilawar Singh's brother lived in Sector 34. He did not know any other member of his family.

He denied the suggestion that he did not know Lakhvinder Singh and Dilawar Singh.

Governor orders probe
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The only cow kept in the Haryana Raj Bhavan died today due to electrocution.

The Governor is understood to have ordered an enquiry into the negligence of the officials.

Eye donation awareness camp
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — An eye donation awareness camp was organised by Food Craft Institute (FCI) in collaboration with the PGI Eye Bank Society as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the FCI.

Dr V.P. Munjal, Reader, Department of Ophthalmology, at the Sector 32 Government Medical College Hospital, inaugurated the camp.

Dr Ashok Sharma, honorary secretary, Eye Bank Society, enlightened the students and staff members about eye donation.

A question-answer session was also held. A record of 110 students pledged to donate their eyes to the society.

A paper reading contest was also held.

The following were the winners: Sukhdeep Kaur Gill 1, Manjinder Kaur 2, Sunil Dhiman 3 and Prerana Rajpal, consolation prize.

The FCI also celebrated Teachers' Day.

An advertisement presentation competition was organised.

Inderjit murder case adjourned
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Sant Parkash, today adjourned to September 10 the Inderjit Singh murder case.

Earlier, the CBI claimed privilege about the DIG K.C. Kanungo report. It contended before the court that the report was part of the internal office file and did not represent a final view of the department. Therefore, it was his individual opinion and not part of the official record.

Counsel for the CBI further contended that the CBI manual issued by the head office said that the report of the investigating officer was confidential.

The defence counsel, on the other hand, said merely believing a file as confidential did not mean it was a confidential document. It was the court to look into the document to decide whether privilege could be claimed about the Kanungo report.

Dropsy case in UT
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — A case of dropsy was reported at the PGI this morning.

Kajal (29) was admitted to the emergency and then shifted to the medical ward, sources in the PGI confirmed.

The woman had swelling in her legs and redness. Her husband, a middle-level executive in an SAS Nagar firm, did not show any signs of the disease. Their children too showed no signs of dropsy.

The couple, hailing from Bengal, are from an upper middle class background.

Doctors suspect that the Bengali way of cooking fish in mustard oil may have led to the problem.

Tributes to Mother Teresa
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — Floral tributes were paid to Mother Teresa on her first death anniversary, which was observed at the Sector 19 church here this evening.

An all religion Mother Teresa service was organised on the occasion. It was presided over by Bishop Gilbert Rego.

'Kafis' to mark annual function
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 4 — The folklore of the erstwhile northwest India such as 'Kafis' and 'Heer' will mark the annual function to be organised by the Federation of Migrant Groups from North-Western India at the Sector 10 Government Museum Auditorium tomorrow.

During the programme, a 15-member team from Patiala will stage "Chhajj", a traditional dance, and performed "Gatka" and "Jhoomer" dances.

Sufi songs of Khawaja Gulam Farid, Sultan Bahu, and Mirza Sahiban will be another attraction of the programme.

Liquor was `meant for club's bar'
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Sept 4 — In connection with the seizure of 12 cartons of different brands of IMFL by the police from the Shakti bhavan chowk on September 1, the honorary general secretary of the Gymkhana Club, Mr R.D.Garg, said today that the liquor was meant for the club's bar and was purchased by the supervisor of the club from an authorised L-2 vend in Sector 18 here .

He said despite reasons given by the bar man, who was bringing the liquor in an autorickshaw, a constable took him to the police station. On being shown the valid documents police officials did not release the bar man, the autorickshaw driver and the liquor. It was only after lodging a complaint in this regard by the club authorities with the police that the goods and the men were released, he added.

Admn cancels function
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, Sept 4 — The Chandigarh Administration has cancelled the Teachers' Day function scheduled to be held at Tagore Theatre tomorrow.

This has been done as a result of the boycott call given by the teachers and agitational approach adopted by them, a spokesperson of the administration said late tonight.