& V I C I N I T Y
Thursday, April 1, 1999
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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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Thursday, April 1, 1999 |
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Cricketers go shopping CHANDIGARH, March 31— Shopkeepers in Sector 17 were in a for a big surprise when some of the Pakistani players visited their shops this afternoon.
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Students
forge exam documents Hostelers
fall ill after lunch Rehri
market fire destroys 70 booths
Carnival
brings Europe for kids Visitors
arrive for Khalsa fest Cigarette
prices remain stable HUDA
told to refund fee NE,
S. Asian economies “must integrate” Mixed
response to lottery ban plan Demolition
drive in Zirakpur soon Suraj
Gorkha celebrations Term
of three PU deans expires |
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Cricketers go on shopping spree CHANDIGARH, March 31— Shopkeepers in Sector 17 were in a for a big surprise when some of the Pakistani players visited their shops this afternoon. The cricket fever which has been on for quite some time reached its zenith with their arrival for the one-dayer at PCA stadium in Mohali tomorrow. Attired in casual wear, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Razzaq were the first to be seen around 12.15 pm as they walked into a popular readymade garments shop. They were accompanied by at least six security personnel, including two commandos, who were protecting them from the huge crowds that gathered there in no time. Besides the shoppers and regular office-goers, shopkeepers called up their children so as to enable them to meet their favourite players . While the two players were busy looking for jeans and T-shirts, the owner of the shop, Mr Sanjeev Vohra, as a goodwill gesture gave them seven pairs of jeans free of cost. Arshad Khan and Imran Nazir visited the shop an hour later due to security reasons. The pairs of jeans were given to all four and the remaining three were for Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar and Imran Nazir’s brother. Another popular garment shop also gave Inzamam-ul-Haq and Arshad Khan a shirt and T-shirt each free of cost. The goodwill was such that one of the tailors, Mohammad Iqbal who hails from Saharanpur, has decided to present Inzamam-ul-Haq with a golden coloured `achkan’ stitched by him. He took his measurements at the garment shop and will give him the achkan by tomorrow. “I feel like doing this because Inzamam is a good player and he is to some extent responsible for introducing me to this popular game and subsequently for the craze which I now have in the match,’’ said Iqbal. On the whole, it was bonanza for the shopkeepers who not only were delighted to have them at their door but also because they purchased 15-20 T-shirts for few hundred besides two moulded large size brief cases worth Rs 2,400 each. Even as the shopkeepers tried to speak to them in English, they were at home speaking fluent Punjabi and shaking hands with one and all. They were witty while obliging their fans with autographs. “We really did not once feel that we were attending to Pakistani players as their behaviour was so friendly’’, said one of the boys at the shop. The players even obliged one of the shopkeepers by taking his children to Hotel Mountview to meet Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq. The players made light comments about the World Cup going to Sri Lanka, as that happens to be in Asia, when someone suggested that it should remain with India or Pakistan. The people in Sector 17 were no less thrilled to have them amidst them and followed them in groups as they moved about. The autograph seekers could be seen chasing them. Some people even mistook Mr Ramnish Kapoor, a shop owner, for a Pakistani player and kids were busy taking autographs from him also. He too enjoyed the all-important feeling so much that he did not disclose that he was not one of them. The cricketers enjoyed the hospitality of shopkeeper who offered them soft drinks and burfi. The players who came in groups of two were there for nearly an hour, before they left for the practice session at PCA. When some shopkeepers questioned them as to how they liked the city, they said that since they had already been here once in 1997, they are quite familiar with the place, particularly Sector 17. Even Rock Garden and Rose Garden are no major attractions this time as they have already visited these places during their last visit. However, they were impressed with the cleanliness of the place and feel it is quite similar to Pakistani city. The president of the Sector 17 shopkeeper’s, association, Mr Subhash Kataria, had in a circular issued asked all the shopkeepers to put banners outside their shops welcoming the Pakistani delegates and offering them special discounts. Accordingly, a few of them had done so and interestingly these were the shops which the visitors picked up for shopping. Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad, captain and coach of the Pakistan cricket team, respectively, along with other team members visited a popular 24-hour restaurant in Sector 22 last night. Wasim Akram even cut a cake made by the bakery at a popular joint. Meanwhile, the customers
at Times Bank were also in for a surprise when the
Pakistani cricket team led by their coach Javed Miandad
trooped in after inaugurating the ` Timesbank
Square’. Mrs Neena Singh, Assistant Vice President
and branch head, while appreciating the unique gesture on
the part of the Pakistani team, said that it was a
delight to see them interact with the crowds and sign
autographs for them.Earlier, while untying the ribbon,
Javed Miandad said that the square would be a symbol of
Indo-Pak friendship in Chandigarh. |
Elaborate arrangements SAS NAGAR, March 31 — The authorities have made elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the one-day cricket match between India and Pakistan here tomorrow. General traffic from Chandigarh to Phase X here will be diverted at the crossing of Sector 45. This route towards the cricket stadium has been reserved only for VIPs and nobody else will be allowed on it, Mr B.S. Randhawa, the local SP, said today. He said this route would be used by the Punjab Governor and the Chief Minister, the Governor and the Chief Minister from Pakistan, the High Commissioners and central ministers. Besides, the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams and 20 buses carrying Pakistani nationals would also use this route, which had been reserved for those entering gates 1 and 2 of the stadium. The SP said the other people coming to see the match would be allowed on the YPS — Ambwala Chowk route. Parking for persons entering gate numbers 4 and 5 would be near the Punjab School Education Board building. Those using gate numbers 3 and 12 would have to come towards the Phase X side of the stadium after crossing the new bridge. Parking for ticket-holders entering gate number 3 would be in the sports complex, and in the case of gate number 12 the parking area was in front of the Housefed quarters in Phase X. Persons bound for gate numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 would have to park their vehicles behind the stadium. He said between 1,500 and 2,000 police personnel from different districts of the state had been put on duty. The overall charge was with Mr Anil Kaushik, IG. Meanwhile, there were
reports that tickets for the match were being sold at a
premium which kept increasing as the day of the match
approached. |
Cricket mania or goodwill fever? CHANDIGARH, March 31 — Either it is cricket mania or goodwill fever. As India and Pakistan flex their muscles for the one-day international tomorrow at the PCA Stadium in SAS Nagar, the city, and its satellite towns are fully geared to welcome the guests from across the border. The Sector 17 market is spruced up with banners and signs welcoming the players and dignitaries. One such sign reads, “Welcome our friendly dignitaries from Pakistan”. The owner of a readymade garments shop said, “we are keen to show the person from our neighbouring country that Chandigarh has got the best of the variety in products of all kinds.” A restaurant owner said his restaurant would like to give the visitors a feel of Punjabi delicacies. A restaurant in Sector 35 has even offered a 50 per cent discount for visitors. The security arrangements for the Pakistani fans are tight and one of the stands near Gate 12 has been earmarked for them. The vendors outside the stadium were aware that many spectators were coming from Pakistan and an owner of a snacks shop near the stadium said,” during the launch the visitors will like to have a taste of our items and we are prepared for it.” Pakistani ticket holders will stay at various places such as Sports Complex, Sector 42, YPS School, SAS Nagar, Shivalik Public School and Kisan Bhavan. Shivalik Public School is providing free stay and food. The administrative officer, Mr H.S. Phull, who is supervising arrangement, said, “We have made stay arrangement for nearly 500 persons and have 461 rooms ready with new beds and linen. we want to give everything free of cost to these guests and are even willing to provide buses for sightseeing.” The security at these venues is manned by the respective area police and only valid visa holders will be allowed to stay. The stadium was also being
given finishing touches as the electronic scoreboard read
‘Jee aayan noon, Punjab Cricket Association tuhada
swagat kardi hai. |
Jhuggis occupy 70 acres of HUDA
land PANCHKULA, March 31 — Further development on several acres of prime land in the elite urban estate here has been put on hold due to jhuggi dwellers. The estimated loss being suffered by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), in terms of revenue generation through the auction of the encroached land, runs into crores. The unchecked growth of illegal tenements — at least 10,000 — on different pockets of land reserved for commercial and residential purposes the outcome of the indifferent attitude of the authorities. Four major slums besides small clusters of jhuggis, dot the township. HUDA officials admit that the slum-dwellers have jeopardised their plans. Significantly the completion of a bridge over the Ghaggar connecting Sectors 21 and 25, has been delayed due to squatting of slum dwellers on the land earmarked for building approaches to the bridge. A survey conducted by the enforcement wing of HUDA reveals that at least 70 acres of prime land is under the possession of jhuggi dwellers and the estimated value of this land comes to over Rs 500 crore. Of the total land under encroachment, jhuggi cover about 30 acres in Sectors 1, 3, 12-A, 15, 21, Industrial Area, Phases I and II, and in other parts. The settlers have obtained a stay from court. Around 40 acres in Sectors 14, 15, 17 and Sector 4 of Mata Mansa Devi Complex is free from litigation. The alarmed HUDA authorities have pulled up their socks. The HUDA (Panchkula) Administrator, Mr Devender Singh, says that new jhuggi-dwellers will not be allowed to settle down. The enforcement wing, says the Administrator has been directed to weed out the encroachments on a weekly basis. Besides the jhuggi-dwellers who have sought stay from court, the enforcement wing is observing new encroachments. Recently such dwelling units were razed to the ground in Sectors 12-A and 21. The Department of Town and Country Planning had, in 1997, proposed to rehabilitate slum-dwellers on the pattern of the rehabilitation scheme of Indira and Rajiv labour colonies in Sector 17, which had been announced by a former Chief Minister, Mr Bhajan Lal. It was planned to provide about 7,500 one-marla plots in various pockets in Sectors 20, 21, 28 and Industrial Area, phase-I. The plan was,however, shot down by the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, at a meeting in June 1997. The illegal settlements
have affected the planned development in different urban
estates of HUDA. Rehabilitation will set up a bad
precedent and encourage further encroachments on HUDA
land. All administrators and estate officers have been
directed to launch a campaign to get such land vacated. |
Abandoned baby boy found MUBARIKPUR, March 31— “Jaako Raakhe Saian, maar sake na koye”. This dictum came true when a newly born baby boy, hardly six hours old, was found in a thicket on the bank of Ghaggar river at Kakarauli village near here, this morning. Wrapped in a blood soaked cloth and thrown into bushes near the wheat fields, the baby was noticed from his cries by Mr Jaspal Singh, a villager who was on his way to load a tractor-trailer with stones. The baby was later taken to the village when the Sarpanch, Mrs Surjit Kaur, was informed of the matter. News spread like wild fire with a swarm of people flocking to see the baby. The villagers informed the police. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mubarikpur, Mr H.S. Bhullar, asked the Sarpanch to get the baby checked up at the local civil hospital. The maternal waste and other fluids were washed in his first bath at the hospital and the infant was fed with liquids. According to Ms Surjit Kaur, red ants had gathered around the baby and spots of mosquito bites were also present on the face. Interestingly, since the baby was a male, it evinced, interest in adopting. Ms Surjit Kaur claimed that four or five persons having no issue were already willing to adopt him but preference would be given to the residents of the village who could care for the baby properly. Ms Satwant Bhalla, SMO, Dera Bassi, said that the baby was about 6 to 7 hours old and with the placenta weighed 2.8 kg. After cutting the cord, he was given a bath, fed with milk and vaccinated for the BCG and administrated polio drops. “It was a mature delivery and the baby is quite healthy”, said Dr Vijay Chopra who attended the baby. Mr Bhullar has asked all villagers interested in adopting the child to contact the police by tomorrow. Otherwise the baby would be sent to SOS centre at Rajpura in Patiala district. At present, the child is
enjoying the lap of Ms Surjit Kaur, Sarpanch. |
Students forge exam documents CHANDIGARH, March 31 — The Punjab School Education Board authorities have detected a fraud involving as many as nine students who appeared in the matriculation and plus two examinations at centres other than allotted to them by producing forged roll number cards and other examination-related documents. Interestingly, a majority of students found guilty of committing irregularities during a preliminary investigation conducted by the board preferred a particular Patiala-based school for appearing in the matriculation and plus two examinations. For this, they even used forged roll numbers and cut lists, carrying of details like name of the candidate, centre number and subjects opted by him, which are sent by the board directly to the officials at different examination centres. According to Mr Jarnail Singh, Controller of Examinations, who is conducting the probe into the matter, though almost all private candidates, found to have been involved in fraud, were allotted different examination centres in Patiala and Chandigarh, yet they were found to be appearing at centre No 28 set up at Little Flower Modern Senior Secondary School, Patiala on the basis of forged documents. Out of nine candidates, six appeared in different papers of plus two, while three appeared in the matriculation examination. According to sources in the board, during the preliminary investigation, it was found that Amanpreet Kaur (roll No 696136) was originally allotted centre No 8 set up in Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Old Police Lines, Patiala, but she appeared at centre No 28 after producing forged roll number card and the cut slip. Similarly, Kulwant Singh (roll No 138578), though allotted a different centre, was found to be appearing at centre No 28. Interestingly, in his statement to the board officials, he has conceded that he had given Rs 3000 to a Patiala-based book shop owner who had promised that he would help him get through the examination. The same was the case with plus two candidates, bearing roll Nos 265028, 265331 and 259996, all of whom were found to have been appearing at centre No 28 by producing forged roll numbers and cut slips. A girl candidate was found to have appeared in the examination at a Chandigarh centre by producing roll No 996010, which was originally allotted to a boy, who, in turn, was found to have taken the examination at centre No 28 at Patiala. Anand Parkash Gupta (roll No 264991), who was allotted centre No 4 at Patiala, appeared at centre No 28 after making changes in his roll number card. According to Mr Jarnail Singh, it was found that the admission forms of most of candidates involved in the fraud were found to have been attested by the Principal of Little Flower Modern Senior Secondary School Patiala. He said he suspected it the handiwork of a well-organised gang. He also did not rule out the possibility of connivance of some board officials with the gang. Mr Jarnail Singh said
though a case would be registered against those found
guilty in the scam, the preliminary evidence was
sufficient to invoke unfair means regulations of the
board against the students, according to which they could
be disqualified for appearing in any of the board
examinations for a period extendable up to three years. |
Hostelers fall ill after lunch CHANDIGARH, March 31—As many as 40 students were allegedly taken ill after consuming food at a lunch organised to mark the annual function of hostel number five of Panjab University on Saturday. Officially, though, the number is put at about five students. The residents of the hostel alleged that after taking lunch at about 2 p.m. some students developed acute stomach ache and fever in the evening while five of them had to be taken to the university health centre. Though a couple of days have passed, some students still find it difficult to walk and talk. The doctors at the health centre also admit that about five students were brought to them for treatment. The students claimed that they had submitted an application signed by 36 students who had fallen ill. The warden of the hostel, Prof G.S. Gill, denies that he has been given any such list though he admits having visited the ailing students in their rooms. The students attribute the illness to the unhygienic way in which food is prepared in the hostels. “The boy making chapattis does so with a ‘bidi’ in his hand. Moreover, in most hostels local brands of bread find their way to the canteen and no effort is made to keep the flies at bay”, a hostel resident says. Though the unhygienic conditions in the hostel messes did not have serious repercussions, turning a blind eye to the problem can affect more students next time,’’ a worried student adds. “In spite of paying
an extra sum for the two functions, our interests are
relegated to the background and the canteen staff behaves
irresponsibly. The incident has happened at a time when
we are preparing for examinations and has resulted in
loss of time, money and energy,’’ an ailing
student rues. |
Rehri market fire destroys 70
booths SAS NAGAR, March 31 — A major fire broke out at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Rehri Market in Phase IV here today, destroying around 70 booths with losses estimated around Rs 1 crore. There was, however, no loss of life. One person sustained injuries while trying to save property from the flames. The fire in the market, located between a mandir and a gurdwara, started around 4.30 p.m. and spread rapidly, consuming rows of booths towards the gurdwara side. Most of the booths were to open in the evening, and there was panic as the flames became uncontrollable. People broke open shop shutters in a bid to check the fire. A large crowd gathered. A thick column of black smoke that rose could be seen from a distance. As the flames began to destroy one booth after another, shopkeepers, and others desperately tried to save their goods. Heaps of different types of goods, ranging from confectionery items to clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, stationery, etc., which had been saved could be seen lying all over near the market. The flames had consumed almost all items in the affected booths. The market area presented a scene of slush, ash, smoke and goods smashed to bits. Shopkeepers said that between 70 and 80 premises had been reduced to ashes. The fire, they said, probably broke out from a fast-food joint in the market where there was LPG leakage followed by a cylinder blast. There were 308 shops in the market. It took more than two hours to control the fire. Besides the local fire brigade, fire engines were requisitioned from Chandigarh and the SCL factory here. Fire engines had to go back to hydrants for refilling. The police had a difficult time controlling the hundreds of onlookers who had gathered at the scene. Traffic had to be diverted. Dr Pawan Kumar, president of the rehri market, said the local fire brigade reached “half an hour” after the fire started. He claimed there was “inadequate” water in the fire engines which resulted in the flames getting out of control. He said the losses totalled at least Rs 1 crore. The owners of the fire ravaged shops had been ruined totally, and even those who managed to save part of their goods had suffered losses. Dr Kumar said PUDA had ignored their pleas over the past five years to allow shopkeepers to construct pucca booths. Mrs Lakhwinder Kaur Garcha, Municipal Councillor of the area, said the administration had “failed” to tackle the fire effectively and provide adequate assistance to the shopkeepers concerned. Mr Harinder Pal Singh Billa, president of the Municipal Council, said the local fire engines reached a little late because of a fire earlier at the 220KV substation in Industrial Area here. The fire on the power substation premises only destroyed wild growth near a transformer and no damage was caused. Mr B.S. Sidhu, Additional Divisional Fire Officer, said around 60 booths were destroyed. Information about the market fire was not given immediately to the local Fire Brigade. Fire engines at the power substation, he said, were sent without delay to the market. He denied there was any water shortage. He said shopkeepers
created problems for fire personnel by puncturing water
hose pipes to save their own booths. |
Pak singer performs at city
club CHANDIGARH, March 31 — While the city is gearing up to receive cricket rivals from Pakistan, and the accompanying 1,000 visitors, today’s evening gave an opportunity to ghazal lovers to experience the traditional ghazal-singing of Pakistan. Husain Baqsh Khan sang some of his best ghazals before an appreciative audience. Husain Baqsh Khan was performing at a club in Sector 1, today. He was earlier heard by a select audience at Tagore Theatre. Husain Baqsh Khan belongs to the old and traditional school of ghazal, where every couplet is presented by the singer as a complete semantic entity and fully expressed as a whole, well-integrated poetic experience. His rendition of ‘Tera Aana To Dhoka Sa Raha Hai’, penned by Nasir Qazmi seemed to have its own vocabulary of love. ‘Bewafa Bawafa Nahin Hota’, a ghazal by Dr Bashir Badr, was equally mellow and smooth. For most part of the evening, this guest from Pakistan had to perform under the lights of a movie camera, as the lights started getting installed only after the singer started the show. Husain Baqsh Khan, who has
learnt under the tutelage of his father Ustad Nathu Khan
of the Patiala Gharana, was giving the last performance
of his tour today. |
Young scouts impress CHANDIGARH, March 31— The Regional Cub Bulbul Scouts Utsav was formally inaugurated today by the Education Secretary, Punjab Mrs S.K Sandhu at the State Headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides in Sector 14. Around 400 cub-bulbul scouts (primary school children) from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab are participating in the utsav. An impressive exhibition of art and craft, displaying creative and innovative skills in the articles prepared by them, was also put up. In her inaugural speech, Mrs Sandhu welcomed the young cubs and bulbuls from different states of the region. She assured them that they would be provided with all possible comforts and good treatment during their stay. She exhorted them to learn the maximum from one another and to exchange experiences while living together under one canvas during the utsav. Presiding over the function, Mrs Darshan Kaur, State Commissioner and former DPI, Punjab, lauded the organisers of the utsav for providing primary school children an opportunity to be on their own for at least a few days after their annual examinations. She was nostalgic while recalling that she as a guide, had camped in the same campus a few years back. The children displayed
their talent and creative skills in presenting cultural
items like folk dances, group songs, role-playing and
skits during the camp fire, the highlight of today’s
programme. Bulbuls (girls) from Jammu and Kashmir were
applauded for presenting a group song. |
Carnival brings Europe for kids CHANDIGARH, March 31— A ‘Kids Karnival’ would be organised at Parade Grounds, Sector 17, Chandigarh, from April 2 to April 4. The carnival plans to have fun games, along with a ‘space city’ for the children. The high point of the carnival promises to be a ‘tour’ of Europe, which would also include a 40-foot structure resembling the Eiffel Tower of France. The ‘London Bridge of England’ would act as a ramp for the kids’ fashion show. The carnival would also
have space dedicated to the theme of Africa, complete
with tree houses and jungle bridges. Another theme would
be ‘life on the coast’, that would have a
starfish gate and palm trees and even beach umbrellas and
hammocks. The children’s exhibition would create the
Titanic ship, which would have a dance floor for both
parents and children. |
Visitors arrive for Khalsa fest CHANDIGARH, March 31 — “We had heard about Chandigarh, but never thought that a part of India could actually look like this — so breathtakingly beautiful. People of Chandigarh are indeed lucky”, gushed Julie Blackford and Gwyneth Watkins. Blackford and Watkins are visiting teachers from Shropshire, currently in Chandigarh as part of an exchange programme of ‘Shropshire Panjab Cultural Exchange’, a project by Heritage, Patiala and Shropshire County Council, England. The project includes a research information for a website page on the Internet on Punjabi culture to coincide with 300 years of Khalsa celebrations. “I teach students about Sikh religion through books, and I am now eagerly looking forward to being part of programme at Anandpur Sahib. It would be a first-hand experience for me. I am excited about the tercentenary celebrations”, said Blackford, who is the head of religious studies at a school in Shropshire, “teaching six major world religions to 11 to 16 year old children”. According to Watkins, “This year I am going to lead the Baisakhi assembly fair in England, and would like to experience the celebrations at Anandpur Sahib”, who specialises in working in textiles and teaches part-time in both junior and secondary schools. Talking about their exposure to Punjabi culture and Sikh religion, the teachers said Punjabi food and Bhangra dance were very popular in England, and so is ‘langar’ (community food). “Last year I witnessed a ‘mela’, organised by Asian communities in Telford, and was thrilled to see the event there,” said Gwyneth. On the contentious issue of ‘langar’ on tables and chairs, she said, “We did hear about certain controversies, but these did not affect the community at large in England. In fact that has never been an issue at all”. Blackford and Watkins are planning to hold a six-day project in the local schools of the city, wherein through story-telling and play-acting sessions they would like to interact with 10 to 14 year old children. “I am basically from Wales, and Welsh have always been good story-tellers. It is in my culture to tell stories and I like to “embroider with words”. My stories include folk-tales from Australia, England and also from ancient Rome”, said Gwyneth, who has also brought with her some interesting crafts-work, that included ‘phulkari’ patterns on paper. She will hold an exhibition of her works on April 17 at the Arts Folio, which Gwyneth promises would be an “interactive audio-visual event”. She later added, “I have been inspired by the work of Nek Chand, especially the texture of his bangled figures, I think that in some years my work will somewhere reflect that as well”. Julie Blackford has brought along with her a 30-panel cotton quilt, which is hand-stitched and some parts are even painted with fabric. She plans to give it to some school “as a gift of friendship”. Julie is planning to work in dance, drama and English with young school-children. The project, co-ordinated
by Mr Rajpal Singh, also includes Mr Innes Jones, who is
also associated with putting up various aspects of
Punjabi culture on the Internet. |
Cigarette prices remain stable CHANDIGARH, March 31 — Much to the relief of cigarette, bidi and pan lovers, the prices of most of these items have remained stable for the past one year. According to traders, the prices have remained unchanged as no fresh tax had been imposed by the government on the industry during the period. A survey of the market today showed that if a packet of ‘Red Lamp’, containing 10 cigarettes was available for Rs 7 last year, it was still being sold at the same price. Similarly, a Gold Flake Filter King packet containing 20 cigarettes was still priced at Rs 39.70. A Wills Navy Cut Filter packet with 10 cigarettes in it was selling in the market at the old price of Rs 16.50. Consumers can still buy a Mini Charms packet, containing 10-cigarettes, after spending Rs 9. Same was the case with a 10 cigarette packet of Four Square Filter as it was also available at the old price. A 10-cigarette packet of Four Square Regular Filter and a Red and White packet was available for Rs 9.90. Similarly, there was no change in the prices of Cavanders and Panama brands as still these could be had for Rs 7.45 and Rs 13, respectively. Same was the case with the prices of zarda, chutki, bidis and pan. These have witnessed no fluctuation during the period. A pouch of zarda and chutki was available in the market for Rs 3.50 and Rs 1.25, respectively. Likewise, if one could buy an ordinary sweet pan for Rs 5 last year, the commodity could be bought after spending the same amount. Similarly, ‘pan chandini bhola’ was selling at the old price of Rs 3. A simple pan containing zarda could be purchased for Rs 3. The price of ‘pan navrattan-600, containing superior quality tobacco was stable at Rs 30. ‘Pan Kimam’ was also available at the old price of Rs 15. Similarly, if a packet of
‘501’ and ‘502’ brand bidis were
priced at Rs 3.25 and Rs 2.75 last year, these are still
available at the old prices. A packet of
‘Dholak’ brand of bidis was priced at Rs 2 as
was the case last year. Similarly, there was no change in
the prices of ‘kisan’ ‘sunder pari’
and ‘Shama’ brands of bidis as these were
available in the market for Rs 2, Re 1 and Rs 2,
respectively. |
HUDA told to refund fee PANCHKULA, March 31 — The Haryana Urban Development Authority has been directed by the local consumer court to refund the extension fee charged from an allottee in Sector 12 here for the period during which the basic amenities had not been provided. Holding HUDA responsible for deficiency in services, the consumer has been awarded Rs 5,000. The order was passed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum on a complaint filed by Mr Dinesh Kumar Kapila, a resident of Sector 36 in Chandigarh. Mr Kapila, in his complaint, alleged that his father, Maj-Gen Rajendra Nath (retd), was allotted a plot in Sector 12 in May 1981 and the possession of the plot was offered in April 1991. The plot was transferred in the name of the complainant in 1993. However, HUDA failed to provide basic amenities like roads, street lighting, drainage and water supply, despite repeated visits to the office concerned. He further alleged that Rs 49,770 was unduly charged from him and he had to undertake construction at the plot under a threat of resumption in 1997, despite absence of the basic amenities. In its reply before the forum, HUDA said though the offer of possession was made in 1989, the father of the complainant applied for possession in April 1991. The extension fee had been charged as per the HUDA policy.The building plans of the plot were sanctioned in 1995 and the same were approved in 1997, but the complainant obtained DPC on February 1998. The forum, in its order,
said HUDA had failed to provide the amenities under the
HUDA Act. The basic amenities were completed only in May
1998. The forum awarded Rs 1,000 as costs of proceedings
to the complainant. |
NE, S. Asian economies
“must integrate” CHANDIGARH, March 31 — The AIADMK and other alliance partners of the BJP will support the Congress in demanding a JPC probe into the issue of the sack of Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, said Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, General Secretary of the AICC. Mr Azad along with Mr P.A. Sangma, MP and CWC member, talking to mediapersons after addressing delegates attending the North Zone Regional Orientation Camp here today. Mr Sangma said he has been advocating for the integration of the economy of the NE with that of South Asian countries for the past decade. This was keeping in mind the geographical location of the states and also the dividend such a step would provide. Instead of bringing the resources and produce to the rest of the country, it could be exported to developed markets in neighbouring countries like China. Similarly, the potential of Myanmar and Bangladesh could be tapped along with other countries of the region. For this, the port at Chittagong could be used. Talks in this case were in progress and the suggestion had been accepted by the Planning Commission, he informed. Commenting on the lack of infrastructure and facilities in those states, he said the unrest was due to economic problems and not due to law and order. The region has good schools but there were minimal opportunities and avenues for employment. The extent of development could be gauged from the fact that the share of the NE in the distribution of PSUs was only 5 per cent. Commenting on the issue of conversions, he quoted census reports and said the growth rate of Christians had in fact registered a decline. From 2.8 per cent in 1981, Christians now constituted 2.3 per cent of the population. On the issue of giving 33 per cent reservation to women, he said the drive of the Congress to recruit more women had not been satisfactory in states like Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir. Women in these states were not coming forward due to many constraints. But the exercise to enrol members had been successful. On the issue of demanding a JPC for probing the sacking of Admiral Bhagwat, Mr Azad said the issue would be thrashed out in Parliament as the Speaker had allowed discussion. Although a date was yet to be fixed, their party would debate the issue. Mr Azad said the Congress had the support of the the AIADMK and some other parties which were willing to join issue with them on the Bhagwat issue. The fall of the government was imminent and their party would decide on the issue of forming a coalition government when the opportunity presented itself. He parried questions on the issue of forming alliances with which parties but added that all options would be weighed. However, they were not in favour of elections, he clarified. Reacting to the question of indiscipline in the Punjab unit and the holding of parallel rallies by the two rival groups in Haryana, he said the Congress was united like a rock and such matters would soon get solved. On the situation in Bihar, he said it was not a law and order problem and the ruling alliance should see it in that perspective. The composition in the state was different and that was the reason why they had pressed for the revival of the assembly as the Governor had professed to be a member of the RSS first and governor later. This had even set the Home minister thinking and he had to recall the Governor. The three-day meeting concluded in the evening today amid bhangra performances and exchanging of addresses and promises of keeping in touch by the delegates. Earlier, Mr Sangma urged the Youth Congress activists to take up small programmes in a big way rather than big programmes in a small way. Urging the party activists not to hanker after party posts, he said if you have intelligence, knowledge and experience, the posts would run after you rather than you running after the posts. He said the reservations, provisions for which were made for 10 years after Independence, had become a political tool in the hands of the parties and that was why nobody wanted to speak against them. Reservation for women in Parliament, assemblies and panchayats was a necessity, but at the same time it was essential that they be equipped with education and knowledge which in turn would give them confidence. He urged the Youth Congress workers to develop reading habits as the present age was the information age. Later, during an
interaction, he said he favoured political parties giving
tickets to “clean” candidates so that the
intellectuals, and entrepreneurs could come forward in
politics. |
Mixed response to lottery ban
plan CHANDIGARH, March 31—The Union Cabinet’s decision to bring in a comprehensive legislation to ban state and central government lotteries has evoked a mixed reaction among the lottery-sellers and buyers of the city. While a large number of lottery-sellers and buyers strongly favoured the proposal to put a ban on lotteries, saying it would save thousands of families from ruin, many sellers opposed it as it would result in unemployment of thousands of persons engaged in this business. They also felt that the government should not do anything in haste and without initiating a proper process for rehabilitation of the persons engaged in lottery business. Hailing the proposal, Mr Sham Kumar, a lottery-seller in Sector 17, said lotteries should be banned as the practice of buying lottery tickets was like cancer, which, after afflicting a person, did not spare him without killing him. When asked whether the ban would result in unemployment, he said the ban would only affect big players,” who operate like dons” and not small retailers who earn just between Rs 100 and Rs 200 per day. He said he did not like selling lottery tickets, but had to do it for the sake of earning. However, if the government was ready to impose a ban, he would be ready to shun this business. Mr Parmod, another lottery-seller in Sector 17, said he was also ready to opt out of the business as small sellers had no choice but to resort to selling “unfair’ tickets for making money, which he did not like. He said he would have to suffer an annual loss of between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000. He suggested that the ban be imposed on “satta” lotteries and not on genuine bumper lotteries. Similarly, Vinod Kumar, a buyer, strongly advocated a ban on lotteries as it had ruined many families.”I have been visiting the Sector 17 lottery market for the last 15 years, during which I have never seen anyone winning in the real sense. I have lost thousands of rupees in this game,” he added. Mr Ashok, another buyer, said there should be no second thought on the proposal to ban lotteries. “These should be banned, as these are nothing but a form of gambling,” he added. Mr Gurcharan Singh, a labourer, said though it would be difficult for him to shun his addiction for lotteries, he favoured a ban on it, as he had been sinking his earnings in the game. Mr Tarsem, a lottery-seller, said though the ban, if effected, would result in hardship for about 400 people engaged in the lottery business in and around the city, it would be a welcome step. “In that case we will gladly do some other work,” he said. On the other hand, a lottery-seller said there should be no ban on lotteries as these were a source of income for ‘hundreds’ of persons. Mr Gurinder Singh, another seller in Sector 17, said the ban would severely affect hundreds of persons engaged in this business. “ Some of them are graduates and post-graduates, but in the absence of job avenues, they have no alternative but to sell lottery tickets in different parts of the city.” He demanded that the government take steps for rehabilitation of such persons before implementing the proposed ban. Mr Himmat Singh, another lotteryseller questioned,”From where will we earn our bread?” Mr Prabhjot Singh Mand,
Director Lotteries, Punjab, said in case the ban was
effected, the annual gross revenue loss to the state
would be around Rs 14 crore. He said the ban would also
affect the Online Lottery project, which was in the
pipeline. He, however, said the project was expected to
take off within three to four months, if there was no ban
on the sale of lotteries. |
Demolition drive in Zirakpur soon BARTANA ( ZIRAKPUR), March 31— The unauthorised structures in and around Zirakpur may soon face action by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), said Mr Hardev Singh, GM (regulatory) of PUDA, today. He said that the houses, shops and other structures built after December 10, 1998 would be demolished. “No date has been fixed for the action but it can be any day”, he said. Initial process has begun and the police stations concerned have been asked to register FIRs against the defaulters. Mr Singh further said that action would be taken against all who had built structures outside the “lal dora” in the villages. PUDA has announced that registration of houses and shops in the area will be carried out only after possessing a no objection certificate (NOC) from PUDA office. But certain property dealers are selling residential as well as commercial plots. When this correspondent visited Bartana village posing as a buyer, one such property dealer said. “There is no problem in getting an NOC as the current ‘ban’ is only an eyewash.” Another property dealer on the condition of anonymity said that even electricity connections could be possessed easily without obtaining an NOC. The property dealer is selling the plots near the brickkiln here. There are at least four persons who have erected a boundary wall around the land. They are selling the agricultural land for other purposes. A high-tension mainline electricity pole is also present on the land. Reliable sources said that
though they were aware of all what was going on but
nothing could be done. Political interference was the
biggest hindrance, the sources added. |
Suraj Gorkha celebrations Chandigarh, March 31 — The 5th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles celebrated its sesquicentenary somewhere in the western sector. Known as Suraj Gorkha, the battalion was raised by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The battalion fought gallantly during the 1947 - 48 operations in Skardu, Zojila, Kargil, Gilgit and Dras and was awarded the battle honour Jammu and Kashmir. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Shaheed Smarak to pay tributes to those who laid down their lives for the country. Lt-Gen S.S. Grewal, Adjutant-General of the Indian Army, attended the celebrations and also addressed a special sainik sammelan. A large number of serving and retired officers were present on the occasion. The battalion also took part in Operation Riddle in 1965 in the Western Sector where four officers, three JCOs and 25 ORs made the supreme sacrifice. The battalion has taken part in CI Operations in the North-east. The battalion is undertaking various activities like a trekking expedition in the Dhauladhar range and will be sending a mountaineering expedition to the Keylong region. Since its raising, Suraj
Gorkha has earned 76 awards, including three Vir Chakras,
one Shaurya Chakra, one Yudh Sena Medal, nine sena
medals, besides unit citations by the GOC- in- C, Eastern
Command. |
Term of three PU deans expires CHANDIGARH, March 31—The term of the three deans of Panjab University expired today. Dean Student Welfare, Dr RS Grewal, Dean Foreign Student, Dr RK Kakkar, and Dean Alumni Relations, Dr RC Sobli relinquished charge of their respective posts. The Syndicate had formed a committee comprising Mr Ashok Goyal, Mr Rajinder Deepa, Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh, Dr K.S. Chugh, Prof V.K. Bansal, Mr Rajinder Bhandari and Mr RN Sharma for the selection of the three deans before their term expired. However, the committee could not meet in time. With the expiry of the
their term, the offices of the deans have fallen vacant
and the Dean University Instruction, Prof IBS Passi, has
been entrusted the responsibility of the three posts till
the new deans are appointed. |
2
nabbed for driving stolen car CHANDIGARH, March 31 — Two city youths — Salinder of Sector 46 and Sukhjit Singh of Sector 45 — have been nabbed by the Patiala police while driving around in a stolen car. The duo had stolen a car (CH-01-B-0588) owned by Mr Surinder Singh from Sector 47 on March 26. A case has been registered and the duo were handed over to the Chandigarh police last evening. Meanwhile in separate incident a car (CH-01-S-0402) owned by an Industrial Area based unit was stolen from Sector 46 last night. The owner of the car, Mr Ajay Bahl, lodged a complaint with the police. Cyclist hit In a separate incident, Priyanka, was injured upon being hit by a vehicle while Sudhir of Burail village was injured when his hand was cut in a saw mill where he works. Manhandled Upon refusal the men attacked them. Police control room vehicles were rushed but none of the alleged attackers could be traced, according to sources. Arrested |
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