Tuesday, August 15, 2000,
Chandigarh, India
C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 

Private party to chase out stray cattle
By Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Aug 14 — A solution to the stray cattle menace which has plagued the city is in sight with the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) preparing a blueprint of privatisation of the process.

Still doing the rounds in various offices, the plan entails handing over the job of rounding up cattle to a private party. The party will be allowed to levy fine from the cattle owners, according to the amount fixed by HUDA in consultation with them.

Officials concerned said the modalities of fine and other charges would be worked out after the formalities of calling tenders and selection of a party for the same is completed.

While one stream of thought says that HUDA would entrust the responsibility of trapping the cattle, getting them to the cattle pond next to the Mini-Secretariat in Sector 1 and providing fodder and water till the time they are at the pond, another proposal is that of shared responsibility.

This proposal suggests that while the private party employs its own resources to rope in the cattle and brings them to the pond, HUDA will manage the provision of fodder for a week or so after which the cattle will be loaded in a truck and left outside the border of Haryana.

The truck full of cattle will be accompanied by a member of the enforcement staff who will be responsible to leave the unclaimed cattle outside the border. Moreover, the private party will be fined if cattle are found on the roads during surprise checks carried out be the department officials likely to happen once in a fortnight.

The privatisation of the process was necessitated in the face of the growing numbers of cattle on the city roads and the inability of the Enforcement Wing of the Estate Office to catch them. "Even though we are very short of staff, the employees did make consistent efforts to deal with the menace. However, without expertise and back-up of resources, their efforts met with little success. Besides, the in charge of the cattle pond would let them off after a few days when nobody turned up to claim the cattle,'' an official informed.

The rounding up of stray cattle would make city roads hazard-free especially since they are responsible for a number of accidents. Recently, an employee of HUDA, on his way to office, had an accident after a cow strayed in front of his vehicle. The accident resulted in a broken collar bone.

Also, the residents of the city have taken up the issue of stray cattle time and again. The problem had been heightened after the removal of grills and hedges in residential areas which had given the cattle easy access to the plants and lawns of the residents.
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MA II (economics) results out
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — Mr Ashok Raj Bhandari, Joint Controller of Examinations, Panjab University, in a press note said the results of MA-II (economics) were declared today. The results of MA-I (Indian theatre) would be declared on Wednesday. The examinations were held in April, 2000. The copies of the result gazettes would be available in the New Enquiry Building from August 16. The results could also be as ascertained on phone numbers 534818 and 784869.

Dharna held: Mr P.P. Arya, PUTA President, in a press note said here that PUTA held a dharna-cum-rally today, in front of the VC’s office following a nation-wide protest call given by AIFUTA and FEDCUTA. The protesters demanded the implementation of the new pay scales from January 1, 1996, payment of arrears, implementation of CAS/feeder grades and encashment of earned leave, besides other demands.

Later, the delegation submitted a memorandum to the VC, asking him to forward its demands to the Ministry of Human Resource and Development. The VC said he was looking into the issues of CAS/feeder grade. He agreed to improve maintenance and removal of parthenium grass from the campus.

M. Com admissions: Government College, Sector 46, has been granted affiliation for M. Com (I) by Panjab University, for 30 seats for the first time. The counselling for these seats will be held on August 16, 2000, at 1.30 p.m. in the library hall of the college. The candidates should report with original testimonials.Back


 

'Too many agencies result in no civic work'
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Aug 14 — Unmindful of the lines along which the candidates are contesting the forthcoming elections of the SAS Nagar Municipal Council, residents of this town want that the core issues concerning them should be addressed. A majority of the residents want the councillors should concentrate on the even development of the town instead of indulging in groupism.

They want that with an annual budget of around Rs 21 crore during the current financial year, the civic body should improve the quality of basic amenities in the town as has been stated by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, at a number of public functions.

A major issue of concern is that several government agencies are involved in the development of the town and this results in the poor maintenance of basic amenities.

To know the mind of the residents, the Chandigarh Tribune interviewed different sections of society. Mr Suresh Verma, shopkeeper of Phase 7, is unhappy with the poor development of the market. He says, "The parking area, green belts and pedestrian areas have not been developed by the council. The public toilet of the market in a pathetic state. There is no illumination in front of the booths in the market." He expects that the new councillor of the area should help in these matters.

Mr A.S. Bhatia, resident of Phase XI, wants that the unauthorised khokha market of the phase be removed. Development of commercial and parking areas is high on his agenda. He believes that the former councillors of the area interfered in the affairs of religious places and concentrated little on the development works.

He says that due to the apathy of the council and the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority, shops had come up in residential premises, leading to chaos on the main road going to Phase XI. Mr Bhatia says that the road linking the town with Sector 48 of Chandigarh should be repaired. He laments that the open space adjacent to the phase was being used to dump garbage.

Mr S.R. Chaudhary, environmentalist, says, "I do not expect much from the new councillors. They may also indulge in groupism." He wants the council to concentrate on improving the environment of the town. The council should treat the garbage scientifically instead of dumping it in open spaces. Encroachments in front of houses should also be removed," he adds.

Mr N.S. Gill, a resident of Phase IV, feels that the development works and maintenance of essential services should be in the hand one agency. Due to poor streetlighting in certain areas, the sense of insecurity among the residents was high as some cases of chain snatching had taken place in the past. A check on wild growth of congress grass.Back


 

Security for MC poll

The Punjab State Election Commissioner, Mr C.D. Cheema, today directed the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ropar, to make adequate security arrangements for the elections to the 23 wards of the SAS Nagar Municipal Council on August 20. The elections to ward nos. 1, 11,14 and 17 would be held on August 29. The time of voting will be from 8 am to 4 p.m. Mr Cheema has also directed the Commissioner of Patiala division to depute a Senior Officer from any other district to oversee the polling and counting of votes.
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COMMUNITY

Brisk rakhi shopping in city
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — The day of the year when sisters pray for the long and fruitful life of their brothers is here. Yes, tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan.

People in their best attires could be seen shopping for the colourful threads that are lovingly tied on the wrists of brothers. Sweetmeat shops did brisk business.

But there are many who miss this show of affection. Children who have no brothers and sisters feel a little bit lonely and left out.

This is the day of the year which each sister eagerly awaits. Those staying away from their brothers visit their brothers on this memorable day.

Special kind of rakhis are available to suit every pocket. They can be had in the shape of mobile phones, sweets, watches and many other types.Back



 

Kashmir, brain drain concern students on I-Day eve
By Monica Sharma

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — Tragic events in Kashmir have not only shaken the nation but have also affected the impressionable minds of youngsters.

Youngsters are full of patriotism and want to give their best to the country. Some students who shared their feelings with The Tribune, said they were full of enthusiasm on the eve of the Independence Day. They said they were fully aware of what to expect from the country and what to give it.

Amit Chowdhary, a student, said, “India is a secular country, so, everybody is greeted warmly here. The country and its people have given me a lot, but there are things like job opportunity that I expect from it. Job opportunities for students should be increased and professional training should be the basis of our education system that needs to be revamped. Politics also needs an overhaul. Only educated persons should hold positions of power.” “Brain drain should be stopped,” said Renuka Dogra, another student.

Amit Dhawan, another student, said, “I expect India to find an immediate solution to the Kashmir problem. I want to help in curbing corruption and spreading the message of peace through my works of art.”

“The country has provided us with everything and now it is our turn to repay it. Students, after acquiring professional degrees, settle abroad, but I will stay here and serve the country. I will never leave it even if conditions worsen,” said Manpreet Kaur, also a student.

Another student, Navin Saini, said, “The nation is yet to fully solve the problems it has been facing for the past 50 years. Better living conditions will have to be provided to its people.”

“Infrastructure and the economy need to be strengthened. Funds should be utilised in a better way and the standard of living of Indians should be improved. As a good citizen, I want to do my work honestly,” said Gina Dhillon, also a student.

“India does not offer good opportunities to its citizens. I am an engineer, but I have no job satisfaction. I am planning to settle abroad because the system here is unresponsive. The nation has not given anything to me and I don't intend to give anything to it either,” said Raj Guru Singh.

“Even after 50 years of Independence, we have achieved nothing special. Population and poverty are increasing as ever. You need a recommendation for everything,” said Deepshikha Shah.

“I am proud that I am a citizen of India which has a gallant history. I believe that if you are bright and have something in you, there is no shortage of good opportunities here,” said Birjyot Singh.

“India has given a lot to its citizens and now it is time for citizens to serve it. We should not let the western culture influence our tradition. India should become more advanced in information technology,” said Mona Pal.

“On Independence Day, we should remember freedom fighters. Unemployment should be checked and we should pledge not to take bribes,” said Gurvinder Sandhu.

Upneet Sidhu said, “More opportunities should be given to the unemployed. I want to serve the nation by giving it my best and working honestly.”

“While celebrating Independence Day, we should not forget that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are living under the shadow of death. Bharat Mata is asking her children: Jago Watan Ke Wasiyo, Tumhara Watan Khattre Mein Hai,” said Hari Singh Thakur.

“If we want our nation to be strong and healthy, we should teach the illiterate and the downtrodden. Also, corruption should be eliminated,” said Shalini Thakur.

The education system is not career-oriented in India. The standard of living has to be improved. Indians have insufficient social security and everyone should help in improving things,” says G.S.Virk.

“Overpopulation is an epidemic which should be checked by the government. The Kashmir problem should be solved as soon as possible,” said Ashwinder Kaur.

“Red-tapeism should be abolished. More opportunities should be given to students as they are the future of the nation,” said Mona Thakur.

“The youth of independent India want a better education system. More professional courses should be introduced in schools and colleges. Better opportunities should be given to citizens, so that, they should not run after jobs in the other countries,” said Mamta Khullar
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Scribes flay wage board recommendations
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — Flaying the final recommendations of the Manisana Wage Board submitted to the government, the Chandigarh Union of Journalists, a body affiliated to the Indian Journalists Union, has again demanded dearness allowance for journalists on the Central pattern and pay scales for them on the lines of lecturers and central government officers.

The union has rejected the final recommendations on grounds that they were "inadequate, unduly delayed and totally diluted at the behest of certain newspaper managements."

At its meeting held here under the presidentship of Mr Vinod Kohli, the CUJ members felt that many lacunae and disparities had been introduced by the wage board in the pay scales of journalists and non-journalists. The example cited was that the rate of increment granted to a junior-rung journalist is lower than that of a Class IV employee of a newspaper industry at the later stage in the pay scale. "It is a clear case of anomaly and discrimination against the journalists," it was held.

Another target of criticism was the DA policy which, the union, held, was full of flaws. Expressing concern that in the final recommendations, the wage board had placed journalists in the lowest category of the DA slab, the union reiterated its demand that DA be granted on the Central government pattern.

The union also came down heavily upon the board for slashing the LTC and not conceding to its demand of paying LTC equivalent to one month's gross salary every year. The union also criticised the fixing of a house rent limit and demanded removal of such a limit. It was also held that the children's education allowance in the tentative proposals should have been retained in the final report. Also, medical allowance should have been kept at an appropriate level.

Rounding up the discussion, Mr Kohli held that the Central government should come to the rescue of journalists by giving a respectable increase over and above the wage board recommendations in the pay scale and allowances as the board final report, which came after 12 years, is still not on the expected lines.

He added that if the demands were not met, the community would be left with no option but to take up the approach of litigation.
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Folk dances mark I-Day function
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — The Independence Day celebrations by the Chandigarh Administration at Tagore Theatre here today took off to an impressive start with the girls of the Sector 23 model school presenting Saraswati vandana followed by a group song by children of Government Model School, Sector 40.

The programme, which was attended by the UT Adviser, Mrs Vineeta Rai, and the Mayor, Mrs Shanta Abhilashi, among others, was marked by thrilling dance performances, songs and skits by children of various model schools.

A Rajasthani dance was presented on the song, Rang rangoli dharti maro desh Marwar, by students of the Sector 16 model school. The performance aside, the costumes of children were exceptionally impressive. This item was followed by a qawwali which was presented by about 35 students of the Sector 20 model school. The qawwali was Utho ae sathiyon milkar naya bharat banayenge.

A skit by the Sector 47 model school on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and sacrifice of national heroes like Shaheed Udham Singh was very well appreciated. So was the Haryanavi dance by Sector 35 model school girls who had dressed themselves up in colourful Haryanavi costumes.

Among other items was the performance on It happens only in India by Sector 19 model school children. The concluding item which happened to be the all-time favourite bhangra by boys of Sector 10 model school proved to be the scene stealer of the evening.
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Students celebrate I-Day
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — The tiny tots of Ankur Nursery School displayed a colourful show on the eve Independence Day here today. Children in the age group of 3 to 6 years sang patriotic songs. Little girls in colourful Bengali costumes performed a rain dance. They also presented a skit highlighting the importance of water and how to save our natural resources.

Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, celebrated Independence Day at LECMA, 3 BRD, Air Force Station. About 400 students of classes KG to X studying in the Chandigarh and SAS Nagar branches participated in various contests held on the occasion. The contests included poster making, cartoon making, book mark making, on-the-spot painting, declamation and solo singing.

Students also presented an entertaining cultural programme. A tribute to the Kargil martyrs was one of the highlights of the programme.

PANCHKULA

Students of Satluj Public School, Sectors 2 and 4, celebrated independence day with a host of entertaining items which followed the unfurling of the national flag by the Director, Mr Pritam Singh Serai, here toady.

A colourful inter-house march-past saw the students attired in their house colours of red, yellow, orange, blue and purple. The best house was later awarded for their performance.

The primary and senior secondary school students celebrated the occasion together. The juniors presented lysium and a French drill. Thought-provoking speeches on ''Independence'' and ''Role of leaders in Independence'' were made by Japneet and Shikha, students of Class XI. Patriotic and action songs were presented to mark the occasion. The function ended with the national anthem.

The Principal, Mr Krit serai, highlighted the importance of such functions while emphasising that the students needed to follow the path shown by great leaders to ensure progress and prosperity.
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IYC activists burn Pak flag
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — Activists of the local unit of the Indian youth Congress burnt the Pakistani flag and raised slogans against violence in the Kashmir valley on the eve of Independence Day here today.

According to Mr Uma Kant Mehta, a spokesperson of the party, the BJP government was playing the role of a silent spectator while the killings continued.

The unit demanded resignation of the home minister, besides an inquiry into the killing of innocent Amarnath yatris.
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Janmasthami celebrations begin today
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will hold a week-long nagar kirtan programme as a part of the Sri Krishna Janamasthami celebrations from August 15 in different parts of the city.

The nagar kirtan will start from Sanathan Dharam Mandir, Sector 22, on Tuesday at 6 a.m. and pass through Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Sector 27, on Wednesday at 6 am; Ram Flour Mills, Sector 30, on Thursday at 6 am; Kaushlendra Sita Ram Mandir, Sector 19, on Friday at 6 a.m.; Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Sector 46, on Saturday at 6 a.m.; Town Park, Sector 5, Panchkula on Sunday at 6 a.m. and ISKCON temple, Sector 24, on Monday at 6 a.m.; and culminate at Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Sector 42, on Tuesday at 6 a.m.

Jhulan yatra which was started on August 10, would conclude on August 15. ISKCON will also celebrate Balram Jayanti on August 15 at Hare Krishna Dham, Sector 36-B, here.

A three-day Vedic Quiz Contest will be held from August 21 in the temple hall to encourage youngsters to know about ancient Vedic culture. Quiz timings will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m daily. Teams from more than 25 schools and colleges will participate in the contest. Quarter-final, semifinal and final of the quiz will take place on August 21, 22 and 23, respectively.
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Sansar Chandra
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — A renowned scholar of Hindi and Sanskrit from the region, Mr sansar Chandra, has been nominated to the Hindi Salahakar Samiti by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He is one of the seven members to be nominated from all over the country.

The Government of India having decided to reconstitute the samiti of the Ministry of Home Affairs has come out with its composition comprising 35 members. 
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CRIME

Person selling stolen car held
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 14 — The police has arrested a resident of Sirsa on a charge of selling a car which is said to have been stolen. According to police sources, Ramnik Singh Pannu, a car dealer of Sector 7, reported that Rajinder Kumar came to him to sell his car (PB 13 F 6886). When he asked for the particulars of the car, Rajinder was evasive. Mr Pannu got suspicious when he tried to run away. The suspect was nabbed, but he allegedly consumed some poisonous substance and was rushed to the Sector 16 General Hospital.

A case under Sections 411 and 309, IPC, has been registered.

Nepali remanded: A Nepali, accused of escaping from police custody, was today remanded to judicial custody till August 28 by the UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Sant Parkash, today.

Stolen car recovered: The police has arrested Solan resident Gian Chand and recovered a stolen car (HP 14 0865) from him. The accused had stolen the vehicle from Dharampur. He was nabbed while driving the car near the Labour Chowk. A case under Section 411, IPC, has been registered.

Bootlegger nabbed: The police has arrested Kalu, a resident of Colony Number 5 on a charge of possessing 50 pouches of whisky.

He was nabbed from the Sector 51-52 road and booked under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act.

2 hurt in mishap: Two car-borne persons were seriously injured after being hit by a truck (HRX 3495) near the transport traffic lights. They have been admitted to a hospital.

Cycle stolen: Amar Raina, resident of House No 167, Sector 11, Panchkula, informed that his new Hero Ranger Max cycle was stolen from his residence on the night of August 12. The police has been informed.Back


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