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July 30, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Expired food items dumped in residential area SAS Nagar, July 29 The expired items were brought in two scooter rickshaws and dumped. Further aggravating the anger of the residents of the area, the food items — which included Maggi noodles, toffees, chocolates, Milkmaid cans, pouches of gulab jamun recipes, were set on fire without following any procedure. Cerelac powder and tomato ketchup were also thrown
there. The foul smell emanating from the burning food items drew a strong reaction from the residents in the area. After the residents protested, the half-burnt food items were left there. Children from slum areas could be seen rummaging through the burnt items looking for toffees. As per the procedure, a stinking food item had to be treated before disposing it in garbage dump. In case of the food items which had expired, disposal had to be done at a proper garbage bin. The items could also be burnt in an incinerator. An official of the local civic body could take action against the person responsible for causing public inconvenience and unauthorisedly dumping the food items at a public place. The office of the local distributor in Phase V market was not open. |
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Kundi connections thrive as power dept, Chandigarh, July 29 Sources in the administration point out that the police has failed to keep a regular vigil on areas where regular power theft is taking place. As a result their own efforts of removing the kundi connections go down the drain when the accused restore the connections soon after these are removed. According to the information available from the Electricity Department, the actual power losses, including the transmission losses, should be around 16 to 17 per cent. However, the power losses in the city due to various reasons are calculated to be around 22 per cent. Sources say that this 6 per cent of unaccounted for power loss is mainly due to kundi connections. There are 20 labour colonies, slums and villages in the Union Territory and the maximum number of cases of power theft are detected here. Of the total eight cases of power theft registered with the UT police so far this year, seven cases have been reported in these areas itself. Official in the Electricity Department maintain that though they are very vigilant about the power theft and regular checking is carried on with the assistance of the police, there is little deterrence. They complain that even though they remove the kundi connections and seize the cables used for the process as evidence for registering a first information report (FIR), but within a few hours the connection is again restored. The officials say that they have given numerous reminders to the police to ensure regular patrolling for keeping a check on these kundi connections, the request has been turned down by the latter. It is also learnt that a meeting between the officials of the two departments is also scheduled to take place on during this week in order to discuss the issue. Interestingly, according to the Electricity Department’s own admission, it is not just the occupants of these areas who are indulging in power theft. A senior official on condition of anonymity said that when their staff was checking for kundi connections in various sectors, where government houses are located, a number of these people were found to be having kundi connections. ‘‘Recently, a senior official staying in Sector 7 was found to be indulging in power theft. When our staff reached there with the police, they feigned ignorance and put the blame on a servant,’’ informed another senior official, on the condition of anonymity. He also said that no FIR was registered with the police in this regard. On the other hand, the police maintains that it is understaffed and thus cannot take on additional responsibility. A senior police official, when contacted, said that though they had a strength of about 4,000 cops, the number of cops involved in actual policing were just 60 per cent , thus leaving little work force to tend to such additional duties.
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DAV College’s tribute to young martyrs Chandigarh, July 29 For the families of the four young former students of DAV College, Sector 10, who laid their lives for the country, their sons are still alive. Captain Vikram Batra, Major Sandeep Sagar, Capt Vijayant Thapar and Lieut Rajeev Sandhu, the four former students of the college, sacrificed their lives for the nation as part of the various Army operations in the country. Their supreme sacrifice is being given the honour they deserve from their alma mater. The newly constructed administrative block of the college is being named Shaurya Bhavan, has been dedicated to the memory of these martyrs. ‘‘These brave sons of the soil have made us proud of what we are and there cannot be a more befitting honour than the college ensuring that their name is written in golden letters in the history of the college,’’says the Principal, Mr R.C. Jeevan. The parents of these martyrs are as brave as their sons. Years after their sons attained martyrdom, they carry on with life keeping the memories alive and struggling hard to overcome the pain and vacuum, their absence has left behind. And as you gently coax them to relive their life and death for you, the great wall of glory begins to crumble and the pain begins to flow. But no tears. “There is no regret, no bitterness, none at all. For us the date of Rajeev’s birth is as important an occasion for celebration as the day he attained martyrdom. We organise langars on each of the dates and on 19th of every month, the date of his death, we go the gurdwara and Mother Teresa’s home for destitute children and give some donations,’’says Mr D.S. Sandhu, father of Rajeev Sandhu. Rajeev Sandhu is the youngest officer of the armed forces who has been decorated with the Mahavira Chakra. Barely three months after being commissioned in the Army, this 21-year-old soldier of the Assam Rifles died a brave death fighting the LTTE in the Sri Lanka operations in 1989. Although for the parents who live in their Sector 45 flat, its some consolation that their son was able to kill those who killed him. But no amount of pain can make them give in to tears and the proud parents unflinchingly give you details of the brave act of their son. And in the end, Mr Sandhu adds,‘‘We are just waiting, whichever of us goes first will be the lucky one to be with Rajeev first.’’ For the mother of Major Sandeep Sagar, the death of her only son is something she can never ever come to terms with. The pride and
the Sandeep Sagar did his graduation from the college and was commissioned in J&K Light Infantry in June, 1995. He died at the age of 26 years during Operation Vijay. Sandeep was a keen cricketer and a NCC ‘C’ certificate holder. Proud of his achievement, they, however, feel that he died too young. ‘‘Hamein zameen se utha kar aasman pe bitha gaya par khud zindagi mein kuch nahin dekha.’’ his parents lament. Capt Vikram Batra, another graduate of the college, has been decorated with the Param Vir Chakra for his achievement in Operation Vijay. Nicknamed ‘‘Tiger of the hills’’, Vikram’s act of bravery is now exemplary. ‘‘I miss my son but I am proud to have had a son who has done such a great thing,’’says Vikram’s father. ‘‘I am proud of what my brother did for the country. Every morning I salute him. I too wanted to join the Army but my parents said no,’’ says Vishal, Vikram’s brother who works in the city. Capt Vijayant Thapar was commissioned to the Army in 1998 and has been decorated with the Vir Chakra posthumously. Capt Vijayant was the Commander of the Alpha Company during Operation Vijay and succumbed to the enemies’ bullet in July, 1999, at the age of 23 years. His parents live in Noida, New Delhi. |
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SAD to meet BJP gen secy on Mayor’s post Chandigarh, July 29 The SAD will convey its decision to contest the election of Mayor even alone and would plead that the junior alliance partner should at least be given an opportunity for a truncated term of four or five months keeping in mind the accommodation likely to give the BJP sympathy of Sikhs in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh elections, the Deputy Mayor, Mr Mohinder Singh, told Chandigarh Tribune here today. Mr Kohli is likely to come here to consult the local party unit and councillors on whether the party should contest the election of Mayor or recommend the dissolution of the house. The BJP general secretary has already been apprised of the views expressed by party councillors in their earlier meeting in which certain councillors had favoured dissolution. The Congress seems resigned to the fact that the majority BJP should take the responsibility of the Mayor. Top Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Pawan Kumar Bansal said the party would form its strategy only after notification of elections adding that it would extend full cooperation to the new Mayor to help development take place which was hampered by the BJP through manipulation. Mr Bansal said in his opinion he would not like the party to hold the post of Mayor, considering it being in minority and said that the dissolution of the house would be unconstitutional and the party would not support such a move. He said that the BJP earlier got divided to elect a Congress Mayor and then ganged up not to allow him function to create an impression that the Congress had not been able to serve the people. Mr Bansal, however, said that the Congress would try to be a responsible party to help the Mayor work full term and would also try to protect full term of the house to establish the fledgling corporation. He said support to the full term of the corporation was essential so that the impression of it failing does not gain currency, providing handle to those who do not want the corporation to exist. |
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Rly TA units to be converted
into infantry battalions Chandigarh, July 29 Three of these new battalions will be deployed with the locally based Western Command TA Group, which presently has nine units of various types under its command. According to sources, the raising of the new battalions is expected to commence in a week. This will increase the strength of the TA infantry battalions to 31. Sources say the conversion of the battalions is being done to meet the increased requirements for infantry battalions as well as to relieve pressure on the regular infantry, a large part of which is deployed in counter-insurgency operations and internal security duties. TA battalions are increasingly being mobilised for the operations, with eight battalions, including two from the Western Command, currently being deployed in the Kashmir valley. The Territorial Army has two types of railway units — those funded by the Defence Ministry and those funded by the Railway Ministry. All units funded by the Defence Ministry are being converted into infantry battalions. Though this will entail enrolling fresh recruits for the infantry battalions, officers maintain that the conversion will be done at no additional costs as the money earlier budgeted for the railway units will be diverted for the infantry units. “Planners do not perceive the requirement for railway TA units as very little mobilisation of such units has actually taken place,” a TA officer commented. “Money and resources used to maintain these establishments can be put to better use now,” he added. Three railway TA units, funded by the Railway Ministry, will continue to exist. Railway TA units, comprising personnel drawn from the Railways, were raised during the 1970s as a result of frequent strikes and trade union disputes. These consisted of operations as well as
maintenance of staff capable of operating trains during mobilisation for a distance of 320 km both ways. |
INTERACTIVE Q: What have been your achievements during the term as a Corporator? Ans: Clearing back lanes and making these pucca, being the first ward to form an advisory committee to look into the menace of untidy back lanes, resulting in residents themselves getting 12 such lanes constructed and gates installed on both sides. Thirtyfive backlanes were subsequently got constructed by me out of the Councillor’s Ward Development Fund, getting an underground storm water drain constructed from Sectors 24 to 40, which was linked to our sector, easing out the problem of water-logging in Sectors 15 C and D. I was also instrumental in getting encroachments removed from V-4 roads in various sectors and to give the area a neat look. I got concrete slabs put on one side for the benefit of pedestrians. The community centre in Sector 15 was completely renovated and monthly fee was kept as low as Rs 20 to ensure maximum participation in social activities. I also got a tubewell installed to meet the water requirements of the newly developed parks in Sectors 15-A and B. I have already sent proposals for putting up small fountains in these parks, glow signs with the map of the sector at all the four entry points and a separate canteen and public toilets in the community centre premises for social and religious functions. Q: What do you think you could not do for the electorate and why? Ans: I wanted to put chequered tiles on both sides of the V-4 and V-5 roads in the sector. Despite best intentions I could not make the sector completely clean and green. Effective steps ought to be taken to develop greenery in all those areas from where encroachments were removed. There is need to streamline the system of door-to-door garbage collection in the sector. No taxes were generated during the first term of the MC for the development of the city. Q: How did you use the corporation forum to redress the grievances of the people? Ans: Whenever anyone walked up to me with a complaint, I personally went to the spot to get an idea of the problem and subsequently took up the matter with the official concerned. I would ensure that the problem was solved at the earliest. In case of any major issues, Q: How responsive has been your party towards your electorate’s grievances? Ans: Though a lot of development work has taken place during the regime of the BJP mayors, the party’s line of action was more exploitative. The party leaders were always busy calculating in terms of political gains. This was not true of the BJP till sometime back but now there seems to be no difference between the BJP and other parties. The party’s thinking was more for taking up the demands of roadside workers, rehri-phariwalas and MIG housing groups, the potential voters for the next elections. Further, lack of proper coordination among party councillors also had a bearing on developmental works. The party also failed to keep them together. Q: How supportive has been the bureaucracy in your role as a councillor? Ans: Both official of the MC and the Administration have been rather cooperative and would always try to ensure that a problem was attended to in two-three days of my visit. The first MC Commissioner, Mr S.K. Gathwal, was very active and since he and the councillors were all too new, he took extra care to study the Act properly. A lot of provisions have been deleted from the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, as extended to Chandigarh to suit the bureaucracy, but the same should have been removed only after proper reviews. Q: Would you like to re-contest the election in view of your performance? Ans: I am all for young persons coming forward to contest the MC elections. They will definitely have a better perspective on all problems, and zeal to work. However, being a disciplined worker of the party, if the party asks me to re-contest the elections, I will honour their decision and then strive to do my best for the people. Q: What will you suggest to your successor, if you do not contest this time as to what he must do for the electorate overcoming the party and bureaucratic hurdles? Ans: He should be honest and should possess the ability to learn besides good grasping power. He or she should not hesitate to take guidance from senior party leaders for being more effective. Q: Why should the voter vote for you? Ans: If the voter is satisfied with my performance during this term, he should vote for me, if not then he should vote for someone else. Q: What have you gained personally on being a councillor? Ans: No personal gains at all. I am an established man politically and socially, besides being associated with various educational and social organisations. Looking back, I am quite satisfied that I tried to get the problems of people solved as a councillor.
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Differences visible during UP SP chief’s visit Chandigarh, July 29 During the visit, the local party chief, Mr Shivi Jaiswal, was completely sidelined and it was his bete noire, Mr Amar Singh Chahal, who held the centre stage. Though Mr Dass had come to the city to address a rally of Uttar Pradesh Welfare Association, Chandigarh, yet his visit became the rallying point for the comeback of Mr Chahal in the local party politics. The press conference of Mr Dass at the Chandigarh Press Club, which started over two hours behind schedule, turned out to be a ‘workers meeting’ with a number of Chahal supporters thronging the venue. In fact, Mr Dass had to be reminded that it was a press conference before he answered questions by journalists. When asked whether the party was contemplating a change in the local leadership, Mr Dass, a close confidant of the party President, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, avoided a direct reply saying that he would inform the national president about the views of the local party workers and the ground situation. H said he had come to unite the party, indirectly conceding differences in the local unit. Mr Chahal, who unsuccessfully contested the 1998 Lok Sabha poll on the party ticket, said the party high command should respect the wishes of local party activists while appointing the party president. It may be recalled that after his defeat in the 1998 poll, Mr Chahal reportedly got expelled by Mr Jaiswal for allegedly indulging in ‘anti-party’ activities and issuing statements to the Press showing him as the local party chief. But quietly, he continued to nurture a section of the party and today’s show of strength was seen a step to come back at the centre stage. Later, at a rally in Colony No 4, Mr Chahal and Mr VS Pathak, president of the association, again urged the party high command to name an able new president, who could the prepare the party for the coming elections to the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh(MCC). Interestingly, a banner in the backdrop declared Mr Chahal as the local party chief. |
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Check declining sex ratio : Jacob Chandigarh, July 29 General Jacob, while addressing a regional-level workshop organised by the Voluntary Health Association of Punjab (VHAP) on evolving intervention strategy for checkmating the declining sex ratio, stressed on the need to work out a regional invention strategy to check female foeticide effectively . “The disturbing sex ratio, especially in Punjab and Chandigarh, is a warning signal for the society,” he said. Lamenting the fact that Census 2001 has revealed a rather lop sided sex ratio of children between the age group 0 to 6, he said the largest decline has been witnessed in Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi. The unscrupulous elements in medical profession were responsible for the increasing number of pre-natal sex determination tests , he said and called for an equal participation by all concerned to check this un-ethical practice. “Registration of ultrasound clinics is the first positive step in this direction,” the General said. He also emphasised for a change in the mind set of people and considering women as equal partners. “Drop out rate of girl students in villages has increased substantially and there is less emphasis on educating the girl child,” he pointed out. To check this, the UT Administrator urged the medical practitioners, specialists, consultants and others to take a firm stand against female foeticide and collectively to stop this “corrupt and un-ethical practice”. Underlining the need for launching a concerted awareness campaign in schools and colleges, the General said the workshop and competitions on this topic should be organised in various schools and colleges to sensitise young minds. Speaking on this occasion, Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, said root cause of the alarming decline in sex ratio was increasing materialism, lack of spirituality and redundant human values. Prof Manjit Singh, who is actively involved in propagating the message to check female foeticide, assured all help to the NGOs in their fight against declining sex ratio and increasing gender bias. The Director Policy Union, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mr S.C. Shrivastava, while admitting the delayed implementation of the PNDT Act at the centre and the state-level urged for an immediate action to arrest misuse of sex determination tests like ultrasound. He said there would be an amendment in this Act to give certain powers to the appropriate authorities. “At present here is a substantial lack of interest by the appropriate authority,” he said. A member of the technical sub committee, PNDT Act, Dr Sabu George, expressed his disappointment at the lack of cooperation by the Punjab Family Welfare Department. The Director Health Services Punjab, Dr Joginder Singh, assured the participants that Punjab would take a lead in registering the ultrasound clinics and machines and check the unethical professional involved in this mal practice. Also present on this occasion were Dr Mira Shiva and Dr B.S.
Dahiya, Civil Surgeon, District Faridabad. Dr Dahiya and his team of doctors had recently registered cases in the court of
Chief Judicial Magistrate, Faridabad, against two clinics for violating the PNDT Act. The workshop concluded with a play based on the issue of female foeticide and women empowerment. Earlier, the Administrator gave away prizes to the winners of poster competition organised on July 13, 2001, on the topic of ‘Female Foeticide’. |
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‘Gandhian activism still relevant’ Chandigarh, July 29 Speaking at an open discussion organised by the Janshakti and the Servant of the People Society on “Gandhian activism — the only answer to the present day problems” at Lajpat Rai Bhavan, Mr Mittal advised the leaders to follow the policy of renunciation and restraint as was done by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve the freedom for the country. He wanted spiritualisation of politics as Mahatma Gandhi did in his thinking and deeds. Mr Mittal was of the opinion that Gandhi’s ideas given in Hind Swaraj to reach the poorest of the poor was as relevant as it was during his time. He believed that Gandhian philosophy and his way of working could solve problems of the country. Referring to the Kashmir problem, he said the confederation of India and Pakistan, following Gandhian thinking, was the only remedy. Mr Onkar Chand, secretary of the Servant of the People Society, admired Mahatma Gandhi for his contribution in raising the consciousness of the people during the freedom movement and preparing masses to fight against the mighty British without fear. Mr Desh Raj Bhangi, another Gandhian activist and freedom fighter, supported non-violent revolution to fight the present day poverty and unemployment through Gandhian means. He wished that a
magnetic personality like Mahatma Gandhi should lead and take out the country from the present day of chaos. Prof P.P. Arya, Convener of the Janshakti, lamented that Gandhian activism based on the principles of truth, non-violence and trusteeship as was accepted before the freedom of the country, was not acceptable after freedom. The present day prevalence of mass poverty, unemployment and wide inequalities of income have been caused because of this deviation of Gandhian path. Among others who participated in the discussion included Prof Ashok Sahni, DUI, Panjab University, Prof J.M. Jerath, Prof I.M. Joshi, Mr P.C. Suri, Mr P.S. Chauhan , Mr A.K. Datta, Mr Baldev Pande, Mr Kasturi Lal, Mr J.S. Ahuja and Mr Swaran Singh. |
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Jimmy Shergill — the boy next door comes of age Chandigarh, July 29 Jimmy, who was in town to inaugurate the first outlet of Provouge Studio in Sector 17, talked at length about his career that started with a short yet meaningful role in Gulzar’s ‘Machis’. Though entering the glamour world was just an adventure for this Gorakhpur-born and Patiala-bred man, he was not completely unarmed when he was signed up for ‘Machis’ in 1993. He had already finished a year with Roshan Taneja learning acting. Recalling his fifteen minutes of fame in ‘Machis’ he says the thrill of seeing himself on the silver screen was unparallel and he saw the film 28 times to actually believe it. In ‘Machis’ Jimmy played a character by the same name as his own ‘Jimmy’- a carefree college student, who becomes a terrorist out of frustration. Nothing much happened with Jimmy from the period from ‘Machis’ to ‘Mohabattein’ except for an art film ‘Jahan Tum Le Chalo’ starring Nirmal Pande and Sonali Kulkarni which failed to get noticed and another picture ‘Dam Dam Diga Diga’ a project which got aborted after completing 80 per cent of the total shooting. ‘‘ I was really frustrated and had a tough time keeping my cool , so that I would not end up signing wrong projects,’’ he says. ‘‘There are too many projects are being taken up by some producers which never even get started,’’ he adds. What kept him afloat during this long period was two music videos- the first one ‘Who Kaun Thi’ and the second Jagjit Singh’s ‘Marasim.’’ Jimmy who has already signed two films , ‘Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar’ and ‘Hasil’ as lead hero, says his association with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan was fruitful which taught him a lot about acting. ‘‘I am willing to do any kind of role, even negative ones depending on who is directing them,’’ says Jimmy. How about a Punjabi film? ‘‘I feel there is a lot of potential in Punjabi movies but right at this stage I am not in a position to act in them,’’ says Jimmy with a diplomatic touch. ‘‘Probably when I am well established in the Bollywood, I would like to work in some good Punjabi projects,’’ he adds. Inaugurated
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STATE OF ROADS Chandigarh, July 29 The entire stretch of the road has been in poor condition for the past many months. Potholes and craters dot this road. There is at least one crater on the road which is about 10 feet in diameter. The monsoons have only added to the problem of the commuters as the potholes get filled with rainwater. The shopkeepers, who are rather sore about the deteriorating condition of the road, point out that recarpeting and strengthening work in the area has not been undertaken for over 10 years. The upper crust and the base of the road have deteriorated beyond repair and the patchwork done on the roads also gives way, said one of the showroom owners. In fact, at many places the road surface has vanished for want of carpeting. Potholes in this stretch turn into cesspools even after a small shower. The road is also marked by cracks and depressions, which make a ride along this road bumpy and risky. The problem worsens during rains when knee-deep water accumulates here and people are forced to wade through mud and slush. Apart from the regular users, a large number of heavy vehicles bringing goods to the shops also ply on the road. The drivers of heavy vehicles point out that calling this a road at a few places would require one to stretch a vehicular suspension too far — almost to a breaking point. Kulwant Singh, a truck driver, said that it was a test to drive loaded vehicles on this road. Even those, who come here to get their cars serviced at one of the service stations, disclose that axels, tyres and suspension of the vehicles get damaged badly. Further the haphazard parking of vehicles along the road have caused considerable damage to the road berms and footpaths. Even for the two-wheeler drivers, it is a nightmare to drive on this road. They have to move at a snail’s pace and still the vehicles get damaged. Many of the scooterists get stranded when engines conk out on the flooded road. Mr Raj Bahadur, a resident of Sector 7, who owns a shop in the grain market, said that for the past many years he was using the road as it had less traffic. He said: “Now I use Madhya Marg instead because I can cope with the heavy traffic but could not afford to let my scooter keeping bumping on a road”. Driving on this road has become extremely dangerous, especially during the night, in view of the non-functional streetlights, which often leads to serious accidents. |
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Telecom union withdraws strike call Chandigarh, July 29 “The decision to withdraw the call for a Punjab circle-wide strike has been taken after Mr Prem Singh who was let off on Friday after attacking Mr Jagar Singh was arrested again yesterday after the trade union action,’’ the union secretary, Mr S.K. Sharma, told Chandigarh Tribune today. He said that after being satisfied that alleged assailant can not be let off without court proceedings, the union decided to keep the announcement of the call in abeyance keeping in mind attempts to improve relationship with the consumer who is also facing problems due to a lacking service. Mr Sharma said yesterday’s strike was complete and around 250 to 300 persons demonstrated before the Industrial Area police station, demanding arrest of Mr Prem Singh. He said medical report of the telecom employees has confirmed fracture in his leg. Mr Sharma, however, said in its effort to improve the service to the customer, the union is going to meet the Principal General Manager Telecom, Chandigarh Circle, Mr R.C. Vaish. |
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Phoolan’s party seeks fair probe Chandigarh, July 29 Talking to reporters at the Chandigarh Press Club, Mr Dass alleged that the governments had put pressure on the Mirzapur Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate not to issue licences for the personal weapons of Phoolan Devi, thus exposing her to grave risk. He further alleged that the UP Chief Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh, who hailed from Mirzapur, the constituency the “Bandit Queen” represented was never reconciled to her election from there. He demanded a fair probe into her murder so that the truth could be brought out. Answering a
question on the elections to the UP Assembly early next year, he said the Lok Morcha (People’s Front) would contest all seats. Referring to a possible alliance with the O.P. Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal, he made it clear that the Samajwadi Party would not enter into such an arrangement with parties which had allied with the BJP. |
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‘They failed to pick us up on Vijay Divas’ Kharar, July 29 In a joint press note issued here today by Mrs Anita Rani (widow of Lance Naik Ranjhodh Singh); Mrs Lachman Kaur (widow of Subedar Bakhtawar Singh) and Mr Hardev Singh (panch of the village) stated that a Subedar and a sepoy from Chandimandir Cantt had brought a message few days ago that Vijay Divas was being celebrated on July 26 in which widows of the martyrs were to be honoured. They told them that they would come and pick them up on July 26 at 6.30 a.m. They alleged that nobody turned up to pick them up. They stated that the government and the officials were insulting them as the same thing happened last year on the same eve. |
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Ram Charitmanas path ends Chandigarh, July 29 The concluding path on the 30th day today was sung by Reverend Manisha Didi in the ground of the Community Centre near the Brahmrishi Training College, Sector 19, Chandigarh. It was a treat to listen to Didi’s singing of Ramayana and the way thousands of people thronged the venue with the holy Ramayana on their heads. Serenity and a rare feeling of internal happiness was writ large on the faces of the people as they waited expectantly to receive the divine blessings of Brahmrishi Bawraji Maharaj. Brahmrishi Bawraji stated in his discourse by paying respectful tributes to great saint and scholar Tulsi Das for his gift to humanity in the shape of classic Ram Charitmanas which he used as a medium to enlight the people and show them an ideal way of life — individual, social, national and
international. He referred to the seminar on Tulsi Das held in Chicago some time ago where 60 scholars from all over the world stated unanimously that there was no
aspect of life which Tulsi Das’s piercing eyes had missed in his great creation. |
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Pensioners concerned over delay in Chandigarh, July 29 During the committee’s annual general body meeting here today members demanded that the CGHS be declared an autonomous organisation like the ESIC, enhance fixed medical allowance to Rs 250 per month, reimbursement of medical expenses for indoor treatment and removal of pension anomalies. The members were also critical of the government’s decision to reduce the interest rate on small saving schemes. Biannual elections of the committee were also held. |
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Massive rally by CHB residents Chandigarh, July 29 Addressing the protesters, Mr Pawan Bansal, MP, promised all support to the residents in getting more relief as far as the regularisation of alterations and additions was concerned. A former MP, Mr Satya Pal Jain, warned the officials not to go ahead with the proposed demolition threat after July 31, otherwise they would have to face dire consequences. The president of the Chandigarh Vikas Manch, Mr Harmohan Dhawan, said the demolition drive by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) would be opposed tooth and nail by the manch. Mr Nirmal Dutt, chairman, of the federation, again urged the CHB to delink the violation clause and offer fresh concessions to the allottees as the existing concessions had failed to provide relief to the allottees. |
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Yoga training camp concludes Chandigarh, July 29 The Chandigarh Yog Sabha today concluded the yoga training and treatment camp organised on the occasion of death anniversary of its founder, Yogi Raj Swami Devi Dayal. Prof M. Lal said yoga comprises yogasans, mudras and pranayama. Asanas invigorate internal organs, mudras ensure healthy functioning of glands and pranayama purifies the blood and soothens the nerve system. Giving practical workshop on the treatment of cervical spondylitis and back pain, Prof Lal said the modern lifestyle and food habits were responsible for these health problems. He advocated the practice of ard bhujang, ard chakar, brahm mudra and taad asana for cure of cervical spondylitis and lower spinal problems. Mr Gurcharan Singh Kala, acting Mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, appreciated the activities of the Chandigarh Yog Sabha. While presiding over the function, he appealed to the people of Chandigarh to take the benefits of the services of Prof M. Lal. |
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Installation of Lions Club president Panchkula, July 29 Speaking at the function, Mr Gulati said that serving the needy would be the priority of the club. Giving details, Mr Gulati said that the project of mass marriages of poor girls was scheduled for February, 2002, and the club would be coming up with a programme for poor students. An international peace poster contest would be held along with a seminar on AIDS. Earlier, the president for 2000-2001, Mr Bhaskar Arya, highlighted the work done by the club during his tenure. |
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Snake
on Shivling Chandigarh, July 29 According Mr Hare Ram Pandey, one of the temple priests, when the temple’s gate was re-opened at 3 pm, the
"snake" was seen moving around the Shivling. Later, the
"snake," about 15 cm in length, clung to the Shivling. Many devotees took it to be the legendary ‘‘nag’’ of lord Shiva. |
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FENG SHUI TIPS When you are looking for a good place to live in, be particular about the surroundings. Orientate your home in such a way that there is a dragon on the left side of your home. This means the left side of your house should be higher than the right side. Levels are also very important for a good home. It is preferable to be at mid-levels rather than being at the very top or the bottom. If you have a house at the top of a hill, it is considered inauspicious. This is because the house at the top will have no protection. On the other hand, if your home is below road level, it is bad Feng Shui. Road-level houses are considered best to live in. Basements are not good. These create a lot of bad Chi in the living space. Another thing to keep in mind is not to let your house stand on exposed stills. If a house is below road level, people living there will lack good luck. The health of the household’s members will not remain good and one member or the other will always be sick. The head of the family will not have support from other people in his office.
Harshna |
The Chandigarh Territorial Congress has been caught in a war of undelivered letters at the height of an ongoing blame-game between expelled former Union Minister, Mr Harmohan Dhawan, and the party. While Mr Dhawan claims that he has not received any letter from the party to expel him till date despite news appearing regarding the same quoting the unit President, Mr B. B. Bahl, the later counter-claims that he is in possession of the receipt of the acceptance of the expulsion letter served on Mr Dhawan. Mr Dhawan on being asked whether he got the “love letter” as he called it, said: “Media would certainly know the same through a press conference as and when it comes.” But, the Congress sought to beat Mr Dhawan at his own game saying they did not get Ms Dhawan’s resignation letter announced in a press conference and circulated to the Press. The letter addressed to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, was said to have been sent by certain Mr Dhawan supporters but Ms Dhawan said that she will formally hand over the resignation to Mr Bahl and local MP Mr Pawan Bansal publicly.
Garbage for UT In the absence of any proper garbage disposal place, the residents of a Punjab village are throwing garbage in Chandigarh! The residents of Naya Gaon village (Kharar) are throwing garbage along the road leading to the UT’s Khuda Ali Sher village. Piles and piles of garbage can be seen along the entire stretch of road from near the Punjab Engineering College in Sector 12 to Khuda Ali Sher village. On one side of this road is a garden with hundreds of trees (the garden falls in the UT) and on the other side are shops falling in Naya Gaon village. The UT officials have put a wire fencing along the garden. For last many years, the residents of the village are throwing garbage in the garden. A few months ago, the Market Welfare Association of Naya Gaon put up a noticeboard on the UT fencing to warn people against throwing garbage along the wire fencing (the piles of garbage are a nuisance for the shopkeepers). Interestingly, a heap of garbage can be seen lying just below the noticeboard . Polythene bags and papers are seen hanging on the entire stretch of the wire fencing — giving an illusion that washermen had put up clothes for drying!
No smoking Smoking is prohibited in the city cinema halls. But the diehard lovers of cigarettes smoke freely during the interval time. Earlier, the smokers used to come out of the cinema halls for doing so. But now the cinema owners have reportedly asked the security personnel on duty not to allow anybody out of the halls during intervals. As a result altercations between the security personnel and smokers have become a regular feature. The smokers cite every possible excuse, including “making an important telephone call” to move out of the cinema halls for a smoke. Recently, an altercation took place between a few smokers and security personnel at the Kiran cinema hall in Sector 22 during the night show. The security personnel had put up a lock on the main gate of the hall and many people were seen smoking in a narrow corridor along the gate. In case of any fire, the lock on the gate could become a serious problem, remarked a Panjab University student, who was present in the cinema hall.
Lead kindly light! Visiting a library which had been without any electricity for a week was an “enlightening” experience. In the age of computer aided knowledge gain, books continue to hold their attraction. The diehard bookworms were there, all seven days, sitting next to the open windows braving the heat and carrying on with their studies. Newspapers served as hand fans and double layered water bottles stored their chilled water for them. As they say, nothing could stop them. Who wears
them? The recently held fashion show in the city certainly made a statement. Other than the fact that most of the outfits that the models sported were quite unwearable, it became clear as the show progressed that the choice of colours by the budding designers was not so sophisticated. Compare the show to the latest on Fashion TV, and one realised that the gaudy fashion statement the designer academy was trying to make was a far cry from what the autumn/fall collection the world was moving to.
Punjabi charm The leading models who were in the city last Monday to participate in the NIFD Fashion Fantasies show, seemed to be smitten by the Punjabi vigour and grandeur. While some of them talked about the famous Punjabi folk dances — giddha and bhangra — the others were busy discussing the spicy Punjabi food. Also on their agenda was the talk that Punjabis had made it big everywhere, especially in Bollywood, which is dominated by Punjabis. All this apart, Aditi Govitrikar, who just won the prestigious title of Mrs World, was keen on having dhaba food somewhere. She had come with an impression that Chandigarh being the Punjab
capital, would be dotted by those very-famous dhabas. She was accompanied in her desire by the reputed backstage coordinator, who has done many shows for film stars Vizbih Mehta. Four models also took time out to see Aamir Khan’s latest hit “Lagaan” in the 3 to 6 pm show on Sunday.
Commercial use The Sector 17 plaza may be an ideal spot for an evening stroll but the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC), it seems, is bent upon changing its nature. For a few extra bucks, the MCC has allowed the commercial use of the plaza by industrial houses for putting up their stalls and exhibiting products. The prime area near the fountains, which was till a few months back, used by the visitors for relaxing, is occupied by the firms. So much so that earlier last week, a top automobile company displayed its latest car and two-wheeler models right on the plaza putting the general public to a lot of inconvenience (see photograph on the top of the page).
Committed readers The Tribune has its own committed readers, and Sqn Ldr J.S. Bedi is one of them. Our readers could be living anywhere in the country, or for that matter the world, their way of keeping in touch with the home is this leading newspaper of the north for the past 121 years now. Till recently Sqn Ldr Bedi was doing the staff course in Wellington, Nilgiris. He would religiously access the net to find all about the latest happenings in Punjab, Chandigarh and elsewhere. And now that he has gone to the far east of the country — Shillong, he is making arrangements for his favourite newspaper to be mailed to him regularly. Even a week-old Tribune is much better to read than aaj ka taaja akhbaar, he quips.
Parking hassles PGI could have scored by starting the state-of-the-art new OPD, but for the patients commuting to the building, especially from the main gate in front of Panjab University, this remains a major problem. Now also add to this the parking blues those coming in their cars have to face day after day. As it is, the car park for patients and others (there is a separate one for doctors) is not big enough to accommodate the ever-increasing number of four wheelers. Add to this the fact that the parking contractor charges at his will and the picture of mismanagement is complete. Recently, one of our readers had the bad experience of having to pay double the amount of regular five rupees that he was supposed to have paid for having parked his car. The reason he was curtly told was — You did not take the parchi (receipt) immediately after you had parked the car. So there.
Caveat emptor Increasing competition forces the market players to lower their prices. So has been in the case with SpiceTelecom, which is the sole cellular operator in Punjab and Chandigarh. Now with limited mobility already there and more cellular operators expected in the region, Spice has finally lowered its rates. Though the company can still not be called one of the “unexpensive” service providers, the move has brought some relief to the mobile users who have been always agonised by the hefty bills. The consumers are likely to have even better time ahead as the company officials say that they are likely to lower the prices further too. Caveat Emptor (consumer is the king), they have realised it, finally!
142 religious places The city has a total of 142 religious places which include temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches. An official field survey carried out by the Chandigarh Administration has revealed the presence of 82 temples ( including three Jain temples), 31 Gurdwaras, 10 churches, and 8 Mosques(including dargahs) in different parts of the UT. In addition, there are 11 other places of religious congregation. These include four Nirankari Bhavans, three Radha Soami Satsang Bhavans and three Gugga Mari sites. When the city had not come up there were 28 places of worship in the villages. While most of these sites were shifted elsewhere, seven have become a part of the city structure. These include the temples/ shrines located in Sectors 11,12,20,23 and 24 besides the Sikh gurdwaras in sector 8 and 34, respectively. Among the 79 Hindu temples the most are concentrated in the older and densely populated sectors spread between Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg. The more populous sectors of Phase II, such as 32,35, 37 and 40, also mark a higher frequency of temples. The three Jain temples in the city are located in Sectors 18, 27, and 28. Most of the 31 gurdwaras are located along the major roads or in shopping
centres. In some cases, Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples are in close proximity. The 10 churches in the city are widely scattered. Their location is in association with the distribution of Christian population which is largely in Sectors 12, 24, and 31. The Sector 18 church is the oldest. In comparison, the eight masjids or dargahs are sporadically distributed over the city. The Sector 20 mosque is the most important one for the city’s Muslim population. Interestingly, Chandigarh has a religious nomenclature. The city’s name can be translated as “the fort of goddess Chandi”. Engg. to electronics Keeping up with the changing pace of technology, the Army’s Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) has now been re-designated the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. Raised to provide engineering support for wheeled vehicles, radio equipment, generators and small arms, the responsibilities of the corps now include missiles, radars, computers, opto-electronics and digital communication systems, warranting a change in its name. Traffic chaos It seems the traffic wing of the Panchkula police will never be able to drive home the point of taking note of traffic rules and signboards it has labouriously put at various places in the city. The few personnel handling the regulation of traffic are at pains to point out that the public refuses to be educated. An exasperated constable posted at the Sector 7 market where traffic is a perpetual mess, says the police has put up boards declaring the “In” and “Out” at the market to streamline the crowd. However, most visitors choose to turn a blind eye to these boards and make wrong entries much to the frustration of the posted cops. Buying smiles Who says the old age is about senescence? It’s actually about beating pain and buying smiles. One has often seen senior citizens get together in the Sector 33 Terraced Garden to spend some quality time together. But the meeting would generally be over by about 9 am everyday. Mostly the elders would exercise together and then indulge in yoga for about an hour. The sounds of “Hasya aasan” still fill the air whenever one passes by that place. Nowadays, however, the meeting of the members of this group continues even after they have all freshened up at their respective places after about one and a half hour of exercising. All of them get back to the same spot in the garden and share breakfast, sometimes even lunch. The same people can again be seen strolling around the garden towards the evening. They have engaged a chaiwala around that area and they have started sharing evening tea also.
—Sentinel |
Attempt to outrage woman’s modesty Chandigarh, July 29 Chain
snatched Pick-pocket
arrested One
held Bag lost It is learnt that Mr Dewan Chand was coming to the city to visit relatives . He was coming from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir.  |
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600 pouches of liquor seized Chandigarh, July 29 According to the information available, Varinder Kumar alias Rana was caught by the police and 12 cases of country made liquor were recovered. It is learnt that the SHO of the Mani Majra Police Station, Mr S.S. Rana, had received secret information about the liquor being smuggled in a Premiere NE car (DNA-4937). Acting on the information, they nabbed Varinder Kumar. It is learnt that the accused had bought liquor from a vend in Sector 44 and was planning to sell this in Nalagarh. A case under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered against the accused. |
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Six held for rioting Chandigarh, July 29 According to information available, Prem, Ashwani, Ajit , Gurdeep and Rajinder from Sector 52 had a fight with Harjit, Surjit and Ravinder of Dadu Majra here today. Surjit and Ravinder were seriously injured. The police rushed to the spot and arrested all the persons, except the two injured, who were rushed to the hospital. The police has registered a case under Sections 147, 149, 323 and 506 of the IPC. |
Cable men to form customer care cell Chandigarh, July 29 According to a press note, the association will meet the service providers such as Siti Cable to ensure good and uninterrupted signals as the cable operators sometimes face frequent interruptions and poor signal by the service providers. Due to this the viewers miss important programmes at times. This results in discomfort to both the cable operators and the subscribers for which only the operators are blamed. The association would meet the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh to seek clear guidelines for laying the cable network.The corporation had imposed a cable tax on operators to lay the cable network on the municipal land. But at many places, the operator had to face strong opposition from the residents while laying poles in front of their houses. And in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the city, the association decided to issue identity cards to the technicians and the operators, which they would display while on work. Meanwhile, the following have been elected office-bearers of the association:president — Mr Amarjit Singh Walia; senior vice-president — Mr Devinder Singh Aulakh; vice-president — Mr Rajesh Sharma; general secretary — Mr Nachhattar Singh; organising secretary — Mr Sanjiv Khanna; secretaries — Mr Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, Mr Mahesh Khosla and Mr Sanjiv Kumar Mand; treasurer — Mr Abhinandan Soni; and executive members — Mr Sohan Lal Sharma, Mr Sunil Mahajan and Mr Harinderjit Singh Bhinder. |
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MARKET PULSE Chandigarh, July 29 At present, he is learning computers at Zed Career Academy, Phase VII, SAS Nagar. Initially, he has enrolled himself for the computer applications course. He is also practising as an advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. According to Mr Bhagwan Singh, “environment, infrastructure and faculty at the academy are good. I feel that all other senior citizens of Mohali should join computer classes”. Zed Career Academy is a franchisee of Zee Interactive Learning Systems Ltd (ZILS), and conducts computer career courses offered by ZILS and Kurukshetra University. Seminar Doctor Anywhere and Intel, today organised a seminar on “Impact of IT in medical practice” for doctors practising in Chandigarh and its surrounding areas. Speaking at the seminar Mr Anuj Syal, channel account manager of Intel, explained how information technology was useful for doctors. Mr Milin Purendra, chief technical officer of Doctor Anywhere, dwelt on recent technical advances in access devices, data storage and networking. He also explained to the doctors how images like x-ray, CT scan, and MRI could be sent to a specialist sitting at a distant place. He also spoke on the impact of the multi media, digital signal processing on patient data management, diagnosis instrumentation, imaging and decision support system. The seminar was followed by a question-answer session. The seminar was attended by more than 250 doctors working in the PGI, Government Medical College and Hospital and private practitioners. |
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Mr Prem Sagar Jain, councillor of ward number 2, is an old BJP guard having headed the UT unit twice, and is known as a seasoned councillor with articulation and independent thinking. He claimed that he did not promise anything except clean and transparent functioning in the last Corporation election. An interview with him is reproduced here: