 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Self-help groups to empower safai karamcharis
Chandigarh, October 16 He emphasised the need for more effective and meaningful steps for developing their potential, for achieving the goal of an egalitarian society. Describing Maharishi Valmiki as a great spiritual ambassador and the father of Indian poetry, General Rodrigues said he authored the epic Ramayana, which sets out the path of ideal and virtuous living, universal humanism and oneness of mankind. He said the Chandigarh Administration, on its part, has been making sincere efforts for ameliorating the lot of scheduled castes, and their allround development has been made an essential component of our planning and developmental process. Most of them from the Valmiki community are safai karamcharis and with a view to making them economically stronger and to improve their working conditions, Safai Karamcharis Cooperative Groups have been made. He said their empowerment, through cooperative self-help groups, would also give them dignity and self-respect. The target group for these proposed selfhelp groups will include domestic servants, rickshaw pullers, auto rickshaw drivers, masons, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, artisans of all kinds and single women or widows aspiring to pursue self employment. As part of upliftment plan of the poor section of society, the Chandigarh Administration has prepared an ambitious plan to construct 23,000 one room tenements for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers. He appealed to members of the Valmiki community to take the benefits of different schemes and educate their children as sufficient facilities in the form of scholarship, stipends, free uniform and books, were being provided in the Union Territory.
|
|
AIDS alert on Oct 18
New Delhi, October 16 Tuesday marks the culmination of a four-day long mass mobilisation campaign and will begin with a rally at Leisure valley where Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoos, will administer an oath to the participants. The oath reads: “I do hereby solemnly swear that I shall seek total awareness about HIV/AIDS. I shall abstain
Celebrities who are expected at the rally on Tuesday are Milkha Singh, Jaspal Bhatti, Hans Raj Hans, Jasbir Jassi and Preeti Sapru. The NACO Director-General, Dr S.Y. Quraishi told TNS here that Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh had been categorised as “highly vulnerable” due to certain factors. These are a high migrant population of labourers, police and transport personnel from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and a floating population of truck drivers. He said that the mass mobilisation campaign was targeted at the youth. A similar campaign was launched in Hyderabad two months ago. The third such campaign would be launched in Delhi on December 1 which is observed as the World AIDS Day. He said the sounding of teh siren was a reminder to all citizens that the threat of HIV/AIDS looms large. “The general perception is that HIV/AIDS only affects commercial sex workers. We want to spread the message that these diseases can affect each one of us. When the siren is sounded, we expect everybody at home or on the road to join the alert by blowing
vehicle horns, ringing of bicycle bells and call bells and beating of steel thails in rural areas.” According to NACO, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Chandigarh is 0.5. In Punjab and Haryana, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS ranges from 0.5 to 0.7. With 5.1 million HIV positive cases and 1,12,000 full blown cases of AIDS Control Societies have been asked to take pro active measures to raise awareness about HIV AIDS.
|
|
AIDS awareness campaign held
Chandigarh, October 16 Many senior officers including the Deputy Commissioner Mr R.K. Rao, the Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Mr O.P. Popli, the Director Health Services, Mr Inderjit Kaur Walia and many others were present on the occasion. Later, during the day awareness camps in association with the partner NGOs were also held in the slum and rural areas. People were motivated to actively participate in the campaign and also assist in the
implementation of several schemes being run in the northern region for prevention and control of AIDS. A condom mela was held at the Labour Chowk which was attended by a large number of people. The major highlight of the mela were the dancers performing in the backdrop of a condom set up. Free condoms were distributed among the people present. During the mela 300 persons including men and women were medically examined for various sexually transmitted diseases. A street play titled ‘Condom Raja Bajayega AIDS Ka Baja’ was also staged.
|
|
Rising China a serious threat to India, says expert
Chandigarh, October 16 "A message must be given that force can be used if the chips are down," ACM Tipnis said while delivering a talk on "Foreign Policy - The Highway to India's Destiny in the 21st Century", here today. He was speaking at a two-day seminar on India's foreign policy and national security organised by the Forum on Integrated National Security, which concluded today. Pakistan is continually staking claim to Kashmir, while we seem to have forgotten about Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said. There is growing dissidence in PoK on which we can capitalise while at the same time we need to show greater emotions for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Stating that Indian foreign policy's greatest challenge is physical security in an arena where China Pakistan and the US are major players, he cautioned that we should not go overboard with the US, but follow our own approach while dealing with it. Stressing that we should not be embarrassed to act for reciprocal commitments and actions from the US, he said it was disturbing to feel that we were being sucked into the US bandwagon. The joint air exercise with the US, which, he said, are US' means to work out feasibility for the inter-operability should they need to operate from here, has given the IAF immense exposure and self- confidence and sent the right signals. He also stressed upon the need for strengthening military diplomacy and greater engagement with regional forums and countries of South-East Asia. In his talk on strategic options in regard to India's relations with the US, China, West Asia and Pakistan, Mr Brahma Chellany, Professor, Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, said while there was no problem with the quality of professional advice on various issues available to the government, strategic inputs tended to be ignored by decision makers, resulting in blunders. He said the country suffered from three major ills. There was an idea deficit, where the very identity of the country and the values we stand for were not clear, a vision deficit, where strategic objectives and goals were not defined and a leadership deficit, where the country was without a dynamic and vibrant leadership. Coming down heavily on the present and past governments for their inability to protect national interests while dealing with foreign governments, Mr Chellany also chided the Indian Government for playing into the hand of Pakistan, a country which had threatened nuclear war but could not cope with destruction from an earthquake and had to beg for help before the international community. A rapidly rising China, he said, was a serious challenge as it not only has defined its objectives, but also has a strong leadership to pursue them. Bangladesh and Nepal, where we have still not understood what our policy should be, were other challenges. He stressed that national decision-making should be anchored on professional advice based on long term perspective. Discussing India's relations with its neighbour, Mr A.J. Philip, Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune, focused upon the problem of illegal migration of Bangladeshis into India via the porus eastern international border. He also spoke of the financial and psychological implications of the prolonged deployment of forces in inhospitable terrains like the Siachen Glacier resulting from strained Indo-Pak relations. Delving upon maritime dimensions to India's security, former Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice- Adm, Prem Vir Das, said the Indian Ocean region had become a major theatre of interest as the economic and energy interests of major powers were directly associated with the sea lanes of communication passing through it. Stating that it was important to define and defend our interests in this theatre, he added that all concerns of the world powers, be it oil, presence of weapons of mass destruction, fundamentalism and natural gas, were located in Asia. Having a credible deterrence capability, which includes the ability to reach anywhere, stay there and operate effectively, a proactive engagement policy and upgradation of ports and harbours are requirements which need to be redressed, he added. Listing India's concerns, he said 75 per cent of our oil was imported from the Gulf and 4000 tankers ferried it to India annually. Our off-shore reserves covered about 50,000 square kilometres which was expected to double in the next five years. He also listed the narcotics business as a major concern as it generated illegal money, which in turn, was the source of illegal arms and ultimately resulted in terrorism. Major-Gen Ashok Mehta delved upon the internal situation prevailing in some of India's neighbouring states and its impact on India. He termed Bangaldesh as the "most dangerous" place in the region, which could pose immense problems to India in the times to come. He suggested solving problems with Pakistan and economic integration with major powers as the path to tread upon.
|
|
Lawyers’ body condemns judge’s murder
Chandigarh, October 16 In a statement issued here, advocate Atul Lakhanpal, president, Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, has questioned the claims of Chief Minister, Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, that crime rate in the state had come down in recent times. “When a senior judicial officer is killed in the hometown of the Chief Minister, how can the common man have faith in the police? Such incidents only add to the growing lack of faith of the common man in the law enforcement agencies,” Mr Lakhanpal added. He has also sought a high-level inquiry into the murder and demanded exemplary punishment for the killers, once they were caught and found guilty. |
|
|
21-year-old attempts suicide
Chandigarh, October 16 Sources in the Sector 39 police station said Pitambar attempted to hang himself from a ceiling fan hook. As the luck would have it, the knot untied and he fell on the bed. His neighbours reported the matter to the police. The police said his father Gajey Singh, mother Lajo and brother Jagdish were arrested on the basis of a case registered against them on October 14.
|
|
Passing Thru
What brings you to Chandigarh?
I am here for the “bhoomi pujan” ceremony of the building of Chandigarh branch of the Northern Indian Regional Council of the ICAI to be constructed on 666 square yards in Sector 35. How will students and professionals benefit from the new building? The ICAI has approved the setting up of its decentralised office in the building, which will be first such office in this part of the country. It will cater to the needs of the ICAI members and the students pursuing chartered accountancy courses in the region. How has the role of CAs changed in the recent years? The roles and responsibilities of a CAs has increased The introduction of fringe benefit tax and the value added tax has imposed additional responsibilities on the professionals, which they are equipped to handle. What about honing the professional skills of ICAI members? The institute has started a mandatory system of continuing professional education(CPE) for its members to ensure that the members were updated on the latest amendments and modifications in laws — Pradeep Sharma
|
|
Unscheduled power cuts resented
Panchkula, October 16 Referring to the highest rates of property registered during the latest auction held by HUDA on Monday, Mr Nayyar maintained that the residents, paying exorbitant rates for property, desire better amenities at compatible rates prevalent in Chandigarh like the unit rate of electricity and water supply. The association demanded that the Chief Minister and the UHBVN should reconsider the power cut roaster.
Residents of Sec11 demand amenities
The Residents Welfare Association (Government Colony), a representative of the Mariana Government Employees, has asked the authorities to restore the street lighting, repairing of houses and roads in the colony. The association president Dharamvir and secretary Neeraj, in a press note, condemned the attitude of the HUDA authorities for ignoring the demands of the employees residing there. Stray cattle had added to their woes.
Elders Day
The Retired Persons Welfare Association celebrated the International Elders Day today on the premises of Chaman Lal DAV Public School today. Additional Deputy Commissioner Parveen Kumar was the chief guest, while Colonel Surinder Dutt (retired) presided. The elders put up their problems and requested for space in the Community Centre of the sector. The association also honoured three elder persons and old couples.
|
|
Suspension of animal
husbandry officer condemned
Mohali, October 16 Terming the suspension of Dr Anil Sharma as “illogical, unethical and on flimsy grounds”, the patron of the association Dr Gurcharan Singh Chahal, the senior president Dr
T.P. Saini and the president Dr Ashok Sharma said the Punjab Government instead of accepting the genuine and just demands of veterinarians, was resorting to repressive measures and creating terror amongst their cadres. The association executive felt that when foot and mouth disease vaccination under FMD - control programme was in full swing which involved the efforts of the staff of the eight districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepore, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Mansa and Bathinda, the suspension of Deputy Director had sent shock waves and created widespread resentment amongst all veterinarians. They urged the Punjab Government that suspension orders of the Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Sangrur, be revoked immediately, adding that if he was not reinstated by October 18, the veterinary services would be paralysed in the state and dharna and protest of state and district executive would be held at the office of the Director, Animal Husbandry, Punjab. Dr Chahal and Dr Sharma lamented that the guidelines of the Central Government were not being followed in letter and spirit which had hindered the efforts of vets. They added that the government should formulate a law, making vaccination mandatory for animal owners, so as to vaccinate 100 per cent animals, otherwise, they added that the purpose of FMD - CP programme will be defeated. Those who were present at the meeting were senior vice presidents Dr Sukhdev Singh and Dr R.S. Sandhu, vice president Dr Santokh Singh, Finance Secretary Dr Prithi Sharma, Dr Nitin Kumar and Dr G.S. Bhinder.
|
|
|
Encroachment complaint against booth
Chandigarh, October 16 The association said the occupants of the shop opened the rear side in violation of building bylaws and had done to boost their business. An unauthorised shop shutter had been opened at the rear side of the shop, it was mentioned. Mr G.S. Palia, president of the association, said repeated representations had been sent to the Housing Board Chairman. Residents of the area find it difficult to reach the adjoining mandir, as the pathway had been encroached upon by the shopkeeper, he said. The shopkeeper, Mr Ramesh, said he had approved for the regularisation of the violation. He said the association was not pointing the violations of building bylaws by other booth-owners in the market.
|
|
|
Project to study Sukhna aquatic fauna
Vishal Gulati
Is fish in the man-made Sukhna Lake in trouble? Is there a need for the restoration of fish habitat? Is the overall population of aquatic fauna also declining? To know answers to these questions and much more, the Chandigarh Administration has sanctioned a project, “Aquatic faunal diversity of the Sukhna Lake”, to the Department of Zoology, Panjab University. For this, the Administration has sanctioned Rs 1.49 lakh to the department.
The lake was created to strike a balance among land, water, flora and fauna. It is a rain-fed lake and was formed by harnessing three choes — Kansal, Ghareri and Nepli. In 1988, it was declared the 11th wetlands of the country. It is a shallow lake the depth of which varies from 3m to 7m. It is home to Indian major carps and a few exotic carps. The exotic species include the common carp, the silver carp, the grass carp, the mosquito fish and the goldfish. Though the Indian major carps like the rohu, the mrigal and the catla are stocked in the lake from time to time, exotic carps are also introduced occasionally. In addition, fish from surrounding areas are often washed down during floods. The lake also supports aquarium fish species. “The aim of the project is to document aquatic fauna, the carrying capacity of the lake, the impact of the exotic species on the native fish fauna and hydrobiological conditions of the lake,” says Prof M.S. Johal, principal investigator of the project. “This will help the authorities in taking decisions on conserving aquatic organisms like the selective harvesting of fish and creation of food and breeding zones and improving the lake ecology,” he adds. Regarding the selective harvesting of fish, he says, this is a must. Since the lake is embanked, the chances of fish migration are remote. He says the problem started in early 80s when the Administration stopped selective fish harvesting. This has resulted in rise in mature fish and these have started living at the expense of small fish. These also created food and space problems for the young fish. “There is a possibility that the present-day progeny of the Indian major carps belongs to mature, large-sized carps,” says Prof Johal. Even sub-mating has reduced the growth rate of fish. He says more species of minnows, a small fish, should be introduced in the lake to minimise inter-species competition for food. Moreover, the minnows, the prolific breeder, are the preferred food of migratory birds also.
|
|
EME celebrates 62nd Corps Day
Chandigarh, October 16
|
|
3 vehicles stolen
Chandigarh, October 16 About the thefts of vehicles, the police said Mr Vinod Kumar of Mani Majra lodged a complaint that his Maruti car (CH-03-U-6457) was stolen from Pipliwala Town in Mani Majra. Mr Damanjit of Sector 23 reported that his Hero Honda motor cycle (CH-03-U-5754) was stolen from his residence. Mr Rohit Kalia of Himsikha in Pinjore filed a complaint that his Hero Honda motor cycle (HR-49-A-1161) was stolen from the Sector 9 market. Three cases of thefts were registered. Ms Meenu Sharma of Sector 47-C reported that her bag containing cash, a mobile phone and a registration certificate was stolen from Sethi General Store in Sector 22 on Saturday. A case of theft has been registered. The police arrested three persons from various parts of the city for possessing liquor illegally on Saturday. The police seized bottles of liquor from their possession. The arrested persons have been identified as Sonu of Colony Number 4, Chander Mohan of Phagwara and Sunny of Sector 38-A. The police held three persons on charges of indulging in gambling on Saturday. They have been identified as Sukhdev of Zirakpur, Lalit Prashad of Mauli Jagran and Bhupinder Singh of Burail.
|
|
|
Three PU students held on assault charges
Chandigarh, October 16 A case under Sections 147, 148, 323 and 506 of the IPC has been registered against five students on the basis of a complaint filed by Sandeep Baniwal and Sajan Malik of the Law Department. Three students, Vikas Rathi,president, Indian National Students Organisation, Rajiv and Naveen have been taken into custody. Baniwal alleged election rivalry was the reason behind the attack as they had supported other faction during the recently held Panjab University Student Council elections. Baniwal alleged that election rivalry was the reason behind the attack as they had supported other faction during the recently held Panjab University Students Council elections. Baniwal said on Thursday night a group of masked men entered his room in Hostel No. 4 and attacked him and Sajan with sharp-edged weapons, rods and batons. He said they had identified the accused as Vikas Rathi, Naveen Sherry, Rajiv, Himmat Singh and Jasbir Singh.
|
|
JBCL to set up manufacturing unit in city
Lalru, October 16
The Director of JCBL Ltd, Mr Rishi Aggarwal, said the new plant spread over 5,000 square feet would be an assembly line exclusively for the super luxury king long coaches. “It would entail an investment of Rs 6 crore and would be ready in the next six months taking the turnover up by Rs 100 crore,’’ he added.
As of now, the company manufactures 350 bus bodies per month, including, those for Swaraj Mazda and Telco. This, he said would go up to 750 bus bodies in the next two years. Talking about their foray into the super luxury coach manufacturing segment and expansion plans he said, “we have the expertise, the technology and the capacity.’’ Once operational, it will enhance the manufacturing capacity by 100 buses per month. Focussing intensively on design, JCBL builds buses picking up the best aggregates. For instance. it uses King Long of China’s pneumatic suspensions, Cummins of USAs engines, Holland Neway of US suspensions, ZF Germany for gearboxes. “It is the design of our buses that sets us apart from our competitors in the market,’’ he adds while explaining that “we pick up the best aggregates from other countries in terms of global technology and concepts and make prototypes of the same before undertaking commercial production of the same.’’. It’s latest offering is the “all glass’’ bus, which will be used to ferry Guru Granth Sahib in a golden palanquin from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara to Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. With elegant interiors, wooden furnishings and PVC vinyl flooring, the bus is also equipped with music system, folding TV, besides a public address system and an intercom facility. Interestingly, the exterior of the bus also provides two donation boxes to enable people to put their money offerings at the time of paying obeisance. The bus yesterday left for Tarn taran for palanquin installation and would be handed over the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee in the next two days after giving it the final finishing touches.
|
|
Units face shortage of zinc ingots
Chandigarh, October 16 The president of the association, Mr A.L Aggarwal, has in a press statement here on Friday said the price of the raw material had also risen exorbitantly , from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per tonne within a period of two months. This had never happened in the past 15-20 years. With the privatisation of HFZL, the industry was expecting the prices of zinc to become competitive and the availability of the same to improve, but the situation had just become the reverse. On the one hand, the prices had risen from Rs 60,000 to Rs 95,000 within one year, and on the other, the HZL depot, which was hitherto operating from Chandigarh, had been closed. As a result, small-scale units had been hit severely due to the non-availability of zinc. The association has urged the authorities to reduce the prices of zinc to an acceptable level and make the product available, failing which the SSI units will be forced to down their shutters.
TNS
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
.jpg)
