Chandigarh, August 11
Initiating stringent action against hotels in the city for misuse of basements for commercial activities without the requisite permission, the UT estate office on Thursday issued notices of resumption of properties to 15 hotels, orders on which were passed last Tuesday.

14 of these hotels, including GK International, KC Residency and Orange Inn, are located in Sector 35 with one, Hotel Jullundur, situated in Sector 22. The other hotels that got the notices include Hotel Regency, Hotel Park Inn, Hotel Sheronz, Hotel South End and Hotel Kler.

It may be recalled several hotels that were violating the norms had been served resumption notices way back in 2005.

The UT administrator will now commence eviction proceedings under the subdivisional magistrate of the area concerned. According to the rules, a building’s basement can be used only for the purpose of storage of goods, and permission is required for other uses after depositing the charges (Rs 300 per square foot).

Ashok Bansal, general secretary of the Hotel Association of Chandigarh, said: “The estate office has arbitrarily resumed/cancelled a number of hotel properties without complying with the orders dated August 9, 2004 issued by the chief administrator in which he had specifically asked to make the controls of the hotels as per the hotel industry requirements and guidelines of the tourism and other departments. We have already applied for regularization of basements as per the notification and orders of the chief administrator to the estate office.”

UT assistant estate officer Rahul Gupta stated: “The targeted establishments were found misusing their basements as dining halls, bars or banquet halls without getting the requisite permission.”

A senior EO official maintained most of the city’s hotels and restaurants had been misusing their basements for undertaking commercial activities.

“Actually most of the hoteliers have already converted their basements into bars, restaurants or banquet halls by spending lakhs of rupees on their decoration without getting the requisite permission. This authorization is only granted before such developments. If they now apply for the permission they’ll first have to demolish their makeover and this is the reason they don’t come forward on their own to get it converted as per the rules,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Gupta said estate office teams were conducting a survey to check such violations at other hotels in the city.

According to the regulations, the SDM concerned is expected to initiate the eviction proceedings against the defaulters. The latter can represent their case with the chief administrator, a charge currently held by the home secretary.

Chandigarh, August 11
What will surely prove to be a boon for hundreds of people suffering from multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), the expensive second-line treatment for the disease, which can cost anything between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh, will now be provided free by the UT health department.

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis is defined as TB that is resistant at least to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RMP), the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs. According to experts, MDR-TB develops during treatment of fully sensitive TB when the course of antibiotics is interrupted and the levels of drug in the body are insufficient to kill 100 per cent of bacteria.

The health department will soon implement the central government’s decision to start the DOTS plus program of providing “free” diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). Confirming the move, health services director Chander Mohan said: “A central appraisal team visited the state TB cell on Tuesday and we’ll start free of cost diagnosis and treatment from next month”.

He added a 10 bedded ward at the Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector 32 had been designated for the DOTS plus programme and MDR-TB patients would be kept under constant observation for side effects of the treatment.

“Patients will be admitted for a short period (seven to 15 days) and, after extensive investigation and initiation of treatment, they will be sent back home where they would continue to undergo the treatment. We’ve also applied for lab accreditation as the city has no sensitivity or culture lab for confirmation of MDR. Till the approvals come the samples will be send to the LRS Institute of TB in Delhi”, Mohan stated.

Dr Anil Girg, who heads the state TB cell, said: “As of now we receive five to six MDR-TB patients every month. But no free diagnosis and treatment is being provided as it costs a whopping Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh for a two-year course”.

According to data available with the state TB cell, 2,764 tuberculosis patients were under treatment in 2010 as compared to the previous year when a smaller number of patients - 2,572 - were under treatment.

During 2010-11 196 patients died due to the disease, of which eleven were in the age group of 6-14 years, 122 aged between 15 and 55 and 63 were aged above 55.

Chandigarh, August 11
An aspirant for the post of constable in the UT Police, Pravin Kumar, was today booked for impersonation along with his brother, Navin, during a medical examination to qualify for the post.

Pravin was allowed a second medical examination by the UT Home Secretary after he appealed and claimed to be fully fit following rejection for weak eyesight earlier. The aspirant sent his brother to clear the medical resulting which both were booked today.

Police personnel conducting his medical examination at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, were surprised as the aspirant, who had weak eyesight in the previous medical test, signed the form with a naked eye. An inspection of his documents revealed that the person appearing for the medical was Navin, brother of the actual candidate, Pravin.

Pravin Kumar had applied for the post and cleared the physical tests. He was, however, found unfit as his eyesight was detected to be weak in the medical examination. Pravin appealed to the UT Home Secretary and on his orders, the medical examination was to be conducted today again at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16.

When the candidate’s signatures were being taken, sub-inspector Sukhdev Sharma noticed that he signed the form with a naked eye. He checked the documents and found that the candidate was not Pravin, but his brother Navin.

Acting on the complaint of the SI, the police registered a case under Sections 419, 420 and 120- B of the IPC at the Sector 17 police station. While Navin was arrested, the police was yet to arrest Pravin.

Chandigarh, August 11
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) refuses to learn from its past experience and continues to waste public money on non-viable projects.

A classic example in this regard is the use of tertiary water from the Diggian sewerage treatment plant for watering of green belts and internal parks in 24 sectors of the city through pipelines laid in 2005.

While on the one hand, the MC is discontinuing the use of tertiary treated water (TTW) in green belts and parks citing health problems for morning walkers and its negative effects on the health of plants, on the other hand, it is going ahead with a new project to lay three more pipelines lines to bring the treated water for the watering of lawns in residential areas and for green belts.

In 2005, the TTW pipelines were laid to release 10 MGD water, but only three parks, including Sectors 22 and adjoining 23, Sectors 31 and 47 were availing 3 MGD of water and the rest of the infrastructure is lying waste in other sectors.

In fact, the UT Administration had also launched a project in 1990 to supply the treated water to residential areas from Sector 1 to 12 and 16. Records of the administration revealed that out of 600 houses in these sectors about 300 houses are having connections of the TTW for their lawns. Rest of the house have either disconnected their connections or do not avail this facility from the day it was launched by the authorities.

Sources in the corporation said after the TTW project was started in supplying water to the green belts for watering them, the MC horticulture department wrote to the public health department that the TTW was not suitable for the plants and even for walkers in the green belts so they would not utilise its water for watering the plants in the green belts. After this, the supply was discontinued in the parks by the department.

MC Chief Engineer SS Bidda said both these old TTW projects were functional and used on a routine basis by the department.

Interestingly, even after the non-usage of the pilot project, the Chandigarh MC availed the grant for the TTW projects under the JNNRUM scheme of Rs 35 crore for another similar project in the city. Out of this, 11 crore was for TTW pipelines in green belts and 7 crore was for the connection of 5,000 houses in the city.

COMMUNITY

NIPER students urged to think out of the box
Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 11
Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Director General, ICMR, New Delhi, today urged students of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, to think in a fresh manner instead of confining themselves to the traditional approach.

The Secretary, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of NIPER, was at the institute to inaugurate the new academic session. “Inauguration of a new academic session at an educational institution is a very healthy and established tradition,” he said while urging the faculty members to set the highest ethical standards of conduct and aim for excellence in innovative research. The institute has admitted 336 new students in its 15 disciplines for postgraduate courses.

While inaugurating Chenab, a new hostel, built at a cost of Rs 5 crore, he hoped that the students at NIPER would have faith in themselves, the nation and society. The institute has to create a nation of original thinkers in pharmaceutical sciences, he said.

Soon after the inauguration of the hostel, Dr. Katoch inaugurated the “Academic Session 2011-12” by lighting a lamp in the presence of over 336 students and distinguished guests. Prof Harkishan Singh, Professor Emeritus, Panjab University, Chandigarh was the guest of honour. Prof KK Bhutani, Officiating Director, NIPER, Mohali, in his welcome address, said: “It is a moment of pride today for the NIPER family to have one of the founders of NIPER amongst us.” He acknowledged the contribution of his colleagues who had helped to develop a dynamic postgraduate curriculla for NIPER.

To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore and Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, a five-day exhibition on the “Life & Journey of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Acharya Prafullachandra Ray” was inaugurated at the Pharmaceutical Heritage Centre of NIPER.

Mohali, August 11
Chairman of the state-owned Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation (Infotech) HS Grewal has taken a serious note of the bending of rules by officials to benefit a bidder during a recent auction of 1.52-acre freehold commercial site held on July 29 at Sector 67 IT Park.

The Infotech officials, for reasons best known to them, even allowed the bidder to deposit Rs 4.15 crore, a part of the total 10 per cent bid money of Rs 6.20 crore that was to be deposited at the time of auction with the corporation. “I have taken up the issue with the Industries Minister and those behind it would have to explain it,”, said the chairman. After three unsuccessful attempts, Infotech had claimed to auction the site for Rs 62 crore against a reserve price of Rs 35 crore. Nirankar Singh of Sarao Hotels, Mohali, bought the site. “ Though the next bidder had quoted just Rs 2 lakh less than Nirankar Singh, Infotech should have allowed the second bidder to buy the property as the first bidder had failed to deposit the 10 per cent amount. The decision should have been taken there itself,” said an official.

As per the standard practice, 10 per cent of the bid money has to be deposited at the fall of hammer. If the 10 per cent money is deposited at the time of auction, the auction has to be declared null and void. The chairman said the bid money would now be forfeited and the issue was being taken at the board meeting scheduled for August 17, as the money would not be returned to the successful bidder.

Incidentally, the corporation had brought down the reserve price from Rs 60 crore to Rs 45 crore in the second bid and then to Rs 35 crore in today’s auction. In the end, the site was sold for just Rs 2 crore more than its original reserve price.

Mohali, August 11
In connection with yesterday’s assault on a witness, who had come to Mohali to depose in a murder case at the local court complex, the Matour Police today recovered the Maruti Alto (PB 65 8277) used to ferry the assailants to the spot.

The car was driven by Charanjit Singh, one of the suspects in yesterday’s incident. SHO, Matour police station, Tarlochan Singh said though the car was registered in the name of Nachattar Singh, the vehicle was being driven by Charanjit Singh, a resident of Bakarpur village. Another assailant in the incident has been identified as Harpreet Singh, also a resident of Bakarpur village.

According to information, Harish Sharma, alias, Billa, a resident of Mundi Kharar, had come to Mohali to depose in the murder case of a Shahimajra resident. Varinder Saini, alias, Goldy, was murdered in June last year and a case under Section 302 of the IPC was registered against eight persons.

Earlier, Sonia, wife of the murder accused Sunil Kumar, had warned Harish not to depose in the case. Harish, however, took a firm stand after which a heated argument followed. He was later allegedly beaten up with hockey sticks and bats. A car of an advocate, Sanjeev Kumar, got damaged in the melee.

After injuring Harish, the persons fled from the spot in cars, said the police. A motorcycle left behind by the assailants was impounded. A PCR party had tried to chase the assailants, but in vain. The registration numbers of the cars have been noted down and arrests would be made soon, said the police.

Chandigarh, August 11
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) sitting member Gurpartap Singh Riar and former MC Mayor Harjinder Kaur are among the 15 candidates in the fray for lone SGPC seat from Chandigarh. Prominent among those in the fray for the seat are Gurnam Singh Sidhu, Balwinder Singh and Rajinder Singh.

Mohali: On the last day of filing of nomination papers for the two seats of the Mohali constituency, former SGPC member Hardeep Singh, SAD candidate JP Singh and Sant Samaj’s Paramjit Kaur filed their nomination papers at the office of SDM Amit Talwar. For the Kharar seat, Mansa Singh and Charanjit Singh filed their nomination papers. — TNS

Chandigarh, August 11
During a special drive, the municipal corporation removed encroachment from four acres of government land at Dadu Majra Colony and village today.

During the drive, open space and the wall of a dumping ground were cleared of encroachments.

Around four acres of open space adjoining house Nos. 2517 to 2629 had been encroached upon by residents and a building material supplier.

The team removed cow dung from the site and seized two truckloads of building material from the area. Three JCB machines, three tippers and three tractor-trailers were used in the drive.

Chandigarh, August 11
In view of the ongoing construction work at the Delhi airport, the Air India flight No. 864 from Delhi will leave for the city at 3.05 pm, instead of 1.05 pm, on August 12.

Similarly, the flight will depart from the Chandigarh airport at 4.20 pm instead of 3.20 pm. — TNS

Panchkula, August 11
The Panchkula District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has slapped a penalty of Rs 50.000 on the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam for delay in providing electricity connection to a farmer.

The complainant, Nar Singh of Yamuna Nagar, in his application alleged that he had applied for an electricity connection for his tubewell in January 2007. But no connection was given to him even after a lapse of four years.

Mentioning a case decided by the Calcutta High Court, the forum comprising Ashok Kumar Jain, president and Sarita Jain and SP Singh as members observed, that “right to electricity is also a Right to Life and Liberty in terms of Article 21 of the Constitution because no one could survive without electricity in modern days”.

Even the Electricity Act states that if a distribution licensee fails to supply the electricity within one month after receipt of anapplication, he shall be liable to a penalty, which may extend to Rs 1,000 each day of default, said the Bench.

Further, the Bench of the forum speaking through its member, SP Singh, said that a statutory authority like the UHBVN was a ‘state’ within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution of India. As a state the nigam was expected to discharge its statutory functions within a reasonable time. Its actions besides being governed by the Electricity Act 2003 and rules and regulations framed there under, must also fulfil the test of reasonableness as envisaged under the Constitution. The forum failed and/or neglected to do so, said the forum.

While directing the UHBVN to release the electricity connection to the applicant, the forum has asked the UHBVN to pay interest to the complainant at the rate of 9 per cent on the amount deposited by him with the authorities for the connection. In addition to the fine of Rs 50,000, the UHBVN has also been asked to grant Rs 5,000 as litigation costs to the complainant.

Chandigarh, August 11
The Punj Pani Rang Manch staged Punjabi version of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s play “Visarjan”, which reflected his deep concern for social evils like human sacrifice (nar bali) and more inhuman rituals practiced and promoted by a section of people in the name of religion and worship of deities.

The instant play not only condemns the blind following of orthodoxy, but also awakens society on child marriage, sati, especially that celestial gods never demand for any human sacrifice.

Directed by Jarnail Singh Gogi, the play highlights the gross interpretation of old traditions and rituals.

Sunny Gill, Mukesh Pal, Arsh Munnavr, Abey Mandeep, Neetu Sharma and others played major roles. The costumes, sets and light effects recreated the royal ambience on stage.

Chandigarh, August 11
A Dehradun-based vocalist, Saroj Suri gave an impressive classical vocal recital at a programme organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra to mark its 167th Baithak at the Kendra auditorium.

A foremost disciple of Ustad Abdul Waheed Khan and Madhuri Matoo, she displayed her versatility baring the melodic character of raga Puriya Kalyan through an alaap and a composition “Aaj subha na aaye” in vilambit khayal, which melted into fast paced drut composition “Jhulna saaj rahi”.

After the conventional raga, Saroj then moved on to present light classical forms opening up with a crisp dadra “Piraye piraye mori akhiyan” with great involvement and verve.

Her taiyaari was impressive. Keeping in view saawan, she doled out another dadra “Jiya mira lehraye hai”.

Chandigarh, August 11
Panjab University Teachers’ Association’s presidential candidate, Dr Tankeshwar Kumar of the computer science department has run into controversy over his application for the post of registrar.

According to a pamphlet received by various faculty members, Tankeshwar has applied for the post of registrar and is a front-runner there and his interest in this non-academic post surely clashes with the aims of his candidature.

“The interview for the post is scheduled to be held shortly and what if he gets selected for both posts? Will he then quit as president and elections be re-held? His conviction for teachers cause comes under scanner with his apparent interest in this non-academic endeavour,” said one of the candidates of PUTA elections. Dr Tankeshwar, meanwhile, rubbished the “gimmick”, as he said, “It’s a news for me that I am a front-runner for the post. I am yet unaware of the date of interview. I had applied for the post of registrar with an aim to serve the university, which includes faculty members. For me, PUTA is a priority and I will give up any opportunity to be a registrar if I become PUTA president.”

Chandigarh, August 11
In Panjab University (PU), the right hand does not seem to know what the left is doing. An example to prove this is that while the examination branch has banned the entry of students so that there was no interference with the result-compilation process, the office of the Dean Students Welfare has initiated the process of preparing special cards for allowing the entry of certain student representatives.

The examination branch had repeatedly highlighted student interference in the smooth functioning of the examination branch, particularly in maintaining result secrecy. The DSW, at a meeting with the student representatives, today assured them that certain representatives would be issued special cards to take up the students-related issues with the quarters concerned.

DSW, Dr AS Ahluwalia, said the security staff and clerks were often engaged in verbal spats with the students at the entrance to the Administrative Block and certain offices. Special cards will mean selective entry to the offices. The names will be screened by a special incharge. It was impossible to function without hearing from student representatives. Very often, complaints are ignored even without hearing.

The move has, however, drawn flak from the examination branch officials. A senior official said, “Are they giving them (students) a licence to become agents? The student leaders create ruckus here, very often. This had led to banning their entry, so why restart now?”

The branch was declared out of bounds for students when two members of student groups allegedly thrashed a guard recently. The DSW said issuing the special cards was necessary as everyone with an I-card wanted an entry. It was difficult for the guard to refuse them entry. We have decided to issue special cards to students to allow selective entry.

The special cards, however, will not mean rampant entry in any department, which could pose to be a disciplinary problem. The student representatives will be allowed to first meet the grievance cell before they are directed to the quarters concerned.

Chandigarh, August 11
Taking its first step towards ensuring peaceful student elections, Dean Student Welfare AS Ahluwalia held a meeting with student leaders today urging them to abstain from unnecessary spats.

“Mindsets cannot be changed in one day. We are having discussions with them over the role a student council can play in uplift,” said Ahluwalia. — TNS