The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Stage set for Myna tourist complex’s sale Haryana Tourism staff oppose move Bijendra Ahlawat Tribune News Service Rohtak, September 15 Decks seem to have been cleared for the sale of the Myna tourist complex here going by a meeting convened by authorities of the officials concerned to decide the market value of the complex. Though the staff of Haryana Tourism Corporation, posted here, has opposed the move, the authorities appear to be unyielding, courtesy the top brass in the state. The Myna complex is among the two tourism complexes in the state faced with a similar situation. The other complex is the Shama Tourist Complex in Gurgaon. “The state government had recently shifted a senior official of the department who was a hurdle in the process that began a few months ago,” claimed a spokesperson of the district unit of the Haryana Tourism Karamchari Sangh. He said the authorities had so far failed to take the employees into confidence regarding the move. While a meeting of the officials had taken place a few months ago, another meeting was scheduled for the next week to decide the reserve price of the complex and its land, he added. The complex spreads over about four acres, is located on the Delhi road and is in the heart of the city. Its market price at present could well be between Rs 175 crore to Rs 200 crore, claimed sources in the real estate market. The employees of the complex had staged a two-day dharna in the complex opposing the move on more than two occasions in the past two months under the banner of the karamchari sangh. According to the sangh, while the complex had been earning a profit at present, several new rooms had been constructed recently at a cost of over Rs 1.5 crore. The move to sell the complex will not only put the future of about 32 employees at stake but also result in loss of a public place that has been serving the public for the past several decades, claimed Joginder Singh of the karamchari sangh.
	Protest against corruption Former minister takes out cycle yatra Raman Mohan Tribune News Service Hisar, September 15 A senior Congress leader of this district and former minister Chhattarpal Singh took out a two-day anti-graft cycle yatra through the city. Chhattarpal Singh’s exercise, however, was not connected to his party in any manner. The press notes issued by his office made no mention of the Congress. Though the placards had the familiar tricolour background, the party’s name did not figure on any of these. The former minister claimed that corruption had become a menace in the political, social and administrative fields. He said all political parties should promise to the people that they would not field corrupt or criminal elements for any elected office under the constitution nor would such persons be given any position in the party. He said if any political party claimed to back Anna Hazare then it should ensure that corrupt elements were kept away. Chhattarpal submitted a memorandum to the district authorities which was addressed to the President. It demanded the enactment of a strong anti-graft law in view of the public demand for such a law to eradicate corruption from all levels. The public distribution system should be streamlined to curb all corrupt practices and pilferage. Pointing to the lot of the farmers, the memorandum demanded that a farmer-friendly land acquisition policy be framed at the earliest. It added that disproportionate assets of politicians and others should be declared national assets and be used for development activities. The Representation of People’s Act should be amended suitably to eliminate corrupt practices and minimise the role of money in elections. Chhattarpal plans to launch a second phase of his cycle yatra after the byelection to the Hisar Lok Sabha seat.
	Development projects MP slams officials for ‘distorting’ facts Satish Seth Kaithal, September 15 The government officials should change their attitude and ensure complete transparency while executing development projects and implementing poverty elevation programmes. This was stated by Naveen Jindal, MP, while presiding over a meeting of the district vigilance and monitoring committee in Kaithal recently. He said: “The time has come when we should work tirelessly to fulfill the aspirations of the people so that their faith in the elective representatives and the government machinery is maintained”. Jindal minutely observed the reports of projects and schemes under execution and implemented in the recent past put by the DC Amneet P. Kumar and ADC-cum-CEO DRDA, A. Mona Seerinwas. While reviewing the progress of some of the projects, the MP directed officials not to conceal the material facts about the projects executed and expressed concern that the reports about some development projects were not based on actual situation as he had himself inspected the projects on the ground level. He said such acts brought a bad name to the government. He asked the DC to keep a proper check on the officials who showed laxity in the performance of their duty which ultimately affected the quality of the development works. On the other hand, the MP appreciated the execution of some projects under MNREGA and expressed satisfaction over the desilting of canals and irrigation minors carried out by the Irrigation Department The DC and the ADC assured the MP about maintaining the quality of construction works and execution of projects in a time-bound and transparent manner.
	Rajputs meet CM, seek OBC status Our Correspondent Kaithal, September 15 Kanwar Veer Karan Singh, president, Haryana Kashtriya Sabha, has said a deputation comprising of senior members from the Rajput community recently called on Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and submitted a memorandum in support of their demand seeking reservation. Karan Singh said in the memorandum details of various factors on the basis of which the community had demanded reservation had been explained at length. He said in the prevailing situation when many other communities had been demanding reservation, they felt that to safeguard the interests of the community as a whole, especially to ensure employment opportunities and other benefits for the youth, they too should also be included in the OBC category. The Chief Minister had assured to look into their demand and at the same time asked them to put up their demands before the Backward Classes Commission, he added.
	Observation homes to have better facilities Tribune News Service Chandigarh, September 15 Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Geeta Bhukkal has directed the department concerned to constitute a committee to with a view to improving the facilities at observation homes setup under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act in the state. The Minister’s directions came when she was presiding over a meeting of the State Advisory Board constituted under the Act here recently. She further directed that the committee would not only ascertain the needs of the children living in the observation homes, but also keep video record of its visit. She said suitable short-term vocational courses should also be introduced to enable the children to become self-reliant after leaving observation homes. Also, steps should be taken to involve the children living in observation homes in recreational activities in coordination with the Sports and Youth Affairs Department. Bhukkal asked the officers to modify the infrastructure of observation homes so that they could look better and more colourful and inmates should not feel that they were in a prison.
	New technique to cure coronary heart disease Tribune News Service Gurgaon, September 15 Dr Praveen Chandra, chairman, division of interventional cardiology at Medanta, The Medicity, recently implanted BIOTRONIK Pantera Lux paciliteral releasing balloon to cure in-stent restenosis in a patient at the hospital. Introducing this new treatment technology at a press conference, Dr Chandra said the therapy had been found effective in cases of in-stent restenosis and small vessel blockage. Dr Ran Kornowski of Rabin Medical Centre, Israel, and Alain Aimonetti, global vice-president, BIOTRONIK, were also present. Experts are concerned about blood clots that form after stents are implanted and stay in for a time, causing heart attack, even death in certain cases. Due to injury from the implantation of the stent, neointimal hyperplasia can slowly narrow the stented lesion causing in-stent restenosis (ISR). Pantera Lux Drug Releasing Balloon is advanced to the lesion site. The balloon is inflated for at least 30 seconds, releasing the anti-proliferative drug. The balloon is withdrawn as the drug penetrates into the artery wall. Paclitaxel acts over several days to inhibit cell re-growth. Dr Chandra maintained: “Nearly 10-15 per cent of patients implanted with stents face in-stent restonsis, which is a life-threatening situation for anyone. Till now, one of the solutions to the problem was through radiations, which have proven to be non-effective. Drug eluting balloons are a relatively new treatment and has proven data to showcase its success”. Treating heart patients with dual antiplatelet therapy has certainly reduced the risks of blood clotting, but experts say the long-term usage of such drugs brings its own risks that include bleeding complications. Dr Chandra informed that using drug coated balloon could reduce the impact of antiplatelet therapy, used to improve the safety of the implanted stent. “Drug eluting stents are the standard treatment for in-stent restenosis, but carry with them limitation such as late stent thrombosis, prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy and the problem of re-intervention if restenosis occurs again,” said Prof Ran Kornowski, Rabin Medical Centre, Israel. He further added, “In the future, drug eluting balloons can be used in a subset of lesions and torturous or small vessels where scaffolding can be an obstruction”. “Paclitaxel is a highly lipophilic substance, proven as a useful anti-proliferative treatment in coronary arteries. Its mode of action supports long-lasting results, even after a brief, single application,” the experts claimed.
	Pension schemes Sirsa leads in issuance of smart cards Tribune News Service Sirsa, September 15 Notwithstanding frequent protests by people over the delay in the distribution of pension, Sirsa is leading all 21 districts of Haryana in the matter of the distribution of smart cards among pensioners. The fact came to light during a video conferencing where chief secretary Urvarshi Gulati interacted with deputy commissioners of all districts to review the pension scheme. According to an official spokesperson, Yudhbir Singh Khyalia, deputy commissioner, Sirsa, informed the chief secretary that over 1.16 lakh smart cards have been prepared and distributed among the pensioners, which is 91 per cent of the total number of beneficiaries in Sirsa. The spokesperson said no other district had such high percentage of smart cards. The state government has outsourced the job of distribution of pension to FINO, a doorstep banking company. The company officials are supposed to issue biometric smart cards to all pensioners and distribute their pension through these cards in the villages. However, there is a lot of outcry throughout the state over the inordinate delays in the distribution of pension.
	Legal literacy camp a big draw Our Correspondent Rewari, September 15 A large number of students, anganwari workers, panchayat functionaries, teachers, patwaris and employees of the Health Department participated in a district-level legal literacy-cum-awareness camp held at Jain Senior Secondary School here recently. Sneh Prashar, District and Sessions Judge-cum-chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), presided over its proceedings. The judge said it was common observation that owing to the lack of awareness, the people were often unable to make judicious use of their legal rights which caused them considerable hardships. She, therefore, exhorted one and all to acquire optimum benefit through participation in such camps. Highlighting the importance of Lok Adalats, the judge asserted that while rural Lok Adalats served as an effectual conduit for the dispensation of affordable justice, the settlement of cases through mutual consent led to more goodwill and economisation of time and expenditure of the parties as well. Shashi Bala Chauhan, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-secretary, DLSA, urged all concerned to seek free legal assistance for their cases by tendering an application to the DLSA. While girl students presented a cultural programme, comprising plays and poems on female foeticide, preservation of environment and significance of Lok Adalats, the District and Sessions Judge awarded certificates to meritorious girl students.
	Medical camp focuses on wheat allergy Sunit Dhawan/TNS Mohanpur (Rewari), September 15 With a view to generating awareness about celiac - a disorder resulting from allergy to wheat - amongst the rural masses, a medical camp was organised here recently. The camp was organised by Smt Santra Devi Health and Education Trust in collaboration with experts from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The people were told that those suffering from this disorder might remain sick because of consuming wheat or products containing wheat. The disorder is due to allergy to a component called gluten, which is present in wheat, barley and oats. Addressing the participants, Ishi Khosla, senior dietician and president of the Celiac Disease Society of Delhi, explained that because of the allergy to gluten, intestines of the patient get affected, which results in decreased absorption of nutrients in food. This condition may result in loose motions, abdominal pain and decreased growth. But everyone suffering from this disorder may not have these gastrointestinal symptoms. Other symptoms include fatigue, mouth ulcers, lack of concentration, aches and pains, delayed puberty, easy fractures and even neurological disorders. The manifestation of this disorder can also be in the form of skin problems, which do not respond to conventional therapy. The treatment of the condition is just avoidance of the foods containing gluten. The dietician maintained that some chocolates also contained wheat or gluten, which needed to be avoided by the celiac patients. They can eat rice, bajra, jawar, arrowroot (ararot), potato, maize, besan, singhara and soyabin flour, sabudana, chiwda and rice noodles etc. A number of patients suffering from celiac from Rewari, Gurgaon and nearby areas attending the camp were provided consultation free of cost. A short film on the disease was also screened for their benefit. Eye specialists from AIIMS, led by Dr Raghav Gupta, gave follow-up treatment to those patients who were operated upon at AIIMS. These 48 eye patients were selected for free eye surgeries at a similar camp organised here about two months ago. Dr Balraj Singh Yadav, the chairman of the Trust, thanked the visiting consultants.
	Residents honoured for outstanding achievements BS Malik Sonepat, September 15 Prominent residents of the district were honoured for the outstanding contribution in their own fields at a function organised by RDH Events here in Sector 14 recently. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Sharma participated as the chief guest and state general secretary of the Panchayati Raj Cell of the HPCC, Vinod Dhankhar, presided over. Kamlesh Malik and Jagbir Malik, parents of TV star Meghna Malik and news anchor Mimansha Malik, got the Parent Award; Virender Rana - Best Sports Teacher Award; Usha Bhandari, Chandni “Kinnar” and Shanta Jain - Social Activists Award; Sanjiv Valecha and Gabruddin - Best Blood Donors Award; Ganga Devi, widow of martyr Nanak Chand, - Bravery Award; Comrade Chand Kiran Kaushal (96) - Patriotic Award; Dr Jyoti Juneja, principal of GVM Girls College - Teacher Award; and many other individuals and institutions were honoured for their social welfare activities. Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker congratulated the winners for their contribution in the field of social welfare and other pro-people activities. He said joint and coordinated efforts of the government and voluntary organisations could accelerate the tempo of developmental and social welfare activities for the welfare of the people. Listing the commendable outputs of the new sports, industrial, land acquisition and social welfare policies of the Haryana government, Sharma said the state had witnessed an era of progress and prosperity during the past six years and many of the achievements had been acknowledged at the national and international levels.
	BSNL cultural meet begins Our Correspondent Kurukshetra, September 15 A four-day 11th All-India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Cultural Meet, organised by the Haryana Circle Sports and Cultural Board, was inaugurated by chief guest SM Talwar, executive director (new business), BSNL, New Delhi, by lighting the traditional lamp at the Srimad Bhagwad Gita Sadan (Kurukshetra University auditorium) here recently. In his inaugural address, Talwar said: “Although different languages give a feeling of diversity, our culture gives a feeling of unity in diversity. Cultural programmes bring the individuals together and render an opportunity to know each other”. “The same message is conveyed by the BSNL through its tag line “Connecting India”. A country’s unity is strengthened by remaining in contact with each other and the BSNL is playing an important role in this direction,” he added. Pradeep Nagpal, chief general manager, Telecom, Haryana, said: The BSNL is instrumental in connecting far-off places in our country. It is a matter of pride that the Haryana Circle has been given an opportunity to host this meet”. AK Sehgal, who has been appointed as observer by the BSNL headquarters, said the BSNL would continue organising such cultural and sports programmes for its employees in future also. Earlier, AK Mittal, general manager, Telecom, Karnal district, welcomed the chief guest and participants. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by schoolchildren on the occasion.
	Martyr’s statue unveiled Our Correspondent Rewari, September 15 Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda unveiled a statue of Shaheed Parvinder Singh at Pranpura village, near here, recently. Parvinder Singh (25), a Jawan of the Kumaon Regiment, laid down his life while combating militants at the Congo region in South Africa on August 18, 2010. His mortal remains were consigned to flames with full state honours at his native Pranpura village, near here, on August 23, 2010. Subsequently, Parvinder’s statue was installed at Pranpura by the members of his family. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister praised Ahirwal’s peasantry for their sturdiness and its jawans for their heroic exploits. Proudly stating that every 10th man in all the three wings of the Indian Army was a Haryanavi, the Chief Minister said the Ahirwal region had apparently excelled other parts of the state in this respect. Simultaneously, Hooda maintained that martyrs were the pride of the nation and it was not advisable to confine them to a particular caste or community.
	Cultural fest ‘Utkarsh-11’ concludes D.R. Vij Kurukshetra, September 15 “Utkarsh-11”, a seven-day national-level fest, concluded on the premises of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, here recently. The fest was organised by the “Anamika”, a society which is recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources Development to promote the usage of Hindi language. Prof SP Jain, dean, Planning and Development, was the chief guest at the valedictory function. While addressing the valedictory function, Prof. Jain emphasised on continuous efforts and work to promote the use of Hindi. He appreciated the work done by the “Anamika” in this regard. He also gave away mementos and certificates to the winners of different events. Various competitions like antakshri, quiz, Hindi sudoku, crosswords, instant advertising, rangoli making, poster making, debate and leading creative writing were organised at the institute and the students participated enthusiastically in all competitions. The national-level participation started from September 10 and participants from different institutes took part in various events. Singing, drama and dance performances and a poetry session were also organised on the final day of the fest. Results Dance: 1 Varsha; 2 Shubham and Mahak Skit: 1 Team Nautanki led by Suman Devi; 2 Team Ghatak led by Mahatva Gupta Kavi Sammelan: 1 Rajeev; 2 Narinder; 3 Mukul Rachnatmaka Lekhan: 1 Anurag; 2 Pradeep; 3 Monika Tataksana Bhasan: 1 Sashi Kant; 2 Yuvraj; 3 Mukul Gyan Pratiyogita: 1 Gourav; 2 Shantanu; 3 Nishant Antrakshri: 1 Vivek, Manish; 2 Umed, Sahil Webhunt: Garav Walia Tatakshana Vigyapana: Deepali, Elika Garg and Neha Vaad-Vivad: 1 Narender Krishan Tripathi, Sajal Bhatia; 2 Shashikant Madhia, Mukul Goad Varg Paheli: 1 Romila, Aayushi; 2 Lovely, Kanika; 3 Prabhav Shukla, Anoop Baloda Sudoku: 1 Robin, Abhishek; 2 Anju Bala, Navdeep, Varsha, Nitesh; 3 Neelam, Bhawna, Priyanka, Vikrant Bharat-Prashnotri: 1 Rahul Chauhan, Abhishek Garg; 2 Shantanu Yadav, Anurag Kundu; 3 Vipin Basia, Ankush Banga Isharo-Isharo Mein: 1 Revti Gupta, Sushant Saini, Harshit Jain; 2 Jyotika, Annu, Divya Poster Making: 1 Nitika, Sukriti; 2 Revati, Sumit; 3 Gaurav, Haider, Vandana, Simran Rangoli Making: 1 Deepika, Aarti; 2 Revti, Manish, Charu, Dimple; 3 Mohini, Aarushi
	Vyapar mandal supports cotton ginners’ demand Tribune News Service Sirsa, September 15 The Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal (HPVM) has justified the demand of the Haryana Cotton Ginning Industries Association (HCGIA) for reduction in the market fee on cotton. Hira Lal Sharma, secretary-general of the state unit of the HPVM, said traders were worried after the HCGIA’s decision to shut down their units over this issue. Sharma said the HCGIA decision would not only hit cotton-producing farmers of Haryana but also affect grain market traders. Sharma said cotton ginners were justified in demanding reduction in the market fee as there was a huge difference in the rates prevalent in Haryana and other neighbouring states. The cotton ginners have threatened to keep their units closed this year if the state government failed to reduce the market fee.
	ICI chapter at Kurukshetra NIT Our Correspondent Kurukshetra, September 15 A students’ chapter of Chennai-based Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) - a global renowned technical organisation for civil engineers - was inaugurated by Prof Anand Mohan, director, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, on the NIT premises here recently. In his inaugural address, Prof Anand said this chapter would help the students in updating themselves professionally. He also encouraged the students to join this chapter and set higher standards for the institution. Dr SP Singh, chairman, ICI, Punjab region, informed the students about the ICI and its functions, while Dr DK Soni, head of the Civil Engineering Department, delivered the welcome address and Dr VK Sehgal, dean, Faculty Welfare, delivered the keynote address on the occasion. Prof Yogesh Aggarwal, faculty in charge, ICI, Dr SK Madan, Dr Ashwani Jain, Dr Pratibha Aggarwal, Dr Babita Saini of the Civil Engineering Department and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.
	Poetic symposium marks Hindi Diwas SD Sharma Panchkula, September 15 The impact of Western culture on the lifestyle of the people, especially the young generation, is alarming as they are losing the love and appreciation for our rich cultural heritage, national language Hindi and its literature. Hindi should hold prime position as the official language in the governance and society, opined Shiv Charan Lal Sharma, Haryana Minister of State for Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs, at Hindi Diwas Samaroh organised by the Haryana Hindi Sahitya Akademi here yesterday. “We must imbibe the best of wisdom, ethical values as enshrined in our old epics in Sanskrit and Hindi,” he added. Budgets of all academies had been substantially increased to ensure the promotion of the Haryanavi art and culture, folklore, Hindi language in the state, disclosed Sharma. Tracing the genesis of the enrichment of English to merely 100 years as compared to the history of Hindi and Sanskrit spanning over 3,000 years, Dr KK Khandelwal, IAS, maintained that Hindi was not just a medium of communication but a living tradition, “keeping us close to the eternal values of culture our ancestors had given us to hold onto”. However, the easy dissemination of Hindi language was necessary for the overall development of the country and the state. He said Hindi played a prominent role in the India’s freedom struggle and even now mobilising support for the mass movements like that of Anna Hazare’s through the medium of newspapers and TV channels. Khandelwal said many countries like Spain, Japan and France had touched the peak of development only because they followed their mother language. Prominent author and educationist from Delhi Dr Jai Narayan Kaushik observed, “We could reveal our feelings to others more efficiently in our language”. On this occasion, a book, “Ek Panth Do Kaaj” written by Dr Jai Naryana Kaushik was also released. Dr Shyam Sakha Sham, akademi director, gave an overview of the activities and future plans of the akademi. A kavya goshthi was also organised to mark the occasion in which Arun Johar, joint director, Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department; Shyam Sakha Shyam, director, Hindi Sahitya Akademi, Jaswinder Sharma, Manmohan Gupta Moni, Dr Jagmohan Chopra, Amarjit Amar and Dr Yojna Rawat read out their choicest poems. Dr KL Zakir, Dr Mukta, Dr RD Sharma and Sukhchain Singh Bhandari were also present.
	Directions issued on printing of poll material Tribune News Service Chandigarh, September 15 Sumita Misra, Chief Electoral Officer, has issued directions to all printing presses in Hisar district regarding printing of election material. She said as per the Section 127-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, no person would print or publish any election pamphlet or a poster, which did not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher thereof. She said, “No person will print any election pamphlet or a poster unless a declaration as to the identity of the publisher thereof signed by him and attested by two persons to whom he is personally known is delivered by him to the printer in duplicate within a reasonable time after the printing of the document. One copy of the declaration is sent by the printer along with one copy of the document, where it is printed in the capital of the state to the Chief Electoral Officer and in any other case to the District Magistrate.” As per provision of this Act, the election documents should not have any comments against any religion, caste, society and language, she added. She said any person who contravened any of the provisions of this section would be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which might extend to six months or with a fine, which might extend to Rs 2,000 or with both. The Financial Commissioner and the Principal Secretary has been asked to impose a complete ban on issuance of new arms licences till the completion of election process.
	Video-Conferencing Dera chief appears before CBI court Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Sirsa, September 15 The Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, appeared before the Special CBI Court through video-conferencing from the Sirsa district courts yesterday. The dera chief arrived in the court complex amid tight security and went straight to the video-conferencing room from where he appeared before the Special CBI Court, holding its proceedings in Panchkula. The Special CBI Court had listed Ranjit Singh murder and scribe Ram Chander Chhatarpati murder cases for yesterday. Chhatarpal Singh, the then sub-inspector and investigating officer in the Ranjit Singh murder case, deposed before the court yesterday. DSP Vijay Singh Jakhar, who was to depose before the court in the Chhatarpati murder case, could not appear before the court yesterday. The Special CBI Judge, AS Narang, adjourned further hearing in both these cases for September 19. Meanwhile, another criminal case of alleged sexual exploitation of a dera sadhvi in which the dera chief is a prime accused is listed before the court for September 27.
	Hearing on accused’s bail plea deferred Panchkula, September 15 The CBI special court yesterday adjourned the hearing on the bail plea of two accused, who were arrested from Chennai on July 9, in the Tejas Gaba kidnapping case till September 23. CBI sleuths had arrested Teja Singh Yadav and Karuneshwar Singh Chauhan from Chennai while they were making a ransom call to Tejas Gaba’s family in Haryana. According to CBI officials, Kaurneshwar, who worked in a private company, and his friend, Teja, had demanded Rs1 crore from Tejas Gaba’s family. They were arrested after the CBI put their mobile phones on surveillance. Currently both of them are in judicial custody. — TNS