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PVR Cinemas sealed
Chandigarh, September 26 Accompanied by the police, the teams first went to Elante and then the Centra mall to seal the projector rooms. Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Shayin said the management of PVR Cinemas had been given ample opportunity to explain why it was charging less than the applicable rates. “Their rates were revised after they gave a represention seeking a hike in the rates on the plea that they were providing better facilities,” he said. “The fact that the management of PVR Cinemas failed to reply to the office memo, issued on September 18, within the stipulated time clearly shows that it has wilfully contravened the provisions of Section 7A(1) of the Punjab Cinemas (Regulation) Haryana Amendment Act, 1969, as extended to the UT,” said the DC’s orders.
Ample opportunity given: DC
Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Shayin said the management of PVR Cinemas had been given ample opportunity to explain why it was charging less than the applicable rates
‘Check prices of eatables being sold in malls’
Moviegoers have expressed concern over the increasing prices of eatables in multiplexes. According to the existing provisions, the Administration cannot control the prices of food items on private premises. “The Administration should evolve a mechanism to keep the prices of eatables under control,” said Hitesh Kumar,
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Protect property rights of the elderly, says HC
Chandigarh, September 26 The ruling came on a petition filed by a former Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Shanti Sarup Dewan, and his wife Romilla against their son. Taking up the petition, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Augustine George Masih asserted: “We have noticed that a proper mechanism for enforcement of the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, for protecting the property rights under Section 22 of the Act has not been put in place by the Union Territory Administration and enforcement will be a big issue.” Going into the details, the Bench observed that Section 21 of the Act “provides for measures of publicity and awareness for the welfare of senior citizens, while Section 22 provides for the authorities who may be specified for implementing the provisions of the Act.” Sub-Section (1) of Section 32 requires the state government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act, “which in turn will imply that the same inter-alia provides for protection of life and property of senior citizens under clause (f) of sub-Section (2) of Section 32 of the Act”. The Bench directed: “The Administration of the Union Territory, Chandigarh, should forthwith take steps to bring into force proper rules under Section 32(1) of the Act for the purposes mentioned under sub-Section (2) of Section 32… so as to protect the life and property of senior citizens as envisaged under Section 22 of the Act.” “This should include a comprehensive action plan, including enforcement mechanism and conferring relevant powers to the District Magistrate or officers subordinate to him as envisaged under sub-Section (1) of Section 22 of the Act.” On a previous date of hearing also, the High Court had made it clear that there was an immediate need to put in place the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The assertion came after their counsel Puneet Bali argued that the welfare of senior citizens remained a neglected affair. Though emphasis was being laid on child and women rights, there was no mechanism to ensure the welfare of the elderly. Even a complaints authority had not been set up for the redressal of their grievances. Justice Dewan and his wife had raised the issue of special cells for the aged and the infirm left to fend for themselves in the twilight of their life by their progeny, after alleging harassment at the hands of their son.
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Moviegoers disappointed, allege harassment
Chandigarh, September 26 While the PVR authorities claimed that they had no advance bookings for today and tomorrow, customers had to visit the Elante and Centra malls to get their money refunded and were disappointed with the cancellation of the shows. The PVR authorities were found charging lower rates from customers than those approved by the licensing authority for its Thursday shows, which led to action against them yesterday. City resident Sunny Kumar, who had booked 12 tickets for a Hindi movie today, said the cinema authorities should not have issued tickets to customers since they had received a notice from the Administration. “We faced a lot of harassment today. It not only spoiled our plans, getting the amount refunded was also a big headache,” he said. Some people alleged that ticket counter officials at
Elante were initially hesitant in refunding the money, but relented after noon. Another resident, Himanshu, said PVR Cinemas should have informed those who had booked their tickets about the cancellation of the shows. “Most of us had no idea that their licence had been cancelled and movies would not be screened for two days, he said. Several residents were critical of the system of deciding the ticket rates. City resident Achit Sharma said since the cinema authorities could afford to sell tickets at lower rates, why had the Administration fixed higher prices for tickets. “There has to be some rationality in deciding the ticket prices in multiplexes. During weekends, the prices zoom, burning a hole in moviegoers’ pocket,” he said. Meanwhile, PVR manager Chander Mohan could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. An official, however, said the suspension of shows for two days would have impacted them more had some blockbuster movie been lined up for release tomorrow. Since there was no major release, the advance bookings were less.
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Inauguration of Hockey Stadium Akash Ghai Tribune News Service
Mohali, September 26 The reason behind issuing the “order” is to “fill the stadium”, which will be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal along with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. A Principal of a government school said on condition of anonymity that he received verbal orders in this regard from the office of the District Education Officer. “I was told that every teacher of my school should be present at the venue by 5.30 pm sharp,” he said. Another teacher, wishing not to be named, claimed that they were told that their attendance would be marked at the stadium to ascertain who all turn up for the function. The offices of the DEO (Elementary) and the DEO (Secondary) have reportedly issued verbal orders in this regard to several schools. Upset over the development, a woman teacher, who is a resident of Kurali, said it would be difficult for her to come again from Kurali to Mohali in the evening for the function. Mohali MLA BS Sidhu said he had also received such complaints from several teachers. “It’s bad on the part of the authorities to force employees to turn up for the event,” he said. No such orders issued: DEO
Gurjit Singh, DEO (Elementary), claimed that no such orders had been issued by them. “It’s an open invitation to all employees to witness a glittering function at the stadium. There is no compulsion for anybody to attend the function,” said Dr Gurjit Singh, adding that the question of marking attendance at the stadium did not arise. DEO (Secondary) MS Sidhu could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
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World Tourism Week: Hop on for a fun ride
Chandigarh, September 26 The Tribune is sponsoring the event. Sketches and models made of bamboo, cloth, pipes, clay/plaster of paris and stones added to the beauty of the lake. Ankita Thakur, Ishita Bhatnagar, Mohit Bhoria and Hargobind Singh made a sculpture of Open Hand, spreading the message of water conservation. The three dimensional artwork will be exhibited till September 30. The students of the College of Architecture will throw light on the architectural edifices of Le Corbusier tomorrow. Students of the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management, Sector 41, and Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management will greet the visitors/tourists at the airport and the railway station. Complimentary rides on 'Hop On Hop Off' tourist coach will be the main attraction.
Friday’s schedule
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15 taken ill after having snacks at food joint
Mohali, September 26 The condition of Laksh deteriorated and he had to be taken to a hospital. An industrialist, Deepak Verma, said soon after having snacks, 15 persons started throwing up following which they called up the police. DSP Rajinder Singh Sohal directed the officials to collect samples of the food. Ten persons were rushed to the Civil Hospital at Phase VI while the remaining were taken to private hospitals. Punjab Food Safety Commissioner Husan Lal, Mohali Civil Surgeon Dr Rajiv Bhalla and Senior Medical Officer Dr Adesh Kang reached the hospital to enquire about the health of the patients. Dr Bhalla said the patients were suffering from food poisoning. “The condition of three patients, Devbhashi, Javed and Ashutosh, was stated to be critical," said Dr Bhalla. Husan Lal said free treatment would be given to the patients. DSP Sohal said action would be taken against the management of the restaurant. Manager of the restaurant Ramesh Kumar said hygiene was their topmost priority.
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elante mall
Chandigarh, September 26 While the policemen on duty claimed that the action was taken following a report of various vehicle thefts from the free parking area here, this however led to a lot of inconvenience for the people. Many were found arguing with the policemen blocking the entry there. Devesh, an employee of the Pantaloon store in Elante mall, said the police had no business in putting a ban over the entry of the two wheelers at a free parking area. This would only lead to trouble for the general public and hundreds of employees working in the Elante Mall. Many also smelt a rat behind the police action. Amit Kumar, an employee of a store in the mall, alleged that the police took this action at the behest of mall authorities so that their parking area remains occupied. "Our vehicles are not safe even inside the mall's parking area because the mall authorities do not take responsibility of the damage or loss of the vehicle," he said Contradictory statements were found as The Tribune contacted the officials concerned. Station House Officer of Industrial Area Phase-I Yashpal Sharma said he would look into the matter. On the other hand, the policemen on duty said that they were asked put a ban on the use of free parking area on the directions of the SHO, Industrial Area I police station. Naval, manager, parking, Elante mall, also refuted the allegation and said that their parking often remains full and they had nothing to do with the outside parking.
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It’s raining dengue cases in hospitals
Chandigarh, September 26 The worst affected is the GMCH-32 where the area around elevators is flooded with patient trolleys, with more than 100 patients running high fever admitted to the Emergency. Over 35 cases of dengue have surfaced in the tricity. "High fever is the most common symptom of the viral disease," said a GMCH official. Two patients have tested positive for dengue at the GMCH-32 while the others are under observation. At the PGIMER, three dengue patients have been admitted to the communicable diseases' ward. So far, two dengue deaths have been reported at the PGI and one at the GMCH-32. A 60-year-old Patiala resident and a 20-year-old Kharar resident had died at the PGI. Last month, a Mohali resident died of dengue at the GMCH-32. More than 350 cases of dengue were reported in the city hospitals last year, breaking records of the previous five years. "Aedes aegypti breeds in artificial collection of water. Residents should scrub dry coolers once a week,"said an official. How is dengue caused
Known as 'day biter', aedes aegypti breeds in water stored in vessels, buckets and flower pots. The mosquito can breed in 10-15 ml of water. When the mosquito bites a person infected with the virus, the mosquito spreads it to
others, but itself can survive the virus.
Symptoms
High fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash and mild bleeding.
Dos
Dont's
Helpline (Chandigarh) For any complaints or queries, residents can contact the malaria wing on 0172-2740408.
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Chandigarh Admn team visits leakage spot in New Morinda
Mohali, September 26 According to sources, after inspection, the team found that the leakage was in the Phase II pipeline, whose maintenance comes under Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department (PWSSD). A report in this connection was published in these columns under the heading 'No lesson learnt. Major leakage detected in Kajauli pipeline' on Wednesday. Notably, The Tribune team had found in its survey a big leakage in the pipeline near the Darpan Enclave at New Morinda from where the water in large quantities was seen spurting out and was being used by a farmer for irrigation his fields, located nearby by constructing a proper channel. An official of the Chandigarh administration team, which is responsible for maintenance of Phase III pipeline, said it was a big leakage and needed repair.—TNS
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Another govt school to be opened in Mani Majra
Chandigarh, September 26 Another government school will be formally opened tomorrow in the Mani Majra complex that will accommodate approximately 700 students. But despite these efforts, there is not much change in the current student-classroom ratio, which stands much higher than the norms fixed by the Right to Education Act. As per the Education Department’s record pertaining to the 2012-13 academic session, the student-classroom ratio (SCR) of government schools in Chandigarh stands at 59:1, which is mainly because of shortage of classrooms in these schools. Till last year, Chandigarh had 1,758 classrooms for 1,02,930 at the elementary level. Officials said even after the opening of new schools and some addition of rooms in the existing schools, there was not much change in the SCR. A senior official said to bring the SCR up to the desired level, more number of classrooms were required to be constructed. The department has mentioned in this year’s annual work plan and budget report of the SSA Society, Chandigarh, that there are just 22 schools out of the 106 schools that has the SCR of below 40 students. Government High School in Hallo Majra is an example of the students’ burden in government schools. Despite the new building in place, the school is still running in three different places, thanks to its 3,000 students. A schoolteacher said: “The situation in the school will not improve unless the department opens another school having at least 40-50 classrooms.” Dr Vinod Sharma, president, Government Teachers’ Union, said the department should expedite infrastructure building, especially in areas like Mauli Jagran and Karsan where student strength was high. “Three more schools are coming in the areas, including Pocket No. 1, 4 and 6, which will further improve the pressure on existing schools in the area, said Principal of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Kund Bala. The department has begun the process to compile this year student strength in government schools via-a-vis school infrastructure. The updated figure of the SCR would be available by November this year.
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Chandigarh, September 26 The Administration has enhanced the rate of DA payable to all employees working in Chandigarh, including those on deputation from the other states, in anticipation of orders from the Punjab Government from the existing rate of 72 per cent to 80 per cent with effect from January 1, 2013. — TNS
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Setback for Admn as MHA transfers CHB Chairman
Chandigarh, September 26 "As he is handling a major slum rehabilitation project, we will ask for his extension," he stated. Recently, the MHA had also issued transfer orders of Punjab cadre IAS officer DK Tiwari, who had got a number of extensions in the UT Administration. Finally, last month Tiwari, who was serving as the managing director of the Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Corporation (CITCO), was repatriated to Punjab. UT seeks panel for Finance Secy from Punjab
The UT Administration had recently sought a panel of Punjab-cadre IAS officers from the Punjab Government for the post of UT Finance Secretary. The three-year deputation period of VK Singh is coming to end on January 14, 2014.
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Adaptation of ‘Desire Under the Elms' staged
Chandigarh, September 26 Directed by Sudesh Sharma, the play was an adaptation of ‘Desire Under the Elms’, written by one of the most enduring American playwright Eugene O Neill. Famous Punjabi writer Balwant Gargi translated it into Punjabi. The play was based on a tragedy, involving a farmer's lust for ‘zar, zoru and zamin’. The audience got the chance to introspect the agrarian crisis in Punjab through the play. Ratna, an old man and a landlord of a village who already has three sons, marries for the third time a girl half of his age, Preeto, in the play. But she is attracted towards her husband’s son, Sarwan. Both fall in love and Preeto gives birth to Sarwan’s child but Ratna thinks that the child is his son. Sarwan retaliates when he came to know about the same. Preeto kills the child to prove her love for him.
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MC removes encroachments
Chandigarh, September 26 During the course of drive, the enforcement team seized various items, including rehri pharis cylinders, plastic chairs, tables, counters, wire role, almirahs andbig utensils. The drive was carried under the supervision of Sunil Bhatia, Additional Commissioner and assisted by inspectors of the enforcement wing.
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Police, telecom officials examined in Jyoti murder case
Panchkula, September 26 The police officials were Devinder Singh, Mahavir Singh, Chela Ram, Tarsem Lal and Sohan Singh. The nodal officers from the telecom department were from Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary and four others have been accused of killing Jyoti, who hailed from Hoshiarpur. The victim was found murdered in Sector 21, Panchkula. The chargesheet by the Panchkula police stated that since Jyoti was coming in the way of Chaudhary’s political career and wanted him to continue the relation with her, he eliminated her with the help of aides. First Jyoti was strangulated and then a truck was run over to show it an accident case. Later, the accused even destroyed evidences.
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Stone of common facility centre to be laid today
Mohali, September 26 The foundation stone of the CFC of the Mohali Hitech Metal Cluster will be laid by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in the Phase VIII B industrial area here tomorrow. The project is likely to be completed within one year. There are more than 100 units in the cluster in and around Mohali. More than 90 per cent of the cluster members are micro and small enterprises. The facilities proposed at the centre include a testing laboratory, design centre, training centre, mini tool room and low-pressure die-casting technology. Cluster members have sought the completion of the project on time. They have urged the Chief Minister to provide grant in aid of Rs 1 crore to the cluster as it is difficult for micro and small enterprises to contribute Rs 300.84 lakh to complete the
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Postpone Sept 28 meeting to next month: Syndics
Chandigarh, September 26 Through the letter, the syndics have demanded that Vice-Chancellor (VC) Arun Kumar Grover should sort out the issue and clear his stand on the issue that led to the walkout. From the few meetings, the syndicate members were asking the university authorities to table the action-taken report with regard to a case of sexual harassment at GTB Khalsa College, Dasuya, before them. When the PU failed to include the issue in the agenda of the meeting held on September 21, Syndicate members decided to walk out. The university within hours after the walkout decided that the meeting will be held on September 28 and action taken report will be brought as one of the agenda items. Syndicate members, in their letter to the Registrar, have stated that no action was initiated by the university even till the last meeting of the syndicate held on August 24, despite the decisions taken in the meeting held on April 15 and a decision taken in the syndicate meeting held on July 27 to bring the action-taken report in the next meeting of the syndicate. The Syndicate members have demanded that the meeting of September 28 should be postponed to next month. PU Registrar AK Bhandari said he had not yet gone through the letter sent by the syndicate members.
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2 women exchange blows
Chandigarh, September 26 The incident occurred at the Sector 34-C market. Savvy, a fashion designer and a resident of Sector 48, entered into a scuffle with another woman after her Accent car was hit by the latter's car from the rear. A heated argument ensued and both the women allegedly hurled abuses and slapped each other. The fashion designer was then beaten up by the woman with a baseball bat. The woman, Navneet Kaur, an NRI, was with her husband. Passersby gathered and an eyewitness called up the police. Both the women filed complaints against each other. They were taken to Government Medical College and Hospital for medical examination. The police lodged a daily diary report. Navneet and her husband Amrit had returned to India from Australia recently. Amrit was driving the Sonata car. His mother and one-year-old child were also in the car. Savvy claimed that the husband of the woman, Amrit Brar, thrashed her with baseball bat, the claim which the police outrightly rejected.
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Date extended
Chandigarh, September 26 Earlier, the last date for submission of online examination forms for private and reappear candidates was October 1 and for regular candidates it was October 8. — TNS
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College teachers to hold protest over demands
Chandigarh, September 26 The other issues which were discussed during the meeting were enhancement of the retirement age to 62 years, enhanced DA as announced by the government, and various individual cases pending with the DHE office. The District Council condemned the indifferent attitude of the DHE office towards the long pending genuine demands of the college teachers. The council decided to take a deputation consisting of representatives of the all the colleges to the DHE to impress upon their demands. Dr Ghanshyam Dev, president of the Chandigarh District Council of PCCTU, said: "We have been trying our level best to get our long pending genuine demands fulfilled, but the indifferent attitude of the DHE office is forcing us to launch an agitation which will result in the loss of students during this peak session." Dr IPS Sidhu, secretary of the Chandigarh District Council of PCCTU, said, "As we have decided to launch an agitation, the responsibility of the loss of the students will be of the authorities, especially the DHE office, which has deceived the teachers by not accepting their genuine demands."
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Chandigarh, September 26 Besides, two more teams of the school have been selected for the international exchange programme. A group of six senior students will be attending the International Round Square Conference at St Andrews School, Boca in Florida, from September 30 till October 12. — TNS
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