Cop succumbs to injures
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 25 — Harnek Singh, a constable with the Police Control Room (PCR) of the local police, succumbed to his injuries at the PGI here last night.

According to the police, Harnek Singh was seriously injured when a truck hit his motor cycle near the Hallo Majra chowk on July 20.

Woman dead
An unidentified woman, who was injured while alighting from a bus near Arora Hotel in Sector 22 yesterday, died at the PGI here today.

Taken ill
Dharam Singh, a resident of Mauli Jagran, has complained that he fell ill after consuming one of the three bottles of a popular soft drink. All the bottles allegedly contained foreign matter.

According to Mr Dharam Singh, he purchased three bottles of the cold drink with a taste of lime from the Mauli Jagran market. As soon as he consumed one of these bottles, he allegedly fell ill. He said when he examined the bottles all of these had some foreign matter floating inside. Mr Dharam Singh alleged that when he took the bottles, now in the possession of The Tribune, to the shopkeeper, he showed little interest in his complaint.

Injured
Raju, a resident of Ram Darbar, was injured when the scooter he was driving skidded. In another case, a pedestrian, Raman Bala of Sector 23 was injured after being hit by a scooterist. In yet another case, three-year-old Manu of Mani Majra was injured after he fell from the stairs of his house.

Innovative sequence livens up play
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 25 — There was commotion at the Tagore Theatre today when some people from the audience got up to interrupt the third and final play of the Pinnacle Theatre Festival to protest against the alleged piracy of the play and emotions by the actors. And all this turned out to be nothing more than part of the Hindi play Great India, directed by Pawan Parkhi.

The three-day festival, which was put up by the young talent of the city, was a delight all the way. These youngsters took control over the city audiences, who are not easy to please, right from day one — a fact evident from the number of audiences filling the hall daily and visibly enjoying the productions.

Great India, a satire on the politics of deteriorating human values, was well appreciated by the audience. The first half told the story of the death of Hira Lal, a donkey belonging to Nathu Ram, the dhobi, and how through a comedy of errors, even the minister of that area announces a period of mourning for Hira Lal because it is mistaken to be a human being.

Totally hilarious, the play, with a theme like politics and human values, did not turn out to be didactic at any point of time. In fact, when the young group of actors wanted to change the mood from hilarious to serious, an element of surprise awaited the audiences when the series of disturbances took place by the actors themselves.

Even the audience started interacting with the actors at this point, telling those who had started protesting to be quiet and let the play proceed.

An innovative technique indeed.

Prices of most fruits stable
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, July 25 — The prices of most of the fruits have remained stable in the local market during the past two days.

During a survey of the local market, it was found that except for a few there was no change in the prices of most of fruits and these were available at their old prices.

A kg of the ''dasehri'' variety of mango, priced at between Rs 25 and Rs 30 just two days back, was available at between Rs 35 and Rs 40. The wholesale price of the fruit has increased from Rs 160 to Rs 180 per 8-kg pack. There was no change in the prices of the ''langra'' and ''chausa'' varieties as these could be had at Rs 25 and Rs 30 a kg. The wholesale price has been stable at Rs 140 and Rs 160 per 7-kg pack.

On the other hand, the price of ''jamun'' has come down during this period. The price of a kg of the fruit, which had touched Rs 80, was available at Rs 50 in retail. The wholesale price of the fruit has decreased from Rs 60 to Rs 40 a kg. According to traders, more arrivals in the market during the past two days have been a major factor behind the fall in the price.

Similarly, ''mausambi'' has become cheaper. A dozen of the fruit, priced at Rs 70 a few days back, could be purchased at Rs 50. The wholesale price of the fruit has come down from Rs 180 to Rs 100-125 per three dozens.

Pineapple has also become cheaper. A piece of the fruit, priced at Rs 40 a few days back, could be bought at Rs 25 in most of the city markets. The fall was effected due to arrival of fresh crop from Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

The price of pomegranate has also come down as the price of a kg of the fruit has come down from Rs 50 to Rs 40 due to arrivals from parts of Maharashtra. The ''kandhari'' variety was still priced at Rs 100.

Plum could be purchased at Rs 40 a kg, while apple could be had at the old price of Rs 40. Similar quantity of ''baggugosha'' was priced at Rs 40. One could purchase a kg of ''nashpati'' at Rs 5.

Shikha, Harish lift titles
By our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, July 25 — Shikha Sharma of Government College for Girls, sector 11, and Harish Kumar of AG (Audit) Haryana, Chandigarh, clinched the women's and men's singles table tennis titles, respectively, in the 5th Bhavan hawk's ranking tournament, which came to a close today at the sector 23 TT hall

In the women's singles final, Shikha Sharma was involved in a cliff-hanger with her college mate Mamta Bhambri. Shikha prevailed upon Mamta. The score was 22-24, 21-12, 21-11, 21-9.

In the men's singles final, Harish Kumar seemed confident from the beginning of the match against Sunil Bamboo of Department of Post (Audit). Harish had little difficulty in disposing of Sunil. The score was 21-18, 21-14, 21-17.

Amarpreet Kaur of Government Model senior secondary School, sector 19, secured the third place in women's section by overpowering Anuradha Bansal of Government Model senior secondary school, sector 16. The score was 10-21, 21-14, 21-19.

In the men's section, the third place went to Ramit Singla, who had yesterday won the junior singles title. he defeated Anoop KC.

Results — women's semifinals: Shikha Sharma b Amarpreet Kaur 22-20, 21-19, 21-16; Mamta Bhambri b Anuradha Bansal 21-19, 22-20, 21-19.

Quarterfinals: Shikha Sharma b Nadia Saini 21-12, 21-12, 21-7; Amarpreet b Ruchi Gautam 21-10, 21-14, 21-10; Anuradha Bansal b Manu KC 21-13, 21-11, 12-21, 21-18; Mamta Bhambri b Smitha Kapoor 22-20, 19-21, 21-15, 21-15.

Men's semifinals: Sunil Bamboo b Anoop KC 22-20, 21-17, 21-16; Harish Kumar b Ramit Singla 21-13, 21-12, 21-12.

Quarterfinals: Harish Kumar b Harpreet Singh 21-10, 21-19, 21-12; Anoop KC b Mandeep Singh 17-21, 22-20, 21-18, 21-23, 21-19; Sunil Bamboo b Tarun Akku 21-17, 10-21, 21-19, 12-21, 22-20; Ramit Singla b Rahul Sharma 21-13, 14-21, 22-20, 18-21, 24-20.

Aarti, Pavittar adjudged best

Aarti Mehta and Pavittar Singh Bajwa were adjudged best shooters among women and men, respectively, at the 24th Chandigarh state Shooting championship, which concluded today at the Shooting range, sector 25. Mr P.S. Gill, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, (central), Chandigarh, gave away the prizes.

Results — .22 STD Rifle (OS) (NR) 3 POSN. senior men (INDL): Karambir Singh (211/300) 1, Tejpal Singh 2, Kamalbir Singh 3; team event: Tejpal, Pavittar, Paramjit (565/900) 1, Holinder, Harminder, Harihar 2.

.22 STD Rifle (OS) (NR) 3 POSN. junior men (INDL): Tejpal Singh (204/300) 1, Kamalbir Singh 2, Pavittar Singh 3.

.22 STD Rifle (OS) (NR) 3 POSN. senior women (INDL): Aarti Mehta (207/300) 1, Maninder Kaur 2, Priti Sharma 3; team event: Maninder, Priti, Vandana (367/900) 1.

.22 STD Rifle (OS) (NR) 3 POSN junior women (INDL): Aarti Mehta (207/300) 1, Maninder Kaur 2, Priti Sharma 3.

Air Pistol (NR) senior men (INDL) Harvinder Singh (330/400) 1, Jasvinder Singh 2, Holinder Singh 3; team event: Holinder, Rajinder Singla, Jasvinder (910/1200) 1, Paramjit, Pavittar and Tejpal 2.

Air Pistol (NR) junior men (INDL): Pavittar Singh (309/400) 1, Gurinder Singh 2, Parambir Singh (senior) 3.

Air Pistol (NR) sub-junior men ( INDL): Kanwardeep Singh Parhar (214/400) 1, Harnihal Singh 2, Karambir Singh Brar 3.

Air Pistol (NR) senior women (INDL): Aarti Mehta (348/400) 1, Jyoti Mehta 2, Maninder Kaur 3; team event: Prem Verma, Vandana and Jyoti (818/1200) 1, Maninder, Ritu and Priti 2.

Air Pistol (NR) sub-junior women (INDL): Aarti Mehta (348/400) 1, Maninder Kaur 2, Priti Sharma 3.

Air Pistol (NR) sub-junior women: Khushleen Brar (168/400) 1, Smriti Brar 2, Rupita Chauhan 3.

Air Pistol (for press persons): Sanjay Bambroo (66/100) 1, Ashok Bali 2, Navneet Singh 3.

Centre Fire pistol senior men (open): Harvinder Singh (82/100) 1, Holinder Singh 2, Kuldip Singh 3.

Centre Fire Pistol senior men (CIVS): Jasbir Singh Dhillon (50) 1, Pavittar Singh 2, D.S. Chandel 3.

Harpal, Sunil star in win

Superb performances by Harpal Singh, who scored 89 runs off 49 balls, and Sunil Kumar, who scored 46 runs and took three wickets for 21 runs, enabled Punjab secretariat defeat FCC XI by 86 runs in the Bathany cup cricket tournament held at CRPF grounds today.

Brief scores — Punjab secretariat- 166 runs for six wickets in 20 overs (Harpal Singh 89, Sunil 46, Vishal 4 for 29); FCC- 80 all out (Bobby Mehra 29, Sunil 3 for 21, Manmohan 3 for 30).

In another match, Star XI beat Brother XI by 43 runs.

Star CC- 177 for 6 wickets in 20 overs (Baljeet Rana 76, Gurdeep Rana 59, Amit 2 for 36); Brother XI-134 for all out (Amit Dhari 47, Umesh 21, Gurpreet 24, Hitesh 12).

Match tied

In an interesting match at the Sector 5 cricket grounds, LIC Employees club were tied with District Panchkula Association.

The LIC team scored 100 runs in 20 overs, with S.M.S. Chauhan heading the batting tally with 35 runs. Surinder Singh of District Panchkula Association team bagged six wickets for 18 runs. In reply, District Panchkula Association team were also bundled out for 100 runs, with Navneet Thapar remained unbeaten on 55 runs.

Brief scores — LIC Employees CC- 100 runs in 20 overs (SMS Chauhan 35, Gautam Mohan 18, Surinder Singh 6 for 18, M. Kaushal 2 for 12); District Panchkula Association- 100 runs in 20 overs (Navneet Thapar 55 n.o., Amarjit Kumar 3 for 18, Vikas Garg 2 for 20 ).

"Pitfalls"

It seems the various departments have the least concern for the life of residents of S.A.S Nagar. This is evident from the number of deep pits lying open in different parts of the city, which could endanger the life of citizens, particularly during the night. Most of these pits have been dug up by the Public Works Department or the Department of Telecommunications for either repair of leaking pipes or for laying of cables. Two of such pits are located just behind booths in Phase VII while another large pit (see picture) could be seen on the Sohana road near the Phase VII traffic lights. As these are there for weeks together, even after completion of work, these pose a great danger to life of people during rains when low-lying areas , including these, remain brimming with water. Anyone can fall into these pits as in such a situation no one is able to judge the exact location of these pits.

Colonel volunteers

For Lieut-Col Gurparkash Singh Virk, formerly of JAK LI, his premature retirement came a few days early. He prematurely retired on May 5 this year, a few days before the major offensive against Pakistan-based intruders to throw them out of Indian side of Line of Control in Kargil district was launched.

"I wish I had stayed on and participated in the Kargil operations," says Colonel Virk. He had in fact sent a letter to the President of India volunteering himself for the military operations in the Kargil sector.

"I am taking this opportunity to express my desire voluntarily that Kargil Operations and the supreme sacrifice made by our gallant soldiers to push back the Pakistani intruders, has placed burden on my self esteem as a soldier to join back the armed forces after my premature retirement on May 5,1999 after serving for 21 years and having experience in high altitude warfare while serving in Ladakh, Indo-Tibetan borders, and North Sikkim in the past.

"I shall feel honoured if I am allowed to serve with JAK LI or Ladakh Scouts or in any manner in Kargil sector uptil the duration of Kargil crisis without any remuneration if need be. Except that my family members should be looked after as any War Hero's if the supreme sacrifice of laying down life for the country becomes a destiny," Colonel Virk said in his letter to the President. At present he has settled in Chandigarh.

New projects

Work on several new major projects launched during the first three months of the current year appears to have slowed down. Among these projects are the Trade Fair and Exhibition Ground in Sector 31, the North Zone Kala Centre on the Chandigarh-Panchkula Road, the Beant Singh Memorial and Centre for Performing Arts and the Bradlaugh Hall India International Centre. While the work at the Sector 31 Exhibition Grounds has been held up because of litigation, delay in other projects is mainly because of administrative and technical clearances. For example, work on the construction of Beant Singh Memorial was to be completed by March 31. But some finishing touches are still to be gone through. Then work on the Garden of Senses is yet to begin.

Similarly, the work on the India International Centre may formally start any time now. Some preliminary meetings have been held in the recent past to work out various modalities and solve technical difficulties.

It is only the North Zone Kala Centre where work has been taken up and some activity is witnessed there. Work on the construction of the boundary wall was completed earlier. The first phase of construction, too, has started.

One of the projects of last year nearing completion is the second Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 43. Once commissioned, it will take a major load off the existing Sector 17 Inter-State Bus Terminus.

Newspaper

Chandigarh is becoming the second major centre of newspaper publication after New Delhi in North India. Amar Ujjala, a Hindi daily, has started its publication from the city last week.

A number of other major Hindi dailies of North and central India have also applied for allotment of land in Sector 25 for starting their Chandigarh editions soon. Some of these publications have already been allotted land here. Even a major publishing house of Jalandhar has also been allotted land in Sector 25 here.

City boy

Young Abhishek Mohunta, a product of the Sector 26 St John's School, has done the city proud. He has been chosen for the prestigious membership of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and will be felicitated during a campus ceremony at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute for his excellence in academics. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute is one of the top engineering universities in the USA.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a highly selective, national, non-profit honours citizens. Founded in 1994, the NSCS recognise first and second year undergraduate students who excel academically.

Abhishek Mohunta had moved to the USA in January last year and within a span of 18 months earned a place for himself in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

War widows

Chandigarh has a sizeable number of war widows of the previous wars the country had with both Pakistan and China. According to Mr Bhim Sen Sehgal, Chairman, All-India Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, of the 18 war widows of the 1962,1965 and 1971 conflicts, two have died while the remaining 16 are still living here. Most of them have been living in penury as not much of financial and moral support came to them. Except for the paltry pension they get, none of these widows were extended any special benefit or package to enable their honourable resettlement or rehabilitation after their spouses made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

Though a large number of dwelling units of the Chandigarh Housing Board have been allotted to freedom fighters, bureaucrats, politicians, police officers and others, but none of these widows has benefited from this discretionary quota allotment. The widows are Mrs Karamjit Kaur (widow of PO Rup Singh, 1971); Ms Jawantjit Kaur (Lt Ajit Singh,1965); Ms Swinder Kaur (Sep Mela Singh, 1962); Ms Kanta Lakhanpal (Maj D.P. Lakhanpal, 1971); Ms Gurbinder Kang (Capt Balbir Singh, 1971); Ms Satish Kumari (Sqn Ldr J.D. Kumar, 1971); Ms Daulat Kaur (Sep Udham Singh, 1948); Ms Surjit Kaur (Jam Dewan Singh, 1945 World war II); Ms Shamsher Kaur (Sep Mukhtiar Singh, 1971); Ms Karmawati (Jam Charan Singh, 1948OP); Ms Harinder Bajwa (Maj M.S. Bajwa, 1971); Ms Amarjit Kaur (Maj Gurdial Singh Sandhawalia, 1971); Ms Parminder Kaur (Major Kanwaljit Singh , 1971); Ms Rajinder Kaur (Sep Gurmel Singh, 1971); Ms Gian Kaur (Daf Propakari Singh, 1971) and Ms Chandrawati (Sep Tara Chand, 1971).

Pushed around

While Class XI admissions were in full swing, the parents were irked by the mismanagement at a local government school. They cried hoarse about the need of a public address system for announcement of the percentage that was being admitted at regular intervals since the loud shout by the officials was inaudible. When nothing matured, in a fit of anger, they rushed to the Principal. An agitated parent said,"Our child has come here for admission and not to be pushed around and hit by the policeman.'' Tired with the complaints that had been pouring in since morning, the Principal replied, "If your children haven't come here to be beaten up by policemen, neither have we.'' Following this statement, she turned her back on the group, a deaf ear to their demand and walked away from the scene.

Drug abuse and trafficking

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs is observed every year as a ritual.

Supporting society’s concern over the growing number of drug addicts, governments of a number of countries step up police action against those who are involved in the nefarious trade. Penalties for the possession and sale of narcotics are more severe than ever before. Under the present Indian law, which replaced the obsolete laws of drug smuggling and peddling, the punishment ranges from 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh (which can be increased to 30 years’ imprisonment plus a fine of Rs 3 lakh if the offence is repeated). The laws fall a little short of prescribing the death sentence. In spite of this, however, the problem is assuming menacing proportions day by day.

Police crackdowns merely result in drug traffickers shifting their operation to other areas. The police too often collaborates with those engaged in narcotics trade. At the international level, foreign governments are understandably unwilling to curtail profits from their drug trade and the problem is becoming more acute.

We are perhaps guilty of evolving wrong policies for curbing the menace. Psychologists say that drugs do not make addicts and alcohol does make alcoholics. Addiction and alcoholism are common among the rich and the poor alike. Studies indicate that some people start using drugs for pleasure or adventure, others to escape the realities of life and still others to get momentary relief from social and psychological maladjustment. Rejection of cultural and social values by the young and parental neglect are contributing factors. Society must, therefore, worry about all those who are at risk.

Apart from awarding exemplary punishment to drug peddlers, the government should launch massive education programme to save the youth from starting the habit and to rehabilitate those who are already addicted. The number of clinics to treat and rehabilitate drug addicts is at present woefully inadequate.

Instructions in the dangers of drug abuse through mass media are not enough. There has to be an educative process to build resources within the individual so that he can face up to life’s challenges without recourse to any sort of narcotic crutch. A mind that seeks “a pill for every ill(ness)” is at the root of the malady.

Unless the above truth is perceived and acted upon, no amount of legislation, therapy or punishment can cure the habit.

K.M. Vashisht
Mansa

Petrol price hike

The recent hike in petrol and diesel prices by the Chandigarh Administration has caused resentment among various sections of society. The new prices of these items in Chandigarh are almost at par with those prevailing in Mohali and Panchkula.

Local petroleum traders term the hike as unjustified, resulting in reduction of their profit and allege its introduction to accommodate their counterparts in neighbouring places of Punjab and Haryana.

While hiking rates of sales tax on motor spirit, the Administration neither thought of its residents nor revenue. Petrol is mostly used by salaried class, middle-class businessmen etc. The position of a consumer in Chandigarh is quite opposite to that in Punjab and Haryana. It has been seen over the years that lower rates of motor spirit have been a major attraction not only for the local consumers, but also for the floating population from Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh. We have two satellite towns of Mohali and Panchkula with petroleum dealers. With the current price hike of motor spirit in Chandigarh, equality in price is writ large in case of motor spirit in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana though a minimal difference in price left over by the Chandigarh Administration is there. But this difference does not allure the consumers any more. With a majority of the population consisting of government servants, residing at Mohali and Panchkula making retail purchases of petrol from Chandigarh, a marginal difference in price level becomes irrelevant. So is the case with middle-class businessmen and other sections of society of Chandigarh, residing at those places.

The recent revision of various rates of sales tax, particularly on Schedule A items appended to the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, as enforced in Chandigarh, like on electric and electronic goods, sanitary goods and fittings, foreign liquor etc. from 10 per cent to 12 per cent and revision of general rate of sales tax from 7 per cent to 8 per cent on consumer goods of mass consumption helps in generation of revenue in Chandigarh.

The revenue collection of Chandigarh goes to the Consolidated Fund of India and the Government of India earmarks funds under the annual plan to Chandigarh for various plan and non-plan expenditure.

Therefore, unlike states, Chandigarh Administration is not solely dependent upon its funds raised by way of taxes and other levies. Nonetheless, there is no denying the fact that plan allocation to Chandigarh is linked with resource mobilisation without any hard and fast rules. There has been sufficient resource mobilisation during 1999-2000, affecting the local consumer. The price hike in motor spirit is a matter which is not justified either in the interest of local revenue or the consumer. With petrol pumps available at our doorsteps in Mohali and Panchkula, the trade diversion cannot be ruled out. It is high time the Chandigarh Administration reviews its decision in the interest of revenue and consumer considering peculiar facts and circumstances of Chandigarh.

Ajit Singh
Chandigarh

Housing Board Chowk

Due to heavy vehicular movement on the Chandigarh-Panchkula road, one often sees traffic blockades, at Housing Board Chowk. This chowk should be replaced by traffic signals and slip roads should be built on all sides as has been done at Transport Chowk and Government Press Chowk on this road. This will definitely help in the smooth flow of traffic.

V.K. Kapur
Panchkula