 |
|
| Monday, May 22, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
|
|||
|
PU steps to prevent result tampering CHANDIGARH, May 21 —Taking strict notice of the possible result tampering by the staff, Panjab University has issued orders stopping assistant registrars in examination branches from undertaking any scrutiny work except when specifically called for. This also aims at giving a cleaner picture of the process. The order issued by the university office quotes two cases of result tampering. In one case , a result of a failed candidate in the bachelor of business administration course was allegedly changed into a compartment case. In the other case, a candidate's result in one paper was changed from third division to second. The circular comes in the wake of at least four reports which were to be tabled in the last Syndicate meeting to judge cases of tampering. In all cases, the work of at least five officials was probed. However, only one man was found guilty. Critics point out this as an interesting case as the work is usually a chain process. Tampering meant that no one except the interested bothered to check the results. The circular, however, says, "This is being proposed that on account of undertaking the scrutiny work by the assistant registrars, their own work in the office suffers including the work of effective supervision over their sub-ordinates, especially after the working hours. Secondly, it causes several administrative problems also." The order also says that the superintendents working in the examination branches not be allowed to undertake any scrutiny work for the results being dealt by them. This means work in the sections operating under their control. In another significant decision, it has been said that while revising the examination results to bring any change, the result must be scrutinised by two scrutinisers instead of the practice of one. It has also been said that members of the staff working under the respective assistant registrars should be strictly instructed not to carry out any rectification, revision or correction of results unless the same has been approved by the competent authority before hand." It should be made clear that no post facto regularisation of results be allowed under any circumstance, whatsoever, in future'. Another order refers to verification of signatures of candidates. While carrying out the scrutiny, the scrutinisers must verify and sign in full with date, the result of each and every individual candidate separately and not just put their signatures at the end of the result sheet. |
|
Swimmers, watch those germs in the pool CHANDIGARH, May 20 — With the mercury on the rise, the best place to ''chill out'' is the swimming pool. Swimming can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, say swimming coaches. After a long and hectic day, everyone wants to have a dip in the pool to beat the heat. Nowadays, swimmers flock various clubs in the morning or evening for a dip. Family hours are the busiest ones at swimming pools of clubs. Dr Maleeka Sachdev, a private dermatologist and cosmetologist says, "One should know the harmful effects of the combination of sunlight and water and take proper precautions." "Besides this, there are a lot of water-borne diseases which most swimmers are not aware of," the doctor added. "The human skin is sensitive and swimmers are prone to skin allergies due to the Sun which leave the skin dry and itchy," Dr Sachdev said. Chlorinated water makes the hair brittle and bleaches these, too. "Fungi and warts, which are known to be contagious, can also spread if the water in the pool is not clean," said the doctor. "If the water is contaminated, one can acquire stomach infections, gastro-intestinal problems like diarrhoea and chest infections also. To avoid ear infections, the use of ear plugs is recommended. Irritation can be caused in the eyes and a person can acquire conjunctivitis as well," said another doctor. Awareness can help swimmers take precautions. If a child is suffering from a contagious disease, he should not be allowed to get into the pool until he or she is totally cured. The use of a waterproof sunscreen also helps. Application of a moisturiser and a good hairwash after a swim is required, says another doctor. Mr Pramod Dewan, owner of a popular hair-cutting saloon in Sector 8 stressed the harmful effects of chlorine on the hair. "Chlorinated water leaves the hair weak, rough and makes the scalp dry. Getting into the pool with oiled hair should be a good idea to protect these," said Mr Dewan. In spite of these things, city youngsters love to swim. "It is the most relaxing thing to do in the evenings. After a good swim, I love to eat delicious food and sleep well afterwards," said teenaged Pia Punj. Only members can use the pools at Golf Club, Chandigarh Club, Press Club and Gymkhana Club, Panchkula. The government-run pools in Sector 23, Panjab University and Phase VI in SAS Nagar attract a big rush. "One only needs to fill a form to use the pool here," said a coach at a government-run pool. A cool swim cannot enjoyed at the cost of these precautions, say doctors. Children enjoy themselves in the pool, unmindful of the water-borne diseases. |
|
Shadow over house allotment process by MC
SAS NAGAR, May 21 — The battle over a spacious house originally constructed for the elected president or the government-appointed administrator concerned of the local Municipal Council has hotted up with a shadow being cast over the entire process of house allotment by the civic body. As the new SDM and council administrator hunts for accommodation for himself, civic body employees are determined to keep him out of the residential complex of the council in Phase V in which the house in question is located. They feel that as the civic elections are to be held in June, there is no point in the administrator taking up residence in the complex and later vacating the accommodation on the election of the new president. They also fear that if he does not vacate the house after the poll and stays on in it as SDM, it may become a wrong precedent turning the accommodation into the official residence of any SDM posted here. The house built for the president or the administrator, as the case may be, is at present occupied by the executive officer (EO), Mr K.S. Brar. He has been living in it for quite some time as the outgoing council president, Mr H.S. Billa, did not want to shift to it and had preferred to stay in his own house. The new SDM and administrator, Mr Jaipal Singh, wrote to the EO on May 5 ordering him to vacate the house occupied by him “unauthorisedly” within two days. He also stated in the letter that arrangements may be made for the EO’s residence in the house earmarked for the latter in the complex. Although civic body officials claim that no house has been earmarked for anyone, the varying sizes of the houses indicate that the allotments were intended to be made in a fair and equitable manner according to seniority and entitlement. One of the council SDEs is at present staying in the house originally built for the EO. When the complex came up there was no elected council and the civic body was called the Notified Area Committee, headed by a government-appointed administrator. It is reported that the present administrator had asked for the house allotment file following complaints of “wrong” allotment in the complex. Council officials did not produce it claiming that it could not be traced. The administrator later wrote to the SDE on May 12 that the allotment of the house to the latter had been cancelled on a charge of sub-letting the accommodation to his relatives. Copies of this letter as well as the one to the EO were sent by the SDM to the Director, Local Government. However, on May 18 stay orders against the vacation were issued in favour of the SDE by the Additional Director, Local Government, Mr V.K. Ohri. The SDE, Mr Bharat Bhushan, claimed that he had been staying in the house for around one and a half years and denied the charge of sub-letting. The EO is reported to be close to a relative of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and it seems the task of evicting him has become an arduous one for the administrator. Mr Brar could not be contacted for his comments despite several telephone calls to his residence. |
|
Cops, moped-riders
exchange
blows May 21 — A boy and a girl, both residents of Sector 41, had the first-hand experience of police brutality when they were allegedly beaten up by police personnel near Kisan Bhavan in Sector 35 here today. According to information available, Darbinder Singh and Mamta were riding a moped when they were signalled to stop by a Home Guard volunteer near the bhavan, since Darbinder was not wearing helmet. Eyewitnesses said the Home Guard volunteer allegedly asked for the driving licence or money for letting them go and forcibly reached for the pocket of the boy. Later, the Home Guard volunteer and the boy exchanged blows. At this time, a police control room gypsy (CH-01-G-9756) reached the spot and the constables allegedly beat up the boy following heated arguments. Even the girl was not spared and kicked by the cops, alleged the eyewitnesses. Both reportedly sustained injuries. In the meantime, a large number of passers-by gathered at the spot and strongly protested the police action. The irate passers-by also reportedly beat up a constable before a police team from Sector 36 reached the spot. The police team also could not resolve the dispute and allegedly sided with the police personnel already present at the site, which was strongly resented by the people present there. The policemen also allegedly tried to forcibly take the boy to the police station. The protest by the general public and Mamta whereby she informed the cops that one of her close relatives was a police official changed the attitude of the police personnel and they finally let the youngsters go. The police claimed that a compromise had been reached. No case had been registered, the police
added. |
"Snake park" THE island opposite the Lake Club on the southern shores of the Sukhna has become a snake park. More than 50 snakes (cobras, banded krait and water snakes) were counted on this 400’x100’ piece of land recently. They move freely and quietly in the area covered with grass and shrubs. During night time they are seen around the floodlights on the open hand monument. The snakes have overpowered the rats. The rat burrows and the base of the finishing tower provide an excellent habitat for the serpents. During the rainy season several snakes float towards the Lake Club banks to catch frogs and small fish. These are the observations of the surveys carried out by the Environment Society of India (ESI). The Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) has drawn up a plan to beautify this isle by planting ornamental shrubs and grass. In this operation, the ESI hopes that the snakes will not be killed. They should be caught and released in the nearby jungles. AIDS awareness Keeping in view the enthusiastic response from the Panjab University campus during earlier interactions, the Servants of the People Society held workshops on HIV/AIDS in 10 hostels of the university last month. According to the Coordinator of the Chandigarh AIDS Hotline-1097, Dr Avnish Jolly, the students were educated to lead a risk-free life as also whom to contact in case of any problems. The use of free hotline —1097 — was promoted during the workshops and the participants urged to carry forward the message not only to other students but also to their social circles. The students wanted that value-based sex education should be made part of the curriculum. Such workshops should be held not only in hostels but in departments also. Educating the masses on the population control measures and going in for HIV test before marriage were other suggestions by the participants in the feedback sessions. Canine burden Animal lover Nandini Kakar can get annoyed with her dearest friends on the slightest of provocation — or in some cases even without that — but that is not the case with animals particularly stray ones, caring of which has been her first love since childhood. Nowadays, Nandini, a resident of Sector 16, who had come across six pups and their ailing mother in a pitiable state in one of city sectors the other day and had got these medically treated and sterilised at her own expenses, is confronting an unusual problem — their rehabilitation. The problem has turned acute for her as she has no place to keep yet another large canine family when her house has already been turned into a “basera” for an army of about six stray and other dogs. As a stopgap arrangement, the mix breed pups and their mother are being kept by Nandini with one of her aunts, Sharda, a Sector 21 resident and Narita, another city based animal rights activist, who are equally in love with animals and have a number of these in their respective homes. But shifting of responsibility of care of many more animals to her relatives and acquaintances, according to her, is not fair enough. Nandini, who is known for her relentless fight against the administration in the infamous dogs’ poisoning incident which took place in her locality in September last, sees the only solution to her vexed problem in adoption of these pups by some good samaritans. They can contact her at telephone no. 770384. Is any similarly kind-hearted animal lover around to share her canine burden? Fellowship Dr A.R. Chauhan of the Sector 32 Regional Institute of English here has been awarded a fellowship by the Central Institute of Indian Languages of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development for submission of a monograph on “Linguistic Analysis of Malani”, a dialect spoken by the tribals of Malan village in Kulu district of Himachal Pradesh. The Malana group is known for its mystique. One of the myths is that the people of Malana were the soldiers of Alexandar’s army, who deserted him and settled at an out-of-sight remote hideout across the Beas in Himachal Pradesh. The Malana tribals are on the verge of extinction because of being surrounded by speakers of other dialects. Moreover, the tribals of Malana do not share many socio-anthropological features with the original inhabitants of the surrounding ethnic groups. Dr Chauhan has accepted the fellowship and started work on his project. Honoured The Indian Bankers Association has honoured Mr Salim Ahmed Shahsroha, Manager, Audit, State Bank of Patiala, with the second prize on the basis of an all-India inter-bank Hindi Essay Writing Competition organised by the association for all categories of bank employees. Mr Shahsroha has decided to donate the prize money to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Earlier, he had won the first prize in the same competition organised by the head office of Bank of India in Mumbai in March this year. Off with lawns Maintaining lawns outside the houses or keeping greenery in the surrounding areas is not an easy task. It requires money, energy and time but the civic authorities in Chandigarh are destroying these under the garb of removing encroachments. The areas being maintained by people may be unauthorisedly, would have otherwise been utilised for throwing wastes and garbage. There is hardly any logic in saying that the removal of hedges would avert accidents, say the sufferers. If this is the situation then why do we grow trees and plants on roadsides? — Sentinel |
|
Vehicle market causes problems for residents CHANDIGARH, May 21 — The residents of houses which flank the road dividing Sectors 40 and 41 are a harassed lot due to the functioning of an illegal vehicle market on government land for the past many years. Hundreds of scooters, motor cycles and assorted variety of two-wheelers are parked on the road berms throughout the day, which is not only a source of great nuisance but also causes inconvenience to the people as they find it hard to move freely in the area. Residents say the market which began on a small scale, is now booming with more and more people joining in with the result that the pressure on land, mostly along the road berms, and in the open areas in the vicinity is tremendous. In the past, many people started commercial activities by constructing small rooms to run pay-phone booths, vehicle repair shops, besides sundry business. There was some relief when the housing board authorities and the estate office closed the illegal openings made by residents in their rear courtyard walls. Some people have again opened such outlets in contravention of norms and are carrying on with the business of sale and purchase. But the menace of haphazardly parked two-wheelers has not been tackled. ''We wrote to the authorities many times but have failed to elicit any response'', said an exasperated resident. The worst sufferers are those living in the housing board flats. In the evening, servants of various commission agents park vehicles on the road in front of houses and even under the stairs making it impossible to go in or out without moving the locked scooters or motor cycles. There have been many instances where the house owners and commission agents had heated arguments and the matter was reported to the police but nothing came out of it and the situation was the same again. A resident complained that in the evenings, sellers and their friends settle for drinks on the roadside and often pass derogatory remarks against womenfolk. They also urinate in the open, making matters worse for those living on the first and second floors. Residents ask why no action is taken when the traders are openly occupying government land without paying anything for it. ''It is because of this that the rate of property has been affected and we cannot even sell our flats and move to another place in the city,'' said an elderly resident. |
|
He continues to live in their memories PANCHKULA, May 21—His parents cling on to anything and anybody that reminds them of their Sunny. Maj Sandeep Sagar’s family is still trying to come to terms with the loss, grappling with the situation and trying to keep their head above the water, if only to keep him alive during their lifetime. Major Sagar fell prey to a landmine blast in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on June 25 last year during Operation Vijay. He lives on in the memories of his near and dear ones and his pictures adorn the walls of his home in the township. Family get-togethers are liberally peppered with his talks as the members fondly recollect the man who has done them proud, though they contend that life after him is a lamentable experience. Grief written all over his face, Prof Harbans Lal, father of the martyr, teaching at the local DAV College, says, ‘‘Sunny discharged his duty to the last breath, endeared himself to his officers and colleagues and is looked up at as a role model for his subordinates. No doubt, we are proud of him, yet it has left us empty-handed. We have lost our son and no amount of consolation or compensation can fill the void his death has created. We will have to live with it.’’ His mother, Ms Raksha Devi, a librarian in DAV College, is in tears at the slightest mention of his name. She says, ‘‘My thoughts are forever drifting towards him and conversation steers to him, whatever the discussion. I miss him and remember his every action, his mannerisms and his likes and dislikes very vividly. The fact remains that we have lost our son forever and nothing will ever compensate us for his lively presence in our lives.’’ However, support has come by way of frequent visits from his friends in the Army, who have kept the ties intact after Major Sagar’s demise. ‘‘His friends come like a breath of fresh air into our lives, helping us relive our moments with him and enriching us with their experiences with our son. Deriving pleasure from their life in bunkers, their exercises and action on the front is what is actually keeping us going. Invariably, any such interaction adds to our treasure trove of memories and infuses new life into us,’’ he adds. Another strong bond with memories of Major Sagar comes by way of his daughter, who is two-and-a-half years old. ‘‘She comes with her mother every month to brighten our lives. We can see our son in her — she has taken after her father in all respects and her every action is a constant reminder of Sunny. He would hold her upside down and swing her around. To any objections, he would say he wanted his daughter to be tough and he wanted to make her a gymnast. She is growing up to be her father’s daughter,’’ she exclaims. Further, Prof Lal adds that a piece of land in Sector 8 is being developed as a memorial for their son. ‘‘Work is underway and the memorial will be inaugurated on June 25, his death anniversary. We have no complaints with the Government on any front. They have lived up to their promises,’’ he says. At the bhog ceremony, a large number of people gathered to pay homage to the slain soldier. On the solemn occasion at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Sector 7, here today, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.K. Monga, said Government Senior Secondary School in Sector 7 would be named after Major Sagar, while his parents appealed to the Chairman of the Haryana Public Service Commission, to take his widow, Ms Ritu Sagar into the Haryana Civil Services. They were assured that the matter would be taken up with the Government, Prof Lal claimed. Those who attended the ceremony included Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, MP for Chandigarh, Mr Pradeep Chaudhary, INLD General Secretary, Ms Vineeta Rai, Adviser to the UT Administrator, and defence personnel from the martyr’s battalion among others. |
|
Explore military option: Fiji PM’s niece PANCHKULA, May 21 — Mukta Chaudhary, a niece of the deposed Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary held hostage in a coup in
Suva, today appealed to the Government of India to lead the international initiative to restore democracy in the troubled island nation even with ‘‘military force under UN aegis.’’ ‘‘We are happy that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has condemned the coup but this falls short of India’s responsibility for a friendly country with a large
population of the Indian origin and the Prime Minister of the Indian origin,’’ Prime Minister Chaudhary’s niece Mukta Chaudhary told PTI here. She said India should not hesitate to even explore military option under the aegis of the United Nation for the restoration of democracy in Fiji. Ms Chaudhary said India should ask the nations to send a UN force to restore democracy in Fiji and free hostages including Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary. She said India’s timely action would help maintain harmony between people of the Indian origin and the locals reflected in the overwhelming mandate given to Mahendra Chaudhary when he was elected Prime Minister of that country a year ago. The Fijian Prime Minister’s niece said Indian action would also pre-empt those ‘‘minority’’ elements in Fiji who flourish in the disharmony between the Fijians of Indian origin and the locals. She said villagers of Prime Minister Chaudhary’s native place Bahujamalpur in Rohtak district of Haryana who had been demanding action by India in the largely Hindi-speaking country had now agreed to wait after Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee condemned the coup. Ms Mukta said if nothing happened villagers of Bahujamalpur might resort to an agitational path, including holding protest dharna for which Chaudhary’s brother-in-law and his father Mahabir Singh had been presuading them not to do. Denying that coup took place because of tensions between the locals and the Fijians of Indian origin, she said Chaudhary’s Cabinet had most number of local civilians who chose him their leader. She said her uncle during his personal visit to India in 1997 had expressed immense faith in the local Fijians who voted his government to power through democratic means stating that it was a reflection of harmony between local Fijians and those of Indian origin. Ms Mukta said that India should immediately contact big powers like the USA and others to send a UN force to that country. Ms Mukta , who has been in touch during the hostage drama with Mr Chaudhary’s family and today contacted Mahendra Chaudhary’s son Sachindra, said members of the Chaudhary family were confident that the faith of the local people would solve the crisis. |
|
Heat wave abates CHANDIGARH, May 21 (UNI) — Heat wave has abated from North-West plains as maximum temperatures fell in Haryana and appreciably in Punjab due to easterly winds. The city and its surrounding areas of Punjab and Haryana recorded 36.0 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal. The maximum temperature in Ambala was also three degrees below normal (37.7). Amritsar and Patiala had 42.5 and 38.8 (minus two) degrees Celsius, respectively. The temperatures fell in the region due to upper air cyclonic circulation and easterly winds, the weather office said here. The capital town of Shimla recorded 25.6°C. According to weather forecast, rain, thundershower are expected likely at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh. Duststorms and thunderstorms are likely to occur at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana. |
|
Ice slabs to beat the heat of brown bear CHANDIGARH, May 21 — The huge Himalayan brown bear have their eyes fixed on the door. They are awaiting the arrival of the zoo staff. Yes, it is time for their daily supply of ice slabs. They are in their enclosure at the Chhat Bir Zoo. The weather outside is very warm. And then the vehicle arrives. The attendant shifts the bears to another “room” . Six slabs of ice are placed in one corner. As the bears are let into the ice-cooled room, they virtually go for the slabs, smashing them. Chunks of ice are then picked and spread on the floor. One of the bears carries a full slab on its head while sitting on another slab. As the temperature in the enclosure cools, the two have a sparring match. Two slabs of ice slip out of the enclosure into the open lawn of the bear house. One of the bears pushes the slab a little distance , while the other carries another slab towards the water feature on the lawn. And soon the two are having a bath in the water feature with the slabs of ice cooling the water to the delight of the brown bear for whom the summer heat is unbearable. After all they come from the snowy heights of the Himalayas. Although it is a difficult time for the brown bear, the other denizens of the zoo, also prefer to remain in their “rooms” rather than venture out in the afternoon. The tigers lie sprawled on the moat where the water keeps the floor cooler. The elephants have a rollicking time in their enclosure. They cool each other by throwing water with their trunks. With the summer heat tightening its grip in the region, the zoo denizens are demanding cooler environs. And the zoo director, Dr Vinod Sharma, is there everyday a virtual foster father for them. |
|
Majlis-e-Gham held SAS NAGAR, May 21 — The Shia clergy in India has strong reservations about the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Religious Buildings and Places Bill and believes that it is an attempt to interfere in religious affairs otherwise protected under the Constitution of the country. These views were expressed by Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, a Lucknow- based leader of Shias , while talking to TNS. He was here in connection with a programme — Yaad-e-Husain Majlis-e-Gham — organised by the Husainy Association of Chandigarh in Phase IV here today. On being asked as to why the leaders of the Muslim community had not protested against a similar law already existing in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, he said : “ The UP Bill has targeted mosques and madarsas ( religious schools) in the name of checking the activities of the ISI. They ( read the government) have ties but why are they just dragging the madarsas into the picture ?” Any attempt to pass the Bill would mean putting shackles on the freedom of the Muslim community, he said, adding that it would disturb communal harmony. Replying to a query on the Babri Masjid, he said : “It had become an issue due to politicians. Hand over the matter to the Pandits and Maulvis and you will see it ceases to be an issue”. On the economic and educational backwardness of the community, Maulana Jawwad, while admitting that the situation was grim said utter lack of sources of income, specially among the Shias, forced them to send their children to labour instead to schools. He admitted that the trusts and other bodies controlled by the members of the community had gone in wrong hands and benefits were not reaching the community. The functioning of the work of boards in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and other states was not smooth due to differences between the members of the Shia and Sunni communities. On being asked about the political inclinations of the community, he said it had been exploited over the years by all political parties. The community was divided. He had been advocating support to only that party which worked in their interest. On the issue of Mr Agha Rohi joining the BJP, he said it would in no way influence the Shias. Quoting verses from the Holy Quran, he said education was the most important aspect of Islam. Certain sections of the society did not want education to reach the masses lest they might be exposed. “A Muslim ceases to be a Muslim if he or she does not believe in imparting or taking education”. He said Islam does not preach conquering of countries or the killing of people with arms or to take people prisoners but it teaches the importance of peace and the sacrifices made by Imam Husain and his progeny.
|
|
Camp on crop protection measures held CHANDIGARH, May 21— A six-day training camp for subject matter specialists, organised by the Mumbai-based Indian Crop Protection Association (ICPA), ended at Panchkula yesterday. The faculty members for the training were experts in their respective fields who were chosen from the Directorate of Plant Protection and Farm Machinery Training Institute, Government of India, Haryana Agricultural University and from the crop protection industry. The aim of the camp was to promote safe and judicious use of plant protection among farmers. It was sponsored by Haryana the Government’s Agriculture Department. Mr Bhanwar Singh, Additional Director of Agriculture, Haryana, said master trainers would train extension officials to create awareness among farmers in Haryana on the use of plant protection products. |
|
Models in salutation
to Punjabiat CHANDIGARH, May 21 — A lot was happening tonight in salutation to the spirit of Punjabi and Punjabiat, with the Chandigarh Press Club acting host to top models of the nation who had assembled here to launch the first portal on Punjab (www.chakdephate.com), masterminded by G.K.M. Infotech. It describes its objective behind the project as that of redifining Punjab worldwide. The function, which mainly comprised modelling rounds, kept large numbers waiting for about two hours, but the excitement that followed was enough to wipe off the preceding impatience. The crowds cheered the Punjabi lass Gul Panag as she sashayed down the ramp in typical Punjabi outfits, along with other national-level models, including Mehar Bhasin and Aanchal Gulati. Among other models were local model Candy Brar. The show, choreographed by Jeet Brar, did well to harmonise modelling rounds and dance sequences to keep the jest going. There were wonderful dance performances interspersing the modelling rounds. The group which turned out to be the hot favourite was the West 17 group, which first danced to the Hans Raj Hans' number Dil chori sada ho gaya and then to Sukhbir's Tare gin gin yaad ch teri. Another foot-tapping number which almost caused the crowds to leave their seats and join the dance bandwagon was Jumbalika from the movie Takshak. Earlier, a Punjabi folk dance was presented by Niranjan group on the all-time favourite number Jind mahi baaj tere. Coming to modelling, it concentrated on what a Punjabi lass would wear. With Poshak providing the outfits, the models looked stunning and docile at the same time. They walked down gracefully in soothing hues, which complemented the cool winds. Meanwhile, the compere kept informing the audience about the new portal, which would connect Punjab to the world. The new portal, with its online booking facility, might well turn out to be a hit soon. It also brings information on Punjabi culture, history, industry, festivals and celebrities. There is another section exclusively on Punjabi NRIs. Then there is the most sought after site — the site on matrimonials. In between the function, the organisers had evolved an interesting method to keep the audience involved. They would pose familiar questions to the crowd and present a prize to the winner, who could not be from the first row for that was how they chose it to be. Mr Gurmukh Manchanda, Director, GKM Infotech, said similar shows would be hosted in other cities of the country as part of the programme to popularise the
portal. |
|
Sewage spills
over into park SAS NAGAR,
Residents say that on approaching, the authorities concerned do visit the area, but, the sewage is pumped out into parks. They say the stagnant sewage may pollute the underground water. |
Badal to be in Mohali today SAS NAGAR, May
21 — The Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, will be
in the town tomorrow. In the morning, he will visit Fortis Heart
Institute in Phase VIII here and in the evening, he will be the chief
guest at the convocation of the Northern India Institute of Fashion
Technology here. He will also go to Chapar Chidi near here to attend
the Baba Banda Singh Bhadhur Saheedi Conference. |
|
‘Make voter
list public’ SAS NAGAR, May 21 — Mr Hardeep Singh, a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara
Parbandhak Committee has demanded that the voter list of the SAS Nagar Municipal Council should be made public at the earliest. |
Cyclist hit, dies in PGI CHANDIGARH, May 21 — Cyclist Suresh Parsad was seriously injured when he was hit by a Tata Sumo near the Hallo Majra Chowk yesterday. He was rushed to the PGI, where he succumbed to his injuries. The police has registered a case. Pick-pocket held Gamblers caught Eve-teaser nabbed Car stereo stolen SAS NAGAR Case of cheating A case under Sections 380 and 420 of the IPC has been registered on a complaint lodged by the caretaker of the house, Mr Pamwar Singh.
|
Punwire staff get
monetary aid SAS NAGAR, May 21 — The employees of the Punwire who have been without salary for the past several months heaved a sigh a relief when the management of the company gave Rs 2,500 each to the executive staff and Rs 1,600 to the non-executive staff of the company yesterday. Sources in the company said recently a grant of Rs 35 lakh was given to the Radio division of the company by the PSIDC for giving salaries to the employees and for completing certain orders of the Army. Besides, Rs 20 lakh was released to the Marts Division of the company. |
Demolition drive shows hollowness of authorities THE demolition drive by HUDA in Panchkula has upset Panchkula residents. There is no denying implementing the High Court orders but the bureaucratic fashion in which these orders are being executed shows that the demolition drive has no human face. It is quite unimaginative on part of the authorities to have initiated the drive. It will further aggravate the state of affairs prevailing in Panchkula with regard to sanitation and security problems. The whole process of the drive calls for a holistic approach to the problems. But it is being undertaken in an isolated manner, divorced from the ground realities, which include stray cattle problem and loss of green cover etc. Lawns so painstakingly maintained by residents and the plants grown and tended to almost religiously create an environment of peace, calm and
tranquility. Passers-by are charmed by their presence. But the callous disregard shown by the demolition squad in devastating these encroachments without taking into account the ecological and environmental concerns in quite disgusting. The demolition drive also exposes the hollowness of civic sense on part of our elected representatives, resident welfare associations whose office-bearers happen to be renowned lawyers, architects who could have, it they wished, made the demolition drive resident-friendly. So much for their promise to make Panchkula “Paris of India” but the way things are heading I think the day is not far when it will be called a ‘‘ghost city’’. B.R. Katyal Electric train It is unthinkable that the idea of electric train should come from the Landscape Committee of the UT Administration (Chandigarh Tribune, May 13). Instead of promoting more green along the Leisure Valley and doing something about improving its quality from north to south, the committee, has done a disservice to itself by proposing such a crazy idea. The concept is against the city’s grand master plan. Please leave the Leisure Valley alone, if you cannot do anything better for it. Why not an elevated electric train along Madhya Marg, even if that would mean adding another layer to the road below? J.J. Khurana School timings This has reference to the news item published in your paper dated May 13 regarding the change in school timings. The Education Minister, Mr Tota Singh, has ordered that all primary schools would open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 11.30 a.m. due to heat wave conditions. It is brought to his kind notice that there are some double-shift primary schools those open at 1 p.m. and close at 6 p.m. in summers. The Education Minister should also effect changes in the opening and closing of such schools otherwise the purpose of changing the time will be defeated for the double-shift primary schools. Surinder Sodhi |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh Tribune | In Spotlight | 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 120 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
