The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Khurana throws a fit, denies charge
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11
The row between the Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the BJP has taken an interesting turn with Mr Madan Lal Khurana lodging a formal complaint with Mr Parkash Singh Badal that the state unit of the Akali faction was maligning him by alleging that he is hobnobbing with the rival Tohra faction.

The SAD (Badal) Delhi unit chief, Mr Avtar Singh Hit, had alleged that the former Delhi Chief Minister was campaigning for the pro-Tohra faction, even though the SAD (Badal) had an alliance with the BJP and the two parties had been contesting the assembly and municipal polls in Punjab and Delhi jointly.

Taking umbrage at Mr Hit’s remarks, Mr Khurana told the ‘NCR Tribune’ that he had “lodged a formal complaint with Mr Parkash Singh Badal.”

The Delhi BJP MP, credited for forging an alliance with SAD (Badal), said, “I worked for the alliance of the two parties. How can I go against this alliance? Neither I nor any member of the party would campaign for any other faction other than the SAD (Badal).”

Apart from Mr Badal, the BJP leader said, he had brought the matter to the notice of the Union Minister, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the general secretary of the SAD (Badal).

Mr Khurana said the Akali party chief had assured him that he would take up the matter with Mr Hit and sort it out soon so that it did not affect the campaigning.

Stating that he had been campaigning only for the SAD (Badal) candidates, Mr Khurana said he would be intensifying his tour of different wards in the city in the coming days.

Though the Akali leaders have stated that only religious parties could take part in the elections to the DSGMC, political parties like the BJP and the Congress have involved themselves in the elections with candidates owing affiliations to these parties contesting the elections.

The BJP leader’s plan to launch an aggressive campaign for the SAD (Badal) indicates the critical importance the party attaches to the DSGMC polls as they come in the wake of the defeat of the SAD-BJP alliance in the Punjab assembly and municipal polls.

Further, the Gurdwara polls would also enable the BJP to assess its base amongst the Sikh community and this would help the party in formulating its strategy for the Delhi assembly polls scheduled for next year.

With the rout of the Akalis in the panchayat elections, the results for which were declared today, the two main Akali factions – SAD (Badal) and SAD Delhi – are reworking their strategy to rejuvenate the parties in the Capital.

Sources said the senior Akali leaders like Mr Badal, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Captain Kawanjeet Singh, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bhai Ranjit Singh, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann would be in the Capital in the next couple of days to campaign for their respective parties.

The DSGMC polls are crucial to find out which faction the Sikh community in the Capital is swinging before the big test – the elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, which controls the community affairs globally.

Dikshit Govt jumps the gun, ready for DTC ‘sale’
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11
The jury is still out on the outcome, successful or otherwise, of the privatisation of Delhi Vidyut Board (DVB) but in the tearing hurry to keep their date with voters when Delhi goes to the polls next year, the Congress-led Government of NCT of Delhi has drawn up a roadmap for restructuring the loss-making Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

By July 1, when Tata Power and Bombay Suburban Electricity Supply (BSES) begin distributing electricity in the Capital, a consultant would have been hired to recommend the model for privatising the transport utility. Sources in the Delhi Government say the core committee comprising Transport Commissioner Sindhushree Khullar, Secretary (Planning) Rahul Khullar and DTC Chairman K. S. Baidwan is expected to submit its report and recommend the consultant to be appointed by the month-end.

The National Centre for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) are in the running for bagging the contract. After the Lieutenant-Governor gives his assent, the consultant will draft the terms of engagement with potential investors. “The Government of NCT of Delhi will then call for the Expression of Interest,” sources said.

Giving a sneak preview of the shape of things to come, sources in the Department of Transport said the phrase to watch out for was “functional restructuring”. This meant the DTC will be hived off into three entities based on their respective functions: inter-state service, city service and repair and maintenance. “Private participation in repair and maintenance will be accorded priority. …private players, including manufacturers, would be able to invest in keeping the fleet roadworthy.”

Another proposal the government is mulling over is inviting private transporters who own 50 or more buses to run them in the city. “The idea,” sources said, “is to have the DTC run a third of the buses, a third by private individuals and another third by corporates. There are an estimated 6,000 buses plying now. Doing so will enable us to add another three thousand or more buses that will raise the capacity to 10,000.”

The consultant to be hired will also recommend rationalisation of routes whereby every operator will ply buses on the not-so-profitable routes also. Otherwise, sources said, no bus operator would venture beyond the profitable routes.

The restructuring of DTC and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had found mention in the Lieutenant-Governor’s speech to the assembly on the first day of the budget session. Explaining the government’s hurry to act on that commitment, the sources said dovetailing the privatisation of the DTC with that of DVB made that much more sense given the generally positive reception of unbundling of the power utility.

ANALYSIS
BKU stir: No winners, only losers
Jatinder Sharma

Rohtak, June 11
Despite indications that the row between the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and the Om Prakash Chautala government was about to blow over, the much-awaited negotiated settlement is proving to be elusive. The ministerial team — constituted a fortnight ago to hold talks with the agitating farmers and the unrelenting BKU chief, Ghasi Ram Nain — is still engaged in a game of hide-and-seek.

Though the gap has narrowed down on contentious issues, the blockade of various roads persists. The inconvenience is more to the general public than the administration. Though the traffic on all the three major national highways is back to normal, the blockades on the four state highways persist. Commuters in all age groups are constrained to swelter in stuffy, crowded private vehicles, taking circuitous and dusty rural routes to reach their destinations. Most of them had experienced only brief and token roadblocks in the past. This time, there has been an inordinate delay in lifting the blockades.

Due to his political compulsions, Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala had to jettison the tough line he had adopted. Observers feel that the change of tack is not due to change of heart but owing to a belated realisation that he needs to control the political damage. The damage largely accrued from the ill-conceived strategy to corner the BKU activists, on one hand, and recover the power dues on the other.

Both the warring sides have learnt a lesson or two. The chief minister might have realised that there is no point standing on prestige and that use of brute force should be the last resort.

The BKU has perhaps come to terms with its actual strength. The BKU, recent developments have shown, has hardly any presence beyond villages where residents are perpetual defaulters of electricity bills. Widespread sympathy elsewhere in the state does not entail support for the BKU. It was rather a spontaneous response to the police firing at Jind. At a deeper level, it is an expression of pent-up anguish over the so-called reforms, including the impact of WTO on the farm sector.

It is worth noting that the call for blockades was not heeded beyond the `default zone’, which is restricted to two or three assembly segments. The BKU threats stem more from fear of reprisal by a chief minister who is feeling alienated from his own people.

If the Congress, the main opposition party, is to assess its gains and losses, it would discover that it has gained little by throwing its half-hearted rank and file into the agitation.

Observers feel that the proactive stand of the Congress is propelled more by personal interests of its state unit chief, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, than that of the party. Mr Hooda, they contend, sees an opportunity in the agitation.

It seems that the only way out of the current impasse is through hard bargaining. This is largely because of the prevailing mistrust and the poor track record of the government in keeping its word.

Residents losing sleep over water, literally
Bijendra Ahlawat
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, June 11
Residents in several parts of Faridabad are burning the midnight oil. They aren’t taking any exams — the obvious inference. Instead, they keep blinking at their taps, waiting for the water to trickle in. Since the authorities have chosen to quench their thirst at the most ungodly hour of 1 am, these hapless residents can only hit the pillow after they fetch their daily quota.

Residents of these colonies — Sector 22, Sector 3, most parts of Jawahar Colony, Nangla and Dabua Colony of the NIT zone here — seem to have learnt the hard way to adjust to their erratic sleep hours. According to a woman resident of Sector 22, potable water flows in between 1 am and 3 am. If one fails to get up at the appointed hour, then the household would have to wait for the wee hours again or go without drinking water. She says her family members have set an alarm for 1 am daily.

Another woman of the same colony claimed that since water was available only after midnight, she often washes clothes at about 2 am before going to sleep at 3 am. She says women and men in nearly every house in their locality are awake at these odd hours.

Similar is the story of hundreds of households in Jawahar Colony, which is one of the largest colonies in the state. It is learnt that about 50 per cent of the houses in the colony have to depend on the supplies at around midnight. Most residents have installed hand pumps or electric motors to facilitate access to the water.

But this means that womenfolk have to get up at around 12.30 am and start operating the hand pumps, says a resident of Ward No 5, which covers parts of the colony. Geeta Devi, another resident, says she has to keep up between midnight and 3 am, as this is the time the elixir of life flows into their bone-dry taps.

This part of the town, which accommodates about three lakh residents, faces acute shortage of water in March-July. Perforce, they have to depend on private water suppliers, who sell water at rates ranging between Rs 5 and Rs 10 for a 20 litre can.

Although the Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) has been claiming that the water supply in parts of the NIT area has improved with the deployment of a large number of tankers, complaints of shortage and disruption in supply are still common. The affluent, of course, meet their needs with mineral water, points out a resident of the NIT area. He says NIT is the worst hit zone in Faridabad in the matter of water supply. Recently, residents of the Saran area beat up some MCF employees for not repairing a damaged pipeline.

CAPITAL WATCH
Delhi seeks 50 traffic inspectors
Syed Ali Ahmed
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11
The Delhi Police have urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to sanction an additional 50 posts of traffic inspectors in view of the fact that the vehicular traffic in the city has increased manifold over the years while the strength of the officers has remained static.

A proposal for the sanction of additional posts of traffic inspectors was submitted to the Home Ministry last week, as the Delhi Police neither have the resources nor the power to create additional posts.

According to the proposal, the additional 50 traffic inspectors will be posted in the 50 traffic zones of the metropolis to assist the already deployed officers who have increasingly complained of their inability to cope with the growing traffic problems because of the stupendous increase in the number of vehicles. There are approximately 30,000 vehicles registered in the Capital, not to speak of about a lakh of vehicles coming from outside everyday.

The Delhi police, according to the proposal, would post the new officers to assist the traffic staff and thus relieve them of some amount of stress and in the process ensure smooth flow of traffic.

While the traffic police officers were reluctant to comment, sources said that the Delhi Police Commissioner, Mr Ajai Raj Sharma, was personally involved in the drafting of the proposal since the subject of effective traffic management and control in the nation’s Capital was of paramount importance.

The proposal, according to these sources, also gave projections of the annual increase in the number of vehicles on the city roads. While the city police force has been augmented from time to time to keep up with the rising population, the strength of the traffic police has not seen any significant increase.

COMMUNITY

Mahendragarh MC in crisis
Ravi S. Singh
Tribune News Service

Mahendragarh, June 11
The Mahendragarh Municipal Council has been plunged into crisis with 10 of its 13 elected members submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Mahendragarh, Dr R. B. Langayan, asking him to convene a full House meeting of the body to introduce a no-confidence motion against its president, Mrs Shakuntala Mittal.

Dr Kishan Lal, who is leading the rebel councillors, told mediapersons this afternoon that he along with Mr Ram Chander Jangra, Mr Ramesh Soni, Mr Rohtas Sharma, Mr Mahipal Saini, Mr Subhash Chand, Mrs Saroj Devi, Mrs Kaushalya Devi and Mrs Bimla Devi had jointly presented a memorandum to Dr Langayan. Mrs Santosh Devi, who is among the signatories to the memorandum, could not accompany them to Dr Langayan as she was indisposed, he added.

The development took a further twist with Mrs Mittal questioning the veracity of the identities of the women councillors who were claimed to be part of the delegation which met the Deputy Commissioner and who signed on the memorandum against her. She indicated strong action against those who tried to “mislead” the district administration about the identities of the councillors.

She further said that some councillors wanted to pressure her to approve their illegal demands. “They wanted shops to be allotted to them and money to be given to them to keep them happy,” she said. The Deputy Commissioner, however, could not immediately be contacted for his comments.

The thrust on the identities of the women councillors who are claimed to be part of the rebel group is important as the post of president of Mahendragarh Municipal Council is reserved for women. Hence, if a no-confidence motion is successfully carried, the next president has to be a woman member.

Dr Kishan Lal, who is considered to be an old warhorse in local politics, said that the councillors were compelled to resort to the no-confidence motion against the president as she was not willing to change her “dictatorial” style of functioning.

Most of her decisions were not transparent and, often, were illegal, he added.

The memorandum lists a number of “arbitrary” decisions smacking of corrupt practices. Dr Kishan Lal mentioned 15 instances of the president’s functioning, including the allotment of permanent shops to persons who were earlier given space temporarily. Some individuals had been allegedly given two shops - one in their own name and the another in the name of their family members.

The other cases included the decision to erect pillars to support showrooms at a mall. No resolution was passed by the House for the work and one of the pillars had collapsed no sooner than it was constructed on account of the alleged use of substandard materials. The charges also related to the filling of the pit areas around the old fort in the town. For this too, no prior approval of the House was sought. All these actions were illegal, Dr Kishan Lal added.

Ironically, Mrs Mittal took charge on June 7, 2000 after being elected unanimously.

In fact, the functioning of the council has been derailed for the past one year with a number of its members turning against the president. The House could not do business in its two recent meetings due to the lack of quorum.

Even the first two meetings for passing of the annual budget this year had to be cancelled. The rebels relented on the budget issue considering the financial repercussions.

Babus, politicians at loggerheads
Deepender

Jhajjar, June 11
The political and the bureaucratic authorities in the district have been at daggers drawn on the issue of the acquisition of land for shifting of dairies and solid waste management in Bahadurgarh.

According to official sources, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Ashok Khemka, has asked the Municipal Council, Bahadurgarh, to pass a resolution about a 20 acre piece of land near Jakhoda village, for the shifting of dairies and solid waste management.

However, contrary to his proposal, the council passed a resolution for another piece of land, situated adjacent to the newly developed sector by HUDA. Informed sources said that this piece of land belonged to a relative of the local INLD MLA, Mr Nafe Singh Rathi.

However, the Deputy Commissioner rejected this proposal of the council and called the Chairperson and the Executive Officer of MCB to pursued them to acquire the land earmarked by him.

Meanwhile, Mr Baljit Nandal, Councillor and zila maha sachiv of the INLD issued a press note criticising the Deputy Commissioner for rejecting the council’s proposal. He maintained that the council would pass only such resolution preferred by it.

The Deputy Commissioner, however, said that shifting of solid waste management near the newly developed sector of HUDA would be a health hazard for the residents. He has also set up a three-member committee to look into the proposals.

The Deputy Commissioner also made it clear that if the same proposal was referred to him again, he will dispatch the resolution of the council as well as the recommendations of the committee constituted by him, to the state government.

However, well-known sources said that the root of the controversy could be traced to the personality clash between Nafe Singh Rathi and the Deputy Commissioner.

Sources said that Nafe Singh Rathi feels that the Deputy Commissioner was being stubborn. However, the Deputy Commissioner is widely considered to be an honest officer.

Travel on bus route no 883 for a spot of heebie-jeebies
Priyanka Gupta

New Delhi, June 11
Despite a lot many controversies Blue Line and Green Line buses have been plying on Delhi roads. They have already earned a bad name in violating the rules and laws governing traffic. Apart from these buses, now the CNG private buses have also joined the race. Besides driving fast the drivers of private buses infuriate passengers by not driving the buses on time. The authorities conveniently turn a Nelson’s eye to these problems.

One such problem being faced by passengers is at Kashmiri Gate Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT). For bus route no 883 there are two different bus stands. The passengers have a tough time on this count.

The bus stand at Mori Gate is for buses under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The rest of the buses take passengers straight from the road from Kashmiri Gate opposite Qudsia Park. The authorities seem to be least bothered about this. A hoarding that clearly states, ‘Yahan Wahan Rokna ya Khara Karna Mana Hai,’ is a mute witness to the violation of rules and regulations. Ramesh Gupta, a businessman and a regular passenger of route no 883, says, “Generally, I prefer taking the DTC bus as it does not waste time but sometimes even that bus arrives late. We have to walk a little more to board a private bus on route no 883 in case we miss the DTC one. But these buses take 20-25 minutes more to reach our destination. We often see two policemen standing there but they never say anything to these drivers. It’s blatant violation of rules but who is bothered.”

The problem has aggravated as The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) work is in progress and the stretch has been narrowed for the purpose.

Meena Dev, another passenger and a student, says, “I do not have much knowledge about the timings of DTC buses so I travel in private buses only. And it is true that drivers of DTC buses keep standing at the ISBT and passengers keep imploring them to get on with their job. The other day, to everyone’s horror, three buses — one Blue Line and two CNG private buses— jammed the stretch in order not to allow the other bus to travel first.”

A policeman, meanwhile, was all the while standing and indifferently looking at the bus drivers seeing them put up a fight When we pulled him up he deigned to react. “Is it not a violation of rules if despite the hoarding private buses are allowed to ply on this route?” she questions.

This is not an isolated incident. Incidents like the one mentioned are a regular occurrence. Drivers of private buses indulge in cat -dog fights by not allowing the other to drive first and keep honking the horns, raising the cacophony to alarming levels. This is also hazardous as it creates noise pollution and can unsettle drivers, making accidents happen.

Advani recounts Bhai Mahavir’s ‘bits and bites’
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11
Mr L.K. Advani, Union Home Minister, released a book written by Bhai Mahavir, Madhya Pradesh Governor.

Titled “Bits and Bites”, the book was released in the presence of distinguished authors, publishers, men from public life and the media, at a function held here last week.

The book, published by Clarion Books, a division of Hind Pocket Books, contains over 100 articles, which reflect the author’s impressions on a variety of subjects culled from his rich political life, societal interactions and private life. Running across his profound thinking and objective analysis of events and issues is a rare combination of empathetic disposition, insight and clarity.

There are political commentaries, humorous accounts of events and deeply moving descriptions of personalities and events.

While releasing the book, Mr Advani fondly recollected the great contributions of Bhai Mahavir to the political and social awakening of India. He said his contributions to the literary world were both inspiring and trend-setting. Mr Advani hoped that Bhai Mahavir would continue with his literary pursuits to give direction and advice to the new generation.

The introduction to the collection of essays and articles, which have appeared in several national dailies, is written by Dominique Lapierre, famous author of “The City of Joy” and “Freedom at Midnight”. In his

introduction, Lapierre has said,” He (Bhai Mahavir) belongs to the rare but not unknown tribe of political leader as a serious writer. The statesman who leads, reflects, and sees through the dichotomy and superficiality that characterise politics, believes in reaching the public in ways other than oratory and brainstorming.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr D.N. Malhotra, Chairman, Clarion Books, referred to Bhai Mahavir as an accomplished and sensitive writer with versatile interests.

“Bits and Bites” illustrates, in profound terms, the depth and breadth of his creative skills and his passion for propagating righteousness in a world busy chasing material pleasures.

Bhai Mahavir thanked the audience for the honour conferred on him as an author and said that it would motivate him to write more assiduously for the humanity.

GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Larger than large — That is J. J. Valaya for you
Smriti Kak

LARGER than life, perhaps larger than large itself, that is J. J Valaya for you. Sitting in his ‘space’ his large persona greets you and you are slowly acquainted with Valaya’s idea of the big, “I do not like little things. The only thing that should be little is your ego, the rest should all be big. One should dream big, one should aim big.”

The reason why he chooses to “go beyond the reality and the ordinary”. Having passed out from NIFT, Valaya decided to launch his brand instead of working his way up. “With a flip of a coin I took my decision. I had to start my own label”, says the man who tossed a career as a chartered accountant to pursue his dream.

“It wasn’t easy. Since my family was more receptive to ideas, I could take the plunge. Then my brother left the Army and together we built what we have today.”

Having made a name for himself in the fashion industry, Valaya also sailed into doing homes. “I love doing homes, its my passion”, he also confesses that oils are his first love. “I am here today because of the oils I did in school. I am going to get back to painting”.

Currently the brand ambassador for Swarovski, Valaya is ready to present his latest collection in London. He was tight-lipped in giving the details about his new collection; “It’s a new collection. It’s totally new, its different, it’s good… I hope and pray”, is all he will tell you about his latest collection”.

Valaya will also be showcasing his works in Paris and New York. He will also be a part of the Lakme India Fashion Week scheduled to take place in August this year. Speaking about the FDCI of which he is a founder member and Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW), Valaya is confident that the LIFW will take off like a dream this year. “Things are settling down, FDCI was a dream. The senior designers wanted it to be a platform for the designers across the country, where they could not just show their creations, but also sell the products. With a new man at the helm of affairs and with the differences dying down, we are confident that there will be a good show.”

He adds, “It is a pity that we have a Mumbai-Delhi divide amongst the designers.

If there are American designers and designers from Paris, why can’t we just have Indian designers instead of Delhi designers and Mumbai designers. Silly squabbles should be laid to rest.”

Lamenting over the lack of dedication and honesty in the industry, Valaya says, “Discipline and honesty are the prerequisites of attaining success. Very few people today seem to go beyond the glitz and the glamour of the profession. There is a lot of grime involved in the profession”.

And it is his honesty and dedication that has seen him complete a decade of his successful venture. “This year is special for me, I am going to complete 10 years in this profession”, says Valaya who can boast of three labels, J. J Valaya Couture, Studio Valaya and Valaya Home.

Creativity offers the man the versatility of designing with aplomb for both men and women. “I enjoy doing both men and women. The flamboyancy of the female wear is balanced well by the restraint for the men. It is very interesting to handle two very distinct looks”, offers the man who would love to design for Tom Hanks. “I have designed for quite a few stars, including the star cast of Shekhar Kapoor’s Elizabeth, but it would be very interesting to design for Hanks”.

As for the masses the design guru has a word of advice, “Do not follow trends. The most important fashion statement is the statement you make. If the new trends work for you, it is fine, but if they don’t create your own style.”

A cartoon of the designer sitting pretty behind him and a Jamawaar draped on a mirror in front; Valaya is back to his work, his world, which is by no means little.

“The fashion industry offers employment to a very large number of people, it is no small feat.” We agree.

Media power

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ms Sushma Swaraj, at the ninth anniversary of the Asian Academy of Film and Television.

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ms Sushma Swaraj, urged the media to bear in mind that the extraordinary power of the print as well as the electronic media can influence the human mind.
She was speaking at the ninth anniversary celebration ceremony of the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT).

Ms Swaraj commended the role of the owner of AAFT; Mr Sandeep Marwah in promoting the AAFT and helping to hone the skills of noted actors like Rah Shekhar, Anurag Tomar and cinematographers like Anushree Dutt. The invitees included Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Dr Bhisham Narain Singh, Amar Singh, Rajiv Shukla and M. S Bitta.

Fashion week

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has announced its plan of holding the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) in August this year.

The event is scheduled to take place in the Capitals’ Taj Palace Convention Centre from August 2 to 8. The third LIFW is aimed at focussing on ‘Business of Fashion’ and will facilitate exchange of ideas among established and upcoming designers and trade professionals like buyers and retailers. Executive Director of FDCI, Mr Vinod Kaul said, “ the ready to wear market in India and abroad translates into a Rs 67,000 crore industry. Even though the fashion design industry component today constitutes a small segment of this market, it has shown tremendous potential as was evident by the runaway success of the previous two events. We believe that the event this year will offer new and exciting business opportunities for all participants.”

The event is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors including buying houses from both the International as well as domestic markets.

Career in fashion

Dutch students at Pearl Academy modelling for the in-house collection.

Fashion Industry is a business like any other. Students who wish to pursue a career in this line need proper training and guidance. It is with these mantras in mind the Pearl Academy of Fashion has taken it upon themselves to teach the aesthetics and the business of the industry.

“It is important to teach the students and also give them the required exposure to the real industry. In Pearl, we provide not just the degrees, but also the right exposure. An internship with a company or an exchange programme are required to acquaint the students with what is real”, says Ankur Gulati, Fashion Consultant and Faculty at the Academy.

Started in 1993, the PAF has earned the distinction of providing an undergraduate programme in Fashion Design and Technology. “We believe that students need more time and more inputs. Therefore, we started the three and a half years BA (Hons.) course, ” explains Gulati.

The Academy initiates its students into the business of fashion as well. “We offer higher diploma in fashion retail and merchandise validated by the LDT, Nagold, Germany”.

Gulati adds that the Academy believes in churning out individuals who are initiated in not just the design aspect. The PAF also offers consultancy to various enterprises. Besides, it sensitises the students to needs and the issues of workers. “We make them stay with the artisans and the workers in villages and towns across the country, so that they can understand the needs and the limitations of the workers and can later do something about them. The workers are an exploited lot and we have to make an effort to help them.”

The academy is worried that with the mushrooming of various institutes offering courses in fashion design and technology are doing more harm than good, “ These institutes are not doing justice to the students. They are not providing them with the essential coaching and the necessary exposure, so it is vital that the students choose the right institute”, says Gulati.

For pub lovers

Shotz, a pub for the lovers of Bacchus, has opened doors in the Capital’s Greater Kailash II.

The promoters of M-Fifty restaurant have launched the pub. The promoters say that the pub will provide a delightful ambience for fun, something that the Delhities have started looking for. The place has a lively décor, state-of-art music systems and the best wines and cocktails.

NCR BRIEFS
Boy crushed to death in Faridabad
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, June 11
A 14-year-old boy was killed and another seriously injured when they were run over by a dumper truck near Kheri Kalan village on Tuesday morning. The victims were ridding a bicycle when the accident took place. It is reported that while one of the boys, identified as Hari Om, died on the spot, his friend Dimple(13), was seriously injured. He was shifted to Delhi’s Safdurjung Hospital. They were residents of Bharat Colony here. The driver of the truck was nabbed and handed over to the police by an eyewitness.

Directives to autos

The district authorities have directed the three wheeler auto rickshaw drivers not to allow passengers to sit on the driver seat while plying their vehicle. The Deputy Commissioner asked the auto rickshaw drivers to remove the tool box installed adjacent to their seat so that no passenger could sit on it. Explaining his decision, he said it had led to several accidents and also risked the life of other passengers.

Transport Nagar

The state government has asked the district authorities to work of the development of Transport Nagar in the town, for parking of trucks and other heavy vehicles. Stating this, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Arun Kumar, said that the issue was discussed in the recently held meeting of the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of the state chaired by the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala. He said that the CM asked him to take up the work on a top priority basis. He said he had written to the SSP and Administrator, HUDA to provide a police post and repair the roads with power connection.

Youths arrested

Sonepat
The Kharkhauda police arrested five youths while they were planning to loot a truck near Kharkhauda town, 19 km from here on Monday night.

According to a report, the arrests followed after a secret information was received that some armed youths were planning to commit a dacoity. The police immediately swung into action and arrested five of the six youths after conducting a surprise raid.

Those arrested were identified as Balbir Dehra, Raje Rohna, Vijay, Sanjay and Sandeep. The sixth suspect, Satish, however, managed to escape. The police have registered the case and a hunt is on to apprehend Satish, who is still at large.

Felicitated

Mr Y. S. Gupta, Executive Officer of the Sonepat Municipal Council was felicitated at a function organised by the Municipal Karamchari Sangh here on Tuesday. According to a report, a farewell party was held in his honour. Mr Gupta has been transferred to Gurgaon.

Manhandling

There is a growing resentment among the class III and class IV employees of the local Civil Hospital against the alleged manhandling of a class IV employee by a medical officer on Monday. According to a report, the agitating employees were demanding a high-level probe into the incident and the immediate transfer of the medical officer accused of manhandling the employee.

Tau's statue

The district administration is contemplating the installation a statue of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Tau Devi Lal, at Namastey Chowk in Ganaur town of this district. According to a report, the people of the area made this demand to the district administration considering the great contribution made by the late leader.

Assault case

Two employees of a dhaba, Parvesh and Joginder, were injured when they were attacked by two customers on the G. T. Road near Teha village, about 15 km from here on Monday night. According to a report, both the injured persons were hospitalised and they were stated to be out of danger. The police have arrested the alleged assailants, Saurabh and Sanjeev, in this connection. Reportedly, a dispute over the payment of a bill was stated to be the main cause of the assault.

Memorandum

The employees of the ECE (transformer division) submitted a memorandum to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Ashok Yadav, here on Monday. According to a report, the memorandum demanded the immediate intervention of the district authorities in the dispute between the workers and the management regarding the possible retrenchments of the employees by the management.

Man forces wife, child to eat poison
Our Correspondent

Narnaul, June 11
A resident of Nangal Sirohi village allegedly killed his wife and daughter on Sunday night by forcing them to eat some poisonous substance.

While the child died at house itself, a seriously ill woman was rushed to the Civil Hospital where she succumbed later. The alleged culprit has absconded.

According to sources, Rajesh Kumar, son of Prahlad, gave some poisonous substance to his wife, Suman (26), and daughter, Babli (3). Hearing the cries of the victims, neighbours surrounded the house but Rajesh escaped. Suman was rushed to the Civil Hospital but she succumbed after sometime. The child had already died by the time neighbours entered the house.

Rajesh was married around nine years back. Besides the dowry paid at the time of marriage, Suman’s family was helping them as Rajesh was unemployed.

He also started drinking and this had caused a lot of tension at home. Finally, he allegedly forced his wife and daughter to eat the poison. The police have registered a case of murder under Section 302 of the IPC and are investigating the matter.

Judges transferred

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred Mr Laxman Sharma, Additional District and Session Judge, Ambala to Narnaul in place of Mr K. K. Chopra who had retired. Mr Sharma has joined here. Meanwhile, the Additional Sessions Judge, Chandigarh, Mr R. C. Godara, has also been transferred here. Mr S. K. Gupta, Additional District Judge, has been transferred to Yamunanagar and Mr Sanjeev Kumar, Civil Judge (senior division), Hisar, has been transferred here in place of Mr Deepak Gupta who goes to Ambala as the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

Mr Ajai Tavatia, Civil Judge (junior division) has been promoted as Senior Sub-Judge and transferred to Hisar. Ms Ranjna Sabberwa, Civil Judge (junior division), Kurukshetra, has been transferred to Narnaul.

CRIME

Ex-cop held for drug smuggling
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11
The Narcotics Branch of the city police arrested a retired sub-inspector, Sunil Kumar and his associate, Ashok Kumar Pahuja, on charge of drug smuggling.

His third associate, a woman, Sapna, was absconding. They were arrested from opposite the HUDCO House on the Lodhi Road. The police had information that the suspects would come there with a consignment to hand it over to their connection. The duo arrived at the spot in a Contessa car at 7.20 pm. One kg of opium was also recovered from their possession, the police said.

During interrogation, Ashok Kumar Pahuja disclosed that he was also involved in the illegal trade of wild animal skin through one Man Bahadur, who was also arrested.

The staff of the Wild Life Department recovered a Leopard skin during a search of his house at Kotla Mubarakpur in South Extension.

In another case, the sleuths of the Narcotics Branch arrested one Yusuf Khan of Mathura who was allegedly involved in drug trafficking in a big way in Delhi and UP. He was arrested from the Shivaji Park near Minto Bridge and one kilogram of opium was recovered from his possession, the police.

In yet another case, the police arrested Ram Prakash alias Nanhe and Mohammad Akbar from the Traffic training park on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. The police recovered 500 grams of heroine from their possession.

Man stabs nephew

In a vengeful mood, one Tinku Ram (30) allegedly stabbed to death his nephew, Rajesh (25) and injured his friend Sadan on Monday. Tinku Ram suspected that Rajesh had an illicit relation with his wife. A few days ago, they were involved in a fight over the issue. On Monday, the suspect stabbed Rajesh. When Sadan tried to interfere, he was also injured in the fight. Both were taken to hospital, where Rajesh was declared brought dead. Sadan was admitted to the hospital.

Attempt to murder

The police arrested one Naeem and his son, Shameem, for attempting to murder their relatives, Mehmood and his brother Asif. However, their third associate, Khalid, was absconding. Reportedly, they had a fight on an issue related to property. The victims were admitted to the Hindu Rao Hospital from where Asif was discharged but Mehmood was unfit for statement, the police said.

Terrorist arrested

The Delhi Police today claimed to have arrested one Kashmiri militant and recovered two kilogram of highly explosive RDX from him. The militant, Altaf Hussain, was arrested by sleuths of the Special Cell of Delhi Police from Kudasia Park near Kashmere Gate, in North Delhi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Ujjwal Mishra said.

He said besides the explosive material, some foreign currencies, detonators, timers and fake Indian currency to the tune of Rs 25,000, were also seized from him. Altaf Hussain was trained by militant groups in Kashmir and had been handed over explosive materials by one Mubarak Gul, to carry out subversive activities in Delhi. However, Hussain had not joined the ranks of any militant outfit so far, he added. He was produced before a city court and remanded to police custody for further interrogation, the DCP said.

Cheats held

The Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police arrested three persons in a cheating and criminal conspiracy case. They were identified as C. P. Srivastava, Amarjeet Singh and Mahesh Sharma. They allegedly cheated the Punjab and National Bank. The Connaught Place police have registered a case against them, the police said.

Police deny loot attempt even as 6 villagers hurt
Our Correspondent

Ghaziabad, June 11
One person was shot dead and two others were found killed with sharp-edged weapons in separate incidents in areas falling under Garh and Bahadurgarh police stations.

In another incident, half a dozen criminals barged into the house of one Satbir in Saraswati Vihar in the wee hours of today morning and started looting.

But they soon found that they were surrounded by villagers. Seeing the crowd, they fired from their country-made pistols wounding at least six persons. The injured have been rushed to MMG Hospital. This has created panic among residents in Saraswati Vihar and Sunita Vihar. The police, however, denied that there was any looting, making matters worse for the residents.

Mr Harprasad Singh, senior Sub-Inspector of police, confirmed that two criminals had scaled the boundary wall of Satbir’s house in Saraswati Vihar at 3 am today. His neighbour, Subash Sharma, who had seen the miscreants jumping into Satbir’s house, raised an alarm as a result of which all residents in the locality woke up. On finding themselves surrounded, the criminals started firing on the people injuring six persons. During the commotion, the criminals managed to escape. The six persons injured in the firing have been identified as Anil, Yoginder, Babloo, Raju, Rahul and Surender Pal. Surender Pal’s condition is stated to be critical, it is learnt.

Despite the fact that six persons have been admitted to Government Hospital in Ghaziabad, the police are denying that there had been an attempt to loot and kill in the village.

In the other incident, two bodies were reportedly found from a jungle near Salarpur village under the Bahadurgarh police station area. The persons were suspected to be murdered with sharp-edged weapons and the bodies thrown in the jungle.

The Garh police station was informed that one person had been shot dead in Sarawali village this morning. The SO, Mr Sangram Singh, reached the village with his force. The deceased has been identified as Zarafat of Sarwali village who had slept in his farm where be had sown vegetables. The police have not been able to identify the suspects behind the murder.