 |
|
| Sunday,
August 11, 2002, Chandigarh, India
|
|
||||
|
Mohali industry hit hard by power
cuts Chandigarh, August 10 The industrial units in this town are facing the worst kind of power cuts for the past over 15 days. Officials in the PSEB say that the situation is not likely to improve in the next few days. IT industry experts resent that the state government has failed to keep its promise of providing uninterrupted power supply to these units. Mr Sanjay Tyagai, Director, Software Technology Park of India (STPI), says, ‘‘We have been facing the toughest times in the past years of our existence. How can the government even think that investors would come here, when the IT units are facing up to six to eight hour power cuts during a day? Even when the power is supplied, they are not allowed to run air-conditioners, which are essential to keep the required temperatures for our computer systems.’’ He said people are shocked over this scenario. They are finding it difficult to meet with the supply schedules. Further, the cost of developing software has soared manifold. Despite repeated reminders to officials of the PSEB, industry department and the ESPL, the situation has not improved so far. The industrialists appreciate the state government's efforts to save paddy crop by supplying additional power, but they are unable to digest the logic of frequent power cuts and power thefts by some units in connivance with some board officials. Mr Gurmeet Singh, general secretary, Mohali Industries Association, says,‘‘ The industrial units are facing severe power cuts, varying from six to 10 hours in different areas. The situation is very severe for those units, which need at least two-four units of uninterrupted power supply to start the process. The forging units, IT units and small-scale units are the worst sufferers.’’ Mr Tyagai says, ‘‘We met Mr N.S. Kalsi, Managing Director, ESPL, who assured us to convince the PSEB Chairman to ensure uninterrupted power supply at least to IT units, which cannot even start their operations without electricity. We are hopeful that situation will improve during the next week.’’ |
|
PU may not hold student
elections Chandigarh, August 10 This was said by Prof Nirmal Singh, Dean Students Welfare, while answering a question on the elections to the student body at a press conference here today. Prof Nirmal Singh said the university had not yet received any clearance from the UT Administration for the elections which was normally expected sometime in September. Prof Nirmal Singh said the university was concerned about the student agitation on the campus during the recent times “most of which were for the cause of non-meritorious students”. Prof R.J. Hans Gill, Dean University Instruction, said students had burnt the effigy of the Vice-Chancellor yesterday which was not an expected form of agitation at least on premises of educational institutions and the VC was like a “father figure who commanded great respect”. Prof Hans Gill, said, “The university strives for excellence and it has always been its endeavour to maintain the highest academic standards. But unfortunately the student leaders have started taking up the cause of the failed students who are no where near the minimum standards and those students who do not abide by the rules and regulations of the university examination system”. Prof Hans Gill said, “The student leaders are not realising that for short-term gains in the student elections, they are following the path of self-destruction by disrupting teaching and research in the university.” It was pointed out that there were channels within the university system which could be used by students to voice their demands and concerns and the university reiterates that it is alive to their demands and requirements”. The Dean University Instructions said the imposition of prohibitory order under Section 144 of the CrPC around the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar's offices was a decision which university authorities had to take against their own wishes. Of late, unfortunately, the students were exceeding their limits and obstructing the working of the university officials by locking the offices and blocking the entry of the visitors and functionaries to these offices. They had also started trespassing on the houses of the senior functionaries of the university at odd hours of the night led by student leaders and even outsiders. “The university has clarified that imposition of Section 144 in a very small pocket of the campus is in no way curbing the democratic right of the students”, he said. However, burning the effigy of a Vice-Chancellor did not behove the norms expected in an academic institution. Such an act needed to be condemned by the parents and public, it was pointed out. It was pointed out that in the past couple of months, students had stormed the office of the VC at least two times during evening hours, students had also reached the residence of the Vice-Chancellor late in the night and even the DUI was prevented from entering her office in the recent past. |
|
Women lecturers come to
blows Chandigarh, August 10 Though what triggered the clash is still not known, the “victim” in the case lodged a complaint with the DPI (Colleges), Ms Varsha Johsi, later in the day. Confirming the incident, Ms Joshi said one of the teachers had spoken to her and made her side of the story known to her. “I have asked her to give a written complaint in the matter. Once that is done, I will conduct an inquiry into the matter at my level,” she said. Sources said one of the lecturers had got up without provocation and assaulted another teacher, throttling her and using abusive language, ending up with the exchange of blows as the “victim” tried to free herself from the clutches of her colleague. When contacted, the lecturer said she was still under shock, the incident having shaken her completely. “I am not in a position to talk to anybody right now,” she said, while the other lecturer denied any such incident had taken place on the college campus. The Principal of the College, Ms Mohini Sharma, too, said she was unaware of the clash. Meanwhile, members of the college staff claim that this is not the first incident of its kind on the campus. On the condition of anonymity, a lecturer said the same lecturer had been involved in a clash with other members of the staff as well. “They had even complained to the Principal and urged her to get the lecturer in question transferred to a position on which there was lesser public interaction but to no avail. She had entered into a verbal duel with a former Principal as well but no action was taken,” she said. |
|
Rain God obliges at
last Chandigarh, August 10 In the eastern parts of the city like the Industrial area, Sector 29, 30, 32 and 28 the rain was like any monsoon shower leading to flooded roads. Residents of southern sectors in the entire belt between Sectors 33 and 39, Sectors 15, 16, 18, 19 could just hear about the much awaited rain from friends and relatives. The main shopping piazza in Sector 17 was dry and the situation was the same in Panjab University, the PGI and the northern parts was also the same. The observatory of the met office located at the Air Force base recorded 4 millimetres of rain. In areas where it rained people enjoyed the first brush with monsoon and watched it with a smile of relief on their faces. The Director of the local met office, Mr S.C. Bhan, said such isolated showers will continue and were nothing much to cheer about as there was no major system building up on the horizon. Even tomorrow sky will be partly cloudy with possibility of thunder showers and rain. However, late in the evening at about 10 p.m., rain lashed several southern sectors of the city, including Sectors 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 35, 36 and 37. The rain lasted for about 30
minutes. |
|
Rights panel admits complaint against police Chandigarh, August 10 The complainant, Mr Harbans Singh, had stated in a complaint that he had adopted a male orphan child in 1998 but his father wanted him to adopt a child from within his clan. Therefore, his father decided to disinherit him. It was alleged that on August 3, 2002, the SHO, Police Station Dakhan, accompanied by six or seven policemen came to his house and searched the premises. It is also alleged that the SHO misbehaved with his wife and thereafter, a double-barrel gun along with 25 cartridges was taken away from his house. The complainant was also taken to the police Station where he was subjected to torture. The complainant further alleged that he was again beaten up by the police on August 4, 2002 and was made to sign along with his relative on a compromise-deed the contents of which were not disclosed to him. The complainant also alleged that he was forcibly made to sign on a receipt showing custody of a double barrel gun and 6 cartiridges whereas in reality there were 25 cartridges. The complainant feared that the unrecorded cartridges would be used by the police for implicating the complainant in some criminal case by using them in some criminal activity. The complainant alleged that the police officials were misusing their position and were constantly intimidating and threatening him. He thus pleaded that appropriate directions be issued to the police officials so as to prevent them from harassing him and also prayed that adequate compensation should be given to him for the harassment caused to him and his family. The PSHRC order states that after the perusal of the complaint, the PSHRC is of the opinion that it was a fit case to be taken cognizance of under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. |
|
READERS WRITE THE teachers of government-aided schools in Punjab have been drawing the benefit of pension-cum-gratuity since 1986. I fail to understand why the Punjab Government has not yet implemented this scheme for the teachers of government-aided colleges. They have been urging the government to implement the scheme for the past five years. However, the Parkash Singh Badal government did not come to their rescue. In the last state Assembly elections, the Congress had promised in its election manifesto to sanction the pension-cum-gratuity benefit to the staff of government-aided colleges. If the government does not keep its word, the staff of these colleges will have no alternative but to resort to agitation for justice. And if the teachers start agitation on the issue, students will again suffer and who will compensate for the loss of their precious time later? Normally, there should be no problem in the present dispensation as the decision to implement the scheme was taken by Congress Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal in December 1996. It was also duly notified by the Bhattal government. However, the Badal government did not implement the scheme. I request the Amarinder Singh government to implement the notification in letter and spirit. We do understand that the government has no money to disburse the arrears. We will also not demand arrears, but why keep the scheme in cold storage when the present government has promised it in its election manifesto? We, the staff of these colleges request the Chief Minister as well as the Minister for Higher Education to implement this scheme from April 1992. We do not demand arrears, but let the scheme be implemented in the right spirit. H.S. BHARTI,
President, Association of Govt. Aided Colleges, Chandigarh Zirakpur bridge The Yadavindra bridge on the Zirakpur-Kalka road is in a dilapidated condition. This is a sad commentary on the style of functioning of the State Public Works Department because the bridge was constructed to perpetuate the memory of the late Raja Yadavindra Singh, father of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. The bridge is narrow and riddled with potholes. Those using the bridge heave a sigh of relief after crossing the bridge. In the rainy season, pedestrians’ clothes get soiled with water collected on the bridge by passing vehicles. More to the point, the pressure of traffic is so heavy that it could collapse any time, if corrective measures are not taken by the authorities concerned expeditiously. A village elder familiar with the history of the bridge says that it is over 100 years old and has outlived its utility. As this is the only link road that connects Kalka and Panchkula via Zirakpur, the PWD authorities should rise to the occasion and take appropriate measures before a major tragedy occurs. D.V. JOSHI,
Bartana (Zirakpur) No signboard Much has been reported in the media about Kala Gram since its inception to promote art and culture. Be it the cause of organic food or Citco Restaurant or any other feature, the Chandigarh Press has always highlighted such issues. The poor response of art lovers has also been reported time and again. I must bring to the notice of the authorities an unpleasant affair. At the entry of Kala Gram, one is slapped with a fee of Rs 5 per head — whether to watch a cultural programme or to have a cup of tea while returning from the hills. This implies that a five-member tourist family will have to pay Rs 25 even if it has detoured to have a glance of the Kala Gram. What is surprising is the fact that there is no sign board at the entrance about the entry fee and its timings. Those manning the main gate do not respond to queries from the visitors. When I tried to meet the incharge, he was inebriated and seemed unable to talk. He scolded the gateman and then advised me to go to Patiala to meet the Director, North Zone Cultural Centre, to offer my suggestion for a sign board! It would be better if some responsible people handle a cultural centre like the Kala Gram. The entry fee should also be waived if the Chandigarh Administration or the North Zone Cultural Centre really wish to promote the art and culture of this region. MADAN GUPTA SPATU,
Chandigarh Neglected station During a visit to Rajpura railway junction, I was appalled by the extent of neglect of the station over the years. The ticket booking hall is too small to accommodate even hundred passengers during a rainy or a summer day. The hall has no seats and fans for passengers to wait and relax. The walls are stained. And apparently, the hall has not been cleaned up for months. The computerised booking facility is erratic. The toilets are soiled and stinking. These cry for maintenance. There is no proper lighting arrangement on the platforms at night. One hopes the Railway Minister, the Railway Board Chairman, the Northern Railway General Manager and the Divisional Railway Manager visit the station and direct all-round improvement of the same. Only then, they will prove that they mean business in the strict sense of the term, especially when they are observing this year as the Passenger Amenities Year. RAJ KUMAR,
Chandigarh |
|
I-Day euphoria boosts Tricolour sale Flag Facts If you wish to hoist the Tricolour be careful not to insult the national flag. Remember, hoisting a damaged or dishevelled flag can attract strict penalty. Similarly, flying it with the saffron band at the bottom is an offence. Flying it on a vehicle, without permission from the Centre, is also banned. Draping it over vehicles, using it as a drapery at private funerals, printing it on a costume, cushion, napkin, even a handkerchief, too is not permitted. Chandigarh, August 10 If you do not believe it, listen to what Mr Sanjeev Kumar, working with Sector 17 Khadi Ashram, has to say. “As many as 65 per cent of the mounted flags have been purchased this year, not by government and other officers but by average citizens in the city”. Giving details, he says: “Last year also we were offering small flags, but without the stand. Anyway, most of these were purchased by public servants and other officers. This year, it is different. More and more residents are now coming forward to purchase mounted flags for placing them on their study table, or keeping them in their living rooms”. Little wonder, the sale of mounted Tricolour has increased over the past few days. “We had ordered about 200 such flags last month. In less than 30 days, most of them have been sold. As of now, we have less than 10 flags left. These too will be sold within a day or so, we are sure”. The price is reasonable too. “Last year, a flag without mount was available for less than Rs 50. This year, you have to pay about Rs 6 more. As far as flags with stands are concerned, you can take one home by pulling just Rs 98 from your wallet,” Mr Kumar says. But what about the other flags. Has the sales increased? “Last year the response of the general public was more encouraging. We managed to sell over a thousand flags just before the Independence Day. In 2002, the sales have not been that impressive. This is not to say that residents are not coming out of their homes to purchase flags. It is just that they have been buying them throughout the year”. Elaborating upon his statement, he asserts: “It was decided by the Union Government to allow the citizens to hoist the Tricolour throughout the year. Earlier, the residents could do so only on special occasions, including Republic Day and Independence Day”. Agreeing with him, advocate A.P.S. Shergill adds: “The decision was taken in the wake of Supreme Court and High Court judgments in favour of extending this right. While the Supreme Court observed that restrictions on flying the national flag appeared prima facie unsustainable, the Delhi High Court ruled that the display of the Tricolour was part of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Expression”.
|
|
Police gears up for I-Day Chandigarh, August 10 The Inspector General of Chandigarh Police, Mr BS Bassi, held a meeting of police officials to review the overall security arrangements for the Independence Day function. The SHOs, the head of the security wing, the intelligence wing and other wings were asked to coordinate to maintain the law and order situation in the city. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr Parag Jain, told the Chandigarh Tribune that patrolling had been increased. As part of the beefed up arrangements, searches were being carried out in villages and slum areas. Special nakas were being set up during the morning and evening hours . The Chandigarh Police had initiated the process of sharing of information about the terrorist groups with the neighbouring states. The additional force was also being used for frisking vehicles at special 'nakas. Around 30 such 'nakas' had been set up in different parts of the city. The Additional force at the disposal of SHOs of the 11 police stations was also being used for intensifying patrolling in busy commercial areas and public places like bus stands and the railway station. Meanwhile, the Parade ground in sector 17 has been cordoned off by the police. As many as 11 policemen have been stationed at the parade ground. Three PCR vehicles have also been stationed there. |
|
|
Bhattal starts Teej celebrations Chandigarh, August 10 Ms Bhattal, who donated blood at a camp organised by the Malwa society in collaboration with the Lion’s Club, said she had offered her blood in lieu of water from the Rain god. Ms Bhattal was the chief guest at the function. Though the function started on a sad note, it later picked up as young participants performed giddha and other dance items — a mixed bonanza of old folk dances and modern Punjabi numbers. The major attraction was the traditional “Trinjana” which depicted the social life of rural womenfolk who share their free time working together, interspersed with action-based songs. The set was tastefully done to create an aura of a village home with “charkha”, “chakki” and other household equipment placed as its backdrop.
|
|
Residents demand
cow dung pits Chandigarh, August 10 The residents further alleged that they were forced to throw cow dung in the open in the absence of any pits. Now the Administration had directed them not to throw it in the open, as a result of which they were in a fix. The residents appealed to the Chandigarh Administration to provide them with the cow dung pits or they would resort to agitation. |
|
SAD infighting
intensifies Chandigarh, August 10 Mr Riar claimed that he was the elected president of the SAD local unit with due recognition from Mr Parkash Singh Badal. No elections had been held for Mr Minhas to claim the status of the president. In the legal notice, Mr Minhas has been asked to tender a written apology for his act within seven days. In the absence of an apology, a suit for damages to the tune of Rs 50 lakh shall be filed in addition to lodging of an FIR. Meanwhile in a separate statement, Mr N.S. Minhas said Mr Riar had no right to issue a legal notice, questioning his capacity to issue such a notice. Only Mr Parkash Singh Badal had the right to issue me a notice on these grounds. “Let Mr Badal say that I am not president, I will quit,” said Mr Minhas. |
|
2 youths beaten up Chandigarh, August 10 According to sources, the mob which attacked the youths claimed that the two had run away with four car tyres from a Sector 27 shop without making payment here yesterday. However, it could not be confirmed if the two youths were responsible for yesterday’s theft. Meanwhile, no case was registered against the mob which had attacked the two in Mani Majra. |
|
10 rounded up after search in Indira Colony Panchkula, August 10 According to information available, as many as 80 policemen from Panchkula Police and 20 policemen from Chandigarh police searched through the entire colony. The local police was led by Inspector Vijay Kumar, SHO Sector 5 Police Station and Inspector Rajiv Deswal, in charge of CIA Staff. The Chandigarh police team was led by Inspector P.S. Malik. The police laid nakas at all entry and exit points of the colony and the entire place was cordoned off while the search operation was in progress. The drive began at 4. 30 am and continued for over two hours. As many as 10 persons from the colony were rounded up and taken to Mani Majra Police station. After their antecedents were established, they were let off by the police. It may be noted that the drive was a part of an exercise to check anti-national elements before the Independence Day celebrations. Also, with the spate of robberies in the township, the police decided to check out the area. |
|
One held for carrying
firearm Chandigarh, August 10 Crushed to death: Shatir Singh (22), a labourer at AKM Brick Kiln, near Mauli Jagran, was crushed to death, when he was crushed under a truck in the late evening today. The truck driver reportedly escaped from the spot after the accident. Power theft:
The UT Electricity Department has caught Vinod Kumar and 15 others for allegedly stealing power through kundi connections. On the complaint of Mr M.D. Singh, Assistant Executive Engineer, sub-division no. 5, Industrial Area, Phase I, the police has registered a case under Section 379, IPC, and Section 39 of the Electricity Act. Truck damaged: A truck of MCC Enforcement Wing was allegedly damaged by Banta Ram and others while the staff were trying to direct two horses, they had caught in Sector 38 (West), onto the truck here yesterday. The accused also confronted the MCC staff. On the complaint of Mr R.S Hooda, Inspector, Enforcement Staff, the police has registered a case under Sections 147, 149, 353 and 427, IPC, against the accused. Arrested:
The police has arrested Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Sector 40, for trying to pick-pocket Mr P.S Nanda, a resident of Sector 15, at the General Hospital, Sector 16, yesterday. He was arrested under Sections 379 and 511, IPC. Meanwhile, Pardeep Kumar, a resident of Sector 22, was caught red-handed while stealing curtains from Kissan Bhavan, Sector 35, last evening. On the complaint of Mr Parminder Singh, Manager, the police has registered a case under Sections 380 and 411, IPC. House burgled:
Mr Vinod Sharma, a resident of Sector 22, in a complaint has alleged that his residence was burgled yesterday. Thieves decamped with a camera and Rs 650 in cash besides other things. A case under Sections 380 and 454, IPC, has been registered. PANCHKULA Six booked: The police has booked six persons — Amrit Saini, Pradeep Kumar, Naresh Kumar, Gurpreet Singh, Amarjeet Singh and Lakhwinder Singh — on charges of trying to block the way to Pinjore bus stand yesterday. The six were involved in a brawl and allegedly blocked the way. A case under Section 160, IPC, has been registered against them. Accident:
Mr Gurcharan Singh Pawar has accused the driver of a car (HR-03B-6457) of hitting his car (CH-01- 3568) near Madawala village yesterday. A case under Sections 279, 337 and 427, IPC, has been registered. In another case, a car (HP-03-996) was hit by a Haryana Roadways bus (HR-65- 0085) near Kali Mandir in Kalka yesterday. A case under Sections 279 and 427, IPC, has been registered. One Assaulted:
Vikramjit Singh has accused Munish, Gaurav, Sonu and Chetu of assaulting him following a minor altercation. The accused, all children, were playing near Little Flower School in Surajpur when they had a fight. A case under Sections 341, 323, 506 and 34, IPC, has been registered. Burglary:
At least Rs 30,000 in cash and gold jewellery worth Rs 50,000 has allegedly been stolen from the Sector-8 house of Mr Surinder Singh Pawar. The goods are said to have been stolen allegedly by Mr Pawar’s servant, Sunil. A case under Section 381, IPC, has been registered.
|
|
Jewellery range launched Chandigarh, August 10 Structured to suit the needs of the working women Tanishq has collaborated with the World Gold Council for the first time to launch an exclusive economic range of 22 karat gold jewellery. The entire range is being marketed by the company at a fixed price for the first time. Also the resale of these jewellery products will be in line with the company’s exchange policy.
The current range is priced between Rs 595 and Rs 4,995. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 122 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
