VCD case: statement recorded
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
The PGI vigilance cell today recorded the statement of Ms Jaswinder Kaur, daughter of a patient, Ms Basant Kaur, in the VCD controversy dogging the PGI’s Cardiology Department.

Ms Jaswinder Kaur, in a VCD handed out to the media, had alleged that, after being promised a free stent for the angioplasty of her mother, the doctors and a local chemist had started harassing them to make them pay Rs 70,000 for it.

To avoid harassment on this account, the patient left the hospital without notice within days of her surgery on February 9.

The PGI sources said Ms Jaswinder in her statement to the vigilance officials, had reaffirmed the allegations she had levelled in the VCD. “To maintain confidentiality in this case, it would not be possible to disclose all details, but thorough investigations would be held to take the issue to its logical end,” said Ms Meeta Rajivlochan, Deputy Director (Administration) and the Chief Vigilance Officer at the PGI.

She also said, since the VCD controversy had made the PGI lose face, the allegations levelled by Ms Jaswinder would be probed. It was essential to restore the faith of public in the PGI, she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Harinder Bali of the Cardiology Department, against whom Ms Jaswinder has levelled allegations, has sought permission from the PGI Director to approach the Union Health Minister and the Health Secretary to bring to their notice the VCD episode, which, according to him, is part of a conspiracy to harm him personally and professionally.

City to host junior archery meet
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, May 1
Archery will get a big boost in the city, with the allotting of this year’s Junior National Archery Championship to the Chandigarh Archery Association. As per information, the Archery Association of India has allotted the 26th edition of the national junior boys and girls championship to be held from December 26 to 28, 2003, at DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8. Mr Maha Singh, secretary of the association, said in this meet, more than 500 archers were likely to participate and they would be provided with free boarding and lodging facilities.

Chess meet

Rishu Rathi and Jaskaran Jeet Singh clinched first place in the girls and boys sections, respectively, in the Chandigarh sub-junior under 15 chess tournament which concluded last evening at Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 37. Meanwhile, two girls, Rishu and Rashpal Kaur in girls section and Jaskaran Singh and Amanveer Singh in boys section will represent the UT in the National Sub-Junior (under-15) Chess Championship to be played at Calicut. This was stated by Mr Manmohan Singh, secretary of the Chandigarh Chess Association.

One-mile race

The UT Sports Department will hold the Third Roger Bannister One-Mile Race on May 4 for junior boys and girls in below-14 and below-19 boys and girls sections at Sector 42 Sports Complex. The race will begin at 6.30 am. The cash prizes for winners, runner-up and for third prize holders will be given besides two consolation prizes.

ADMINISTRATION

New booth allotment rules framed
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1
In a move to check people who get booths in lieu of rehris and then do not pay the amount, the Chandigarh Administration today laid down a fresh set of rules, including a penalty clause in case of delayed payments. New rules were also framed for the allotment of booths to auto-mechanics and auto spare part dealers.

Under the notification, the rules may be called the Allotment and Transfer of built-up booths in any sector on lease or hire-purchase basis in Chandigarh (Amendment), rules, 2003. They shall come into force with immediate effect.

The allotment of booths shall be made to eligible applicants by draw of lots. The refusal of an individual to participate in the draw or accept the allotment through draw of lots would render him ineligible under the rules for further allotment. The amount of premium “hire money” as fixed by the Administration as well as the cost of construction of the booth shall be recoverable within 12 years in equal quarterly instalments along with interest.

In case of delayed payments, the interest will be chargeable at the rate of interest specified on the date of default.

In the case of auto part dealers and auto-mechanics the Administration notification says the scheme may be called the allotment of sites on lease-hold basis to auto spare part dealers and auto repair mechanics in Chandigarh (Amendment) scheme, 2003. It shall come into force from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

The applicant shall, unless he refuses to accept the offer of allotment within 30 days, deposit 15 per cent of the premium of land, in addition to the payment of 25 per cent premium under the scheme.

Scheme amended

Chandigarh, May 1
The Chandigarh Administration today amended its scheme for the allotment of land to educational institutions.

The Administration will now permit the payment of 75 per cent of the premium in 10 annual equated instalments alongwith interest at the rate specified on the date of allotment. The first instalment shall become payable after one year from the date of allotment. TNS