 |
|
| Sunday,
June 15, 2003, Chandigarh, India
|
|
||||
|
|
Migrant population at risk of AIDS: study Chandigarh, June 14 The mapping done for the first time to identify high-risk behavioural groups for AIDS had already been sent for World Bank review. The mapping was undertaken by the Community Medicine Department of the PGI, on the request of the UT AIDS Control Society. So far only 10 states in the country, apart from Chandigarh, had completed the mapping exercise. The exhaustive mapping process covering the entire UT population of the UT, spread across 47 sectors, 11 slum colonies and 21 villages, was completed in four months. It included personal interviews. Of some high-risk groups. Though 13 groups were identified, but it was once again the population of migrant labourers at 85,170 which constituted the biggest chunk of those who were exposed to the risk of AIDS. "One of the interesting aspect that has come to light is that workers of the fast growing entertainment industry in the city, face a potential threat of contracting the infection," said Dr Rajesh Kumar, Head of the Community Medicine Department, PGI. It was the already stigmatised sections of society, including truck and taxi drivers, helpers, mechanics, commercial sex workers whose number was the largest in the mapping
data. "The very fact that over 6300 street and working children, below the age of 15, who are exposed to sexual activity at a young age and low awareness about the threat of AIDS figure in this high-risk group is a very disturbing finding," remarked Dr Kumar. "Though nine intervention projects are already covering half of the high risk population (75,452), we have approached the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to grant permission for starting eight more projects, which will enable us to reach the all high-risk groups," informed Dr N.M. Sharma, Project Director of UT AIDS Control Society. Various intervention projects being run in the city were covering 23 of the total 45 sites identified. "To have an idea about the high risk groups and the percentage which was already being covered it was essential to undertake the stupendous mapping process, so that the funding and chalking out of further programmes could be based on this data," explained Dr Kumar. A positive aspect of the study was that more than 95 per cent of the high risk population was aware about the threat of AIDS. “Since the first and foremost objective of creating awareness has been achieved, our task will be accomplished only when we are able to bring about behaviour change among the high risk population,” said Dr Sharma.
Data as on May 31, 2003 Year Number 1999 8 2000 13 2001 29 2002 22 2003 8 Total number of AIDS deaths in UT since 1999
|
Coaching camp for shuttlers Chandigarh, June 14 Mr MC sethi, chairman of the association, said, at present, city badminton players need motivation to prove themselves. He said there was great potential for badminton in the region. He hoped that in times to come, Chandigarh would produce national champion in any age group. Mr T.P.S. Puri, former national badminton coach and secretary of the association, said, in the past few years, they had organised North Zone, Junior National meet and would like to bid for sub-junior national meet next year so that local players get the home advantage. He said, this would also boost in tapping fresh talent from the region. Mr Puri informed that the talent hunt will help other players to also get encouraged and resort to playing badminton. Mr Puri said, this fortnightly camp would have discussions on various other topics like sports medicine and sports psychology for the beginners too. The camp would be conducted by Mr Surinder Mahajan, a coach of the Sports Authority of India posted at the PU centre. Mahajan said second phase of the talent hunt would be organised in August. |
|
Balkar Singh triumphs Chandigarh, June 14 The runner-up title went to P.K. Chaudhry who finished 11 strokes in the tournament organised by the Chandigarh Golf Association. P.S. Pruthi of the Indian Revenue Service clinched the title for the best nett score with a birdie and five pars and an end nett score of 67. B.R. Banga finished second (72) In the retired category Mohinder Singh Birdi clinched the gross title with a score of 95 and Sudershan Likhi emerged the winner of the nett title with a card of 77. Special prizes were given to Sanjay Kothari (nearest to the pin —14th hole) and R.K. Rao (longest drive — 18th hole) The tournament was inaugurated by Mr B.R. Bajaj and the prizes were given away by Mr Varinder Singh, Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh. |
STA revenue rises
to Rs 74 lakh Chandigarh, June 14 The increase in the revenue has been attributed to the extensive checking and challaning drive carried out this year to check violation of laws and rules of the MVA and discipline bus operators in the city. The challaning drive has achieved a two-fold benefit of not only contributing to the coffers of the STA, but also ensuring adherence to rules by school buses, checking plying of illegal buses and banning of autos more than 15 years old. Adopting a tough approach, the department barred the entry of private buses operating between the city and other stations in Punjab and forced these to shift their stand to Mohali. Also, following the challaning drive, school bus operators have ensured that their buses carry proper boards showing routes taken by the bus. The driver and the conductor at each bus wear uniforms and keep first aid boxes. Autorickshaws, which were 15-years’ old have been taken off the road to keep a check on pollution levels. Furthermore, two teams of the department led by the Motor Vehicle Inspectors have been asked to conduct random surprise checks at different points in the city. |
|
Normalise
power supply: DC Panchkula, June 14 The DC, while chairing a monthly meeting of district level officials here today, also asked the officials to set right the hanging overhead power cables in next 15 days and replace the damaged transformers. The storms had affected power supply to as many as 45 villages and 100 electricity poles and six transformers were damaged. The DC was told that the storms have caused a loss of about Rs 10 lakh to the department. It has been claimed that 15 lakh unit of power is being supplied in the district as compared to the 13 lakh units last year. The department has also been asked to provide power connection on priority to the five newly installed tubewells (for drinking water) in the district. During the coming monsoon, about 30 lakh saplings will be planted. She asked the officials of the Forest Department to fix limits for various departments regarding tree plantation. Ms Ahalawat requested all the officials to encourage small savings. She directed the officials of the Public Health Department to take various steps to ensure supply of safe drinking water. She also asked the officials to encourage villagers to get births and deaths in their families registered. The Deputy Commissioner ordered officials of the Food and Supplies Department to ensure proper supply of kerosene in villages and slum areas. The officials of the Agriculture Department were asked to organise more camps for farmers so that they could be informed about the crop diversification. |
|
Ashwani Estate Officer, HUDA
Panchkula, June 14
|
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 123 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
