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Property
transactions to
be hassle-free
Dera Bassi,
December 6 The government decision follows the creation of a “double lock” strongroom facility at the local Treasury Office for the storage of the stamp
papers. The decision to start the sale of stamp papers over Rs 50,000 has been taken for the convenience of the general public in the wake of the spurt in property transactions at the subdivisional town, Mr Narinder Sangha, local SDM, who is credited with the implementation of the new
decision, told Chandigarh Tribune today. It may be recalled that earlier the people had to go to far-off places likely Rajpura, Kharar and Fatehgarh Sahib to fetch the high denomination stamp papers over Rs 50,000 for the registration of their sale deeds at Dera
Bassi. With the real estate boom in full swing in the subdivision and large property transactions a routine affair, it was a long-pending demand of the residents that high-value stamp papers should be available here. The government had fixed a stamp duty of 9 per cent at the total value of the plot price in the
state. The buyers/sellers of the property had to get the sale deeds registered on the stamp papers of those denominations according to the
government-fixed (collectorate) value of the property. Earlier, in a substantial number of cases, the stamp papers over Rs 50,000 were required for the
transactions. The current collectorate is Rs 2,500 per yard. In the absence of getting the facility of buying higher denomination stamps here, people had to take huge cash amount to the far-off place exposing them to security risks. Apart from the residents and buyers/sellers of property in fast-developing towns such as Zirakpur, Lalru and Dera Bassi, the decision would benefit the residents of about 250 villages in the subdivision, observers claimed. Meanwhile, property consultants have hailed the government’s decision terming it as “people-friendly”. “As Dera Bassi is emerging as the next destination of the big real estate players, the new decision would go a long way in making the transactions easy and boost the real estate boom in the region,” Mr Bhupinder Saini, a local property consultant, added.
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Escalators are here
Chandigarh, December 6 Speaking at the inauguration function, Chief Justice Mr Justice D.K. Jain said the need for escalators was a long-pending requirement in the high court and he noticed the need the first time he visited the high court in 1979 for a court case. He said he was aware of other difficulties being faced by lawyers and litigants and efforts were being made to deal with them. “I have already discussed some issues with the UT Administrator and action on the same is likely to be initiated once we are through with the ensuing Golden Jubilee function,” Chief Justice Jain said. The Chief Justice invited the oldest surviving member of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association and Senior Advocate Hira Lal Sibal to formally inaugurate the escalators. After the inauguration, the Chief Justice, Judges, High Court officials and lawyers had a first-hand experience of the working of the escalators. Advocate General, Punjab, R.S. Cheema, Advocate-General, Haryana, Hawa Singh Hooda, Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association president Atul Lakhanpal, secretary Lokesh Sinhal, vice-president Surjit Singh Swaich and other office-bearers of the association were also present on the occasion.
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UT bans use, trade of plastic bags
Chandigarh, December 6 An official press note said that henceforth no persons, including shopkeepers, vendors, wholesalers, traders, hawkers or rehriwalas, shall use polythene or plastic carry bags for the supply of goods. It has also been decided that no person shall manufacture, store, import, sell or transport polythene or plastic carry bags for the supply of goods. The Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, District Food and Supply Officer, Inspectors, Food and Supply, Medical Officer, Health, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, Sanitary Inspectors and Food Inspectors of Health Department shall implement the orders related to the use, collection, segregation and transportation and disposal and file complaints under Section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act,1986. It has also been decided that the Member Secretary, Assistant Environmental Engineer, and Scientist ‘B’ of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee shall enforce the orders related to the manufacture and file complaints. In this connection, the Administration has issued a draft notification and also invited any objection against the proposed draft notification within a period of 60 days from the date of publication of this notification in Chandigarh Administration gazette. Any person interested in filing any objection may do so in writing to the Secretary Environment, Chandigarh Administration.
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Peace experts discuss ways to make South Asia conflict-free
Mohali, December 6 Director IDC, Dr Pramod Kumar emphasized that it was necessary to examine as to how multicultural character of societies in South Asia could find corresponding expression in the practice of politics. He added that denial of access to diverse linguistic and cultural groups to their own resources have caused identity-based conflicts which threatened to disintegrate the entire South Asia. He drew attention of the experts to the inter-connections among globalisation, territorial nationalism and
identity-based assertions. Prof Apurba K. Baruah of North Eastern Hill University supported Dr Kumar's thesis with examples from India's North East. He said nearly 400 small communities of North-East were demanding respective homelands because of denial of access to the resources of the region. This point was re-emphasised by Prof Jayadeva Uyangoda of Sri Lanka in the context of the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict. Acclaimed peace studies expert Prof Johan Galtung agreed to these formulations when he maintained that communities needed formal representation in the political process so that they could participate in decision making. In a special session on media Mr D.S. Jaspal, Secretary, Public Relations, Punjab; Mr Kanwar Sandhu, Resident Editor, Hindustan Times, Chandigarh; and Mr Pankaj Thakur, Co-ordinating Editor, The Sentinel brought out the complex role that media played in reporting situations of conflict and terror. Mr Thakur citing examples from the North-East India said that exposure by print media had restrained extremist outfits like ULFA, reducing the number of civil causalities in terrorist violence, the state itself had to change its own position vis-à-vis the infamous IMDT Act and Armed Forces Special Power Act in the face of continuous reporting of resistance to these acts by the local media. Mr Sandhu pointed out that lack of training and systemic problems within the press, coupled with pressures from terrorists and the establishment, often forced journalists to tread the path of reporting of terror- related events rather carefully. He said existence of alternative media was an essential safeguard requirement for objective reporting. Intra-state conflict in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India were discussed in great details by the participants. Issues of general, environmental pollution and resource crunch and their relations to both intra-state and inter-state conflicts were examined. Dr Syed Rifaat Hussain from Sri Lanka; Prof Kjell-Ake Nordquist from Sweden; Prof Robin Alison Remington and Prof Paul Wallace from the USA; Dr Radhika Desai from Canada; Prof Mohd. Waseem and Dr Mubarak Ali from Pakistan; Prof Pritam Singh from the UK; and Prof Riyaz Punjabi, Dr Rainuka Dagar, Ms Urvashi Butalia and Prof Balraj Puri from India were the others who made presentations in the seminar.
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Mayoral poll likely to be advanced
Chandigarh, December 6 Mr P.S. Aujla, Commissioner of the MC, said that certain councillors had raised objections to conducting the elections on a holiday. He said he would take up the matter with the Deputy Commissioner shortly to sort out the matter. In all likelihood the elections will be held in the last week of December this year. Elections were held on November 23 during the term of the BJP ruled corporation till December 2001. However, ever since the Congress dominated house assumed office, the elections are held on January 1. A senior councillor said “ the elections are likely to be held earlier. The office of the ongoing Mayor ends on December 31 which also happens to be a holiday this year”. No formal announcement has been made about the candidature of the Mayoral candidates this time, however, two names top the list of those doing rounds in the Congress circles. The two names belong to the rival camps of the Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee. Mr Chandermukhi is said to be close to Mr
B.B. Bahl, the President of the local unit and his rival Mr Pradeep Chhabra is said to be close to Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, the local Member of Parliament. At least two more names for the post of the Mayor being spoken about in feeble political tones are those of Mr Surinder Singh and Mr
H.S. Lucky. There is nothing denying the fact that Chandermukhi and Chhabra will emerge as the top runners for the top post. The camp of Chandermukhi says that following elections of the existing house of the corporation, the party decided on following a ‘one man, one office’ policy. In this context, Mr Chhabra has already been a Senior Deputy Mayor. Mr Chandermukhi held no post
so he is the deserving candidate. This is being contested by the Chhabra camp on grounds that “Mrs Geeta Rani has been a Deputy Mayor twice. Mr Chhabra was a Senior Deputy Mayor earlier
and this time he is trying for an alternative post. In any case, the MC office deserves a functional and not political qualification”. Mr Chandermukhi said, “he will only follow the orders of the party which will come through the president of the local unit.” Mr Chhabra said, “I will follow the command of the party for which
the party high command and the Member of Parliament can issue directions”. Mr Chandermukhi has been a former president of the local NSUI, Youth Congress and has been a TCC member for three times. Mr Chhabra is a TCC member and also a former vice president of the NSUI. Mr Bahl said “We will discuss the matter with all the party high command and will announce the name. I cannot name a single candidate because I have been approached by several councillors”.
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Mystery shrouds shooting incident
Panchkula, December 6 The incident took place around midnight, when Major R.S. Nakai, was reportedly cleaning his service pistol. His father, Col J.P.S. Nakai, informed Chandigarh Tribune that his son was over for a holiday. “He was recalled on duty yesterday, much before his leave was to end. Last night, while he was cleaning the weapon, it went off accidentally and he was injured,” he said. The Major was rushed
to the PGI, Chandigarh, in a critical condition. The police said the bullet went through his head and it appeared as if the pistol had been fired at point-blank range. The police at the PGI informed the Panchkula police and a team went to record the statement of the victim and members of his family. The victim was in a critical condition and unable to give any statement while members of his family refuse to divulge any details to the policemen. The doctors were unable to operate upon him because he was in a critical condition.
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Passing Thru
What are your achievements at the international level? Besides captained the Indian Power Lifting team for five years, I have represented the country at the international power lifting events for more than 15 years. I have won medals in Asian Championships held at Taiwan (1998) and Delhi (2002). In national circuit, I remained national medallist for seven times. Why this sport is not so popular? Being an expensive game it is difficult for poor people to take up the sport. Moreover, scarcity of sponsors is also a major hindrance. But interestingly, despite all the obstacles, our lifters still fetch medals at reputed international meets. What are the reasons for Indian lifters testing positive in dope tests? In most of cases lack of knowledge about the medicines is the main reason behind the controversies. Being an injury-prone game, we need specialist doctors and coaches with full knowledge of banned salts and substances in medicines. What is the future of the lifters here? Our players have bright future not only in the field but off field also as many government and private agencies like FCI, Railways, Punjab police and reputed airlines come forward to provide them good jobs. — Akash Ghai
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Drive against human trafficking
Chandigarh, December 6 Established with an initial data base of 10 NGOs, the network already has 30 NGOs associated with them and expect the count to go up to 100 soon. Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club today the representatives of the NGOs who have been nominated conveners for NINCAHT announced the networks action plan. “Advocacy with the government, training of law enforcement advisers and networking,” they said were their main priorities apart from other issues. “It is startling that many law enforcers are unaware of the Juvenile Act,” stated Ravi Kant, Executive Director of Shakti Sahni, an NGO. “Other startling facts of unsuspecting women from other states being sold to HIV infected residents of Nawanshahr and Ropar etc as no one from the state itself would marry them are the new dimensions the human trafficking racket has taken. Twelve such instances had already been reported in the past two years,” he further informed. Unhappy with the respective state governments’ response and “lack of financial support” to the issue of human trafficking the network hopes that this attitude would change with its formation. “Trafficking in human beings has always involved the brutal and inhumane exploitation of innocent lives resulting in the violation of basic and fundamental rights of the victims,” stated the members today. “As the issue is not localised and has gained cross border and global dimensions, it is increasingly involving the interests and serious concern of international bodies as well as of our national government,” It is thus pertinent and important that the issue was addressed with immediacy.
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Police ‘close’ to cracking Sukhvinder murder case
Mohali, December 6 Even though no arrests were made by the police today, Mr S.M. Sharma, IG (Zone), leading various teams involved in the investigations, said an early breakthrough was expected in the case. “We are working on various theories and concrete evidence has been found which we cannot divulge at this stage,” he added. Police teams today questioned a large number of Quark employees in connection with the murder. Police Officials said details of the inquiry report submitted by the company’s auditor Raman Aggarwal regarding the alleged bungling by the victim and 11 others had also been handed over to the police. Sukhvinder’s brother Gurvinder, who is also an employee of the company, today said that he had no clue as to what could have led to the murder. Stating that Sukhvinder’s equation with the company continued to be “amicable” despite the inquiry against him, Mr Gurvinder added that his brother had shown exemplary achievements during his working in Quark. He pointed out that Sukhvinder had been one of the company’s best employees and had also received large number of awards. “Less than a month ago, Sukhvinder had been sent to Austria twice on a project,” he said. A senior police official hinted that the weapon used in the murder had also been recovered. Mr Kiranbir Kang, a local Akali leader along with his brother Mr Satinder Gill, visited Sukhvinder’s parents at their Phase II residence today. Talking to mediapersons, the two demanded a CBI probe, alleging that the Punjab Government would “try to scuttle” the probe. The company chairman, Fred Ebrahimi, and MD P.S. Sehgal went to meet the Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh at Patiala to apprise him of the situation.
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Now, movie on demand on Dish TV
Chandigarh, December 6 And not failing to lure TV viewers, Zee’s Dish TV is starting the ‘movie-on-demand service’ from December 8, which will be beamed till January 4, 2006 to all Dish TV customers — all for free, well to begin with. After that viewers will have to subscribe to the service, exactly the same way sports channels, Goal I and Goal II, were beamed free but later on became paid channels. And you can order a particular movie on phone, send SMS or even use service provider’s online service. The buck does not stop here. The next generation digiboxes will not only carry personal video recorder but will also have features which will allow viewers to record a particular programme from one channel while watching some other channel at the same time. It could also store in your favourite movie(s), to be seen at your convenience later. Meanwhile, another player is set to enter the dish
TV market. According to reliable sources, STAR has tied up with Tata for a direct-to-home service. The two have already set up their office at Mohali. According to Mr Raj of Raj Enterprises, dealers for Zee’s Dish TV, the STAR-Tata is likely to install their equipment in February next and the service would start, either in February itself or by March at the most. Meanwhile, private player Dish TV is keeping its hold on viewers by constantly bringing in new channels without charging extra. Besides offering French, Australian and Chinese channels, it was offering four popular Pakistani channels- ARY siti (Karachi-based cable network), ARY digital, devoted to Pak plays for Indian viewers, with Indian timings and Geo TV, a private channel and ARY music.
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7 IAF men commended
Chandigarh, December 6 Warrant Officer N.K. Roy received Chief of the Air Staff’s Commendation, while six others were awarded the AOC-in-C’s Commendation. Addressing officers and airmen, Air Marshal Chauturvedi said the Depot must continue to maintain the high standard set by it in aircraft maintenance and it should be a role model for others to follow. Appreciating the role of the Air Force in rescue operations during the recent tsunami and earthquake disasters, he said it was because of the high level of maintenance that the IAF could undertake endless humanitarian missions. The Maintenance Command chief was also given a presentation on various projects and activities of the Depot by the Air Officer Commanding 3 BRD, Air Cmde R.K. Srivastava. The Air Marshal also visited various sections and departments of the depot and interacted with officers, airmen and civilian staff.
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Contribute to Army fund: Rodrigues
Chandigarh, December 6 In a message on the eve of this Armed Forces Flag Day, General Rodrigues said, “Our military history is full of sacrifices and acts of gallantry by our defence personnel, to protect the unity and integrity of our country. This day reminds us of our obligation, of looking after our war widows, war disabled and the dependents of those who laid down their lives for our motherland. This day also gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity with the forces and to recognise their heroic deeds” . The Governor said in difficult times, our armed forces always rose to the occasion and had never let the country down. General Rodrigues exhorted the people to join in this observance of Armed Forces Day, demonstrating national spirit, commitment to the nation and solidarity with the valiant soldiers.
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Bajrang Dal, VHP hold rallies
Chandigarh, December 6 The activists gathered at Sector 26 where they were addressed by Mr Vijay Singh Bhardwaj, secretary VHP (Punjab) among others. The rally then proceeded through Colony No. 4, Sectors 29, 30, 20, 21, 22 and ended at Sanatan Dharam Temple in Sector 23.
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CHB flats out of reach of common man
Recently, the Chandigarh Housing Board advertised sale of some housing board flats by lots. The cost of one-bedroom set is between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 15 lakh while two-bedroom set is priced from Rs 24 lakh to Rs 32 lakh. If the cost of these sets is calculated it can’t be more than Rs 6 lakh for one-bedroom set and Rs 10 lakh for two-bedroom set. It seems the purpose of the board is not to provide a house to the common man, but to cheat them. The average salary of a person is Rs 10,000 per month. If he saves this entire amount without even eating anything during his service period, only then he can save Rs 30 lakh at the time of his retirement. By increasing the cost of flats the board is not only cheating people but also encouraging corruption in society. The population of the city is around 10 lakh whereas it has infrastructure to accommodate only 2.5 lakh people. It is the right time to develop surrounding areas such as Hallo Majra, Mani Majra, Nayagaon, Dhanas, and Dhadumajra situated on the periphery of the city. It will not only reduce burden on Chandigarh but also reduce cost of plots and houses. Dr Harish Kumar, Chandigarh Govt bungalows
The Centre has taken a strict action against those politicians and others, who have been occupying government bungalows in Delhi unauthorisedly. The Chandigarh Administration is directly under the control of the Centre, but it has condoned the illegal occupation of government bungalows here. Mr Maninderjit Singh Bitta has been living in the bungalow No 7, Chandigarh, for the past several years. This type of bungalow can only be allotted to a minister or high-ranking official like the Adviser to Administrator. Mr Bitta is neither a minister, nor a high-ranking government official. Mr Paramjit Singh Gill, ADC to Gen S.F. Rodrigues, Government of Punjab and Administrator of UT, Chandigarh, has been in the possession of the sprawling government bungalow No. 71 in Sector 7 for the past several years. He is of the rank of an SP. His bungalow can only be allotted to a minister or a high-ranking official. Narinder Singh,
Chandigarh
PGI security
I visited the PGI Emergency some days ago to enquire about my brother-in-law who had suffered a heart attack. At the entrance of the Emergency, there were hanging two small signboards, one with the words ‘‘Enquiry’’ and the other ‘‘Reception’’. However, a heap of condemned furniture was lying where ‘‘Enquiry’’ and ‘‘Reception’’ were supposed to be in position. The security staff was unsophisticated and totally insensitive to human sufferings. What to talk of guiding the visitors and educating them about rules to visit ailing patients, they were found shouting on visitors and sometimes laughing after shoeing them away. Mr B.K. Sharma,
Panchkula
City periphery
The regularisation of various constructions on the periphery by the Punjab Government, though a belated move, is a step in right direction. This will pave the way for the development of 300 villages situated on the periphery of Chandigarh. This will also ease population pressure and bring down sky-high prices of property in the city beautiful. It will not only encourage a planned development, but also check haphazard growth on the periphery. Mohan Singh Thakur,
Chandigarh
Panchkula roads
Roads of Panchkula, called “Paris of Haryana”, are in a pitiable condition. Those in Sector 6, especially the one between the General Hospital and residences, passing through Sector 7 market, are waiting for accidents to happen. We cut a very sorry figure whenever a visitor happens to visit our home. They wonder whether the bad shape of the roads is due to a quake. It seems the Municipal Council has been waiting for some court orders to get going with repair work. Muskaan,
Panchkula
Street vendors
One fine evening a pavement across my house was humming with activities with the arrival of peanut-sellers — a woman with her two siblings. She removed the congress grass, cleaned the roadside and set up her artistically carved “bhathi” to sell hot peanuts. The fragrance of “garam mungfali” was treat for the nostril of every passer-by. The children, women and old couple like us were extremely happy with her presence. After a few days her “bhathi” was removed by the Municipal Council staff, sparing other vendors of the area. I feel that when her presence in the area was beneficial to society why laws could not be made flexible to accommodate such persons. Corners of localities may be allotted to street vendors to sell their wares. The council may charge nominal or symbolic fees from them and issue licences to them. Only condition should be that they keep the area neat and clean which they generally do. Even the police may take advantage of their presence as licenced vendors in “nukkads” keep a watchful eye on every passer-by. Mr Balraj Katial,
Panchkula
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Sector 6 murder accused held
Panchkula, December 6 The police says that the accused, along with Lal Bahadur, the servant at Khattar house, where the murder took place on Friday night, had escaped to Delhi with the booty. While Lal Bahadur went away, probably to Nepal, Arjun came back after he heard that his relatives were being questioned by the police. Arjun is reported to have confessed to the crime, saying that they had looted Rs 15,000 from the house of Mr Raj Kumar Khattar in Sector 6, after they had killed Algu Ram. He also confessed that they were in an inebriated condition when they reached the house. Another co-conspirator in the murder, Man Bahadur, a brother of Lal Bahadur, was arrested by the police last Saturday.
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7 booked for attack on student
Mohali, December 6 According to the police, Balraj Singh and his friend Navjot were seriously injured when the two were attacked with kirpans and rods by a group of persons last evening in Mullapur Garibdass. The police added that the boys were attacked due to an old rivalry between two groups of students. Those booked include Baljinder, Satinder Sethi, Sukhvinder, Bhagu and two others. They have been booked under Sections 324, 341 and 506 of the IPC.
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My best is yet to come: Rati
Panchkula, December 6 Rati is in town for an advertisement shoot for Amartex
Industries. She has been chosen as the brand ambassador of Amartex. Talking to mediapersons in between the advertisement shoots, she says she had to give up films for a few years because of her family obligations. “When I felt that my son was old enough to manage on his own, I made a comeback. Though I am doing more of character roles, cinema has definitely changed and new dimensions are being added to character roles,” she said. In answer to a query about the changes in cinema, she said a lot of good movies were being produced and at the same time, a lot of crap was being passed off as entertainment. “But Indian cinema has definitely matured,” she said. Rati had enjoyed a long innings in Bollywood when she left it all for matrimony. She had started her second innings with the film ‘Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi’. Since then, she had potrayed an array of character roles. Of late, she had dabbled with theatre with ‘Please Divorce Me, Darling’ a comedy. “I have worked in over 70 films, but the best is yet to come. One tends to improve with each film, so I am yet to give my best performance,” she said.
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