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MC’s shortest meeting ends amidst chaos
Chandigarh, May 26 Amidst commotion and protest by opposition members, denouncing Deputy Mayor Harmohinder Singh Lucky — who was conspicuous by his absence — Mayor Surinder Singh announced the agenda numbers and declared them passed. No discussion was initiated on the agenda, which interestingly had only four items on it. It was an absolute chaos during the meeting. While member of the opposition Kamla Sharma demanded Lucky’s resignation and reached the Mayor’s chair along with other members in protest, the Mayor announced the end of the meeting and asked for the national anthem to be played. Later, talking to the TNS, the Mayor said: “As the opposition did not obey the order of the Chair, the agenda was thus passed.” Today’s proceedings seemed to have worked on
But what took everybody by surprise was the way the Mayor dispensed with the agenda and ended the meeting. Opposition member Jitender Bhatia said they would oppose the way the items on the agenda were cleared without any discussion. He said the administrator should suspend all proceedings of the House under Section 422 of the MC Act. He added that members of the Chandigarh Vikas Manch had demanded the resignation of the Deputy Mayor on moral grounds. The agenda items “cleared” today included replacement and augmentation of lighting system from Bhaskar Chowk to Tribune Chowk (Junction 30 to 38) on Dakshin Marg; supply and carriage of cement for store of the MC; and permission to incur expenditure over and above the approved estimate of roads committee, finance and contract committee and General House of the MC.
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City to have 70 jan sampark centres
Chandigarh, May 26 Confirming this, Mr M.S. Brar, Director of Information Technology, has said the department has decided to ensure connectivity in every nook and corner of the city. The city has eight e-sampark centres, which have been handling queries on a trial basis. The kiosks will be set on BOT basis. The department has sought the expression of interest for the project. Each kiosk will be eight square feet. The department will provide the base for structure and electricity connectivity. Besides collecting data on the front of government agencies, the department has been working out details of collecting information about private services as well. In the first place, data inputs in medical and nursing facilities available in the city are being tabulated. The service will also make efforts to have inputs on services like those of carpenters, house repair workers, cobblers and tailors. The departments where residents of the city can pose their questions include education, health, tourism, police, industry, electricity and agencies concerned with rural administration, besides those handling important wings of civic amenities under the Municipal Corporation. The centres are also expected to provide information regarding bookings in
“Jan sampark centres are upgraded versions of e-sampark centres. The e-sampark centres handle only the business process of government dealing, mainly settling bills and making certificates and senior citizens cards. “Jan sampark centres are basically information banks for citizens. Everybody does not have a computer at home. A citizen can walk into a centre and get details of the office and officer he should contact for his work. The fee is only Rs 2 per enquiry. “For example, someone has to file a police complaint. He can go to the jan sampark centre and make his enquiry. He will get an answer about the correct procedure for handling his complaint and the officer to contact for it. The same way will apply to all departments”, Mr Brar says. The department had started the trial run of the Project Jan Sampark in January last. It had started functioning from e-sampark centres by adding on a number of facilities.
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GMCH-32 doctors block traffic at ISBT
Chandigarh, May 26 Gathering at the Sector 17 rotary near the ISBT exit point, about 150 doctors and their supporters from the Homoeopathy College blocked the exit points of both ISBT as well as local bus stand. Divided in two groups, the protesters made their objectives clear to the people whom they stopped in the tracks. “We just want to tell all of you that we are on strike for your welfare, not ours. We have seats at medical institutions and will pass out of our respective colleges with degrees in hand. It is your wards who will face the music of quotas. If you want to save their future, you must act now,” they said. The doctors, led by Dr Sanjeev Bhatia, president of the Resident Doctors Association, GMCH-32 and Dr Anup, president of the students body at the college, the protesters distributed pamphlets to people sitting in the buses they blocked. They tried to generate as much support for the nationwide movement as possible. To begin with, doctors and students assembled at ISBT at about 10.30 a.m. The tone of protest was weak initially, with the students allowing buses to pass, lest there should be a traffic jam. Later, however, they took the agitation to another level by voicing their concerns among people. Dr Anup said, “We do not want this movement to lose steam. The onus of mobilising people lies upon us. After bringing the protest to this level, we cannot afford to abandon it.” Today’s protest by GMCH-32 doctors, however, was just one way to reach out to people and bring them under the fold of the mass movement which had a bearing on the welfare of future generations. But the blockade would be repeated tomorrow, as there were other plans on the agenda. Meanwhile, representatives of Quark, Infosys and other IT companies from the city will march in support of anti-quota protests tomorrow. Accompanied by engineering students, IT professionals will hold a march, starting from University Institute of Engineering Technology, Panjab University. The rally will culminate at Matka Chowk in Sector 17. Later at 11 a.m., presidents of all private organisations will hold a joint press conference with leaders of protesting doctors’ bodies.
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Doctors find a novel way of protest
Chandigarh, May 26 There was no violent dharna, for once and no clarion calls against the Union Human Resource Development Minister. All one saw today was a steady inflow of striking doctors and their supporters to Rotary and Blood Bank Society's Resource Centre in Sector 37. They came to donate their blood so the world could know they cared for its people. They also came to affirm support to the nationwide movement against quotas lest the gesture of blood donation was misunderstood. It was naturally an interesting form of aggression - one that served a larger social cause. In a way the resident doctors, who came in huge numbers to donate blood proved that both in peace and in protest they were committed to larger social good. As one of the doctors pointed out, "We are in protest against quotas which are vague in principle. For so many days we have been staging dharnas to put our point across. Today we decided to do say the same thing differently. It is common knowledge that diversity appeals to everyone. Our message is the same, but our manner of expression today was different." Throughout the day, resident doctors from the PGI kept coming to the Resource Centre in groups, making fresh statements in protest. Many of them came wearing black badges, some others sported slogans as they donated units, still others came quietly and returned quietly. But in every way, the collective gesture of 101 donors made an impact on those that watched. Dr Jaspreet, president, Resident Doctors Association of the PGI, said, "That was precisely why we collaborated with the Resource Centre for the event. It was very much a part of the ongoing agitation but it was unique for its non-violent form. We have been criticised for lack of sensitivity towards patients' cause. Here we are now, replenishing a precious resource for our patients. Everyone knows blood donation is the highest form of donation. In the absence of blood it would become impossible to sustain hospitals. Our endeavour is to donate blood and mobilise others to do the same." For today's event, resident doctors received support from students of Punjab Engineering College, Panjab University, Government Medical College and Hospital-32 and General Hospital-16. Surprised at the impressive turnout on the call of doctors, Ms Niti Sareen, joint secretary, Blood Bank, Chandigarh said, "I think it is a most constructive way of expressing grievances. Several donors came in, sporting T- shirts bearing the slogan 'Youth for Equality". But more important than the slogan was the purpose of their effort. It was noble indeed; and very kind." Of the 101 donors who turned up to make a success of the new form of protest, about 80 were resident doctors from the PGI. |
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CBSE Class X results today
Chandigarh, May 26 According to the CBSE, this year the pass percentage for boys in the region is 81.21 per cent, while girls is 84.14 per cent. The total overall pass percentage is 82.41 per cent. In schoolwise performances, Kendriya Vidyalaya has secured a pass percentage of 86.95 per cent, government schools 58 per cent, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya 90.37 per cent, while independent schools have got a pass percentage of 85.82 per cent. All government schools under the Chandigarh Administration can collect their result from the office of the District Education Officer at 10 am. However, the mark sheets of Class X and XII can be collected from the CBSE office directly by the respective schools.
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Passing thru
What brings you to the city?
I am here for the two-day national conference of education officers of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. What are the reasons of the success of the Kendriya Vidyalayas? For the third consecutive year, Bangalore region Kendriya Vidyalayas have topped the country in performance. We monitor the performance of the students closely and identify the problem areas. Once this is done, special attention is paid to better the students’ performance. We analyse the results carefully to look for our weak points. But does this approach not promote examination-based teaching? We follow this strategy with students appearing for the board examinations but with other students of the school we are making sure that there is focus on skill-based education along with the examinations. Is this your first visit to the city? How did you find the city? This is my first visit to the city. I found this city OK. We visited the Rock Garden, the Sukhna Lake and the Rose Garden. I wish there were better arrangements in the Rock Garden for drinking water. — Chitleen K. Sethi
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UT gets additional 90 MW of power
Chandigarh, May 26 The Chandigarh Administration has managed to arrange power from the Ministry of Power and the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board through the Power Trading Corporation of India, which has already started flowing to the city. Due to reduction in the allocation of power by the Ministry of Power to the city, the administration was forced to impose power cuts in the city. Matter was taken up by the Administrator with the Prime Minister and the Central Power Minister to get the reduced allocation restored. Accordingly, in view of the shortage of power prevailing in the city, the Ministry of Power has increased the allocation from the unallocated pool of Northern Region from the prevailing level of 0-5 per cent to 5-6 per cent in various time slots of day and allocation from the unallocated quota of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant units – 3 and 4 has also been increased from nil to 11 MW. With the commercial operation of 500 MW unit of Rihand stage-II, additional allocation up to 8.5 MW is also being provided, thereby increasing the total additional allocation by the Ministry of Power to Chandigarh by around 70 MW. On the other hand, the Chandigarh Administration has been in constant contact with the power trading companies for purchase of power. Accordingly, 50 MW of power has been arranged through the Power Trading Corporation at Rs 4.85 per unit for the period of July to September. Simultaneously, matter was also taken up by the Administrator with the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board for diverting the surplus power available with them to Chandigarh. Then Power Trading Corporation made an offer to sell the HPSEB power at Rs 5.81 per unit with immediate effect till June 30. The administration has consented to purchase this power and accordingly power has also started flowing to Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Administration shall be purchasing 10 MW of the HPSEB power till May end and 20 MW of this power for June through the Power Trading Corporation.
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MC callousness deprives
Panchkula, May 26 Be it roads, parks, fountains or streetlights all are crying for care. Drinking water supply and sewerage lines have also felt the heat of infighting among the councilors in the past one year. The bitumen-layer of the majority of internal roads has peeled off, wild growth has virtually taken over the parks with trash scattered all around. Polythene, moss and rubbish have been dotting the fountains making them eyesores for the visitors. A majority of streetlights have been lying defunct and almost every dustbin, placed by the civil body at various places, has been spilling garbage. Piles of garbage and solid waste have been dotting every nook and corner of the city, thus posing a serious health hazard to the residents. Apart from this, taps drawing muddy water have also been threatening human health. Mr S.K. Nayar, president of the Citizen’s Welfare Association, Panchkula, rued that the residents had been feeling deprived of proper roads, parks, road-gullies, cleanliness, street lighting, hygienic drinking water supply for the past over four years. Mr R.G. Bector, former Chief Engineer, alleged that the lack of coordination between HUDA officials and the MC had worsened the situation. He complained that road connecting various sectors with the Chandigarh-Kalka road were in a bad shape. Knee-deep potholes had developed on the roads that often got converted into cesspools even on light showers, he added. Piles of garbage and filth spilling out of the dustbins at various places welcome visitors. Morning strollers have a tough time as foul smell fills their nostrils at every step, claimed Mr Bector. Mr Ravinder Bhardwaj, a Sector 7 resident, alleged that the MC had hardly made any arrangements to tackle the problems arising from rains in the city. The defunct streetlights had been helping the anti-social elements and the criminals to commit crime, he added.
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Panel sought for conversion policy implementation
Chandigarh, May 26 The industrialists led by Mr M.P.S.Chawla, president, Mr N.S.Vohra, senior vice president and Mr tejinder Singh, general secretary, met Gen S.F. Rodrigues (retd) and apprised him about the problems faced by the small industrialists. The association demanded the instalment rate be lowered in case of smaller plots and they also be allowed to convert their trade. The association demanded that they be given a period of 10 years to pay their instalments instead of the current period of only five years.
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Third day of fast against land to school
Chandigarh, May 26 According a press note, there was no need for a new school in the sector, which already had at least six schools. The Chandigarh Administration had completely ignored the sentiments of the residents while allotting the land to the private school. It may be recalled that the residents’ protest had a widespread support from the local people with even noted comedian Jaspal Bhatti, who is also a resident of Sector 19, joining the protest
recently. TNS
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ITBP absorbs 202 recruits
Chandigarh, May 26 ITBP’s Additional Director General Sunil Krishna reviewed the parade and took the salute. In his address, he exhorted the recruits to maintain high standards of professionalism. He advised them to keep the ethos of the force in their mind when going about their duties. He also gave away prizes to recruits for outstanding performance during the training period. Mithlesh Kumar and Kamal Kumar and were declared overall best in general duty and non-general duty batches, respectively. Earlier, in his welcome address, DIG, BTC, Mangal Singh Danu outlined the training activities during the 44-week course. He said stress was laid on soldering, camaraderie and confidence building.
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House owners’ charge on vacant plots
Mohali, May 26 He said the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) should review its decision of asking residents to close the gates opened on the backside of their houses. He said PUDA had issued notices in this regard but residents were compelled to use the back gates to park their vehicles which they could not do in the front courtyard because of narrow space. The SSP was requested to restrict the entry of junk dealers and vegetable sellers in the residential areas as senior citizens felt insecure.
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Sewer leakage irks workers
Chandigarh, May 26 Mr K.S. Gill, an entrepreneur, said the sewer leakage had been continuing for the past several days. They had talked to different departments, but there had been no action on the ground, he added.
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Jhuggi dwellers shifted
Mohali, May 26 Now teams of PUDA officials would shift their action to Amb Sahib Colony in Sector 48– C where 664 jhuggis existed. These people are also being rehabilitated on a temporary basis in the Jagatpura Colony.
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Late arrivals of Shatabadi rued
Chandigarh, May 26 In a statement the PHDCCI said its members had complained about the evening train frequently arriving late. The statement further stated that it was high time that the Railway authorities take corrective action to ensure timely running of the train.
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Relief for scribe’s kin
Chandigarh, May 26
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Man robbed by 3 posing as cops
Chandigarh, May 26 Sources in the Sector 17 police station said Mohammad Firoz of New Delhi lodged a complaint with the police alleging that three “men in khaki” came to him at the ISBT in the wee hours and directed him to accompany them saying that they wanted to question him. Firoz told the police that he had come to the city to deliver wedding suits to a Sector 34-based boutique. After delivering the consignment, he went to the bus stand to board a bus for Delhi. Taking them for policemen, Firoz followed them and got into their Tata 407 mini truck. He further alleged in his complaint that the trio took him to a jungle area outside the city in the truck. There the three robbed him and fled. Left with only Rs 6 in his pocket, Firoz came to the city at daybreak and reported the matter to the police. The police said the matter was being investigated and the statement of the complainant had been verified. A police officer said: “We are not sure about the contents of the complaint, as it is difficult to believe that someone could dare to pose as policemen at the bus stand where there is a permanent police post and kidnap a man. Held for theft:
Scooter stolen:
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Couple booked for cheating
Chandigarh, May 26 Mr Jagdev Cheema alleged that the couple had forged documents of property belonging to Mr Rajnish Kumar to procure a loan of over Rs 15 lakh from the Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC) in 1997. He added in his complaint that he was also a partner of the said company and Rajnish had allowed them to mortgage his land for the loan, but his nephew forged the documents to show that the piece of land belonged to him. Later, when the couple failed to pay back the loan the HSIDC auctioned the land to recover the loan amount. When Mr Jagdev Cheema learnt about the fact, he sent a fax massage to the Haryana Vigilance Department apprising them about the fraud and the matter was investigated. The Vigilance Department after detecting the fraud reported the matter to the Chandigarh Police. The local police contacted Mr Rajnish Kumar, who came last month from the USA to record his statement. However, Mr Rajnish Kumar told the police that he had given his property with consent and did not want action against Mr Harpreet Cheema. The matter was then sent for legal opinion wherein the legal experts opined that a case had to be registered as an offence had been committed. Following which a case was registered, a police officer in the EOW said.
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1 held on charge of criminal intimidation
Chandigarh, May 26 Giving details, sources in the Sector 17 police station said 20-year-old Mandeep, alias Rimpu, of Sector 22 was allegedly passing lewd remarks and was harassing a woman residing in his neighbourhood for the past three months. The victim’s father alleged that the accused would pass obscene remarks, send vulgar SMSs and used to threaten his daughter. The police arrested the accused after registering a case in this regard. In another incident, sources in Industrial Area police station said three cases of theft have been worked out with the arrest of Jasbir Singh of Raipur Khurd village. The police recovered jewellery worth Rs 10,000, a TV, gas cylinders, a CD player and a mobile phone from his possession. He was arrested on May 24 from his village. A local court had sent him to two days of police remand.
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Two missing
Mohali, May 26 He found the house locked. He tried to look for her and enquired from the neighbours, but nobody knew about her whereabouts. They had got married about three years ago. In another case, an 18- year-old Jagmeet Singh has also been missing since May 22. His father, Mr Amarjit Singh, told the police that Jagmeet lived with his aunt here and worked in a cycle repair shop. He went to work on May 22, but did not return.
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Two attempt suicide
Dera Bassi, May 26 Similarly, Jarnalo, a resident of Bataur, near Barwala, also tried to take her life by consuming a poisonous substance at her home. Both were rushed to the local civil hospital. However, they were later referred to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 in Chandigarh.
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Graft charges against ASI
Dera Bassi, May 26 In a complaint to the DSP, Ms Gujjar alleged that the ASI demanded a mobile phone costing over Rs 15,000 from her for settling a dispute with one of her neighbours in the Chandigarh Apartments on the Dera Bassi-Barwala road. Demanding strict action against the ASI, she threatened to approach the Chief Minister if justice was not done. The ASI, however, refuted the allegations and claimed that the matter was amicably settled between the two parties.
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Biz Clips
Chandigarh BSNL MEETING: The telecom advisory committee meeting of the BSNL was held under the chairmanship of Mr O.P. Sikka, Principal General Manager Telecom, Chandigarh. The members were apprised about the ongoing development projects and the marketing team explained the new schemes and tariff plans. The issue of frequent theft of BSNL telecom cable was also discussed.
— TNS
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