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Kansal Land Grab Case Chitleen K. Sethi Tribune News Service
Mohali, June 8 It seems that the land owners got the sale deeds of the land registered even before the mutations were sanctioned and partitioning of the land allowed. Taking up the public interest litigation filed by Lawyers for Human Rights International, Chief Justice Vijender Jain observed that the “offending sale deeds were registered in the year 1988-1989 which are prior to the sanctioning of mutations in the names of the shareholders. We fail to understand as to how these sale deeds were registered when the shares had not been translated into individual separate demarcated areas. In short, neither had the land been demarcated or the limit of ownership specified and yet the sale deeds were registered.” Adjourning the case till July 8, the Chief Justice has asked that in case there are similar instances of sale deeds having being registered before the division of the land was allowed, these be placed on record. Lawyers for Human Rights International had filed a PIL in 2006 challenging the buying and selling of land in kansal by VIP bureaucrats in connivance with PUDA and the land mafia. Other than senior Punjab IAS and IPS officers owning land here, a large chunk of land here is under colonisation. In his detailed orders, the Chief Justice said that they were not impressed by the sequence of events detailed by counsel for the state. The state counsel had highlighted in the court that the land which was registered was jumla mushtarka malkan hasab rasab khewat (land commonly owned by villagers) and, therefore, the proprietors were fully entitled to their shares and consequently since they have chosen to sell their shares, there was no illegality committed. Consolidation of this land was completed in the year 1970 -71. Out of the total 23,911 kanal and 14 marla, 570 kanal and 18 marla was jumla mushtarka malkan, out of which 137 kanal 17 marla was common path. The state counsel contended that in 1984 an order was passed by the consolidation authorities that the land which was left for common purposes for a rivulet was not required for the reason that the administration had built a bandh. Accordingly, the land was directed to be distributed and given to shareholders as per their individual shares. The orders came into effect on June 27, 1986. The order, claimed the counsel, was never challenged. However, some villagers challenged the original consolidation orders of 1970-71 due to which the collector directed that the mutatio sanctioned pursuant to the 1986 orders be kept in limbo. The petition was decided in 1994 and a fresh consolidation order passed in 1997. This order was also impugned and dismissed in 1999 and the order of the director, consolidation, upheld. It is thereafter that on Novermber 25, 1999, the mutations were sanctioned in the names of all proprietors of the village, stated the counsel. The Chief Justice noticed that the sale deeds were registered before the mutation was sanctioned.
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On these roads, you’ll be run out
Rajmeet Singh Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8 Compared to the smooth roads in the northern sectors, those in the southern sectors are full of potholes, some with tricky uneven surface. It is almost as if the city splits into two at Dakshin Marg- the beautiful North and the not so pretty south. Heavy traffic, crowded sectors and official neglect is the story of the southern areas. Most rehabilitation colonies and slums are situated in the southern belt adjoining Mohali. “Internal roads in Sectors 32, 34, 37, 38, 40, 42, 45 and 47 need urgent repair. We are widening V5 roads in different sectors. At some places carpeting has already been done,” explained an official of the municipal corporation. The condition is worse in Phase III sectors beginning Sector 48. The road dividing Sectors 61 and Phase VII of Mohali speaks volume about the state of neglect. On the other hand, the road leading to the Sukhna Lake from the Punjab CM’s residence has been recarpeted though it was in good condition. Not only the roads, disparity also exists in the maintenance of road berms in the North and South areas. While the berms in the North are well-maintained, one sees heaps of earth and loose construction material on those in the southern sectors. The picture of the Sector 34 sub-city centre is rather depressing. Potholes and battered roads welcome visitors to the commercial centre, rated second to Sector 17. “Revenue earned in the form of parking fee and earnings from property tax are not being spent on upgradation of the sector as the area is still with the Chandigarh Housing Board. There is lack of coordination among different departments. No beautification on the pattern of Sector 17 has been undertaken,” said Manmohan Singh, a businessman. A senior official of the administration said recarpeting of main roads, including the road dividing Sectors 34 and 35, 43 and 44 had been undertaken recently. Nevertheless, several roads need repair. Sample this: The surface of the main road dividing Sectors 46 and 47 is deplorable though the road is used by inter-state buses going towards the Sector 43 ISBT. “A few years back, some officials were suspended for poor quality works but the road is in bad shape again,” said a resident of Sector 47. Roads leading to the southern sectors see a higher volume of traffic compared to those in the north. “The roads need to be wider considering the density of population and the per capita vehicles,” says Abhi Sharma, a resident of Phase IX, Mohali.
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RBI drive against private finance companies
Chandigarh, June 8 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated a special drive against such companies operating in the region. Senior officials in the RBI informed TNS that most of these private financiers were operating without registering their company under the Companies Act. These companies enticed people to deposit their savings with them by promising them 30-40 per cent rate of interest. Though the RBI had set a limit of 12.5 per cent on the deposits, it was applicable only to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs). These unincorporated companies were not covered under this directive, and thus they managed to get good business by offering such high rates of interest. After amassing huge sums, these companies stopped repaying interest on deposits and then closed shop, thus duping their depositors. Since there was no cap on advances, these companies were also charging exorbitant advances. RBI officials say that now the advances are market driven, and based on the volatility in the market. A senior official in RBI informed TNS that just 97 NBFCs were registered in this region, though hundreds of private finance companies were operating here. In fact, the RBI had now come across several complaints against these NBFCs, who had started operating through a sister concern, which was unincorporated. Recently, as many as two companies based in Moga- Moga Deposits and Advances and Diamond Fincap - had now been prohibited from accepting deposits in any form (by way of renewal or otherwise). The promoters of the two NBFCs had allegedly accepted deposits, but issued passbooks of a sister concern. It was only after the depositors stopped getting repayments that the RBI intervened and initiated action against the two companies, which had allegedly defrauded depositors of several crores. With complaints about these private companies pouring in, RBI had now launched an awareness drive by conducting seminars and workshops for the police in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. “We are covering six districts in each state, where we are sensitizing the police about these private finance companies and the provisions governing them in the RBI Act,” said the official.
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Nigerian walks into police trap
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8 The accused, who identified himself as Bright, is in his mid-20s. A team of the crime branch officials arrested him from the railway station after laying a trap. A local court today remanded him in three-day police custody. Talking to the media, DSP (crime) K.I.P. Singh said Balbir Singh, an MBA student of Mohali, had lodged a complaint with the police on June 4 that he was defrauded of Rs 1.81 lakh by representatives of a UK-based company “United Kingdom online promos” on the pretext that he had won a lottery worth 1 million pound. He told the police that he received an email on May 11 from drawnoticetiws@dodo.com.au informing him that he had won the draw held on May 9. He replied to the mail and was told to pay Rs 1.81 lakh in four instalments. He deposited the amount at ICICI Bank in the account of Arun Parthak. He then received a call from the “representatives” of the company asking him to come to Delhi with Rs 56,000 as tax clearance, but he got suspicious and informed the police. The police asked him to call the company’s representative to Chandigarh to collect the money and Bright walked right into the police trap. A scrutiny of his mobile call details revealed that he was in touch with over 30 persons and some of them could be his prospective victims. The police said Bright used to send scanned copies of various documents certifying the credentials of the company to win the trust of people. The police did not find any proof of his identity. Bright said he was a computer engineer and was teaching at a private institute in Delhi. The police is yet to ascertain his credentials and the origin of the mails. The police said it was possible that the scam was being run from India. The police has warned the public to be wary of such mails.
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Decks cleared for lake in Sec 42
Chandigarh, June 8 It would be used for religious ceremonies and rituals. The Chandigarh administration has banned such ceremonies at the Sukhna Lake. The standing finance committee has approved an estimate of Rs 3 crore for the project. A senior official said a wall would be constructed around the lake to retain the earth and water. A 6-ft wide track would be laid for the pedestrians.
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City Concerns
Politicians and policemen are believed to be insensitive. But it is not often that the media too gets clubbed with them. The horrific murder of 14-year-old Delhi Public School student Arushi Talwar in NOIDA is one recent instance where the three together are being accused of not only being insensitive, but also for tarnishing the image of the deceased girl.
The manner in which the police handled the investigations, first failing to discover the body of the prime suspect, Hemraj, then the insinuation of her relations with the servant without any credible evidence thereof and then the selective leaks of her sms messages, in an obvious bid to cast aspersions on her character, has drawn considerable flak. As for the media, the way some TV channels sensationalised the entire affair, caring little about the deceased girl’s privacy, has also been criticised by leading luminaries in the field. And the politicians, like always, tried to politicise to score brownie points. Do you also feel that the police, the media and the politicians have been callous in their respective handling of the case? Did the media, especially the TV, go overboard and indulge in avoidable sensationalism? Is there a need for the media to regulate itself while reporting such sensitive cases? Send your responses, in not more than 200 words, by email to
cityconcerns@tribunemail.com
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Citizens’ Grievance
The Tribune has always strived to be the Voice of the People. To provide our readers another opportunity to speak out, the Chandigarh Tribune is starting a weekly column, Citizens’ Grievance.
If you feel you have been wronged or have a grievance of not having been heard by the administration or any other public institution, write to us. We will carry forth your voice to the men/women whose duty it is to serve you- the people. You can email your letters, with relevant documents as attachments, to
citizensgrievance@tribunemail.com or send them to The Tribune Office marked to the City Editor.
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Media ignoring development issues: Expert
Chandigarh, June 8 The concluding day saw discussions on the immediate need to speed up the formation of the Media Council of India, encompassing the entire range of media outlets, to regulate and encourage media to adopt best practices, both in editorial and HR policies of their respective organisations. Nandani Sahai, director, MICCI, New Delhi, made recommendations for evolving a gender policy for the print media that included the need for transparency in employment, promotions, contractual terms, and comprehensive HR policies that can take care of their maternity and paternity leaves, and flexible working hours in media organisations. Vijay Saigal, former editor, Dainik Tribune, said, “There is almost no media coverage of rural women and the problems they face. Issues of development have taken a backseat due to the advent of commercialisation of media.” Speaking on the occasion, Shastri Ramachandran, senior associate editor, The Tribune, lamented that majority of big media outfits were in the business of entertainment and not in journalism, which necessitated the need for the journalists to safeguard the values for which the Fourth Estate was known. Ramachandran pointed out the media insensitivity to audit various programmes that were not benefiting the people they were meant for and to voice the concerns of 77 per cent of the Indian population that subsisted on less than Rs 20 wage a day. Dr Mohanmeet Khosla, chairperson, department of mass communication, PU, asserted the need to have gender sensitisation programs in media organisations as well as in educational institutes. Rajeshwar Dyal, advisor, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, pointed out that there was an urgent need to regulate the way the journalists were paid and gender equality was maintained in their working conditions. Charanjit Singh, managing director, CorePR, and chapter head of MICCI, informed that the recommendations formulated in the seminar should be circulated amongst all media organisations, besides undertaking gender sensitisation workshops in the future. The seminar was jointly organised by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Public Relations Society of India, and Public Relations Department of the UT administration, with CorePR as the knowledge partner.
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Road linking city with Mohali neglected
Chandigarh, June 8 Unable to assess the heavy vehicular traffic plying on the road, the UT engineering department has failed not only to widen the road, but also to improve the riding surface, leaving the motorists a harried lot. Following the recent spell of rain, the potholes and trenches filled with water have turned into death traps for two-wheelers riders. Besides, the rain has delayed the work, which was already proceeding at a snail’s pace. As the road comes partly under Mohali and partly under Chandigarh, lack of coordination between the authorities is also taking its toll. While the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has begun construction of the road under its area, the UT administration has so far done nothing to improve the road. “Its seems that the hardships of the motorists will not end in the near future. For if the GMADA completes the work on its side, it will be of no use if its counterparts fail to do their part of the job,” says a daily commuter. The road is dotted with potholes besides having a large number of trenches on both sides, reducing its width at places. There is virtually no space for the vehicles to pass each other. The absence of streetlights further aggravates the hardship of the commuters. Sources said the authorities had begun construction work about 10 months ago. The area along the road is dug up with pipes and other construction material lying on it. The condition of the road falling in the Mohali area is quite bad following the rain. Craters on the road filled with rainwater have become death traps for two-wheeler riders, especially during the night, with the road having no streetlights. According to roadside hawkers, sitting along the road, minor accidents are a common sight here. A visits to the area revealed that the authorities concerned have paid scant regard to the safety of the motorists. Signboards were not installed at dangerous points, cautioning road users. At some places, concrete pipes and joints were being used to caution the motorists against the huge trenches on the road.
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Mohali dist under IT Range VI
Mohali, June 8 According to a press note issued by the department, the office of Range VI would be located at C-81 Industrial Area, Phase VI. The Range VI office would be headed by joint commissioner of income tax Manjit Singh. The other officers are deputy commissioner of income tax Chetan P.S. Rao and four income tax officers. The range would have jurisdiction over the entire SAS Nagar district consisting of the Mohali city and revenue tehsils of Kharar and Dera Bassi. The range has further been divided into wards. The ITO ward 6 (1) would have Sectors 62 to 69, Industrial Area, Phase IX, areas falling under Sector 76 and onwards under its jurisdiction. All villages of revenue tehsil Mohali (except those falling within the jurisdiction of the ITO wards 6 (2) and 6 (3) Mohali) and all villages falling under the revenue tehsil of Kharar would be a part of the 6 (1) jurisdiction. The ITO ward 6 (2) would have under its jurisdiction Phases I, II, IV, V, VI, Industrial areas Phases I to VI coming under villages Mohali, Madanpura, Shahi Majra and other adjoining villages. The ITO ward 6 (3) would have under its jurisdiction Phases III-A, III-B-I, III-B-2, VII, Industrial areas of Phases VII, VII (extension), VIII and VIII B, Sectors 70, 71 and village Mataur in Sector 71. The ITO ward 6 (4) would have under its jurisdiction all areas falling under the revenue tehsil of Dera Bassi. All income tax payers based in SAS Nagar are required to file their income tax returns to Range VI at its office instead of filing it at the income tax office in Rajpura. The telephone number of this office is 0172-2264781.
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Senior citizens get dose of spirituality
Panchkula, June 8 Citing references from Rig Ved and other scriptures, he defined the unique 'Vihangam Yog' as realisation of the true self (atma) and its union with the Universal soul (Parmatma). The learned saint elaborated on the basic eternal existences, including the Supreme Being God, the Cosmic Executor, Soul, Nature, Eternal spiritual guide (sadguru) etc. Saint Kalunia reiterated that all other prevalent practices of yoga or meditation are based on body, mind and intellect but the Vihangam Yog deals entirely with the soul (atma) and the union of self with the Universal soul (Parmatma). The discourse was followed by an open discussion, which saw participation by Dr C.R. Sharma, former professor PGI, Col I.J. Ahulwalia and Col B.M. Talwar (retd), R.K. Nayyar, S.N. Chhabra , V.P. Kumar and others. The council president, Col B,M, Talwar, welcomed the scholar. Earlier, prodigious Piyousha Mitra, accompanied by Tara Chand on tabla, cast a spell with rendition of devotional compositions of Kabir, Mira and Surdas. Piyousha, a Bhavan Vidyalya student and the winner of the prestigious national scholarship of the HRD ministry,
created a spiritual fervour with her performance.
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Book on Dr Ikolaha released
Chandigarh, June 8 Mehar Baba Charitable Trust has published the book, which has been written by a Sikh historian, Dr Harjinder Singh
Dilgeer. While talking to mediapersons, Dilgeer said the book highlighted the life of Dr Ikolaha and his role in the freedom struggle, as he was at the helm of the Akali Dal and the SGPC during the most turbulent times. He said the book also talked about his contribution in the formation of the Ghadar party, the Akali Dal and his other social and visionary activities. He said he had travelled a lot within India and abroad to collect data for the book. He visited Patiala, Amritsar Delhi and Calcutta to collect material from the national archives. Besides, he also got references from India office records now known as Commonwealth records, which were available in London and Hong Kong. He said he travelled all over India to search for former Ghadar party members and other acquaintances of Dr
Ikolaha, who came into contact with him one way or the other. Dr Dilgeer said through this book he was trying to promote Sikh history. Prof Drashan Singh also performed kirtan on the occasion.
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DC to supervise repair of Pinjore road
Panchkula, June 8 The demolition of buildings along the road and the efforts of the police to regulate traffic, besides the repair of road, have not helped overcome the chaos. Thousands of commuters on this stretch are usually stranded for hours. Today again, vehicles were stranded on the national highway at Pinjore. Long queues could be seen on all three roads connecting the town with Kalka, Baddi and Panchkula, inconveniencing hundreds of tourists and commuters. Tourists heading towards Himachal from Chandigarh and Delhi had a tough time as they were caught in the jam for hours together. The jam could not be cleared until the filing of this report. The Panchkula police had a tough time controlling the heavy volume of traffic. While passengers travelling in long-route buses were the worst affected, local residents took link roads to reach their respective destinations.
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To live and let live
Chandigarh is not just known for its beauty, but for its peaceful ambience, which is being disturbed lately because of the sharp rise in crime. The reason for the moral transgression has become a hard nut to crack. Man has degraded himself to such a low level that he has forgotten the maxim, “To live and let live”. A law student was stabbed in Panjab University premises while taking his examination because of some group rivalry. The city is also remorseful about the brutal murder of Anuradha Sandhu in her own home by her own servant. Such incidents put a blot on the society. It is the duty of the citizens to prevent breeding of crime. I hope we as a society realise the truth that we cannot win this fight unless we have the courage to speak against the injustice and help the police whenever we spot a criminal behaviour. Gehna Vaishnavi, Chandigarh Readers are invited to write to us. Send your mail, in not more than 200 words, at news@tribuneindia.com or, write in, at: Letters, Chandigarh Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh – 160 030
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Central Varsity Status Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8 Prof Bhati said Panjab University is the only university in the region that is still relatively insulated from political interferences. In fact, this is the main grudge against PU that officials of the Punjab government are not entertained the same way as by other universities of the state. “If we wish to promote quality higher education and inclusive growth, the autonomy of the universities should be respected in order to uphold merit,” asserted Prof Bhati. Prof A.S. Ahluwalia, chairman, Joint Action Committee, disclosing future plans of the agitation said we have decided to launch a signature campaign in which the prominent alumni of the university would also be approached. Meanwhile, senior professors from the department of Indian theatre have decided to prepare a street play depicting the destiny of PU tied to the political tug-of-war between the Punjab government and the Union Government. It will be staged at various public places, including Sector 17 plaza. “Fresh representations have been made to the Prime Minister, minister of human resource development, and Vice-President of India seeking their help to pull PU out of the current financial mess by declaring it an institute of national importance,” said Prof Manjit Singh, coordinator, JAC. “Paradoxically, the Punjab government is pleading before the Centre to take over the financial burden of the state, but when PU asks for the same, the state government opposes it,” added Prof Manjit Singh.
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MSc zoology (Hons) result out
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8 Roll numbers dispatched: Panjab University has dispatched the roll numbers for the forthcoming UGC-NET examination for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship to be held on June 29. A total of 7,356 candidates will be appearing for the test. Twenty centres have been created in Panjab University and various colleges of Chandigarh. The candidates who do not receive the admit cards till June 23 should contact personally Prof G.S. Gill, coordinator, UGC-NET in the dept of geology, PU. The candidates must bring two passport size photographs duly attested by a gazetted officer.
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Camp ends with fun, fervour
Chandigarh, June 8 The children performed remarkably in the cultural extravaganza that included folk and western dances, a hilarious drama, poetic recitation and public speaking on mannerism and positive attitude. An art and craft exhibition by children during the camp was another highlight. The participants were in the age group of 5-10 years with the youngest participant from class UKG, who confidently danced to the bhangra beats, principal Jaskiran
Harika, said.
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