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Six SSPs in 3 years
Mohali, October 1 While the Central government has asked the Punjab government to keep in mind that an official at least has a minimum of two-year tenure while posting them to end political interference, Mohali district has seen six SSPs in the past three years. All have roughly had a stint of a year. As a result, various police community projects launched with fanfare have hardly taken off. “DCs and SSPs are being changed at will. It is a mockery of the system as the state government is busy giving an opportunity to its favourites rather than providing justice and curbing rising crime. The government should be accountable as it involves wastage of public money and time,” Manjeet Sethi, a social activist, said. The last incumbent, Jatinder Singh Aulakh, who was recently replaced by RS Khatra, had a stint of 15 months only. It is ironic that in the district created in 2006, the Akali government has posted seven SSPs. Three Deputy Commissioners have been replaced within the last one year. And the worst affected are people and public reform initiatives. “It generally takes some months to understand the functioning of the district and its problems. By the time an officer begins to get the hang of it, he is transferred,” an official rued. In Mohali district, the schemes initiated by an official are hardly taken up by his successor. Citing an example, sources said a community policing scheme launched in 2006 by the then SSP, Naunihan Singh, to deploy a community police officer for checking thefts had remained consigned to files. Another scheme to re-energise the community police resource centre (CPR) had failed to deliver the desired results. Residents feel the traffic marshal scheme launched by the outgoing SSP, Jatinder Singh Aulakh, would meet the same fate. GPS Bhullar, the new SSP,during his earlier stint as SSP, Ropar, had announced that counsellors would be provided at all police stations. In the scheme launched in 2001 when Mohali was part of Ropar district, the SSP had announced that counsellors were being provided at the Phase 1 and Sohana police stations and were supposed to provide counselling to rape victims. The police also had plans to use the services of NSS volunteers for door-to-door verification of tenants and servants, assist traffic police, and check cases of eve-teasing, but his predecessors apparently did not adopt the scheme.
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Nari Niketan Stalemate
Chandigarh, October 1 The trust has proposed to set up a corpus fund of Rs 8 lakh for lifetime care and support to the girl and provide a “care giver” for the mother and child, but the UT administration, which was hoping that the victim would be adopted and taken to Delhi, has so far refused to accept it. The meeting, which some insiders described as a “heated” one, held at Delhi this morning ended without any positive outcome. While Home Secretary Ram Niwas refused to comment on the deliberations, those privy to the talks claimed that the administration was taken aback by the mere promise of Rs 8-lakh assistance. “The administration was not looking for any financial support, but hoping that the victim would find a home,” an official said. It is learnt that the trust has offered the assistance package under its “gharunda” scheme. Under the scheme, the girl would continue to stay at Ashraay and the money from the corpus would be used for her welfare. It also proposed that the UT administration could give a matching grant and increase the corpus fund to Rs 16 lakh. As regards the issue of taking care of the child, since the mother was incapable of doing so, the trust also offered to provide a “caregiver” for five years under another scheme, “Sahyogi”. It also offered to impart training to the victim and arrange for a special educator and therapist for her, besides a health insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh for her. However, these proposals have failed to enthuse the administration, which was looking for someone to adopt the victim and the child. “It’s now clear that they are not ready to take over the responsibility of the victim,” an official said on the condition of anonymity. The sources said tempers ran high at the meeting with one of the UT officials even suggesting that they would “approach” the High Court to end the impasse. The next date of hearing at the High Court is October 12. Meanwhile, the minutes of the meeting of the committee, circulated by the chairperson of the trust, stated that the officials of the administration refused to give any views on “assistance package” on the ground that they were not the ultimate authority to approve or comment on it and the same were subject to approval by the UT administrator, who is likely to have a meeting on the matter on October 5. The administration took umbrage at how the committee of the trust members had recommended certain improvements to be made at Ashreya, where the victim was living. The committee sought better facilities for persons with disabilities. The meeting which was held today to discuss a roadmap for the upbringing of the child till the age of 18, was attended by the chairperson, National Trust, Poonam Natrajan, Home Secretary Ram Niwas, Dr Raj Bahadur, GMCH director, Amandeep Kaur, director, UT social welfare, UT senior standing counsel Anupam Gupta, and convener of the Disabled Rights Group Javed Abidi, among other committee members.
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Hostel Issue
Chandigarh, October 1 To plead the case of a girl student, Varinder Dhillon, SOPU president, went to meet the Punjabi department chairperson, Jagjit Singh, where both entered into an argument. The chairperson alleged that Varinder misbehaved with him and even abused him. The research student, who is pursuing her PhD at the PU regional centre in Muktsar, has been staying at the PU hostel over the past one year. According to information, when she sought an extension from the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean, Student Welfare, they denied it, saying that it was against rules. When the student leader asked the chairperson to show the rulebook which stated that she was not permitted to stay in the hostel, the chairperson questioned his interference in the matter. “When the Vice-Chancellor and the DSW have denied her extension, how can I sign the papers? If the student leader forcibly enters my office and asks me to grant an extension, it is a shame on the student community,” Jagjit Singh, the chairperson, said. “The library at the Muktsar centre has 1 crore books and there is no dearth of facilities there. The research guide of the student has been at the regional centre since the beginning. Then why she is staying at the PU hostel here is anybody’s guess,” he added. The faculty has also alleged that the stamp on the papers produced by the girl are forged. “When I spoke to Prof Dhingra, director of the regional college, Muktsar, he denied having signed any papers concerning this girl,” he said. Later, the Dean (Languages), Nahar Singh, reached the spot and called the security, which failed to reach on time. Meanwhile, student leaders have accused the faculty of threatening them and initiating the scuffle. “When I brought the case to their notice, I was asked to get out of the room, and even threatened by the chairperson. I simply raised the issue of the hostel accommodation of a student. If they cannot give her an extension now, why did they allow her to stay in the hostel a year ago? Where were the rules at that time?” Varinder said. New rules for hostel allocation have reportedly been formulated this year.
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Warrants against conman, daughter
Panchkula, October 1 It was in December last year when Davinder advised him to settle his two sons in Canada, claiming that he had contacts in India as well as abroad, which would be helpful for the purpose. A sum of Rs 12 lakh was paid to him in February this year in the presence of his daughter, Jasmine, following which he left for the US. Since then, neither Davinder Singh returned nor did he reply to phone calls, Goswami alleged. Jasmine, when contacted at Ludhiana, handed over two cheques for Rs 12 lakh issued by Davinder Singh which were dishonoured as the account of the accused in the bank had already been closed, Goswami said. Similarly, Vijay Kumar, a resident of Sector 21, Panchkula, alleged that he was duped of Rs 8 lakh by the accused on the pretext of sending him to the US. Another resident of Sector 21, identified as Madan Gopal Singla, also alleged that he was duped of Rs 7 lakh by the same person. He said he had family relations with Davinder Singh for the past five years. It was early this year when he asked for money and Davinder Singh issued him a cheque for Rs 7 lakh, which was dishonoured by the bank.
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Old Cottonians meet at Lake Club
Chandigarh, October 1 Amidst a charged atmosphere, the alumni, who had come from Canada, Australia, Thailand, Pakistan and different parts of the country, shared fond memories of yesteryears. They danced and sang to celebrate the occasion. Kishie Singh, an automobile expert and writer, an alumni of the school, told The Tribune that a numbers of generals, industrialists, writers, politicians, bureaucrats, and sportsperson would be attending a series of events being organised to celebrate the Founder’s Day. Humayun Khan, a former Pakistan Ambassador to India, also a product of the school, was among the dignitaries. Singh said all the alumni of the school would be boarding a special Kalka-Shimla toy train at Kalka tomorrow at 11 am. Eminent alumni to board the train were Ruskin Bond, Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Benjamin Gelani, and Jigme Dorji (King of Bhutan).
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School for free education to poor kids
Chandigarh, October 1 A total of 35 children between the age group of four and six years have been enrolled in the school, which was inaugurated by Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar. Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar appreciated the philanthropic effort of the school, which will make slum children eligible to receive first-class education in the school. He called upon the other schools to come forward for providing these students a platform where they can learn and grow to compete with the mainstream students. The students of Roshini Rai School will be provided with free educational kits comprising text books and other stationery material. They will also be provided mid-day snacks. Their medical examination will be done periodically and their parents will be informed accordingly. To mark the inaugural function, students of the Banyan Tree School presented a skit on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The music choir presented the famous bhajans ‘Raghu Pati Raghav and Vaishnav Jan to’ on the occasion.
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NSS camp begins
Chandigarh, October 1 He urged the students to participate zealously in the activities concerned with the old-age home and also encouraged them to adopt the senior members of the society. — TNS
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Low water pressure
Chandigarh, October 1 The supply of water was poor and there had been no improvement even after about 10 days, they said.
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Relief in sight from power cuts
Chandigarh, October 1 The worst-affected seemed to be the Industrial Area. In fact, even prior to the announcement of the scheduled power cut yesterday, the Industrial Area had been facing acute power shortage, affecting production in the time of recession, alleged Charanjiv Singh, president of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal. A Sector 48 resident, Amrik Singh, alleged that power cuts, including unscheduled ones, had been inconveniencing residents for the past several months. However, officials claimed that the situation would be normal in the coming days as more power was being requisitioned to tide over the shortfall. An agreement to purchase 40 MW of power, including 20 MW from the Tatas, is also being negotiated.
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2 more H1N1 cases in city
Chandigarh, October 1 Besides, three samples of suspected swine flu have also been taken. One of the suspected cases is another doctor of the GMCH.
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Second phase of park dedicated to elderly
Chandigarh, October 1 The green belt is popular among residents living in the vicinity because of topiary, huts and benches provided in the green belt. The main features of the green belt are 17 topiary figures, including dinosaurs, tiger, giraffe, rhino, hippopotamus, kangaroo, lion and horse, in this garden to
facilitate the morning and evening walkers. Dr Sunkaria said the city had 37 per cent green cover, which is the highest in Asia. He said the corporation had planned to provide hedges in the neighbouring small parks for their
beautification. Harjinder Kaur, former Mayor and area councillor, and other
councillors, S K Bansal, chief engineer, werepresent on the occasion.
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Navodaya Vidyalaya
Samiti meeting
Chandigarh, October 1 Removal of disparity of 10 per cent residential allowance to the non-teaching staff of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas was also on the agenda. Various delegates stressed the need to take firm steps in a planned manner to keep up the pressure on the government for granting the old pension scheme.
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Mohali ex-MC chief wins from ward in recounting
Mohali, October 1 The recounting of votes was held in the court of the Additional Deputy Commissioner Jaspal Mittal with the satisfaction of both parties. Lawyers of Kulwant Singh and of his opponent in the council elections, held more than three years ago, Gurnam Bindra Singh were present during the recounting process. It is learnt that both Kulwant Singh and Bindra had also been asked to be present during the recounting process but they chose to stay away. According to sources, Kulwant was polled 1,033 votes while Bindra had secured 1,008 votes. As many as 308 votes were rejected. Kulwant Singh had headed the civic body for a period of five years before the council elections were held in 2006 when he lost to Bindra by a margin of 52 votes. As he was not satisfied with the election result of his ward he had filed an appeal in the district tribunal demanding a recounting of votes. Recounting was then held in the court of the then Deputy Commissioner HIS Garewal on May 8, 2007. Kharar MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu and his supporters had then held a protest against the recounting as they claimed that it could not be done since Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered a stay in this regard. It is reported that Bindra had recently withdrawn the case going on in Punjab and Haryana High Court after which it was again shifted to the district tribunal. Kulwant Singh will be taking the oath as a councillor after a notification was done by the government in this regard. Kulwant Singh came to the district administrative complex along with NK Sharma, chairman of the district planning board, in the evening after the recounting process had finished. He said 21 councillors had already given a requisition notice for convening a meeting for passing a no-confidence motion against the Congress-backed council president Rajinder Singh Rana and he would be the 22nd councillor in that move. When asked whether he would become the president of the civic body if Rana was voted out, he said he could not comment as councillors would be choosing their leader.
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P’kula admn biased:BJP
Panchkula, October 1 Gupta alleged the BJP flags put on various shops and houses in Rajiv Colony by owners were removed by the administration with the help of the police even as the flags put up by the other contesting parties were left untouched. The party, however, put a united face today as senior party workers, including Rekha Sharma, and councillor VK Sood, who abstained from campaigning till now were present along with Chandigarh state president Gurpreet Singh Dhillon. Dr Rakesh Bindal, health minister, Himachal Pradesh, who is in charge of party campaign in the district speaking on the occasion refuted the claim being made by the ruling party led by Bhupender Singh Hooda. He asked the audience about the veracity of their claim of being number one state. He further added that it was only Rohtak, which had been favoured.
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Chautala showers promises to lure electorate
Panchkula, October 1 Chautala, who was addressing a rally in favour of party candidate Yograj Singh, said while every village and city of Haryana would get a new facelift, it would be ensured that common man did not have to plead for his works in government offices. Promising free education and jobs with loan waiver up to Rs l lakh, Chautala did not forget to touch upon local issues. “Panchkula is the heart of Haryana and our government would not leave any stone unturned for its development,” he said. “To solve the impending problem of stray cattle and related traffic chaos, government would open cattle-shed (gaushalas) where the stray animals can be kept,” Chautala asserted. Assuring free LPG cylinder connection to every household in the state, Chautala added that even drinking water supply connections would be given free of costs. Those left unemployed would get Rs 3,000 per month unemployment allowance till they got a job, he promised. While reaching out to masses in his typical Haryanvi accent, Chautala said, “I had been asking for vote for others for the past many years, but this time I am asking for your precious vote for myself. Bring us to power and your next four generations would lead comfortable life.” Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Yograj Singh said following the win his emphasis would be on overall development of Panchkula. He added that the Cooperative Society’s Act was giving sleepless night to people. All provisions would be made to keep society out of the Act. The party also has plans to ensure free parking in all major parking lots of the city, he added.
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Stop migration of youth to cities: NGO
Chandigarh, October 1 These views were expressed by Onkar Chand, chairman, Servants of Peoples Society (SPS) during a function organised by Helpage India in association with the SPS to mark the World Senior Citizens Day at Lajpat Rai Bhawan here today. Onkar said presently various multinational companies across the world were employing Indian youth and getting the work done in India by using the latest technology. He said the government should introduce such a mechanism that the youth in the rural areas do not have to leave their villages. He said this would also help stop growing of slums in the metros. Speaking on the occasion, Bhavneshwar Sharma, senior managerm Helpage India, said the Chandigarh administration should formulate a policy for senior citizens so as to address the issues in the field of financial security, health and nutrition, shelter, welfare and education. Students of DAV Public School, Sector 8, presented various cultural programmes on the occasion to entertain the senior citizens who had come from far off villages like Dhanas, Dadu Majra, Manimajra, Ram Darbar Colony, Badheri, Bapu Dham Colony, Khuda Ali Sher and Kansal.
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Barkat Sidhu sings for senior citizens
Chandigarh, October 1 The largely attended function held on the International Senior Citizens Day commenced with a soulful poetry recital by a prolific poetess Mehak Bharti. She depicted the psyche of womanhood in all its varied manifestations before the Barkat Sidhu took the centre stage to regale the intrusive and disciplined audience of senior citizens. Opening the concert with mystic utterances of Sufi literary saint Shah Hussain in “Ni mein jhook Ranjan di” the singer interspersed the presentation with couplets from other saint poets, especially Bulleh Shah, also in the next offering “Hor vi neevan ho Faqira” in a qawwali from. He was at his best while reciting “Heer Waris”, the slumbering love legend. After “Ni mein Kamli haan” and others, Barkat concluded the concert with the boisterous “Dama dam mast qalander” as senior citizens clapped and more enthusiasts took to dancing. His disciple Surinder Sidhu provided vocal support with Devinder Singh and Rehmat Ali.
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MDLR Airlines penalised
Chandigarh, October 1 Complainant Pankaj Mahajan booked the tickets of MDLR Airlines for his family members from Chandigarh to Kolkata on December 26, 2008, and back on December 29, 2008, from Kolkata to Chandigarh. He paid Rs 47, 000 for four tickets at Rs 11,750 per ticket. During the return journey, the flight was scheduled to take off from Kolkata at 12:40 hrs, but it took off at night and that too from Kolkata to New Delhi only in place of Kolkata to Chandigarh. Thereafter, the flight, instead of landing at Delhi, landed at Jaipur at 2 am in the night. He requested officials of the airline to arrange for their comfortable journey from Jaipur to Chandigarh by air and if it was not possible, then they should be provided AC buses with for their journey at night. It was alleged that they were forced to travel in an ordinary bus from Jaipur to Delhi, which caused lots of inconvenience to them. Further, the airline failed to make any arrangement from Delhi to Chandigarh, due to which the complainant had to hire a taxi on payment of Rs 2,400 for travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh. In their reply, MDLR Airlines pleaded that on December 29, 2008, due to fog the flight took off late and when it reached Delhi airport, the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) did not grant permission for landing and the flight was landed at Jaipur Airport. It was also pleaded that transfer of the flight was beyond the control of the airlines and they were ready to provide bus, but the complainant had taken their luggage from the flight at their own responsibility.
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‘Name Panchayat Bhawan after Kairon’
Chandigarh, October 1 Narinder (75) stood for hours together at Plaza, holding his garlanded photo, acquainting young boys and girls about the contributions made by the late Kairon. Awarded by the Punjab government and the UT Administration for doing social work, Narinder urged the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, for naming Panchayat Bhawan, Sector 18, in the name of Kairon. He said Kairon, who had initiated various prestigious projects, including the PGI, PAU at Ludhiana, besides the city beautiful, was a great freedom fighter and able administrator. He rued that the people in the region had failed to recognize the contribution made by Kairon. He said Panchayat Bhawan should be named after Kairon as he had laid the foundation stone of the building. Himachal Pradesh, while recognizing the valuable contribution made by its former Chief Minister, late Dr YS Parmar, had named the university at Nauni near Solan after him.
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29,000 diagnosed with diabetes
Mohali, October 1 She said the project that was running in cooperation with the Society World Diabetic Foundation, Denmark, held 105 camps where over 3,000 patients were treated free of cost. As many as 189 doctors, 750 para medicals and staff nurses had been trained for treating patients suffering from diabetes retinopathy. The project covered sub-urban and rural areas falling in Sangrur, Ludhiana, Hoshirapur, Patiala, Mohali , Ropar, Panchkula districts and also Chandigarh and it had been decided to facilitate 50 lakh people. Dr Reeti Saini, senior ophthalmologist at Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Eye Hospital, Sohana, said retina could be adversely affected due to diabetes and patients often failed to know about the damage that had been caused to their eyes. Patients monitoring their blood sugar levels should get their eyes tested on a regular basis. She said under the project, efforts were made to spread awareness.
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Speaking Out Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh has scaled new heights by becoming the world's top-ranked pugilist in the middleweight (75 kg) category. Our reporter Gagan K Teja tries to find out what people of the region have to say about Vijender’s achievement. — GS Randhawa (first Arjuna Awardee of India) — Sunita Rani (national medallist) — Gurbax Singh Sandhu (national boxing coach) — Surinder Singh (university champion) — Kunwar Raina (cricketer)
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UBS ranked 20th in country
Chandigarh, October 1 The UBS has been honoured with the three “Eduniversal palmes” which are a reflection of its international reputation and influence, said UBS chairperson Dinesh Gupta. The three palmes reflect excellent business schools nationally with continental links. Over 4,000 universities and business school were analysed by the committee and representations from 150 countries were considered. The criteria of the selection was accreditation by the students, their participation in intentional academic association, the network of partners of deans and business schools at the international and local levels and the reputed studies and sites in the world of education and universities. Meanwhile, the UBS is all set to combat the recession, this placement season as well. There is a change in the placement co-ordinator and the students have geared up for the corporate presentations to be given to the companies. “The department is hoping best for the upcoming placement season in December, said the chairperson. “We are planning to contact nearly 500 companies in this week itself. And the students have already prepared to give presentations at Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi very shortly,” said the placement cell in charge.
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Vijender Kumar has brought laurels to the country. Apart from cricket, other games like boxing and wrestling are also making their presence felt at the international level. Moreover, his achievement will draw the attention of sponsors towards other games also.
Vijender has not only done himself but all other sportspersons proud. His family, friends and coaches deserve heartiest congratulations for they are equally responsible for his success. His hard work has paid off.
It’s a great moment for Indian boxing and India too. Vijender is one of the most dedicated players and this win is the result of his hard work and dedication. I congratulate him, his family and the Indian Boxing Federation. I appreciate the Director-General of Sports Authority of India for providing pugilists with proper facilities and exploring their talent. It is a big moment for all of us. 
Finally, an Indian player has been ranked number one in the world, which is a big achievement. Vijender is the new sports icon and players have started looking up to him for inspiration. Once again he has proved his mettle. 
It’s not about what game you play, it’s just about being good at whatever you play and I am glad that Vijender has taken boxing to new heights in our country. His win has definitely made boxing one of the favourite sports in India and I hope he continues to work wonders.