Chandigarh, October 8
The failure of the Chandigarh Fire and Emergency Department came into limelight once again, when rather than using their inflatable hi-tech equipment at the “towering inferno” at Sukhna Lake to control the fire last evening, the firemen used their traditional buckets.

Sources in the corporation revealed that on the suggestion of the fire department, the MC authorities had purchased inflatable boats and inflatable lighting system costing lakhs of rupees, to handle fire incidents at Sukhna Lake or during floods. Officials said at seven fire stations, one vehicle had been installed with inflatable lighting system, which could be used during night hours at places where there was no facility of proper light.

As per the report of the fire department, five vehicles were sent to the spot to control the fire and the fire teams used only one inflatable light system and a dragon searchlight to extinguish the fire. Sources revealed that inflatable lights were not in a working condition in the vehicles, which were sent to the spot by the fire stations, as the department does not maintain them regularly.

Officials said the department purchased these lights so that firemen did not have to hold these during the fire-fighting operations and these hi-tech lights made the vision clear for them.

Questions are being raised when the department had seven vehicles, which have inflatable lighting system, why these were not sent to the place of the incident so that the fire teams could control the fire speedily?

As per the occurrence book of the department, buckets were used by the team to control fire at Sukhna. Officials said a special vehicle had been purchased by the fire department, which is parked at the Mani Majra fire station having portable pump, especially for such areas, which are surrounded by water.

Officials stated that they had also purchased inflatable boats, which could carry six persons at a time to cross the water. But as per the records of the department, the firemen did also not use these boats during this operation.

MC Chief Fire Officer PK Sharma stated that as the department was not have any equipment which could be used at island to control the fire, the operation was conducted manually by firemen. He said the advance fire party of the department had used their nitrogen gas cylinders to control the fire and 20 firemen were throwing water at the tower. He said portable pumps could not be used, as these could be choked during the operation. He said as boats were available at the lake, so there was no need for it.

Chandigarh, October 8
The burning of the glass watch tower on the island at the city's most-famous tourist spot - Sukhna Lake - last evening seems to have proved a blessing in disguise for the Chandigarh administration.

What the administration could not do in several months has been accomplished by the fire, apparently caused by short-circuit in a few minutes. The administration had proposed to demolish the watchtower to pave the way for the beautification of the lake island as a part of the ambitious centrally sponsored Rs 2.73 crore spruce-up plan for Sukhna Lake.

Confirming that the lake island was to be developed as a “flower bed floating on the lake”, UT Home-cum-Tourism Secretary Ram Niwas said this would be done by planting more flowers on the island and landscaping the area.

Officials said the watchtower had virtually turned into an “eyesore” and had outlived its utility. The watchtower was reportedly put to use several years back during a rowing competition as the observation post. Currently, it was being used as a store for dumping life jackets of the guards employed for the safety of the tourists using boat facilities.

The work on the renovation of the lake included sprucing up of the circulation area, installation of a windmill and beautification of the island.

The Union Ministry of Tourism had recently approved Rs 2.73 crore for the upgradation of facilities at the lake.

Chandigarh, October 8
Strange are the ways of working of Mayor of the Municipal Corporation Kamlesh. She convened a special house meeting today to discuss the action taken report on pending projects but adjourned the house abruptly for the third consecutive time without discussion, with a plea that the report tabled was not complete. She said she would decide the next date of discussion soon.

As per the Act, Mayor could convene a special house meeting of the MC, when there is an emergency to clear any agenda immediately. Interestingly, all three special houses convened by her were adjourned without even tabling the agenda in the house.

The proceedings of the special house commenced with the objections from many councillors that why incomplete report had been tabled in the house when it was decided at the last meeting that the pending agendas of five years would be tabled in the house.

BSP councillor Jatinder Bhatia objected that the report had not even mentioned the status of various projects, including sewerage treatment plant approved four years ago, water to green belts under the JNNURM scheme approved three years ago and construction of the Sahaj Safai Kendra. He said it seemed that in the past one year, health department had done no work, as they had submitted no agenda.

Congress councillor Pardeep Chhabra said if officers would not able to compile the report of five years in the stipulated time, why more time had not been given to them for the same so that complete report could be tabled in the house and discussed.

When various councillors objected on the incomplete agenda, Kamlesh said those councillors, who had objection to discuss report, could leave the house. But on the request of Congress councillors, Kamlesh announced in the house that as and when action taken report of five years would be prepared by the officials, meeting would be called. She asked the officials to table the report on garbage processing unit also.

Ironically, Kamlesh even did not bother to go through the agenda, which was prepared by the officials as it clearly stated that out of 644 works which was allotted to various departments, 339 were completed till September 20. The agenda also clarified that this year the house had approved 76 development works out of which 42 had been completed and rest were at different stages of completion.

Nominated councillor MPS Chawla commented that the house should stop giving approval to new agendas now as most of the projects were pending approved two years ago, yet to see the light of the day.

MC Commissioner Dr Roshan Sunkaria said the corporation had standardised various norms, including tendering, preparation of estimate, estimates of roads and annual maintenance of green belts to smoothen the work. He said appointments had been made in departments of electricity and horticulture and even applications had been called for 47 post of the fire department.

Chandigarh, October 8
Two more persons, 27-year-old youth and 51-year-old woman from Patiala, were tested positive for swine flu today, taking the total number of affected cases in the city to 47.

According to UT health officials, a youth belongs to Panchkula, who was tested positive for H1N1, had been suffering from fever and respiratory problems for the past few days. He was admitted to the PGI yesterday and immediately put on ventilator today due to low oxygen saturation in the blood.

Another H1N1 victim, who is a resident of Patiala, was also admitted in the isolation ward of PGI. The UT health authorities have also alerted their counterparts in Panchkula and Punjab for quarantining family members of the victims.

Meanwhile, two suspected cases of swine flu, including a doctor of GMCH-32, were reported at the hospital today. “Throat swab samples had been sent to the PGI for lab tests,” said a UT health official.

Mohali: A 15-year-old student living in Phase VII has been tested positive for swine flu.

Narinder Singh was suffering from cough, cold and fever when he visited the Civil Hospital on October 6. Dr Inderjit Singh Bhatia, who examined the patient, suspected that Narinder Singh was not suffering from flu and as such advised his father Kuldeep Singh that throat swab could be sent to the PGI, Chandigarh, for testing. Dr Bhatia said the report of the PGI stated that the student was suffering from swine flu. He said throat swabs of his brother and sister had also been sent for testing.

District Health Officer Dr SP Surila said Narinder Singh was a student of Alpine School and he had got swine flu after contacting with persons, who were already suffering from the H1NI fever. He said the patient had been isolated in his house and nine persons, who had come in contact with Narinder, had been given the required medicines.

Chandigarh, October 8
The 77th Air Force Day today also marked the silver jubilee of the induction of the IL-76 strategic freighter and the AN-32 tactical transporter.

In a ceremony at the IAF war memorial here, Air Officer Commanding 12 Wing, Air Commander SRK Nair, laid a wreath to pay tributes to warriors who had laid down their lives in the line of duty. This was followed by an oath-taking ceremony in which IAF personnel re-dedicated themselves to the service of the nation.

Among events spread over the week to mark the occasion, is an “at home” for senior non-commissioned officers, tea party for civilians, barakhana for airmen and a social get-together for serving and retired officer as well as civilian dignitaries. At No 3 Base Repair Depot here, an oath taking ceremony, blood donation camp, healthy baby show and barakhana were organised.

The IAF is also commemorating 25 years of operations by the IL-76, a symbol of the Armed Forces strategic reach, and the AN-32, which is the IAF’s workhorse. In 1984, Air Headquarters had decided to equip one squadron the IL-76.

The versatile AN-32 was inducted from 1984-1992, with a fleet strength of 114 aircraft. Designed for high altitude operations, it set a world record when an aircraft from 48 Squadron landed at the unpaved Daulat Beg Oldie, the world’s highest airstrip. Several unused landing strips in high altitude areas close to the border were reactivated this year by the AN-32.

Chandigarh, October 8
Chandigarh-based 25 Squadron, popularly known as Himalayan Eagles, has been awarded the Chief of Air Staff’s Unit Citation on the occasion of Air Force Day.

The award was received by the squadron’s present commanding officer, Group Capt SP Singh during Air Force Day Parade at Hindan airbase today.

“The squadron has excelled in operations consistently and this award is a recognition of their exceptional performance,” said SRK Nair, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Chandigarh who had earlier served the squadron.

Raised in March 1963 under the Command of Sqn Ldr GJ Shaw following the need to bolster defences with China in the aftermath of 1962, it was equipped with four AN-12. Subsequently, it was re-equipped with the IL-76 and AN-32. The squadron has played a significant role in projecting India’s prowess and strategic capability.

The unit was raised primarily to provide vital support to the Army and Air Force units located in the inhospitable terrain in the Himalayas which are cut off for most of the year due to snow. In addition the squadron has been involved in virtually every war, operation, relief mission and mobilisation that India has seen through the years including military exercises at home and abroad. It has undertaken relief missions in Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the US.

COMMUNITY

Attacks on Indian students in Australia
Eight-point plan to ensure safety
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 8
Taking cognisance of the recent attacks on the Indian students in Australia, The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) has launched an eight-point action plan to ensure safety of Indian students planning to study in Australia.

The eight-point programme involves postulates like working closely with the department of Immigration and citizenship, Australian Education International and Australian High Commissioner on modules that will serve as guiding principles for Indian students planning to study in Australia and feeding intelligence on fraudulent practice of agents to the Australian Government bodies.

AAERI, is a self-regulatory body of education agents with around 160 members across India aims at assuring the integrity and credibility of agents who are recruiting students on behalf of Australian education and training institutions.

Gulshan Kumar Pathania, president, AAERI said: “We urge students who are planning to study in Australia to go through AAERI members since they abide by code of ethics, which ensures students safety.”

Chandigarh, October 8
Lamenting the sorry state of laboratories in educational institutes in the country, Vineet Nayyar, vice-chairman, Tech Mahindra, on his visit to the IT Park in the city, said labs were using outdated equipments. His comment has raised questions on the state of laboratories in those institutions in which professionals are groomed for the industrial sector.

Though most educationists disagreed with his comment, the statement has come at a juncture when most professional college students are gearing up to participate in campus placements by these industrial giants.

“Laboratories in educational institutions are loaded with apparatus and machines which are not applicable in the industry. If we are planning our country as a knowledge centre, we need to incorporate changes in the education system,” mused Vineet.

While the situation is still better in most private institutions, experts believe that the picture remains grim in certain technical institutions that lack funds.

Nullifying the statement, director of University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), PU, BS Sohi said, “Every year we spend Rs 1.5 crore on lab equipments and machinery used in labs is absolutely modern in our institute.”

Stating that not only the machinery, but even teachers are trained to teach students the updated course material in labs. “Our teachers are trained to use the equipments. For private institutions and universities, the statement is not true,” he added.

“I do not know in what context this statement has been given. But as far as MBA students of our department are concerned, they are updated with the market realities,” said Prof Dinesh K Gupta, chairman, University Business School. “Though it is agreeable that in a lot of institutions there is a need to update the technology in labs, it cannot be generalised for all,” said Prof Malvinder Ahuja, chairperson, education department, Panjab University.

Panchkula, October 8
Even as the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has expressed displeasure over the visit of Rahul Gandhi to families of Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress general secretary, however, has got a follower, from unexpected quarters here today.

The INLD candidate from Panchkula, Yograj Singh, had his lunch at the house of a Dalit family and then lent a patient hearing to their woes, while campaigning here today. He assured the family of a pucca house once his government came to power.

Around 3 pm, Yograj reached the house of Kharag Magauli resident Rajvir. He sought blessings of the females and elderly in the house and warmly embraced the young. Then he requested Rajvir’s wife to serve him food as well. He had chapatti and chutney and later shared a cup of tea with the entire family. He continued his door-to-door campaigning in the Sector 25 areas of Kendriya Vihar, Madhyakan village, Kharag Magauli and Chandimandir and appealed people to vote for him.

Mohali, October 8
Council authorities have recommended that the proceedings of the meeting called by the Congress-backed municipal council president Rajinder Singh Rana yesterday to prove that the opposition did not have the adequate strength to vote him out should be invalidated.

Rana had held a meeting which was attended by 12 councillors and Kharar MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu even when 18 councillors had withdrawn the notice of a no-trust motion against him on October 5. Earlier, 21 councillors had given a requisition notice for convening a meeting for passing a no-confidence motion against Rana on September 29.

According to sources, the executive officer of the civic body, Amna Kumar Goyal, had sent a copy of the proceedings of the meeting to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and director, local government, today in which he commented that as the quorum of the special meeting called by the council president was not complete, it should be invalidated.

The quorum demanded that a special meeting could be held only if one half of the elected representatives (16 councillors) attended it. It was also reportedly pointed out on the proceedings that since 48 hours notice was given to councillors regarding the meeting. It was to be considered a special meeting and not a general meeting for which a 72 hours notice was given.

However, Rana had claimed yesterday that only one third (11) members were required for the meeting. The executive officer could not be contacted for comments.

Chandigarh, October 8
Dr SK Singh, Professor of Urology, PGI, was awarded “Urology Gold Medal” during the 19th annual conference of the Urological Society of India, held from October 2 to 4 at Amritsar.

He was awarded for his contribution to the basic sciences and research as applied to urology. According to press note issued by the PGI, he has made significant contributions in the field of urolithiasis (urinary stone disease), andrology (male infertility and impotence), uro-oncology (urogenital cancer) and neuro-urology (problem of urination).

Recently, he was invited to Stockholm, Sweden by the European Association of Urologists (EAU) to deliver lecture on “The management of complex urinary fistulae in women” resulting from obstructed labour.

His innovative technique of reconstruction of continent urethra in female was appreciated by 11,000 delegates attending annual meeting of EAU in March 2009. Last year, Dr Singh received best paper award during 103rd annual meeting of American Urological Association at Orlando, Florida, USA, for one of his paper on basic research related to infertility.

Chandigarh, October 8
A three-day workshop on “Violence Injury Prevention and Injury Surveillance” was organised by the World Health Organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, at the Government Medical College and Hospital here recently. The workshop was inaugurated by UT Director-General of Police SK Jain.

While speaking on magnitude of the problem, Jain mentioned that globally more than five million people die of injuries caused due to road accidents, violence, suicide and homicide, war, drowning, burns and poisoning.

“A large number of people get disabled ,” he added. In addition to death and disability, other consequences of injuries include depression, alcohol, smoking, eating and sleeping disorders. “The present workshop would sensitise medical experts on the issue of injury prevention,” he said.

Prof Raj Bahadur, the director principal of the GMCH-32, said many injuries could be prevented by taking appropriate measures.

“Use of seat belts, child car seats, helmets, designated drivers, flame-resistant clothing, smoke detectors, fencing around water areas and separate locked storage for firearms and ammunition can prevent such injuries,” Bahadur added.

Prof Sudhir Kumar Garg, head of orthopaedics, GMCH, thanked the chief guest and faculty members. Prof BK Jain, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Dr JS Thakur, WHO (India), Dr Sanjay Wadhwa, AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dr Baldev Singh, representative of Medical Council of India, were present on the occasion.

Dr Chamaiparn Santikarn, regional adviser, WHO- South East Asia, spoke on the importance of injury surveillance. She stressed upon the need to adopt the international classification of disease (ICD-10) for the effective practice of objectives of the workshop.

Chandigarh, October 8
Adviser to the UT Administrator Pradip Mehra today planted saplings of koeloteria and amaltas on Dadumajra dumping ground. Mayor Kamlesh and Commissioner Roshan Sunkaria were also present on the occasion.

The Adviser said it was essential to counter the foul smell emanating from the garbage plant and this could be done with the help of developing green belts and planting herbal trees, shrubs and flowers around it.

Sunkaria said 60,000 plants had been planted by the MC during this year. The saplings were planted along the boundary wall inside the dumping ground in three rows, including koeloteria in the first row, amaltas in the second row and “Raat Ki Raani” in the third row. Around 100 saplings were planted during the plantation.

Chandigarh, October 8
The District Consumer Disputes and Redressal Forum has directed the manager of Barclay Bank, Sector 22, to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to a complainant and also pay Rs 5,000 as litigation cost.

The complainant, Kapoor Singh, was issued a credit card of the bank. However, the complainant never used the credit card and never withdrew any amount from the bank.

The complainant said in June 2008, he received a call that the bank had sanctioned a loan of Rs 2 lakh and will send a demand draft soon. The complainant told the person calling him that he had never applied for a loan nor did he consented for the loan.

Despite this, a demand draft for Rs 1,95,500, dated July 1, 2007, drawn on HDFC Bank, Mumbai, was sent to him. The draft was to be encashed within 15 days.

According to the complainant, he did not encash the draft and did not avail the loan. Despite this, the bank generated a bill of Rs 5,500. Later, the bill was enhanced to Rs. 13,386.83 and thereafter to Rs 13,963.93. The complainant sent e-mail and a number of letters requesting the bank to withdraw the bills, but to no avail.

It was pleaded that an employee of BSA Logistics, visited the house of the complainant on August 10, 2008, and took a sum of Rs 280 and issued a receipt.

In its reply, the bank stated that the complainant was a credit card holder. One of the products offered on credit card was “loan on phone”. As per the scheme, the loan is offered on the basis of existing credit card by obtaining the customer’s consent on a recorded phone line.

On disbursal of loan, EMI and other charges are charged to the credit card account. According to the bank, the executive called on through a recorded phone line and explained the product of loan to the complainant, who after understanding the scheme of loan, consented to avail the loan amounting to Rs 1,95,000. Though the complainant was initially reluctant to take the loan, but after negotiating the rate of interest, he consented to take the loan. The complainant himself gave his card number, expiry date and mailing address for the purpose of sanction of loan in his favour. The bank processed the loan of the complainant and sent a demand draft for Rs 1,95,500 but he did not use the said demand draft and did not withdraw the amount.

Mohali, October 8
In a late evening raid, the district police today seized at least 117 quintals of khoya and 250 drums of sweets that had been stored in Punjab Cold Store, Blongi, near here.

To check whether the khoya was adulterated, samples were taken by health department officials. On getting a tip off, police parties raided the cold storage and seized the items intended for use during Diwali. Khoya had been illegally stored in cold storage in the periphery of the tricity, said sources in the trade.

Sources do not rule out that the khoya may be sourced from Panipat, Muzzafarnagar and Meerut. “It is the inability of the health department in checking such illegal activity,” said a senior police official. As per norms, milk products cannot be stored for over 30 days and cold storage is meant for stocking fruits and vegetables.

Chandigarh, October 8
Kendriya Vidyalayas of Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh regions are participating in the 22nd Zonal Youth Parliament competition for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Shield, which began at KV No. 2 of 3 BRD Air Force Station here today.

Devashish Bose, under secretary, Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, inaugurated the two-day competition.

Also present at the inaugural ceremony were former Punjab Minister Dilip Singh Pandhi and assistant commissioner (Academics) Kalawati from KVS headquarters, New Delhi.

Principal SK Sharma of the host school said the two-day programme was being held under the aegis of VN Khaware, assistant commissioner, Chandigarh region, with education officer Har Gopal of the Chandigarh region being the guest of honours.

School of the three regions participating in the Zonal Youth Parliament contest are KV, AGCR, New Delhi, KV 1, AFS, Adampur, and KV 2, DMW, Patiala.

Chandigarh, October 8
UIAMS, Panjab University, in collaboration with Educorp has decided to provide an opportunity to MBA aspirants to get information on admission criteria, fee, facilities, curriculum and placements in the top B-schools through direct interaction with them rather than any third party.

MBA Expo, a two-day event to be held at UIAMS, Panjab University, on October 10th and 11th October will provide a chance to the students to directly interact with admissions teams, alumni and student bodies of some of the Indian MBA colleges like IMI New Delhi, UIAMS, MICA Ahmedabad, MBS Mumbai, FMS New Delhi, IIFT New Delhi, SCMLD Pune, JIMS, ICFAI University, IIPM, Infinitus Business Management Institute, Symbosis, Pune etc.

The event will include seminars on topics like marketing, HR, business and finance, effective SoP writing, test taking strategies for CAT, B-School selection etc.

One of the main highlights of the event will be a special seminar for professionals looking forward to pursue MBA. Interested participants log on to www.educorp.in <http://www.educorp.in>.