Chandigarh, November 4
The local authorities successfully accomplished “operation cover up” as the family members of Sumit Parkash Verma, who held security personnel responsible for his death at the PGI, withdrew their complaint and settled for a compensation.

Though they retreated from their earlier stance, they stated that the authorities played on their emotions and “blackmailed” them to manipulate the situation in their favour. It is learnt that the DC of Ambala went to them to hand over a cheque for Rs 2 lakh and promised free education for his minor sons up to plus two.

While the PMO admits that the death may have been caused due to traffic restrictions, the police in its statement maintained that “normal traffic was not disturbed”.

The family, however, returned the cheque terming it as inadequate compensation for the loss of the only breadwinner of the family and demanded a job for Verma’s wife.

Regarding the withdrawal of the complaint, Verma’s brother-in-law Vikas alleged that the authorities blackmailed them. He alleged that policemen held them back when the Prime Minister’s cavalcade was passing and did not allow them entry from Gate No 1. They shuttled them from point to another for over an hour.

“The police and the PGI authorities swung into action after the death was highlighted by the media. The police told us that if we lodge a complaint, it would have to conduct a postmortem, to which my sister refused. The police said if we took back the complaint, it would complete the formalities and hand over the body within two hours, but it was not to be,” he told The Tribune on the phone.

“Instead of guiding us, they exploited our ignorance. The statements were dictated and we signed. The police videographed the proceedings at the PGI police post. But they did not keep their word and made us wait for 26 hours just to get the body, that too after the postmortem,” he lamented.

The police handed over the body to the family today. The DSP (Central), Jagbir Singh, said doctors had reserved their opinion about the cause of death.

The doctors had taken samples, which would be sent for examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. The authorities provided a free ambulance service to the family to take the body to Ambala, the DSP said.

The haste with which the authorities worked on the issue was obvious as the PGI claimed in its statements that Verma was brought dead while the police stated that he was attended to promptly by the doctors and advised an ECG and was declared dead during treatment.

The haste with which the authorities worked on the issue was obvious as the PGI claimed in its statements that Verma was brought dead while the police stated that he was attended to promptly by the doctors and advised an ECG and was declared dead during treatment

Chandigarh, November 4
St John’s School, Sector 26, is in troubled waters once again, with one of its teachers being accused of not only instigating students to visit and join “adult” sites, but also encouraging them to bring mobile phones to schools.

In a written complaint by a parent, who happens to be a senior PCS officer, it has been alleged that the art teacher, in the course of his lessons, would encourage students to visit adult sites and become members of social networking sites, besides being his “friends”.

“Such sites generally don’t register children below 18 years of age. The teacher suggested Class VII students to become members by registering a fake date of birth and then join his friends’ group. The sites ‘recommended’ by him included regular social networking sites, and some others which allowed children access to adult material, specially videos,” the complainant alleged.

The three-page complaint also stated that though the use of mobiles is prohibited in school, the teacher would use it in class and encourage students to also get mobiles, which they could use with his permission.

“In order become popular with students, he asked them to keep all their mobiles in his custody and take them as and when they needed to make a call. The students would spend the day in school sharing MMSes or downloading games,” he said.

His children study in Class VII. “This is not the first time that the role of this teacher has come under scanner, but the school authorities have never paid any heed to complaints.

This time also when I submitted a written complaint, the principal asked me for evidence. I have the evidence to prove the charges, but will produce it only once an inquiry is initiated by the school authorities,” he claimed.

When contacted, principal Kavita Das refused to meet the correspondent on the pretext of being at a meeting and never got back even after a visiting card was left for her. Instead of taking several calls and messages left at her reception counter, the school asked a SJOBA member to be the spokesperson. He said: “There is procedure that needs to be followed in such a case and we have started it.

The final decision will be that of the management.” Meanwhile, the complainant said he would meet the Home Secretary tomorrow in this regard. 

Fatehgarh Sahib, November 4
The permanent kitchens recently constructed in various government schools of the district serve no purpose in preparation of mid-day meal as the food is either prepared in open or in the classrooms.

The government had spent Rs 60,000 on each permanent shed, which is to be used as kitchen in these village schools.

However, a visit to some of these schools revealed that either these kitchens were lying open without any window or doors or they were doubled up as storerooms. Children were seen assisting school employees while preparing meal in open or in the classrooms.

The school teachers, however, said that Rs 60,000 released by the government got wasted as these sheds were still incomplete.

They revealed that though in papers the construction work of school kitchen was complete, in actual these were still bereft of water taps, doors, window and other basic facilities, including a sink for washing utensils.

Panchkula, November 4
With the arrest of Lovelesh Aggarwal and Amardeep Singh Thakur, accused of selling vehicles already mortgaged with lending agencies, last month, the district police has unearthed a bank fraud and a liquor smuggling network involving police officials from Panchkula as well as Punjab.

Entries worth lakhs were found in the name of many police stations and DTO offices in the documents seized from their premises, said sources.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that there were indications of certain bureaucrats and bankers being hand-in-glove with the accused.

In a new turn of events, the police was trying to play down the entire episode, the sources said. SP Amitabh Dhillon, when contacted, denied that there was any move to hush up the case.

The police was on the way to unravel their all links and income tax officials had been informed about assets of the accused, he said.

The investigation cell had been flooded with telephone calls, asking for pushing the case under the carpet.

Naveen, an accomplice of the main accused, is learnt to have threatened cops with dire consequences at the hands of his high connections in the Haryana state judiciary.

Following the arrest of Amarjeet and Lovelesh last month, the police alleged that they used to purchase the vehicles, including cars and SUVs, under finance schemes of different banks.

Following the delivery of the vehicle, the accused used to put a fluid on letters filled in the column of the invoice meant for mortgaged vehicles.

On the basis of these documents, the vehicle registration authorities used to issue registration certificates bearing no inscription, which was compulsory for financed vehicles.

They either used to sell the vehicles or get those refinanced from other banks, claimed the police.

They, in fact, chose this modus operandi after knowing all loopholes in the system as they used to work as recovery agents for finance companies and banks earlier.

Following this, they never refunded any loan to banks and the bank personnel who used to visit them were thrashed and threatened in the name of police officers.

The documents seized from the premises of the accused indicated that certain police officers at the district level from Punjab had been in regular touch with the gang. The list also included names of an SHO presently posted in Panchkula and a DSP posted out of the city recently.

They used to keep the telephone speaker on the loudspeaker mode so that their victim would come to know that they had patronage of high-ups in the police, said the sources. A bank manager narrated his tale of woes at hands of the gangsters, emphasising how he had been threatened.

Chandigarh, November 4
Residents of Sector 52 are forced to live under unhealthy conditions for the past fortnight with sewerage water overflowing on the streets and water entering their houses due to blocked pipes.

Residents alleged that they had brought the matter to the notice of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and even the UT administration, but to no avail. The stink in the area is intolerable.

They said that due to overflowing sewerage water, accidents were common in the area due to skidding. Stagnated sewerage water had created craters and potholes on the road. Commuters cannot see the potholes because of sewerage water.

President of the Social Welfare Association, Sector 52, Satpal said not only the area residents, but those residing in the adjoining localities were also suffering as they had to cross the area to reach their destinations. The worst affected were the school children, he added. He also expressed fear of an epidemic breakout in the locality. 

Chandigarh, November 4
A five-day vigilance awareness week is being organised by the Regional Office of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) here from November 3 to create awareness among employees about the services rendered by the EPFO.

SK Aggarwal, regional PF commissioner-I, exhorted the officers and staff members to rededicate themselves and to reaffirm their commitment to see that public service they provide to their EPF members is rendered with dedication, sincerity and honesty.

A drop box was also installed on the occasion in the regional office here for receiving the complaints from the EPF members. Besides, an essay writing competition was also organised.

Chandigarh, November 4
SOCH ’09, media festival of School of Communication Studies (SCS), was inaugurated at law auditorium here today.

Vice-Chancellor Prof RC Sobti was the guest of honour. He praised the students of the department and also laid emphasis on the importance of communication.

“Communication plays a vital role in every activity of our life. Even in our classes, sometimes, the communication gap hinders the development of students,” said Prof Sobti underlining the need of better communication skills.

The events of the first day included graffiti making, copycat, creative writing, talk jock, ad mad, etc while dancing shoes enthralled the evening with Bollywood numbers.

Chandigarh, November 4
Underlining that optics and photonics were critical technologies, widespread in every aspect of day-to-day life, Dr Pawan Kapur, director, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), observed that today’s optics were bringing home high-speed communication like video streaming and broadband applications.

Delivering the 20th Gian Chand Jain Memorial Lecture here, Dr Kapur said with advance in photonics, new avenues were being opened in the fields of information technology, agriculture, healthcare and public safety.

Their impact on all spheres of society from agriculture, safety, education and entertainment to healthcare would continue to grow.

Pointing out that agricultural research sought generation of new technologies like precision and optical farming to complement traditional methods for enhancing productivity and making “green revolution into an evergreen revolution”, Dr Kapur added that photonics played an important role in food safety.

UV radiation was the only way to disinfect packages without using additives and without modifying the contents. Quality control of food as well as contaminant control of top soil and air could be achieved with laser spectroscopic methods.

He also described various safety measures for human population such as health monitoring of civil structures, mines, dams and nuclear reactors involving optical sensing techniques.

Several technologies currently being deployed to prevent and detect chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear terrorist attacks made use of optics and photonics.

Modern healthcare had been revolutionised by optics applications in examination, diagnosis, therapy, surgery and imaging equipment used for CAT, MRI and PET scans, as well as mammography.

Further innovations like micro, nano-probes and remote diagnosis seemed to be within reach. In the span of few years, lasers had progressed from a “solution in search of problem” to the most versatile, economical and ecological tool in manufacturing and minimally invasive surgery, he added.

Chandigarh, November 4
‘Daddyji’. The word became familiar to the literary world of the West because it was the title of Ved Mehta’s 1972 book on his father. ‘Mamaji’ followed in 1979 because his sisters protested that he had been partial towards their father and had been unfair to the mother.

Much before Indian writers hit the international scene, Ved Mehta had already made his mark in the USA and in England, both as a writer and a journalist. He started with a vocabulary of 280 words in English when he left India to attend the Arkansas School for the Blind. He, however, had many stories to tell, and he adapted to the changed circumstances. Even as he was studying, he went on to write an autobiographical book, which later became ‘Daddyji’.

Not many Indians are familiar with this writer who lived in Lahore before making America his home, but the 75-year-old Ved Mehta has formidable credentials, as a writer, scholar and journalist. He has studied and taught in the top universities of the US and UK, worked as a journalist with the ‘New Yorker’ from 1961-1994, and has published around two dozen books, including a series of 12 autobiographical books, the first two of which are ‘Daddyji’ and ‘Mamaji’.

Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof RC Sobti released both the books at the university today, at a function organised by the Panjab University Teachers Association and the publisher Roli Books, while the author spoke on how he ended up as a writer.

The visually challenged author spoke with transparent honesty and sincerity to an audience that comprised students and teachers.

He revealed how he started writing to be with his amanuensis, which literally means “one who takes dictation”. He revises his work as many as 150 times, in search of the “essential” word, and it is obvious that he puts in long hours.

Responding to Prof Rana Nayar, Head, Department of English, Ved Mehta said he did not change or revise his books after they had been published. “The process of writing is a journey in itself, once a book is born, it has its own karma and dharma. I can’t change a hair”

Chandigarh, November 4
Around 180 officers, including base commanders, squadron commanders, engineering officers and flight safety officers, from various stations and units under the Western Air Command attended the annual flight safety council meeting held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station today.

The meeting was chaired by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal NAK Browne. Officers from the Air Headquarters, the Army, the Navy and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) also attended the meeting. The Institute of Flight Safety gave a presentation on human factor analysis and classification system.

After the daylong discussions on flight safety issues, Air Marshal Browne addressed the officers and airmen, stressing upon flight safety through professional leadership. Officers from different stations discussed flight safety aspects through presentations. This was followed by interactive sessions.

Chandigarh, November 4
Ajay Jagga, president of the local unit of the Janata Party, expressed shock on the death of Sumeet Parkash Verma, an Ambala resident, who allegedly died in a traffic jam at the PGI during Prime Minister's visit here yesterday.

Jagga demanded that the access of emergency and other departments of the PGI should be free for all times. In case of VVIPs visit, the PGI authorities and security officials should allow a separate entry and exit.

He also demanded an inquiry by an independent agency into the matter.

When the weather starts getting colder, skin starts becoming dry and irritated. Cold weather can cause many skin problems as dry and cold air drains away essential moisture from the skin.

In an advisory on the skin problems during the cold weather, Dr Alka Dogra, head, skin and VD department at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital here says that the most common condition in these weather conditions is dry skin which often gets worse when environmental humidity is low. The dry skin very commonly produces itching, which can be severe and interfere with sleep and daily activities.

The mainstay of management is attention to proper bathing techniques and liberal use of moisturisers. A short bath or shower of not more than 10 minutes once in a day is advised. The bath should be warm rather than hot water. Soaps should be used minimally and only when and where required (under the arms, groins, genitals, feet and face). Milder and less-drying soaps like moisturising soaps should be preferred.

"Further, cleansing lotions which are soap-free are also available. After bathing, one should gently pat the skin and partially dry with a towel (do not rub). Within three minutes, a moisturiser should be applied to seal the water in skin before it evaporates. Moisturisers should be reapplied liberally during day and evening, especially to areas prone to dryness like hands, arms and legs," she advised.

Giving more tips on warding off the affects of dryness, Dr Dogra said greasing the hands, feet and lips is very important to keep the limbs soft and moisturised. "Apply petroleum jelly containing creams and lotions regularly to feet and hands. Use exfoliants to remove dead skin from feet as this further helps in penetration of creams and lotions. Whenever going out, always wear gloves and socks, if using woolen stuff, slip in cotton gloves first as these prevent itching which rubber can sometimes cause. Use of petroleum jelly or Vaseline for dry and chapped lips is a must in winters."

She added that water intake should not only be encouraged in summers, but also in winters. The habit of consuming 2 to 3 litres of water daily should be encouraged.

At the same time, a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion should be applied over face, neck and other exposed parts about 30 minutes before going into sun daily and should be repeated after every two or three hours to prevent sun damage. Feet can be kept in sun. Face must be protected.

Among other steps to take proper care of skin and winter-related ailments, Dr Dogra advised follow-up at the dermatology clinic for skin problems like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chilblains, perniosis and dandruff which tend to flare up during winters. 

 Take a short bath of not more than 10 minutes

Water should be warm not hot

Soaps should be used minimally

 Moisturising soaps and cleansing lotions should be preferred

 After bathing, gently pat the skin with a towel

 Within three minutes, a moisturiser should be applied

 Moisturisers should be reapplied liberally during day, especially to areas prone to dryness like hands, arms and legs

Ludhiana, November 4
After the visit of President of India Pratibha Patil to the Republic of Cyprus, it has become the favourite destination for tourists. Cyprus is awaiting the maximum Indian tourists this year and tourists from Punjab are going to form the major chunk. Punjabis being experimental in testing new destinations, there are great expectations from them.

The strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Cyprus and India and is expected after the President’s visit. The Cyprus Tourism targets Indian tourists by launching a series of promotions. Cyprus, a year-round Mediterranean island destination with a population of close to 8,00,000, is eyeing the lucrative Indian market.

Vassilis Theocharides, director, Middle East and Gulf, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, said, “Cyprus is the closest European destination for Indian travellers. Though a modern island nation, it retains an essentially Mediterranean character.”

He further adds, “English is widely spoken in Cyprus as it was a former British colony and it has more than 19 Indian restaurants, which makes it even more comfortable for the Indian traveller.’’

Cyprus is part of the European Union and Indians need a visa to visit Cyprus. They can also visit on a Schengan visa provided they have entered a Schengan country preceding a visit to Cyprus.

Ashutosh Mehere, vice-president, Cox and Kings India Ltd (CKIL), said: “Punjab is a very important market for us and we have noticed that people from this state like to experiment with new destinations. Cyprus is one such destination that they would love for its clean beaches, great cuisine-19 Indian restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine and it is the closest European destination from India.’’ He further adds, “We believe that Cyprus will be well-received in Punjab and north Indian markets and demand will exceed expectations.’’ 

Chandigarh, November 4
Officials propose, babus dispose -- that seems to sum up the working of the Chandigarh administration. Certain “people-friendly” decisions of the administration to grant relief to thousands of marla house owners regarding need-based changes in their dwelling units in the city seem to have hit a stumbling block at the hands of the lower bureaucracy at the estate office (EO).

This is even after two notifications -- October 28, 2008, and September 25, 2009 -- have already been issued by the administration, approving the decisions.

After exhausting all channels, office-bearers of the Chandigarh marlas/flats houses residents welfare association today urged administrator SF Rodrigues to intervene in the matter and get the notifications implemented. He apparently directed officials concerned to redress their grievances in a time-bound manner.

Association president Surinder Pal Chauhan said the administrator was urged to instruct the authorities to “comply with the clarifications/decisions already made by the Finance Secretary so that the pending revised building plans already submitted by the residents to the EO could be passed.”

The EO has been dragging its feet on the regularisation of the need-based changes already done in the houses before the notifications. The administration had come out with a notification on need-based additions last year. Some decisions included access to terrace/rooftop through a cat ladder, projection at the second floor level and cantilever beyond the zoning line of residential buildings.

Chauhan said despite the orders having been circulated to the EO and members of the plan approval committee (lower), the house owners, who had already made the changes, were facing problems in getting the plans sanctioned.

The Finance Secretary said the EO would be directed to implement the decisions and any hindrance would be dealt with sternly.

Mohali, November 4
Swami Ram Tirtha Public High School, Phase IV, Mohali, has introduced moral education for students to help them distinguish between wrong and right.

According to a press release, a conscious effort to develop a morally integrated personality to enable a child to think right, to feel right kind of emotions and to act in a desirable manner was being made through moral education.

Some parents had shown their concern about a decline in moral values among children.

In today’s world, conflicting values and moral dilemmas had become common. With a dangerous downward trend in the moral attitudes, there was a sustained and impassioned plea from every quarter to restore the moral values.

Meanwhile, students of Swami Ram Tirtha Public High School here brought laurels to the school by winning silver and bronze medals in the All-India Invitational Sardar Sewa Singh Memorial Roller Skating Championship, 2009, held at Banyan Tree School.

Chandigarh, November 4
Accompanied by their teachers, as many as 150 students of Government Middle School, Sector 46, took out a rally on the occasion of “Vigilance Awareness Week” here today.

Schoolchildren wrote slogans and pledged to fight against corruption. The school headmaster Ram Singh Sandhu, who flagged off the rally, encouraged students to be honest and fight against corruption related issues.