Chandigarh, December 5
It was a clean sweep for the Chatrath-Ashok Goyal group at the Panjab University Syndicate elections today, with all the 15 seats falling in its kitty.

With the faculties of law, medical, language and combined all elected unopposed by the senate members today, the victory was in sight of the group even before the lunchtime.

As the day began with the election of the facilities of arts, resentment among the members of opposite rotation group was visible over certain issues. The members of this group had also asserted at the start of the day that they would now fight the Chatrath group in full strength, unlike the earlier low-key tussle.

Meanwhile, between this entire political battle, VIPs continued to pour in the senate hall of the administration block, where the elections were taking place. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, Satpal Jain, former MP, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, MP, PGI Director KK Talwar, Jaspal Singh, DPI Punjab, and former Mayor Anu Chatrath came to cast their vote as they are the voting members of the PU senate. Prof Dilip Singh, who was injured, came to vote in an ambulance.

The 15 members who were elected are: Gopal Krishan Chatrath and Dr Emanual Nahar from the faculty of law, Ashok Goyal and Dr Madhu Prashar from the faculty of medical sciences, Prof BS Ghuman, Rajbans Singh Gill and Dr Mukesh Arora from the faculty of arts, Dr Dinesh Talwar, Dr Madan Lal Aeri and Dr Naval Kishore from the the faculty of sciences, Dr Keshav Malhotra and Dr Ravinder Kaur from the faculty of languages, Chaman Lal Sharma, Janmit Singh and Dr Karamjit Singh from the combined faculty.

Prof Nawal Kishore of the science faculty outshined others with the maximum number of votes. Prof Nawal, ML Aeri and Dinesh Talwar got 27, 23 and 23 votes, respectively. While their contenders RK Sharma, Dr Dharinder Kumar Tayal and RS Jhanji received 10, 16 and 11 votes, respectively.

In the faculty of arts, Rabinder Nath Sharma, NK Ojha and SS Sangha got 21, 17 and 17 votes, respectively while the new syndics from the art faculty, Prof BS Ghuman, Rajbans Singh Gill and Mukesh Arora, got with 27, 26 and 25 votes, respectively.

Chandigarh, December 5
The number of swine flu cases rose sharply in the city, with six fresh cases, including that of a pregnant nurse from the GMCH-32 and a class III student from Ryan International, testing positive today. The total number of affected persons has now reached 166.

After Ryan International’s student of class III tested positive for H1N1 today, the school authorities have been officially directed to suspend the respective class for a week. Other victims are from Punjab and Haryana.

Chandigarh, December 5
Every single project, related to infrastructure, delayed or shelved is bound to hamper the goal of transforming the city into an education hub, thereby denying the right to quality education to city kids.

An example of this would be the condition of the government school in Maloya, whose building was declared unsafe by the engineering department. It took a visit by the Home Secretary to officially bring out the facts like poor condition of virtually non-existent science laboratory and a so-called library, which has not issued even a single book to kids for the past one year.

This was met with “immediate” action from the authorities, who asked for the construction of new rooms, which will take a couple of months to come up.

Schools, particularly rural ones, have been given step-motherly treatment for years. More than 60 kids herd up in one room to be taught by a single teacher. There are not enough toilets and words like science labs and libraries are alien to kids.

It may be recalled that ex-DPI (S) Samwartak Singh had once admitted that nothing less than 60 projects were still pending with the engineering department, which not only included single constructions like classrooms or toilets. Many of these have been pending for the past five years.

When the engineering department was confronted with it, it surprisingly said that our otherwise cash-rich education department lacked ample funds to make the requisite payments.

When the department officials surveyed schools, it was found that most of the schools were not mantaining or using sports facilities. Library facility either didn't exist or had a few cupboards stacked with dusty old books.

We have a full-fledged SSA plan, but still 8,700 kids continue to be out of schools. "It’s not that we lack in funds or anything. The city has a potential to attain new heights, but we choose to ignore things. Publicity-rendering announcements are top priority but where is basic ground work? Though senior officials order immediate steps, is it ever reviewed what is actually done?" said an eminent academician. 

Chandigarh, December 5
The Ninth Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, the first motorised battalion of Independent India, celebrated its diamond jubilee and Battle Honour Day in the Western Sector. Serving and retired personnel associated with the regiment attended the three-day function that concluded today. Events, including a special sainik sammelan, were organised. War widows were honoured.It was raised at Jalandhar on January 26, 1948, out of Dogra companies of units that went to Pakistan after the Partition. Immediately after raising, it was deployed in operations during the liberation of Hyderabad.

It has participated in all operations post-Independence. It formed part of the United Nations Emergency Force in Gaza during 1963. In the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the battalion captured Suadih, a fortress in Pakistan. Its fall paved the way for the capitulation of Pakistani Army on the eastern Front and for its actions, the Ninth was awarded the Battle Honour Suadih. 

Chandigarh, December 5
There seems to be more trouble for the owners of Shubham Hospital, Panchkula, and others as after hearing the arguments on point of charges today, the CBI special court of Darshan Singh said the charges would be framed against the accused on December 17.

The court rejected the arguments addressed by the defence counsel for discharging the accused earlier.

The CBI court also fixed December 17 as the date for framing of charges against the accused in the multi-crore scam involving officials of the PNB, the Corporation Bank and partners of Shubham Hospital.

While the chargesheet in the case was filed in January this year, the court observed that the charges were admissible. The case had surfaced early last year.

The then senior officials of the bank are in the dock for sanctioning various loans worth lakhs to Sandeep Sharma, who was the partner in Shubham Hospital, Sector 20, Panchkula, and is the main accused in the scam. The police had registered a separate case against Sandeep Sharma for possessing a fake doctor degree.

The CBI had nailed Ramachandaran, the then branch manager, Corporation Bank, main branch, Chandigarh, Sandeep Sharma, his wife, Ranjana Sharma, both partners of Shubham Hospital, Nageswara Rao, the then branch manager, Corporation Bank, Suresh Kumar, the security officer of Sandeep, and two others.

The CBI had said that during the period of August 2006 to March 2007, Corporation Bank provided four different credit facilities to Shubham Hospital and diagnostic centre under different schemes like term loan, mortgage loan and home loan, amounting to Rs 146.15 lakh.

The bank had also sanctioned housing loans during December 2006 to March 2007 to 12 different individuals, amounting to Rs 138.85 lakh for purchase of flats from Sandeep Sharma situated in Bishanpura Cooperative Housing Society, Zirakpur. Investigations by the CBI revealed that Sandeep Sharma had submitted fabricated documents like share certificates, allotment letters and no objection certificates in respect of ownership of the 12 flats.

The PNB officials in the dock include SN Mahajan, chief manager, RK Chaba, senior manager, Shashi Bhushan Gupta, manager. The PNB had sanctioned a loan of over Rs 2 crore to Sandeep Sharma without verifying documents.

The names of two advocates also feature in the chargesheet for giving wrong legal opinion in the allotment of flats.

Chandigarh, December 5
Actor turned politician Shatrughan Sinha reached the city this evening.

Senior BJP leader and MP from Patna will be the chief guest at a cultural extravaganza "Rafi Memorial Nite" being organised by the Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society at the Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, here tomorrow.

Shotgun will give away prizes to winners. Besides, eminent singers from the region will entertain audience at the much-awaited programme.

Manpreet Singh Badal, Minister for Finance and Planning, Punjab, will preside over the function.

Chandigarh, December 5
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat today said his organisation does not “run” the BJP, which he described as an “independent political outfit”.“We don't run the BJP, which is an independent political outfit. We also don't have the time to run it,” Bhagwat said, addressing a meet the press programme here.

He, however, clarified that if the BJP seeks help on any constructive issue, the RSS was always ready to help. On several queries on the BJP leadership issue, Bhagwat said it was the BJP's internal matter and hoped the political party would resolve it.

When asked whether the RSS was keen to have the next BJP chief from outside Delhi, he said: “This is not true. However, this has been communicated to us by the BJP. We don’t know who their next head will be.”

On the charges that the organisation indulged in “moral policing”, Bhagwat said it was not true. “After India became Independent, we have always submitted ourselves to the law of the land though we have our own ideology and we follow that,” he said.”

On the Liberhan Commission report, the RSS chief said it was fraught with “errors” and “factual incorrectness”.

To a question, Bhagwat said the RSS believes that the country belonged to everyone and all sections should contribute towards its progress.

“We believe that entire India is for the Indians. It is our thought that all those who are doing the good work of uniting this country and taking it forward and those who don't follow the path of violence we call them Hindus. People are free to agree or disagree with us, that is their choice,” he said.

Asked why the RSS does not open its doors to Muslims and Christians, he said: “Our organisation does not have any doors, so the question of closing them on anyone does not arise. The truth is that several Muslims and Christians come to our shakhas.”

To another question, he said the Uniform Civil Code and Article 370 were very much part of the RSS agenda and dismissed the idea that the RSS had dumped these issues.

On “divisive agenda” by the MNS in Maharashtra, Bhagwat said: “This country belongs to all of us. Anyone is free to live and earn their livelihood anywhere. Sometimes there are some local issues, but these cannot be at the cost of our national integration.”

“There should be a time-bound programme and a non-political committee should be set up to decide how long this (the reservation) is needed,” he said, charging political parties with wanting to keep the reservation system continue indefinitely for “their own interests”.

Chandigarh, December 5
The Chandigarh Social Welfare Council has demanded the restoration of the post of chief commissioner for Chandigarh.

In a representation to the Prime Minister, the council said the issue of the revival of the post of Chief Commissioner in Chandigarh had been debated on a number of platforms and there has been unanimity in the demand for its restoration. It is widely believed that the dual system of Punjab Governor holding the charge of the UT Administrator has become irrational, the representation said.

The political parties in the UT, cutting across party lines, have demanded the revival of the chief commissioner's post in the interest of the city.

Residents of the city aspire for elected governance. Before the city graduates to have its own Legislative Assembly on the pattern of Puducherry and Goa with Lt Governor as administrator, it is imperative that the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh is endowed more powers. And this would only be possible when the city has a chief commissioner, the representation added.

Mohali, December 5
The beautification plan of Mohali is finally taking shape. After a series of meetings between officials of Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and private consultant, the latter has been asked to submit final plan.

On the directions of the Punjab government, the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) had appointed consultant Dickson Rothschild India to beautify and widen the city roads.

The consultant had been appointed for five cities in Punjab, including Mohali, where special beautification of roads had to be undertaken with landscaping features and facilities for pedestrians.

Earlier, a mid-term report was presented to GMADA authorities. According to sources, departments concerned had also told the consultant to take the ground situation into account while preparing the drawings.

VP Singh, chief administrator, GMADA, said the consultant had been asked to submit plan. “There is no scope to widen the commercial street passing through the town,” said the chief administrator. Instead of widening the inner sector roads, focus was on widening the sector separating roads. The road from Balongi to Phase XI was to be widened.

GMADA officials have also told the consultant that suggestions to regulate traffic at the traffic junction of Phases III and V could not be implemented due to shortage of space.

In support of the proposal, a GMADA official said the idea behind the beautification project was to create material palate for future and a new urban corridor for newly developing sectors to the south of the existing area.

Under the proposal, seven roads to be covered included shopping centre road, NIPER road, roads separating Phases IX and X, X and XI, III and VII, YPS road and the PCL-Madanpur road.

Zirakpur, December 5
One person was injured in a firing incident during a marriage function at Sohi Banquet hall in Zirkapur late last night.

A Chandigarh Police officer, Jaspal, who was in the uniform, allegedly fired the shots. He was allegedly roaming in the function in an inebriated condition.

The injured has been identified as Deputy, a resident of Rajpura working as a waiter in Sangam, Patiala-based catering. The investigating officer said, in his complaint Deputy claimed that he was serving liquor to the guests in the marriage. Around 12.20 am, he saw Jaspal firing in the air from his pistol.

Later he went to the DJ system, where Jaspal asked for a drink. While he went to serve him the drink, the gunshot hit him in his leg and he fell down. In the meantime, other waiters rushed him to the GMCH-32, Chandigarh.

According to the police the marriage function was organised by GP Modi who is attached with Punjab Mandi board.

The officer said, on the statement of the injured, a case has been registered against the accused and investigations are on. “We will see the marriage video to identify the suspect and we will also verify from the Chandigarh police about Jaspal who was dressed in the police uniform,” he said.

Students of Chaman Lal DAV Senior Public School perform during the annual day celebrations in Panchkula. A Tribune photograph

The ballroom dance further blended glamour and flamboyance of pre-Independence era. A special segment of the fashion show was dedicated to “Uniforms of the Armed Forces.”

Talent hunt

The junior wing of Satluj Public School organised the talent hunt competitions in various categories like painting, dancing, fancy dress and clay modelling for children in the age group of 3-12 years.

The children from the tricity participated in the hunt. All were given participation certificates and prizes. There were special trophies for winners of top five positions in each category.

Mohali, December 5
The father of a 30-year-old resident of Sector 57 today claimed that his son died of dengue, even as the district health authorities deny such reports.

According to information, Nand Kumar died at the PGI, Chandigarh. Sukh Lal, father of the deceased, told mediapersons that his fell ill on December 1 after which he was taken to a private hospital in Sector 70. When his condition deteriorated , the private hospital referred him to the PGI. He claimed that his son was suffering from dengue and he died in the PGI.

However, district health officer Dr SP Surila said the doctor who attended to Nand Kumar at the Sector 70 hospital had stated that the patient had tested negative for dengue. As per the PGI report , the patient had died due to encephalopathy and not dengue, added Surila.

Meanwhile, he said five more persons from Mohali district had tested positive for swine flu. While four of them were undergoing treatment at the PGI , Ramandeep Kaur, a nursing student, was admitted to Fortis Hospital at Mohali. 

Chandigarh, December 5
A talent show for special children “Mr and Ms Vibrant 2009” was organised by “Umeed”, which falls under Regional Institute for Mentally Handicapped, Sector 32, at Chandigarh Club here.Unlike most other shows, this show was not a competition but a platform where the special ones got a chance to explore their talent.The show started with a musical performance by special kids.

“It’s amazing how a little appreciation can work wonders for them,” said Dr BS Chawan, head of the psychiatry department, GMCH-32.

Title of Mr Vibrant went to 17-year-old Abhinav, while 14-year-old Purnima bagged the Ms Vibrant title. One of the parents said, “When we watch our children enjoy their performance, it brings us joy.”

Chandigarh, December 5
An objection was raised during the Panjab University’s Syndicate election, which resulted in heated arguments and hindered the election process for sometime.

During the Syndicate election, Prabjit Singh, a science faculty, pointed out a breach of the university rules when the rotation group fielded RK Sharma, Dharinder Tayal and RS Jhanji.

Prabjit alleged that since Sharma was retiring on December 31 and Syndicate members were elected to the office for the entire year, his nomination would subsequently be considered as that of a non-teaching faculty.

Even Dharinder Tayal is also a member of the non-teaching faculty and it would violate the rules further, which say only one non-teaching faculty member could contest from a particular category.

The objection was followed by a debate and cross-questioning, when Prabhjit withdrew his objection.

“If the matter is explored further, it would take legal course of action and the election would have been disrupted. It was our duty to bring the violation to the notice of the House,” said Prabhjit.

Meanwhile, RK Sharma claimed that till the time he was a faculty member, nobody could stop him to contest the election. He went on to contest and lost the election subsequently.

Mohali, December 5
Students of Genius Public School, Sector 69, Mohali, celebrated the annual sports day with great enthusiasm and zeal.

The tiny tots participated in various races like back race, Tom and Jerry race and flat race. Students of the senior wing also participated in the races like page finding race, 100 m race, spoon/potato race, frog race, back race, book balancing race and one-legged race.

Chandigarh, December 5
A cultural event, “Techno Fest 2009”, was organised by students of Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32), here today.

Dr Raj Bahadur, director-principal of GMCH-32, was the chief guest.

The graduates in medical lab technology, ophthalmology, radiology and anaesthesiology participated in the event.

The students presented different type of dances, including Salsa, Punjabi boliyan expressing culture of Punjab, fusion remixes as they are the latest 
trend among youth and ramp show.