Chandigarh, January 27
Acute shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the city has become a matter of concern for hundreds of consumers, who have to wait for weeks together to get their gas cylinders refilled.

For the past few weeks, residents of the city have been facing this problem, as they are not getting regular supply of cooking gas cylinders. The shortage is being attributed by the officials to the backlog of bookings by the consumers and its short supply.

As per the information, 24 LPG agencies are functioning in the city, these include five agencies of Hindustan Petroleum (HP), 15 of Indian oil Corporation, and four of Bharat Petroleum. Though the officials attribute the shortage of LPG to the backlog but the residents of the city differ on it.

Constantly busy phone lines of the gas agencies and long wait for a refill continues to give the consumers a harrowing time. Residents revealed that one had to wait for 20 to 25 days to get a gas cylinder refilled and one was considered lucky if he or she could get a cylinder refilled before it. “For the past two weeks I have been coming here to book a gas cylinder, but I have to return empty handed as the supply is limited and even after waiting for hours in long queues, the dealer says that they can not book it before 15 days as there is shortage of cylinders,” said Ankit Sharma, a resident of Sector 22. Geetika, a housewife in Sector 55, complained that it was impossible to book LPG on telephone these days, as the dealers had stopped taking calls of the consumers. “If they do answer the phone, the line is disconnected by the staff as soon as a request for the LPG is made, she alleged.

An employee of a local gas agency said the demand of cooking gas cylinders increases manifold in January and February every year due to which there is a shortage of LPG especially of HP cylinders.

The main reason behind the shortage is due to massive diversion of cooking gas for commercial use, especially large-scale installation of gas geysers, LPG-run vehicles and the ongoing marriage season.

Though the companies keep requesting the consumers to avoid usage of LPG cylinder for geysers and vehicles but this is not heeded to. Another reason for the shortage was due to the fortnight-long foggy season, which created problem in its transportation and supply. But as the weather is clear now, it is expected that within a week the situation will be under control.

Panchkula, January 27
High drama prevailed when former Haryana deputy chief minister Chander Mohan reached the Sector 23 police station here to “rescue” a man nabbed by the police for smuggling liquor here last night.

Chander Mohan claimed that the man accused of liquor smuggling had no relation with smugglers and was “a victim of circumstances”, telling the police officials not to arrest him.

The police, however, did not find the arguments put up by the former deputy chief minister tenable and put the accused Devinder, a resident of Barwala, behind bars.

Devinder was nabbed from a truck loaded with liquor when cops intercepted it near Nada Sahib around 10 pm last night. The truck was carrying 4,500 bottles of IMFL worth more than Rs 5 lakh. The contraband was to be smuggled from Chandigarh to Gujarat, said the police.

The police also arrested Sher Singh, the driver of the truck, a resident of Kurukshetra.

When the police took both accused to the police station Devinder, claiming to be innocent, stated that he had taken lift in the truck at Majri Chowk, hardly 1 km from the spot where the truck was intercepted. He also claimed to know Chander Mohan and made the cops talk to former deputy chief minister on phone.

The cops, however, refused to believe that the person on phone on the other end was former deputy CM. Following this, Chander Mohan himself reached the police station along with a few of his local supporters.

When contacted, Chander Mohan, confirming that he had been to the police station, said Devinder, a panch of Barwala, was with him throughout the evening and he had himself dropped him at the Majri chowk around 9.20 pm. Devinder, finding no bus for Barwala, boarded the truck, which was found to be involved in liquor smuggling. Consequently, the police, presuming Devinder to be an accomplice of smugglers, took him to the police station, he said.

Though I asked them to verify the facts before arresting Devinder, police officials put him behind bars, he said, adding that it was a sorry state of affairs in the district. The police was not ready to believe a four-time MLA.

The cops said that it sounded unusual that a truck driver smuggling liquor and sitting alone in the vehicle will take the risk of offering a lift to a stranger. The other reason due to which the police was not ready to believe that Devinder had boarded the truck at Majri Chowk was that the police party had specific information about the truck and it was being followed since it entered Panchkula from Chandigarh. The truck did not stop at any place on the way till it was intercepted by the police. So it was not possible that someone had boarded it in Panchkula, claimed the police.

Chandigarh, January 27
The dearth of lodging facilities on the Panjab University campus for participants of the prestigious All-India Inter-University Judo championship, to be hosted by the varsity next month, has now compelled PU officials to book dormitories and rooms outside the campus.

The event will see an unprecedented number of participants this time with over 1,000 sportspersons and 35 officials from 86 universities in the country having already confirmed their participation for the championship, which kicks off on February 7.

As a result of inadequate accommodation, dormitories and rooms have now been booked in Panchayat Bhawan and Kisan Bhawan for championship participants at Rs 300 per dormitory. Only the observer would be residing in the campus during the event. The AIIU Judo championship is taking place from February 7-9 for women and February 12-14 for men.

Unfortunately each time such an event is hosted by PU, lakhs of rupees are spent on lodging of the participants outside the campus, due to lack of accommodation ion the campus. “ This practice is not new and lodging for participants has been arranged outside the campus in other events also,” said PU sports department director CS Grewal.

Ironically, even in the recent annual athletic meet the lodging requirements of the participants was met by arranging rooms and dormitories outside the PU campus.

Even as the lodging crisis in the campus during such events persists, the PU sports hostel that was originally constructed to accommodate participants of such events and can host 300 students has been temporarily converted into a girls hostel, following complaints by girls last year that could not get a hostel room.

Another proposed sports hostel, with a capacity to accommodate 300 students, is yet to come up near the faculty house. The estimated cost of this hostel has been pegged at Rs 3.6 crore and the drawings have already been approved while the tender is yet to floated.

“There is a limited capacity for stay in any hostel. The sports department has written to us regarding the accommodation and we will provide them whatever rooms that are available,” said PU dean of students welfare Naval Kishore.

Chandigarh, January 27
People of the tri-city now have an opportunity to explore lifestyle and abundant business opportunities in New Zealand at a two-day New Zealand Invest 2010 fest being held at the PHD House, Sector 31, on January 30-31.

Addressing media here today, Sanjeev Toora, director, NZ Financial Solutions Limited, Tanya Kwasza of Catalyst2 said New Zealand cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee would promote New Zealand as a lifestyle destination during this fest.

“This is the best time for investors to foray into New Zealand as well as enjoy the high standards of living the country has to offer. The ongoing bilateral free trade agreement negotiations between India and New Zealand will increase trade volume between the two countries forging friendly ties,” Toora said.

“At New Zealand Invest 2010, investors and entrepreneurs will receive a golden opportunity to learn about business prospects in New Zealand,” Kwasza added.

Chandigarh, January 27
The premier medical institution of the region, the PGI, has added another feather to its cap by attaining success in treating the largest number of recorded “rare and complex” cases of kidney obstruction through laparoscopic technique in the world.

While most of the hospitals across the globe have treated only a couple of cases each of “complex kidney obstruction”, the PGI has done nine such cases.

The rare feat has been published in the “Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques from USA”. Talking to reporters, Dr Santosh Kumar, PGI Urology Department, who performed the laparoscopic technique for the treatment of complex kidney obstruction on nine patients, said this was the largest in the world and it had been recognised by the World’s best laparoscopic journal.

He said all patients underwent proper evaluation, diagnosis and preoperative stabilisation prior to the surgery for understanding the complex anatomy of their kidneys. He said though the technique was used worldwide, experience with laparoscopy with such complex reconstructive procedure was limited.

Santosh said, obstructed kidney with giant hydronephrosis (huge swelling of kidney), fused kidney, and duplicated kidney poses greater threat to kidney function. But by availability of various techniques-laparoscopic pyelovesicostomy, laparoscopic calicovesicostomy, laparoscopic ureterocalcostomy and laparoscopic ureteropyelostomy, he was able to save kidney with even 10 per cent function and urine output more than 500 ml. All nine patients recovered well.

“It took urologists long time to take up laparoscopy in face of inherent difficulty in accessing and removing or reconstructing the urological organs - kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate as these are ‘hidden’. But now many urological procedures, including prostate, are being performed laparoscopically,’’ said Santosh.

According to experts, technical expertise and good experience was needed before performing these procedures. The laparoscopic surgery is one form of “minimal access” surgery that the common man is not generally aware of.

Chandigarh, January 27
After almost six months of appointing two district education officials, the UT administration has withdrawn one of the posts.

While Chanchal Singh will continue as DEO, Saroj Mittal, who had joined on the same post in August, will be shifted to other department, which is yet to be ascertained.

The department while deciding for the twin posts had cited increasing workload as the reason for the same.

It was asserted that one official could not look after private and government schools so two posts were created.

However, lack of any convincing reason for the sudden withdrawal has left many claiming it to be arbitrary.

“It is shocking because initially one of the posts was taken from the adult education department to divide the workload of the government and private schools, but now this arbitrary move has left us wondering that have the number of schools or designated work reduced or the ‘chosen’ official has turned more efficient,” said a senior official.

Surprisingly, when questioned about this sudden decision, education secretary Ram Niwas said the withdrawal was yet to come to his notice.

Meanwhile, the decision has left many cribbing over the lack of clear cut policy in the creation or withdrawal of the posts in the UT education department.

“They create or withdraw any post at their whims and fancies. If you look at the way the department works, its nothing but adjustment. While the schools continued to struggle with staff crunch, many teachers managed to come to the department on deputation and continue there for years. The department went to length in creating posts like private school liaison officer, the justification of which is yet to be provided. Similarly, many retired teachers managed to get adjusted under SSA projects and principals of two of the city’s major schools have been given dual charge and all this happens without any policy,” concluded another senior official.

Chandigarh, January 27
The ongoing projects of the municipal corporation would see the light of the day by the end of this year. This assurance was given by Mayor Anu Chatrath while addressing the gathering after unfurling the National Flag on the Republic Day at MC office yesterday.

Stressing on the public participation, the Mayor said authorities should try to create avenues for exchange of ideas and public participation for improving the civic amenity services.

Revealing about the projects which the corporation would take up this year were provision of marriage palace, sports complex and shopping complex at Mani Majra, upgrading sports stadiums in villages, rainwater harvesting in all corporation buildings and community centres and upgrading motor market at Mani Majra.

She said the city would also have Mahila Bhawan in Sector 38, new community centres in Sectors 22, 48, 49, Dhanas, Dadu Majra, Palsora and Kajehri, food street in Sector 48 and southern sectors, upgrade of infrastructure facilities in Sector 17, upgrade of cremation grounds in the Industrial Area, Phase I, and Hallo Majra and augmentation of water supply scheme, Phase V and VI, Kajauli. This would add 29 MGD water supply to Chandigarh. She emphasised that through awareness campaign, residents should be sensitised to follow sanitation bylaws in order to keep the city spic and span under the Partnership Initiative Programme (PIP).

Chandigarh, January 27
Narender Kumar Manral, assistant commandant of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, PO Airport, has been awarded with the President’s Police Medal for meritorious services.

Similarly, assistant sub-inspector Harpal Singh of the Punjab Police has been given police medal for his distinguished service in the field.

Chandigarh, January 27
The Institute of Cost and Works Accounts of India (ICWAI), Chandigarh-Panchkula Chapter, organised a seminar on “Goods and service tax” (GST) at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here today.

While finance principal secretary Karan Avtar Singh, Punjab, presided over the function, excise and taxation commissioner A Venu Prashad, and central council member Balwinder Singh, ICWAI, were the guests of honour.

Northern India Regional Council, ICWAI, vice-chairman Rakesh Bhalla while deliberating said the Central government was serious in implementing the goods and service tax from October 1.

He said two reports one by the empowerment committee of the state finance ministers and another by task force constituted under the 13th Finance Commission had already been made public.

Thus, the industry should gear up their smooth transition process to GST regime, he added.

Chandigarh Chapter of ICWAI secretary Anil Sharma shared his views on various issues related to the implementation of the inter-state goods and service tax (IGST).

Central council member Balwinder Singh, ICWAI, said as the GST was proposed to be implemented from October 1, the Central government needed to accelerate the process, which included amendments in various statutes, finalisation of administrative rules and processes, etc.

He assured all support required from the institute for successful and timely roll out.

Later, dignitaries answered various queries raised by the members.

Mohali, January 27
The Republic Day celebrations were held across Mohali district with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm amidst tight security arrangements on January 26.

Punjab health minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from the combined march past held by contingents of the traffic police, Punjab Police, home guards and NCC cadets.

Paying homage to martyrs, freedom fighters and others whose sacrifices brought us freedom, the minister proudly said everyone should follow the path of our freedom fighters.

While schoolchildren presented a fascinating mass PT show and cultural programme, the minister honoured family members of freedom fighters and martyr. During the function, the health minister had given sewing machines to 20 needy women and six wheelchairs were given to physically challenged people.

During the occasion, three mediapersons, including photographer Vicky Gharu from The Tribune, Lakhwant Singh from Dainik Bhaskar and Hillary Victor from Hindustan Times, were honoured by minister for their work in media.

Harkamal Preet Singh, a student of Paragon School, who had won the state championship netball games, silver medal and gold medal in junior national championship and other students were honoured by the minister. The minister also honoured veteran athlete Gurjeevan Singh Sidhu on the Republic Day. DSP (city-II) Sharandeep Singh and in charge of various parade teams were also honoured by the minister.

The members of Punjab Gatka Association, led by Deep Singh, presented their skills and the minister honoured them. Dr Sarvjit Kaur Sohal and selection committee members of cultural programme were also honoured. The students of Mata Sahib Kaur College of Nursing presented a skit on female foeticide.

ZIRAKPUR: The students of government and private schools celebrated the Republic Day with enthusiasm in Zirakpur. The function was filled with fun and frolic. A cultural programme, including a patriotic poem, dance and group songs, was presented by school students. They were also felicitated with gifts and prizes.

DERA BASSI: The Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Dera Bassi subdivision at Government High School. SDM, Dera Bassi, Puneet Goyal hoisted the tricolour. The local leaders were also present on the occasion. The chief guest honoured Harish Sharma, a resident of Zirakpur, with bravery award. He had caught a thief who entered his house on the eve of New Year. The local administration also honoured the police team in this same case.

Panchkula: The chief parliamentary secretary of technical education and local bodies and public relations, Sharda Rathore, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march past presented by the contingents of the Panchkula Police, Home Guards, NCC, scouts, guides, and schoolchildren on the occasion of the 61st Republic Day celebrations here yesterday.

While paying tributes to the freedom fighters, she called upon people not to rejoice, but assess whether they had been able to achieve the goals of the Independence as envisaged by freedom fighters.

Speaking about the freedom struggle of India, she said the people of Haryana had made supreme sacrifice not only in the freedom struggle but also protected the integrity and the unity of the country.

Highlighting the achievements of the state government she said it had made tremendous progress in the fields of agriculture, industry, roads, health, power and social welfare programmes.

A colourful and cultural programme was presented by schoolchildren. Jainendra Public School won the first position in the cultural programme, DAV, Sector 11, got the second position, while DAV-8 bagged the third position.

Rathore honoured 12 persons for meritorious services in various fields, including Mangat Ram, statistics assistant, civil surgeon office for sports and social service, Monika Sandip and Surbhi of DAV, Sector 11, for sports, Apurva of Hansraj Public School, Anshul and Parul of Sarthak, Sector 12, for excelling in studies.

SHO, Sector 14, Aman Kumar, head constable Ramesh, EHC Satender, and constable Rajesh were also honoured for meritorious services on the occasion.

Ropar: Cabinet minister Master Mohan Lal honoured 29 people from various walks of life for their contribution towards society.

He honoured medical officer Dr HN Sharma for his contribution in various health schemes, Saurav Sharma for carving a niche for himself at national-level in cricket, second position holder in science Olympiad Nikhil Gupta from Shivalik Public School, computer operator BDPO officer, Morinda, Jagdeep Kaur, sewadar Kesar Singh from same office, honorary Captain Madan Singh Shahi.

SDO, Ropar, Dilpreet Singh, JE Harbans Singh and AJE Dilbar Singh were honoured for making SARAS handicraft fair a success in the district.

Havildar Sugriv Chand, in-charge railway police, Ropar, was honoured for saving a Bihari migrant Prem Kumar. Prem Kumar was found unconscious in the coal train bound for Ropar thermal plant.

ETT Jaswinder Singh from Government School, Khad Rajgiri village, Tejvansh Singh for playing at national level in lawn tennis, president of Rotary Club, Ropar, DS Deol, DPRO HS Grewal for his services and donating blood 10 times, havildar Darshan Singh from CIA Staff, Ropar, havildar Narinder Singh from Morinda police station, Parbhat Bhatti from Nangal and national handball gold medallists Maninder Kaur, Gaganjot, Rajni Bala and Jatinder Rai from Khalsa School.

Kho-kho gold medallists Amandeep Kaur, Kulwinder Kaur and Amandeep Kaur from DAV School, Bharatgarh, gold medallist in swimming Jashandeep Singh, DPE Surinder Bhalla from Government School, Bharatgarh, for weight lifting.

Earlier, he said the Ropar bus stand would be given a major facelift with a modernised look.

Chandigarh, January 27
Three persons, including a minor girl, died in three separate incidents in various parts of the city. A girl was burnt as a stove burst in Manimajra this evening, where as a 37-year-old man hanged himself at his residence in Sector 18 while another youth was found dead on railway track in Manimjara early this morning.

Sunita(16), was cooking meals at her residence in Vikas Nagar in Manimajra when the stove on which she was cooking burst. She was rushed to General Hospital, Panchkula, where she died. Her father is employed in BSNL and her mother had gone to the market when the mishap occurred around 5 pm, said the SHO of the Manimajra police station.

The police said 37-year-old Vikrant Sobti was found hanging at their Sector 18 residence on Tuesday. The police took the body into its custody. In the absence of any suicide note, the police was yet to ascertain the reason behind the death.

Similarly, the Railway police found a youth lying dead on the railway track in Manimajra early this morning. Some visiting cards were found in his pocket. The police identified the deceased as 20-year-old Rahul of Bapu Dham Colony. A piece of cloth was laid on the track, where the body was found.

Chandigarh, January 27
The commuters of a CTU bus had a narrow escape when fire broke out in the running bus near Aroma Hotel in Sector 22 here this evening. A passenger in the bus, (CH 01 G 5992), route No 6-A, which was coming from Mohali and was on its way to the Sector 17 ISBT, noticed the fire in the engine and raised an alarm.

The driver stopped the bus and the Fire Brigade was informed about it. Traffic police personnel at a nearby beat box also helped in the rescue operations and doused the flames. The bus had no fire extinguisher in it.

The bus crew and the policemen put sand on the fire.

Mohali, January 27
The Technical Services Union of the Punjab State Electricity Board held a rally here today in protest against the failure of the authorities concerned to implement the agreement carried out with employees.

The protesters said the rally was organised in connection with the one-day strike being held by board employees tomorrow in support of their demands. A number of organisations of the power board were participating in the strike.

They said employees were also protesting against the move of the authorities concerned to go in for privatisation and failing to implement new scales for work-charged employees, not giving adequate increments at the time of the promotion and not cancelling the Power Bill, 2003. This had led to resentment among the employees.

The protesters said the joint forum had sent several notices to the board and even tried to persuade the management through talks, but the authorities concerned were not seriously looking into their demands.

The organisation appealed to the residents to cooperate with the agitating employees who were forced to resort to such a measure as their voice was not being heard.

Chandigarh, January 27
The Panjab University’s Controller of Examinations informed that PU would be holding entrance test for admission to MD/MS course for Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, on February 7.