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Want to hire Tagore Theatre?
Chandigarh, October 30 About six months ago, the administration had introduced this clause in the terms and conditions for booking the theatre. The sub-clauses (d) and (e) of clause 3 of the terms for hiring the theatre, state: “Fifty seats in the middle of C, D and E rows out of 840 seats during each shows will be reserved for the Management of Tagore Theatre Society, for administrative reasons, as such the party hiring the theatre has no right to use them. However, these seats will be kept vacant even if the management does not use them (sic). “The party hiring the theatre shall ensure that 50 invitation cards for reserved seats shall be supplied to the manager of the Tagore Theatre seven days before the date of performance of show, for the members of managing body and other senior officers of central, state governments of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory” (sic). The emphasis of these sub-clauses cannot be missed. Of the 50 sub-clauses/guidelines listed in the five-page document titled “Terms and Conditions, Hiring of Tagore Theatre”, these are the only two sub-clauses that have been highlighted in bold letters. The list of serving administration officials for whom seats have been reserved for inexplicable “administrative reasons” include the UT Adviser, Finance Secretary and the Director Higher Education-cum-Special Secretary Finance, Municipal Commissioner, UT Inspector General of Police, Director Cultural Affairs, Chief Architect and Chief Engineer, and Deputy Commissioner, among others. The most special person on the list, however, is the UT Home Secretary who has specifically demanded between five to 10 passes for himself. But the list is not just confined to serving administration officials. Some retired officers also have a reason to cheer. They include former UT Home Secretary Krishan Mohan, former Directors Public Relations RS Verma and Vivek Atray, former Chief Engineer Surinder Pal, former Chief Engineer Kamlesh Kumar, Director, Cultural Affairs, Chief Architect Sumit Kaur, MC Commissioner Roshan Sunkaria, Prof Rajnish Wattas, and IGP (UT Police) PK Shrivastava. Also in the list are key officials posted in the city, including the CBI DIG. But overall, the “winners” are Haryana cadre officers from both the IAS and Haryana Civil Service. These include Haryana Finance Secretary KK Jalan, Financial Commissioner Sarvan Singh and other Haryana cadre IAS officers such as Yudhvir Malik, Samir Mathur, Ashok Kundra and Ajeet M Saran. Punjab cadre IAS officers are, however, conspicuous by their absence. The list also comprises a list of 12 from the UT engineering department ranging from superintending engineers and subdivisional officers, apart from some members of the Tagore Theatre Society and the Chandigarh Administration Akademi. Interestingly, the list also comprises three persons each classified under the inexplicable category of “priority” and “prominent persons of Chandigarh” in addition to four persons in the category of “others”.
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Crafts Mela
Chandigarh, October 30
“I thought I would be able to get some good non-vegetarian delicacies or at least authentic momos, but I was
dismayed to find that all that was available were the everyday north Indian snacks such as ‘gol gappas’, ‘jalebis’, sandwiches or, at best, some continental food. We get to eat this every day so what is so great about it?” Rubika Pahwa, a Panjab University student, stated.
“A sizeable number of people go to such fairs to savour theme-specific delicacies. But the administration does not seem to understand that. It was shameful that it could not manage even a stall serving momos. Momos are only available at a local outlet in Sector 47, which sells these at high rates. What does the Northeast have to do with ‘halwa’ or continental food? Food from other states are welcome but they should have at least one stall for the theme state,” another visitor said. The absence of food from the Northeast has also perturbed stall owners who find it surprising as they are used to having state-specific food court at every exhibition they participate in.
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Wary Mayor wields stick to keep monkeys at bay
Chandigarh, October 30 “Cars seem to be the favourite hangout of monkeys. They would sit on my car and scratch on it. When I go to drop my children to school, I am forced to carry a stick as they try to attack us. They seem to have developed some hard feelings against me,” she quips. “It is common to see residents wielding sticks in the morning as they carry out daily chores like collecting newspapers and milk or dropping children to school. Monkeys open refrigerators, enter houses and destroy gardens,” the Mayor says. Complaining about temporary arrangements made by the UT forest department to check the monkey menace, the Mayor said sending langur owners for half an hour to the area from where the complaint comes is not a permanent solution as the monkeys get back in action when the langurs leave. Residents of other sectors, including 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 22, besides Panjab University and PGI, are facing similar problems, she says, adding that the area councillor, Chander Mukhi Sharma, should constitute a monkey menace committee in Sector 8 on the lines of a committed formed by the resident welfare association of Sector 15. The committee collected money from residents for hiring two langur owners at Rs 4,000 each to tackle the monkey menace in its sector.
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GMSH canteens a rat ghetto
Chandigarh, October 30 The canteens are home to hoardes of rats that feast on eatables and raw material meant for patients, their attendants and other visitors. Rats can be seen nibbling at leftovers in sinks meant for cleaning dishes, sniffing around stoves and even stomping on raw material prepared for cooking. In spite of inspection of these eateries by health officials last month, rodents continue to rule the roost there. Visits by the TNS last night and this morning revealed that rats were active especially in the snack shop near the gynaecology department. They went about their business even as workers served tea and snacks to customers. A rat was found rummaging through the dishes in the sink, while a bunch of them scurried on the slab where raw material prepared for cooking was lying. A customer, apparently an attendant of a patient, said rats came in hordes and devoured everything that came their way. It was no surprise that the area was full of stench caused by rat droppings. The utensils being used to prepare tea were rusty and had not been washed for a long time. The other canteen under the office of the Director General was also heavily infested by rodents. Food particles strewn all over the floor of the dining hall and dirty tables were an open invitation to flies in the afternoon. The poor state of the canteens is no secret to the health department, as the office of the prevention of food adulteration department is located on the same premises. While the Chandigarh administration is currently in an overdrive to keep a check on adulteration of food items and unhygienic conditions at eateries in the city and has issued challans to many eating places, including Hotel Taj, it seems to have overlooked a similar practice going on in the establishments run by it. GMSH Medical Superintendent Dr Rajiv Vadhera claimed that he had visited the eateries last month and found everything in order.
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GMCH
Chandigarh, October 30 Of the 35 posts, the posts of reader (medical gastroenterology), senior lecturer (medical gastroenterology), reader (vascular and thoracic surgery), senior lecturer (vascular and thoracic surgery), reader (urology) and senior lecturer (urology) were not created earlier. With the creation of the Group A posts, treatment for almost all ailments would be provided under one roof at the GMCH. “It will help provide better healthcare,” said Dr Raj Bahadur, director-principal, GMCH.
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Sweets shop owner challaned
Chandigarh, October 30 The team, led by Mahavir Kaushik, challaned a sweets shop owner at Sector 19 as he was found weighing the box along with the sweets. The department instructed all sweets shop owners not to include the weight of the box while weighing sweets.
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FOSWAC, CHB discuss amendments
Chandigarh, October 30 A presentation was given by the officers to create awareness among residents of CHB dwelling units about 40 amendments in different categories. The residents were told to apply for a comprehensive drawing for all categories of houses to avail themselves of the benefit of amendments and get those regularised. PC Sanghi, chairman of FOSWAC, said most house owners were not in a position to construct a habitable room with a toilet on the 150-square-foot coverage in the rear courtyard due to the rider in earlier amendments. Some residents suggested the regularisation of a few need-based changes. It was decided that occupants of such dwelling units would send proposals for need-based changes to the FOSWAC chairman within a month and he would send a consolidated proposal to the CHB for consideration and recommendation to the UT administration for approval.
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Ghazal soiree enthrals audience
Panchkula, October 30 The programme commenced with Ganesh Vandana by sangam president Col IJ Ahluwalia followed by an invocatory recital by Charu Sharma. After captivating ghazal performance by child prodigy Gagandeep, the acclaimed young vocalists, Uma Patial and Amanpreet Singh, and famous composer, Prof Murlidhar Soni presented a ghazal by Nida Fazli. Debashish Dhar articulated the melody meter, while Achla Dingle and Satinder Trikha, too, doled out songs. Earlier, Col Ahluwalia welcomed chief guest MLA DK Bansal, KP Singh and Dr PS Serai, who honoured the artistes.
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Quashing of notification on MC
Panchkula, October 30 The corporation was initiating a plan to impose house tax on the house owners in the city to generate more revenue. According to official sources, the corporation had decided to impose about Re 1 per sq. feet as house tax and as per estimates every house owner would have to shell out about Rs 2,000 to 3,000 per annum as tax. However, there is scare among the people in Pinjore and Kalka, who had invested funds in real estate, about the fallout of the HC decision. Gyan Singh, a resident of Pinjore, said he had purchased eight marla plot for Rs 14 lakh just one week before the notification. He said the prices had increased by about 25 to 30 per cent during the past seven months. He rued the prices would now surely go down. On the other hand, Suresh Aggarwal, president of the Haryana State Property Dealers Welfare Association, said the HC decision would have no affect on the land prices in the region. He said property prices had increased as the people preferred to purchase properties in these towns due to low cost. The state government had merged Kalka and Pinjore areas with Panchkula municipal corporation in March. Bansal, who is also patron of Shivalik Vikas Manch, today demanded that Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda should resign in view of the quashing of the notification of the state government for merging Kalka and Pinjore areas into Panchkula municipal corporation. Bansal said the HC decision had exposed the mala fide decision of the state government for benefiting the real estate developers. He said the decision is as per the aspirations of the people of the region and added that state government had taken the decision without taking the views of the people of the region. INLD MLA from Kalka Pradeep Chaudhary said the decision of the high court has exposed the chinks in the working style of the Chief Minister. BJP leader VK Sood said the funds for the development of the city would have been diverted to the neighbouring towns. Haryana Janhit Congress leader Shashi Sharma had demanded judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the high court to bring out the truth in the whole episode. SK Nayyar, president of the Citizen’s Welfare Association, said Panchkula district had got special status in the state due to its proximity with the union territory of Chandigarh. He said the funds, which were earlier diverted to the two towns, would now be spent on the development of infrastructure in the city.
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Lukewarm response to marathon
Panchkula, October 30 About 160 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporate executives and students of some private schools and colleges participated in three events, which included 5 km, 10 km and 15 km run. While some of the participants could be seen walking to some distance and then return, some were seen getting themselves photographed as ad-models. However, Rahul Verghese, the founder of Running and Living Infotainment, said they had not advertised the event, which was organised for the corporates and students. He said the event exceeded all expectations and he was very enthused to see the response. “Running is a great way to build teams within your organisation, to network and also enhance productivity,” he added. To avoid any chaos in the city roads the organisers had chosen the 15-km route, to and fro, on the Hotel North Park road to Koti village, along the Ghaggar. Puneet Vatsayan, president of the TiE, Punjab and Chandigarh, flagged off the event at 7.30 am. Medical assistance was provided by Alchemist Hospital.
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Solid Waste Management Facility
Mohali, October 30 The committee, which was constituted by the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was of the view that the sites suggested by the district administration falling in Samgauli, Nimbuaan and Khairpur villages could be explored, in order of preference, for the purpose of setting up the solid waste management facility. The committee comprising the director, department of rural development and panchayats, the Deputy Commissioner, Mohali, the director and the chief engineer, department of local government, the special secretary, department of housing and urban development, and the Chief Administrator, GMADA, went through the complete records submitted by various departments and also visited the sites before making the recommendations. Sources said the report of the committee, which had held a meeting last week, had been sent to the higher authorities concerned for further action. It is learnt that 60 to 70 acres falling in Samgauli village in Dera Bassi tehsil was shown by the Mohali ADC to members of the Site Selection Committee, which observed that the proposed site was away from inhabited areas and also did not appear to be flood-prone. The members of the committee were told that the no part of the land fell under the forest area, no river passed near the site and the highways were also at a distance. The committee was of the view that this site might meet the criteria fixed for the purpose and might be suitable for the solid waste management facility. Sources said the committee was also informed that 60 acres of barren land was available in Nimbuaan village, but the panchayat had not passed a resolution clearing the acquisition of land at government rates. The site was away from habitation. A choe passed through the proposed site, but it did not have a recent or regular flood history and protection measures could be undertaken to make the choe banks safe. In case the expenditure on protection work was high, land across the choe could be amalgamated with private land to make it a single piece of land required for the processing plant. About 100 acres in Khairpur village in Kharar tehsil was also shown to the site committee which was described as a “gair mumkin choe” in the revenue records. The panel was told by revenue officials and villagers that there was no history of flooding of this area during the past 10 to 15 years. Besides, inhabited areas were far away and no area of the land fell under forests. Earlier, sites in Swara, Rasanheri and Jhanjeri villages were identified for dumping garbage, but none of these could be finalised because of a protest by residents of nearby areas.
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Kargil Park falls on bad days
Mohali, October 30 Broken benches, uprooted plants and dug up portion of the earth greet the visitors to the park. Ever since Punjab’s water supply and sewerage department dug up the park few months ago to lay a storm water pipeline, situation has turn from bad to worse. A musical fountain installed at a cost of Rs 26 lakh has been lying in disuse. No effort has been made to repair damaged garden lights and damaged fountains. “The dug up park is almost inaccessible to morning walkers. We have requested the authorities to get it repaired, but in vain,” said JPS Kalra, coordinator of residents’ welfare societies of Sector 71, Mohali. The damaged musical fountain, which has a pre-programmed and auto-sensing control system, 29 water effects, 60 lights of five colours, a sound system of 500 watts, an amplifier and eight speakers, has also not been made functional. GMADA’s officials said while approving the estimates for digging, they had taken an undertaking from the executing agency that the park would be restored in its original form. But the contractor engaged by the public health department has failed to fulfil the commitment. JPS Kalra observed that the park was damaged due to mindless digging that could have been avoided. “Kargil Park -- one of the well maintained parks named on the glorious sacrifices of our brave solders -- is crying for facelift,” said Jaswant Singh, another resident. The residents, during a recent meeting, decided to move the court.
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City girl for national child award
Panchkula, October 30 Sirjana has been selected for her exceptional achievements in the field of sports. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a silver medal and a certificate to be awarded at a special function to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on November 14. She was also given the title of “Golden Girl” by school principal Mervin West. She is a seasoned roller skater, who has played six nationals and achieved 127 medals. Her coach Chander Singhal said she was hardworking and her physique was her main advantage.
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Classical vocalist regales audience
Chandigarh, October 30 Accompanied by noted instrumentalist Shirodhkar couple of Vishwanathan and Seema, he rendered a khyal “Karat moh se” in Vilambat gat-Jhoomra tal, “Aeri malniya” in Drut, besides a Tarana and others. Vidushi Ruchira Kedar from Pune kept the audience spell bound with the rendition of “Kaare jaane na” in raga Kamod ending up with scintillating Thumri. Earlier, the INT Sangeet Sammelan commenced on a melodious note with Saeed Zafar of Delhi playing raga Yaman on Sitar, while Hubli-based exponent Jayateerath Mevundi presented raga Maru Behag and later Jaijaivanti. Dr Navita Mahajan conducted the programme organised by INT supported by DPR Haryana. Classical vocalist Ganyogini Dhondotai Kulkarani (83) will perform tomorrow.
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Rs 21 lakh collected as rent arrears
Chandigarh, October 30 In the general house meeting held yesterday, directions were given to officials to issue notices to 24 temporary liquor vends to clear their dues or their shops will be sealed by the corporation. MC Commissioner Roshan Sunkaria constituted a collection team of enforcement inspectors, each inspector entrusted with the task to collect arrears from two liquor vendors. The enforcement staff swung into action last evening after receiving the orders from the Commissioner and pasted notices in the liquor vends. The Commissioner also directed the officials that by Monday evening, all pending dues should be recovered from the liquor vendors otherwise their shops will be sealed.
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Patil for bond between research, industry
Chandigarh, October 30 Delivering the Foundation Day lecture at Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) here today, Patil said there was a need to balance the efforts in the direction of research in an optimal way. The Governor lauded the efforts of the institution and emphased the need for making technical innovations available to the masses. In his address, Dr Satish Kumar, Director, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) said collaboration among institutions was the key to future growth. He said there was very close interaction between CSIO and TBRL on projects related to ballistics, which included fiber optic laser beam delivery system for ignition of explosives.
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Syndicate Meeting
Chandigarh, October 30 PU Syndicate members, who comprise of a decision making body of the university, took this decision today at a meeting. A letter by the National Council of Technical Education (NCTE) approving the number of seats was quoted in the agenda for this issue. In the same meeting of Syndics, it was resolved to re-name girls’ hostels on the campus as Bebe Nanaki Hall for hostel number 6, Mother Teresa Hall for hostel number 7 and Florence Nightingale Hall for hostel number 8. The boys’ hostel number 8 has been named as Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur Hall. The Vice-Chancellor informed that the University’s Centre for Women’s Studies and Development has been placed in the third phase of the 11th plan by the UGC and has been awarded a grant of Rs 12 lakh per annum for a period of three years. The members also approved the establishment of “equal opportunity cell” in the department of life long learning and extension of the university. The Syndicate also gave a standing ovation to VC RC Sobti for taking the university to new heights, noting the recent ranking of PU as number one among all Indian universities and colleges of India on the basis of a high credibility research conducted by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The VC was also felicitated on his nomination to the court of Pt Bhagwant Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak.
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Career-oriented courses, hit among graduates
Chandigarh, October 30 Through a system of feedback form adopted by certain government colleges where students are asked to fill up their career choice after graduation and through the data collected by placement coordinators in other colleges, this new trend has been noted. Despite this drift in career choice, city educationists opine that parents of most students, irrespective of their financial status, urge them to pursue higher education after graduate courses rather than taking up jobs in the BPO sector. “As career choices after graduation, students either go in for diplomas like computer application or market-oriented courses. Particularly in Chandigarh, the demand for such courses is more, although in Punjab colleges, seats for same courses are lying vacant. There is also a visible trend among the students to pursue masters degree in the same subject and then aim to crack UGC-NET,” he added. The craze among graduate students about Common Aptitude Test (CAT), which is an entry ticket to coveted business schools in the country, has declined. “The reason for decline in CAT takers is the realisation that not everybody can crack CAT. The graduate students are now more interested in higher studies in their own streams like MTech after BTech, rather than blindly opting for MBA or other courses,” said Vipin Dewan, director, Centre for Management Training and Research. “We got the feedback forms filled up from the students at the time of convocation to prepare our data. Career choice after graduation depends on family background of the students,” said Achla Dogra, principal, PGCGC-11. There are certain other cases, where the students prefer changing their streams after graduation. “I did my BSc in biotechnology from PU and then opted for MA in public administration since I am preparing for civil services and have chosen this as my subject,” said Shreya, a student of PGGCG-11.
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From Schools
Mohali: Golden Bells Public School, Sector 77, Mohali, held its annual prize distribution function at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh. Chief guest Dr SK Batish, MD, Punjab State Cooperative Agriculture Development Bank, inaugurated the cultural fest by lighting the traditional lamp. Principal Anjali Chaudhry read out annual report of the school. A Punjabi play was staged. Bhangra was a big draw. Chairman Col CS BAWA (retd) spoke on the occasion. Diwali
celebrated
Smart Wonders School, Sector 71, Mohali, celebrated the festival of lights with great fervour and enthusiasm. The school wore a festive look. The day began with a special assembly, with teachers enlightening students about the importance of the festival and its significance. The school organised a diya decoration competition, in which all students participated. The art and craft room was the venue. The best decorated diyas were displayed near the school entrance. Principal Upasna Babuta wished children and their parents a happy and prosperous Diwali. She advised children to have a pollution-free Diwali by saying “No to Crackers”. Quiz
The Association of British Scholars organised a quiz at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali. The quiz is an annual feature at the school. Fifteen teams from the tricity qualified for the written or preliminary round. Top six teams were selected for the stage round. After a tough fight, students of the YPS, Mohali, were declared the winners. Team members included Siddhartha Yadananpudi, Abhay Vikram, Jaskunwar Multani and Rohin Bains. Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, stood second, while the third position was bagged by Mount Carmel. Freshers
welcomed
Students of Gian Jyoti Management and Technology, Phase II, Mohali, celebrated the freshers' day. JS Bedi, chairman, GJIMT, welcomed newcomers and exhorted them to instill the values of inquisitiveness, hard work, discipline, courage, altruism and patience. He motivated them to remain committed to the path of truthfulness. In the senior wing, Aditi was declared Miss Fresher, while Jaspal Singh won the title of Mr Fresher. Gaganjot Singh and Sandeep Kaur were adjudged Mr and Miss Fresher in the junior wing. Blossom school
Children of Blossom Convent School, Nayagaon, made scary masks to mark the “Halloween Day”. All kids were excited to wear hand-made masks. Chief Administrator Suman Bhardwaj briefed about “All Hallows Even (evening)”. Anti-crackers drive
Saupin’s School, Sector 70, Mohali, carried out an “Anti-crackers Drive”. Around 133 children of classes V, VI and VII will form a peaceful human chain at Sector 17 on November 1, 2010, from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. Poem recitation
Students of The Millennium School, Mohali, celebrated Mother’s Day. Students of Class V recited poems. A beautiful song titled “ MA” , dedicated to mothers, was sung by the school choir. Workshop
Renowned parenting expert Gulraj Shahpuri held a workshop on parenting at Shemrock Senior Secondary School today. More than 200 parents attended the workshop. Dance
Music and dance performances mesmerised the UK delegation that visited The Millennium School under the Global School Partnerships (GSP). Programme. School principal welcomed the visiting principals from Birmingham, including Debbie Allen, head of White House Common School, and Liam Nolan, head of Perry Beeches School. The duo is on a visit to Chandigarh and Punjab to interact with 10 schools that have been selected to form the Southern Cluster of Schools. Sports day
Small Wonders School organised its sports day. Former international hockey player Narinder Singh Sodhi was the chief guest. Hockey coach and selector of the Indian team Sodhi appreciated the efforts of the school. “The idea is to provide a platform to budding players,” he said. Chandigarh: Staff and students of Kids R Kids School celebrated “Halloween” with fervour. Teachers were dressed as witches and fairies. Principal of the school explained how Halloween had evolved into its current form, how children dressed as ghosts and goblins scared away the dead, whose souls were going to another world on Halloween night. “It is one of the most exciting festivals in the West for children,” she said.
— TNS
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Vivek School
Chandigarh, October 30 She inaugurated “Hues of Harmony”, a display of students work in art, handicraft and technical skills and the “critical thinking fair” on the school premises. The students welcomed her by releasing hundreds of balloons, followed by lively bhangra and giddha performances. The students also recorded a conversation with Shobhaa De for the school community radio, Vivek FM 90.4. The evening was marked by book reading session where she read a passage from her latest book “Shobhaa at Sixty” to parents and other invitees.
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College student assaulted
Mohali, October 30 In a complaint made with the police, the victim alleged that after being called outside the college, he was pushed into a car and taken to an isolated place. He was assaulted by Goldy, Sharman, Laldia and 10 others. The suspects also belong to the same college.
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Seats are reserved for the management of the theatre, which has both serving officials, non-officials and renowned theatre artistes on board.
The practice of reserving seats for the management is prevalent the world over. As far as bureaucrats are concerned, not many have the taste and time to come for such events.
Leaving foodies disappointed, the administration has yet again stuck to what has now become its signature menu of “kachoris”, “chaats” and “jalebis” rather than the unexplored diverse cuisine of the theme states.
