Chandigarh, April 30
A 31-year-old agriculturist was allegedly attacked by seven youths at Kaimbwala village near here late last night. A gunshot was also fired in the air and all the accused managed to flee. The police has failed to lodge an FIR and a Daily Diary Report (DDR) has been lodged at the Sector-3 Police Station.

The incident occurred late last night near Kaimbwala village when Ashok Kumar, a resident of the village, was attacked while returning home.

Ashok suffered blunt injuries and the Police Control Room (PCR) recovered an empty shell of a bullet from the spot.

The victim was returning home on his tractor when he saw youths having liquor inside a Skoda car parked in the middle of the road.

His repeated honking had no affect on them. Infuriated Ashok got down from his tractor and confronted them, following which they attacked him and one of them opened fire in the air.

The police said the bullet hit near his right eye and he had a narrow escape.

Inspector Mahavir Singh, SHO, Sector-3 Police Station, said the victim was not able to register the number of the car and the police was investigating the matter.

Chandigarh, April 30
Words of renowned lyricist Irshad Kamil, voice of Chak De fame Sukhwinder Singh and music of renowned composer Sandesh Shandilya, with inputs from the likes of Pritam and AR Rehman will applaud the ‘Shano Shaukat’ of Panjab University.

Following months of prolonged wait and endless screening of over 50 entries, Panjab University finally got its own anthem today, as its alumnus Irshad came down from Mumbai to repay his alma mater with a melodious praise from the Bollywood bigwigs.

“The song presented today had chorus from my students, but my final song will be sung by Sukhwinder Singh. Sandesh will be composing it. I have worked with Pritam and AR Rehman and will ‘use’ these contacts to get inputs for the song,” Kamil told The Tribune.

Claiming anthem to be his memoirs woven in a song, Kamil presented it at the university Syndicate meeting today in form of a recorded CD. Other contender Prof Pankaj Mala Sharma, chairperson, department of music, PU, gave a live performance instead. While both the anthems were based on the university’s motto ‘Tamso Ma Jyotir Gamaya’, Kamil got unanimously chosen for his simple and appealing lyrics.

“ You never realise the worth of your alma mater till you leave it. PU is not an institution but way of life for me. The moment I stepped in, those years flashed in front of me. Every single word of my song is an experience that I had sitting on these wooden benches or eating at Student Centre. Through my son, I wish PU’s legacy remains immortal. My song is a small gesture of gratitude,” said Kamil, who is an alumnus of the department of Hindi, Panjab University.

Chandigarh, April 30
The authorities at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, and the Chandigarh Chemists Association are at loggerheads over the discount at a chemist outlet on the hospital premises.

In fact, the association has shot off a circular to its members to refrain from participating in the tender process, to be completed by May 3. The chemist shop is to be opened at level I of block D.

The GMCH authorities had earlier floated a tender, making it mandatory for chemists on the premises to provide medicines at a discount on the pattern of the PGI, ranging from 15 per cent on branded medicines to 30 per cent on generic medicines and surgical items.

Asking all members of the association to refrain from participating in the bidding process for the retail chemist shop at the hospital, a circular of the association said by giving a discount of 15 per cent on branded medicines and 30 per cent on generic medicines and surgical products, the interests of the chemists’ fraternity were being hit.

There were two shops in the hospital already, giving a discount of 10 per cent on verbal instructions from the authorities, even as it was not a condition in their agreement at the time of tendering.

On the other hand, all shops at the PGI were extending a 15 per cent discount on branded medicines a discount of 30 per cent on generic medicines and surgical items.

In order to provide relief to patients, the GMCH authorities had decided on medicines at lower rates and put a condition in the tender notice of providing a discount on a similar pattern.

Reacting to the condition in the tender, Khem Gupta, president of the association, said it was not practically possible to give a discount of 15 per cent on branded medicines. A chemist got a margin between 16 and 20 per cent on branded medicines, he said.

After providing a discount of 15 per cent, it was not possible to run the shop on a margin of up to 5 per cent when a chemist had to pay Rs 10 lakh as rent for the shop every month, he added.

Chandigarh/Zirakpur, April 30
Road accidents claimed two lives in Chandigarh and Zirakpur since last night. While an employee of the UT health department died after his motorcycle was hit by an unidentified truck near Peer Baba ‘majar’ on the Zirakpur-Patiala highway, a 60-year-old pedestrian was crushed to death by a Punjab Roadways bus in Colony No. 5 in the wee hours today.

Darshan Singh, a clerk in the UT health department and a resident of Chhat village, was going towards his home from Zirakpur on his motorcycle when he was hit by a speeding truck from the rear. The truck driver managed to flee from the spot, along with the vehicle, taking advantage of darkness.

A passerby informed a highway patrolling team about the incident who took the victim to the GMCH-32, Chandigarh, where Darshan Singh was declared dead on arrival.

In Chandigarh, a 60-year-old pedestrian, on his way to pay obeisance at a ‘Jagrata’ in the wee hours today was killed after he was hit by a Punjab Roadways bus near Colony No. 5 when he was crossing a road. The victim’s son was walking along with his father and had a narrow escape. The police has arrested the driver of the bus in a case of causing death due to negligence under Section 304-A of the IPC.

Ram Kishan, a cobbler, was going towards Sector 44 on foot, along with his son Ajay Kumar.

A rashly driven Punjab Roadways bus (PB-65-7137) hit Ram Kishan near the colony.

The bus driver, Ranjit Singh, got down from the bus and lifted the victim and took him in the bus to the GMCH-32.

Ram Kishan had a grievous head injury and was declared dead on arrival. The police later arrested the driver of the bus.

Chandigarh, April 30
For most persons, Rs 75 will mean little and not worth claiming by going to court and wasting close to two years, but a city resident, Vivek Singla, has not only managed to get the paltry sum back from telecom giant Airtel, but has been compensated handsomely (Rs 2,000), if one goes by the amount under question, by the UT Consumer Forum.

Singla deposited a cheque for Rs 1,500 for his outstanding broadband dues with a collecting agent of Airtel on June 20, 2009. He subsequently changed his mind and requested the agent not to present the cheque and instead, accept payment in cash from him.

After accepting the money in cash, the agent had assured him that the cheque would not be deposited, but it was presented to the bank, which returned it due to insufficient funds. Singla’s bank charged him Rs 75 for the bounced cheque on June 24. 2009.

He subsequently filed a complaint with the forum, claiming that he was not liable to pay any charges for the bounced cheque as the same was not meant to be deposited.

In its reply, Bharti Airtel accused the complainant of filing the case with the sole and ulterior motive of harassing the company. It asserted that there was no occasion or cause of action for the complainant to file the complaint, which was not maintainable. It also stated that they have not received any payment against the cheque.

The forum, comprising its president Lakshman Sharma and members Ashok Raj Bhandari and Madhu Mutneja, observed that once the complainant had paid Rs 1,500 in cash, the cheuque should not have been sent for clearance or encashment by the company.

Therefore, the company was held deficient in service. Thus, the complainant was entitled to a refund of Rs 75, along with Rs 2,000 as compensation, ruled the forum.

COMMUNITY

Encroachments to be recorded on camera
HUDA goes in for videography
Sanjay Bumbroo
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, April 30
Encroachers at markets in the town, beware now! Getting tough with encroachers squatting on prime government land, including cooridors and open spaces, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to videograph the encroachments.

HUDA will initiate the process with videographing the markets where maximum violations have been found. Certain shopkeepers have said they have to display items for customers and have to use some part of passages in front of shops.

HUDA officials maintain that passages are for the use of customers and shopkeepers will have to display items in their shops so that people do not face any problem in using passages.

When contacted, HUDA Administrator Rajender Kataria said videographing of the Sector 7 market, where the maximum number of encroachments could be seen, had been done and the notices would be issued to violators soon. He said an anti-encroachment drive would be launched in other sectors also.

According to sources, the staff of the anti-encroachment wing were treading cautiously as they did not want to face any protest from shopkeepers this time. The help of the police would also be sought for carrying out the operation.

There was a protest in the Sector 7 market on February 23 when shopkeepers, irked over an anti-encroachment drive, smashed an official vehicle. Fearing public fury, Kataria fled from the spot.

The shopkeepers stoned a canter of HUDA, loaded with goods seized by the enforcement wing, and tried to set it on fire.

In January 2008, shopkeepers had observed a bandh in protest against the alleged highhandedness of HUDA officials in the same market.

The officials had decided to issue notices to every shopkeeper who had encroached upon space meant for the general public in various markets.

The officials said before launching the anti-encroachment drive, the department would get videographing of various markets done to deal with violators sternly.

Chandigarh, April 30
The Citizens’ Association Executive Committee unanimously decided that if Municipal Corporation (MC) didn’t enforce the amended meat, fish and poultry bylaws and if no action was taken to shift meat market from Sector 21 to Sector 41, the association would file a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The meeting was chaired by president of the association PC Sanghi. The issue of implementation of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (regulation for the sale of meat, fish and poultry) amended bylaws, 2002, was discussed by the members.

Anguish members expressed their concern against the MC for not enforcing the bylaws and succumbing to the pressure of meat-vendors, who were slaughtering birds under most unhygienic conditions at their shops. — TNS

Mohali, April 30
The Mohali District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has penalised Hind Motors, Mohali, for passing off a 2008-model Indica Vista car as a 2009-model one. The dealer has been directed to pay Rs 25,000 for unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.

Handing down the orders on a complaint lodged by Jaswal, a resident of Saloh village, Una (Himachal Pradesh), the forum comprising BS Mehandiratta, president, Dr SS Dhaliwal and HK Ghuman, both members, observed that the car dealer had indulged in deficiency in services.

The complainant had stated that he had purchased a Indica Vista car (chassis No. 611421KRZPD4289) for Rs 4,47,994.

In the relevant documents supplied by the car dealer, the registration certificate and sale certificate mentioned the month and year of manufacturing of the car as January, 2009. The complainant got the car registered with the registering authority in Una.

At the time of purchase, the speedometer of the car showed that it had already done 325 km and on inquiry the dealer conveyed that the car was brought from Delhi to Chandigarh by road. On further inquiry, the complainant found that the car had in fact been manufactured in 2008 but he was kept in dark.

Thereafter, the complainant served a legal notice and sought a compensation for depreciated value of the car to the tune of Rs 75,000.

Alleging gross deficiency in service on part of the car dealer, the complaint sought directions to them to replace the car with a new one and pay him compensation for harassment and mental agony to the tune of Rs 2 lakh besides the cost of litigation.

The car dealer stated that the complainant was informed that the year and manufacture of the car was 2008 and that he had agreed to purchase it and got a discount of Rs 10,380 for that reason.

However, the dealer failed to give any evidence to show that the discount was admissible in case of 2008 model cars only and not on 2009 models at the relevant time. The role of the dealer to misrepresent the month and year of manufacture of the car amounted to unfair trade practice.

The complainant has been allowed a compensation of Rs 25,000 for unfair trade practice and deficiency in service. If this amount is not paid within the stipulated period, the dealer will have to pay interest at a rate of 9 per cent per annum.

Chandigarh, April 30
Ashok Kakkar, Assistant Manager (Accounts), The Tribune, retired today after putting in 32 years of service. He joined The Tribune in 1979.

Composing Supervisor of Punjabi Tribune Balwant Singh, retired here today after putting in more than 33 years of service. He joined the institution in 1978.

Composing Supervisor of The Tribune Lakhmir Singh, retired here today after putting in more than 33 years of service. He had joined the institution in 1978.

Chandigarh, April 30
Making a bold declaration at Panjab University Syndicate Meeting today, Vice-Chancellor RC Sobti asserted that he will fill all key posts such as Registrar, Dean, College Development Council, director, public relations, and Controller Examination within one month.

The declaration came in response to an issue highlighted by a Syndic on the existent adhocism on all key posts, despite repeated advertisements and interviews.

“I will fill all key posts before we meet for the next Syndicate meeting,” said Sobti.

Recruitments to these have put the PU authorities in line of fire for a long time now. While most of them have been advertised many a times and in some cases screening and interviews have also been conducted, PU has failed to fill them claiming non-availability of ‘competent’ candidates as the key reason, though many accuse the university of looking for convenient candidates. These recruitments also led to a break-up between Ashok Goyal and GK Chatrath group, thereby changing the decade old power chemistry of Panjab University.

The declaration did put the issue on rest for a while, but raised several doubts in the mind of Syndics.

“It is really a challenge because these posts have been lying vacant for months together and he plans to fill it by next month. I just hope that it’s not one of his signature declarations, as its failure will land him in trouble,” said a Syndic.

Students of Gian Jyoti Global School perform during an annual day function at Phase II, Mohali. A Tribune photograph

Mohali: Students of Smart Wonders School, Mohali, celebrated save earth week with a collective prayer session to thank nature for its bounties. Children from kindergarten sections planted saplings and were taught ways to take care of plants. They were also told about the importance of nurturing and saving the green canopy as it was vital for the survival of human beings. Students of Class III pledged to take care of the flora. A poster-making competition was held. PowerPoint presentations were shown to children.

Annual day

Gian Jyoti Global School, Mohali, held its annual day. Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Co-Operation, was the chief guest. The function started with shabads followed by a cultural extravaganza, with students dancing to various popular numbers. Modelling was also presented by tiny tots.

Children walk the ramp during ‘Little champ kids fashion show’ organised by Chandigarh Art Theatre at Home Science College, Sector 10, Chandigarh, on Saturday. Tribune photo: S Chandan

Orientation programme

St Soldier International School, Mohali, conducted an orientation programme for parents on Saturday. Principal V Tiwana laid emphasis on the development of interests and hobbies of children. He said focusing on excellence in academics alone undoubtedly resulted in lopsided development of a student’s personality. Therefore, it was essential that due importance be given to participation in co-curricular activities like music, dance, art, dramatics, sports and other areas of their wards’ interests.

An open house session was also held, wherein parents came up with queries and got their doubts clarified.

May Day

Small Wonders School, Mohali, celebrated May Day with great enthusiasm on Saturday.

A special event was held to tell students about the importance of helpers and aides in society. Many fun-filled games were organised by teachers for their helpers and children made cards for their ‘didis’. A special lunch was organised and gifts were given to all helpers working in the school. — OC