NEIGHBOURHOOD

Bapu Remembered
Suman Bhatnagar

Ambala, January 30
A symposium on the classics of English literature was organised at KV No.1 by the students in which about 35 students of Classes X, XI, and XII participated.

Nisha Yadav, principal of KV No.1, said that the symposium titled ‘Books Mirror the Culture of a Society’ was conducted under a project of the British Council International Awards. Students gave their views on English literature classics from countries such as England, the US, South Africa and India.

The students offered their understanding of the works by Nadine Gordimer, E.R. Braithwaite, William Shakespeare, Dickens, Thomas Hardy, H.G.Wells and Indian writers like Mulkh Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Chetan Bhagat etc. The symposium was chaired by the school principal, Nisha Yadav. The project leader was Aruna Dhiman, while the co-ordinator was Sunita Bala.

Panchkula, January 30
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Panchkula, has slapped a fine on the Haryana State Cooperative Housing Federation Ltd, (HSCHFL) for causing mental harassment to a Narayangarh resident by issuing notice demanding compound interest on a loan availed by him.

The District Forum, comprising president Ashok Kumar Jain and members SP Singh, has also directed the Managing Director of HSCHFL, the assistant registrar, Cooperative Society Limited, Naraingarh, Ambala and Shiv Cooperative House Building Society Limited (SCHBSL), Raipur Viran, Naraingarh, to withdraw all demand notices issued against the complainant, Gurbax Singh, a resident of Naraingarh, Ambala.

In his complaint, Gurbax Singh said that he had applied for a loan from the society in 1991, and at the time of advancement of the loan, the society had agreed to charge 14.60 per cent simple rate of interest from him. He alleged that they were charging compound interest at exorbitant rate. He further claimed that he executed the agreement for loan sanctioned to him, but a blank performa was filled by the assistant registrar, Cooperative Society Limited, Naraingarh, for Rs 1,00,000, whereas the mortgage deed in respect of the loan amount of Rs 85,000 was executed with the Society. He deposited Rs 1,06,600 with Society against the loan amount till December 18, 2010; however, the HSCHFL issued several notices arbitrarily demanding Rs 5,63,454 from him as the amount due till June 30, 2010.

The counsel for the opposite parties said that the complainant had been a defaulter in the repayment of the installments and the interest has been charged as per the terms of the loan agreement. After adjusting the amount paid by the complainant, the total amount outstanding against the complainant till November 30, 2011, comes to Rs 6,28,375, they added.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, SP Singh said that there was gross deficiency in service of three opposite parties as they had indulged into unfair trade practices. They harassed the complainant by charging excess rate of interest, issuing false and frivolous notices of recovery, and preparing sales case against him on false grounds.

The forum ordered that the amount of loan advanced by the Society to the complainant be recalculated with simple interest. While recalculating, the amount already recovered from the complainant should be also taken into consideration. In case it is found that the complainant has repaid less amount, they are at liberty to recover the same from him. The opposite parties have also been directed to pay Rs 5,000 as costs of litigation. 

Chandigarh, January 30
The CBI special court today sentenced a junior engineer (JE) with the UT Administration to rigorous imprisonment for two years-and-a-half in a graft case. The court convicted Rajesh Chadha and also imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 on him.

CBI sleuths had arrested the JE (civil) from a maintenance booth at Sector 27 in 2009 for accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000 from a private contractor. The bribe was allegedly demanded to clear the contractor’s pending bills, worth Rs 1.90 lakh.

According to the prosecution, the contractor had been awarded a contract for maintenance work at type-XI and type-XII houses in Sector 27. While Chadha had cleared bills amounting Rs 55,000, the rest were pending.

In his complaint to the CBI, the contractor had reported that Chadha demanded Rs 70,000 as bribe for clearing the bills. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act had then been registered.

CBI special prosecutor Pawan Kumar Dogra said the CBI had registered two cases against Chadha and the disproportionate assets case was still pending.

“The case in which Chadha was sentenced today was a trap case. The CBI had registered a disproportionate assets case and it was pending,” Dogra said.

Chandigarh, January 30
The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, while upholding the decision of the District Forum-II order, has directed the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner (RPFC) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation for delaying the pension claim of a Sector 40 resident.

The District Forum-II had on May 9, 2011, directed the opposite parties to pay Rs 50,000 to the complainant for the mental agony and harassment he had to suffer due to their inefficient services. They were also ordered to pay Rs 7,000 as costs of litigation.

The state commission, comprising president Justice Sham Sunder, and member Neena Sandhu, observed, “The District Forum was, thus, right in holding that since the harassment and mental agony were caused to the complainant, at the hands of the OPs, he was liable to be compensated, though his pension claim was settled on 3/12.5.2010, after filing of the complaint.” The commission further quantified the costs at Rs 5000 in appeal no 168 and 204 filed by the RPFC and the FCI respectively.

The complainant Lal Chand Bali had averred that he retired on August 31, 2009, as Assistant Grade I (D) in the office of the General Manager, FCI at the age of 60 years. He was a member of the Employees Pension Scheme 1995 and was entitled to pension with effect from September 1, 2007, on attaining the age of 58 years. He submitted the requisite papers, complete in all respects, for the grant of pension, under the said scheme and Regional Office, FCI, Chandigarh, forwarded the same to the Assistant General Manager, FCI Zonal Office (North), Noida, on November 26, 2007. But since then, he had neither received response from the opposite parties, nor granted pension.

The counsel for the Zonal Manager (North) FCI, Noida, (Opposite party no. 1), and General Manager, FCI, Chandigarh, (Opposite party no. 2), pleaded that the delay was on account of procedural formalities and they were not liable to pay any interest to the complainant.

It was further stated that the delay was caused due to the complainant who submitted Form 10D, in the month of November 2007, whereas, he was required to submit the same before attaining the age of 58 years. It was further claimed that delay was on the part of Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, RPFC, Noida, (Opposite party no. 3), and RPFC, Chandigarh, as they returned the papers with frivolous objections. It was denied that the OPs were deficient, in rendering service. The remaining averments were denied.

The counsel for Opposite parties no. 3 and 4 stated that the pension papers of the complainant were received for the first time on November 26, 2008, which were not complete as they lacked the details regarding contribution. The same were returned to the Opposite party no. 1 on September 10, 2009, which were resubmitted by it on October 12, 2009, without the mandatory details. These were again handed over to the Opposite party no. 1 in person on January 29, 2010, and on receipt of the pension papers, in the month of March, 2010, the claim was immediately processed and sent to opposite party no 4 for issuance of pension payment order, which was issued along with arrears of pension on May 3, 2010. 

Chandigarh, January 30
The saying “Where there is a will, there is a way” has being proved by Sandesh Jhingan, as even after suffering from various injuries, the ace player has brought laurels to the city after making it to the Sikkim based football club.

The 18-year-old soccer star of the city is probably among the first to join any club of the Far East region. Neither from any sports background nor from any football academy, Sandesh has proved his iron after giving his cent percent on the field.

Even after suffering from fractured ankle and tearing of knee ligament, Sandesh has made it to the club. Sandesh, for his sharp skills and attacking game, has signed a three-year contract with the Sikkim based United Sikkim Football club.

Notably, the club is a venture of Indian soccer star Bhaichung Bhutia and he is presently representing the club in the I-league (IInd division) tournament while playing at sweeper back (defender) position.

“It is the best ever platform that a player can get and I believe it is my hard work and dedication on the field that made me to join the club. My immediate aim is to make a best appearance for the club,” said Sandesh.

Known as Sandy (Sandesh) among his friends, he started his soccer career after representing a local school in various tournaments. Later, after finding the game interesting, he started attending practice session at the football ground of Sector 17.

“I have not achieved any b success but yes, the exposure of the city has sparked my carrier. I used to attend practice sessions in both morning and as well as the evening sessions and moreover, playing matches with my seniors improved my skill,” said Sandy.

However, the youngster does not forget to thank his parents and elder brother, who helped him to achieve the platform. “My elder brother, Sahaj has helped me a lot during my injury period and also my parents stood for me in difficult times and also my family is a real motivation behind my success now and in future” said Sandesh.

The ace player has represented the city in about five nationals including a trophy to his credit. He was also the part of the Boys (U-19) football team that won the Dr BC Roy Football Trophy for the first time in the history of the city and also attended junior India camp for four months.

Chandigarh, January 30
Every player has a dream to win laurels but a few fulfill it and for fulfilling it, one has to work hard and prove his mettle.

Sirjana Dhaliwal, the skater who received the state award during the Republic day function, at Parade Ground, Sector 17 here, has many odds to her credit.

Winning the honour for making the city proud after bagging a total of 163 medals at the age of 12 years, the skater is all set to shine in the world of skating. The skater has won a total of 81 gold, 62 Silver and 20 bronze medals after participating in more than 80 tournaments.

“The administrative award was like my dream come true and I am feeling good as my hard work paid me. It will boost my confidence to improve my skills. My next aim would be to represent my nation and bring laurels,” said Sirjana.

Sirjana Dhaliwal, a Class VIII student of St Xavier School, Sector 44, was also awarded with the President award last year and represented the city in various national games. She was also declared as the Golden Girl of the school during the year 2006-07.

“I have represented the city six times in various nationals of skating, roleball and roller hockey. Skating is my passion and I am all set to make my future in the sport. My family supports me. Moreover, it is great honour to win the top award of the city” said Sirjana.

Achievemnets

Participated in sub-junior girls roller hockey national championship in Kolkata (West Bengal)-Silver medal; school national skating championship in Ahemdabad (Gujarat)-participation in certificate 9th rank on India level; All-India invitational roller skating 1st in NDSG meet-2008 held at Delhi-Inline category-rink race-2 gold, road race-silver; quqd category-rink race-1 gold, rink race-2 silver, road race-bronze; All-India Speed skating championship, long rink race- Gold, 1000m road race-silver, 500m rink race-1 gold, 750m inline road 2- bronze, relay road-silver; special comments quads champion award; national school games skating 54th national championship at Chandigarh U-11 age group-rink race 2-bronze; open national skating championship at Faridabad, Haryana, U-10 age group-road race 6th rank; education department Chandigarh Administration-Award of Honor 2009; All-India invitational roller skating championship at Mussoorie Uttarakhand rink race 1-gold, rink race 2-silver, road race-gold; inline category-rink race 1-gold, rink race 2-gold, road race- gold; north zone open roller skating championship-quad category- time race-gold, rink race 1-gold, rink race2-gold; inline category-time race-silver, rink race 1-silver, rink race 2-silver; All-India invitational roller skating championship at Haryana-quad category- rink race 1-gold, rink race 2-gold, time race-gold inline category-rink race 1-silver, rink race 2-silver, time race-gold.

Chandigarh, January 30
The Stepping Stones Cricket Academy defeated Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy during the match of Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Cricket Tournament being organised by Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy. The match is being played at Vivek High School, Sector 38.

The winning side defeated Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy by 17 runs in the league match of the day.

The team of Stepping Stones while batting first, scored a total of 137 runs in the allotted slot with Arman (60) and Angad Chahal (25) scoring the most runs for the team. Bowling duo, Anhad and Angad Khera grabbed two wickets each.

While chasing the target, Vivek High Asian cricket team bowled out on the total of 120 runs in the last over of the match. Navansh score the highest runs with his 35 runs contribution while Ansh Chugh (25) was the other noticeable batsman for the team. For the bowling side, Naveen did the bowling honors after grabbing 3 for 23.

Arman, for scoring 60 runs and taking two wickets for Stepping Stones Cricket academy, was adjudged as man of the match.

Brief scores:

Stepping Stones Cricket Academy: 137 runs for 5 in 20 overs (Arman 60, Angad Chahal 25, Anhad 2 for 18, Angad Khera 2 for 21 ).

Vivek High Asian Cricket Academy: 120 runs for all out in 19.2 overs (Navansh 35, Ansh Chugh 25, Naveen 3 for 23, Arman 2 for 24, Bhanoo 2 for 23).

Chandigarh, January 30
The cricket team of Mohali Cricket Academy (MCA) defeated APJ Kharar by 102 runs in the league match of 4th Professional Gold Cup Cricket Tournament for Boys (U-12), being held at Banyan Tree School, Sector 48, here today.

After winning the toss, the MCA Mohali team managed to score 175 runs after loosing four wickets in the allotted slot of 25 overs. Khushlin scored 68 runs while Tushar contributed 61 runs in the team’s total. For the bowling side, Aakashal was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3 for 17.

In reply, the Kharar outfits were bundled out on a mere total of 72 runs in the 18th over of the game. After giving his best with bowl, Aakashl scored the highest runs for the team. He scored 18 runs while his counterpart Jaskaran scored 12 runs for the team. For the winning team, Jasan took 3 for17.

Brief Score:

MCA, Mohali: 175 for 4 in 25 overs (Khushlin 69, Tushar 61, Aakashl 3 for 17). APJ Kharar: 72 all out in 18 over's (Aakashl 18, Jaskaran 12, Jasan 3 for 17, Tushar 2 for 23).

Panchkula, January 30
The volleyball team of Chandigarh defeated Panchkula in the final match of 1st Chaudhary Ranbir Singh Hooda Volleyball Championship being played at Huda Sports Complex, Sector 3, here today.

The match that went to a sudden death set witnessed a tough fight from both the sides. The first two sets were won by Chandigarh by 25-22 and 25-29 but the local team came back in the match in third set by winning it 19-25.

The team successfully levelled the match after winning the fourth set by 21-25 but failed to overcome the rivals in the last and decider set of the game. The winning side registered a 15-12 win over the rivals in the last set.

In another game, the team of Kaitha thrashed Kurushetra to attain third place in the game. The winning team struggled hard to overcome their rivals. The team won first two sets by 25-19 and 25-17. At last, the other two 21-25 and 17-25. Sanjeev (Kaithal), Abhnimnu (Chandigarh) and Rinku (Panchkula) were declared as the best players of the tournament.

On the other hand, in the athletic events Sapnil Ahmed was adjudged as the best athlete in the girl’s category while Vijender Kumar bagged the best athlete title in the boys’ group.