Chandigarh, December 3
As many as 28 complaints of trespass, assault and intimidation filed by a woman at the public window of the police headquarters over the past one year were not enough to wake up the Chandigarh Police from its slumber.

Showcasing the poor police response system, an order by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) today highlighted the force’s bias and the mental stress faced by a woman whose repeated complaints at the public window over a year got no response from the police at all.

The complainant, Amrita Singh, had alleged that she was harassed by the former maid and a gardener who refused to vacate the servant quarter at her Sector 9 house at the behest of her brother Brigadier Jasbir Singh owing to a property dispute.

“It is apparent that the complainant was living under stress, pressure and threats. With as many as 28 complaints filed at the public window, it is evident that the police officials have shown little interest in her complaints on the plea that she is having a property dispute with her brother. The police inaction has undoubtedly emboldened the accused in their unlawful acts,” stated Justice NK Aggarwal (retd) in an order passed today while directing the UT SSP to reprimand the previous SHO of the Sector 17 police station for registering a false case against the complainant. The PCA has also asked the SSP to direct the present SHO of the Sector 3 police station inspector Sri Parkash to act fairly and impartially on the complaints of Amrita Singh.

In her complaint, Amrita Singh said the first complaint was filed on July 4, 2011, and the last on June 22 this year. In 2011 alone, the woman filed three complaints in July, another three in August, one in September and two complaints in November. In 2012, Amrita filed three complaints in March, seven in April, eight in May and one in June.

In her complaint, Amrita said she resided at her parental house in Sector 9 and her maid Suman had been staying in the servant quarter. She said Suman was a trespasser as continued to occupy the accommodation with her three adult children even after she was not her employee.

It was also alleged that the woman was indulging in assault, intimidation and mischief at the behest of Amrita’s brother, who resides in Uttarkhand and with whom she had a civil litigation case pending in court.

She said her brother had also lodged a false criminal case of cheating against her and her husband at the Sector 17 police station in September 2009. The Chief Judicial Magistrate later discharged her from the case.

In June this year, the police register an FIR against Suman on Amrita’s complaint, but even then, her maid did not stop her unlawful act. 

Panchkula, December 3
At least 30 students hailing from Kashmir were attacked by assailants at the hostel of Panchkula Engineering College, Barwala, last night. The victims alleged that most of the attackers, about 70 in number, were outsiders.

The students hailing from Kashmir alleged that they were being harassed, assaulted and were being even termed as anti-nationals by some non-Kashmiri students at their college hostel. Feeling unsafe here, the Kashmiri students have demanded security.

A minor scuffle among some juniors took the colour of discrimination and Kashmiri students were even forced to lock themselves in their room.

“We were standing outside our hostel when about forty students attacked us with swords and sluggers saying that we are Kashmiris and don’t deserve to be here,” said Arshid Shah, a student of BTech-II. “Some of us locked ourselves in our room and others ran away from the college to save themselves. Six of us even got injured.”

Chandigarh, December 3
In an apparent act of self-glorification and simultaneous violation of the spirit of the city’s guiding rules, Mayor Raj Bala Malik has been on an inauguration and foundation stone laying spree of a number of green belts, community centres and water fountains in the city.

Malik, who seems to be in a hurry with her year-long tenure coming to an end this month, has been keen on immortalising her name in the city through plaques displaying her name. In a 25-day span, from November 1 to 25, Malik has done seven inaugurations in Sectors 7, 9,10, 22, 32, 46 and 47 (see pictures).

This averages one inauguration every third or fourth day. The city’s edict clearly forbids erecting of statues and only permits commemoration of persons (of eminence) through plaques. In no way does it permit self-glorification of individuals holding office.

To top it all, all the green belts and community centres, inaugurated in November with much fanfare by Malik, are lying in a state of neglect (see pictures).

Issue raised in Advisory Council meeting

The issue pertaining to the installation of plaques, with city Mayor Raj Bala Malik's name prominently figuring on these, in the green belts and parks was also raised during a meeting of the Advisory Council which was chaired by the UT Administrator, Shivraj Patil, on November 30. Chand Nehru, one of the members of the Advisory Council, who had raised the issue in the meeting, had pointed out that the city’s Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier had been against giving credit to any individual. He himself never installed any plaque in his name but nowadays people are installing plaques in their names. She added that Le Corbusier and his team planned these green belts, but they had never preferred to take credit for these. But Mayor Raj Bala Malik and MC engineers had been crediting themselves with the inauguration of these green belts.

Chandigarh, December 3
In an amount that could fetch a base model of a Sedan or 25 tolas of gold, a Panchkula-based businessman, Amitabh Singh Chandel, today paid Rs 8 lakh for a vanity number 0001 for his Rs 2.50 crore Rolls Royce car during an auction of vanity numbers in the CH 01 AQ series at the Chandigarh Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA).

"During the auction for previous series CH 01 AP, he had lost the bid one Amarjit Singh, an agriculturist from Punjab, who had paid highest ever bid of Rs 26.05 lakh for 0001," said an official at the RLA. Though Amitabh Singh Chandel did not participate in the auction, he was represented by one of his employees, Ajit.

The auction started an hour late as the RLA Kavle V Parashuram failed to appear on time, causing harassment to bidders. Though the auction witnessed a huge turnout, the craze for vanity number did not materialise in the vehicle registration numbers fetching a high premium as the second highest bid was Rs 3.97 lakh that was paid by Subash for his Audi A6 car followed by number 0005 which went under the hammer for Rs 3.21 lakh. "There is a sharp decline in the premium attracted by the vanity numbers as compared to the last two auctions. The low premium could be due to auction being held at the fag end of the year," said the official while adding that in today's auction Rs 87 lakh was collected.

Among the successful bidders was Darshan Singh Birmi, brother of a former Punjab minister, who bought the number 0012 for his Audi Q3 SUV and a former MC mayor, Ravinder Singh Pali, who bought the number 0101 for just Rs 20,000. Another industrialist, Amik Virk bought number 0008 for Rs 1.55 lakh for his M class Mercedes. 

Chandigarh, December 3
Today’s auction of vanity numbers at the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) turned out to be a tiring exercise for participants when the RLA-cum-SDM, Kavle V Parashuram, arrived late for the auction at the RLA office.

Adding to the woes of the bidders, inadequate sitting arrangement, poor lighting and no arrangement for drinking water made it tough for them to sit through the auction.

Chandigarh, December 3
The Sector 46 Sports Complex hosted a special athletics meet today. Participants showcased their agility and perseverance in various events, including 100m race and long jump. What made the event special was that these young athletes belonged to the Regional Institute of Medical Handicap (RIMH), who got together to mark World Disability Day.

Differently abled children from Sector 38-based rehabilitation centre Prayaas participate in a fancy dress competition at Bal Bhawan in Sector 23, Chandigarh, on Monday. Tribune Photo: Manoj Mahajan

“They are not in any way lesser capable than other children; like professionals, they too undergo regular practice sessions to nurture their skills,” said Kumud Giri, who has been coaching the mentally challenged children for the past 14 years.

During the meet, the children also captivated the audience with a dance performance and a march past.

Earlier on December 1, they also participated in a cricket match. Raj Kumar and Manpreet, who were declared the man of the match and the best batsman respectively, said they loved playing cricket and hitting the ball.

Ashima Sharma, a tutor, said: “Just as different children have different levels of understanding, these children too have their own levels. Some of them need demonstration, while some grab things easily.”

Awareness rally
Students of classes IV and V of Saupin’s School, Mohali, took out a rally at Sector 17 Plaza. Holding placards with messages such as “Know me for abilities, not my disability” and “I don’t have a disability, I have a different ability”, the children spread awareness on the issue. A mime depicting the life of a physically challenged young girl was presented by class VII students. Shunned by her friends, the girl is encouraged to learn to play a musical instrument, in which she discovers her hidden talent.

Mohali, December 3
The Synergy Thrislinglton team, which had constructed the10-storey building in just 48 hours, got the national record certificate from the Limca Book of Records team at the building site today.

The Limca team, led by VVR Murthy, handed over the certificate to Harpal Singh, chief managing director of the company, and Rachana Singh, director (operations) today.

The other people present on the occasion were Adoor Prakash, Minister for Revenue and Coir, Kerala, Rani George, Director, Tourism Kerala, K Madanan, Director, Coir Development, Kerala.

Mohali, December 3
The Mohali Municipal Corporation (MMC) has sent its area's extension proposal, under which it has proposed to add 27 new sectors and 20 villages under its jurisdiction, to the state government for approval. A senior official of the corporation said the proposal, which was prepared in reference to the notified master plan of the area, had been sent to the government last week.

"The areas were identified after re-examination of the master plan. If added, the area under the MC limit would increase about three times of the existing area," said the official.

Presently, total area under the MC is 22.86 sq km. With the new inclusion, 42.46 sq km more area will come under the MC jurisdiction.

The area, which is proposed for the inclusion, included Sectors 82, 81, 79, 80, 78, 77, 76, 75, 74, 74 Alpha, part of 117, 118, 119, 121, 120, part of 122, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 and 92 while the rural belt included Bad Majra, Kumbhra, Sohana, Mauli Baidwan, Raipur, Nanu Majra, Chilla, Papri, Kambala, Kambali, Chachu Majra, Manauli, Raipur Khurd, Patti Sohana, Chappar Chirri Kalan, Baliali, Sianpur, Jagatpura, Daun, Balongi and Ballo Majra.

Chandigarh, December 3
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) programme on youth for leadership in science, aimed at harnessing young and brilliant minds, was inaugurated at Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), here today.

Emphasising that science and technology were two key drivers for the growth of the economy, Prof Rajneesh Shrivastava, Director, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur, in his inaugural address urged meritorious students to take up scientific research as a career.

Dr MO Garg Driector, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, highlighted the importance of petroleum and its products and discussed the possibility of having alternate renewable sources of energy.

Dr Pawan Kapur, Director, CSIO, said the aim of this scheme was to attract the best students towards scientific research and show them that it was an exciting, rewarding and a fulfilling career. He said the world envied India since it had a high ratio of young population.

During their two-day stay at CSIO, students will be taken to various laboratories and familiarised with the equipment. They will also get an opportunity to interact with the researchers in laboratories.

Panchkula, December 3
Merely two days after the encroachments in Panchkula were removed the violators are back again and have erected tents. The tent outside the residence of former Punjab Chief Secretary, Jai Singh Gill, stands tall near house number 199, Sector 6, Panchkula. Even the bathroom and kitchen of the staff of the Punjab IGP, BK Garg, has again come up near his residence in Sector 7, Panchkula.

It was a few days ago when a joint team of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation and the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had removed the encroachments outside the residences of bureaucrats.

“It shows that the violators are fearless and even the administration has gone soft on them. Had the authorities given strict directions, the encroachments would have never come up again,” said a resident in the locality of Garg, on the condition of anonymity. He further added, “It is a clear cut failure on the part of the administration.”

“We will definitely get the encroachments cleared again and even take action against the violators,” said OP Sihag, executive officer of the MC.

The MC took action after the story was highlighted in the columns of the Chandigarh Tribune.While the encroachments near the residence of Haryana ADGP, MS Mann, in Sector 6, Panchkula, has been dismantled.

The Panchkula administration had defied the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High court and had failed to take any action against the violators.

Chandigarh Tribune had reported in its columns that Garg’s security men had erected six tents with a special bathroom and a kitchen outside his residence. All kinds of facilities, beddings, and televisions had been provided. Similarly, a toilet had been constructed in a park near the residence of Mann, which reportedly was being used by the security guards. Jai Singh Gill had also provided the tent facility to his guards near his residence.

Chandigarh, December 3
Out of the two former Punjab DGPs, who had defied the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court by allegedly encroaching upon a part of the service lane and a greenbelt near their houses in Sectors 8 and 18 respectively, one of them got the temporary shelter removed today.

Encroachments adjoining the residence of former Punjab DGP Sarabjit Singh cleared from Sector 8, Chandigarh, on Monday. Tribune Photo Pradeep Tewari

Former Punjab DGP Sarabjit Singh, residing in house number 700 in Sector 8, got the tent and cages removed from the green belts. A tent was pitched in the green belt for the former DGP’s security staff. Two cages were also placed for pet dogs, which were removed today.

But former Punjab DGP PC Dogra, residing in house number 1193 in Sector 18, is yet to remove the tent erected on the rear side of his house. His security staff is using the tent for shelter.

Kashmira Singh, superintendent, Enforcement Wing, MC, said that a MC inspector had visited the encroachment area in Sector 18. He will submit his report on Tuesday. Besides, the encroachment have already been removed,” he added.

Chandigarh, December 3
With just two days left for the admission process to begin in the government schools, the schools are still waiting for the admission forms.

As per the common admission schedule, all the government schools need to start distributing the admission forms from December 5, and subsequently receive them by December 15, for the admission to the entry-level classes for the next academic session.

A government school headmaster said that it was clearly stated in the common admission schedule that the admission forms would be available in the all the government schools from December 5.

“Since parents are coming to our school every day for the admission-related enquires, it will be quite embarrassing if we fail to make the forms available to them on the given date,” he said.

Another headmaster said that in the Education Department’s meeting with the private schools on November 21, it was decided to implement the common admission schedule in all the government schools too. The admission forms, therefore, should have been made available by now, he said.

District Education Officer Ram Kumar Sharma said that more than 10,000 admission forms had already been printed, and they would reach all the schools on time.

Chandigarh, December 3
More than 1,100 students from different schools across the region participated in a radio drama competition, Radio Masters, at Moti Ram Arya School, Sector 27.

The award for the best radio drama on road safety and health care in the junior category went to Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh. In the senior category, Manav Mangal School, Panchkula, bagged the top honours, while Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh, finished first in the “Save Water” category. — TNS

Chandigarh, December 3
Students of Sohanjana Eco Club and other students of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 46, observed National Anti-Pollution Day on the school campus. Plantation of indigenous plants and promotion of cycling, car pooling and public transport were the ideas discussed to curb pollution. Students of the club also participated in a painting competition.

AIDS awareness
The National Service Scheme volunteers of Shivalik Public School observed World AIDS Day. They delivered lectures and speeches in classes, highlighting the ways to prevent HIV. They also emphasised on supporting the HIV-affected persons.

Moti Ram Arya School
A special lecture was conducted at Moti Ram Arya Senior Secondary School to observe World AIDS Day. The lecture laid emphasis on causes, symptoms and consequences of the fatal disease. Children were also apprised of precautionary measures to be adopted to avoid the disease.

Annual function
Mohali: Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, celebrated the annual function with great zeal on its campus. The function began with the lighting of the lamp by chairman JS Bajwa. The school principal welcomed the parents. He said sports as well as such programmes enhanced the confidence level of students.

Cultural show
The annual function and cultural show of Indus Public School, Kharar, was held on the school premises on Monday. The function started with unfurling of the school flag by Mrs. Parampreet Kaur, principal of the school. One-act plays in English, Hindi and Punjabi were the highlights of the function. Group songs and group dances, including giddha and bhangra, on the theme of festivals were presented on the occasion.

Children enjoy reading
Panchkula: The staff members and students of St Teresa Convent School read books to commemorate "One Nation Reading Together". Students of Montessori wing enjoyed reading their colourful story books on the occasion. In another activity, the school saw budding artists from classes VI to VIII design invitation cards for the upcoming annual function of the school.