Chandigarh, September 3
Residents of a Gurgaon village, who had torched 17 trucks of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation carrying stray cattle from the city to the Barsana gaushala, are now facing a problem from 80 bulls that were released by the protesters before torching the trucks on August 30.

The 80 violent bulls that are seen roaming freely on the streets of Khandewla village in Gurgaon, are damaging the properties of villagers, attacking the residents and are even creating hurdles in the smooth flow of traffic.

A senior official of the MC said now the villagers were approaching them and even the Barsana gaushala to catch the bulls.

“MC staff had put in a lot of hard work to catch the violent bulls. But unfortunately the mob torched our trucks and freed the cattle,” said an MC official.

Sarpanch of Khandewla village Dharambir Rathi said there were a few domesticated cattle in their village but the bulls were creating problem for them. “The bulls create traffic problem and sometimes enter the village. Recently, a bull entered the house of a villager. These bulls also fight with each other on the roads and pose a threat to commuters,” life, he said.

Chandigarh, September 3
The stage is set for the big day on the Panjab University campus, which will go to polls on Wednesday. As many as 13,556 voters will decide the fate of 14 candidates contesting elections for the Panjab University Campus Student Council (PUCSC).

Besides, eight city colleges will also witness a keen contest on Wednesday. The results will be out by evening.

“Vehicles without stickers will not be allowed on the campus. Students should carry university identity card to exercise their franchise,” said an official of the university.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident in the university.

A total of 350 police personnel will be deployed on the Sector 14 campus and 200 policemen will guard the Sector 25 campus. The mounted police force and water cannon vehicles will also be deployed on both the campuses. An anti-riot vehicle of the Chandigarh Police will be stationed on the Sector 15 campus.

The students will elect president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary of the student council. Out of 109 department representatives (DRs) 51 have been elected unopposed.

Mohali, September 3
With the release of 20 MGD water in Phase IV pipeline this evening, the normal water supply from Kajauli Water Works to the town and Chandigarh has been restored.

The leakage in the pipelines could be fixed after 15 days of repair work. Ashok Virdi, Executive Engineer of Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), said that now both the pipelines-Phase III and Phase IV-were carrying 20 MGD water each, as per the normal routine.

“After conducting a trial by releasing 10 MGD water at 12 pm in the Phase IV pipeline initially, the normal supply of 20 MGD was restored at 4.30 pm”, said Virdi while claiming that the leakage problem at the site in Gharuan village had been rectified to his satisfaction. The normal supply (20 MGD) was resumed in the Phase III pipeline, yesterday.

Chandigarh, September 3
Even after the authorities have completed the repair of the pipelines of Phase III and IV of the Kajauli Water Works, residents will start getting water supply at full pressure from Wednesday evening.

Chief Engineer SS Bidda, municipal corporation, said that the repair work was complete and the supply from two lines had begun. But the residents would get water supply at full pressure from Wednesday evening because it would take two days to fill the water reservoirs of Sector 39 water works and filtering process to be completed. Thereafter, there will be normal supply, he added. On the other hand, residents of various sectors were still complaining about the water shortage today.

Daleep Singh, a resident of Sector 47, said that there was no water on upper floors in their sector. Residents continued to fill their buckets from ground floor, he added.

Echoing similar view, Maninder Singh, a resident of Sector 28, said that there was no water supply after 8 am and they were still facing water shortage. There was no water in the overhead water tanks, he added.

The had been disruption in water supply for the past 13 days.

Chandigarh, September 3
As the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, is scheduled to inaugurate 8,448 one-room tenements at Dhanas village on September 14, the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has floated tenders for two-room tenements to be built at Maloya.

Officials said initially, the authorities were keen to coincide the start of construction work of two-room tenements with that of the inauguration of the one-room tenements. But due to delay in the completion of tender process, the construction for the flats at Maloya is expected to take a few more months.

Initially, 4,000 flats will be constructed. A total of 12,544 flats are to be constructed in different pockets.

The Centre had already approved the revised estimates worth Rs 1,022 crore to complete the construction of 25,727 dwelling units. The initial cost of around Rs 800 crore has jumped to Rs 1,040 crore due to change in design from one-room tenement to two-room tenement. These flats are to be constructed in two phases, 3,648 in one phase and 8,896 in another at Maloya.

The design from one-room tenement to two-room tenements had been changed after an observation made by the Union Urban Minister of Tourism, Housing and Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja.

The Slum Rehabilitation Scheme was initiated in 2006 under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). According to the norms, 80 per cent of the cost of the project is borne by the Centre and the remaining by the state governments, in this case, the UT Administration.

Channdigarh, September 3
With the hike in price of the yellow metal, a reverse trend is being witnessed, residents are busy selling off their gold ornaments and there is slump in the market as hardly any sale is being reported.

The cost of gold per 10 gram has increased to Rs 33,000 for 24 carats and scaled to Rs 30,000 for 22 carats. “The sales have been dampened ever since the prices went up a few days ago. People are being hopeful that the prices may come down ahead of the wedding and festival season,” said Rakesh Talwar, owner of Talwar Jewellers in Sector 22.

Jewellers said some of the jewellers were also keen on buying the gold ornaments from residents to stock enough gold for manufacturing ahead of the festival season, when the demand was expected to go up.

“Many jewellers are giving full value of the gold content in the ornaments to the sellers. There is shortage of gold in the market as the increase in cost of the yellow metal in the international market has deterred import, so we trying to collect gold, so that we can manufacture ahead of the coming season”, added Talwar, who is also the regional chairman (north zone) of the Gems and Jewellery Foundation.

The jewellers of the view that the Central Government should deduce the capital tax on sale of gold so that consumers get full value of the ornaments, if at all they wish to sell them.

“The consumers are confused over making new purchases. While many residents are seen making most of the situation and are selling their heavy ornaments, there are very few customers who are coming to make the purchases,” said a jeweller in Sector 35.

Chandigarh, September 3
Advocate Pankaj Chandgothia, who had filed a public interest litigation (PIL), on the stray cattle issue, received a threat letter today. Chandgothia said that he received a letter through the Speed Post at his Panchkula residence in which some persons had had threatened him of dire consequences if he did not back out from the case related to cattle menace in the city.

Chandothia, who filed a police complaint in this regard to the UT SSP says, “I see this as another feeble attempt to derail and put a stop to the intensive cattle -catching drive started as a result of my PIL in the Chandigarh courts”.

The letter was sent through Speed Post from the Sector 17 General Post Office. On the envelope, the name of one Sonu is written, but the letter inside is signed by four persons, Soni, Sher Singh, Raju and Ahmed.

The letter reads, “Gaiyo (cows) ke khilaf ladna chood de, is se hamari roji roti hai. Hamare pet par laat maroge to tera pet kaat dalenge. Gaiy (cow) se takra kar hi teri maut hogi - Soni, Sher Singh, Raju, Ahmed, Faidan village, Chandigarh”.

Chandigarh, September 3
Despite repeated announcements of introducing holograms on liquor bottles over the past two years, the UT Excise Department has failed to do the needful.

The holograms are supposed to keep a check on the sale of unaccounted liquor. The failure of the department to introduce these is working in the favour of the powerful lobby of bottling plants and bootleggers.

Officials reveal that the city with a population of 10.5 lakh has six bottling plants that sell their products within and outside the city. Due to the absence of holograms, the department finds it difficult to physically check the unregulated supply of liquor to the city, especially at the rehabilitation colonies.

While the officials claim that rival vend contractors are indulging in the illegal sale of liquor to affect each others’ trade, sources do not rule out the chances of illegal liquor being directly procured from some of the bottling plants.

The sources say due to the high quota of liquor and a nominal export duty on bottles, the bottling plants are keen on selling their products outside than within the city.

The excise duty and assessment fee has been brought on a par with Punjab, apparently under pressure from the liquor lobby of the state, but the export fee has been increased marginally only.

“In the new policy for the year 2013-2014, the excise duty has been increased by as much as 300 per cent and assessment fee by 33 per cent. The export fee that is charged on liquor going outside the state stands at only Rs 6.75 per carton. It is much less than the export fee in Punjab,” say sources in the liquor trade.

In the past few months, there have been several instances of the police catching the illegal sale of liquor.

“The police should investigate and find the sources of illegal liquor and brands being sold in the city,” says an official.

The UT Excise Department officials, meanwhile, claim that tenders for preparing the holograms have been floated.

Mohali, September 3
Most of the cancer patients in Mohali district are women, with breast and uterus cancer being the most common form of the disease. Among men, cancer of mouth, gums, tongue and food pipe are the most common.

As a part of the follow-up action, 124 patients suffering from cancer have availed themselves of financial benefits under a scheme of the Punjab Government.

According to the data available under the first phase of a statewide door-to-door campaign, the number of cases of cancer detected in the district was 840. Out of these, 316 were males and 524 females.

Doctors said the reasons for the disease could be genetic or related to the diet and the patient’s lifestyle.

The survey revealed 242 cases of breast cancer among females and five among males. Also, there were 76 cases of uterus/cervix cancer among females. The number of cases of kidney/urinary bladder/prostate cancer was significantly higher among males (50) than females (11).

The data also showed the prevalence of oesophagus/larynx/lung cancer was nearly the same among males (51) and females (42). A similar trend was observed in the case of liver/gall bladder cancer (22 in both males and females).

It was also found that there was a noticeable difference between the two genders in the number of cases of cancer of colon/rectum (18 males and 3 females), blood/lymph node (33 males and 19 females) and mouth/gum/palate/tongue (43 males and 29 females).

The door-to-door survey also brought to light 7 cases of skin cancer among males and 6 among females, 15 cases of cancer of testis, and 18 cases of brain cancer among males and 22 among females.

Besides, there were other types of cancer detected among 52 males and 48 females in the district.

Sources said 130 persons had applied to the government for financial help, out of which funds had been sanctioned for 124 patients. The files of the remaining six were under scrutiny.

Officials said the phase II of the campaign was launched for the follow-up action. A camp was also being planned to carry out investigative procedures in the Civil Hospital with the help of Max Hospital.

Nearly 10 lakh people were covered in Mohali district under the state-level programme for the early detection and registration of cancer patients.

Panchkula, September 3
Politeness was given a go-by when the Panchkula Deputy Commissioner today shunted the traffic manager of the Roadways from the meeting convened to take stock of the preparedness for the Navratras.

Manager SS Verma, who is responsible for making the arrangements for the festivities, was asked to leave on the plea that it was the General Manager of his department who had been called for the meeting. Tears welled up in Verma's eyes as he quietly left the room, said sources.

Officials of various departments of the administration were present at the meeting. They started by introducing themselves. When Verma's turn came, the DC, SS Phulia, asked him about the GM.

Verma told him that his department head was stuck in some other work. Angered over the reply, Phulia snubbed him and told him to leave as he had nothing to discuss with him.

After leaving the room, Verma called up the GM, Rohtas Singh, who reached the venue to attend the meeting.

"Whatever happened was wrong. The DC should not have reacted in such a way," said a senior official, who was at the meeting.

Acknowledging the episode, Rohtas Singh said, "After the incident, I reached the venue and attended the meeting. We have made arrangements for ferrying devotees on buses, which will ply on the Chandigarh and Kalka route."

Despite repeated attempts, the DC did not respond to this correspondent's queries.

Strict stand against littering

During the meeting, it was decided that strict action will be taken against officials who fail to check littering and overflowing of garbage bins during the Navratras.

Chandigarh, September 3
Candidates made a last-minute effort to woo voters on the PU campus. Emerging strong, the student leaders were seen interacting with the other students today.

Garnering support for their respective parties, some candidates were even seen sending SMSes to the students.

Campaigning was at its peak. While supporters were seen going from one department to the other, contestants held meetings to discuss their poll plank.

NSUI leader Jeevanjot Singh said, "With only a few hours left for the elections, the supporters were asked to message students the name of party candidates and their serial numbers on the ballot paper. We tried reaching out to more and more students."

The candidates and their supporters started the campaigning in the morning. They visited each and every department.

Panjab University Student Union (PUSU) leader Simranjit Singh Dhillon said he met all students and listened to their problems.

“The last day of the campaigning is crucial as major decisions are taken on the day," he stated.

Party leaders also visited the Student Centre and met the students asking them to exercise their right.

Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) leader Vikramjit Singh Medukhera stated it was a hectic day as they had to reach out to maximum students and hold meetings.

The campaigning was supposed to end on Monday morning, but the students continued to flout Lyngdoh guidelines. The PU authorities chose to turn a blind eye to the violation. Tents erected by the student organisations wore a deserted look as candidates and their supporters were busy wooing voters.

Chandigarh, September 3
A new party formed by the supporters of Narendra Modi, NaMo League, has gained entry into Panjab University. A group of supporters is campaigning in hostels and various departments.

The group started a signature campaign before sending it to Modi's office and in return the group received stickers with 'Vote, Support and Elect' written on those. They said they liked the way Modi worked and they wanted him to come to the university and deliver a lecture.

"He keeps paying visits to universities and we want him to visit us as well. Panjab University is one of the best universities and we want him to address the students here," said Ankur Kumar, in charge, campaign committee, North campus. He said, "We are not supporting any party on the campus. It is a fan club and we are campaigning for Modi," he stated.

"We want him to become the Prime Minister. We have pinned high hopes on him," said Kumar.

Another member of the group said, "We are not a part of the elections. We are just making the students aware of the league and expecting support from them," said Shruti Bansal and Surbhi Gambhir, both students of the UIET.

Chandigarh, September 3
A day before the elections, student organisations drew cartoons to tarnish the image of their rivals. It was learnt that members of a student party distributed these among students.

Some of the cartoons show student leaders brandishing weapons and forcing the students to cast vote.

While some show leaders of the Panjab University Students Union (PUSU) entering into arguments to claim the leadership of the party.

PUSU leader Simranjit Singh Dhillon said the student leaders should realise such publicity stunts did not benefit the parties. "Instead of distributing the sketches, they should have concentrated on building their image by addressing problems of the students. There is no short cut to success," PUSU leader stated.

A sketch shows a SOPU leader training a gun at a senior party leader and asking him to withdraw his nomination.

SOPU Vikramjit Singh Medukhera said, "The students who have made the sketches have already tasted a defeat in a way. "After the party failed to garner support, it chose to criticise others," SOPU leader stated.

Ekta, a student, said such gimmicks don't attract the attention of voters. "The students who are not inclined towards any party ignore such cartoons as they know the truth and the ground reality," she said.

The elected candidates should work for the welfare of students. They should keep holding meetings with the students throughout the year. They should put in efforts to tide over the problems of the students.
— Rukhsarr Kaur

The president of the student council should not be like other politicians. He should keep his promises and ensure girls' safety on the campus.
— Surman Singh

The placement cells should be made functional so that every student gets a job.
— Diksha Juneja

Central status for the university has been a long-pending demand. The president should work in this direction.
— Navraj Singh Sahi

The president should focus on improving the infrastructure in the departments. Ceiling fans should be replaced, better facilities should be provided to the students.
— Rajanbir Singh

SOPU + SOI + H S A + HPSU panel
Name: Priya Ranjan
Age: 21
Department: UIET
Background: Hails from Bodh Gaya in Bihar. His father is a farmer
Political career: Joined politics three years ago
Hobbies: Social work, playing cricket, listening to speeches delivered by national leaders
Promises: Ensuring transparency in the functioning of the PU administration and student council.

PUSU + INSO + ABVP + NSO panel
Name: Arjun Arora
Age: 21
Department: Dental sciences
Background: Belongs to Cheeka in Kaithal district. His mother is a teacher
Political career: Joined politics this year
Hobbies: Swimming and writing poetry
Promises: Upgrading infrastructure in the university

NSUI + HIMSU panel
Name: Sunny Mehta
Age: 24
Department: Centre for Social Work
Background: Hails from Hoshiarpur. His father is a shopkeeper
Political career: Joined politics five years ago
Hobbies: Social work and reading books
Promises: Central status for the university 

Panchkula, September 3
Students of a Panchkula school will be learning the voting process by electing their favourite teacher tomorrow. In a unique initiative by Hansraj Public school, Sector 6, Panchkula, the students will come to know about the democratic process. The school has decided to hold voting on the parliamentary pattern.

Moreover, a proper voting scene with a returning officer and counting agents will be created for the day. The students will line up to choose the best teacher on the eve of the Teacher’s Day. Ensuring that studies remain unaffected during the voting, it would be carried out during their free periods.

"As students step out of the school, they are ready to be a part of the democratic process by exercising their franchise. We evolved a method to make them well versed with the voting process. All the teachers are the competitors," said Principal Jaya Bhardwaj.

She also encounters the argument that it would create a wedge among the teachers. "No, the fact is that it would rather encourage them to capture the top slot next year. Since the teaching community is different from the political class, next year it will be really hard for the students to mark their preference," added Bhardwaj

The ongoing students council elections at Punjab University proved handy for the presiding officers to make the students aware of the campaigning. "We got ample news coverage to convey the students dos and don'ts of the election process. Besides, electing a favourite, the students will give claas-wise preference," said Shivangi, a Class X student. She is acting as a returning officer. Significantly, the whole process will be held by Aprajita Kaul, Parul Saini and Rohan Pangotra, students of the school.