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dengue fever Ritika Jha Palial and Hina Rohtaki Tribune News Service
Chandigarh/ Panchkula, September 18 Two dengue deaths were reported at the PGIMER two days ago. These included a 60-year-old resident from Patiala and a 20-year-old resident from Kharar. Last month, a resident of Mohali died of dengue at the GMCH-32. Officials said a total of 11 dengue cases had been reported from both rural and urban areas in the city. Most of the cases have been reported from Sectors 23, 24 and 15, Mani Majra and Hallo Majra. Panchkula and Mohali have reported eight and nine cases, respectively, so far. According to officials, the number may go up by the end of this month as the post-monsoon season is conducive for the breeding of the aedes mosquito. More than 350 cases of dengue were reported at city hospitals last year, breaking the record of the past five years. “The aedes mosquito breeds easily in artificial water collectors, including coolers and flower pots,” said an official. “The aedes mosquito remains in the form of egg or larvae for seven to 10 days. This is the most crucial time where we can check its breeding,” said a health official. In Panchkula, dengue cases have been reported from Sectors 4, 12 and 21, Amravati, Abhaypur, Industrial Area, Beer Ghaggar and Pinjore. The health authorities have deployed 47 breeding checkers in the town who destroy larvae in houses. “In Kalka and Pinjore, we have impregnated nets for mosquitoes. A schedule has been prepared for fogging in every sector of the town,” said Panchkula Civil Surgeon Dr VK Bansal. Causes The dengue virus is attributed as a “day biter” and often breeds in artificial setting of water which may include water stored in vessels, buckets and excess water in flower pots. The mosquito can breed even in 10-15ml of water. Dengue is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito —aedes aegypti. When the mosquito bites an infected person, it spreads the virus to others but itself can survive it. Symptoms Symptoms includes high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash and mild bleeding. Preventive measures Dos Don’ts Helpline
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PU poll: Lavish parties, up-hill trips for Rs 4,200 only!
Chandigarh, September 18
Surprisingly, the student leaders indulged in extravagant campaigning and organised booze parties and up-hill trips for students without crossing the budget limit of Rs 5,000 prescribed by the Lyngdoh Committee. The details of expenditure have been submitted by PUCSC president Chandan Rana to the PU authorities following a clause under the Lyngdoh guidelines as per which the candidates are supposed to submit the election expenditure with the university within 14 days after the student elections. It is a well-known fact that the student outfits spend lakhs on the election campaign every year violating the Lyngdoh guidelines to woo voters. The student bodies organised parties in discotheques, up-hill trips and served lavish food to lavish food to students. In the expenditure details submitted to the university, Rana mentioned that the major expenditure was made on purchasing stationery, including water colours, paintbrushes, permanent markers, chart papers and glue sticks. He said Rs 2,500 were spent on photocopying the panel card that had the names of all candidates contesting from the panel. “I don’t own a vehicle, so I didn’t spend money on petrol. I spent money only on handmade pamphlets,’ Rana claimed. A former student leader said the university turns a blind eye to the expenses made by student outfits. “There is no mechanism by which the university can check the expenses made by student organisations during elections,” he added. Expenditure details furnished by PUCSC presidents Pushpinder Sharma Rs 3,200 (2011) Satinder Singh Rs 3,700 (2012) Chandan Rana Rs 4,200 (2013)
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Class XI student kidnapped
Panchkula, September 18 The message read: “Don’t inform the police else the boy would be killed. We will call again for the ransom.” Akshit (16) is a resident of Sector 8 and a student of a private school in Sector 16, Panchkula. His father Bharat Bhushan Goel is a businessman. Akshit went to the school this morning but did not return. The family informed the police. The missing theory was ruled out when Akshit’s mother received a threatening message from his phone in the evening. Following the message, the Panchkula police sounded the alert across the tricity. “The phone was switched off after the message. We have started investigations and the boy would be traced soon,” said a senior police official. The Panchkula police is also working on the theory that the message may have been sent by the boy himself. The role of an insider cannot be ruled out, said a police officer. A case has been registered at the Sector 14 police station.
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Charges framed against accused
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18 The victim, a resident of Himachal Pradesh, was allegedly raped by Jain and Manoj after they kidnapped her on February 8, 2003, in Panchkula. In her complaint to the police, the victim said she was drugged and kidnapped by Manoj Pal and MK Jain from Amartex Chowk, Industrial Area, Panchkula. Later, deposing before the court of CJM, Panchkula, the victim said that Manoj and Jain kidnapped her and made her consume tea laced with sedative. The victim said when she regained consciousness after two days, her jewellery was missing. In another complaint lodged with the Chandigarh Police in August 2002, she alleged that Jain raped her on August 14, 2002, and threw her off the moving car near the Sector 33 petrol station. Subsequently, the police found that Jain had been framed, allegedly at the behest of the former UT Home Secretary NK Jain who was also facing trial in the case. The defence lawyer, Talminder Singh, said the victim kept on changing her statements and she was not at all trustworthy. Even a Panchkula court had admitted the fact.
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Onion acts pricey @ Rs 70
Chandigarh, September 18 This the second hike in the price of onion in a month. Retailers attribute this to short supply from Maharasthra, while wholesalers say the hike in fuel prices has shot up the price of onion. The wholesale price of onion is between Rs 55 and Rs 60 per kg while it is available for Rs 65-70 in the retail market. The price is likely to increase as the supply has been poor since past one week. Last month, the price of onion shot up from Rs 45 to Rs 60 per kg.
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P’kula lounge owner booked
Panchkula, September 18 Following the orders of Assistant Commissioner of Police Purnima Singh, the police registered a case against the owner of Nirwana Lounge for serving liquor without licence. Excise officials also reached the spot and seized a bottle of liquor. The police also detained the youngsters for verification. They were later asked to leave from the rear door of the lounge. |
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Integrated security system for city, Ambala rly stations
Chandigarh, September 18 The Union Home Ministry’s report mentions that there are many unmanned entry and exit points in both the stations that pose a security threat. The report stated that there was a need to upgrade infrastructure at both the stations. Senior divisional security commissioner of the Railways Mohinder Singh said the work of installing CCTV cameras would soon commence at both the stations. He said the integrated security system would be implemented in the second phase. Sources said a total of 117 Internet portable CCTV cameras would be installed at the Ambala railway station and 107 at the Chandigarh railway station. In the report, it was mentioned that the CCTV cameras installed at both the stations were of poor quality. An official revealed that under integrated security system, which has been approved by the Indian Railway Board, all unmanned and illegal entry and exit points would be closed, baggage scanners would be installed at entry points of Chandigarh, Ambala and Panchkula, door framed metal detectors would be installed and more RPF staff would be deployed at the stations. The authorities have also decided to fill 180 vacant posts in the RPF.
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International Coffee Festival to kick off in city on Sept 27
Chandigarh, September 18 A well-decorated float was flagged off by the officials at Sukhna Lake yesterday. It will move across the city making residents and tourists aware about the festival that kicks off on September 27. The event, which is a part of World Tourism Week, will see the participation of various coffee-producing countries, including Ethiopia, Turkey, Indonesia, Bolivia and Kenya. During the festival, Hotel Mountview and Hotel Shivalikview will offer various flavours of coffee along with a menu specially crafted by connoisseurs and chefs. A gamut of activities at both the hotels is lined up for the event: coffee tasting, coffee talk, fashion show on the coffee theme, coffee quiz, coffee races, coffee cuisine contest, coffee-making contest and piano performances. Students will get a 25 per cent discount during the fest.
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Doc deposes against accused
Chandigarh, September 18 Gaurang Sahu and his sister Kavita Sahu were brutally murdered at their residence in Sector 41 on December 16, 2011, allegeldy by Rahul, a relative of the deceased. The accused allegedly killed the two because Kavita objected to his advances due to which Gaurang had a scuffle with him. The accused allegedly killed the two with a sharp-edged knife. Rahul, a resident of Raipur Rani, was arrested by a team of Crime Branch officials from Saha Chowk, Ambala on January 18, 2012. According to prosecution on November 20, he tried to make advances towards her, but she objected to his intentions and warned him that she would complain to her relatives and parents. Rahul immediately left their house and did not even attend the marriage ceremony of cousin Mohinder Singh. The accused had nursed a grudge since that day and wanted to take revenge." On the day of the murder, Rahul started from a dera in Ambala with the intention of forcing Kavita to develop physical proximity with him and decided that if she refused, he would kill her. He boarded a bus and reached Kavita's house at around noon. He entered the house with his face covered with a cloth. Gaurang answered the knock on the door and both went to Gaurang's room on the top floor and had tea which was prepared by Kavita. After finishing tea, Gaurang told Rahul to leave the house as Kavita had told him about his intentions and this led to a heated argument between the two following which Rahul stabbed Gaurang. While the whole incident was taking place, Kavita was in her bedroom. Rahul then came to Kavita's room and tried to get physical with her but she resisted. As she tried to raise her voice, he killed her too. During the scuffle, he sustained a cut on the ring finger of his left hand. A Chandigarh police inspector also disposed before the court and his statement was recorded. He informed the court about the recovery of the knife used in the crime and blood-stained clothes of the accused.
siblings’ murder
Gaurang Sahu and his sister Kavita Sahu were brutally murdered at their residence in Sector 41 on December 16, 2011, allegeldy by Rahul, a relative of the deceased. The accused allegedly killed the two because Kavita objected to his advances due to which Gaurang had a scuffle with him. The accused killed the two with a sharp-edged knife. Rahul, a resident of Raipur Rani, was arrested by a team of Crime Branch officials from Saha Chowk, Ambala on January 18, 2012. A Chandigarh police inspector also deposed before the court and his statement was recorded. He informed the court about the recovery of the knife used in the crime and blood-stained clothes of the accused.
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Lawyer thrashed by 2 youths at District Courts Complex
Chandigarh, September 18 Following the incident, lawyers gathered in the parking area to support Bhullar. The police said that Bhullar alleged that a Mani Majra resident, Sachin Kumar, who was accompanied by his friend, entered into a heated argument with him over parking issue. Later, the duo allegedly thrashed him and hit him on his turban. The police force, including senior officials, reached the spot following the incident to pacify the agitated lawyers and control the situation. The police stated that they had taken the complaints from both the parties, however, in the evening, both the parties reached on a compromise. Purse snatched An incident of snatching was reported near Sector 15. Complainant Priya, a resident of Samadhi Gate, Mani Majra, reported that an occupant of a motorcycle sped away after snatching her purse containing mobile phone, ATM card, Pan card and Rs 1,000. The victim failed to note down the registration number of the motorcycle. A case has been registered at the Sector 11 police station. Theft Hardev Singh, a resident of Sector-23 (B), reported that someone had stolen one gold kitty set, one gold kara, three gold rings and cash Rs 15,000 from his house on September 18. A case at the Sector 17 police station has been registered and an investigation has been initiated. 9-year-old molested A shocking incident of sexual harassment involving minors was reported at Maloya on this evening.A 13-year-old boy has been taken into custody for allegedly molesting a 9-year-old girl. The police said both the accused and the victim were attending tuition at the same place in Maloya. The boy was a student of class VII whereas the girl was studying in class III at a government school here."The accused sexually assaulted the victim at the tuition centre when the tutor was not there. When the girl raised the alarm, the tutor reached there and rescued her," a police official stated.No case has been registered so far.
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Bansal to take up issue of affordable housing with UT
Chandigarh, September 18 While talking to the Chandigarh Tribune, Bansal said that he would take up the issue of affordable housing not only with the officials of the UT Administration but also with the Union Government. For the scheme, the government will probably consider that one shouldn’t have one’s own house in tricity and will also consider applicants’ domicile period, he added. Before leaving for Delhi, Bansal also said that in the coming coordination meeting with the UT officials, he would take up issues of city residents with them. Sources said that at the coordination meeting, agendas like problem of industrialists, traders, group housing societies and CHB house allottees would be discussed. Highlighting the achievements of the UPA government at the Centre, Bansal also talked about the recent landmark decisions like the Right to Education, Food Security Bill, Land Acquisition Bill and the Street Vendors Bill, which he said were the measures in the right direction and would go a long way for inclusive growth of the country. Mukesh Bassi, congress councilor, said that Bansal was committed to the development of the City Beautiful from more than 20 years. The construction of 8,448 flats for slum dwellers was yet another example of Bansal’s commitment for the development of the city. They were hopeful that Bansal would continue to take up issues with the UT Administration and the Union Government for the projects related to the city, he added.
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Now, no nesting of birds on Platform No.1
Redesigned sheds have been fixed on complaints of passengers Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18
A number of complaints were received by the authorities that the birds usually discharged their waste at night and their droppings made the floors of the platform unhygienic. Many times it fell on the passengers standing on the platform. Hundreds of birds have been using the sheds of the Platform Number 1 as their night shelter for many years. Parveen Kumar, Station Superintendent, said that a number of complaints had been received from the passengers that they were not able to hear the announcements made by the announcer at the station due to the chirping of birds especially during wee hours and late evening hours on Platform Number 1. Keeping in view the problems of the passengers, the authorities had constructed new ceilings, he said. He said that at present there were no plans for making such ceilings on other platforms, as there was no such problems there. Taking serious note of the problem of bird droppings at the Chandigarh railway station, former Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal during his visit in November instructed the railway officials to modify the platform sheds so as to discourage birds from taking nesting there.
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Adolescents seeking PGI’s help
Chandigarh, September 18 The problem is also prevalent among female adolescents, who have low voice pitch. As many as 20 to 30 such cases are reported every month at the institution, where the patients seek phonosurgery as a solution. “The adolescents who come to us with such problems are often under depression as they are criticized and laughed at both among peer group and at home,” said Dr Ashok Gupta, Head department of otolaryngology. “Embarrassed, they gradually abstain from speaking and stammer eventually. Stammering is mostly related to such psychological effects,” he added. The experts said that only 10 per cent of such cases actually required phonosurgery while a majority could be be cured easily via speech therapy, which was taught to the patients by the experts. The department of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, PGIMER, is conducting the third ENT surgical workshop from September 20 to 22. As per India census 2001, about four million of the population are visually impaired, 3.2 million
have hearing impairment and 1.9 million have speech disabilities. Rehabilitation of hearing, vision and voice handicap is the mission and motto of the conference, said experts. The workshop will start with cadaveric dissection. The three-day workshop will be informative and will give an insight into the problems the patients face.
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CTU employees protest against UT policies
Chandigarh, September 18 The employees alleged that the Centre was disbursing grant to purchase new buses to the UT Administration, but still, 215 old buses plying in the city. The authorities were not utilising the grant to buy new buses. Revealing that the Centre had released grant of Rs 113 crore to the Transport Department for the purchasing of new buses, yet no decision had been taken till date to but the new buses. A representative of the employees union, Bhupinder Singh, said that the buses which the authorities were planning to purchase were also not suitable for the city roads. Demanding the recruitment of fresh staff, the employees stated that there was a shortage of 150 drivers in the CTU, as the authorities had not conducteda recruitment drive for long. He said the employees were holding a protest on September 20 against the policies of the authorities.
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4 claimants not given possession of booths
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18 A delegation of owners today met Balbir Singh Dhol, UT Joint Registrar, Cooperative Societies, to take up the issue of speeding up the possession of the booths to them. He assured them that by next week the issue would be resolved and possession of the booths would be given to them. Records of the Administration revealed that the authorities had organised an auction of five super market booths in January. Out of the five booths, three were located in Sector 7 and two in the industrial Area, Phase I. The owners deposited Rs 9 crore to get the possession of these booths, but till date no action has been taken by the authorities in this regard. A representative of the owners stated that for the past eight months, they had been running from pillar to post to get the possession, as all of them were facing huge monetary loss due to the delay in handing over the booths by the authorities. As per the norms of the auction, after the claimant deposits the amount of the auction, the possession should be given to them.
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Senior citizens to walk for fun on September 20
Chandigarh, September 18 CSCA president Daljit Singh Grewal stated that this was not a competition and there was no distance or time stipulation. “As such, there is no need to produce a medical certificate. All participants will, however, have to register themselves at the venue”, he stated. The Chandigarh Police has made elaborate arrangements for conducting the event. They have also made pick-up and drop arrangements for the senior citizens who cannot reach the lake on their own.
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Test of efficiency for Admn on Oct 5
Panchkula, September 18 CBI court today ordered that the Dera chief has to be present personally. The Panchkula police had moved an application before the court fearing problem to the commuters due to Dera chief’s personal appearance following which only for yesterday the court allowed video conferencing and decided on his further appearance. October 5 is the first day of Navratras. On every Navratra, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda visits Mansa Devi shrine along with other VVIPs in Panchkula to inaugurate the Navratra fest at the temple and pay obeisance. A large number of police personnel are deployed for the VVIPs and the devotees. And now on the same day, Rahim would be appearing in the CBI court. Already lakhs of supporters are ready to throng the city which can cause heavy traffic congestion on Panchkula roads. Recently, followers were seen cleaning the sector 5 ground apprehending that Rahim would be addressing all of them after attending the court hearing but after the application by the police, video conferencing was allowed for today. “Additional force will have to deployed, so that the commuters don’t face any problem,” said a police official.
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Mayor’s ward a victim of apathy and neglect
Broken roads, littered streets, ill-maintained parks, defunct streetlights say it all Amit Sharma Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18
Unkempt parks The civic body's claims of developing and maintaining parks have fallen flat on its face. Greenbelts in the ward are yet to catch the attention of the officials. Broken swings and benches have not been replaced. With cow dung strewn all around, residents find it difficult to take a stroll in the parks. Stray dog menace Stray dog menace is another problem plaguing the ward. With dog bite cases on the rise, residents avoid venturing out. Defunct streetlights As streetlights in the ward having been lying defunct, a fatal mishap can take place at night. Thieves can take advantage of the fact and target residents. Poor sanitation
Garbage dots streets in various parts of Sector 25 and Dhanas. Cleanliness seems to be missing from the dictionary of civic officials. Sanitation workers show up occasionally. Stagnant water can result in water-borne diseases. Situation is no better in Dhanas. Cow dung and littered roads welcome visitors to the area. Efforts on Mayor Subhash Chawla said, "As far as the issue pertaining to cow dung in Milk Colony at Dhanas is concerned, the matter is pending in the court. The re-carpeting of roads will begin by month-end. A community centre and a park have come up in Dhanas. Greenbelts in the area will be developed. There are 2,000 illegal jhuggis in Sector 25. Jhuggi dwellers dump garbage on roads. Recently, we carried out a cleanliness drive in the area.”
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5 Punjab-cadre IAS officers write to Punjab Govt
Chandigarh, September 18 The UT Administration had recently sought a panel of Punjab-cadre IAS officers from the Punjab Government for the post of UT Finance Secretary. The three-year deputation period of VK Singh is coming to end on January 14, 2014. Sources said the five officers included Anurag Verma, a 1993 batch IAS, Anurag Aggarwal, a 1990 batch IAS, Seema Jain, a 1991 batch IAS, Sucha Ram Ladhar, a 1991 batch IAS, and Jaspal Singh, a 1992 batch IAS. A senior official of the UT Administration said as and when they would receive the panel of three IAS officers from the Punjab Government, they would forward the same to the MHA for approval. The UT Administration have also sought a panel of IAS officers from the Punjab Government for the post of managing director of CITCO. The posts of UT Finance Secretary and CITCO MD are reserved for Punjab-cadre IAS officers.UT seeks fresh panel for SSP As the Ministry of Home Affairs rejected the previous panel, the UT Administration has sought a fresh one for the post of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) from the Government of Punjab. Sources said a letter had been dispatched to the personnel department of the Government of Punjab. The previous panel included the names of Sukhchain Singh Gill, Tulsi Ram and Surinder Singh Kalia. The Administration had recommended Sukhchain Singh Gill’s name for the post of SSP.
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Reshuffle in UT departments
Chandigarh, September 18 The Administration today reshuffled the departments of a majority of officials. Kamlesh Kumar (HCS) has been given the responsibility of Director Public Instructions (Schools). Kamlesh Kumar has replaced Upkar Singh, a PCS officer. Now, Upkar Singh has been given the post of director, information technology, which was earlier held by Tanvi Garg, a UT-cadre IAS officer. Finance Secretary VK Singh has been given the additional charge of director, animal husbandry and fisheries. Besides, UT-cadre IAS officer Kashish Mittal has been given the charge of Registration and Licensing Authority (RLA), relieving HCS Mahavir Kaushik. Mittal was also given the charge of SDM (South) while Danish Ashraf, another UT-cadre IAS, has been given the charge of SDM (East) and joint secretary, food and supply.
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700 turn up at special passport adalat
Chandigarh, September 18 Regional passport officer Rakesh Aggarwal stated that in order to unburden the staff, the authorities held four special adalats for settling 2,000 pending cases. He said the staff did not entertain routine inquiries on these days. He said as 2,000 cases dating back to 2012 would be disposed of in the next special adalats that will be held in four phases.
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47 illegal colonies to be regularised
Mohali, September 18 The Punjab New Capital (periphery) Control Act extends to that area of the state which is adjacent to and is within a distance of 10 miles (16 km) on all sides from the outer boundary of Chandigarh. Only small parts of the district falling in areas like Kurali and Lalru do not come under the Periphery Control Act and unauthorised colonies in these areas will be regularised under a policy of the Punjab Government. Mohali Deputy Commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu had held a meeting with officials of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, SDMs, executive officers of the civic bodies and tehsildars last week to discuss the matter related to the regularisation of illegal colonies in the district. Sidhu said there were 374 illegal colonies in the district out of which 327 came within the ambit of the Periphery Control Act and, as such, would not be regularised. Only the remaining 47 illegal colonies, which did not come under the Periphery Act, would be regularised. He said he had asked the officials to approach the persons concerned to initiate paper work on getting these colonies regularised. He said only a few applications had been received The officials had been asked to hold on-the-spot camps to help people get their work done. They were asked to take the help of the subordinate staff and take up the project as a mission, stated the Deputy Commissioner.
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MC to send report to councillors’ panel
Chandigarh, September 18 The councillors opposed the special panel's suggestion to increase the house tax by 20 per cent. Following which the civic body decided to send the report to the House Tax Committee. MC Commissioner Vivek Pratap Singh said as almost all councillors were members of the committee, the body decided to take them into consideration as well. The special committee had proposed to divide the city into four zones and calculate house tax on residential houses on the basis of rent in the area. Besides, the committee had also proposed to impose house tax on less than five marla houses and on LIG and EWS houses which were exempted in the earlier notification. Recently, the UT Administration had shot off a letter to the MC for revising house tax. The letter stated: "The tax is not in conformity with the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, (amended in1994 and extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh) and is highly inadequate. The notified tax structure needs to be reconsidered by the MC and requires revision by the authority within three months to make it financially reasonable and economically viable."— TNS
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Not many turn up for qualifier round clash
Mohali, September 18 Almost no audience for the second consecutive day has raised many counter comparisons between what is important, a player's performance, brand of the tournament or a hype created for the tournament. The absence of spectators is also proving that people here are still more interested in watching glamour more than watching a game. A few months ago the same ground witnessed Indian Premier League (IPL) and all the main players participating in this qualifies were the part of different franchisees. Notably, at that time, the stadium witnessed a jam-packed with audiences, so what happened this time, remains a puzzle to solve. Also about main organisers' approach, during the IPL the glamour remains a high pitch affair. From deputing private bouncers to cheer girls, one must have seen every aspect to promote the game. On other hand, the performers are performing but only wearing simple white T-shirt and black jeans not along the boundary line but on a set stage at the chair block. The food is being served at the VIP enclosures but the 'sipping and discussing' part is missing. Even the pizza and beverages companies those who fight to install an eating selling canopy at the stands have shown no interest in this tournament. And those who turned up are crying over loss in business. No queries for the VIP passes, no bumper to bumper vehicles and no one selling flags or painting faces outside the stadium. Also, the residents near the PCA stadium, who always feel troubled whenever the PCA hosts any international tournament, are enjoying their life calmly. Although, according to cricket lovers, the stage round matches will attract audiences. But unluckily, the local people will not get a chance to witness those matches here.
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No end to procurement woes
The upper price ceiling has been raised to Rs 350 per set for Classes I to V and Rs 425 per set for Classes VI to VIII, a hike of Rs 50 per set on the ceiling kept for summer uniforms. Several government schools received no response to the tender, raising a question on the effectiveness of the new system yet again. Many schools are now planning to float a fresh tender. In February this year, the Education Department moved from the centralised system for procuring uniforms to a decentralised one, wherein government schools were directed to invite bids on their own. This new system, however, became a headache for the management committees of the 106 government schools in the city. The sluggish response to the tenders floated by these schools for purchasing summer uniforms forced the management committees to invite bids as many as four times, before placing the order with a Mumbai-based company and some other local suppliers. Even as many schools have failed to distribute the summer uniforms, the procurement of winter uniforms has posed another challenge to the schools. Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, has decided to float a second tender for the procurement of winter uniforms for schoolchildren tomorrow. School principal Indra Dhingra said as the first tender got no response, the school was forced to invite the bids again. Head of Government Model High School, Sector 34, Dr Vinod Sharma, too, is planning to float another tender. He said the response to the first tender, which had September 21 as the last date to make bids, was insignificant so far. Promilla Sharma, principal of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 22, said the school got no response to the first tender, due to which a fresh tender would be floated soon. Harbir Singh, principal of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Karsan, too, said the school received no bids against the first tender. Some schools, however, managed to place their supply orders. Rajesh Kumar, head of Government High School, Sector 29, and Renu Puri, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, said orders had been placed with a local supplier. Not every school, however, could invite the optimum number of bids and the minimum bid as per the general finance rules. A government school principal, seeking anonymity, said given the poor response of the suppliers, the Education Department should reform the system. The principal said the department should allow cluster-wise procurement of uniforms, rather than directing each government school to procure uniforms individually. The principal also flayed the upper price ceiling, calling it a major hindrance to invite enough bids. "Due to the low prices, the suppliers are not coming forward with full confidence," said the principal. "Restore the centralised system for procuring school uniforms," said another school head. Quality check delays distribution After a delayed supply of summer school uniforms by Mumbai-based supplier Alok Industries, children are now waiting for the schools to distribute these among them, courtesy a delay in the quality check. Schools had sent the uniform for quality testing to Ludhiana-based government laboratory. As many as 30 government schools are still awaiting its report. "As per the general finance rules, uniforms can't be distributed without a proper quality check, certifying the order was as per technical specifications," said a government school principal. A school head said mismanagement marred the procurement since the beginning of the process in March this year. "The problem stems from the fact that the Education Department, after framing the new system, did not step in to help the schools," he said. Activist Pankaj Chandgothia said the failure of the government schools to distribute uniforms among students was a major violation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act.
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Young achievers felicitated
Chandigarh, September 18 Those awarded included chess players Arunima Goyal and Tarini Goyal. Tarini (11) is the youngest player from North India to get an international rating from World Chess Federation. Vidushi Rawat (11) was awarded for her performance in roller skating, karate, tennis and classical dance. Anushka Tayal won the award for fencing and shooting. Muskan Gupta (11) was awarded for excelling in a youth exchange programme at Germany. The youngest of the awardees, Davinder Singh (4), is a tabla player. Shaira Bedi (17) for athletics, football, swimming, and ballet dancing, Kabir Bedi for cricket, Siddhant Jain for golf and Australian football and Karandeep Kochar were the other awardees. Club president Arvinder Bedi said he felt proud to honour the young achievers.
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Next CTET on Feb 16
Chandigarh, September 18 Ten per cent of the applicants cleared the eligibility test--the highest passing percentage since the test began in 2011. Of the 7,76,000 candidates who appeared for the test, 77,364 passed it. The pass percentage in previous tests remained between four to six per cent. In November 2012, it was only around one per cent. The coming CTET will be the fifth edition of the test. The CBSE officials said the candidates, as per the past practice, would be able to submit their applications online in the coming days. The advertisement for the same would be issued by the end of this month, they said. Around 4,000 candidates had appeared from Chandigarh in the test conducted in July this year. Those who cleared the eligibility test had attributed their success to the one-hour extension in the timings per paper.
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Visit to old age home
Chandigarh: As a part of its outreach programme, the kindergarten and preparatory class students of St John’s High School visited an old age home at Sector 15. The boys presented an entertaining cultural programme and interacted with the elderly. Hindi Diwas A literary programme was organised at Government Senior Secondary School, Mani Majra, on Hindi Diwas. An essay-writing competition on the topic “Meri Hindi Sabki Hindi” was organised for the senior section. Asha of Class XII bagged the first prize. Raksha came secone, while Baby Kumari stood third in the competition. Special assembly At a special assembly on Wednesday, students of Tribune Model School, Sector 29, focused on the strength of teamwork and confidence. The theme of the day was ‘togetherness’, through which the school tried to imbibe strong morals among the students. Legal literacy Panchkula: The legal literacy club of Satluj Public School organised essay-writing and slogan-writing competitions. Students participated enthusiastically in both the events. Principal Krit Serai said, “The club aims at making students aware about various legal issues and rights.” — TNS
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Clay modelling
HIV awareness The Red Ribbon Club of DAV College, Sector 10, organised a lecture on the HIV awareness for students on Wednesday. Resource person Sunil Kumar screened a movie and a number of advertisements on the subject. The lecture was followed by a skit, organised by the State AIDS Control Society. A face painting competition was also organised for the National Service Scheme volunteers and other students. Lecture on financial sector The department of commerce at Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, organised a lecture on the application of IT in financial sector for the MCom students. College principal Dr Gurjeet Kaur welcomed the speaker Mastaan Chambyal. He told the students how spreadsheets simplified the analysis of financial statements. Guru Gaddi Divas The Centre for Sikh Studies at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, in collaboration with the Hindi department, organised a special lecture on the theme ‘Universal Consciousness of Sri Guru Granth Sahib’. The event commemorated the ‘Guru Gaddi Divas’ of Guru Angad Dev. The lecture was delivered by former dean languages, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Dr Harmohinder Singh Bedi. He said Sri Guru Granth Sahib enlightened all humanity. He called upon everyone to learn from its teachings. Expert talk Mohali: Writer and novelist Ketan Bhagat enlightened the students about strategies to lead a successful corporate life during an expert talk at the Mohali campus of Rayat Bahra Institute of Engineering and Biotechnology (RBIEBT). While interacting with the engineering undergraduates, Bhagat gave them tips for an easy transition from the college to professional life. Campus director Dr KC Agrawal said such talks empowered the students with tools for improving their employability and professional effectiveness. — TNS Engineers’ Day celebrations To mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, Chandigarh University celebrated Engineers' Day. The students developed around 90 working models on the theme ‘Apply Learning to Innovate’. The chief guests, Yutaba Watanabe of Swaraj Mazda Isuzu Ltd and Dr RS Khandpur of Pushpa-Gujral Science City, inspected the models. The team of mechanical engineering department bagged the first prize, while the civil engineers bagged the second spot.
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Chandigarh, September 18
Chandigarh: A two-day workshop on fine arts was organised at the MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36. Manjit Singh, a renowned artist with expertise in sculpting and applied arts, conducted the workshop. The first day was dedicated to clay modelling. Manjit Singh appreciated the flair of students.