Chandigarh, November 26
The UT Administration has asked the Union Government to enhance the fine against encroachments in the city from the existing Rs 500 to Rs 10,000.

A formal communication has been sent to the Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs. As the issue of encroachments in Sector 22 came up before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the UT Administration told the Bench that it had also recommended enhancement of fine prescribed under the Punjab Municipal Act, 1976, as applicable to Chandigarh.

During the hearing, senior standing counsel for the UT Administration said Chandigarh was without its own legislation. The Administrator of Chandigarh, however, could not legislate. The UT has to approach the Union Government in case of any amendment in the existing law.

Taking a note on the assertion by the UT counsel, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Augustine George Masih issued notice of motion to the Union Government for January 15 to file its reply. Submitting a status report under the signatures of Additional Commissioner-II, Sunil Bhatia, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, provided a list of more than 314 encroachers in the markets of Sector 22 and Sector 19.

Chandigarh, November 26
After being denied stay on proceedings by the High Court, Justice Nirmal Yadav (retd) appeared in the CBI special court of Vimal Kumar today where her counsel moved an application seeking another three week’s adjournment so as they get time to move the apex court.

The application was allowed by the court amidst strong opposition by the CBI counsel and the case was adjourned to December 12. The court has directed all accused to be present on the next hearing when charges would be framed. All accused in the judge bribery case, including Justice Yadav, were present in the court today.

Opposing the application for adjournment, the CBI special public prosecutor Anupam Gupta said the defence was adopting delaying tactics and the order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court dated November 22 denying stay on the proceedings was a comprehensive and unambiguous order and a firm rejection of the prayer for stay of proceedings. He pressed that charges be framed today itself.

While accepting the application seeking adjournment, the court stated that the applicant intends to move the Supreme Court of India for grant of stay of proceedings during pendency of the revision petition in the High Court challenging the order dated July 31. In the interest of justice, equity and good conscious, the application for adjournment of present proceedings is allowed,” stated the court.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court was hit by the scam after a packet containing Rs 15 lakh was delivered on August 13, 2008, at the Sector 11 residence of High Court Judge Nirmaljit Kaur. She filed a complaint with the police. It was alleged that the cash was meant for Justice Nirmal Yadav (now retired), an accused in the case, for giving a judgment related to a property dispute case in Panchkula in 2007.

Chandigarh, November 26
Sukhchain Singh Gill will take over as the new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Chandigarh on December 15. The Ministry of Home Affairs has cleared Sukhchain Singh Gill’s name for the post, said sources.

A 2003-batch Punjab-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with a MBBS degree from Government Medical College, Amritsar, Gill is currently posted as the SSP in Hoshiarpur.

Gill will replace Naunihal Singh, who will be repatriated to his parent state of Punjab after serving in Chandigarh for over three years.

Naunihal Singh, a 1997-batch IPS officer, had joined as the UT SSP in 2010. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General in April 2011. Naunihal was given a three-month extension after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) rejected the first panel forwarded by the UT Administration.

Chandigarh, November 26
The National Security Guards (NSG) in coordination with the Chandigarh Police is conducting a three-day training programme-cum-mock drill at prominent places in the city. The programme began today with the NSG commandos entering the Elante mall and Infosys building and undertaking an exercise to combat terror attack. Sources said the programme would be conducted at Hotel Taj, Infosys and hockey stadium. The programme will be conducted at the night when the moviegoers leave the mall after the last show and to avoid inconvenience to the general public visiting hotels and malls.

A special team of the city police is also assisting the NSG in the drills. The NSG commandos, over 200 in number, armed with modern weapons and technologically upgraded gadgets such as aerial view, night vision cameras and others, will be demonstrating their skills.

The drill was conducted to equip the team for a 26/11-like eventuality in the city. Over the next two days, the NSG commandos will carry out mock drills, rescue operations and street battles, at IT Park, Elante mall and some hotels.

A senior police officer said the operation would help the city police to remain prepared during a crisis situation.

The mock drills have been undertaken to check out the preparedness of the security agencies, including the NSG and the city police.

“It will test the real-time response to terror attacks and also keep a check on how well-trained officers of the NSG, ATS and the police response to emergency situations during terror attacks such as 26/11,” said an official. 

Chandigarh, November 26
In a setback for patients, the PGIMER's move of auctioning shops on the basis of maximum discounts instead of maximum rents (quoted by chemists) is likely to take backseat.

As the PGIMER has invited tenders for auction of one its shops in the old shopping complex seeking a minimum 50 per cent discount as the key condition, a few chemists have decided to challenge it in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

"Already, when the government has reduced the margins on the majority of medicines, the terms and conditions fixed by the PGIMER for the tender would make it impossible for chemists to stock all medicines," said Khem Gupta, president of Chandigarh Chemists' Association.

"Besides providing a minimum of 50 per cent discount on medicines, the chemist will also have to deposit Rs 50,00,000 as security. Unlike existing contracts with other chemists on the campus, the new contract provides for forfeiture of security in case the chemist decides to leave the shop. We are left with no other option but to move the court," Gupta said.

Sources said the terms and conditions of the new contract also include a provision where the institute could impose penalties on the chemist for not stocking certain medicines.

There are a total of 15 chemist shops on the PGIMER campus. The monthly rents paid by these chemists range between Rs 70,000 (paid by chemists in Gol market) and Rs 52 lakh (paid by chemists in the emergency wing).

At present, it is mandatory for all 15 chemists to provide discount of 15 per cent on branded drugs and 30 per cent discount on generic drugs and surgical items.

The pattern is already being followed at the AIIMS, New Delhi, where chemists offer discounts as high as 56 per cent.

Chandigarh, November 26
Parents of students at the Prayaas, a centre for learning for special children, Sector 38, will meet the Director of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, tomorrow and request the latter not to shift their kids to the Regional Institute of Mentally Handicapped, Sector 31.

One of the parents today requested the GMCH-32 Director, Dr Atul Sachdev, to consider the physical and mental health of the students coming from southern sectors, who would be forced to travel extra distance if shifted to the institute in Sector 31. A few more parents will discuss the issue with the Director tomorrow.

Chandigarh, November 26
After announcing a demolition drive at the Sector 26 vegetable and grain market, the enforcement staff of the UT Estate Office today called off the demolition drive at the last minute.

Citing non-availability of the police force, the UT Administration called off the drive. However, sources said that since the traders of the market had taken up the issue with the top brass of the UT Administration regarding the usage of open platforms in front of SCFs, the drive had been postponed.

In the past, the Administration had been focusing on enforcement drives against rehri and pheri walas, but the shopkeepers had not been touched due to resistance by the powerful lobby of the traders.

Justifying the postponement of the drive, officials said on hearing about the impending drive, a number of traders had already moved their goods back from the open platforms. “The drive will be conducted after some days when the issue about the use of the platforms is resolved”, said the official.

On the other hand, Sunil Gupta, general secretary of the Grain Market Association, said that as per the allotment letters of the SCFs in the Grain Market, and also as per the control sheets prepared by the Urban Planning Department in respect to our SCFs, the open platform in front of the, shops was their property and it was used as an auction space by them. Stacking of bags of grains, pulses, cereals, and other products in the space of the open platform in front of the shop, does not fall in the term of “misuse” or “violation”.

Chandigarh, November 26
Two days after a body with stab injury marks was found in Dhanas, the UT police have identified the body as that of Anil Kumar Pandey, a salesman with a Sector-15 based chemist shop. The victim is 35 years of age.

Police investigations revealed that Anil was allegedly murdered by his friend Amit Abdul in connivance with a woman.

Anil had gone missing since November 23 and his worried sister and brother-in-law were trying to find him since then. They saw his photograph published in the paper when they approached the police and identified him.

The police said Amit Abdul and Anil had a scuffle on Diwali night after a verbal spat. Anil was spreading rumours about Amit’s mother, following which Amit got agitated.

On Saturday night, Anil and Amit, again had argument which resulted into a scuffle at Dhanas. After that Amit allegedly stabbed Anil with a sharp-edged weapon repeatedly leaving him in a pool of blood.

The body of Anil lay there for two days before it was noticed.

A passerby had informed the police that Anil was wearing a blue vest with a check shirt and was wearing no trousers. The police had also suspected that he was sexually assaulted, though the investigations were still on. Anil was staying alone in Chandigarh, while his wife and children were in Uttar Pradesh.

The police is yet to make arrests in the case.

Chandigarh, November 26
Punjab has sought integration of the proposed master plan of Chandigarh with the master plan of surrounding areas of the state.

Besides pointing out discrepancies in the demarcation of inter-state boundary with Mohali that could affect future planning, the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) has sought better inter-city connectivity of main roads of Chandigarh with the proposed roads in the master plan of New Chandigarh.

The UT has not proposed linking of two of its busiest roads, Dakshin Marg and Vikas Marg, with the proposed roads of New Chandigarh.

The suggestions were submitted by the Punjab Chief Town Planner, HS Dhillon, and District Town Planner Pankaj Bawa during a hearing session conducted by the board of inquiry and hearing constituted to look into objections and suggestions received on the draft master plan-2031.

Officials of the Town and Country Planning Department, Punjab, said in the regional master plan of Greater Mohali Region, linking of three major roads of Chandigarh — Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg and Vikas Marg — with the proposed roads of Mohali and New Chandigarh had been recommended.

In its draft master plan, the UT observed that connecting of roads in the GMADA regional plan with the major roads in the city would increase the volume of traffic as it would provide shortest distance between the neighbouring towns on periphery of the city.

Another major issue raised by Punjab was non-depiction of Patiala Ki Rao rivulet in the proposed plan of Chandigarh. While one of the tributaries of the rivulet flowing towards New Chandigarh has been shown, another stream flowing through Chandigarh has been left out.

Besides, a number of architects wanted the UT to take concrete steps to protect the city’s periphery from mushrooming of colonies. 

PCA wants better connectivity with Maloya

In its representation to the hearing panel, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stated that since a new stadium was coming up on 43 acres near Mullanpur, there was a need for better connectivity on the road coming from the Maloya side. 

Chandigarh, November 26
Statements made by Surinder Bahga, one of the nominated councillors, against other nominated councillors during a discussion organised by a news channel over the issue of merger of 13 villages of the UT in the Municipal Corporation (MC), have courted another controversy.

Bahga during the discussion had reportedly said that “nominated councillors ka zameer hee bik gaya” which was telecast.

The talk was to discuss the decision made by the special General House to merge 13 villages in the MC, and had City Mayor Subhash Chawla, Bahga, elected councillor Malkiat Singh and villagers as panelists.

Bahga, who was against the resolution of the merger of the villages, reportedly commented on the dignity of other nominated councillors who had supported the resolution.

The incident has led to resentment among the nominated councillors.

MP Kohli, one of the nominated councillors, stated that he had come to know about some objectionable remarks made by Bahga against the nominated councillors during the discussion on TV. “All the nominated councillors will discuss the issue at the House meeting.

It is the government that has nominated us and it is our duty to save the interest of the government and the public by taking a fair decision. That is why the nominated councillors voted in favour of the merger of 13 villages of the UT in the MC”, Kohli stated.

Babu Lal, another nominated councillor, stated that he was also told about the remarks made against the nominated councillors. He said he would only comment after watching the video clipping.

Bahga when contacted stated that his statement was a proverb used against the nominated councillors and not against any individual. “I respect all my fellow colleagues and I just wanted to express that any nominated councillor should go with the decision which is right and not politically motivated”, he stated.

Sources stated that the CD of the discussion had been procured by some of the councillors and it was expected that the issue would also rock the upcoming MC General House meeting.

Chandigarh, November 26
A sum of Rs 1.05 crore was surrendered in a survey on Jhajj Rent-a-Car, Phase 9, Mohali. Officials said that the company surrendered the amount after irregularities were detected by the income tax team during the survey.

The Income Tax Department under the directions of the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, North West Region, Chandigarh, Promila Bhardwaj, conducted a survey operation at the company in Mohali on Monday. The survey operation was conducted by the Commissioner of Income Tax-II, Chandigarh, SD Jha, with the teams of the department led by Jitender Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Mohali.

Panchkula, November 26
As many as 100 senior citizens of the Mata Mansa Devi Resident Welfare Association, Panchkula, took part in a workshop on ‘Digestive problems in elderly’ organised by Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali, at Mansa Devi Complex, here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Nikhil Nadkarni, senior consultant, department of gastroenterology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, said incessant use of pain killers and drugs by the elderly was leading to ulcer diseases. Nearly 40 per cent of older adults in the world have one or more age-related digestive symptoms.

When co-existent chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart problems, hypothyroidism and depression in the older age group were coupled with incessant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and anti depressants, it led to gastro intestinal dysfunction, said Dr Nadkarni.

He said: “Studies have found that 25 per cent of chronic users of NSAIDS will develop ulcer diseases and 2 to 4 per cent bleeding or perforation.” The problems with digestion could occur at any age. Just like any other health problem, prevention was the best medicine when it came to smooth functioning of the digestive system. One should use such painkillers cautiously, he added.

Mohali, November 26
The protest of Sikh hardliner Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa entered its 13th day today.

Khalsa, who is demanding to set free all Sikh extremists, including Jagtar Singh Hawara and other assassins of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, from jails, is on a 'fast unto death' in front of Amb Sahib Gurdwara, Phase 8, here.

Khalsa has been getting support from several Sikh bodies and Sikh leaders used to come to meet him everyday. Former Member of Parliament and president of SAD (Amritsar) Simranjit Singh Mann had also turned up at the site on November 18 to extend his support to Khalsa.

Khalsa said: "Most of the youth (Sikhs) have been implicated in false cases. Several of them have completed their terms but they are still lodged in jails." 

Mohali, November 26
Members of the PUDA Employees Coordination Struggle Committee continued their protest in front of the PUDA office here today.

Raising anti-government slogans, the protesters threatened to intensify their stir if their demands would not met soon.

Their demands include implementation of the pension scheme, plots for employees, two-year extension in service and regularisation of daily wagers.

"These are long-pending demands but the authorities are not paying heed to those. If our demands not met soon, we would intensify our protest," said Jarnail Singh, convener of the PUDA Employees Coordination Struggle Committee.

The protesters had also resorted to a pen-down strike last week.

Chandigarh, November 26
Residents from various parts of the city today rushed to exchange higher value notes with those of Rs 10, 20 and 50 and also procure coins of Rs 1, 2 and 5 at the coin-cum-new currency counter set up at Sector 22 here.

The counter set up by the local Beopar Mandal and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Chandigarh, saw a huge footfall of residents and shopkeepers and exchanged Rs 55,62,500 on the occasion. The visitors, however, demanded that such stalls should be put up more frequently in the city to meet currency crunch.

"Finding change for Rs 1,000 notes becomes a big difficulty sometimes. This piles up the credits on my clients and my payment remains pending for long. It is difficult to go to banks so frequently and keep asking for change," said Anudeep, who runs a salon from her residence.

Charanjiv Singh, president, Beopar Mandal, Chandigarh, said: "We are making efforts to make it a routine event in the city as the requirement of notes, especially Rs 50 notes and Rs 1, 2 and 5 coins, remains high always. We have been receiving a number of requests and hence being in touch with the RBI, Chandigarh. We have promised the visitors to set up more such counters in other sectors.

Anil Vohra, general secrtary, Beopar Mandal, informed that the next such counter would be organised at the Grain Market, Sector 26 here.

Chandigarh, November 26
The ABVP unit of Shri Guru Gobind Singh (SGGS) College, Sector 26, observed the fifth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, on the premises of the college today.

ABVP activists paid tributes to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to save others.

"Post 9/11, Americans have substantially immunised their nation against terror. Why can’t we do that," asked Harmanjot Singh Gill, joint secretary of the ABVP Punjab unit and president of the college unit. — TNS

Chandigarh, November 26
Researchers should avoid plagiarism and maintain good research ethics in their journals, advised Laney Zhou from Oxford, UK), while addressing scholars at a workshop on how to get one’s work published in research journals organised in collaboration with the Elsevier Journal Publisher at the Panjab University (PU).

Over 150 faculty members and research scholars of various disciplines of the university attended the workshop.

Zhou gave tips to the beginners on how to write research papers for scientific journals. She told the research scholars on how to select the title for a research paper, what should be the key words and what contents should be incorporated in the introduction part. She also informed about the methodology for analysing the results and the manner in which research papers should be concluded. She also spoke about authorship.

PU Dean Research, Prof Lalit Bansal presided over the workshop that was also attended by PU librarian Dr Raj Kumar, the customer development manager at the Elsevier South Asia, Manik Sethi, and a number of senior officers. — TNS

Mohali, November 26
Students of several schools were made aware about various aspects, schemes and functioning of Permanent Lok Adalats during a seminar organised to mark the National Law Day on the premises of Shivalik Public School, Phase 6, here today.

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Mohali, organised the event following the directions of the National Legal Services Authority.

Jagroop Singh Mahal, chairman of Permanent Lok Adalat, Mohali, and Tarntaran Singh Bindra, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-secretary, DLSA, Mohali, addressed the gathering.

Since the most of the attendees were from the field of education, stress was also given to constitution, working and reporting of Legal Literacy Clubs, which have been opened in schools.

Mohali, November 26
Call it ‘Gandhigiri’, members of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan/RMSA Non-Teaching Employees Union, Punjab, adopted a unique way to lodge their protest to press for their demands.

Several groups, consisting around four members of the union, were seen standing at different points of the town, displaying banners with interesting slogans like “Aaja ve Badla tenu aakhiyan udeek diyan” and “Missing Badals’, kee kise ne iss shakhs nu vekhiya hai”. The banner was also carrying Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s photo.

“We are virtually searching for the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for the past several months to apprise them of our demands but we found them nowhere,” said Ashish Kumar, general secretary of the union.

“The purpose of such a demonstration was to attract the public as well as the attention of the authorities towards our demands,” said Kumar.

He added that they had been resorted to a peaceful protest for the past 37 days but to no avail.

“Earlier, we held a pen-down strike. We are not being allowed to mark our attendance by the authorities since November 15 following which we resorted to a dharna in front of the office of the Director-General, School Education, at Phase 8 here. Now, we have also started a chain fast from yesterday,” Kumar added.

The main demands of the union include regularisation of a total of 1,400 non-teaching staff of the SSA and giving them pay scale on a par with the SSA teaching staff.

“We want to meet the Badals to apprise them of our issues,” the union members added.