October 19, 2013: Twenty-two persons, including four fire-fighters, were rushed to the GMSH-16 after they fell unconscious due to chlorine gas leak. A truck of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation was transporting an already leaking chlorine gas cylinder to the Sector 39 water plant when the situation went out of control after the truck reached the road separating Sectors 24 and 15.

MC officials have decided to check all equipment installed at the tubewells for mixing chlorine in the water to avoid similar incidents in future. 

Panchkula, January 25
Panchkula police officials were in for a shock when the list of awardees released by the district administration saw no senior police official among the field staff being honoured on Republic Day tomorrow. No one has been honoured for specialised work, this year.

Only clerical staff of the Police Department, including readers and naib readers, are being awarded. Other three junior police officials who have been awarded are constable Roop Singh from the traffic wing, and Sub-Inspector Sewa Singh and Constable Sanjeev Kumar (now posted with the CIA).

Every year, Inspector-rank officers are awarded for solving heinous crimes with their teams on this day. However, this year, no such thing will happen. Sources said that several names from every police station were sent by the area SHO to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who further sent them to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashwin Shenvi.

Shenvi said that names of seven police personnel were recommended for professionalism in their field.

On condition of anonymity, a senior officer said, “This year the performance was not up to the mark, as many heinous crimes had taken place in the city”. As many as 47 persons from the district administration will be awarded. The function will start at 10 am and Rao Narender Singh, Health Minister of Haryana, is the chief guest on the occasion.

Chandigarh, January 25
The Panjab University authorities have decided to hike the hostel fee by about 10 per cent from next session. The proposal was approved by the Dean, Student Welfare (DSW), and will be tabled at the syndicate meeting scheduled for next month.

According to records, there has been no hike in the hostel fee for the past eight years. At present, there are nine girls and eight boys’ hostels on the PU campus and each hostel can accommodate 360 students.

The Hostel Fee Committee has mooted that students seeking accommodation will be charged Rs 8,500 initially, which includes security, common room and other charges. At present, the hostellers are paying Rs 7,000 for the purpose. The new monthly charges will be around Rs 310, whereas, it is Rs 275 per month at present.

The common room charge which is Rs 50 will become Rs 70. Students will have to shell out Rs 250 instead of Rs 170 as electricity charges. The fresh hostel charges will apply to all the 17 hostels in the university.

The Dean, Students’ Welfare, Navdeep Goyal, confirmed the development and said that the committee had approved the hostel fee hike and it would be implemented from the next session.

He said that after getting the approval from the Syndicate and the Vice-Chancellor, it would be included in the university prospectus.

As per records, a year ago, a committee was constituted to recommend the fee hike of the hostel. The recommendations of the committee were tabled at the Syndicate meeting in September 2013, which were approved by it. But the authorities could not implement the revised fee order in the hostels, as the students staged protest against the increase in the middle of the session. Sources said wardens of the hostels were also in the favour of the new fee structure.

Chandigarh, January 25
The seminar on ‘Women and Violence: Lessons learnt and future strategies’ organised by the Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development concluded here today.

According to a case study by the principal of Government College for Girls, women at the construction sites of the city are most vulnerable to the verbal and sexual violence.

Principal Manjeet Brar said around 225 questionnaires, on the topic of forms of violence at construction sites, were filled from up to 12 construction sites in the city. “The major finding of the case study was that women in unorganised sectors were clueless about the harassment which they face in routine, as it had become a part of their life,” said Brar.

They are just like a reserved force at these sites and whenever there is an increase in work load, their services are utilised by the contractors at their own terms, said the principal.

Brar said there is a lack of basic amenities at all the construction site for the women as well and there are no washrooms or any medical facility available for them. In the study conducted by the principal of the college, Brar focused on the women partners, sweepers and the harassment they have to suffer due to the contractors.

Another paper which was tabled in the seminar was on social-economic differences based on gender. It was presented by a Panjab University associate librarian, Dr Indu. The paper focused on the fact that till the time the government does not stress upon the fast implementation of various women-related schemes, such as right to education and food security bill, women will continue to face gender discrimination.

Over 100 participants from various universities, colleges, NGOs as well as the State Resource Centre for Women, Chandigarh, attended the seminar.

The papers in the seminar covered various topics ranging from mental harassment to violence faced by construction workers, elderly women, disabled and so on.

Delivering the valedictory address, Prof Jyoti, Dean University College, Zayed University, Dubai, said technology should be used to reverse or change gender roles.

Mohali, January 25
Striking safai sewaks resumed work here this morning only after their demand to meet the Deputy Commissioner was met.

A meeting of representatives of the protesters with the Deputy Commissioner was arranged around 9.30 am by the authorities of the Municipal Corporation. It was after meeting the district head that the work of lifting garbage was started by them around 10 am.

BD Singla, additional commissioner of the corporation, said the protesters had suspended their strike till February 20.

He said they had now been asked to clear the heaps of garbage lying along the main roads, in vacant plots and other open spaces. The priority was to lift garbage while sweeping the town areas could be done later. He said it would take about a week to clean up all areas. The safai sewaks, who usually enjoyed weekly off on Sunday, would, however, be working tomorrow.

Safai sewaks had gone on strike on January 15 demanding regularisation of the jobs of persons working on contract-basis over the past many years.

Chandigarh, January 25
The UT Administration is geared up for the Republic Day celebrations to be organised at the Parade ground in Sector 17.

UT officials stated that the police force had been asked to be more vigilant on the D-day. The security across the city has been stepped up and security nakas would be laid in various parts of the city to prevent any untoward incident.

The Republic Day function at the Parade Ground will be followed by ‘At Home function’ to be held at Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Meanwhile, there will be traffic diversions on the roads leading to the Parade Ground in the morning hours and the Punjab Raj Bhawan in the afternoon.

Organisers Flag hoisting ceremony venue

UT Administration Parade Ground, Sector 17, at 10 am

Municipal Corporation Fire Station building, Sector 17, at 9 am

Panjab University Parade Ground on the campus at 8 am

Railway Station In front of railway station at 8.55 am

PGI In front of Kairon Block at 8.50 am

GMSH, Sector 16 In front of nursing hostel at 8.30 am

GMCH, Sector 32 Near Saraya building at 9 am

The emergency services in all the three hospitals - PGI, GMSH-16 and GMCH-32 - will be functional. 

Being Sunday, OPDs will remain closed.

Traffic diversion

The road surrounding the Parade Ground will remain closed from 7 am onwards till the Republic Day function concludes.

The road stretch from Sectors 16/17/22/23 roundabout up to the small rotary near Gurdial Singh Petrol Pump, Sector 22-A, on Udyog Path, the road from Sectors 16/17 crossing up to the roundabout of Sectors 16/17/22/23 on Jan Marg and from light point near Lyon's Restaurant Sector 17 up to Parade Ground, shall remain closed.

Parking

No parking allowed in front of shops in Sector 22 opposite Sector 17

The general public can park their vehicles in the parking area of Sector 22 B, adjacent to Blood Disease Hospital, Sector 23 B, behind Neelam Cinema in Sector 17, in the parking of the Football Stadium and in the Circus Ground, Sector 17.

Buses route

All the buses coming from states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh besides other places will be diverted towards the ISBT Chowk from Bajwara Chowk and Piccadilly Chowk via Himalaya Marg and enter the ISBT from the small rotary near Gurdial Singh Petrol Pump.

Mohali, January 25
The State Election Commission has registered over 7 lakh new voters. Still, around 5 lakh persons, who have attained the age of 18 or above, are yet to be registered as voters. This was stated by Raminder Singh, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, who was in the town today to attend the state-level function to mark the National Voters’ Day.

The function was organised in the auditorium of Shivalik Public School, Phase 6, here.

Raminder Singh urged the voters, particularly the youth, to exercise their right to franchise. “Anyone who aged 18 or above on January 1, 2014, has the right to vote in the forthcoming general elections,” said Raminder Singh, adding that over 22,000 polling booths would be set up across the state where officials of the Election Commission would motivate electorates to vote in the next elections.

Punjab Chief Information Commissioner, Ramesh Inder Singh, who was the chief guest at the function, administered oath to electorates to vote by rising above fear, greed and religion.

Meanwhile, Mohali SDM-cum-Electoral Registration Officer Lakhmir Singh was adjudged as the best Electoral Registration Officer. — TNS

Chandigarh, January 25
The achievements of his predecessor would be the major part of the speech by Mayor HC Kalyan during the Republic Day (R-Day) function.

More or less, Kalyan would be reading the achievements listed by former Mayor Subhash Chawla at the end of his tenure.

The multi-level parking in Sector 17, which is under construction, community centres inaugurated in various sectors and the overbridge, which was inaugurated a few months ago, would be on the list of achievements to be mentioned by the Mayor in his R-Day speech.

The sewage treatment plant in the 3 BRD complex and stray cattle impounded by the MC and shifted to various gaushalas during the last year will also figure among the achievements running over two pages and pertaining to Building and Road (B&R) circle, public health and sanitation wings of the MC. The number of dogs sterilised during the last year and the anti-rabies vaccine purchased by the MC, death and birth registration system made online also figure among the achievements.

There are over 20 achievements that were listed by the former Mayor during a press conference held in December, which would be part of Kalyan’s speech.

Arun Sood, a BJP Councillor and the leader of the Opposition, stated that in the past, the Mayors had been delivering conventional speeches rather than focusing on the new plans for the city. “I feel that the Mayor should not list the achievements, including multi-level parking and overbridge, which have already been listed during the Independence Day speech last year. He should rather speak about new plans for the city and how he is going to execute them,” Sood said.

Chandigarh, January 25
On the eve of 65th Republic Day, a cultural function was organised by the UT Administration at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, here today. The Advisor to the UT Administrator, KK Sharma presided over the function as the chief guest.

“In order to fulfill the dream of attaining total literacy rate in Chandigarh, the Administration needs the active participation and co-operation of citizens of Chandigarh,” said the chief guest on the occasion. Various schools presented dance performances in the function. A dance performance by students of Manav Mangal High School, Sector 21, enthralled one and all. Group song by students of Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 35, and ‘Music Band’ by St John’s High School, Sector 26 also captivated the audience.

A skit was also enacted by students of GMSSS-16 on the occasion. Bhangra by students of GMSSS-46, a group song by students of Navodya Vidyalaya, Sector 25, santhali dance by St Anee’s Senior Secondary School, Sector-32, giddha dance by students of GHS, Dadu Majra, and Haryanavi dance by Moti Ram Senior Secondary School, Sector 27 also left the audience awestruck.

Chandigarh, January 25
In the wake of Republic Day celebrations, the Chandigarh Police undertook a major checking exercise today.

A total of 106 nakas were set up in the city from 7 pm to 9 pm. Approximately 636 police personnel, including 16 DSPs and 22 Inspectors were deployed for the purpose. As many as 5,377 vehicles were checked. While 161 vehicles were challaned for various traffic violations, 13 vehicles were impounded.

The Chandigarh Traffic Police also laid seven special nakas to check drunken driving. As many as 98 challans were issued at these nakas, which included 21 for drunken driving and 77 for other violations. Twenty one vehicles were impounded and a fine of Rs 10,200 collected on the spot.

Chandigarh, January 25
Randhir Singh, a fireman with the Fire and Emergency Services, Chandigarh, has been awarded with the President’s Fire Service Medal for gallantry.

Singh has been selected for the award for showing exemplary courage during a fire incident at a house in Sector 37 here on January 23, 2013.

The incident was reported to the Fire and Emergency Control Room, Fire Station, Sector 17, Chandigarh. Within a few minutes of receiving the call, a fire tender along with a team of firefighters from the Fire Station, Sector 38, reached the spot and found that a cooking gas cylinder had caught fire.

Randhir Singh, who was holding the firefighting delivery hose pipe, kept spraying water to douse the flames despite knowing that his life was at risk as the cylinder could have burst.

As the fate would have it, the cylinder did burst leaving the fireman seriously injured. He was evacuated and rushed to a hospital.

Fire officials said a major fire incident was averted due to Randhir Singh’s brave act. “He showed an exemplary courage and dedication towards his duty, which is worth emulating,” the officials stated.

Chandigarh, January 25
City braveheart Lt Col Bikramjit Singh of 16 Light Cavalry, who died while fighting terrorists who had attacked an Army establishment at Samba near Jammu in September last year, has been decorated with the Shaurya Chakra.

The citation for the award announced on the eve of the Republic Day states that Lt Col Bikramjit Singh, then serving as second-in-command of his unit, is being commended for his speedy, tactically sound actions, courageous and bold leadership in the face of mortal danger and for acting swiftly without waiting for a weapon or protective gear, well beyond the call of duty.

On September 26, 2013, at approximately 7:15 am, Lt Col Bikramjit Singh, on hearing the sound of automatic weapons near the officers’ mess complex, rushed to the site. He spotted a terrorist hiding in a Nala, bringing down fire and attempting to break out toward an adjacent residential accommodation. The presence of the armed terrorist notwithstanding, the officer moved from one position to another, shouting instructions and directing action against the terrorist. His prompt and fearless actions dislodged the terrorist from an effective firing position, forcing him (terrorist) to seek cover in a room leading to his eventual elimination.

The officer suffered fatal gunshot injuries during the encounter. With his actions he prevented the movement of terrorists toward the officers’ accommodation complex and provided time for the unit’s quick reaction team to form a tight cordon. His actions prevented loss of more lives, especially those of unarmed women and children, the citation states.

The 37-year old officer had been commissioned into the Army about 14 years ago. He was the only son of his parents, Major Paramjeet Singh (retd) and Luvpreet Kaur. He was survived by his wife, Navneet Kaur, who is a teacher, and an eight-year old daughter Ramneet besides elderly parents.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen Philip Campose has been awarded a Bar to the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished services.

Chandigarh, January 25
The first match of the Hockey India League (HIL) started amidst glamour at the newly built stadium of Mohali this evening. The opening match was played between Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Delhi Waveriders.

Earlier, Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri’s performance and fireworks captivated the audience. The power-packed performance by both the teams added to the hysteria.

In the opening game of the 2014 HIL, Delhi Waveriders defeated the team of Jaypee Punjab Warriors. Last year, the local team suffered a 2-1 defeat. This year, the margin extended to 3-1.

Ace drag flicker Sandeep Singh failed to turn the fortunes in the team’s favour. He failed to convert three penalty corners into a goal.

Earlier, the match started on a perfect note with both the teams building pressure on each other. Facing the absence of its senior player, former Indian Hockey Team skipper Ignace Tirkey, the Punjab side fumbled in early minutes. Later, the team recovered well. The half-line kept calm and supplied some good passes to the strikers but they failed to sneak into the rival’s defence. Taking full advantage of regular misses, the Delhi side pressurised the rivals’ defence and started coming up with sharp attacks.

Using its wingers, the Delhi side scored its first goal through Talwinder Singh in the 29th minute. Later, the Punjab side collected its shortcomings and started disturbing Delhi’s defence line with long passes. In the 34th minute, the team levelled the score through Yousuf Affan. After sealing the first half at 1-1, the Delhi side made a strong comeback. Regular penetration in the Punjab’s arena led them to post two lead goals. Jason Wilson scored both goals, one each in 47th minute and 68th minute, respectively. All goals were scored as field goals.

The Jaypee Punjab Warriors team will play its second match against Dabur Mumbai Magicians at the newly built hockey stadium of Mohali on Sunday at 8 pm. Being a holiday, the host team is expecting a good crowd. The Mumbai side will play its first match of the tournament.

After the first HIL match, Bharti Airtel Limited awarded the winner of the Airtel Golden Goal Contest with a cheque of Rs 10,000. In Saturday’s match, Ravinder Pal, Gurdaspur, Jaideep Singh, Gurdaspur, Gurjant Singh, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh, Amritsar, and Harkirat Singh, Amritsar, won the prize. In every match, five spectators will get an opportunity to participate in the contest.

Pargat Singh, former Indian hockey team captain and sitting MLA, unveiled the trophy of the 2014 HIL in Mohali. However, the local residents felt that the organisers could have approached three-time Olympics medallist Balbir Singh (senior), who is a living hockey legend. 

Mohali, January 25
Elaborate security arrangements and other preparations have been made for the Republic Day celebrations to be held here tomorrow.

The main function would be held at Government College, Phase VI. Punjab Education Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka would unfurl the National Flag and take the salute of the march past, said Deputy Commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Parveen Kumar Thind said apart from a cultural programme at the main function, there would be tableaux that would highlight various developmental activities.

Security has been beefed up to ensure that the celebrations are held without any disruption. More than 450 police personnel have been deployed here and SHOs have been directed to set up nakas and carry out special checking.

The persons who will be honoured at the Republic Day function for their outstanding contribution in different fields are Gagandeep Singh Dhanoa, Dr Daler Singh Multani, Dr Neera Verma, Chandandeep, Jagtar Singh Benipal, Jaspal Singh Saini, Parvesh Kumar, Baldev Singh Malhi, Jagmohan Singh Khosa , Varinder Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, Charan Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Anita Sharma, Santokh Singh and Pamel Preet. 

Chandigarh, January 25
Polar vortex, which is globally affecting the weather pattern, especially in the United States and Europe, has started affecting North India.

Meteorological Department director Surinder Pal Singh said during the past one month there had been a drastic change in the weather phenomena in the region due to which there was a great variation in the temperature and occurrence of rain.

He said another reason of diversity in temperature was due to regular rain.

Chandigarh, January 25
Ishika Goel, a student of The British School, Sector 8, Panchkula, brought laurels to the country by winning a gold medal in the 4th South Asian Sqay Championship - 2014 held at Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 18 to 21.

The event was hosted by the Sqay Federation of Nepal. Over 400 students from India, Nepal and Bhutan took part in the international tournament.

Her back-to-back gold medals in all recent tournaments at the national and international levels have inspired her elder brother as well.

Ishika's brother, Tanishq Goel, a Class VII student of the same school, also bagged a silver medal in the +45 kg weight category for boys. — TNS

Chandigarh, January 25
The Department of Law in collaboration with Surana and Surana International Attorneys organised Philips C Jessup moot court competition 2014 India-North rounds.

As many as 17 teams participated in the preliminary rounds conducted in different courtrooms of the department on Day 2. The chairperson of the department, Prof Nishtha Jaswal, welcomed Justice Rajive Bhalla, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, dignitaries and the participants on the occasion.

Justice Bhalla, during his inaugural address, said, there were no moot court competitions during his time but today students have lots of such opportunities. These competitions provide a platform to students to learn nuances of the subject, art of advocacy and meticulous research required in preparing the case, said Bhalla.

The Advisor and secretary to Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, RL Kapoor presided over the function.

The international moot court competition is being held in the Department of Laws, Panjab University, for the first time.

Chandigarh, January 25
The SIS Public School, Phase VII, Mohali, celebrated Republic Day. Students presented a cultural extravaganza on the occasion.

A play depicting the story of independence of the nation was the highlight of the function.

Inderjeet Kaur Sandhu, principal of the school, applauded the efforts of the students and teachers

“Such programmes guide the young generation on the right path and acknowledge them of their responsibilities towards their country,” said the principal.