Chandigarh, July 1
Surpassing all previous records in the science stream, the highest cut-off in government schools this year has gone up to a perfect 10 CGPA. The highest cut-off in the commerce stream is 9 CGPA, while in the humanities stream, it is 8 CGPA.

According to information uploaded on the official website of the Education Department, Government Model Senior Secondary School, Modern Housing Complex (MHC), Mani Majra, remained the most sought-after school for the science stream as all 90 general seats were grabbed by 10 CGPA holders. Under the sports quota, the cut-off was 8.8, while in the Scheduled Caste category, for 19 seats, the cut-off was 7.6. In the physically challenged category, the cut-off was 7.6, while in the defence category, for six seats, the cut-off was 8.4 CGPA. Elaborating on the reasons behind students with higher CGPA opting for admission to the GMSSS, Mani Majra, the Principal of the school, Kund Bala, said, “A large number of students from private schools in Panchkula prefer to pursue their higher studies in our school due to a reasonable fee structure and quality education.”

She said the school had been performing well in academics, both in the matriculation and senior secondary level. Educationists said the timing of the school, which is till 1 pm, was one of the factors for science students opting for the school as they could take tuitions after school hours. In the commerce stream, the highest cut-off remained at 9, while in humanities, it was 8 CGPA. Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 16, was the toughest to get admission in the humanities and commerce streams. In the commerce stream, for 129 seats at the school, 24 students with a perfect 10 CGPA grabbed the seats in the general category, while in the sports category, for three seats, the cut-off was 7.4 CGPA. In the Scheduled Caste category, for 20 seats, the cut-off was 7 CGPA, while in the defence category, for seven seats, the cut-off was 6.6 CGPA. In the humanities stream, for 127 seats at the GMSSS, Sector 16, eight students with a 10 CGPA got seats in the general category. In the sports category, for three seats, the cut-off was 6, while in the Scheduled Caste category, for 20 seats, the cut-off was 6.4. In the defence category, for five seats, the cut-off was 5.2. The Principal of the GMSSS, Sector 16, Anujit Kaur, said, “Since the school has been showing good results, students prefer pursuing their higher studies in our school.”

The cut-off in the science stream in the top five government schools was between 10 and 8 CGPA, while in the commerce stream, it was between 9 and 8.8 CGPA. In humanities, it was between 8 and 6.4 CGPA.

Chandigarh, July 1
Irked by the high cost of onion in the market in your sector? Here is some relief for you. The UT Administration has set up a special stall at the grain and vegetable market, Sector 26, where onion, including the Nashik variety, is available at Rs 22 per kg, much below the market cost of Rs 40 per kg.

In a respite to residents from the increasing price of onion in markets across the city, the Administration has roped in the Mani Majra Cooperative Society for the purpose. A stall has been set up opposite shop number 40 for selling onion at reasonable rates and to check hoarding. Amid speculations about onion prices soaring in the coming weeks across the country, the price of onion supplied from Nashik has increased to Rs 40 per kg in the retail market. This is double the price in the wholesale market for the same variety of onion, indicating malpractice and speculation by middlemen. The cost is similar in markets in Sectors 23, 46 and 8, and in movable stalls (rehris) across the city.

In apni mandis, the cost varies between Rs 25 and Rs 30 per kg. The other variety of onion, which comes from Rajasthan, is available at Rs 15 a kg in wholesale, while in sector markets, this variety of onion (characterised by a darker shade), is being sold at Rs 30 per kg.

The prices of other vegetables are currently stable and are likely to remain so in the coming week, according to market sources.

The police remove help desks after a clash between PUSU and SOI leaders at the PU in Chandigarh on Tuesday. Tribune photos: S Chandan

The security staff reached the spot , but students of both parties did not stop and manhandled each other. Eyewitnesses said big shots, including Rashpal Hakuwal, Meet Jatana, Yadwinder Dhaliwal, Simranjeet Dhillon and Vikram Medukhera of the SOI, were involved in clash.

Students inconvenienced

On the second last day of submission of admission forms, students, who had come from far-off places, had to face inconvenience as after the clash, they preferred not to visit the single window counter to deposit forms.

Past incident

July 7, 2013: Two youths were injured in a bloody group clash between members of the Hindustan Students Association, the National Students Organisation and the National Students Union of India at help desks set up near the post office on the PU campus.

Candlelight march

A candlelight march was carried out by the NSUI at Student Centre on Tuesday.

No student elections this year?

A senior official said on condition of anonymity that the university was planning not to hold student elections this year as parties were creating problems on the campus over petty issues.

Chief security officer against help desks

Chief security officer Jatinder Grover said after Tuesday's incident, he had recommended to the authorities that from next year, no party should be allowed to set up a help desk.

Parties asked to remove help desks

Dean Students Welfare Navdeep Goyal said after the incident, all parties were asked to remove their help desks from the spot by 5 pm.

Last date extended

The PU has extended the last date for submission of application forms for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the PU teaching departments or institutes and its regional centres till July 4. Earlier, the last date was July 2.

Panchkula, July 1
A student of Class VIII was allegedly raped by a 28-year-old married man in Tamil Colony in Sector 21 here today. The accused, Shakti, has been arrested by the police. According to the police, the wife and children of the accused were away to their native place in Tamil Nadu for a vacation. Shakti brought the girl to his house, saying that his sister (a friend of the victim) was calling her. The houses of the accused and the victim are in the same lane. The victim is a student of a government school.

Inspector Munish Kumar, SHO of the Sector 5 police station, said the victim was medically examined, which confirmed rape. "The victim was alone at her house when the accused came and said that his sister was calling her. He took her to his house and committed the crime. He threatened her not to narrate the incident to anyone,” said a police official. The victim informed her parents following which the police were approached. The accused fled from the spot, but was later arrested.

The girl was taken to the General Hospital, Sector 6, for a medical examination. She was taken to the One Stop Crisis Centre at the hospital, opened for such victims for counselling. A case has been registered at the Sector 5 police station.

Chandigarh, July 1
After getting little results from the public darbar of UT Administrator Shivraj Patil, city residents are turning to the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Kirron Kher to get their pending issues resolved.

Getting down to the business, Kirron today started her promised ‘public meetings’ with city residents. From 11 am tro 1 pm today, the new MP heard complaints from across the city.

“I give priority to the city residents so that they explain their problem in depth and the whole exercise does not turn out to be futile,” she said soon after interacting with a delegation of villagers at the BJP’s office in Sector 33 here.

The MP plans to spend five days a week to listen to city residents’ grievances.

Talking to the Tribune, Kirron Kher said she was hopeful that the Administration officials would be performing now. She added, “I highlighted the problems faced by city residents during the Administrator’s Advisory Council meeting yesterday.”

Kirron also interacted with BJP workers to re-energise them.

Later in the evening, she met residents of 22 villages at Burail. The issue of regularisation of houses outside lal dora was raised during the meeting.

Shingara Singh, chairman of the panchayat committee, stated that regularisation of houses was a long-pending issue and they were expecting a positive response from the MP. The demand to develop villages having modern facilities was also raised during the meeting.

Later, Kirron headed for a function organised by the UT Employees CHB Housing Welfare Society at Sector 7. The employees requested her to revive the employees housing scheme of 2008.

Chandigarh, July 1
Amid rising prices of vegetables and speculations about further increase in the coming days, the frequent hike in the rates of petrol (increasing on four occasions) and milk (increasing on three occasions) in the past six months has given a tough time to city residents.

The price of petrol has been increased thrice since January this year while the cost of diesel was revised upwards eight times. Currently, the price per litre of petrol and diesel is Rs 74.63 and Rs 58.89, respectively.

Meanwhile, the cost of Verka milk, one of most demanded brand of milk in the city, has reportedly increased on three occasions. The per litre price of Verka milk has increased by Rs 6 in the past over seven months.

Officials in the Milkfed, the producers of Verka, said the frequent rise was due to rising procurement cost of milk.

Chandigarh, July 1
The monsoon is likely to hit the city in the next 24 hours, according to the Met department.

Met officials said the city received pre-monsoon showers today and recorded 9.6 mm of rainfall.

Met director Surinder Pal Singh said even though the pre-monsoon was week in the region, there were chances of the monsoon being normal.

Singh said the temperature in the city would fall in the coming days.

As per the Met department, the maximum temperature recorded today was 30.7 degree Celsius, which is five degrees below normal, and the minimum temperature 23.6 degree Celsius, which is one degree above normal.

While the forecast for the next three days is partly cloudy sky, there will be a fall in the maximum and minimum temperatures. — TNS

Chandigarh, July 1
Soon booths will be set up across the city where MC officials will be addressing the sanitation-related problems faced by residents. The issue for allotment of the land was taken up by the Mayor during the monthly coordination meeting of the UT and the MC held today.

The sanitation booths will not only help in addressing the grievances of the residents but will also provide space for sanitary inspectors to mark the attendance of safai karamcharis working in the area. Presently, the attendance is marked outside public toilets in city markets.

Mayor HC Kalyan said the sanitation booths would also be used to store brooms of safai karamcharis. “During the meeting, I raised the demand for allotting land for setting up sanitation booths, which would facilitate residents,” he stated.

Sanitation is one of the major issues in Chandigarh with residents often complaining of safai karamcharis not turning up to clean the roads in their sectors. Subsequently, insanitary conditions prevailed in the areas.

BJP councillor Saurabh Joshi stated that his demand for setting up a sanitation booth was pending for the last sometime, which got recently approved.

“The drawing for the sanitation booth in Sector 15 has been approved and the booth will be constructed from the ward development fund,” Joshi added.

The councillor further stated that the residents, who have any complaint regarding cleanliness in their area, would be able to register their complaints at the booth.

Presently, the complaints can be registered either on phone or the MC’s website.

For the year 2014-15, the MC has a budget of Rs 27 crore for solid waste management, which includes sanitation-cum-mechanical transportation of garbage.

Chandigarh, July 1
The issue of providing compensation to the firemen who died during the recent fire incident was raised during a meeting of the coordination committee of the UT and the Municipal Corporation (MC) held today. The issue of 314 vacant posts in the Fire and Emergency Services Department was also taken up during the meeting.

Mayor HC Kalyan said he discussed the issue of granting an administrative approval for compensation between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh each to the two firemen, who lost their lives while they were dousing flames at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) building in Sector 17 on June 8.

The Mayor pointed out that 314 posts of leading firemen, firemen and drivers should be sanctioned at the earliest to strengthen the Fire and Emergency Department of the MC.

The civic body has already proposed an insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh in case of death of a fireman during firefighting and Rs 10 lakh in case of 75 per cent disability.

However, the MC House is yet to accord its approval to the proposal.

Mohali, July 1
The Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Mohali, sent 401 notices to residents for misusing water during the morning supply hours. The authorities concerned had imposed a ban in April on use of water for washing cars, courtyards and irrigating lawns in the morning hours. The ban had been imposed till June 30.

Rajinder Kumar Jhalli, executive engineer, said though some notices had also been issued for using ‘tullu’ pumps but most of these were issued for misuing water for washing of cars, courtyards and irrigating lawns. He said fines of Rs 500 had also been imposed in the case of about 25 violations. Consumers would be asked to pay these fines along with their water bills.

The executive engineer said lot of awareness was created among residents regarding the misuse of water. This had resulted in less violations this year, which had come down from 1000 (last year’s figure) to 401. Thirteen teams had been doing the rounds in the town to check the misuse of water. Each team was headed by a junior engineer.

Chandigarh, July 1
In a move that will bring respite to thousands of patients who wish to buy generic medicines but fail to identify their generic names, PGIMER Director Dr YK Chawla has asked doctors to prescribe generic medicines along with the names of branded medicines.

A circular was issued recently by the PGIMER Director that made it mandatory for all consultants to ensure that with every medicine prescribed to patients, an alternative generic drug name is clearly mentioned.

“Patients will find it easy to get generic drugs that are much cheaper than branded drugs. The prescriptions will have the names of generic medicines along with the names of branded medicines for helping patients identify the salt name when they go to chemist shops,” said PGIMER’s spokesperson, Manju Wadwalkar.

In fact, as per the rate contract of all 15 chemists on the PGIMER campus, the discount to be provided on generic medicines is 30 per cent while on branded medicines it has to be a maximum of 15 per cent.

The MRP of branded medicines often turns out to be 300 per cent higher than that of generic medicines. While all chemists stock generic medicines, they sell branded medicines on a priority, according to official inspections.

Panchkula, July 1
The residents of Gandhi colony started a hunger strike against the demolition drive after the two-day time given by the Haryana Urban development Authrotiy (HUDA) got over today.

Apprehending that the demolition drive may be conducted tomorrow by the HUDA, this step was taken. As many as 100 inmates were still sitting on the protest till the filing of the report.

Meanwhile, HUDA is likely to conduct the drive tomorrow. They have even written to the police department regarding more force for the same.

HUDA estate officer Gurmeet Singh said, “We have plans to conduct the drive. The inmates have been given sufficient time to vacate the area. After all it is government land.” Sources said that odd hours may be chosen for the drive.

Yesterday after the inmates failed to settle the matter with HUDA authority, they sat on a protest. After finding that still they are not being listened to, they decided to go a hunger strike today.

On Sunday, when the drive began, the mob pelted stones and bricks leaving people injured. The mob also stopped the Kalka-Ambala train for 25 minutes in the protest. The drive was stopped mid way after politicians intervened.

The encroachment wing of the Haryana Urban Development Authroity (HUDA) had just cleared 15 shanties when the mob, pelted stones at the deployed police force.

Constable Sandeep Kumar, Head Constable Mukesh, Head Constable Joginde, ASI Dewaan Chand were among those injured.

Chandigarh, July 1
High drama was witnessed at the Aroma light point this evening when an NRI lady was challaned by the UT Traffic police. The lady Meenaskshi was challaned for five offences, including rash driving, misbehaving with a woman cop and other offences.

Panchkula, July 1
Mystery continues to shroud the Jyoti murder case as the reports by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Chandigarh opined that the hair strands on the victim’s sweater was of a male. However, it couldn’t be specified whose hair strands were those on her seeater.

After the hair strands of Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary and two others didn’t match with, even the opinion about the fourth accused (second key accused) Paramjeet’s hair strand was not conclusive,” said defense counsel Amandeep Bindra.

The reports(a copy of which is with Chandigarh Tribune) mentioned, “The hair sample recovered from the sweater was subjected to DNA profiling which indicated human male origin, further no opinion could be given due to the incomplete mixture of profile developed.”

Meanwhile, on all the five seat covers of the car that was used in the crime and reportedly belongs to Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary, the report stated, stated “Negative for semen, saliva, spermatozoa and blood test.” No semen, saliva or blood of anyone was found on the same. Even regarding the clothes of the victim, it was written that the blood was of common origin but nothing was specified about the accused. This blood was not found on the seat covers. The clothes including socks, jeans, sweater, stained cloth and undershirt all stated negative for semen and saliva.

Following the supplementary ‘challan’ submitted by the Panchkula police, three more witnesses have been summoned for the next date including two doctors of the CFSL, Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, July 1
A former Punjab bureaucrat and ex-member of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Daliip Singh Sandhu, died after a brief illness yesterday.

Sandhu was active in social service and associated with the Chief Khalsa Dewan Education Society. He is survived by three sons, IS Sandhu and Mandeep Singh Sandhu, both Punjab cadre IAS officers, and Baldeep Singh Sandhu, Chief Commissioner, Income tax.

The antim ardas would be held on July 10.

Chandigarh, July 1
A cultural evening, ‘Ek Shaam Senior Citizens Ke Naam’ was organised by the Prithvi Raj Gaar-E and UT Social Welfare Department at the Senior Citizens Home in Sector 43 here today evening. Rajesh Jogpal, director, Social Welfare, Chandigarh, was the chief guest.

Those who performed on the occasion included Arun Chandel, Divya Bhatt, Ashok Sharma, Tony Suri, Dr Naveen and Dr Navi.

Chandigarh, July 1
Six days after the issue of reservation of an NRI seat for an SC candidate in the GMCH-32 MBBS admissions came to the fore, UT Adviser KK Sharma today met an aggrieved parent of one of the NRI candidates, Kurrun, to discuss the issue.

Dr Harbir Sekhon, Kurrun’s father and a US-based doctor, met the UT Adviser. Sekhon has also been summoned by the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Kurrun had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Saturday, challenging the reservation of one of the six NRI seats in MBBS course at the GMCH-32 for Scheduled Caste candidates.

On Monday, the court had issued notices of motion to the UT Administration, UT Health Secretary, Anil Kumar (who had issued reservation directions), and the GMCH-32 to file their replies by July 9.

“The UT Adviser had serious concerns over the matter and assured me that the matter is being examined,” said Dr Sekhon.

Sources in the UT Administration said the meeting was held following a notice by the High Court to the UT Administration.

Meanwhile, the UT Adviser could not be contacted for comments.

Chandigarh, July 1
Panjab University (PU), has declared the detailed schedule for the counselling of various teaching departments on the PU campus.

The Centre for Human Rights and Duties date for the entrance test, group discussion and personal interview and counselling is July 10, 2014.

The list of the departments and dates of counselling have been notified for the benefit of students.

Chandigarh, July 1
Dr Z India Health Care Pvt Ltd, Desh Bhagat University and Desh Bhagat Radio 107.8 FM (Aap Ki Awaz) celebrated Doctors’ Day here today.

Surjit Kumar Jyani, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Punjab honoured 17 doctors of the Tri-City and Punjab were honoured for their efforts and achievements in the field of healthcare.

“The awardee doctors honoured on this Doctors’ Day have excelled in their field and they have made the noble profession more proud,” said Dr Zora Singh, Chairman, Dr Z India Health Care Pvt Ltd, Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, Chairman, Desh Bhagat Group and Chairman Desh Bhagat Radio.

He also said doctors chose this profession in order to serve the society and they understand the tremendous responsibility it entails. Dr Singh assured that they intend to continue the healthy practice of honouring the doctors in future as well, which they started in 2013.

Chandigarh, July 1
Ryan Group of Institutions launched a nation-wide tree plantation campaign today.

The initiative was launched on the theme “Green India, Clean India, Beautiful India”.

The plantation drive was carried out as part of the Environment Day celebrations.

On the occasion, two groups comprising 12 students each and a teacher, visited the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Complex in Sector 49-B and the Chandigarh Airport where they planted different types of saplings.

The ceremony commenced with a prayer followed by the song by the teams at their respective venues.