Sukhbir Siwach
[ 8 Sep, 2006 0339hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: Despite protests by some sarpanches and BJP activists, the UT administration has decided to go ahead with its plans to merge villages with the Chandigarh municipal corporation.
The administration has turned down the objections raised against the move and a notification will be issued soon to merge five villages with the civic body.
These villages are Dadu Majra, Kajheri, Maloya, Hallomajra and Palsora. The UT administration had decided to merge the villages in phases. Later, other villages in the UT would also be made a part of the civic body.
The administration had invited objections to its proposal a fortnight back and subsequently received nine.
Sources said many of those who had raised the objections had demanded that first better infrastructure should be provided in these villages. Some had demanded that these villages should be declared as 'model villages'.
Mayor Surinder Singh asserted that the civic body would insure improved infrastructure and facilities in these villages.
Talking to Times of Chandigarh, a senior UT officer said, "Villagers had raised some apprehensions regarding the importance of 'gram sabhas'. But there would be no vacuum as the municipal corporation would replace these bodies after the villages become a part of the civic body."
A few days back, in the wake of the UT administration's decision, a delegation led by Mam Chand Rana, sarpanch of Maloya and president of the BJP's Kisan Morcha, had met with the home secretary and had filed objections to the merger move in respect of Maloya and Dadu Majra villages.
"The UT administration's decision is not all in the interest of the residents of these villages and they should not be merged with the municipal council, as this would be a glaring violation of the Panchayati Raj Act as well as the Indian constitution", Rana said.
The delegation had told the home secretary that "the UT's move seems to have been taken hurriedly without taking into consideration the exact position of each village.
Most of the land in Maloya and Dadu Majra is agricultural and the residents' main source of livelihood is farming". BJP activists had recently staged a demonstration against the administration's move.
Showing posts with label Chandigarh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chandigarh. Show all posts
Friday, September 08, 2006
Chandigarh: These students want to vote for 'nobody'
Garima Talwar
[ 8 Sep, 2006 0340hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: "In the ballot papers, there should be an option as I vote nobody", said vigilant students of Punjab University.
Has the recent display of incidents between students unions, where they play dirty to outnumber each other, drilled fear in the minds of students?
Keeping in account the recent case where a neutral person got stabbed or the latest incident outside Mata Gujri hostel, where on the name of politics, personal rivalry between two girls came to the fore in the most obscene manner and student unions took the charge of bubbling up the situation to strengthen their vote banks, students certainly feel that none of these people are really fit to become their leaders.
"I really wish that we were given the choice to vote for 'nobody' to express our disapproval against the leaders. We want someone who can fight for the real cause. Calling a strike over petty issues like attendance or mess food is so whimsical. Why can't we have leaders who can think beyond this", said Naresh (name changed), a student of mass communication at PU.
Echoing his views, Supriya of English department said, "An option of 'nobody' in ballot papers would surely go with my expression of antipathy and resentment towards the present political scenario, both at university and national level."
In the abyss of gaining power, political parties seem to have swayed from the very purpose for which they had come into existence.
According to Maninder (name changed) of law department: "It is a sheer wastage of university funds. We can put this money into something productive like building an open-air auditorium or setting up various societies. Most of the leaders are amateurs who can go to any length to fill their vote banks. I have lost faith in them completely."
Harleen Sidhu, a pass out of English department, who completely complies with the situation, said, "PU politics is really dirty and not a single person is fit to be a student representative in the real sense since nobody is fighting for students. They are just fighting amongst themselves."
[ 8 Sep, 2006 0340hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: "In the ballot papers, there should be an option as I vote nobody", said vigilant students of Punjab University.
Has the recent display of incidents between students unions, where they play dirty to outnumber each other, drilled fear in the minds of students?
Keeping in account the recent case where a neutral person got stabbed or the latest incident outside Mata Gujri hostel, where on the name of politics, personal rivalry between two girls came to the fore in the most obscene manner and student unions took the charge of bubbling up the situation to strengthen their vote banks, students certainly feel that none of these people are really fit to become their leaders.
"I really wish that we were given the choice to vote for 'nobody' to express our disapproval against the leaders. We want someone who can fight for the real cause. Calling a strike over petty issues like attendance or mess food is so whimsical. Why can't we have leaders who can think beyond this", said Naresh (name changed), a student of mass communication at PU.
Echoing his views, Supriya of English department said, "An option of 'nobody' in ballot papers would surely go with my expression of antipathy and resentment towards the present political scenario, both at university and national level."
In the abyss of gaining power, political parties seem to have swayed from the very purpose for which they had come into existence.
According to Maninder (name changed) of law department: "It is a sheer wastage of university funds. We can put this money into something productive like building an open-air auditorium or setting up various societies. Most of the leaders are amateurs who can go to any length to fill their vote banks. I have lost faith in them completely."
Harleen Sidhu, a pass out of English department, who completely complies with the situation, said, "PU politics is really dirty and not a single person is fit to be a student representative in the real sense since nobody is fighting for students. They are just fighting amongst themselves."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Chandigargh: Mobile towers sending out some unfriendly waves too
The effects of health of electromagnetic radiations from mobile towers are debated; but the city is getting a chunk of those waves, says a new study
Express India, Revathi Ramalingam
Chandigargh, September 6: A study by the Centre for Environmental Studies, Panjab University, has detected very high levels of Electro-magnetic Radiation (EMR) caused mainly by the city’s mobile phone towers.
According to the study, Sector 46 recorded the highest levels of EMR - 97900 microwatts per square metre - followed by Sectors 42, 51, 21, 40, 30 and 18.
The world over, there has been an intense debate over the possible health hazards posed by EMR. Research studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to EMR could cause neurological, cardiac, respiratory and ophthalmological disorders. Some of the long-term effects include brain damage, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s disease, genetic damage and increased risk of cancer. Studies have also shown that the radiation affects teenagers and children more.
Despite this, mobile towers continue to be erected near schools, residential areas, universities, markets and parks not only in Chandigarh but across the country.
Talking to Newsline, Dr R K Kohli, coordinator of the Centre said the study was conducted over a period of three months. Several readings were taken in each Sector using an RF Field Strength meter at different heights - six feet, chest level and ground level. The data was then compiled and an average taken to give the readings.
According to the study, Sector 1 recorded the lowest reading of 500 followed by Sector 4 at 1,300. In addition, popular hangouts such as Sector 17 recorded a figure of 15,500 while the reading at Panjab University in Sector 14 was 2,600. Interestingly, the readings were found to be much lower near trees as the trees absorb the radiations to a large extent. The effects of EMR on health continues to be a widely debated topic with some experts saying that the studies done so far are not conclusive and more long term data is needed to determine effects.
Express India, Revathi Ramalingam
Chandigargh, September 6: A study by the Centre for Environmental Studies, Panjab University, has detected very high levels of Electro-magnetic Radiation (EMR) caused mainly by the city’s mobile phone towers.
According to the study, Sector 46 recorded the highest levels of EMR - 97900 microwatts per square metre - followed by Sectors 42, 51, 21, 40, 30 and 18.
The world over, there has been an intense debate over the possible health hazards posed by EMR. Research studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to EMR could cause neurological, cardiac, respiratory and ophthalmological disorders. Some of the long-term effects include brain damage, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s disease, genetic damage and increased risk of cancer. Studies have also shown that the radiation affects teenagers and children more.
Despite this, mobile towers continue to be erected near schools, residential areas, universities, markets and parks not only in Chandigarh but across the country.
Talking to Newsline, Dr R K Kohli, coordinator of the Centre said the study was conducted over a period of three months. Several readings were taken in each Sector using an RF Field Strength meter at different heights - six feet, chest level and ground level. The data was then compiled and an average taken to give the readings.
According to the study, Sector 1 recorded the lowest reading of 500 followed by Sector 4 at 1,300. In addition, popular hangouts such as Sector 17 recorded a figure of 15,500 while the reading at Panjab University in Sector 14 was 2,600. Interestingly, the readings were found to be much lower near trees as the trees absorb the radiations to a large extent. The effects of EMR on health continues to be a widely debated topic with some experts saying that the studies done so far are not conclusive and more long term data is needed to determine effects.
Chandigargh: Polish dancers present a vibrant fusion
Members of Ziemia Myslenicka are in city under an exchange programme
Express News Service
Chandigargh, September 6: It was a visual treat at Ryan International School, Sector 49, as 23 delegates from Poland participated in a cultural bonanza of songs and dances. Dolly Guleria, eminent Punjabi singer, presided over the function.
Comprising mainly students, the visitors were in India as part of a cultural exchange programme. Beginning with a group dance called Goralski, which is a folk dance of the highlanders, the group performed dances and songs from their native land. They surprised everybody by presenting Bhangra, which was the final act of the evening and for which the dancers dressed up in the traditional Punjabi costumes.
Meanwhile, the students of the host school presented a Bharatnatyam performance dance followed by Rajasthani and Punjabi dances.
Talking to Newsline, one of the visitors said that the group was called ‘Ziemia Myslenicka’, which means the land of Myslenicka — a part of Poland where they all hail from.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of the group, Anna Pietrak, said the team had arrived in India on August 29 to participate in the International Festival of Performing Arts organised by Ryan International in Delhi.
Following that, they had came to Chandigarh on Tuesday for a two-day stay. ‘‘From here, it’s onto Ludhiana and Amritsar, before we leave for Poland on September 11,’’ Anna said.
In the two days that they spent here, the Poles got the chance to experience a slice of life in Chandigarh as they stayed with the families of the students. Though the change in weather and food were two of the biggest challenges, Anna said the group had slowly gotten used it. ‘‘They’re enjoying the stay now,’’ she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, apart from taking a sightseeing tour, the visitors also got a chance to learn some nuances of Indian art, craft and dance today. Earlier today, the school organised workshops where the visitors learnt block printing, glass painting and classical dance.
Express News Service
Chandigargh, September 6: It was a visual treat at Ryan International School, Sector 49, as 23 delegates from Poland participated in a cultural bonanza of songs and dances. Dolly Guleria, eminent Punjabi singer, presided over the function.
Comprising mainly students, the visitors were in India as part of a cultural exchange programme. Beginning with a group dance called Goralski, which is a folk dance of the highlanders, the group performed dances and songs from their native land. They surprised everybody by presenting Bhangra, which was the final act of the evening and for which the dancers dressed up in the traditional Punjabi costumes.
Meanwhile, the students of the host school presented a Bharatnatyam performance dance followed by Rajasthani and Punjabi dances.
Talking to Newsline, one of the visitors said that the group was called ‘Ziemia Myslenicka’, which means the land of Myslenicka — a part of Poland where they all hail from.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of the group, Anna Pietrak, said the team had arrived in India on August 29 to participate in the International Festival of Performing Arts organised by Ryan International in Delhi.
Following that, they had came to Chandigarh on Tuesday for a two-day stay. ‘‘From here, it’s onto Ludhiana and Amritsar, before we leave for Poland on September 11,’’ Anna said.
In the two days that they spent here, the Poles got the chance to experience a slice of life in Chandigarh as they stayed with the families of the students. Though the change in weather and food were two of the biggest challenges, Anna said the group had slowly gotten used it. ‘‘They’re enjoying the stay now,’’ she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, apart from taking a sightseeing tour, the visitors also got a chance to learn some nuances of Indian art, craft and dance today. Earlier today, the school organised workshops where the visitors learnt block printing, glass painting and classical dance.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Chandigarh: Teen's revelations shock cops
[ 6 Sep, 2006 0318hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: It's been quite a while that people have stopped calling Chandigarh safe.
But the city, turning increasingly dangerous lately, was still not prepared for what the UT police announced on Tuesday — the rape and murder of a 72-year-old helpless woman by three youths, one of them just 16.
As even those within the department recoiled in horror, the police said the depravity didn't end there. They said there were indications that the youths may have had intercourse with the woman even after she was dead.
Sarla Devi was alone when the trio, all drug addicts, barged into her house on Saturday — she lived alone in her Sector 15 residence — and strangulated her to death with the intention of robbing her.
But three used condoms at the site of the crime indicated that she had also been raped. Members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which arrested a drug addict involved in the ghastly crime, a 16-year-old, said his revelations sent a chill down their spine.
The other two are still at large. "One of them first raped her and then they killed her for fear that she may make some noise. And then these perverted youth raped her again," a police officer told ToC.
Chandigarh: Swift processing of passports now
Priya Yadav
[ 6 Sep, 2006 0317hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: Now, hope to get your passport processed soon. Besides setting up new counters for enquiry officers who will help applicants fill out forms correctly, the regional passport office will ensure that it issues at least 800 to 1,000 passports per day.
At present there are nearly 34,000 people awaiting passport delivery. This figure had risen to a staggering 75,000 sometime back after the passport authorities faced a problem with publishers and printers.
"The problem has now been taken care of. We have enough material to take care of the backlog. Though the pendency is huge, we hope to deliver these 34,000 passports within a month's time," regional passport officer Vikul Kumar told TOC.
The passport office, catering to three states besides the UT, is seeing an enormous rush of applicants. Last year's figures indicate that as many as 2.4 lakh people got their passports made.
"The number of people queuing up for passports is increasing by the day. So great is the rush that we are facing acute shortage of staff and would be hiring more people to take up the load," said Kumar.
In addition to fresh applications, the passport office is also struggling to minimise the number of passports being delivered with mistakes. Around 3,500 passports issued by the office in the past one year have recorded serious mistakes.
[ 6 Sep, 2006 0317hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: Now, hope to get your passport processed soon. Besides setting up new counters for enquiry officers who will help applicants fill out forms correctly, the regional passport office will ensure that it issues at least 800 to 1,000 passports per day.
At present there are nearly 34,000 people awaiting passport delivery. This figure had risen to a staggering 75,000 sometime back after the passport authorities faced a problem with publishers and printers.
"The problem has now been taken care of. We have enough material to take care of the backlog. Though the pendency is huge, we hope to deliver these 34,000 passports within a month's time," regional passport officer Vikul Kumar told TOC.
The passport office, catering to three states besides the UT, is seeing an enormous rush of applicants. Last year's figures indicate that as many as 2.4 lakh people got their passports made.
"The number of people queuing up for passports is increasing by the day. So great is the rush that we are facing acute shortage of staff and would be hiring more people to take up the load," said Kumar.
In addition to fresh applications, the passport office is also struggling to minimise the number of passports being delivered with mistakes. Around 3,500 passports issued by the office in the past one year have recorded serious mistakes.
Chandigarh: Teachers still hurt, cold to students
Deepshikha Mehta
[ 6 Sep, 2006 0315hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: The war between the students and lecturers at MCMDAV College witnessed a volte-face on Teachers' Day when the students decided to ask their teachers' forgiveness for any hurt caused by the fracas created over use of mobile phones at the campus.
They decided to call it 'apology day' and went prepared with bouquets of flowers, handmade cards and earnest, even if practiced, lines. But for teachers, this injury was certainly, not one written in sand.
They said it was not easy to efface loss of dignity. Yet even while expressing their dissent, the teachers were not less than role models worth emulating.
For they did not come out against the 'gesture' blatantly, rather they decided to dedicate the day to Professor Sabharwal, the professor who was victim of student politics in Ujjain.
"We mourn the loss of dignity traditionally associated with the teaching community," expressed the teachers of MCMDAV in unison.
"Teachers' Day has lost its significance because recent incidents show that the teacher-student relationship has eroded beyond repair. We have witnessed our colleague being subjected to an unfair treatment at the hands of truant students.
Moreover, you can't celebrate apology. It is an act of pardon that has to be solemnly asked for," said Rupinder Chatta, professor at the college.
Sukhpreet Bhatia, a professor of English said that what reassured the staff was that the agitation represented a minute part of college students, "the attendance in the classes was almost 70%.
We know that a majority of students knew that we were in the right. The rest we believe were misled by outside forces."
While the college campus is buzzing with election activity, the group of about 20 students representing the student population of the college were visibly let down by teachers' refusal to accept their apologies.
They nevertheless decided to trudge from one classroom to another to personally offer flowers and cards to each teacher.
"We had planned to perform dances and plays but we realise that the teachers were badly hurt," said Gurleen, Guneeta, Inshika and Bhumika, with bouquets of flowers in their hands.
"It will take a while for the staff to get over the incident. Some still feel extremely soured by what happened but I'm sure they will soon pardon the students," said Puneet Bedi, principal MCMDAV College.
The question all teachers seemed to be asking was if respect for teachers could be sacrificed at the altar of student politics, is celebration of Teachers' Day called for?
[ 6 Sep, 2006 0315hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
CHANDIGARH: The war between the students and lecturers at MCMDAV College witnessed a volte-face on Teachers' Day when the students decided to ask their teachers' forgiveness for any hurt caused by the fracas created over use of mobile phones at the campus.
They decided to call it 'apology day' and went prepared with bouquets of flowers, handmade cards and earnest, even if practiced, lines. But for teachers, this injury was certainly, not one written in sand.
They said it was not easy to efface loss of dignity. Yet even while expressing their dissent, the teachers were not less than role models worth emulating.
For they did not come out against the 'gesture' blatantly, rather they decided to dedicate the day to Professor Sabharwal, the professor who was victim of student politics in Ujjain.
"We mourn the loss of dignity traditionally associated with the teaching community," expressed the teachers of MCMDAV in unison.
"Teachers' Day has lost its significance because recent incidents show that the teacher-student relationship has eroded beyond repair. We have witnessed our colleague being subjected to an unfair treatment at the hands of truant students.
Moreover, you can't celebrate apology. It is an act of pardon that has to be solemnly asked for," said Rupinder Chatta, professor at the college.
Sukhpreet Bhatia, a professor of English said that what reassured the staff was that the agitation represented a minute part of college students, "the attendance in the classes was almost 70%.
We know that a majority of students knew that we were in the right. The rest we believe were misled by outside forces."
While the college campus is buzzing with election activity, the group of about 20 students representing the student population of the college were visibly let down by teachers' refusal to accept their apologies.
They nevertheless decided to trudge from one classroom to another to personally offer flowers and cards to each teacher.
"We had planned to perform dances and plays but we realise that the teachers were badly hurt," said Gurleen, Guneeta, Inshika and Bhumika, with bouquets of flowers in their hands.
"It will take a while for the staff to get over the incident. Some still feel extremely soured by what happened but I'm sure they will soon pardon the students," said Puneet Bedi, principal MCMDAV College.
The question all teachers seemed to be asking was if respect for teachers could be sacrificed at the altar of student politics, is celebration of Teachers' Day called for?
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