Iran TrialBahai body demands release of its leaders by Archit Watts Tribune News service
Chandigarh, March 1The Bahai community today demanded immediate release of its community leadersfacing trial in Iran. At a meeting attended by delegates from Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh and Jammu and Kashmir, here, the community urged the international community to put pressure on the Iranian government for the release of detainees.
The seven Bahai leaders who were detained in Tehran allegedly without charges in May 2008, are going to be tried at the revolutionary court shortly. The Iranian deputy public prosecutor had announced that they were all accused of espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic, a press note said here.
For the past eight months, these leaders have been detained without any official charges and had no access to their legal counsel, Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi.
In June 2008, 13 prominent Indian personalities, including Justice VR Krishna Iyer, Justice JS Verma and Justice Rajinder Sachar, had co-signed an open letter, voicing their deep concern over the arrests of the seven Bahai leaders in Iran.
The open letter had called on Iran to abide by the international human rights conventions. The letter further stated that if charges were to be framed against them, they should be provided without undue delay a fair and open trial, as well as access to legal counsel.
On February 11, a section of media had quoted that Tehran’s deputy public prosecutor Hassan Hadda saying the seven leaders were accused of espionage of Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic.
It was told at today’s meeting that even Amnesty international considered the charges to be politically motivated.
Danesh Roshan, secretary, regional Bahai council of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh and Jammu Kashmir said, “All seven leaders should be provided fair trial, full access to their lawyers, access of their lawyer to their files and sufficient time to prepare the defence. The trial should be held in the presence of international observers.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the Iranian Bahai community represents the religious minority in Iran with 3 lakh members. But still the establishment of the Islamic Republic does not recognise them and they are still becoming targets of intense and systematic persecution.
Chandigarh Tribune March 2, 2009
Friday, April 2, 2010
Clean chit to ASP Madhur Verma by Archit Watts
Clean chit to ASP Madhur Verma by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 14ASP Madhur Verma, facing accusations of beating up a Sector 17 shopkeeper, Arvind Pandey, has been given a clean chit by SP H.S. Doon.
However, Pandey has dubbed the inquiry report submitted by the SP as an eyewash and has threatened to move the Punjab and Haryana High Court for registration of a case against the ASP. The SP had submitted his report to IG S.K. Jain last week and had found “no base” in Pandey’s claims.
Pandey, a complainant in a corruption case registered against former in-charge of Sector 17 police post, Sanjeev Kumar, by the CBI had accused Verma of beating him up in office on December 25.
Doon said he had conducted a detailed inquiry and recorded the versions of the doctors at GMSH, Sector 16, who had examined Pandey. “According to doctors, Pandey had told them that he had been beaten up by his brother Parmod,” said the SP. Doon said he had thus concluded that the complaint against Verma was wrong and Parmod was the actual culprit. “It is a family dispute and they should deal with it,” he said.
However, when asked, Doon refused to give the names of the doctors who had testified against Pandey. He, however, gave no reason for his reluctance in divulging the details.
Expressing shock at Doon’s report, Pandey said: “If Parmod had beaten me, why should I blame the ASP for it.”
Claiming that he would move the High Court for justice, Pandey said, “The police had initially claimed that my entire statement was wrong, but now at least they are admitting that I was beaten up. Pandey said that he had some recorded statements to establish his claims.
Verma refused to comment on the inquiry report but maintained that he was innocent. When asked whether he planned any legal proceedings against Pandey for “defaming” him, Verma said he has no such intentions.
Chandigarh Tribune February 15, 2009
Hidden Camera CaseNeed to have more hostels for girls by Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 2In view of the recent case of discovery of a CCTV installed in a bathroom of two PG girl students, the students’ political parties have raised the issue of arrangement of adequate hostels for girl students of Panjab University and other local colleges and institutions.
According to sources, Over 3,000 girls and 1,500 boys live in PG and other rented accommodations in the city because of the inadequate number of students’ hostels. Now after the CCTV incident, many of the girls are feeling insecure in their accommodations.
“In view of the latest CCTV case, it becomes the duty of the government to evolve some mechanism to curb such incidents. The construction of more hostels for girls can serve as the permanent solution to this problem”, said INSO president (PU campus), Deepak Hooda.
“The CCTV incident should act as an eye opener about security issue and UT Administration should chalk out some plan and arrangements”, said Archit Watts, spokesperson of the Students Organisation of Punjab University (SOPU).
Rajnish Kaur, a paying guest in Sector 38, said, “I feel very insecure over here but there is no other way left as I could not get room in any of the PU girls’ hostels.
I demand a fair and independent inquiry and strict action against those involved in this shameful act”.
Chandigarh Tribune September 3, 2007
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 2In view of the recent case of discovery of a CCTV installed in a bathroom of two PG girl students, the students’ political parties have raised the issue of arrangement of adequate hostels for girl students of Panjab University and other local colleges and institutions.
According to sources, Over 3,000 girls and 1,500 boys live in PG and other rented accommodations in the city because of the inadequate number of students’ hostels. Now after the CCTV incident, many of the girls are feeling insecure in their accommodations.
“In view of the latest CCTV case, it becomes the duty of the government to evolve some mechanism to curb such incidents. The construction of more hostels for girls can serve as the permanent solution to this problem”, said INSO president (PU campus), Deepak Hooda.
“The CCTV incident should act as an eye opener about security issue and UT Administration should chalk out some plan and arrangements”, said Archit Watts, spokesperson of the Students Organisation of Punjab University (SOPU).
Rajnish Kaur, a paying guest in Sector 38, said, “I feel very insecure over here but there is no other way left as I could not get room in any of the PU girls’ hostels.
I demand a fair and independent inquiry and strict action against those involved in this shameful act”.
Chandigarh Tribune September 3, 2007
Police continues to harass outsiders by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, March 6Though the UT traffic police has always claimed that the traffic cops have been advised not to unnecessarily harass the outsiders in the city, except of any visible offence. But, still the condition is same and the harassment to outsiders continues.
A visit to the nakas put up at various entry points to the city revealed that around 80 per cent of vehicles, bearing registration number of other cities, were becoming the victim of the illegal practice of the traffic cops.
Naresh Kumar, a resident of Gurgaon, alleged that the cops demanded Rs 200 from him for not having the under-control pollution certificate at the housing board traffic-lights point.
Sanjay and Soni, shop-owners at the same area, also alleged that they had seen traffic cops accepting bribe from outsiders several times.
Another Ludhiana-based businessman said, “Whenever I come to the city, cops generally stop me at every naka because my car bears Punjab’s registration number.” A number of times, complaints had been submitted, but no hard action had been taken, and it seemed the senior officials were least bothered about this issue, he added.
According to sources, some visitors to the city have filed their complaints of unnecessary harassment by the traffic cops to the senior police officials. Although inquiries have been marked in these types of cases, but no satisfactory result has come out.
A constable, Charan Singh (name changed), said their department paid less salary and he had no other source of income to fulfill the needs of his family except of illegal methods.
Denying the allegations, JS Cheema, DSP traffic, said: “We are conducting surprise raids to keep a check on our personnel. The special instructions have also been given not to unnecessarily harass outsiders.” Except of this, all cops had been advised to talk politely, especially with outsiders, Cheema added.
Chandigarh Tribune March 7, 2009
Chandigarh, March 6Though the UT traffic police has always claimed that the traffic cops have been advised not to unnecessarily harass the outsiders in the city, except of any visible offence. But, still the condition is same and the harassment to outsiders continues.
A visit to the nakas put up at various entry points to the city revealed that around 80 per cent of vehicles, bearing registration number of other cities, were becoming the victim of the illegal practice of the traffic cops.
Naresh Kumar, a resident of Gurgaon, alleged that the cops demanded Rs 200 from him for not having the under-control pollution certificate at the housing board traffic-lights point.
Sanjay and Soni, shop-owners at the same area, also alleged that they had seen traffic cops accepting bribe from outsiders several times.
Another Ludhiana-based businessman said, “Whenever I come to the city, cops generally stop me at every naka because my car bears Punjab’s registration number.” A number of times, complaints had been submitted, but no hard action had been taken, and it seemed the senior officials were least bothered about this issue, he added.
According to sources, some visitors to the city have filed their complaints of unnecessary harassment by the traffic cops to the senior police officials. Although inquiries have been marked in these types of cases, but no satisfactory result has come out.
A constable, Charan Singh (name changed), said their department paid less salary and he had no other source of income to fulfill the needs of his family except of illegal methods.
Denying the allegations, JS Cheema, DSP traffic, said: “We are conducting surprise raids to keep a check on our personnel. The special instructions have also been given not to unnecessarily harass outsiders.” Except of this, all cops had been advised to talk politely, especially with outsiders, Cheema added.
Chandigarh Tribune March 7, 2009
Parking continues despite ban by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, March 6The traffic police seems to be in a spot over its failure to check parking menace along the main road in front of some eateries in Sector 17. Though four-wheelers have been prohibited to park there, commuters continue to park their vehicles with impunity.
Even the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the authorities concerned to ensure the free flow of traffic. A long queue of vehicles can be seen parked on the road at all times, especially in the evening.
Apart from it, the parking contractor has displayed the board of parking fee for four-wheelers, even though it has been banned.
When this correspondent, visited the place, no cop was present there to control the traffic jam, which is a common scene there.
Dharam Singh, a senior citizen, said: “Parking on the narrow road usually results in mishaps and bottlenecks. It seems that the authorities are least bothered about it.”
A traffic police personnel admitted that wrong parking challans were less than 5 per cent last year.
Hitesh Singla, a businessman, said: “I have complained to the traffic police a number of times, but still it is not much concerned.”
Senior officials often cross the place while going to the estate office, but even then the authorities are least bothered to do something about it.
A senior police official said the issue was serious and he would visit the place to look into the matter.
Chandigarh Tribune March 7, 2009
Chandigarh, March 6The traffic police seems to be in a spot over its failure to check parking menace along the main road in front of some eateries in Sector 17. Though four-wheelers have been prohibited to park there, commuters continue to park their vehicles with impunity.
Even the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the authorities concerned to ensure the free flow of traffic. A long queue of vehicles can be seen parked on the road at all times, especially in the evening.
Apart from it, the parking contractor has displayed the board of parking fee for four-wheelers, even though it has been banned.
When this correspondent, visited the place, no cop was present there to control the traffic jam, which is a common scene there.
Dharam Singh, a senior citizen, said: “Parking on the narrow road usually results in mishaps and bottlenecks. It seems that the authorities are least bothered about it.”
A traffic police personnel admitted that wrong parking challans were less than 5 per cent last year.
Hitesh Singla, a businessman, said: “I have complained to the traffic police a number of times, but still it is not much concerned.”
Senior officials often cross the place while going to the estate office, but even then the authorities are least bothered to do something about it.
A senior police official said the issue was serious and he would visit the place to look into the matter.
Chandigarh Tribune March 7, 2009
Student bodies again flout Lyngdoh norms by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, September 23The Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections are long over but the violation of the Lyngdoh committee’s recommendations continues, the latest being the submission of self-certified expense reports.
With only two days left to submit the reports, no party other than the INSO-SOI alliance has submitted it. The sole report submitted has been designed to fall in the approved limit of Rs 5,000.
While the alliance ensured a free flow of money to woo the voters and had offered a free movie for around 60 students twice and dance parties, the expenses on record total to just Rs 4,950.
However, Sukhdev Kundu, INSO representative, denied holding any such parties or movie trips while speaking to the TNS. “We have already submitted our expense report of Rs 14,850 for three candidates; the allegations are totally false and we haven’t organised any dance party or movie,” he said.
The winning SOPU-ABVP alliance has allegedly held back their report till their ‘justified’ demands of admission of Brinder Dhillon to the university and reversal of suspension of Harpreet Multani, currently in judicial custody, are met.
Even the PUSU-NSUI alliance has refused to submit the report. According to Tejpal Cheema, PUSU president, “If the winning party can evade the report for their baseless demands, why should we submit it?”
The violation doesn’t confine to the parties only as even the dean, students’ welfare, Naval Kishore, expressed his ignorance about which all groups had submitted the report and what were their shortcomings.
Chandigarh Tribune September 24, 2008
Chandigarh, September 23The Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections are long over but the violation of the Lyngdoh committee’s recommendations continues, the latest being the submission of self-certified expense reports.
With only two days left to submit the reports, no party other than the INSO-SOI alliance has submitted it. The sole report submitted has been designed to fall in the approved limit of Rs 5,000.
While the alliance ensured a free flow of money to woo the voters and had offered a free movie for around 60 students twice and dance parties, the expenses on record total to just Rs 4,950.
However, Sukhdev Kundu, INSO representative, denied holding any such parties or movie trips while speaking to the TNS. “We have already submitted our expense report of Rs 14,850 for three candidates; the allegations are totally false and we haven’t organised any dance party or movie,” he said.
The winning SOPU-ABVP alliance has allegedly held back their report till their ‘justified’ demands of admission of Brinder Dhillon to the university and reversal of suspension of Harpreet Multani, currently in judicial custody, are met.
Even the PUSU-NSUI alliance has refused to submit the report. According to Tejpal Cheema, PUSU president, “If the winning party can evade the report for their baseless demands, why should we submit it?”
The violation doesn’t confine to the parties only as even the dean, students’ welfare, Naval Kishore, expressed his ignorance about which all groups had submitted the report and what were their shortcomings.
Chandigarh Tribune September 24, 2008
Activists flout traffic rules by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 22A rally of the Yuva Rashtriya Janta Dal (YRJD) at the road dividing Sectors 27-30 resulted in traffic bottlenecks and jams, which left commuters harassed.
The situation worsened at around 12.30 pm when around 400 activists blocked the roads and commuters were left stranded at several places, including Sectors 27, 28, 29 and 30.
Moreover, the activists were not even wearing helmets and flouting the traffic rules on the city roads, reportedly no cop was present there to control the menace.
An eyewitness alleged that hundreds of vehicles were there and some were not even bearing the registration number plates, but the police remained a silent spectator.
A senior police official said it was a common scene during the rallies, but the traffic was controlled within a few minutes and it was not possible to issue challans.
SHO Raghubir Singh, the Sector 26 police station, said, “The violators were ordered to obey the rules and within a few minutes they were dissolved.”
Chandigarh Tribune Februiary 23, 2009
Chandigarh, February 22A rally of the Yuva Rashtriya Janta Dal (YRJD) at the road dividing Sectors 27-30 resulted in traffic bottlenecks and jams, which left commuters harassed.
The situation worsened at around 12.30 pm when around 400 activists blocked the roads and commuters were left stranded at several places, including Sectors 27, 28, 29 and 30.
Moreover, the activists were not even wearing helmets and flouting the traffic rules on the city roads, reportedly no cop was present there to control the menace.
An eyewitness alleged that hundreds of vehicles were there and some were not even bearing the registration number plates, but the police remained a silent spectator.
A senior police official said it was a common scene during the rallies, but the traffic was controlled within a few minutes and it was not possible to issue challans.
SHO Raghubir Singh, the Sector 26 police station, said, “The violators were ordered to obey the rules and within a few minutes they were dissolved.”
Chandigarh Tribune Februiary 23, 2009
Staff crunch at ISBT-43 creche by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 22The initiative of the UT administration to facilitate the working women by establishing a creche at ISBT-43 has almost failed due to acute shortage of staff and a poor response from the public.
Though the crèche started one year ago, the enrolment register shows only four children have been enrolled hitherto.
A visit to the crèche revealed a single lady was looking after children there and neither a teacher nor a doctor was available.
A working woman, Amrita, said: “I cannot drop my child here, because a single lady cannot take care of all children and any mishappening can take place.” If the authorities have set up a creche, they should pay some concern to provide better management, she added.
The education instructor, Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), Tejinder K Bajwa, said, “The creche was established for the working mothers but when they are not willing to drop their children here, we removed our extra staff.”
Moreover, it started with the collaboration of ICCW, Bal Bhavan-23, and was decided that women could drop their children in the morning and could take them home in the evening by paying nominal charges.
Anjana, a helper at the crèche, accepted that she alone was working there for the past three months and said, “We are charging a nominal fee of Rs 20 per month from the poor, but still the crèche is not getting a good response.” No working woman prefers to drop her child here, she added.
A child expert said though it was not necessary to appoint a doctor at the crèche, one thing was sure that a single person could not take care of all children.
Chandigarh Tribune February 23, 2009
Chandigarh, February 22The initiative of the UT administration to facilitate the working women by establishing a creche at ISBT-43 has almost failed due to acute shortage of staff and a poor response from the public.
Though the crèche started one year ago, the enrolment register shows only four children have been enrolled hitherto.
A visit to the crèche revealed a single lady was looking after children there and neither a teacher nor a doctor was available.
A working woman, Amrita, said: “I cannot drop my child here, because a single lady cannot take care of all children and any mishappening can take place.” If the authorities have set up a creche, they should pay some concern to provide better management, she added.
The education instructor, Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), Tejinder K Bajwa, said, “The creche was established for the working mothers but when they are not willing to drop their children here, we removed our extra staff.”
Moreover, it started with the collaboration of ICCW, Bal Bhavan-23, and was decided that women could drop their children in the morning and could take them home in the evening by paying nominal charges.
Anjana, a helper at the crèche, accepted that she alone was working there for the past three months and said, “We are charging a nominal fee of Rs 20 per month from the poor, but still the crèche is not getting a good response.” No working woman prefers to drop her child here, she added.
A child expert said though it was not necessary to appoint a doctor at the crèche, one thing was sure that a single person could not take care of all children.
Chandigarh Tribune February 23, 2009
Players bare varsity’s apathy Protesting lousy kits, the players took the court bare-chested and then went on to lodge their protest outside the VC office by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, September 24Fund-rich Panjab University felt embarrassed when its basketball players played bare-chested in protest against the lousy kits provided to them during the Panjab University Inter-College Basketball (Men) A-Division Championship today.
The incident which, according to many, was actually a fallout of the ongoing tussle between the director, sports department, PU, CS Grewal, and deputy director, sports department, PU, Dolly, delayed the match by one hour as the players initially started it bare-chested and then walked out and protested outside the VC office after the match.
According to the players, it was lousy uniform that enraged them.
”When we were getting ready for the match, they gave us vests instead of T-shirts. When we complained these were withdrawn. But the new T-shirts that came were misfit. PU gets enough grants. Can’t it provide us proper uniforms? To bring the real story behind the varsity’s tall claims, we had to take this step,” said a player.
“Every time, we ask for facilities they say that funds have come and it will be done soon, but nothing happens. In return of all laurels that we bring to it, don’t we deserve even a proper kit?” added another player.
Meanwhile, after this dramatic turn of events, director and deputy director of sports exchanged heated arguments and accused each other for the blunder.
CS Grewal said, “It is the duty of Dolly, who is supposed to manage all but she didn’t. There was some mistake on part of the sports department and players too, but the matter has been sorted out.”
Surprisingly, Dolly seemed unperturbed and claimed, “It’s not my fault. The players were not carrying the identity cards along with them and after getting permission from referee, and other team, the match was started. Within half an hour, the cards were shown to the referee and there was nothing else.”
The PU players, along with members of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council, went to the Vice-Chancellor office and apprised him of the matter but he could not be contacted for his comments.
Chandigarh Tribune September 25, 2009
Chandigarh, September 24Fund-rich Panjab University felt embarrassed when its basketball players played bare-chested in protest against the lousy kits provided to them during the Panjab University Inter-College Basketball (Men) A-Division Championship today.
The incident which, according to many, was actually a fallout of the ongoing tussle between the director, sports department, PU, CS Grewal, and deputy director, sports department, PU, Dolly, delayed the match by one hour as the players initially started it bare-chested and then walked out and protested outside the VC office after the match.
According to the players, it was lousy uniform that enraged them.
”When we were getting ready for the match, they gave us vests instead of T-shirts. When we complained these were withdrawn. But the new T-shirts that came were misfit. PU gets enough grants. Can’t it provide us proper uniforms? To bring the real story behind the varsity’s tall claims, we had to take this step,” said a player.
“Every time, we ask for facilities they say that funds have come and it will be done soon, but nothing happens. In return of all laurels that we bring to it, don’t we deserve even a proper kit?” added another player.
Meanwhile, after this dramatic turn of events, director and deputy director of sports exchanged heated arguments and accused each other for the blunder.
CS Grewal said, “It is the duty of Dolly, who is supposed to manage all but she didn’t. There was some mistake on part of the sports department and players too, but the matter has been sorted out.”
Surprisingly, Dolly seemed unperturbed and claimed, “It’s not my fault. The players were not carrying the identity cards along with them and after getting permission from referee, and other team, the match was started. Within half an hour, the cards were shown to the referee and there was nothing else.”
The PU players, along with members of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council, went to the Vice-Chancellor office and apprised him of the matter but he could not be contacted for his comments.
Chandigarh Tribune September 25, 2009
Campus RumpusAccused not new to violence by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, October 23A looks at the background of students allegedly involved in yesterday’s ruckus on the campus proves that barring one or two of them, the others were not new to violence.
Those who have been booked by the police include, Ankush Sharma of the department of laws, Uday Bhan, a research scholar at the department of Botany, Brinder Dhillon, department of laws, Sahil Nanda, president of Panjab University campus students’ council and a student of UIET (University Institute of Engineering and Technology) and one Chajju Khan, a resident of Burail. The victim of the clash, Sanjay, is a former student of GGDSD College, Sector 32.
Starting with the SOPU president, Brinder Dhillon, whose name figures in as many as eight cases, including involvement in a hostel fight in 2006, twice in cases pertaining to grievous hurt and twice in attempt to murder and twice under preventive measures and others. The second accused, former presidential candidate of SOPU, Uday Bhan, has been booked twice including grievous hurt and under preventive measures.
While Brinder was released on bail about two months back in the stabbing case of UILS, where a group led by SOPU activists allegedly stabbed a student during examination.
According to police sources, most of the criminal cases are pending against him. Udaybhan was also involved in the cars-smashing case that took place in November last. It is learnt that Ankush Sharma, who is the former president of GGDSD College-32 students’ council last year, also figures in similar cases.
While Sahil Nanda, present president of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) does not have any criminal record and it is the first time any FIR has been registered against him.
It seems that police is least bothered about taking action against them. Brinder easily escaped from the police station yesterday, even after being taken there at the police station by some police officials.
Sukhbir Rana, SHO of the police station Sector 11 said, “He was taken to the police station soon after the incident, but as no FIR was registered against him till he escaped.”
Sanjay, the complainant in the case is UT Champion in boxing in the 75 kg weight category and his medical report is still awaited, after that there might be an addition in the FIR.
Meanwhile, the local court today sent the three accused involved in the case, namely Ankush Sharma, Udaybhan and Chajju Khan to judicial remand for 14 days. The remaining two accused, Brinder Dhillon and Sahil Nanda are still absconding.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Chandigarh, October 23A looks at the background of students allegedly involved in yesterday’s ruckus on the campus proves that barring one or two of them, the others were not new to violence.
Those who have been booked by the police include, Ankush Sharma of the department of laws, Uday Bhan, a research scholar at the department of Botany, Brinder Dhillon, department of laws, Sahil Nanda, president of Panjab University campus students’ council and a student of UIET (University Institute of Engineering and Technology) and one Chajju Khan, a resident of Burail. The victim of the clash, Sanjay, is a former student of GGDSD College, Sector 32.
Starting with the SOPU president, Brinder Dhillon, whose name figures in as many as eight cases, including involvement in a hostel fight in 2006, twice in cases pertaining to grievous hurt and twice in attempt to murder and twice under preventive measures and others. The second accused, former presidential candidate of SOPU, Uday Bhan, has been booked twice including grievous hurt and under preventive measures.
While Brinder was released on bail about two months back in the stabbing case of UILS, where a group led by SOPU activists allegedly stabbed a student during examination.
According to police sources, most of the criminal cases are pending against him. Udaybhan was also involved in the cars-smashing case that took place in November last. It is learnt that Ankush Sharma, who is the former president of GGDSD College-32 students’ council last year, also figures in similar cases.
While Sahil Nanda, present president of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) does not have any criminal record and it is the first time any FIR has been registered against him.
It seems that police is least bothered about taking action against them. Brinder easily escaped from the police station yesterday, even after being taken there at the police station by some police officials.
Sukhbir Rana, SHO of the police station Sector 11 said, “He was taken to the police station soon after the incident, but as no FIR was registered against him till he escaped.”
Sanjay, the complainant in the case is UT Champion in boxing in the 75 kg weight category and his medical report is still awaited, after that there might be an addition in the FIR.
Meanwhile, the local court today sent the three accused involved in the case, namely Ankush Sharma, Udaybhan and Chajju Khan to judicial remand for 14 days. The remaining two accused, Brinder Dhillon and Sahil Nanda are still absconding.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Hostel accommodationAuthorities prefer lecturers over students by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, October 23Despite the shortage of hostel accommodation for students in Panjab University, the authorities concerned, seem to be least bothered. The two floors (IInd and IIIrd floor) of first block of the Boys’ Hostel No-6 (Teja Singh Hall) have been allotted to the academic staff college and public health department.
One can imagine the callousness of the university authorities, which could not find a suitable accommodation for the academic staff and has been using these hostel rooms from past over 15 years.
Not only this, lecturers who come here from across the country to attend their classes and seminars, mostly girls stay here in the boys’ hostel. It seems that the authorities are more concerned towards these lecturers than their own students, who never stay here for more than two months.
Talking to The Tribune, harassed students of the public health department said, “Last year, this course was introduced here in the University. It is a self-finance department and from the beginning the authorities are assuring, they will shift us to the other building, but still they have not shifted us anywhere.”
One girl student (on an anonymity) said, “Being a girl it’s not easy to come to the boys’ hostel. Even vice-chancellor R.C. Sobti, has not solved our problems.”
Jayanti Dutta, deputy director of ASC and coordinator of the public health department said, “Though I am working here in ASC from the past ten years, but I personally feel bad to work inside the boys’ hostel.”
Another senior professor admitted that the authorities are least bothered about this problem.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Chandigarh, October 23Despite the shortage of hostel accommodation for students in Panjab University, the authorities concerned, seem to be least bothered. The two floors (IInd and IIIrd floor) of first block of the Boys’ Hostel No-6 (Teja Singh Hall) have been allotted to the academic staff college and public health department.
One can imagine the callousness of the university authorities, which could not find a suitable accommodation for the academic staff and has been using these hostel rooms from past over 15 years.
Not only this, lecturers who come here from across the country to attend their classes and seminars, mostly girls stay here in the boys’ hostel. It seems that the authorities are more concerned towards these lecturers than their own students, who never stay here for more than two months.
Talking to The Tribune, harassed students of the public health department said, “Last year, this course was introduced here in the University. It is a self-finance department and from the beginning the authorities are assuring, they will shift us to the other building, but still they have not shifted us anywhere.”
One girl student (on an anonymity) said, “Being a girl it’s not easy to come to the boys’ hostel. Even vice-chancellor R.C. Sobti, has not solved our problems.”
Jayanti Dutta, deputy director of ASC and coordinator of the public health department said, “Though I am working here in ASC from the past ten years, but I personally feel bad to work inside the boys’ hostel.”
Another senior professor admitted that the authorities are least bothered about this problem.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Students exhorted to follow traffic rules by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, October 23A special traffic awareness camp was organised at Guru nanak Khalsa Senior Secondary school, Sector 30, today to make students aware of the traffic rules.
The cops conveyed the message ‘Helmet saves life’. The students were told about the benefits of obeying the traffic rules.
H.S. Doon, SP, Traffic Police, Chandigarh, said: “We should learn a lesson from the yesterday’s accident in which a girl student, Navjot Kaur, lost her life. It is my personal appeal to the girls to wear helmet while driving. He further requested the school authorities to give prizes to students who qualified the traffic test at the school.
Traffic police DSP J.S. Cheema, along with the traffic police personnel, was present at the camp. He also distributed pamphlets and posters to the students.
Poonam, a student, said: “It was great learning about traffic rules. Now, it is our responsibility to spread the knowledge and we promised the police to follow the traffic rules.”
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Chandigarh, October 23A special traffic awareness camp was organised at Guru nanak Khalsa Senior Secondary school, Sector 30, today to make students aware of the traffic rules.
The cops conveyed the message ‘Helmet saves life’. The students were told about the benefits of obeying the traffic rules.
H.S. Doon, SP, Traffic Police, Chandigarh, said: “We should learn a lesson from the yesterday’s accident in which a girl student, Navjot Kaur, lost her life. It is my personal appeal to the girls to wear helmet while driving. He further requested the school authorities to give prizes to students who qualified the traffic test at the school.
Traffic police DSP J.S. Cheema, along with the traffic police personnel, was present at the camp. He also distributed pamphlets and posters to the students.
Poonam, a student, said: “It was great learning about traffic rules. Now, it is our responsibility to spread the knowledge and we promised the police to follow the traffic rules.”
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Protest against cancellation of interview by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, October 23Around 700 persons raised slogans against the authorities of Directorate Supplies and Disposal Department of Haryana for the inconvenience caused to them due to the cancellation of the interview scheduled for today.
These candidates hailed from far off places in Haryana, and were in city to appear for the interview for the post of ‘sevadar’ (peon) in the department, whose cancellation according to the authorities was notified in a daily newspaper.
A cop tries to disperse the enraged candidates in front of the Supplies and Disposals Department of Haryana at Sector 22, Chandigarh, on Thursday. A Tribune photograph
However, many of them were unaware of this and held the authorities responsible for their inconvenience and started raising slogans. The police had to be called to disperse them. “They take us to be fools. Even if the interview was cancelled, wasn’t it their duty to inform us through official letter? They published notification in just one newspaper and feel they had done the needful, asked an enraged candidate from Hisar.
“They should be paying us compensation for this. How unprofessional and irresponsible are they that they perceived that their notification in one paper must have been read by all candidates,” another candidate said.
However, the department officials are in no mood to owe up to the grievances.
Director of the department Shashi Gulati said, “Even I am surprised that large number of candidates were unaware of the cancellation. We had notified it in the same paper as the advertisement of job. We also had displayed notice outside our office, but these people were looking for a chance to create havoc.”
Meanwhile, no date has been announced as yet for this interview.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Chandigarh, October 23Around 700 persons raised slogans against the authorities of Directorate Supplies and Disposal Department of Haryana for the inconvenience caused to them due to the cancellation of the interview scheduled for today.
These candidates hailed from far off places in Haryana, and were in city to appear for the interview for the post of ‘sevadar’ (peon) in the department, whose cancellation according to the authorities was notified in a daily newspaper.
A cop tries to disperse the enraged candidates in front of the Supplies and Disposals Department of Haryana at Sector 22, Chandigarh, on Thursday. A Tribune photograph
However, many of them were unaware of this and held the authorities responsible for their inconvenience and started raising slogans. The police had to be called to disperse them. “They take us to be fools. Even if the interview was cancelled, wasn’t it their duty to inform us through official letter? They published notification in just one newspaper and feel they had done the needful, asked an enraged candidate from Hisar.
“They should be paying us compensation for this. How unprofessional and irresponsible are they that they perceived that their notification in one paper must have been read by all candidates,” another candidate said.
However, the department officials are in no mood to owe up to the grievances.
Director of the department Shashi Gulati said, “Even I am surprised that large number of candidates were unaware of the cancellation. We had notified it in the same paper as the advertisement of job. We also had displayed notice outside our office, but these people were looking for a chance to create havoc.”
Meanwhile, no date has been announced as yet for this interview.
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Outsider in his own home Septuagenarian accuses elder son of taking forcible possession of his room by Akash Ghai and Archit Watts Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 23Seventy-four-year-old Sadhu Singh has been running from pillar to post to get back the possession of his room in his own house at Sector 46. The senior citizen alleged that his elder son Ashok Kumar has taken forcible possession of his room last week, thereby turning him out of his own house.
Alleging that the local police is not helping him out in the case, the septuagenarian maintained that he was left with no choice but to sleep in the verandah or drawing room of the ground floor with his other son.
No respite for elderly
The Chandigarh police has not invoked the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, ever since it has been enacted. The police is dealing with such cases under the older laws, it has failed to provide any respite to elderly citizens facing domestic problems, sources in the police revealed.
“Look at my tragedy, I have no place in my own house. All my belongings are lying in the room. Despite the fact that the property is in my name, I can do nothing and nobody is helping me to get justice”, rued Sadhu Singh, who retired as assistant secretary from BBMB.
Sadhu was staying separately in a room on the first floor of his house. In the left portion, his elder son stays with his family, while on the other floors (ground and top), his other two sons live along with their families.
Narrating his tale of woes, he alleged, “On October 14, Ashok bolted the door of my room in my absence and took forcible possession of it. He also hit me and threatened to end my life.”
The matter was brought to the notice of police but the old man alleged that it (the police) was not taking adequate action.
“On my complaint, the police arrested Ashok under Section 107/151 of the CrPC but did not register a case of trespass. Despite my repeated complaints, the police is not taking sufficient action to help me to get my room back”, alleged Sadhu Singh.
Sadhu Singh
On his part, Ashok Kumar, too, had made a complaint to the police against his father alleging that he (Sadhu Singh) had misbehaved with his wife and asked her to have a ‘physical relation’ with him. Ashok said, “I am the sufferer. My father has bribed the cops who are harassing me. My brothers are supporting him as he has given them a share from his property. All this is being done to spoil the forthcoming marriage of my son in November.”
The police said they had earlier verified and learnt that Ashok Kumar and his wife had levelled baseless allegations against Sadhu Singh.
This is not the first time that such a dispute has arisen between the father and the son and the matter has been reported to the police several times before. Ashok and his wife had been disowned by Sadhu Singh in 1992 due to their quarrelsome temperament. “But after the insistence of the ‘mohallawalas’ I allowed them to stay in my house and am now repenting”, said Sadhu Singh.
The SHO of Sector 34 Police Station Sudarshan Thakur said, “We are doing all that the police can do in such case. How can we register a trespass case when Ashok has already been staying in the house?” A senior police officer said, “This is a civil matter and the best the police can do is to take preventive action against the accused. The matter comes under the purview of the court, which has the powers to solve it under the specific Act.”
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
Chandigarh, October 23Seventy-four-year-old Sadhu Singh has been running from pillar to post to get back the possession of his room in his own house at Sector 46. The senior citizen alleged that his elder son Ashok Kumar has taken forcible possession of his room last week, thereby turning him out of his own house.
Alleging that the local police is not helping him out in the case, the septuagenarian maintained that he was left with no choice but to sleep in the verandah or drawing room of the ground floor with his other son.
No respite for elderly
The Chandigarh police has not invoked the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, ever since it has been enacted. The police is dealing with such cases under the older laws, it has failed to provide any respite to elderly citizens facing domestic problems, sources in the police revealed.
“Look at my tragedy, I have no place in my own house. All my belongings are lying in the room. Despite the fact that the property is in my name, I can do nothing and nobody is helping me to get justice”, rued Sadhu Singh, who retired as assistant secretary from BBMB.
Sadhu was staying separately in a room on the first floor of his house. In the left portion, his elder son stays with his family, while on the other floors (ground and top), his other two sons live along with their families.
Narrating his tale of woes, he alleged, “On October 14, Ashok bolted the door of my room in my absence and took forcible possession of it. He also hit me and threatened to end my life.”
The matter was brought to the notice of police but the old man alleged that it (the police) was not taking adequate action.
“On my complaint, the police arrested Ashok under Section 107/151 of the CrPC but did not register a case of trespass. Despite my repeated complaints, the police is not taking sufficient action to help me to get my room back”, alleged Sadhu Singh.
Sadhu Singh
On his part, Ashok Kumar, too, had made a complaint to the police against his father alleging that he (Sadhu Singh) had misbehaved with his wife and asked her to have a ‘physical relation’ with him. Ashok said, “I am the sufferer. My father has bribed the cops who are harassing me. My brothers are supporting him as he has given them a share from his property. All this is being done to spoil the forthcoming marriage of my son in November.”
The police said they had earlier verified and learnt that Ashok Kumar and his wife had levelled baseless allegations against Sadhu Singh.
This is not the first time that such a dispute has arisen between the father and the son and the matter has been reported to the police several times before. Ashok and his wife had been disowned by Sadhu Singh in 1992 due to their quarrelsome temperament. “But after the insistence of the ‘mohallawalas’ I allowed them to stay in my house and am now repenting”, said Sadhu Singh.
The SHO of Sector 34 Police Station Sudarshan Thakur said, “We are doing all that the police can do in such case. How can we register a trespass case when Ashok has already been staying in the house?” A senior police officer said, “This is a civil matter and the best the police can do is to take preventive action against the accused. The matter comes under the purview of the court, which has the powers to solve it under the specific Act.”
Chandigarh Tribune October 24, 2008
PU hostellers taking cops for a ride by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, September 7Interlocks are new effective tool being adopted by Panjab University hostellers to evade the ongoing police searches in view of the student elections on September 12.
The search team is often greeted by locked doors. “Yes, we are aware that somebody is inside but are helpless as these locks can’t be opened. All we are left with is repeated knocks that are obviously never answered and we cannot damage the hostel property so we are forced to move on,” admitted Ramesh Chand, SHO of Sector 11 police station.
On condition of anonymity, various hostel students confirmed lodging of outsiders and even smuggling of arms and liquor by student leaders.
According to one student, “Many a time, student leaders approach us to adjust their guests in the rooms, having interlock facility. We know what to do during police raids”.
Lashing at the university authorities, a cop questioned, “How can they put interlocks when these are banned by the PU?”
“The authorities know everything. Don’t they know the rule? Then how come it is happening? They are hand in glove with “influential” offenders and try to save them”, asked the police.
However, on being questioned on the attitude of the hostel authorities on implementation of this rule, Ashvini Kaul, boys’ hostel warden, expressed his helplessness saying, “I agree that despite the ban, these locks are being used in hostels. All I can say is we will try to remove these locks and punish the offenders.”
However, even after repeated attempts, dean, Student Welfare, Naval Kishore, could not be contacted.
Chandigarh Tribune September 8, 2008
Chandigarh, September 7Interlocks are new effective tool being adopted by Panjab University hostellers to evade the ongoing police searches in view of the student elections on September 12.
The search team is often greeted by locked doors. “Yes, we are aware that somebody is inside but are helpless as these locks can’t be opened. All we are left with is repeated knocks that are obviously never answered and we cannot damage the hostel property so we are forced to move on,” admitted Ramesh Chand, SHO of Sector 11 police station.
On condition of anonymity, various hostel students confirmed lodging of outsiders and even smuggling of arms and liquor by student leaders.
According to one student, “Many a time, student leaders approach us to adjust their guests in the rooms, having interlock facility. We know what to do during police raids”.
Lashing at the university authorities, a cop questioned, “How can they put interlocks when these are banned by the PU?”
“The authorities know everything. Don’t they know the rule? Then how come it is happening? They are hand in glove with “influential” offenders and try to save them”, asked the police.
However, on being questioned on the attitude of the hostel authorities on implementation of this rule, Ashvini Kaul, boys’ hostel warden, expressed his helplessness saying, “I agree that despite the ban, these locks are being used in hostels. All I can say is we will try to remove these locks and punish the offenders.”
However, even after repeated attempts, dean, Student Welfare, Naval Kishore, could not be contacted.
Chandigarh Tribune September 8, 2008
PU Student ElectionsSOPU goes door to door to woo students by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, September 7The Students’ Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) has started its campaign in a new way this year. The supporters of SOPU are campaigning on cycles and bikes instead of cars. They are going to the houses of students as they found it the best way to meet everyone personally.
Senior leaders of the party, Dalveer Singh Goldy and Gurveer Brar addressed the party workers and told them the achievements and history of the party.
“There are only five days left for the elections and this is the best way for campaigning. Our members are meeting the students personally and telling them our achievements and our manifesto. All this is according to the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee,” said Barinder Dhillon, president, SOPU.
Other members are also campaigning in hostels. The girls are also working very hard.
The party is going to announce its panel tomorrow. “We are divided in groups and going to houses, boys’ and girls’ hostels, and sending messages on cell phones and Internet,” added Barinder Dhillon.
Robin Brar, a SOPU activist, said: “This is the right time to approach the students, only a few days are left and we have to cover the whole university.”
Chandigarh Tribune September 8, 2008
Chandigarh, September 7The Students’ Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) has started its campaign in a new way this year. The supporters of SOPU are campaigning on cycles and bikes instead of cars. They are going to the houses of students as they found it the best way to meet everyone personally.
Senior leaders of the party, Dalveer Singh Goldy and Gurveer Brar addressed the party workers and told them the achievements and history of the party.
“There are only five days left for the elections and this is the best way for campaigning. Our members are meeting the students personally and telling them our achievements and our manifesto. All this is according to the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee,” said Barinder Dhillon, president, SOPU.
Other members are also campaigning in hostels. The girls are also working very hard.
The party is going to announce its panel tomorrow. “We are divided in groups and going to houses, boys’ and girls’ hostels, and sending messages on cell phones and Internet,” added Barinder Dhillon.
Robin Brar, a SOPU activist, said: “This is the right time to approach the students, only a few days are left and we have to cover the whole university.”
Chandigarh Tribune September 8, 2008
After hurdles, Jashan is PUSU face by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, September 7PUSU has finally nominated Jashan Deep Randhawa as their presidential candidate. The division of the party in two groups was creating hurdles in the announcement of their candidate. One group led by PUSU chairman Navjot Saini backed Simranjit Dhillon as presidential candidate while the Tejpal Singh Cheema’s group was in favour of Jashan Deep Singh.
Both groups even had a scuffle over the announcement of their favourite candidate late last night.
Interestingly, Navjot Saini was the man who announced Tejpal Cheema as the party president last year. But now, Cheema is against Saini’s choice. ‘Everything is fair in politics’.
The party members had announced their presidential candidate last night at a meeting, but later, they changed their decision. The whole day PUSU leaders were busy. They did no campaigning and their tent remained empty.
Meanwhile, leaders of the other parties were pleased to know about the internal bickering in PUSU just a few days before the elections.
Chandigarh Tribune September 8, 2008
Sale of cut fruits on despite ban by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 27Despite the ban on sale of cut fruits in the city, sale of this is a common sight here. Shockingly, these fruits are being sold near the district court complex and deputy commissioner’s office.
A visit to the major parts of the city revealed the sellers were freely violating the rule by selling cut fruits like papaya, apple and mix-fruit chat.
According to a senior official of the Municipal Corporation, the medical officers and food inspectors were empowered to check the sale of these fruits and were authorised to get the same destroyed.
According to health experts, uncovered cut fruit can cause diseases like gastric infections, cholera, jaundice and diarrhoea, especially among the children.
Savita, a housewife said her little son was affected with gastric infections by eating cut papaya from the market. “I advise the public to avoid eating these fruits, otherwise, they have to suffer,” she added.
A shopkeeper at Sector 17 plaza said the vendors did their business mainly at noon and in evening, when the employees went back to home.
Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the sale of cut fruit is banned unless when exposed for sale of them are properly protected by wire gauge and glass against contamination of dust and flies.
UT additional deputy commissioner IS Sandhu said, “The matter comes under the MOH wing of the MC and they have to take appropriate action against the violators.”
Medical officer, health department, MC, Dr Dewan, pretended to be busy on one pretext or other for last four days to give his comments.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009
Chandigarh, February 27Despite the ban on sale of cut fruits in the city, sale of this is a common sight here. Shockingly, these fruits are being sold near the district court complex and deputy commissioner’s office.
A visit to the major parts of the city revealed the sellers were freely violating the rule by selling cut fruits like papaya, apple and mix-fruit chat.
According to a senior official of the Municipal Corporation, the medical officers and food inspectors were empowered to check the sale of these fruits and were authorised to get the same destroyed.
According to health experts, uncovered cut fruit can cause diseases like gastric infections, cholera, jaundice and diarrhoea, especially among the children.
Savita, a housewife said her little son was affected with gastric infections by eating cut papaya from the market. “I advise the public to avoid eating these fruits, otherwise, they have to suffer,” she added.
A shopkeeper at Sector 17 plaza said the vendors did their business mainly at noon and in evening, when the employees went back to home.
Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the sale of cut fruit is banned unless when exposed for sale of them are properly protected by wire gauge and glass against contamination of dust and flies.
UT additional deputy commissioner IS Sandhu said, “The matter comes under the MOH wing of the MC and they have to take appropriate action against the violators.”
Medical officer, health department, MC, Dr Dewan, pretended to be busy on one pretext or other for last four days to give his comments.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009
Misuse of premises by industrialists alleged Conversion policy under cloud by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 27The conversion policy of the Chandigarh administration for industrial plots in the Industrial Area has again come under a cloud, with the industrialists, who have got their plots converted after paying crores of rupees, alleging misuse of premises for commercial activities by a section of industrialists.
Terming the policy as anti-industry, members of the Chandigarh Industrial Association alleged that the conversion policy should also be applied on the banks, taverns and liquor shops located in the Industrial Area.
The administration has adopted double standards while making the policy or has forgotten to apply it to other institutions, they further alleged.
A building owner alleged that the estate office had passed the orders not to use any industrial plot for commercial purposes. But, banks and commercial establishments were running their commercial activities illegally, he further alleged.
Gaurav Khanna, a converted industrial plot owner, said he had paid a huge amount of Rs 20,000 per yard for the conversion of his building for commercial purposes. But the administration seems to be least bothered about those who have not paid even a single penny to the administration and are using the land for commercial activities with impunity.
Stressing the need to safeguard the interest of industry, the plot owners requested that the administrator should mark an inquiry in this regard and there should be no discrimination while giving any relaxations or mistakes.
On the other hand, the Chandigarh Industrial and Tenants Association is demanding rehabilitation of industrial tenants in Industrial Area, Phase III, and is protesting in support of their demands.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009
Chandigarh, February 27The conversion policy of the Chandigarh administration for industrial plots in the Industrial Area has again come under a cloud, with the industrialists, who have got their plots converted after paying crores of rupees, alleging misuse of premises for commercial activities by a section of industrialists.
Terming the policy as anti-industry, members of the Chandigarh Industrial Association alleged that the conversion policy should also be applied on the banks, taverns and liquor shops located in the Industrial Area.
The administration has adopted double standards while making the policy or has forgotten to apply it to other institutions, they further alleged.
A building owner alleged that the estate office had passed the orders not to use any industrial plot for commercial purposes. But, banks and commercial establishments were running their commercial activities illegally, he further alleged.
Gaurav Khanna, a converted industrial plot owner, said he had paid a huge amount of Rs 20,000 per yard for the conversion of his building for commercial purposes. But the administration seems to be least bothered about those who have not paid even a single penny to the administration and are using the land for commercial activities with impunity.
Stressing the need to safeguard the interest of industry, the plot owners requested that the administrator should mark an inquiry in this regard and there should be no discrimination while giving any relaxations or mistakes.
On the other hand, the Chandigarh Industrial and Tenants Association is demanding rehabilitation of industrial tenants in Industrial Area, Phase III, and is protesting in support of their demands.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009
Lack of parking space causes inconvenience by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, December 14Although the Panjab University authorities have made Student Centre vehicles’ free zone, but there is no parking space provided to students by the authorities, which results into complete traffic chaos near the library.
As a result the students have to park their vehicles on roadside, which causes a lot of trouble to the students and visitors.
Despite the fact that the authorities have placed a board on the road saying “No parking on roadside, Tow away zone”, the students still park their vehicles on the roadside and cause extreme inconvenience to other commuters.
“There is hardly any space left on both sides of the road, any mishap can take place. Even security personnel are deployed there to control the traffic movement, but when there is no parking space what can they do to avoid the inconvenience,” said Varun Madan, a student of the law department.
“The parking lot of library always remain full and have not much space to park all vehicles, that’s why we have to park our vehicles on the roadside,” said Sushil, another student.
Earlier, the authorities have stated that they will construct a separate parking space for the Stu-C visitors, but even after a lapse of more than one month, the construction work has not been started. Naval Kishore, dean students’ welfare (DSW), was not available for his comments.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009
Lack of parking space causes inconvenience by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, December 14Although the Panjab University authorities have made Student Centre vehicles’ free zone, but there is no parking space provided to students by the authorities, which results into complete traffic chaos near the library.
As a result the students have to park their vehicles on roadside, which causes a lot of trouble to the students and visitors.
Despite the fact that the authorities have placed a board on the road saying “No parking on roadside, Tow away zone”, the students still park their vehicles on the roadside and cause extreme inconvenience to other commuters.
“There is hardly any space left on both sides of the road, any mishap can take place. Even security personnel are deployed there to control the traffic movement, but when there is no parking space what can they do to avoid the inconvenience,” said Varun Madan, a student of the law department.
“The parking lot of library always remain full and have not much space to park all vehicles, that’s why we have to park our vehicles on the roadside,” said Sushil, another student.
Earlier, the authorities have stated that they will construct a separate parking space for the Stu-C visitors, but even after a lapse of more than one month, the construction work has not been started. Naval Kishore, dean students’ welfare (DSW), was not available for his comments.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on December 15, 2009
Chandigarh, December 14Although the Panjab University authorities have made Student Centre vehicles’ free zone, but there is no parking space provided to students by the authorities, which results into complete traffic chaos near the library.
As a result the students have to park their vehicles on roadside, which causes a lot of trouble to the students and visitors.
Despite the fact that the authorities have placed a board on the road saying “No parking on roadside, Tow away zone”, the students still park their vehicles on the roadside and cause extreme inconvenience to other commuters.
“There is hardly any space left on both sides of the road, any mishap can take place. Even security personnel are deployed there to control the traffic movement, but when there is no parking space what can they do to avoid the inconvenience,” said Varun Madan, a student of the law department.
“The parking lot of library always remain full and have not much space to park all vehicles, that’s why we have to park our vehicles on the roadside,” said Sushil, another student.
Earlier, the authorities have stated that they will construct a separate parking space for the Stu-C visitors, but even after a lapse of more than one month, the construction work has not been started. Naval Kishore, dean students’ welfare (DSW), was not available for his comments.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on December 15, 2009
Restricted entry in PU a sham by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, August 29Notwithstanding the tall claims of the Panjab University authorities and the police on beefing up the security on the campus entry gates, getting into the compound remains easy.
While checks are being conducted at the main entry gates (1, 2 and 3), they appear to be more of a formality and lack seriousness most of the times as hardly anyone bothers to check identity cards or the antecedents of the visitors. No records are being maintained and anyone can get inside the campus by merely saying “staff” or even “hosteller”.
In addition to this laxity, there are several other entry points to the campus that are unmanned. While makeshift guard huts exist at these points, opposite Sector 15 on the main road and both gurdwara and temple’s entrance gates, which open towards Dhanas road, are unmanned, providing easy access to the campus.
Notwithstanding the intentions of the police and PU authorities to ensure a violence-free polls, such unrestricted access to the campus, particularly in the backdrop of the recent clashes in which even fire arms were used, can be misused by those wanting to foment trouble.
Giving reasons, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Naval Kishore, said, “We have deployed security persons everywhere, but if anyone is not doing his job properly, stern action will be taken against him.”
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009
Chandigarh, August 29Notwithstanding the tall claims of the Panjab University authorities and the police on beefing up the security on the campus entry gates, getting into the compound remains easy.
While checks are being conducted at the main entry gates (1, 2 and 3), they appear to be more of a formality and lack seriousness most of the times as hardly anyone bothers to check identity cards or the antecedents of the visitors. No records are being maintained and anyone can get inside the campus by merely saying “staff” or even “hosteller”.
In addition to this laxity, there are several other entry points to the campus that are unmanned. While makeshift guard huts exist at these points, opposite Sector 15 on the main road and both gurdwara and temple’s entrance gates, which open towards Dhanas road, are unmanned, providing easy access to the campus.
Notwithstanding the intentions of the police and PU authorities to ensure a violence-free polls, such unrestricted access to the campus, particularly in the backdrop of the recent clashes in which even fire arms were used, can be misused by those wanting to foment trouble.
Giving reasons, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Naval Kishore, said, “We have deployed security persons everywhere, but if anyone is not doing his job properly, stern action will be taken against him.”
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009
It’s party time as poll nears by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, August 29What can be the better way to woo college students during poll than food, music and dance. The recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee notwithstanding, the party season is on in Panjab University colleges as the days are numbered for the polls, which are scheduled for September 4.
Though such parties have been organised on the sly since the announcement of the polls, the College Students’ Union (CSU) of Khalsa College, Sector 26, today held one such get together at a Sector 7 discotheque under the garb of freshers’ party”. It was a free-for-all affair and students had a ball of a time.
However, the students realised that there were no free lunches in life as speeches of some former and present activists of the CSU, appealing for the usual pleas for “vote, support & elect” were a prelude to the entire affair. “I was expecting it to be plain and simple party but the speeches did come as a surprise,” said a fresher girl student.
There were others who were expecting this. “Who cares for the covert or the overt reasons? We get to dance and party”, said a second-year youngster. He even admitted that such party ploys weren’t beneficial for the political outfits. “We aren’t dumb” was his underlying message.
While, Rakesh, president, CSU, denied any political motives behind the gathering, but the truth was that usually such welcome parties were either organised by the seniors or the class and were contributory. But at the discotheque “the fresher party of Khalsa College by CSU” welcomed everyone.
As per the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, no student or candidate can spend more than Rs 5, 000 on elections and he has to submit their expenditure details after one week of the election. Student leaders can’t get money from any other political parties.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009
Chandigarh, August 29What can be the better way to woo college students during poll than food, music and dance. The recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee notwithstanding, the party season is on in Panjab University colleges as the days are numbered for the polls, which are scheduled for September 4.
Though such parties have been organised on the sly since the announcement of the polls, the College Students’ Union (CSU) of Khalsa College, Sector 26, today held one such get together at a Sector 7 discotheque under the garb of freshers’ party”. It was a free-for-all affair and students had a ball of a time.
However, the students realised that there were no free lunches in life as speeches of some former and present activists of the CSU, appealing for the usual pleas for “vote, support & elect” were a prelude to the entire affair. “I was expecting it to be plain and simple party but the speeches did come as a surprise,” said a fresher girl student.
There were others who were expecting this. “Who cares for the covert or the overt reasons? We get to dance and party”, said a second-year youngster. He even admitted that such party ploys weren’t beneficial for the political outfits. “We aren’t dumb” was his underlying message.
While, Rakesh, president, CSU, denied any political motives behind the gathering, but the truth was that usually such welcome parties were either organised by the seniors or the class and were contributory. But at the discotheque “the fresher party of Khalsa College by CSU” welcomed everyone.
As per the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, no student or candidate can spend more than Rs 5, 000 on elections and he has to submit their expenditure details after one week of the election. Student leaders can’t get money from any other political parties.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009
Old ‘marriages’ head for ‘divorce’ by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, August 29If one goes by the adage “promises are made to be broken”, the same may seem true for the alliances in the Panjab University politics. Since most of the alliances are marriages of convenience rather than being based on sound ideologies, these tend to fritter.
As the final countdown to the polls begins, new permutations and combinations are being worked out and if initial trends are any indication, last year’s “marriages” will end up in divorces and “partners” may be swapped. The 2008 winning combine of the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) and Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is heading for a split and the search for a new partner is on.
While the leaders of these parties are tight-lipped on these developments, insiders admit that all’s not well with the alliance. “The ABVP piggy rode us in the last elections and got two seats in the students council and later demanded too much,” said a leader.
However, the ABVP activists blame SOPU leaders for attempting to “bulldoze” them at every given opportunity. “Our suggestions are not accepted and they try to treat us like doormats,” he said.
On the ideological front, SOPU and ABVP, are quite different. While SOPU is usually backed by some Punjab Congress leaders and their kin, the ABVP is the BJP’s student body.
Things aren’t looking even bright for the last year’s runners-up, the Panjab University Students Union (PUSU) and National Students Union of India (NSUI), too. Egos of the leaders are reportedly coming in way for another term together, as they accuse each other of not being in tune to the “alliance spirit”. If insiders of these major parties are to be believed, a partner-swapping, PUSU, may join hands with the ABVP and SOPU may ally with the NSUI.
In this season of breaking and making of such “marriages of convenience”, there are some parties like the Indian National Students organisation (INSO), backed by Chautala’s INLD, which are up willing to be the “bedfellows” of any party agreeing to give them three seats. INSO had failed to make any mark in the last polls.
Other student bodies like the Students Organisation of India (SOI), the Haryana Students Association, in its new avtar Hindustan Students Association (HAS), and the Himachal Pradesh Students union are still to wake up to the polls. They had unsuccessfully contested the polls last year, but are so far missing from the scene.
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009
Referees violate uniform code by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, October 1Referees directing the netball matches of the Panjab University Inter-College Championship seem to be least bothered about discipline.During the on going matches on PU grounds, the referees were present without their prescribed uniform, while judging the match.
A city-based netball coach, said: “When the referee, whose job is to judge the players, is least bothered about the basic rules and regulations, then how the discipline can be expected from the players?”
A netball player also accused the sports department of PU for not providing the basic infrastructure and said: “What to say about facilities, even the basic norms are not being followed here.”
While, another player said: “If any player does not wear proper uniform, then he or she is not allowed to play the match, the same rule should be followed for the officials conducting the match.”
However, CS Grewal, director, sports department Panjab University, said: “We have already given the instructions to the referees and other officials to come in prescribed uniform, but if someone is not following the guidelines, then strict action will be taken against them.”
Published in Chandigarh Tribune on October2, 2009
Bald & BindaasRajiv Bhatia
God made some perfect heads & on the rest he put hair to hide his mistakes. Whether you are bald by destiny or choice, celebrate!
Law student Archit Watts
Bald is beautiful. And it’s not just Yul Brynner of King and I fame that we are talking about. Look around and you will find that the guy-next-door too has shaved off his hair to look glamorous (if you can use the term for men!).
Oh yes, going bald is the latest fad. And, it has hit men in the age group of 20 and 35. No need to scratch your head to figure out the reasons. Ask city-based hair stylist Ishani Nanayakkara, and she will tell you all about it. Nowadays, a man’s personality is judged not just by the way he carries himself, but also by the hairstyle — or no hairstyle — he sports. So, just to look suave and swanky among their pals, they go for unique styles. And what’s better than a shining bald head to reflect their bindaas attitude.
Hospitality professional Ajay Tandon
“Well, getting tonsured makes their personality totally different,” she says. “Another thing guys! You can easily forget about all your worries of losing hair and flaunt your bad luck as your style statement. And then, the style hardly needs any care, it’s totally freewheeling.”
Archit Watts, a student leader and law student, turned bald to make his identity unique among his pals. He observed, “Going bald helps me grab attention of the crowd. It’s an innovative style to present oneself.”
Ajay Tandon, banquet operations, at Hotel Mountview, couldn’t agree more. He shaved off his head almost two years ago when his hair started thinning and has been happy ever since. “It lends a new identity and makes you distinct,” he tells. A weekly head massage and voila, the pate’s all shiny and healthy, he says.
Ravi Kumar, a hairdresser with Matrix-15, has an interesting tale to tell. “A few years ago, men would shave off their hair if they had a persistent dandruff problem or any other ailment. But now, it’s a matter of preference. Boys and men of all ages, with or without hear, want their heads shaved off.”
And what about guys sporting the new look? “A bald head makes you look sleek and younger,” says Raghav, a Panjab University student. “Shave your head and knock off 10 years!”
Okay, any tips? Well, city-based hairstylist Rajinder has something to say: “A new hairstyle is the best way to change your looks. So do not be nervous and try out that unique hairdo. Just remember hair grows back and the change is permanent. And in the end, do not forget a baldhead symbolises wealth and wisdom! Are you game?
Published in Lifestyle, The Tribune on Octiber 14, 2007
God made some perfect heads & on the rest he put hair to hide his mistakes. Whether you are bald by destiny or choice, celebrate!
Law student Archit Watts
Bald is beautiful. And it’s not just Yul Brynner of King and I fame that we are talking about. Look around and you will find that the guy-next-door too has shaved off his hair to look glamorous (if you can use the term for men!).
Oh yes, going bald is the latest fad. And, it has hit men in the age group of 20 and 35. No need to scratch your head to figure out the reasons. Ask city-based hair stylist Ishani Nanayakkara, and she will tell you all about it. Nowadays, a man’s personality is judged not just by the way he carries himself, but also by the hairstyle — or no hairstyle — he sports. So, just to look suave and swanky among their pals, they go for unique styles. And what’s better than a shining bald head to reflect their bindaas attitude.
Hospitality professional Ajay Tandon
“Well, getting tonsured makes their personality totally different,” she says. “Another thing guys! You can easily forget about all your worries of losing hair and flaunt your bad luck as your style statement. And then, the style hardly needs any care, it’s totally freewheeling.”
Archit Watts, a student leader and law student, turned bald to make his identity unique among his pals. He observed, “Going bald helps me grab attention of the crowd. It’s an innovative style to present oneself.”
Ajay Tandon, banquet operations, at Hotel Mountview, couldn’t agree more. He shaved off his head almost two years ago when his hair started thinning and has been happy ever since. “It lends a new identity and makes you distinct,” he tells. A weekly head massage and voila, the pate’s all shiny and healthy, he says.
Ravi Kumar, a hairdresser with Matrix-15, has an interesting tale to tell. “A few years ago, men would shave off their hair if they had a persistent dandruff problem or any other ailment. But now, it’s a matter of preference. Boys and men of all ages, with or without hear, want their heads shaved off.”
And what about guys sporting the new look? “A bald head makes you look sleek and younger,” says Raghav, a Panjab University student. “Shave your head and knock off 10 years!”
Okay, any tips? Well, city-based hairstylist Rajinder has something to say: “A new hairstyle is the best way to change your looks. So do not be nervous and try out that unique hairdo. Just remember hair grows back and the change is permanent. And in the end, do not forget a baldhead symbolises wealth and wisdom! Are you game?
Published in Lifestyle, The Tribune on Octiber 14, 2007
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