For a price you can speed past security

With protectors like these, who needs persecutors. In a shocking expose that has come at a time when police across the country are claiming to be doing their best to thwart a repeat of Mumbai's terror attacks, traffic cops here have been caught taking money to pass on a secret code to drivers either written on their palm or on a piece of paper that would ensure them safe passage through all subsequent nakas. No questions asked.

The modus operandi is as ingenious as it is simple. Pay the corrupt traffic cop the money that he demands negotiable at all times, just like his honesty and he will inscribe something on your palm, either letters or numbers. Flash this to designated cops in the next naka or check post and he will usher you in without creating trouble. It really doesn't matter if the vehicle is loaded with RDX and you are driving straight into the heart of India's capital from the borders of Punjab.

The worms tumbled out of the police woodwork after a man clicked on his mobile phone a policeman taking money to inscribe the secret code on his palm, something that a string of cops on a particular stretch and on a particular day would recognize. This code apparently changes daily.

Though the claims and mobile clipping of Ludhiana resident Sukhwinder Singh, who made the video of traffic cop Davinder Singh at Chandigarh's ISBT-43, is yet to be verified and examined, an embarrassed police department promptly suspended the erring officer and marked a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Ironically, the incident came even as a peeved Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday sought a comprehensive affidavit regarding details of officers facing criminal, corruption or serious departmental charges. The affidavit seeks to know about officers facing charges but serving on sensitive posts like that of the DGP, ADGP, IG, SSP and SHO.

This is not the first time, though, that cops, especially those working in the traffic wing and appointed on special nakas, have been caught accepting money to let suspicious vehicles pass without a search. According to information , the department is highly sought by policemen and some of the "blue-eyed boys" have remained here with permanent postings.

Jerked into reacting, DSP (traffic) JS Cheema said Davinder Singh's suspension will be followed by a rule that will allow a cop at a traffic point to serve there for only a month. ``The cop,'' Cheema said, "will be transferred to another zone and area of the city after that.'' SP (traffic) Hardeep Singh Doon said the matter is "serious and we want a thorough investigation of the method and reach of the crime."

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For a price you can speed past security

With protectors like these, who needs persecutors. In a shocking expose that has come at a time when police across the country are claiming to be doing their best to thwart a repeat of Mumbai's terror attacks, traffic cops here have been caught taking money to pass on a secret code to drivers either written on their palm or on a piece of paper that would ensure them safe passage through all subsequent nakas. No questions asked.

The modus operandi is as ingenious as it is simple. Pay the corrupt traffic cop the money that he demands negotiable at all times, just like his honesty and he will inscribe something on your palm, either letters or numbers. Flash this to designated cops in the next naka or check post and he will usher you in without creating trouble. It really doesn't matter if the vehicle is loaded with RDX and you are driving straight into the heart of India's capital from the borders of Punjab.

The worms tumbled out of the police woodwork after a man clicked on his mobile phone a policeman taking money to inscribe the secret code on his palm, something that a string of cops on a particular stretch and on a particular day would recognize. This code apparently changes daily.

Though the claims and mobile clipping of Ludhiana resident Sukhwinder Singh, who made the video of traffic cop Davinder Singh at Chandigarh's ISBT-43, is yet to be verified and examined, an embarrassed police department promptly suspended the erring officer and marked a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Ironically, the incident came even as a peeved Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday sought a comprehensive affidavit regarding details of officers facing criminal, corruption or serious departmental charges. The affidavit seeks to know about officers facing charges but serving on sensitive posts like that of the DGP, ADGP, IG, SSP and SHO.

This is not the first time, though, that cops, especially those working in the traffic wing and appointed on special nakas, have been caught accepting money to let suspicious vehicles pass without a search. According to information , the department is highly sought by policemen and some of the "blue-eyed boys" have remained here with permanent postings.

Jerked into reacting, DSP (traffic) JS Cheema said Davinder Singh's suspension will be followed by a rule that will allow a cop at a traffic point to serve there for only a month. ``The cop,'' Cheema said, "will be transferred to another zone and area of the city after that.'' SP (traffic) Hardeep Singh Doon said the matter is "serious and we want a thorough investigation of the method and reach of the crime."

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Tagore theatre security to be beefed up by the UT administration

"In view of the security threat at public places, security at the renovated 850-capacity Tagore Theatre will soon be beefed up by the UT administration.

After their recent visit to the theatre, UT home secretary Ram Niwas and SSP SS Shrivastava has decided to install doorframe metal detectors at its entrance and six CCTV cameras at its different points. However, till these are put into place, police will scan people with the help of hand-held detectors. Besides, private security personnel will also be deployed for thwarting any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, in another related development, space has been identified for food court, which will be structured in keeping with the theatre's overall theme. Two types of bids -- technical and financial -- will be invited for the purpose. Attributing aesthetical value to it, Ram Niwas further said brand names could be roped in to establish a coffee shop or a restaurant.

Continuing with his directives, Niwas also urged the engineering department officials to install three water coolers, lighting arrangements and uninterrupted power supply and prepare their estimate within a week's time.

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Chandigarhs first night food street in Sector-14

"And nights will forever remain young.... A long-cherished dream of the city and young professionals with evening and graveyard shifts came true on Saturday with the throwing open of Chandigarhs first night food street in Sector-14, opposite PGI. With an array of choice from Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies to titillate the foodies, residents are more than glad that they wont have to eat off unhygienic rehris.

There are eight stalls that will offer different delicacies and beverages to people during night hours. As the area is located between Panjab University and PGI, students and attendants of patients are going to benefit most, said a UT official.

Union minister of state for finance Pawan Kumar Bansal while inaugurating the facility said that there should be more such food-streets for a thriving nightlife in the city.

The food street may be small but its definitely going to be a major landmark, said the minister. Recalling his student life in PU 40 years back, Bansal said during their time then, they used to visit the same place night after night only to have piping-hot paranthas and tea off rehris.

Area Councillor Anu Chatrath said the need for a food street opposite PGI was long felt with students, who after spending long nights at the university library, had no place to go and get some grub before calling it a day. Now, even attendants of PGI patients will benefit, she said.

Elated with the project getting realized in time, mayor Pardeep Chhabra said, When the foundation stone of the food street was laid in January this year, I had committed to completing the work at the earliest. Today, I am really happy.

Eight food kiosks have been leased out, with monthly rentals varying from Rs 6,500 to Rs 31,000. A public convenience has also been built at Rs. 24.99 lakh. Municipal Commissioner Dr Roshan Sunkaria said, Witnessing the response to this, MC will introduce the concept in other sectors as well.

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Chandigarh News: UT administration for securing buildings

Clearly stunned out of its slumber after the Mumbai mayhem of last week, the UT administration has in an unprecedented security move asked the police to give video records and layouts of all important city structures and buildings.

Figuring on top of the list are the Punjab and Haryana secretariat, Punjab and UT police headquarters, defence audit department, high court and civil secretariat. There are also important hotels -- Taj, Mountview and Shivalikview -- which need to furnish this information.

"The recent attacks in Mumbai have forced us to review these buildings in view of the present security and further steps that can be taken for ramping up arrangements," sources in UT's architecture department told TOI on Thursday.

Confirming the order, ASP (central) Madhur Verma said officials concerned along with hotel staff would be trained to handle security apparatus and equipment.

A senior administrative official added that the police department would be filing its findings in the next four-five days and required steps would be taken thereafter. He said, "Though some of the buildings already have security in the form of paramilitary forces, we want to explore what more we can do regarding this."

On their part, the management committees of big hotels here have already purchased a number of security equipment and are training staff on their use. The TOI had recently reported how city's Taj hotel had made investments of around Rs 35 lakh in an attempt to intensify security, coming as it did after Ratan Tata said in Mumbai that there would be no stinginess as far as safety of guests were concerned.

This comes even as UT IG SK Jain in a recent order instructed installation of CCTVs at all vital points of Chandigarh while making a special request to the managements of PGI, GMCH-32 and GMH-16 to do the needful.

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Punjab News: New rules for wedding events

If planning to hold a wedding function in Punjab, then do not forget to maintain the bills and receipts. The state government Thursday issued comprehensive instructions for holding of wedding and other social functions to ensure that the state did not incur loss of revenue.

The new instructions will be applicable to all wedding and other social functions organised privately by people at wedding palaces and banquet halls across the state.

The state has nearly 1,000 marriage palaces and banquet halls. These are used not only by Punjab residents but also a large number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who come here for functions.

The new rules clearly specify that liquor at such venues would be served only after obtaining the required liquor permit from excise and taxation officials.

Only liquor that has been bought from authorised liquor outlets in Punjab would be allowed to be served. Serving liquor smuggled from another state would invite action for the person holding the function and also the owner of the marriage palace, an official spokesman said here Thursday.

No liquor bought from defence canteens, which is available at much cheaper rates than the market rates, would be allowed to be served, he added.

"It has been observed that in marriage palaces and banquet halls, especially in the vicinity of Chandigarh, liquor meant for sale in Chandigarh is being consumed in marriages and other functions. This is an offence under Punjab Excise Act and the offender can face action. Owners of marriage palaces have also been directed not to allow the use of unauthorised liquor in their premises," a senior state excise and taxation official said.

Regarding eatables at such functions, people organising these will have to ensure that the caterer supplying cooked food to be served to the guests should issue a sale invoice or bill of the eatables to ensure that value added tax (VAT) due had been charged by him.

In case the eatables are cooked by a 'Halwai' (sweet-meat maker) from raw material supplied by the organisers, it would be ensured that organisers are in possession of cash bills covering the purchases of all the raw materials consumed for the preparation of eatables.

Violation of the new rules would lead to penalty, the official said.

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Chandigarh News: PGI hikes private room, test charges

Those wanting the comfort and privacy of a private room in PGI for their sick kin or friends will have to pay a bit more for it. Apparently working on the principle of making the well-off shell out more for availing medical facilities available at this referral institute, certain tests done free earlier, will have to be paid for now.

At a meeting of the institutes body on Wednesday, it has been decided to hike the room rent for the private ward and VIP rooms from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800, respectively from next week.

According to sources, the charges for a room in the private ward of advance paediatric centre have been enhanced from Rs 850 to

Rs 1,000. Now, patients who want medicine administered through the spinal chord will be charged Rs 500 something done free earlier. The medicine is pumped into the chord in cases of spasticity or patients with muscular stiffness who cannot move, said S Prabhakar, head of the neurology department, PGI.

The institute body also approved introduction of some laboratory tests proposed by the standing finance committee. The new tests will be conducted in the department of gastroentereolgy, endocrinology, neurology and hepatology.

A particular blood test in endocrinology will cost Rs 100 for the general ward and Rs 300 for those in the private ward, an official said.

There are 94 private beds and 10 VIP rooms, and many patients who can pay for a separate room. So, this move shall enhance PGIs revenue, said a faculty member.

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Faced with shortage, Canada woos skilled Indian workers

"Here's good news for engineers, technicians and other skilled workers wanting to work abroad. Canada is trying to attract young talent from countries like India by relaxing norms for visas in this category, says a Canadian immigration expert.

"There is an acute shortage of skilled workers in Canada and the situation will worsen in the next 5-10 years unless the government makes an effort to attract talent from a young country like India," said Curtis Panke, director of global operations for the Ontario-based Global Placement Services.

Pointing out that the retirement age for most occupations in Canada is 55 years, he said in the next five years, more than 20 percent of the country's engineers, doctors, professors and geologists would retire.

"This huge void cannot be filled with domestic talent alone. If we do not attract the talent from outside, there will be a talent vacuum of up to 70 percent in the next 10 to 15 years."

Keeping all this in mind, he said, the Canadian government has made vital changes in its immigration policy and relaxed certain norms for a Canadian visa in the skilled worker category.

The latest fast track processing of visa applications in the federal skilled worker category ensures a Canadian visa in a shorter period of just 6-12 months, pointed out Panke.

The Canadian government has issued a list of 38 high-demand occupational categories, including health, finance, engineers, heavy-duty mechanics, industrial technicians, food service managers and other skilled trades.

Panke is in Punjab to gauge the talent pool available and to conduct seminars all over the state in collaboration with the city-based World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS), which has sent over 60,000 families and around 250,000 individuals to Canada till date.

"There are thousands of Punjabis in Canada, who are doing extremely well in their professions and contributing to the country's economy. Comparatively, we have more applicants from this region if we compare it with other states in India," stated Panke.

Asked about the impact of global recession on the Canadian economy, Panke said a majority of the organisations and companies there would be unaffected in the long run.

"There is some impact but all this is a temporary phase and will pass very soon. Moreover, there is no impact on the openings available under skilled category there and Canada is looking forward to employ skilled workers in a big way."

Talking about Canada's federal investor category for permanent residency in the country, Lt Col (retd) B.S. Sandhu, chief managing director of WWICS, said: "An investor is only needed to invest Rs.5 million in some flourishing trade in Canada and can relocate there under the Canadian Investor Program."

The applicant, under this category, only needs to have a work experience of two years and no language proficiency test like IELTS is required, he added.

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India vs England 2nd Test: Unprecedented security for PCA

With just two matches to go of the seven-ODI series between England and India, Mumbai was overpowered by fidayeens and the world watched the nation's nerve centre burn over the next 60 hours. The visiting team made a hasty retreat, with the promise of coming back for a two-test series. While English Cricket Board's (ECB) security advisor Reg Dickason has already arrived in Chennai where the two teams are slated to clash first, Punjab police has planned unprecedented safety arrangements even before receiving an official communication from Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) on the second test match scheduled in Mohali from December 19 to 23.

"Tight arrangements have been made in past also but in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai and team England expressing security concerns, unprecedented safety measures will be taken," said Mohali SSP Jatinder Singh Aulakh. Refusing to divulge greater details, he added that sniffer dogs will accompany policemen in plainclothes who will mingle with the crowd to keep an eye on any suspicious movement.

"Besides deploying commandos with players, there will be a quick reaction team to tackle any crisis. Tight security around dressing rooms, too, will be ensured and entry allowed to those other than players only after proper verification," said Mohali SP (city) Varinder Pal Singh.

According to media reports, ECB has asked Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for a list of safety assurances including sharing of high-level safety plan, a group of commandos to accompany the team at all times, an emergency evacuation strategy in case of a terrorist strike and security blanket over England team's dressing rooms. "Security will be provided to the English team as per their request. We have the required manpower and commandos who can thwart any untoward incident. Further strategies will be chalked out after receiving a detailed request from PCA and BCCI," added Singh.

Besides increasing vigil along roads leading up to PCA stadium and entry points coming under round-the-clock surveillance of CCTV cameras, only those vehicles sporting official passes will reportedly be allowed inside parking lots that will be manned by armed security personnel.

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Chandigarh News: Bouncers on roll after Mumbai attacks

The Mumbai mayhem is raining jobs for bouncers in hotels across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Chandigarh. Anxious hoteliers, still numb from the attack on some of India's oldest and most iconic hotels in its commercial capital, are in fact also looking for hiring female bouncers so that they can tackle women guests.

Busy recruiting bouncers, Ruby Singh of RS Group here said, "To meet the requirement of Chandigarh alone I have to hire out around 150 boys. Then there is the new demand for female bouncers, particularly in discs, to check lady guests. We will recruit one lady bouncer each for local discotheques." He added that with Christmas and New Year round the corner, demand for private security has increased tenfold in the region.

Surjit Singh, who owns Chandigarh-based Solid Manpower, is upbeat too. The demand for security agents who possess licensee weapons is especially higher, he said, adding, "Hoteliers have asked up to provide two gunmen each in their clubs and bars etc. Keep this in mind many boys from my security company have applied for weapons. Such is the demand that we would, I think, be engaging around 250 bouncers."

Luckily for hotels and clubs here, there is a ready pool of bouncers who are plucked off straight from the akharas of Haryana and Punjab. While many are wrestlers, some are bodybuilders and boxers having officially represented the two states in numerous national-level competitions. Informing TOI about holding a meeting to discuss security status in the city with leading hoteliers and restaurateurs on Monday, Manmohan Singh Kohli, president, Chandigarh hotel and restaurant owners' association, added, "It was a collective decision to approach UT administration for a task force that can also train private security personnel employed by us. As it will be a while until this demand is met, smaller hotels and restaurants have already started hiring private guards."

The scenario is no different in touristy Shimla. Though not ready to reveal details, Vikas Kapoor, GM, Radisson, said security has been beefed up like never before. "We have increased the number of our security guards. The hospitality sector has become a soft target for terrorists and to avoid Taj-like incidents we have been forced to upgrade security arrangements and make guests feel safe."

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Mohali News: Houses along Mohali golf course not yet

In far US - epicentre of the global economic downturn - recession is said to have set in. India - world's second largest growing economy - has reportedly not been affected to that extent but the real estate sector is definitely in the red. One proof is Greater Mohali Area Development Authority's (GMADA) shelving of its ambitious project of expensive apartments near the upcoming golf range in Sector 65.

While the idea of luxurious apartments - pegged at a total cost of Rs 500-700 crore - around the lush green sprawl was to boost GMADA's revenue by attracting the high-income group, but now authorities fear that investors may shy away because of an overall slump. "We fear we might receive less prices for the houses in the current scenario and, therefore, that project will be revived once the market stablizes and the realty sector starts looking up," said GMADA chief administrator Vivek Partap Singh.

The apprehensive is understandable as thousands of flats coming up in Mohali and its periphery have also failed to attract buyers in the last three months. With private builders lowering prices and offering special sops to attract buyers bearing no fruit, GMADA is wary of setting out on its exclusive housing project at this juncture. It has even postponed its decision to auction prime commercial sites in the city.

The chief administrator, however, said that work on the golf range will go on as scheduled without any changes. Besides, developing the golf range-cum-academy, it also has plans of a clubhouse, restaurant, conference hall, yoga room, library, gymnasium and indoor games facility.

Initially, GMADA had set aside 2 acre for the project, but later an additional three acre was added to it after officials decided to come up with the apartments.

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Mohali News: Mohali cries for public transport

Racing fast on the path of development, Mohali dubbed as the future city of Punjab, is lagging behind in providing efficient transport system to residents. While the city is witnessing slew of developmental projects, the government is yet to give a serious thought to improve public transport system here.

Like Chandigarh, a proposal to start radio taxi service was mooted around five months back, but this too has failed to take off. While three months deadline to start already gone, the state transport department has yet to find a suitable service providing company.

District transport officerBalbir Singh Dhol, said that the contract given to a company to start the service in Mohali had been cancelled and now the another company has been asked to provide the radio taxi service. In July, the state transport department had announced to launch the scheme in Mohali on the pattern of Chandigarh.

Initially, 50 radio taxis in a phased manner were to be launched. Taxis were to be plied within a radius of 40 km. State transport officials had given green signals to two firms from Gurgaon and Delhi and even the fares to be charged by radio cabs too were decided.

Meanwhile, Punjab government has decided to include the city among those that will soon get city bus service under public-private partnership, but when this would happen no one knows.

Minister for cooperation Kanwaljeet Singh said ''I will check what led to delay in introducing radio cabs in the city,'' he said. Rajinder Singh Rana, president, Mohali MC, said ''Government is neglecting Mohal in terms of development."

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Chandigarh News: Panjab University follows CAT, to post answers online

Taking the big leap towards fairness in examinations, Panjab University has decided to follow CAT and post answers of entrance examinations on its website from the next academic session.

With PU conducting entrance tests for various departments like English, law, science and School of Communication Studies, students will be able to view correct answers after their examinations. "Our aim is to bring transparency. Moreover, students will be benefited by knowing what mistakes they committed even before results are declared," said a senior PU official.

In the past, PU has faced allegations from students claiming to have written their tests well, but evaluated incorrectly. This system will supposedly reduce that confusion. "In case students have any problem or don't agree with the answers, they can contact authorities within a stipulated time period. Answersheets will be evaluated once that time for contacting officials for doubts is over," added the official.

Part of PU's computerization project inaugurated a month ago, the move has cheered scholars. "Wow! We can think of other career options in advance if we haven't got our answers correct. Moreover, we can approach authorities in case what they have posted is wrong," said Ramandeep, a BA second year student.

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Chandigarh News: CCTVs to keep eye on every movement across city

Learning some quick lessons from the recent security breach in the country's financial capital, UT administration has finally decided to address the long-pending security concern in Chandigarh by giving a go-ahead to the ambitious project to install closed-circuit cameras (CCTVs) at strategic locations across the city.

UT finance secretary Sanjay Kumar told TOI that financial bids for the project would be invited on December 10 and the entire exercise would cost around Rs 3 crore. "Since an upgraded version of the equipment would be put up, the project is likely to cost more," he said.

A meeting in this regard was held on Monday and it was decided to implement the project with immediate effect.

Sources added that initially police were to carry out the project, but they kept sitting on it citing procedural problems in implementing it. UT engineering department has now been asked to take the initiative, with logistics support from the police.

As per the proposal, CCTVs would be installed at 20 key light point crossings in the city, besides three busiest market places in Sector 22, 17 and 35. While the control room for the cameras at light points would be at Sector 29 police traffic lines, the feedback from the markets would be monitored from Sector 17. Police headquarter in Sector 9 would also be connected to the network.

"The cameras have the capacity to cover a large area. For instance, CCTVs in markets would be able to cover both the corridors and market places. The facility of recording the visuals of at least five days would also be provided," said an official of the engineering department.

Places to be covered under the project need utmost scrutiny and these cameras would help police in keeping an eye on such places at all times. UT police are also planning to issue directions to multiplexes, shopping complexes and hotels, as visuals are always helpful in recognising the culprits behind any untoward incident.

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Agro Tech in Chandigarh attracts more city folks than farmers

Agriculture technology and business fair, 'Agro Tech 2008', underway in Chandigarh seems to have caught the fancy of the urban population and entrepreneurs more than that of farmers.

With all the leading companies active in this sector in the country showcasing their products and services at the event, the Agro Tech is drawing huge crowds, even though they are mostly of people who are not related to agriculture in anyway.

Scattered groups of farmers, who have come from far away villages in Punjab, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, with queries about certain products are outnumbered by people from the city, mostly youth, satisfying their curiosity.

"We have only come here for an outing otherwise the gigantic tractors and agricultural equipment displayed over here are of no use to us", said Darshan Singh, who came here in a group of 50 farmers from Barnala district in Punjab, about 100 km from here.

Moreover he said that the youngsters at the various stalls could not speak the Punjabi language and were thus unable to explain things to them.

"I have been farming for the last 50 years, and over these years we have observed that the size of the land holdings have decreased drastically while the size of the machines and farm equipment has increased substantially," said Jaggar Singh Khokhar, a 70-year-old farmer from Patiala district in Punjab.

"These big machines, exhibited here are meant for fields that are at least 100 acres. However, the average land holding of farmers in Punjab is less than 10 acres so such kind of exhibition is of no use for us", he added.

The 'Kisan Goshtis' (farmers' conclaves), where farmers are being taught about developments in areas like crop nutrition, organic farming, and contract farming through films, special talks and interactive question-answer sessions, also saw a lukewarm response as the special pavilion earmarked for them was mostly deserted.

However entrepreneurs and businessmen thronged the event.

"I came to Agro Tech just to gain knowledge about the prospects of horticulture in Punjab and how to go about green house farming here," said Kanav Saluja, a young entrepreneur based in Mohali district in Punjab, around 10 km from here.

He said he plans to buy land in Punjab and establish a horticulture business. "Here one cannot rely on the weather, which is why I want to grow vegetables and flowers in green houses," he added.

"I have visited this agriculture fair to explore the possibilities available in agri-sector in both India and abroad. As there are many representatives from countries like the UK, Germany and Japan, there is a healthy exchange of knowledge between us," said Raghu Sharma, a student of business management.

For Chandigarh businessman Sanjeev Mahajan, the event represented a good experience to see many things like latest agricultural technology, agricultural products, processed food, and a poultry and livestock exhibition under one roof, even when he was not connected to agriculture.

The Agro Tech is a good platform for the signing memorandum of understandings and business deals. In 2006, it saw the trade inquiries to the tune of the 585 million US dollars and a direct business of 170 million US dollars.

The eighth edition of the biennial four-day Agro Tech 2008 started Nov 28 here at Parade Ground. Spread over an area of 5960 square metres, it has 204 stalls. States like Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir as well as seven other countries are participating in the event.

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