Archive for November 4th, 2007

Old-age home residents rue new set-up

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Chandigarh: “The things here have changed, we are rarely greeted with eyes filled with love,” said an inmate at the old age home in Sector 15. It has been over a month that the old age home, which was earlier being looked after by the members of the Lion’s Club, was taken over by the Chandigarh Administration.

One of main problem being faced by the inmates is that of the telephone. There is no means for the inmates to communicate. Those who are fit they manage to go to the market to make calls, while the unwell are facing a lot of trouble to keep in touch with loved ones. Talking to Newsline one inmate added, “My both sons have died and I have only a daughter who used to call me up sometimes. But now, since there is no phone, I am unable to speak to her as well”.

The inmates also informed that a pocket money of Rs 400 per month has been fixed by the Administration, but they haven’t got it till now. Though a dispensary has been arranged inside the old age home, but the inmates are not happy with that as well. They said that there are times when the medicines they need are not available in the dispensary. One of the inmates said, “We have been asked to pay for the doctor from our pocket money which we might get. Earlier, this was not the situation”.

With Diwali approaching the inmates have low expectations from the Administration. Earlier, by this time the inmates used to get goodies for the festival. This year, however, things seem to be dull. Another issue that disturbs the inmates is that the manager of the old age home remains on duty only for five days, as compared to the previous manager who used to come even on the Sundays.
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Away from Jharkhand, tribals set up organisation of their own

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Chandigarh: DIG, Punjab Police (Telecom and Computers), Dr Arun Kumar today inaugurated an organisation for the people of tribal origin from Jharkhand living in the city, at a function held at St Anne’s School in Sector 32.

Kumar witnessed the lives of the tribals in Jharkhand where he was posted a couple of years ago. “It’s then that I decided to set up an organisation for these people whose grievances nobody looks into,” he said. The organisation launched today has been named Sanghra wit its main office in Mohali. Arun kumar, who also belongs to one of the tribes said the organisation was the first of its kind and its services were available for people of tribal background living in and around the city.

Also present on the occasion was Cardinal Telephore P Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi Archdiocese and Jerald Mathias, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese and tribal people living in Panchkula, Kalka and Patiala. Kumar has been working for the organisation since last year but the organisation was inaugurated today. Kumar said, “Our main focus is on the people living in areas where naxalism is at its peak. We want to tell these people that they are not alone and we are like a family.”

Kumar said, “We all should feel proud of our communities. I have plans to start with community-based education for the children of the tribals living here.” The areas where these tribals live will have an area representative who will take care of the people.

Members of the community, residing in Azad Colony of Panchkula, presented a tribal dance on the occasion.

Source: ENS

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Man kills self, body found in PUDA office

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

SAS Nagar: An employee of PUDA today committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan of his office in PUDA Bhavan, Phase-VIII, Mohali. The deceased, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was reportedly facing marital problems which led to his taking the extreme decision. A suicide note was found from the room where he committed suicide.

According to information, Gurpreet had dropped his wife Sukhpreet at her office in Phase III B-1 at around 10 am on Saturday. After that he reached his office in PUDA office where his entry is marked at 10.25 am. Later in the evening, when he didn’t return home, his wife launched a search for him. Gurpreet’s family finally traced him to his office this morning at 8.15 am. His scooter was also found parked at the office.

SHO, Phase-VIII, said that according to the suicide note recovered from the spot no one was to be held responsible for the death. The note also mentions that the deceased was facing problems with his family and in his marital life. The police has taken action under Section 174 of the CrPC and are investigating the matter.

Source: ENS

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