01062023-CT-01.qxd 6/1/2023 12:48 AM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune ILLEGAL CROSSING POSES RISK; NHAI, MC UNMOVED PROPERTY TAX: CIVIC BODY NETS OVER ~42.47 CRORE PANJAB VARSITY TOPS KHELO INDIA TABLE WITH 48 MEDALS Two-wheelers, four-wheelers cross over to other side of Chd-Zirakpur road using illegal cut near Metro. P2 MC collects ~42.47 cr in property tax for 2023-24 during the rebate period that ended on Wednesday. P3 PU claims top position in the medal tally of Khelo India University Games by winning 11 more medals. P3 » » CHANDIGARH 60 PANCHKULA 60 MOHALI 48 401-500 301-400 201-300 101-200 51-100 0-50 SEVERE VERY POOR POOR MODERATE SATISFACTORY GOOD INBRIEF MAN BOOKED FOR FORGERY Chandigarh: An unidentified person has been booked by the UT police for forging signature on a cheque and withdrawing Rs 95,000. A woman resident of Sector 28 alleged the suspect forged the cheque and her signature to withdraw money from her account with PNB, Sector 28. A case has been registered at the Sector 26 police station and an investigation initiated. TNS JUVENILE NABBED FOR STABBING Chandigarh: A 17-year-old boy has been apprehended by the UT police for stabbing a minor. The police said the 16-year-old victim, who is a roadside vendor, was stabbed in Sector 25. The victim was admitted to the Government MultiSpeciality Hospital, Sector 16. The suspect was apprehended and sent to juvenile home. A case has been registered at the Sector 11 police station. TNS TWITTER/THETRIBUNECHD Now, no more visits to RLA office for vehicle registration Apply online fordriver’s licence,too|Offline service forphoto,biometrics Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 31 Soon, physical presence of applicants will not be required for capturing of photograph and biometric for driver’s licence, as the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) is in the process of doing away with the practice. In pursuance of the notification issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the office of the RLA has completely implemented the services of vehicle registration online/contactless for the convenience of general public, says Pradhuman Singh, RLA, Chandigarh. “These services can be applied online by uploading necessary documents and paying fee on the Vahan portal of the Government of India. Physical interaction of the applicant is not required for submission of any sort of document/fee,” he says. The vehicle-related services which are available online/contactless are: Renewal of registration certificate (RC), transfer of ownership of vehicles within the People queue up at counters of the Registering and Licensing Authority in Sector 17, Chandigarh. PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI HOW TO APPLY FOR VARIOUS SERVICES VEHICLE REGISTRATION Apply online by uploading documents and paying fee on Vahan portal; no physical interaction needed. The services with regard to vehicle registration will not be entertained manually/offline at the RLA office from June 1 DRIVER’S LICENCE Upload papers, pay fee on www.parivahan.gov.in or mParivahan app; photo, biometrics to be captured offline without appointment. RLA will soon do away with the need for physical presence of applicants to capture photos and biometrics WHAT IF APPLICANTS FACE TECHNICAL ISSUES Those facing technical issues in getting services online can apply offline at the RLA office only after prior appointment. These services will be available only between 9.30 am and 1 pm and appointment can be taken on RLA website www.chdtransport.gov.in state, transfer of ownership of vehicle in death case, transfer of vehicle in public auction, change of address in RC, ter- WOMAN DUPED OF ~40K; ONE BOOKED 2 city residents lose ~1.57L to online fraud Chandigarh, May 31 Two city residents have fallen prey to online fraud and lost Rs 1.57 lakh. In a complaint, Sector 30 resident Rajat Sharma alleged he received a link on WhatsApp offering him a part-time job. The complainant clicked on the link which led him to a Telegram ID. He was given a task of following Instagram IDs and Rs 210 were transferred to his bank account on successful completion. The suspect lured the victim to invest in cryptocurrency and made him deposit Rs 1.33 lakh. The victim later realised he had been duped. The police were informed, following which a case was registered at the Cyber Crime police station. Also, Sector 56 resident Manohar Thapa alleged an unidentified person called him up offering to waive his credit card’s annual fee of Rs 750. The suspect sent him a link and asked him to download an application. He followed the instructions and later found a total of Rs 23,993 were siphoned off from his bank account. A case has been registered and an investigation initiated. — TNS FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE Health Secy flags steep markup on three drugs, writes to Centre Naina Mishra PRICING OF NON-SCHEDULED FORMULATIONS Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 31 Alarming disparities have come to light in the pricing of non-scheduled formulations being sold in the city, raising concerns about unfair trade practices. The Chandigarh Health Department has called upon the Centre to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to address the discrepancies. In a May 31 letter, UT Health Secretary Yash Pal Garg has highlighted a specific case involving a cough syrup manufactured in Parwanoo, Solan. The manufacturer’s price of “Mcain” syrup was a mere Rs 18 per bottle, while it was being sold at the maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 267 in the market. This was staggering 1383% markup over the manufacturer’s price. Further investigations conducted by the UT Drug Controller revealed similar pricing discrepancies in two other brands of syrup. “Ricaine” suspension, manufactured in Mohali, Punjab, cost Rs 19 per bottle to the dealer/chemist, but it was being sold at an MRP of Rs 159, amounting to an 837% increase. Similarly, “Sufit-O” suspension, manufactured in Baddi, Solan, was being sourced from the drug Drug Maker’s prices Mcain syrup ~18 Ricaine susp ~19 Sufit-O susp ~18 A car makes a splash on a waterlogged road between Sectors 14 & 25, Chandigarh, on Wednesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI 2 more days of rain on cards Chandigarh, May 31 Amid ongoing spell of rain, the day’s temperature remained 13.3 degrees below normal in the city today. Light rain is expected to continue for two more days, following which the sky is likely to stay clear. The maximum temperature today further dropped to 25.9 °C, which is 13.3 notches below normal. While the minimum Day’s temp 13 notches below normal temperature stood at 21.8, 4.5 notches below normal. City recorded 13.4 mm rainfall between 8.30 am yesterday and 8.30 am today. Further, 4.9 mm rainfall was recorded during the day. Since March 1, city has seen 212.2 mm rainfall. — TNS TO COME UP IN 13,000 SQ FT HALL ■ Phase 3 exhibits will be showcased in a 13,000 sq ft hall having tech-based and electronic systems, simulators & aero engines ■ Phase 1 showcases exhibits on IAF’s history and legends in 15,000 sq ft hall; a GNAT aircraft at the light point is part of Phase 2 ■ The IAF has already handed over Phases 1 and 2 of the centre to the UT Tourism Department for operation set up in a 15,000 sq ft hall, showcases IAF’s history and legends. As part of Phase 2, a GNAT aircraft has been put on display at the light point outside the centre. The upcoming Phase 3 will have technology-driven features and experiences to inspire youngsters to join the force. The IAF has already handed over Phases 1 and 2 of the centre to the UT Tourism Department for operation. The entry ticket for an adult has been priced at Rs 50, while entry is free for children below 18 years. The ticket for immersive experience with simulators costs Rs 295 for both children and adults in three slots of 25 people each at 10 am, 12 pm and 3 pm, subject to prior booking, said an official. The tickets are available on the Chandi- Markup 1383% 837% 889% DEPT SMELLS UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES for which there is no control over the setting of MRP ■ UT Health Secretary suspects inflated MRPs may be result of unfair trade practices by manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers, retailers. ■ This situation may extend beyond the three brands, potentially affecting other non-scheduled formulations as well ■ Centre may examine matter and take necessary action against any violations of pricing norms and unfair trade practices, he says maker for Rs 18 per bottle, but sold at an MRP of Rs 160 in the market, signifying an 889% hike. These brands fall under the category of non-scheduled formulations, for which there appears to be no control over the setting of MRP . The Health Secretary suspects such inflated MRPs may be the result of unfair trade practices employed by manufacturers, dealers, marketers, wholesalers, and retailers of these non-scheduled formulations. This situation may extend beyond the three brands, potentially affecting other non-scheduled formulations as well. It has been deliberated the manufacturers and dealers/marketers of these Will be submitted to Admn | IAF plans expansion with tech-driven exhibits Chandigarh, May 31 For the expansion of India Air Force (IAF) Heritage Centre in Sector 18 under Phase 3, the IAF will submit a proposal to the UT Administration within 10 days. A meeting in this regard was held here today and was attended by officers of the administration and the IAF . Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had inaugurated the centre on May 8. An official said Phase 3 would be developed as “Indian Air Force Aerospace and Technical Centre”. It will come up in an adjoining hall spread over 13,000 sq ft, having technology-based and electronic systems, simulators and aero engines. The Phase 1 of the centre, MRP ~267 ~159 ~160 ■ These brands fall under the category of non-scheduled formulations, ProposalforHeritageCentre’sPh 3in10days garh Tourism app and at counters. The centre is open from 10 am to 6 pm. The heritage centre has eight attractions, including aircraft models and weapons display. The biggest draw is a flight simulator. In addition, informative exhibits, including aero engines, aircraft, kiosks and other air force artefacts, machines/fixtures, films on achievements and personalities, and guides have also been set up. A souvenir shop is part of the museum. The centre has on display five vintage aircraft, along with cockpit exposure. A theme-based cafe is operational for public. A wall with pictures of 58 vintage and retired aircraft has also been set up. — TNS three brands may not have informed the respective State Drug Controllers and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority in New Delhi regarding the MRPs of these non-scheduled formulations. This failure to disclose essential information raises concerns about compliance with pricing regulations. The central authorities have been urged to examine the matter thoroughly and take necessary action. Additionally, it has been mentioned the UT is in the process of establishing a Pharmaceutical Price Monitoring Resource Unit, with a registered society already in place for this purpose. However, the unit’s operationalisation may take some time. Woman found dead near ISBT Chandigarh, May 31 An unidentified woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Sector 52 here last night. The victim’s body was found on the roadside opposite the ISBT, Sector 43. There were no injury marks on the body, said the police. The police said they received information about a woman lying unconscious under a tree, following which a team rushed to the scene. The victim was shifted to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. A cop said the victim was aged around 55 years. “We only recovered a bus ticket from Haridwar and a water bottle on the victim,” said a police official. An inquest proceeding has been initiated at the Sector 36 police station. — TNS 3 ‘Rupee Stores’ to offer renewed goods at ~1 on June 7 All 88 of CHB’s leasehold Sandeep Rana RRR CENTRE IN SEC 17 BOOTHS Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 31 On the lines of ‘Dollar Store’, the city municipal corporation will set up a “Rupee Store” at three places allowing people to buy refurbished articles for Re 1 each on June 7. While one of the stores will be located in Mani Majra, the other two sites are yet to be decided. The articles on sale include old books, shoes, utensils and clothes that have been donated by residents. These will be sold after being refurbished and cleaned. The RRR (reduce, reuse and recycle) centres set up 10 days ago by the corporation as part of World Environment Day celebrations have so far collected nearly 1 tonne of articles from city residents. To curb malpractices, the civic body will limit the number of articles that an individual can purchase after showing the ID. The nominal rate has been fixed to convey the MC Mayor Anup Gupta and Commissioner Anindita Mitra at a reduce, reuse and recycle centre. A permanent RRR centre will be set up at the MC booths in Sector 17 that could not be disposed of despite repeated auctions. Two to three booths will be utilised to set up the centre, which will stay open till these units are auctioned. “It will encourage Chandigarh residents to continue the practice of donating old and good quality useable household goods, which will eventually be refurbished, repaired, and recycled before distribution among those in need,” says the MC. ARTICLES WEIGHING 1 TONNE DONATED IN 10 DAYS OF COLLECTION DRIVE ■ RRR centres set up 10 days ago by MC as part of World Environment Day celebrations have collected 1 tonne of articles ISTOCK Mohali: A man duped a Phase 11 resident of Rs 40,000 on the pretext of taking her flat on rent. The caller, who identified himself as Anand Kumar, a bank manager, expressed interest in taking her house on rent after seeing an advertisement. He took the bank account number of victim Rupinder Kaur and asked her to click on a link sent by him. She later got a message of Rs 40,000 being deducted from her account. The matter has been referred to the cyber cell. TNS mination of hypothecation from RC, addition of hypothecation in RC, continuation of hypothecation in RC, alter- ation in RC, issue of no-objection certificate (NOC) of vehicle, cancellation of RC, update of mobile number in RC, backlog of old RC and issue and renewal of trade certificate (for automobile dealers). “Further, the services related to issuance of driver’s licence have also been made online through Parivahan portal of the Government of India. All services of driver’s licence can be applied online by uploading of documents and fee, etc. similar to the service of registration of vehicles,” he says. Physical presence of the applicant is required for capturing of photograph and biometric. However, applicants can directly visit the RLA office without any prior online appointment after applying for these services online on the Parivahan portal. The RLA, however, is in the process of discontinuing the requirement of biometric and photograph and the same will also be done in due course so that these services can also be availed of by general public without visiting the office of the RLA. Continued on page 2 MAX 30°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 25.9°C | MIN 21.8°C SUNRISE FRIDAY 5:22 AM ISTOCK AIR QUALITY INDEX GENERALLY CLOUDY SUNSET THURSDAY 7:19 PM » THURSDAY | 1 JUNE 2023 | CHANDIGARH FORECAST ■ One of the stores where residents can buy articles will be located in Mani Majra, while other two sites are yet to be decided ■ The civic body will limit the number of articles that an individual can purchase after showing ID to curb malpractice message among those in need that this is not a handout or freebee, says an official. “The primary objective of the ‘Rupee Store’ is to provide a solution that bridges the gap between affordability and quality. By refurbishing items c m y b that would otherwise go waste, the MC aims to reduce environmental impact and promote reuse of resources. This aligns with MC’s commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility,” says MC chief Anindita Mitra. biz properties go unsold Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 31 The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has failed to find buyers for its 88 leasehold commercial properties put up for auction. The CHB had invited e-bids for the sale of 35 residential units on a freehold basis and 88 commercial properties on a leasehold basis from May 11. The bids were opened today and the board could sell only two residential units. The two units fetched Rs 1.26 crore against the total reserve price of Rs 1.23 crore. A two-bedroom flat in Sector 51-A was auctioned for Rs 98.50 lakh against the reserve price of Rs 95.34 lakh, while an EWS unit in Sector 26 was sold for Rs 28.35 lakh against the reserve price of Rs 28.25 lakh. During the previous auction held on April 25, the CHB had managed to sell only four of 38 e-AUCTION Of 35 residential units, only two find buyers residential units on a freehold basis and two of 90 commercial units on a leasehold basis. The four freehold residential units had fetched Rs 3.16 crore against the total reserve price of Rs 3.06 crore. Similarly, the CHB had earned a revenue of Rs 68 lakh with the sale of two commercial units on a leasehold basis against the reserve price of Rs 63.86 lakh. In total, the board had earned Rs 3.84 crore from the sale of six units, against the reserve price of Rs 3.70 crore. In the March 7 auction, the CHB had sold only eight of 44 residential units on a freehold basis and two of 92 commercial units on a leasehold basis despite reducing the reserve prices of commercial Continued on page 3