For the DSPs who have joined the UT police department on deputation, the posting is like a paid holiday. One of the DSP's said, "I have been having a good time there is not much to do. It is just like the Delhi police department just a tiny one". The five DSP's are attending seminars, cultural events and opine that with the area of Chandigarh being much less than that of Delhi, the work is relatively less. While on the other hand, the seven DSP's of the UT cardre are tense about the merger of cadres. People in the police department are of the view that “interesting times are awaited”.
Un(due) Share
The nominated councillors who were to have an advisory role in the Municipal Corporation seem to be getting involved in all issues other than “advising”. Prior to the elections, the nominated councillors had demanded that their names should be present on the plaques during foundation laying or inauguration of projects as well as ward development fund on lines of that given to the elected councillors. With the results in favour of the Congress due to support of the nominated councillors, they are now asking the party for more representation in the committees that are to be constituted. A section of councillors term it a mockery of democracy when despite winning from their wards, they have to seek support of the nominated to win the Mayoral elections.
No protests
Recently after the hike in rail fares, there were protests across the region against the hike. Strangely, the UT Administration imposed section 144 around the residence of union minister of railways Pawan Bansal to prohibit people from protesting near his house. Needless to say the protestors found their way out and staged agitations everywhere else and even got published much to the amusement of authorities.
Health scam!
To prove their point,at times people go to lengths. Recently a self proclaimed record holder sent invites to all newspapers to come and witness country's biggest health scam exposure at a book launch. Enticed by the strange claim,the journalists went to witness the same only to find a self styled man yanking things against the doctors, treatments for ailments and hospitals without substantiating the claims with any proof. At the end of the conference, the journalists left the venue feeling sorry for themselves.
United in Protest
The workers union in Chandigarh Transport Undertaking seem to have made it difficult for the officials to take any decision. The members of the union tend to hold protests over every decision that is taken. While two hour strikes are common, the union has over the past few months brought the bus service in the city to a halt more than once. Ranging from issues like type of buses being purchased to the duration of the annual maintenance contract being given to the companies have earned the ire of the union. The officials, meanwhile are perplexed at the interference of the union members in decision making.
Crying Foul
The murder of Hoshiarpur girl involving Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary had kept the police on toes. Busy police officials were not even taking phone calls. A late night call to ACP, Panchkula, Virendar Singh drew a reaction that reporters were “spoiling his life”. With Chaudhary surrendering before court, ACP and police top brass is a relieved lot.
Harassment
Getting any work done at Registering and Licensing Authority does not happen without more than a fair share of harassment. An elderly lady was found arguing with the officials about how every time that she goes to a counter, a fresh objection is made. “I have come here the third time to get my license renewed. First you asked me to get an attestation done. I had a tough time in getting the attestation. Now you are asking me to get my Adhaar card and only then you will accept my form. Have have you not mentioned this in the form”. To this, the official curtly replied, “haven't you read the papers?”