Delhi underground

A date to remember
Appearing at the Delhi High Court after she was summoned,the mother of a girl who had eloped to be with a youth against her family’s wishes did not expect the judge to shower her with questions. The daughter had alleged that her mother had tortured her. As the judge questioned the woman about the date of birth of her daughter,she replied she she did not remember. The court then asked the woman about her wedding date,and this time she did respond. Taking a jibe at the woman’s failure to disclose her daughter’s date of birth even though she remembered her date of marriage,the judge remarked,“Now,I can completely relate to that. It certainly is important to know things related to your marriage more than anything else.” 

All credit to govt
Pressed for time before the Commonwealth Games begin,the government is ready to take some extreme measures. Last week,when the Quality Council of India suggested to the Delhi Health minister that she empanel private hospitals to treat athletes during the Games,the minister was not impressed. The QCI had said using un-accredited medical facilities will be indefensible in case of an emergency during the Games. Within a day,a meeting was called of Health department officials and the QCI,in which it was decided that by August three state-run hospitals will have accreditation. This decision was,however,taken without an assessment of the medical facilities of the hospitals. “We have been after them for two years to apply for accreditation. Now,they want us to give them accreditation within a month,” said a QCI insider.

A nano request
The auto unions in the city dismissed their strike call on Friday after the government assured them a revision of the fare structure. While the commuters heaved a sigh of relief,the auto-rickshaw drivers are hoping the government will also act on their long-standing demand of allowing low-cost Nano taxis to ply on the roads. For the auto owners a Nano will be a cheaper option than buying an auto at Rs 4 lakh through a complicated nexus of financiers and permit holders. All eyes are on Transport minister Arvinder Singh Lovely. The auto drivers claim the Minister had once assured them that there will be a scheme for radio autos soon.

All here,but not present
On Friday,the Gurgaon district administration apprised the State Election Commissioner of the “good work” and almost total attendance recorded by the returning officers (RO) and assistant ROs for the panchayat elections. A day later,however,the claims fell flat when several ROs and AROs did not attend a training programme organised for them.Now,FIRs have been registered against as many 40 ROs and AROs who did attend the training programme organised for Pataudi,Sohna and Farrukhnagar blocks of the district on Saturday.

Old habits die hard
The earlier shabby exteriors of the Delhi airport have given way for a new sleek look. But,it seems old habits die hard. According to the rules,a passenger at the pre-paid taxi counter is given a slip with the taxi serial number written on it. As one approaches the cab pick-up area,the helper stationed there leads the commuter to the cabs he has a prior “understanding” with. A note of Rs 10 changes hands between the driver and the helper and off the cab goes. “This works for both of us,” says a driver as he zooms away.

The spy within
The Bhure Lal committee on sealing and demolition was in for a surprise on Saturday when it showed up to seal illegal structures inside the Old Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. Most of the illegal structures were empty and all goods had been removed. The owners of the structures had fled as the news about the ongoing sealing drive spread. A section of officials,however,believe that certain MCD officials could have tipped off the proprietors of these establishments. The ASI officials believe illegal structures could not have mushroomed inside monuments without the backing of MCD zonal officers,as well as the Delhi Police.

Mini symbols
public transport its seems is the most eye-catching symbol for Delhi. With the Commonwealth Games approaching,tiny toy autos with DL numberplates are up for grabs. Also,with the advent of the Metro rail,miniature Metro trains are selling everywhere. There is another new addition: miniature Central government Ambassador cars,complete with red flashing lights.

Matters of the heart
Crimes of passion and love-related issues have been giving the police in the National Capital Region a headache. A senior officer said that on a average he receives three to four complaints everyday of couples eloping and getting married. The problem intensified when senior officer got complaints about policemen leaving home with their lovers with divorcing their wife. An officer said the only option in the case,is to temporarily suspend the officer.