Friday, August 14, 1998
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Friday, August 14, 1998 |
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Conductor's
death: SSP orders probe Better
facilities on Swaran Shatabdi |
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Action recommended against erring JE BATHINDA, Aug 13— Departmental action has been recommended against the engineering branch of the municipal council for allegedly allowing hotelier to construct more storeys of the hotel than sanctioned in the site plan. Happy
with award, unhappy with money 35
life convicts freed Governor
gives police medals to BSF men |
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Badal's call for new polity GONIANA (Bathinda), Aug 13 — Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said here today that prevalent political uncertainty was dangerous for the country. Talking to reporters here, he said that to overcome this situation, there was great need to change the democratic system of the country and all political parties should arrive at consensus for new democratic system. He said that if any party did not get clear majority for forming a government at the Centre then the party having maximum number of seats should be given right to form the government. He said that apart from it, other arrangements should be made which could give full five years to the government for functioning. To a question, he said that decision of Ms Jayalalitha to withdraw support to the BJP-led coalition government would be unfortunate and it would create political uncertainty in the country. He added that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) however, would not hold talks with Ms Jayalalitha for settling the dispute going on between the AIADMK and the BJP. To another question, Mr Badal said that there was no threat to Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee's government and it would complete its full term of five years. On Udham Singh Nagar issue, Mr Badal said that the SAD had made its position clear to the central government and added that before taking any action in this regard, the BJP should know the wishes of the residents of the Udham Singh Nagar. He said that Udham Singh Nagar had no regional or religious link with the proposed Uttaranchal state. "We want to maintain good relations with the BJP which were good for the country in general and for Punjab in particular. We have demanded the exclusion of Udham Singh Nagar from the proposed Uttaranchal state on the basis of certain reasons and the BJP leadership had been made aware of all reasons. The ball is now in the BJP's court", the Chief Minister said. He made it clear that the SAD had not left the pending issues of Punjab and the transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas to Punjab, settlement of river waters disputes and other genuine demands of Punjab were still on the SAD's agenda. Regarding his recent Delhi visit, Mr Badal said that he went to Delhi for taking clearance of certain development projects of the state which included the Bathinda oil refinery and science city near Jalandhar. He said that matter of raising of minimum support price (MSP) of paddy was also discussed with the authorities concerned during his visit. The Chief Minister disclosed that the SAD would create public opinion against the imposition of income tax on the agriculture activities by the central government and the SAD would air its grievances against all its demands from open platforms and other forums. He also disclosed that a new education policy for the state would be implemented shortly. He said that a committee for framing the education policy had been constituted under the chairmanship of Mr Amrik Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of the Punjab Agricultural University. He said that the committee would make its recommendations after evaluating all aspects of present education system of the state. Earlier, Mr Badal laid the foundation stone of the administrative block of the Bhai Assa Singh Girls College here. He also laid the foundation stone of community hall being built by a voluntary organisation. Mr Badal announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the college and Rs 2 lakh for the community hall. Mr Chiranji Lal Garg,
State Food and Supply Minister, Mr Balbir Singh, Mr
Baldev Singh Khiala, Mr Makhan Singh (MLAs), Mr Chitan
Singh Samao, MP and Mr S.R. Ladhar, Deputy Commissioner
were present on the occasion. |
Conductor's death: SSP orders probe ROPAR, Aug 13 — The SSP, Mr R.S. Khatra, has ordered an inquiry into the accidental death of Amarjit Singh, a conductor with the Ropar depot of Punjab Roadways who died in the PGI on July 22 following serious injuries in an accident on July 17 here. According to Mr Khatra here today, Mr Sukhwinder Singh Uppal, DSP (Headquarter), Ropar, had been asked to conduct an inquiry into the accidental death of Mr Amarjit Singh and ensure the safety to the family of the deceased. Mrs Gurpreet Kaur, widow of Amarjit Singh, earlier, in a complaint to the SSP, had expressed apprehension that her husband had been killed and the suspects could also harm her and her family, so she required immediate protection. In her complaint, Mrs Gurpreet Kaur had also mentioned that an employee of the roadways after the death of her husband came to her and threatened if the complainant did not change statement regarding the number of car, which allegedly hit the deceased, they would launch a stir. Later, some one also inquired about the school in which her children were studying, then she frightened and decided to change the school of her children, but on the assurance of the principal, she did not withdraw her children from the school, she added. Meanwhile the district police has launched operation "night dominance" in the district in view of the security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations and spurt in the terrorist activities in Himachal Pradesh. The SSP, said that under
the night dominance programme, last night the
Nangal-Delhi Himachal Express was checked by a special
task force comprising sniffer dogs, anti-sabotage team,
and bomb disposal squads. |
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Action recommended against erring
JE BATHINDA, Aug 13— The Executive Officer of the local municipal council, Mr Gurbachan Gupta, has recommended departmental action against the municipal engineering branch of the council for allegedly allowing hotelier to construct more storeys of the hotel than sanctioned in the site plan. Official sources said the EO had written a letter to the Secretary and Director, Local Self Government, Punjab, for taking disciplinary action against the engineering branch officials following a complaint by Mr Murari Lal, owner of a chemist shop located near the hotel. In his complaint, Mr Murari Lal alleged that the hotelier had constructed the five-storey building on the eastern wall of his shop and house illegally and unlawfully in connivance with the municipal engineer, district administration and officials of the Town Planning Department. He alleged that due to the erection of a huge building the foundation of eastern wall of his house and shop had started settling and the lintel of all rooms and shop had developed cracks. He said his building had become unsafe and could collapse any time. He alleged that the hotelier was permitted to raise the construction up to 33 feet from the ground level but the construction had been raised illegally up to 58 feet from the ground level. A 40 feet high antenna for mobile phone had also been erected over the fifth floor of the hotel. A big water tank had also illegally been constructed by the hotelier on the common wall. Mr Gupta when contacted by TNS admitted that some portion of the hotel had been raised against the sanctioned site plan. He said he has issued a notice to the hotelier for the illegal construction. He said he had also recommended departmental action against Mr Yashpal, Junior Engineer, as he was looking after the building section. Mr Murari Lal has also
demanded a high-level probe into the matter and
demolition of the illegal structure. |
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Happy with award, unhappy with
money PATIALA, Aug 13 — On August 15, the 51st anniversary of the country's Independence, a large number of defence personnel who are winners of gallantry and distinguished services awards will be honoured at their respective districts. It is for the first time that such a large number of awardees have been extended invitation for the Independence Day celebrations. It is also for the first time that the most decorated among them would be given a citation and an extract of the citation read out publicly. However, happy at the honour being bestowed on them, they remain unhappy with the meagre financial remuneration given to them by the government against the awards. Capt (retd) Manjit Singh Dhindsa, Deputy Director, Sainik Welfare Board, talking to The Tribune said the move to honour the awardees was a part of the government policy to make armed forces more attractive to the youth who were drifting towards more lucrative careers. Already, the government alarmed at the serious shortage of officers in the defence forces, has been spending much on "inspiring advertisements in the print and electronic media." Small financial support is being given to the awardees for "exemplary courage and duty to the nation.'' A Param Vir Chakra awardee gets Rs 350 per month, Mahavir Chakra awardee Rs 275 per month, Kirti Chakra Rs 250, Vir Chakra Rs 200, Saurya Chakra Rs 175 and Uttam Yudh Sewa Medal Rs 100. Earlier the government
used to give free bus travel facility to the awardees but
this was withdrawn some years ago. Now, they get Rs 100
per month as bus fare. |
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Better facilities on Swaran
Shatabdi KAPURTHALA, Aug 13 — Railway passengers for the first time can enjoy a comfortable ride in the newly developed and newly designed high-speed coaches manufactured by the rail coach factory at Kapurthala on the new Swaran Shatabdi train starting on August 15 on the Delhi-Amritsar route. The RCF General Manager, Mr V.P. Ojha, today told mediapersons these high-speed coaches would replace old coaches of the Shatabdi Express running on the Delhi-Amritsar section. The train had been renamed as Swaran Shatabdi. Mr Ojha said the IRY/IR20 coaches had been developed and designed at the coach factory in Kapurthala in collaboration with the Research Design and Standard Organisation of the Railways in a record period of one year. He claimed the field trials of high-speed coaches on the Ghaziabad-Tundla section and the Dehradun Shatabdi had been very successful and passengers' response was very encouraging. He further claimed the coach had been tested at the speed of 160 km per hour on the Ghaziabad-Tundla section in December. The new Swaran Shatabdi train comprising high-speed coaches are these days on field trial on the Delhi-Amritsar section before being put in actual operation on August 15. Disclosing the salient features of high-speed coaches, Mr Ojha said the newly designed coaches would provide a comfortable ride, improved and aesthetically designed interiors and large windows. In order to achieve less braking distance and prevent wheels from skidding, the coaches had been equipped with axle-mounted disc brake system imported from Germany. Fibre reinforced glass components have been used extensively and newly designed features added to make the coach lighter by 700 kg. Moreover, these coaches would require lesser maintenance, he said. Mr Ojha claimed there would be low noise both inside and outside. The brake blocks of conventional coaches were being replaced after 15 days but the disc brakes in this coach would be changed after two years. Moreover, the repair of wheel profile of this coach would require maintenance after two years as compared to four months in case of conventional coaches. Mr Ojha said the coaches had cost Rs 80 lakh as imported disc brakes had been used. The cost would come down after developing the disc brakes indigenously. Pantry toilets were separated on each end to make it more hygienic unlike the existing coaches. Vacuum cleaning system had been provided for better sanitation and hygiene. The executive coach was fitted with a soft drinks dispenser to be used freely by passengers travelling in the executive class. The Railways was imparting special training to women hostesses for the Swaran Shatabdi Express. Mr Ojha lauded the efforts of workers and engineers for developing this new coach. The factory had rolled out 15 high-speed coaches during this week for the Swaran Shatabdi Express and the next rake of 15 coaches would be rolled out by March next year. According to the Northern
Railway time-table, the Swaran Shatabdi would leave New
Delhi at 6.30 a.m. and reach Amritsar at 11.55 a.m. From
Amritsar, it would depart the same day at 5.10 p.m. and
arrive in New Delhi at 10.30 p.m. from August 15. The
Swaran Shatabdi fares had been raised by 5 per cent more
than the existing Shatabdi Express rates. The Union
Railways Minister, Mr Nitish Kumar, would flag off the
Swaran Shatabdi Express on August 15 at New Delhi. |
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35 life convicts freed LUDHIANA, Aug 13 — The golden jubilee celebrations of India's independence brought a boon of "freedom from jail" for 35 life convicts as Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal released them from Central Jail, Ludhiana at a function here today. The Chief Minister went to the 'released' persons and wished them a virtuous and purposeful life for members of their families and also to the society at large. The Chief Minister, also ordered remission of balance of sentence of imprisonment for life to the 77 prisoners undergoing imprisonment to mark 50 years of India's independence. These convicts would be released on August 16, next. He announced remission of one year for prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for more than 10 years, 9 months for prisoners undergoing sentence of more than five years and up to 10 years, six months for prisoners undergoing sentence more than two years and up to five years and 3 months for prisoners undergoing sentence up to two years. Mr Badal said that his government was making sincere efforts for making the jails as "reformation centres" (sudhar ghars) in true sense so that the persons undergoing imprisonment could change their life styles and attitudes and their social responsibilities. He said that during his previous regime as Chief Minister, he had changed the name of jails as "sudhar ghars." The Chief Minister directed the Minister of State for Jails and jail authorities to take more necessary steps for improving living conditions of prisoners. Mr Badal also inaugurated a library in the memory of Shaheed Harbans Singh, a freedom fighter who was hanged in Ludhiana jail by the British government on April 2,1944, for his revolt against the British rule. He lauded the role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle, Mr Badal said that 80 per cent of the total sacrifices were made by the Punjabis by launching various movements from the land of Punjab. He asked the Prisons and Public Relations Department to trace the history of such warriors who languished in jails or hanged by the British government while fighting against British rule. The Chief Minister honoured the sons and other family members of Shaheed Harbans Singh and presented them with shawls and mementos. He also announced to provide all kind of assistance to the family of Shaheed Harbans Singh and bear the expenditure by the state government of treatment of his son Mr Harbax Singh suffering from a chronic disease. He also announced a grant of Rs two lakh for the building of a library. Mr Inderjit Singh Zira, Minister of State for Jails highlighted steps by the government for bringing improvement in the jails. He said that modern technology had been introduced for the preparation of meals for the prisoners, besides launching vocational courses for them." The cases for the release of life prisoners above 70 years of age who had undergone four years of sentence were under consideration of the government," he said. He said that the cases of all prisoners were being granted six weeks parole twice a year. Earlier it was six weeks for agriculture purpose, and four weeks for other purpose. Besides this every prisoner is granted emergency parole for two weeks on the death/serious illness of blood relation. Previously sureties were
to be furnished by the prisoners every time when leave
was granted. Now sureties are to be furnished only once
at the time of first leave. He said that five new jails
were being constructed at Nabha, Barnala, Fatehgarh
Sahib, Mansa and Ropar. Mr Harbax Singh, son of Shaheed
Harbans Singh and Jathedar Surjan Singh also spoke on the
occasion. |
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Governor gives police medals to BSF
men HOSHIARPUR, Aug 13 — The Punjab Governor, Lt-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (retd), praised the Border Security Force (BSF) for its excellent service not only on Indian borders but also in maintaining peace, unity and integration of the country. He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the investiture ceremony for the award of President's Police Medals for meritorious services for BSF officers and other ranks and the passing-out parade of the BSF contingent at the subsidiary training centre of the force at Kharkan, 12 km from here, yesterday. The Governor said the BSF was established in 1965-66 for the protection of Indian borders. The BSF played a major role during the Indo-Pak war in 1971. It not only protects borders but also does other operational works with dedication, the results of which were known to every Indian. He appreciated the role of BSF jawans on the Indo-Pak border and said "our neighbour is trying its level best to disintegrate India". But its efforts were being rebuffed by the BSF jawans. General Chhibber praised the BSF for its tremendous efforts in bringing peace to Punjab during the peak of terrorism in the state. While referring to the entry of new recruits in the BSF family, he said they would perform their duty honestly and face all challenges to secure the borders and maintain peace, unity and integration. Earlier, the Governor took
the salute from 249 recruits in a very impressive
passing-out parade at the centre. Later, he gave
President's Police Medals to 25 BSF officers and six
jawans for their meritorious services. |
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A crusader against
law-breakers AMRITSAR: Sometimes, he is mistaken for a DTO (District Transport Officer), sometimes for an Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation or even a police officer. Only a few persons know that he (Brij Bedi) is the husband of Kiran Bedi, a senior IPS officer who is widely known for her exemplary work. What Mrs Kiran Bedi does in uniform, he has been doing without uniform. He is normally seen shouting at those who have encroached on prime government land in this holy city with the alleged connivance of officials. He forces them to clear encroachments in an "authoritative way". Most bylaw violators come under his ‘pressure’ and promise to abide by the law. When the administration seems to have gone on long leave, in view of encroachments on a large scale one feels that Mr Brij Bedi is pitted against a phalanx. Another novel way he has adopted in getting encroachments cleared, is by taking photographs of such sites and sending them to the authorities. For this work he does not take help from anybody. Sometimes he would ask a police official to accompany him in his van and would take him to the encroached sites. With his sole efforts, Mr Brij Bedi got many hoardings on the main roads or fixed in the green belt removed which posed a danger to passers-by. He would tell municipal or district administration officials that high court orders were not being implemented in toto. When some municipal corporation officials gave excuses that there were problems in the implementation of the court orders, he got Municipal Commissioner S.S. Rajput to state that court orders would be implemented in toto strictly. Talking to TNS, Mr Bedi said he was concerned about the safety of the common man who took a lot of risk due to putting up of huge hoardings on roof-tops. The portions of the hoardings were taken away at many places due to wind. Fortunately nobody was injured. Mr Bedi has already taken photographs of such hoardings and submitted them to authorities. For the cleanliness campaign, he would highlight the need to keep the city clean. Sometimes he himself helps in getting such work done. When he saw walls of Guru Nanak Dev University being defaced he immediately took up the matter with Vice-Chancellor, who proved to be very responsive and got the walls cleaned. However, he complained that the cleanliness work outside the boundary wall carried out by the university was very poor. He is perturbed to see the walls of many other educational institutes, banks and government buildings being defaced due to violation of bylaws by certain advertisers. He asks why such people are not prosecuted? Mr Brij Bedi questions that when roads are being used by VIPs and bureaucrats, they hardly notice the violation of the bylaws and do not take any action against them. The work for which he
takes pride include clearance of illegal parking on the
Amritsar-Wagah GT road, beautification of parks whose
land was being misused by the shopkeepers by keeping iron
bars and goods. |
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Propagate theory of Karma: Governor CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — The Punjab Governor, Lt Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (Retd), today called upon the people to propagate the eternal theory of "Karma", taught to us by Lord Krishna in Geeta to every nook and corner of the world. Felicitating the people on
the eve of Janamashtmi, the Governor said that the
message of Lord Krishna would continue to inspire the
coming generations to raise their voice against injustice
and to fight tyranny with firm determination. |
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Punjab to authorise motor dealers CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — The Punjab government will soon authorise the motor dealers to register the non-transport and personal vehicles at first sale. Mr Kulbir Singh, State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, revealed this here today. He said that this new
scheme had been proposed in view of the increased work
load of the District Transport Offices ( DTOs) and
increasing number of vehicles in the state. First of all
this scheme would be implemented in the four districts,
namely Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala, on an
experimental basis, he said. |
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MLA to surrender on August 24 JALANDHAR, Aug 13 — Mr Shingara Singh Sahungra, BSP, legislator from Garhshankar, will surrender to the police on August 24. At least 500 workers of the party will court arrest. Mr Bhagwan Singh Chauhan, district president of the BSP, Hoshiarpur, said the case registered against Mr Sahungra and five other for hooliganism and destruction of furniture at the Garhshankar police station was "false". It was registered at the behest of the SAD. Meanwhile, the "jail
bharo" agitation started by the party in Hoshiarpur
on July 28 continues. |
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Rice shellers' plea to board CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — A deputation of rice shellers here today met the Chairman of the Punjab Khadi and Village Industry Board and urged him to withdraw the services charges levied on rice shellers who had taken loan from the board for installing the shellers. The deputationists said
that the levying of service charges had put a heavy
financial burden on the sheller owners and they were
unable to pay it. They said that shellers were agro-based
industry which was serving people in the rural areas by
providing them employment opportunities. They said that
on the one side Punjab was talking about promoting
agro-based industry and on the other it was levying
unnecessary taxes on such industry. |
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Appeal to extend benefit of
pension CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — Mr Hari Singh Tohra, President of the Punjab Karamchari Dal, said today that panchayat secretaries, employees of Zila Parishads and cutting and tailoring training teachers had not been given pension benefit by the Punjab Government so far. He has urged the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, to extend pension benefit to these employees. He said that to press the
government to accept this demand, the dal would organise
a dharna in front of the office of the Director,
Panchayats, on August 18 here. |
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Appeal to BKU factions CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — Mr Bhupinder Singh Mann and Mr Balbir Singh Rajewal, two senior leaders of the Bharti Kisan Union, have given a call to leaders of other factions of the BKU to unite on one platform to protect the interests of the farming community. Mr Bhupinder Singh Mann
has urged all factions of the BKU to approach the Akal
Takht on August 16 for fighting against the injustice to
which farmers were being subjected to by the authorities
concerned. He has appealed to farmers not to resort to
suicides as it was not a solution of any problem but to
fight for their rights. |
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JD's protest march against
price hike FEROZEPORE, Aug 13 — Workers of Janata Dal today took out protest march through main markets at Cantonment here, against price hike, corruption and policies of the SAD-BJP government. The processionists were raising slogans against the Punjab Chief Minister and his government. Later, they staged a dharna outside Deputy Commissioner's office here. Addressing the dharna, various leaders including, Prof Darshan Singh party's state secretary general, said that people of Punjab were unhappy with working of the Badal government, which they alleged, had failed on all fronts. They said that the SAD-BJP government had failed to provide corruption-free government. The law and order situation had deteriorated in the state. They added that it was a matter of regret that poor indebted farmers were committing suicides. On the other side, the government was doing nothing to check this trend, they accused. The JD leaders strongly
condemned Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal who
they alleged, was promoting nepotism. |
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SAD-BJP government has let CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — Mr Brahm Mohindra, member of the All-India Congress Committee and former minister, said here today that the SAD-BJP government had failed to live up to the expectations of the people. He said it would have been better if the Punjab Government had taken all political parties in the state in confidence to fight for getting all genuine demands of Punjab implemented from the Centre. He said instead of the Udham Singh Nagar issue the Akali leadership should have given a threat to withdraw its support on the issue of demands of Punjab. He alleged that Akali
leaders were more concerned to protect their farms in
Udham Singh Nagar than retaining it in Uttar Pradesh. He
asked the Punjab government to make it clear when it
would abolish the octroi which it had promised in its
election manifesto. |
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Minister warns bank staff CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Cooperative Minister, Punjab, during a surprise check of the head office of the Punjab State Cooperative Development Bank and the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank today found a number of employees absent. He has issued a warning to
such employees. |
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Congress rally against price rise LUDHIANA, Aug 13 — Ever since the Akali-BJP Government has come to power, the prices of all essential commodities are sky-rocketting and are beyond the reach of the common man," this was stated by Mr Amarinder Singh, president of the state unit of the Congress, while addressing a rally outside the mini secretariat in protest against the sharp rise in prices. He alleged that the policies of the present government were responsible for the financial crisis being faced by the state. He presented a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner also. However, Youth Congress leaders belonging to the Bitta faction boycotted the rally in protest against the non-representation to members of the Bitta faction in the executive body of the PPCC. Earlier, talking to the Press Mr Amarinder Singh alleged that the Akalis did not intend taking a stand on Udham Singh Nagar. If the Akalis feel strongly for the Punjabi settlers in Udham Singh Nagar, they should force the Centre to decide in their favour. He blamed the Akali-BJP government for the poor paddy procurement and said the procurement price for paddy had gone up by just 4 per cent to 5 per cent whereas prices had gone up by 20 per cent. Commenting on the plight
of poor and marginal farmers, the PPCC chief said 133
farmers had committed suicide because of heavy debt.
"Their plight is being compounded by imposing income
tax on farmers. Instead the loan recovery of these
farmers should be stayed and the government should
appoint a commission to study the problem", he said. |
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Admission policy for B.Ed approved AMRITSAR, Aug 13 — Guru Nanak Dev University has approved the policy for admission to B.Ed in various education colleges of Punjab for the year 1998-99. A university spokesman said the admission policy approved at a meeting of principals of education colleges of Punjab at the university campus here today. The coordinator, Dr Om Avasthi, said the result of B.Ed entrance test would be declared on August 15. The admission to the course for all colleges of education would be done at the university campus as per the guidelines of the National Council of Teacher Education. Dr Satinder Singh, Dean, Academic Affairs, of the university said a few seats were available for admission to first year of B.Sc (Honours School) in botany, zoology, chemistry, human genetics and B.Sc (Industrial Microbiology). He said interested candidates who had qualified for the JET (undergraduate) test could contact heads of the departments concerned along with their original testimonials on August 21 at 11.00 a.m. The admission would be
based on merit. |
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Chhotepur held, released GURDASPUR, Aug 13 — The police today arrested Mr Sucha Singh Chhotepur, a former Minister and Senior Akali leader apprehending a breach of the peace under Section 107/151 of the IPC and produced him before the subdivisional Magistrate who ordered his release. According to Mr Gaurav Yadav, SSP, Mr Chhotepur was arrested because his presence near the polling station where election for the Director of Primary Land Agricultural Development Bank of zone No.5 could lead to law and order problem. When Mr Chhotepur was contacted, he said that his arrest was for political reasons and had been done at the instance of a state minister. He accused that the minister has been in a Rest House at Dhariwal for the past 10 days for ensuring victory of his candidate in the said election. He also brought people from other zones and made them caste votes in zone No.5, polling for which was held at Dhariwal today. Mr Chhotepur alleged that district administration and the minister were working for the victory of nominee of the minister. He demanded re-poll for the election of Director of zone No.5 of the said Bank. Meanwhile, three directors
of the Bank have been returned unopposed and they all
belong to the Shiromani Akali Dal. Nomination papers of
all candidates for the election of Director of zone No.3
of the said Bank were rejected on the day of scrutiny and
no date for holding this election has been announced so
far. |
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Punjab seeks change in youth
policy CHANDIGARH, Aug 13 — The Punjab Government has urged the centre to make amendments in the national youth policy to make it more effective and purposeful. Mr Gobind Singh Kanjla, Punjab Minister for Youth Services, told TNS today that he had met Mrs Uma Bharati, Union Minister for Youth Services, in connection with the national youth policy. He said the State Government wanted the national youth policy should address the problem of increasing unemployment in the country and come out with concrete proposals for solving this problem. There was frustration among the youth in all parts of the country as opportunities for employment were shrinking and there was nobody to guide them properly for starting self-employment ventures. He said the State
Government had sought Rs 30 crore from the centre for
starting professional training courses for youth. The
Punjab Government wanted to start computer training
centres in urban and rural areas where youth could get
preliminary training. without paying any charges. |
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Dharna by PSEB employees PATIALA, Aug 13 — Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) employees held a day-long dharna in front of the board head office here today. Addressing the rally the leaders criticised the attitude of the management in releasing arrears of pay revision and discriminating against employees on the issues of electricity concession, travelling allowance, medical allowance and shift duty allowance had been decided by wage formation committee but the management was reluctant to implement them. Addressing the gathering due to which traffic had to be diverted for some time, employee leaders MS Chahal and KC Bhardwaj alleged that though there was complete ban on transfers in the PSEB but trade union leaders were being transferred to far away places. They said the PSEB management while implementing new scales had withdrawn house rent allowance within eight km radius of cities which was already permissible to PSEB employees. They alleged, in spite of
written agreements, no post of subordinate staff was
created, while posts of officer being created making the
system top-heavy. |
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