Wednesday, August 19, 1998
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P U N J A B | |
Wednesday, August 19, 1998 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Rift in
Sikh clergy widens Act
to regulate nursing homes Allow
private practice: panel |
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 Eradi Tribunal not to be dissolved Amarinder
given free hand |
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Reallocation may open
Pandora's box Bhinder
ridicules SAD stand Teachers
go on relay fast Administration
demolishes 30 shops Kalkat
warns against fertiliser overdose Sodhi
seeks ban on people's commission Barnala
urges farmers to market dry paddy |
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| Results today | |
Officers found absent |
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Rift in Sikh clergy widens AMRITSAR, Aug 18 — The gulf between Bhai Ranjit Singh, Akal Takht Chief, and Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib over important Sikh affairs is reportedly widening, notwithstanding their public denial. It could even snowball into a bigger controversy involving the Sikh-panth it self. Prof Manjit Singh reportedly deliberately skipped the meeting of the Sikh clergy on July 26, when six Sikh leaders including a journalist from Canada, were excommunicated for allegedly defying the 'hukamnama' on the institution of 'guru ka langar' though he was in the city. Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib reportedly asked Bhai Ranjit Singh to bring Prof Manjit Singh to the meeting but he bluntly refused saying, "being Jathedar of a Takht, Prof Manjit Singh is equally responsible for attending to Sikh affairs." Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh "stayed away" from a meeting of the Sikh clergy held at Akal Takht yesterday without assigning any reason. It was then said that Prof Manjit Singh had been ailing for the past many days. When confronted by newsmen, Bhai Ranjit Singh said that the meeting had been fixed in consultation with both of them. Invitation letters were also sent on the letter-head of Akal Takht. He regretted that they neither attended the meeting nor sent any abstention message. Though their are minor difference of opinion between Bhai Ranjit Singh and Prof Manjit Singh, who had been officiating as Akal Takht Chief during the detention of the former, on most Sikh affairs, they reportedly took clearly divergent stands on the issue of ex-communication of Canadian Sikh leaders on the langar issue. Another important differences is on the issues of World Sikh Council. Before the amendment to its constitution and subsequent appointment of Justice Kuldip Singh as its chairman. Prof Manjit Singh was dominated the council as its chairman. Prof Manjit Singh reportedly failed to hand over the accounts of the council to Justice Kuldip Singh, in his capacity as its patron. Bhai Ranjit Singh is reported to have shot off a very strong-worded letter recently to Prof Manjit Singh directing him to immediately hand over the accounts and funds of the council to Justice Kuldip Singh. Giani Kewal Singh was reportedly in favour of calling Sikhs with any problems direct to the Akal Takht instead of first discussing their representations in the Sikh clergy's meeting. This annoyed Bhai Ranjit Singh. Both Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh are reportedly not happy with Bhai Ranjit Singh's style of functioning his dominance and using 'rustic' language for his colleagues. They feel that all the five high priests are equally responsible. When contacted by TNS at his residence this afternoon, Bhai Ranjit Singh denied any differences with the two high priests. He also denied that his behaviour with them was ever rude or that he used harsh language. "I may be using unsophisticated language. But it is my temperament. I have nothing against any one." "If Prof Manjit Singh or Giani Kewal Singh has any grouse against me they should bring it up in the meeting of the five high priests. They can bring the matter to the notice of SGPC authorities too or even can even go to the press or Sikh-sangat. "In such a case, I will clarify my position." "We are equally responsible and accountable to the Sikh-sangat and history. We are supposed to discuss and resolve important Sikh affairs. "Hukamnama" is issued only if all the five high priests are in unanimity on it. If they have different views on any Sikh affair they are free to record their dissenting note. In such an eventuality the "hukamnama" can be withheld." Bhai Ranjit Singh confirmed that he had written a letter to Prof Manjit Singh asking him to hand over the account of the World Sikh Council to Justice Kuldip Singh at the earliest. He also confirmed that Prof Manjit Singh was against taking any action against Canadian Sikh leaders for defying the "hukamnama" on serving "langar". About Giani Kewal Singh, he said that on the one hand the former had been pleading that all matters should be referred to the dharam parchar committee of the SGPC before issuance on any "hukamnama", on the other hand he had been encouraging certain Sikhs to directly approach Akal Takht instead of accepting their representation, to be discussed by the Sikh clergy. "I myself have been putting all letters or representations before the other high priests to elicit their views and act accordingly." For instance, Giani Kewal Singh brought a group of five Sikhs from Mukerian on July 26 and insisted they be accorded the status of "punj pyaras". The matter pertained to a theft in a gurdwara which should have been reported to the police, as the SGPC did in the case of the theft of a "chhabba" from the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple. Responding to a question, Bhai Ranjit Singh said that he would be writing to both Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh to attend the next meeting of the Sikh clergy to discuss the pending matters, including the representation of Mr Avtar Singh Hit and Mr Atma Singh Lubana seeking forgiveness and reinduction into the panthic fold. In an unrelated
development Mrs Kiranjot Kaur, a member of the SGPC and
granddaughter of Master Tara Singh left for the USA and
Canada, where she will meet various Sikh organisations to
discuss panthic affairs today. She will, according to a
press release issued here, find ways to bring about unity
amongst all the Sikhs and implement Sikh maryada all over
the world. |
Act to regulate nursing homes CHANDIGARH, Aug 18 — As many as 46 persons died after taking spurious medicines in recent years in Punjab. Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Punjab Health Minister, revealed this while addressing a press conference at the Press Club here last evening. He said that for ensuring the sale of genuine medicines at drug stores in the state, all 10 vacant posts of Drug Inspectors would be filled soon. He said that at present only six Drug Inspectors were on the rolls against 16 sanctioned posts. A committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of Dr Manmohan Kaur, Director, Health Services, Punjab, to examine the issue whether government doctors should be allowed to do private practice or not. He said that as many as 338 doctors had been charge-sheeted so far in the state for doing private practice. The Minister said that he had ordered an inquiry into the death of a doctor at Moga. A deputation of the PCMS Association led by Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa had met him in this connection yesterday. He said that action would be taken if any body was found guilty after the inquiry. He said that homoeopathy and Ayurvedic doctors would be available in civil hospitals in the districts and sub-divisional headquarters in the state. Mr Kalia said that he had recommended pay parity between allopathic, ayurvedic and homoeopathic doctors. A recommendation in this connection had been sent to the committee constituted by the Punjab Government for the removal of pay anomalies. Mr Kalia said that drastic steps had been taken up to revamp the health services in the state. On an experimental basis, the job of cleanliness of hospitals in Ropar, SAS Nagar and Ludhiana had been given to contractors. This had been done following complaints of unhygenic conditions in civil hospitals. For solving the problems of medico-legal cases, a new system of putting doctors on duty for conducting post-mortem examination on rotation basis had been introduced. Serious cases would be examined by a board of doctors, he added. For streamlining the services at private nursing homes, a private nursing homes registration Act would be brought in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Guidelines would be provided in the Act for recruiting staff in private nursing homes in the Act, he added. Mr Kalia denied differences on various issues with Mr Inderjit Singh Zira, State Minister for Health services, who was also present at the press conference. He said that both were conducting raids at various hospitals to check the attendance of staff posted at such places and there was nothing wrong in it. Both denied that they had a dig at each other through the print media a few days ago. Mr Kalia said that 40 dental clinics would be set up in civil hospitals in addition to the existing 25. Mobile hospitals had been set up in Gidderbaha, Dakala and Jalandhar areas to provide health services at the doorstep. Mr Kalia said that for improving health services at the primary level, the Punjab Government was preparing a project to avail funds from the World Bank. A team of experts from Andhra Pradesh had been invited by the Punjab Government for this purpose. At the press conference Mr
Kalia was accompanied by Mr Rajesh Chabra, Secretary, and
Mr S.S. Chany, Additional Secretary, Health Services,
Punjab. |
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Eradi Tribunal not to be
dissolved CHANDIGARH, Aug 18 — The Union Government is in no mood to concede the Punjab Government's demand to either dissolve the Ravi-Beas Waters Tribunal or to delay its proceedings. The Tribunal was constituted way back in 1985 and it gave its award in January 1987. At present the tribunal, headed by former Supreme Court Judge V.B. Eradi, is to clarify certain points referred to it by the disputing states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan besides Delhi under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956. The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, during his several visits to Delhi has been urging the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, to wind up this tribunal. The Prime Minister told Mr Badal during their last meeting that the Union Government could not impede a judicial process as it would send wrong signals. Also, it would vitiate the political atmosphere. Mr Advani's help was sought since the Punjab government had pleaded in its latest prayer before the commission that there was continuation of threat of proxy war by Pakistan. "It is necessary first to to determine the law and order situation in the northern region before the next schedule for the proceedings of the tribunal is settled", it said. The Home Minister too has expressed his helplessness, although his ministry is yet to send its reply to the tribunal. In its last hearing on July 18, the tribunal had asked the Union Government to file report, if necessary, regarding the possible deterioration of law and order in Punjab and the threat of proxy war within a month. The Akali leadership, particularly Mr Badal is of the opinion that either the tribunal should be wound up or its proceedings should be delayed. This position is not acceptable for various reasons, including the stiff opposition from Haryana. The two states of Punjab and Haryana have taken tough stands regarding the distribution of the river waters. The Chief Ministers, both Mr Badal and Mr Bansi Lal, are quick to react. It Mr Badal demanded dissolution of the tribunal on Sunday at Bathinda, Mr Bansi Lal came out with a long rebuttal the very next day. This has been the history for nearly three decades. This tribunal was the
result of the Punjab accord reached between the then
Prime Minister, Mr Rajiv Gandhi and the Akali Dal
President, the late Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. Later
in 1987, the tribunal gave its award. Haryana almost
accepted it, but Punjab had many reservations. Hence the
continuation of the tribunal. Now again while Haryana is
keen for a final report, Punjab is adopting different
ways and means either to delay its proceedings or to get
it dissolved. |
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Allow private practice: panel CHANDIGARH, Aug 18 — Permitting private practice to doctors working in government medical colleges and hospitals in Punjab is one of the recommendations made by a committee on improving functioning in these institutions. Giving more financial powers to principals and medical superintendents concerned and greater administrative freedom, higher budget allocation and restructuring teaching programmes within the framework of the Medical Council of India, guidelines are some other suggestions for quality medical education and better hospital services to patients. Unless the "local" authorities responsible for the day-to-day running of these colleges and hospitals were stopped being "remote-controlled from Chandigarh", little could be achieved in this direction. The committee said it was appalled to notice that the annual budgetary provision of the two medical colleges was only one-tenth of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. For example against the Rs 34 crore annual budget of Dayanand College, the budget for the medical colleges run by the government was barely Rs 5 crore each. The working of the government medical institutions, the committee observed, was so "upsetting" that the "spirit of service" was totally missing. The committee was constituted some time back for suggesting ways and means to bring about a qualitative change in the medical education in the state. Though not much can be changed in terms of courses and curricula as prescribed by the Medical Council of India, there remains a scope for better equipment and infrastructure. The convener of the committee was Dr (Mrs) Sudesh Khanna, Principal, Government Medical College, Amritsar. The other members included Dr S.B. Khurana, Principal, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Dr I.S. Chawla, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Dr F. Handa, dermatologist, and Dr S.S. Sidhu of Guru Ram Das Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar. The report is to be submitted to the Minister, Medical Education and Research, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, tomorrow. Sources told TNS that the government was "deeply concerned" at the falling standards of medical education to which a reference was even made by the High Court while dealing with a case. The state on its own has initiated short-term and long-term steps to improve the medical education system. It includes creation of NRI seats in medical colleges and reploughing the money thus received for improving equipment and infrastructure. The other is a long-term proposal under which a Rs 500 crore project has been prepared for aid from the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, Japan. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, had cleared the same but the file was "lost" in transit. The state has reconstructed the proposal. It is with the State Planning Department for clearance. The present condition of the government medical colleges, the report says, is "pathetic". The equipment heads repair and is often disused. The financial problems have affected the supply of equipment, including lenin, medicines and testing kits. While much is being said
about the proposed Baba Farid University, the existing
medical education and health services are in a shambles.
Of what use is the government claim of "good
infrastructure" when in the current year the budget
provision for health services is meagre? In fact, only Rs
2.14 crore has been allotted for the
"improvement" of government medical and dental
colleges for 1998-99. |
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Amarinder given free hand CHANDIGARH, Aug 18 — Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President of the All-India Congress Committee, wants to see the Punjab unit of the party as a fully rejuvenated and vibrating unit within a period of one year. Mrs Gandhi has given a free hand to Capt Amarinder Singh, newly appointed President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, to carry out whatever steps are needed to make the state Congress a healthy outfit. After the death of Mr Beant Singh, Punjab Chief Minister, who was also President of the state unit of the party, the Congress in Punjab saw a decline on every front. First it lost the Lok Sabha elections , then the Vidhan Sabha elections and again the mid-term poll to the Lok Sabha within a short span of two and a half years. Lately, as an organisation it has almost become a dead unit. Capt Amarinder Singh has explained to all party office-bearers what Mrs Sonia Gandhi wants and what he expects from them. He told TNS that he had delegated powers to the Vice-Presidents and General Secretaries to revamp the party in the districts assigned to them. Capt Amarinder Singh said that any party office-bearers who failed to live up to his expectations and perform would be shown the door. He said that the party needed to be strengthened at the grassroot level. Hence, the decision to make it a cadre based outfit at the lowest level. He said already the task of setting up committees at the village level had begun. The first such committee had been constituted at Kotli, the native village of the late Mr Beant Singh. Mr Lal Singh, Vice-President of the PPCC, was sent to Mr Beant Singh's village for this purpose by Capt Amarinder Singh. All Congress leaders have been advised to coordinate with each other to serve the party in the best possible manner and not to air their grievances in the print media. They have been told to bring any kind of difference of opinion to the notice of the PPCC President. Capt Amarinder Singh said the performance of every office-bearer would be reviewed after three months. There were eight vice-presidents and each of them had been asked to look after two districts except Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar, who would look after three districts-Faridkot, Muktsar and Moga. Earlier, there was an impression that Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar would not pull along with Capt Amarinder Singh as Mr Brar himself was in the race for the post of Punjab Congress President. But some common friends intervened to sort out the differences, if any , between Capt Amarinder Singh and Mr Brar. Informed sources said that Capt Amarinder Singh had invited Mr Brar to his residence in Patiala for lunch where all matters pertaining to the party were discussed. Capt Amarinder Singh wants to strengthen the position of Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar in the Faridkot belt. The Punjab Congress President knows that only Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar can give a good fight to Mr Parkash Singh Badal and his clan in the Faridkot belt. Mr Brar has fought several "political" battles against Mr Badal in the past. Although he has lost every time he has not lost the heart to challenge Mr Badal again in that area. Mr Brar has been told to appoint office-bearers of his choice in the districts assigned to him. He will be fully backed by the party President as far as challenging Mr Badal was concerned at the political level in the Faridkot belt. Capt Amarinder Singh said that Mrs Santosh Chowdhary as vice-president will be in charge of Jalandhar and Nawanshahr districts. Mr Jagjit Singh will be in charge of Amritsar and Kapurthala and Mr H.S. Hanspal of Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur. Mr Avtar Henry of Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr G.S. Galib of Patiala and Sangrur, Mr Balmukand Sharma of Bathinda and Mansa and Mr Lal Singh of Ferozepore and Ludhiana districts. Out of nine General Secretaries, Mr Balbir Singh Brar has been attached to the PPCC President and Mr Sant Ram Singla will be in charge of the PPCC office at Chandigarh. Mr Raj Kumar will be in charge of frontal organisations and Mr Darbari Lal will look after the working of party cells and committees. Mr Iqbal Singh will be in charge of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Ludhiana, Mrs Malti Thapar of Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar, Mr P.S. Bajwa of Bathinda, Mansa, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr G.S. Bhullar of Ferozepore, Moga, Faridkot and Muktsar and Mr Birdevinder Singh of Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Gurdaspur and Nawanshahr. Like-wise
secretaries have also been assigned various districts. |
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Reallocation may open Pandora's box AMRITSAR, Aug 18 — The government decision to reallocate the jurisdiction of Panjab University, Punjabi University and Guru Nanak Dev University is likely to open Pandora's box. The Council of Higher Education has already given its consent to the move. Many districts which currently come under the jurisdiction of the respective university do not enjoy geographical proximity. For example, Mohali (Ropar) is only a few kilometres from Chandigarh yet its colleges are affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala, which is far away from the town. Similarly, the colleges of Abohar, Malout and Muktsar which are comparatively nearer to Punjabi University, Patiala, are affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh. Residents of these areas had demanded the affiliation of these colleges with the university closer to them. However, Dr S.P. Singh, Dean, Colleges, Guru Nanak Dev University, who is a member of the Council of Higher Education, said that while reallocating the jurisdiction of the universities, the district units would be kept intact. At present Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and newly created Nawanshahr district come under the jurisdiction of Guru Nanak Dev University. Dr S.P. Singh claimed that most of these colleges affiliated to the university had proximity to Amritsar. However, some educationists said that with the construction of all-weather roads between Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, Hoshiarpur district may be affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University. Earlier, the colleges of Hoshiarpur district had to be affiliated with Panjab University due to bad roads. Traffic used to be diverted during the rainy season owing to the non-construction of bridges. However, this is likely to be objected by Sanskrit Research Institute, Hoshiarpur, on the plea that it had its base in Panjab University, Chandigarh. Moreover, the boundaries of Hoshiarpur district are at the equal distance from Amritsar and Chandigarh. However, Nawanshahr district may be excluded from Guru Nanak Dev University and affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh. Educationists quote a
number of examples which necessitated the reallocation of
jurisdiction. For example, Nawanshahr (newly created
district) and Garhshankar (Hoshiarpur) are 109 km apart.
However, the colleges of Nawanshahr are affiliated with
Guru Nanak Dev University while the latter's colleges are
affiliated with Panjab University. Similarly, the
colleges of Ludhiana are affiliated with Panjab
University while those of Ahmedgarh (Sangrur) are
affiliated with Punjabi University though the boundaries
of both districts are only 10 km apart Ropar district,
which is now in Punjabi University, may go with Panjab
University because of its proximity with City Beautiful.
The Colleges at Begowal (Kapurthala) and Miani
(Hoshiarpur) are only 7 km apart they fall in Guru Nanak
Dev University and Panjab University, respectively. |
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Bhinder ridicules SAD stand GURDASPUR, Aug 18 — Mrs Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder, former Minister and Senior Congress leader here today said that SAD leadership was never serious about the exclusion of Udham Singh Nagar from proposed hill state of Uttaranchal and the leaders were shedding only crocodile tears to appease Punjabi settlers there. She went a step further and added that there were secret parleys between the SAD and the BJP for the inclusion of Udham Singh Nagar in Uttaranchal. It was evident when the central Cabinet committee approved draft in this connection and senior Akali leader who is a minister in the BJP-led coalition at the Centre was signatory to it. Mrs Bhinder said that she cautioned the SAD government in Punjab more than four months ago that she had apprehensions that Udham Singh Nagar was likely to be included in the proposed Uttaranchal state. She said that Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab instead of planning strategy to pressurise central government to keep out Udham Singh Nagar boasted of his unconditional support to BJP-led coalition at the centre. Moreover, Mr Badal swiftly acted to dispose of his 100 acre family farm which had demoralising effect on Punjabi settlers in the area. Mrs Bhinder warned Badal government that the BJP both Punjab and central unit were not serious to accommodate view of Punjabi settlers in Udham Singh Nagar. She said that the BJP was playing a double game in this regard. Punjab Ministers of the BJP joined the SAD delegation which met the Prime Minister and impressed upon him to exclude Udham Singh Nagar from the proposed Uttaranchal state. But few days after the senior BJP minister in Punjab said that Udham Singh Nagar issue was the concern of the centre and the SAD in Punjab should not bother about it. Mrs Bhinder said that actions of the SAD regarding the exclusion of the Udham Singh Nagar was belated and should have been started before UP assembly passed a resolution recommending the inclusion of Udham Singh Nagar in Uttaranchal state. For many months after the passing of the resolution not an eyebrow was raised against it by the SAD leaders who wanted to project as protectors of Punjabis. Mrs Bhinder said that Mr Badal was a weak Chief Minister and could not extract much from the Centre.She said that it was common knowledge that Chandigarh was built as the capital of Punjab. But much against the wishes of Punjabis Mr L.K. Advani, Home Minister issued press statement that Chandigarh would remain a Union Territory much against the wishes of its alliance partner, the Shiromani Akali Dal. Mrs Bhinder reminded SAD-BJP leaders that they sought votes of Punjabis during the assembly and Lok Sabha elections on the plea that Punjab's demands would be conceded if Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee was voted to power. But the demand of Punjabis including distribution of river waters and merger of left out Punjabi-speaking areas in Punjab continue to exist as ever. Mrs Bhinder accused SAD leadership of issuing only statements whereas in reality she blamed Punjab government of non-performance. Rise in power tariff in Punjab had hindered industrial development of the state and no industrial house was coming forward to set-up industry in Punjab. Moreover, there was fear among industrialists that terrorism could emerge under the present rule in Punjab and fear of setting up of industrial unit inspite of the efforts of the government. Mrs Bhinder endorsed Punjab PCC chief's statement that Mr Badal was diverting huge funds to Malout and Muktsar at the cost of other development projects in process. She said that Ranjit Sagar Dam was to be completed by June this year but its completion continues to be uncertain due to non-allotment of funds. Mrs Bhinder said that many of the industrialists of this district had started their units at Kathua in J&K and in places in Himachal due to vast variation of power tariff rates in Punjab and its neighbouring states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal. Mrs Bhinder said that both Punjab and central governments had no achievement to talk about. The central government was busy to set its house in order right from its inception to remain in power. Development activity in Punjab was at a standstill due to wrong policy of the Badal government. Mrs Bhinder said that
prices were increasing high and it had become difficult
for the poor to make both ends meet. When Mr Badal is
asked to take measures to check price rise, he blames
Congress for all the ills of Punjab. He advised Mr Badal
to get rid of Congress phobia and take political parties
into confidence and make strategy for the development. |
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Teachers go on relay fast PATIALA, Aug 18 — On a call given by the Federation of Central Universities Teachers Association (FEDCUTA), the Punjabi University Teachers Association (PUTA) started a relay fast in front of the office of the Vice-Chancellor here today. Dr Nanda and Dr Jaswinder Singh, president and secretary, respectively, of the PUTA, claimed that the strike was total on the university campus. They said teachers had been forced to take such a step because of the callous attitude of the HRD Ministry towards their demands. They said they would further intensify their agitation if the recommendations of the UGC were not implemented. AMRITSAR: The executive body of the Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers Association on Tuesday condemned the proposed plan of the university authorities to conduct the evaluation of teachers by a national agency. In a press note issued here Dr R.K. Bedi, president of the association, asserted that the working of the university should be evaluated rather than the work of the teachers, who are otherwise under continuous evaluation. In another resolution, the executive body of the association resolved to continue the strike until their demands were accepted. The association also held a massive rally on the campus. Meanwhile, teachers of non-government colleges held a rally at the local Hindu College in support of their demands which include the implementation of pension and gratuity scheme, regularisation of grants, release of enhanced medical allowance and review of posts of college teachers. JALANDHAR: The indefinite strike by college and university teachers entered its eighth day on Tuesday. In a press note issued here, Prof Jaspal Singh Randhawa, president, District Council, said a district-level rally was organised at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall in which more than 1,000 teachers participated. Later, the teachers took out a procession to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum to him. Prof Randhawa said a dharna-cum-rally would be organised in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner on August 21. PHAGWARA: College teachers held rallies and staged demonstrations in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner. They submitted a memorandum to him, to be forwarded to the state Chief Minister. Teachers from Panchhta, Domeli, Nadala, Begowal and Sultanpur Lodhi convened at their district headquarters, Kapurthala, after holding campus rallies. LUDHIANA: A large number of teachers held a rally in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner here and flayed the government for its indifferent attitude towards their demands. They submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. NAWANSHAHR: Teachers staged dharnas and held rallies in support of their demands. They submitted a
memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Mrs Kuljit Kaur,
district president of the PCCTU, said in a press note
issued on Tuesday. |
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Administration demolishes 30 shops PATIALA, Aug 18 — The district administration today razed around 30 shops on the road opposite the Rajindera Hospital here. The shops, consisting mainly of dhabas and tea shops built on encroached land, were razed by the PWD department assisted by the police. Talking to TNS, some of the shopowners said that they had been running businesses at the spot since the past 40 years after coming from Pakistan during partition. They alleged that they had not been served any notice in the past one month. They also claimed that they had got a stay order on their evacuation in 1994 and that their case was pending in the Commissioner's court. Tea shop- owner Lal Singh disclosed that the next date of hearing for the case had been fixed for October 10. Deputy Commissioner Viswajit Khanna, when contacted, said he was not aware of any stay order in the case. He said the PWD owned the land and since it had requested magisterial and police help in removing the illegal encroachments he had given the same. Mr Khanna said while the
encroachers may have been settled in the area for a long
time not taking any action would only result in more
encroachment. |
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Results today AMRITSAR, Aug 18 —
The results of M.Sc (mathematics) part-II, M.A. economics
(II), M.A. history (Part-II), LL.B. (semester I and II)
of Guru Nanak Dev University, will be declared tomorrow,
according to an official press note issued here today. |
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Officers found absent during checks FATEHGARH SAHIB, Aug 18 — Surprise checks of all offices of the district were conducted by the Deputy Commissioner today as per the directions of the Chief Secretary to ensure the accessibility of officers to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on first four days of the week. Mr T.R. Sarangal, Deputy Commissoner, said 10 officers — AETC, 3ETOs DPRO, APRO, CAO, DR (Co-op), AR (Co-op), DEO (P) Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry — were not available in their offices. At the Civil Hospital, a
doctor was found absent from duty. He said strict
disciplinary action would be taken against the erring
officers. |
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2 Rajput rally PATIALA, Aug 18 — Station Commander Brigadier J.M. Singh today flagged off a motor cycle rally being undertaken by 2 Rajput to commemorate its bicentenary after its brief halt here. The rally, which was
flagged off from Jaipur on August 15, will cover 12,000
km while visiting all important places where the
battalion has served in the past. The rallyists had
reached Patiala yesterday. |
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Kalkat warns against fertiliser
overdose LUDHIANA, Aug 18 — Dr G.S. Kalkat, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University asked university scientists and officers of the Department of Agriculture to educate farmers on the harmful effects of the overuse of insecticides weedicides and fertilisers. Presiding over a meeting of senior officers of PAU and the Department of Agriculture, Punjab here today, Dr Kalkat expressed concern over the admixture of seeds being sold to the farmers by the private organisations. To overcome this problem it should be binding on private companies to sell seeds only in sealed packets. He said advised officers to take steps to improve the technical confidence of field extension workers so that they are able to explain the rationale behind the various recommendations made by farmers. Capt Avtar Singh Randhawa, Director of Agriculture, Punjab suggested that keeping in view the fall in wheat production last year timely steps should be taken to prevent such a situation recurring during the next season. Capt Randhawa also informed the participants about the production targets of the various crops during the next rabi season. Dr K.S. Aulakh, Director of Research, PAU said that the wheat variety PB-343 held the top position at the national level in terms of yields. He also appraised participants about the steps being taken to evolve varieties resistant to Karnal bunt. Earlier, while welcoming
the officers, Dr J.S. Kolar, Director of Extension
Education, PAU stressed on the importance of seed
treatment for the control of various diseases in wheat. |
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Homoeopathic panel constituted CHANDIGARH, Aug 18 — Punjab has constituted the Council of Homoeopathic System of Medicines with the Director, Medical Education and Research, Dr Baljeet Singh, as its chairman. The other members of the council are — Dr Mohan Singh Dhillon (Ferozepur); Dr Om Parkash (Amritsar); Dr Kishan Chand Batish (Patiala); Dr Rachpal Singh Deol (Jagraon-Ludhiana); Dr Tejinder Pal Singh (Ludhiana); Dr Bhupinder Singh (Gidderbaha-Muktsar); Dr Sudarshan Kumar; and Dr Satish Kumar Rana (Kapurthala). The council was notified
by the Principal Secretary, Mr K.K. Bhatnagar. |
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CPI rally on August 28 JALANDHAR Aug 18 — A
state-level rally is being organised by the CPI on August
28 at Ludhiana against economic policies of the Central
government. Two senior CPI leaders of the state alleging that the Central government had isolated the country in the international arena after the nuclear bomb blasts. Dr Dayal said that the minorities were insecure since the Sri Krishna report on the riots in Bombay has shown. While the Akali-BJP government in the state has proved itself as patron of transporters, landlords and big industrialists by hiking the bus fare and power tariff. The Akali party the
well-wisher of agriculture sector had failed to redress
the mounting debts of the farmers who were resorting to
suicides. The state Council will
also discuss the present political situation in the state
and how to intensify three-party struggle that is the
CPI, the CPM and the BSP going on in the state. |
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Sodhi seeks ban on people's
commission BATHINDA, Aug 18 — The Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit President, Mr Daya Singh Sodhi today urged the state government to impose a ban on the people's commission constituted by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, Mr Kuldip Singh. Addressing a press conference here, he said that by holding courts the people's commission seemed to be running a parallel judicial system in Punjab. He said that this was illegal and should be banned by the Punjab Government. Mr Sodhi said if Justice Kuldip Singh was fighting for protection of human rights then he should go to Doda and Chamba where innocents were being killed by terrorists. In another significant statement, Mr Sodhi said that abolition of octroi was not practicable in Punjab. He said that the SAD-BJP combine had tried many times to find an alternative but could not succeed. He said that the state government would give all possible help to police officers who had fought militancy in the state and demanded that the state government expose the forces behind bringing terrorism to Punjab. He made it clear that the
BJP-led coalition would not use Article 356 for any
political purpose. |
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Shopkeepers observe total bandh GURDASPUR, Aug 18 — Shopkeepers of Dhariwal observed a total bandh on a call given by the Joint Action Committee of New Egerton Woollen Mills, Dhariwal. Workers of the mill have been on a strike for the past 25 days. The employees of the mill are demanding the implementation of mini-wages recommended by the mill, management. The management had suggested new grades for officers, whereas the workers were denied new grades. The mill, which at present
employs about 2,000 men, has been declared sick. In
spite, of the assurances given by the state Chief
Minister and the local BJP MP, Mr Vinod Khanna, no steps
have been taken to run it on profit lines. No recruitment
has been done in the mill for the past several years. |
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Barnala urges farmers to market
dry paddy MALERKOTLA, Aug 18 — Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Union Minister of Fertiliser and Chemicals urged farmers to bring quality paddy into markets. Addressing a large gathering at Balia village, about 25 km from here on Monday, after laying the foundation stone of a multi-purpose focal point in the village, the Union Minister said in view of the coming paddy season all government and private godowns in the state were being made vacant for its storage. 24 special grain trains were being despatched daily to other states these days. All arrangements for paddy purchase in Punjab had been completed he said but appealed to farmers not to bring wet paddy to markets. The Union Minister also distributed cheques worth Rs 44,22,000 to panchayats of the area under different development schemes of the state government. In the evening Mr Barnala laid the foundation stone of a focal point at Bhogiwal village, in Malerkotla subdivision, about 6 km from here. He also accepted the
demand of the public to start a mail train to
Meerut-Saharanpur via Malerkotla-Dhuri and said the train
would be started very soon. |
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