Wednesday, November 4, 1998
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P U N J A B | |
Wednesday, November 4, 1998 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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BJP, SAD to
set Smuggling
of DAP to Rajasthan alleged Ropar
thermal plant Overhaul
of drug policy demanded Government
to open driving school |
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 Only trial court 'can frame charges' CHANDIGARH, Nov 3 — Mr Justice Swatantar Kumar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, today heard arguments on the ongoing sugar mills scam in Punjab. Nagar
kirtan on New twist to Punjab tourism Lahore
bus faces timing problem |
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Congress complains to CEC on poll code violation PM’s
visit to cost Punjab Rs 10 lakh Punjab
seeks return of surplus NFL land College
official to face fraud charge MBA
degree in 5 more institutes Samrala
lawyers observe strike Promises
to SPOs not kept, says Dang Statewide
agitation against price rise |
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BJP, SAD to set up joint
panels CHANDIGARH, Nov 3 – Leaders of the BJP, a coalition partner in Punjab, today had a long meeting with the Chief Minister and Akali Dal President, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, to iron out their differences. But what finally came out was a proposal to form district-level joint committees of the leaders of two parties. These committees, according to a statement issued by the BJP office here, will meet every fortnight and review the working of the government at the district level. These committees will also entertain complaints from the public. Some kind of watch- dog role will be assigned to the committees. Significantly, while the BJP delegation consisted of its Punjab unit President, Mr Daya Ram Sodhi, MP, and Local Bodies Minister, Mr Balramji Das Tandon, no other Akali leader was present at the meeting. It was also decided to form a state-level committee to constantly review the working of the government and iron out differences between the two partners. Informed sources here said that the central leaders of the BJP, who had been receiving a large number of complaints from the Punjab unit leaders, had suggested to Mr Badal to form a panel like the one existing at the Centre and establish cordial relations. The BJP leaders had been feeling sore over several issues. Mr Sodhi, according to BJP sources, had told the central leaders that the Akalis were totally ignoring them and they had no say in the administration except in those departments held by BJP Ministers. Interestingly, the same is the complaint of the Akali leaders. Mr Sodhi and Mr Tandon also felt that whenever the Chief Minister lead a delegation to meet the Prime Minister or other central leaders, he rarely included BJP leaders and Ministers in the delegation. Whether it was the issue of Udham Singh Nagar, or the issue of paddy procurement, the BJP Ministers were cast aside. They lead separate delegation to the Prime Minister. Mr Sodhi, who has been airing some of the differences in public, strongly feels that there was lack of cohesion. In fact, he had opposed the steep hike in the power tariff a few months back. Also on the issue of Udham Singh Nagar, he took an opposite stance. It is another matter that the government scaled down the power rates and the BJP later started supporting the Akali stand on Udham Singh Nagar. But more important than this are the Akali allegations. Certain Akali Ministers have drawn the attention of the Chief Minister towards the role of the BJP MLAs and even Ministers in putting hurdles in the collection of sales tax. It may be mentioned that the rate of sales tax collection despite a booming consumer market in Punjab, is the lowest among the northern states. Mr Badal has been trying to ward off trouble by keeping quiet or advising the Akalis not to rake up issues. It is also learnt that the help of the Union Tourism Minister, Mr Madan Lal Khurana, who looks after the Punjab affairs, was sought. But it was of little avail; hence the present meeting. But one Akali leader's comment was that the real outcome of the meeting was that some district-level leaders would have more political leverage with the administration and use the advance to promote their own interests. It was decided that
committees consisting of members from the Shiromani Akali
Dal and the BJP should be formed immediately at the
district levels. Such committees will consist of the
Jathedars of SAD along with two other members nominated/
selected by the district Jathedars of the SAD and
district President of the BJP. These committees would be
formed in the next 15 days and these would meet once a
fortnight to discuss the various problems arising out of
the complaints received from the public regarding the
functioning of the government in the districts. |
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Only trial court 'can frame charges' CHANDIGARH, Nov 3 — Mr Justice Swatantar Kumar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, today heard arguments on the ongoing sugar mills scam in Punjab. Picking up the thread from where he had left yesterday, counsel for the Northern Land Sugar Mills reiterated his stand that the High Court could not order charge-sheeting of officers. It was for the trial court to decide against whom the charges were to be framed. In support of his contention counsel cited three Supreme Court rulings. Counsel told the court that it was also the view of the Privy Council. He argued that the court had no control over investigation. It was the right of the police to investigate the matter. He admitted that the court had the power to order further investigation into the case. However, the court did not have the power to express any opinion direct or indirect. He told the judge that in its three separate rulings the apex court had quashed the directions issued by the Patna High Court in similar cases. Counsel, who represented Mr S.K. Tuteja, told the stand that it was not the report (submitted by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police) under Section 173, Cr PC. He argued that the final report would have to be prepared by senior officers. He also opposed the
suggestion made by counsel for the Northern Land Sugar
Mills that reinvestigation of the case could be ordered
by the High Court. He was of the view that the AIG, who
had conducted the investigation, must have gone deeper
into the matter. It was for the Magistrate to take
cognisance of the report and decide whether charges were
to be framed against some or all officers.
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Smuggling of DAP to Rajasthan
alleged ABOHAR, Nov 3 — The Consumer Movement a voluntary organisation, today demanded that illegal movement of DAP fertiliser to Rajasthan be banned immediately. In a complaint faxed to the Chief Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister the organisation said unfortunately the state government had revised its fertiliser policy and forced fertiliser producers including IFFCO and Kribhco to supply fertiliser to Markfed for distribution to the Agriculture Cooperative societies. This might increase the profits of Markfed but farmers and cooperative societies were suffering a lot. Sources said IFFCO had supplied 9200 tonnes of DAP fertiliser to Ferozepore district as compared to 4400 tonnes last year. Most of this supply had gone to cooperative societies. Earlier the societies at village-level were getting commission on sales from the producers but the new fertiliser policy their profit had been cut down as Markfed played middleman's role. It was alleged that private producers had also supplied DAP fertiliser to the distributors in this area but it was reportedly not available to the farmers. Some blamed panic-buying by the farmers for this situation others alleged trailers loaded with DAP could be seen moving to neighbouring areas of Rajasthan from this subdivision daily. The DAP is sold 30 rupees higher at higher rate than in Punjab in Rajasthan due to variation in taxes etc. Farmers were equally concerned over negative attitude of the Irrigation Department, canal water supply to Panjawa sub canal remained suspended for the past fortnight. Now supply to Malukpura sub canal had been suspended with effect from the Punjab Day for another fortnight. This would adversely affect wheat sowing. Farmers further said by the time water is released in the canal DAP would cross Rs 500 per bag mark if its smuggling to Rajasthan was not stopped. FARIDKOT (UNI): The district is experiencing shortage of DAP fertiliser to the extent of 6000 metric tonnes against the total requirement of wheat and other crops of 14000 metric tonnes says Deputy Commissioner Gurinder Singh Grewal. In a fax message to the Financial Commissioner Development Punjab and Director Agriculture today, Mr Grewal sought immediate supply of DAP to meet the shortage. According to the Deputy Commissioner, the Financial Commissioner Development, Punjab assured the necessary supply of DAP to the district within two days with one rack of DAP arriving at Kot- kapura tomorrow. There would be no shortage
of DAP after two days in the district, the Deputy
Commissioner hoped. |
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"No
shortage" of fertilisers CHANDIGARH, Nov 3 — The Punjab Government has reassured farmers that there is "no overall shortage" of DAP fertilisers for rabi sowing. Referring to reports of fertiliser 'shortage' that had, of late, appeared in a section of the Press, Mr R.N Gupta, Financial Commissioner, Development, Punjab, said in a press note issued here today that the government was constantly monitoring the supply position of DAP in the State. Supplies aggregating 3.50 lakh tonnes had been arranged up to November 15. By the month end, the quantity available would be four lakh tonnes as against the total sale of 2.88 lakh tonnes by the end of November last year. Punjab had already received 2.70 lakh tonnes till date. Another one lakh tonnes were likely to be received within the next 10 days, making for a total availability of 3.70 lakh tonnes by November 15. At the national level too, the availability aggregated 31 lakh tonnes against the sale of 24 lakh tonnes last year. Although there was no shortage for rabi, some imbalances might develop because of the non-receipt of rakes exactly on the required date. The Development Commissioner had issued instructions to all the Deputy Commissioners in various districts to take the necessary steps to remove local imbalances. Also, he appealed to farmers not to be misled by rumours and remain assured that due requirements (one bag of 50 kg per acre) would be met. Deputy Commissioners had
been asked to make the correct picture available to the
public and the press through constant coordination and
interaction and to ensure that there was no malpractice
in the sale of fertiliser by overcharging. |
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Check
fertiliser hoarding: DC LUDHIANA, Nov 3 — Mr Arun Goel, Deputy Commissioner has directed all SDMs to conduct raids on stockists and dealers of fertilisers in their sub-divisions to check any attempt by hoarders to create an artificial scarcity of DAP fertiliser. These instruction were given at a high-level meeting of district officers of departments concerned and SDMs of the district held under his chairmanship here today. Mr Goel said there was no
shortage of DAP needed for sowing of wheat in nearly 2.57
lakh hectares area in the district. Sufficient stocks of
DAP had been supplied to cooperative societies through
Markfed for sale. Apart from this DAP would be sold by
private dealers and service centres of Punjab Agro. He
asked the SDMs to ensure the sale of fertilisers on fixed
rates and check the compulsory sale of urea and
pesticides along with DAP. |
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Ropar thermal plant unit closed ROPAR, Nov 3 — Following a tripping in the station transformer of the first unit of the local Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, the turbine unit was jammed which resulted in the closure of the unit, causing a loss of lakhs of rupees. Four bearings of the turbine were badly damaged while remaining two were also affected. The damaged bearings could not be repaired here and the authorities have decided to shut down the unit for annual overhauling before the scheduled time. At present, unit number one, four and six are not generating power while unit number two, three and five are running only on 160 MW due to low demand of electricity. The plant authorities have informed the PSEB authorities and Member (Generation) regarding the snag. A BHEL official visited the plant to assess the loss. Talking to newsmen in the plant complex today, Mr S.K. Bansal, Deputy Chief Engineer of the plant, said this was a temporary jamming of the turbine. The temperature of the bearing metal became so high that it led to the rubbing of metal of four bearings of the turbine. Mr Bansal said that the bearings would be sent to BHEL in Hardwar, Uttar Pradesh. He assessed the loss to the tune of Rs 6 lakh. All four bearings would be replaced. He said the repair work of the bearing could be completed in a week, but the unit would now be operational in the first week of December after overhauling. Mr Bansal said no damage had occurred to other important parts of the unit. In reply to a question, he
said that there was no need to hold any enquiry for
fixing the responsibility as the case was apparent and
nobody was at fault. |
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Nagar kirtan on Gurpurb eve AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — A big nagar-kirtan procession was taken out here this afternoon on the eve of birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Sponsored by the SGPC, the procession commenced from Akal Takht and passed through Brahm Buta Market, Chowk Clock Tower. Bazar Mai Sewan, Bazar Papran. Chowk Dhabvasti Ram. Chowk Lachhmansar, Chowk Moni, Chowk Baba Sahib. And Chowk Pragdass before terminating at Serai Guru Ramdass. Led by holy Guru Granth Sahib placed in a golden "palki sahib" with Giani Bhagwan Singh, head Granthi in attendance, the procession was escorted by Punj Payaras. Doordarshan will telecast live the programme of shabad kirtan from Golden Temple tomorrow morning from 7.15 am to 8.15 am. BATALA: A big procession was organised here on Monday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak . The processional started from Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Kahnuwan road. Prominent citizens and police officials were honoured by the Gurdwara Singh Sabha. This was for the first time that no political party like the BJP or the Congress took part in the procession. FATEHGARH SAHIB: An impressive nagar kirtan was taken out here on Tuesday it started from historical Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and passed through the main bazars of Sirhind, Hamanyunpur. People offered eatables and drinks and showered flowers on the processionists. GURDASPUR: Devotees, including women and children, in trucks and trollies participated in a procession lead by panj piaras here on Tuesday to mark the celebration of the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. The city was tastefully decorated. PATHANKOT: A
procession was led by panj piyare from Mohalla Sarai was
taken out and it passed through main roads of the city
and concluded at Sarai Mohalla. A large number of school
children participated. |
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New twist to Punjab tourism LUDHIANA: In a bid to boost tourism and give it a new direction, the Punjab Government plans to develop a tourist circuit of erstwhile princely states now forming part of the state. Patiala, Nabha, Sangrur, Faridkot and Kapurthala have been picked up for inclusion in the circuit with a provision for expansion later. The government proposes to concentrate its efforts on the development of two or three circuits to be prioritised in consultation with the trade and industry. The government will give top priority to upgrading the roads and other infrastructure and would also effectively market these circuits. The "princely state circuit" holds an obvious advantage over others and has the potential of attracting both Indian and foreign tourists. A tourist, setting out from Chandigarh, will first go to Patiala, about 80 km away. Patiala was founded by Baba Ala Singh in 1764 A.D. Initially, the capital of his principality was at Barnala but Patiala, offering better scope for expansion and contact with outer world, was selected as site of the capital. Patiala has magnificent forts, palaces, extensive gardens like Quilla Androon, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Bagh Palace, Baradari Gardens, art galleries and the National Institute of Sports. Qila Mubarik which is still the nucleus of the city also houses impressive armoury and chandeliers. Colourful "parandas", "nalas", "chunnies" and Patiala "jutties" embroidered in gold thread and phulkari motifs are unique handicrafts of Patiala. From Patiala, the tourist will visit Nabha. The founder of Nabha state was Hamir Singh who was the fourth descendant of Chaudhary Paul, the common ancestor of the Phulkia ruler of Nabha, Patiala and Jind states. He was a brave and energetic chief who acquired a large territory. He founded Nabha in 1755 and made it his capital. In 1763, he joined Baba Ala Singh of Patiala and other Sikh chiefs in the final assault on Sirhind when the Governor of Sirhind, was slain. After this victory, Raja Hamir Singh got Amloh as his share of the spoil. Many of the successes of Hamir Singh were attributable to his Muslim dewan, popularly known as "kubba" or the humpbacked. A mint was also established at Nabha. It also has a fort which includes Rani Mahal. A garden called Sham Singh Bagh containing some marble tombs is also worth a visit besides Hira Palace. The district of Sangur was found in 1948. The name of the district is derived from its headquarters, Sangrur, said to have been founded by one Sanghu the Jat about 400 years ago. The Sangrur district of today consists of parts of a few erstwhile district administrative units, the Phulkian state of Jind, Nabha and Patiala, Malerkotla and some parts of the district of Ludhiana. It is interesting to note that Sangrur itself was earlier a part of Nabha state. The town has a garden called Baradari Bagh. It is situated on a high platform in the middle of a tank. There are eight smaller "baradaris" all around the tank probably meant for chowkidars. The structure is decorated with profusely carved marble slabs in the form of jalis. The historic town of Faridkot, the next stoppage of the tourist, is not very far from Sangrur. The periphery of Faridkot is lined with the battlements of its fort as this town invariably became a battlefield of rival chieftains. Finally, in 1809, the British took it over and added several buildings which include a palace and a small memorial. A remarkable feature on the first floor of this fort is an aesthetically designed Hall of Mirrors called Sheesh Mahal. A series of Punjabi paintings cover the walls. From Faridkot, the tourist
will go to Kapurthala, located about 18 km west of
Jalandhar. History speaks of Kapurthala as having been
once the capital of a princely state founded in the 13th
century. One can find here a replica of Versailles
Palace. The town also has a Moorish Mosque, built in 1930
by the last ruler of Kapurthala state, Maharaja Jagatjit
Singh. It was designed by a famous French architect
Meenteux. This mosque resembles the Qutbya mosque in
Marakkesh Merecce. Another place of tourist interest is
Gurdwara Ber Sahib situated amidst a constellation of
other gurudaras connected with Guru Nanak Dev. It is
named after the "ber" tree under which Guru
Nanak Dev used to meditate. A fine Hindu temple known as
the Panch Mandir stands in the centre of Kapurthala town.
This temple was built by a Sikh. |
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Overhaul of drug policy demanded AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — The committee of National Medicos Organisation (NMO) has asked the Union Ministry of Health for a complete overhaul of the national drug policy and called for amendment of the present laws by an act of Parliament, as these laws are "outdated" and "industry-friendly" instead of being consumer-friendly. Dr Ashok Goel, Chairman, NMO Committee who is also all-India joint secretary of the NMO, talking to this correspondent here yesterday on the outcome of the recently held NMO meeting at Pune said the committee on national drug policy was preparing a detailed plan of recommendation and implementation for the Government of India. The NMO felt a national drug authority (NDA) should be created as envisaged in the Government of India gazette notification in September, 1994, known as new drug policy, 1994, but had remained unimplemented. He said NDA should be a quasi-judicial and an autonomous body with powers to punish and to award damages and academic-cum-law enforcing authority. The national committee said new infrastructural facilities should be created in order to implement the new drug policy. All drug screening academic experts should be nominated by NDA. District drug screening laboratories should be created in order to save people from spurious, banned, sub-standard and toxic effect of drugs, it said. Dr Goel further said that the committee had suggested that essential drugs list should be implemented at the national and state level that could meet community health requirements and the list should not exceed 250 drugs. It further suggested that category one drugs meant for national health programmes like malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, blindness, goitre, filariasis, amoebiasis, kala azar, schistosomiasis should be produced in plenty. The national committee favoured prescription of drugs under general and not trade names. NMO demanded that drugs'
manufacture and distribution should be the domain of the
Ministry of Health. |
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Lahore bus faces timing problem AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — The modalities for starting regular bus service from New Delhi to Lahore for the first time after the partition ran into some teething problems as the trial bus which left Delhi yesterday morning reached the Attari check post at Wagah in about 12 hours at about 7 pm. Officials who travelled in the bus are discussing measures to overcome this obstacle as the check post gates at zero line are closed at 4 pm and crossing over is closed for the day. Official sources said alternative proposals were being mooted so that the bus service could be introduced in according to the schedule. According to a new proposal the bus could cover about 455 km distance from New Delhi to Attari during night so that it reached the check post at about 10 am in the morning next day and after completing the customs, immigration and other formalities the bus could go to Pakistan in time. The bus is likely to carry
only those issued visas by the Indian and Pakistan
governments. Formalities for clearance would be done on
Indian side at the Wagah check post. |
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Government to open driving school ROPAR, Nov 3 — The state government will open a driving training school on an area of 25 acres at Fatehgarh Sahib. Dr B.C. Gupta, Transport Secretary, Punjab, said this here today, while addressing a seminar on road safety jointly organised by local Rotary Club and the Transport Department. Dr Gupta said the school would impart ultra-modern training to drivers. He claimed that it would be one of the unique driving schools of Asia. The persons who would get training from this school would be considered eligible candidates for acquiring driving licences. The Secretary said that state government had made arrangements to fix reflectors and reflective tapes on all tractor-trailers, plying in the state. Dr Gupta stressed upon the need to introduce road safety as a subject in the schools and colleges. A plan had been chalked out to check a fake licences in the state. According to the plan light vehicle licence holders would be given heavy vehicle licence after the completion of one year by organising camps throughout the state, he said. The Secretary regretted that most of the school vehicles, owned by private school managements, were in dilapidated conditions and their documents were also incomplete the department had taken some steps to get their documents completed. Earlier, Dr Gupta
inaugurated the campaign for checking accidents by
putting a reflector on a tractor-trailer. |
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Congress complains to CEC JALANDHAR, Nov 3 — The Congress party has lodged a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner against the SAD-BJP government for the violation of the model code of conduct in a fax message here today. The Congress party has alleged that the SAD-BJP government foreseeing defeat of their candidate might resort to booth-capturing rigging and bogus voting with the help of some senior Punjab police officers. These officers are alleged to be deputing junior officers in the constituency who have some influence, roots or connections with the Adampur area. While it has named one Deputy Superintendent of Police. Mr Sajjan Singh who is posted in Malout in Muktsar district. But is campaigning actively for the SAD-BJP candidate. Mr Dalbir Singh Dhirowal. While Mr Bir Devinder Singh, general secretary of the PPCC. Mr Jagtar Singh Multani, former Congress minister and in charge of the one of the zones in Adampur constituency alleged here today that several ministers of the ruling coalition were violating the model code of conduct by virtually by turning the BDPO's offices and anganwadi centres into campaign offices where sarpanches panches, and a anganwadi workers are summoned by the ministers and promised doles in lieu of voting for their candidate. In order to ensure free
and fare poll in the Adampur byelections the Congress
party has requested the Chief Election Commissioner to
direct the government to deploy central forces and check
unlawful interference in the poll process by the ruling
combine. Suitable action against the "erring"
officials was also demanded. |
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PM’s
visit to cost Punjab Rs 10 lakh BATHINDA, Nov 3 — The district administration has started preparations for the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visit at Raman near here for laying the foundation stone of Rs 16,000 crore oil refinery being set up in a joint venture by the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Punjab government. Addressing a press conference here today, Deputy Commissioner, S R Ladhar said that three helipads and approach road from the helipads to the venue of the function had been constructed. All road routes for the movement of VVIPs including some central ministers and common people had been drawn up. He said that Rs 10 lakh would be spent on the arrangements being made for the PM’s visit and all guidelines given in the Blue Book were being strictly followed. Mr Ladhar said that the Chief Secretary to the Punjab government had held a meeting in this regard recently and the DGP, Mr Dogra had also visited the site today to review security arrangements. He added that different committees had been set up to look after the various arrangements for the visit. He disclosed that all government and private schools in Talwandi Sabo Sub-division would be vacated from November 9 to November 11 for making housing police force to be deployed for the security of the PM. He said that seating arrangements for the public and VVIPs had been fixed. He ruled out that there would be any protest from any quarter of farmers union regarding the sluggish procurement of paddy on the day of the PM’s visit. He added that paddy in Bathinda district would be procured in three to four days so that farmers could attend the PM’s function. He said that the details of time of arrival and departure of the PM had not reached yet to the district administration and it would reach here about two days before the PM’s visit. He said that drinking
water, toilets and medical aid facilities would be
provided to people at the venue of function. The land
acquired for setting up the refinery had been taken in
possession by the authorities concerned. |
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Ending corruption govt style BATHINDA, Nov 3 — Mr Ram Ji Dass Senior Assistant, Punjab Welfare Department, who was caught by a Vigilance Bureau team while accepting bribe was reinstated after the installation of SAD-BJP combine government in Punjab, government promise to end corruption notwithstanding. Mr Ram Ji Dass, who along with Tehal Singh, Chowkidar were caught red-handed by bureau team on the complaint of Mr Thakar Singh and Mr Shambhu of Nathana on February 21, 1997 and suspended subsequently was reinstated on September 10, 1998 by orders of the Director, Welfare, (SC and ST) Punjab. The Punjab government gave Rs 25,000 to Mr Thakar Singh and Mr Shambu as award for helping government catch the corrupt. Mr Ram Ji Dass, who was working as senior assistant in the local Welfare Department had been asked to join the same post in the same office where from he was caught by the Director, Welfare though the Welfare Department, Faridkot was made his headquarter during his period of suspension, official sources said. Mr Tehal Singh, who was arrested along with Mr Ram Ji Dass had not been reinstated, so far, despite Mr B.S. Jassal, District Welfare Officer, Bathinda having recommended his reinstatement to the higher authorities. Official sources said that Mr Ram Ji Dass had been reinstated on the condition that he would be bound by the decision of court before which the corruption case was pending against him. The reinstatement of Mr Ram Ji Dass kicked up a controversy regarding the reward of Rs 25,000 to Mr Thakar Singh and Mr Shambu. A senior official of the district administration pleading anonymity disclosed that the Punjab government gave the award money in haste to both complainants before the decision of court. He said that in case Mr Raj Ji Dass was acquitted by the court, it would be difficult for the Punjab government to recover the award money from Mr Thakar Singh and Mr Shambhu. The District authorities said that the Punjab government had not laid down any policy for giving awards to the persons who became instrumental in the arrest of corrupt officials. The Punjab government, in
its 20-month rule could not come across even a single
official or officer worthy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh award
for exemplary honesty and integrity. |
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Punjab seeks return of surplus
NFL land NEW DELHI, Nov 3 — The Punjab Government today urged the Union Minister for Fertilisers and Chemicals, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, to ask the National Fertiliser Limited (NFL) to return the surplus land acquired by it at the Nangal unit to its original owners. The Punjab Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, met Mr Barnala here to apprise him of the situation. Mr Mittal told TNS that the NFL had decided in 1986 to return about 309 hectares of surplus land acquired by it at Nangal to the original owners. Subsequently, an exercise to identify the owners, majority of them farmers, was undertaken. Being a complicated exercise, it took considerable time and it was only on October 28 this year that the district administration decided to take possession of the surplus land. However, at the last minute, the NFL decided that it required the surplus land and refused to hand it over. Mr Mittal told the Union Minister that the NFL should be asked to take a fair compensation and return the land to its owners. He also apprised Mr
Barnala, who holds additional charge of the Food
Ministry, of the progress in the procurement of paddy in
Punjab. |
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Inderjit
murder case adjourned CHANDIGARH, Nov 3 — The Inderjit Singh murder case was today adjourned to November 12. The adjournment was
granted because the Chief Judicial Magistrate, who is
conducting the trial of the case, was on leave today. |
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Two
restaurants closed BATHINDA, Nov 3 — Mr S.R. Ladhar, Deputy Commissioner, has ordered the closure of two restaurants and one industrial unit after samples of drinking water were found unfit for human consumption. In a press note issued here today, Mr Ladhar said that the owners of the restaurants and industrial units had been directed to improve the quality of water but they ignored. The restaurants would not
be allowed to reopen unless they got a certificate of
fitness for drinking water from the authorities
concerned. |
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Beopar
mandal notice to government ABOHAR, Nov 3 — The Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal yesterday served an ultimatum on the state government to curb "illegal" activities of the enforcement wing of the Department of Excise and Taxation by November 15, failing which an agitation would be launched. Mr Madan Lal Kapur, president of the mandal, said there were hardly 25 sales tax barriers in the state when Beant Singh took over as Chief Minister of the state. He said the Congress government had lifted inter-state barriers to give relief to traders but the SAD government had given a free hand to officers to "loot and plunder traders by putting as many as 2500 nakas under the name of enforcement-checking". Mr Kapur said the SAD-BJP
combine in their common minimum programme has assured to
abolish octroi and end inspector raj but nothing has been
done so far. |
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College official to face fraud
charge MOGA, Nov 3 — The district administration has decided to register a case against Mr Rohin Suchdeva, general secretary of the management body of Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Ayurvedic and Medical College here, on a charge of committing fraud and misappropriating crores collected from students during admissions. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Kang, said here today that Mr Suchdeva had allegedly admitted more than 70 students in the past two years to the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course of the college without having affiliation with any university and in the process earned crores by way of donations. Students of the college had earlier lodged complaints in this regard. The college management had
admitted 50 students to the course during 1996, as
against the 30 approved by the Central Council of Indian
Medicine. |
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Gurbir
Singh remanded till Nov 16 LUDHIANA, Nov 3 — Mr Gurbir Singh, a Punjab Congress leader and son of the late Chief Minister, Mr Gurnam Singh, was today remanded in judicial custody till November 16. Mr Gurbir Singh was arrested on Saturday in a case of alleged fraud and cheating registered against him by Dr Gurinder Singh Grewal, president of the Guru Nanak Education Trust and a brother of the Punjab Minister, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal. A large number of Punjab
Congress men staged a dharna and demonstration in protest
outside the court when Mr Gurbir Singh was produced by
the police. Those who took part in the demonstration
included Mr Gurcharan Singh Ghalib, ex-MP, Mr Harnam Dass
Johar, former Minister, Mrs Gurkanwal Kaur, president of
the Mahila wing of the Punjab PCC and several other
leaders including Mr Jagdev Singh Jassowal, Mr Surinder
Dawar, Mr Parminder Mehta, Mr K K Bawa and Mr Amarjit
Singh Tikka. They alleged that the case against Mr Gurbir
Singh was false and politically motivated. The PCC Chief,
Capt Amarinder Singh, later visited the police station
Division No 5 where Mr Gurbir Singh was lodged. A small
group of Akali workers also staged a counter
demonstration. |
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Trader
bodies to intensify stir LUDHIANA, Nov 3 — A meeting of the trade and industrial organisations of Ludhiana held here under the chairmanship of Mr Inderjit Singh Pardhan, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings, today decided to intensify the agitations against the alleged high-handedness of the Sales Tax Department. Mr Sat Pal Gosain, BJP MLA and Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, vice-president of the Akali Dal would go on fast here on November 7, at Vishwarkarma chowk. Various trades and industrial bodies would organise a protest march from Vishwakarama chowk to the office of the Assistant Commissioner. Sales Tax on November 9. A Ludhiana bandh would be
organised on November 11. |
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MBA degree in 5 more
institutes JALANDHAR, Nov 3 — Punjab Technical University (PTU) has introduced the MBA degree in five more institutes from this current session. Mr Anoop Singh, Vice-Chancellor, said here yesterday that the five institutions where the degree had been introduced were: Malout Institute of Management and Information Technology, Malout, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Institute of Management and Technical, Dhudike, Moga; Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib; Centre for Management Training and Research, Mohali, and Gyan Jyoti Institute of Management, Mohali. Counselling for these
institutions will take place on November 6 (for reserved
categories) and November 7 (for general category) at camp
office, Punjab Technical University, here. |
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Samrala
lawyers observe strike SAMRALA, Nov 3 — Lawyers of the local bar association observed full-day strike here today in protest against the alleged misbehaviour of Mr Nirpal Kaur, a clerk of Tehsidar Office here with bar member — Mr S.M. Singh and Daljeet Kaur — and for demanding a bribe for attesting documents and photographs of Daljeet Kaur. Bar members at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Karam Singh Dhaliwal urged the authorities to take action against Mr Nirpal Kaur. However, Mrs Nirpal Kaur
has denied the charge. |
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Promises to SPOs not kept, says
Dang AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — Many Punjab youths who were recruited as SPOs in the police to counter terrorism in Punjab have been running from pillar to post to get themselves absorbed as constables or even class IV employees. Mr Satya Pal Dang, a veteran CPI leader, said in a press statement issued here yesterday that these SPOs were promised absorption in the Punjab police as constables subject to their eligibility. However, many of them who did not fulfil the requirements were promised to be absorbed as class IV employees. In most of the cases, the government failed to fulfil its promises, he added. Similarly, Home Guards could not be absorbed in the police or in government departments though they had fought the battle against terrorism. Home Guards or SPOs were
not entitled to TA and DA and other benefits as in the
case of other government employees. If the government
could not give them these benefits, it should retire them
at the age of 60 instead of 58, Mr Dang said. |
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BSM
alleges secret pact PATIALA, Nov 3 — The Bahujan Samaj Morcha has alleged that the state BSP leadership had entered into a secret pact with the state government to get cases against its leaders withdrawn. In a written statement
released here yesterday, district BSM convener Paramjit
Singh Kainth alleged the BSP had assured all help to the
ruling party in the coming Adampur assembly byelection in
exchange for withdrawal of cases against its leaders.
Even though BSP leaders had got their names struck from
the criminal cases, but cases had not been withdrawn
against the party. |
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Statewide agitation against price
rise LUDHIANA, Nov 3 — The state units of the Janata Dal and the Yuva Janata Dal yesterday launched a statewide agitation by organising demonstrations at all district headquarters against the soaring prices of vegetables, edible oils, salt, spices and other essential commodities. Mr Harish Khanna, state
coordinator of the Punjab unit, condemned the BJP-led
government for the exploitation of people at the hands of
black marketeers and hoarders. |
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