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| Sunday,
October 15, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Trains cancelled yet again Bibi fails to turn up for nagar kirtan Thermal plant faces closure BSF ‘forces’ frontier farmers to cut grass BSP threat to
withdraw support |
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Flyover for Sunam cleared: Dhindsa Buta Singh visits
Golden Temple Fresh warrants issued against Bishen Singh
Bedi Ex-servicemen seek justice Sanjha Morcha
holds dharna Punjabi writers wait for awards HC judge visits Central Jail Editorial creates ripples Pickets to regulate traffic in Phagwara
Two arrested, 1 kg charas seized 2 held for selling kerosene in black 2 killed in road mishap
Teachers call for free education to all
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Trains cancelled yet again CHANDIGARH, Oct 14 — The indefinite
dharna and blockade of rail traffic at Ajitwal railway station on the Ludhiana-Ferozepore section continued for the second day today amid non-Congress opposition-sponsored
“karobaar” bandh in Punjab on the issue of sluggish paddy procurement and the recent hike in petro products which evoked partial response. About 500 farmers and their family members who had started picketting on the rail tracks at Ajitwal station, continued with their protest even today with hundreds of more farmers joining them, resulting in the cancellation of all five pairs of trains between Ferozepore and Ludhiana. Senior railway, administrative and police officials visited the railway station today with heavy security to prevent any untoward incident. They tried to persuade the farmers to lift the blockade but the agitators did not budge. BATHINDA: At least 15 passengers and up and down trains remained cancelled on the Bathinda-Ambala and Bathinda-Delhi sections following the
“rail-roko andolan” by different kisan unions in protest against the paddy procurement policy of the government. The trains which remained cancelled include 344 Down on the Sirsa-Panipat route, 342 Down on the Ferozepore-Delhi route, 345 Down on the Ferozepore-Jind route, 4732 Inter-city on the Bathinda-New Delhi route, 4731 on the New Delhi-Bathinda route, 2 UB on the Bathinda-Ambala route, 1UB on the Ambala-Bathinda section, 4712 on the Ganga Nagar-Hardwar rail route, 4711 Up on the Hardwar-Ganganagar route, 4 UB on the Bathinda-Ambala section, 6 UB on the Bathinda-Ambala route, 1 BD on the Bathinda-Dhuri route, 4888 on the Jodhpur-Kalka route, 4887 Up on the Kalka-Jodhpur route and 4721 Up on the New Delhi-Ganganagar route. Some of the trains have been diverted to longer routes to reach their destinations. The Punjab Mail Ferozepore-Mumbai is being run via Bathinda-Hisar-Rohtak-Delhi route. The 3008 Down Udyan Aabha is also being run on the Hisar-Rohtak route instead of the Mansa-Jakhal-Delhi route. The 4722 on the Sri Ganganagar-New Delhi route is running on the Hisar-Rohtak route. DHURI: On the call given by various political parties and kisan unions, more than 100 irate farmers blocked rail traffic for three hours on the Ambala-Dhuri and Jakhal-Dhuri sections here on Saturday in protest against the non-procurement of paddy by government agencies. Mr C.M. Patel, station master Dhuri railway station, said due to the blockade only the Amritsar-Dadar Express was affected which had to return from Malerkotla to Ludhiana for its onward journey via Sirhind and Khanna. No other train was affected. SANGRUR:
Activists of the SHSAD, the CPM, the CPI, the Samajwadi Party, the Janata Dal (U) and the Lok Bhalai Party and farmers blocked rail and road traffic at several places in this district. The activists blocked rail traffic for four hours on the Barnala level-crossing near Mahavir Chowk. The farmers also blocked rail traffic at Tapa, Dhuri and Chhajli, near Sunam, which affected rail services on the Jakhal-Ludhiana and Ludhiana-Dhuri sections. The farmers blocked road traffic at three places in Lehragaga village, near Sunam. They also blocked traffic at Sangala village near Malerkotla for about two hours and on the Barnala-Sangrur road, near Dhanaula village, for about five hours. PHILLAUR: Rail traffic which was suspended and blocked by hundreds of irate farmers on the Phillaur-Ludhiana, Phillaur-Phagwara and Phillaur-Lohian rail sections in protest against the non-procurement of paddy was restored after the intervention and assurance given by the SDM, Mr Prem Chand, and the SP (D), Mr Dilbag Singh, on Friday. Both officers were present near the dharna site for more than five hours. PHAGWARA: Activists of the SHSAD and the Lok Bhalai Party on Saturday took out a protest march to highlight the plight of paddy growers. The march started from the local Chaddha Market and passed through bazars. Mr N.K. Chopra, member of the Central committee of the Lok Bhalai Party, and others led the march. Meanwhile, the call for Punjab bandh given by some opposition parties evoked no response here. NAWANSHAHR:
The bandh call given by opposition parties failed to evoke any response in this district. The rail and road traffic was not disrupted. MALERKOTLA: Agitated over the non-procurement of paddy by government agencies for the past couple of days, more than 100 farmers under the banner of the Bhartiya Kisan Union blocked traffic for about two hours on the Malerkotla-Dhuri road here on Saturday. The blockade was lifted after the SDM, Mr Gurlavleen Singh Sidhu, rushed to the site to get the procurement process started. However, the civil authorities said the FCI would not purchase paddy which did not meet the specifications laid down by the government. MANSA:
The bandh call given by the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal, the CPM and the Lok Bhalai Party disrupted life for two hours here. Activists of these parties took out a procession and sat on a dharna at the entrance of the bus terminus and did not allow any bus to enter or have for two hours. Addressing the rally, Mr Baldev Singh Khiala, MLA, criticised the government for not lifting paddy and increasing the prices of petroleum products. |
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Cong to stage protest
in Delhi on Oct 16 AJITWAL (Moga), Oct 14 — Mr Jagmeet Brar, Member Parliament and convener, Congress Parliamentary Group (CLP) today demanded that a CBI probe be conducted to expose the shady deals in paddy procurement. He said Congress workers would take out a procession from Indiagate to Krishi Bhawan in Delhi on October 16 in protest against the non-procurement of paddy by central and state agencies. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal should withdraw the party’s support from the NDA government at the Centre over the paddy issue, he said. Mr Brar, while talking to TNS said members of the ruling SAD-BJP alliance had been minting money by purchasing paddy from farmers at low rates and selling it to procurement agencies at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 540. A CBI probe would expose these shady deals, he said. He said the reduced prices announced by the Centre for paddy procurement recently were not acceptable to any one and would cause huge losses to middle and small farmers. He said no classification of paddy should be made at this juncture as it would create further problems for farmers and would expose them to every type of malpractice. Mr Brar, who toured various grain markets and purchase centres today expressed his solidarity with the agitating farmers. He urged Mr Badal to call an all party meeting on the issue. |
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Procurement: conflict averted CHANDIGARH, Oct 14 — With an intervention by highest-level officials the confrontation between officials of the FCI and the Punjab Mandi Board at a number of grain markets has been averted. Informed officials sources said that at certain places in the state, officials of the Board did not allow FCI officials concerned to procure paddy below the minimum support price (MSP) Rs 540 for Grade-A and Rs 510 for common paddy. The FCI officials had procured paddy at the revised price — Rs 515 for grade-A and Rs 485 for common paddy — announced by Mr Shanta Kumar, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The Mandi Board officials have been directed by the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, not to allow the sale of paddy below the MSP. A number of FCI officials engaged in the paddy procurement today contacted their head offices here to take up the issue with the state government authorities concerned. A senior official of the Board said the officials had been instructed to allow the FCI to procure paddy at the revised price. He said that however no private trader or rice miller would be allowed to procure paddy below the MSP. Meanwhile, informed sources said while the FCI had started procuring paddy at the revised price, the State Government procurement agencies had not done so. The state agencies were procuring paddy at the MSP. “The Chief Minister has gone to Delhi and is expected here tomorrow . Only after his return would a decision be taken whether the paddy falling between 4 and 7 per cent damage zone would be procured at the revised price”, said a senior Punjab official. This issue of revised price was discussed in detail at today’s meeting held at the residence of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has gone to Delhi with a four-point agenda. First, the paddy should be procured at the MSP and there should be no cut on the price of the paddy falling between 4 and 7 per cent damage zone. Second the government wants that 7 per cent limit should be extended to 15 per cent. Thirdly the government wanted that “out-turn” of rice from the paddy should be fixed at 63 Kg per quintal. The order issued on October 12 by Mr Shanta Kumar, relaxing certain specifications for the procurement of paddy should be implemented with retrospective effect that is September 21, the day procurement officially started in Punjab. |
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Bibi fails to turn up for nagar kirtan AMRITSAR, Oct 14 — Bibi Jagir Kaur, the SGPC chief who was scheduled to participate in a nagar kirtan, today failed to turn up for it, apparently due to registration of a CBI case against her. Mr Harjit Singh, Assistant Secretary and Personal Assistant to the SGPC chief, claimed that Bibi Jagir Kaur was not feeling well and hence could not come here in connection with the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Dass — founder of this holy city. Meanwhile, hectic political activity was witnessed here in wake of the ‘cold war’ between Bibi Jagir Kaur and Mr Balbir Singh Pannu, senior vice-president of the SGPC. Mr Hardalbir Singh Shah, general secretary, was agitated over the allegations of misuse of official vehicles and corruption levelled against him and Mr Pannu. Mr Shah said he would force Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, secretary of the SGPC, either to prove misuse of vehicles by him or face action. Mr Shah said Dr Bachan was only an employee of the SGPC and had no right to conduct an inquiry against the elected office-bearers. On the other hand, Mr Shah, Mr Kulwant Singh, a former SGPC secretary, Mr Ajay Paul Singh Mirankot, an Akali MLA, and Mr Pardeep Singh Walia, president of the SAD (Urban), held a closed-door meeting, apparently to discuss the current crisis. Meanwhile, the nagar kirtan taken out from Akal Takht was led by Guru Granth Sahib and the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones). Students from various schools, colleges and religious societies participated. Among those who participated in the nagar kirtan were Mr Hardalbir Singh Shah, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, Mr Puran Singh Josh, Mr Jaswinder Singh, Mr Kashmir Singh Gandiwind, Mr Onkar Singh Sharifpura, members of the SGPC, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, an Akali MLA, Mr Ranvir Singh, Mr Dalmegh Singh and Dr Gurbachan Singh
Bachan. |
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Thermal plant faces closure LEHRA MOHOBAT (Bathinda), Oct 14 — The local Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant (GHTP) has been facing closure following the regular depletion of its stock of coal. Official sources said that presently, the GHTP was running with four days’ stock of coal which was about 30,000 MT and if further supply of coal did not come from West Bengal and Bihar in the coming four days, both its 220 MW units would have to shut down. Similarly, the Bathinda-based Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant (GNDTP) has only 10 days’ coal stock of 70000 MT and if the situation remained the same, it would also face closure. The sources added that supply of coal was not coming at regular intervals due to the rail blockade being organised by the farmers of Punjab at different locations in protest against the non-procurement of paddy crop. The sources added that in routine, 1 lakh MT of coal was stocked in each thermal plant against the Central Government’s recommendation to stock the quantity of coal required for one month’s consumption. The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) authorities had been violating the norms of the Central Government laid down in connection with the stock of coal due to its bad financial position. Most of the six units of the Ropar Thermal Plant had already been shut down for necessary repair work of the water channel and if these two thermal plants ceased to work, then Punjab would face a serious power problem. Mr Subash Chander Bansal, Chief Engineer, GHTP, said that the Chairman of the PSEB, Mr Sohal, had taken up the matter with the state Power Minister and the minister concerned had assured that all rail blockades would be cleared by today evening. He added that at present five goods trains comprising 60 rakes each of coal had been detained at different locations. He said that coal supply came down in the recent past also due to pooja holidays and floods in Bihar and West Bengal as the rail movement in those days was reduced to a considerable extent. At present, about 7000 MT of coal was being consumed daily in the GHTP. A senior official of the GNDTP said, on condition of anonymity that if the situation persisted then the whole state would face serious trouble and all economic activities would come to a complete halt. After 10 days, no power generation would be there in the GNDTP and the authorities concerned would have no option other than to shut down all units in the absence if adequate supply of coal. Mr Bansal, on the other hand, said that the GHTP could function normally if two rakes of coal reached the plant premises daily and with three rakes daily, they would be able to store the coal as required under the Central Government’s instruction. |
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BSF ‘forces’ frontier farmers to cut grass ZERO LINE (Ferozepore), Oct 14 — The “pressure” by certain BSF personnel on farmers of frontier villages to clear the grass along the security fence raised here to check infiltration, has sparked off criticism. The farmers, who own agricultural lands close to the Indo-Pakistan border and across the security fence allege that they are forced by the BSF personnel to clear the grass before being allowed to visit their fields. They don’t engage labourers for this task, farmers added. Though BSF officials deny the charge. Sarpanches of at least two frontier villages — Rajo Ke and Hazara — confirmed that such complaints are common in the area. Mr Makhan Singh, sarpanch of Rajo Ke Gatti alleged that BSF soldiers had made it mandatory for the farmers willing to till their fields across the fence. Mukhtiar Singh, sarpanch of Hazara, said the practice continues “unchallanged” at some border posts, despite protests by the local farmers. “Apparently they (BSF) are saving money by not engaging labourers”, he remarked. Mr Khushal Singh, a farmer of Rajo Ke village, said they were already suffering due to restricted cultivation hours imposed by the BSF. He lamented that instead of sorting out their difficulties, the BSF was indulging in “arm twisting” of poor farmers. The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Secretary, Maj Harminder Singh Bhullar, said the BSF’s “high handedness” had prevented many tillers from going to their fields. He also criticised frequent frisking of the local farmers by the BSF soldiers near the Hussainiwala bridge connecting the border villages with the city. “When most of them are holding the identity cards, why are they subjected to unwanted frisking”?, he asked. These villagers also blamed the BSF for not employing women guards for frisking of the women folk. “This prevents us from taking our women folk across the fence for lending a helping hand”, Mr Joginder Singh, another farmer of Rajo Ke said. Earlier, BSF soldiers posted in the Mamdot area had forced two residents of Bahadur Ke village to catch fish for them from the river flowing through Pakistan thus endangering their lives. The two civilians were abducted by the Pakistani Rangers and freed only after the BSF lodged their protest. The soldiers, who had compelled them to catch the fish were now facing an inquiry, according to BSF sources. However, BSF officers vehemently denied the charge of forcing civilians to clear the grass. “The rules clearly restrain our soldiers from taking undue favour from the civilians”, a senior BSF officer said. Referring to the delay in engaging lady guards, BSF authorities said that the matter was under consideration and a meeting with the Punjab police was recently held to chalk out modalities. |
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BSP threat to
withdraw support JALANDHAR, Oct 14 — The proposed removal of two important roundabouts, named after Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagwan Balmiki by the local municipal corporation authorities, today, snowballed into a major controversy, with the Bahujan Samaj Party threatening to withdraw its support to its alliance partners — the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The SAD-BJP alliance in the Assembly has been under threat following the recent unceremonial removal of a senior Akali member from the post of the Senior Deputy Mayor. The removal of the two roundabouts had been envisaged way back in 1997 after a detailed study to ease the chaotic traffic situation in the city by the Jalandhar police. The study had held these two chowks, along with several others, responsible for traffic bottlenecks in the heart of the city and had suggested their removal. A number of chowks, including the one facing the Nehru Garden, Kapurthala Chowk, HMV Chowk and the popular Football Chowk had been replaced with traffic lights, but Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chowk, popularly known as Nakodar Chowk and the Bhagwan Balmiki Chowk, known as Jyoti Chowk were not touched during the past three years owing to strong pressure and protests by the followers of Ambedkar and Bhagwan Balmiki. Residents protesting against the removal of these structures are dubbing the role of the corporation, particularly that of the Mayor, Mr Suresh Sehgal, as “partisan” and “selective”. On the other hand there are arguments that if “mazaars” could be removed for being “traffic problems and encroachments”, why the chowks can not be removed on similar grounds. The mayor has already taken a tough stand in spite of protests by members of the Assembly belonging to the coalition partner Bahujan Samaj Party. The mayor said he was not bothered about the deterioration of law and order situation in the wake of the removal of the chowks as it was the responsibility of the district administration. On the other hand, the BSP councillors said the decision of the mayor was a “conspiracy” against “dalits”. Prominent city based BSP activists, including councillors Vipin Kumar, Bachan Lal, Deputy Mayor Roshan Lal and Bachno Devi, held a meeting and condemned the “indifferent” attitude of the mayor. A former MP and the Convener of the BSP, Dr Mohan Singh Phallianwala said the chowks were not creating any traffic problem. He said the solution of the traffic congestion lay in the removal of encroachments from around these
chowks. |
Flyover for Sunam
cleared: Dhindsa BATHINDA, Oct 14 — Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in the recently held Sunam byelection, has said he will work for the overall development of his constituency. Talking to mediapersons late last night, Mr Dhindsa, who claimed to be the youngest MLA in the present Vidhan Sabha, said his priority was to provide residential areas with the basic amenities at the earliest. He said three projects for Sunam, including a flyover on the level-crossing on the Sunam-Mansa road, sewerage and water supply system and a 150-bedded hospital had been cleared. Apart from it, development works would be done according to the needs of people belonging to different areas. Rural schools would also be upgraded, he said. When asked the Congress and other political groups had been alleging that electronic voting machines were tampered with and the official machinery was misused for ensuring his victory, he said these parties were making excuses to hide the fact that they had lost their mass base. Mr Dhindsa said he would also make efforts to develop infrastructure for sports. |
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Buta Singh visits
Golden Temple AMRITSAR, Oct 14 — After his conviction in the JMM MPs’ pay-off case, Mr Buta Singh, a former Union Minister, visited this holy city. He was not accompanied by any senior Congress leader. Mr Sukhdev Singh Shahbazpuri, a former MLA, and Major Rajbir Singh Ajnala were among those who received him. When contacted, Dr Raj, general secretary, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, who was once a close confidant of Mr Buta Singh, said he did not know about the latter’s visit. Mr Buta Singh paid his obeisance at the Golden Temple and then visited Baba Darshan Singh of ‘kar sewa wale’ who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital here. Talking to The Tribune News Service, Mr Buta Singh alleged that the Press and the judiciary had played a partisan role. He claimed that Parliament had “bailed out” both him and Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao in the case in March 1996. Mr Buta Singh said he would file an appeal in the Delhi High Court against his conviction. He would seek legal interpretation of the judgement before speaking more on this issue. He said he failed to understand as to why editorials were being written on his conviction terming, as a “historic one”. Mr Buta Singh alleged that his political opponents, who had brought a no-confidence motion against the Narasimha Rao government, were still active and wanted to finish him politically. He, however, said the Press should play an “un-biased and objective role”. |
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Fresh warrants issued against Bishen Singh
Bedi PATIALA, Oct 14 — A city court issued fresh arrest warrants against former cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi after earlier warrants issued in a defamation case filed by former national selector M.P. Pandove could not be executed and he was not produced in court today as ordered . Judicial Magistrate M.D.S. Dhillon issued fresh arrest warrants against Bedi after it was revealed that earlier warrants issued against him could not be executed. He was to appear in the court today following issuance of the arrest warrants after he failed to appear in court for the last three hearings of the case . Former national selector M.P. Pandove had filed a defamation case against Bedi, Parvinder Sharda, a journalist representing the Punjab Kesri, and Vijay Kumar, printer and publisher of Punjab Kesri . Mr Pandove had alleged in his defamation suit that “false and baseless” allegations had been levelled against him, which accused him of committing irregularities and mismanagement, besides lacking integrity. He has also alleged in the suit that the allegations amounted to a conspiracy against the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and other official-bearers of the PCA. The defamation suit alleges that Bedi started asking for remuneration for acting as a member of the Punjab cricket team and also as chairman of the senior selection and technical committees. It alleges that Bedi insisted for renumeration despite having been appointed in a honorary capacity. The case says that even though no monetary commitment had been made with the former cricket star, he was compensated for the efforts made by him in the Ranji league by being given a Tempo Traveller whose estimated cost was Rs 4.25 lakh. It said the PCA as a measure of goodwill further signed a contract awarding him a monthly salary of Rs 7,000 per month when he insisted upon a regular salary. The complaint says that Bedi was irregular in discharging his contractual duties and also behaved in a temperamental manner when under contract with the PCA. It says that only when the PCA Executive and Administrative Committees felt that the former cricketer was not ready to meet his contractual responsibilities, it appointed another manager to replace him. The defamation suit alleges that when a new team manager was appointed, Bedi responded by levelling charges against the members of the PCA in the press. It says the daily Punjab Kesri took out a series of six-boxed articles published between May 3, 1995, and May 9, 1995, on Bedi’s alleged interview with Parvinder Sharda . The interviews quoting Bedi allege that while the Mohali stadium was still incomplete, Mr M.P. Pandove ‘s house had been constructed during the same time. The complainant had alleged that the publication of the interview had damaged his reputation in the eyes of the general public besides being purposefully done to destroy his credibility. |
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Ex-servicemen seek justice AMRITSAR, Oct 14 — Brig Mohinder Singh, president of All-India ex-Services League (IESL) the apex body of ex-servicemen in the country, said that ex-servicemen had suffered a long history of discrimination. While they had great hope from the present government their expectations were once again belied by the Vajpayee government. Thus despite an assurance no government orders with regard to one rank one pension have been issued. The Defence Minister, while addressing a public meeting at Anandpur Sahib on 13/14 April last year had accepted the demand. The history of discrimination starts in 1953 when Army pensions were increased by between Rs 100 to Rs 630 less than their civilian counterparts. On 1.7.59, an increase in pension of to employees was sanctioned but Ex- servicemen were excluded. They were given the benefit in 1961, after a gap of two years and all the personnel who retired in the intervening period were denied the benefit. Similarly grant of death gratuity to civilians was extended to the defence personnel only on September 10, 1970 two decades after their civilian counterparts. The family pension scheme was granted to the JCOs 14 years after their civilian counterparts in 1964. The rule of last 10 months pay for commutation of pension instead of two years was extended to ex-servicemen three years after civilian got it in 1976. He cited numerous other instances of systematic discrimination. Thus in 1953 the actual service of JCOs and other ranks was reduced arbitrarily by two years for reasons best known to the then government. This meant that armed forces personnel with 15 years of service were granted pension for 13 years. This discrimination was ended only in 1968. Before Independence defence personnel were getting pension ranging from 70 per cent to 90 per cent of last pay drawn against servants 40 per cent to 50 per cent of last pay. He said that with every pay revision the status of defence personnel was lowered and today a jawan is rated below a chaprasi who gets Rs 900 to Rs 1000 more per month as pension. The Fifth Pay Commission which bestowed major benefits on civilian employees laid down a 33 year stipulation for full pension automatically excluding Army jawans and other ranks. Thus they get 30 to 33 per cent as against pension fifty per cent for civilians. This discrimination can only be removed by granting one rank one pension. Despite Fifth Pay panel and Supreme court recommendations ex-servicemen are denied full medical cover and face different criteria for disability pension. He also criticised special treatment to Kargil martyrs while soldiers who laid down their lives in J and K and the North-East fighting insurgents were being ignored. He warned that if the government fails to meet their demands the ex-servicemen will be forced to launch an agitation.  |
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Punjabi writers wait for awards LUDHIANA, Oct 14 — Will the state government present Shiromani Sahityakar Awards this year? This question assumes significance as the government ‘failed’ to confer the awards for the past two years allegedly due to financial and political reasons. The government normally finalises the awards before December, though on certain occasions the awards were delayed. The issue has assumes centrestage in literary circles in the last quarter of each year. The constitution of a 30 member committee to select writers in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit languages has been encouraging and perhaps writers of Punjab may finally get recognition an honour which eluded them since 1997. The highest award can go up to Rs one lakh. Besides conferring annual awards mostly in December, the government also recommends financial help to select poets, authors and literary organisations. The non-presentation of awards for years had left writers bitter and led to wide spread criticism of the ‘failure’ of the government both from the literary community and the public. According to information available here, the committee with Mr Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister as its chairman will select awardees for both the current year as well as for the last two years. Mr Madan Lal Hasija, Director, Languages of the state sounded confident about the presentation of the awards but literary personalities preferred a wait and watch attitude. Skeptics point out that in 1998 also a similar committee was constituted by Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, the then Minister for Higher Education and Languages. However, due to political differences between Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra , Mr Calcutta , who belonged to the Tohra group resigned from his post and the issue of the selection of the writers remained pending. Though Mr Badal kept the charge of the Ministry with himself, the awards could not be conferred allegedly because Mr Badal could not devote time to the issue and the state was facing financial problems. The financial crisis was nowhere more evident than in the Department of Languages which did not have the money to pay its electricity bill last year. As a result power supply to some portions of the language head office at Patiala was cut. Skeptics claim that the awards are rapidly getting politicised due to which in the past some selected writers have even returned the awards. The committee members includes Secretary Higher Education as its Vice-Chairman and Mr Hasija as
convenor. Other members include are noted writers Kartar Singh Duggal, Jaswant Singh
Kanwal, Dr Dilip Kaur Tiwana, Santokh Singh Dhir and Ram Sarup Ankhi. |
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Sanjha Morcha
holds dharna PATIALA, Oct 14 — Agitating workers of the All-India Shiromani Akali Dal and other parties today blocked traffic on the Patiala - Sirhind road outside the grain market in the city to protest against tardy procurement and decrease in the procurement price. The dharna was addressed by AISAD president Gurcharan Singh Tohra, former mp Prem Singh Chandumajra and representatives of the CPM, Lok Bhalai Party, MCPI, Janta Dal ( United ) and Bhartiya Kisan Union Rajewal and Mann factions. Speaking to newsmen after the dharna, Mr Chandumajra said representatives of the Sanjha Morcha held dharnas across the state and that reports of dharnas and Kisan marches had been received from Sangrur, Sunam, Samana, Patran, Nabha, Bhadson, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Moga and Ferozepore. He clarified that the Sanjha Morcha had not given a Punjab bandh call and that the programme was to hold dharnas and kisan marches to protest against the anti-farmer policies of the present SAD - BJP government. The AISAD leader said the recent decrease in the procurement price by Rs 25 lakh was a cruel joke on farmers of the state. He said the state government had betrayed farmers of the state who were hoping the government would prevail upon the Centre to procure paddy from Punjab at the fixed price. Mr Chandumajra also alleged that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) had become overburdened and that its establishment costs had made its functioning unprofitable. He said the situation had become such that a quintal of paddy was costing the FCI Rs 920, which made it difficult to sell in the market. He said the FCI should be dismantled and nodal procurement agencies should be created in all states. He said these agencies could sell food grains under agreements entered into with other states. He warned that if the Punjab government did not ensure immediate speedy procurement in all mandis of the state, farmers would take their struggle to the national level. He also demanded that paddy be bought at the original price fixed by the Union government. |
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HC judge visits Central Jail GURDASPUR, Oct 14 — Mr Justice N.K. Sood, judge in Punjab and Haryana High Court visited the Central Jail here yesterday. He directed the jail superintendent to invite various NGOs in the district to take up specific targets within the jail, including holding of vocational training and beautification of jail premises besides holding medical, dental and drug deaddiction camps for the benefits of the jail inmates. He was accompanied by Mr M.R. Batra, District and Sessions Judge, Mr B. Vikram, District Magistrate, Mr S.S. Brar, SSP, Batala and Mr B. Chander Shekhar, SP (headquarters), Gurdaspur. Mr Justice Sood listened to the grievances of the undertrials and convicts. He also inspected the quarters, kitchens and the jail factory. He paid visit to the jail hospital also. |
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Editorial creates ripples AMRITSAR, Oct 14 — The thought-provoking editorial of “Gurmat Parkash”, published by the Dharm Parchar Committee of the SGPC, has created ripples in Panthic circles. In its editorial, “Gurmat Parkash” has criticised the efforts of current Panthic leadership which has failed to yield desired results so far. It states the present situation was a result of vested interests who had infiltrated into the Sikh
Panth. It states the Panth had not undergone introspection on such vital issues as to why a series of Akhand Paths or so-called big religious programmes had not transformed Sikh society to the satisfactory level. Instead, the trading approach had overshadowed religious activities. The Khalsa Panth had been facing new problems everyday due to “infiltration” of anti-Panthic forces. To sum up, the editorial reads the only way out was true Panthic leadership. |
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Pickets to regulate
traffic in Phagwara PHAGWARA, Oct 14 — Pickets will be set up at a distance of every 16 to 20 kms for regulating traffic and a DSP will head each picket. This was stated by Mr J.P. Birdi, Inspector-General of the Punjab Police (zonal) after inaugurating a new branch of Dena Bank here today. Mr Birdi, who looks after eight districts, however, said mobile phones had not been provided to the police as yet. Mr Birdi added that about 600-700 security guards had been withdrawn from VIPs security keeping in view the threat perceptions. A sum of Rs 65 crore would be spent upon modernising the police force. He, however, declared that
“thikri pehra” would be increased to keep a check on the activities of gangs like
“kale kachhewale”. |
Two arrested, 1 kg
charas seized BATALA (Punjab), Oct 14 (PTI) — Two residents of Bihar, including a Home Guards worker, were yesterday arrested at a police checkpost here and 1 kg charas seized from them, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said. The two had brought charas from Raxual in Bihar and were intercepted near Aliwal bypass. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been registered against them, SSP Sukhdeve Singh Brar said. He said, Ishwar Singh was working in the Bihar Home Guards while his companion, Chandu Lal, was working in a factory here. |
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2 held for selling kerosene in black GURDASPUR, Oct 14 — The police has unearthed a racket of black marketeers allegedly involved in the sale of kerosene oil meant for sale under the public distribution system in open market on premium price. Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, in a press note today said Amit Kumar and Kewal Singh, residents of Ludhiana, have been arrested and 2,400 litres of kerosene oil recovered from them. Their accomplice Surinder Kumar, however, managed to escape. The SSP said on specific information, CIA staff of Pathankot had laid a naka at highway post near Mirthal in the district and apprehended a Tata-407 on suspicion. The police arrested its occupants and impounded the kerosene oil and the vehicle. The SSP said that the accused, during their preliminary interrogation, said they had purchased the kerosene oil from depot-holders at various places in Himachal Pradesh with the intention to sell the same in Jalandhar and Ludhiana districts. |
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2 killed in road mishap MOGA, Oct 14 — Two persons were killed in different accidents around here yesterday evening. According to reports, Mohan Singh of Matimustafa village in this district was killed when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction collided with the tanker in which he was travelling. His marriage was due next month. In another accident, an unidentified man was crushed to death, 1 km from here on the G.T. Road. The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination. |
Teachers call for free education to all ROPAR, Oct 14 — The All-India Primary Teachers’ Federation (AIPTF) called for free and compulsory education to all at the 21st biennial education conference which started at Anadpur Sahib this afternoon. Mr S. Eswaran, the Secretary-General of the AIPTF, said that there was a clear direction in the Constitution that at least primary education should be provided free and compulsory for all. However, even after 50 years of Independence, the government had failed to provide such facilities. The plan to invite capital investment in education would result in separate education for the rich and poor and would be against the interest of the country. The teachers claimed that it would be a national mistake if the responsibility of providing education was passed on to panchayats. Panchayats don’t have adequate sources of income and also lacked national vision, due to which the goal of education for all could not be fulfilled through them. Mr Ram Pal Singh, the president of the AIPTF, demanded that primary school teachers should also be given the right to cast votes for the teachers; constituencies in the legislative council. Though Article 81 (C) of the Constitution had made provision for the representation of teachers in legislative councils, primary teachers in the country had been deprived of this right. About 30 lakh primary teachers in the county did take part in this constitutional process. Mr Charanjit Singh Walia, the Chairman of the reception committee at the conference, took up the issue of the non implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations for primary teachers in various states. He alleged that except for Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, no other state had implemented the recommendations. Mr Walia also spoke against the growing trend of contractual appointments in schools. He said that the teachers out of fear of job security could never do justice to his job. Teachers should be secured only on a permanent basic, he added. Earlier, the AIPTF also organised a women’s conference. The conference was inaugurated by Mrs Surinder Kaur Grewal, the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, Punjab. Mrs Shashi Bala, coordinator of Education International, delivered the keynote address. Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the Union Sports Minister, and Bibi Jagir Kaur, the SGPC president, failed to turn up for the conference. Mr Ajit Singh Kohar was the only minister who attended the conference. About 40,000 teachers from all parts of the country are participating in this two-day conference, which is being organised under the aegis of the Punjab Government Primary Teachers Association. |
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