M A I N   N E W S

Punjab to give 10 cr for quake relief
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 2
The victims of the devastating earthquake in Gujarat and the innocent Sikhs killed in Jammu and Kashmir were among those who were paid homage in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today.

Led by the Leader of the House, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, obituary references were made to persons who had died since the holding of the last session of the House. They included Mr Indrajit Gupta, Mr V. N. Gadgil, Mr Parkash Singh Majitha, Mr Prem Singh Prem, Mr Manjit Singh Bhattal, Mr Jagjit Singh Tikka, Mr Balbir Singh Pannu, Mr Ishar Singh Sodhi and Mrs Vijayaraje Scindia.

Mr Badal called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister to ensure the safety of all minorities in the state. He also appreciated people’s response to the Gujarat tragedy.

He said a cheque for Rs 10 crore, for Gujarat relief would be presented on behalf of all Punjabis to the Prime Minister at the dedication ceremony of the Thein Dam on March 4.

Among those who joined in paying homage were Chaudhary Jagjit Singh (Congress), Mr Balramji Dass Tandon ( BJP), Mr Hardev Arshi (CPI), Mr Shangara Ram Shangura (BSP), Mr Ajitinder Singh Moffar (SAD-Mann) and Mr Dhanwant Singh (Independent).

Mr Badal, while paying tributes to Mr Parkash Singh Majitha, made an oblique reference to the haste shown by the Election Commission in ordering a byelection within one month of the death of Mr Majitha.

The House observed two-minute silence after the Speaker, Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, also paid tributes. A resolution was passed to convey heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the newly elected MLA from Majitha, Mr Raj Mohinder Singh, was administered the oath by the Speaker before the obituary references were taken up, the only item listed for the day’s business.

The discussion on the Governor’s Address resumes on Monday.