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March 13, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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2 PAU teachers allege victimisation Ludhiana, March 12 Addressing a press conference in the Students Home of the PAU, Dr Amarjit Singh Grewal and Ms Sarbjit Kaur Dhaliwal, both the faculty members whose services were terminated by the Vice-Chancellor, alleged that they were shown the door by the VC because he had allegedly wanted to settle scores with them. Stating that they would meet the Chief Minister tomorrow, the teachers said they were forced to adopt various means of agitation as they were tired of moving from pillar to post to get themselves heard. Dr Grewal, former Senior Immunologist , said he had worked in the university for 15 years and the Vice-Chancellor had terminated his services because he was a co-petitioner in a writ filed against Dr Aulakh, who was a Pro-VC at that time. Dr Grewal had challenged the creation of the post of Pro-VC, which he had alleged was done for Dr Aulakh only. The post was later abolished by the board of management of the PAU and, subsequently, his writ was disposed of by the High Court. But by that time Dr Aulakh had become the Vice-Chancellor of the PAU. Dr Grewal said his services were terminated on March 28, 2001, just two days after the research scheme on tick-borne diseases, under which he was working, was terminated. The orders read: ‘as there is no other vacant position commensurate with his qualifications in the university where he could be utilised’. Dr Grewal regretted that his services could have been declared surplus, if at all there was no vacant post, till the time an adjustment had been worked out by the university. Alleging that the VC was apparently “misusing his powers and harassing others”, Dr Grewal said the VC had allegedly prevailed upon an Akali Minister to terminate the scheme prematurely while it was sanctioned in the budget ending on March 31,2002. Ms Dhaliwal, who worked as an Assistant Economist at PAU for three years, was given marching orders by the VC in June last year, just two months after he joined as the new VC of the PAU. Her services were terminated on the plea that she did not fulfil the essential condition of having passed graduation with at least 50 per cent marks. She stated that she held a degree equivalent to graduation from California University, USA, with 74 per cent marks. Interestingly, the former VC, Dr G.S. Kalkat, had constituted a committee of three scientists to look into her qualifications at the time of her appointment. The committee had given its approval and she was appointed as an Assistant Economist in 1998. But after the VC took over, he constituted a review committee that suggested that she did not fulfil the requisite qualification and was given termination orders on June 12, 2001. She alleged that the Vice-Chancellor was trying to settle a score with her husband, Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, who was working as a Biotechnologist in the PAU. She said he was responsible for getting huge grants for the projects run by him at the university. She alleged that the VC was also victimising her husband. The VC said Dr Grewal’s services were terminated because his research work was not satisfactory and the vaccine that he had prepared was not up to the mark. The Animal Husbandry Department had decided to terminate the scheme of his research work. He was not adjusted in the university because he was not a citizen of India. He added he had nothing personal against these two persons. |
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Sarpanch booked for forgery Ludhiana, March 12 According to the FIR, Sarpanch Vasakha Singh has been indicted in the police inquiry for first preparing false documents of a resolution passed by the panchayat, forging signatures of the BDPO in getting the grant encashed from Indian Overseas Bank, Mullanpur Dakha and for violating the orders of the government of not withdrawing any cash from the bank account of the panchayat. Confirming the case the DSP, Mullanpur Dakha, Mr Paramjit Singh Goraya, said the BDPO had stopped the withdrawal of money from the bank some months ago. The accused allegedly got fake documents prepared to withdraw the money. The Mullanpur police had conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations and had registered a case after finding these to be true. He said the police was recording statements of the persons concerned and next action, including the arrest of the accused, would be taken only after that. He added that the action would be taken within a day or two. The Sarpanch is, however, reported to be absconding. According to police sources the chances of any political victimisation in the case were minimal as the sarpanch does not owe permanent allegiance to any political party. Sources in the BDPO office while giving more details about the case said the Indian Overseas Bank had sealed the account of Gram Panchayat, Majri, last year due to certain differences over the development issue in the village and allegations of misuse of funds. However, the sarpanch allegedly prepared false documents of a resolution adopted by the village panchayat urging the BDPO to withdraw the bank account sealing orders so that some urgent development work required in the village could be carried out. The accused then allegedly got a fake document of the approval from the BDPO and then withdrew Rs 1.5 lakh from the bank by showing the letter of approval as well as the resolution of the panchayat. The BDPO after learning about the incident took up the matter with the bank and registered a complaint with the police. The Mullanpur police conducted an inquiry in which the panchayat members denied that they had passed any such resolution. The Sarpanch had in his statement to the police denied any cheating and said the documents were true. He had said he was being victimised. The police inquiry indicted him and recommended criminal proceedings against him as the statements of other persons went against him. |
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Probe in illegal immigration
cases sought Ludhiana, March 12 The front aims to expose those bodies and promoters who indulge in illegal immigration in the garb of sending cultural troops abroad’’. Mr Nalin Kaushik and Mr Parminder Singh have been elected president and general secretary, respectively of the new front. In a statement issued here today, Mr Kaushik said it was a known fact that a large number of Punjab-based cultural organisations were involved in sending people abroad illegally. He also added that these organisations were not promoting culture but were exploiting the state’s rich heritage. Mr Kaushik dared to expose even those government bodies which were allegedly involved in these rackets. He said Punjabis were feeling let down in the embassies due to such instances of illegal immigration by persons who charge a lot of money in the name of sending ‘‘kabootar’’ to Canada, America, Italy and other countries. Mr Kaushik said a delegation of art and culture lovers of the state would meet the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, to apprise him of the current cultural state of affairs in the state. Mr Kaushik and Mr Parminder Singh have demanded a high level probe by the new Chief Minister into the much-published ‘‘immigration scam, August 1999’’ of Punjab Government's Cultural Affairs Department which was responsible for recommending 15 fake artists to represent Punjab in Canada on the invitation of Toronto- based Indian High Commission.’’ He alleged that lakhs of rupees had exchanged hands in the above scam and an inquiry into this episode would also expose those responsible for the scam. The Cultural Protection Front would also maintain a ‘‘check on the activities of all the other cultural bodies that are trying to send so-called artists to other countries on the pretext of participating in Baisakhi shows. Ludhiana has been a haven for such persons who are making money in the name of culture and Government- sponsored cultural bodies. The Front hoped that Capt Amarinder Singh will strive hard for the promotion of Punjabi culture. The front also demanded that the Punjab Arts Council should be revamped. |
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District NCP chief quits, floats new party Ludhiana, March 12 In a statement here today, Mr Gill observed that the NCP activists had made several representation to the party high command, apprising them of the poor performance of the state president of the party and to take immediate steps towards reorganisation of the party. The pleas, however, failed to evoke any response from the senior leaders, he said. |
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LUDHIANA CALLING
The police band has always graced many auspicious occasions. Whenever we visualise, any national or international sports event in the country, we cannot even ignore the presence of the band. The pleasant tunes of the band often infuse life in the tired sportsperson after the hectic game schedule in any sports event and gives encouragement to them before opening of any big sports event. On the concluding day of the 52nd Senior National Basketball Championship, the Ludhiana Police band came into action about three hours before the chief guest of the closing ceremony had to arrive. While the cagers were restless and uncertain about the result, about 50 musicians kept on playing different tunes like ‘kadam kadam badaye ja’, bharat ke jawan etc., Perhaps they might be doing so that they could ensure perfect coordination among all the instrument players to give their best. At last they were successful in pleasing the chief guest, who was also the heading their organisation. (See picture) The ‘K’ factor The K factor is prominent in most of the soaps, be it ZEE, or Sony or Star channel. Most of the serials and game shows begin with letter K. Khulja Sim Sim, Kamzoor Kadi Kaun and Kya Masti Kya Dhoom. No one knows why K is the mantra to success. But many of the serials that start with letter ‘K’ seem to be faring better than others like Kusum, Kahin Kisi Roz, Kahaani Ghar Ghar KI, Kangan, Kutumub, Kundali, Kyo Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi B ahu thi, Kalash .Kohi Hai. Can any reader put forward any logical explanation with the fascination with this particular alphabet?
Media concession Some mediapersons had a first-hand experience over the manner in which the common man had to grease the palms of officials concerned while getting a police verification for passport purpose. The mediapersons went to cops concerned to enquire about the delay in the police verification and were shocked to learn that they had to pay the price of Rs 600 for the purpose. The shocked mediapersons disclosed they were journalists hoping that the work would be done officially. However, further shock was in store for them. The officials said ‘‘ Je tusee patarkar ho tan 100-50 ghat dedo ’’. ( If you are journalists then we give you a concession of Rs 100 or 50).
CMC road- a hazardous one Inspite of many requests to the Municipal Corporation to make the road leading from National Highway No.1 to Christian Medical College & Hospital nothing has been done. The road is just not negotiable specially after it has rained . As one turns inwards, numerous dhabas running day and night have a large number of clients. Their cycles and rehras on the one side, and three-wheelers and buses on the other block the road. As one proceeds further, pot holes, vehicular traffic and cycle rickshaws make driving a nightmarish experience. Scores of cars, and carts are parked, narrowing the road further.
Exemplary unity Kishen Singh, a domestic worker, received news from Nepal that in the crossfiring between Maoists and the police, his house in a hamlet got destroyed. His cattle too perished in the ensuing fire. He had spent over Rs 1 lakh on the construction of the house. When other Nepalis heard of his loss, they decided to help Kishen out. All of them showed exemplary unity and decided to give him one month’s salary. Within a week, the collection had reached Rs 60,000. By the next week, he thinks the amount will be a tidy Rs 1 lakh and then he will send the money home so that his family could rebuild the house again.
Gift offer! A Number of companies, dealers and agencies often organise press conferences to launch or promote their products. The advertising agencies, which take care of their advertising campaign in the local media, are generally given charge to organise press conferences. The general rule is that they would provide good lunch and a gift worth Rs 400-500 to each journalist for the coverage. One of the Jalandhar-based unknown textile dealers, which recently organised a press conference here, applied novel method to attract more journalists to the conference. The organisers, who claimed to promote patriotism and domestic industry ( by writing Vandematram and Be Indian and Buy Indian, on envelopes), mentioned on the invitation letters that the invitees should bring in these letters to get a Safari suit length. Later, an organiser disclosed,‘‘ We had to mention this offer specifically to attract media persons and to ward off the fake reporters, who just come to get gifts and to have lunch, though they are not working for any worthwhile paper.’’ Interestingly, it attracted good response from media and subsequently good coverage.
Readers missing Railway vendors may not have done courses in economic theories, but like other entrepreneurs, they are also well aware about the principles of demand and supply. In almost all the important trains, except Shatabadi Express, passing through local railway station, it is almost impossible to get a newspaper or magazine in the train.The passengers coming from other states often complain that one can get every item for eating or drinking but reading material here. Recently one of the passengers coming from Delhi on Shan-e- Punjab complained to a ticket-checker about the non-availability of newspapers and magazines. In response, he said curtly,‘‘Which newspaper vendor would like to waste time in these compartments, where the people lack reading habits. The people would spend anything on eating or drinking except reading material in these trains,’’ he moved forward smiling while indicating his finger towards a fat gentleman, who was busy in making drinks in steel glasses for his friends on board itself.
Winners again The Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE) emerged as the second time winner of the Inter-College Youth Festival that concluded at GGN Institute of Management and Technology on Monday. The students gave a splendid performance and won the first prize in various items like Indian vocal duet, rangoli,
dumb charades, classical dance, flower arrangement, system analysis and design, skit, western group song, choreography, quiz, fashion show, western dance and cartoon making. The college team also won the North Zone Inter-College Cultural Festival that concluded on Saturday at SAJ Institute of Management and Technology, Ambala City, besides winning a paper reading contest held at Ropar on the occasion on International Women’s Day.
Donate for a cause In the aftermath of Godhra and subsequent killings in communal riots in Gujarat, the organisers of Mahashivratri festival
are, interestingly, witnessing an increase in funds collections to celebrate Mahashivratri on a large scale. One of the organisers claimed that a section of the majority community wanted to prove its assertiveness through huge contributions. The happenings in Ayodhya have also fuelled this fervour. However, after watching the massacre of innocent people on TV, one of the industrialists, who used to donate liberally, decided to say no to these
organisers. When the same organiser approached him, he reportedly told him frankly,‘‘ Instead of making contribution for this show, I would prefer to donate more money for the rehabilitation of riot victims. Why don’t you do something in this regard to celebrate the festival in its true spirit?’’ he asked innocently.
The white motor cycles, duly fitted with PA systems and the red and blue revolving lights, which the police has recently introduced for patrolling purposes, are really providing amusement to the cops and the public alike. Only the other day, Sentinel was also amused at the sight of two motor cycle cops who had parked the vehicle by the roadside and were talking to a person who appeared more or less like a police informers. Beside them there were three other persons who were staring at the white bike as if it were a flying saucer. One of the cops, sensing the impression they were making on the gathering of curious onlookers, started fiddling with the walkie-talkie in his hand as if he was going to call in some re-enforcement from the Police Control Room. Though he did nothing of the sort, he kept the walkie-talkie set connected with the PCR, glued to his ear like a cricket-commentary fan. After whiling away some of their time and having impressed the public with their ‘dutiful’ stance, the cops sped away with the gaze of curious onlookers following it. |
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Implement demands, urge Sikh migrants Ludhiana, March 12 Addressing a working committee meeting of the society at Gurdwara Akalgarh here today, Mr Surjit Singh, president of the society, remarked that the entire process for allotment of 327 booths to the riot-hit families stood completed and only the allotment letters were to be issued. Similarly, allotment of MIG, LIG and EWS flats in CRPF Colony to families of Sikh migrants was also held up without any reason. He demanded that the demand for allotment of residential plots in J Block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust be implemented without any delay and that title deeds be registered directly in favour of the allottees. Among others, Mr Gurdev Singh, chairman, Mr Amarjit Singh, chairman, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Dugri, Mr Gurcharan Singh, vice-president, Mr Surjit Singh Saluja, secretary, Mr Amarjit Singh Dhawan, general secretary, Mr Tarlochan Singh Takkar, Mr Kartar Singh Patna, Ms Harbans Kaur, Mr Gurdeep Kaur, Mr Gurcharan Kaur, Mr Sukhchain Singh Tuli, Mr Tarlok Singh, Mr Mohan Singh, Mr Chattar Singh and Mr Sukhwinder Singh attended the meeting. The society impressed upon the government to undertake construction of the building for a senior secondary school in Dugri for which PUDA had already provided 2 acre land and required funds were deposited with the Municipal Corporation. Other demands put forth by the society included providing red cards to those Sikh migrants who had not been issued, allotment of booths to riot victims in Patiala and Mohali and adequate representation to functionaries of society in district-level grievances committees at Ludhiana, Patiala, Ropar, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda, where Sikh migrant families lived in large numbers. Meanwhile, Punjab Danga Peerit Welfare Council has also urged the Punjab Government to expedite the implementation of outstanding demands of the riot-affected families. Mr Surjit Singh Dugri, State President of the council, while addressing a meeting at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, LIG, Dugri, called upon the government to issue directions for issuance of allotment letters for booths to eligible persons. He said the council would take up the issue with PUDA authorities for screening of the list of allottees so that irregular allotments made to non-existing persons or those at fictitious addresses were cancelled and vacant booths be reallotted to needy migrant families. |
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PSEB proposal to check power theft Ludhiana, March 12 The officials said that during the current fiscal year, the board had intensified campaign against the consumers engaged in power theft resulting in additional income from revenue worth Rs 125 crore in Ludhiana zone by November 30,2001. More than 2000 consumers were fined for stealing power in the first three quarters. However, the officials found that in many cases small consumers were stealing power in connivance with the field staff by tampering with the meters. They had to pay fine from the date of installation of meters, according to board rules. Under these provisions, the consumers were asked to pay fine, sometimes amounting to more than the cost of their houses, and in case they failed to pay, their meters were disconnected. However, some of the consumers alleged that the board officials were making them scapegoats to shield their own staff members who were taking bribes from big consumers for tampering with the meters.
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Shivratri celebrated Fatehgarh Sahib, March 12 District level celebration was held at Sanatan Dharam
Mandir, Sirhind, where thousands of devotees offered prayers. Mr Vikas
Partap, Deputy Commissioner, participated in the religious ceremonies
of Shiv Puja and offered Gangajal on “Shivlingam”. A hawan was
also performed by Shashtri Radhey Sham, head priest of the temple,
Langars were also arranged in the temples. Ludhiana The main attraction of the shobha yatra was the huge
silver chariot carrying the image of Shiv family. The chariot was
pulled by 201 bare-foot devotees. Tableaux representing 300 odd
temples of the city and school children participated in the shobha
yatra. Manmohan Singh and his party represented the Sarbat Ka Bhala
Society. The yatra passed through Ved Mandir Chowk, Partap Bazar,
Mata Rani chowk, Ghantaghar Chowk, Chaura Bazar, Ghaas Mandi, Chauri
Sarak, Division Number Three Chowk, Khwaja Kothi Chowk and Sanglan
wala Shivala where Mahant Narayan Dass Puri performed an aarti of the.
holy Shiva chariot. The yatra culminated at the Gau Ghat Shiva temple
at around 11 pm where the concluding ‘aarti’ was performed by Mr
Ashwini Bedi, Pracharak, Amritvani Satsang Dharamarth Trust. As many
as 250 langars were set up along the route. The holy chariot was
greeted with flower petals by the devout everywhere. Prominent bands
of the city gave captivating performances in the shobha yatra. At the
start of the yatra, a function was held at Daresi Grounds. Mr Vijay
Chopra, Editor-in-Chief, Hind Samachar group of newspapers, was the
chief guest. He presented siropas to Vedacharya Swami Nigam Bodh,
Swami Ved Bharti, Mata Manju Devi ji, Swami Ramanujacharya, Mahant
Narayan Dass and Yogi Tilak Nath.
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Two accused in dowry death case arrested Doraha, March 11 Those arrested are Vinod Kumar and Krishna Devi, the husband and mother-in-law of 19-year-old Poonam, who was allegedly burnt to death by her in-laws. The accused were presented in the court today, while two others Kewal Krishan and Shakuntala Devi, the husband's uncle and grandmother are still at large. Poonam, daughter of Asha Rani of Bachittar Nagar, Ludhiana had been married to Vikas Kumar of Doraha five months ago and since then, she had been subjected to physical and mental torture. On March 8, kerosene was allegedly poured on her by her in-laws. The victim died on the spot. According to the chowki in charge, Mr Harbhajan
Singh," The other two accused shall also be arrested soon." |
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Burglars on the prowl Ludhiana, March 12 Some burglars broke into the house of Mr Kishori Lal in Nirankari Mohalla late last night and decmaped with jewellery worth lakhs of rupees besides a licenced .32 revolver and Rs 19,000 cash. According to an FIR registered at the Division No 6 police station in this regard, Mr Kishori Lal stated that he along with his family had locked the house at 8p.m. to attend puja at Shiv Mandir. However, when they returned at 2 a.m. they found that the doors had been broken and the entire house had been ransacked. In another incident occurring in the area of the same police station, some unidentified persons stole a truck loaded with some factory products from Transport Nagar. The police however was yet to register a case. Mr Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Focal Point has complained to the police that a person identified an Mohinder Pal had snatched Rs 15,000 from him. He learnt about the identity of the man later on. Two scooter-borne youths snatched a gold chain worn by Ms Taranjit Kaur Ghai , a resident of Block-I in Sarabha Nagar. The area had witnessed a spurt in such incidents causing insecurity among the residents. |
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Man missing; 2 meat sellers
booked Ludhiana, March 12 According to the report lodged with the Kotwali police station, Mr Gurvinder Singh, president, Taxi Stand Union, stated that the missing driver had taken four boys to Ambala in his Maruti Esteem taxi (DL 3C A 6990) on Saturday. He stated that the Ambala address given by the youths was found to be wrong. Enquiries made at Daulatpur village in Kangra district, the native village of the driver, also proved futile, he added in the complaint. According to information, Jagdish was married last year and has a two-month-old son. Man, son held:
According to information, Mr Harminder Singh, a field officer of the T-series company, had complained to the police in this connection. The police raided the residence of the accused, identified as Jagdish Kumar Aggarwal and his son, Darshan Kumar, and seized a huge quantity of duplicate CDs of porno and Hindi films. The accused used to prepare 12 duplicate cassettes from the master print in just eight minutes. They also used a computer scanner to print the multi-coloured wrappers for fake CDs. Earlier, the Model Town police has arrested Vineet Sharma, Kamaljit Singh Sidhu and Anil Verma and seized fake cassettes from their possession. All accused have been booked under the Copyright Act. Charas seized:
2 meat sellers booked:
According to information, some persons had allegedly encroached upon the road connecting HE colony with the Focal Point area, near a public park, among whom there are certain roadside meat sellers. Residents of the colony had complained about it to the Focal Point SHO during a public interaction meeting a few days ago. The arrested meat sellers have been identified as Rajiv and Bajinder Kumar. Two held:
Man assaulted:
Vegetable seller duped:
Three booked:
Khanna Mr Kuldip Singh was not at home at that time. The police has registered a case. SHO shifted:
SAHNEWAL Injured:
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