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| Wednesday,
May 8, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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Vigilance unearths land scam Jalandhar, May 7 The corporation has about 55 acres of spare land in Phases
I and II of the Goindwal Sahib Project. The officials illegally provided the land to some persons and continued to charge their annual “fee” Rs 2,000 per acre for enabling them to cultivate it illegally for 10 years. The officials went a step further by turning a blind eye to other encroachments at the place by individuals or religious and social institutions. The multi-lakh scam and the involvement of certain officials of the corporation has been unearthed by Jalandhar Vigilance Bureau chief Ishwar Chander and his team, which stumbled upon records pertaining to the project during a surprise checking at the office of the corporation’s Executive Engineer in the local Green Park locality. The checking was conducted by bureau DSP Vipin Chaudhary. What surprised the bureau officials was that though the minting of money by corporation officials and large-scale encroachments at the place were going on for about 10 years, virtually nothing was done by the corporation authorities to remove the either encroachments or punish the erring officials. So much so, though the Punjab Government had acquired the land in 1980 and 1990 for the completion of Phases I and II respectively, after paying money to the original land holders, the corporation did not get the “intiqal” of the acquired land transferred to it, with the result that the land was still in the name of the original holders. According to Mr Ishwar Chander, the people who were illegally cultivating government land individually or in the name of institutions, allegedly in connivance with corporation officials included Pritam Singh of Maini village (14 acres), Sawinder Singh of Maini village (14 acres), the administration committee of Baba Shah Husan Goindwal Sahib (5-6 acres). Dera Nehang Singh Junjh Ghar, Goindwal Sahib, Darshan Singh Fauji, Surjan Singha and Lalli, all from Goindwal Sahib (3 acres), Gurdip Singh, a resident of Jhander Mahapurkh (5 acres), Rattan Singh of the same village (4 acres), Tehal Singh of Jhander Mahapurkh (4 acres), Shingara Singh of the same village (2 acres), Gian Singh (6 acres), Balbir Singh of Goindwal Sahib (2 acres), Labh Singh and Dera Baba Tara Singh (6 acres). The corporation land was also being encroached upon by Nanak Singh, a resident of Goindwal Sahib, Baba Ghulla Singh, the management of Bibi Bhani Gurdwara Sahib, Bhajan Singh, a conductor, and Ranjit Singh. The list of encroaches prepared by the bureau also includes Bawa Shoe Company, a renowned industrial house. Investigations also brought to light the alleged involvement of the corporation employees in the malpractice. A surprise checking at the office and residence of Mr G.S. Kainth revealed that air conditioners of the corporation were being used at his residence. Two other employees of the corporation — Mr Jagdish Singh, a fitter, and Mr Rajinder Singh, a chowkidar, were found working at his residence, even though they were drawing salaries from the state exchequer. A scrutiny of records revealed that bogus bills amounting to Rs 30,000 were made in the name of firms which did not exist. The furniture for the residence of Mr Kainth was allegedly purchased with the help of the embezzled money. The Managing Director of PSIEC, Mr P.S. Aujla, however, has assured the bureau of his full corporation in the unearthing of more such irregularities in the corporation, Mr Ishwar Chander, said. The later maintained that after the completion of a preliminary enquiry, a recommendation would be made to the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, for the registration of cases against the defaulters. |
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6 more Deans of
Punjabi University resign Patiala, May 7 The exit of the six Deans today has paved the way for a change in the entire top management which was running the varsity during the tenure of ousted Vice-Chancellor Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia. Those who have submitted their resignations are the Dean, Academics Dr Tarlok Singh Anand, the Dean, Colleges Dr Janak Raj Gupta, the Dean, Research Dr Gurpal Singh, the Dean, Human Resources, Dr Daljit Singh, the Dean, Foreign Collaboration Dr D.S. Dhillon and the Dean, Students Dr Ajit Singh Bhatia. Meanwhile, Dr U.C. Singh, who had led the fight against the former Vice-Chancellor, Dr J.S. Ahluwala as convener of the JAC consisting teachers, employees and students, was today appointed Dean, Academics, for one year. With the appointment of Dr U.C. Singh and yesterday’s appointment of Dr K.S. Sidhu, it is clear that the top offices in the university are being offered to the anti-Ahluwalia group in the university. Dr Sidhu was also a prominent member of the JAC. Sources said a few other members of the group might also be adjusted in prestigious positions. Meanwhile, addressing a meeting of the JAC later, Dr U.C. Singh said the JAC was able to get rid of Dr Ahluwalia mainly because of the role played by the press in exposing his misdeeds. He said in the present day set-up when people were doubting the integrity of various institutions, the press was their sole hope for getting them justice. |
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Former Registrar faces inquiry Patiala, May 7 Dr Bhatia had held several sensitive posts during the tenure of Dr Ahluwalia and was most identified with the former Vice-Chancellor. High-level sources disclosed that a departmental inquiry was being initiated against Dr Bhatia because of prima facie evidence of several irregularities being committed by him during this period. The university has already submitted several important files passed by the former Registrar to the Vigilance Department on request. The sources said the basis of the departmental inquiry was a detailed report of alleged irregularities committed by the former Registrar submitted by the Joint Action Committee which had led the agitation against Dr Ahluwalia. Among other things, Dr Bhatia has been accused of manipulating various committees of which he was a member, to ensure that his son did not have to pay the mandatory Rs 1 lakh required to migrate to the local campus from outside. According to the committee, Dr Bhatia’s son was allowed migration to the local campus just a few days before the rule making it compulsory for everyone to pay Rs 1 lakh for migration to the university came into force. It has been alleged that Dr Bhatia was able to manipulate the migration of his son before the order on the issue was passed because he was involved in the decision-making process as a member of various committees. The sources said it had been alleged that Dr Bhatia was instrumental in getting a large number of relatives employed in the university, besides managing to allocate a shop to another relative. Dr Bhatia was not available for comment today although he had earlier claimed that wards of other teachers, including those who were agitating against him, had availed of the migration facility. He has also admitted that some of his relatives are at present working in the university, but has claimed that due procedure was followed in recruiting them. Meanwhile, the sources disclosed that there were also some sensitive files which had been kept by the Registrar for inordinate periods with him which would also be investigated under the terms of the inquiry. They said as some of the files were at present with the police, the university might also ask the police to inquire into these. The sources said departmental inquiries might also be conducted against some other officials, adding that irregularities in the examination process might also come in for scrutiny. The university has also formed an Examination Reform Committee to look into ways and means to make the entire examination system more transparent. |
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Lawyers
to boycott ‘tainted’ judges Patiala, May 7 Speaking at a specially convened jam-packed meeting in the Bar room here, association president Balbir Singh Billing recounted the constructive role played by advocates during the freedom struggle as well as their role in nation-building. Advocate Satnam Singh Cler, while speaking on the occasion, queried as to why judges were silent on the issue of corruption. He said allegations of corruption against members of the judiciary had caste a shadow on the entire community and they should come out themselves to remedy the situation. Lawyer Anil Puri said the entire community must come out against attempts to gag the media, saying that it was akin to ‘’raping the Constitution of India’’ and that a fundamental right had been violated by the order. Advocate Sahib Singh Dhindsa said the Chief Justice of the high court should withdraw all cases from judges who had been “tainted” in the PPSC scam in order to restore people’s faith in the judiciary. Advocate Brijinder Singh Sodhi said the Bar should also be involved in the selection process of judges of the high court. JALANDHAR: Endorsing the resolutions passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in connection with the PPSC scam, the District Bar Association on Tuesday urged the Punjab and Haryana High Court to withdraw judicial work from judges, whose names have figured in the investigation being carried out by the Vigilance Bureau. In a resolution passed at an emergency meeting of the association under the presidentship of Mr Ashok Gandhi, the high court was requested to withdraw work from judicial officers whose names have figured in the list of those who have allegedly got appointments through the back door and by adopting corrupt means. NAWANSHAHR (OC): The District Bar Association, at a meeting held here today under the presidentship of Mr H.P.S. Dhillon, endorsed the bold stand taken by the general house of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, Chandigarh, in connection with corruption. |
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Dhira sent to judicial custody Kharar (Punjab), May 7 He was produced in the court of the local Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, Mr Roshan Lal Chohan, who handed down the orders. Meanwhile, the court allowed the Vigilance Bureau to deposit a sum of Rs 13 lakh which was recovered from a friend of Jagman Singh, an approver in the case, to the government treasury. |
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Sekhwan’s plea Chandigarh, May 7 In his petition, the former minister stated that the government had adopted a revengeful attitude towards the opponents and members of the Akali Dal in order to arrest them in false cases. His counsel added that some police officials had visited his residence in his absence and as such he apprehended his implication. |
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Punjab Govt warns principals Chandigarh, May 7 In its correspondence with colleges, the Punjab Education Department has asked the principals to submit affidavits with the DPI (Colleges) stating that their teachers are not indulging in tuition work after college hours. The format of the affidavit, as circulated to the colleges, in one clause states,”I clearly understand that if this declaration of mine proves to be false at any later stage, the college will be disqualified for grant-in-aid and that I will be rendering myself liable for strict disciplinary action against me.’’ Though the directions were conveyed to colleges recently, the Government of Punjab had banned private tuitions by college lecturers in February vide memo number. 9/91/2001-6 Edu. I/3046, from the Secretary to the Punjab Government, Department of Higher Education. Sources said while separate “last dates” for various colleges had been fixed by the government, May 23 has been fixed as the last date to comply with the orders of the government. The Secretary, Education, Mr DS Bains, said the government had taken “serious view” of college lecturers indulging in tuitions rather than concentrating on taking classes. “Consequently, the students are paying many times more in the form of tuition fee to learn their subject. We just want the teachers to know that it is patently illegal to take tuitions and anybody violating rules will be dealt with a heavy hand,’’ he stated. While maintaining silence on the modus operandi to be adopted in checking the tuition menace, Mr Bains said the plan had been given shape under the supervision of the Punjab Education Minister, Mr Khushal Behl, who had expressed keenness in raising the standards of education and teaching in the state. It is common knowledge that while attendance in classrooms in colleges is thin in science, commerce and maths subjects, tuition work by teachers who are failing to deliver the goods in the classrooms has been thriving for a long time. Also, they have been getting away with impunity in view of the government and colleges turning a blind eye to their activities after college while classwork continued to suffer. Not so long ago, the Haryana government, in a bid to check tuition work, had formed special teams of the Higher Education Directorate which carried out raids at places of ``suspect’’ lecturers all over the state and video-filmed the entire raid where lecturers were shown taking tuitions. Later, they were chargesheeted by the parent department. |
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MC poll expenses limit up Chandigarh, May 7 A decision to review the existing limits was taken by the State Election Commissioner, Mr Chaman Lal
Bains, today on the plea that the existing limit, set in early 90s, was far from realistic and no one could even contest a gram panchayat election with in the existing ceiling. A candidate contesting the state Assembly election can spend a maximum of Rs 6 lakh while the limit for a candidate contesting the Lok Sabha election from Punjab seat is Rs 15 lakh. Mr Bains told The Tribune that the State Election Commission had also revised upwards the maximum election expenses to be incurred by candidates for the municipal council elections depending upon the class of the council. The increase is in the same proportion, 2.5 times of the existing ceiling, as has been done for corporations. The previous ceilings were Rs 40,000 for Class I, 30,000 for Class II and Rs 25,000 for Class III municipal councils. For nagar
panchayats, it was Rs 20,000. In all four municipal corporation towns, the average number of voters in a ward is between 10,000 and 12,000. According to tentative figures, there are 5,88,900 voters for the Amritsar Municipal Corporation elections where the number of wards is 60. For the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation elections, there are 5,50,000 voters for 55 wards. The maximum number of voters are in Ludhiana where they number 9,69,000 and the number of wards, too, is the highest — 70. In Patiala, where municipal corporation elections are being held for the first time, the number of voters is 2,23,000 and the number of wards is 50. To ensure fair and free conduct of the elections, Mr Bains said, four observers had been appointed. The observers are — Mr Sukhpal Singh Gill (Ludhiana), Mr
S.K. Sandhu (Amritsar), Mr S.S. Rajput (Jalandhar) and Mr Roshan Sunkharia (Patiala). The fee for filing of nomination papers is Rs 200. Mr Bains said the total budget for holding the municipal corporation elections this time would be around Rs 75 lakh against Rs 56 lakh five years ago. The tncrease in the budget was primarily because of the addition of Patiala and increased number of wards in the existing three municipal corporation towns. |
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25 buses leave for Afghanistan Wagah, May 7 Tata Telco, which has designed these buses to suit Afghanistan’s conditions, gifted a Tata Safari to the minister. Twentyfive drivers drove the buses to the Pakistan side after search operations. The buses were thoroughly searched by Pakistani Rangers also. Three mechanics are accompanying the drivers for the maintenance of the buses. The buses will pass through Lahore, Peshawar and Jalalabad before reaching Kabul, covering a distance of almost 1400 km. The minister was seen off by the BSF and Customs officials and received by Afghanistan Embassy officials on the Pakistan side of the border. Talking to newsmen, Mr Mutafaquir said verification and documentation work was the main cause of the delay of the buses for nearly a week in India. The minister denied having received any threats from terrorist outfits such as Al-Qaida. The Indian Government, to fulfil its commitment of providing 50 buses to Afghanistan, will supply another 25 buses. About 100 million metric tonnes of wheat are also reportedly part of the aid that will be provided to the beleaguered country. The minister assured that the minorities were safe in his country, especially Afghanistan Sikhs and Hindus, and urged those who had fled the country in fear to return and help in its reconstruction. |
Expired medicines in Civil Hospital Amritsar, May 7 According to sources, they found “inferior quality” of gauges, cotton and bandages in the stores. Their weight was below specifications. About seven cartons of expired medicines dated 1987 were reportedly found from the stores. The vigilance team also found that a company from Bathinda “Rai Surgical Firm”, whose earlier stock was rejected, had supplied medicines and medical goods to the hospital. The pending payment of Rs 3.28 was being adjusted from the new consignments of the same company. Mr T.P.S. Sandhu, SP (Vigilance) told TNS that the inspection was being carried on the sealed premises and they were still in the process of ascertaining the discrepancies in the entries of the medicines and medical equipment supplied to the stores. However, Medical Superintendent, Dr H.S. Gill, said the medicines and medical goods were being supplied by the Director Research and Medical Education (DRME) from Chandigarh to the stores. He claimed that a three-members inspection team from Faridkot, including Dr Surinder Singh, Dr Mujhail Singh, had carried out inspection of the supplies about one-and-a-half years ago and had found everything in order according to specifications. He admitted that Rai Surgical Firm had been supplying the medicines and medical goods, a firm, which had once supplied medicines of poor quality to the hospital. But, he stated that the present consignment was received through the direct supply from the DRME. In a swoop, vigilance sleuths on orders of Mr A.P. Pandey, Chief of Vigilance, and Mr Chander Shekhar, Director Vigilance, sealed the drug stores attached to the Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, and Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot today. The DRME had supplied medical goods to these hospitals. |
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Transfusion
of untested blood continues Bathinda, May 7 A few months ago, a patient in a private hospital here was saved from the jaws of death by the doctors attending on her after she was given infected blood, which was supplied by the local blood bank even after carrying out various tests. Dr Gurjant Singh Sekhon, Deputy Medical Commissioner, Civil Hospital, when contacted pointed out that it was the duty of the Drug Inspector to check the private clinics, hospitals and nursing homes where blood transfusion was going on illegally. He added that why it was not being done was best known to authorities concerned. Official sources said in the local blood bank, out of 2,100 units of donated blood which were tested from June 7, 2001 to April 30, 2002, 25 cases of Hepatitis-C and 18 cases of Hepatitis-B were detected. Though the number of cases of Hepatitis-C, which were detected in the local blood bank, was alarming, the authorities concerned had failed to take necessary steps to check the transfusion of untested blood in the private clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. The blood bank authorities also sent these reports to the Punjab AIDS Control Authority and Director, Health Services, Punjab. Dr Indu Bhushan, in charge of the blood bank, said the transfusion of tested and untested blood was going on in private clinics, hospitals and nursing homes as the local blood bank was not able to cater to their needs. He added that against the demand of about 6,000 units of blood per annum, only 2,000 units of blood were collected in 2001. In 2002, there was a target to collect 3,000 units of blood through voluntary donations. He added that letters to all private clinics, hospitals and nursing homes had been issued by the Civil Hospital authorities urging them not to indulge in transfusion of blood in their premises. No other steps had been taken in this connection, he added. Dr R.K. Madan, President of the local unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), when contacted, said blood to a patient was given in private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics in case of dire emergency after carrying out all the mandatory tests. He added that for transfusion of the second unit, blood was always arranged from the Civil Hospital’s blood bank. He added that the matter had been discussed with the Civil Surgeon thrice. |
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Teenager
gets life term for murder Ropar, May 7 The prosecution in the case had accused Bahadur Singh of killing Santokh Singh a resident of the same village, on the apprehension that he had illicit relations with his mother. It was alleged that Bahadur Singh hit Santokh Singh with an axe and later stabbed him to death. The police had recovered the knife with which the accused had stabbed the deceased. He was fined Rs 5000. In case of default in the payment of fine, the accused would have to undergo further punishment for six months. |
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Patiala
to have Virasat Kala Kendra Patiala, May 7 Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Sukhi Brar said top Punjabi singers, lyricists and musicians would be associated with the centre which would organise special workshops to train youngsters in this field. Sukhi Brar, who has been a programme officer with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) earlier, said one-year diploma courses would be offered to youngsters in the field of Punjabi culture, Punjabi folk dance, folk Theatre, classical dance, classical music, traditional Punjabi dress, folk art and musical instruments. She said the courses would also be affiliated to a university, at a later stage. Sukhi Brar said it was proposed to associate eminent artists with the project like Barkat Sidhu, Mohammad Siddiqui, Shamim Iqbal, Wadali brothers and Idu Sharif. She said interaction with top artists was aimed at developing the confidence of the students adding they would also be encouraged to give performances before selected audiences. She said though the academy was to start formally, it had already made around 45 admissions and noted singer Sardool Sikander had come two days back to interact with the students. |
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Forest
fire engulfs hundreds of acres Pathankot, May 7 When this correspondent today visited the area, which consists of hilly tracks, the fire was spreading towards the western side from the temple point on the Damtal hills. Officials of the Himachal police and the Forest Department were present at the spot. Nurpur Forest Ranger J.K. Dogra, said the fire began due to a smoldering cigarette or “bidi” thrown by a wood picker. |
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Four discharged on police request Khanna, May 7 The police arrested Tanveer Singh, Bhart Bhushan, Harprem Singh and Harpreet Singh — the same night. The police seized one revolver found in their possession and maintained that they were involved the case. But the complainant Shivinder Singh said in an affidavit submitted to the police that four persons arrested by the police in the said case were falsely implicated as all four persons were known to him. But ignoring the affidavit police produced all of them before the court of G.S. Dhillon and took remand. Today Khanna police made a request to the court of Mr G.S. Dhillon, SJDM, (Senior Division) to discharge them as they were not wanted in the case to the police. |
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School
student suffers burns Bathinda, May 7 After the incident took place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, no staff member, including Principal Surinderjit Kaur, came to his aid or inquired about his health till he made his statement to the Bhucho Mandi chowki police at 7.10 p.m. on the same day. The District Education Officer (Secondary), Ms Bhupinder Kaur, when contacted, said she came to know about the incident only from this correspondent. The DEO said she would order an inquiry into the incident tomorrow. She said the person responsible for the inhuman treatment of the student would be punished. |
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15-yr-old dies after
taking poison Bathinda, May 7 |
3 arrested for robbery Moga, May 7 They were wanted by the police in several cases of dacoities. The Senior Superintendent of the police here, Mr Ravinder Kumar said they had looted a large sum from a petrol pump at Chanuwala village in the district sometime back. They had also looted Rs 50,000 from a petrol pump at Nihalsingwala village. The police has also arrested six members of another gang and their kingpin responsible for several robberies. A pistol of .12 bore was seized from their possession. The police has registered cases against them under the Arms Act. |
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Highway
robbers nabbed Ludhiana, May 7 The robbers had hired the vehicle (PB-01-2949) from Nawanshahr. They snatched the vehicle after throwing out the driver near Sutlej bridge. The driver’s hands and legs were tied. Some policemen on patrol duty flashed a message and the robbers were intercepted near Jalandhar
bypass here. |
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360 kg poppy husk seized Patiala, May 7 Disclosing this here today, district police chief Paramraj Singh Umranangal said two persons, Nirmal Singh and Dilawar Singh, residents of Banur and Morinda, had been arrested in the case. He said the accused used to smuggle poppy husk into the state from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. |
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Punjabi paper rescheduled Amritsar, May 7 However, the examination centres and time of examination would remain the same, it said. |
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Clash of exam dates irks students Barnala, May 7 In a letter written to the Dean, Academic Affairs, Punjabi University, Patiala, Surmeet Kaur, a local B.Sc. Part III (medical group) student, and others have urged the officer to reschedule the botany practical examination so that students are able to appear in the CET. |
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