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| Tuesday,
October 15, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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SGPC men ‘under threat’
to change loyalties Samana, October
14 Mr Badungar came here to attend a wedding ceremony and told this correspondent that Mr Gurcharan Singh
Tohra, President of the SHSAD, and Capt Amarinder Singh were conniving to install Mr Tohra as chief of the
SGPC. “But this dream will not be allowed to be fulfilled.” The Sikhs will never tolerate that the SGPC President is elected with the help of the
Congress. PHAGWARA: Mr Badungar on Monday alleged that police officials were visiting the houses of SGPC members and threatening them to either change their loyalties or be prepared to be implicated in false cases and have their kin kidnapped. Mr Badungar was talking to newsmen here after presiding over a seminar on “Struggle against Social Evils” at Khalsa College, Daroli
Kalan, 20 km from here. Mr Badungar alleged that the Punjab government had stooped so low that first it had sent vigilance sleuths to many SGPC members’ houses, then it started surveillance of the members and began sending the police to their houses to terrorise them to either shift their loyalities from the SAD to Tohra faction in the coming SGPC elections. He said the son of Mr Tek Singh
Ranuke, SGPC member from Nihal Singhwala, was kidnapped today. Before lifting Mr Ranuke’s son Mr Roop Singh, the SHO had told the family that Mr Ranuke should vote for Mr Tohra or his faction or face the consequences. Mr Ranuke was not at home then. Similarly, the police went to house of ailing Mr Raghbir Singh, executive member from
Sunam, and threatened his family to ask him to fall in line or his sons would be “picked up”, allegedly Mr
Badungar. When SGPC members, Mr Partap Singh and Bibi Gurdip Kaur of Jalandhar, refused security, they were told that the orders for it had come from above, said Mr
Badungar. One ASI and four policemen were deputed with each member for spying in the name of security and these policemen will kidnap members loyal to the SAD President, Mr Badal, before the SGPC poll so that they could not vote and the Tohra group could be installed, he said. When told that Capt Amarinder Singh and PPCC President
H.S. Hanspal had denied any interference in the religious affairs of the Sikhs, Mr Badungar asked whether the police had become rebellious against the government or it had started getting orders directly from Mr
Tohra. |
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Crusade against graft: VB hamstrung by procedure Ferozepore, October 14 As a result, hundreds of files pertaining to the complaints of corruption at the primary stage of investigation or awaiting investigations are pending either in the Chief Director’s office or the special committees set up to look into the cognisance of such complaints. A few bureaucrats, in the previous SAD-BJP Government framed the restrictions imposed on the Vigilance Bureau to keep the upper hand of the IAS lobby. Senior police officials of the State from time to time, discussed with political bosses for giving free hand to the Bureau but so far it has not materialised. A senior official of the Vigilance Bureau keeping his identity secret said that all powers to register and investigate cases with the committees headed by IAS officers was contrary to the spirit of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. “It is a great threat to the very existence of the Vigilance Bureau”, he added. Under the present set-up, a committee under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Home Secretary Vigilance consisting of the Chief Director Vigilance Bureaus, Legal Remembrance and Administrative Secretary concerned as other members look into the cognisance of complaints in all cases of corruption. The present system of preliminary inquiry and regular inquiry has many other loopholes that cause unnecessary delays the legal process of registration of criminal cases against the corrupt. Most of the files cases of corruption that are still awaiting a nod to register criminal cases of corruption are being held in the office of he Secretary Vigilance empowered to examine all such complaints. The Vigilance Secretary has the option to file complaints, send these to the administrative departments concerned, to obtain comments of the accused or place it before the committee for a discussion. This indicates the Vigilance Bureau is controlled by Mr
S.K. Sinha, Principal Secretary Home and Vigilance Department. The system has been designed in a way that control over the Vigilance Bureau’s lies in the hands of Captain Amarinder Singh as Mr Sinha is his hand picked official. However, a senior IAS official of the state feels that the system of committee was devised to streamline the process so that harassment at the hands of Vigilance Bureau could be avoided. Earlier, the Chief Secretary used to be the chairman of the committee. No doubt, the Government has ensured accountability of the Vigilance Bureau officials by empowering them to recommend departmental action against the investigating official in case the source report filed by him turns out to be false. Laying traps in cases of corruption against gazetted and
non-gazetted officials need prior permission of the Government — the Principal Secretary Home/Vigilance Department through the Chief Directorate of Vigilance Bureau. In case Vigilance Bureau trap fails the matter is placed before the committee which may recommend strict disciplinary action against he witness and the investigating officer. Therefore, most of the officials of the Vigilance Bureau posted in the field avoid getting involved in the risk factors that may lead to their punishment. Unless there is pressure from higher-ups or a special campaign by the Government to contain corruption officials tend to enjoy sitting in the offices. Even senior officials of the Vigilance Bureau do not enjoy the powers to check ongoing works, stores, godowns, attendance in the offices, schools and hospitals without prior permission from the head of the department concerned or the local Deputy Commissioner. |
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2 top forest officials in vigilance net Chandigarh, October 14 ‘‘A massive financial fraud running into crores was detected in the project and a probe has been ordered against Forest Conservator H S Grewal and Principal Chief Forests Conservator Gurmit Singh,’’ Mr
A.P. Pandey, Director Vigilance Bureau, said here today. He said Mr H.S. Grewal, as DFO, Patiala, had allegedly received Rs 20 crore by allowing illegal possession of Forest Department land causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. Gurmit Singh, now Director, Kandi Area, had allegedly accepted heavy bribes from five guards for promoting them. He is alleged to have promoted a matriculate range officer by accepting a bribe. Mr Pandey revealed that Gurmit Singh had promoted a mechanical diploma holder as a civil engineer and appointed him soil conservator who did not have even the minimum required qualifications for the post. The bureau had already booked Raj Shekhar, DFO, Garshankar, and others and further investigation were on. A probe had also ordered against Assistant Commissioner Ved Vyas of the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, who had been under arrest for allegedly committing irregularities in issuing house tax notices, Mr Pandey said. |
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Changes in Punjab set-up suggested Chandigarh, October 14 The report also suggests that the state should provide ‘’direct’’ subsidies to the intended beneficiaries and take steps to restructure administrative departments like health, education, public works and the police. Another major suggestion is that the returns from state-centric taxes and levies (7.5 per cent) on the market produce should go into the Consolidated Fund. These fetch the state Rs 948.25 crore from wheat and paddy every year. There is a 4 per cent purchase tax as well. The commission is also of the view that the government should act as a facilitator to ensure better public-private interface and partnership by providing a level-playing field and breaking the monopolies in certain service areas. The report has also stressed that the state must levy user charges in the core social and economic service sectors like education (general, technical and medical), health, civic services (water supply, sewerage) and set up a regulatory authority for these. The commission has also talked at length about the need for tariff reforms in the power sector, containing non-plan and non-productive expenditure, restructuring departments to identify surplus staff, reining in public sector undertakings and not giving any state government guarantees to PSUs to raise money, freezing grade inflation (4-9-14 years scheme, which regulates career progression of an employee) and discontinuing the non-practising allowance to doctors (civil and veterinary) etc. The commission Chairman, Dr Ashok Lehiri, held day-long discussions with the Finance Department on the report and later submitted it to the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh. Dr Lehiri will take over as Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India on Wednesday. Accompanied by Dr R. Kavita Rao, a Fellow at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, he was in Chandigarh today to make the presentation. Informed sources say the report has made important observations about the police. The recommendation is that the police must be restructured, manpower reduced but its technological capabilities, communication skills, computerisation, mobility and crime detection, prevention, investigation skills should be honed up. The huge expenditure spent on the police must be curtailed without effecting its efficacy and efficiency. The same holds true in respect of public health and public works, health and education. Right-sizing of the government is equally important. What Dr Lehiri has suggested is yet another addition to the series of previous reports on fiscal management, management of public finances and expenditure compression to which Punjab has been subjected to since August, 1994, when Punjab received a report from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. It was drawn up under Dr R.J. Chelliah and Dr A. Bagchi. In November, 1999, came a report on ‘’A strategy of fiscal management’’ prepared by a committee of Punjab bureaucrats. Then in April, 1999, the then Chief Secretary signed an agreement with the Union Ministry of Finance to bring about a fiscal reforms programme in respect of all issues that are listed in the previous as well as Dr Lehiri’s reports. Though no concrete steps were taken all these years, the present government set up yet another committee on fiscal management with MLA Surinder Singla as Chairman. All that is required to be done is to implement the pile of suggestions and make a beginning in fiscal reforms, management and re-prioritisation of expenditure patterns. |
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Liquor smuggling with official connivance? Pathankot, October 14 According to reports, this Sub-Division and the Dhar Kalan areas are the main places, where liquor smuggled from neighbouring states of Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said that more than 200 men and women were involved in the trade of illicit liquor. While a large quantity of smuggled liquor is consumed in these areas, a good quantity of it is sent to other neighbouring towns allegedly with the connivance of officials. Although the police has been seized illicit, country made and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from smugglers from time to time, yet it is reported that smugglers had links with influential persons and some policemen. Some policemen are alleged to have direct links with smugglers and learnt to be on their “monthly payment rolls”. It is said that due to instructions of influential police official of the town only two hotels of the area were “permitted” to serve liquor without permit or licence. On the contrary authorities claim that strict orders have been given to the police stations to check the smuggling of liquor and no hotel is permitted to serve drinks in the absence of valid licence. According to reports, liquor traders were also allegedly selling premium brands of IMFL at a price higher than the fixed by the state government. Popular brand of whisky, Peter Scot, is being sold at Rs 500/- against the official price of Rs 285/- per bottle, Royal Challenge for Rs 400/- as against the official price of Rs 285/- per bottle. Country liquor’s official prices is Rs 80/- but it is being sold for Rs 110/- and Rs 120/- per bottle. Popular beer brands are being sold for Rs 50/- and Rs 60/- against the fixed prices of Rs 40/- and Rs 45/- per bottle. Although the Government has warned the traders against selling beer at enhanced prices, yet the sale is going on. Excise officials said that there was no bar on the sale of whisky at higher price. The dealer could sell it at a higher price, but not below the minimum price fixed by the state. Sources said that due to this difference in the prices of liquor in Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, smugglers are causing loss of crores to the State Exchequer and contractors every year. |
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Kidney sale racket: Dang demands CBI probe Amritsar, October 14 Citing a case of illegal sale of kidney a decade ago in which the patient had died and his father had, with the help of Mrs Vimla Dang, the then MLA, pursued the case, he added that a doctor of Delhi who had procured the kidney was the main accused while two Amritsar-based doctors also figured in the police challan. The case since then had been pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court for the past four years. Citing another case registered by the Tarn Taran police under the Transplant of Human Organ Act vide FIR No. 44/2001, Mr Dang added that even the bail application of the accused was rejected but later the police had either withdrawn the case or applied for the cancellation of the first information report, he added such ham-handedness on the part of the police spoke volumes for the influences of rich and powerful to sweep the case under the carpet. Kidney sale scam again came into notice last month, when the police arrested 14 persons including the key broker and his henchmen for luring the poor persons into donating their kidney for money, he added. Mr Dang felt that slow pace of investigation of the case amounted to letting the culprits off the hook. The veteran leader apprehended that police officers here were trying to suppress facts to favour the persons enjoying political clout. He added that the doctors involved in the kidney sale racket were trying to smoke screen the action through well orchestrated campaign that they were innocent, rending selfless service and were being harassed. Mr Dang pointed that even advertisements were put in newspapers by an organisation giving the impression that the police could not interfere under the Act of Transplant Of Organs. The doctors involved in the scam had also threaten to leave the country and settle abroad in view of the vilification campaign launched against them. The letter urged the Chief Minister that the case of kidney sale scam should not be hushed up and the Tarn Taran case should not be dropped and it should be investigated at the highest level. He felt that only a CBI probe would unearth the truth and pin kingpins in the scam. Mr Dang said that facts would come to light if kin of kidney patients, who had died, were asked to reveal the money which had exchanged hands in the racket. |
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Convicts on medical parole: probe ordered Patiala, October 14 The case was registered last week by the commission under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 following a complaint submitted by an advocate, Mr Charanjit Singh Bakshi on the basis of a news item appearing in ‘The Tribune’ on June 23. According the order passed by the Acting Chairperson of the commission, Mr N.K. Arora, the Patiala District Magistrate has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit his report to the commission within four weeks. The case is to come up before the commission on February 2 next year. The Tribune report had highlighting how high-profile convicts, including police officers lodged in the Central jail here, were able to secure emergency parole by furnishing forged records. They included Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaspal Singh, who was sentenced in 2001 in four different cases of police atrocity for seven years. Jaspal Singh was able to get emergency medical parole of 15 days each four times in a stretch with a short gap in between. Jaspal availed of his first medical parole from 13-12-01 to 28-12-01, then from 28-12-01 to 12-1-02 and from 12-1-02 to 27-1-02. On the last day of his parole, Jaspal complained of chest pain and was admitted in the Civil Hospital at Fatehgarh Sahib where he stayed till 3-3-02. One day after this he proceeded again on emergency medical parole for another 15 days. Following this, he took 42 days’ leave to take care of his agricultural work. Other convicts who proceeded on emergency medical parole during his period included Ladwinder Singh, Agyapal Singh and Assistant Sub Inspector Krishan Kumar, all convicts along with ADGP D.S. Bhullar, convicted of murder of an NRI businessman. The convicts were allowed emergency medical parole on the basis of certificates issued by the ‘’medical officer’’ of the Government Rajindra Hospital who certified that relatives of the convicts were admitted in a serious condition in the hospital and that they may be allowed leave to see them. However investigations had revealed that there was no medical officer in the hospital in the Department of Surgery as conveyed by the certificates. The case has been
suppressed by the authorities of both the Central Jail and the Government Rajindra Hospital. Even some period after publication of the news item in The Tribune, no attempt was made by either of the authorities to probe the matter. Central Jail Superintendent Swaran Singh, who has also now been transferred, when questioned about the matter before as well as after the publication of the news item refrained from commenting on the issue. Hospital Superintendent A.S. Sekhon, who had earlier said that he would refer the matter to the police, however, also did not take any action on the issue. He said anyone other than a hospital employee or doctor could have issued the fake medical certificates. |
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Transcend barriers: Infosys chief Patiala, October 14 Mr Murthy told the students, “You can truly make a difference and please make it”. He said, “Life is change, growth is potential, choose wisely”. He said it was important to know how to learn and change with time. He also appealed to them to dream together to make the country a better place and to bring changes in society. The institute Director, Dr S.C. Saxena, presented the annual report of the institute and highlighted its achievements during the previous year. He mentioned that admissions were now being made through the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE). Of the total 465 students who had received degrees, nearly of had got placements through campus interviews. Dr Saxena said 36 sponsored programmes were being undertaken in the institute and 133 technical research papers had been published by the faculty and students. He said 14 short-term courses were organised and 94 short-term courses attended by the faculty. The Director said infrastructure worth Rs 2.69 crore had been inducted in various laboratories and units. The President medal was awarded to Mr Chander Shekhar Sharma, Sardar Ranbir Singh Memorial Medal for the all-round best student to Shikha Gupta, HMT medal to Mr Chander Shekhar Sharma and Prof V. Raja Ramana Computer Science and Engineering award to Anjali Sharma. The Distinguished Alumni award was given to Dr J.P. Singh, a geotechnical engineer of international fame who is at present based in the USA and the Young Achievement award to Mr Apurva Kalia of Cadence Design Systems, Noida. Mr L.M. Thapar, President of the Institute and Chairman, Thapar Group of Industries, presided over the function. Mr K.K. Nohria, Chairman, Board of Governors of the institute, introduced the chief guest and highlighted the future targets of the institution. |
Ensure equality for women cops Ferozepore Realising the need for special development of women in police, the “springboard” women’s development programme was initiated two years ago in which eight senior women police officers from all over India were trained and accredited as springboard trainers. The series of training programmes since held have thrown open several issues affecting women cops. One of the major issues is concern for equal opportunities for women in the force. Ms Anita Punj, SP (Vigilance), Ferozepore Range, one of the eight accredited springboard trainers states: “It is not enough to recruit women in the police force but also to ensure a level playing field for their career satisfaction and advancement”. As an employer, the police service will gain by tapping the full potential of women personnel, she points out. Till date, 555 police women from all ranks have participated in four regional conferences organised to forge a new future for women in police. These conferences were jointly organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development and British Council with support from the Foreign and Commonwealth office, UK. Ms Punj says the purpose of this exercise was to encourage women to share their own experiences right from childhood, particularly while working in an organisation such as the police. The first national conference for women in police was held recently with an endeavour to provide a sharing, learning and knowledge network for police women. According to Ms Punj, who was conference convener of this conference, a draft, “Vision 2006” was finalised for women officers and a need for an institutionlised forum was felt.Thereafter, women officers were sent to Britain to study the work culture and share the role and achievements of British association of police women so that Indian women could also be empowered to counteract the discrimination, prejudice or the oppression, be it from individuals or institutions. Ms Punj says the team has to learn a lot from looking at practices in other countries. |
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Women Helpline Centre opened Hoshiarpur, October 14 She said a Women Helpline Centre was an extension of community policing which had made justice and counselling accessible to every woman victim. Many community and social organisations had offered their services for the purpose. Some volunteers, who came forward for social service, were Mrs Mehdeep Kaur, Mukandpur, Mrs Harpreet Kaur, a teacher of Doaba Public School, Garhshankar, Mrs Dalwinder Ajit, lecturer, Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Mahilpur, Mrs Gurminder Kaur, lecturer, BAM College, Garhshankar, Miss Veronica, advocate, Garhshankar, Mrs Devinder Kaur, Mrs Mandeep Walia and Miss. Suman Vema of Garhshankar, and Mrs Surinder Kaur Bains, Principal, SBS School, Garhshankar. The volunteers would be available at the Women Helpline Centres by turn from Monday to Saturday. These centres are authorised to receive applications related to crime against women directly and report to the SSP through the subdivision regarding the outcome of the complaints. The counselling of the victim or recommendation for registration of cases against the accused would be undertaken, as per the requirement. Oven those women victims who earlier hesitated in approaching the police would be free to take counselling or police help. For this purpose, three women constables and one ASI have been made available at the centre. The Women Helpline Centre at Garhshankar was inaugurated by the SSP, today at a small function at Red Cross
Bhavan. |
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Villagers gift police station Lambra (Jalandhar), October 14 The family of Mr Shadi Lal Mohan, donated 4 kanals worth Rs 1.5 crore and the Deputy Commissioner, Mr K. Siva Prasad, sanctioned Rs 3 lakh for the construction of the building. The novel project was an outcome of the meetings that a 21-member committee comprising representatives of various villages held with senior police officials. All accounts were maintained and the construction was monitored by the committee. The police station building has spacious offices of the SHO, munshi, reception room, two rooms for investigating officers, constabulary room, guard room, two lock-ups, mess, recreation room, room for wireless operator, basement store for arms and ammunition, besides having provision for SHO’s residential quarters. Mr Shiva Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, said there would be no dearth of financial assistance from the district administration towards such ventures. Mr Parmjit Singh Gill, SSP, said the Adampur MLA, residents of Nangal Shama village, have also donated 3 kanals apart from promising to contribute for the construction of a new building of the village police station. Earlier, the DGP honoured Mr Rajiv Ahir, SP, for his efforts towards the project. |
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NRIs seek Advani’s help Jalandhar, October 14 In a letter addressed to Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani which released to the Press here today, the Vice-Patron of the NRI Sabha and local MP Balbir Singh, said that most of the NRIs, he met during his recent visit to England, said that the Indian government was not giving proper response to the request of the British High Commission on the opening of a Visa office at Jalandhar. He said that people of Punjab and the NRIs from the state were facing hardships in getting Visas and other related works done on account of unavailability of Visa processing facilities in Punjab. Mr Balbir Singh said that though British authorities had completed all formalities in this regard, yet the central government was delaying the matter without valid reason. He urged Mr Advani to expedite the opening of the UK Visa office to save thousands of Punjabi NRIs from facing hardships. |
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Docs seek exemption from screening test Ropar, October 14 Terming this as an “unfortunate” order of the MCI, Dr Kamna and Dr Vishal, who obtained their degrees in June 2002 from the erstwhile USSR, said implementation of the decision on the 1995 and 1996 batches was an “injustice” to them. They also stated that the MCI had formulated a new policy under which doctors who had passed their degree courses from the erstwhile USSR after March 15 this year would have to appear in the screening test for provisional and permanent registration to practice in India. Thus, the MCI had jeopardised the future of about 10,000 such doctors by implementing its decision with retrospective effect. Dr B.K. Goyal, father of Dr Kamna and Dr Vishal, expressed resentment over the decision of the MCI, adding that the MCI had taken the decision in haste for reasons best known to the MCI authorities, because the MCI was not even ready for holding the test as it had changed the date of the test from September 28 to November 30. Due to this, six valuable months of thousands of doctors had gone waste unnecessarily, he added. Dr Goyal also expressed astonishment over the manner in which the MCI had given registration even to those doctors who had done their internship from the health institutions which had not been recognised by the MCI. He has demanded a high-level inquiry to expose the MCI working. |
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Ayurvedic college inaugurated Hoshiarpur, October 14 He
said the state government had received Rs 456 crore from the World
Bank to promote health services in the state. Work for the expansion
of 156 buildings of government hospitals and purchase of other
infrastructure etc was nearing completion, he added. |
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Environment protection committees soon Fatehgarh Sahib, October 14 This was stated by Dr Harbans Lal, State Minister for Forests and Food Supply, while presiding over a district-level Environment Protection Committee meeting after its formation here today. Dr Harbans Lal said these committees had been directed to make people aware about the role of trees in human life and to encourage them to undertake sapling plantation so that the target to cover 30 per cent land of the state under forestry could be completed. “Due to rapid increase in population, afforestation has become necessary. A Rs 264 crore Japan project has been sanctioned for the state for afforestation and this project would be completed in four years,” he said. He added officials of the department had played a vital role in preparing the case effectively to get it passed. Mr T. Ganana Parkash, DFO, said the department had identified 45 hectare of forestland in the district where trees would be planted. He said Indian Oil Company had provided 120 tree guards to the department. Other social organisations were also donating tree guards. He said special teams had been formed for plantation and trees were available from 50 paise to Rs 20 each with the department. He said ornamental trees would be planted at all entry points to the district to give it a beautiful look. Mr Shamsher Singh, Chairman of District Environment Protection Committee, said the committee would organise a state-level function at Sirhind on October 26. Dr Harbans Lal would launch a tree plantation campaign in the district under which more than 500 trees would be planted along major roads of the district. He urged social organisations to join the campaign and make tree plantation a mass movement. Other members of the committee are Mr Ram Nath Sharma, president, Mr Surinder Bhardwaj, press secretary, Mr Naresh Jindal, secretary, Mr Sanjeev Verma, Mr Subhash Sood, Mr Om Parkash Tangri, Mr Bharat Bhushan
Verma. |
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Release bonus, Rinwa urges state govt Hoshiarpur, October 14 This was stated by Mr Brij Lal
Rinwa, President of the state unit of the BJP while talking to mediapersons here today. He criticised the Punjab government for not providing compensation to those whose paddy crop was damaged due to drought-like situation. He said Capt Amarinder Singh should either tender an apology to the public for misleading it regarding his agreement of loan of $ 1 billion from private financial institutions of the world or should get it arranged to
continue development programmes. He said a commission headed by a high court judge should be constituted to probe the corruption charges levelled against all MLAs of 1992-97 and 1997-2002 of the State Assembly. Earlier, Mr Rinwa was welcomed by BJP workers led by Mr Tikshan
Sud, MLA at Chabewal. |
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Jeep rams into vehicles, 2 hurt Bathinda, October 14 The driver of the jeep, Jasbir Singh of Bhagta Bhai Ka village, about 45 km from here, and his associates were allegedly drunk and driving their jeep at a breakneck speed. Jasbir Singh lost control of the vehicle amid heavy traffic and rammed into a few vehicles. This being festival season and the Dasehra eve, markets are more heavily crowded than usual and minor accidents go unreported every day. The district traffic police is reportedly facing a shortage of manpower and only a few main crossings are manned by it. Police sources said while Mr Major Singh received minor bruises, Mr Jeewan Kumar was badly injured in the accident. Both were taken to the local Civil Hospital and Mr Major Singh was discharged after first aid. Mr Kumar was under observation at the hospital. The sources said besides drunk drivers, heavy vehicles belonging to the Indian Army were also a source of trouble to the local residents. A section of shopkeepers along the Mall said about 20 heavy vehicles of the Army could be seen parked on the road anytime, especially near the railway station. Jasbir Singh and his associates have been taken into custody, the sources said. |
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Ram Lilas draw crowds Bathinda, October 14 Mr Anil Gupta, cashier of the Shri Krishna Dramatic Club, who plays the role of Bharat, told ‘The Tribune’ that about 7,000 to 8,000 people had been visiting daily. He added that the finances were arranged by members of the club and some donations from traders and viewers were also received. Beginning on the first navratra of Ashwin (early-to-mid October) the Ram Lilas continue till Dasehra, when the demon king, Ravan, is killed by Lord Ram. Six to seven scenes are played daily in about three hours of play and dialogue. Religious sentiment as well as the attraction of live performance drives the crowd to Ram Lilas. Some spectators also touch the feet of the actors playing Lord Ram. A cross-section of viewers said they are regular visitors to the annual Ram Lila and try to ensure that they do not miss any scene. The district administration has provided adequate security and traffic control to the organisers. Mr Prem Garg, and Mr Varinder Bhola, organisers of the club, said on every night of the show, a new chief guest is called to the function, who also give some donations to the artistes and the club. |
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Confusion over patient’s diagnosis Bathinda, October 14 Pooran Singh was admitted in the hospital after he received injuries on his head in an accident. His treatment started in normal way, till it was feared that he could be HIV positive after certain tests were conducted. The doctors became cautious in treating him. However, doctors differ on Pooran Singh’s being HIV positive. Some doctors any that the fact of his being HIV positive was confirmed. Others are of the opinion that although during preliminary tests he was found to be HIV positive, but it would be confirmed only after extensive tests, to be conducted at the PGI, Chandigarh as a few tests were not available in the civil hospital here. While the patient is getting treatment for his injuries, confusion prevails over his being HIV positive case. Dr Sushil Kumar, Emergency Medical Officer, said that it was confirmed that Pooran Singh was HIV Positive. He said that the tests at the hospital confirmed that he was HIV positive. However, Dr Manmohan Singh, attending on the patient, said that although it was found during the screening test that he was HIV-positive, but such tests did not confirm it. He said that there were chances that patients who were found HIV positive during these tests later were found not carrying HIV. He said that there was need of further tests. |
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Iffco chief: water table decreasing Abohar, October 14 Addressing farmers at a seminar organised by Kribhco at Bahavwala village near here today Mr Jakhar said cooperative organisations of the country had earned name in the world for its qualitative performance. IFFCO and Kribhco earned a profit of Rs 500 crore last year, out of which Rs 300 crore had gone to the Union Government. Dr Goswami from Rajasthan revealed that a majority of the cancer, heart and high blood pressure patients admitted to leading hospitals belong to cotton growing areas. This was due to unbalanced use of fertilisers and excessive spray of insecticides. Milk had become highly polluted as cattle was given cotton seed as a part of the feed. Sewing machines were presented to needy women, sports kits was given to Ekta Sports Club of the village. Mr Jakhar gave away prizes to winners and runner-up team of the volleyball teams on the conclusion of the tournament. |
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Power shutdown Bathinda, October 14 The affected areas would be Mansa Road, Industrial Growth Centre, Bhai Mati Dass Nagar, Harbans Nagar, Industrial Area, Model Town, Housefed Colony, Baba Deep Singh Nagar, Grain Market, Lal Singh Basti, Multania Road, Engineering College and Amarpura Basti. |
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2-day remand
for coop mill MD Faridkot, October 14 |
Hailstorm damages crops on 8,000 acres Ropar, October 14 Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Punjab, today visited Kherri Salabatpur, Bhojemajra, Rurki, Lutheri and Amrali villages in the district to assess the damage. Mr Gurinder Singh Atwal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Cooperation, Punjab, and Mr Malkit Singh Dakha, MLA, accompanied Mrs Bhattal to these villages. The farmers also asked Mrs Bhattal to make arrangements for waiving off their loans, compensation for damaged crops and lifting of sugarcane from their fields immediately. Mrs Bhattal assured the farmers that she would meet the Union Agriculture Minister tomorrow to get the maximum relief for them. She also stated that the special girdawri would be made soon. Earlier, talking to mediapersons at the local Canal House, she said she would visit the three districts to assess the damage. She further said she would submit the report about the damage to the Chief Minister tonight. A final decision would be taken by the Chief Minister with regard to the ordering of the special girdawri only after that. However, she declined to announce the ordering of any special girdawri in reply to a question. Mrs Bhattal stated that the Union Government had not released any fund for distributing drought relief to the farmers. When her attention was drawn to the fact that the Haryana Government had started the same from its own coffers, Mrs Bhattal indicated that the state government had been facing some problems on the economic front. |
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Farmers discuss contract farming Rakhra (Patiala), October 14 The food park will come up on 500 acres on the Sanour road here. Farmers interacted with officials of plantsman landscapes at the flower seed farm of the company here yesterday. The company is collaborating with the Punjab Agri Export Corporation and a United Kingdon-based company. The Agri Corporation chief coordinator, Mr Pradeep Sharma, said food parks were being established at Ludhiana, Bathinda, Amritsar and Goindwal besides Patiala. He said besides this an agri technological centre was being opened on the Sirhind road near here. He said the Centre would help farmers with seeds, and seedling and product packaging. The entire area would be made virus free. About the Sanour park, he said peas, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, tomato, green
chillies, broccoli, lettuce, chinese cabbage and baby corn would be grown at the park.
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Woman held with 365 kg poppy Jalandhar, October 14 |
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Woman beaten up Nabha, October 14 |
BBK DAV College wins overall trophy Amritsar, October 14 The local Khalsa College for women lifted the runners-up trophy while R. R, Bawa DAV College for Girls, Batala, scored third position. Mr Balbir Singh, Member of Parliament, presided over the function and presented trophies to winners. More than 800 students artists from Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts took part in the four-day festival. The B Division zonal trophy went to SN College, Qadian, while SGAD College, Khadoor Sahib and Government College, Ajnala, remained second. In giddha competition BBK DAV College secured the top position while Khalsa College came second and RR Bawa DAV College, stood third. |
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