 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Rs 50 lakh stolen from bank Ludhiana, December 31 The incident came to light in the morning when bank officials showed up for duty. They reported the matter to the Sarabha Nagar police. Although no bank official could be contacted, as the police had sealed the premises, the exact details of the amount stolen could not be ascertained. However, some police officials maintained that around Rs 45 lakh were stolen. The police was questioning employees of the bank. A case has been registered in the Sarabha Nagar police station as the bank falls under its jurisdiction. Senior police officials also reached the spot. Bank officials had no clue to the extent of loss in the theft. The incident is shocking as it is very difficult to reach the strongroom of the bank. The burglars broke open eight locks to reach the strongroom. Surprisingly, the burglars managed to break open some lockers and take away the jewellery. Police sources revealed that the burglars had used a gas welding set to cut open the iron locks. They broke open the wall from the rear end of the bank. The wall was breached specifically where the strongroom was located. The police sources observed that some familiar person who had the knowledge of the location of the strongroom might also be involved in the theft. The police said the burglars might have come in some vehicle, as it was not possible for them to carry the heavy gas cylinder, which they used to cut open the locks. While they escaped in the vehicle, they left the gas cylinder behind. The police has not arrested anyone so far. But they said they had some strong evidence in the case. Fingerprints have also been taken from the cylinder. A team of forensic experts was expected to reach the crime scene by the evening. |
|
Govt has betrayed farmers: Lakhowal Ludhiana, December 31 These remarks were made by the BKU president, Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal,in a statement here today. He said as a result of indifference and apathy on the part of the government, the farmers were facing exploitation and heavy financial losses. The failure of the government to announce the minimum support price of sugarcane till date had enabled the sugar mills to purchase the crop at cheaper rates, thereby causing huge losses to the producers. While the MSP of rabi prices were announced with a marginal increase after about two months of sowing, the sugar cane producers were left at the mercy of the sugar mills. Mr Lakhowal said the Mahajan committee, set up by the Union Government ,had recommended that the government should fix the MSP of farm produce on the basis of prices calculated by the Commission of Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). As per the recommendations of CACP, the price of sugarcane should have been Rs 73 on 8.5 per cent recovery, which was Rs 64.50 last year. Consequent upon the recommended hike, the procurement price of sugarcane in the state should have been Rs 113 per quintal. However, the Finance Ministry had opposed the hike on the plea that the sugar industry was not in a position to bear this additional burden and in case the revised price was given effect, the government would have to lend financial support to the sugar mills. "It appears that the government is no longer interested to announce the MSP for sugarcane for the reason that after its electoral victory in three states, the BJP has changed its priorities and interests of farmers are no longer of any significance for the ruling party." He cautioned the government, the BKU chief said that if the government failed to bring about a positive change in its policies towards the farmers, particularly the sugarcane growers, the producers might be forced to give up sugarcane farming in future. |
|
Another girl does a Nisha Ludhiana, December 31 Ramandeep Kaur, a Master’s in Journalism from Punjab Agricultural University, was engaged to Parvinder Singh, son of Mr Sucha Singh, a Master Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force posted at Adampur, on August 17, 2003. Parvinder works in a multinational company in Gurgaon. According to Prof Mangal Singh, father of Ramandeep, on August 17 they decided that the marriage would be solemnised in a traditional way. Everything seemed to be going on well on December 28, the date of the marriage, till Darshan Kaur, mother of the groom, started creating a “nuisance”. She was reportedly upset that Ramandeep’s parents had not got any gifts for her UK-based son-in-law. Trouble started from here. Ramandeep was ready with her bridal make-up and waiting to go to a gurdwara to get the marriage solemnised. As Darshan Kaur reportedly expressed her anger at Ramandeep’s parents, things started getting delayed. Ramandeep also became apprehensive. Initially, she was not told anything. But when she came to know that the issue was more dowry, she made up her mind instantly. She took off her bridal jewellery and handed it over to her grandmother and declared that she was not going to marry in “the greedy family”. Her father, mother and all family members stood by her decision. Meanwhile, someone called up the police, which reached the spot. Although Ramandeep and her father wanted to register a complaint with the police, relatives prevailed upon them to wait. The groom’s parents were given three days to return all gifts they had received and all money spent by Ramandeep’s parents in arranging various functions, including the marriage. Only then they were let-off. Ramandeep has no regrets. In fact, she says she feels lucky that she came to know about the greedy nature of the family, although a little late. She had regrets about Parvinder, who despite being educated, succumbed to the greed of his parents. Prof Mangal Singh said he did not let anyone feel upset over the incident. He had made arrangements for about 800 guests and most of them had arrived. He ensured that each one of them had food and everything was accomplished properly, of course, except the marriage. Learning about the boldness of Ramandeep, she has started getting many proposals. |
|
Bawa defends Tej Parkash, CM’s son Ludhiana, December 31 In a statement here today, Mr Bawa observed that the meeting of former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi yesterday was a pointer towards the conspirators. “It is ridiculous that Mr Badal, who himself is facing serious charges of corruption, should demand a probe into frivolous charges against Chief Minister and his son”. He said by ordering a judicial inquiry by a retired judge of the High Court into allegations against his son, Capt Amarinder Singh had proved himself to be a man of integrity and impeccable character. Mr Bawa, a former president of the District Congress Committee (Urban), expressed confidence that with the intervention by party chief Sonia Gandhi, the organisational crisis in the party would end and in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress, along with like-minded parties, would form the next government at the Centre. Meanwhile, functionaries of the Rajiv Gandhi Youth Federation and the Youth Congress, led by Mr Varun Gupta, organised a “yajana” at the party office. Mr Jagmohan Sharma, president, District Congress Committee (Urban), Mr Sunil Puri Shammi, Mr Soni Bakshi, Mr Ashok Bhalla, Mr Sharad Sharma, Mr Kulwant Singh, Mr Virendra Gagat, Dr Rakesh, Mr Vidya Sagar, Mr Deepak Mittal, Mr Amit Sharma, Mr Varun Puri and Mr Ajay Mehta were present on the occasion. |
|
SAD (Amritsar) to contest SGPC poll Amloh, December 31 The first conference will be held on January 10, at Samrala in Ludhiana district thereafter conferences will be
organised at Bassi Pathana and Mulepur in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Besides others the conferences will be addressed by SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann. It was felt at the meeting that all development works in the state had come to a stand still and officers often remained absent from the offices. The help extended by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, SAD chief, to Ms Rajinder Kaur Bhattal was also criticised at the meeting Mr. Khalsa asserted. He asked people to adopt revolutionary thinking and keep away from the false propaganda. Mr. Mann Singh Peer Jain, district president, Baldev Singh Nabi Pur, Swarn Singh, Gurleet Singh, youth president, Khumano, Amardeep Singh, president Bassi, Charan Singh Bhadal Thuha, president rural, Amloh, Talwinder Singh, president Amloh city were also present at the meeting. |
|
Sagged bridge troubles motorists Amloh, December 31 Talking to mediapersons here today, former minister Dalip Singh Pandhi said the traffic was diverted on December 8 but nobody took any initiative to make alternative arrangements. The bridge was declared unsafe for traffic a few years back but no care was taken to make arrangements. Mishap was waiting to happen at the bridge, said Mr Pandhi. He demanded an immediate construction of a wider bridge over the canal. Buses plying from Patiala to Ludhiana and Amritsar go via Amloh. |
|
|
Woes of Rajguru Nagar Ludhiana, December 31 These parks and open spaces with
congress grass and other wild growth are the breeding ground for the
sly snakes. Inquiries reveal that Rajguru Nagar Colony which has been
developed by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust has more than one dozen
parks but the trust has not developed any. Recently the Improvement Trust has started developing two parks around the main market and one on the main road towards B-bock of the colony. Following the failure of the Improvement Trust authorities to take up the development of the parks a group for residents of A-Block took the initiative to develop a park opposite their houses. They have developed a beautiful park and also have laid a uniform landscaping in front of their houses which itself is an example for the residents and the authorities of the Improvement Trust. Although Rajguru Nagar is described as a pollution- free colony of the town, yet the Improvement Trust has failed to develop a specific area for morning
walkers. The morning walkers face the problem of stray dogs and incidents of dog bites have been reported to the authorities concerned. The authorities have expressed their helplessness in checking the menace of dog bite. The residents of C-Block are also maintaining one park and it looks as the residents of the area themselves will have to take some steps to develop the deserted parks and keep their surroundings clean. Highlighting the difficulties of the colony Dr Mehar Singh and Mr Tarlochan Singh Sidhu, Secretary and Joint Secretary, respectively, of the Rajguru Nagar Welfare Society, the major problems pertain to the sweeping and cleaning of the roads and removal of the garbage. The Improvement Trust has not employed any sweepers nor the garbage is removed by the men of the Improvement Trust. They allege that the roads of the colony are also in bad shape. But the authorities seldom take steps to repair the roads. Besides, there are
encroachments on the main roads of the colony and the officials never bother to remove the same. The Improvement Trust has spent lakhs of rupees on the construction of footpath along the main roads but the same have rather proved impediment and a blot on the beautification of the colony. One tubewell of the colony is almost lying unused and the needed steps have not being taken to recharge the same. If this is not done, the residents will face shortage of drinking water during summer. Principal Gurcharan Singh points out that the residents have been pressing upon the improvement authorities to set up a senior citizen home and a community centre but so far the authorities have failed to take any steps in this direction. One acre land is required for this purpose. The colony has a big plot earmarked for the establishment of a higher secondary school. The improvement trust authorities have not allotted this land to any institution so far. Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapoor former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University and a member of the managing committee of Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College says that they had applied for the allotment of land for the school and also deposited earnest money for the same. Prof. Kapoor says that the authorities instead of allotting the land to them returned the money after many years. Mr Charanjit Singh Aulakh and Mr S.S. Gill residents of the colony have suggested to the government that the representatives of the residential colony while fall under the improvement trust should only be nominated as trustees of the improvement trust instead of making political nominations. The Chairman and
Superintending Engineer of Ludhiana Improvement Trust were not available for their comments on the grievances of the residents. However, Mr Amarjit Singh SDO of the area said that the Improvement Trust did not have sufficient manpower to develop and look after the maintenance of the parks. Nor do they have good number of sweepers. He expressed his helplessness in meeting the complaints of the residents. |
|
Ludhiana pavilion at garment fair Ludhiana, December 31 Eight apparel exporters from the city will showcase their latest collection of high-value knitted garments for men, women and children segment. A fashion fiesta, the IIGF will be held from January 28 to 30, 2004. The fair is being organised by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). It will showcase an array of latest designs and styles in vogue at domestic and international levels. The event will present emerging fashion trends from scores of garment, fabric and fashion accessory manufacturers worldwide. The gathering will be further invigorated by innovative ramp shows and theme-based fair displays. Emphasising the importance of participating in trade fairs, Mr Sanjiv Gupta, president, APPEAL, said fairs were effective means of conveying a message, as they offered the opportunity for people to meet, talk face to face with manufacturers and get immediate feedback. These also enabled people to use their five senses — sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. “They work particularly well because such a wide range of communication is involved, thanks to the personal contact and dialogue,” he said. He further added that a convenient way of participating in the trade fair abroad was to take part in a group. It saved the individual exhibitor of preparatory work while organising the exhibition. A common information brochure containing the basic information of participants would also be printed by APPEAL, said Mr Sanjiv Gupta. |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
