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Rapprochement to bring rebels around: CM Chandigarh, January 1 In an interview with The Tribune today he shared his genesis of the in-house current political developments and the lessons he had learnt from the current events: “One should keep one’s ears to the ground and anticipate who all can simulate Vigilance raids on party colleagues close to me to engineer differences with them”. Another lesson learnt was that some bureaucrats and police officers “hobnob with politicians for petty interests, say coveted postings or just politicking”. He, however, did not elaborate. Was there a failure on the part of the intelligence to forewarn you of what was in store — both in terms of a political storm brewing in your backyard or bureaucrats and police officers who double-crossed you or worked to draft your son in “hawala” transactions? he was asked He replied: “The intrigues of such people have polarised the Congress. They are under the scanner. We also know the political parties that are fishing in troubled waters”. On the media reports of his going “soft” on Ms Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, he said: “The matter is sub judice”. He affirmed that some file was reported to have been traced in the Chief Minister’s Office, containing certain documents connected with the case. These documents were being verified by the Vigilance for their authenticity or how these had surfaced now. Incidentally, the case of Ms Bhattal is slated to come up for hearing on January 7 for the framing of charges against her. Then, an application filed by the government related to the case and the traced file would also be taken up, it is learnt. Capt Amarinder Singh said no financial assistance was coming from the Centre. “Maybe there is some reluctance or a block somewhere in the NDA Government or it is out of some genuine problem”. The Chief Minister said he had had two meetings with the Punjab bureaucrats posted in Delhi, briefing them on the pending issues with the Centre. He had also directed them to scout for contacts and enable the state get financial help and central projects. “All they seem to do is to find new masters and political interests, unlike bureaucrats, who nurture their states”. He said the state went into a Rs 240 crore overdraft last month when the treasuries had to be closed. Steps were yet to be taken to cap expenditure. “One cannot cut down or right-size the government. There is need to discipline 29-odd public sector undertakings as well, besides shoring up of revenue receipts. He was satisfied with the performance of the Punjab State Electricity Board which had turned green for the first time in several years after Mr Y.S. Ratra took over as its Chairman. The board losses were down from Rs 1,450 crore in December, 2002, to Rs 430 crore now. |
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No withdrawal of case against Bhattal: CM Chandigarh, January 1 The Chief Minister also ruled out any possibility of the case against Cabinet minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal being withdrawn. He said the framing of charges against her already stand ordered by a court and the government could not interfere in judicial matters at this stage. Mr Amarinder Singh said he and his ministerial colleagues would address a political conference at the Maghi mela, being organised by Mr Jagmeet Brar at Muktsar on January 13. He said a commission of inquiry had been set up to look into the charges of dubious money transactions against his son and hence there was no need of any CBI inquiry. Later, Capt Amarinder Singh heard public grievances and assured the victims of early redressal. It was for the second Thursday that he came to Punjab Congress Bhavan to listen to public grievances. |
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Badal rejects special inquiry Chandigarh, January 1 The Chief Minister had made a statement on the floor of the Punjab Assembly that he would order a CBI inquiry as and when any documentary proof was made available regarding any misdeed of his government. “But now as the Chief Minister’s son was involved in a hawala scandal and there was enough proof against him, the Chief Minister was going back on the promise”, said Mr Badal. Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the SAD Political Affairs Committee here today, Mr Badal said that the special inquiry ordered by the Chief Minister was an eyewash. In this case, the inquiry officer was required to go abroad for investigation. Hence only the DRI or the CBI was capable of conducting such an inquiry. He said he had requested the Prime Minister to direct the DRI to conduct this inquiry as hawala cases fell in the jurisdiction of that organisation. SAD President Parkash Singh Badal, who met Punjab Governor O.P. Verma this morning, urged him to ask Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to prove his majority in the State Assembly.
Alliance with BJP to continue Mr Badal said his party would continue alliance with the BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The SAD was also ready to shake hands with other political parties interested in defeating the Congress. It was decided to hold political rallies in all Assembly constituencies to activate SAD workers. The Congress had already accepted its defeat as it was not prepared to announce its candidate for the post of Prime Minister. The SAD would make corruption allegedly done by the Amarinder Singh Government as the main issue in the coming parliamentary elections. When asked whether his party had opened negotiations with the BSP etc for electoral understanding. Mr Badal said such a process had not started yet. “Our target was the Congress and we would go all out to defeat it”, he added. |
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Cong crisis shadow over work in offices Ropar, January 1 Due to the ban payments of Provident Fund and other dues of the employees were not being cleared. The bills of government works, grant-in-aid to aided schools and colleges and other bills of employees and offices were not being cleared by the treasuries in the district. In association of retired persons here condemned the ban on payments in treasuries. They allege that government was delaying the payment of dues as provident funds and gratuity illegally. The said funds were deposits of employees and in case of delay in payments the government would have to pay crores as interest at the rate of 8 per cent to employees. The government by delaying the payments harassing the employees and was causing loss to the state. Besides delay in payments of private parties will also cause financial loss as they would go in arbitration. Officials of the treasuries deelined to comment on the ban on payments. |
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Talhan’s first Dalit woman sarpanch aims high
Talhan (Jalandhar), January 1 These are feelings of Ms Inderjit Kaur (27) Dalit woman elected to be the first Dalit woman sarpanch of Talhan village in the panchayat elections held for the only reserve (SC Women) seat on December 21. The election was postponed due to violence in the village. Ms Inderjit Kaur told The Tribune that she had been a social worker and defeated Gian Kaur by 98 votes. Her main objective was to strive to bring about communal harmony which had spoiled the age-old amity between Dalits and Jats. “I know it is a difficult job, but, at the same time I am aware that it can take some time. For this I would take elders of the village along, who have been my biggest support base and patronising me all along,” said Ms Kaur, mother of two. Ms Inderjit Kaur, has studied upto B.A. (Second year) and her husband is a bank employee. “I have been running a self-help group due to which a large number of women came out in my support,” maintained Ms Inderjit Kaur. Referring to her plans, Ms Kaur, said development of the village was her another top priority. “Relaying of roads and meeting the shortage of water in certain areas would be my first goal, for which I would seek the help of the administration,” said Inderjit Kaur adding, “I want to see this village as the most peaceful and one of the best developed villages of Punjab,” wished Ms Inderjit Kaur. |
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Syndicate confirms former Registrar’s suspension Patiala, January 1 The Vice-Chancellor, Mr Swarn Singh Boparai, presided over Syndicate meeting. It was held that Dr Sidhu had committed a serious lapse by clearing the probation case of Assistant Public Relation Officer Harminder Singh Khokar. It was held that the probation had been cleared on extraneous grounds in violation of the orders of the Vice-Chancellor. In another important decision, the Syndicate appointed Prof M.P. Kapoor, former Director, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, as the Director of the University College of Engineering for three years on contract basis. Dr R.K. Sehgal, a professor has been appointed Joint Director of the college. The Syndicate resolved the issue regarding the seniority of those teachers who were promoted under the Merit Promotion Scheme, but did not take decision on the date of their seniority. Now the date of their seniority would be counted from June 27, 1998, as was the case with other teachers, who were promoted under the Career Advancement Scheme. The Syndicate also cleared the contractual appointment of Prof Baldev Singh as Chief Coordinator (Examinations) for one year. The appointments of three lecturers, Mr Rajesh Kumar, Ms Archana Sahni and Ms Jaspreet Mander, in the Department of English at the Punjabi University campus and Dr Rajinder Singh in the Department of Punjabi at the Regional Centre, Bathinda, were also cleared. Mr. Bir Devinder Singh, Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha, was also present at the meeting. The Syndicate also approved the recommendation made by the Finance Committee in its meeting held on December, 17. |
Rs 90 lakh grant for
homeless in Ropar Ropar, January 1 Under the scheme, the poor and homeless
Scheduled Caste families of the district would be provided Rs 20,000 for the construction or renovation of the kutcha houses. Already 500 such families have been identified and would be issued grant soon. The Deputy Commissioner Ropar, Ms Seema Jain, gave this information at a press conference here today. Giving details of various development works carried out in the district during 2003, she said various infrastructure projects such as bridges over the Sirsa river near Ghanauli, Swan river near Bhallan village, about 20 km from Nangal and high-level bridges over Siswan and Budki rivers on the Ropar-Chamkaur Sahib road were completed. Besides, all roads leading to Chamkaur Sahib were strengthened. Under the Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan, the district received Rs 3,31,36400. Almost 95 per cent of the grant had been utilised for creating additional infrastructure in the primary schools of the district. Under the Budhki Rao water scheme, data pertaining to 34 villages had been computerised and digitised. A large number of soil conservation and plantation works had also been carried out under the project. Besides, new bus stands had been brought up at Khizrabad and Chamkaur Sahib last year. The bus stands of Kurali and Nangal would be completed during the next financial year. Under the Red Cross, a grant of about Rs 3 lakh has been distributed to the poor and needy persons. Under the national
programme for the persons with disabilities, 10,578 persons were identified, out of which 5,769 were given aid in the shape of tricycles, wheel chairs, hearing aids and calipers last year, she said. |
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Improvement Trust plan to develop Faridkot Faridkot, January 1 Two shopping centres will be constructed along the district courts road. For the purpose, 26 acres have been acquired along the Faridkot-Sadiq road near Government Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital. A total of 183 plots will be carved-out and given at reasonable prices after receiving applications from the needy. This was stated by Mr S.K. Gupta, chairman of the trust, while addressing a press conference at the institution’s office here today. Application forms will shortly be available at the office. Twentyfive per cent payment from each holder will be taken in the beginning and the remaining in equal five half-yearly instalments. Separate expert committees will be formed to examine the quality of work and make payments afterwards, the trust chairman said Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, will lay the foundation stone for the project by the end of this month. Immediately after the completion of this project, work on four other projects will be taken up. Mr Gupta said five highmice lights at a cost of Rs 5 lakh would be installed on the court road, Morigate, Jubilee Cinema Chowk, Sadiq road and near the medical college. This project will take shape next week. Plans are being made to instal a memorial to former President Giani Zail Singh in the heart of the town. |
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Rallies against move to privatise
ITIs, PSEB Nangal, January 1 The first such rally was held here today. The workers of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI's) in the state have decided to launch an agitation against the proposed government move to privatise 12 ITI's in the state. In the gate rally held at ITI Nangal, the activists of the Industrial Training Employees Union flayed the Punjab Government for proposing the privatisation of ITI's in the state. The president of the Nangal unit of the Industrial Training Employees Union, Mr Baljit Singh, told newspersons that they would launch a statewide agitation against the proposed government move. The first such rally, in which the ITI employees from across the state would participate, would be held at Anandpur Sahib on January 3. On January 24, employees of the ITI's would gherao the Technical Education Minister, Mr Mohinder Singh KP, at his residence in Jalandhar. The union leaders, while addressing the rally here, alleged that ITI's trained the youth from poor families who could not afford higher education. These imparted the basic education for training youths for lower jobs in industry. However, if the institutes were privatised, the poor students of the state, who were already facing unemployment, would be left at the mercy of profit-making private bodies. The employees of the PSEB also held a rally carrying black flags here in protest against the proposed government move to trifurcate the board. Despite assurances given by the Chief Minister, against the privatisation of the PSEB till a consensus was evolved on the issue, the Cabinet committee has passed the proposal to trifurcate the board. The proposal was passed despite the fact that many ministers who were part of the committee did not attend the meeting. The protesting employees warned that if the government went ahead with the move to privatise the board, the employees of the board would launch an agitation. |
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Escape of
undertrials: 15 suspended Patiala, January 1 Two undertrials who had been booked under the NDPS Act, escaped from the jail around
midnight on December 30. Central Jail Superintendent Jagjit Singh has recommended action against two assistant superintendents. The jail
authorities however have suspended eight head wardens , Mohinder Singh, Amar Singh, Guljar Singh, Dilbar Singh, Harjit Singh, Tarsem Singh, Gurdeep Singh, and Piara Singh. Besides seven wardens — Barqat
ali, Harbhajan Singh, Ranjit Singh, Darshan Singh, Balkar Singh, Sikandar Singh and Harish Chander — have also been suspended. The jail
authorities have also decided to complain to the Punjab Armed Police authorities regarding the negligence of the PAP personnel who were on duty near the outer wall of the jail complex. |
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The forgotten Diwan of Sirhind Fatehgarh Sahib, January
1 Little did he know that fate would bring him to a point where he would have to choose between his faith and fortune. And he sacrificed fortune at the alter of faith. At the end of 1704 A.D. the young Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, were captured and bricked alive by Nawab Wazir Khan of
Sirhind. When nobody had the courage to cremate the Sahibzadas, Diwan Todar Mal risked his life and took possession of the bodies. Immediately a royal order was issued, stating that the last rites could not be preformed on Mughal land. The Diwan had to buy land for cremating the
Sahibzadas. He ensured that the last rites of the two were performed with full respect. But for this he had lose the peace and prosperity for his own family. Bankrupt and a victim of Nawab Wazir Khan’s wrath the family fled their beautiful home and eventually faded into oblivion. The only palpable testimony to their existence is the
haveli, which stands forlorn. Diwan Todar Mal gained immortality with this act and became a legend. The haveli has withstood the ransacking and destruction of Sirhind by Banda Singh Bahadur. The Sikh Confederacy left the haveli untouched out of great respect for Diwan Todar Mal. Unfortunately, the respect did not endure down the ages and unscrupulous people occupied its gardens and started taking away wood and bricks, causing the fall of certain portions. Nature too left its mark on the beautiful haveli in the absence of any caretaker. Successive governments too could not find time, effort or money to spare on the historical building. Now Punjab Virasat Charitable Trust under Mr
S.K. Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, has formed a charitable association to acquire and restore the haveli to its former glory and to acquaint the people about the sacrifice and selflessness behind it. |
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4 pc DA for staff of SGPC institutions Phagwara, January 1 Addressing mediapersons here, he said the Chief Minister should have stepped down when Mrs Bhattal, levelled serious charges of corruption against him. On the decisions taken at an SGPC executive meeting held two days ago, Jathedar Bhaur informed that it had been decided to grant 4 per cent dearness allowance (DA) to nearly 10,000 employees working in various gurdwaras, schools and colleges run by the SGPC. It was also decided at the meeting that the SGPC would henceforth centrally celebrate the birth anniversaries of the 15 Shiromani saints whose “bani” was incorporated in the Guru Granth Sahib. These celebrations would be observed at the Manji Sahib Deewan Hall in the Golden Temple complex. Jathedar Bhaur informed that an SGPC delegation would visit Pakistan this year to take up various issues related to gurdwaras left in Pakistan with the government. |
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Peacenik reaches Wagah in reverse Wagah, January 1 Slogans of friendship with its neighbouring
country were raised when the peacenik arrived with his wife Krishna Devi and three-year-old son Abu here just before the Retreat ceremony. Talking to The Tribune, Mr Pappu said the two countries should resume talks for the benefits of the people of both countries. The resident of Bathinda and Asian Champion in driving car in reverse gear at a speed of over 80 km per hour, Mr Pappu started his peace mission from Hussainiwala and passed through various cities. He claimed that he had covered about, 15,000 km from Bathinda to various towns of North India. |
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Biyearly Hindu jathas to Pak sought Amritsar, January 1 A token jatha of Hindus that returned from Pakistan said this time the Pakistan authorities and the public had extended a warm welcome to them, unlike earlier times. The 50-member jatha from Shadani Darbar left from here to visit temples in Sindh province and other areas on December 22. |
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Rowdyism in front of Amritsar club
Amritsar, January 1 |
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Bhaura suffers heart attack Chandigarh, January 1 |
Farmers for reopening of
meat factory Barnala, January 1 Mr Maghar Singh, Kulrian, President of the Punjab Khetiwari Te Kisan Vikas Front and spokesman of the meeting said farmers had to protect crops from stray cattle who played havoc with the crops. Mr Kulrian said that it was decided to launch a public awareness campaign at district-level farmers’ meetings on January 3 to gather public support at Banasar Bag Sangrur, gurdwara (Urban) at Mansa, new courts complex at Faridkot, park in front of a Deputy Commissioner’s office at Ludhiana, Dukh Nivaran Gurdwara at Patiala, Kirti Kisan Union office at Moga, Market Committee office at Ferozepur Cantonment and Muktsar. On January 16 farmers’ meetings at tehsil level will be organised to draw government’s attention towards this issue. |
9 IAS, 2 PCS officers shifted Chandigarh, January 1 Mr K.K. Bhatnagar has been given charge as Principal Secretary of Technical Education and Industrial Training in addition to the existing charge of the Department of Printing and Stationery. Mrs Harsimrat has been posted as Principal Secretary, Department of Labour and Employment. She will also retain the charge of Department of Freedom Fighters. Mr Vijay Kain had been posted as Presiding Officer, Sales Tax Tribunal-1. He would continue with his existing charge of the Department of Public Works ( Public Health). Ms Kusumjit Sidhu has been given charge of the Department of Higher Education and Languages, in addition to being the Secretary Department of Power. Mr R.C. Nayyar has been posted as Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs, Public Grievances and Pensions, besides Secretary, Lokpal. Mr Gurdev Singh Sidhu has been shifted to the Colonisation Department as its Director, Mr P.S. Aujla, has been posted as Joint Development Commissioner( IRD). Mrs Raji P Shrivastava has been shifted to PUDA as the Additional Chief Administrator, Headquarters. Mr Vikas Partap has been shifted to Milkfed as its Managing Director. Mr Gopal Krishan, PCS has been shifted to the office of the Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, for posting as PSO. Mr Ajmer Singh, PCS has been shifted to Ludhiana as an Additional Deputy Commissioner. |
Stolen motor cycle recovered, two held Lalru, January 1 Mr Karan Sher Singh, SHO, Lalru, said following information from the Haryana Police, a naka was laid on the Ambala-Chandigarh Highway near Kurli village and the suspects were nabbed while riding the stolen vehicle. The duo had stolen the motor cycle from Jaggi Colony in Ambala, he added. A case under Section 411 of the IPC has been registered against them at the Lalru police station. |
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Two killed as bus hits scooter
Hoshiarpur, January 1 |
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Body found Fatehgarh Sahib, January 1 Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP, said the face of the man was badly crushed, and from documents in his pocket, his identity was established as Tarsem Singh (40), belonging to Raya village in Khamano subdivision in the district. He said some foul play was suspected in the death of the man. The body handed over to his relatives after post-mortem. |
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Govt teachers to stage dharna
on Jan 8 Barnala, January 1 Stating this here today. Mr Brij Bhushan, press secretary, Government Teachers' Union, Sangrur district, said resentment prevailed among government school teachers in Punjab because of the indifferent attitude of the state government towards their grievance and problems. Mr Bhushan said government teachers from all parts of Punjab would lodge a protest against the ban on recruitment of teachers, ban on promotions, increase in non-academic assignments, increasing political interference in the transfers of teachers, delaying tactics on the part of the government to implement pro-teacher court orders, and rampant corruption in the office of the DPI (Secondary), Punjab. |
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College NSS camp concludes Barnala, January 1 Prof Tara Singh, NSS programme officer of the college informed this reporter here today that 50 NSS volunteers of Guru Gobind Singh College, Sanghera took part in the camp. Apart from undertaking a cleanliness project of the college campus and its surrounding areas organised parleys and discussions on various academic sessions of the camp on topics like the significance of blood donation, menace of female foeticide, value of discipline and environment in life. The colourful cultural programmes presented by NSS volunteers were also a part of the camp. Mithu Singh, a student of BA (II), was adjudged the best NSS volunteer of the camp. |
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School timings changed in district Fatehgarh Sahib, January 1 According to the orders, the primary schools in the district would function from 10 am to 2 pm, whereas the elementary and senior secondary schools would function from 10 am to 3 pm. The orders would remain in force till January 15. In another order issued today, the Deputy Commissioner banned the plying of tractor trolleys and carts from 6 am to 6 pm. |
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