Ludhiana, January 2
A 54-member delegation of the Pakistan chapter of the South-Asian Free Media Association will be arriving in Ludhiana on Saturday. The delegation is being led by Mr Ishaq Khan, Minister of State for Railways in the Pakistan Government.

The delegation will have detailed discussions with representatives of the media, farmers and industry during its one-day stay in Ludhiana. Addressing a joint press conference here today, the president of the Press Club of Punjab, Mr Pramod Batish, president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, chairman, Ex-Servicemen's League, Lt Col CS Dhillon, and Mr DS Chawla disclosed that the SAFMA delegates would have thorough interaction with a cross section of the people here.

Mr Batish said the SAFMA delegates would have exchange of views with their counterparts in this part of Punjab. He pointed out that Ludhiana being one of the most important places in Punjab held added interest for the SAFMA delegates. He maintained that the SAFMA delegation would include a number of leading journalists from Pakistan. They would be made to speak about their experiences there and the expectations from the media in this part.

Mr Lakhowal pointed out that there was a lot in common on the agriculture front between Pakistan Punjab and this part of Punjab. He said, "we want to share their experiences and expertise on various issues facing agriculture". He added, "we will be mutually benefited and it will be in the long-term interest of the two countries".

Mr DS Chawla, a former president of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers' Association, said there could be mutual exchange of engineering and industrial products between the two countries. He advocated a liberal visa regime between the two countries and added, it would be most helpful for Punjab. He said, "let's try to ease out the visa regime so that we are able to interact with each other regularly as it would be in the interest of the people of both the countries".

Mr CS Dhillon of the Ex-Servicemen's League was also of the opinion that for improved relations there should be a relaxed visa regime between the two countries. He said peace between India and Pakistan would be in the long-term interest of the two countries as their energies were otherwise being diverted to other purposes instead of growth and development.

Ludhiana, January 5
The indefinite fast launched by the National Federation of Telecom Employees (NFTE) against alleged arbitrary transfers of the union activists by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) authorities here has been called off while the proposed one-day strike to be observed by the BSNL Employees Union today was deferred. According to Mr Mohinder Prasad, district secretary, NFTE, a meeting was convened by the General Manager, Ludhiana Telecom, yesterday in which it was assured that all transfers would be effected on the basis of laid down criteria without any pick and choose policy and the transfer orders already issued would be reviewed to rectify irregularities, if any.

The BSNL further assured the union functionaries that a combined seniority list of senior TOA cadres would be prepared for the purpose of transfers, all compassionate cases of transfers would be considered on merit and there would be no victimisation on account of the agitation by the NFTE on the issue of transfers.

The meeting was attended by Mr G.S. Julka, General Manager, and Mr S.K. Jain, Deputy General Manager (Administration) of BSNL while NFTE was represented by Mr Dwarika Prasad, Mr Harish Khanna, Mr Sarbjit Singh, Mr Pritam Chand and Mr Prem Singh.

Meanwhile, the proposed strike by the BSNL Employees Union in response to a call given by central unions, was deferred after a written agreement with the Department of Telecommunication. The call for strike was given to protest against proposed disinvestment in BSNL and press for several other demands.The circle secretary of BSNLEU, Mr Balbir Singh, claimed here today that the Secretary, DOT, had informed the union functionaries in a written communication about there being no proposal for disinvestment in BSNL before the government. Further, the department had stated that local loop and BSNL infrastructure would not be opened to private telecom operators and steps were being initiated to accord ‘Navratna’ status to the BSNL. According to Mr Balbir Singh, the DOT had also assured the BSNL unions that they would be taken into confidence over the new telecom policy for the current year. While hailing the positive move of the government, the unions have, however, asked the BSNL employees to remain prepared for any struggle which might have to be launched at a later stage to safeguard the interests of the employees.

Ludhiana, January 5
Transparency in the working of the city police has touched its nadir with the police keeping the arrest of an allegedly notorious criminal cum police informer, Avtar Singh Taari, a close guarded secret.

Taari, who had shot into limelight after Micky jain, the main accused in the Reema Jain murder case, had named him as the contract killer of the business woman, was quietly arrested in a theft case and sent to Central Jail in judicial custody a week ago. He was presented before a Duty Magistrate in a clandestine manner yesterday and again sent to jail.

The entire process of keeping Taari away from the media and the knowledge of the general public has put a question mark on the working of the city police. It was quite strange as the city police, which takes pride in parading juvenile offenders, petty criminals before the media at every given opportunity , has chosen to protect an accused in high-profile murder case from grilling by the media?

Cops right from the lowest to the highest rank in the city have been vehemently denying the arrest of the accused for the past one week. So forceful has been the denial that the city crime reporters chose to believe the officials. However, despite newspaper reports, exposing the blatant lie behind the denials, he cops have again gone into their cocoon and opted not to respond.

SP (detective) Gurpreet Singh, who liaisons with the media on the behalf of the city SSP continues to feign ignorance about his case. SSP Narinderpal Singh was not available for comments despite repeated attempts. His telephone operators have been notiing down the numbers of journalists calling up at his office or residence. But still there was no word from him.

Taari was secretly questioned by the city police last month in the Reema Jain murder case. His detention and arrest was, however, not made public. He put the police in quite an embarrassing condition by maintaining he was not involved in the case. The city police even brought Micky Jain on production warrant for further questioning but could not establish any involvement of Taari.

Then Taari was secretly sent to Central Jail in another case and this too was kept a secret.

Ludhiana, January 5
The declaration regarding boycott of the state government by the local industry due to non-refund of VAT having little effect, industry associations have now decided to chalk out a strategy to lodge a protest.

A meeting of over 25 industry associations will be held here to discuss the issue on January 9.

“The state government appears to have least interest in giving refund of VAT, which is causing a lot of harassment to industry. Industry has its capital blocked due to non-refund and functioning is hampered,” said Mr Varinder Kapoor, general secretary, United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association.

Sore over non-refund, the association, along with the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), declared last month that it would neither welcome ministers or government officers at any function nor participate in government functions themselves , till the government issued a notification pertaining to VAT refund. However, the industry’s threats had little effect and there has been no communication from the government’s side, leaving industry even more agitated.

“The government should at least send some communication. Industry is suffering heavily and this cannot be accepted for long.”

Industrialists say when VAT was implemented, the government assured them that refunds would be made within three months. However, even after nine months of implementation, industry is yet to get its refunds.

Industry associations say that over Rs 400 crore worth VAT-refund was pending whereas the government was grossly understating the figure at Rs 33 crore.

Industry also alleges that the CM is avoiding meetings on the issue.

Over 25 associations, including CICU,. Ludhiana Cycle Parts, Knitwear Club and Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will participate in the meeting on January 9 to discuss the matter, said Mr Kapoor.

Ludhiana, January 5
Kanika Soni (25), the newly crowned Mrs Ludhiana 2005, is a perfect example of beauty with brains. She won the title here last evening after defeating more than 20 other contestants in a glittering function at the Lakshmi Ladies Club.

“The contest was both good fun and good grooming. Meeting so many new people was a wonderful experience. I personally feel that women should come out of their hesitations, believe in themselves and show their calibre to society”, she said.

After completing her English Honours, Kanika did her MBA from Delhi. Presently, she is pursuing diploma in Human Resource Development. She said: “I used to work with Bharti Telecom before marriage. After marriage also, I did not restrain myself. I am an active member of the Lakshmi Ladies Club. I take part in lot of dance and music events organised by the club. I had no intention of taking part in this contest. It was only because of support by my in-laws and husband that I won the title”, Kanika said.

She said she was surprised to see the lukewarm response by club members when the organisers invited names for the competition a few days ago. “Out of 2,500 members, only 4-5 members came forward. Many women felt that they may have to wear swimsuits etc. But there was nothing like that. I feel young women should bring forth their hidden talent”, she said.

On asking her idea of beauty during the question-answer round last evening, she replied that it was reflection of inner-self but one should also have a pleasing personality.

Shweta Soni was the first runner-up while Sheba Batta was the second runner-up. The title of best smile was given to Kanika Soni while Shweta won the best bride award. Sheba was announced “Ms Photogenic”. The title of Ms Catwalk was won by Shalini Aggarwal and Ms Personality title was bagged by Romila Walia.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
Recognising his contributions to the field of education and organised struggle for service security of employees of private-aided schools of the state, leaders of various teachers' unions have decided to honour Data Ram Sharma posthumously. His bhog ceremony would be held at Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School here tomorrow.

Referring to the decision taken at a joint meeting of various organisations, Ravinder Puri, president, Journalists Association, said it had been decided to institute a Data Ram Memorial Running Gold Trophy. He would be remembered for spreading education in the rural areas and promotion of talent.

"Talent hunt programmes would be launched to fulfill his dreams. Workshops would also be held to inspire others to come forward," he said.

Mr Dharam Pal Sharma said Data Ram had lain prostrate at the gate of Central Jail Nabha during a struggle by private teachers in 1968. He had threatened to end his life in case the demands of the teachers, including service security, were not met. Mr Abha Ram Premi, a Naxalite union leader, had appreciated his stand and the government had to succumb to the pressure of the union.

Mr Sikander Singh Jartoli (Government Teachers Union), Mr Ram Singh Dehliz (SCBC Teachers Union) and Mr Jagmit Singh (Democratic Teachers Front) have endorsed the proposal of the local organisations to recognise the contributions of Data Ram. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh was celebrated today in the town and surrounding villages. The main function was held at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Railway Road. Akhand Path, and Kirtan was organised in different gurdwaras in the area. Langar was also served to devotees.

Kirtan, recitation of poems, and lectures on the life and the philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh marked the occasion. The organisers, including The Kalgidhar Federation, Sukhmani Seva Society and Baba Budha Parchar Trust organised shabad contests for school children and felicitated the winners.

The anniversary was also celebrated at Gurdwara Bhagat Ravidass, Gurdwara Baba Namdev and Gurdwara Damdama Sahib Jandali.

Besides illuminating the religious places, the devotees also illuminated their houses and commercial organisations.

Ludhiana, January 5
The Ludhiana branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India will conduct a two-day state-level conference of chartered accountants on January 7 and 8. Mr P.C. Gupta, Minister of State for Company Law Affairs, will be the chief guest.

The theme of the conference is “Professional enrichment and excellence — challenges of change”, said Deepak Gupta, at a press conference here today.

He said over 1,000 CAs from across the state were expected to participate in the conference.

Mr Kamlesh S. Vikamsey, president of the institute, would lay the foundation stone of the new building of the Ludhiana branch on January 8.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 5
Residents of Dangon village in Ludhiana district are delighted that a daughter of their village, Ms Rupan Deol Bajaj, has been recommended for Padma Shri by the government.

Ms Bajaj, who superannuated on December 31 as Financial Commissioner, Revenue, is the granddaughter of Arjun Singh Deol, the first Deputy Director, Agriculture in the then British government.

She would be felicitated and given a farewell party by the Punjab Naib Tehsildar Association at a function in Ludhiana tomorrow.

The villagers are more delighted since the village had been known by the name of Munshi Dangon Da, a notorious character, and would now be remembered for having produced bureaucrats and a probable Padma Shri awardee.

According to Mr Gurpreet Singh and Mr Mukesh Sharma, president and vice-president of the state body of the association, respectively, the honour was being accorded to recognise her concern for the lowest rung of revenue officers.

"Had she not stood by certain revenue officers, including Naib Tehsildars, we could have failed to save the dignity of our profession," claimed office-bearers of the association.

The association welcomed the decision of the Union Ministry of Social Security for Women and Children to recommend her name for Padma Shri in recognition of her 17-year legal battle against former Punjab DGP, Mr K.P.S. Gill.

"We had been feeling secure ever since she took over as the Financial Commissioner, Revenue, as we knew that a woman officer who had fought her own case single handedly against the "supercop", would never let her juniors suffer at the hands of politicians," commented Mr Mukesh Sharma.

Ms Bajaj, a 1969 IAS officer, had served at various prestigious posts before retiring as FCR, a post considered equivalent to the Chief Secretary.

"My maternal grandfather advocated female literacy to the extent that five of her nine daughters were postgraduates. The fact that I had been brought up in a highly educated family enabled me to achieve my target," she said while talking to Ludhiana Tribune.

Ludhiana, January 5
Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle arranged an exhibition of religious books including 'gutkas', calendars at 10 gurdwaras of the city on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday which elicited good response.

The Press Secretary, Ms Amarjit Kaur talking to Ludhiana Tribune said,"The response was excellent and all the books got sold out. In fact, we had to order books from Sikh Study Centre, our publishing house.

The calendars that are connected with our campaign of 'safegaurding one's hair' were in great demand.

Khanna, January 5
At about 1 am today, some armed persons robbed a house in Mohalla Daharmpura Estate and injured three persons of the family. The police had started investigations and two suspects have been detained.

According to information, eight persons entered the house of Yadavansh Yaday. Five of them entered the room of Kamal, son of Yadav, and attacked him with iron rods and water pump handles. After injuring him, they locked his room from outside and entered another room where Prabha Devi and Suman, wife and daughter of Yadav, respectively, were sleeping. They were also beaten up and were asked for keys of the almirah.

The robbers broke a trunk and an almirah and decamped with Rs 12,500 and gold ornaments.

A dog squad and fingerprint experts were pressed for service. The police detained a youth from a house where the dog squad hinted. It also detained a tenant of the victim.