Bathinda, January 16
Initiating breakfast diplomacy, Sukhbir Singh Badal, working president of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), today made the three arch-rivals of the party —Chiranji Lal Garg, Sikendar Singh Maluka and Sarup Chand Singla—sit together over a cup of tea.

Maluka and Singla, who do not see eye to eye with Garg, accompanied Sukhbir to his residence here this morning. They were closeted in a room for sometime before they came out to have breakfast together.

The initiative of Sukhbir to rejuvenate the party here is being seen in political circles as an exercise to mend the fences prior to the forthcoming elections for the Bathinda Municipal Corporation. The SAD won only one of the five Assembly seats in the district in the last year’s election.

Garg was reportedly annoyed with the SAD leadership for denying him the Assembly ticket at the last moment and fielding Singla. The former is a member of the political affairs committee of the SAD and also its working committee.

Later, Sukhbir said that his visit to Garg’s residence did not have any political significance as the party activists here were attached to Parkash Singh Badal, chief minister, at a personal level.

Replying to questions of media persons regarding the ban on turban imposed in France, Sukhbir said that the MPs belonging to the SAD have, through the ministry of external affairs, sought a meeting with the French President Nicholas Sarkozy to discuss the issue when he visits India to participate in the Republic Day function. “We want to put forth our viewpoint on the serious issue,” he said.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is also a Sikh, should take up the issue with Sarkozy as the turban is a religious symbol of the Sikhs.

Referring to the Jalandhar abduction and ransom incident in which a top leader of the Youth Congress was allegedly involved, Sukhbir said that the police have been asked to thoroughly investigate the matter, as the involvement of some senior leaders of the Congress could not be ruled out.

He said that the government has sketched development of all areas of the state.

A sum of Rs184 crores fetched through recent auction of a government land here has been transferred to the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) for undertaking developments projects here.

The BHEL was responsible for delay in commissioning of the thermal power station at Lehra Mohabatt near here. The state government was monitoring the project and would take up the matter with the BHEL authorities.

Sukhbir said that a detailed project report (DPR) worth Rs100 crores for improving drinking water and sewerage system of Bathinda has been sent to the centre.

Bathinda, January 16
Drug addiction is telling upon the physique of youth in Malwa region, marring their prospects of joining the Army. Malwa region has always been an area from where the Army recruits in bulk, but drug addiction here is now taking its toll and the youth of the area are losing out to their counterparts from the rest of Punjab due to poor physique and low educational standards.

Brigadier D.P.Singh, Deputy Director General, Recruitments (Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir) who was here in connection with Army recruitment rally admitted that the physical and educational standards of youth in Malwa region are not compatible with that of other areas like Patiala, Jalandhar and Ludhiana where a large number of tall, well- built and educated youth appear at the Army recruitment rally.

When asked if drug addiction is telling upon physical and mental health of the youth in Malwa Region, Brig. Singh said it was a cause for alarm. The Malwa region has lowest literacy rate in the region and the low educational standard does affect the

performance of the candidates who have to undergo strenuous physical and mental tests to qualify for recruitment. The literacy rate of Punjab as per 2001 census is 69.95 per cent while the literacy rate of Muktsar, Mansa ,Sangrur and Bathinda districts is 50.67, 52.50-60.04 and 61.34 per cent, respectively.

Brigadier Singh said that there are well laid down procedure for recruitment which includes fatiguing physical test, medical test by a team of three doctors of different specialties, followed by a Common Entrance Examination (CEE).

Those candidates who meet the laid down standards and are found fit in medical examination would appear for Common Entrance Examination (CEE) to be held at the Government Rajindera College in Bathinda on January 27 for all categories except Sol Clk /SKT for which the test would be held at Ludhiana under the aegis of ARO (Army Recruitment Officer), Ludhiana, on February 24 .

The competitive written test is conducted in five subjects namely, English, Hindi, and General Knowledge, Science and Mathematics and the candidates with better knowledge and understanding of these subjects stand to benefit.

He said over 20,000 candidates came for the recruitment rally of which 5,500 were issued tokens after height measurement and scrutiny of documents. These candidates are undergoing physical fitness test, physical measurement test and medical examination by a team of doctors.

Brigadier Singh informed that the recruitments are being made for all categories including general, clerical, tradesmen and storekeepers and the response of the youth from six districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot, Moga and Ferozpur is overwhelming.

Brigadier Singh further said that the results of written test would be published in the newspapers and the number of recruitments would depend on available vacancies, calculated on the basis of wastage and retirements. About 3000 to 4000 recruitments were made from Punjab last year, he said.

Chauke (Bathinda), January 16
Disclosing the time framed priorities for the welfare of the Malwa belt, Sukhbir Singh Badal, the acting president of SAD (B), today said he had instructed the district administrations to submit  the plans within a month to solve drinking water, power supply, roads and sewerage problem of the areas.

Sukhbir was here at the house of a SAD (B) leader, where he discussed the development plans for Mansa and Bathinda districts with the senior officials of the districts. Later, Sukhbir addressed a press conference and then attended the 15th Rural Games Fair, held at the Chauke village from January 14 to 16.

Sukhbir said, “The administration has been given 20 days time to chalk out a plan to streamline drinking water supply. While handling the problem of power fluctuation with spreading a wide net of grid system and for roads and sewerage system a period of 30 days have been given.”

To ensure drinking water in every house in the districts, he said the administration had been instructed to carry out a survey to present a report for the total number of water works in the areas, for which funds would very soon be granted.

He also said that cancer and kidney transplant hospital, Adarsh schools and hockey academy would be opened and all the existing government school buildings would be renovated.

When he was asked about the information of the return of Manjit Singh Kalkatta, ex-secretary of the SGPC, Inderjit Singh Zira, he expressed his unawareness over the matter, while Balwinder Singh Bhunder, general secretary of SAD (B), confirmed their return to the party.

On pollution being caused by the thermal power station in Bathinda, he said that steps would be taken to rectify the problem within two months.

Condemning the alleged attack over a press reporter, Narpinder Singh Dhaliwal of Rampura, he ordered the SSP Bathinda, Naunihal to take immediate action against the guilty.

Refuting the effect of Dera-Sikh controversy over the Bathinda Municipal Corporation polls, he expressed his full confidence to win with a huge margin.

Balwinder Singh Bhunder, general secretary SAD (B), Jagdeep Singh Nakai, chief parliamentary secretary, Sikander Singh Maluka, the district president SAD (B), all the halqa in charges, DIG, Faridkot range and SSPs and DCs of Bathinda and Mansa accompanied Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Faridkot, January 16
The Fortis Escorts Hospital today launched a cardiac and multi-speciality (neurology, gastroenterology and nephrology) outdoor patients department (OPD) at the Dashmesh Hospital, Talwandi road, here.

Arun Chopra, cardiologist, M.K. Panda, gastroenterologist, Mohit Nagpal, nephrologist and Sachin Mishra, neurologist, conducted the OPD and held a free cardiac camp at the hospital premises.

As many as 208 patients, from the city and the nearby villages, were diagnosed for various ailments, including blood sugar and blood pressure. ECG tests as well as weight and height measurement were also conducted.

According to information, it would be a bi-monthly OPD and that poor patients would be examined. The OPD would be organised on first and third Wednesday of every month.

Chopra said an alarming rise in heart ailments was being reported from Punjab. Medical research found that 30 minutes of brisk walk daily could reduce the risk of heart disease by 42 per cent.

The patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are increasing. However, with latest techniques and dialysis facilities the patients could be effectively managed, informed Nagpal.

Gursewak Singh, director, Dashmesh Hospital, welcomed the launch.

The hospital has recently opened such OPDs at Ferozepur, Muktsar, Moga, Batala, Jandiala and Pathankot.

Bathinda, January 16
Sikh organisations, under the leadership of Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar, Takht Damdma Sahib, today called upon members of the Sikh panth to gather on January 20 at Gurdwara Quila Mubarik here to chalk out a strategy to deal with Dera Sacha Sauda.

Jathedar Nandgarh was here to express support for those who had been arrested by the police on Tuesday night, when they allegedly attacked the house of a Dera follower.

It may be mentioned that police has registered a case against the accused seven identified Sikhs and over 200 unidentified men under sections 452, 506, 427, 148 and 149 of the IPC. Five were arrested on the spot. Meanwhile, a case of violation of the order of the district magistrate against Kirpal Singh, along with some dera followers under section 188 of the IPC has also been registered.

Sources said when Sikh followers today asked the police to set those arrested free, the SSP Bathinda ordered the ADA (Legal) Shinder pal Singh to intervene in the matter who then converted the section 452, under which the case had been registered, to section 451.

The police also released on bail Sikh followers who had been arrested. They were later honoured at the Gurudwara Quila Mubarik Sahib. Those present at the meeting reportedly pointed out that the police did not arrest the dera followers involved in the row that took place on May 14 and 15, last year.

Confirming the facts, Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh said that on January 20, further programme would be chalked out, and some rigid steps can not be ruled out against the Dera chief. All Sikh organisations have been asked to attend the meeting.

At the meeting held here today, Sant Baba Baljeet Singh Dadu wale, Sant Baba Hardep Singh Gurusar Mehraj Wale, Rajinder Singh Sidhu besides other Sikh religious leaders took part.

Bathinda, January 16
Students of the Army School, Bathinda, came out with flying colours winning a gold and two silver medals at the recent CBSE inter-school athletic meet held at Chinmaya Vidyalaya at Ernakulam in Kerala from January 4-8 this year.

The achievement was significant in the light of the fact that the school sent only a three-member team.

Rohit Pandey bagged the gold medal in javelin throw in the under-16 (boys category) while Sujata Yadav won two silver medals in the 800m and 1500m race, respectively, in the under-16 girls category. The third team member, Savita Prajapati, failed to win a medal but finished fifth in the 800m under-14 (girls category).

Rohit also won a bronze medal in javelin throw at the All India inter-district athletics competition held at Haridwar. Another budding talent is nine-year-old Jag Nandani of class V, who can leave behind people double her age when it comes to racing.

The students give all credit for these achievements to their sports teachers Sukhwinder Singh and Sandeep Singh who left no stone unturned in preparing them for the meet.

Sukhwinder Singh, who is optimistic of making a mark in the next Junior Asian Games, said the students worked very hard. The kids are so motivated that they practice throughout the year, be it rain or scorching sun, they pointed out. More than 5000 schools from India and six from abroad participated in the CBSE meet.

The school with a strength of around 2,200 students is doing equally well in academics and represented the south-western command at the national-level quiz competition, said Ranjodh Singh, economics teacher.

“We emphasise on all-round development of the students and a unique feature introduced by us is noting down the day-to-day experience in diaries,” said Rupinder Kaur, principal of the school. “It helps us to know the basic nature of every kid, as every student is a different individual with different needs,” she pointed out.

She said the main thrust is on inculcating moral and human values, so essential for preparing the students to become good human beings and contribute to society.

In appreciation of the achievements of the students, president, Chetak AWWA, Rashmi Saujlana, on Wednesday presented gifts to the students of class X and XII and wished them luck in the forthcoming examinations.

Bathinda, January 16
Due to bird flu scare in West Bengal, the egg prices have crashed causing another setback to the poultry industry.

As per details gathered from North Zone Broiler Breeders Association, export of eggs to Middle-East, Afghanistan and Russian sub continent have stopped as India has been declared a bird-flu prone country.

Egg, which was selling in the wholesale market for a price of Rs 190 per 100 pieces few days ago have gone down to almost Rs 150 per 100 pieces today.

“But thankfully, due to the awareness level of people going up, the chicken market has survived the damage so far, with the broiler prices at Delhi market remaining stable today at Rs 48 to 52 per kg as compared to Rs 48 to 50 per kg on Monday last. As many as 110-120 vehicle loaded with broilers were sold on Monday there and today around the number was 130,” Surjit Singh Sagri, chairman, North Zone Broiler Breeders Association told the TNS.

“India exports around 40-50 containers of eggs with almost 5 lakh eggs each in each container every day. Due to bird flu in West Bengal, the Union Ministry of Agriculture has declared India as a bird flu prone country. That is why, other countries have stopped import of eggs from India, resulting in loss to egg farmers and prices of eggs going down,” Sagri added.

He further said, “For quiet some time, we have been demanding from the government to divide the poultry industry into different zones i.e. east, west, north and south. So that if there is any problem like that of bird flu in any of the zones, that particular zone can be quarantined. In this regard, we have also given several representations to the government but have not received any positive response from their side.”

“The bird flu has become a regular feature now and this problem surfaces just because some people do not follow proper vaccination procedures. Due to such people, the whole industry suffers. Anywhere in the country, if a poultry farmer is taking this industry as a business, he follows all types of precautions and even vaccination is done in time,” rued P.P.S. Gill, executive member, National Egg Co-ordination Committee (NECC).

“Last time, when bird flu surfaced in the country, the Punjabi poultry farmers suffered a daily loss of almost Rs 2 crore,” Jatinder Singh, a Ludhiana based poultry farmer said.

Abohar, January 16
The Sriganganagar Sugar Mills Limited, a government undertaking, partially resumed working late Tuesday evening after 10 days of turmoil that farmers had gone through. The farmers, who had made a beeline with their tractor-trolleys loaded with their sugarcane produce for past 10 days, looked relieved today.

However, they were still keeping the option to sell their produce to the Fazilka Cooperative Sugar Mills Limited, near Bodiwala Peetha village on the Abohar-Fazilka road (NH-10) open provided they were offered remunerative price.

According to information, the 60-year-old mills at Sriganganagar had outlived.

As the hit and trial methods to make the boilers operational during past fortnight failed, the mills’ officials finally sought help from a company of experts chipped in from Kota for the purpose.

Two small boilers were made operational on Tuesday evening while another was successfully treated this afternoon. However, the engineers advised that the third one should not be used till Wednesday night.

Sources pleading anonymity said the authorities had not taken reasonable care while expediting the maintenance work during the off-season.

The authorities today resolved that in the second phase of sugarcane processing, preference would be given to derive spirit out of raw material. This would help in saving as much as Rs 1 crore, they said.

The district collector Bhawani Singh Detha has asked the electricity board officials to ensure the interruption-free power supply in order to clear the backlog.

As advised by the engineers, the authorities have decided to crush the sugarcane for 12 hours a day and to prepare sugar during the remaining period.

Some farmers from Raisinghnagar, Padampur and Srikaranpur areas informed that they had been waiting for the sugarcane processing for past 11 days and regretted sowing the sugarcane crop relying on the diversification plan propounded by the government.

They had been informed that some legislators from Sriganganagar district were in touch with the Punjab government to divert supplies to the cooperative sugar mills at Bodiwala Peetha village, which would mean further transportation of produce for about 53 km.

They had faced a lot of problems as the night-temperature fell to as low as 3 degree and the mills lacked even the basic amenities for the farmers.

The loaded vehicles were still queued up on the road outside the mills.

Barnala, January 16
To lodge their protest against the inaction of the agriculture department to provide reprieve to a farmer, whose produce had been destroyed because of poor quality seeds, hundreds of framers, led by various farmers’ organisations belonging to Shaina block, staged a dharna before the agriculture office at Pahrwahi bazaar here today.

Hardeep Singh Tallewal, press secretary of the BKU informed that Nirmal Singh, a farmer of Tallewal village, purchased Bt cotton seeds from a local store. He took three acres of land on a contract basis to bring up the produce. But because of the poor quality of seeds, his crop was destroyed.

To fight for his cause, various farmers’ organisation staged a dharna before the store but to no avail. Later, the unions complained to the deputy commissioner, Barnala, in writing. Finally, the farmers gathered to hold a dharna here today.

The farmers demanded that a case be registered against the seed store in Barnala, who was selling poor quality Bt cotton seeds to the farmers and that the aggrieved farmer be suitably compensated.

The union leaders alleged that the agriculture department was hand in glove with the private firms.

Moga, January 16
Panjgranhi police station apprehended three persons and registered a case for reportedly firing at a cavalcade of Sukhbir Singh Badal, working president, SAD. The accused are Narinder Singh, son of famous Punjabi lyricist Makhan Brar, resident of Mallke village, Jaspal Singh of Panjgranhi Kalan and Jaswinder Singh of Panjgranhi Khurd.

As per the police version, the three tried to fire at Sukhbir’s cavalcade when he was going to Takhtupura village (Moga) to address a rally on January 14 from Faridkot. The police also seized a .12-gun and cartridges of .315 and .32-bore guns.

Families of the three accused, however, claimed that there was no reason for them to fire at the convoy, adding that they had been firing in the air in a nearby village unaware of the passing cavalcade.

Moga, January 16
With a view to send a strong message to locals on the directions of Satwant Singh Johal, deputy commissioner, the local police registered a case against one Vipan Kumar, resident of Chakki Wala Gali, under section 4/5 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules and 188 of the IPC at the police station, city.

The offender was playing high-pitched music at around 11:30 pm.

Johal said a letter had been despatched to the municipal council, temples, gurdwaras, mosques and panchayats to comply with the clauses of the Noise Pollution Rules.

According to medical experts, noise can have harmful effects on adolescents’ education, occupational environment and transportation apart from rendering sleep disorders, neural-effects, hearing damage and physiological effects.

Bathinda, January 16
Just a few hours after appointing his successor, Bhai Teerath Singh, priest of Tikana Sahib, situated at Goniana, passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday night.

Sources said Bhai Teerath Singh had been living at Tikana Sahib for the last 33 years. During his lifetime, he performed religious ceremonies in England, the US, Canada and Australia.

Teerath attended the religious annual programme, held at his place, from January 13 to 15. He complained of chest pain on Tuesday and within moments, he passed away. His body had been kept at Darbar hall so that people can pay their tributes.

The body will be cremated on the morning of January 17 at Bhai Aasa Singh Girls College.

Bhai Teerath Singh was the founder of various schools and colleges situated in the region and after his death, all these institutions have been declared closed for two days in mourning. Bhai Kahan Singh has been appointed as his successor.— TNS