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Music band owner alleges police torture
Ludhiana, May 5 Gagreen, the complainant, was in the city yesterday for a function organised at Sutlej Club. He alleged that a policeman used derogatory language for his models who were on duty at a liquor stall put up by him. He said when he objected, the cop started misbehaving with him and took him to the bus stand police post, where he allegedly used third degree torture on Gagreen. It was after the intervention of several members of the club that he was released, he claimed. He said he complained to the division number 5 police, but no action was taken. He complained to the SSP this afternoon. The case has been marked to the SP City-I. The SHO of Division number 5, Shawinder Singh Dhillon, said he had received a complaint against Gagreen by his models, saying that he was misbehaving with them. He said a medical report by the civil hospital in the case had revealed that he had taken liquor. It was the duty of the police to intervene and he was complaining against it now. Gagreen alleged that the police was trying to protect its personnel.
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Summer vacation is here, but no books yet
Ludhiana, May 5 Sources in the board said the department was short of around 25 books which were not available in the market. Teachers are also confused about the teaching material as no syllabus has been issued by the board so far. According to the board’s book depot at Punjabi Bhawan, Hindi books of Classes II and VIII, English reader of Class V, Punjabi reader of Class VI, social science of Class VIII and environment studies of Class XII have not been sent by the education board. “The board should start providing books on time and only after that should it think of introducing semester system. It would have been catastrophic for students if the board had gone ahead with the semester system. How can they think of introducing it if it can’t provide books on time?” asked Sidharth, a student of Class XII. Though these books are not available in the market, the guides of most subjects are available. Even booksellers are concerned over the shortage of books. “Parents and children ask for books, but no book has been made available by the board due to which we are facing heavy losses,” Jagjit Singh, a book seller, said. Booksellers from nearby towns said the board should give them prior information regarding the availability of books at its depots. Rajinder Singh, a bookseller from Raikot, said, “It is always risky to carry money while travelling. The department should give prior information regarding the availability of books with them.” “I was told today that the books were available with the board’s depot at Punjabi Bhawan, but when I reached there, I was told that the books were not available with the department,” he claimed. Suresh Kumar Tandon, vice-chairman of the board, said, “The department is concerned about the situation and the books will be available before May 15.”
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NGO to look into boiler
blast case
Ludhiana, May 5 Several labourers were injured in the incident. The president of the association, in a written statement here today, said the association had taken note of accidents and incidents of repression against
labourers. A fact-finding committee headed by Prof Jagmohan Singh would probe into the matter and find out under what circumstances the boiler blast took place. It would also see whether the unit had taken all measures mandatory for running a dyeing and why rescue operations started so late. The committee would also look into the role played by the district administration, the labour department and the police. “It is sad that the factory owner has not compensated the blast victim so far. We would not tolerate any human rights violation,” said
Maleri.
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Two held with 105 stolen
wheat bags
Ludhiana, May 5 DSP Manjit Singh Dhesi said the accused had stolen the bags from various FCI stores in the district. He further said the involvement of some FCI employees who had been reportedly hand in glove with the accused had not been ruled out. Investigations were on in the case, he added.
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Residents go without water for 3 days
Ludhiana, May 5 Residents staged a dharna near the tubewell today and demanded immediate restoration of water supply. They said they had complained to the area councillor and contractor of the tubewell and they were told that the motor running the tubewell had developed a snag. “Can anyone imagine that in this weather we are doing without water. It seems as if we are living in a desert and we have to carry water in buckets for our daily needs,” said Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of the area. They were forced to wash clothes in the houses of their relatives. Those who did not have relatives nearby, were waiting for the water supply to be restored, they said. The husband of the councillor, Rupamdeep Kaur Malhi, tried to pacify them by assuring them that the snag would be rectified soon. Later, he said the tubewell had been repaired and residents were getting water, but several residents said they were still not getting the water as only taps installed at a low level were drawing water.
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Display of Snakes
Ludhiana, May 5 Python and other snakes were illegally displayed at a training session at Ropar last month. Earlier, an animal welfare officer had complained of a similar show in Ludhiana on March 8. PFA vice-president Sashi Kant said reptiles were kept in plastic drums for months together and ferried from one place to the other with the help of wildlife/forest officials. It was not only violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act but also of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). He said just as going to protected forests without the permission of the CWW of state was illegal, so was the capturing and keeping wildlife in captivity without the CWW’s permission. Moreover, keeping rescued animals also required recognition from the CZA and the latter had confirmed that neither had the organisation been recognised nor had it applied for the same. Honorary wildlife warden and chief coordinator of CAPE-India (Care of Animals and Protection of Environment ) Dr Sandeep K. Jain said reports were shocking. He said the rescued animal should be sent to its habitat without delay and should not be kept for long in captivity, as it would become difficult and unsafe for such animal, for it got used to readymade food and human handling. Their preying instinct and resistance was lost and they perished in forests. If the animal was sick it should be sent to the rescue centre or nearby zoo where veterinary aid and other infrastructure was available. International PFA chairman Naresh Kumar has said that reptile handling was a complex and sensitive issue and should be done by authorised people.
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Cong councillors resent case registration
Ludhiana, May 5 Led by their leader Prem Mittal, the councillors said they would demand that the Congress councillors should not be booked under political clout from the ruling party and an inquiry should be conducted before registering a case against them. Referring to the past wherein Gurpreet Singh Bassi and Sushil Raju Thapar were booked in two different cases, the councillors said the cases were false and they were falsely implicated. They said they would take up the matter with Congress high command and meet PPCC supremo Rajinder Kaur Bhattal for her intervention.
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Race to get poll duty cancelled
Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 5 However, despite best efforts and assurances by leaders, they could not get it cancelled. Accusing officials of harassing women teachers by deputing them at remote places, office-bearers of teacher unions have urged the authorities to review the duty list. It is reported that the district administration had waived the poll duty of some handicapped employees and couple cases. A large number of employees, who had been directed to attend rehearsal sessions at various places in Sangrur and Ludhiana districts, had tried to evade duty. This resulted in “unsympathetic” consideration of genuine cases also. “The number of applications demanding cancellation of duty on medical grounds is so high that we are unable to differentiate between fake and genuine medical certificates,” an official said, adding that employees with genuine problems have been asked to put their cases before the deputy commissioner, Sangrur. Inder Jit Sharma, president of the Mulazim Dal, maintained that the deputation of women employees at distant places had aggravated the problem. “While teachers of a local private school were asked to report for election rehearsal at Bhawanigarh, those from the southern end of the district were deputed at Malerkotla subdivision. The employees should have been deployed near their place of posting,” he said. Records of some private schools revealed that some teachers had availed casual leave to arrange for the cancellation of election duty on holidays. Employees, who had been advised complete rest by doctors, were seen hanging around offices of administrative officers for hours. As the administration has passed strict orders regarding the performance of election duty, even employees with problems are scared of legal action in case of default. Failure to report for duty would attract cognizable penal provisions under Section 134 of the RPI Act and an FIR will be registered against defaulters. This warning has been given in the order. Nirmal Singh and Ram Singh, office-bearers of the SCBC Teachers Union, and Sikander Singh Jartoli, of the Government Teachers Union, alleged that the administration had disrupted the study programme at schools by deputing the staff on non-teaching jobs.
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Panchayat Poll
Ludhiana, May 5 However, in the absence of consensus, the party would put up its candidates wherever possible and also enter alliances with like-minded parties. Addressing a two-day general session which concluded at Dule village in this district today, Bittu said the party would observe “ghalooghara” week. The delegate session of the party approved the draft constitution of the party after certain amendments and party leaders said the constitution would be made public during the next few days.
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Teachers’ Union
Sahnewal, May 5 Sharing his future plans with this correspondent, Hundal said he along with his executive committee members and teachers working in private affiliated colleges would try to put forth their demands before the government and continue to maintain pressure for the implementation of at least those demands that were for the betterment of both teachers and students. Hundal said he would try to get the Johal committee report implemented in toto and also strive to get the 80:20 scheme on the model of UP accepted by the government. He averred that his main focus would be on the betterment of rural colleges. There had been numerous complaint from teachers of local private colleges where principals and managements were openly violating government as well as university calendar norms, he added. He assured of looking into such cases. He asked teachers to bring such cases to the notice of the union so that no teacher was harassed by the authorities. Hundal pledged to fight for the cause of the union and impress upon the government for the restoration of 95 per cent grant-in-aid, lifting of ban on recruitment and conversion of posts, pension and gratuity for college teachers apart from implementing the CAS and grade of 14,940 of DPEs librarians, annual stagnation increments, exemption of RC and OC up to June ’07, HRA for rural colleges, feeder grade, total service benefits, arrears of DA merger worth Rs 23 crore, difference of allowances from January 1, 96 to February, 1999 worth Rs 23 crore and arrears of additionally worth Rs 9.69 crore, etc.
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Rageshwari delights audience
Ludhiana, May 5 Models from Mumbai also sashayed down the ramp on the occasion. Rageshwari was joined by her father who is the composer of her albums. Adhering to the court’s order, the organisers concluded the programme well in time.
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Green Park Sabha
Ludhiana, May 5 The elected members were honoured by Nand Lal Pruthi, Harish Chhabra, Sarbjit Dhanda and Ajay Chowdhary.
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Success eludes tehbazaari team
Ludhiana, May 5 Later, a spokesperson for the MC told mediapersons that as many as 100 jhuggis were removed from the place. The jhuggi dwellers said they were asked to leave by the police. When it left, the dwellers came back.
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Don’t be rubber stamps: ZP
candidate
Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 5 “Though I have been helping women in distress and those who are victims of marital discord, it will become easier for me to get grants for welfare of other sections of society if I win the election,” she said. Women who get elected should not act as rubber stamps for their husbands. Instead, they should play an active role in restructuring society, she said. “While my husband and sons, who are Congress leaders, may help me in assessing problems of 27 villages, I must know that the purpose of reservation for women will not be solved if I hand over my rights to any them,” she added.
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PSIEC blamed for wire rod shortage
Ludhiana, May 5 Association general secretary Suresh Gupta said the PSIEC was placing booking for a much higher quantity of material even though its requirement was not as high. “It is also misusing the JPC discount. The PSIEC asks the SSI units to book maximum quantity of wire rods through them only to show it to the ministry of steel that the demand was high. They are doing so only to avail of the benefit of JPC discount. Besides, they are delivering the material directly from the stockyard of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Liminted (RINL), which is against the policy of the ministry,” alleged Gupta.
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Letters
Edible commodities like garlic, onion, ginger, tomato, vegetables, pulses, etc. are consumed by households and hotel industry every day. However, with the increase in population, their demand has increased manifold. But their production has not gone up enough to keep up with the demand. The cultivation of these consumable commodities need to be enhanced to keep a tab on the prices that tend to spiral every year. The ongoing inflation has broken the back of the middle class and Punjab needs to rely on its resources. The area under rice/paddy cultivation also needs to be reduced by bringing it under maize, wheat, fruits, cotton, etc. cultivation. Farmers who follow this cropping pattern should be suitably rewarded. Jai Gopal Kusla, Haibowal Kalan
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2 get 12-yr RI for possessing narcotics
Ludhiana, May 5 Delivering the verdict, the judge held that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges levelled against the accused beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt. The judge also ordered both convicts to pay fine of Rs 1 lakh each. According to the prosecution, a police party headed by inspector Satnam Singh, in charge CIA staff Khann, was on patrol duty when they pulled over a truck near Phaijgarh chowk. When the police party searched the truck, 20 bags of poppy husk, each weighing 35 kg, were seized from the possession of the accused. Thereafter, a case under Section 15 of the NDPS Act was registered against the accused at Sadar Khanna police station on January 28, 2001.
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Electroplating units want
cluster started soon
Ludhiana, May 5 The association, which has identified two sites for the cluster, has received 100 applications and has extended the last date for receiving applications to May 20. “Formation of the cluster would help this industry in a big way. Apart from infrastructural facilities and a good working environment, it would help units get rid of various procedural hassles. We are now keen on roping in units that are located in residential areas and constantly face a threat of closure,” said Joginder Kumar, president of the association, while addressing mediapersons here today. He said if units located in residential areas joined the cluster, they would not have to bother about pollution norms as they would get the facility of a treatment plant. Giving details of plots that the association intends to allocate, he said over 400 plots of 200, 500 and 1,000 sq yards would be given. “After the government gave its approval for the cluster, we have been working at a fairly good pace and are serious towards implementing the project at the earliest. “The association had a meeting with the consultant for the preparation of project report and is also contemplating tie-ups with financial institutions and banks. Besides, we would forge liaison to ensure regular power supply,” he added.
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Paddy Sowing
Ludhiana, May 5 In a press statement today, district agricultural officer Dr Yadwinder Singh Chhina said the water level was fast depleting in the state. Hence, farmers must not sow paddy before May 10 and its transplant must be started after June 15 to avoid water crises. He said those violating the orders would be penalised Rs 10,000. “It is for the interest of the farmers, too, as there are more chances of pest/insecticide attack on early-sown crop,” said Dr Chhina, adding that department workers were regularly visiting villages, making farmers aware about water-depletion. “The PAU is also playing a vital role in increasing awareness among farmers to sow late paddy,” he added.
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Testing time for PAU students
Ludhiana, May 5 Early-morning showers accompanied by cool breeze came as a pleasant surprise to students today as many of them were seen studying in groups at various spots on the campus. Though they have not been given preparatory holidays before examination, since their syllabi are almost covered, they have started preparing on their own. Aditi Wadhwa, who is doing diploma in journalism and mass communication, said she had come to the campus today to submit her project and complete one of her assignments. “Only those students come to the campus who either have certain doubts or have to complete their assignments. Teachers are showing concern for us and are solving the problems in a sympathetic manner. But examination fear haunts me,” she said. Raghwinder Singh, a student of college of agriculture, said the atmosphere on the campus was calm during morning and evening hours. “Being a hosteler, I can take round of the campus any time. Away from my roommates, I prefer to sit alone in the lawns for hours and study. Learning becomes much easier when cool breeze blows in the early-morning hours,” he said. Another students of the college of agricultural engineering, Sukhdev, said their theory examinations would conclude on May 21. “We hope that the examination will be conducted peacefully and there will be no hiccups like strike, etc. Last time around, students were divided into two factions — one wanting to take the examination, while the other against it. Students had to suffer because of petty politics among student leaders,” he said.
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From Schools
Ludhiana, May 5 Dr Gurinder Singh, who specialises in gynaecology and naturopathy, talked about health problems prevalent among students like blood pressure, spondylitis, backache, arthritis, migraine, etc. He demonstrated exercises that, if practised for a few minutes daily, could help one stay fit. He also talked about the importance of correct body posture and emphasised on staying away from cosmetics and gels especially before the age of 25 years. He gave anecdotes to reduce pimples, blemishes and facial hair. A similar session was organised for KVM staff. Function: Alpine International Senior Secondary School organised its annual prize distribution function last evening. Rotary Club Ludhiana president S.P. Karkara presided over the function as the chief guest. Principal Rajeshwari Dhir welcomed the chief guest and highlighted the value of studies and extracurricular activities. Meritorious students and winners of competitions like art, music heritage, quiz, etc. were honoured with medals, certificates and other prizes. Students also presented a cultural programme. Later, Dhir gave a vote of thanks to the chief guest. She also lauded students for their achievements.
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Sacred Heart honours student
Ludhiana, May 5 School director Father Davis, principal Sister Sobel and staff congratulated her for the achievement. A ceremony was organised in the school to felicitate her. “She has done them proud by winning accolades,” said teaching staff of the school.
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World Asthma Day Today
Ludhiana, May 5 To mark the event, functionaries of Punjab state branch of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) will interact with parents of students from DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, at a workshop being organised by the academy. Stating this, Dr Rajinder Gulati, state president of the IAP, said the aim was to emphasise that effective asthma treatment existed and with proper diagnosis, education, and treatment, a great majority of asthma patients could achieve and maintain good control of their disease. On the incidence of disease, he observed: “Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, with an estimated 300 million individuals affected worldwide, imposing a heavy burden on individuals, families, and societies. Its prevalence is increasing, especially among children. The condition can be effectively treated and most patients can achieve good control of their disease. When asthma is under control, patients can live full and active lives.” Dr Gulati maintained that asthma was not just a public health problem for high-income countries — it occurs in all countries regardless of level of development. Over 80 per cent asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries and the number is expected to increase by almost 20 per cent in the next 10 years if urgent action is not taken. The disease affects one in 20 persons, but the incidence is one in 10 in children. It can develop at any age, but some children seem to outgrow the illness. Risk factors include self or family history of eczema, allergies or family history of asthma. He pointed out that even though asthma could not be cured, appropriate management could control the disorder and enable people to enjoy good quality of life. If symptoms occur, short-term medications are used to relieve them. People with moderate to severe asthma must take long-term medication daily to control the underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms and attacks. At the same time, it is also important to avoid asthma triggers, the stimuli that irritate and inflame the airways. Although asthma does not kill on the scale of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic diseases, failure to use appropriate medications or to adhere to treatment can lead to preventable deaths, Dr Gulati added.
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CME
Ludhiana, May 5 He was delivering a guest lecture at a CME on “Current trends in management of bronchial asthma” organised by Dayanand Medical College and Hospital on the eve of “World Asthma Day” here today. He emphasised that regular medication should be taken for proper control of symptoms related to asthma as bronchial asthma still remained one of the greatest concerns among chest specialists. DMCH vice-principal and head of chest diseases Dr Jagdeep Whig welcomed the guest faculty and other delegates. DMCH’s former principal Dr S.B. Khurana was the moderator, while professor in pulmonary medicine Dr Updesh Sidhu and chest consultant at Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Charitable Hospital Dr Pardeep Kapoor were the panelists at the CME. Participating in the discussion, Dr Whig said a recent analysis of asthmatics had shown that those afflicted with both rhinitis and asthma were more likely to have night-time awakening due to asthma, miss work and require more specific medications to control their symptoms. According to Dr Khurana, most characteristic features of asthma included breathlessness, cough and wheezing. The attack often occurred at night but might also occur abruptly due to one of the many precipitating factors. The patient often experienced a tight sensation in the chest along with dry cough. Professor of pulmonary medicine at DMCH Dr U.P.S. Sidhu said asthma patients with mild symptoms (infrequent attacks like exercise-induced asthma) could use their relief medication as needed, but those with persistent problems should take their control medications on regular basis to prevent symptoms from occurring. A severe asthma attack required a medical evaluation and might even require hospitalisation with oxygen, intravenous therapy and medications being required. Dr Kapoor stated that asthma medication were taken orally or inhaled in vapour form using a metered-dose inhaler. It was a hand-held pump that delivered medicine directly to the airways of the patient. Compliance with medication was the best way of controlling asthma, he emphasised.
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100 examined at check-up camp
Ludhiana, May 5 The camp was inaugurated by vice-principal Dr Jagdeep Whig, who was accompanied by medical superintendent Dr Sandeep Puri. Over 100 patients were examined at the camp. Besides conducting thorough examination of asthma patients, the consultants also advised them to take adequate precautions and lead a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet and taking regular exercises. The patients were also given counselling on different respiratory diseases like bronchitis, etc. and suggested various preventive measures. Dr Whig, professor and head of chest diseases, said asthma had dramatically risen worldwide over the past decades, both in developed and developing countries. He said symptoms varied in severity from occasional mild bouts of breathlessness to daily wheezing that persisted despite taking large doses of medication. Interacting with patients, Dr Puri, professor and head of medicine, advised them to avoid or control the triggers that led to asthma attacks as prevention part was as important as the treatment of the disease. He said when asthma was suspected, the patient should vividly describe to the doctor the patterns related to the symptoms and possible precipitating factors. The patients coming to the camp for consultation were provided registration, medicines and tests like spirometry, urine (routine) and blood-sugar test free of cost, while other OPD investigation and indoor treatment in general ward, excluding usage of medical equipment, was offered to them at subsidised cost. Besides asthma check-up, patients in need of consultation in other specialties like paediatrics, orthopaedics, surgery, urology, obstetrics and gynaecology were also attended to at the camp.
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British doctor for awareness
on epilepsy
Ludhiana, May 5 He delivered a lecture on basic aspects of epilepsy to the faculty and students of the institution. In his presentation, Dr Duncan emphasised the recognition of different types of epileptic seizures using video demonstrations. He underlined the need to create awareness about information needs of people with epilepsy. “People with epilepsy need to be aware that driving as long as their epilepsy is not controlled can lead to serious road accidents. In the UK, if anyone has an epileptic seizures, he or she will not be able to drive till there are no seizures for one year. Cooking on fire is similarly hazardous to people with epilepsy. If they have an epileptic seizure during cooking on open fire, they can sustain life-threatening burns,” he pointed out. According to the expert, there was a dire need to improve understanding of the disorder among public in order to remove the stigma that was attached with epilepsy. The truth was that people with epilepsy could virtually do anything, including get married, have children and lead absolutely normal married lives. Dr Duncan later interacted with the faculty of the radiology department on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the investigation of epilepsy. He offered to collaborate with the department regarding training and interpretation of MRI studies of epilepsy patients. The department of radiology routinely performed epilepsy protocol MRIs at DMCH. The talk was chaired by professor of neurology at DMCH Dr Gagandeep Singh and among those present during the lecture were vice-principal Dr Jagdeep Whig, medical superintendent Dr Sandeep Puri and faculty from the various other specialties. Dr Duncan also reviewed certain patients who were taken up for pre-surgical evaluation of epilepsy in the department of neurology.
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TT academy for budding players
Ludhiana, May 5 A former banker, Jawahar Bhandari, has an illustrious career as a table tennis player and donned the raquet for almost two decades. He has represented many states during his stint as a bank official and won accolades for 15 consecutive years. Participating in the national masters meet earlier this year, Jawahar won triple crown. Besides, Jawahar imparts coaching to young players at Delhi Public School, Kundan Vidya Mandir, and Ramji Lal Bhasin Public School. “Table tennis is a safe game and sharpens reflexes, improves eyesight and concentration, in addition to reducing body weight,” he opined.
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