Ludhiana, August 10
The district health authorities have suspended the registration of Dashmesh Charitable Hospital ultrasound centre following a series of raids conducted in different parts of the district, sources said here today.

The records of the machine were found incomplete following which the licence was suspended and the machine sealed.

At least 40 different hospitals and clinics having ultrasound facilities were raided by five teams constituted by civil surgeon Dr Satpal Sharma.

The health authorities issued show-cause notices to at least nine centres during the exercise.

Inspections were carried out by the teams under the leadership of Dr U.S. Sooch, Dr B.S. Kalsi, Dr Tarikjot Singh, Dr Reema Sandhu and Dr H.K. Singla at different places in Khanna, Samrala, Raikot, Payal and Jagraon areas.

The healthcare centres that have been issued show-cause notices for inconsistencies in records include: Jeevan Eye and Maternity Hospital, Jeevan Jot Clinic, Jain Bawaseer Hospital (all in Khanna), Balwant Singh Aujla Hospital, Samrala, Goyal Diagnostic Centre, Raikot, and Mangat Nursing Home, Doraha.

Ludhiana, August 10
With craters staring at motorists, most city roads have become a nightmare for them even as the municipal corporation sleeps over the problem. The MC faces a huge expenditure on account of damage caused to roads as most of these have been washed away. While a lot of hue and cry is being raised, the MC seems to be unmoved. Some days ago, the MC began a patchwork on some roads, but a lot more need attention.

The busy Haibowal road has developed huge potholes. Residents have complained about the matter but to no avail.

Things have turned for the worse after recent rains. The top layer has been washed away. After every rain, the road turns into a mud puddle.

“The potholes have damaged vehicles and residents have started complaining of developing health problems like backache due to the bumpy ride. However, no one seems to be bothered,” said Arun Kumar, a Haibowal resident.

He added that the sewerage board had started laying sewerage on a stretch of the road two months ago.

The project is yet to be completed, thus compounding the problems of residents. “We do not know how long it will take. Building a skyscraper takes less time here than laying a sewerage,” he remarked.

The state of Jassian Road is no different. It was also dug for laying of sewerage, however, the road was not levelled even after the completion of the work. “It is hard to believe that the road is in one of the most important cities of Punjab,” said Venu Prashad, a resident. The top layer on some stretches of the Tibba road was also washed away during rains.

On a normal day, passing vehicles left a cloud of dust on the road. On a rainy day, the road was converted into a slush. R.L. Mahajan, an office-bearer of Technocrats Forum, an NGO, said potholed roads and eroded patches were the order of the day in posh colonies like BRS Nagar, Sarabha Nagar and Gurdev Nagar.

Every day, a minor accident was reported due to bad roads. “People have fallen and sustained injuries. Why are we paying taxes if we are not to be provided with civic amenities?” said Mahajan.

MC functionaries said with the coming in of new commissioner, the matter would be considered afresh. They said they were waiting for the rains to subside before inviting tenders.

Ludhiana, August 10
In a fresh twist to the two-month-long controversy over alleged fake claimants of 1984-Sikh riot victim compensation, the division No. 5 police booked a Model Town resident for allegedly getting a compensation of Rs 2 lakh on fake documents.

SHO Shawinder Singh Dhillon said the accused, Mohinder Singh, had made two fake ration cards on the basis of which he prepared a red card issued to riot victims.

The red card was eventually used to take compensation of Rs 2 lakh.

The police registered a case on the complaint of Avtar Singh, a city resident, who exposed the fake document case.

SHO Dhillon said no one had been arrested so far and investigation was on to find out if more persons had got the fake ration cards.

Ludhiana, August 10
The Basti Jodhewal police has arrested five youths in connection with the last evening’s clash between two groups of alleged local goons.

Those arrested included Inderjit of Amargarh, Nabha youths Pappa, Amarjit and Raju along with Tajpur resident Sandy.

The police has registered a case against over 15 youths for rioting and firing. Police sources said both groups had an old enmity.

The sources said the two groups were led by Jinda and Pandit, respectively. The groups had clashed near the main Basti Jodhewal chowk.

Two passersby — Jaswinder Singh and his son Gurjit, both juice vendors — were caught in the crossfire and injured.

The sources said both groups had a history of criminal cases against them. They were supposed to meet at the place of compromise but clashed when one group thought the other, with more supporters, was about to attack them.

Ludhiana, August 10
Farm households in Punjab spend proportionately less on food items, including cereals, milk and milk products, sugar and meat, as compared to non-food items like housing, lighting, medicine, travelling, education, religious and social activities.

The revelations were made in a study on “Structural changes in consumption behaviour and market linkages of farm households in Punjab” by Vishal Khullar, associate (farm management), PAMETI, under the guidance of Dr M.K. Sekhon, farm economist, department of economics, PAU.

According to the findings, 65 per cent of the total expenditure outlay of farm households was spent on non-food items and only 36 per cent on food items in the present decade.

In 1970s, the expenditure used to be 56 per cent on food and 44 per cent on non-food items. “It implies that with the advent of Green Revolution, farm economy of the state has improved beyond doubt, which has given farm households a liberty to spend more on non-food items,” said Vishal.

The study further revealed that for meeting household requirements, the dependence of farm households on market had increased in comparison to the dependence on goods furnished from farm sector itself.

In 1970s, 50 per cent farm household requirements were met from farm production but currently 80 per cent of their requirements were being met through commodities available in market.

He added: “It indicates that market linkages have improved but at the same time such a dependency on market has exposed the farm economy more to market risks, which is even truer in post-WTO era, as the global market forces are comparatively more volatile than those in domestic one.”

Another interesting finding showed that although proportionate expenditure on junk food and luxury items had comparatively increased but the consumption of meat among farm families had not changed over a period of four decades.

The average consumption of mutton, which was just 1.5 kg per capita per annum in 1970s remained same even now.

Here, the study revealed that though stronger marketing linkages had given rise to consumerism, it could not change the deep social values.

COMMUNITY

City residents in gridlock
Anshu Seth
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Honking of horns, automobile collision, vehicular gridlock is what bothers the city populace settled on west of Sidhwan Canal. In recent past, a large number of urban colonies have come up on this side resulting in the increase of vehicular traffic on the canal bridges.

A decade ago, urbanisation was limited to colonies like Urban Estate Dugri, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, BRS Nagar, Aggar Nagar and the width of the bridges was adequate to cater to the traffic.

The traffic has increased manifold over the past five years as the city has expanded sizably across the Sidhwan Canal. But the local bodies have failed to take the initiative to widen the bridges thereby subjecting the commuters to traffic troubles.

It is a nightmare for the students going to DAV Public School in BRS Nagar, BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School in Basant Avenue, Sat Pal Mittal School in Phase I Dugri, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School in BRS Nagar, Tagore Public School in Aggar Nagar. Every afternoon, the school vehicles are caught up on these bridges and students have to brave the humid weather for 20-30 minutes inside the vehicles.

Private buses going to various villages on the Gill road, Dugri Dhandra road, Pakhowal road, Ferozepur road also ply on the same route. Distressed over the prevailing conditions, Himank Saini, a resident of Vishal Nagar, said, "We have been listening to the hollow promises made by councillors, administrators and senior politicians for earliest efforts to initiate work on these bridges, but not a brick has been moved so far. Passing through the jams every morning and evening adds to the stress," rued the resident.

Dr Harleen, a resident of Urban Estate Dugri, speaking in her professional capacity termed traffic jams as the reason behind increase in cases of 'road rage'. "It is a common sight to see people involved in scuffles during peak traffic hours at all above intersections which is unhealthy for young as well as old drivers," the doctor informed.

Ludhiana, August 10
King Multitech Global Pvt Ltd, a Ludhiana-based healthcare company, marketing cell phone chip that saves the users from ill-effects of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR), today announced that "King Bio-Pro Chip" has secured international safety certifications of CE Mark, S-Mark and RoHS.

The chip, recently launched in northern region, is a product which when installed on any mobile phone, reduces the ill-effects of EMR emitted from cell phones by nearly 80 percent. "The company will soon roll out the products in other markets across the country," said Karan Goel, CEO of the company, in a press release here today.

"Studies conducted in different parts of the world have revealed that long term exposure to EMR can cause cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cardiac arrest, diabetes, high blood pressure, leukaemia, infertility and attention deficiency disorder among the cell phone users. Exhaustive research was conducted on the King Bio-Pro 
Cell chip at various institutions in India and abroad before it was launched for end users," claimed Goel.

Explaining the international certifications accorded to the chip, he stated the CE marking certifies that a product has met all the necessary requirements pertaining to EU health, safety, and environmental requirements and whereas the S-Mark was a visible mark ensuring safety.

The RoHS Certification, Goel further informed, stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances."

RoHS certification and testing ensured that the products sold under this certification did not contain harmful metals like lead, cadmium, mercury etc above the legal threshold.

This certification is used by regulatory authorities who are introducing new ways to reduce the environmental impact and potential hazards of wastes from electrical and telecommunication sector equipments.

Ludhiana, August 10
The Adarsh Lane Welfare Society celebrated vanamahotsava by planting 100 saplings in the area here today. Councillor Roopamdip Kaur planted the first sapling. She highlighted the menace of air pollution and urged citizens to join hands in curbing the menace. Senior councillor Bharat Bhushan Ashu was the chief guest.

Roopamdip assured residents of improving the condition of roads. She also assured that the problem of waterlogging would be addressed within a fortnight. She added that funds would soon be sanctioned to start the levelling and metalling of road.

It is very easy to criticise whereas difficult to find a solution. Unfortunately, this is exactly the case with various departments entrusted with the responsibility of improving the living conditions of the city. Unless a committee consisting of the Pollution Control Board, Municipal Corporation, PWD and PSEB is formed, nothing tangible can be expected. This committee should be headed by the district magistrate and meet every fortnight to find solutions and review the progress.

Also, it will be a futile attempt if suggestions made in the meeting are not implemented.

Rising population with haphazard construction work right under the nose of corporation officials can be termed as the root cause of this problem. City residents must also cooperate for which, an awareness programme should be chalked out.

Krishan Chitkara, Ludhiana.

Readers are invited to mail letters (not more than 200 words) at "ludhiana@tribunemail.com" or post the same to The Tribune, 1, 2 Improvement Trust Building, Badaur House, Clock Tower, Ludhiana.

Ludhiana, August 10
Approximately 600 physical education teachers across the state, who have so far been attuned to routine physical exercises, are now learning yoga under the aegis of a trust being run by Swami Ram Dev.

Physical education teachers of the various government schools of the state are learning ways to overcome stress from the yoga trainers of Patanjli Yoga Peeth, Haridwar at 20 different centers across the state.

These physical education teachers further teach yoga asanas to their fellow colleagues as well as students.

Krishan Kumar, director of education said, “Our endeavour is to improve the physical standards of the teachers as well as the students. The education department has around 6000 PT's and DPE teachers working in various government schools of the state, who can be utilised to teach yoga to their fellow colleagues and students.”

He further said, “Students and teachers encounter various type of mental stress because of competitive environment. I believe, with yoga sessions the energies of students can be channelised for productive purposes.”

As many as 30 physical education teachers who are learning yoga at the government in-service training centre in Ludhiana have appreciated the effort made by the government.

Malwinder Singh Sekhon, a physical education teacher who is attending the camp said, “Yoga has never been a part of school curriculum. With increasing stress levels amongst students, the need to include yoga has been felt by the education department. It is equally beneficial for players of different disciplines.”

Krishan Chand Gupta, state president, Patanjli Yoga Peeth said, “Education department approached us to teach yoga to their physical education teachers and we provided the services free of cost. We taught them, how to manage stress and improve concentration with the help of different exercises.”

Ludhiana, August 10
To enhance the teaching calibre of teachers and to broaden their horizons, a workshop on effective English teaching was conducted at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, here today.

Rev father Francis M. Peter, a great visionary, aptly illustrated the intricacies of English language teaching. Currently, he is secretary and correspondent of Loyola College, reader in English and director of the Academy for Cumulative Excellence, Loyola.

The intellectual discourse refreshed the teachers and motivated them to make the teaching of English more dynamic and reality-oriented.

More than 100 English teachers from different branches of Sacred Heart schools attended the workshop.

Principal of the school Sr Sobel presented a token of gratitude to the resourceperson for inspiring the teaching faculty.

The workshop was organised by Ratna Sagar under the able guidance of Sunil Saraf, Mukul Kumar and Sunil Sharma. 

Ludhiana, August 10
The state education department is all set to provide 'remedial coaching' to the students of class VI, VII and VII.

This remedial coaching will start from August 16 under Sarv Shiksha Abhyan (SSA). Under the remedial programme, the students will be taught English, maths and science.

An official of the education department said the department was going to appoint volunteer teachers, with atleast a graduation degree to teach these students. They will teach students after the school hours from 3 pm to 5 pm. Each teacher will be given Rs 1,800 per month. The communication in this regard has been sent to all the government schools.

This is a continuous process for uplifting the education level in government middle schools of the state.

It is pertinent to mention here that there are around 500 middle schools in the district.

Ludhiana, August 10
Teaming up to mark the recent years of “renaissance” of Punjabi cinema, the crew of “Mera Pind, My Home” assembled at a multiplex here to announce their commitment to the Punjabi film industry.

“We are not going to rest till Punjabi movies are released in all 125 countries having Punjabi populace,” avowed Harbhajan Mann, lead actor in the movie.

“I have a rapport with Punjabis as a singer that has helped me reach across to the audience in Punjab and overseas also,” the singer said.

The singer-turned-actor ascribed the transformation of the image of Punjabi cinema in less than six years to the team organised by Manmohan Singh.

Mann said there was a time when cinemas wouldn’t let a Punjabi actor anywhere near their screens. “The sea change now is that the crew of ‘Mittin Wajjan Mardi’ inaugurated the multiplex here last year and we are back on their first anniversary with our forthcoming film ‘Mera Pind, My home’.”

Manmohan Singh, the writer, director and cinematographer of the movie, accredited with best cinematographer’s awards for Hindi movies “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge”, “Mohabbatein”, “Chandni”, “Darr”, is set to take Punjabi cinema to new heights.

Manmohan said: “It took us long to win a battle against our own people who had maligned the Punjabi cinema with the word ‘kabooterbaazi’. The nightmare is over as we have successfully given a new dimension to Punjabi cinema, which is evident from the success of our past ventures.”

The movie is a perfect blend of emotions and a cultural curtain raiser for the rest of the world, remarked Sarabjit Mangat, who plays an important role in the movie.

“When intentions are clear, the time is just right to bring back the lost glory of Punjabi cinema,” Mangat added.

The team was in the city to launch the music of the film. Babloo Kumar is the composer and lyrics have been penned by Babu Singh Mann.

Labh Janjua, Rani Randeep and Rana Ranbir have their share of contribution to this musical bonanza.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 10
Terming domestic violence and vehicular accidents to be major causes of blindness due to black eye in women and men, respectively, Dr Brijinder Singh Rana, a phaco surgeon, held any swelling or pain near eyes should be got examined by ophthalmologists.

While talking to The Tribune, after examining patients at an eye camp here today, Dr Rana cautioned that minor injuries of head or face might result in black eye, occasionally leading to blindness.

Referring to conclusion of a study, Dr Rana claimed that over 80 per cent cases of black eye among women had genesis in domestic violence. Vehicular accidents were major cause of the condition in men.

Black eye disorder, swelling and discoloration is caused when blood and other fluids collect in the space around the eye.

While cryo-therapy (application of ice on injury) might decrease swelling and pain, eye should be got examined by qualified ophthalmologist.

Ludhiana, August 10
The local branch of the National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) organised its 60th diabetes detection camp at Tootianwala Mandir in Shivpuri locality here today. The camp turned out to be a unique occasion as a joint team of doctors led by Dr D.K. Sanghera from Oklohama University of Medical Sciences (USA) and specialists from Hero-DMC Heart Institute conducted a preliminary survey for their research project entitled “Genetic study on the rising incidence of diabetes in Punjab”.

Dr Surendra Gupta, secretary, NIMA, who was also the coordinator of this camp, said the early morning camp was attended by more than 350 persons. Facilities were provided for testing blood sugar level, both fasting and PP, as also lipid level. Those found to be afflicted with diabetes type 2 were enrolled and their complete history was taken for proper follow-up and management.

Giving lectures on "How to keep diabetes away“, Dr Naveen Mittal, professor of endocrinology at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Dr Rohit Tandon and Dr Naveen K. Gupta from Hero DMC Heart Institute, Dr Kulwant Singh, senior cardiologist, along with NIMA doctors Dr Rajesh Thaper, Dr Surendra Gupta, Dr K.K. Kharbanda, Dr Inder Sharma, Dr Raman Kumar, Dr Ish Handa, Dr Dr Rohit Jain, Dr Ranbir Singh and Dr Jagdev Singh Kehal focused on different preventive and management aspects of diabetes.

In his welcome address, Dr Rajesh Thapar, president of NIMA, said integrated medical approach with combination of ayurvedic and modern system was the only solution to healthcare problem of poor people in the developing countries. The health care scenario was so dismal and even the simple screening projects were not possible without foreign aid due to financial crunch.

Dr Naveen Mittal said the major concerns of every physician and healthcare administrator were abrupt rise in incidence of diabetes, apart from obesity, hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, various cancers, renal failure rate and blindness. "Majority of these non-communicable diseases are preventable if required measures are initiated early in the form of lifestyle modification, including food habits," he added.

Dr Sanghera said: "In the absence of timely action, the next generations will find us at fault and blame us for their health-related problems." Speaking about the research project on incidence of diabetes, she said further biomarker tests would be performed on blood samples in the USA for further genetic study.

Dr Rohit Tandon and Dr Naveen Gupta spoke on the heart-related complications of diabetes. They impressed upon people to consume nutritious but low calorie food to keep the body in good stead.

Ludhiana, August 10
At least 51 units of blood were collected at the seventh monthly blood donation camp organised by the Salaam Zindgi Foundation, an NGO, at Arya College for Boys here today. The blood collected at the camp was handed over to the blood bank at the DMCH for transfusion to the thalassemic children.

The chief guest, Dr L.S. Chawla, national president of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development, felicitated the functionaries of the NGO while lauding this noble gesture. President of the NGO Manjit Saini made a fervent appeal to the general public, especially youth, to join hands with Salaam Zindgi so as to make voluntary blood donation a mass movement.

Ludhiana, August 10
Steffi Kala, Bhavya Dawar, Puneetinder Singh, Harveen Kaur and Amit performed well to enable their respective zones emerge champions in the Ludhiana Schools Inter Zonal Badminton Tournament organised by the education department at Shastri Hall near Guru Nanak Stadium, here yesterday.

In the girl’s u-19 years section, Steffi Kala, a student of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, representing the Gill Zone; Bavya Dawar of Kundan Vidya Mandir representing the PAU Zone helped their teams emerge champions.

In the boy’s u-17 years category, Puneetinder Singh, a student of Sacred Heart School, Sarabha Nagar, and Amit Bhasin of BCM Senior Secondary School, who represented the Gill Zone steered their team to victory.

Similarly, in the in the girl’s u-19 years section, Ritu anchored her team (Gill Zone) to victory.

Besides, Gurdeep Singh and Rinkul, Parth, Surya Ramdev and Satyam too fared well

All players have been selected to represent Ludhiana in the upcoming state-level school games, according to Vipin Dawar, general secretary, District Badminton Association, Ludhiana.

Ludhiana, August 10
Taranjit Singh of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has been named captain of the Ludhiana hockey team (u-18) for the forthcoming Punjab State Inter District Hockey Championship to be held at Kurali from August 14 to 18.

According to Ajay Roomi, honorary secretary, District Hockey Association, Ludhiana, the following boys have been selected during the trials conducted on August 9 at the PAU campus stadium.

The selected players are: Onkar Singh and Upraj Singh (goal keepers), Navpreet Singh, Piyush Sidharath and Sukhjeet Singh (full backs), Prabhjot Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Bhupinder Singh and Satinder Pal Singh (half backs), Jaspreet Singh, Taranjit Singh (captain), Hirday Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Ranjit Singh, Kulbir Singh, Harvinderpreet Singh and Amarjot Singh (forwards).

Three players have been picked up as stand byes. They include Tarvinder Singh, Sachin Saroj Singh and Sukhraj Singh.