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Kisan Mela opens at PAU
Ludhiana, September 18 A large number of farmers from different districts of Punjab and neighbouring states like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan thronged the venue. Though majority of them liked the arrangements made by the organisers but others felt that traditional mela was losing its charm due to large scale “commercialisation”. Since it was meant for farmers, the mela should stick to the basics, they added. Hardev Singh, a farmer from Sangrur village, said stalls like home decorations, cars, banks providing loans, high-tech machinery etc looked well but these were hardly useful for farmers like me. “We are ordinary farmers, not landlords. Majority of us are here to get seeds, latest information about insecticides, pesticides to be used, diseases of crops, varieties of fruits, vegetable crops or flowers, more emphasis should be laid on such things”, added Hardev Singh. Another farmer from Amritsar district, Balkar Singh said he was visiting the mela since 1974. “It is not the same mela which it used to be earlier. Promotional stuff has become more lucrative now”, he alleged. Economist S. S. Johl along with PAU vice-chancellor Manjit Singh Kang and other senior officials inaugurated the farm mela, spread in acres at PAU campus. Various exhibitions, depicting household items, farm literature, variety of seeds and soil, crop diseases and management, latest farm technology, banks providing assistance to farmers etc were put on display at the venue. An agro-industrial exhibition was organised. Varsity scientists provided necessary technical tips to the farmers on the occasion. Special stalls for sale of farm literature and enrollment of new members for Changi Kheti and Progressive Farming monthly magazines were put up by the authorities. “Jago”- a special stall was put up by an NGO, which provided free saplings to large number of farmers. Nilam Kapoor, general secretary of organisation, informed that they were trying to go with the theme “Save Environment-Save Punjab” of the mela. She said organisation aimed at distributing 11 lakh saplings, free of cost, to people all over Punjab by the end of this year. Leading folk artistes like Bhupinder Gill, Neelam, Sukhwinder Sukhi, Ranjit Mani, Harpal Pali entertained the farmers on the occasion. |
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Day 1: Farmers fail to procure seed
Ludhiana, September 18 Star attraction of the fair was the newly released wheat seed PBW 550.Farmers from far-off places had come for purchasing the seeds. However, many of them had to return empty handed in the absence of proper management amidst allegations of preferential treatment being given to a few. Chaos prevailed on the Punjab Agriculture University campus where the two-day fair is underway when the farmers resorted to protest after being harassed at the wheat seed sale counters. Gathered around the seed stalls since early morning, the farmers alleged step-motherly treatment at the hands of the PAU authorities. They alleged that the buyers with “approach” were being preferred at the sale counters while the interests of the “common farmer” were overlooked. Moreover, number of seed stalls was very less as compared to number of buyers. There were only 34 stalls selling various kinds of seeds, out of which 17 were meant for the sale of PBW 550 wheat seed alone, the farmers alleged. Giving proof of their failure to effectively manage the affairs of the fair, PAU authorities invented a unique way to deal with the massive crowd gathered outside the seed sale counters. Numbers were jotted down on the hands of the farmers who had queued up to buy seeds which led to use of “unfair means” by some and clashes, resulting in protests. “It was only after the farmers started raising slogans against the authorities that tokens system was introduced. In spite of that, thousands of farmers had to return without the much-in-demand seeds,” remarked Manjit Singh, a farmer from Bathinda. Complaining that the lackadaisical attitude of university authorities was responsible for the chaos, the farmers said the fair was a big disappointment this year. Harjinder Singh, a farmer, who had come all way from Hari Kalan village, Amritsar, especially to but the PBW 550 seed, said, “There is utter chaos outside seed stalls. The fair has been commercialised and little attention has been paid to the welfare of us farmers for whom the fair has been organised.” Voicing similar concerns Mahendra Singh of Sangrur said, “We had been waiting since early morning but when we failed to buy seeds even after standing in the queue for over four hours, we decided to return. The university authorities are to be blamed for the chaos.” Another farmer, Jaskaran Singh, who had come from Tarn Taran, said, “These seeds are readily available in the market outside than here. One should buy them from there instead of wasting time and energy here.” However, chief organiser of the fair N.S. Malhi, director, extension education, denied these allegations. He said, “I got a call in the morning that some farmers were creating indiscipline outside the seed stalls so I called up the state officer for deploying security at the venue. As far as preferential treatment being given to some farmers, it has neither happened in the PAU nor will it ever happen. Such allegations are baseless. The seeds are being distributed to farmers on first-come-first-serve basis.” |
Kisan Mela
Ludhiana, September 18 Avtar Singh Sidhu received the Dalip Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Award. Avtar Singh, a progressive farmer from Gunachor village in Nawan Shehar district, owns 10 acres. He has also taken 50 acres on lease for farming. He is cultivating his fields for the past 26 years. A graduate, Sidhu has all modern implements like potato diggers, planters, rotavators etc. at his farm. He has opted for diversified farming. During the Rabi season he cultivates metha, sunflower, vegetables and flowers. During kharif season he grows baby-corn, sugarcane and vegetables. Having employed five persons to assist him in farming, he continuously guides them over the mobile phone. Sidhu has won several awards at Punjab Agricultural University and Punjab Government’s department of agriculture. He has produced a record yield of 12 quintal per acre of baby-corn and 400 quintal per acre of sugarcane. Besides this, he has also achieved record production of a few vegetables. He grows almost all his crops on beds. Chamkaur Singh was honoured with the Pravasi Bharti Award. A resident of Ina Bajwa village in Sangrur district he is one of those progressive farmers who have opted for the diversification of crop. On his 60-acre farm, Chamkaur Singh grows a wide range of vegetables. He has also won awards for best produce competitions of Punjab Agricultural University for chilli, tomato and muskmelon. Singh has successfully adopted resource conservation technologies of farm leaf colour chart and tensiomenter for optimum use of nitrogen and water in the rice. He has also adopted sprinkler irrigation on his farm in order to conserve water. Davinder Singh was bestowed with the Ujagar Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Award. On his small farm of merely 10 acre (7 acres own land and 3 acre leased one) he has produced a record yield of various vegetables. Devinder Singh chooses to market his own produce. With his own vegetable washing and grading machines he cleans and grades his produce before selling. Thus he earns better price for his produce. He has not only created a better market for himself but has motivated his fellow farmers in the village for growing quality vegetables. His vegetables have been adjudged best in farm produce competitions at PAU. Mohinder Singh Grewal, a progressive farmer and member of the Commission for Agricultural Cost and Prices, was also felicitated for innovations in farming through diversification towards vegetables, precision agriculture and proper marketing. |
Mixed response to cess proposal
Ludhiana, September 18 A majority of the farmers feel that the farm varsity was the responsibility of the state government, which should come to its rescue in times of financial crunch. A section of farmers, however, felt since the university had done a lot for their benefit, paying 50-paisa cess should not be a problem to them. Talking to The Tribune, Joginder Singh, a farmer from Harikalan in Amritsar district, said farmers were already reeling under stress. Putting extra financial burden will add to their woes. He said, "Though 50 paise means nothing but tomorrow, the government might think of increasing the cess amount. There should not be any forced decision on the farmer," he said. Another farmer from Kapurthala, Hakam Singh said, "After so many years, the varsity has distributed newly introduced wheat variety PBW 550. But we are facing tough times to get the seed. Farmer seems to be at last on the priority list of PAU. If they are facing tough times today, it may be because of negligence on their part. Why should farmers be burdened?" he asked. Agreeing to the proposal, Buta Singh, a farmer from Amritsar, said the farmer would benefit only if PAU would progress. "PAU has done a lot for the farmers of Punjab. If it is in trouble today, we should make collective efforts to take it out of financial mess. Pensioners are not being paid by the state, if 50-paisa cess is levied on us, we should happily agree to it. Varsity is not asking for too much", he said. Dr S.S.Johl, who had formulated the proposal, however, said only those with “negative thinking” would object to the proposal. “Wheat seeds (PBW 550), introduced by PAU, are being sold to the farmers today. PUSA 1121, RH 10 variety of rice has also been introduced by PAU. It is all because of the hard labour put in by researchers and scientists that the farmer stands benefited. About 90 per cent of the farmers of Punjab rely on PAU’s advice. Paying such a less amount as cess should not be a problem to them", he said. Meanwhile, members of the Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Association (PAUTA) distributed pamphlets to farmers during the mela, requesting them to extend a helping hand to the farm varsity in times of crises. |
SP youth leader booked for murder
Ludhiana, September 18 Twentytwo-year-old Vikas was rushed to SPS Appolo Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries today afternoon. The police has booked Taranjeet and three of his accomplices, Pappu, Nitu and Jyoti, under Section 302 of IPC. According to the police, the bullet pierced the abdomen and damaged his liver. According to friends of the deceased, Taranjeet and Vikas were not at good terms. Last night, they met at the Jeeto Market and entered an argument over some issue. The matter was, however, resolved after the intervention of a local resident. Later, Taranjeet, who was allegedly under the influence of liquor, came in a black Indica car and shot at Vikas from a point blank range. Vikas and his friend Gurmail sustained injuries. While Vikas died at hospital, the condition of Gurmail is reported to be serious, who received a shot in his leg. According to SHO, Shimla Puri, Pawanjit, said the accused are still absconding. A hunt has been launched to nab the accused, he added. |
Mishap leaves youth crippled for life
Ludhiana, September 18 His legs were crushed under rear tyres of a truck at Partap Chowk two days back. Recuperating at the ICU of the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Amarjeet, the eldest of the four siblings, is the only bread earner in the family as his father, Gurbachan Singh, is bedridden. He was working as technical support in Airtel and was training budding technicians. Despite knowing that he will not be able to walk for his entire life, he is lifting the spirits of his family. “He is a brave man. Despite knowing that his legs have been cut off, he is trying to change the mood of the family members and friends by cracking jokes now and then," said his brother Baljeet Singh. “Amarjeet told me that if he loses heart, it will discourage the family members,” Concerned about Amarjeet’s job, his mother said: “Will the company employ him again knowing that he could work in as earlier?” She added, "He is the only earning hand in the family and is bearing cost of studies of his two younger brothers and recently got his sisters married. He is looking after his father. Now that he is bedridden, how are we going to manage the finances?" The family has demanded stern action against the truck driver. Meanwhile, the truck driver was today released on bail. |
7-yr wait to get dowry case registered
Ludhiana, September 18 Arvinder Kaur, a lecturer at the girls’ college, moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court to get a case registered.
Arvinder was married to Anand Singh
Kapoor, a resident of Dugri, in November 2001. Her father had spent a handsome amount on her wedding.
He gave money for buying household items. He also gave a scooter to
Anand, though he was demanding an Esteem car.
Arvinder was allegedly harassed over this leading to marital discord.
In her complaint, Arvinder said she had advised her in-laws to get the car financed with an assurance that she would pay the instalments as she was drawing a decent salary.
‘‘This annoyed my in-laws. They said that they had the right on my salary and forced me to open a joint account with my husband so that he could withdraw my salary,” she alleged. “They started torturing me when I refused to agree to their demand. After two months, I was thrown out of the house and I went to my parents’ house in Miller
Ganj,” she said. The police, she alleged, refused to register a case. “I filed a petition in the High Court to get the police moving. After the court’s direction, the police conducted an inquiry,” said
Avinder. Finally, the police registered a case of dowry against Avinder’s husband Anand Singh
Kapoor, his father Avtar Singh Kapoor and his wife Anoop Kaur. No arrest has been made so far as the accused are absconding. |
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Dengue Outbreak
Ludhiana, September 18 The civil surgeon Sat Pal Sharma had summoned them for the meeting. It was decided that the health department and the corporation would work in tandem for controlling the dengue outbreak. The corporation had also asked the zonal commissioners to direct building, house tax branches and health inspectors, along with the staff in their respective areas to carry out door-to-door survey of coolers and other containers and look for any larvae of adaes mosquitoes. The joint commissioner also instructed the corporation staff to educate schoolchildren on this issue. About 5 lakh pamphlets will be distributed to make public aware of this menace. |
PSEB imposes more restrictions on industry
Ludhiana, September 18 Similarly, the weekly off for induction furnace units and rerolling mills has been increased from one and a half days to two and a half days, while the peak load-hour restrictions for continuous process industries have been hiked from three to nine hours daily, say PSEB officials. Sources told The Tribune that fresh restrictions imposed on the industry would ease the availability of power to a great extent, and barring unforeseen circumstances, the board would be placed in a comfortable position and power cuts could be slashed to two to three hours daily, if not completely withdrawn. The PSEB officials were optimistic about the power situation in the state in the coming weeks when demand of the farm sector would go down considerably as the paddy crop would almost be ready to be harvested and the load of air-conditioners on urban feeders would also be reduced with a drop in temperature. Meanwhile, the rain gods have also been merciful to the people since Wednesday when the state received widespread rain during the day. As a result, most of the city localities had a power cut of one hour in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. "In view of the improved availability, the situation will be reviewed on a daily basis to determine the duration of power cuts," the sources said. |
Photography exhibition on ‘light’ begins
Ludhiana, September 18 The 10-day exhibition commenced yesterday, attracting attention of young college crowd and professionals from different walks of life. The photographs varied from abstractness of light splashed against black backdrop to fountains lit with hues of lights giving the onlookers a food for thought. The exhibition would conclude on September 27. Sumeet, budding art photographer, hinted at the evident escalation as rightly pronounced by Hemant Sathe. He said, "Such exhibitions are an inspiration and I strongly feel that the administration should extend support to the organisers so as to encourage young and talented people in the city and the state at large." |
GNE students go on strike
Ludhiana, September 18 The students said for the past many years, they had been parking their vehicles on the premises. Such a decision will not be acceptable to them. Ajit Singh, a student, said since the college campus was vastly spread. It was difficult to walk so much in hot weather. "We are not school students. The management cannot bully us like this. We have not broken any rules, then why this punishment?" he asked. Despite repeated efforts, principal M.S. Saini could not be contacted for comments. |
VC to probe charges against DSW
Ludhiana, September 18 A majority of faculty members, deans, directors and students said they were unaware about any development on the issue. Dr Brar said he had met the VC yesterday after a gap of a fortnight as the latter was away to the US. "The VC cleared all my pending files but there was absolutely no mention of any enquiry. He should have spoken to me if there were charges levelled against me by any woman employee of the varsity. The charge of girls hostels was taken from me in the second week of August on the administrative grounds. After that there has been no development", he said. According to reliable sources, the charge of girls hostel was taken from the DSW after a young woman employee levelled the allegations of "harassment" against the official. The charge was given to Dr Neelam Grewal, dean, College of Home Science. It is for the second time that the hostel charge had been withdrawn from the DSW. Earlier Dr M.S. Randhawa had taken a similar action against Prithipal Singh in 1970s. A senior official at PAU on condition of anonymity disclosed that the VC had received a complaint against Dr Brar before going to the US. "We just know this much. Everyone is tight-lipped over the issue. We are not aware about the nature of complaint either. Things will be cleared after the submission of report by committee members", he said. |
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Reappear Cases: PU gives another chance
Doraha, September 18 In a notification issued to the principals of affiliated colleges of the university, the chance will also be given to those students who have missed one paper due to medical or service exigencies during examinations held in April. Each student would be given only one chance, which he or she can avail of either in September or in April or September 2009. The candidates desirous of appearing in September examination will have to submit examination forms and prescribed fee at least three days before commencement of the examinations and will have to appear only at Chandigarh centres. One special chance for improvement of performance, admissible in
the subject The colleges have been asked to bring this to the notice of the students, including The examination fee, payable separately for each BA, BSc, BCom, Part I, II and III, MA, M.Sc Parts I and II and MA, M.Sc Semester I, II, III and IV for improvement cases, would be Rs 3,150 per examination. The examination fee for students of B.Sc (honours school), MSc (honours school), B.Pharmacy and M.Pharmacy, the requisite fee would be Rs 3,150 (for one paper) +Rs 500 (for each extra paper), every year. For those opting for engineering courses, the requisite fee would be Rs 5,000 per semester (for one paper+Rs 1,000 for each extra paper). The examination fee for all professional courses for reappear, compartment would be Rs 5,000 per semester. Commenting on decision taken by the university, Narinder Singh Sidhu, principal, GNN College, said, “This is the best thing that a university can offer to those who tried but could not clear some papers due to one reason or another.” The students have been asked to visit the university website www.puchd.ac.in for detailed information on various subjects. |
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Candidate comes out with manifesto
Ludhiana, September 18 It is for the first time that a candidate has released a formal election manifesto for the senate polls, scheduled for September 21. Prof Bedi cautioned the voters against “unhealthy and unwarranted” interference of some political parties in the functioning the varsity. The manifesto emphasises on establishment of vocational and guidance bureaus in colleges, women grievances cell, raising of revenue for imparting free education to economically-weak students with the help of NGOs and other organisations, setting up of teachers’ colonies in colleges, strengthening colleges in rural areas and overhauling of PU regional centre at Ludhiana. |
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Ganga Raksha Manch submits memo to DC
Ludhiana, September 18 Members in hundreds gathered at mini secretariat to hand the memorandum.
The members through the memorandum urged the government to save the holy river. The members have also urged the Central government to declare the Ganga as a national river and demanded to constitute a special body to keep a vigilant on pollutants being released into the holy river. Sukhvinder Singh, district co-ordinator, expressed a deep concern over discharge of the pollutant material in the
Ganga. |
Birth anniversary celebrated
Ludhiana, September 18 The values Acharya had taught to his followers were emphasised by the guests. Chief guest of the function was Jatinder Jain, president, Dittu Baba Jain Society. Rakesh Jain, president, S. S. Jain Sabha and Jain Sangh from Maharashtra was also present. Varun Sohal presented bhajans in the praise of Acharya. Quiz held
New GMT Public School celebrated Ozone Day here yesterday. The function commenced with a speech by a science teacher on the importance of the day. A quiz was also held and students exhibited posters depicting the depletion of the ozone layer and its importance. The programme concluded with a pledge, in which principal Jasbeer Kaur urged the students to plant more trees. Grandparents' Day
Tiny tots of BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, celebrated Grandparents' Day here yesterday. Punjabi folk dance, poems, bhajans and speeches were highlights of the day. Parmjit Kaur was chief guest. The function commenced with lighting of the traditional lamp followed by Gayatri Mantra. Activities like tambola and quiz were also organised for the grandparents. |
Youth hit by vehicle, dies
Khamano, September 18 According to information available, he was coming from Baba Mast Ram Samadh Jatana when the vehicle hit him and he died on the spot. The Khamano police has registered a case under Sections 279, 304-A of the IPC and is looking for the vehicle
that hit him. |
Release of seized goods
Ludhiana, September 18 Allowing the appeal preferred by the Union of India, Supreme Court Judges, Justice S.H.Kapadia and Justice B. Sudershan Reddy observed that the High Court ought not to have released the goods without the assesse filing bills of entries. This court also permitted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to encash the bank guarantee, particulary, because the goods have been released. In its order passed on December 20, 2007, the High Court had ordered that the goods lying seized on the premises of Atam Fibres and have already been subjected to the payment of duty at the time of import shall be released to the petitioners on their furnishing bank guarantee to the extent of duty leviable on the goods by assessing the value thereof @ US dollar 3 per kg. However, amount of duties already paid to petitioners on goods shall be reduced. The High Court had further directed that the goods lying at the port should be released to the petitioners on payment of duty on the value of the goods, as declared by the petitioners and complying with other formalities for release of goods. Atam Fibres was also directed to furnish bank guarantee of difference of duty in case the value of goods was assessed @ US dollar 3 per kg. Seizure of bank accounts of the petitioners was also ordered to be released. Now, the Supreme Court has asked the High Court to hear and dispose of the pending writ petition expeditiously, preferably within three months. |
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Businessman convicted in cheque bounce case
Ludhiana, September 18 The orders were pronounced by the court of Judicial Magistrate Randhir Verma on a complaint of Baldev Singh of Chander Lok Colony, Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana. The accused has also been asked to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. The complainant had submitted that the accused had taken a loan of Rs 1 lakh from him. In order to repay the loan amount, the accused had issued a cheque for Rs 1 lakh However, when the cheque was presented in the bank, it was dishonoured. A legal notice was served on the accused asking him to make the payment, but he failed to do so, alleged the complainant. After appreciating the evidence on record, the court found Narinder Gulati guilty. |
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Rain plays spoilsport yet again
Ludhiana, September 18 In reply to Ludhiana's first innings score of 141 runs, Chandigarh, in their first essay were 117 for eight after 59.1 overs, still needing 25 runs to overhaul rivals' total. Chandigarh resumed the day's proceedings at 103 for three with the overnight not out batsmen, Gaurav Gambhir (34) and Anupam Gambhir (1), trying to negotiate accurate bowling by Gagandeep Singh Toor. However, they could not survive for a long time and both fell victims to Gagandeep. Gaurav and Anupam added four runs each to their individual scores. When the play was stopped due to rain, Gurinder (6) was at the crease while Suresh Mongia was yet to open his account. Brief scores: Ludhiana (Ist innings) 141 all out in 68.2 overs (Geetansh Khera 46, Bharat Malhotra 35, Karan Goel 22, Ankur Kakkar 15 not out, Gagandeep Singh 5, Gagandeep Dhand 2, Deepak Bansal 1 and Sunny Kumar 1; Satnam Singh 35 for 5, Naresh Kumar 38 for 2, Gaurav Gambhir 2 for 39 and Gurvinder 1 for 6); Chandigarh (Ist innings)- 117 for eight after 59.1 overs (Sarul Kanwar 12, Vishwas Bhalla 10, Simran Bawa 5, Gurkirat 28, Sidharth 9, Gaurav Gambhir 38, Anupam Gambhir 5, Gurinder Singh 6 not out; Gagandeep Singh Toor 4 for 31, Sunny Kumar 3 for 32 and Deepak Bansal 1 for 39). |
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