Ludhiana, October 16
The audit and inspection report on the accounts of Senior Medical Officer, Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, for the period January 2009 to January 2010 has unveiled "misappropriation" of approximately Rs 1.5 crore.

More shocking is the review of old objections between 2004 to 2008 made by the audit team, as these clearly point towards "funds embezzlement" under various heads.

Ironically, the senior medical officers, serving during the tenure, had failed to settle the pending accounts or give a reply to the office of the Principal Accountant General (audit) Punjab and UT, Chandigarh.

A team of officials from the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, headed by audit officer Pradhan Chand, conducted the inspection in Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, in February this year.

In stark violation of rules of the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the blood bank operational at civil hospital was found guilty of short charging of blood processing fee from private hospitals/nursing homes from January 2009 to 2010 that resulted in a loss of Rs 19.59 lakh to the state government.

The blood bank at Civil Hospital was charging Rs 300 per unit from the private hospitals and nursing homes against the processing charges of Rs 500 as was conveyed to the civil surgeons of all districts and medical colleges in the state by the Punjab State Aids Control Society (PSACS).

Irregularities in the maintenance of cash book/ledger for user charges, irregular retention of departmental receipt, non-disposal of unserviceable vehicles, non- reconciliation with banks and misappropriation of government money received under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for HIV training and Swastha Melas are some serious irregularities pointed out in the audit report.

Rohit Sabharwal, president of a city-based NGO (Anti-Corruption and Crime Investigation Cell) had procured the copy of the audit report from the civil hospital under Right to Information Act.

Embezzlement in re-imbursement of sterilisation amount

Ludhiana, October 16
The owner of a sandpaper factory today stripped himself and staged a dharna outside the office of Commissioner of Police, Ishwar Singh, to protest against the police for allegedly going soft on his partner, who had held him captive and paraded him naked in his factory yesterday.

The businessman, Kultar Singh Bajwa, a resident of Aggar Nagar, put the police in an embarrassing situation, when he reached the Commissioner's office, started stripping himself and sat in front of the office to lodge his protest. His wife, Pushpinder Kaur, was also accompanying him.

Kultar Singh alleged that though he was abducted and paraded naked and was rescued by the village sarpanch and the police of Humbran village from the premises of his former partner, Pawan Kumar, yesterday, the police had not registered a case of stripping against the accused. He was booked only for assault.

As soon as Kultar sat on the dharna, cops tried to pacify him and took him to a senior police official. He was assured action, but this did not satisfy him. He came back and sat on the dharna again.

Kultar and Pawan had set up the sandpaper factory together in 2002 in Humbran. The duo later split and erected a wall in the middle of the factory premises. Yesterday, his former partner allegedly held him captive, stripped him naked and paraded him on his premises for seven hours.

It was only after he managed to call up his wife that the police was informed and he was rescued by some persons.

Ludhiana, October 16
The sarpanch of Meowal Khariaha village near Mattewara had a narrow escape when his house was set afire allegedly by his political rivals last night over the issue of developing a modern market complex on the panchayat land.

The sarpanch, Karnail Singh (43), received burns on his feet. In his complaint to the police, he alleged that six persons, belonging to the rival party, tried to set him ablaze when he was asleep in the verandah of his house.

The incident took place at 2 am when Karnail woke up after burning sensation in his feet. He was shocked to see the compound of his house and cots up in flames. He shouted for help at the top of his voice. This woke up his wife, who climbed the terrace of their house and called for help.

His neighbours rushed to the spot and managed to douse the fire.

Investigation officer Surinderjit Singh said the sarpanch had named six persons - Sharanjit Singh, Jyoti, Malkit Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Amrik Singh and Joginder Singh - in his complaint. No case has been registered as yet, he said.

While the sarpanch said he had seen six persons holding cans of petrol when he had woken up last night, the SHO said he was changing statements over the names of the accused.

The sarpanch, however, said the reason of the altercation was a piece of panchayat land that he wanted to utilise for setting up a modern market complex. 

Ludhiana, October 16
Learning history lessons and poems is no longer a tedious task for these children, who have been operated upon for congenital heart diseases, as was evident from their “on stage” exuberance during a special function “Healed little heart angels” organised by Hero DMC Heart Institute (HDHI).

Having been chosen as a centre for treating students of government schools, the hospital has treated around 250 children since its inception in May-2009.

More than 150 children from across the state, who were operated upon at the heart institute, had come to attend today’s function. These kids belong to economically weaker sections.

The unmistakable glitter in the eye of every child in the age group of 4 to 13 spoke volumes about their “new-found happiness”.

“Hun tan khed ke mera saah vi nahin ukhad da te mein changi taran parh vi sakda han” (I don’t feel breathless while playing and am able to concentrate on my studies), shared seven-year-old Jaskaran. Unable to hold back his tears, Jangir Singh, grandfather of Kanchan (6), said he had lost hope of seeing the girl play like other children, but it was her school principal who told him to avail the benefit of the scheme. “For me and my family the doctors/surgeons at Hero DMC Heart Institute are next to God,” Singh said.

Balwant Kaur and Pritpal Singh from Sangrur, waiting for their 13-year-old son’s operation, were oozing with confidence after watching the cured children at the function.

The state government is bearing all expenditure incurred on their treatment, whereas the hospital is providing treatment on subsidised rates. Minister for Health and Family Welfare Prof Laxmi Kanta Chawla interacted with children. She added that she was happy to see that the initiative taken by the ministry had served the purpose. “Parents have to approach the principal of their ward’s school and then the authorities at Parivar Kalyan Bhavan, Chandigarh, sanction their cases at the earliest,” the Minister said. 

Ludhiana, October 16
The city’s historic icon-Clock Tower does have a clock, but it does not tell time. The clock has been lying non-functional for the past five to six months, but the municipal corporation authorities have not bothered to get the clock repaired.

All non-functional clocks of Ghanta Ghar show different times. It’s not the clock issue alone, the tower otherwise is also in a state of neglect, as it is dotted by wild weeds and small peepal branches.

The 104-year-old tower, which is one of the famous points in the interior of the city, has been encroached upon, vendors have put up temporary stalls around the famous tower, but the authorities prefer to sleep over all violations.

Garbage can be seen strewn around the tower. Negligence on the part of "caretakers" has been blamed for the shabby condition of the tower. Parminder Mehta, area councillor, said, “I have learnt that the Central Tourism Department has sent about Rs 20 lakh for the maintenance of historical buildings in the city. If the amount is spent wisely, colourful lights can be installed around it. The clocks must be repaired. Broken grills need to be replaced and polished. I have requested officials to spend the money on its maintenance at the earliest. Above all, encroachments are to be removed first.”

Due to its bad condition, birds have built nests on the top of the tower and they have damage needles of the clock. Residents feel that the tree will damage the tower if something is not done immediately. Cracks have already started to appear inside the tower.

Additional Commissioner MC Kamalpreet Kaur Brar said the authorities knew that the clocks were not working. “The needles are damaged by birds, we are looking for a permanent solution. The electrical wing has been asked to repair all clocks,” she claimed.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 16
Tips in English teaching according to ultramodern and child-centered techniques are liked among ETT teachers availing special training at seminars being organised under the aegis of Sarav Sikhya Abhyana at schools of the areas falling under Ludhiana and Sangrur districts.

The benefits, when percolated to the ultimate beneficiaries, students, would enhance their capability of learning almost all subjects in higher classes, claimed organisers and participants.

Investigations revealed that hundreds of ETT teachers participating in the seminars on teaching of English had found tips in teaching according to ultramodern and child-centered techniques as most beneficial for both educators and students.

Besides enhancing capability of the teachers in communication skills and understanding of the language, the tips make teaching and learning interesting.

Gurpreet Singh of Government School, Rurka, and Lakhvir Singh of GPS, Butahri, maintained that they, along with their colleagues from other schools had found the exercise practical and fruitful.

The block resource persons (BRPs) were also found to be enthusiastic. They were seen elaborating their points by making learner teachers participate in recitation of rhymes and poems.

Showing satisfaction over the outcome of three-day seminars, Madan Gopal and Rajinder Kaur, block primary education officials at Dehlon I and Dehlon II, claimed that communication skills and teaching capability of the teachers had improved significantly in the case of those teachers, who had participated in the seminars.

Mandi Gobindgarh, October 16
A freshers’ party “Aagaaz 2010” was organised at the RIMT Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mandi Gobindgarh, today.

The vibrant show, which was in tune with the multi-cultural spirit of the Commonwealth Games, was marked by excitement, zest and enthusiasm. The ball was set rolling with customary lightning of the lamp by the chief guest and RIMT Group co-chairperson Neena Bansal. Chairman, Dr Hukam Chand Bansal welcomed the new entrants.

The gala programme began with the recitation of Shri Ganesh Vandana, which was followed by a scintillating cultural show, which included qawwali performed by the RIMT students, action-packed songs, western and semi-classical dance numbers, skits, choreography and the most energetic event of the evening, the RIMT Rap, performed by talented rappers of the institute.

The traditional giddha was a zestful performance representing myriad colours of the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. All this was followed by ground-shaking performance of both clubs, Malwai Giddha and Dhol Bhangra. The stage was also set aflame with the spectacular modelling rounds with the first year students sashaying the ramp.

Jai Singh Sidhu was declared Mr Aagaaz 2010 and Deep Shikha was declared Miss Aagaaz 2010.

LUDHIANA: Reena, Navdeep and Gagandeep, all students of BA- III, were declared first, second and third, respectively, in the poster-making contest organised by the NSS wing of the SDP College for Women on the occasion of World Food Day on Saturday.

Ludhiana, October 16
Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur and national president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, Anurag Thakur yesterday said the party would not tolerate any compromise on the Kashmir issue.

Issuing an ultimatum to the Centre against any dilution of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, he said the party would launch a nationwide agitation if the government showed any sign of weakness on its Kashmir policy.

Addressing a rally organised by the state unit of the BJYM under its ongoing "India First" campaign at Janakpuri here yesterday, Thakur said that the demand for the withdrawal or dilution of AFSPA was a conspiracy hatched by anti-national forces to demoralise the armed forces.

In his typical style, the cricketer-turned-politician, Navjot Sidhu, said Kashmir was an integral part of India. Punctuating his speech with couplets and anecdotes, he flayed the government for messing up the Kashmir issue just due to persistent weakness and policy of appeasement.

Ludhiana, October 16
October 16 is observed as the World Anaesthesia Day, as it was on this day that the first painless surgical procedure was carried out successfully with anaesthesia in 1846.The person, who achieved this marvelous feat, was Dr William TG Morton.

The inscription on the grave of Dr Morton is a tribute to his great work that reads, “Before whom, in all times, surgery was agony, by whom, pain in surgery was averted and annulled, since whom, science has control over pain”.

The department of anaesthesiology at DMCH today celebrated this day.

Professor and head of anaesthesiology, Dr Sunil Katyal addressed the gathering emphasising that the ultimate goal is to utilise anaesthesiologists’ specialised knowledge, skills and experience for patient’s care and to ensure the patient’s safety.

The techniques have become sophisticated, instrumentation for administering anaesthetics and monitoring patients’ responses has become patient friendly and substances used for anaesthesia, too, have been improved manifold, observed the doctor.

Tiny tots of Satpal Mittal School perform on the annual function in Ludhiana on Saturday. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan

An essay-writing competition to mark the Dasehra celebrations was organised at SDP Senior Secondary School, Basti Jodhewal, here today. As many as 50 students participated in the competition. Winner students were encouraged, congratulated and honoured with certificates by principal Teena Gulati.

Workshop

More than 40 teachers of Nankana Sahib Public School, Gill Park, here attended a workshop on eclectic approach to mathematics and learned the latest and innovative methods to teach mathematics and how to make the subject interesting. Aashalata Badami was the resource person, who is a topper of the teachers’ training course at Sophia College, Mumbai, and has written a series of books for Oxford University Press called Discovering Mathematics and Enjoying Mathematics, along with the revised New Enjoying Mathematics. Emphasis was laid to promote informal methodology using an eclectic approach, keeping the child’s development level and interests in mind with strong emphasis on thinking and problem solving skills. Various methods like concept building, computation, drill practice, problem solving, and application techniques were explained.

Vocabulary contest

To test the vocabulary skills of students, Guru Nanak Public School organised a vocabulary competition here on Saturday. As many as 32 students of Classes IV and V participated in the competition with zeal and enthusiasm. Questions on various topics like proverbs, similies, homophones, anagrams were asked. Results: Suhail Singh and Arshjot Kaur 1; Manvir Singh and Harnoor Kaur 2; and Gurjannat Kaur and Navneet Singh 3.

Annual function

A scintillating choreography on the theme “We are Brave” by students left audience spell bound on the occasion of annual function celebrations of Satpal Mittal School here on Saturday.

The students also presented a Halloween dance and skeleton dance. Tiny tots dressed as turtles, ducks, lions, birds and polar bears stole the show. Dr Varinder Kaur Thind, principal, Khalsa College for Women, was the chief guest on the occasion. — TNS

Mullandpur Dakha, October 16
The construction work of the new grain market here is going on at a snail’s pace. Thanks to the indifferent attitude of the authorities concerned who have failed to complete the work even after nearly two years of its foundation laying ceremony.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and chairman the Punjab Marketing Board Ajmer Singh Lakhowal laid the foundation stone of the grain market with an assurance that the work will be completed within a year. The authorities concerned are, however, passing the buck for the delay.

Farmers and commission agents of the area are disappointed that the new grain market, being built on 37 acres, has not been completed even after two years of the commencement of work. The foundation stone for the Rs 23 crore project was laid on December 27, 2008.

Though farmers have started bringing their produce to the under-construction market due to less space in the old grain market, they are deprived of procurement facilities here.

None of the officials monitoring the construction work at the project owned the responsibility for the delay in completion of work. Admitting that the work was to be completed by November 30, 2009, officials maintained that technical hindrances, including scarcity of building material and labour, had slowed down the work.

The land for the project was purchased during tenure of Mall Singh Ghuman, the then chairman of the Punjab Marketing Board. Besides proposed constriction of four towers and three concrete platforms, there was a provision of construction of a petrol pump and shops.

Meanwhile, the Zamhoori Kissan Sabha and the Punjab Kissan Sabha have urged the authorities to get the work completed at the earliest. 

Ludhiana, October 16
The Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Foundation yesterday presented the Banda Bahadur Yadgari award to noted Punjabi writer Gurdit Singh Kang at a function organised on the eve of 340th birth anniversary of the saint soldier.

Krishan Kumar Bawa, president of the foundation, along with former ministers Jasbir Singh, Malkiat Singh Dakha, former legislator Jagdev Singh Jassowal, Hari Singh Bawa, president, Bairagi Mahamandal, Punjab, and other office-bearers of the body presented the award to Kang while placing on record the contribution of the author to the Punjabi literature.

Speaking on the occasion, Bawa and Jassowal said Baba Banda Bahadur would be remembered for times to come since he had taken up arms for the sake of the entire nation. "Banda Bahadur not only fought against the tyranny of the then Mughal rules, but he also struggled to seek ownership rights for cultivators,” he said.

Bawa reiterated the demand for setting up a chair in one of the state universities in the name of Baba Banda Bahadur while urging the Union government to issue a commemorative postal stamp in his name.

Paying tributes to Banda Bahadur, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr MS Kang termed him as an ideal combination of courage, labour and sacrifice who had fought a relentless battle to safeguard the interests of farmers.

Chandigarh, October 16
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has initiated the process of allotting houses to 1984 riot victims in Ludhiana. A list of the authorised beneficiaries has already been forwarded by the Ludhiana district administration.

As a petition filed in public interest by Ludhiana-based Danga Peerat Welfare Society came up for hearing, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tiwari said that the delay was caused due to the time taken in completion of procedure and answering queries raised by GLADA.

The High Court had on July 15 directed the Deputy Commissioner that formal allotment of 85 LIG houses to eligible riot victims be made within a week. Since the administration failed to comply with the orders, the High Court issued show-cause notice to the DC on September 20. In another affidavit, under secretary in the revenue, rehabilitation and disaster management department, Hari Singh Sodhi said a policy had been formulated to allot 364 government houses at Ludhiana to riot victims. — TNS

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 16
Sanmol and Pooja of Dehlon block emerged as the fastest runners during the zonal athletics meet of primary schools that concluded at Ghudani village near here yesterday.

The meet was inaugurated by district education officer (DEO) (elementary) Sadhu Singh and deputy DEO Sarabjit Singh Mangat distributed prizes among winners.

Madan Gopal and Rajinder Kaur, block primary education officials, presided over various 
sessions. Boys of the Doraha block emerged winners in kabaddi by defeating Dehlon II team in the final.

Kho-kho team of the Pakhowal block clinched the title by defeating Dehlon I.

Dehlon eves bagged the first prize in kabaddi by defeating Pakhowal team. Kho-kho teams of Pakhowal I and Dehlon II bagged the first two prizes in the girls’ category.

Results: Boys: 100 m: Sanmol Dehlon-I, Sharanpreet Dehlon-II.

200 m: Shiv Ranjan Kumar Pakhowal-I, Sharanpreet Dehlon-II.

400 m: Suraj Paswan Dehlon-I, Gagandeep Singh Pakhowal.

Long jump: Shiv Ranjan Kumar Pakhowal, Talwinder Doraha.

Relay race: Dehlon-I, Dehlon-II.

Wrestling (25 kg): Ravinder Singh Doraha, Gurvinder Singh Dehlon-II.

Wrestling (30 kg): Amandeep Singh Doraha, Rahul Pakhowal.

Girls: 100 m: Pooja Dehlon,Gagandeep Pakhowal.

200 m: Jashanpreet Doraha, Sandeep Kaur 
Pakhowal.