|
|
|
|
Now, visit to Attari-Wagah check post to be a joyride
54 bureaucrats offer to ‘adopt’ villages |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
City man adjudged best architect
Jagdeep leaps 2.6m, creates state record
Jagdeep Singh
Health Minister for shifting of crematoriums outside city
International Women’s Day celebrated
Sidhu for setting up of film studios in Punjab
I take each day as a birthday: Anupam Kher
Misleading info: Roundabout becomes ‘centre of attraction’
Kabir Bedi pays obeisance at Golden Temple
3-year-old child killed
|
|
Now, visit to Attari-Wagah check post to be a joyride
Amritsar, March 8 Confirming the developments, Amritsar Municipal Corporation (AMC) commissioner DPS Kharabanda said it would take about a month for the buses to hit the road. Nevertheless, the buses would leave Amritsar bus depot, which is coming up in Mall Mandi, for the 30-km-long run to Attari. It would be a great relief for the tourists as at present they are left at the mercy of private taxi operators who often ask for exorbitant charges. “The timing of the buses would be scheduled as per the corresponding summer and winter timings of the flag lowering ceremony at the border,” the AMC commissioner said. However, during the recent deliberations held over the issue with the Ministry of Urban Development in New Delhi, it has been decided to sanction Rs 33 crore for purchasing 120 buses for the purpose. The ticket fare would be Rs 5 (up to five km), Rs 10 (5-10 km) and Rs 15 (more than 10 km). “We have identified various points where there was scant arrangement for transport. For example, from New Amritsar, except for three-wheelers or private radio taxis, there was no mode of transport to connect it with the city or to other important destinations. We have proposed various routes from New Amritsar up to Guru Ram Dass International Airport. This 15-km route would cost a passenger just Rs 15,” he added. Similarly, from Amritsar bus depot, besides Attari, buses would also ply to Tarn Taran, Majitha and Mehta. The other starting points would be the ISBT from where the buses would leave for destinations like Chheharta, Ajnala, Guru Ram Dass International Airport, Tarn Taran, Baba Bakala and Ajnala. These 40-seater pre-fabricated modern, spacious buses would run under the banner of Amritsar City Transport Service Ltd and an order for 30 low-floor air-conditioned buses has already been placed. The next phase of the bus services would see various features like on line GPS system and the PIS for real time information on the expected arrival of buses at designated stops, electronic ticketing machines and a provision of monthly passes.
|
|
54 bureaucrats offer to ‘adopt’ villages
Amritsar, March 8 The officers of the ranks of SDM, tehsildar, block development officer and led by DC KS Pannu, conducted inspections of rural areas, which included Attari, Ajnala, Verka, Chugawan and Jandiala Guru districts, to collect information about the rural belt. Pannu conceptualised the idea of putting the information collected in the form of a handbook named as “Ik Pind-Ik Pehal”. Giving details of the initiative, Pannu said during the recent visits to various rural areas, it was observed that there was no dearth of government projects to uplift the rural poor. But due to ignorance, people were unable to reap benefits of the same. “So, I invited my officers to form a community which would monitor the implementation of the projects initiated by the government. I viewed that even if one officer adopted atleast one village, it could serve as an example for other village governing bodies. To my surprise, as many as 54 officers volunteered to join me in my mission,” he said. The book “Ik Pind-Ik Pehal”, would be for the reference of the volunteers, which would indicate the areas to be worked upon, like ensuring safe drinking water, education for all children between the age of 6 and 14 years, proper infrastructure for education and sports in aanganwari centres and rural schools, medical examination of children, scholarship schemes for bright students, improving health and hygiene, drug-addiction rehabilitation, besides apprising the farmers of innovative agricultural and dairy farming techniques. Pannu said the root cause of the plight of rural people was poverty which led them to other disastrous circumstances “I have directed the officers to identify those families in their respective areas that were under debt, courtesy local moneylenders. After scrutinising their problems, the officer concerned would observe if the family was being benefited under the government schemes. After that the unemployed youths would be provided with atleast 100-day jobs under the MGNAREGA scheme,” he said.
|
|
City man adjudged best architect
Amritsar, March 8 Mohinderjit has proved his mantle of being an architect of international repute as he has designed many buildings in Indonesia, Singapore and Bhutan, besides working as a consultant architect with many leading construction companies abroad. In India, he has designed the visitors' gallery at the Attari-Wagah checkpost and a war memorial for the Punjab Armed Personnel (PAP) at Jalandhar. Many buildings across the state are creations of his vision. Most significant of them being Nishan-E-Sikhi (Tarn Taran), Lal Rattan cinema hall in Jalandhar and Guru Nanak Dev University teachers' holiday home at Dalhousie. Closer home, GND University’s Guru Nanak Bhavan, sports complex, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Bhavan and Guru Nanak Heritage Centre have also been designed by him. Mohinderjit has also designed an array of residential and commercial buildings during his five-decade-long career after attaining degree in architecture from MS University, Baroda, in 1960. |
|
Jagdeep leaps 2.6m, creates state record
Amritsar, March 8 His father Balkar Singh is a village sarpanch, while mother Jaswinder Kaur is an SGPC member. He is being trained under the watchful eyes of Bachan Pal Singh, who has been coaching athletes for the past nearly 25 years at the college. When studying at school, his then coach Rankirat Singh spotted his talent athlete and guided him to pursue athletics when he was in IX standard. Now, a student of B.Sc (Agriculture), Jagdeep wishes to don Indian colours in Olympics. Last month, he broke the 42-year-old record of 1.98m of Daljinder Singh in the inter-college athletics meet and attained the height of 2.02m. Earlier, he had created a record of 2.02m in the North Zone Athletics Championship held at GND University in August last year.
|
|
Health Minister for shifting of crematoriums outside city
Amritsar, March 8 She along with Punjab Pradesh Pollution Control Board(PPCB) chairman Rajat Agarwal visited Shiv Puri (Durgiana temple cremation ground) to inspect the site and take firsthand information besides interacting with residents of the adjacent localities. To add to the woes of the residents the district administration is going to set up two LPG crematoriums, one at Durgiana Temple and the second at Chatiwind. Amritsar would be the first city in North India to have LPG crematoriums. In the light of the above developments, Chawla pointed out that the residents of the adjacent localities were already fed up with foul smell and air pollution. She said, “The foul smell emanating from LPG crematoriums would be more dangerous.” PPCB chairman Agarwal said, “Technically, seeing the whole area, it would be better to shift the cremation ground out of the city. The report regarding pollution caused by burning of wood during cremations would be submitted by next week.” However, Harish Taneja, secretary and spokesman of the Durginana Temple Management Committee said a 100-ft chimney would be installed at the LPG crematoriums so that the question of air pollution and spreading of foul smell did not arise. On an average 10 bodies are burned daily, while the number arises to 15 during winter. At present about three quintal of wood costing Rs 1,500 is used for cremating a body. The cost would come down to just Rs 300-400 as soon as the LPG crematoriums become operational.
|
|
International Women’s Day celebrated
Amritsar, March 8 Meanwhile, various competitions like card making, creative writing, group discussion and declamation contest were also organised on the occasion.
|
|
Young World
BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, celebrated International Women’s Day by organising Mangal Kamna Diwas. During the function, prizes were distributed among 350 students for academic culture and co-curricular activities. The students of various clubs and societies of the college were also honoured on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr Neelam Kamra applauded the role of women in various facets of society. She highlighted the significant part played by her as wife, daughter and mother. Elaborating on the statement, she said a teacher’s role was similar to that of a mother and motivated the students to be loyal and sincere towards their teachers as well. She wished them for a good academic performance in the forthcoming university examinations. Poster campaign
With a view to oppose the prevalent discrimination against women and for seeking equal rights for them, students of Spring Dale Senior School organised a poster campaign on the school premises. The students used posters which served as a medium for expressing their views about the importance of women in society, the challenges being faced by modern women and the measures required to empower them. “Women are the pillars of the society. They are mothers, sisters, friends and mentors. They deserve a special place in the society,” said Krishna Behal, a student of the school. Womanhood for Ridhima Bhandari, a student, means making various sacrifices to juggle between home and workplace successfully. “Women deserve a special place in the society and in our hearts,” she said. Sports meet
Fateh Hola Mohalla Sports Day was held in the complex of International Fateh Academy here. Amrik Singh Pawar, SP, Amritsar, was the chief guest on the occasion. The event began with the recitation of holy shabad. The students participated in the games and played cricket and hockey matches with great enthusiasm. Students hailing from different clubs presented the glimpses of their achievements and their future plans.The Environment club distributed saplings to the guests. Martial art, Gatka, Gidha, Bhangra were presented for the entertainment of spectators. Meanwhile, a booklet on traffic rules was also launched on the occasion. |
|
Sidhu for setting up of film studios in Punjab
Amritsar, March 8 He said in the absence of stringent measures to curb this menace, the Punjabi film industry was dying its own death. “The films, these days, have taken the shape of a huge entertainment industry. The Mumbai film industry has taken stringent measures against piracy. But here, the wrongdoers prosper as there is no such law to nab them,” he said. According to an estimate, piracy has resulted in losses of over Rs 500 crore annually to the state in the form of VAT, income Tax and entertainment tax. Another significant point raised by Sidhu was that the state government should encourage entrepreneurs from Mumbai film industry to make their films in Punjab. “The film personalities like Yash Chopra and Dharmendra, who generally promote Punjabi culture through their films, should be invited to set up their production house in Punjab as the production costs in Mumbai are atleast 10 times higher than any other state. So, film producers prefer to come to Punjab to shoot their films. But they hesitate to come here as there is no concrete policy to promote films in Punjab. Though the government has announced to open a film studio in Mohali, more efforts are needed in this direction. Punjab being the central theme of bollywood films these days for its rich cultural heritage, the government should encash such opportunities by opening more film production studios,” said Sidhu. Meanwhile, Navtej, the organiser of the film festival said it would be the fourth edition of the event and emphasis would be to honour those personalities who have contributed towards promoting Punjabi films.
|
|
I take each day as a birthday: Anupam Kher Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who will celebrate his 56th birthday Monday, reveals he never plans for his birthdays because each day is new and special for him.“I don’t plan anything for my birthday because I believe in celebrating life than just a single day. I believe that each day is a new day and a special day so why just single out one singe day?” Anupam said.The two-time national award-winning actor made his acting debut in the 1982 Hindi movie Aagman, but carved a niche for himself by playing a grieving father in the 1984 movie Saaransh. His portrayal garnered immense critical and commercial acclaim. Then there was no looking back for the actor, who has done more than 400 films in his about three decade long acting career. Some of his unforgettable films include Karma, Daddy, Ram Lakhan, Lamhe, Dil, Saudagar, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara. Anupam also ventured into direction with Om Jai Jagadish in the year 2003. However he is yet to tread the same path again. Also, the versatile actor manages his acting school Actor Prepares that has branches in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Britain.The Padma Shri winner will balance work and family on his birthday. “I will be inaugurating The EU Film Festival in Mumbai on my birthday. Then my parents are in town, so will catch up with them and spend time with them. No other plans,” he revealed. — IANS
|
|
Misleading info: Roundabout becomes ‘centre of attraction’
Amritsar, March 8 Actually, the venue was the Hall Gate roundabout and not Ram Bagh one. Also, the date of inauguration of the foundation stone (March 2, 2011) had elapsed six days ago. Meanwhile, the names of the dignitaries supposed to participate in this foundation laying ceremony included Health Minister Luxmi Kanta Chawla, Mayor Shwait Malik, AMC commissioner DPS Khabanda and councillor of Ward No 23. When inquired from the men affixing the stone, they expressed their inability to answer the questions. “We do not know anything about it. We have been given this slab to be affixed on this roundabout and we are doing as per instructions issued to us,” said one of them. Some people are of the view that the whole activity is nothing but a political stunt by the ruling party to gain mileage by laying more and more foundation stones as elections were due within a couple of months. “It is just a just a show of their political strength by inscribing their names on the stones like this,” said some bystanders. Meanwhile, AMC Commissioner DPS Kharabanda, when apprised of the lapse, showed ignorance about any such move. “It was not in my knowledge if something like this has happened. I will send my team to scrutinise the matter,” he added.
|
|
Kabir Bedi pays obeisance at Golden Temple
Amritsar, March 8 Bedi said that he shared a connection with Sikhism because of his roots. While talking to The Tribune, Bedi said though he hailed from Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), he migrated abroad very early in his life. “I remember I was eight then, when I came to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. After that, life became so busy and because of professional and domestic commitments, I was not fortunate to visit the holy city. It is for the second time that I am here,” he said. Bedi, who had played significant roles in both Hollywood and Bollywood movies, said he had always been proud in being associated with Punjabi movies. SGPC officials honoured Bedi and he was presented with a set of holy books.
|
|
3-year-old child killed
Tarn Taran, March 8 Three labourers of the brick kiln, namely Angrej Singh, Jaswinder Singh and Sanjay (from Uttar Pradesh) have been booked under Sections 304 and 34 of the IPC by the Verowal police. A case has been registered on the complaint of Surjit Kaur, the mother of the deceased child, Arashdeep. According to information, the accused attacked Kashmir Singh, the father of Surjit Kaur, last evening when he was sitting outside his cottage at the brick kiln. When Surjit Kaur came to the rescue of her father, the accused took her child and struck him on the ground. He was brought to a hospital at Beas where the doctors declared him dead. It was alleged that Kashmir Singh had illicit relations with Pammi, the widow mother of accused Angrej Singh, for the last 10 years. In the meantime Jaswinder Singh developed relations with the sister of Angrej Singh. Angrej and Jaswinder had been having grudges against Kashmir Singh. So they attacked him last evening. The accused have been absconding.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Soon visit to the Attari-Wagah joint checkpost to watch the retreat ceremony would be a comfy ride.
Amritsar, March 8
Concerned over air pollution and foul smell emanating from the burning of bodies at the crematorium being run by the Durgiana Temple Management Committee and Municipal Corporation, Punjab’s Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla has voiced for shifting of the crematorium to the outskirts of the city.
Students and staff of DAV International School celebrated International Women’s Day today. Principal Anjana Gupta said modern woman was capable enough to handle her professional as well as personal lives in the best possible ways. On this occasion the students paid a visit to the office of BBK DAV College. In her address to the students BBK DAV Principal Dr Neelam Kamra said social vices like female foeticide, bride burning, dowry system should be eradicated.
Local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu today said the Punjab Government should facilitate “personalities” from Mumbai film industry to set up studios in the state. He also asked the government to implement stiff anti-piracy laws in the state to safeguard Punjabi film industry. Sidhu expressed the views during the announcement of the forthcoming Punjabi Film Festival 2011, scheduled to be held at Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School here on April 3.
A roundabout at the Hall Gate in the city today became a centre of attraction, courtesy a misleading information-laden marble slab being fixed to a bricked platform erected there. Nevertheless, the matter on this marble, released on behalf of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, stated that the foundation stone was being laid for the beautification of the island at Ram Bagh roundabout.
Actor Kabir Bedi asked the state government to plan the holy city as immaculately as the Golden Temple’s ambience. “The Golden Temple is one of the most pious and spiritual place in the world. I believe that Amritsar city should also be planned in the same manner,” he said. Bedi was in the town to shoot for a Punjabi movie being produced by Praveen Dosanjh. Out of his busy schedule, he spared several hours to pay obeisance at the holy shrine.