Bathinda, March 14
The Punjab Budget (2011-12), presented by Finance Minister Upinderjit Kaur in the Assembly today, was termed as a populist budget by the people here in view of the ensuing Assembly elections.

Said Dr Sanjiv Pathak of Bathinda, “I am of the view that the Punjab Budget has been presented with a please all” policy as in the budget almost every section of society, has been touched. I think this is a populist budget perhaps due to the ensuing Assembly elections.

“I welcome the provision of Rs 20 crore for cancer patients, besides installation of more reverse osmosis plants in the Malwa belt. However, I want that the government should slash VAT on petrol to make it cheaper," he added.

An industrialist, Raman Watts also from Bathinda said, "Overall it is a good budget for various sections of society, but the industry has nothing to benefit more from it. I am of the view that this budget is a "no profit, no loss" budget for the industry as no new taxes have been imposed on it.

“I want that the government should slash VAT on industry-related goods. I also welcome government's initiatives, like reduction in age limit for old-age pension from 60 years to 58 years for women and free uniforms for backward classes students.”

While giving her reaction, Rinku Gupta, a housewife (Bathinda) who is M. Sc in Forensic Science said, "I am disappointed as there is no mention about kitchen-related items. Thus, this budget is not upto the mark for them.

“However, I appreciate the government's decisions, with regard to providing bicycles free of cost to the girl students of Class XI and Class XII and extending the "Shagun scheme" benefit to the backward classes and girls from poor families. Revival of pension for the aided school teachers is also a welcome step." 

Bathinda, March 14
A large number of farmers today converged at the Regional Kisan Mela, organised by the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana, at the campus of the Regional Station, Bathinda.

Farmers carry bags of seeds at the Kisan Mela organized by the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) in Bathinda on Monday. Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma

At the mela, the farmers were seen interested in getting new seeds as well as learning new field-worthy knowledge. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member, Rajya Sabha, was the chief guest while the PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Bhunder said farmers should get the maximum advantages of the PAU Kisan Melas. The PAU VC Dr Kang said that the Kisan melas provided the scientists an opportunity to talk face-to-face with farmers and help them in solving farm problems.

Highlighting the problems of depleting water table and deteriorating soil resources, Dr Kang said the PAU was emphasising on natural resource conservation technologies. In his welcome address, Director of Extension Education, Dr MS Gill said that Kisan melas were organised for quick transfer of farm technologies to farmers.

Dr SS Gosal, Director of Research, said the focus was being laid on developing technologies that conserved resources and were cost-effective.

Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Additional Director, Communications also spoke on the occasion . Dr VP Mittal Director of the Regional Station, Bathinda, proposed the vote of thanks. 

Ferozepur, March 14
The Railways today cancelled three express trains including the Ferozepur-Mumbai Punjab Mail, Amritsar-Jaipur Express and Ferozepur-Mumbai Janata Express. An equal number of passenger trains were also cancelled following blockade of rail tracks by the activist of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti in support of their demand for quota to the community.

Railways sources said besides cancellation, the routes of several other trains have been diverted and in some cases, the trains have been short terminated causing immense inconvenience to the passengers who have been left stranded at different stations. The railway station at Ferozpur Cantonment which is otherwise abuzz with activity in the evening wore a deserted look today due to the cancellation of the Mumbai-bound Punjab Mail which is the lifeline of the local traders who have to visit Delhi frequently for business requirements. “The cancellation for the next two days will affect the local business community,” said Ashwani Mehta, President, Beopar Mandal.

Karnail Singh Bhawra, state President of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti, said they will continue the 'Rail Roko' agitation till their demands are accepted. “We have given an ultimatum to the government to accept our demand by March 17. Otherwise, we will block the water supply to Delhi,” he warned.

Ferozepur, March 14
RC Sobti, vice-chancellor, Punjab University, today urged the students to fight against social evils including female foeticide.

Sobti was here to preside over the convocation of the local RSD College. Suresh Sharma, principal of the college, said over 350 students from different disciplines were awarded degrees by Sobti

Besides, Olympians Baldev Singh and Ajit Singh, former students of the college, attended the function as guests of honour. Others who were present at the function included office-bearers of the managing committee including its president SC Sanwalka, secretary BB Sanwalka, member Satish Kumar, and SP Anand, Director.

JR Prashar, senior functionary of the college, conducted the proceedings on the stage.

Sobti inaugurated the new administrative block, a new computer lab and the new seminar hall of the college.