Ludhiana, October 16
The number of dengue patients getting admitted to city hospitals and clinics is growing by the day. Patients, especially those coming from the lower strata of society, are finding it difficult to combat the disease with high costs of transfusion of platelets, plasma and cell.

Talking to The Tribune, Satpal, a resident of Tibba Road, whose wife Shiksha is suspected to be suffering from dengue, said: “My wife has been sick for the past over a week. I have five kids to fend for. Three days ago, I got admitted my wife to Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital, where she is being treated free of cost. However, she is yet to recover from her ailment. I have to spend at Rs 100 to Rs 150 every day on her medication, which has to be procured from outside. I have no money and have arranged this amount with the help of those living in the locality.”

Things are more complicated for Kunti Devi, a resident of Haibowal, who awaits single donor platelets (SDP) for her sick brother-in-law suffering from dengue.

“We are painters by profession. The doctor has told me that blood platelets costing Rs 14,000 are urgently needed for him. So I along with my relative have come to the Immunology and Blood Transfusion Department of the DMCH to get the same by donating the blood,” she said. She added: “We don’t earn so much that we can afford to spend it on treatment. But there is no other way out.”

The waiting hall of the blood bank at the DMCH is flooded with donors, whose relatives have been suffering from dengue. The machines engaged in the extraction of SDP (single donor platelets) and RDP (random donor platelets) are working round-the-clock and so is the staff.

Dr Amarjeet Kaur, head, immunology and blood transfusion department, DMCH, said: “A single RDP pouch measuring 40-50 ml has 5,000 to 10,000 platelets and costs Rs 1,540. However, an SDP pouch measuring 200 to 250 ml has 30,000 to 70,000 platelets and costs Rs 13,907. So patients who cannot afford to get a pouch of the SDP can have four to five pouches of the RDP. I’d rather prefer the SDP as those receiving four to five pouches of RDP would also get anti-bodies of four to five different individuals. In case of the SDP, the recipient gets antibodies of just one person.”

Ludhiana, October 16
As dengue patients continue to trickle in, city hospitals are grappling with the problem of accommodating and treating them for the disease as blood platelet supplies are running low.

With patients from other districts also arriving at city hospitals, doctors have to admit not only serious cases but also those who wish to get hospitalised for an early relief from dengue. Patients’ attendants are busy arranging for donors to get hold of platelets. This has led to a shortfall in the supply of platelets.

Manjit Saini, founder president of NGO Salaam Zindagi, said: “Last year, our NGO had organised a 24-day-long voluntary blood donation camp at the DMCH to meet the patients’ requirement. Our volunteers used to donate platelets round-the-clock. However, this year our services are available on the phone itself. As the demand for platelets is high and supply is low, we appeal to public in general to come forward for donating the SDP (single donor platelet) and the RDP (random donor platelet). Any one who wishes to volunteer can contact us at 9814704064.”

Dr Amarjeet Kaur, head, Immunology and Blood Transfusion Department, DMCH, said: “Whenever a dengue patient arrives and needs platelets, we help him out by searching for SDP or RDP donors along with their attendants. Sometimes we even call blood donors from the hostels of the PAU or the SCD Government College for Boys or seek the help of volunteers of Salaam Zindagi.”

“If a patient succeeds in arranging his own donor then an RDP unit costs Rs 1,540. If we arrange a donor, it costs Rs 2,200 per unit. However, the SDP costs Rs 13,970 for a single unit. The price covers the cost of five tests mandatory for blood donation as well as platelet donation,” she added.

Dr Rupinder Kaur, head, blood transfusion, Christian Medical College and Hospital, said: “The life of the RDP as well as the SDP is approximately five days.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 16
Relaxation under the shadow of a Banyan tree proved disastrous for four labourer families of Pakhowal village in the Ludhiana district. The breadwinners of these four families were mowed down to death by a speeding tanker after its driver lost control over the vehicle while maneuvering a curve on the village road.

The deceased have been identified as Tirlochan Singh, Randhir Singh, Amar Singh (all between 50 and 55 year of age) and Nazar Singh (65), who were relaxing on a platform constructed under the Banyan tree on the Pakhowal-Leelan road were killed when the tanker (HP 69 1220) run over them today afternoon.

Collision was so powerful that it smashed the mounted platform and dragged branches of the banyan tree to a great distance before overturning.

While a few villagers, who were standing near the platform saved their lives by running away, those who were squatting there failed to get up and were hurt seriously. All except Nazar Singh died on the spot.

Nazar Singh was shifted to a private hospital at Sarabha village where he succumbed to his injuries.

Pool of blood near the site of accident and bodies created a heart rendering scene and the police found it difficult to control villagers who wanted immediate arrest of the driver of the killer vehicle.

The Sudhar police has booked Susheel Kumar of Sanghora village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, who was recklessly driving the tanker.

Though no one has been arrested, SHO Sudhar police station said a police party had been dispatched to nab the accused. 

Ludhiana, October 16
Two years ago, walking smoothly was an uphill task for Mohali resident Preetam Kaur (64) as her right knee was swollen.

She was able to walk, but with a lot of discomfort. But today, she was dancing ‘giddha’ during a function organised by the department of orthopaedics of Fortis hospital in Mohali.

She said, “All this is due to a knee replacement I underwent about two years ago. Although I am getting older, I am becoming more active work-wise. I can dance and work freely without any pain.”

Clad in a Punjabi folk dress, she recited Surinder Kaur’s Punjabi number ‘Mein maang Ludhiane di’ and danced with her husband, Major (retd) Rashpal Ghumman.

The atmosphere was charged, with those who had undergone hip or knee replacement looking more active than the rest. More than 100 such persons were present.

Raghveer Kaur (66) of Mohali had also undergone knee replacement. She said, “I never felt that my knee was replaced.” She rejoined her friends in dancing.

Parminder Singh (69) had undergone heart surgery, besides knee replacement. He said, “One should always think positive and feel healthy. I have undergone two surgeries, but find myself hale and hearty.”

Local businessman Sunil Kumar said, “My hip joints were replaced in September. I do not have any problem. The doctor has asked me to use a walker just one more week.”

Local businessman Sandeep Mehta, who was in his 40s, had undergone double hip joint replacement as well. He said, “Life is more comfortable now as I have no pain.”

Dr Manuj Wadhwa, director and head of the departments of orthopaedics and joint replacement at the Mohali-based hospital, said total knee replacement surgery was possible in just 15 minutes.

Recent studies had shown that no two knees were alike. These varied in size, shape and extent, besides damage. A 3-D model of the knee helped determine the correct implant size and placement.

Ludhiana, October 16
The sale and purchase wing of the excise and taxation department, Punjab, has once again irked industrialists and traders by once again changing the filing of VAT returns.

Taxpayers, who have downloaded the old e-forms for filing quarterly returns from July to September, have been finding it hard to upload these due to certain changes made by the excise and taxation department.

While traders and industrialists have approached department officials to know the problem, it has failed to give adequate information on certain changes made in the old form. The new forms are to be downloaded to file the returns now. However, these frequent changes have not gone down well with the taxpayers.

Jatinder Khurana, president, Taxation Young Lawyers’ Association, said since the department had not informed anyone in this regard, taxpayers were finding it hard to upload their forms.

“We had to contact the department officials to know the problem. We then came to know about the new e-forms and had to file the returns again,” said Khurana.

SC Ralhan, chairman, Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), said as part of the recent changes, a separate invoice had to be made (for filing return) for every item. However, it became a cumbersome process for the taxpayers as they had upgrade their software while traders/industrialists found it difficult to get their software changed or amended suddenly.”

The department on Wipro’s recommendations has done this. The software company has been given the charge to make the filing of returns more compatible.

“Big industrialists can get their software changed, but a marginal trader cannot afford to make amendments or change the software. The frequent changes in the filing of returns make it a cumbersome task. The changes may be brought in to streamline the procedure but the department must give ample time to the taxpayers to understand everything,” he added.

Ludhiana, October 16
Even though the dengue has spread its tentacles and a few have died due to it, the municipal corporation seems to be less concerned about the health of city residents. A few fountains in the city, which not been cleaned for months together, have become a breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes to multiply.

One of the fountains located in the municipal corporation’s multi-level parking, stone throw away from the MC Zone A office near the Mata Rani Chowk, is a clear example of utter negligence on the part civic officials.

A visit to this place shows that the colour of the water in the fountain, which is otherwise used for beautifying the place, has turned green and is providing favourable breeding ground for the dengue mosquito.

A shopkeeper of the area said, “We have brought this issue to the notice of municipal authorities on numerous occasions, but they don’t seem to take any notice of it. I wonder why the MC officials are unable to see it. Moreover they themselves visit the place daily and still they are least bothered about their own health, leave aside the health of city residents.”

Not only this, an MC official said every year, fountains are closed in the month of October. “This is done to keep a check on dengue fever. But if the MC wants to run these fountains, the water has to be cleared every day, failing which, it can attract diseases such as dengue,” the official added. MC Zonal Commissioner Amarjit Singh Sekhon said all fountains would be cleaned within a few days. “If any such fountain exist near the Zone A office, I would get it cleaned immediately. The fogging operation is underway and people need not worry about it,” he added. 

Ludhiana, October 16
112 participants were selected in the first round semi-finals of "Chance For Dance” here today. The participants had to go through rigorous training.

The mega dance competition will be held for four categories of different age groups including seedlings (from 4 to 6 years), twinkling buds (7-9 years), blooming flowers (10-14 years) and fragrant garland (15-18 years of age). The selected 112 basic semi-finalists will compete with each other to enter the next round.

The selected participants will be dispersed in three categories-solo, pair and group on the basis of their performance. The candidates will again undergo hardcore training to prepare for the second round of semi-finals out of which 92 most deserving finalists will be shortlisted by a panel of judges.

“To boost the morale and for fair judgment, we are considering public voting also. We are providing a short code so that public can vote for their favorite contestant by just typing “CHANCE” space and the contestant number from their mobile phones and send it to a particular number. Total score will be comprised of 30 per cent public voting and 70 per cent judgment score,” said the project director.

Mahinder Goyal director Janpath Estates said, “As the participants are raw and fresh, we are giving them an opportunity to remove their stage fear and to face the audience. They can perform better in finals”.

Bollywood choreographers Suman Kumar and Sudama Minz said children were putting-in lots of hard work and dedication to learn dance. “I am really looking forward to groom and polish them further so that they can reach to a different level of dancing where they can shine like superstars,” said Minz.

Doraha, October 16
The Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has instructed all District Election Officers to keep in mind the pay scale, seniority and status of the staff while assigning them the duties in the coming elections. This had come in response to the letter written by Dr Kuldip Singh, Fellow, Panjab University and former general secretary of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union to the Chief Electoral office Punjab asking them to assign duties to the college teachers on the basis of their status, seniority and pay scales.

The CEO has sent a copy saying specific instructions were given to the DEOs to take under consideration pay scale, seniority and status of the teachers and other employees while deploying them on election duty. A copy of the letter has now been sent to Dr Kuldip Singh also.

In his letter to the Chief Electoral office Punjab, Dr Singh had complained that majority of the teachers had been deployed as presiding officers while the ones assigned the duty of superintendents and returning officers drew lesser salary as compared to them in the recently held SGPC elections. “Under the new scales, the associate professors are drawing pay band of Rs 37400-64000 with grade pay of Rs 9000 whereas junior officers, drawing lesser pay band and grade pay, had been appointed as their seniors in the election duties. Great resentment was prevailing among the teachers of government and government-aided colleges due to this anomaly, said Dr Singh.

Ludhiana, October 16
Three young artists from the city, held a three-day exhibition to demonstrate their artwork at Atmosphere Gallery from October 15 to 17.

Ankur, son of a prominent Punjabi poet Surjit Patar displayed 'Gurmukhi' letters in digital art. He is a digital artist and working as creative head of “santabanta.com”. Vivek, son of a Punjabi poet Jaswant Zafar, is studding in Canada, displayed landscapes by his photography.

Rachana, she has presented mother child relationship through her sketches. “People from every age group are visiting gallery to see our art collection. We are happy from the response of public. I presented Gumukhi letters in digital shape because I want to do something in this field. The thought behind the gurmukhi letters is to promote Punjabi,” said Ankur.

Ludhiana, October 16
Punjab Agricultural University and a Multinational Swiss Company, Syngenta, have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen research and extension programmes. In a function held today at VC committee room, PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon and Managing Director and Territory Head-South Asia of Syngenta, Akshaya Kamath signed the agreement.

All the deans, directors, officers of the university and the delegation from Syngenta attended the meeting. While addressing the meeting Dr Dhillon said Punjab farmers had made great contributions towards national food security and the collaboration with one of the leading company of the world dealing in crop protection and seeds would help to achieve new milestones. In his comments, Kamath said his company felt proud to work with the India's leading farm University that played a key role in bringing green revolution in India.

Ludhiana, October 16
The issue regarding contract of solid waste management being given to private companies in the state remained heavy during the seminar organised by Dalit Maha Panchayat at Panjab University Extension Library, here today. Capt Amarinder Singh, accompanied by other Dalit leaders attended the occasion.

Chander Shekhar Sahota, president of Dalit Maha Panchayat, said by giving contracts of solid waste management to private companies the state government has literally snatched jobs from the members of Valmiki community.

Sahota said, a private garbage collector earns around Rs 7,000 to 10,000 per month. “The private companies are hiring people for a sum of Rs 3,600. The state government should justify as to how our community people would be able to support their own families with this much money?” said Sahota.

Another speaker said, “These companies are exploiting us and the state government is earning money out of the garbage,”

Speaking on the occasion, Capt Amarinder Singh said he himself as well as Congress party has always stood for the rights of leaders of Valmiki community. He promised once Congress forms the government, it would scrap the contractual system of appointment of the safai-karamcharis in various corporations and local bodies in the state.

Capt Amarinder said, keeping in view the importance of his teachings, his government, between 2002 and 2007, had set up the Maharishi Valmiki Chair at Punjabi University Patiala, which was abolished by the present government. He promised, once Congress comes to power after elections the chair will be restored so that research and translations of Maharishi’s teachings can be done extensively for the benefit of entire humanity.

Doraha, October 16
More than 500 students of BCom, BBA and MCom attended the extension lectures organised by the Commerce and Business Administration Club of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha here today.

Lt Col TBP Joshi from AICTE, SMU Centre, Ludhiana and Prof Gagandeep Sharma from BBSB Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib, were the resource persons during the occasion.

Lt Col TBP Joshi discussed the topic “Personality Development-Who am I?” He emphasised that knowledge, skill, aptitude and attitude are four aspects necessary for the development of personality. He stressed that we should use our mind as our servant and not as master in our life.

Prof Gagandeep Sharma discussed “Human Values and Professional Ethics” which he said are sadly lacking in the modern society. He also described the various factors affecting human values.

Ludhiana, October 16
Security has been tightened on National Highway 1 following intelligence reports that terrorists used this route for the RDX-laden car that was found abandoned at Ambala.

A team led by Ladhowal station house officer Vinod Kumar put up a security checkpost and conducted a thorough vehicle search operation here today.

Vehicles approaching from the Jalandhar side were searched. “The festive season is on. Anti-social elements are trying to break the peace. The police is on its toes,” he said.

Ludhiana, October 16
Eight persons have been booked for abducting, gangraping and creating an MMS of a woman.

The victim alleged that Pawan Kumar, alias Talli, Vicky, Raju, Ghugi and four unidentified persons abducted her and raped her at a house in Joshi Nagar.

She alleged that the suspects also video-filmed the rape. She said Talli threatened to make the MMS public if she reported the matter to the police.

Jagraon, October 16
Universal Human Rights Organisation general secretary and RTI activist Iqbal Singh Rasoolpur, along with residents of 12 villages connected through the Jagraon-Mallha link road, has sent a legal notice to the Punjab Mandi Board secretary through the local SDM. A delegation of residents of these villages met SDM Isha Kalia and submitted a notice, to be sent to the Punjab Mandi Board secretary.

Rasoolpur, on whose petition in the High Court the board had given an undertaking in court, has asked the board secretary why the department has failed to complete the construction of the road despite the undertaking and why a contempt of court case should not be filed against the department for failing to complete the work in the given time.

The 13-km Jagraon-Mallha link road, which connected over 30,000 people of 12 villages with Jagraon, had not been repaired for over nine years. The link road was last repaired over eight years ago and it completed its expiry term in 2008.

Though the board, following the notice sent by the High Court while hearing a petition filed by Rasoolpur a few months ago, had given an undertaking, stating that the construction of the link road would be completed by October 9, the department had barely completed work on a 2-km stretch of the road so far.

Irked at the neglect by the state government, residents of Chakar village had boycotted the SGPC elections held on September 18. Now, residents of some other villages, including Dalla, Dehraka, Rasoolpur and Chakar, had threatened to boycott the Assembly elections if the work was not completed soon.

Jagraon Mandi Board SDO Gurmel Singh Koli said: “The construction work had been delayed due to the SGPC elections. Besides, as per rules, villagers had to do the soil-laying work on both sides of the road. But, as it has not been done yet, we cannot take the construction work ahead.”