Bathinda, October 6
The fifth largest municipal corporation of Punjab, the Municipal Corporation Bathinda, (MCB), has only Rs 7 crores left in its kitty to initiate development works till the next financial year.

With the election year inching closer, the revelation may not go down well with the opposition and the voters. The official report states that the government has directed that only those development works should be initiated for which funds are available.

The officials of the corporation state that Rs 2296.01 lakhs have been earmarked for works already in process or for those projects that the House has already passed.

At the same time, only Rs 719 lakhs is available for development after deducting the committed expenses. These works do not include those related to sewerage and drinking water going on in the areas across the railway lines.

Opposition leader Jagroop Singh Gill said with just Rs 719 lakhs in its kitty, the SAD-BJP government wants to take the people for a ride. "Just before the polls, the laying of foundation stones would start and even before money is released for the new projects, the model code of conduct would come into force. How does the government hope to sustain itself,” he said.

Besides, the general house would also discuss the issue related to the areas where building maps are not being passed owing to the government's notification declaring almost 90 per cent of the area illegal. With the government having withdrawn the notification, people are expected to get relief.

Another major issue would be the fixing of user charges for garbage collection and tipping by the JITF Urban Waste Management, Bathinda. The MCB has decided to follow the rates of the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar. The revised licence fees for professionals would also be discussed.

Fire brigade to get facelift

Keeping in view the expansion of the city which now houses the industrial area, old focal point, new focal point, industrial growth centre, oil depot, LPG bottling plant, grain market, cotton factory, mall and refinery, emphasis is being laid on strengthening the fire-fighting system.

Presently, the fire brigade has six fire tenders, one fire jeep and one ambulance. As per government rules, it is mandatory to have one sub-fire officer for every fire tender but presently, there are only two sub-fire officers.

Also, there are just six drivers and 19 firemen for six fire tenders as against 12 drivers and 36 firemen needed. Even the setting up of a sub-fire station in the industrial area has been delayed due to the shortage of manpower. Recruiting these personnel will help in setting up the new fire station also.

Besides, four sub-fire officers are needed as every fire unit should have one leading fireman. Presently, there is just one post of fireman, which is also lying vacant. The Corporation has proposed the introduction of the posts of 12 leading firemen for which firemen working for the last 20 to 25 years shall be considered.

Lease of Public Library to be extended for 3 years

The lease of Public Library, which was earlier given for 47 years, would now be extended for only three years. General secretary, Public Library, Kuldeep Dhingra had moved an application requesting renewal of the lease deed of the 1840 square yards of the library's land. The land was given on lease in 1965 at the rate of Rs 1,794 per year. The lease ended on March 31 this year and would be revised for a period of three years with 20 per cent increase.

Sewermen’s regularisation

The agenda for regularising the services of 36 sewer men and appointing 15 sewer mates would also be kept before the House conceding the long-pending demand of the sewer men union.

Unipoles to be installed for religious posters

Ten unipoles will be installed for pasting religious ads to prevent the defacement of the city as well as unauthorized advertising these carry. 

Bathinda, October 6
Unscrupulous elements, especially the eve teasers and drug addicts, today ran for cover after the police swooped down at the local bus stand with the dog squad and an anti- sabotage team.

With the aim of combing the bus stand, hotels and dhabas around the bus stand besides the cycle and scooter stand ahead of the festive season, the police has launched a special drive to sensitise the people.

"A team of more than 20 policemen along with the dog squad searched the area and the luggage of passengers was also checked during the inspection. Though we could not find anything incriminating, we tried to instill confidence among the people," said Kotwali SHO Jaspal Singh.

He said the search operation would continue in the wake of the coming festive season. Noticing the policemen combing the area, drug addicts and eve teasers escaped and those trying to create nuisance at the bus stand were driven out of the area with warnings.

"Our aim is not to disturb anyone but to send a clear message to the unscrupulous elements to stay away from criminal acts. Such special drives create a sense of security among the people," Jaspal said.

He said nobody was rounded up during the drive.

Bathinda, October 6
The teams of the Adesh Institute of Medical and Dental Sciences, Bathinda, participated in the annual All India Inter Medical Youth Festival organized by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

The teams reached the final and semi-final of most sports events.

Indermeet Singh of MBBS fourth year won the gold medal in the 800 meter track event. The girls' basket ball team lead by MBBS student Meenu bagged the silver medal. Team members Rupinder, Sandeep, Harleen, Shivani, Pallav and Arman made significant contribution in the win.

The teams also participated in debate, quiz, poster making, chorus and solo singing competitions. Last year, the teams from Adesh had won gold in 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters relay, long jump for boys and girls, and in football and volleyball for girls.

Vice-chancellor Dr GPI Singh congratulated the victorious students.

Bathinda, October 6
Members of the NGO, Naujawan Welfare Society, today alleged that cows were being starved to death near Sivian village. In a press release issued here today, the NGO said villagers along with some residents of Rajasthan tie up the stray cows at a secluded place where they either die or are mauled to death by dogs.

The matter was brought to the notice of the police and the SHO, Thermal police station, reached the village to enquire into the incident. The SHO said preliminary investigation did not reveal anything. "We had a word with the residents who said they were quite scared. We would enquire into the matter and try to ascertain the truth," the SHO said.

He added that patrolling in the area would be intensified and anyone was caught in the illegal act of killing or injuring cows would not be spared. The SHO said the villagers might be driving away the stray cows or bulls to save their crops.

President of the NGO Sonu Maheshwari claimed ropes and carcasses of the cows were found at some places and it is said that the animals were sent to slaughter houses or killed by tying them at secluded places.

Bathinda, October 6
The team of DAV Public School, Tohana, defeated OS DAV School, Kaithal, in the under-19 category for girls in the CBSE cluster XV kho-kho competition for Punjab and Haryana being held at the Lord Rama Public School here.

In the girls' section, Sanawar Public School won over SSD Krishna Vatika School, Colonel SS School, Sangrur, won over GTBP School at Patran and SSD Krishna Vatika, Bathinda defeated PKS International School, Bathinda.

In the under-19 category for boys, GTB Senior Secondary School, Kaithal won over OS DAV School, Kaithal, MDN Senior Secondary School, Kalayat, won over SSD Krishna Vatika, Bathinda and LADM DAV School, Budhlada, won over Doon Senior Secondary School, Kararwala, Bathinda.

Lord Rama Public School defeated BLG DAV Senior Secondary School, Jakhal, GTB Public School, Dhuri, won over Sanawar Public School, Bathinda, OS DAV School, Kaithal defeated GTB Senior Secondary School, Patran and DAV Public School, Panduri won over DAV Century Public School, Tohana.

Members on official duty at the event were ex-principal Gobind Singh, headmaster Harnek Singh, headmaster Randhawa Singh, lecturers Jasveer Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Mandeep and teachers Preetpal Kaur, Bhinderpal Kaur, Navdeep Kaur, Karamjeet Kaur, Manreet, Gurjant, Harpal, Sarjeevan and Kulwinder.

The matches would be held till October 9.