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Mockery of RTI Act by civic body
ED tightens its noose around business houses
Man crushed to death on GT road
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Police fails to nab accused in JE's suicide case
Rain likely to intensify cold wave
Canadian honour for Sikh author
Food and cultural festival organised
Gippy Garewal to perform charity show on Feb 5
Theft of LPG cylinders on the rise
'Bank strengthening security'
Carpenter injured in attack
Resident robbed of Rs 49,000 by armed miscreants
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Mockery of RTI Act by civic body
Jalandhar, February 3 In response to an application by RTI activist Kailash Thukral, the MCJ Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO)-cum-Assistant Commissioner attached a note of Tax Superintendent (TS) based on a report of the house tax clerk (HTC) which stated, “The expenditure on providing the required information on house tax will be Rs 1.5 lakh and this information will be provided only after depositing the said amount with the MCJ.” Interestingly, it has been stated in the six-line noting, “The date of last 11 years is not available in the computer as per the statement. It will take three months for preparing data from ledgers and it may be prepared after recruiting 10 contractual employees for doing the same and it will cost Rs 1.5 lakh.” The RTI activist received this reply from the MCJ a few days ago through letter number 660/HT dated January 30, 2013, in response to his application dated December 31, 2012. Taking a strong note of making a mockery of the RTI Act, Kailash Thukral has decided to file appeal-cum-complaint with MCJ Commissioner-cum-PIO-cum first appellant authority Vinay Bublani against the MCJ APIO-cum-Assistant Commissioner. Thukral said, “The information cannot be denied simply on the grounds that the number of statements have not been provided in the computer data and will be prepared by engaging 10 contractual employees which will cost Rs 1.5 lakh.” The RTI activist further stated, “The cost of providing information should have been calculated and determined by the PIO concerned as stated under sections 7 (1) and 7 (3) of RTI Act and details of such calculations are to be conveyed to the application.” Thukral further stated, “The report of the HTC is baseless and deemed to be a wilful denial of information sought under RTI Act as the desired information is already prepared under Punjab Municipal Account Code 1930 by the office concerned every year and kept in a record after the end of each financial year under the 'mandatory provision' of the code in the form of annual accounts.” In his application filed under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, Kailash Thukral had sought information regarding the publication of notices of public auctions of various immovable properties for the recovery of house tax under Section 138 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976 and other information concerned for house tax from 2001 to 2011-12. Thukral had also sought a copy of any report of the dealing officer suggesting the provision of unit areas-based property tax self-assessment system for amendment in the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, forwarded to the government. “If so, the resolution of the MCJ be also provided,” he stated in his
application. |
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ED tightens its noose around business houses
Jalandhar, February 3 The racket was being operated by Happy Forex Private Ltd, a money exchanger in Adda Hoshiarpur, from where unaccounted amount of Rs 1.15 crore was recovered. The ED is also tracing the records of certain builders and NRIs involved in the racket and verifying their association with Raja Kandola, the kingpin of Rs 200 crore ‘Ice’ haul case, a drug smuggling case. He was arrested in August, 2012. With the kind of recoveries during the recent raids in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, the ED sleuths have started preparing a list of the business houses, traders, builders and NRIs who were continuous indulged in money laundering and evading taxes. To unearth the nexus among the drug kingpin, money launderers, NRIs and other business houses, the security agencies have conducted more than 24 raids at various places in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh. |
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Man crushed to death on GT road
Jalandhar, February 3 Rajesh Kumar died on the spot as he suffered serious injuries on his head, said Harvinder Singh, Station House Officer, Jalandhar Cantonment Area. The tempo driver, Joginder Singh, a resident of Mallian village of Amritsar district, who reportedly tried to sped away from the scene, was nabbed by the police. The police today handed over the body to the family members and a case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against the driver at Jalandhar Cantonment police station. The vehicle involved in the crime has been impounded by the police. |
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Police fails to nab accused in JE's suicide case
Jalandhar, February 3 Assistance Commissioner of Police (west) RPS Sandhu, however, claimed that raids were being conducted at their suspected hideouts but to no avail. They had already initiated departmental action against three officials, who in attempt to evade the arrest, were absent from the duty. The trio were accused of forcing their junior Harbhajan Singh, a JE, to commit suicide on January 25 at his office. The deceased had also left a suicide note alleging harassment by them for a long time. The deceased, in his suicide note, had alleged that they implicated him a false case of corruption and were demanding Rs 2 lakh (that he withdrew from his bank account) as ‘extortion’ money. |
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Rain likely to intensify cold wave
Jalandhar, February 3 Meanwhile, the minimum temperature was recorded as 5.2 degrees Celsius at Adampur near Jalandhar, whereas the maximum temperature there was 20.8 degrees Celsius today. The lowest temperature was recorded in Halwara as 7.9 degrees Celsius, whereas the maximum was 21.3 degrees Celsius, in Pathankot, the minimum temperature was 8.9 degrees Celsius and the maximum was 19.1 degrees Celsius. In Bathinda, the minimum temperature was recorded as 9.7 degrees Celsius and the maximum was 19.8 degrees Celsius. |
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world wetland day
Kapurthala, February 3 Dr Ahluwalia said “We need to value wetlands as invaluable gifts of God and should take every step possible to conserve them for our future generations.” Highlighting neglectful attitude regarding environmental and geology study in our country, he said “China has geology and environmental sciences departments in 95 per cent of its universities, research labs, whereas in India a person lands up in zoology when he tried to find a geology department.” Speaking on the occasion, PGSC director general Dr RS Khandpur said “Wetlands are important part of biodiversity and it is essential to see that these are well protected. It is easier to protect them now than to restore or recreate them later which may be too late.” Further he said “Wetlands have been drained and transformed by anthropogenic activities like unplanned urban and agricultural development, industrial sites, constructions, impoundment, resource extraction and dredge disposal causing substantial long-term ecological loss.” “India has about 40 lakh hectares area under wetlands, out of which about 23,000 hectares situated in Punjab. Punjab has 12 natural and nine manmade wetlands. The state has the privilege of having three wetlands of international importance.” On this occasion various competitions like posters making, collage display and photography competition were organised. Navneet Saini of Swami Sant Dass Public School Jalandhar won first prize in a photography competition. In a poster making competition, Bhumika Shabra of BBM School Kichlu Nagar won the prize. |
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Canadian honour for Sikh author
Jalandhar, February 3 The commemorative medal was reportedly given to Dr Bains for his ‘steadfast devotion’ and ‘long-standing commitment’ for volunteer service towards the people of Canada and the global community. Dr Bains who, hails from Jalandhar, was currently in India. He claimed that the award was given to him for services towards humanity. His family had received the medal in Vancouver on Friday on his behalf. Committed to the well-being of the human beings, Dr Bains has toured more than 12 countries to create awareness and educate youth against the evils of drugs, domestic violence, rapes, female foeticide and HIV-AIDS. Dr Bains has the experience to serve on various socio-government and non-government positions, and many advisory committees in Canada. He dedicated his life to public and in service of needy, poor and the sick. He has an edge in spreading the universal Sikh tenets and fostering better understanding of Sikh faith amongst divergent people of the globe practising different faiths and philosophies. He has also been promoting Punjabi language in British Columbia and elsewhere in the world. The ‘Encyclopaedia of Sikhism’ authored by Dr Bains on multimedia technology was released by the Prime Minister in the Parliament House of Canada in December, 1996. He claims to be a record-holder in respect of setting-up five ‘Multimedia Sikh Museums’ in the world--- first at Khadur Sahib (Punjab) in 2004, second at Jalandhar in 2008, third at Mississauga in Canada in 2010, fourth at Gwalior in 2010 and fifth at Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab on November 26, 2012. A leading scholar Dr Bains has already been honoured globally with prestigious awards, titles, accolades and honours including, the Order of British Columbia, Good Citizen of Surrey, British Columbia, Mother Teresa Service Award, Order of Khalsa, Lifetime Achievement Award, Wisdom of Age Mentorship Award, Galileo Global Peace Award and Museologist of the Century Title for his untiring services and remarkable contributions towards welfare of the human race irrespective of caste, colour, creed and region. Talking to The Tribune, Dr Bains said “I am humbled and blessed to receive the honour. It will further add to my commitment to serve my co-mate Canadians and global community in future with more zeal.” The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, was established by the Governor General of Canada to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’ s accession to the throne, and to honour Canadians, who have made significant contributions to their communities and those who have made a tremendous impact on the country or made achievements abroad that bring credit to Canada. |
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Food and cultural festival organised
Jalandhar, February 3 The students had prepared various cuisines, including Kashmiri, Punjabi, Oriental and Continental, vegetarian and non vegetarian, under the guidance of teams of chefs from Hotels Taj and Oberoi. Scores of visitors enjoyed the food items. A cultural programme with the stint of bhangra, giddha, live band, juggling and fireworks was also organised on this occasion. Punjab Tourism Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur, who was the chief guest at the event, said “The purpose of organising a mega food festival is to promote the tourism in Punjab and remind the people about the rich culture and food of the state.” Chairman of the Institution said, “Students managed the show. With such participation, they get practical knowledge and can prepare themselves for the challenges of the industry.”
— TNS |
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Gippy Garewal to perform charity show on Feb 5
Jalandhar, February 3 The show will be held at St Soldier Campus and is being organised by the St Soldier Group of Institutions in an effort to generate funds for the deprived members of the society, who were inmates of Nari Niketan, Aphaj Ashram, Andh Vidyalaya, besides blood cancer patients. Vice-chairperson of the group Sangeeta Chopra said Bubble Rai, Harpreet Dhillon, Rimej Jey, Jelly, Mandeep Mand and Vikas Mongia, a student of St Soldier, who turned professional singer, would perform at the show. All the members of the group had contributed their one-day pay for this noble cause, she said. Children from Apahaj Ashram, Pingla Ghar, District Anti Leprosy Association and Rashtriya Andh Vidyalaya would be the special guests, said Navjot Kaur, a group spokesperson.
— TNS |
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Curtains drawn on film production workshop
Jalandhar, February 3 Addressing the gathering, Chander Mohan specified the increasing influence of the media on young minds. “The media is playing a major role in shaping up the society; hence, it should take larger social responsibility of producing programmes, which promote social welfare.” Punjabi film producer Dr Harjeet was the main resource person of the day. He talked about the beginning of movie making, right from the era of silent movies to its present form. The second day began with an address by Dr Namrata from Regional GNDU Campus. She spoke on film appreciation and journalism aesthetics of the cinema. Dr Harjeet shared film experiences with the young students, who had attended the workshop. Director of Jatt & Juliet Anurag said it was necessary to know the pulse of the audience and make movies that cater to popular taste. Actress Sargi talked about acting skills and her experiences as an actress. RJ Deepak from Radio Mirchi spoke about script-writing and its relevance in the world of electronic-media. Head department of journalism and mass communication (Guru Nanak Dev University) Dr KS Duggal was the chief guest of the valedictory function. He congratulated KMV and its students for organising the workshop. He said such experience would help young scholars in their future endeavours. On this occasion, KMV principal Dr Atima Sharma thanked all the sponsors for their contribution. She appreciated the efforts of the students. |
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Theft of LPG cylinders on the rise
The police intercepted the accused on an autorickshaw, which was carrying 10 cylinders during a special naka laid at Dhupai village a few days ago. The police got suspicious as the occupants of the autorickshaw could not produce any valid documents regarding the 10 cylinders loaded on the cargo then. Meanwhile, two of his accomplices managed to slip from the scene. Later, the police recovered 45 LPG domestic cylinders after interrogating the accused. Such instances have increased apparently due to the cap imposed by the government as the cylinders can be easily sold in the black market. The investigations carried out by the police revealed that the thieves sell the stolen cylinders to illegal gas filling units. Meanwhile, some unknown persons broke open a house at Diamond Avenue area yesterday while the occupants of the house were abroad. Besides stealing jewellery, a revolver and other valuable items the thieves lifted two gas cylinders too. Three days ago, the thieves barged into the house of an additional district session judge Sham Lal, located at Canal Colony, Amritsar. These unidentified persons, who had gained entry into the locked house did not forget to lift the domestic LPG cylinder, besides other valuables which included a television set, VCP etc. A daily crime diary of the Police Department confirmed that on an average there were at least two-to-three instances on the daily basis wherein the LPG gas cylinders were being stolen. Police Commissioner Ram Singh said special nakas were laid at random, especially during odd hours to check this menace. “The LPG cylinder thefts are being observed minutely and we are vigilant enough to put a cap on this menace," he said. |
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'Bank strengthening security'
Jalandhar, February 2 PK Anand, an executive director of the bank, claimed that the bank was concerned with the grievances of the affected locker holders and was taking all necessary steps to strengthen the security of the bank’s branches to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. He further said that the loss of affected lockers hirers was being assessed and the same would be considered on merit as per the provisions of the law in this regard.
— TNS |
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Carpenter injured in attack
Phagwara, February 3 The attacker, however, managed to escape from the police. The injured was first brought to a private hospital, but was referred to DMC Ludhiana. He sustained injuries on his neck, head and eyes. Superintendent of Police, Phagwara, HPS Khakh said the injured was being operated upon in the DMC, Ludhiana. A case could be registered only after recording the statement of the injured youth, who was still unconscious till Sunday. He said the attacker was identified as Paramjit of local Satnampura. A Minor quarrel during their job was said to be the cause of attack, the police
said. — TNS |
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Resident robbed of Rs 49,000 by armed miscreants
Amritsar, February 3 Ramesh Kumar stated to the police that he was returning home on his motorcycle when he was intercepted by four armed persons who had covered their faces. As soon as he stopped his motorcycle, the accused snatched his bag containing Rs 49,700, besides several documents.
— TNS |
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Amritsar, February 3