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Mayor’s security withdrawn
MC gives 72-hr ultimatum to tax evaders
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3 tractor-trolleys impounded
Amritsar, March 7 The Ajnala police has impounded three tractor-trolleys which were reportedly carrying sand illegally excavated from the Ravi river belt. The police has registered a theft case against the unidentified drivers of the trolleys, who fled from the scene, leaving behind their trolleys after seeing a police party.
VIP visits affect OPD services
Today is International Women's Day
No free drugs at emergency wards
63 challaned for defying smoking ban, selling tobacco
Admn issues widow pension cards to 25 women in Maqboolpura locality
CII explores joint business possibilities with delegation from Sharjah
GNDU convocation to be telecast live
Seminar on legal awareness held
Rajdeep is new Amritsar CII Zonal Council chairman
Three killed in road mishap
Special dental camp today
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Mayor’s security withdrawn
Amritsar, March 7 The Mayor, meanwhile, said that he would challenge the order in the high court. “The Punjab Government wants that the Mayor should sit idle at home. As a Mayor, I have to move out at odd hours, deal with land mafias, remove encroachments from public land and even tighten noose around big ‘fish’, who evade taxes and leave no chance to gobble up undue privileges. Does the government think that all these jobs, which are in the larger interest of the residents, can be dealt without having any security cover? I am going to challenge it in the high court,” said Arora. Following a communiqué sent by the ADG (Security), Punjab, which was circulated to all district police chiefs, stating that security given to various leaders, including religious personalities, should be withdrawn or reduced, Mayor Bakshi Ram’s partial security was withdrawn a month ago, whereas the rest of the Punjab Police security personnel were called back yesterday. Even as it was a routine security review exercise being conducted at the behest of the ADG (Security), it has been learnt that prominent leaders like Cabinet Minister Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Inderbir Singh Bolaria and re-inducted former Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, would see reduction or withdrawal in their security cover. Police Commissioner Ram Singh said, “The decision of withdrawing the security of Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora was from the ADG (Security) side, which was forwarded to him, as it is. It was a continuous security review exercise,” he said. “I have verbally assured the Mayor that if he was still concerned about his security aspect, he should utilise the services of those Punjab Police personnel who have been attached with the MC on deputation. At present, they are being pressed into service for providing the MC staff security when they move out for removing encroachments or dealing with mob. I have told the Mayor to give us the names of those police personnel who he deemed fit to provide him security. We will provide them gun. Till this hour, I have not received any name list from the Mayor’s side,” he added.
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MC gives 72-hr ultimatum to tax evaders
Amritsar, March 7 The MC has published the list of defaulters in national dailies while granting them a time span of 72 hours to clear their dues, otherwise their properties would be auctioned. MC Commissioner Bhupinder Singh said big malls and business houses had been identified whose proprietors have not been clearing their tax dues and had also been evading legal action. “We have got published the antecedents of over 200 properties today against whom tax amount is pending. If after the lapse of the stipulated period, they still do not clear their dues, their properties would be sealed and later put to auction,” he said.
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3 tractor-trolleys impounded
Amritsar, March 7 The police received a tip-off that three trolleys carrying sand were going to Khanwal village. The police soon put up a naka near the village. As soon as the police party signalled the trolleys coming towards the naka to stop, the drivers left the trolleys and escaped from the spot, taking advantage of darkness. A case under Section 379 of the IPC has been registered in this connection. Four held with narcotic substances
The police has arrested four persons for allegedly possessing narcotic substances in three separate instances. Pardeep Kumar, alias Pindu, of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar and Bunty Singh of Himmat Pura were arrested with 800 capsules of habit-forming drugs from near Sharma Colony. They were trying to flee after seeing the police party. The police team, headed by ASI Kulwinder Singh of the CIA staff, got suspicious about them and chased and arrested them. The accused were travelling on scooter (PB-09-G-5521). Meanwhile, the Amritsar rural police nabbed Sarabjit Singh of Saidpur and Gursahib Singh of Jania village in two separate incidents and recovered 200-habit forming tablets and 250 gm of narcotic powder from their possession, respectively. Different cases of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances have been registered in this connection. Foetus found
Residents in parts of the Ajnala area were shocked to find a foetus in the Sakki drain here today. Gopal Singh, a resident of the area, said a number of people, including children, had gathered near the drain. The police said a case under Section 318 of the IPC had been registered against unknown persons.
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Labourer killed as tanker hits tractor-trolley, enters shop
Amritsar, March 7 The deceased, identified as Seeta Ram (28), hailed from Uttar Pradesh and worked in a private construction company on the Majitha road bypass. They were going to Ajnala at about 4.45 am. The speeding tanker (HR-55-N-0691), carrying alcohol, hit the trolley from behind and came off the road. It rammed into a liquor vend and a transporter office after hitting another stationary truck by the roadside. Seeta Ram fell from the trolley and was critically injured. He died on way to hospital. Bakshish Singh and Balwant Singh, who were sleeping inside the transporter's office, had a narrow escape, as the Canter entered the office by breaking the wall. “We heard a massive blast-like sound and woke up to find the truck inside our transport office. We were saved by a few yards,” said Balwant Singh. Amarjit Kaur Hundal, owner of the shops, said she received a call at 5 am that a truck had damaged a couple of shops after a road mishap that had killed a migrant. Subegh Singh, in charge, Fatehgarh Churian bypass, said the driver of the Canter, identified as Baleshwar Singh of Bihar, had been arrested. He said a case under Section 304-A and other sections of the IPC had been registered in this connection.
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VIP visits affect OPD services
Amritsar, March 7 Doctors have to be often on these VIP duties, resulting in their missing the OPD duties. Being a holy city as well as the Attari-Wagha check-post on the border, VIP visits here are frequent. Most of the doctors from the Civil Hospital are assigned these VIP duties, which affect services at OPDs. Sending a doctor on the VIP duty means that around 100-150 patients would suffer, stated a doctor. Even as the public suffers, doctors have problems of their own. As most VIPs are on board SUVs, our old vehicles are not any match for them. Our drivers have to drive fast to be with them, which is very risky, said another. Apart from VIP duties, doctors have also to ensure their presence at big public gatherings, where religious gurus come and even at rural fairs. Recently, doctors from the hospital had to be at a three-day event organised by spiritual leaders. Meanwhile, All-India Terrorist Front president Maninderjit Singh Bitta has set an example by giving it in writing to the hospital that he does not need a doctor on his visits. Senior Medical Officer Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon admitted that patients had to suffer because of these duties. He said doctors also had to attend to evidences in various court cases, wasting their lot of time and energy outside the hospital.
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Today is International Women's Day Neha Saini Tribune Mews Service
Amritsar, March 7 As the social status of women more or less remains same throughout, the problem is as local as global. As we talk to some mothers and daughters in the city on what they consider could be the best way to stand up for oneself, and the significance of the day, we try to prove a point. Only a woman can save a woman. Jyoti and Jasmine Bawa
Jyoti Bawa, 42, general secretary of the Punjabi Samvaad, a cultural NGO that has been working to create awareness on women-centric issues like female feoticide, doesn't believe in boundaries unless for the better. Her relationship with her daughter Jasmine, 22, is of a friend and then a mother. But the social counsellor does believe that girls should be bold but not brash. "It is one thing to be bold, and another to be overconfident. We hear all these incidents and crimes reported against women everyday. It makes it necessary for girls to protect themselves. I believe that women should be confident enough to speak their mind and tackle situations in life as expected but also know their limitations. I don't believe in the idea of gender bias but also feel that in some situations it becomes important to back off a bit. Limitations are necessary." Her daughter Jasmine, agrees, "My mother has been my friend for long now. I have been brought up to believe that I can take care of myself, strongly believing in myself. But also to say 'no' when required. I think women should be bold enough to assert their opinion but also know when to avoid a situation." Kiranjot Kaur and
Dr Rajinder Kaur
For a family where breaking the norms runs in the blood, Dr Kiranjot Kaur is happy to carry forward traditions set by her mother, late Dr Rajinder Kaur, member of the Rajya Sabha and prominent political figure of Punjab in the 80s. Growing up in the shadow of a mother who was strong, upright and brave and inspired by her persona, Kiranjot believes every woman needs to adopt these qualities to be able to fight for herself. "Women have long been victims, but I believe that their situation has changed for better. Despite some incidents, women have been able to change the mindsets of many. Sensitivity towards their issues has increased and it's happened because they were able to demand their rights. They are more confident, strong and successful." Brought up in a non-ritualistic environment and strong feminist values, Kiranjot Kaur propogates that Women's Day would probably make more sense when women stopped depending on others and stand up for their rights and status. Dalbir Kaur Madaan and Gurrein Kaur
To preach and practise could be the key to making a strong, independent and empowered woman. That's what Dalbir has taught her daughter Gurrein and tells other women in need of advice. "I have always told her that she is an individual, with equal say in her life and right to make choices that she would take responsibility for. I never belived
in clichés for women, and that's what I taught her as well." Gurrein seconds her opinion, "One qaulity that I have learnt from my mother and is applicable to all women around the world is resilience, the never-breaking spirit and hope for a better tomorrow. One might be discriminated against because of gender, but a strong spirit would never let us down," says Gurrein, who would turn 18
this June.
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No free drugs at emergency wards
Amritsar, March 7 While the government hospitals provide about 85 types of drugs free of cost to all the patients at their out-patient departments (OPDs) at present, only emergency injectables are given free at emergency wards. Partap Singh, a patient, said, “The government must start giving drugs free at emergency as patients and their attendants cannot be expected to buy them in hurry when a patient is critical.” He said free services at emergency wards would help saving many lives. Many patients at emergency wards complained that even in critical condition, the staff asked them to buy medicines from outside even as hospitals claim to provide them free in such circumstances. Another resident Gopal Kishan, whose wife had to be shifted to emergency ward in a critical condition a few weeks ago, said, “They do not give you free injections readily. Under such circumstances, one does not feel like questioning them.” He said emergency services should be made free for all and there must be a mechanism to check if these medicines reach patients. Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Civil Hospital, claimed that injections and other emergency medicines were given free. While the OPD runs for only a limited period hence a dispensary could easily be operated there, he said. He said at an emergency ward, patients pour in 24X7 which made the free distribution difficult. “We always keep a limited stock of medicines at our disposal. Two to three strips of each type always remain available at the emergency ward which can be used. At emergency ward, emergency injections are needed more as they have to be given in critical condition instead of capsules and tablets,” Dhillon said. Such decisions were taken at the higher levels and hospitals only implement them and stick to the rules, he added. Troubled lot
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63 challaned for defying smoking ban, selling tobacco
Amritsar, March 7 District Health Officer Dr Shivkaran Singh Kahlon said raids were conducted in areas such as Majitha road, Hall Bazaar, Tilak Nagar, Ram Bagh, Batala road and Bus stand. The department had earlier this month challaned 38 people for violating the ban. Dr Kahlon said ever since the district had been accorded a smoke-free zone status, the people were required not to smoke at public places. He said a ban on the sale of chewing tobacco products such as gutka, pan masala and other tobacco containing products was in place under the Food Safety and Standards Act. District Health Officer Dr Shivkaran Singh added that the Health Department had challaned as many as 554 people for violations this year so far.
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Admn issues widow pension cards to 25 women in Maqboolpura locality
Amritsar, March 7 In a programme organised on the eve of International Women’s Day, Assistant Commissioner (Complaints) Loveleen Kalsi and Assistant Commissioner (General) Amandeep Kaur distributed these cards to the widows here. The district administration has devised a multi-pronged strategy to deal with drug menace in Maqboolpura where concentration of widows is quite significant. Master Ajit Singh, who has been spearheading a campaign against drug addiction, said 234 persons had lost their lives to drug addiction in the locality for the past 14 years. Last year, he claimed, 13 drug addicts died in the area. Most of the deceased are in the age group of 20-40 years.
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CII explores joint business possibilities with delegation from Sharjah
Amritsar, March 7 Rajdeep Singh Uppal, CII chairman, Amritsar Zonal Council, said, “Over the years, one of the key focus areas of CII has been globalisation of the Indian industry and its integration with the world economy.” “Setting up of nine overseas offices in USA, UK, France, Austria, Germany, Singapore, China, Japan, and Australia has helped CII to disseminate vital information related to markets and joint venture possibilities to both Indian and foreign Companies,” Uppal said. Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE with sea ports on both sides i.e. the Arabian Gulf (Port Khalid) and the Indian Ocean (Port Korh Fakkan). It is fast emerging as a trading hub that offers unique logistic al advantage via land, sea and air links. Humaid Abdullah Al Khatri, deputy director, marketing and sales, SAIF Zone, said, “SAIF Zone was established in 1995 and today has nearly 5,500 companies registered of which 40 per cent are from India carrying varied business activities.” The registration process enables them to procure licenses within 24 hours. Other benefits that investors enjoy are hundred per cent foreign ownership, repatriation of capital and profits, exemption from income and corporate taxes, on site labour accommodation, access to over two billion consumers, he added. Equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities, the SAIF Zone offers great trade incentives and benefits to its investors making it the "free zone of choice", it was informed. Nawal Kapoor, vice chairman, CII Amritsar Zonal Council, said, “It is a very good opportunity for Amritsar-based businessman to go global by establishing offices in Sharjah and exploring new markets,” Kapoor said. On agenda
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GNDU convocation to be telecast live
Amritsar, March 7 The varsity will confer Doctor of Science (DSc) upon Prof KS Chug, emeritus professor of nephrology at PGI, Chandigarh, and Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) degree upon Dr Shivraj B Nakade, former Vice-Chancellor of Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Marathaware University, Aurangabad, for their contributions in their respective fields. Dr Inderjit Singh, Registrar, said the University was introducing a unique type of telecast for the families of degree holders. “This will enable their family members to enjoy the function while sitting at their homes. It will be online through our official website,” he said. Punjab Governor and GNDU Chancellor Shivraj Patil will preside over the convocation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajaib Singh Brar will welcome the Governor and other dignitaries on the occasion. About 800 medals and degrees in PhD, MPhil, MTech, LLM, MSc, MBA, MBE, MCom, MA, BTech, BSc, LLB, BCA, BBA, BCom and BA streams will be awarded to scholars and meritorious students.
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Seminar on legal awareness held
Amritsar, March 7 Speaking at the seminar, District and Sessions Judge-cum- District Legal Services Authority chairman HS Madaan exhorted the students to do well in studies and also learn about their legal rights. Madaan told the students that disabled persons were entitled to free legal aid. He informed the visually-impaired children about various schemes and quota in jobs provided by the government. He said if an eligible person got free legal aid from the District Legal Services Authority, all expenses on lawyer fee, court fee, publication fee and expenses for summoning witnesses were paid. He said in case any student had other problems in availing any benefits under the government schemes, they could approach the District Legal Services Authority office. District Legal Services Authority secretary Arun Kumar Aggarwal and Assistant District Attorney Manoj Kumar were among those present.
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Rajdeep is new Amritsar CII Zonal Council chairman
Amritsar, March 7 Uppal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and his firm is a leading exporter of perishable products to Pakistan. He has been advocating strong Indo-Pakistan trade relations. He has actively been associated with CII for several years and was CII vice-chairman, Amritsar Zonal Council, for 2012-13. Nawal Kapoor earlier was into textile business and later started his venture in automobiles.
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Three killed in road mishap
Tarn Taran, March 7 The Goindwal Sahib police has registered a case under Sections 304 A, 279, 427, IPC, against the truck driver responsible for the accident. The driver managed to escape from the spot. The deceased have been identified as Jaswinder Singh (35), a resident of Goindwal Sahib, his nephew Jashanpreet Singh (17), and Amritsar resident Neeraj Kumar (30). Jashanpreet Singh was a student of class XI of Amarpuri Public School, Goindwal Sahib. Jaswinder Singh, along with his nephew, was bringing Neeraj Kumar to his native village, Sangatpur, on his Bolero (PB- 46 L 0333) to renovate his house. When they reached near Chhapri village, a truck (PB- 05 R 8982) collided head-on with their Bolero, killing them on the spot. Their bodies have been sent to the local Civil Hospital for a postmortem.
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Special dental camp today
Amritsar, March 7 Dr Nancy Sodhi and Dr Abhishek Sodhi, who have taken the initiative for the camp, said, “All tooth-related problems will be discussed at the camp and women would be given special discounts on all treatments.” The camp will be organised from 10 am to 1:30 pm at Dental Diagnostics, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.
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Following the Punjab Government’s recent circular, the security of the first citizen of the holy city, Bakshi Ram Arora, has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
Amritsar, March 7
A migrant labourer was killed, while two others had a miraculous escape when a speeding tanker hit a tractor-trolley and then rammed into several roadside shops, near here, today.
