Ludhiana, May 12
It was a busy Sunday for the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation’s tehbazaari wing officials, who cleared encroachments from the Urban Estate and Model Town Extension areas. The MC staff also razed an illegal tavern from Dugri.

The MC team removed more than 200 ‘rehris’ and ‘farhis’ and equal number of billboards from Urban State. The MC team began the drive from Gian Singh Rarewala Market where four sticker challans were pasted on brand new cars.

The MC team removed makeshift vegetable and fruit market from Urban Estate, Phase II, amid protest.

Around 100 ‘rehris’ and ‘farhis’ were also removed and confiscated from Urban Estate, Phase I. besides, mort than 200 signboards of schools, doctors, property dealers and other commercial establishments that were illegally installed along the road were removed with the help of a ditch machine. The MC team also confiscated ‘rehris’ selling eatables in Urban Estate, Phase I.

“This drive is being carried following the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. We have also videographed the anti-encroachment drive so that we can inform the court in case any person objects to it,” said Naveen Malhotra, superintendent (Zone D), tehbazaari wing.

A tavern constructed illegally on the government land was also demolished with the help of a ditch machine. “After Urban Estate, the sabzi mandi near the Model Town Extension cremation ground was also demolished. We also served challans on 20 shopkeepers,” said Malhotra. 

Ludhiana, May 12
Efforts of the state government to clean Budha Nullah seem to be turning futile as effluents are still being discharged into the water body. Besides, garbage is also being dumped into the nullah by residents and sanitation workers. Toilets have also been constructed on the banks of the nullah.

Though the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation officials claim they are in the process of closing all pipes discharging waste water and effluents into the nullah, it has laid around 10 new pipes which discharge sewage into the water body near Gandhi Nagar and Fatehgarh Mohalla.

MC officials claim that steps have been initiated to divert untreated water to the sewerage treatment plant instead of the nullah. But a visit along the nullah belies their claims.

A councillor, whose ward falls along Budha Nullah, said: “It’s not easy to plug pipes discharging waste water into the nullah. These pipes carry untreated water from houses and a strong political will is required to check the menace.”

BJP councillor Narinder Singh Malhi and social activist Kanwar Jatinder Singh Bajwa submitted a memorandum to MC Commissioner urging him to take action against people dumping debris into the nullah.

MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma said it was the duty of the Punjab Pollution Control Board to check the discharge of effluents and sewage into the nullah.

Krunesh Garg, senior environmental engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board, said all discharge pipes within the municipal limits were the responsibility of the MC. “We will carry out a survey of the area and plug all pipes discharging waste into the water body. The MC has also promised to plug the waste water pipes in Transport Nagar and on Tibba Road by June 30,” said Garg. 

Ludhiana, May 12
The kidnapping and murder of an eight-year-old girl whose decomposed body was found from a vacant plot in the New Shakti Nagar area has raised a finger at the functioning of the police.

The incident has also exposed the slow pace of police investigation. The girl could have been saved had the Jodhewal police shown seriousness in searching her. High rank officers are also to be blamed as the incident was also discussed at the scheduled crime meeting of the police.

Balwinder Singh, SHO, Jodhewal Basti, said the body was mutilated and it could not be ascertained whether the girl was raped. The swab samples have been sent for testing, he added.

The girl’s mother, who was inconsolable, said the killer did not show any mercy. Not only she was killed, but her body was burnt, said the wailing mother.

The police also failed to learn any lesson from the past. In a similar incident on January 12, a six-year-old girl was kidnapped from outside her house in Bal Singh Nagar near the Jodhewal Basti area. Later, her decomposed body was found from a vacant plot in Ekta Nagar on January 21.

The Police Commissioner had formed a special investigation team (SIT), besides a team of police personnel from eight police stations conducted a search in the Bal Singh Nagar area and detained several suspects for questioning. But even after four months, the police has failed to crack the case.

Making a mockery of the police investigation, another incident of similar nature has taken place in the same area. Annoyed with the sluggish pace of investigation, the family of the six-year-old girl, who was kidnapped and killed, returned to their native village in Bihar. 

Ludhiana, May 12
The state government may have dolled out Rs 1 crore for the family and a job to one of the daughters of Sarabjit Singh, who died after being attacked by prisoners at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore, but another martyr's wife is still waiting for relief.

Parvati and Ajay Kumar are the victims of the government's pick-and-chose policy. Both were assured jobs by the authorities.

Parvati's husband Santosh Kumar was shot dead by terrorist Balbir Singh Bhootna at the city railway station on August 25, 2009.

Bhootna was trying to flee after opening fire at two Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel. But a lean Santosh Kumar come in Bhootna's way and laid down his life in a bid to nab the terrorist. After the incident, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had assured a government job to Santosh's wife Parvati, but nearly four years after the incident, she is still waiting for a response from the government.

The state government rejected Parvati's plea for a government job on the grounds that the incident was not an act of terrorism.

Lambasting the government for adopting double standards, she said: "If the government denied a job to me, then under which parameters ASI Ravinder Pal Singh's daughter and Sarabjit's daughter have been offered a job. I have nothing against them. I am stressing a point that there should be equal norms for all."

Living in a small shanty near Jagraon Bridge, Parvati is fending her three children alone and does menial jobs to eke out living.

The story of Ajay Kumar (37) is no different. He is also the victim of government's unfulfilled promises. Ajay, a private helper of ASI Gurdial Singh, had sustained bullet injuries while overpowering snatchers at Vishal Nagar on May 18, 2011.

Ajay earned accolades for his exemplary display of bravery. Ajay, who tried to nab armed snatchers along with ASI Gurdial Singh, said besides the CM, senior police officials visiting the hospital had also assured him of a job in the police department. Ajay says that he is being made to run from pillar to post for a job in the Punjab Home Guards.

"It has been nearly two years but I am still jobless. One of the senior officers in the Punjab Home Guards made fun of me saying why was I seeking a job in the Home Guards as I suffered a bullet injury for the Punjab Police. All thanks to the Commissioner of Police, Ishwar Singh, who had foot my medical expenses." said Ajay Kumar. He said the incident has put additional burden on his shoulder. "Whenever the police nabs a snatcher, I am asked to identify him. I pay from my pocket and visit the police station. I am being punished for my courageous act," said Ajay, who is the only breadwinner of the family. 

Jagraon, May 12
The blatant violations of the safety norms and travelling guidelines, set up by the State Transport Department and Traffic Police, are still going unchecked. By ferrying the passengers in the vehicles meant for transporting goods, the operators and drivers of such vehicles not only violate road safety norms but also put the lives of themselves as well as of the other passengers in danger.

This practice came to fore once again when one woman was killed while 15 others were injured, when a goods carrier vehicle they were travelling in, rammed into a tree near Sidhwan Bet a couple of days ago.

Even though the vehicles meant for transporting goods are strictly barred from ferrying the passengers as per the transport department guidelines, still this is very much in practice. Despite the countless instances of passengers being killed in tragic road accidents while travelling in goods' carrier vehicles, occurring during the recent past, the administration as well as the common people seem to have not learnt any sort of lesson from such kind of incidents.

As per a rough estimate by the road safety experts, more than one dozen people are killed, whereas dozens other get injured everyday, in our country while travelling in vehicles meant for transporting goods. One often finds that vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, trucks, canters and such other vehicles, which are purely meant for transporting goods, ferrying passengers on various roads everyday.

Ironically, this practice is not confined to only rural areas or link roads but such instances are equally common in metro cities as well as national highways.

"The misuse of vehicles, strictly meant for transporting goods, is really a very dangerous practice which should be stopped. The traffic and transport department officials shall adopt a firm approach and take strict action against the violators to prevent road accidents", said Sohan Singh, a social activist.

A majority of the people use these vehicles for religious journeys and in order to stay away from any sort of controversy, even traffic policemen avoid taking action against the operators of such vehicles.

Jagraon traffic police in charge officer Kanwarpal Singh Bajwa admitted that the practice of ferrying passengers in goods' carrier vehicles existed. "Whenever we find vehicles meant for transportation of goods, ferrying passengers we take strict action against the violators. We have issued hundreds of challans against such vehicles during the first four months of present year only", claimed Bajwa. Though he maintained that the police action alone would not help stopping this phenomenon as this is rather a social issue. "This practice could be stopped in a better way if the religious bodies and preachers appeal the devotees to avoid using goods' carrier vehicles from ferrying the passengers," added Bajwa. 

Ludhiana, May 12
PAU Retirees' Welfare Association and PAU Pensioners' Association organised a free mega medical camp at Sukhdev Singh Bhawan PAU. More than 500 patients with Orthopaedic, Cardiac, Neurological and Gynecological problems were treated. The pioneers from these fields were present in the camp, including Dr Bishav Mohan, cardiologist, Dr JL Bassi and Dr Dhiren Bassi, orthopaedicians, Dr Schumailla Bassi, gynaecologist, Dr Rupanjeet Kaur Kler, Dr Devbrata Kalla, Dr Ashish Khatri, Dr Gaurav Thareja and Dr Ranbir Singh Sekhon, physiotherapists.

The patients were highly benefited from this camp as they were given free medicines, physiotherapy treatment and free consultation. The free testing facilities included ECG, echocardiography and bone mineral density test. The seminar was conducted by the camp organisers in which chief guest Dr SS Johal Vice-Chancellor, Central University, stressed upon the need of organising such camps. Earlier, Ram Bansal, convener said that such type of camps would be organised from time to time.

While Diabetes Free World an NGO organised another medical check up camp in which more than 260 people availed free-treatment facilities during 136th Diabetes & Thyroid Treatment Camp. Patients suffering from thyroid illness should carry their pills whenever visiting hospital to minimise chances of mis-treatment. Dr Surinder Gupta managing director, Diabetes Free World said more than 30 patients suffering from thyroid illness were provided treatment.

Patients in pre-hypothyroidism state were advised to take low calorie diet, do regular exercises and perform certain yoga postures and adopt meditation, as a regular habit.

NIMA Ludhiana team, led by Dr Surinder Gupta, Dr Satinder Kakar, Dr Rajesh Thapar, Dr Inder Sharma, Dr Rahul Jain, Dr Diwaker Sharma, Dr Jagdev Kehal, Dr Parveen Bhalla, Dr Neeraj Sood and Dr Ranbir Singh, provided their services at the camp.

While a free eye and dental check up camp was organised at dental clinic, Fauji Mohalla. The MLA, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, was the chief-guest. An eye specialist Dr Sumit Chopra from DMCH and Dr Rajesh Arora from Arora dental clinic and Dr Anuprete Sachdeva from Durga Mata Charitable Hospital cheked 450 patients. Out fo these 14 were prescribed for the surgery. Patiens were given away free medicines and decayed tooth were extracted free of cost.

Ludhiana/Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 12
To give outlet to students' creativity, studying in primary and upper primary schools, Director General School Education has directed all the schools to start wall magazines.

According to the officials of some schools, the direction was the result of suggestions from some of the school that already had these wall magazines in the school.

"The 'kandh patrika' or wall magazine would encourage children to showcase their hidden talent. Handwritten creative work may include poem, story, essay, calligraphy, knowledge, science, inspirational quotes, drawing, a write-up on a commemorative day according to educational calendar," reads the communication sent to schools by the DGSE.

"This is an excellent direction by the DGSE-office, as wall magazines have multiple advantages over other printed publications," says Karamjit, a government school teacher. "Not only would these have more visibility and readability, students would get the feedback from fellow students there and then," he added

"Low on budget, it would not be a hassle for schools as well, since printing the annual magazines, that are brought out in most of the schools, is costlier and time-consuming. It doesn't really encourage many students to write," says Satish, another school teacher at a government schools.

"Seeing creative work, wall magazines would encourage other students to write and be more creative with their work," says another schoolteacher.

"This is a good initiative," said Sanjiv Thapar, principal, Government Model Senior Secondary School, PAU. "All students are not able to get the opportunity to get their work published in the school magazine. Our school, for instance, has about 2400 students. Even if half of the students give their entries, it is not possible to get them published in school magazine," he added. "So wall magazine would give space to students to show their work," he further said.

While Pardeep Sharda, principal MGMN Senior Secondary School said more and more students were coming forward to contribute for the wall magazine, started already. Balwinder Singh, principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Dehlon, said he deputed a team of teachers to persuade students for this new venture. 

Ludhiana, May 12
Heavy discounts and special offers are being tendered, by both branded as well non-branded jewellers, to lure the customers on the forthcoming festival of Akshaya Tritya, which falls on May 13 this year. The World Gold Council (WGC) in this relation has tied up with India Post and Reliance Money for offering a seven per cent discount to consumers for the purchase of gold coins from 970 post offices to mark this auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

The gold coins bear the logo of India Post and are available in a variety of denominations. The offer will be valid till June 30. A special discount of 7.5 per cent would be offered on the sale of coins till May 16 and seven percent discount would be extended to June 30, said Swaraj Kaur, senior postmaster at Head Post Office.

The festival of Akshay Tritiya is considered considered auspicious for purchasing gold. The coins are available at Head Post Office, Bharat Nagar and sub-post Office, Model Town.

The Swiss gold coins, available at the post office, are of 24 carat gold with the purity of 99.99 per cent and are manufactured in Valcambi, Switzerland. Available in denominations, including 0.5 gm, 1gm, 5gm, 10 gm, 20 gm, 50 gm, these coins are much sought after by the city residents. “These coins also bear the logo of the postal department,” added Swaraj Kaur.

Sale of gold coins at post offices at Ludhiana has been the highest from post offices in state. “We are expecting to do well this year as well,” an official at the post office said.

“On this occasion we have waived off the labour charges on the ornaments, to encourage buying of gold. Every jeweller is offering some or the other discount,” said Pardeep, a jeweller from Sarafan Bazaar. 

Jagraon, May 12
The local administration organised a rehearsal for the employees deployed by the government for smooth and fair elections of zila parishad and block samiti. These elections are scheduled to be held during the next week.

As per an estimate, around 300 staff members deployed on the poll duty at various villages, including Roomi, Akhara, Dalla, Galib, Sherpur, Sawadi and several other villages were present during the rehearsal held at LRDAV College, Jagraon.

During the rehearsal, the polling staff members were issued clear instructions about how to conduct an impartial and fair elections. The function was presided over by the poll observer and SDM, Jagraon, Gurmit Singh.

While addressing the gathering during the occasion, he urged all the staff members to perform their duties honestly and not to succumb to the pressure of any politician. "If any politician tries to pressurise you to work in their favour, do not be feared, Rather, immediately contact your senior officials and bring the whole issue into their notice", said Gurmit Singh.

Jagraon, May 12
Chaos prevailed among the local residents during the rehearsal of zila parishad and block samiti elections to be held next week, held here. The event organised at the LRDAV College, Jagraon, for issuing instructions to the polling staff members deployed on the election duty at various polling booths.

Ironically, the residents had to face a lot inconvenience, due to the improper arrangements made the local administration.

The worst affected were the residents of the localities situated closer to LRDAV College, Jagraon, where the rehearsal was held. The lack of proper parking space in this area made the situation more complex as the polling staff members and other officials parked their cars on the roadside thus obstructing the smooth flow of traffic

The shopkeepers as well as residents living near LRDAV College said that the officials, who visited the rehearsal, parked their vehicles in front of their shops or houses thus blocking the entrance.

"I had planned to go to Chandigarh today for some urgent work but when I opened the main gate of the house to leave, I was shocked to see a car parked exactly in front of the gate, which had almost blocked the entire entrance", said Rajinder Kumar Rana a resident of College Road.

According to Rana, he had to make an announcement, during the rehearsal hours, for getting a removed that was parked in front of the main gate of his house. "But I got around 2 hours late due to this problem", added Rajinder Kumar Rana.

Another resident Amarjit Singh rued that some of the visitors parked their vehicles in such a way that they did not leave the space even for the movement of a two wheeler outside or inside the house.

The shopkeepers on the other side lamented that their business was being hit adversely, when the visitors parked their vehicles in front of their shops.

Jagraon traffic police in charge Kanwarpal Singh Bajwa said that the administration had arranged enough parking space for the visitors in local Food Supply Office premises which was located very close to the college.
"The visitors shall avoid such negligence in future otherwise the police would take strict action against such offenders", said Bajwa while issuing a warning to such kind of people. 

Ludhiana, May 12
The residents of Ludhiana rural areas believe that due to the rivalry in political parties and the diplomatic attitude adopted by the elected sarpanches in respective villages, the problems in the areas are not being properly addressed. Safe drinking water, proper metalled roads, laying of sewerage system in all the villages, timely collection of garbage from villages etc have been the core issues in Ludhiana rural are, which are needed to be addressed.

The Tribune spoke to a number of villagers, falling under Jagraon Block, who did not represent any political party, but felt that villages were being neglected by the political parties/leaders. The total population of the villagers would be around 1.5 lakhs in Jagraon Block and the number of villages was over 50.

"We are certainly not satisfied as there's no accountability by the leaders. If we fall sick and we need medicines or first-aid in case of emergency at rural dispensaries, we do not find the doctors on duty. We do not have proper roads, nor is there any facility for the safe drinking water. In such scenarios, we look forward to get a leader, who would address to our problems. He/she can be from any party", said Sarbinder Singh from Chakkar village.

The residents said that government had spent a lot of money for providing facilities to the villagers but when those were handed-over to the sarpanches or managing committees, the whole motive got defeated. Gurpreet Singh (name changed), a villager from Manuke said that government had constructed water-tanks for providing safe water to the villagers. But, many of the residents had taken water-connections illegally and the electricity bills were not paid to the department, following which the power connection (of water tank) was cut.

"Though, connection has been resumed as elections are on May 19 but due to non-payment of bills, connection will again be cut and we all will suffer. The management committee or the sarpanch does not want to spoil relations with the villagers and latter are not asked to pay the bills. How can things work out under these circumstances?", asked the villager. Many of them rued that lifting of garbage from villages was never done and heaps of garbage was scattered all around for days. "We lead simple lives in villages but we need to have basic facilities at the same time", said Gurpal Kaur, another villager.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana Rural has maximum number of sensitive polling stations in Ludhiana District. On being asked the reason for highest number of sensitive polling stations in the area, SSP Jagraon Ashish Chaurdhry said that it was not that fights or brawls were bound to take place in the sensitive areas. Keeping in mind various parameters, police had identified the sensitive zones. He said, "If there is cluster of polling stations, booths, the area becomes sensitive. There can be party factionalism, miscreants who can disturb the peaceful fabric etc, so we need to be more cautious in certain areas. At times, situation gets out of control in non-sensitive area as well".

ludhiana, May 12
Ludhiana Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society organised a workshop on Cervical Cancer Screening and Colposcopy here, in association with IMA, Ludhiana at IMA Bhawan. T The event was addressed by Dr Maninder Ahuja Vice President (North) of Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India and Dr Raksha Arora.

Addressing the gathering the experts said,"After the age of 35 years every woman should go for screening of cervical cancer through Papsmear Test. If the cervical cancer is detected, the test should be repeated after every six months." The experts said that there was no need to worry at early stage, as it was treatable with medicines or with minor procedure. Through Colposcopy, leisions could be identified in the cervics and it could be decided as which part should be taken from biopsy."

Dr Narjit Kaur Executive member of Ludhiana Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society and Dr Neelam Sodhi President of the Society were also present there. — TNS

Ludhiana, May 12
As many as 8000 employees, staff working in various departments with the state government, today performed the rehearsal duties at different venues, for the coming zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections to be held on May 19.

The staff were given training to open, close and sealing of the ballot boxes, set-up of booths, polling stations, use of ballot papers etc by the respective supervisors, assistant returning officers and returning officers. The rehearsals took place at about 11 different venues in the district and the concerned ROs monitored the rehearsals.

The rehearsals took place at Gymnasium Hall of Guru Nanak Bhawan, Government Senior Secondary School, Dehlon, Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, DAV College Jagraon, AS Model Senior Secondary School, Malerkotla Road, Khanna, Government Senior Secondary School, Machiwara. Besides, the staff got the training at Dehlon (of Pakhowal block), Raikot, Sidhwan Bet, Gursar Sudhar etc. For Ludhiana I, the training will be held at Guru Nanak Bhawan tomorrow.

Ludhiana, May 12
Apples from New Zealand, China, US, Afghanistan, Australia and Iran have flooded the city market and it seems that people have forgotten the taste of apples from the Kullu and Kashmir Valley.

In contrast to the locally produced apple, especially those from Kulu, which are sold at Rs 80-100 per kg in the retail market, the range of imported apples range anywhere between Rs 100-400.

"Locally produced apples from Kulu and Kashmir are lying unsold in the cold storages and in the wholesale market as the consumers are going in for the imported ones.

Huge quantities of local apples are rotting, thus causing huge financial losses to the growers and traders. The imported apple has taken the market by storm," said Hafiz Abdullaha, from the fruit market near Jalandhar bye-pass.

He urged that the government should take notice of the unfair competition or else it may discourage the local growers to produce apple next year.

Apples from Iran are the latest entrant in the fruit market.

"Iranian apples entered the market in February this year. The quality, color, size and grading has helped Iranian and Afghan apples to do better business than ours. The average rate for one box is between Rs 600 and1,500 which is much higher than our boxes," said Lovely Singh, another fruit seller at Civil Lines.

After the arrival of Iranian apples, the price of Washington apples crashed by 20 per cent, he added.

Apples from New Zealand and Washington are tastier and crunchier than those produced in India.

“No doubt the price is on the higher side but I do not compromise when “it comes to health and taste. I prefer buying imported apples over the local ones," said Gauri, a local resident.

Because of the trade restrictions against Iran, apples from the country had few takers internationally until India, which has a Rs. 50,000 crore apple market, allowed the import.

But the friendly gesture has hit the sales of apple produced back home.

Ludhiana, May 12
Two suicides were reported in the city here today. In the first incident, a 22-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself from the grills installed on a windowpane in her house in New Deep Nagar here last night.The deceased has been identified as Priyanka. She had been married to Vimal Kumar for three years. Vimal works as a sales executive in a telecommunication company.

The couple has a six- month-old son from the wedlock. The incident came to light when Vimal woke up in the morning and saw the body of his wife hanging from a grill of a windowpane.

He raised an alarm and informed the police about the incident. The body was taken to the Civil Hospital where a postmortem examination was conducted by a team of doctors.

In the second incident, a 46-year-old domestic help suffering from depression committed suicide by hanging herself at the servant quarters of a house located on the College Road here today. The incident took place this afternoon when Hira Devi was alone at home.

Her husband spotted the body when he visited the room. He said his wife was undergoing treatment for the past three years. 

Ludhiana, May 12
“A special discount of 7.5 per cent is being offered on the sale of gold coins till May 16 to mark the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Seven per cent discount will be extended till June 30,” said Swaraj Kaur, senior postmaster, head post office, here.

The festival of Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious for purchasing gold. The coins are available at the head post office, Bharat Nagar and sub-post office, Model Town.

The coins available are of 24 carat gold with a 99.99 per cent purity and are manufactured in Valcambi, Switzerland. The coins are in the denominations of 0.5 gm, 1gm, 5gm, 10 gm, 20 gm, 50 gm. The coins are being sought after by the residents.

“There is an assurance that the gold coins are pure because I am purchasing them from the Postal Department,” said a resident. “These coins also bear the logo of the Postal Department,” she added.

“Sale of gold coins at the post offices in Ludhiana has been the highest in Punjab. We are expecting to do well this year also,” said a post office official. 

Ludhiana, May 12
The buyer-seller meet of the knitwear manufacturers and traders are yielding some results as latest trends in fashion and garments industry are about to storm the market this coming winter season.

Woolen prints are new flavour for the coming season. Neon and bright colours that have dominated the market this summer will carry on in the winters as well.

"Bright vibrant colours are going to be in vogue this coming winter season," says Anshul Garg, from Garg Hosiery.

"Although body-hugging clothes are in these days, but in the winter season, this is going to change. A slightly lose, 'baggy' yet smart type of clothing will be in fashion. Juxtaposing bright colours subtly with dull will add to the new style," says Japneet Singh from Juelle.

"Embroidery on cotton, and printing on cotton is going to change the fashion dynamics in the coming winters," says designer Sanjay Kapoor from Kazaro.

Embroidery, new cuts and bright colours will present a new kaleidoscope of colours and design for the new season, said Vaneet Kapoor from Kyzaa.

The kidswear segment will also undergo change. "Simple clothes are out of fashion for children," says Anoop Verma from Mulberries. "Kids these days are computer and internet savvy and are becoming conscious about clothing. Overall, stripes and reversables are expected to be popular in the coming season," he added.

"Kids clothes have become more fashionable," says Parveen Korpal from de-Mark. "New concepts for kids clothing and designing will be seen in the coming season," he added. 

Employees’ convention

A convention of Mid-day Meal workers (part-time) of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and regular employees of the Education Department was organised at Bachat Bhawan today. It was led by Sajjan Singh, president of Punjab Subordinate Service Federation and Balkar Singh Baltoha, general secretary, Government School Teacher Union, Punjab. Leaders of the organisations highlighted the positions lying vacant for Class-IV employees in government schools and no recruitment done by the government. They said regular employees should be recruited at such positions. Mid-day Meal workers should be given salaries under regular pay-scale, they added.

Mother’s Day celebrated

Mothers' Day was celebrated at Ishmeet Singh Music Institute (ISMI). Dr Charan Kamal Singh, director of the institute, formally greeted all the dignitaries and the parents of the performers. Songs like 'Mai kabhi ghabrata nahi-maa', 'Tu kitni acchai hai,''Aai maa teri surat se alag Bhagwan ki surat kya hogi' and an 'Instrumental fusion' composed by ISMI faculty and students of instrumental stream were the highlights of the programme. Ashim Nagpal presided over the function as a guest of honour. — TNS

Ludhiana, May 12
The women PCR staff are grappling with the menace of unattended vehicles parked on the Ferozepur road. The policewomen said that on many occasions residents parked their vehicles alongside the road and did not come back to take the vehicles for the entire day.

Exasperated with the increasing number of such incidents, the police today launched a drive in which they towed away unattended two-wheelers to the police stations.

Man booked for fraud

The Division No 5 police has booked a man for fraud. Sushil Kumar, a resident of Samrala Road, reported to the police that he had financial dispute with Mahinder Singh of Gurdev Nagar.

Sushil Kumar stated that he had taken Rs 42 lakh from Mahinder Singh. He said that the matter reached the court and he returned him the money.Sushil said Mahinder took his signatures on a blank cheque book and did not return it despite repeated requests. The matter reached the police and following a statement, the police registered a case against Mahinder Singh.

Parents booked for thrashing daughter

The Division No 6 police has booked Jasvir Kaur and her husband Paramjit Singh for allegedly thrashing their lawyer daughter Rachna.Rachna stated in her complaint that first her parents locked her in the bathroom and later the duo thrashed her. She said that they did not only thrash, her but they also threw her out of the house and locked the premises. Rachna was fighting a legal battle against her parents for a share in the property. Rachna, who had a troubled married life, started living with her parents along with her daughter. In 2010, her brother died following which she had a dispute with her parents.

4 youths booked for kidnapping girl

The city police has booked four youths for kidnapping a college student.

The police has registered a case against Pankaj, Nanni, Deepak and Rahul, all resident of Kila Mohalla, for kidnapping 21-year-old girl while she was returning home after attending college. The girl is a student of BA first year in a college located on Rani Jhansi Road. The victim's father said that she was kidnapped by four persons on May 9. The police has not ruled out that the girl may have eloped with them.

Man duped by swindlers

A man was duped of Rs 60,000 by swindlers. Narrating the incident, Vishram Singh, a resident of Gobindgarh village, said he was coming out of a bank after withdrawing cash when some persons came to him. They told him that if he would play lottery, then he could win a jackpot of Rs 1 lakh.

Vishram handed over the bag to the swindlers and played the game. The swindlers told him that he had won the jackpot of Rs 1 lakh and handed over another bag to Vishwam.When the swindlers left, Vishram opened the bag and was shocked to find papers lying in it.

Man dies in road accident

A man identified as Darshan Singh died in a road accident in the Salem Tabri area here last evening. The victim was travelling on a scooter. When he reached near Bal Singh Nagar an overspeeding truck came from behind and hit his scooter. He lost control over the vehicle and fell on the road. Darshan Singh died on the spot. 

Ludhiana, May 12
The city police has booked a daily wage employee of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for forgery.

Dr Satinderpal Singh Sangha, director, student welfare, had complained against Narinder Singh, a resident of Alamgir, that the accused had deposited a cheque for Rs 1.20 lakh in his account on May 6. According to the complaint, Narpinder had withdrawn this amount from separate ATMs in the past few days.

Harnek Singh, investigation official at the PAU police station, said: “We are investigating the matter and will be able to disclose something by tomorrow. A case under Sections 465, 467, 461, 471, 381 and 408 had been registered against the accused.” 

Ludhiana, May 12
Simaranjit Kaur's punches are a symbol of endurance and strength and she can put her opponent in a tight spot in the boxing ring. This is the only reason that she has been selected for the national boxing camp which is going on at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Simaranjit hails from a family which has earned its name in boxing at Chakar village. Her two elder brothers and elder sister are well known in boxing circles.

A student of Class XII, Simaran, is now going to participate in Asian Women Boxing Championship. The venue of the championship is yet to be announced. Her coaches and parents are expecting good position in the international event as she has never disappointed them in the past.

Recently, Simaran bought laurels to the district by clinching gold medal in National School Games. Earlier, she got a silver medal in Junior National Boxing Championship in 2012. In the same championship, Simran won bronze medal in 2011.

A trainee at Shere Punjab Sports Academy, Chakar village, Simaran started practicing for boxing three years ago. Inspired from her elder sister Amandeep Kaur, she is happy from her achievements and wants to become a world champion.

Rajpal Kaur, mother of Simaran, said: “I have two sons and two daughters. All are national-level boxing players. It is a message for those who discriminate against girl child that my daughter made me more proud than boys.” 

Ludhiana, May 12
The Fourth Edition of Boys and Girls teakwaondo was held at Shri Guru Hargobind Public Senior Secondary School on May 11 and 12. As many as 100 players from 10 schools and four colleges from Ludhiana district participated in the championship. The players were divided in to three categories of under-14 under17and senior weight. The winners were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals after the championship.

Results

Under-14(girls )

18-20 kg: Keshavi (gold), Tivya (silver), Divyanka (bronze);

22-24kg: Hargun Ahluwaliya (gold), Yashika (silver), Divanshi (bronze);

26-29 kg: Hardeeppal (gold), Tivya (silver), Divyanka (bronze);

35-38kg: Meena(gold), Jasmeen Kaur (silver), Jasmeen (bronze) ;

41-47 kg: Chetna (gold), Sandeep Grewal (silver), Deeksha (bronze) Nimisha (bronze).

Under-14 (boys)

21-23 kg: Akash (gold), Robin (silver) ;

23-25 kg: Maninder Singh (gold) Abhi Grewal (silver), Deepinder Singh (bronze) Parmpreet Singh (bronze);

27-29 kg: Sunny (gold), Gaurav Thappar (silver), Kher Singh (bronze).