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SC: Absorb 20 SPOs in regular service
Mid-day meal: It’s over to govt in 2 districts as NGO walks out
After Majithia-Rana spat, govt quietly held inquiry to nail Congress MLA
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Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal listens to the demands of Congress Muktsar MLA Karan Kaur Brar at Bhalaiana village in Gidderbaha on Thursday. A Tribune photograph
An attempt to disrupt welfare initiative: Dy CM
Accused District Transport Officer BM Singh being taken away by the police after being produced in court in Bathinda on Thursday. Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma
Harsimrat raises turban issue in LS
Centre owes apology to Sikhs: Sukhbir
Cabinet meeting today
Former Ferozepur Cong legislator switches loyalty to Akali camp
Sukhbir invite to UP officer a joke: Khaira
Murder accused panch not allowed to take oath
Poor
Wages
Jalandhar NIT Registrar resigns
Govt approves three ROBs
Moga Acid Attack
Hind-Pak Dosti Manch cancels cultural evening
25 taken ill with rabies symptoms in Mansa
Thousands take part in Army recruitment drive
Retirement age up, lecturers await extension letters
Govt must release land not used for public: HC
Fighting drug menace
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SC: Absorb 20 SPOs in regular service
New Delhi, August 8 A Bench comprising Justices HL Gokhale and J Chelameswar has directed the state government to absorb 20 of them (they had approached the SC), in regular service within three months. “The appellants (SPOs) would be entitled to all the benefits of services attached to the posts which are similar in nature in the cadre of the police services of the state,” the Bench ruled in its judgment delivered yesterday. The verdict is likely to result in other SPOs seeking similar relief placing a huge financial burden on the government as the state had resorted to thousands of such recruitments during the days of militancy. “Sanctioned posts do not fall from heaven. The state has to create them by a conscious choice on the basis of some rational assessment of the need,” the Bench pointed out while rejecting the state’s contention that there were no sanctioned posts to absorb them. The SC also noted that the decision to resort to such appointments was taken at the highest level by a conscious choice and under Section 17 of the Police Act, 1861, which would go in favour of regularising their services. It accepted the contention of SPOs’ advocate RK Kapoor that though they were getting their emoluments from banks, they had been appointed by the state government which as a result had a master-servant relationship with them. “If absorbing the appellants into the services of the state and providing benefits on a par with the police officers of similar rank employed by the State results in further financial commitment, it is always open for the State to ask the banks to meet the additional burden. Apparently, no such demand has ever been made by the State. “The result is - various banks which avail the services of these appellants have enjoyed the supply of cheap labour over a period of decades. It is also pertinent to notice that these banks are public sector banks. We are of the opinion that neither the Government of Punjab nor these public sector banks can continue such a practice consistent with their obligation to function in accordance with the Constitution,” the SC ruled. The SPOs had challenged the rejection of their plea by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The apex court also asked the state government and the banks to pay Rs 10,000 to each of the appellants as litigation cost.
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Mid-day meal: It’s over to govt in 2 districts as NGO walks out
Chandigarh, August 8 The NGO has also threatened to stop work in four more districts, Nawanshahr, Moga, Mohali and Sangrur, by next month. Official sources confirmed that a number of schools, particularly those managed by zila parishads, had complained about the quality of food. There are a total of 1,58,151 beneficiaries in both the districts. Prabh Sharan Singh, general manager, Sarv Sikhiya Abhiyan, confirmed that the government was taking over the mid-day meal scheme in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts from August 15. He said Stri Shakti was the only NGO serving mid-day meals in the state. At several other places, the scheme was being managed by schools with government support, he said, adding there was no information about the NGO withdrawing from other districts. NGO president MK Bedi could not be contacted for a comment. Ashok Chuchra, principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Fazilka, said: “Preparing mid-day meal is a tough task for schools having 300-400 students. We have a number of other activities to handle”. Another school principal said: “The authorities should consider giving fresh vegetables, fruits and milk to students, besides the staple diet of dal and rice. Mid-day meal is a good concept, but the exercise needs to be improved.” Earlier this year, the office of the Director General of School Education (DGSE) had given adverse reports about the scheme in Fazilka and Ferozepur. In January, the NGO had complained of interference in its functioning.
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After Majithia-Rana spat, govt quietly held inquiry to nail Congress MLA
Kapurthala, August 8 The house, owned by Rana Gurjit's cousin Harpreet Singh Atwal, was used as Rana's election office when the latter contested the Jalandhar parliamentary seat. Most of the arms licences were issued during 2005 - 2006 when Rana enjoyed a considerable clout under the Congress regime. The police report has pointed out that of the 13 licencees hailed from other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Haryana. Only one was from Punjab and another from Chandigarh. The remaining licencees were Rana himself, his son, his brother and a nephew. It also mentions that seven of the licences obtained on the given address were issued on the basis of fake ration cards. An official of the Food and Civil Supplies Department has said that he had found seven of the licencees-identified as Jaspal Singh, Dilsher Singh, Jarnail Singh, Chitranjan Singh, Ashok Kumar, Nirmal Singh and Jamsher Singh- submitted fake ration cards. The report says that each of the licencee was close to Rana Gurjit. For instance, Jaspal Singh was his gunman, Chitranjan Singh was working with his brother Rana Ranjit Singh at Bajpur, Nirmal Singh was a truck driver at the MLA's sugar mill at Muradabad, Manjit Singh had been his PA from 2004 to 2012, Daljit Singh was his store manager and Gobinder Singh surveyor of another sugar mill. Rana Gurjit's gunman Mahipal Singh is said to have been issued a licence on the basis of a recommendation letter by him.
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Another Oppn MLA barges into Badal’s Sangat Darshan
Gidderbaha, August 8 However, this time, the Chief Minister played safe as he not only met the MLA but also directed the district administration to find out a solution to the issues raised by her. Soon after Karan Kaur entered the venue, Badal, who was addressing the public, stopped the speech and welcomed her saying: “Biba ji aao, baitho. Dasso kiven aaye ho? (Come madam, sit. What brought you here?)”, adding: “Hun biba ji aaye ne, pehlan ehna di gal sun laiye fer aapan agla kamm karange (Now that madam has come, let us listen to her before proceeding with our programme).” Earlier on Tuesday, Warring had gone to meet the CM at Khidkianwala village, but the former was allegedly not given a chance to speak. Badal said: “He (Warring) had come only to create a scene. When he was offered a chair, he did not opt to sit and instead started creating nuisance. But, she (Karan Kaur) came quietly. I not only listened to her demands but also assured her of an appropriate solution.” “Whosoever comes to me highlighting any genuine problem or any matter concerning development of the state, I will listen to him,” Badal said, adding: “Congress leaders should shun the politics of confrontation for scoring brownie points before the media.” Karan Kaur said: “I had come to apprise the CM of the waterlogging problem at Udekaran, Thandewala, Kotli and Bura Gujjar villages. He has directed the Deputy Commissioner to find an appropriate solution.”
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An attempt to disrupt welfare initiative: Dy CM
Chandigarh, August 8 “The people understand how Sangat Darshan, which allows ordinary citizens to put forward their demands before the Chief Minister, has changed their lives and resulted in speedy development of their areas,” Sukhbir claimed.
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Ropar DTO arrested for cheating, forgery
Bathinda, August 8 The officer is accused of "selling" nearly 40 VIP vehicle registration numbers, pocketing anything between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh for each number, during his one-year tenure as DTO, Bathinda. The estimated money made by the DTO with the help of an office clerk, an agent, a private data operator and a middleman is said to be between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 80 lakh. BM Singh was posted as DTO, Bathinda, from April 2012 to May 2013. Ravcharan Brar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said the DTO allegedly allotted old
vehicle registration numbers in the series PNB, PUT, PIB, PAW, PCW and PAW for aspirants of small numbers. He did not give them any acknowledgement slip and pocketed the money on the pretext of levying 6 per cent tax and "other charges." The police has already booked clerk Raman Kumar, agent Rajeev Mittal, data operator Baljit Singh and middleman Gagan Teshwar. Mittal has been arrested. The rest have absconded. The DTO has been sent to a two-day police remand. Reliable sources in the administration said that his arrest was the outcome of a feud between two leaders of a ruling party.
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He was seen close to the Badals
Muktsar, August 8 He served as SDM, Gidderbaha, and DTO Muktsar, twice. He was transferred to Ropar only a few months ago. BM Singh, a law graduate, was seen as close to the Badals and was therefore given the charge of DTO, Bathinda and
Muktsar.
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Harsimrat raises turban issue in LS
New Delhi, August 8 Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Harsimrat Kaur, SAD, said that after the 9/11 terror strikes in the US, Sikhs were being targeted because of their attire. "Thousands of Sikhs have to bear the brunt of hate crimes due to mistaken identity around the world," she said. Supported by Trinamool Congress members Saugata Roy and Dinesh Trivedi, she recalled that the killings at the Wisconsin Gurdwara recently was a case of hate crime. She said Sikhs were being humiliated in France and Italy. She pointed out that golfer Jeev Milkha Singh's coach had been asked to remove his turban during frisking at the Milan international airport. A Sikh Jet Airways Captain had faced similar humiliation. Harsimrat said the Centre was not taking enough measures at the international fora to deal with the issue. — PTI
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Centre owes apology to Sikhs: Sukhbir
Chandigarh, August 8 "The UPA Government owes an apology to the Sikh community for failing to send a firm message to all countries not to harass the Sikhs," he said. He said it was unfortunate that the Sikhs were being targeted when the country’s Prime Minister was himself a Sikh. He lauded Manjit Singh GK, president, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, for not allowing the Italian airport authorities to remove his headgear during a security check. He said Manjit's defiance had sent out a signal that the Sikhs would not allow anyone to meddle in their religious affairs. AS Makkar, SGPC chief said he would take up the issue with the Prime Minister and representatives of European Union. — PTI
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Chandigarh, August 8 This will provide relief to about 5,000 colonies and two lakh l plot-holders/building owners located. Sources said the other issue to be taken up is the optional implementation of e-trip for yarn and plywood manufacturers. — TNS
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Former Ferozepur Cong legislator switches loyalty to Akali camp
Faridkot/Ferozepur, August 8 While inducting Babbal into the party during a function in Ferozepur, Sukhbir presented him a blue turban and a SAD flag. “Babbal and his supporters will be accorded due recognition in the SAD,” he said. Claiming the induction had strengthened the SAD in the region, Sukhbir said the Ferozepur belt now had become an “Akali Dal bastion”. In his address, Babbal lauded Sukhbir for “ensuring all-round development” in Punjab. Babbal’s political opponent and Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, against whom he contested four elections in a row, and Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra were among those present. While administering oath to panchayat members in Faridkot, Sukhbir targeted the Congress over the displacement of Sikh farmers in Kutch, Gujarat. The issue is proving to be a political hot potato for the ruling SAD as Gujarat is ruled by its alliance partner, the BJP. Sukhbir blamed the Congress for the crisis being faced by over 1,000 Sikh farmers, alleging the problem had its roots in an ordinance issued in 1973 by the then Congress government in Gujarat. The law had banned the sale of agricultural land to non-Gujaratis. “The notification is a Congress creation and now the party is trying to create a wedge between the SAD and BJP by raising the matter,” he said. The SAD chief said he had spoken to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, who had expressed concern over the issue. “But as the matter is subjudice, it deserves no comment currently,” he said. Announcing Rs 1,700 crore for the repair of link roads in Punjab, Sukhbir said the ruling alliance’s “pro-people policies will ensure it a clean sweep” in the Lok Sabha elections.
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Sukhbir invite to UP officer a joke: Khaira
Chandigarh, August 8 “It is a joke. Already, honest officers are being humiliated, discriminated against and treated with disrespect by the SAD-BJP government,” PPCC spokesman Sukhpal Khaira said in a statement. Khaira said the state government handed out a "punitive" transfer order to IAS officer Kahan Singh Pannu, former Director General of School Education, merely because he blew the lid off "corruption" in the Education Department. Instead, he said, the government should have asked the "corrupt minister concerned" to step down. “Similarly, a tehsildar was brutally beaten up by Akali councilors in his office in Ludhiana during the previous SAD tenure. In 2009, an Akali Jathedar had chopped off an ear of a DDPO in Gurdaspur, but no action was taken against the culprits. Recently, three ASIs were killed by Akali goons, but the government turned a blind eye. The leg of a senior police officer, SS Mand, was broken in broad daylight by a Youth Akali Dal leader in Ludhiana,” he said.
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Murder accused panch not allowed to take oath
Chandigarh, August 8 This is the first time in the recallable past that the High Court has passed such an order. The order by Justice Daya Chaudhary came after the High Court was informed that accused Kulwant Singh was allowed to attend the ceremony by Mohali Additional Sessions Judge without issuing notice to either the complainant or the investigating agency, the CBI. The order came less than a week after the High Court rejected Kulwant Singh’s bail plea. Already, Punjab MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu has been accused of manoeuvring the probe in the same case. The investigation in the case was handed over by the High Court to the CBI in October last year after the victim’s son alleged irregularities in the probe carried out by the police. Claiming that his father was “brutally murdered” by MLA Sidhu’s brother Amarjit Singh, complainant Harjinder Singh through counsel Charanjit Singh Bakhshi had given at least six instances of alleged irregularities. As the August 3 order allowing Kulwant Singh to attend the ceremony was placed before Justice Chaudhary this morning, Bakhshi contended that the CBI was seized of the matter. As such, the Additional Sessions Judge had no business to allow the application moved by the accused. In the petition, Bakhshi added: “Intriguingly, the court did not issue notice to the CBI and instead heard the additional public prosecutor for the state of Punjab and has passed the impugned order, which is wholly illegal and unsustainable in law”. “It is the Special Magistrate/Special Court, CBI at Patiala before which any such application was maintainable”. Accepting his verbal request, Justice Chaudhary impleaded the state of Punjab as a respondent in the case and issued notice of motion. Justice Chaudhary added: “When the CBI is seized of the matter, the court below has no reason to pass this order during pendency of the investigation. Counsel for the respondent state seeks time to file reply. The reply be filed within a period of two weeks from today with an advance copy to the counsel opposite”. Fixing September 9 as the next date of hearing, Justice Chaudhary added: “Meanwhile, the operation of impugned order dated August 3 is stayed”.
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Poor
Wages
Amritsar, August 8 The department has yet to implement the revised salary structure for its drivers/conductors notified with effect from March 1, 2013. The matter was highlighted by The Tribune. Punbus, run by the state transport authorities since 2006, has hired 2,300 drivers and conductors through a Chandigarh-based firm, The Providers. Against the minimum prescribed wages of Rs 8,404 for drivers and Rs 7,372 for conductors, they are being paid between Rs 3,000-Rs 3,200 per month, after deductions. A complaint has been submitted by representatives of the affected workers with the offices of the Labour Commissioner at Chandigarh and Assistant Labour Commissioner, Amritsar. Labour Commissioner Har Rakesh Singh Sidhu said it was a clear case of violation of labour norms and needed to be probed. “The Transport Department must clarify as to why it has not paid its staff the revised pay scales notified six months ago,” he said. Amritsar Assistant Labour Commissioner Vipin Parmar said the revised minimum wages should have been implemented instantly. “It was applicable from the day it was notified. I will depute my staff to question the officials concerned," he said. Sukhbir Singh, president of the Amritsar unit of the Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS Contract Workers Union, said they had been asked to appear in a labour court on August 20.
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Jalandhar NIT Registrar resigns
Jalandhar, August 8 Ajit Singh, a retired Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), had joined the institute in March 2012. Citing personal reasons, Ajit Singh has sent his resignation to the Union HRD Ministry. A review committee of the ministry had recently visited the institute and studied documents related to his salary and other benefits. Ajay Sharma, Dean, Administration, said Ajit Singh had himself fixed his salary in the pay scale of Rs 37,400-Rs 67,000 plus allowances. He said the latter was drawing salary from the institute as well as getting pension from the CISF against rules. The review committee had found that Ajit Singh had drawn excess wages and the HRD Minister had initiated proceedings to recover the extra money drawn by the former Registrar. Ajit Singh rubbished the allegations against him. “Since my family is residing in Chandigarh and It was difficult for me to travel up to and fro every week-end, I decided to put in my papers,” he said. “In my appointment letter, it is clearly stated that the selection committee had appointed me in the pay band IV (Rs 37,400-Rs 67,000) and the proceedings of the committee were had been approved by the Board of Governors," Ajit singh said. The institute was involved in a controversy when a PhD student accused her guide of harassment.
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Govt approves three ROBs
Chandigarh, August 8 Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Minister for Public Works, said the ROBs would be constructed at a cost of Rs 94.18 crore. These would be built in the Malwa region in Malerkotla on the Raikot road, Gobindgarh and the northern bypass in Patiala. — PTI
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Moga
Acid Attack
Moga, August 8 The victim, Mandeep Kaur, had suffered 70 per cent burns while her father Shamsher Singh of Daya Kalan village suffered 30 per cent burns. Mandeep is at present undergoing treatment at a Ludhiana hospital. As per the challan submitted by the police in the court, victim’s husband Harinder Singh has been named as the main accused while his three associates, Parwaan Singh, Jagjit Singh and Deepinder Singh, were named co-accused. However, the police has given a clean chit to Harinder’s father Paramjit Singh, mother Karamjit Kaur, uncle Sukhwinder Singh and aunt Sukhmandar Kaur. Taking suo moto cognisance of the matter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the state government to put on fast track acid attack cases pending in the lower courts. It had also ordered the government to expedite payment of monetary compensation for victims and ensure their proper treatment. However, victim’s father Shamsher Singh said the government had so far not given any monetary compensation to them. Victim’s counsel Chamkaur Singh Brar has raised doubts over the police investigations, which were carried out by an ASI. He said: “Keeping in view the seriousness of the case, it should have been investigated at least by a DSP-rank officer.” “The investigating officer has added the offence of dowry to the main charges, but gave a clean chit to those who had been demanding dowry from the victim,” he said.
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Hind-Pak Dosti Manch cancels cultural evening
Amritsar, August 8 In a statement released here today, Hind-Pak Dosti Manch general secretary Satnam Singh Manak said the entire country was in grief in view of the killings. However, other programmes like a seminar on India-Pakistan ties at Guru Nanak Dev University and a candlelight vigil at Attari border on August 14 are on the schedule as of now. But, uncertainty looms over the visit of Indian and Pakistani delegates across the border on the occasion of the Independence Day of the two nations. The delegates comprise parliamentarians, journalists, scholars and intellectuals from both the countries.
Buses diverted
Phagwara: The Lahore-Delhi and the Delhi-Lahore buses were diverted to the Nakodar-Nurmahal-Ludhiana route for the second consecutive day today due to protests against the killing of the five Indian soldiers.
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25 taken ill with rabies symptoms in Mansa
Bathinda, August 8 One of the infected persons, Sarbjeet Singh, is said to be critical. The dog had bit him and a buffalo five days ago following which the canine had died. Another youth has developed full symptoms and is confined to his house. A buffalo and her calf bitten by a stray dog have died. Raj Kumar, SMO, said all the infected persons would be administered anti-rabies medicine again after three days.
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Thousands take part in Army recruitment drive
Ludhiana, August 8 Maghar Singh, whose nephew was participating in the drive, said youngsters had begun converging outside the military complex since midnight. Col MS Mahar, Director, Recruitment, said, “Normally, we receive an average response in August due to the sultry weather, but the turnout in the last few days has been phenomenal.” The recruitment drive is scheduled to finish on August 13.
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Retirement age up, lecturers await extension letters
Ludhiana, August 8 Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka had recently claimed that no file was lying pending with him. Prof Jaipal Singh, president of Government College Teachers’ Association, Punjab, said over 12 lecturers from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and Talwara districts had not received their letters of extension.
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Govt must release land not used for public: HC
Chandigarh, August 8 A Division Bench also directed the Principal Secretary to release forthwith land, which cannot be utilised for a public purpose. The directions came on a bunch of approximately 20 petitions filed by Jagir Singh and other petitioners between 1992 and 1997. They had challenged notifications dated May 7, 1991, and March 18, 1992, issued by the Punjab Government under Section 4 and 6 of the Land Acquisition Act for acquiring land to set up Industrial Focal Point in villages of Dhandari Kalan, Mundian Kalan, Mundian Khurd, Bholapur and Mangli Nichi in Ludhiana district. Taking up the matter, the Bench observed that counsel for the State of Punjab and Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Limited (PSIEC) maintained that the acquisition process was carried out for a bona fide public purpose in accordance with the law; and a substantial part of the acquired land had already been utilised for the purpose. Remaining land could not be utilised due to interim stay orders passed by the High Court. “Nonetheless, they do not dispute the fact that the State Government on its own issued notifications dated August 19, 1999, and December 31, 2001, releasing a part of the acquired land. They are not in a position to explain whether or not the remaining unutilised acquired land is contiguous or can be utilised for the notified public purpose,” the Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Surinder Gupta observed. The Bench added: “It is also pointed out that PSIEC vide its lay out plan issued on February 23, 2004, has decided to utilise a part of the acquired land for residential purposes. If that is so, there appears to be some logic for the petitioners to contend that their constructed properties be exempted from acquisition as the public purpose of developing Industrial Focal Point has already been successfully achieved. “For the reasons, we dispose of these writ petitions with a direction to the Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Industries to call for the records of the properties of the petitioners, give them or other affected persons an opportunity of hearing, re-determine the question of retention of left out acquired land/properties and wherever it is found that the subject land cannot be utilised for a public purpose, release the same forthwith”. Before parting with the order, the Bench asserted: “The respondents as a welfare State are obligated to take an altogether dispassionate and holistic view consistent with their policy of releasing the constructed houses/buildings/properties/establishments/nursery, etc. which in the instant cases are stated to be the only source of livelihood or social shelter for the petitioners’ families”.
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Fighting
drug menace
Chandigarh, August 8 Referring to an affidavit filed by Punjab Principal Secretary, Health Department, the Bench observed: “On acceptance of the institutional development plan for strengthening of drug regulatory system by the department, the state government approached the Government of India to fund the project under the 12th Five Year Plan. “We are informed orally that the request was made about three months ago…. We are sure that the Union of India being also aware of the drug menace in Punjab would take necessary steps in pursuance to the request already made by the state for financial assistance to curtail this problem”. The observations came at a time when the extent of drug menace in the region, predominantly in Punjab, is not only a matter of concern but also debate. Only recently, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi had raised a controversy by saying “out of every 10 youths in Punjab, seven are into drugs.” Rahul Gandhi's remark had led to overdose of reactions with the SAD leadership blaming him for projecting Punjab's youth in a negative light. The High Court has already called for curbing with a heavy hand this menace “in this part of the country”, after observing that the addiction to make easy money by trafficking narcotics was on the rise.
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Faridkot/Ferozepur, August 8
The findings
Already, honest officers are being humiliated, discriminated against and treated with disrespect by the
SAD-BJP government