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Farmer drowns in Beas
Sale of stale garlic bread costs Easy Day department store dear
Labourer ‘electrocuted’ in factory, protest held
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Victimisation of minorities figures on NCM agenda, says Habibullah
Four held for kidnap bid
Climate Change Theatre all set to open at Pushpa Gujral Science City
Potable water contaminated, says Health Department
Woman dies in accident
Rs 36 crore earmarked for Phagwara
Seminar on AIDS held at GNDU college
Excise officials check sales at four restaurants
ABHSS activists stage protest
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Farmer drowns in Beas
Kapurthala, August 24 Pritam Singh was reportedly going back to his home in a boat three days back with another person Harjinder Singh (19) when the twosome got out of the boat thinking that the water level had receded and that they would be able to walk the remaining distance. While the younger fellow managed to maintain his balance on the marshy land, Pritam Singh reportedly drowned with no clues of his whereabouts ever since. The SDM, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kuldeep Singh Chandi, said eight to 10 boats were being used for the past three days by rescue teams for eight hours daily, but to no avail. “We now feel that his body might have got trapped in the marshy soil,” he added. There have been many versions to the episode. Paramjit Singh, a representative of the Kisan Sangharsh Committee, said Pritam Singh was alone. “He was going in a boat back to his three sons after having spent a day in a relief camp. He saw his house partly damaged in floods. He perhaps became tense and jumped out of the boat into 5-foot deep water committing suicide”, he gave his side of story. Paramjit said, “We want Rs 10 lakh compensation for the man who lost his life and standing paddy crop. We want his debt to be paid off by the government and a job for one of his three sons.” He claimed that the administration had so far done nothing for his rescue. “It is we who are going and taking our boats. The administration has one motor boat whose engine had not been repaired since long and is not in working condition,” he fumed.
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Sale of stale garlic bread costs Easy Day department store dear
Kapurthala, August 24 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kapurthala, has asked the in charge of Bharti Retails Ltd to compensate the consumer by paying Rs 5,000, in addition to Rs 2,000 as litigation expenses. A resident of Officer Colony, Madan Mohan, said he had gone to the store on May 23 around noon for the purchase of grocery items like bread and juices for his ailing son as advised by the doctor. He said he purchased various items, including garlic bread of Bonn Nutrients Pvt Ltd. He paid a sum of Rs 587, including Rs 10, for the bread through a credit card. Since he was in a hurry to reach office, he said he did not check the bread. After reaching home, he noticed that the bread was full of fungus and was not consumable. He said he along with his wife went to the department store and requested officials to replace the bread, it being not consumable, but he was told that officials of the departmental store were very busy in unloading and checking the new stock, therefore they had no time. Moreover, he was also told that items like bread once sold were not replaced as per the policy. The complainant persisted upon his request for replacing the fungus-infected bread. He was, however, told that he should come again. He said he told the officials that he was a busy person due to his official duty and it would not be possible for him to visit the department store again. However, he was told by the officials of the store that it was his problem and asked him to leave immediately. On the advice of his counsel, he again visited the department store the next day at about 4 pm along with his friend Karan Kumar. However, replies and behaviour of officials of the department store remained the same. Moreover, one official who is in charge of department store, told him flatly that bread would not be replaced at all and if the complainant intended to get it replaced, he should go to Ludhiana and visit office of Bonn Bread to get it replaced. The complainant pleaded that garlic bread was in a sealed condition and it was full of fungus and absolutely unhygienic product. It was sold to complainant at half the price of Rs 10, whereas the actual price was Rs 20. The bill was issued only for Rs 10. It may be for the reason that the condition of the bread sold to the complainant was fully in the knowledge of the store in charge. He said the date of manufacture and expiry was also erased from the pack, which could be deliberate. The store in charge in his reply did not deny the sale of items as mentioned in the bill dated May 23 and admitted that the payment was also received through a credit card. He pleaded that perishable items put on sale by the store were sold as per the date of expiry mentioned on the products along with batch number. He said the company never put any item for sale after the date of expiry or if the product became
unhygienic for any other reason. In order to prove his case, the complainant
produced in evidence affidavits and documents along with photographs. The three-member forum, presided over by George, took on record photographs and original pack of garlic bread, which did not find mention the manufacturing or expiry date. It observed that the opposite party had neither denied sale of garlic bread to the complainant nor the photographs of bread package. The respondent did not produce any evidence despite affording several opportunities to bring on record any documentary evidence to show that garlic Bonn bread, having bar code No 890402290572, which was mentioned in bill and also visible on the original package of garlic bread produced before the forum, was sold to the complainant before the expiry date. The non-mentioning of date of manufacture and also expiry date itself was a serious offence and no perishable food item could be sold to a consumer unless such perishable consumable item explicitly bore date of manufacture as well as date of its expiry. |
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Labourer ‘electrocuted’ in factory, protest held
Jalandhar, August 24 The SHO, Division Number 8, Kewal Krishan, and ADCP-I Naresh Dogra reached the spot to pacify the agitators. The SHO said while the factory owners had denied the death of UP-based Jai Shankar due to electrocution, the labourers claimed otherwise. He said the body had been sent to the Civil Hospital and postmortem would be done tomorrow to establish the cause of death. "So far we have not got any complaint. But we will definitely follow the procedure," he added.
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Victimisation of minorities figures on NCM agenda, says Habibullah
Jalandhar, August 24 Chairperson, National Commission of Minorities (NCM) and Information Communication, Government of India, Habibullah was here to attend the convocation held at the CT Group of Institutions, today. Talking to the press, Habibullah said serious note has been taken by the commission of the illegal detention of minority community members by investigative agencies in the country - especially Muslims being, detained with regard to the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, 2006 Malegaon blasts and the 2011 Pune German Bakery blasts. The commission was pursuing such cases, he said after an investigative report had been submitted on the issue by a Mumbai based journalist to the commission. He said while many complaints have poured in, UP has been in the forefront of complaints being received regarding police atrocities on Muslims, similar complaints have also been received from Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan. He also expressed concern about the once bustling Parsi community in the country, presently being on the verge of extinction with only 16,000 members of the community remaining as per the government’s last census. Talking about schemes being launched for the minorities - he said Multi-Sector Development Programme for Minority Concentration and the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the welfare of minorities had recently been launched. However, he added that much was still left to be done as far as implementation of the aforesaid schemes by the government is concerned. |
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Four held for kidnap bid
Kapurthala, August 24 While the family had preferred not to report the matter to the police all this while, it is on the complaint of SHO Kapurthala City, Bharat Masih, that the case has been registered. The police linked a two month old car theft case, with a string of other events including attempt to abduct a student of Little Angel School Peer Chaudharian on August 14, burning of a car on the same day and finally managed to nab the culprits today. The four arrested youth Nirvir Singh alias Rubal of Clock Tower Chowk, Manohar Deep Singh alias Bablu of Prem Nagar, Ranjit Singh alias Mithu of Nirotam Vihar and Ricky of Jalandhar had reportedly stolen a white Zen car on June 7. The accused reportedly changed the number plate of the car on August 14 and at around 2:30 pm they all decided to abduct the boy, a resident of Niranjan Nagar from DC Chowk, but an attempt was foiled as public noticed the same and they fled. The youth had even allegedly conspired to kill the boy. Fearing arrest, they later went to Billa Kothi Road near Cantonment area and burnt the car to remove all evidences. The accused were booked under Sections 379, 482, 364, 511, 436 and 201 of the IPC. They will be produced in court tomorrow.
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Climate Change Theatre all set to open at Pushpa Gujral Science City
Kapurthala, August 24 The new gallery, Climate Change Theatre, conceptualised and designed by Director-General of the Science City Dr RS Khandpur and his team, covers various aspects of climatic changes through battery-operated models synchronised with a video. As video talks about reasons for climatic changes, various models become operational such as those on two woodcutters axing trees, increased population shown through illuminated multi-storey flats, smoke coming out of chimneys of factories and moving cars showing heavy vehicular traffic. A model on melting of glaciers catches everyone’s attention as effects of global warming are shown. A yet another model on the rising level of seawater is shown with area around the Gateway of India getting flooded in Mumbai. The increased level of carbon dioxide and other poisonous gases is also shown through various balloons getting inflated. Dr RS Khandpur said the gallery was already running on trial basis and would be opened for public soon. He said he had visited Canada and found exhibits on a similar concept being sold for several crores. “Besides, their exhibits related to their kind of climate. Based on similar lines, we chose the problems we are facing in India and in consultation with scientists in my team got fabricated suitable models here. It took us more than two years to finally bring it to shape. The synchronisation of the operation of models was in itself a daunting task, which took us many months to accomplish,” he commented. He added that the entire project got completed in Rs 1.5 crore - Rs 50 lakh for model designing and Rs 1 crore for civil works and interiors of the mini-theatre.
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Potable water contaminated, says Health Department
Jalandhar, August 24 The health department has taken two samples of potable water from the colony, located on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala road, when over 80 residents reportedly fell ill after consuming contaminated water. The health department had tested the purity of the water which failed showing presence of bacteria that develops in sewer water. The epidemiologist of the local Civil Hospital, however, said the test clearly showed mixing of sewerage water in the potable water. The health department has also informed the Municipal Corporation about the reports and asked the officials concerned for taking necessary preventive measures.
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Woman dies in accident
Jalandhar, August 24 The DSP, Nakodar, Harmeet Singh Hundal, said the students were returning home when their bus met with an accident around 8 pm. They were given first aid, minor treatment and sent back home after an hour or so. In yet another accident of a truck in the area, a woman from Nurmahal, who was coming along with other pilgrims from a dera in Rahimpur, died. Nearly seven other persons travelling in the same vehicle suffered minor injuries. |
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Rs 36 crore earmarked for Phagwara
Phagwara, August 24 He said 21 high mast lights would be installed with a cost of Rs 60 lakhs at Balmiki Chowk, Mirchi Chowk, Gandhi Chowk, while streets lights would be installed at all important places of the town. He said street lights worth Rs 24 lakhs would be installed in 16 villages which are being included in the Municipal Corporation, Phagwara. He also gave details of the development projects of sewerages and strengthening of the roads.
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Seminar on AIDS held at GNDU college
Jalandhar, August 24 It was organised under the supervision of college principal, Dr Jaspal Singh Randhawa, during the seminar, students were told to steer clear of the threats of disease while being told the difference between HIV positive and AIDS. Dr Jaspal told students that people need to be more empathetic towards AIDS patients. Calligraphy competition
Apeejay College of Fine Arts and the Department of English organised a calligraphy competition under the English Literary Programme in which 84 students participated. The students reproduced a passage given to them in beautiful handwritings. On this occasion, the principal, Dr Sucharita said calligraphy means to exhibit good handwriting and in this competitive era, a person needs to be equipped with good writing skills to leave an indelible impression on others. Judges for the event were Dr Sunit Kaur, Dr Navjot S Deol and R.K. Sharma. Results of the competition:
First prize Vasudha Gautam, second prize Saloni and Ashimadeep, third prize Simran and Luveena Anand and consolation prizes were given to Simarpreet, Kriti Kohli and Soniajit Sokhal. College results
PCM S.D. College students Bhola Devi, Pooja and Shailvi brought laurels to the college and secured 594 marks out of 800 and secured a position in the university merit list. Kumari Bhawan got 564 marks and Kumari Himani Sehgal got 560 marks. College principal Dr Kiran Arora congratulated the students. Students of Post Gradaute Department of Fashion Designing of the Kanya Maha Vidyalaya Jalandhar brought laurels to the institution by their outstanding performance in university exams. Dakshi, B.Sc. (F.D.) second semester, bagged 1st position scoring 854 out of 1000 marks and Harmeet Kaur, B.Sc (F.D) second semester, secured 2nd position securing 846 out of 1000 marks. Chanda Sharma and Sheetal, students BD Arya Girls College, Jalandhar, studying in BBA 2nd semester, earned accolades by securing first position in the college by scoring 246 out of 350 marks. Sandeep Kaur scored 241 out of 350 marks and secured second position. Jaspreet Kaur of Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar has bagged 1st position in the university exams of M.Sc(IT)-IV semester by scoring1830 out of 2400, whereas Gurvinder Kaur, Amandeep Kaur and Manpreet Kaur of the same class secured distinction by scoring 1742, 1707 and 1681 marks respectively. Tree plantation drive
Students of B.Tech of Lyallpur Khalsa College of Engineering organised a tree plantation drive in their campus. Their main idea was to contribute to the GO-Green Revolution which the whole world is focussing on in order to fight with the challenges of Global Warming. This tree Plantation drive was organized in collaboration with Rotary Club, Jalandhar. Dr SPS Grover was the chief guest. Sukbir Singh Chatha, director academics, Dr HS Johal .Director, LKCE, Dr SK Sood, director, KCLIMT, graced the occasion. Sukhbir Singh Chatha said global warming has become a major issue of concern. More than 100 trees were planted. Guest lecture
Rakesh Ratti, CEO, Meditrain, Delhi delivered a lecture on self-development and self realisation. Principal Dr Kiran Arora extended a floral welcome to the guest faculty. Resource person motivated students to enhance their soft skills as well as to promote the positive thinking. Emphasis was laid on maintaining equilibrium between academic excellences and a pleasing personality. The lecture was enriching for both the students as well as for the faculty members. |
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Excise officials check sales at four restaurants
Jalandhar, August 24 The staff from the department today throughout the day sat at the counters of four popular restaurants in the city including Headquarters, Sunny Side Up and Heat 7 with its two branches in New Jawahar Nagar market and Urban Estate. Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer-II Rajpal Singh said the idea was to manually calculate the sales at the weekend and then again on Tuesday or Wednesday. “These sales would then be compared with the annual statements given by the restaurant owners. This will help us check tax evasion,” he added.
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ABHSS activists stage protest
Phagwara, August 24 They were protesting against inaction of the police against a mineral water factory which was closed by the police after a prohibition report was sent by the Health Department on August 16. The protesters also blocked traffic on Phagwara-Nakodar Road and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. The factory was exposed by the Health Department after a raid by District Health Officer, Dr Guriqbal Singh, on a complaint of ABHSS activists led by state vice-president Deepak Bhardwaj. DHO found several irregularities in the factory which was running without a license. When contacted District Health Officer Dr Guriqbal Singh said the report of water samples taken is still pending with the lab of food safety wing in Chandigarh.
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Auto-driver needs financial help
Jalandhar, August 24 Rescued from end-stage renal disease by generous help from a US-based Lokesh Shouri and his Jalandhar-based brother-in-law Navneet Kalia, Harpal was also supported by friends and fellow auto-drivers, during the period when he needed regular dialysis and later kidney replacement - cost of which he couldn’t bear owing to his meager earning. While the worst of Harpal’s disease is over, his reduced health and meager earning, have forced him to resort to desperate measures to sustain his family. His medication costs per month are about Rs 8,000 to 10,000 and these exclude the medication costs of his mother suffering from diabetes. Her insulin costs add up to hefty medical bills for the family. Harpal’s friend, Arun, a fellow auto-driver, is the only rock solid support he’s got through all this time. Advised to stay away from polluted environs and infections, Harpal has had to take to auto driving again because no one else in his family can pursue a job. While he has strict instructions not to uncover his face while on the road (he wears two masks covered with a handkerchief), he has to disregard the doctors’ advise because ‘a masked auto-driver doesn’t get passengers’. “Most of the passengers do not want to sit in an auto with a masked driver. In almost all cases, I have to tell passengers the reason for wearing a mask. Just two hours of driving has been permitted by doctor and it is not enough to earn adequate money,” says Harpal. “While everyone has helped me as much as they could, I can’t go to them again and again for help. Almost every single relative, friend and acquaintance has helped. Presently, my medication costs 8,000 to 10,000 per month. He says every month he has to borrow money from some or the other person to support escalating costs and sources are decreasing. While doctors had initially advised him to stop auto driving, he says there is no other job he can pursue. Friend Arun says till date Harpal has no bank account, “He had one ages ago, but with all the money being spent. His account soon ran out of money and had to be closed. Those willing to help Harpal can contact Arun on his mobile number 94780-41256. His SBI account number is 31160664162.
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A 65-year-old farmer has reportedly drowned in the swollen Beas near his house in Rampur Gore village along Baupur in Sultanpur
Lodhi.
Widespread reports of the victimisation of the Muslim community - including complaints regarding the community members being cornered in various blast and terrorist attack cases - the unique and precious Parsi community in the country being on the verge of extinction and other vital issues related to minorities clouded the brow of Wajahat Habibullah as he deliberated on the issues, during a visit to the city today.
Anyone watching a 25-minute audio-video, an illuminated globe, live animations and models on causes and effects of climatic changes at a new gallery of Pushpa Gujral Science City is sure to get clarity on the concept once and for all.
