Ludhiana, November 7
Even as the price of onions remains around Rs 60 per kg in the market and, the price of tomato has shot up to Rs 90 per kg in the city.

This has upset the household budget of residents, who are giving a second thought on using the pricey ingredient in the dishes.

Traders attribute the rise in the price to short supply from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

“Onions and tomatoes are the main ingredients of most of the dishes. I fail to understand how to manage my household budget, said Swati Goel, a homemaker from Aggar Nagar.

Another resident Manisha Aggarwal said she had to cut down on vegetable. “I have limited the use of tomatoes. I prefer to use dry mango powder and amla to give a tangy taste to the dishes. Tomato puree is also another option,” she said.

“It’s not possible to buy tomatoes at Rs 90 per kg. I have started using puree. I hope the prices of vegetables came down. The government should take steps to control the rising prices of commodities,” she added.

“I cannot afford tomatoes anymore. Its price has surged beyond my purchasing power. Yogurt is a better option,” said Sumeet, a homemaker.

Ludhiana, November 7
In a board daylight incident, four unidentified SUV-borne youths looted Rs 13 lakh from a commission agent and his son at gunpoint. The incident took place outside the power grid in Phullanwal on Pakhowal Road at 1.30 pm.

The victims, Rakesh Kumar and his son Madreen Chhabra, said they withdrew Rs 13 lakh from a bank on Pakowal Road and were on their way to Jodhan village. Suddenly some unidentified persons hit their car from the rear. When they alighted from the vehicle, two youths who were travelling in a white Bolero trained a gun at them and asked them to handover the bag containing cash. The SUV was without a number plate and a VIP sticker was pasted on its windscreen.

The team from the Sadar police station reached the spot. The city police also set up checkpoints across the city. A case has been registered against the unidentified accused. 

Ludhiana, November 7
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is under attack from members of a monitoring committee for its poor performance in clearing permanent and temporary encroachments from the city.

Charging the staff of the civic body with corrupt practices and also bowing to political pressure in the course of anti-encroachment drives, a member of the committee staged a walkout from the meeting convened by MC Additional Commissioner Isha Kalia today.

While flogging the poor performance of the tehbazari branch of the civic body in removing encroachments, the members alleged that the field staff was in collusion with the violators. “The MC employees collect money from the violators and the challans issued by them are a mere eyewash," said a member of the monitoring committee.

An agitated member of the committee, Rohit Sabharwal, staged a walkout in protest saying that even after explicit directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2012 to impose a penalty of Rs 500 per day on those shopkeepers who use part of public roads, streets or footpaths for stacking or displaying of merchandise, the MC staff was going soft on the offenders. He alleged that the field staff was closing eyes to encroachments either due to their vested interests or political pressure.

Other members of the committee pointed out towards some brazen encroachments in congested residential and commercial areas. Unfolding the plan of action for clearance of encroachments, MC Additional Commissioner Isha Kalia said challans were being issued and penalty as per the rates fixed by the MC was being imposed. She, however, agreed with the feedback provided by the members of the monitoring committee that challans ought to be issued on daily basis against habitual offenders and penalty as per directions of the HC be collected from them which would act as a deterrent. 

Ludhiana, November 7
Four persons were injured after a bus rammed into a wall of a marriage palace near Bhatian village on GT Road this morning.

A total of 25 passengers were travelling in the bus. Eyewitnesses said the bus hit a truck in the process to overtake it.

The vehicles rammed into the wall of the marriage palace.

The injured have been identified as Gurdeep Singh, driver of the bus, Bharat Bhushan, conductor, Raj Kumar and Santosh Kumar.

The injured were rushed to a hospital.

Ludhiana, November 7
The police has registered a murder case against a resident of the Field Ganj area for allegedly killing his friend.

Varun Rishi (29), resident of Khud Mohalla, died on January 12, 2013. His father Parmod Kumar lodged a police complaint alleging that one of the friends served him liquor laced with a poisons substance. However, the police termed it a natural death and initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC.

The accused has been identified as Rajan Dua of the Field Ganj area.

In his statement to the police, the deceased’s father said Varun came at home late on January 12 and said he had consumed liquor with his friend. Varun complained of pain in the chest after having dinner.

On the way to a hospital, Varun told his father that Rajan Dua might have mixed something in the liquor. Varun died before he could reach the hospital.

The police had sent Varun’s viscera samples to the Kharar laboratory. Brij Mohan, SHO, police station Division No 3 said: “The viscera report received a few days ago revealed that someone gave the deceased chloro-compounds (poison). We have registered a case of under Section 302 of the IPC against Rajan. Further investigations are on.” 

Ludhiana, November 7
From now on, Punjab Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health) Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu will accompany Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani to government hospitals.

This was stated by Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani who was in the city to attend a state-level conference of civil surgeons.

To check facilities being provided to patients, the health department has been divided into eight zones. Jyani said,"Every month, we will hold meetings to review the progress. The hospitals should maintain cleanliness. Private practice will not be allowed. A three-member committee has been constituted for framing a policy on private practice. It will submit its report in one month."

In October, during a visit to Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, Jyani had announced to redress the public health grievances. He had stated that complaint boxes would be installed in hospitals.

When asked the reason behind the delay in the installation of the boxes, the health minister said,"First, we have to look for an official who will go through the complaints. Most probably, an NGO representative will be assigned the work."

Jyani has visited four government hospitals. He said, "My visits have not proved futile. Better facilities are provided to patients now. I have instructed the staff to come dressed in uniform. Strict action will be taken against violators."

On the rudeness of doctors and nurses, the health minister said, "The head of the institute will be held responsible, if a doctor misbehaves with a patient or his attendant. It is the duty of the Senior Medical Officers and Chief Medical Officers to ensure that the staff behave properly with patients and their attendants."

A few specialists, who are selected through walk-in interviews, do not join the hospital. They say the salaries are less.

Bhaini Baringan, November 7
Following a staff shortage at local Government Senior Secondary School, future of more than 50 students of Classes XI and XII is in the dark.

The school is passing through staff crunch and the only chemistry lecturer posted here has also been transferred to another school.

Parents of affected students, coming from over 10 localities of the region, have threatened to seal the school in case the needful is not done at the earliest.

Principal of the school Dr Jarnail Singh said he had already apprised the higher authorities of posts, which had been earlier sanctioned but were not filled.

Residents of area led by the chairman of Rashtrya Madhmik Sikhya Abhyan Committee, Krishan Anand Sharma, and PTA president Jagtar Singh alleged that the administration had failed to provide necessary facilities to students.

According to sources, parents of students and office-bearers of social and religious organisations had been arranging teachers through their own sources and donations via PTA till now.

It was only after rationalisation movement that the school got a chemistry lecturer recently, but the same teacher has now been restored to the same school.

Residents have threatened to launch a do or die struggle if the authorities failed to appoint staff at the earliest.

Ludhiana, November 7
Sewing machine manufacturers are facing stiff competition from China. The production of the machines, which used to be 6 lakh a few years ago, has dropped by 50 per cent.

The domestic sewing machine industry is valued at Rs 1,500 crore, with Ludhiana accounting for 80-90 per cent of the production.

A delegation of the local sewing machine industry is going to China on November 16 to take part in an exhibition. It will also visit units engaged in the manufacturing of sewing machines.

"With a large chunk of the market in the industrial segment captured by machines from China, it is the domestic sewing machine market that the city caters to. The domestic market essentially caters to the needs of households. Apart from stiff competition from Chinese players, the industry is in trouble as volatility in raw material prices continue to hurt the small-scale units," stated Rakesh Singla, a manufacturer.

Even the assemblers of sewing machines are left with no option but to import components from China as sewing machine body and cabinet manufacturers have jacked up the prices of their products, making it difficult for the SME units to sustain their operations," said Manjit Singh, a small-sized industrial sewing machine manufacturer in Ludhiana.

"The production of the local industry has gone down by 50 per cent. The government should impose a ban on the import of sewing machines from China to survive the local industry," he said.

Surinder Kapoor, another small-scale manufacturer, said in the absence of government support, no major innovations or R&D have been undertaken over the past few years and this is posing a challenge to the industry. "The government should intervene and look into the demands of the sewing machine industry," he stated. With Ludhiana sewing machine units turning to imported sewing machines, China's sewing machine industry is certainly gaining an edge in the sector.

Ludhiana, November 7
The Punjab Rural Games will commence from November 9 and the closing ceremony will be held on November 11.

As many as 2,400 participants from all over Punjab are expected to participate in the games. The players will be staying in 22 government schools.

As exams are being conducted in many schools, the authorities are finding it difficult to arrange for the stay of the participants.

A principal said the school would be providing 10-12 rooms to the participants. "On November 9 and 10, the working will not be affected but on November 11, we will have to declare a holiday. As the rooms will be occupied by the players, it will not be easy for regular students to prepare for their exams," said the principal.

"There should be a hostel for sportspersons," said a teacher. The participants will stay in different schools. The arrangement for their breakfast, lunch and dinner has been made at Guru Nanak Stadium, the venue for the games. When asked about the refreshments, District Sports Officer Kartar Singh said they would have to assemble at the stadium for their meals.

The sports officer said,"We have asked the authorities to arrange buses/vehicles, which will ferry the participants. They will be allowed to leave the city only after the closing ceremony." 

Ludhiana, November 7
Already in the election mode for the coming 2014 Lok Sabha poll, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also heads the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, will go on a foundation stone laying spree in the mega city on November 15.

He will lay the stones/inaugurate development projects worth Rs 700 crore.

Principal Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, Ashok Gupta, along with Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Local Bodies), and OSD to the Deputy CM Ajay Mahajan discussed the details of the projects with city Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwadia, MC Commissioner Rahul Tiwari and political representatives of the city at a meeting held at the Circuit House today.

MC Commissioner Rahul Tiwari told The Tribune that the Deputy CM would hand over allotment letters of 1,100 flats constructed for the urban poor in Giaspura, Dhandari and the other localities under the JNNURM scheme at a function to be organised on November 15. Under the centrally-funded scheme, the MC has undertaken the construction of 4,800 dwelling units for the urban poor at a total cost of Rs 150 crore.

Among other projects are eight-laning of Ferozepur Road from Jagraon Bridge to Sidhwan Canal at a cost of Rs 209 crore, water supply project worth Rs 116 crore for the city to cover missing links, development works for wards like paving of streets, construction of drains and beautification at a cost of Rs 88 crore, expansion of city bus service at an expenditure of Rs 72 crore and carpeting/repair of major city roads at a total cost of Rs 65 crore.

Punjab Minister for PWD Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Balwinder Singh Bains, Simarjit Singh Bains, both SAD legislators and former speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Sat Pal Gosain also attended the meeting.

Doraha, November 7
Rupinderjeet Kaur, assistant professor at the Sadbhavna College of Education for Women, Jalaldiwal, Raikot, has cleared thePunjab Civil Services examination.

“I chose public administration and psychology as my optional subjects. My inspiration has always been my father, late Capt Nachhattar Singh, who inspired me to become a civil servant,” said the mother of two.

Preparing for the examination from the past three years, Rupinderjeet studied for 4-5 hours on a daily basis.

She said her job was a backup career plan, where she succeeded in establishing herself. She was also elected as a member of the Punjab University academic council (2012-14).

Without the unconditional support of my husband Manjeet Singh, and my sisters, I would not have been able to reach where I am today, said Rupinderjeet. She also thanked the management of her college, Dr AK Banerjee and Dr Madhu Meeta Banerjee, for their constant support.

Ludhiana,November 7
The gold and silver prices witnessed a dip post-Diwali. The price of gold has seen a Rs 1,000 drop while the silver price has come down by Rs 900.

This Diwali and Dhanteras, people bought silver and diamond jewellery. The government's measures to restrict imports added to the blues for gold trader.

Indians are the biggest buyers of gold in the world and many believe that buying and giving it on holy days brings good fortune. "Market witness a slump after festive season. It was bound to happen. But we failed to make a healthy profit even during Aston," said Ram Parkash, a jeweller from Ghumar Mandi. “We had sold only two gold rings during the festive season. It was a far cry from what it was during Dhanteras last year. We had pinned all our hopes on the festive season and that too passed without any gains. Now, again the prices of gold has seen a decline," stated Sudhir Verma, another jeweller from Sarafan Bazar.

Given high inflation and low real interest rates, many Indians see gold as an investment.

If demand is being displaced anywhere this year, it is to silver and diamonds, which hold their value in the same way.

Ludhiana, November 7
SPS Apollo Hospital conducted a health mela-cum-exhibition on the occasion of World Nutrition Day. Various nutritious food items were displayed on the premises of the hospital on the occasion.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Subhashani Verma, former professor and head of the department, Food and Nutrition College of Home Sciences, Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana.

Health products such as skimmed milk, soya snacks, probiotic foods, protein powders and other foods related with weight management were displayed in the exhibition.

A free consultation was also given by dietetics to people present on the occasion.

A special session on non-conventional food and drug interactions was also taken up by Dr Shivani Tandon, senior clinical pharmacologist of the hospital.

The session was attended by more than 100 people including doctors, physicians and general public.

Jugdiep Singh, MD, SPS Apollo Hospital, said, “Most diseases today are lifestyle-oriented and can be prevented by changing our eating and exercising habits. The prevalence of obesity has been rising in Punjab. Data reveals that 37.5 per cent women in Punjab are obese. Considering this, we decided to celebrate the World Nutrition Day. We must adopt a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook to stay health and fit.” 

Ludhiana, November 7
Agencies lift As many as 12.71 lakhs MT of paddy has been procured from different grain markets in Ludhiana till now.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajat Aggarwal informed around 12.29 lakh MT of paddy has already been purchased by different agencies. Aggarwal said Pungrain had purchased 31,59,000 MT of paddy, while Markfed had purchased 25,6975 MT, Punsup got 32,9567 MT of paddy, Punjab Warehouse purchased 1,09,187 MT and Punjab Agro purchased 1,09,945 MT of paddy so far. “Out of the total purchase, farmers were paid 89 per cent dues,” said the DC. He also asked the Sub-Divisional Magistrates to visit the grain markets and get the feedback about the arrival and purchase of paddy.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 7
The Gill circle police has launched an awareness movement to apprise masses of the causes and aftermath of road accidents.

The inaugural awareness camp was organised at Truck Operators Union, Pohir.

On the occasion, drivers and owners of trucks registered with Truck Operators Union, Pohir, vowed to remain attentive on road and observe safe driving rules so as to avoid road accidents. Those present on the occasion, also took oath to shun drugs and narcotics.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gill, Gurpreet Singh Sikand informed that special teams of cops supervised by station house officer (SHO), Dehlon, Inderjit Singh Boparai and SHO, Sadar, Amandeep Singh Brar will be conducting seminars and workshops at various organisations falling under their jurisdiction to sensitise masses of the importance of obeying traffic rules.

Ludhiana, November 7
The income tax officials today conducted a raid on the offices of the local cable network.

A money transfer firm located at Ghumar Mandi was also raided by the officials. Raids were conducted following the directions of the higher officials of the investigation wing in Chandigarh. The cable network company was surveyed last year and an amount of Rs 6 crore was surrendered by the company. — TNS

Ludhiana, November 7
The department of ophthalmology at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital has acquired the latest ultramodern equipment. This was disclosed by the secretary of DMCH Managing Society, Prem Kumar Gupta, at a press conference today. The department is headed by Professor GS Bajwa.

Dr Sumeet Chopra, associate professor, said a new technique of cataract surgery, topical phako, is a no-injection, no-stitch and no-bandage surgery. The department is organising an advanced phaco workshop for eye surgeons of the city on November 10. — TNS

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU) conducted a three-day specialised cattle feed manufacturing course.As many as 27 feed millers from all over Punjab attended the course. Coordinator Dr Parminder Singh said various techniques of feed manufacturing were discussed, including purchase and storage of ingredients, ration formulation for different categories of animals, manufacturing of mineral mixture, presence of pesticides in ingredients and importance of feed additives.

Santokh Singh, dairy development officer, Ludhiana, said the specialised cattle feed manufacturing course was necessary for every cattle feed manufacturer to get a licence for marketing the feed in Punjab. The concluding function was presided over by Dr JS Bhatti, head, department of veterinary and animal husbandry extension education. The head of the department later distributed certificates among the participants and advised the cattle feed entrepreneurs to prepare a balanced feed. — TNS

Ludhiana, November 7
On the occasion of the National Cancer Awareness Day, a seminar was organised at Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, here today.

Students of Guru Nanak College of Nursing, Gopalpur, and Bengal Institute of Health Sciences, Raikot, attended the seminar.

Addressing the gathering, Dr RK Karkara, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases which can affect any part of the body.

Dr Rajinder Gulati, pediatrician at Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said it is the interaction between a person's genetic factors and three categories of external agents, resulting in development of cancer. “More than 30 per cent of deaths by cancer can be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including tobacco use, obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, sexually transmitted HPV-infection, urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels,” said Gulati. He further added that tobacco use is the single most important risk factor for cancer causing 22 per cent of global cancer deaths and 71 per cent of global lung cancer deaths.

Early detection is the mainstay in the treatment of cancer, said Gulati.

Ludhiana, November 7
In what can be termed as a jolt to online shoppers, the Income Tax Department is keeping a check on your itemised bills.

The department is now tracking the online purchases to identify potential defaulters.

During the online transactions, the buyers tend to leave a digital trail which is available to the Income Tax Department, which uses smart software to map an individual's spending.

"We are getting data from various sources that is helping us profile people on their spending. The data can be matched with taxes paid and evaders can be caught. "Last year, the tax department had

sent letters to those found spending large amounts of money, but had not filed their returns. It had helped bring many more into the tax fold," said a senior income tax official.

Retailers are of the view that the move of the department will not hit them hard as cash-on-delivery is not available on big ticket items.

"Like on credit cards, many people don't use it as they don't want it to be traced while purchasing expensive items. Most e-commerce companies have also restricted the value of goods that can be bought

with cash. Some online companies have limited the purchase to Rs 50,000 while smaller companies have restricted it to Rs 20,000," said taxation lawyer AK Sood.

In India, up to 60 per cent of the purchases done online are through cash-on-delivery, where a customer pays for a product at the time of receiving it, according to a study by the Internet and Mobile Association of India and audit firm KPMG.

Ludhiana, November 7
Sparrows have been disappearing from the urban landscape. The need of the hour is to put up houses for them.

"There is hardly any space left for birds to nest," said Dr Tejdeep Kaur Kler, ornithologist at the PAU.

Mansions are being built, with exotic plants beautifying the surroundings.

Guava, pomegranate, lemon, bougainvillea and the other plants provide natural nesting places for birds. Warblers and nectarivorous birds get into cup sized flowers like bougainvillea. Frugivorous birds feed on fruit trees. But because saplings of these trees are no longer planted in urban households, these birds hardly find a space for nesting and are thus disappearing from urban households and spaces.

Earlier, kutcha rooftops, cavities in the logs of wood and other spaces used to give birds the nesting space.

A portion of a house or a corner in the backyard with green cover can house birds.

Artificial nests can be placed. Water containers should be kept for birds. Saplings of fruit trees, flowery plants and traditional trees should be planted.

Gulmohar, amaltas, lagerstronia throli (Pride of India) attract birds.

Natural manure should be used to allow some insects that are food for these birds.

"A kutcha wall with crevices and holes provides an excellent hiding and nesting place for birds," said Dr Tejdeep. 

Ludhiana, November 7
A postage stamp on Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was scheduled to be released by the postal department today.

The institution was established by KM Munshi in 1938 in Mumbai.

The contribution of the institution has been acknowledged by the Government of India which has conferred International Gandhi Peace Prize, Communal Harmony Award, Rajiv Gandhi Award for National Integration and Educational Institution of National Eminence on the institution.

Now, the trust has more than a 100 centres across India along with seven centres abroad. There are more than 300 constituent institutions of the trust in various parts of the country.

The bhavan provides multi-dimensional education. Institutions run by the trust also provide education about Indian culture and language. The trust also provides free computer education to unemployed persons belonging to the economically weaker sections. Although the postage stamp about the trust was scheduled to be released by the postal department today, these were not available with the postal department. Mukesh, a city-based philatelist, said he had been waiting for the postage stamp, but it had not reached the post office. "The postage stamps must reach the post offices on the scheduled date of release. Most of the stamps are commemorative in nature, and if these are not released on the scheduled date, what is the point of releasing these," said another philatelist.