The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Govt plans ring road around city Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 To ensure total face lift of the holy city, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal today directed senior PWD officials to prepare a blueprint for the construction of an eight-lane ring road around the city to cater to the needs of pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple from across the globe for the next 50 years. After paying obeisance at the holy shrine here this morning, the Deputy Chief Minister asked the officials to come out with such a plan for the ring road that it caused minimal displacement of people and could bear the load of traffic for many years to come. He asked the officials to execute various development projects already commissioned in the walled city. He also told them to initiate the construction of roads at the earliest. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to hold regular weekly meetings with the departments concerned and expedite the construction work within a stipulated time frame. Reviewing the progress of the Golden Temple Entrance Plaza, Sukhbir said the shops around Sri Darbar Sahib would be vacated while clarifying that there would be no compromise with beautification around Sri Harmandar Sahib. He also directed MC Commissioner DPS Kharbanda to ensure complete hygiene and cleanliness around Sri Darbar Sahib by covering the open sewers along the approach roads leading to the shrine. A delegation of hoteliers also met the Deputy Chief Minister in view of the row surrounding illegal hotels. He told them that the government would seek legal opinion in the matter and see what could be done. The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by his wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
	Play on courtesan, feminist Moran Sarkar staged Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 Moran Sarkar, a courtesan and later Queen of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, remained an enigma, a symbol of woman empowerment in the early 19th century, in need to finding a rightful place in history. And the play, "Moran Sarkar", staged on the second day of Saanjh, represented why. The play written by late Manveen Sandhu, who was enamoured by the strong personality and feminism of Sarkar while researching for her book on Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was staged as a cultural tribute and celebration of the Queen, who was way ahead of her time. The play, presented as a Son-et Lumeire, a dramatic light and sound show, by Amritsar-based Punarjyot and Lahore-based Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop (RPTW), celebrated the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary ruler of undivided Punjab, and his soul mate Moran. The presentation was dedicated to the late Manveen Sandhu, who devoted more than two decades of her life to the institution both as a Principal and an educator. "Moran Sarkar was the maiden script of Manveen Sandhu, who also penned the book, "Maharaja Ranjit Singh -- Personalitas Extraordinaire". It highlights the lesser known aspects of the relationship of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with Moran, a nautch girl, whom the Maharaja later married," shared Rajiv Sharma, Principal of Springdales and director of the show. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, MP, presided over as chief guest, accompanied by Kirat Sandhu Cheema, Director, Punarjyot. "The play is relevant and important for Punjabis from both sides of the border as the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was common to both Amritsar and Lahore, with the latter being the place where he held court and the former his summer capital." She added that Punarjyot and Spring Dale Educational Society had, over the years, been very closely associated with the heritage of the Maharaja, the vestiges of one of which were found near the Indo-Pak border here, namely Pul Moran (also known as Pul Kanjari). "The Emperor had erected a Baradari here and used to stay here while passing by along with his royal troops. A young Muslim dancer named Moran, who hailed from Lahore, was once on her way to dance at the Maharaja's Baradari, when one of her shoes fell into the water channel on the way. The piqued dancer refused to dance until a pul (bridge) was built. Hence the place became popular as Pul Kanjri," she explains the history behind the heritage site. Dr Cheema maintained that the site was now being looked after by the Spring Dale Educational Society after it was handed over to them by the Punjab Tourism Department. "We are committed to the cause of upholding and protecting the heritage of Punjab through various endeavours including sensitisation of masses, particularly students, even in the years to come," she said. Usmaan Peerzada, CEO, Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, Lahore, along with Sahiljit Singh Sandhu, Director, Spring Dale Educational Society, were also present on the occasion.
	Pre-Partition Bhandari, Rego bridges in dilapidated condition PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 A day after a part of Bhandari Bridge collapsed, the focus is now back on the two-century old bridges that connect the walled city with the Civil Lines areas. Bhandari Bridge, popularly known as 'Uccha Pul', and Rego Bridge that connects the GT Road with the old city near Gobindgarh Fort are the two bridges which were constructed before the Partition era. The two bridges are now in a dilapidated condition. While Bhandari Bridge has shrunk with time as the traffic flow on this key bridge has increased manifold following the construction of the elevated road, the railway authorities have declared the Rego bridge unsafe. The administration has banned the entry of heavy vehicles on both these bridges, but recently the city police have diverted heavy vehicles such as mini-buses to Rego Bridge for their onward journey to bus stand in order to ease traffic on Bhandari Bridge. However, this means a mishap is waiting to occur. Bhandari Bridge, which was built in 1955, was constructed after widening a small bridge of the pre-Partition era, 'Ucha Pull', in 1955. According to the RITES Company which had studied the immense load being borne by the bridge as around 1.64 lakh vehicles pass through this bridge in 24 hours this led to frequent traffic jams. Due to this, pollution level also increases manifold in the area around the bridge. A couple of years ago, BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu had put forth the idea of widening the bridge and had arranged the visit of a technical railway team. A three-member technical team which had visited the bridge in February 2011 to study the widening feasibility of the bridge had rejected the proposal while citing that the iron angels which separated the main bridge from the pedestrian path on both sides could not be removed for it being a cantilever bridge. Instead, they had mooted the idea of construction of the new bridge by demolishing it. Meanwhile, the Rego Bridge has also outlived its life. Therefore, the entry of heavy vehicles was also banned on Rego Bridge. According to authorities, the bridge, which was reconditioned in 1982, was not capable of bearing the burden of heavy vehicles. However, the traffic police had diverted the mini-buses coming from Ajnala, Lopoke, Chaugwa and Attari side from the Rego for their onward journey to the bus stand. Interestingly, the iron bars put up by the administration for restricting the entry of heavy vehicles have now been removed, which has made vehicular traffic a risk on this bridge.
	Legal services authority sets up stall at PITEX Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 The District Legal Services Authority, in order to create legal awareness amongst masses, participated in the international level exhibition PITEX, here today. The administration had provided a free of cost stall to the legal services authority for spreading awareness among the public. Panel advocates, retainer lawyers and para legal volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority were present at the exhibition and guided the public about various services provided by the Punjab Legal Services Authority to socially and economically weaker sections of the society. The visitors showed keen interest to know about the free legal aid and advice. District and Sessions Judge, HS Madaan, said District Legal Services Authority aimed at creating maximum legal awareness amongst masses so that the rights of any citizen were not violated on account of his poor economic condition. He said that any person having an annual income less than Rs 1.5 lakh was entitled to free legal aid. Further, any person belonging to schedule caste, schedule tribe, backward class, women, children, any person in custody, any person physically or mentally challenged were also entitled to free legal aid as a matter of right irrespective of their income, said Madaan. The legal services authority not only provides an advocate but the entire expenses incurred on the case. In case any person wants to take free legal advice, he can consult the Front Office-cum-Legal Aid Clinic established at the District Courts complex. Madaan said that people could also avail the facility of free legal advice on telephone by dialing toll free number 1968.
	Delegates from India, Pak discuss trade at PITEX Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 The members of various chambers of commerce from India and Pakistan, who were involved in trade talks today at PITEX, stated that strengthening trade ties between the two nations were in the interest of general public. President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sohail Lashari, said India and Pakistan were keen to start new trade regime and minimise non-tariff barriers. Lashari, who is leading a trade delegation from Pakistan, was addressing an interactive meet between the commerce chambers of India and Pakistan, organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Minister for Industry, Madan Mohan Mittal, was the chief guest on the occasion. Lashari said the objective of bringing the delegation was to explore new trade avenues between India and Pakistan and see them as routine international trade partners. “The first and foremost purpose of organising such events is to facilitate more and more interaction between the industry and trading counterparts of the participating countries”, said Rajiv Bali, chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speaking on the occasion, Madan Mohan Mittal echoed the concern of traders on both sides and advocated open trade. “More efforts are required to enhance the bilateral trade,” said Mittal. He added that peaceful relations with countries of South Asia can bring about a positive change. Minister (Trade), High Commission of Pakistan, Naeem Anwar, appreciated the efforts made by the PHD Chamber to foster bilateral ties and mentioned that visits by delegations helped in amplifying these efforts. “The kind of growth seen in bilateral trade in the last 4 to 5 years could not happen in the last 60 years,” said Anwar, adding that the new visa policy for businessmen by virtue of which they were able to get multiple visas for up to 10 cities had helped in fostering trade. Restrictions on the movement of businessmen, delays in customs clearance and lack of product and sector specific approach were the three reasons restricting trade between two nations, said Anwar.
	ASHA workers hold protest Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 A number of representatives of ASHA workers and facilitators from various parts of Punjab carried out a state-level protest protest march from Company Bagh to the residence of Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, in favour of their demands here today. However, they were intercepted near Custom Chowk where the workers handed over two memorandums to the representatives of the BJP, including district BJP president (rural) Parmod Devgan. One memorandum was for the Central Government which was to be handed over to Member of Parliament Navjot Singh Sidhu and the other for the state government for CPS Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu. While addressing the rally, various ASHA workers said the Punjab Government had enough funds for organising Kabaddi Cup and its extravagant inaugural ceremony, but it did not have money for ASHA workers who were significantly contributing to the health sector. “The Punjab Government has become a champion of human rights violation and labour laws,” said Germanjit Singh and Harinder Dusanjh, state president and general secretary of Mulazam Manch Organisation respectively. They said the government should implement labour laws in letter and in spirit and provide minimum wages for ASHA workers. They agitators demanded Rs 6,475 for ASHA workers and Rs 10,000 for ASHA facilitators as minimum wages. They also sought regularisation of their jobs, ESI facility, Provident Fund, Rs 300 as mobile expenditure and reinstatement of retrenched staff. Germanjit Singh said health was the responsibility of the Central as well as state government, and therefore they also wanted the intervention of the Central Government for providing funds for the workers.
	Health workers continue protest Amritsar, December 7 The health workers under the rural dispensaries have continued their protest demanding to bring them under the ambit of the Health Department. The rural dispensaries are being governed by the Zila Parishads, but the employees want that these should be governed by the Health Department and they should be given same facilities as those given to regular employees of the department. Association president Kamaljit Singh Chauhan said the Health Minster and Minister for Rural Bodies had admitted that their demands were genuine. “We see no fault why we are not given the same pay and other facilities as to the regular employees,” he said. Even as the medical services in rural areas are already suffering, the association leaders threatened that they might intensify their protest if the state government didn’t accept their demands. — TNS
	Cops clueless in robbery case Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 Days after Rs 20 lakh robbery took place in Ranjit Avenue, the civil lines police are still far from reaching any vital clue about the case. A couple of unidentified robbers had decamped with jewellery and cash worth Rs 20 lakh from a house after keeping hostage an old woman. After preliminary investigations, the police suspected the role of an insider in the incident. They had zeroed in on a woman for her involvement, besides two youths in the case, but they are yet to make any major breakthrough in the robbery. Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa, SHO, Civil Lines police station, said they were yet to make any major development in the investigation. “The matter is still under investigation and nothing concrete could be said at this point. We are hopeful to crack the case soon,” claimed Randhawa.
	eve of retirement Civil Surgeon revokes transfer orders of employee Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 In a strange move, a Civil Surgeon, who had just one day left for his retirement, revoked the transfer orders of an employee earlier shifted because of complaints of corruption at the Birth and Death Registration Office. Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra signed the transfer orders of multi-purpose health worker (MPHW) Vajinder Randhawa on November 29. As a result of these orders, Randhawa joined the office again. However, Mitra retired on November 30. Earlier, Vajinder was transferred out from the Birth and Death Registration Office in the first week of September. But, the orders were complied with only after 10 days when the matter was highlighted in the media. In September, director, Health, had issued instructions for the transfer of Vajinder Randhawa posted at the Birth and Death Registration Office to Primary Health Centre at Gharyala in Tarn Taran district. The transfer was made after the employee’s conduct was found doubtful in a bribery complaint by a local resident. A joint director of the department had conducted the enquiry. The appointment of pharmacists and MPHWs at public dealing seats where usually clerks are appointed had raised many questions. As the birth and death registration is often in the news, it becomes even more necessary for the officials to ensure that no employee who had been found guilty of misconduct remains at the office. Even the Department of Health and Family Welfare had instructed the district Health Department not to take clerical work from paramedical staff, in a letter issued in December last year.
	DAV School beat Sadana Amritsar, December 7 DAV Senior Secondary School defeated Sadana International School by 128 runs on the second day of the inter-state cricket championship Cremica Cup 2013-14 at the Gandhi ground on Thursday. A knock of 67 runs and 2 wickets brought man of the match title to Manni Sharma of DAV Senior Secondary School. In another contest, Ashoka Senior Secondary School won the match against Navjot Senior Secondary School. Ashoka School lost just two wickets. Akul Sayal was adjudged man of the match. — TNS
	school and college notes Tiny tots’ talent on display at Ryan International School Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 7 Ryan International School organised an Inter-School Animal Parade at the school premises here on Friday. Montessori students from six schools participated in the grand show. The participants were from Bhavan’s SL Public School, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Public School, Khankot, Master Mind International School, Batala Road, Good Morning Public School, Azad Nagar, New Flower’s Pubic High School and Ryan International School. Ryanites welcomed the students with sweets, cards and flowers. The children came dressed as animals like tiger, monkey, rabbit, dog, zebra, elephant, deer and cat. The enthusiasm and zeal with which the children participated and performed was commendable. It was an exciting time for the children and a great time to showcase their talent on the stage. This competition instilled in them the feeling of love and care for animals and they were acquainted regarding the habitats of different animals and their importance in our life. They were made aware of the food chain too. Sanyam from Bhavan’s SL Public school bagged the first position. The second position was bagged by Swastik Kundra of Ryan International School. Kavish of Bhavan’s SL. Public School got the Third Prize. A consolation prize was given to Gaurima from Bhavan’s SL Public School. Principal Rajni Kalra gave away prizes to the winners and stressed that we could mould our children’s character and personality through such activities. BBK DAV College holds PTA meet An interactive meeting was organised at the Urvi Auditorium in BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, between principal and parents of the college students, today. Principal Dr Neelam Kamra extended a warm welcome to the parents. She highlighted the achievements of the college in academics, cultural and sports spheres. She narrated the achievements of the college students in the university examinations. In her address, she also detailed about various projects initiated by the college during the last five years to make the college environment eco-friendly. She also appraised the parents about the building of a swimming pool and a new conference hall. She highlighted the achievements of the staff members also. The Red Cross, NCC, NSS units of the college were working for the upliftment of the society, she added. A qawali was presented by the students of the Department of Music and a mimicry item was performed on this occasion. Suggestions were invited from the parents at the conclusion of the meeting. The parents of differently abled students especially expressed their feeling of gratitude for full support and co-operation provided by the college. The function ended with the singing of National Anthem. DAV International School holds workshop DAV International School, Amritsar, organised a two-day workshop in collaboration with the Centre for Assessment Evaluation and Research (CAER) here. Director, CAER, Savita Manuja, along with resource persons Mansa Pandey and Ravleen Mongia, sensitised the teaching community about the loopholes in assessing and evaluating the students. Various schools from Amritsar and other cities of Punjab participated in the workshop. The main aim of this workshop was to redesign the entire assessment system in a manner that correct assessment and further evaluations may help the child to improve his level of learning. The training programme elicited a good response from the teachers. It will help in establishing a culture of standards based assessment and also in moving towards standards based education reforms in the country. KCW student brings laurels Khalsa College for Women (KCW) student Navjeet Kaur Dhillon today won a gold medal in discus throw and shot-put competitions at Kamaljeet Yadgari Khedan, held at Kotla Shaiyan near Batala. She was also declared the best athlete in this tournament and was awarded Rs 10,000 cash prize and a two- wheeler. KCW principal Dr Sukhbir Kaur Mahal said the games were organised by Surjit Sports Association. Congratulating Navjeet, she said the girl was one of the most promising athletes of the college. She also congratulated Jaspal Singh Dhillon, her coach. Navjeet meanwhile thanked the college authorities, coaches and her father for their help and guidance.