 |
|
|
Admn refuses booth details under RTI
SC/ST, OBC students protest over university exam fees
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Environmentalist receives reply after 19 months
Regularisation of colonies to begin next week
Workers toil without welfare schemes
Youths gatecrash all-girls party
ATM theft cases continue to remain a riddle for police
Intelligence wing to keep tab on PF defaulters
Apeejay student gets award for folk singing
Students acquainted with job scenario
Varsity organises plantation drive
Health centre observes nutrition day
|
||||||||||
|
Admn refuses booth details under RTI
Jalandhar, September 3 The District Administration has even refused to provide details as to how many original allotment holders have died and how many new allotments were made in the last 15 years. According to Harminder Singh Sandhu, advocate and the RTI Applicant, the Public Information Officer (PIO) has rejected it under Section 4 of the RTI Act, after terming the questions as hypothetical and leading to creating of information. "The Operations and Maintenance department (O&M) of the administrative complex is the ring master and openly running the show of sham and corruption right under the nose of various Deputy Commissioners from the last so many years. Surprisingly, most of them seems to be aware about the fraud but were not been able to put an end to this during all these years," alleges Sandhu. He further alleged that violating all the norms and guidelines of the allotment, around 90 per cent of the original allottes have further rented them to various people and are charging huge amount of money as monthly rent from them. "Although, they just have to pay an annual amount of Rs 4800 each for the STD/ISD and typing facility and Rs 6000 for Computer work. But by subletting the booths, they are charging up to Rs 15000 per month from the people." alleges Sandhu. When Tribune team visited the complex, many other discrepancies were also found with regard to the functioning of booths at the administrative complex. According to Vipin Kumar, the Councillor from Abadpura and an allottee of a number less booth, administration has been charging an annual rent of Rs 15,600 from him without allotting him any specific space for the past 15 years. Although he is paying full rent like other booth owners for the past so many years, he is getting regularly harassed by the police, media and other neighborhood stall owners for allegedly running the stall illegally. "I was allotted this space once this complex was built by the administration. They invited tenders for the allotment of commercial booths inside the complex, but nobody showed interest at that time. I was the first one to respond. Since the whole area was empty, I was told to occupy any area. But later, when people started pouring in and they made the final allotment, they didn't allocate me another space and told me to work from the earlier area only. Although, I am paying the annual rent regularly, still I have not been allotted any space by the administration so far," said Vipin Kumar, the booth owner. Unconfirmed sources informed that the rent charged from him was, in fact, not going to the treasury itself, but was being taken by the officials of the Operational and maintenance (O&M) branch of the district administrative complex to operate from the illegal area. Also while the allottes of booth number 5, 22, 26, 60, 152 and many other have died long ago, they were found to have been wrongly subletted by the allotte's family. According to sources at the O&M department, most of the booth allottes have not given the annual rent from the last many years. Many booths didn't even have the name of original allottes mentioned over them. When contacted, K.K Yadav informed that the matter has been brought to his notice few days back. "I have already ordered an enquiry into the case. The SDM-1 is presently doing the investigations and soon we will be able to dig out the facts into the case," said Yadav. Meanwhile, Sandhu has filed an appeal in the court of Divisional Commissioner cum Appellate Authority of RTI Act to provide him necessary information on the facts the details of which has been sought by him in his RTI query. |
|
SC/ST, OBC students protest over university exam fees
Jalandhar, September 3 The students alleged that under Post Metric Scholarship Scheme for the SC, ST and OBC student, they were entitled for free education in the college. However, the principal of the college have been asking them for university examination fees over and over again. One of the students said, "There are over 200 students in the college, who have been harassed by the college officials. They are not able to concentrate on study under such circumstances." Due to state government holiday, Deputy Commissioner was not present at the office. However Rajesh Bagga, the chairman of the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes intervened into the matter. The students then handed over a memorandum to him. Speaking to the Jalandhar Tribune, he said that he would mark an inquiry to the matter. Despite of the fact the all the colleges were aware of the issue, the students were still being harassed. College principal Dr Kuldeep Kaur Dhaliwal said the GNDU has strict instructions to all the colleges to pay the university examination fees with forms. She said she had asked the students to write on form that they are not paying fees under same scheme. If anything happens later on the college would not be responsible for that. But they were not ready for that. "I asked students to meet me after 2 pm in my office. They student brought some local leader with them, who started abusing and threatening me that he would get a police case registered against me, which made matter worst. However I was still trying to help the students out," she said. The principal said the college has not received any grant from the state government for past one year. The college has to pay many bills. Under such circumstances, it was very hard to run the college. |
|
Violations galore: Goods carrier, autos continue to put lives of students at risk
Jalandhar, September 3 It is not only commuters, who are being exposed to road mishaps, but even schoolchildren, who have been coming to the city to participate in the ongoing sports tournaments, are being ferried to the city in risky manners. Today, several auto carrying school kids from the nearby places, were noticed. Students were bundled in autos and goods carrier while they were being ferried to the governments schools to participate in sports games, but traffic police didn’t pay heed to the violations. Last month, one such auto, ferrying school children, of a government Senior Secondary school of Atta village in Goraya, to Burton Park, where a sports event is going on, was caught by the city traffic police on August 29. Shockingly, as many as 15 students were found bundled in autorickshaw. Interestingly, then the school principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Atta village in Goraya, instead of accepting the negligence, asked the traffic cop on phone not to take any action and let the auto and student go scot-free. Similarly, on August 28, traffic police had also caught auto (chota hathi) at Nakodar chowk in which 26 students of Guru Har Rai Khalsa Senior Secondary school Goraya were bundled and the same auto was impounded by the traffic wing. These students were also heading to Burton Park to participate in sports event. In several past mishaps, overloaded auto had become the cause of serious road mishap, still the schools are imperiling the lives of schoolchildren. As per the rough estimate, there were over a dozen road mishaps, involving overloaded auto rickshaws, were reported in the past two months. The day, auto rickshaw causes any mishap, traffic police turns into active mode and starts challaning the vehicles, but the exercise of police hardly runs for long. Sources said, city has over 10,000 auto rickshaws and majority of them are being plied without any valid permit. ACP, Traffic, Dalbir Singh Buttar, said police was erecting nakas to keep check over such
violations. |
|
Environmentalist receives reply after 19 months
Jalandhar, September 3 Speaking to the Jalandhar tribune, He said the letter was written to the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, Chief Secretary Punjab and Secretary Local Bodies on February 19, 2013 to let them know the condition of cleanliness at his home town Nakodar. He said that he did not hear anything from these officials for long time that forced him to take up the matter with the National Green Tribunal at New
Delhi. "In the answering letter it is said that the issue has been investigated by the Sub Divisional Magistrate Nakodar," he said. The answering letter further said that the matter was taken to NGT on May 15, 2013 by the complainant. The cemented dustbins have been constructed at various places in the town. Apart from this 25 iron container as garbage bin have installed at different places. People have been advised not to dump garbage openly. As many as 221 people have been issued chalans for open dumping so far. Cleanliness work is going properly in the town. |
|
Regularisation of colonies to begin next week
Jalandhar, September 3 After much hue and cry by the people, the Punjab government has decided to approve the plots and is presently in the process of issuing the notification pertaining to this in few days from now. This will provide huge relief to around 4000 people in the district who are not been able to get their properties registered as the government has put a ban on the issuance of an NOC in the state from the last six months. According to Harsharanjit Singh, Tehsildaar, the MC and PUDA after conducting a survey has identified unauthorised colonies in the district. "We were not registering properties in these areas. But now, with government taking the decision to regularise them, not only will provide relief to people living in these areas but will also help us earn huge revenue from this," said Harsharanjit Singh. According to a rough estimate, the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation has earned revenue of around 40 crores by regularisation the colonies in the financial year of 2013-14. But the process was stopped after the implementation of the model code of conduct in the state due to the Lok Sabha elections. After that, the government did not issue any notification to resume it.
— TNS |
|
Workers toil without welfare schemes
Jalandhar, September 3 The staff members do not even have a life insurance cover, a medical scheme like the Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESI) or a provident fund option even after working for decades for the company. The oil companies consider the welfare of filling station staff as the sole responsibility of the owner. Even the district Labour Department failed to address the concern of the staff members. According to Atma Ram from Himachal Pradesh, who is working at a petrol pump from the last 38 years, he has not been provided any insurance cover by either the petrol pump owner or the company. Since he does not have an ESI card, he has to bear his frequent medical expenses due to his old age from his meager monthly salary of Rs 5,000. “Although, the company staff often came and enquired about our well being, they never offered any financial help to us till date,” said Atma Ram. Another worker, Preet, from Uttar Pradesh, working at a filling station on old GT Road, informed that the oil company did nothing to secure their jobs. “We are solely at the mercy of the filling station owners. Many people like me work here as long as our health allows and then we go back to our native places with no financial cover or security,” said Preet. He informed that the dealers do not even grant them medical leave. “They deduct money for each leave that we take even for some medical emergencies,” said Preet. Harkirat Singh, owner of a filling station, said they had never received any directions or financial help from the oil companies for the welfare of the filling station staff. Gagandeep Singh Sodhi, regional manager of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) said except a lone scholarship scheme for their children, the company didn’t have any other welfare scheme. “We go and check about the wellbeing of the employees but these are labour issues and the Labour Department of the concerned district has to take a call on this,” said Sodhi. Many other oil companies also accepted the lapse and said they would ask their corporate office to launch some welfare schemes exclusively for these employees. Fact file
|
|
Youths gatecrash all-girls party
Ludhiana, September 3 The authorities of the college have written to the Police Department in this regard. Confirming the development, Gurdev Singh, SHO of the Division No. 8 police station, said he had received the complaint and was verifying it. The ASI, whose role is under the scanner, was posted at the Division No. 8 police station and was sent to the Police Lines recently. The incident took place on August 30 when nearly four youngsters gatecrashed an all-girl’s party at the commerce section of SCD Government College. The girls were residents of a hostel located on the college premises. According to sources, the four youngsters entered the party hall by breaking a window. The youngsters, who were reportedly in an inebriated condition, created a ruckus, leading to panic among the girls. They allegedly damaged the things lying in the
party hall. The college authorities immediately informed the police. While three youngsters escaped, the fourth one was overpowered by the college staff. He called up an ASI, who immediately reached the spot and told the college authorities that he was from the Division No. 8 police station. The ASI told the college staff that the youth was a sportsman and any police action would ruin his future. The ASI said he would teach a lesson to all the youngsters who gatecrashed the party. Soon, the ASI, along with the youth, left the college. In the meantime, the PCR staff arrived at the spot. They told the college staff that no ASI by the name they had told them was deployed at the Division No. 8 police station. The college authorities took serious note of the issue and shot of a letter to the Police Department, seeking a probe into the matter. Dharam Singh Sandhu, Principal, SCD Government College, said: “We took notice of this incident. We have initiated an inquiry. The students found guilty will be punished. We will take strict action against them so they do not dare to do this again”. |
|
|
ATM theft cases continue to remain a riddle for police
Jalandhar, September 3 However, the police have failed to get lead even in a single case. Interestingly, in most of the cases, the miscreants were caught by the CCTV cameras installed inside the ATM cabin, still the police failed to solve the cases. On June 18 this year, miscreants targeted the ATM of the Union Bank of India in the Bashirpura locality. They were caught on the CCTV camera but the police have failed to identify the accused. The police recently issued strict instructions to keep ATMs closed during the night to prevent occurrence of such incidents and also held a special meeting with the representatives of banks but majority of the banks are still not adhering to the instructions. Past incidents
|
|
|
Intelligence wing to keep tab on PF defaulters
Jalandhar, September 3 EPFO officials have directed the assistant commissioners and inspectors to keep tab over such units where employees were not given the benefit of provident fund. Officials have directed to prepare a complete list of business units mainly cinemas, shopping malls, schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants, call centres, showrooms and hotels. DTOs of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur were also asked to submit complete details of school buses. An official said the step would benefit more than fifty thousand employees working in various business units and tighten the noose around business units that are showing lesser salary of their employees than what they actually pay, to save provident fund. |
|
|
Apeejay student gets award for folk singing
Jalandhar, September 3 He was bestowed with an award of honour for his singing of Punjabi folk songs. He was given a gold medal for being the youngest folk singer. He was also honoured by Edmonton Parliament, where he received a shield as appreciation. He was interviewed by different radio channels such as South Asia Radio of Edmonton, ‘Gaunda Punjab’ and ‘Raunak Punjab di’ of Toronto. Harjot strongly believes that the hallmark of a good singer is the selection of beautiful and meaningful lyrics, which have an everlasting value. Dr Sucharita congratulated Harjot and said the college was proud of his achievements at the international level. She encouraged him to work hard and excel in the field of folk singing. KMV students bring laurels
Navneet Kaur, a student of PG Department of Commerce and Business Administration, brought laurels to the institution by getting the top position in the Guru Nanak Dev University results of PG diploma in financial services. She secured the position with 471/600 marks. Another student Alisha Kakkar of M Com 4th semester of the same department bagged the 9th position by scoring 1838/2200 in GNDU. Total 38 students appeared for the examinations, out of which 23 got distinctions. Principal Prof Atima Sharma congratulated the students and expressed her happiness saying that the outstanding university results were due to the best teaching and guidance. BCom students in
varsity merit list
The results of BCom 5th Semester of PCM SD College for Women, Jalandhar, have been exceptionally well. Kanchan secured 540 marks out of 700 and bagged the 5th position in the GNDU merit list. Shivani Joshi secured 528 marks out of 700 and bagged the 17th position in the GNDU merit list. Principal Dr Kiran Arora congratulated the students and their parents. Campus placements
In continuation of the placement efforts of Apeejay Institute of Management Technical Campus, two students of MCA 2012-2015 batch got selected in A-1 Technologies, Chandigarh. The recruitment process was conducted under the supervision of the officials of the company. The placement process began with an aptitude and technical test, followed by the final technical and HR interview. The students are Baljinder Singh and Akshay Suri. They were offered packages of 1.4 to 2.0 lakh annually. Dr Kulwant Kaur, Dean, School of Information Technology, and Ranjit Singh, professor in-charge, Training & Placement (MCA), congratulated the successful candidates and highlighted the numerous opportunities for the talented, hardworking and sincere professionals. LKC students bag
top position
Shaminder Kaur of Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, has bagged the 2nd position in the university examinations of MA History Semester II by getting 568/800 marks while Shaveta Sharma secured the 3rd position by getting 566 marks. Neha of the same class bagged the 5th position by getting 564 marks. These position holders were awarded Professor Harjinder Kaur Sahota Memorial Scholarship worth Rs 5,100. President of the College Governing Council, Sardarni Balbir Kaur, congratulated the students and wished them success in life. Sardar Jaspal Singh Waraich, joint secretary, Governing Council, Prof Sukhvinder Kaur Rai, head of the Department of Commerce, Prof Charanjit Kaur Gill and Prof Jatinder Singh were also present on this occasion. Workshop organised
A six-day workshop on Tally was organised by the PG Department of Commerce of BD Arya Girls College, Jalandhar Cantonment, for the students of BCom (P) semester 1 and add-on course in computer–aided accounting. Anjala of NIIT, Jalandhar, gave the training of the tally package, creating ledgers, journal entries using accounting vouchers, point of scale, inventory vouchers and the advanced features of accounting. HMV student tops
MA examinations
Amandeep, a student of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyala, got the 1st position in MA political science, semester II, by securing 661/800 marks. Principal Dr Rekha Kalia Bhardawaj congratulated the staff, the student and her parents. |
|
|
Students acquainted with job scenario
Phagwara, September 3 She acquainted the students with various short-term and long-term programmes of vocational training, which can be undertaken by students for increasing their chances of getting employment. She also stressed the need for all-round personality development and skill formation to ensure successful careers for students. Prof Jyotika Minhas, head, Department of Economics of the college, explained that the objective of organising the lecture was to suggest to students the ways of getting employment. Professional training of students is of utmost importance to make them fit for meeting requirements of industry and service sector, she said. College principal Dr Suman Tandon thanked the resource person and inspired the students to attain additional skills and professionalism to be successful in the job
market. She congratulated Prof Jyotika Minhas for delivering the lecture and apprising the students of the current economic scenario. |
|
Varsity organises plantation drive
Jalandhar, September 3 The drive involved the planting of various indigenous saplings that are suited to the regional environment. It was an attempt to educate the students on how their small efforts toward a noble cause can bring a huge difference in the present scenario. Gurdeep Singh Seehra, CEO, GNA Duraparts Limited, initiated the plantation drive and motivated the students to conduct more environment-related activities. Through this campaign, the students of the university were not only involved in a healthy exercise but it also made them learn about team work and responsibility, love and compassion. |
|
Health centre observes nutrition day
Phagwara, September 3 Senior Medical Officer Dr Balwinder Singh Kahlon said while a large section in the country is suffering from malnutrition due to lack of resources, people in prosperous sections suffer from various diseases due to unbalanced diet. He said balanced diet should include a right mix of proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates, according to physical activity and age group. He warned against excessive intake of fat-based products after 40 years of age.
— OC |
|
Jalandhar Tribune invites feedback from its readers on issues of public concern relating to Jalandhar, Phagwara, Kapurthala and the nearby areas. Readers can email their views to They can also send their views to: Feedback, Jalandhar Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh - 160029. Letters sent by post must mention 'Feedback for Jalandhar Tribune' on the envelope and it should be signed and must contain the address and telephone number of the sender. It should not be more than 150 words.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
