Bathinda, November 29
The Bathinda police have arrested six persons, including a woman, for furnishing bail bonds of over 250 persons during the past two-and-a-half-years.

Pawan Kumar, a courier boy, Sukhwinder Singh, a driver, Buta Singh, a hair dresser, Parkash Singh, a labourer, Narinder Kumar and Gurmel Kaur, a housewife, were arrested by the police.

Interestingly, the police had booked Parkash Chand and Maan Singh on the similar charge but they got bail after six months of the registration of the case in October, 2013.

Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurpreet Bhullar said the accused used to roam around the court complex in search of the criminals involved in theft, snatching and assault cases. They used to furnish fake bail bonds for the criminals. Due to the fake documents, the criminals released on bail failed to appear before the court for the hearing of their cases. Later, they were declared as proclaimed offenders.

“The accused targeted those persons who did not have any anyone known in or around the city. The documents submitted for bail bonds included the copy of the registration of the land or house equal to the amount of bail ordered by the court after which the bail is granted,” the SSP said.

Bhullar said the accused were arrested by a joint team, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (City-1), Inspector Mahesh Saini and Gurdeep Singh, Additional Station House Office.

The police have also recovered fake stamps of the tehsildar, Bathinda, District Food and Supply Officer (DFSC), Barnala, besides fake currency notes. The cops have also recovered other fake documents, including a ration card, registration copies of land.

The Bathinda police said since it was a tedious task to furnish bail bonds in the court and sometime the accused who are natives of other places and arrested within the vicinity of the city, failed to find anyone anyone known.

Miscreants offer help in lieu of money to show a fake guarantor with fake documents.

The SSP, DSP and the SHO said the possibility of the involvement of clerks, readers and other lower-rung staff deployed in the court complex could not be ruled out as they knew such criminals who continued to visit the court complex to furnish fake bail bonds.

“Since such criminals bribe the lower-rung staff of the courts, fake bail bonds continue to be furnished,” the SSP said. He did not rule out the possibility of more arrests and to include the names of government servants deployed in various courts.

A section of lawyers said fake bail bonds were being furnished.

The lawyers said the criminals were well versed, skilled and never hesitate in appearing before the courts. The police said a trap would be laid in the court complex with the help of the vigilance sleuths to arrest all the government servants involved in the cash transactions between such unscrupulous elements. 

They were arrested by a joint team, led by the DSP (City-1), Inspector Mahesh Saini and Gurdeep Singh, Additional SHO. The accused targeted those persons who did not have any anyone known in or around the city. The documents submitted for bail bonds included the copy of the registration of the land or house equal to the amount of bail ordered by the court after which the bail is granted. Since such criminals bribe the lower-rung staff of the courts, fake bail bonds continue to be furnished
—Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP Bathinda

Bathinda, November 29
Poor infrastructure in the state, levying of VAT and luxury tax on hotels is killing the tourism industry. This was stated by the hoteliers of Punjab, who were here to attend a state-level meeting of the Punjab Hotel Association. They added that the state government was not serious about the promotion of tourist destinations.

Satish Arora, president of the Bathinda Hotel, Restaurant and Resorts Association, who was unanimously chosen as the president of the Punjab Hotel Association during the meeting today, said it was high time that the state government came forward to help them. He further said the hotel industry was reeling under heavy taxes and if the state government didn’t ease the burden on it, at last 40 per cent of the hotels in the state would face closure.

AP Singh, president of the Amritsar Hotels and Resorts Association, said the state’s excise and taxation policy was proving to be a bane for the hotel industry. He said the state government should provide land to the hoteliers at cheaper rates.

Adviser of the hotel association Vikramjit Singh Bahia added that to give the tourism industry in the state a shot in the arm the state should come up with new airports and cheaper air fares. He also suggested that the state should follow the footsteps of its neighbouring states and reduce VAT to four per cent besides ending luxury tax.

General secretary of the hotel association said representatives of the association had been regularly asking the state government to look into the promotion of the industry but to no avail. He said that the government was also at loss since investment in the tourism industry would boost the government’s revenue.

Other members of the association also expressed their surprise over the fact that despite having several tousist destination, Punjab was lagging behind others states of the country when it came to attracting tourists.

Meanwhile, Satish Arora said he would lead the association for six months and in case he failed to meet the expectations of the members of the association, he would tender his resignation from the post.

The members of the association from Amritsar, Abohar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Fazilka, moga, Rajpura, Gurdaspur, Bagha Purana, Jalalabad, Faridkot, Ropar and several other places across the state attended the meeting. 

It was high time that the state government come forward to help hoteliers. The hotel industry is reeling under heavy taxes and if the state government do not ease the burden on it, at last 40 per cent of the hotels in the state would face closure. —Satish Arora, president,Punjab Hotel Association

Bathinda, November 29
Despite a shortage of doctors, the state government is all set to begin outdoor patient services (OPD) in the evening, leaving the patients in the lurch. Already Infuriated over the delay in the acceptance of their demands, specialists doctors have condemned the move of the state government.

Dr Ramesh Maheshwari, district president of the PCMS Specialists Doctors Association, said, “The decision is totally wrong as the government has overlooked the shortage the staff at hospitals and has burdened the doctors. The specialist doctors are already demanding the cancellation of emergency and night duties.

The state government in its notification in 2012 had stated that no specialist doctor would perform the extra or emergency duty. If the specialist doctors are also given the emergency duty that directly or indirectly would affect the patients as we would not be able to concentrate on the treatment of patients. Specialist doctors are postgraduate doctors but the government is treating them as graduate doctors.”

Already there is a shortage of gynaecologist in Bathinda whereas the new evening OPD service would affect the hospital more with one of gynecologist performing the evening duty.

“There is a shortage of staff in the hospital meant for women and children and the new evening service can affect the ongoing services provides to the patients. It would be better if more doctors and staff are recruited, which would result in the improvement of services,” said a doctor at the women and children hospital.

Its pertinent to note that around 100 patients visit the Civil Hospital daily. However, the Health Department feels that it would help the patients as they would be provided medical services till 5 pm in the evening.

“There is a shortage of doctors and the staff and the new service would add to the woes of the patients. But, it has a positive aspect too as the patients would be getting medical services till 5 pm in the evening. We will write to the state government for providing more staff and doctors to our hospital so that the doctor could do their duties effectively,” said, Dr Tejwant Singh Randhawa, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda.

Bathinda, November 29
Despite tall claims of the Deputy Chief Minister of converting the city into Switzerland, the residents continue to bear the brunt of sewage water that flows into the streets and shops of Partap Nagar. Earlier, due to the faulty sewerage sludge, dirty water accumulated outside the official residence of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Paramraj Umranangal on November 18.

In the absence of proper sewerage connections the residents in the trans-railway line area of Partap Nagar and Parasram Nagar, the residents continue to suffer.

It is pertinent to mention here that sewage water of the entire city is treated at the waste treatment plant (STP) installed on the Mansa road, which is worth many crores. Due to its miniscule capacity, it failed to treat the entire sewage of the city.

The treated water is released from the STP for the purpose of irrigation up to the Lasara drain with the help of the sludge carrier.

Residents of Jassi Pauwali village have already registered their protest against the poor state of the sludge carrier that runs parallel to a water channel.

Whenever there is a problem in the sludge carrier 10 to 15 kilometers away from the city, black sewage water accumulates in the city.

“The problem of our area is due to the railway station, which releases a large amount of the waste water due to the washing of trains. The waste water of our area is pumped out after the water released from the railway station is removed,” said former municipal councilor Vijay Kumar. He said despite tall claims nothing had been done to give respite to the residents of Parasram Nagar and Partap Nagar from sewage water.

We are of the view that MC officials continue to waste money on conducting meetings and visits. Instead of sparing a few hours to listen to the grievances of the people, the officials waste their energies in various other unproductive works. —Vijay Kumar, President of the sangarsh committee Despite spending crores of rupees, the problem remains the same. Officials should spare some time for the problem. —Navneet Singla The accumulation of sewage water in Partap Nagar is not new for the city residents. Despite knowing the problems, the officials concerned have fail to find a solution. — Anjani Sharma, Social Worker If the problem persists, then the area residents fall sick. The responsibility of officials of the district administration and the MCB should be fixed for this. —Birbal Bansaal, Social Worker

Bathinda, November 29
National Pharmacy Week observed at Adesh Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, a constituent college of Adesh University, Bathinda, from November 17 to 22.

On the first day, a cleanliness and plantation drive was held. Dr Gurpreet Singh Gill, Medical Superintendent (Admin), began the plantation drive along with Dr HC Patil, Principal of the institute, staff members and the students.

On the second day, indoor games were organised. The top position in chess was secured by Avinash Anand followed by Avinash Thakur who stood second. In carom, Harwinder and Jagmeet secured the first position. Sandeep and Gagandeep secured the second position. On the same day a rangoli competition was held. Manas Rana, Mandeep Kaur and Soviya bagged the as first, second and third positions, respectively.

On the third day, an inter-college cricket match was held. The second year BPharmacy students won the game with a good margin. The man of match award was given to Harwinder Jassal for his good performance. On the fourth day, a poster presentation was held on the “Responsible Use of Medicine: Role of Pharmacist”. Manpreet Kaur secured the first position whereas Anchal Khurmi and Bikramjit Singh secured the second position. Aishwarya bagged the third position.

On the fifth day a national seminar was organised and speakers from different states shared their knowledge and experiences, which was appreciated by the chief guest of the day, Dr AK Maria, acting principal, AIMSR. On the sixth day, an awareness campaign was organised to stress on the role of pharmacists.

The students also donated the first aid kit to seven government schools in the district. On the last day, a freshers’ party was held. The function was inaugurated by Colonel Jagdev Singh, Registrar, Adesh University.

Ujjwal Kumar Mishra and Kamya were awarded as as the best freshers. Dr HC Patil, Principal, AIPBS, thanked the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and the all staff of Adesh University. for providing their overall support and wishes for making this National Pharmacy Week a grand success.

Bathinda, November 29
The state hockey tournament for under-15 (boys) entered its second day at Astroturf Hockey Stadium today. On the second day of the tournament, Faridkot beat Kapurthala and Patiala beat Ferozepur. Faridkot and Sangrur match ended in a drew (3-3).

In the first match of the day between Faridkot and Kapurthala, Faridkot’s boys proved their mettle as they routed their opponent 12-1. By half-time it was clear that the match was a one-sided affair as Faridkot had scored seven goals while Kapurthala could not score even a single goal. Faridkot managed to sustain its hold on the match till the end and closed with 12 goals. Nishan Singh and Jaswant Singh scored three goals each.

In the second match of the day between Patiala and Ferozepur, Patiala had scored five goals till half-time while Ferozepur failed to open its account. Patiala upped its ante against its opponents and won the match 8-0.

The third and the last match of the day played between Sangrur and Faridkot had a nail-biting finish as it ended in 3-3 draw. While Jagdev Singh, Mandy and Gurpreet Singh scored one goal each, Faridkot’s Nishan Singh scored two goals for his team.

Principal of RBDAV Senior Secondary School Satwant Kaur Bhullar was present as the chief guest on the second day of the tournament while the vice-principal of Government Rajindra College Ramesh Chander Pasrija was present as the special guest.

Talwandi Sabo, November 29
Fifth semester students of University College of Physical Education of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, organised the “project athletics meet” on its campus.

Registrar Satish Goswami inaugurated the meet along with other officers of the university. Olympian Dr Tarlok Singh Sandhu, who is presently working as the Director (Sports), Guru Kashi University, delivered the welcome address. Gursharan Singh and Veerpal Kaur, third semester students of the college, were declared as the best players.— TNS 

Bathinda, November 29
St Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary School today held a function to felicitate meritorious students of medical and non-medical who excelled in Class XII board examinations.

While Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg was scheduled to be present during the function as the chief guest, he could not make it to the event due to some other pressing engagements.

Addressing the students, the principal of the school, Sister Helen D’Costa, appreciated the efforts made by the students and the staff.

She also congratulated them for bringing laurels to their alma mater by performing well in the board examinations.

A total of 25 former students of medical, non-medical and commerce stream were honoured. While 14 students were awarded for scoring 99 per cent marks in the board examinations, three students were awarded for scoring 99 per cent marks in business studies.

One student was honoured for securing 99 per cent marks in accountancy and three students were honoured for scoring 99 per cent marks in physical education. One student was felicitated for scoring 99 per cent marks in mathematics.

The function started with a prayer, which was followed by a welcome song presented by the schoolchildren. The students of classes IX and X presented a skit on the topic of woman empowerment, which left everyone enthralled.

The skit, which was a satire, was written and directed by the teacher of fine arts at the school, Gurpeet Singh.

In one of the dance items, students of classes IX and X brought together five traditional dance forms of Punjab, including bhangra and gidda. Students of classes VII, VIII, IX and X came together to present a western dance.

Bathinda, November 29
The ‘Pedaling Through Raj Pun”, a cycling expedition of the Indian Army, was flagged off from the Chetak Corps headquarters by Lt-General PM Hariz, General Officer Commanding, Chetak Corps, here today.

The expedition started on November 19 from the Sapta Shakti Command headquarters, Jaipur. The expedition team comprised of 12 Army personnel of the Hamesha A-One Engineer Regiment.

The cyclists covered a distance of 510 kms from Jaipur to Bathinda via Jhunjhunu. The team, led by Captain Anuradha, interacted with veterans of the Indian Army and the locals.

Bathinda, November 29
The school magazine ‘Nanhe Munne’ was released in the government school, Dhobiana Basti, today. The magazine aimed at the promotion of the mother tongue through the write-ups of the schoolchildren.

Chief manager SS Mehra said prompting children to write in Punjabi was the best way to promote the mother tongue. While applauding effort of the teachers and parents, Headmaster Buggar Singh said all difficult journeys began with the first step that had been taken. — TNS