Wednesday, January 13, 1999
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Wednesday, January 13, 1999 |
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Tohra
supporters hold meeting Judicial
panel says it won't be partial |
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 Badal: tax evasion led to crisis
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Stop statement war:
Amarinder PATIALA, Jan 12 — Punjab Pradesh Congress President Capt Amarinder Singh today directed partymen to refrain from issuing statements and counter-statements regarding former minister Brahm Mohindra's view about the Congress role in celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa. ‘Decline’ in suicide cases BATHINDA, Jan 12 — The Union Industry Minister, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, today said that suicides by farmers had declined by 40 per cent during the SAD-BJP rule in Punjab as compared to the cases during the previous Congress regime. Change in saving schemes could sink Punjab ROPAR, Jan 12 — By reducing interest rates on various small savings schemes to bring it on parity with rates in public sector banks and other financial institutions, the Ministry of Finance has given a big jolt not only to the small savings agenda and investors but also states like, Punjab where small savings contribute 56 per cent of the annual state plan outlay. SGPC seeks action against woman AMRITSAR, Jan 12 — The SGPC today asked the Haryana Government to take stern action against a woman belonging to Haryana for claiming that she was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh in her previous birth. Airport awaits expansion AMRITSAR: Even as Amritsar located in the extreme north of Punjab has tremendous amount of tourism potential, yet it is not being exploited by the central as well as the state government. |
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Tohra supporters hold meeting PATIALA, Jan 12 — The demoralisation in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief G.S. Tohra's camp was reflected in last night's meeting of his supporters at a marriage palace where, despite the free flow of liquor, the feud in the Akali Dal was downplayed and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal acclaimed as leader of the party. The meeting, ostensibly a family function organised by district urban Akali jatha vice-president Charanjit Singh Anand at Sham Bagh Palace, turned out to be a Tohra camp show with a mike being installed as speaker after speaker give his view on the crisis and various development works undertaken in Patiala. The speakers tried to underplay the feud between the two Akali titans and called for presenting a united facade. The show was mostly a platform for former Printing and Stationery Minister Surjit Singh Kohli though Mr Harmel Singh Tohra, son-in-law of the SGPC chief and a former minister, also spoke. Other speakers included representatives of various wards owing allegiance to Mr Surjit Singh Kohli. The Dalit representatives of various colonies and other leaders tried to build up Mr Kohli as the benefactor of Patiala for initiating development. They also urged the party rank and file to have faith in Mr Kohli even though he was no longer in the ministry. Speaking on the occasion, both Mr Kohli and Mr Harmel Singh Tohra said the wrong meaning was being read into their quitting the Badal ministry. They had no differences with the Chief Minister and had quit the ministry in anguish against the manner in which the SGPC chief was being publicly ridiculed. Party sources however said the meeting served as a sounding board by Mr Kohli and Mr Harmel Singh Tohra to gauge their support in the party. Most senior leaders kept away from the meeting. Mr Kohli, when contacted for details about the meeting, first denied that any political meeting had taken place last night but later admitted that leaders had made political speeches "spontaneously". "Lot of leaders wanted to talk about the present political scene as well as the development of Patiala", he said. Mr Kohli said resolutions had been passed by party workers affirming their faith in the party leadership and belief that its government would last its full tenure. He said the function was well attended even though former Akali Jatha chief Manmohan Singh Bajaj, a Badal-loyalist, had tried to dissuade people from coming. However, Mr Bajaj, when contacted, denied this saying he had no reason to dissuade anyone from attending a meeting which was "inconsequential". Mr Bajaj said supporters of the SGPC chief had become confused and were indulging in aimless exercises. He said he would give a report of the meeting to the party high command and condemned serving of liquor on the occasion. Meanwhile district Akali
(rural) jatha president and staunch Tohra loyalist
Rajinder Singh Tohra today accused the media of creating
a rift between the Chief Minister and the SGPC chief.
Calling for unity between the two leaders, he said there
was no question of taking sides as Mr Parkash Singh Badal
was the undisputed leader of the party. |
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Tohra asked to take up challenge JALANDHAR, Jan 12 — Akali Dal (Democratic) president Kuldip Singh Wadala today urged Akal Takht Jathedar Ranjit Singh to call a joint meeting of all Panthic forum to discuss the Khalsa tercentenary celebrations which were "being monopolised by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal". Exhorting SGPC president G.S. Tohra to pick up the gauntlet thrown by Mr Badal in the Tug-of-war between the two, Mr Wadala said his party would back any intervention by Akal Takht to resolve the latest crisis. "Mr Badal must remember that he became party president only as a result of the clergy's actions but today he is refusing to follow the directive of Akal Takht", Mr Wadala lamented before reporters here. "It is high time that Mr Badal was called to Akal Takht," he said, adding the Chief Minister and the SGPC were responsible for the failure to resolve differences among the Sikh clergy. While Akal Takht Jathedar had asked the warring Akali leaders to call a truce till April 15, the jathedars of two other takhts and a majority of the SGPC executive had criticised the hukamnama issued from the supreme temporal seat. Mr Wadala said if Mr Tohra refused to take his fight with Mr Badal to its logical conclusion, then he too would be guilty of damaging the cause of the community. He promised full support to the SGPC president in his power tussle with the Chief Minister, whom he accused of inappropriately "monopolising" all powers and the decision-making process in the state.
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Badal: tax evasion led to crisis FEROZEPORE, Jan 12 — "Neither the SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, is our enemy nor do we have personal enmity with the Congress", the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, said yesterday. Talking to mediapersons at the residence of the Minister of State for Cooperation and Sainik Welfare, Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, he said his party opposed the Congress because it had done nothing for Punjab during its rule in the country. Regarding a demand from the Opposition to ban the RSS and the VHP, Mr Badal refused to make any comment, saying that he didn't want to involve himself in any controversy. He said the Congress had been making baseless propaganda against the SAD leadership and the Punjab Government. Mr Badal said the demand of the Punjab Congress to impose fiscal emergency was not "right" as there was no financial crisis in the state. He attributed the evasion of taxes, as a major factor for the crisis. The Chief Minister said the elections to zila parishads and block samitis would be held soon and ruled out the possibility of forming any new district in the state. When a few mediapersons urged him to dissolve the local municipal council and appoint an administrator as development work had suffered due to the infighting among municipal councillors, he refused to do so. Mr Badal said it was an
elected body and if he appointed an administrator to run
the council, the councillors could go to the court and
get a stay. In such a situation, it would not be right
for him to intervene, he said. |
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Judicial panel says it won't be
partial AMRITSAR, Jan 12 — Even as the speculation is rife that the Badal camp may approach the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission for taking legal action against Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Mr Manmohan Singh Brar, a former Akali MLA and close confidant of Mr Parkash Singh Badal who was nominated as Chairman of the Commission and two other members — Mr Ajwant Singh Mann and Mr Amrik Singh Brar said they would decide all the petitions on merit. "We shall act in non-partisan way... in accordance with the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925." Talking to TNS, Mr Brar said that nobody should apprehend that the commission would favour anybody and its orders could always be challenged in court. As per the Act, the Judicial Commission is basically a judicial body which directly and substantially controls the functioning and operation of gurdwara management. The commission is a statutory body but not appointed and employed by the government exclusively and its total expenses are not borne by it. The expenses of the commission are borne by the SGPC and the government in the ratio of two to one. Being an appellate Tribunal, the Judicial Commission could take up financial matters of the SGPC too. Apart from this, the Judicial Commission is to exercise judicial control over the day-to-day functioning and the membership of the board under Section 142 of the Act. This section allows any interested person to make an application before the Judicial Commission against the SGPC Board or any of its members of any alleged breach of trust, neglect of duty, abuse of powers etc. Meanwhile, Mr Raghbir
Singh, the sacked member who had claimed that he still
continued to be member of the commission
‘congratulated’ the newly appointed Chairman
and two other members of the commission by visiting its
office today. However, he claimed that he did not get any
communication regarding his sacking so far and hence
continued to be a member. |
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Bank services paralysed ROPAR, Jan 12 — The commercial banks remained closed here today as officers and employees observed a strike. According to Mr Pardaman Singh, Vice-President, All-India State Bank of Patiala Employees Federation, the employees has been demanding a 20 per cent increase in wages against the 8 per cent offered by the Indian Banks Association (IBA). He said the employees were forced to go on strike following the adamant attitude adopted by the IBA. He said the strike in this district was complete. AMRITSAR: The functioning of the banks remained paralysed here on Tuesday as employees of nationalised banks, private and foreign banks observed a strike in protest against the attitude of the Central Government towards their genuine demands. According to Mr Ravi Razdan, Secretary, PBEF, in a press note here, claimed that the strike was complete in all banks. KHANNA: Banking operations came to a standstill as employees working in the local and nearby rural branches of nationalised banks went on a strike. The employees gathered in front of Indian Bank and held a demonstration-cum-rally in support of their demands. Addressing the rally, Mr B.K. Jethi, Zonal Secretary, Punjab Bank Employees Federation, and Mr R.M. Puri, Secretary PBEF (Khanna unit), said the strike was in protest against the "negative attitude adopted by the IBA and the government towards wage-revision and related matter pending since November, 1997. Holding the IBA responsible for the failure of conciliatory talks at Mumbai, at the intervention of the Chief Labour Commissioner, the union spokesman claimed that the strike was total in subdivision. HOSHIARPUR: Employees of all branches of nationalised banks observed a complete strike here in support of their demands. As a result, the entire banking activity remained paralysed. The employees also staged rallies in front of their respective banks. FATEHGARH SAHIB: Banking services were completely paralysed here following a strike by bank employees. Trade and commerce was worst hit in the industrial town of Mandi Gobindgarh. More than 250 striking
employees gathered in front of Punjab National Bank,
Sirhind branch and held a rally in support of their
demands. |
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Stop statement war: Amarinder PATIALA, Jan 12 — Punjab Pradesh Congress President Capt Amarinder Singh today directed partymen to refrain from issuing statements and counter-statements regarding former minister Brahm Mohindra's view about the Congress role in celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa. In a statement here, Capt Amarinder Singh said no partymen should give any statement regarding the issue as it had been put forward before the disciplinary committee constituted by the pradesh Congress which had sent its recommendations to the All-India Congress Committee (AICC). The pradesh Congress chief said disciplinary action would be taken against anyone violating this directive. Meanwhile, Patiala district Congress (Urban) President Ved Prakash Gupta in a statement here yesterday clarified that three partymen who had made a statement questioning the credibility of the disciplinary committee formed by the pradesh Congress did not hold any office in the district urban unit as claimed by them. Mr Gupta said Mr Raj Kumar Malhotra, Mr Sant Lal Banga, and Mr Mahesh Malhotra were former office-bearers and hold no office in the newly constituted DCC urban committee. Mr Gupta said the issue of
misusing the DCC office designation by these partymen
would be discussed in the DCC meeting being held on
January 19. |
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Change in saving schemes could
sink Punjab ROPAR, Jan 12 — By reducing interest rates on various small savings schemes to bring it on parity with rates in public sector banks and other financial institutions, the Ministry of Finance has given a big jolt not only to the small savings agenda and investors but also states like, Punjab where small savings contribute 56 per cent of the annual state plan outlay. According to sources, interest rates of banks and financial institutions have never been at par with the interest rates of post offices small savings schemes as the latter handles small depositors. More important 75 per cent of the total goes to the government of the state in which its collected. On the other hand money collected by banks and financial institutions is not necessarily used for development of the states concerned. It is also feared that the stationary connected with the new schemes and new certificates may not reach the post offices before March 31 the peak season for collection intended to save on tax income and wealth. This too will severely affect collection. Suspension of work for 16 days, from January 15 to January 18 because of confusion about the changes and on certificates will also cause a set back of Rs 60 to 70 crore to Punjab at a time when it is already passing through a serious financial crisis. It may be mentioned here that small savings schemes are popular among small investors both in the rural and urban areas because they not only get attractive interest rates but prizes through various lucky coupon schemes introduced by the state government to lure small depositors. As the state governments get back two third of the total collection as soft loans from the Centre, they make all out efforts to mobilise deposit under the schemes. Talking to this correspondent, the Post Master at the local Head Post Office, Mr Chawla, stated that they had received instructions from the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Chandigarh, regarding change of interest rates on small saving schemes, but instructions on deposits for (KVP) and National Saving Certificates were still awaited. After the receipt of orders, work on accepting deposits will be resumed. According to Mr Vijay Kakkar, president of National Savings Agents Association, Ropar district, due to the suspension of work on deposits in the absence of clear orders money is being invested by small depositors in IDBI bonds and with other financial institutions like UTI. This has not only adversely affected annual business but net collections on small savings in the state to the tune of nearly 100 crore. Punjab had expected net collections of 2000 crore and made a provision for raising 1500 crore for the state plan outlay from this source. But the newly created situation could savage this expectation and deepen the present financial crisis much further. Even a section of
investors feel that the dream of the state government
will not be realised if the interest rates are not
increased. As one way put it. "Punjab proposes,
Centre disposes." A maxim that might literally come
true. |
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Airport awaits expansion AMRITSAR: Even as Amritsar located in the extreme north of Punjab has tremendous amount of tourism potential, yet it is not being exploited by the central as well as the state government. Though the Planning Commission has earmarked Rs 75 crore in the Ninth Five-Year Plan for the expansion of Amritsar International Airport yet the work for its expansion has not started Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had been claiming for the past one and half years that the required amount had already been released by the central government but no action has been taken to expand the airport. Mr Badal had also announced that the work would be started from January, 1998, but only tenders could be floated for its runway expansion even after a lapse of full one year. However, tenders for constructing the terminals, block-cum-technical tower, fire station, cargo station, car parking etc to be constructed at a total cost of Rs 120 crore could not be floated so far. Though there is strong demand from the Punjabis to start international flights from Amritsar to the United Kingdom, the USA, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong and Malaysia before Baisakhi (April 13, 1999) so that they could participate in the Tercentenary celebrations of the foundation of the Khalsa, no action seems to have been taken in this regard so far. Mr Badal again in June, 1998, had promised that one cargo plane would fly daily to Gulf countries from Amritsar by November, 1998, to export vegetables and fruits this promise also remains unfulfilled till date. So much so that Mr Badal had promised the residents of this holy city to complete the four-lanning of Amritsar-Rajasansi road within six months when he had come here to pay his obeisance at the Golden Temple after swearing in ceremony as Chief Minister of the state. This too has been hanging fire. While the state government has been giving full attention to Anandpur Sahib in view of the tercentenary celebrations the state has continued its apathy towards the Golden Temple which is a centre of pilgrimage for Hindus, Sikhs and other communities all over the world. Mr Harmohan Singh Bedi and Mr Charnjit Singh Gumtala, president and general secretary of the Amritsar Vikas Manch, said thousands of pilgrims from all over the world would like to land at the Amritsar International Airport for visiting Golden Temple (Amritsar) and Anandpur Sahib, however, due to inordinate delay in the expansion of the airport. It would be practically difficult to cope with the expected rush of devotees. At the time of inauguration of Amritsar-Sharjah international flight on December 17, 1997, Mr M.K. Kaw — the then Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, had announced that Air-India would launch Amritsar-Birmingham flight from Baisakhi (April 13), 1998. He had also promised that within three years Amritsar would be directly linked with Europe, the USA and Middle East countries. Apart from this, Mr Kaw had announced that the first chance to run international flights would be given to domestic airlines. If they failed, the foreign airlines would be allowed to operate from Amritsar, Mr Kaw had said. At the time of inauguration, the Civil Aviation authorities had also announced that the Centre government had proposed to promote Amritsar as tourism destination to tap the foreign tourist potential. However, the above announcements have not been given practical shape so far. It may be mentioned here that, Mr Badal had written letters to Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, to allow foreign airlines to operate direct flights from International Airport, Amritsar, but the central government did not concede the demand. The manch has alleged that Mr Badal had not been pursuing the case with the central government and only adopting ‘half-hearted’ approach for such prestigious projects. The manch had urged the Chief Minister to prevail upon the central government to start international flights by foreign airlines as the Amritsar-Sharjah flight has been very successful. The manch claimed that some foreign airlines like British Airways and Air France had shown keen interest for starting international flights from Amritsar.
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‘Decline’ in suicide cases BATHINDA, Jan 12 — The Union Industry Minister, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, today said that suicides by farmers had declined by 40 per cent during the SAD-BJP rule in Punjab as compared to the cases during the previous Congress regime. Addressing a press conference here, he said that despite paddy and cotton crop failure, farmers were happy with the government. He disclosed that the issue of the release of Rs 300 crore by the central government for compensating the rain-hit cotton and paddy growers was lying with the Cabinet and a final decision would be taken soon. He said that he had taken up the issue with the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr Som Pal and added that a team of experts had visited the cotton belt to study the menace of American bollworm. Another team would visit shortly. In reply to a question, he said there were no differences between Akali leaders. He claimed that there was no financial crunch in Punjab. He alleged that the Congress was raising frivolous issues. Regarding protests against the proposed bus service between Delhi and Lahore, he said such steps always invited sharp reactions but after some time it would be over. He added that in a democratic set-up nobody could be stopped from protesting against any issue. Declining to comment on whether "Vanity Incarnate" should be banned or not, he said that it came under the domain of the Union Home Ministry. Later addressing a function organised in connection with the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed chairman of the market committee and other members, he announced that Punjab would be a power surplus state in the next few years. He said that 126 points had been identified on various canals of Punjab where micro-hydel projects would be set up in the next three years to generate 250mm of power.
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SGPC seeks action against woman AMRITSAR, Jan 12 — The SGPC today asked the Haryana Government to take stern action against a woman belonging to Haryana for claiming that she was the wife of Guru Gobind Singh in her previous birth. In a press note issued by the SGPC, Mr Surjit Singh, its secretary said the religious sentiments of the Sikhs had been hurt by such utterances. The note further said the SGPC was also taking legal action against the woman. Meanwhile, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, senior secretary of the SGPC, has refuted the charge that the committee had not taken any step against the writer and publisher of "Vanity Incarnate". He claimed that the case was immediately taken up with Mr Parkash Singh Badal and a ban was sought on the book. He along with others subsequently met Mr Badal and got the book banned.
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164 police recruits pass out HOSHIARPUR, Jan 12 — Mr Chander Shekhar, Inspector-General of Police, took the salute from 164 recruits at the passing-out parade in the Police Recruits Training Centre, Jahan Khelan, 8 km from here, today. Mr Kamal Kumar, Commandant of the training centre, said these recruits had specially been trained in law subjects, unarmed combat and the handling of weapons. He said a special one-week reorientation course was being conducted at the centre for head constables and constables to enable them to adjust with changing scenario in the state. Besides, elementary traffic course, bugler courses and a capsule course were also being run in the centre. Mr Chander Shekhar asked the jawans to perform their duties with honesty and dedication and give justice to the public. The Inspector-General gave away the prizes to Gurtej Singh (all-round first) Mr Karamjit Singh (all-round second) Mr Karmajit Singh (first in PPW), Paramjit Singh (best in turnout and RE, and Mr Satnam Singh (first in musketry).Mr Sukh Dev Singh (all-round first), Mr Gurdev Singh (all-round second), Gurdev Singh (first in outdoor subjects), Hardip Singh (first in musketry) and Kanwar Naunihal Singh (first in turnout).
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CM lays stone of water supply
scheme FAZILKA, Jan 12 — Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal today announced that an industrial estate would be set up here. Addressing the gathering after laying foundation stone of a Rs 5.5 crore canal water scheme for the town, Mr Badal said that a three-member committee would visit the town for studying its industrial prospects. He said that the canal water scheme would be completed in 18 months and residents of the town would get 25 lakh gallons of water every day. A new scheme was being launched to eradicate problem of waterlogging, he said. Under this scheme underground pipes would be laid for draining out the water. The capacity of the 50-bed hospital of the town would be doubled. He also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the stadium of M.R. College and Rs 5 lakh for Guru Nanak Kanya Pathshala. Mr Balramji Dass Tandon,
Local Bodies Minister, Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon,
Cooperation Minister, Mr Surjit Kumar, Panchayat Minister
and Mr Sat Pal Mahajan, Chairman, Punjab Water Supply and
Sewerage Board were present on the occasion. |
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Lions club adopts village JALANDHAR, Jan 12 — The Lions Club Jalandhar district 321-D has adopted Nauli village in this district for its overall development. While talking to this correspondent, Mr F C Sabharwal, president of the Lions Club, said here today that the village with a population of around 3500 was backward lacked basic amenities and was inhabited by poor old people. The village had no dispensary and in case of an emergency its inhabitants had to go to Jandhu Singla village or to Rama Mandi. For getting medical aid. The village has one primary school housed in an unsafe building. The 135 students of the school have also been adopted by the club.
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Road safety body soon AMRITSAR, Jan 12 — The Punjab Government has decided to constitute a national road safety organisation in the state soon. This was disclosed by Mr Raghbir Singh, Transport Minister, while addressing a state-level road safety function organised here today. He said the site had already been identified for this purpose. He said the state government was committed to provide foolproof road safety by taking elaborate preventive measures and that the roads were being constructed and repaired on a war footing. The minister said the
government had sanctioned as many as 267 local bus routes
for Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar districts. |
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Disbursement of grants: CM orders probe CHANDIGARH, Jan 12 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, has taken serious note of the delay in the disbursement of development grants amounting to Rs 41.64 lakh by certain BDPOs in Gurdaspur district and for unauthorisedly keeping the grant cheques in their custody. He has directed the Chief Secretary to charge-sheet the erring officers. The Chief Minister had ordered an inquiry in this connection after receiving complaints. The ADC, Gurdaspur, who conducted the inquiry, has reported that cheques pertaining to 38 panchayats remained undelivered by the officers and due to their negligence important development projects were impeded. Mr Badal has also directed the Chief Secretary to check what was the position with regard to disbursing grants in other districts and also to monitor their proper utilisation.
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Punjabi conference from today PATIALA, Jan 12 — The 16th International Punjabi Development Conference in which over 200 delegates from India and abroad are likely to participate will begin tomorrow at the Punjabi University campus. The three-day conference is being held in connection with the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa, a university note said. The conference had been divided into three independent sections. Eminent writer Kartar
Singh Duggal would preside over the inaugural session
tomorrow. The keynote address would be delivered by Prof
Prithipal Kapur, Editor-in-Chief of Encyclopaedia of
Sikhism, and the address of welcome would be given by Dr
Joginder Singh Puar Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University 10 arrested for attacking MLA AMRITSAR, Jan 12 — Ten persons have been arrested on a charge of making attempt on the life of Mr Om Parkash Sony, MLA and former Mayor of the municipal corporation, in which his two gunmen had sustained injuries yesterday. Mr Sony had gone to the Putlighar area to attend 'kirya' of one of his near ones when the accused persons allegedly attacked him with brick bats etc. Once of the accused also allegedly snatched a carbine from one of the gunman which was later recovered by the police. A case has been registered under Sections 382, 307, 332, 333, 353, 186, 148, 149 of the IPC and sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act.
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PUTA asks syndics to pass new
scales PATIALA, Jan 12 — Punjabi University Teachers Association President Mr S.S. Khaira today demanded that the university Syndicate pass the new scales for teachers notified by the UGC in December last year. In a statement issued here today by Mr S.S. Khaira and joint secretary Manjit Singh the executive of the association in a meeting today urged the vice-chancellor to take the matter of scales to the Syndicate meeting. He said a copy of the resolution has also been sent to Lt Gen B.K.N. Chhibber, Governor Punjab and Chancellor Punjabi University. The PUTA leaders also condemned the decision of Vice-Chancellor J.S Puar of not including Mr Kulwant Singh Grewal, prof and head Punjabi Development Council, in the organisation of the International Punjabi Development Conference beginning tomorrow. Saying he had ignored the merit of the eminent educationist.
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Millers for realistic paddy-rice
ratio PATIALA, Jan 12 — The Punjab Rice Millers Association today urged the union government to constitute a committee of experts to fix the yield of rice from paddy as per actual results achieved while milling. In a statement here, association president Tarsem Saini and Chairman Bagirath Lal said millers wanted lowering of the prescribed yield and urged the Centre to carry out their tests on mill premises. The leaders also requested the Punjab Government to order withdrawal of arbitration cases launched against the millers for the sale of paddy crop in 1994-95 as per the sale policy of the central government. They said the losses suffered by the state agencies on this account should be credited to the union government instead of taking penal action against millers. Mr Saini and Mr Lal were also hopeful that the Punjab Government would consider their remaining demands as milling had become totally unprofitable. They said delay in taking decisions had resulted in 10 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stocks built over three years rotting. The leaders also thanked union food minister Surjit Singh Barnala for allowing relaxation of specifications for the delivery of custom milled rice from paddy crop 1998-99 with effect from September 15, 1998 and abolishing restrictions on the sale of levy rice which had been imposed earlier.
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Gurdas Mann releases Hardeep's
cassette CHANDIGARH, Jan 12 — Renowned Punjabi singer and actor, Gurdas Mann, released an audio cassette of noted singer Hardeep, "Koka mitran da", here today. Talking to mediapersons, Gurdas Mann said following demand for his film, "Shaheed-e-Mohabbat", from other states, the songs of the film would be dubbed in Hindi. The demand for the film from other states and abroad was increasing steadily, he claimed. Talking about the standard of Punjabi music, particularly pop music, he said that better lyrics could go a long way in improving the standard. As regards his future
plans, Gurdas Mann said his next album was likely to be
released by the end of the month. A fervent appeal to the
NRIs to return to their roots has been made in the album,
dedicated to the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa,
he added |
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Army holds medical camp JALANDHAR, Jan 12 — A function was organised by villagers of Janauri today which was attended by Brigadier SC Gautam, commander 11 Corps Artillery Brigade, D.C. Hoshiarpur and various other civil and military officials. The Army has adopted the village as part of its endeavour to contribute towards upliftment of remote villages. The army has constructed a park and a playground for the children and a medical camp was held in the village. A recruitment information cell was also set up. The DC Hoshiarpur Mr Iqbal
Singh Sidhu, IAS inaugurated the ground. Punjab postings CHANDIGARH, Jan 12 — Mr Nirmaljit Singh, Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, has been relieved of the additional charge of the post of Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, Punjab. He had additional charge of the computerisation and office automation in the CM's office. Mr Gagandeep Singh, SDM,
Ludhiana (West) has been transferred as ADC (Development)
Patiala against a vacant post. Mr Avtar Chand Sharma,
SDM, Kharar, has been posted as DTO, Patiala. |
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