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| Friday, September 8, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
MLA ‘disillusioned’ with Punjab Assembly Anandpur Sahib Resolution discussed Panel to
probe drainage scam Probe into tubewell scam indicts CAO Parmeswari Devi files papers |
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Barnala factor crucial
Gosain accorded rousing welcome Kherri to assess poll scene
Row over auction for
octroi contract From pillar to post for
registration of land FCI workers stage dharna 4 cops’ prosecution
recommended Ex-ruler’s statue in state of neglect Last of the tongas on the way out
Anomalies panel
report rejected Tenders cancelled for third time DC’s directive to PSEB
on power supply Faridkot to get facelift
Kale Kachhewala
gang kills one
Addiction
among teachers on rise
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MLA ‘disillusioned’ with Punjab Assembly CHANDIGARH, Sept 7 — It seems BJP legislator Laxmi Kanta Chawla is totally disillusioned with the functioning of the Punjab Assembly. She is also not very happy either with her own party. “The very purpose for which the people elect us stands defeated. We are no longer allowed to play a positive role inside the house. Our voice is stifled”, alleges the fiery social activist, who has been thrice elected MLA from Amritsar. Mrs Chawla, who has been wearing a black sari to protest against the maltreatment, accuses the Assembly Speaker and the ruling SAD for the maltreatment being meted out to her.” I thought I should adopt some civilised form of protest as I am not being allowed to speak in the Assembly, whose sessions otherwise too are a matter of a day or two these days,” she said. She claimed that she has tried her best to catch the eye of the Speaker, Mr Charanjit Singh
Atwal, but each time she stood up, he just ignored her. “I had put across pertinent questions regarding law and order. Later these questions were postponed even after being listed. Now this session is over and only God knows when the next session would be summoned,” she adds. Mrs Chawla’s questions relate to the working of the police. She had asked in question No 502 about the total number of cases registered in the police district of Amritsar in connection with the sale, purchase or recovery of opium, liquor, poppy husk, hemp and heroin during the period starting from April 1, 1999, to date, together with details about cases police-station wise and quantity of contraband recovered. She also wanted to know the names of the persons against whom the said cases had been registered. Also the details of those alleged criminals who were below 18. Since the work of the police and the crime branch is computerised much of the information is passed on to the mediapersons at monthly briefings by the superintendents of police. But Mrs Chawla was allegedly denied access to this information and her right to discuss the issue though
supplementaries. She provides an interesting answer, “The police arrests ordinary criminals, most of them young and later they are booked in smuggling of contraband and put behind the bars for years. I wanted to expose this police crime.” Her second question No 501 said, “The district-wise and year-wise number of boys and girls in the age group of 16 kidnapped/reported missing in the state during the period starting from January 1, 1997, to date, the number of children who have been traced out together with the
name(s) of persons from whom and places from which they were recovered along with the details of punishment awarded to the culprits, the district-wise number of boys and girls who were murdered and the number of girls who were raped along with the details of the punishment awarded to the culprits, the district-wise names and addresses of those children who are still missing along with the special arrangements made for the recovery of the missing / kidnapped children?” Interestingly, Congress and some rebel Akali MLAs raised the question of poor law and order situation in the state. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Jagjit Singh
Chaudhry, asked during zero hour what the government was doing after he had given details of the crime committed right inside the police stations. The Congress later walked out. But two ministers — Finance Minister Kanwaljit Singh and Food and Supply Minister, Madan Mohan Mittal asked the Opposition that it could have brought a substantive motion and the ruling coalition was ready for a two-hour discussion. “The Opposition is not serious,” they said. “If a call attention motion by a ruling party MLA is disallowed, her star question is treated as unstar question and then the reply is postponed. What could a substantive motion do”, Mrs Chawla asked in anger. But there is also a lighter side to her wearing a black sari in protest, when a Vidhan Sabha staffer paid a compliment by saying that she looked elegant, Mrs Chawla said, “please do not play down my protests. I am serious.” |
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Anandpur Sahib Resolution discussed CHANDIGARH, Sept 7 — A resolution pertaining to the Anandpur Sahib Resolution ( ASR), which was moved by Mr Ajit Inder Singh Mofar of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and supported by at least six rebel SAD legislators was talked out in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today. The Treasury Benches, according to information available, had last evening devised a strategy to talk out the resolution. It was neither passed in the House nor was it rejected. However, the SAD’s Legislators, who participated in the discussion on the ASR , praised the resolution and defended its contents. The lone BJP legislator, Master Mohan Lal, who participated in the discussion, did not make mention of the ASR in his speech. Introducing the resolution in the House, on the last day today of the monsoon session, Mr Mofar said that the House should strongly recommend to the state government that “the policy programme drafted by SAD at Sri Anandpur Sahib in 1973 with a view to establishing a true federal polity in India, which was later adopted by the SAD at its conference held in Ludhiana in 1978, be presented to the constitution review panel constituted by the Government of India.” Besides Mr Mofar, the SAD legislators — Mr Surjit Singh Kohli, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mr Harmail Singh Tohra, Mr Bikramjit Singh Khalsa and Mr Inderjit Singh Zira — had also moved resolutions on the same lines. At the outset of the discussion on this resolution, Chowdhary Jagjit Singh, leader of the opposition, requested the Speaker not to bring up this resolution in the House for discussion. The Speaker said that he could not do so as only the member who had moved the resolution could withdraw it. The Speaker further said that he had no objection if the member wanted to withdraw the resolution. Mr Hardev Arshi also supported Chowdhary Jagjit Singh in his demand. Initiating the discussion on the resolution, Mr Mofar said that it should be passed by the House. He said the passing of the resolution would resolve all issues and it would also help in the unity of various factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal. He said there was nothing in the ASR against the country and he was prepared to discuss its contents with leaders of the Congress. “Any portion found objectionable in the ASR following discussion with the Congress leaders would be deleted”, Mr Mofar offered. He said the SAD had won elections on the basis of the ASR and thousands of people had gone to jail in Punjab to get the resolution implemented, he added. Participating in the discussion, Chowdhary Jagjit Singh first pointed out the absence of the Leader of the House, Mr Parkash Singh Badal from the house. He said Mr Badal had deliberately stayed away today as he know that this resolution would come up in the House. The Treasury Benches said that Mr Badal was sick and was unable to make it to the House. Chowdhary Jagjit Singh said his party was also against the Constitution review panel. He said that his party was also against autonomy to the states as it could lead to the disintegration of the country. He was strongly against recommending the resolution to the Constitution review panel. Chowdhary Jagjit Singh staged a walkout from the House along with other members his party as the Speaker did not extend his time to speak further on the resolution. The Speaker told him that he (Chowdhary Jagjit Singh) had taken more time than allotted to him and he was not winding up his speech in spite of repeated reminders by the Chair. Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta said that the resolution should be passed unanimously. The resolution had been appreciated by all wise persons. It was not against the unity of the country. Sikhs would be in the frontline to counter any danger to the unity of the country, he added. He explained various points in the ASR and said that the Congress leaders were never prepared to discuss the contents of the ASR. Right from Independence, the Congress had resorted to character assassination of Sikhs. Operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh riots were part of this design of the Congress against Sikhs, he added. Mr Tota Singh said that Mr Mofar should have moved this resolution in the last session of the Vidhan Sabha. He said the SAD had already submitted its memorandum to the Constitution review panel in the light of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. He alleged that terrorism was the creation of the Congress and it used terrorism to fulfil its political needs. Countering the Congress argument that terrorism was a byproduct of the ASR, Mr Tota Singh said that terrorism was born out of discrimination of the Congress governments against Punjab. Mr Hardev Arshi, (CPI) strongly opposed the resolution. He said that there was need for a restructuring of Centre-state relations, but not on the basis of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. He said his party was against a state set-up dominated by theological rules and regulations. There should be involvement of the states while deciding important issues pertaining to the country like the signing of the WTO agreement and also in the matter of more financial powers. He was also in favour of the appointment of Governors from a panel of names by the state government concerned. Master Mohan Lal, (BJP) said his party was for a strong Centre to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. It wanted more financial powers for the states. He appreciated the fact that the memorandum submitted by the SAD to the Constitution review panel had a very positive spirit pertaining to the unity and integrity of the country. However, he did not make any observation pertaining to the ASR. Mr Gurdev Singh Badal, another SAD Legislator, had started speaking but Mr Mofar insisted that there should be voting for and against the resolution moved by him. Mr Gurdev Singh said that he should be allowed to speak and requested the Speaker to ask Mr Mofar to take his seat. However, Mr Mofar persisted with his demand for voting. The Speaker adjourned the house indefinitely as din prevailed for quite some time. |
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Panel to
probe drainage scam CHANDIGARH, Sept 7 — Responding to a demand made by Mr
Hardev Arshi, Mr Ajit Inder Singh Mofar and certain other legislators,
the Speaker, Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, announced in the Punjab Vidhan
Sabha today that a committee of the House would be set up to inquire
into the drainage scam, an issue raised by a number of
members. Raising the issue, Mr Arshi (CPI) said that the state
government was deliberately not filing a reply to the question raised
by him with regard to the drainage scam. He said the government wanted
to conceal a lot as it was a big scandal. However, Mr Gobind Singh
Longowal, Minister of State for Irrigation, assured Mr Arshi that he
was prepared to hold an inquiry if a written complaint was made to him
in this connection. Mr Arshi said that when he was levelling
allegations on the floor of the House, there was no need for a
complaint. Mr Arshi said that he had evidence with him in connection
with the scam. Mr Mofar supported Mr Arshi on this issue. The CPI
legislator said that he had no faith in the inquiry to be conducted at
the government level. The inquiry would be held to merely
“whitewash” the entire scam, he added. Mr Arshi said that a senior
officer, who was in the Irrigation Department, had been shifted to the
Home Department. As the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and the Police
Department had now come under that officer, nothing could be expected
from the inquiry held into this scam at the bureau or police level. He
further said that the senior officer had been earlier getting CBI
inquiries ordered against him (Officer) hushed up. As Mr Arshi and Mr
Mofar continued to press this point further, the Speaker announced the
setting up of a committee of the House to hold the inquiry. Mr Arshi
had asked a question about the funds spent on flood protection works
in all districts in the state and about the pending inquiries, if any,
against officers for misusing such funds. Earlier, the issue of
providing power to industries set up at the focal points in rural
areas was also intensely discussed. Certain MLAs from the Treasury
Benches, including Mr Baldev Singh Khaiala and Mr Sukhwinder Singh
Aulakh, urged the Power Minister, Mr Sikander Singh Malooka, to keep
the promise of providing power supply to industrial units at focal
points. Replying to a question raised by Mr Gurdeep Singh Bhullar,
the Punjab Local Bodies Minister said that he would examine the
suggestion made in the House for issuing an ordinance to protect
property owned by NRIs the urban areas in Punjab. The issue
pertaining to the setting up of rice mills by Markfed also came under
close scrutiny in the House. Raising a question in this connection, Mr
Arshi asked why such mills were being set up in the state when all
other industrial units except one owned by Markfed were in the red. He
also said that Markfed would spend Rs 2.5 crore on each mill as the
machinery would be imported. Within the country, the machinery for
each such mill was available for Rs 90 lakh, he asserted. Earlier,
during zero hour, Chowdhary Jagjit Singh, Leader of the Opposition,
raised the issue of the deteriorating law and order situation in the
state. He quoted several cases of murder and rape in support of his
contention. He said that “jungle raj” prevailed in the state. He
urged the government to make a statement in this connection. Not
satisfied with the government’s response on this issue, he walked
out from the House along with other Congress MLAs. |
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Probe into tubewell scam indicts CAO GURDASPUR, Sept 7 — A magisterial enquiry into the deep tubewell scam involving embezzlement of lakhs of rupees and other irregularities has indicted the then Chief Agriculture Officer, the Assistant Development Officer, Dina Nagar, and UNITEK and Competent Engineers, both Pathankot based firms. An inquiry into the scam was conducted by Mr Hussan Lal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, in response to a letter from the Financial Commissioner, Development, to the Deputy Commissioner here last month following a story published in The Tribune. The Centre floated a scheme to sink deep tubewells in the back ward and sub-mountainous area of this district. As a result 18 deep tubewells were ordered to be dug at Kaleejpur, Jharolli, Rasoolpur, Kunda, Lalowal, Chack Alia, Bhangoli, Chack Madho Singh, Seoti, Jourrian Bangar, Beri, Jgowal Bangal, Jalalpur Bedian, Maan, Kahnuwan, Habowal, Sikandar, Dhakki and Chountra. The scheme was sponsored by the Centre and involved an expenditure of Rs 1.35 crore. A sum of Rs 1.08 crore was to be contributed by the central government as subsidy. According to the scheme, the cooperative societies of the villages which included small and marginal farmers were to be provided deep tubewells for irrigation purposes. The societies were to contribute Rs 27 lakh approximately. A member of the society was to contribute Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh and subsidy given by the central govt amounted to between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 6.5 lakh on each tubewell. According to official sources, the inquiry officer has found the said officials and the said firm guilty on various counts. Advance payments without the approval of the Chairman of the committee were made to the party without the material being delivered. All of the material has not been delivered so far. Work was shown to be done whereas only four deep tubewells at Kalijpur, Seoti, Chack Madho Singh and Chack Alia are properly working. Another six deep tubewells are functioning but are not delivering water to their full capacity due to various lapses. The sources said the rates for laying the pipes and cost of the pipe measuring two metres were charged Rs 600 which are exorbitant. The income tax of the contractors was not deducted while making the payments. The contractors did not file any sales tax returns with the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner. The work which was started in 1994 was to be finished under time-bound programme. The Chief Agriculture Officer could be given extension up to two months and the Deputy Commissioner up to 24 weeks. The work was not finished in time and no extension was sought by the Deputy Commissioner. The said firms engaged for laying pipes and sinking deep tubewells flouted all rules with the connivance of officials of the Agriculture Department. At Sikandar an electric motor meant for running deep tubewells fell into the bore of the deep tubewell and continues to be there till date. The possibility of a deep tubewell functioning here is remote. The cooperative societies were to purchase the material and office of the Chief Agriculture Officer was to make the payments. But the instructions in this regard were not followed and the Chief Agriculture Officer himself opted to purchase the material as well as make the payment. Interestingly, pipes to the tune of 6000 metres were thrown recently after the inquiry by the Additional Deputy Commissioner was ordered. The material, including electric motors, electric wires and pipes, which were used for sinking deep tubewells, was substandard, said the official sources. The societies included members who have more than five acres of land and persons with no land at all. The members of the societies were supposed to be small and marginal farmers with less than five acres of land. The deep tubewell scheme was simultaneously launched in
districts of Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Ropar and Gurdaspur. |
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Parmeswari Devi files papers SUNAM, Sept 7 — The presence of Capt Amarinder Singh, President, PPCC, and Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, at the time of filing nomination papers for the Sunam Assembly byelection by Mrs Parmeswari Devi, widow of Bhagwan Dass Arora, here today, the Congress leadership in Punjab tried to show that there was no factionalism in the state party unit. Mrs Parmeswari Devi was the first candidate who filed her papers for the seat which fell vacant due to death of her husband on July 3 last. A large number of people joined the procession which was led by her. Earlier, the bhog of Akhand Path was performed at her residence in which thousands of people participated. A large number of Congress leaders including Capt Amarinder Singh, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Dr Kewal Krishan, Mr Umrao Singh, Mr Devinder Singh, Mr Santokh Singh Randhawa, Mr Mohinder Singh Gill and Mr Brij Lal Goya were present. After the bhog, the gathering was addressed by Mrs Parmeswari Devi. She said she would follow the path shown by her late husband to serve the constituency. She also thanked Mrs Sonia Gandhi for alloting the party ticket to her. Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal assured the party workers that she along with her supporters would work hard for the victory of Mrs Parmeswari Devi as per the duties assigned to her by the party president and the PPCC. Capt Amarinder Singh asked the voters of the Sunam Assembly constituency to work for the victory of Mrs Parmeswari Devi as it would send right signals throughout the state for the future elections. |
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Barnala factor crucial LUDHIANA, Sept 7 — The newly formed nine-party Sanjha Morcha which has decided to put up Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra as its candidate for the forthcoming Sunam byelection to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha seems to be banking on the “Barnala factor”, among other things, for the victory of its nominee. The rivalry between the former Union Minister, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, and and the Union Minister for Sports, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, whose son, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, has been chosen by the SAD as its candidate for Sunam, is well known. As a matter of fact, both are known to have been doing their best to put each other down in the political arena at every available opportunity in and outside the party fora. In February, 1997, when a pro-SAD-BJP wave swept Punjab leading to the installation of the Badal government with a huge majority in the state Assembly, Mr Dhindsa lost the poll in Sunam to Mr Bhagwan Dass Arora, the Congress candidate, by several thousand votes. Mr Dhindsa’s camp held Mr Barnala responsible for his defeat. Mr Dhindsa got his revenge when he allegedly ensured the defeat of Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, then a Union Minister, in the Sangrur parliamentary election last year. In the process, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann of the SAD(M) was elected to the Lok Sabha. Now it is the turn of Mr Barnala to get even with Mr Dhindsa. There are reports that certain confidantes of Mr Surjit Singh Barnala attended the meetings of the Sanjha Morcha held yesterday and on Monday at the residence of Mr Ravi Inder Singh at Chandigarh where it was decided to put up Mr Chandumajra for the Sunam by-election. Mr Barnala is said to be not too happy with the party leadership over the manner in which he has been sidelined in party affairs. Although he has held important posts like that of the Chief Minister of Punjab, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Union Cabinet Minister, he has been allowed to remain in a political limbo ever since he lost the parliamentary election in Sangrur last year. He had expected to be rehabilitated either as Governor or Ambassador. The SHSAD sources here say that they expect the Barnala camp to leave no stone unturned to ensure that his political rival is defeated. The sources claim that they will not be surprised if Mrs Surjit Kaur Barnala, wife of the former Union Minister, herself enters the electoral arena. A couple of followers of Mr Barnala may also resign from important government positions to campaign openly against Mr Dhindsa’s son. The composition of the Sunam electorate is such that a triangular contest can produce a swing in any direction. Although regarded as an Akali seat, it returned the Congress nominee, Mr Bhagwan Dass Arora, in 1992 when the Akalis boycotted the elections. In 1997, he was re-elected mainly because of Akali infighting. For the September 29 poll, his widow, Mrs Parmeshwari Devi, has been fielded by the Congress. |
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RJD denies backing Chandumajra FATEHGARH SAHIB, Sept 7 — The Punjab unit of the Rashtriya Janata Dal has denied that they had extended support to the Sanjha Morcha candidate, Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra in Sunam byelection, as claimed by the Sanjha Morcha formed by various political parties. In a press note issued here today Mr Amar Handa, State Secretary General and Mr Avtar Singh Janjua, State Vice-President said that none of the party leader had attended any meeting of the so-called Sanjha Morcha. He said a meeting of the parliamentry board of the party will be held on September 13 and the decision to extend support to the candidate would be decided. He said to defeat the Akali-BJP combine and communal forces, the unity of the secular forces is need of the hour. |
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SHSAD to take out
march in Sunam SUNAM, Sept 7 — Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD), today declared that his party along with its election allies would take out a massive march in the Sunam assembly constituency to expose the ‘misdeeds’ of the SAD-BJP government and educate the people in this regard. Mr Tohra was talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the election office of Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra, candidate of the SHSAD and Sarb Sanjha Morcha, near the Truck union here. He claimed that there would be a direct contest between the SHSAD and the Congress. He said that the SAD (A) and the SHSAD had never any talks in the recent past to contest the Sunam byelection from one platform. But now no talks could be held as both parties had declared their candidates. Regarding Mr Sunmukh Singh Mokha’s candidature for this constituency, Mr Tohra said Mr Mokha had never approached the party for the ticket. |
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Sampuran is CPI man for Sunam CHANDIGARH, Sept 7 — Mr Sampuran Singh will be the CPI’s candidate for the Sunam byelection. This was announced here today by Dr Joginder Dayal, Secretary of the Punjab unit of the CPI.He said at a meeting of the executive committee of the party held here this morning, the name of Mr Sampuran Singh was approved. He would file his nomination papers on September 11. |
Gosain accorded rousing welcome LUDHIANA, Sept 7 — The local BJP MLA, Mr Satpal Gosain, was accorded a rousing reception when he returned here on Tuesday night from Chandigarh after being sworn in as the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Mr Gosain was taken out in a procession through the main streets of the city headed by a group of his supporters dancing bhangra to the tune of a brass band . He also visited several temples and gurdwaras, including Kalgidhar Gurdwara, Vaishno Mata temple, Alamgir Gurdwara and a few other religious places to pay his obeisance. Later, at Circuit House and his residence Mr Gosain was profusely garlanded by his jubilant friends, admirers, supporters, party workers and relatives. One of the seniormost and popular leaders of the Punjab unit of the BJP, Mr Gosain has been in political limbo for quite some time now because of his rather outspoken views on various issues and aggressive stance even on relatively minor issues. His differences with the former state unit chief, Mr Daya Singh Sodhi, and the leader of the BJP group in the Punjab Assembly, Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, who is also Minister for Local Bodies in the Badal Cabinet, were well-known. Mr Gosain’s inability to compromise with them ensured his exclusion from the Badal Cabinet three years ago and again when it was expanded earlier this year. It was then alleged that although Mr Parkash Singh Badal was keen on inducting Mr Gosain in the Cabinet Mr Tandon insisted on keeping him out. This continued opposition from Mr Sodhi and Mr Tandon forced Mr Gosain to raise the banner of revolt against them by levelling a series of allegations of corruption against them. Mr Gosain was suspended from the membership of the party and later served with a showcause notice leading to a clear division in the party with Mr Tandon and Mr Sodhi on one side and leaders like Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Mr Jagdish Sahni and Mr Gosain on the other. It was only after the election of Prof Brij Lal Rinwa as the state BJP chief in place of Mr Sodhi that things began to settle down in the Punjab unit of the BJP. The credit for the election of Mr Gosain as the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha at Chandigarh on Monday is being largely given to Professor Rinwa. The BJP sources here say the letter recommending Mr Gosain’s name for the post of deputy speakership was handed over to Mr Badal by Professor Rinwa and Mr Mittal on Monday night. When Mr Tandon came to know about the development he reportedly tried to prevail on the Chief Minister not to accept it. Mr Badal did not agree, pointing out that the recommendation from the state BJP chief had to be
honoured. |
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Kherri to assess poll scene PHILLAUR, Sept 7 — Bahujan Samaj Morcha President Satnam Singh Kainth has appointed senior leader and former MLA Raj Singh Kherri, for assessing the Sunam byelection scenario and has said that the morcha would decide to support a party in Sunam after the report from Mr Kherri. Talking to this correspondent here today Mr Kainth said the Bahujan Samaj Morcha would soon become a strong political force in Punjab. Asked whether the morcha would support the Bahujan Samaj Party candidate, he said it would seriously consider any proposal by the BSP in this regard. The morcha would organise rallies at Khanna, Phagwara, Moga and Amritsar during this month. The Phagwara rally on September 24 would give a boost to the morale of party workers, especially those of Doaba. Village level reallies were being organised at Aujla, Lailan, Johal, Garhi-Maha Singh and
Kotgarh.
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Row over auction for
octroi contract FEROZEPORE, Sept 7 — The recent auction for awarding the octroi collection contract within the cantonment limits here has sparked off a controversy, with a section of the applicants alleging violation of terms and conditions. Those left out have alleged that the terms and conditions laid down for the contractors were thrown to the winds to favour certain influential persons by the local Cantonment Board, which had invited tenders for the auction held here on September 5. The Cantonment Board is learnt to have netted Rs 1.83 crore through the auction, while Ashok Kumar and Co, one of the applicants, claims to have bid a higher amount of Rs 2 crore. It is alleged that the auction was allowed even though the companies who had submitted their tender forms did not furnish certain certificates to establish their experience in collection of octroi in the past. Although this was one of the terms and conditions for filling the tender forms, the Board allegedly turned a blind eye to favour certain parties. Besides, the time gap between the publication of the advertisement inviting tenders and the actual auction was not sufficient. The auction was held merely four days after the publication of the advertisement, raising doubts in several quarters. It is alleged that the board was offered Rs 1.85 crore by the party that handled the octroi collection during the previous year. However, the board had reportedly rejected the offer with the idea of netting a higher amount through auction. The amount of Rs 1.83 crore netted this time has, therefore, surprised many in the department. In a communication addressed to the Executive Officer of the Board, at least three parties — Ashok Kumar and Co, Krishan Kumar and Co and Khazanchi Lal and Co — have also alleged that they were issued the tender forms late to felicitate some “close parties”. However, the Cantonment Board President, Brig J.S. Sarai, vehemently denied the charge of having favoured certain influential parties. Claiming that the auction was transparent, he added that the exercise was held through a committee of an elected body and the question of irregularities did not arise. Brig Sarai claimed that the procedure laid down for the auction was strictly adhered to and the party, which had now been awarded the contract, had been asked to furnish the certificates at a later stage due to time constraint. Adding that this controversy was a natural reaction by those left out, he said the apex authority to finalise the contract was the Defence Estate Office, which might scrap the contract if there were any irregularities.
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From pillar to post for
registration of land GURDASPUR, Sept 7 — Gurdev Singh and his partner have made every effort for the registration of 36 acres of land in Malerkotla village near Malikpur but in vain. The land was purchased from Raghbir Singh and partners in September 1998 and is part of 204 acres 6 kanals and 14 marlas of land under the possession of Hydel and Research Centre, Malikpur of the Punjab Irrigation Department. The Irrigation Department has paid compensation for 156 acres of land only so far. Gurdev Singh and his partner purchased the land in September, 1998, but were refused registration by the Tehsildar, Pathankot on the plea that the land is under possession of Hydel and Research Centre. Gurdev Singh and brothers filed a writ in the High Court on December 5, 98, seeking directions to Tehsildar Pathankot to allow registration of the land. The High Court meanwhile directed the Irrigation Department to prove their ownership within specified period but the department so far has not came out with specific papers establishing the ownership. On August 2, 1998 High Court decided the case in favour of Gurdev Singh and partners and directed the Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur to extend the stamp papers of the complainants by one month and therefore enter registration in the name of petitioners. The Deputy Commissioner on August 17, extended sanction of stamp papers but the Tehsildar Pathankot again refused the registration of the said land on the plea that the period given by High Court of 15 days had lapsed. Soon after Gurdev Singh and his partner filed another writ petition in the High Court requesting for registration as per directions of the court. In between Director Prosecution and Litigation, Punjab on August 26, directed Secretary Irrigation and Chief Engineer Irrigation, DC, Gurdaspur and Tehsildar Pathankot that the case was not fit for appeal. Meanwhile Hydel and Research Centre, Malikpur appealed in the court of Civil Judge Senior Division, Pathankot claiming ownership of the said land on the basis of adverse possession and also applied for revision in the High Court against their orders. The High Court has ordered the Hydel and Research Centre to prove their ownership within a year otherwise orders would be issued to the Tehsildar Pathankot to enter registration of the said piece of land in the name of Gurdev Singh and his brothers. Meanwhile, Master Mohan Lal, Higher Education Minister, Punjab in a press note said that the said piece of land would not be allowed to be grabbed by anybody. Gurdev Singh and partners under Section 499/500 of the IPC through a notice through their advocate Kanwaljit Singh have demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh and contradiction of the news item issued by the Minster within a week. |
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FCI workers stage dharna BATHINDA, Sept 7 — Activists of the Lal Jhanda FCI Workers and Paledar Union (CITU), Punjab, organised a dharna in front of the office of Commissioner, Provident Fund, here today. The activists demanded that the deductions of the mazdoors working in the markets and Food Corporation of India depots since 1980 should be deposited in their accounts. In a joint letter written to the Provident Fund, Commissioner Bathinda, the activists alleged that almost all the food agencies of Punjab had deducted crores of rupees of mazdoors. The activists said the authorities concerned should return the deducted amount to the mazdoors. The activists pointed out that neither fund nor pension had been given to family members of mazdoors who had died. They demanded that this money should be given to concerned persons. |
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4 cops’ prosecution
recommended CHANDIGARH, Sept 7 — In an abduction-cum-torture case for forcing the withdrawal of criminal complaint against Giddarbaha police officials, the CBI today recommended the prosecution of SHO Gurmail Singh, ASI Tej Singh, HC Karamjit Singh and lady constable Kuldeep Kaur and departmental action against P.K. Uppal, the then SSP of Muktsar, SP Dilbagh Singh, DSP Baljit Singh Buttar of Giddarbaha. The recommendation was made in an inquiry report submitted before Mr Justice Amar Datt of the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the CBI which was ordered to inquire into the allegation made by Gudreep Kaur of Gurusar village in Muktsar. The CBI found truth in the allegations made by the petitioners that family members of the petitioners were abducted, detained and tortured at various places to pressurise them to reach a compromise with HC Karamjit Singh of Giddarbaha police station. It was also revealed that police had taken away the household goods, jewellery and tractor, etc. of the petitioner forcibly, which were later returned on High Court orders. The CBI reported that the prima facie offences under Sections 120-B, 312, 315, 366 and 311, IPC, were made out against the Gurmail Singh, Teja Singh, Karamjit Singh and the lady constable. Mr Justice Amar Datt issued notice to the petitioners counsel for November 7. Submit vigilance report on ex-CS: The petition had been filed by Mr Amarjit Singh, a resident of Amritsar alleging that Mr Khanna had extended his business empire and wealth manifold after he became Chief Secretary. On behalf of Mr Khanna, his counsel submitted that the petition against Mr Khanna had been filed at the instance of Mr Bikramjit because Mr Khanna at the instance of the then Chief Minister, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, had entrusted the inquiry against two Senior Officers Mr R.S. Mann and Mr Bikramjit Singh. The petition is motivated by them. He further contended that it had been partially substantiated by the court’s Division Bench judgement. Notice to Punjab on waterlogging scam: Order to I.O. in burns case: An FIR was registered by the police under Sections 307, 498 and 34, IPC, on September 14, 1997. On August 9, the High Court had granted bail to her-in-laws. According to the petitioner, her in-laws were now forcing her to reach a compromise and accept Rs 50,000. She alleged that an editor and advertisement manager of a Jalandhar newspaper were also seeking the compromise. Mr Justice S.S.
Nijjar of the High Court directed the Investigation
Officer, Mr Baldev Singh, to bring the application to the
notice of the respondents. The Judge directed him to file
a reply by September 13 and directed the petitioner to be
present in the court on that day. |
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Ex-ruler’s statue in state of neglect KAPURTHALA Sept 7 — An erstwhile Maharaja of Kapurthala, it seems, has virtually been at the mercy of his white collar “predecessors”, who have done nothing to protect his beautiful statue in the Courts’ Complex here from decay due to vagaries of nature for a couple of years together. The bronze statue of Maharaja Randhir Singh is perhaps one of the most beautiful statues in the Northern region and has been adorning the place as one of the most important landmarks of this erstwhile princely state known for its French looks and architecture. The life-size statue of the Maharaja astride his horse, was erected in front of the main gate of the red stone courts building, known as Darbar Hall in good old days with a view to perpetuating the memory of Maharaja Randhir Singh after his death in 1870. It was unveiled by his grandson Maharaja Jagjit Singh on October 4, 1895 and since then it has been there as a mute witness to the turning wheel of time. The one piece bronze statue, believed to have been shaped out in France, is so beautifully carved that one can even count the eyebrows of the horse, its saddles or fine detail of layers of the royal turban worn by the Maharaja. But the beauty of the structure has gradually been fading out with each passing day owing to the apathy on the part of the authorities concerned, who have seemingly never bothered to maintain it in a proper manner. In the name of conser vation of this “piece of art” whatever little has been done has been mere repeated coarse coatings of cement paint on it, which instead of giving it a new look has converted it into a grey and dull structure. The condition of the platform on which the statue has been placed is even worst as it has been decaying due to lack of maintenance. One can see that at places chips of plaster covering the brick-work have already gone since long and a number of beautiful cast iron pillars around the platform have been uprooted. So much so that the open space around it has been covered by overgrowth of grass and vegetation, and to the surprise of heritage conscious people, no step has been done by the administration towards its removal, which is the least which can be done to provide a good look to a place, having the potential of being converting into a good lawn for visitors to various offices in the complex. When contacted, Mr V.K Singh, the Deputy Commissioner, said the administration was planning to maintain the place in a proper manner by removing the overgrowth of vegetation in the first phase. He said in the second phase, the glory of the statue would be restored along with the conservation of the Darbar Hall building. |
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Last of the tongas on the way out PATIALA, Sept 6 — They are the last of a breed slowly on way to extinction. They are the tongawallahs of Patiala who are finding it difficult to ply their trade any longer in the former princely state which once bustled with their activity. Despite rampant commercialisation and ready availability of fast means of transport, tongas continue to survive in the city. They are based mainly on two routes. One route is a 2-km stretch from bus stand to Government Rajindra Hospital and the other is from bus stand to Sanouri adda — which is the last stop before further travel to Sanour. Dedicated tongas had been plying on both routes till now. But if the present scenario continues they will not be able to do so for long. The reason is the restarting of local buses in the city and on the bus stand — Rajindra Hospital route. This has struck a severe blow on the tongawallahs who are finding it difficult to find customers. A visit to the bus stand revealed that local buses were stopping illegally on the road in front of Corner Hotel to cater to passengers coming out of the bus stand. The tongawallahs, who have their stop a little ahead, often see all passengers board the bus and vanish leaving them standing forlorn with their horses. Avtar Singh, whose family has been plying tongas in the city for the past more than 30 years, said at one time three were 30 tongas in the city but today the figure stood at eight. He said out of these only four to five tongas stood regularly as horses of the others were sometimes hired for marriage functions. ‘’I have nothing better to do so I come here every morning and stay on till the afternoon in search of passengers ,’’ says Avtar. Others, including his son Mahender Singh, said only people coming from the villages thought it fit to travel on the tonga.’’ Our trade depends on people from rural areas who come to Patiala to visit their relatives admitted in the Rajindra Hospital. It is these people who use our tongas due to which we are able to do business in the morning during hospital visiting hours. After 12 noon knowing we won’t attract any more passengers, we just pack off and go home’’, he says. Most tongawallahs are finding it difficult to make ends meet and wait anxiously for the marriage season to start in the winters.’’ During this time our horses are used in ‘baraats’ ensuring a good return of a few hundred rupees. A day in the heat at the bus stand gives little. A tongawallah is not able to make more than two rounds of Rajindra Hospital in a day and usually seats around eight persons. As each person pays Rs 2 per trip he is not able to make more than Rs 64 per day. This is a pittance when one takes into account the feed of the horse and other expenses. Interaction with tonga-pliers revealed that most feel rules should be enforced strictly and that local buses should not be allowed to stand on the road outside the bus stand for inordinate periods. They also complained that most of the buses had routes for going to various nearby villages but that most travelled illegally on the bus stand-Rajindra Hospital route. Their mode of travel may be ancient and out of
sync with present times, but they offer an advantage
which few speak about — a pollution free mode of
travel in the city which has lots of autorickshaws
spewing poison due to use of kerosene oil as fuel.
Tonga-pliers feel they should be encouraged to run on the
Mall Road as they were eco-friendly and were part of the
culture and ethos of the city which should not be allowed
to die down. |
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‘Irregularities in
voter I-cards’ MOGA, Sept 7 — Members of the district Congress today, in a complaint lodged with the District Electoral Officer, alleged that irregularities were being committed while preparing voter identity cards for the forthcoming elections and no action had been taken in this regard. The complaint was lodged by the President, District Congress Committee, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh, the Organising Secretary, PPCC, Mr Vijay Sathi, an advocate and member of the Moga Municipal Committee, Mr Nasib Singh Bawa, besides others. They alleged that no proper announcement had been made for the preparation of the identity cards and the persons entrusted with the task were favouring ruling party supporters and Congressmen were being ignored. |
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“Akali leaders behind police
high-handedness” FEROZEPORE, Sept 7 — Accusing the police of high-handedness at the behest of the ruling Akali Dal leaders, three activists of the opposition Congress party have expressed apprehension of being implicated in false cases. The three activists — Surinder Kaur from Saido Ke village, Ajaib Singh from Jani Sar and Hakam Singh of Tambuwala were paraded before the police and the media by the former Congress minister, Mr Hansraj Josan, who alleged that they were being harassed by the cops at the behest of certain Akali leaders. Although the DIG, Ferozepore Range, Mr Hardeep Dhillon, said the SSP had assured to look into the matter, Mr Josan alleged that these activists and their relatives were frequently detained by the police to pressurise them for changing their party loyalties. |
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Padyatra reaches Hoshiarpur HOSHIARPUR, Sept 7 — The Padyatra of 11 activists of the Rashtriya Hindu Suraksha Samiti led by Mr Sanjay Bhardwaj, which started from Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar on September 1, was received by the citizens and members of the Shiv Sena here last evening. This padyatra was started to press the state government to withdraw the cases registered against those police officials who fought against militants in Punjab. Talking to mediapersons at Sitla Mandir here last night, Mr Sanjay Bhardwaj alleged that the present Government had registered false cases against 2600 police officials for killing terrorists in fake encounters. He said that out of the total number of police officials arrested in these cases, 700 were still in different jails whereas the others had already been bailed out by courts. He had already staged a fast at Patiala to urge the government to release the arrested police officials and withdraw false cases against them. But the state government did not listen to him, he claimed. He said that the yatra would reach Chandigarh on September 20, where they would present a memorandum to the Punjab Governor. |
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Erratic power supply in
Manauli MANAULI, Sept 7 — Frequent power cuts have become order of the day in Manauli, in Ropar district and Papri, Dinali, Chao Majra villages. Residents of these villages are a harassed
lot. The erratic power supply and frequent, unannounced
long power cuts have made their lives a virtual hell.
Times are when even refrigerators and other electric
gadgets refuse to work. The worst hit are the students
who are taking their terminal examination. The Manauli
residents have already deposited Rs 20,000 with the PSEB
to augment power supply. It is a matter of concern that
nothing has been done in this regard. They have urged the
authorities concerned to ensure power supply to this
area. |
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New water tank inaugurated PATIALA, Sept 7 — Deputy Commissioner J.S. Bir inaugurated the construction of the new water tank at the historic Kali Temple here today. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the complex, he said in the first phase work will be undertaken regarding the concrete lining of the four walls of the tank. Devotees
complained to Mr Bir that near the rear gate of the
temple there were a couple of rehris selling meat and
meat products which was not good for the sanctity of the
temple. The devotees urged the Deputy Commissioner to
remove these rehris at the earliest to preserve the
sanctity of the tample.
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Anomalies panel
report rejected AMRITSAR, Sept 7 — The Punjab Animal Husbandry Services Association (PAHSA) a representative body of feed and fodder wing has denounced the recommendations regarding the pay scales of farm technocrats, made by the anomalies committee. In a statement issued here on Tuesday by the newly elected president Dr Jagdish Singh Randhawa and the general secretary, Dr Hazara Singh Cheema, warned the government against implementation of these recommendations. The PAHSA alleged that anomalies committee had increased anomalies instead of removing these and even it has gone out of the purview while lowering the pay scales of various categories which they were enjoying since 1996. The farm technocrats were already at a disadvantage as compared to other professionals, veterinarians and medicos and engineers. The said committee has further lowered their pay scales. The association said that the recommendations has raised a wave of anger and unrest among agriculture technocrats and they would not allow lowering their pay scales and status. |
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Tenders cancelled for third time FATEHGARH SAHIB, Sept 7 — The tenders called by the Municipal Council, Sirhind, for various development projects were cancelled today for the third consecutive time as no contractor came forward due to the ongoing tussle among the President, Executive Officer, employees, octroi contractors as well as Municipal Councillors. Resentment prevails among residents of the town over house tax notices issued by the council. Mr Yash Lahoria, Chairman, House Tax Committee, said an employee of the council had not entered receipts of payments made by the residents in books, nor had he mentioned the rebate given to various residents by the committee. Hence, they had been served with fresh notices. He said the notices would be re-verified and relief given to the residents as early as possible. The President of the council is facing two legal notices, one from the outgoing President and the other from octroi contractors for allegedly ordering the release of a truck carrying ghee impounded by them on its entry into the town without a transit permit. He is also facing an inquiry on a complaint by certain Municipal Councillors that he had initiated projects without adopting proper procedure. Certain councillors alleged that he installed an air conditioner in his office wihtout the approval of the Deputy Director and transferred certain employees on political considerations. The Executive Officer and the President are lock horned on various issues. They issue contradictory orders to contractors, the SP and the AME of the council. When contacted, the Executive Officer said the President was not co-operating. He said he was working in an arbitrary manner, while “I want that no work is started without completing formalities.” He said the President had installed an AC in his office without the prior approval of the Deputy Director. When contacted, the President said all complaints and allegations were politically motivated. He said all works had been started after completing formalities and it was up to the AME and the SO to check the quality of works. He said he had not ordered the release of any truck impounded by the octroi staff. As for as the transfers of the employees, these had been done for the smooth functioning of the council. Those working in the office during the past 20 years and with tainted image had been shifted. He said more transfers were on the cards |
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DC’s directive to PSEB
on power supply PATIALA, Sept 7 — Mr Sawit Aggarwal of the Jaurian Bhatian locality has complained that tickets in nearly all cinema houses are being sold at prices more than the printed rates and no proper facilities are being provided by the cinema owners. This complaint was made at the district-level Sangat darshan, presided over by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr J.S. Bir here today. The complaint was immediately referred to the Assistant Commissioner, Mr Rahul Gupta, for further investigations. The Deputy Commissioner asked the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) authorities to send a representative. The person should be at hand to listen to the grievances of the residents regarding the issue of power supply. Residents of certain villages falling in Samana tehsil complained to the Public Health Department that for the past six months, the tubewell installed by the department was inoperative. Mr Bir asked the authorities to check the facts and submit a report accordingly. In an interesting
case, the residents of Kanmatti village alleged that
there was nearly 80 students studying in the village
primary school, but there was just one teacher, who was a
heart patient. They appealed to the Deputy Commissioner
to help them avail themselves of the services of some
more teachers. |
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Faridkot to get facelift FARIDKOT: The local Nagar Council has formulated a plan to give facelift to this divisional headquarters town during the current financial year. Under the plan, about 16 km of roads badly damaged in different areas like the one linking Dogar Basti to Old Cantonment, from Clock Tower to Main Bazar, Kamiana Gate to Old Jail Road, a part of the Old Grain Market to College Road, Talab Mohalla to Harindra Nagar, Bhan Singh Colony and Dodhan Wali Street will be remetalled and premix laid. Three main drains connecting the Tara Palace area to Cantonment Road, Bansal Rice Mill to Sem Nala on the Ferozepore Road and MGM School to Arianwala Road would be constructed and old ones repaired to ensure the smooth flow of rain water. Floodlights fitted on sodium poles would be installed from Jubilee Cinema Chowk to the railway crossing, Chahal Road, Harindra Nagar to Sirhind Canal bypass and adjoining areas. According to Mr Gurtej Singh Gill and Mr Vijay Kumar Gupta, president and executive officer of the municipal council respectively, the entire project would cost about Rs 3 crore and tenders have been invited to start work soon. A contract to improve the sanitary conditions in Bhan Singh Colony, Sanjay Nagar, Harindra Nagar, New Harindra Nagar, Old Cantonment Road, Teacher Colony and Puri Colony had been given to private parties. It has also been planned to lay sewers at Harindra Nagar at the cost of Rs 3.11 crore and the scheme had been sent to the Punjab Government for allocation of funds. The Nagar Council is also seriously considering constructing an underground bridge at the Talwandi Road railway crossing near Dashmesh Public School to check traffic congestion. The matter would be taken up with the Railway Ministry to give final shape to the project. |
Kale Kachhewala
gang kills one KILLIANWALA (MUKTSAR), Sept 7 — Members of the Kale Kachhewala gang struck late last night in this town of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s constituency of Lambi and killed former constable of Punjab police Baljinder Singh. Police sources said that four members of the Kale Kachhewala gang came into the house of Baljinder Singh, located on the outskirts of this town, around 2 a.m. and went to the roof, where the former constable was sleeping along with his wife and 12-year-old son. After reaching the roof, they hit a iron rod on the head of Baljinder Singh to incapacitate him. Then they asked his wife and son to go down and opened the lock of the room. Out of the four gang members, three came down with the deceased’s wife and son, while one remained on the roof. The gang member who was on the roof pushed a dagger into the stomach of Baljinder Singh when he tried to escape from his custody. Baljinder Singh died on the spot. At present, Baljinder Singh was working as a cooperative inspector. Later, all four members fled and took away earrings of the deceased’s wife and Rs 500 in cash. This is the second such incident in this region in the past one week. Earlier, the Kale Kachhewala gang killed one person in Bhucho Mandi of Bathinda district and injured five persons on the night of September 2. Mr Kultar Singh, SSP, claimed that a police party immediately reached the spot after it was informed about the incident. He added that some police teams were pressed into service immediately to nab the culprit. He said that some of the suspects had been rounded up. He added that as per preliminary investigation, the suspects were members of a gang of looters belonging to the Pardi community. He said that a case in this connection had been registered in the Lambi police station. |
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One killed in accident HOSHIARPUR, Sept 7 — Harjinder Singh, son of Mr Bagga Singh of Mokha village died on the spot when the tractor-trailer in which he was travelling collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction near Ram Colony Camp, 5 km from here last night. The Sadar Police has registered a
case. |
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Cop beaten to death JALANDHAR, Sept 7 — A Punjab police head constable, who was posted at the office of the Inspector-General of Police, Jalandhar range, was brutally beaten to death by unidentified persons at BMC chowk last night. According to the police, the only eyewitness in this murder case, a chowkidar of Sanjay Gandhi market near the chowk, has alleged that eight persons beat up the policeman, Jagmohan, at 11.30 pm yesterday.
He is survived by his wife (25) and a daughter (2). The police has registered a case under Section 302 of the IPC. |
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Drugs seized ROPAR, Sept 7 — A large quantity of intoxicants, expectorants and other drugs were seized in a joint raid on drug stores at Kuran and Morinda, by a team of drug inspectors and district health officers headed by Mr Rajinder Singh, Civil Surgeon, Ropar. Giving this information, Mr G.S. Grewal, Deputy Commissioner, Ropar said the action against the erring drug store was taken on public complaints. A large number of intoxicant drugs as morphine injections, which could not be stored without special licence, were seized from some of these stores. Besides this, drugs which were stored without proper bills have also been confiscated. The Civil Surgeon said the owners concerned of the drug stores have been asked to submit proper bills for the confiscated drugs. Legal proceedings would also be started against the shopkeepers for storing psychotropic drugs illegally, he added. |
Addiction among
teachers on rise BATHINDA, Sept 7 — “Papaji na piyo
sharab, sanoo la deyo ik kitaab”. (Papa, do not drink liquor, buy us
a book). This slogan was coined by the literacy mission, Punjab, to
increase the rate of literacy among children by motivating their
fathers to shun liquor. But what can children do when their
teachers, who are supposed to make them literate, indulge in
addiction. Worse, children are “made to fetch” liquor and other
intoxicants by teachers. Instead of weaning youths and children away
from drugs, teachers in Punjab have been themselves indulging in
addiction. The trend has acquired alarming proportions in the past few
years. Mohinder Singh (name changed), a teacher in a government school, who has been consuming liquor for the past 25 years, came to the local Red Cross De-addiction Centre to get rid of alcoholism. Similarly, Mohan Lal and Harman Singh (names changed) also came here during the past) two months to give up the habit. A
teacher, who has been leading a normal life after getting rid of
addiction, told TNS that in rural areas, poppy husk and “roori marka”
(illicit liquor) were easily available and people honoured their
colleagues by serving the same, which gradually turned them addicts.
He pointed out that examinations liquor, opium and poppy husk were
easily available to them as students wanted to oblige them to extract
“favour”. Dr Mehboob Singh Sran, Project Director, Red Cross De-addiction Centre, told TNS that this year four teachers had got treatment at the centre.
He added that the teachers who took the treatment were on the verge of retirement.
He said during the past over six years. 36 teachers had reported at the centre. Besides, a number of teachers had taken treatment by concealing their identity, he added. He
pointed out that a majority of the teachers who came to the centre
were alcoholics. Others were addicted to poppy husk and opium. In two
cases, the teachers were found addicted to cough syrup and pain
killers.
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15
teachers honoured FEROZEPORE, Sept 7 — The Lions Club Satluj today organised a function to honour four Principals and 15 teachers from different schools and colleges. They were bestowed with the award for excellence in education. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hardyal Singh Mann, SP. Vigilance, Ferozepore Range, expressed grave concern over declining standards in the education system. He said the Vigilance Department would celebrate vigilance week in the first of October in which seminars on the eradication of corruption would be organised. |
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University starts
TV course Tribune News Service AMRITSAR, Sept 7 — Guru
Nanak Dev University has decided to start a one-year radio and TV
training course from October this year for unemployed educated youth.
Dr R.S. Bawa, Registrar, said the main objective of this course was to
train educated unemployed youth to achieve self-employment. He said
12th pass unemployed persons were eligible for this course.
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