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| Wednesday,
September 13, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
WTO: Agriculture Minister
calls meeting
55 booths in Sunam sensitive Pak Rangers — threat to
farmers CAG: irregularities in Excise Dept Distress sale of paddy by farmers |
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SHSAD workers join Badal camp Rebel MLAs: case adjourned till
Oct 30
Residents suffer as MC infighting intensifies Foreign craze spreads to Malwa Project to repair streetlights Restoring a symbol of Raj Junior Telecom Officers launch
relay fast More facts on
'84
riots sought Anti-tobacco rally reaches Bathinda Workshop on folk dance Campaign to educate rural
pregnant women
2.5 lakh phone
connections by March Lok Adalat schedule
Miscreants create terror in NIS
complex ‘Kale kachchhewala’ gang
strikes fear Two kidnapped, hacked to death Baba held for rape 2 held for dealing in fake currency
Minister invites
teachers for talks Teacher training camp organised Seminar held on literacy Punjabi
University extends
admission dates
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WTO: Agriculture Minister
calls meeting CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Union Minister of Agriculture has convened a meeting of farmers’ representatives, political parties and voluntary organisations in New Delhi tomorrow to formulate proposals for the next round of negotiations on the implementation of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The meeting, it is learnt, will base its proposals on India’s concerns such as those relating to food security, rural employment and protection of the interests of farmers. It will also deliberate on how to increase the export of agricultural products. India is a signatory to the AoA. During the period of its implementation, since 1995, apprehensions have been expressed in several quarters about the adverse effects of the AoA on India’s farmers. Punjab is particularly disturbed. It has constituted a high-level committee on the subject. The Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, had stated in the Vidhan Sabha last week that the Congress government of Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao did not consult states before signing the WTO agreement. There was no debate in the country pertaining to its consequences. “The agriculturally advanced states have been hit hard by the WTO vis-a-vis the AoA”. In fact, there was no consensus even among developed and developing countries on the AoA at the Seattle conference. The paper on the review of the WTO and the AoA, circulated by the MInistry of Agriculture, gives the background as well as explicitly explains all that has been implemented so far. It also deals with what was expected but not achieved since the AoA aimed at removing distortions in agricultural trade and increasing the scope of exports from developing countries. India is under no obligation at present to reduce the support given to the agricultural sector by the government. But it does have an obligation to remove restrictions on imports following an improvement in the balance of payments position of the country. There still remains sufficient flexibility to impose higher import tariffs to regulate the import of agricultural products to safeguard the interests of the country’s farmers, says a communication from the ministry. One of the invitees to the September 13 meeting is a young farmer, Mr Khushwant Singh from Hoshiarpur. He told TNS that there was no clear understanding among farmers on the concept of either the WTO or the AoA. “Hopefully, tomorrow’s meeting will throw some light as the apprehensions of the farmers are quite genuine. There is a fear psychosis and panic”, he added. As per the AoA, there are three broad areas of commitment from member states: market access (disciplines on import restraints and tariff); domestic support (subsidies by governments to domestic producers); and export subsidies. In India quantitative restrictions on the import of 825 agricultural products were there as on April 1, 1999. These were justified on balance of payment considerations. The restrictions now are being phased out and will be eliminated by April 1, 2001. Though agricultural products generally attracted a maximum slab of 35 per cent import tariff to safeguard domestic producers, the same was increased beyond that. The items on which it was raised included wheat, rice, sorghum, millet, arecanut, apples, tea, coffee, sugar, edible oils, etc. The background agenda note clearly states: “India is under no obligation to reduce domestic support currently extended to the agricultural sector”. In fact, the developing countries were free to provide certain subsidies, namely reduction of export marketing costs and internal and international transport and freight charges. The last round of negotiations did not bring about trade liberalisation in agriculture to the desired extent. Therefore, India, at the next round of negotiations, should demand a substantial reduction in the domestic support and export subsidies in the developed countries. A demand for the total abolition of the tariff rate quota should also be made. The application of special safeguards should be universalised and India should insist that technical problems on the calculation of aggregate measures of support be sorted out. “Tomorrow’s meeting will set India’s agenda for the next round of negotiations”, sources said  |
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55 booths in Sunam sensitive SUNAM, Sept 12 — Will the Sunam Assembly byelection be held on September 29 in a peaceful atmosphere and without any occurrence of any untoward incident? This question has importance in view of the declaration of 55 polling booths as sensitive by the authorities where all major political parties are fighting to prove their supremacy keeping in view the next assembly elections. The Sunam Assembly constituency has 147 polling booths. The 55 polling booths (about 38 per cent of the total booths), which have been declared sensitive included 12 from Sunam, while the remaining sensitive booths fall in rural areas. In the rural areas Sheron village has maximum number of sensitive booths i.e. seven while Cheema village has six. The other villages which have sensitive booths are Namol (four), Duggan, Bahadurpur, Gandhuan, Haryau, Fatehgarh and Daska (three each) and Satoj, Tolawal, Ladal and Nangla (two each). Meanwhile, Dr Brajendra Singh, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, and Mrs Usha R. Sharma, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, here today reviewed the poll arrangements made by the administration. They also held a meeting with the civil and police officers. The officers who attended the meeting were Mr Sanjiv Gupta, DIG, Patiala Range, Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh, SSP, and Mr Praneet Bhardwaj, SDM-cum-Returning Officer for the Sunam Assembly constituency. Talking to TNS here today, Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, said Dr Brajendra Singh after reviewing the poll arrangements had expressed satisfaction. He also met Prof Sukhjinder Singh, SAD (A) candidate and Mr Sant Ram Singla of the Congress, who urged him to ensure the stoppage of “misuse” of the government machinery in the byelection, he added. Mr Tiwari added that more than 50 polling booths had been declared sensitive in the constituency to conduct a free and fair poll. He said the administration had sought security forces from outside the district and added that paramilitary forces would also be pressed into service. He said the police had submitted a security plan to Dr Brajendra Singh here today. Training will be imparted on the electronic voting machines (EVM) to the polling staff from September 14. The training process will be completed by September 19. About 1000 employees will be deployed for which 200 polling parties, including 53 reserves have been formed. Meanwhile, the scrutiny of the nomination papers was held here today. Mr Praneet
Bhardwaj, Returning Officer, said nomination papers of seven candidates were rejected on technical grounds. The nomination paper of Mrs Parmeswari Devi, widow of Bhagwan Dass Arora which she filed as an Independent candidate was rejected, while the remaining, nomination papers which were rejected were those persons who had filed papers as covering candidates. |
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Pak Rangers — threat to farmers FEROZEPORE, Sept 12 — Despite security arrangements by the Border Security Force (BSF) near fields close to the zero line, the Pakistani Rangers continue to pose threat to Indian farmers. In spite of the deployment of a special “kisan guard” by the BSF to keep watch on the farmers working in the frontier villages, the Rangers have abducted Indian civilians twice in the past one year. The incidents were reported from Fazilka and Mamdot sectors in Ferozepore. Recently, the Rangers rounded up two Indian civilians Chaman Singh and Harchand Singh of Bahadur Ke village near Mamdot. The two fell into the Rangers’ trap when they ventured into a Subtle reverie border gap for fishing, reportedly on the asking of the BOP. In the absence of a clear demarcation of the zero line on the river bed the Rangers abducted them. Subsequently, the two civilians had to spend three days in the Rangers’ custody and were released only after the BSF lodged a protest with their Pakistan counterparts. A youth was abducted by the Rangers in Fazilka last year. He, however, was returned as part of an exchange of captives by the forces on either side of the border. Besides, the Rangers have been posing threat to the labourers engaged in the construction of fencing near Mamdot. Since the Rangers were annoyed at the construction of fencing close to the zero line, they built up fresh defences in retaliation. The work was carried out under the shadow of guns from the other side. A BSF officer disclosed that earlier too the Rangers had tried to abduct some Indian farmers by offering to let them pick up a killed wild boar from their side of the border. On being contacted for comment, the BSF officers sought to play down the incidents, saying these were rare happenings. They ruled out negligence on part of their “kisan guard” that accompanies the Indian farmers, whenever they go across the fencing to their fields. The “kisan guard” not only provides the farmers security cover from the enemy, but dissuades them from interacting with the Pakistani farmers across the zero line. Sources do not discount the possibility of the Rangers trying to vitiate peace in the border areas. Already, there are indications of Pakistani army regulars being deployed in the garb of Rangers on the other side. |
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CAG: irregularities in Excise Dept CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — Irregularities amounting to Rs 18.91 crore in 57 cases have been detected in the Punjab Excise Department. A report published in this connection by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) has been tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The CAG report says that during the test check of the records of four distilleries in Amritsar, Patiala, and Kapurthala districts, it was noticed (between March, 1998, and February, 1999) that in spite of effective supervision and control of resident excise officers of the department at each stage — from the receipt of molasses to the clearance of spirit — the actual yield of spirit from one quintal of molasses during the year 1996-97 and 1997-98 ranged between 31.09 and 34.64 proof litres. Accordingly, a total quantity of 543.37 lakh proof litres of spirit was produced from 16.71 lakh quintals of molasses against the envisaged yield of 611.99 lakh proof litres of spirit. Had the norms for yield of spirit been achieved, the government would have earned excise duty (at Rs 15 per proof litre) amounting to Rs 10.29 crore on an additional yield of 68.62 lakh proof litres of spirit. As per the Punjab Distillery Rules, one quintal of molasses should yield 36.61 proof litres of spirit. The matter was brought to the notice of the department (between March, 1998, and March, 1999) and also reported to the government, but there was no response, says the CAG report. Meanwhile, the report says that there were arrears of revenue totalling Rs 2,025 crore against various departments. Out of these an amount of Rs 338 crore was over five years old. Arrears pertaining to tax on sales, trade etc, amounted to Rs 125 crore and state excise Rs 12 crore. The arrears of taxes on vehicles totalled Rs 8.5 crore and taxes and duties on electricity Rs 189 crore. The state government’s interest receipts due against the Punjab State Electricity Board totalled Rs 1,631 crore and in the case of the PRTC Rs 22.32 crore. The amount against the Punjab State Tubewell Corporation was Rs 27 crore, according to the report. There were serious gaps and flaws in the implementation of the nutritional support scheme. A heavy shortfall in the coverage of districts, blocks, schools and children was noticed. Though the scheme was to be implemented in the entire state from 1997-98, it was not implemented in five districts during 1997-98 and 1998-99 denying the benefits to 7.20 lakh and 6.46 lakh children, respectively, during the period. The shortfall in the coverage of blocks, schools and children during 1995-1999 ranged between 39 and 90 per cent, 37 and 89 per cent and 34-90 per cent, respectively. As much as 3148.43 quintals of wheat worth Rs 21.10 lakh was distributed without acknowledgements among children in 230 schools from 1995 to 1999 contrary to the practice of obtaining the signatures of children or their parents or guardians.
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Distress sale of paddy by farmers KHANNA (Ludhiana), Sept 12 — Panic-ridden farmers have resorted to the distress sale of paddy following a bumper crop this year. With the government’s decision to begin the procurement process on September 21, a large number of farmers in the state who have already harvested their crop and brought it to the grain markets, are suffering huge losses. The farmers are also expressing their doubts about the procurement of paddy by the government. Their apprehensions are based on the fact that various government agencies had already stopped the purchase of wheat for lack of funds since September 1, in spite of promises to the contrary. They fear that even if the government agencies enter the market on a massive scale, there is a likelihood of delay in payments — both to commission agents and the farmers. A visit to the biggest grain market in Asia here today revealed that the arrival of paddy had begun and the farmers were selling it at the meagre price of Rs 330 or Rs 440 per quintal as against the minimum support price of Rs 540 per quintal fixed by the government. Yesterday, the rate for lifting of the crop by private rice millers was between Rs 440 and Rs 522 per quintal, depending on the quality and variety of the crop. Inquiries made by TNS revealed that on an average 8,000 to 1,0000 quintals of paddy was arriving in the market every day, from places as far as Nawanshahr, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Nakodar and Ludhiana. Mr Ranbir Sood, Vice-Chairman of the Khanna Market Committee, said since the best price of the crop was available only in the Khanna grain market at the moment, the farmers from various parts of the state were selling their produce here. Reports from various parts of the state say while the lifting of paddy stocks in the grain markets of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Guruharsahai and Nabha had also started, the farmers were getting petty renumeration at the rate of Rs 400 or Rs 450 per quintal. In fact, the private rice millers were once again likely to have a field day with the delayed entry of government agencies in the market. According to information, so far 35,000 quintals of paddy has been procured as compared to 44,600 quintals of paddy procured at the rate of Rs 410-Rs 514 ( depending on the variety) per quintal till this day last year. Sources claim that the sale of paddy this year is less as compared to last year because following the government announcement of the date of procurement, the farmers have started delaying the harvesting of the crop. Mr Baldev Singh, a marginal farmer of Bharpurgarh village in Amloh subdivision, who had come to sell his produce in the Khanna mandi, said in spite of the fact that the crop was of the best quality and the yield was excellent, he had to suffer a heavy loss because of the delay in the entry by the government agencies. Meanwhile, the farmers and the commission agents are disgruntled with the government for abruptly stopping the purchase of wheat. It is also learnt that other than the Food Corporation of India and PUNSUP, the other government agencies have not even made payments. While the Punjab Warehousing Corporation has not made payments since August 18, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation has not made payments since August 10 and the Punjab Food Supplies since August 8. This year, 13,10,208 quintals of wheat has been procured as compared to 10.37 lakh quintals procured last year. With the government agencies failing to lift the wheat, the farmers have had to lift the crop from the grain market and are selling it to flour millers at a comparatively low price. The Civil Supplies Minister, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, has repeatedly announced that the purchase of wheat would continue till March, 2001.
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SHSAD workers join Badal camp FATEHGARH SAHIB, Sept 12 — The Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) suffered a major setback in the home district of its President G.S. Tohra, when a large number of SHSAD workers, panches and sarpanches led by Mr Ajit Singh Lanedar, vice-president, Land Mortgage Bank, Bassi Pathana, joined the SAD (B) at a function held at Kheri Bir Singh in the district today. The function was organised by Mr Didar Singh Bhatti, Mr Rajesh Paul Singh Lalli, senior Akali leaders and Mr Gurpreet Singh Shergill, President, Youth Akali Dal. Addressing the gathering Mr Bhatti urged the people to back Mr Badal, as he was the only leader to work for the state. The Badal government was committed to the development of the state, he said and assured the workers and the new entrants that they would be given due respect by the party. Mr Lalli highlighted various public welfare schemes initiated by the Badal government. He urged the party workers to work for the welfare of the people. Mr Shergill in his address said the workers all over the state were now coming back to SAD (B) after realising their mistake, as their sentiments had been exploited by the leaders for their own purpose. The interests of all sections of the society were safe in the hands of Mr Badal. He also appreciated the efforts of Mr Sukhbir Badal in the development of the district. Mr Labh Singh, president, Co-operative Society
Gopalon, Mr Gurdarshan Singh, Sarpanch, Shivdasspur, Mr Gurmeet Singh, Sarpanch,
Pamour, Mr Gurcharn Singh, former Sarpanch, Luloon, and Mr Mohinder Singh Sodhi Kalour also joined today and addressed the gathering. They expressed full confidence in the leadership of Mr Badal and termed their joining the SAD (B) along with their supporters as homecoming. |
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Rebel MLAs: case adjourned till
Oct 30 CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Mr Charanjit Singh, today adjourned till October 30 the case of 11 rebel ruling Shiromani Akali Dal legislators, including former Speaker, Ravi Inder Singh, whose disqualification has been sought by five ministers. The adjournment came following a request from the counsel of the rebel legislators who at the last hearing on August 16 had argued for more than three hours on the Speaker’s competence to take a final decision in the matter. The counsel of the rebel legislators had argued that the Speaker was not competent to take any decision in the matter as he was a member of the Political Affairs Committee as well as the Executive Committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal. Five ministers — Mr Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpura, Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr Raghubir Singh, Mr Sikander Singh Maluka and Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha —- had on May 26 filed separate but identical petitions before the Speaker demanding the disqualification of 11 rebel SAD legislators on the grounds of defection. Those facing action are Mr Ravi Inder Singh, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, Mr Inderjit Singh Zira, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mr Surjit Singh Kohli, Mr Harmel Singh Tohra, Mr Hira Singh Gabria, Mr Jagtar Singh Rajla, Mr Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, Mr Gurdev Singh Sidhu and Ms Daljit Kaur. |
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FEROZEPORE, Sept 12 — The rainy season often brings a flood of problems for residents of the city. Even a drizzle inundates the city, particularly the interiors and low-lying areas. The bumpy roads, dotted with potholes and cesspools of slush, impede the flow of traffic. The road linking the city with Hussainiwala is in a deteriorated state. It is very difficult to drive on this road, as the potholes act as virtual death-traps. The road is the only route to the Indo-Pak joint check-post and the martyrs’ memorial at Hussainiwala, the main place of tourist interest in Ferozepore. The condition of the road from Shahid Udham Singh Chowk to the bus stand is equally bad. The unavailability of potable drinking water is another problem faced by residents. They have no choice but to buy costly water filters. Instances of drinking water contaminated by snakes are not rare. These water samples have been sent many times to the authorities concerned, but to no avail. Also, heaps of garbage dot the edges of blocked drains thus serving as breeding-grounds for germ-carrying mosquitoes. According to Municipal Corporation sources, paucity of funds is responsible for the situation. However, there have been instances when grants were allegedly withheld on account of their non-utilisation. The conflict within the faction-ridden MC has intensified as the leader of one group, Mr Ashok Gupta, who claims to have been unanimously elected as the MC chief, has filed a writ petition in the high court in support of his claim. Allegedly, the clash of interests within the MC has led to the shelving of several projects. The DC and the SDM have expressed helplessness, in the matter. The silence on the part of the administration on the issue of the election of MC President has also raised many eyebrows and invited public wrath. |
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Foreign craze spreads to Malwa FARIDKOT, Sept 12 — The desperation to leave the country for foreign shores prevalent among Doaba youth, has spread to the Malwa region of Punjab in the past few years. With hundreds of Malwa youth making ‘continuous efforts’ to land on foreign shore by hook or by crook unscrupulous travel agent are finding the region a lucrative hunting ground. The local police arrested one Bikramjit Singh of Kotkapura two days ago, allegedly for cheating two brothers, Sukhminder Singh and Mohinder Singh. Bikramjit Singh and his associate Surinder Singh Dhillon took Rs 7.80 lakh from the duo to send them to USA. The accused took both aspirants to Thailand, and after keeping them in a hotel there for some days, brought them back to India. The victims approached the police to get their money back. Dr Arun Oraon, SSP, said that after a proper inquiry a case was registered against Bikramjit Singh and Surinder Singh Dhillon. Bikramjit Singh had been arrested while the police is searching for Surinder Singh. Official sources said unauthorised travel agents have been sending youths abroad by registering them as member of cultural troupes and sportsfans. A group of travel agent comprising of citizens of India and the USA have been sending youths, including some criminals and those with links with terrorists abroad as spectators for Olympic and other sports events. These agent make fraudulent papers including tax payee certificate, government job certificates, degrees, diplomas and even fake tickets of various stadia for their ‘spectator’ clients. The Bathinda district police has registered nine cases from March to July 2000 against such travel agents including some women. Some victim of these travel agents, when contacted by TNS, said travel agents had even penetrated interior villages. They said as land holdings were decreasing every year and agriculture was not remunerative, rural youth wanted to find work abroad and fell prey to agents. They demanded that the state government set up an agency to cater to those who wanted to go abroad. Such an agency would save them money and harassment. |
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Project to repair streetlights JALALABAD, Sept 12 — The row over the streetlight project between the market committee and the municipal committee here has cost the former dear. The market committee will spend Rs 6.5 lakh on the repair of the streetlights which were installed four years ago at a cost of Rs 9.5 lakh and were allegedly not commissioned after the installation. The project was envisaged during the Congress regime at the initiative of Mr Hans Raj Josan, the then Agriculture Minister. At that time, it was decided that the cost of the project would be borne jointly by the two committees. The project was then given on a contract through the electrical wing of the marketing board. The streetlights were installed on the market yard approach roads at Fazilka, Ferozepore and Bahmaniwala. However, the municipal authorities allegedly refused to support the market committee in the venture; stating that their committee would not be able to bear the extra expenditure. Thus, even after the installation, the municipal committee allegedly did not apply for the power connection. Last year, with the sudden hike in the octroi tax, the committee agreed to adopt the project on the condition that the lights should be in working condition. However, half of the lamps installed were reported to be missing. When asked about the responsibility for such a huge loss, the municipal committee stated the project was never handed over to it, while market committee sources said the streetlights were installed in the municipal committee area and the market committee had no network to check them. |
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Restoring a symbol of Raj KAPURTHALA: The Durbar Hall here has exquisite architecture and fine woodwork. The cast iron grills showcase the taste of those who were at the helm of affairs during the Raj. Nothing seems to have changed except babus, who sit at the place where the Maharaja once used to hold his court. Their indifference to the scale and artistry of the building, known as the District Courts Complex, has started showing. The administration woke up to the need for the maintenance of the building last month. A tragedy was averted when part of a parapet in the SDM’s office caved in. There was no loss of life as the incident occurred before the office hours. This part of the building was declared unsafe. The Punjab Government has decided to entrust the restoration work of the building to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). A number of government offices, including that of the Posts, Telecommunications, SSPs, SDM’s and the ADC’s have been functioning from the red stone building since Independence. Alarmed over the situation, the district administration took up the case with the higher authorities. The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, okayed the plan to hand over the Durbar Hall building to the ASI during his visit here on July 19. In the first phase, the restoration work would be done by the ASI and the PWD will undertake structural repairs. ‘‘Since the restoration work is too costly and time consuming, we have decided to rope in the PWD for repair of the rest of the building. For which we will have to shift offices to the proposed mini-secretariat building’’, said Mr V.K. Singh, Deputy Commissioner. He said the restoration work of inner part of the Durbar Hall was expected to take not more than six months.’’ The Chief Minister has assured that he would take up the matter of shifting of the Posts and Telecommunications offices with the Union Communication Minister, Mr Ram Vilas Paswan. Mr Singh said the ASI had found the Durbar Hall of great historic significance and worth declaring a protected monument. If this move comes about the state government will not have to spend anything on its maintenance. |
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Junior Telecom Officers launch
relay fast BATHINDA, Sept 12 — Junior Telecom Officers (JTOs) started their relay fast today against the policy of the government to corporatise the Telecom Department. The three-day fast call has been given by the Telecom Engineering Officers Association of India. The officers are dissatisfied with the government’s policies regarding the Telecom Department on the granting of pay scale. The activists demanded that they should be financially upgraded after every three years instead of 12 years. They further said all vacant posts of JTO against direct recruitment quota should be filled as early as possible. They demanded that the government should notify the qualifying and competitive examination for filling the vacant posts of SDE. The JTO staff members also organised a dharna and demonstration in front of the office of the General Manager of
DoT. |
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Saragarhi Day celebrated FEROZEPORE, Sept 12 — Expressing concern over the military take over in Pakistan, the Punjab Finance Minister, Capt. Kanwaljeet Singh, today cautioned against the adverse fallout off developments in the border state. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion of Saragarhi Day held here to commemorate the historic Saragarhi battle, Capt. Kanwaljeet Singh said the enemy from across the border was posing threat to the Indian peace. He indicated that the new military regime after having ousted an elected government in Pakistan aims to intensify subversive activities on the Indian soil through the ISI and its mercenaries. Reminding the people of the border district of successive defeats Pakistan had faced during the 1965 and 1971 wars, the minister, however, assured that the hostile neighbour would have to fight out with people of Punjab, before marching further into the Indian territory. Paying tributes to the martyrs of Saragarhi battle, he said the Punjab Government would give Rs 1 lakh each to 1,600 poor families of war heroes in the state. He announced that as part of the policy, the state government would extend its small-saving scheme to the benefit of the ex-servicemen and select 11 families that need financial assistance on November 2, the birthday of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Capt. Kanwaljit Singh also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the maintenance of the Saragarhi memorial gurdwara here on the request of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu. Earlier, the DC announced that a special drive was being launched to identify the native village of the martyrs of the Saragarhi war. Thirteen of the 21 martyrs were reportedly from Ferozepore district. Mr Sidhu stated that the administration would consult the Indian Archives and the Ramgarhia Regimental Centre to trace these villages and construct befitting memorials with in their limits. The Director, Sanik Welfare Board, Punjab, said the Saragarhi episode was now being incorporated into the text books. The Ferozepur range Commissioner, Mr J.S. Sandhu, also spoke on the occasion. More facts on
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riots sought CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — Mr Inderjit Singh
Jaijee, convener of the Movement Against State Repression has urged the Justice Nanavati Commission of inquiry to ask the administrations of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal to furnish correst informations regarding the number of Sikhs killed in these states during the 1984 riots, the amount of compensation paid to the families of those killed and the action taken against the offenders. In a memorandum submitted to the commission on August 30, it also urged the commission to institute an inquiry by the CBI into the killing in Delhi, Haryana and Himachal
Pradesh. |
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Anti-tobacco rally reaches Bathinda BATHINDA, Sept 12 — The anti-tobacco rally sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan to create awareness about the bad effects of tobacco o health reached here today. The rally will travel through all countries in South-East Asia from India it will go to Sri Lanka o November 15. Mr Jaspal Singh Deputy Commissioner said here today that the youth should be educated about the bad effects of tobacco. Mr Narendra Tyagi, leader of the expedition, said 49 lakh people died worldwide due to smoking and a majority of them were from developing countries. Dr Avtar Singh District Health Officer, said here that smoking was a worldwide problem and the situation was taking alarming proporations as even women were taking to smoking in metro cities. He added that about two-third of the smokers were under the age of 21. |
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Workshop on folk dance PATIALA, Sept 12 — It's different, fresh and bold, said city girls participating in a Banjara folk dance workshop organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre at the Banasar Art Gallery here. Ms Savneet Walia, a student of the GCG College, said that the Banjara folk dance was quite different from the traditional bhangra which had no restriction on body movements. The Banjara dance, on the other hand, was a restricted yet synchronised form of dance, she said Shilpi Goel, another participant, said that the workshop was an eye-opener as it threw light on the rich traditional dances of south India. Most girls attending the workshop were enthusiastic about this particular traditional dance from Andhra Pradesh. Mr R. Suresh Kumar, a classical dancer from Andhra Pradesh, is teaching the Banjara dance to more than 100 participants who have taken part in this 15-day-long workshop. Though the Banjara folk dance owes it's root to the classical dances like Kuchipudi, Odissi and Bharatnatyam, this particular form of dance shows bold body movements and expression. The musical instruments used by the Banjaras are daphle, dholak and flute. Mr Kumar, who has been performing Bharatnatyam for the past 20 years, has a number of performances at the national and zonal levels to his credit. Mr Kumar feels folk dances are coming to the forefront of popularity leaving behind classical and western dances. |
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Campaign to educate rural
pregnant women JALANDHAR, Sept 12 — The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has launched a campaign to create awareness about ante-natal check-up during pregnancy so as reduce the maternal mortality rate and for the promotion of breast feeding among mothers. Dr Kamal Gupta, President of the district chapter of the FOGSI, said a pregnant woman died every five minutes while giving birth to a child in India. “Poor sanitation and ignorance about ante-natel check-up pregnancy are the major reasons for maternal mortality,” he said. The FOGSI has started a reproductive and child health care programme under the aegis of the Union Health Ministry to help poor pregnant women who could not afford medical check-ups. The programme focussed on rural areas and pregnant women were being given medicines and required vaccination free of cost. A centre had been started at Kangniwal village and covered nearby Jandusingha, Hazara, Kabulpur and Kangniwal villages, having a target population of 15,000. “We are also organising camps in slum areas of the city with the help of other voluntary organisations to educate women about anaemia, safe motherhood, breast feeding and new born care,” she added. |
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Two crushed to death in mishaps JALANDHAR, Sept 12 — Two persons were crushed to death in different accidents in the district today. According to police sources, Jagtar Singh of Gilla village was crushed to death by a tractor-trailer at his village. Ramesh, alias Makhan, of Kapoor village, was crushed to death by a train near here. Mass marriages
for orphans PATIALA, Sept 12 — The Aradhna Kala
Manch, a local social and welfare organisation, is organising mass marriages of orphaned and financially weak girls and boys. Stating in a press release here today, the manch President, Mr Vimal Sharma, said that the first set of such group marriages was going to be solemnised on November 1 coinciding Punjab Day. The manch has solicited contributions in cash and kind from charitable institutions, business houses and individuals.
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General categories staff plan rally CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — Mr Shyam Lal Sharma, President of the Punjab State General Categories Welfare Federation, said here today that the federation would organise a rally here on September 14 to press the Punjab and Haryana Governments to implement the Janjua judgement in all government departments in both states. He said reservation in promotions in Class I and Class II services in Punjab should be abolished. He has also urged for abolishing reservation in the admission to medical and engineering colleges. A separate department should be set up to deal with the problems faced by general category employees. |
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Babu Brish Bhan remembered SUNAM, Sept 12 — The 94th birth anniversary of Babu Brish Bhan, a freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Pepsu, was celebrated at Government High School, Dudian village, 30 km from here. The gram panchayat and the Kisan club at the village laid a foundation stone of a building in the school. Residents from Babu Brish Bhan’s native village Kurail also organised an eye camp. |
2.5 lakh phone
connections by March PHAGWARA, Sept 12 — Mr S.C. Chaudhary, Chief General Manager, Punjab Telecom Circle, told a press conference here today that 2.5 lakh new telephone connections would be issued by March 31 next year. He promised that all telecom districts would have Internet nodes by October 15 this year and 50,000 mobile telephone connections by May next year in the state. Mr Chaudhary said out of over 2 lakh applications for connections presently on the waiting list, 1 lakh were from the rural areas. About 75 new telephone exchanges would be set up in villages. Urban exchanges would be limited to 1,000 lines and more exchanges would be set up to cover the remaining areas, he said. Internet nodes would be commissioned by the end of the month at Jalandhar and Ludhiana, he said, adding that intelligent exchanges, already operational at Chandigarh and Jalandhar, would also be set up in all 11 telecom districts within two years. Telephone card service would be provided and toll-free phone facility would be made available to update the Telecom Department, he added. |
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Lok Adalat schedule CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — To provide free and speedy justice to the people of Punjab at their doorstep, the state government today decided to organise a series of Lok Adalats from October to December 31 at district and sub- divisional judicial courts in the state. A spokesman for the Punjab Legal Services Authority said the Lok Adalats, exclusively meant for deciding pre-litigative bank loan cases, would be held at Amritsar and fourth quarterly Lok Adalats would be held at Sangrur, Moga, Taran Taran, Phul, Sultanpur Lodhi, Khanna, Samana and Fazilka on October 21. He said Lok Adalats would also be held at Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Patiala, Ajnala, Dasuya, Garhshankar, Jagraon, Malerkotla, Phagwara and Phillaur on November 4. |
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Four IAS officers
promoted CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Punjab Government has ordered the promotion of four IAS officers to the rank of Principal Secretary/ Financial Commissioner. Those promoted are Mr Sanjit Kumar Sinha, Ms Romila Dubey, Mr Shyam Lal and Ms Tejinder Kaur. They have been now placed in the pay scale of Rs 22400-525-24500 with the usual allowances. They all belong to the 1973 batch of the IAS. |
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Mr R.K. Nayyar CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — Mr R.K. Nayyar today took over as General Manager of the Punjab State Cooperative Bank. Earlier, he was Deputy General Manager of the bank here. |
Miscreants create terror in NIS
complex PATIALA, Sept 12 — Panic gripped the National Institute of Sports (NIS) here today when nearly 25 miscreants, including several national campers, some of them allegedly weilding knives, forcibly made their way into the sports complex in broad daylight through the institute’s main gate and started creating terror. The NIS authorities had to call in the police to stop the fracas from snowballing into a major confrontation. This is the third major incident inside the institute’s complex within the last two months which has put the authorities in a tight spot over the issue of security being provided to the national campers, diploma students and employees who reside within the complex. The first major incident took place on July 20 when armed miscreants, including some national wrestlers, entered the complex in a jeep and brutally
assaulted two well-known grapplers, Anuj Chowdhury and Sandeep Rathi. Both matmen sustained multiple stab injuries and had to be hospitalised for a week at the local Rajindra Hospital. Subsequent to this incident, the police had registered an FIR at the behest of Anuj Chowdhury. In another incident, just days prior to the Indian boxing squad’s departure for the Sydney Olympics, ace boxer Dingko Singh was involved in fracas with some diploma students. Then also things could have got out of hand, but for the intervention of SAI Regional Director, Mr G.S. Anand, who defused the situation. Today, the gang of miscreants comprised mostly national campers and students of Khalsa College where elections are being held for students’ bodies. They came to the institute’s main gate on about 15 two-wheelers at about 1.00 pm. Despite efforts of the Chief Security Officer, Mr Bhupinder Pal Sharma and another security personnel to stop the miscreants, they made their way through the main gate and reached the Yadvindra hostel, where the national campers in athletics are staying. A camper and young sprinter Jaspreet Singh was seen to be in the thick of things. Jaspreet, a student of Khalsa College and who is also employed in the Punjab police, was seen by this reporter arguing with the Chief Security Officer, Mr Bhupinder Pal Sharma. When word spread that the authorities had called in the police, this reporter could see some of the outsiders trying to hide their pocket-sized knives and some even fled the scene. The authorities, on learning about the incident, had immediately sealed all exits of the sports complex. Though the immediate provocation behind the outsiders creating an unruly scene could not be ascertained, sources maintain that Jaspreet Singh had an altercation in the mess premises last night, and it was on his instigation that students of Khalsa College came to the campus to create terror. However, unlike previous occasions when the role of the security personnel was questioned, this time top NIS administrators admit that the role of the security personnel could not be doubted as they were not only unarmed but were heavily outnumbered by the miscreants. Moreover, sources confirmed that the security personnel at the main gate were threatened by the outsiders, some of whom were carrying knives. |
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‘Kale kachchhewala’ gang
strikes fear BATHINDA, Sept 12 — Even as members of the “kale kachchhewala” gang and other criminals have been striking in various parts of the state, fear had gripped those living in isolated localities in urban and rural areas. During the past 10 days, the “kale kachchhewala” gang and other criminals have killed four persons belonging the Barnala, Killianwali in Mukstar district and Bhucho Mandi in this district. The gangsters also injured several others before decamping with cash and jewellery. In June, they killed a girl and injured occupants of a house on the Dabwali road in this town. However, the police still does not know their identities and has failed to arrest them. Residents in some of the villages and urban areas have started keeping weapons to protect themselves. A senior police official said the “kale kachchhewala” gang comprised members of the Pardi tribe of Madhya Pradesh. He said at one time, one gang operated in the area. After a year, the gang would shift to other districts and would revisit the same district after three or four years, thereby keeping their identities secret. He said some youths from Punjab had also adopted the same modus operandi to commit crimes. The police had recovered black “patkas” from a gang of eight members arrested for its involvement in a looting incident at Burj Throd village of this district. Sources said the police had been keeping watch on the movement of migrant labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. |
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Two kidnapped, hacked to death ROPAR, Sept 12 — Two persons were reportedly kidnapped and hacked to death in a land dispute at Oind village in the early hours today. Raja Singh and his cousin Jagroop Singh were allegedly kidnapped by Yaswant Singh and his accomplices while they were sleeping in their cattle-shed. Their bodies were thrown in Sirhind Canal. According to an FIR lodged in the Morinda police station by Kuldeep Singh, one of the deceased, said they had taken some land on contract from Darshan Singh of the same village. However, Jaswant Singh, brother of Darshan Singh, was against the deal. On September 10, he forcibly tried to reap crops from the land, which led to an altercation between him and Raja Singh. Jaswant Singh had threatened Raja Singh with dire consequences. A day later be was murdered. Bhola, son of a panch, in his statement to the police alleged that at about 3 a.m. today he had seen Jaswant Singh and his accomplices carrying Raja Singh and his cousin towards the bridge. The SSP, Mr G.P.S. Bhullar, said efforts were on to retrieve the bodies from the canal. A case under Section 364 and 34, IPC, has been registered against the suspect. |
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Baba held for rape HOSHIARPUR, Sept 12 — The Hariana police arrested Baba Joginder Singh of Dhadial village yesterday under Sections 376 and 506 of the IPC for allegedly by raping a woman . Mr R.P. Mittal, SSP, said here today that the woman was married about 10 years ago and had four children. She was suffering from fever for the past 15 days for which she went to the dera of Baba Joginder Singh along with her husband on Sunday. The baba told her husband to wait outside and took her to his room where he gave her some ash in the water to drink. After drinking it she became unconscious and the baba raped her. He threatened her not to disclose this to anybody. But after coming home she told her husband about it the next day. Her husband along with a panch went to the dera but the baba had already fled. |
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2 held for dealing in fake currency AMRITSAR, Sept 12 — A trap laid by the Majitha police resulted in apprehending two members dealing in fake Indian and foreign currency. Mr Lok Nath Angra, SSP, Majitha, said following a tip-off a trap was laid near the Tarn Taran bypass, on G.T. Road, Jandiala. A decoy customer was deputed to pretend as a buyer. Two persons, who were later identified as Romesh Kumar, alias Palli, of Putlighar and Sadha Singh of Gharinda approached the decoy and offered fake foreign currency for sale. On receiving the signal the police party apprehended both accused. A fake US bill for $ 10,000 was seized from Sadhu Singh, while fake Indian currency and an authority certificate of the above bill were recovered from Romesh Kumar. On preliminary interrogation it was found that these persons were working for two Muslims Dilshad and Khan. Mr Angra further said on being shown to a number of banks of the city the bill was found to be fake, he added. The SSP said the photo copies of the bill had been sent to American banks in New Delhi for verification. He claimed that the basic motive of the gang was to sell the bill in lieu of Indian currency to some local customer. |
Minister invites
teachers for talks MALERKOTLA, Sept 12 — The Punjab Education Minister, Mr Tota Singh, has invited leaders of the Government Classical and Vernacular Teachers (C & V) Union for further negotiations and implementation of agreed demands which include restoration of grade parity of art and craft, creation of promotion channel, declaration of Drawing and Physical Education as examination subjects and promotion of M.A. (C & V) teachers as lecturers in their teaching subjects. Mr Harbhajan Singh Dhindsa, a leader of the union, said in a press note that a meeting of the state working committee would also be held on September 14 in front of the DPI office at Chandigarh before meeting the Education Minister. |
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Teacher training camp organised PATIALA, Sept 12 — The District Red Cross Society in collaboration with the District Education Officer organised a one-day training camp at Shakuntla Girls School for medallion course. Fortyfive teachers from as many schools participated in the camp. Inaugurating the camp, the District Education Officer, Mr Kharag Singh Cheema, requested the campers to spread the massage of sound health and first aid to protect humanity against diseases and disasters. Mrs Krishan Bala Arora, Principal of the host school, appreciated the initiative of the Red Cross Society to hold health awareness camps as teachers could convey the massage to their students. Speaking on the objective of the Red Cross Society, Mr K.R. Verma, said that the society aimed at imparting first aid and health awareness training to the maximum number of teachers and factory workers. Dr Preet Mohinder Singh, S.R. Government Medical College, spoke on brain disorder and brain problems and stressed that cleanliness, balance diet and games could protect brain and body. Dr Rajindra Atwal, S.L. Blood Bank, Government Medical College, explained about AIDS and cancer and said that prevention was better than cure. Dr Jasleen Kaur from the Civil Surgeon's office spoke on dental problems and care of the teeth. Dr Anil Pathak, Eye Surgeon and Secretary, District Blindness Control Society, explained about eye donation and told that 120 lakh people were suffering from blindness. |
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Seminar held on literacy CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Umeed Khanna Foundation, which is running healthcare and social welfare projects in Sangrur and parts of adjoining districts, organised a seminar on literacy in Sangrur, according to a press note issued here today. Mr Arvind Khanna, Chairman of the foundation, said principals of government and private colleges and schools took part in the seminar. Various speakers at the seminar expressed their concern with regard to the pathetically low literacy rate among adult rural women. Mr Khanna said Umeed’s literacy programme had made a great difference in educating illiterate rural women in four villages. The Australian High Commission had very magnanimously donated funds to run this programme. There was eagerness among women to read and write. Punjabi
University extends
admission dates PATIALA, Sept 12 — Punjabi University has allowed the Principals of various colleges affiliated to the university to fill the vacant seats in various courses till September 15. Giving this information Dr Jasnak Raj Gupta, Dean, College Development Council, said the admissions would be subject to a late fee of Rs 1,500 and also to the fulfilment of eligibility conditions laid down by the university. |
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