The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Crackdown on units stealing power
From Kuldip Bhatia

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The Enforcement Wing of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) has unearthed cases of massive power theft by industrial units. In the past few days, a penalty of Rs 68 lakh was imposed on the owners of a dyeing factory and a furnace.

Besides this, a junior engineer and a lineman of the PSEB were placed under suspension on the charges of conniving with the defaulting firms. This gave rise to an agitation by the PSEB employees and disruption in power supply for a day. It was only due to a bold stand taken by the PSEB top management that the situation could be diffused.

Ludhiana Tribune found that the dyeing factory in Phase VIII of the Focal Point area, having a 300 KW load, was drawing power straight from a transformer through a 200-m-long underground cable. The theft was detected by a team of the Enforcement Wing officials of Moga that raided the premises on the basis of an information. Since the modus operandi of the theft suggested that some of the PSEB employees had connived with the factory owners, a junior engineer, K.K. Sodhi, and lineman, Gurcharan Singh, were suspended.

Certain trade unions did not like the punitive action against these persons. They said the punishment was “arbitrary and harsh”. As a retaliatory move, the PSEB employees disrupted power supply from at least three main feeders in the Focal Point area. The power supply could only be restored the next day. Normalcy resumed only after the PSEB issued veiled threats to the agitating employees.

The PSEB Chief Engineer, Mr A.S. Randhawa told Ludhiana Tribune that a penalty of Rs 8 lakh had been imposed on the owners of the dyeing factory. He said the owners of the factory had already paid the board Rs 3 lakh out of this. A complaint had also been lodged with the police against the unit.

A furnace unit on Samrala Road here was also found stealing power by tampering with the current-transformer/potential-transformer (CT/PT) fitted in the power meter. A penalty of Rs 60 lakh was imposed on the owners of the unit. The defaulting firm had already deposited the first instalment of a little more than Rs 6 lakh with the PSEB.

Mr Randhawa said a sister concern of the furnace unit located in Machhiwara was raided by the Enforcement Wing staff. It was found that the unit was stealing power on a massive scale. Officials suspected that the city unit might also be stealing power in the same way. A raid on the premises of the city revealed that the power meter and the other equipment to measure power consumption had been tampered with. The equipment was replaced.

The Chief Engineer also said, under an intensive drive to check power theft, routine surveys and raids were being conducted. He said power theft by domestic and commercial units to the tune of about Rs 2 crore was being unearthed every month. He said after the launch of the drive, the revenue of the PSEB had increased by about Rs 1.75 crore per day.

GNEC students go on strike again
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The first and second year students of Guru Nanak Engineering College are once again on strike, demanding that the new rule regarding supplementary examination imposed by Punjab Technical University should be rolled back.

The students attended the classes yesterday after eight days of strike. However, today, after attending the classes in the first half, they again went on strike. They demand that the new rule be taken back which states that the supplementary examination for the odd number semester would be conducted in the next odd number semesters and those for the even number semester be conducted in the next even number semesters.

The students of all affiliated engineering colleges held a meeting yesterday at Regional Engineering College (REC), Jalandhar. Those students who attended the meeting said, “Even though our representatives met Dr H.S. Gurm, Vice-Chancellor of the university, the problem could not be settled.”

While talking to Ludhiana Tribune today, Dr Gurm seemed to be quite firm on the decision. He said, “Even today students from three colleges — the REC, the GNE and from Faridkot — approached me. I told them that the new rule will not be taken back and that they should talk to their college principals who were there in the academic council meeting which took the decision.”

As reported earlier, Dr Gurm had said that “the new rule had been formulated so that teaching can go for 180 days per year. When the examinations are conducted every semester, it results in the loss of at least 70 days.”

When Mr R.P. Singh, Principal, GNE, was contacted in the evening, he denied that any strike was going on in the college. “Even though the attendance was less, classes were being held regularly. All the hostellers who were away to their homes would be back on Monday.”

Aulakh’s stint as VC comes to end
From Surbhi Bhalla

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — Dr. K.S. Aulakh’s brief stint as Vice-Chancellor of PAU came to an end as Dr. G.S. Kalkat took charge today. It may be recalled, that when he proceeded on leave for two months on August 1, the board of management of the university decided at a meeting held at Chandigarh on July 28 to appoint Dr. Aulakh as VC in his place. Dr Aulakh’s tenure of two months was by and large, trouble-ridden,say scientists at the univarsity.

During this period, the university faced problems that it had seldom encountered in its 40-year-old history.Firstl the new academic session began rather ominously. The students of the College of Veterinary Sciences abstained from classes for a number of days in support of their demands for better employment opportunities after graduation and the enactment of a legislation to prevent quacks from performing duties as vets.After the veterinary students, the students of the College of Agriculture, the main constituent college of the university,went on an indefinite strike from September 19, demanding better employment avenues and revocation of the ban imposed by the state government for the recruitment of agriculture and horticulture development officers. In addition, they demanded that the positions of Assistant. Professor lying vacant in agriculture should be filled without any delay. These students were later joined by students of the home science college. The students have not withdrawn their agitation, in spite of the impending semester exams, which are scheduled to begin from October 12.

Then, the university was rocked by another scandal. The drivers of the university complained that the petrol being supplied from the filling station of the university was adulterated. Dr Aulakh , as VC himself had a first hand experience reportedly when his official car came to a grinding halt as he was on way to an important mission.The filling station continues to be closed as enquiries are under way to fix responsibility for the scam. Incidentally, it is for the first time in the history of PAU that the petrol of the petrol station of the university has been found to be doctored.

During Dr Aulakh’s allegedly controversial stint, the employees of the university, also remained restive following the board’s decision to abolish over 1,300 posts of different cadres of employees.The PAU teaching union, led by Mr D.P. Maur, held rallies, condemning the board’s decision. The union warned the administration that it would not allow the management to implement its anti-employee policies. Dr Aulakh could not convince the employees of the board’s point of view, informed the union leader.

The Kisan Mela held on September 21 and 22 this year brought in its train, unprecedented problems. The farmers held protest rallies against the substandard seeds which were allegedly supplied to them by the university. The students took out processions and burnt the Punjab Chier Minister’s effigies while the police chased the demonstrators all in all.

It was a complete chaos. Never before, say scientists at the university, had a Kisan Mela been a total fiasco. However, Dr Aulakh, at a press conference called by him on September 25, refuted the charge of supplying diseased and infected seeds to the farmers. He alleged that a conspiracy had been hatched by some mischievous elements to tarnish the image of the university.

Kalkat resumes charge

Dr G.S. Kalkat, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, resumed charge after over two months after his return from abroad today. Dr Kalkat’s frequent visits (official and personal) to foreign countries have become a subject of discussion among teachers and employees of the university. This, incidentally, was his fifth trip abroad, since he took over the reins of the university on April 15, 1998. Dr Kalkat’s first visit abroad came about in August ‘98, when the teachers of the university were on strike, in response to a call from the AIFUCTO (All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations) for early implementation of the revised scales of pay. He resumed duty after the teachers’ strike had been called off. His second visit abroad took place in march 1999, just a couple of days before the annual Kisan Mela. This time Dr Kalkat took along with him, two Deans — Dean of the College of Agriculture and Dean of the college of veterinary sciences as well as the Director of Research and the Registrar of the university to America. This was probably the first time in the history of PAU that the VC, along with the top brass, were conspicuous by their absence from the Kisan Mela.Again in the last week of June, 1999, when the university was getting ready, for the new academic session, Dr Kalkat went abroad for over two months. The board of management decided that during Dr Kalkat’s absence, the Registrar, Mr Veenu Prasad, would perform his duties. After about three months, Dr Kalkat again made a trip to the USA in November, 1999. He stayed in the USA for over two weeks. This time Dr Kalkat has stayed away from the university for more than two months. A cross-section of the scientists of the university allege that Dr Kalkat’s absence from the university, seriously impairs the governance of the institution. They also said that the stop-gap arrangements which have been made during his absence have failed to deliver the goods.

Chemists observe bandh
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — Most of the chemist shops in the city remained closed here today.

The bandh was peaceful though minor fights between rival groups of chemists were reported at some places.

Chemists are demanding uniform maximum retail price inclusive of all taxes on medicines throughout India and protection of chemists against harassment.

They lamented that the chemists have been forced to resort to such an act due to the indifferent attitude of the government towards their demands.

PVVI stops vaccine production
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The Punjab Veterinary Vaccine Institute (PVVI), which has its laboratory on the PAU campus, has stopped producing anti-rabies vaccine. As a result the farmers and general public fond of pets have been put to a lot of inconvenience.

It may be mentioned here that the vaccine institute, which came into being in 1973, had been producing anti-rabies vaccine, both prophylactic and post-bite, from sheep.

According to information given by Dr B.S. Sidhu, Deputy Director PVVI, every week nearly 50 sheep were inauculated with seed virus which subsequently developed rabies-like symptoms. Later the sheep were slaughtered and vaccine prepared. This technique was objected to by the People for Animals, and also by Mrs Maneka Gandhi.

Accordingly, the institute was directed by the Punjab Government to stop preparing vaccine with this method.

WHO had also issued similar direction earlier on this issue. However, according to Dr Sidhu, the vaccine continued to be prepared since no alternative was available to them.

Dr Sidhu disclosed that a collaboration with the VIRBAC company of France for the preparation of vaccine was under way. A laboratory was being established at the PVVI for this purpose. Dr Sidhu also said that the preparation of vaccine by the tissue culture technology would be more effective, potent, safe and economical.

Festival buying yet to pick up
By Asha Ahuja

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The markets, at this time of the year, are generally full of shoppers for the festival season. But this year the scene is somewhat different. Chaura Bazaar’ these days looks really Chaura” for there are hardly any shoppers, through the chaos created by two-wheelers, carts, cycles, rickshaws are there as usual. Shopkeepers stand behind their counters with vacant eyes, with very few customers. Their men keep calling the passers-by to enter the shops and see the latest designs and range of their wares.

A visit to the market revealed the surprising fact that in some cases, the sales had gone up during the “Shradhs”, known is be a period when people avoid making purchases, said a shopkeeper who sell gift items. “People kept buying gifts during the “Shradhs” for they have to give things to the pandits, People keep buying during the “Shradhs”, so that they are able is complete the shopping before the Navratars which is the wedding season. Mr S.K. Sharma, who sells kitchenware, household gadgets and cosmetics, said “Business was brisker during the “Shradhs”. It is down these days.

In Gur Mandi, scooters were parked haphazardly. Its narrow lanes appeared more congested. A shopkeeper selling toys was satisfied with the sales.” My business is fine. I have no complaints.” Whereas a few others lamented. “Business is going down. People have no money. Many people have blocked their money in shares.

But Mr Munish Jain, who owns a wholesale shop of plastic and utility items was optimistic. “We have stocked well for Diwali.

We know we are going to have a thumping sale. We never raise our prizes on Diwali. We are wholesalers.”

Satinder Kumar of Basati Bazaar said, “People should question the rise in the prices. They hardly ever question the price rise. Business has picked up a bit in spite of the rise in the prices.”

The best comments came from Mr Satish Dheer, a jeweller. He said, “The husbands come reluctantly because the wives have been nagging them for jewellery. They come along with their wives out of compulsion and not out of choice. As far as the gold prices are concerned, these are governed by the international market. Gold prices have been stady. The sale have to pick up.” Mr Aditya, another jeweller, was also waiting for business to pick up. But his shop was packed with customers.

“Wool prices, and woollen hosiery prices have gone up by about 40 per cent. Mill owners fix the prices at will,” said the owner of a woollen store.

Readymade garments are getting costlier, but a particular class of buyers is not bothered about the price. “We are doing well. I have been in this business for the past 40 years. The taste of the people has been changing and they do not mind spending money, said the owner of a readymade garment” store.

The prices of dry fruits have plunged. Shoes are being sold at different places at rock bottom prices. Some shops are offering two pairs of shoes for the price of one.

Though the shops are offering discount sales and are bursting with stocks, the customer is refusing to take the bait. Most of the shopkeepers are adopting the policy of ‘wait and watch’.

‘Technocrats help to increase production’
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — Dr Rita Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Agriculture, visited the farms of Dr Daler Singh at Ladhowal and those of Mr Darshan Singh Tabiba at Hayatpur village to review the development activities.

Dr Rita Sharma appreciated the extension services provided by technocrats to increase the agriculture production. She stressed the need for popularising the research and innovative methods for increasing the produce, especially of paddy. She promised to extend all help and guidance to technocrats for this purpose.

Dr Gurcharan Singh Raja Jung, Chief Agriculture Officer of Ludhiana, told Dr Sharma about the ways of technocrats to make agriculture a profitable profession for persons. Dr R.L. Puri, Dr Balwinder Singh Butahri, Dr Rajinder Pal Singh Aulakh and Dr Gurdev Singh, all Agriculture Development Officers, told Dr Rita Sharma about the techniques they had adopted to improve the quality of produce.

Dr G.S. Khush, a rice scientist of Manila; Dr P. Dass, Deputy Director-General of the ICAR in New Delhi; Dr Peter Hawaz (Mexico), Dr Ashraf Choudhury (New Zealand), Dr Robert Baker (Philippines), Dr R.K. Gupta (CIMMYT) and Dr Jagdish Timsina (Melbourne University) have already visited the farms. They said they were expecting another rice revolution in India. Basmati-rice cultivation is now possible here with the introduction of a technique that prevents lodging.

The communication gap
N.S.Tasneem

WHEN communication gap occurs, misunderstanding creeps in. It can happen between two friends, parents and children and the teachers and the taught. Sometimes one goes on tolerating the idiosyncrasies of a friend. It seems improper to point out the drawback or to touch the raw nerve. Still it is not possible to wish such thing away by simply ignoring them. A time comes when one finds it hard to tolerate the other person’s behaviour.

Suddenly there is an eruption of one’s suppressed feelings, resulting in sometimes the disruption of harmonious relationship. The reason is not far to seek. It is due to the communication gap between the two buddies. When one communicates, there is a dialogue between the two minds. The element that irritates or the misconception that sprouts is eliminated the moment one tries to understand the other person’s point of view.

In the case of the parents and the children, there has never been any generation gap. The so-called generation gap is in fact the communication gap. A time comes in a child’s life, particularly during adolescence, when mum’s the word. At this juncture the boy or the girl recedes into his or her solitude and the parents feel ‘ignored’.

This is the time when the elders should devise ways and means for bridging the communication gap, instead of finding escape into their own orbit. Once the chilliness of the atmosphere thaws, words trickle down freely in the form of a dialogue and no icicles of doubt, suspicion or aversion take any sinister shape. The moment there is some sort of vibration in the stillness of relationship, harmony begins (out of chaos).

The teachers are a class by themselves. They are the speakers while the students are the listeners. They seldom allow the young ones to converse with them. Rather an interruption in their lecture is resented. There is no time after the lecture to invite questions. Hence a big conversational gap between the teachers and the taught. Generally, the traffic is one-sided, resulting in many misconceptions. The recourse to dialogue can clear the cobwebs in the minds. Unless there is inquisitiveness, there can be no acquisition of knowledge.

On the other hand, the teachers need to refresh their knowledge by gaining access to the young thoughtful minds. Teaching is a long process of learning. It is a continuing process. Teaching in fact is another dimension of learning. In the seminars held in postgraduate classes, it is the communication, the conversation and the dialogue that dispels the mistiness of ignorance.

There is an old saying — “Speak that I may know thee”. The words uttered reveal the real person. Refined manners and impressive apparel may sometimes prove to be deceptive. Famous Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir had to leave Delhi for Lucknow when the capital was devastated by Nadir Shah’s army. At the new place he once attended a poetical symposium in his traditional attire. The other poets and the audience made fun of him, simply because he was not dressed like them.

But the moment Mir recited the first couplet of his ghazal, there was spellbound silence in the ball or the courtyard. The words spoken, the vibrant words, brought about a sea-change in the attitude of the listeners. The man, the butt of their jokes a short while ago, rose considerably in their estimation, simply because his couplets had filled the communication gap. Silence is golden, when one has nothing to say. Speech is welcome, when a person has new ideas to convey. There is no substitute for the forthright expression of one’s viewpoint.

Beautification of Daresi Ground

In the Civil Lines of Ludhiana City there are many places like the Rose Garden, the Rakh Bagh, the PAU campus and many big parks in new colonies where people go for walk and breathe fresh air but in the old city of Ludhiana we have no other place except the Daresi Ground which can be developed into a beautiful park.

The Ramleela Committee in cooperation with the Municipal corporation, Ludhiana, can undertake the task of beautification of this ground. Trees of different varieties can be planted all around the boundary wall. Further, it can be developed into lush green lawns in the different corners of the ground with seasonal flowers and bushes.

The other part of the Daresi Ground is under the control of the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, where three tubewells are at work supplying drinking water to the nearby areas. In both these parts of the Daresi Ground, there is no arrangement of urinals and toilets.

With the will of the Municipal Corporation authorities and office- bearers of the Ramleela committee, Daresi Ground can be turned into a beautiful spot for the public of the old Ludhiana City.
R.K. Sharma
Ludhiana

COMMUNITY

A thought for the deprived

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The festival season starting from Dasehra and lasting till Christmas sees a lot of spending by the people. While the rich splurge money on expensive gifts and burn crackers worth lakhs, the poorest of the poor do not have money even to light candles. Many in the city feel that Mother Teresa’s favourite hymn “Whatever you do to the least of my brethern that you do unto me,” should be the guiding spirit behind celebrations this year.

Ms Pammi Gupta, who comes from a business family, says, “Of course, we spend money on Diwali. We exchange gifts, which are not very expensive. I send gifts to about 20-30 persons. However, I am also conscious of my duties towards the poor. I teach six children of our workers from 3 pm to 5 pm every day. It gives me great satisfaction that I am enabling them to be self-reliant. We also share sweets with them on Diwali and distribute crackers.”

Another woman, who prefers not to be named, says, “How can we be happy amidst this sea of poverty and deprivation. I pay for the education of a few needy children throughout the year. We have stopped giving and receiving gifts for the past two years. We use the money thus saved to help the poor. I know many people among my friends who extend a helping hand to the poor.”

Mr Piyush Jain, a leading lawyer, says. “We do spend money on gifts for our friends. However, I also think of the poor at this time. We serve food to the poor near Ghumar Mandi. In fact, we do this every Tuesday. I feel it is not enough and I would like to do more.”

Deepti, a student says, “I do not give expensive gifts on Diwali. I exchange greeting cards with my friends. I share sweets with the poor children of our colony. When I start earning, I will donate money to institutions like SOS and cry for the benefit of poor children.”

A woman, who referred anonymity, said, “I feel gifts are just a way of showing that one cares. I do not understand the logic behind stopping this practice. We give sweets and clothes to the workers at our factory. I do not do anything at a personal level.”

Mr Rajeev Sahni a businessman says his father regularly helps destitute people. “My family keeps donating blankets and food to institutions for the poor. I am thinking of bearing the education expence of some poor children. Wo do not spend too much money on gifts.”

Ms Sudarshan Prabha, a devout woman, says; “I do not wait for Diwali to do good deeds. I help poor children throughout the year by providing them with books and clothes. On Diwali, I buy clothes for the poor children of my locality. I feel it is our sacred duty to take care of the weaker sections of society.”

Ms Mandher, a school teacher helps the poor both with cash and kind. Do whatever I can for our servants”.

Mr Satish Sharma, a professor in a local college, says, “I do help the workers at my college. When someone is in financial trouble, I try to help the person, not only during the festival season, but throughout the year. My endeavour is to render whatever help I can both in cash and kind. I like to exchange gifts, but I believe in simplicity. A single flower given with love and affection is a much better gift than a piece of jewellery given with a selfish motive.” — AA

Fancy dress to celebrate Dasehra, Divali
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — To celebrate the festivals of Dasehra and Divali, a fancy dress competition of tiny tots was held at the Shanti Niketan Adarsh Vidyalaya here today.

All the kids were dressed up as characters from the Ramayana. In group A, Gagandeep, Sahil and Muskan were declared first, second and third, respectively. In Group B, Jaspreet stood first, Harsimran was declared second and Hanish was adjudged third. In Group C, Ritu stood first and Gouresh was declared second. In Group D, Dipika, Krishan and Shivali stood first, second and third, respectively.

A general knowledge examination contest was also conducted in which Sunny Sehgal bagged the first prize, followed by Rajesh and Aayush Jain. Later, a magic show was held, in which magician C.V. Samrat displayed his tricks.

Addressing the students, Mr Randhir Sharma, director, said that the main idea behind organising the function was to familiarise the children with the Indian epic Ramayana.

Pre-Vayu Sainik Camp
Tribune New Service

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — More than 350 air cadets drawn from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh are particpating in a pre-Vayu Sainik camp organised at Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur.

The camp has been organised under the guidance of Col P.S.Bedi, Commander, NCC group, HQ Ludhiana and CO No. 4 Punjab Air Sqdn NCC,Ludhiana. The camp, which began on September 27, will conclude on October 8. The aim of the camp is to impart training to the air wing cadets, who will be competing in various events at the All India Vayu Sainik camp being held at Bangalore from October 11 to 22.

The air cadets are being imparted extensive training in drill, tent-pitching, gliding, skeet shooting and aero-modelling.

The prize distribution and air show of the camp will be held tomorrow.

CRIME

Gold jewellery stolen
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — Two conmen are alleged to have decamped with 120 gm of gold jewellery worth a couple of thousands of rupees from a jewellery shop at Jawaddi Road.

According to an FIR registered under Seciton 420 of the IPC, it is alleged that two unidentified persons came to the jewellery shop of Harmeet Singh on a motor cycle on October 3 at around 12.45 p.m. It is alleged that the two accused asked to see a few anklets and bangles. The accused then reportedly asked the complainant that he wanted to take the jewellery back home, but then did not reurn back. The police has now registered a case under Section 420 of the IPC.

Tyres stolen
The tyres of a Toyota Leyland vehicle (PB-26-1661) were stolen from outside the house of Ajit Singh in Preet Vihar on the night of October 2. A case under Section 380 of the IPC has been registered.

Dowry case
A case under Secions 406 and 498-A of the IPC has been registered on the complaint of Baljinder Kaur against her husband Sukhwinder Singh, father-in-law Shyam Singh, mother-in-law Harbans Kaur and sisters-in -law, Amandeep Kaur and Gurpret Kaur. The accused were demanding dowry from the family of the complainant.

BUSINESS

LIC gets new building
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Oct 5 — The Life Insurance Corporation of India is gearing up to meet the challenges to be put forward by private insurance companies in near future.

Addressing a press conference after inaugurating ‘Jeevan Prakash’ the new divisional office building of the LIC here today, Mr Y.P. Gupta, Managing Director, said the corporation has started improving its customer product, return and profession service in order to face the competition of the private companies.

He said that the corporation has constituted a committee to study the recommendations made by an international consultant company and to suggest the implementation process . The consultant agency was hired by the LIC to find out where it may possibly lack in facing the competition of private insurance companies and what were the areas of improvement,

He said international consultant Booz Allan Hamilton has recommended further strengthening of the customer service besides bringing about more professionalism in the corporation. One of the weak areas pointed by the consultant was the improper investment strategy of the corporation.

Mr Gupta said till now the corporation has remained a passive player in the equity market but now it has started investing its money. He said several new policies like giving 1 per cent to 6 per cent share of profits to employees have proved to be highly beneficial as the corporation has registered a growth of 29 per cent in the ongoing financial year.

Elaborating further on the improvements, he said that the corporation will inter-connect 625 branches by March 2001. This, he said, would be of immense benefit to the public as they could get latest knowledge about their policy while sitting in any part of the country.

Mr Gupta said the coporation has also decided to appoint retired judges in its claim review committees both at regional and national level.