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| Friday,
October 13, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
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Minister for reducing pressure on PGI CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr C.P. Thakur, today stressed the need for setting up a medical grants commission on the pattern of the University Grants Commission to raise the standard of medical education in the country. Dr Thakur was addressing postgraduate students and others while presiding over the XXIV annual convocation of the PGIMER at Bhargava auditorium here this afternoon. Dr Thakur pointed out that medical colleges in the country were facing a severe resource crunch as state governments were not giving sufficient grants to meet their requirements. He suggested that the libraries of all medical colleges in the peripheral areas, which are presently not well equipped, should be linked with the National Library so that students of these colleges can have access to latest medical journals and bulletins. He said students of these colleges have not been able to score top positions in various national-level examinations simply due to poor infrastructure. Realising the need for relieving the PGI of its overload, the minister urged the adjacent states to augment their health care facilities to the level of the Institute so that they are able to share the load of PGI. Only those patients needing specialised and critical care should be referred to the PGI, and this will be possible only when doctors are willing to move and work in rural areas, where medical facilities are deficient. Delivering the convocation address, the minister voiced his serious concern over the rising population. He pointed out that around 18 million infants were being added to the nation’s population every year, which had already crossed the 1 billion mark. “Let us accept it as a challenge and preach ‘one child family norm’ without any hesitation or reservation, without any fear of political, regional or religious angle attached to it. He stated that remarkable progress made by the country in the field of health care has been made possible by the whole-hearted support of the medical community. Both preventive and curative services have made rapid strides , bringing down the overall death rate to less than 10. He said that implementation of different health programmes has been intensified to combat communicable diseases like TB, leprosy, malaria, Filaria as well as non-communicable diseases like cataract-induced blindness, cancer and cardio vascular diseases. The convocation, started 25 minutes behind schedule. The procession of the PGI faculty members lead by the Registrar, Mr D.R Yadava finally walked in at 3.25 p.m. The procession also included Emeritus Professors, members of the Institute body and the governing body. The minister, who is also the President of the institute, earlier gave away degrees to 600 students in various
disciplines of medicine. These included degrees of Ph.D, DM, M Ch, MD, MS, M. Sc medical technology, B. Sc (audiology and speech therapy), Bachelor of physical therapies and B.Sc medical technology. Apart from this, gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to students who excelled in various fields including research work. Dr Sanjay Suri and Dr NBS Mani were awarded the Kataria
memorial gold medal for the years 1998 and 1999 respectively. Dr Diwakar received Dr B.K. Aiket gold medal award for the year 1999. The research work award for the year 1999, Maj-Gen Amir Chand Gold Medal was presented to Dr Neelam Dhiman. It was perhaps for the first time that the convocation was held in the absence of a regular dean, though the proceedings of the Dean were conducted by Prof Kusum Joshi, in-charge of the academic section of the PGI. However, at the end, Prof S.M. Bose, chairman of the institute functioning committee, presented a vote of thanks on behalf of the Dean. Incidentally, the convocation was held after a gap of three years. Highlighting the achievements of the PGI on various fronts, the institute Director, Dr S.K. Sharma, said that the institute has during the last year attended to 1 million outdoor patients and admitted 40,000 indoor patients, while the load on the emergency was ever increasing. He listed the names of doctors who had brought laurels to the institute in their respective areas of specialisation. He thanked the Union Government for sanctioning Rs 200 crore for their dream projects — Advanced Cardiac Centre; Advanced Trauma Centre; Advanced Bone Marrow transplant centre, Advanced Ophthalmological Centre and the second phase of the Advanced Paediatric Centre. A mention was also made about the Dr P.N Chhuttani Centre for Tropical Diseases. |
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Notice to Punjab police KHARAR, Oct 12 — Mrs Harinder Sidhu, Duty Magistrate, Kharar, today issued notice to the Punjab police for October 14 in an application moved by Mr Harbhajan Singh and his wife, Gurvinder Kaur, who got married in April, 2000, against the wishes of their parents, for providing police protection to them because they apprehend that they would be liquidated any time by the Punjab police which is in league with the parents of Gurvinder Kaur. The applicants through their counsel have submitted that a complaint, Gurvinder Kaur versus Jwala Singh (father) and Amarjit Singh (uncle), was already pending. They have written that the accused persons hatched a conspiracy with the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Khamanon (Fatehgarh Sahib), to liquidate both and the Khamanon police picked up the husband from Ucha Pind Sanghol and took him to the office of the DSP, Khamanon. They have written that after taking the husband in illegal custody the DSP made a phone call to the parents of Gurvinder Kaur wherein they allegedly resolved to liquidate both for some consideration. They have alleged that then the DSP forced Harbhajan Singh to write a suicide note stating that he was committing suicide being fed up with his wife and he was forced to swallow poisonous substance and when he refused, he was beaten up. According to the complaint, there after Harbhajan Singh was put in the lock-up at Kheri Naudh Singh police station (Fatehgarh Sahib), but he managed to escape. They prayed before the court that they should be given police security under the supervision of the court. |
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Campus election to be delayed CHANDIGARH,
Oct 12 — The elections to the Panjab University Campus Students Council will now be delayed, after the UT Administration announced here today that it would allow the holding of student-body elections in colleges. Principals of all colleges of the city wanted that these elections should not be held. However, the decision to hold the elections in the colleges followed soon after they had met the DPI (Colleges) and the PU Dean Student Welfare. The Principals also did not want the elections to be held during the three-day PU Youth Festival. After the Administration had allowed the elections to be held on days other than that of the festival, a debate followed on whether the elections on the PU campus should be postponed accordingly or not. Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of the PU, said the final date of elections was likely to be announced tomorrow. A senior student said, “The postponement of elections reflects poor planning by the university. The issue of elections in colleges should have been addressed earlier.” A college principal said the university authorities should have tried to know the academic schedule before taking a decision to avoid the clash of dates. Another principal said the university should make an exception this year in the case of elections on the PU campus and should otherwise hold these along with elections in colleges. The DPI (Colleges) said elections on the campus had been allowed and the university authorities were responsible for further action. Special police guards have been deployed at the PU gates and they are allowing only staff and students to enter the campus. There was only one report of a minor altercation between the two groups in Hostel IV past night. Members of various groups visited all departments today as part of the election campaign. Dayal Pratap Singh Randhawa, a former president of the students’ council, campaigned for Bhupinder Beniwal, the present SOPU candidate for the post. Chand Singh Madaan, Chairman of the HSA, said the campaign was also aimed at finding out problems of the university students. Surat Negi and Lakhjit Singh also joined the campaign. |
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VIP duties for cops affect common man’s
security PANCHKULA, Oct 12 — With over 25 per cent of the local police force of 650 men in attendance of VIPs at the cost of maintaining law and order here, a spurt in crime — mostly burglaries— has been reported in the town during the last month. The last fortnight saw 10 visits by VIPs in the city and their stay of a couple of hours had a team of 150 men on duty nearly two hours in advance till the time they left. This left only 500 men at the disposal of 22000 houses in the city — an average of one policeman for 44 houses. However, the number of men on VIP duty varies from function to function, a public function requiring more than a function in an enclosed area. Also in the same fortnight, the shortfall of men was felt even more with a few policemen posted outside the Nada Sahib gurdwara following a clash — where they still continue to be. Cops were needed at Madalpur village in Sector 15 also following a demolition drive, leaving only a handful for the town. At around the same time, a burglary was reported from a businessman’s house, where thieves broke into a house in Sector 11 while in another similar case, a doctor lost cash and jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh in Sector 9. The Superintendent of Police, Ms Kala Ramachandran,
says,"VIP duties are no excuse for increasing thefts in the city. Both form a part of our duty and we cannot afford to compromise on one for the other. The residents could help the police by at least informing their neighbours of their absence or leaving information at the nearest police post.’’ However, she admits that the cops are put on two to three VIP duties in a week’s time. On one occasion during the navratra mela, things came to such a pass that police personnel on VIP duty began duty hours at 6 am in the morning, only to be relieved at 6 pm the next day. This was on account of continual flow of VIPs to the Mansa Devi shrine, allowing the cops a break of an hour in between in rotation, police sources informed. In spite of the increasing frequency of VIP visits, the Director-General of Police, Mr SPS Rathore, rules out constituting a special force only at the disposal of the district. “It is essential for personnel to have complete knowledge of local conditions and criminals for providing an effective security cover. A specialised commando group can be called in depending on the VIP and can be only used to provide a security ring around him. They cannot be expected to perform duties ranging from traffic management to controlling crowds to providing cover around the dais,” he adds. Commenting on the small number of 20 constables allotted to the district in a pool of 2000 recruited in the state, he informs that sanction of more force depends on area and crime statistics rather than VIP visits. “The only answer lies in enhancing the numbers in the force, and the state requires three times the sanctioned posts, going by national standards,” he adds. |
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Confusion
over holiday CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — Starting from Friday the city and its surrounding townships are ready for a three-day weekend, and along with it comes the usual confusion about which office is open and which is closed. Confusion prevails over holiday tomorrow in the minds of residents regarding courts, schools, colleges, Panjab University, hospitals, offices of the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation, banks, railways, telecom, income tax, central excise and other central government offices. The out patient departments (OPDs) at the PGI will function as usual, but no routine examinations will be conducted. The OPDs at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, and the General Hospital, Sector 16, will not function on Friday, but will remain open on Saturday. Emergency services will be available round the clock at all three hospitals. Poly clinic will function on Saturday, but remain closed on Friday and Sunday. On all three days the administrative and teaching wings of Panjab University will remain closed. Colleges in Chandigarh will also remain closed on Friday and Sunday. Same is true for Government schools in Chandigarh, Panchkula and SAS Nagar. All offices of the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation will remain closed on these days. The Punjab and Haryana High Court will be open on Friday, but will remain closed for the next three days, including Monday. The District and Sessions Courts will remain open on Saturday and closed on Friday and Sunday. Same is true for the District Courts in Panchkula. All state government offices of Haryana and Punjab located in Panchkula and SAS Nagar, will also be closed. In SAS Nagar the Municipal Council and PUDA offices will remain closed on these days same will be the case with HUDA in Panchkula. Meanwhile, important public dealing Central Government offices like Railways, Telecom, Income Tax, Central Excise and Customs will function on Friday but will be closed, as usual, on Saturday and Sunday. |
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Golf Club membership at ‘a price’ CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — Financial crunch facing the state notwithstanding, the SAS Nagar-based Punjab Tractors has sponsored a Rs 20 lakh driving range at the Chandigarh Golf Club here. In return, four top executives of the company will get corporate membership of the club. Besides, the club has offered to convert the temporary membership of Mr R.P. Sehgal, Executive Director, to honorary membership till his turn to become a regular member matures. Earlier, Mr Sehgal was only a temporary member. The Punjab Government has more than 20 per cent equity in Punjab Tractors. Official sources in the Punjab Government maintained that Punjab Tractors does not come within the purview of either the State Vigilance Bureau or the Central Vigilance Commission. Only those public sector undertakings, corporations and boards or other undertakings which have 50 per cent or more equity of the state are covered by the guidelines of both the Central Vigilance Commission and the State Vigilance Bureau. Even the directives on austerity measures circulated by the Punjab Government among various departments, corporations, boards and public sector undertakings do not extend to bodies like Punjab Tractors. The official sources maintained that Punjab Tractors was free to sponsor the construction of the driving range at the Golf Club. The sponsoring of the driving range, certain employees of Punjab Tractors pointed out, could not be used for personal benefit by senior executives of the company. They said this action of the authorities amount to “misuse” of their official position for personal benefit. The minutes of the Managing Committee of the Golf Club circulated on September 28 mention in detail the driving range at the club. These read: “Messrs Punjab Tractors, who have sponsored this project, are going to spend a huge sum of money (approximately Rs 20 lakh) on the driving range. Twentyseven poles have already been put up in the range. A long time is required for the fabrication of the poles. “‘The committee decided that as a token of thanks and in lieu of their monetary contribution, four senior executives of Messrs Punjab Tractors will be given corporate membership of the club for a period of 10 years. These four corporate members will pay monthly fees as temporary members. Mr R.P. Sehgal, Executive Director, who is the leader of the team, and is at present a temporary member, will be made honorary member till the time his turn comes for permanent membership,” the minutes said. The Vice-Chairman of Punjab Tractors, Mr Yash Mahajan, was categoric that the driving range at the Golf Club was for corporate image building and the company never bargained with the club for either corporate membership or anything else. “We have recently fabricated a new tractor-pulled ball-picking machine for golf clubs. This machine is at the Chandigarh Golf Club. We have to bag export orders for this machine,” Mr Mahajan said maintaining that Punjab Tractors, as part of its social obligation or duty, had been sponsoring sports events and other activities in Punjab. Besides, Punjab Tractors had been fabricating ambulances and supplying tractors on a cost-to-cost basis to various institutions. “The driving range at the Golf Club is a part of our corporate image-building exercise. The Golf Club has been giving honorary membership to many in recognition of their contribution to the club. Believe me, the conversion of the temporary membership of Mr Sehgal to honorary membership is more because of his contribution to the club over the years than because of the driving range. There is no question of any individual or executive driving any individual benefit out of this project. All senior executives of the company are already members of the club,” Mr Mahajan added. |
Panel to finalise rates for
plots CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — The Industrial Advisory Committee, at a meeting held yesterday, formed a subcommittee to finalise the rates for the industrial plots that are to be allotted in Chandigarh. The committee will submit its report in three months. The representatives of the industry who attended the meeting said the Chandigarh Administration should follow the Punjab or Haryana pattern while finalising the rates. The Administration has been saying for long Rs, 2100 per square yard will have to be paid for the plots. In case of sheds allotted through CITCO, allottees wanted that the land should be converted into freehold from the existing leasehold. Another point raised at the meeting was regarding the simplification of the sales tax in Chandigarh. A proposal in this regard is pending with the Union Government. Space for the information technology sector firms will be provided in Sector 43. This will be besides the proposed IT towers that the Chandigarh Administration plans to build in Sector 47. |
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Villagers’ memo
to Jacob CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — The Gram Sudhar Sabha of Burail village has urged the Chandigarh Administration to improve the conditions of the streets and “phirni” immediately. In a memorandum to the UT Administrator, Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd), the President of the sabha, Mr Sat Pal Gupta, said though the necessary grant for this purpose had already been sanctioned, the condition of the streets and the “phirni” remained bad for the past many years. There was erratic supply of water in summer. A large number of water meters were out of order and the bills were issued on average basis. Similarly, the condition of streetlights remained bad. Apart from this, due to inadequate sweepers the insanitary conditions were all pervasive. Mr Gupta urged the Administrator that necessary instructions should be issued to the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh to undertake development works on a priority basis.
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Exotic collection of glass with silver
engravings CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — Symphony is the theme of his silver creations. And the attempt is to re-create the silver magic which was so specific to the bygone era. Jaipur-based Nikhil Kakra is in the city with a vast range of silver products which remind one of the parched lands of Rajasthan where silver decanters were often used to quench the thirst of warriors. Whisky decanters are here too, adorning the shelves at Aroma Premium, but they have been smartly reshaped to add novelty, and they are available in a simple bracket of Rs 600 to Rs 2000. The cost is more on account of the silver which lies embossed on each piece. That is the trick this time. Though Kakra has been to the city twice earlier, he is displaying the very English collection for the first time. He uses the best silver which has 925 level of purity (called sterling silver), and the silver has been stuck on the products with a German glue so that it does not fall off. If at all it falls, there is a guarantee of replacement of product, provided you return the silver embossing. Now about the range of quality and price. It is immense to start with right from beer mugs (each costing about Rs 140) to glass with silver embossed on it (cost varies between Rs 60 and Rs 300 each glass). The costlier glass is actually Italian crystal on which silver has been embossed. Then there are flower vases bearing the tag of the British Queen in silver. The price falls between Rs 40 and Rs 280. Glass sets (six pieces) would, thus, cost just about Rs 360, and they can be complimented with ice buckets in the range of Rs 540 each. Goblets are also quite attractive with the intricacy of silver embossed on them. Each such goblet costs Rs 70. Among other interesting and novel products are telephone diaries with silver engraving (between Rs 120 and Rs 400) and then the photo frames which have been made from a combination of wood, leather and silver. Nikhil is also exporting his products to the USA, South Africa and Gulf countries. Little peanut bowls of glass, however, are available for Rs 120 each. This exhibition will be on till October 17, and the next in line probably will be the range in which the manufacturer is using gold, diamond and platinum on glass. |
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Saving a cat hounded by dogs CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — If a cat has nine lives, the second life of the one hounded by four street dogs last night here is thanks to Sector 44 resident Shammi (not his real name). And the third would be due to the efforts of the People for Animals, a Sector 10-based organisation. Shammi was going for an after-dinner walk at 10.45 p.m. when he heard screams of an animal in pain. To his horror, he saw that a pack of dogs had cornered a cat and were flinging it on the concrete driveway with force. While he shooed the dogs away, he saw that the cat lay limp under a scooter parked there. Taking the immobile animal for dead, he tried to extricate the body from the vehicle. But, the attempt evoked a weak cry of meeaow, revealing that the cat was alive. Unable to leave the feline to its fate, Shammi called up the People for Animals, who promptly offered to come to the cat's help. While there was no doctor available at that hour, a helper Raja Ram and driver Anuj had taken the injured cat in the three-wheeler to their shelter by 11.30 p.m. They provided it with first aid — a shot of a painkiller — and some milk. A visit to the PFA office this evening showed that the animal was being looked after well. The veterinary surgeon on duty, Dr Nishtha Pathak, said the cat, a male, had suffered an injury to its spinal cord. This is an injury of a serious nature, just like one on the brain of a human being, she explained. But, otherwise, from its eyes and erect ears, it seems fit. It has had milk, bread and chapati since last night. Besides the analgesic to calm the cat in pain, it had been administered medicines to strengthen its bone and Vitamin B. The cat would be taken to the Sector 22 clinic for an X-ray to ascertain the extent of the injury and further course of treatment. A dried patch of blood on the cat's body indicates an old wound. This also probably is the reason why the animal, normally agile, could not save itself from the dogs. Interestingly, the doctor said the cat seems to be domesticated. Otherwise, it would not have allowed them to touch it. Who are its owners ? |
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Due representation for SC lawyers
sought CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court Advocates (Dr Ambedkar) Welfare Association, Chandigarh, in a memorandum to the Governor of Haryana, has demanded that due representation be given to the Scheduled Caste advocates in the office of the Advocate-General, Punjab and Haryana, as law officers and in other offices concerning judicial matters. Members of the association, led by its president, Mr Tarsem Lal, met the Governor, Mr Babu Parmanand, and said Advocate- General offices of Punjab and Haryana, though having a large number of judicial officers, had none from the Scheduled Castes, except one in Punjab. He demanded change in the criteria of appointment of judges to the High Court and Supreme Court so that SC members of the Bar could also be elevated to Judges. |
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Working for peace and happiness in world PANCHKULA, Oct 12 — “May the happiness and peace flow in the mainstream of the universe. May the society be devoid of enmity, violence and revenge. May the people with religious mind come forward, serve and help others”. These are the wishes and perceptions of Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, who is on a mission to spread spiritual messages of Vedas, Upanishadas and Darshan Shastra to “awaken the Universe”. He is in Panchkula to inaugurate “Shiv Dham Ashram”, which will be a home for the old. The ashram will be based on the tradition of Vedic era and teachings of hermits and saints, catering to the needs of destitutes. Born on May 2, 1955, at Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj claims that he responded to the inner voice of his soul while playing with his friends when he was just seven. At the age of 10, with the spirtual inspiration of Swami Vijendra Muni he learnt meditation and self-introspection at Gurukul, Rishikesh and caves of Uttar Kashi. He is said to have avidly learnt all Vedas under the guidance of Mahayogi Swami Sadanand and Swami Muktanand. He was impressed with the mystery and importance of life and says that he had an early vision of the beauty of holiness. After completing his post-graduation, he wandered around the country for a year and tried to know people and their problems in life. He also took up teaching Sanskrit in Meerut. Swamiji recalls that like all parents, his father and mother also wanted him to adopt a noble career for supporting his family. His father also took interest in teaching him about dharma by narrating sacred bed-time stories when he was small. But he never wanted his son to take the favour of devotees’ and the charitable funds for gurus, rather he wanted him to create funds for his disciples and earn his own living. His father himself is running a charitable dispensary at Saharnpur. Today, lakhs of his disciples all over the country and abroad are enjoying the bliss of life under his spirtual inspiration. He has also established Vishva Jagriti Mission, a social welfare organisation engaged in reviving the cultural richness of India as well as fulfilling the desire of his parents. Based on the golden principles of service, devotion, contentment, meditation, cooperation, dedication, endurance and sympathy, the role in Vishva Jagriti Mission is to evoke the best in mankind, to attain divine power by service of mankind and ultimately to mingle with almighty God. In an exclusive interview, he talked about youngsters who are aping western culture. He said nobody in the West understands the profoundness of relations, be it a parent-child, brother-sister or husband-wife. People are self centered. They have recognised the golden Indian culture and heritage. They are impressed by Hindustani hospitality, love and affection, whereas many Indians are now being increasingly influenced by Western culture, outfits and fast life. A value-based education is necessary. The values that a student should acquire are honesty, truthfulness, kindness and concern for the under priviledged, he said. |
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CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — Anandamurti Guru Ma said here tonight that it is imperative to know about the value of life before knowing about the mystery and meaning of death. If we do not understand the importance of moments we cannot hope to lead a successful and meaningful life. She said that mere inhaling and exhaling is not life, but taking name of God with every breath makes it worthwhile. Guru Ma was inaugurating a 5-day satsang sammelan in Sector 28. This is her first programme in Chandigarh. Addressing a large congregation Guru Ma said that if we realise that same element of God is present in everybody, we would not behave inimically with anybody. Pity, service, sympathy and goodwill are the real human attributes, but we are drifting away from these and are indulging in beastly behaviour, animals do not indulge in corruption, scandals etc, but human beings do. She said that a satsang is neither a fair nor a picnic. It is an assembly of God-lovers. She clearly said that she is not after big gatherings or applause, but wants real God-loving people as her audience. She said that no awakening or revolution is possible in mobs. She started her discource by chanting a song of Swami Brahmananda and dwelt on its meaning in detail. She said that only chosen few can take the path of divine love and God realisation. |
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Bharat Gaurav award
for S.M. Bose CHANDIGARH,
Oct 12 — Prof S.M. Bose, eminent surgeon of the PGI, was honoured with the Bharat Gaurav award by the India International Friendship Society for his services and contributions on October 9 at New Delhi. The function was organised along with a seminar on “Economic growth and national integration.”
The award of excellence was presented by Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Communication. The other recipients of the award included Mr Madan Lal Khurana, MP, Mr Amar Singh, MP, and a former Director of the CBI, Mr Joginder Singh. |
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Firecrackers seized SAS NAGAR, Oct 12 — Officials of the State Excise and Taxation Department today conducted raids at four shops in Sohana and seized unaccounted fire crackers worth Rs 10 lakh. The Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr DS Kalha, said the raids were conducted after receiving information that the shopkeepers had stored the fire crackers without any records. |
One arrested on
rape charge CHANDIGARH,
Oct 12 — The police has arrested one person on the charge of raping a woman of Colony No 5. According to police sources, the victim complained that she was going to watch the Dasehra festivities when she was accosted by two Sector 43 residents, Badri and Bhawan, who forced her to accompany them to a place. Since it was quite dark she could not make out the place where she was taken and repeatedly raped. The accused dropped her near the colony the next day. One of the accused, Badri, has been arrested while the other is still at large. A case under Sections 342, 376 of the IPC has been registered. Girl abducted Six arrested The police has arrested five persons, including Sohan Lal, Mukesh Gupta, Ram Sardar and Ram Nagina, on the charge of consuming liquor at a public place. They have been booked under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act. |
One-time settlement
scheme launched CHANDIGARH, Oct 12 — The State Bank of Patiala has launched the one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for loan defaulters of the bank of Dera Bassi, Dehar, Lalru and the surrounding areas in Patiala zone. According to Mr Shiv Dev Singh Sodhi, Deputy General Manager, the scheme, aimed at reducing the non-performing assets (NPAs), will bring relief to defaulters who are poor, illiterate and involved in protracted court cases. He said after March 31 some tough steps would be taken against defaulters. Borrowers are being contacted personally by bank officials and are being motivated to avail of the scheme. This zone has taken the lead in organising such melas through its settlement advisory committee, Mr Rakesh Goyal, AGM, also spoke on the occasion. |
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