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| Wednesday, October 18, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
SAD to back BJP in Mayor’s poll Bibi plays hide
and seek Five held for driving a woman to suicide Pistols smuggled from Rajasthan Mann blames
govt for farmers’ plight PUDA tightens noose around encroachers |
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Land offered free of
cost to US university Opposition leaders
flay administration bias Missing girl traced Change of Christmas
date condemned End untouchability,
says Kanjhla BJP President to visit Punjab
Man booked for embezzling
Pingalwara funds 5 cops booked for
implicating villager Boy
kidnapped 4 killed in accidents
Divali mela from today
Credit card
launched
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SAD to back BJP in Mayor’s poll AMRITSAR, Oct 17 — The BJP today received a shot in the arm when its ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal, which had earlier decided to field a parallel candidate for the Mayor’s election scheduled for tomorrow, extended its unconditional support to the BJP candidate. Mr Lakha Singh, officiating Mayor, who belongs to the SAD, said today that he and seven other Akali councillors would vote in favour of the BJP candidate at the behest of Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Cooperation Minister. “I am not taking this decision according to my wishes”, he said. However, he hastened to add the SAD had decided to support the BJP candidate as per the wishes of Mr Brahmpura. It was clear from his utterances that he and his colleagues had taken the decision to support the BJP candidate with a heavy heart. He refused to embrace the BJP leaders who came forward to thank him after the announcement. Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Mr Brahmpura, Dr Rattan Singh, Dr Baldev Chawla—all ministers, Mr Ajaypaul Singh Mirankot, an Akali MLA, and Mr Pardeep Singh Walia, city president, SAD, and Mr Brij Lal Rinwa, state BJP president, had to work hard to bring Akali councillors to the “negotiating” table. Now the contest for the election is poised between the BJP-SAD alliance and a faction of the Congress. Out of the 21 Congress municipal councillors, 15 have already resigned from the party and joined the group headed by Mr Om Prakash Soni, an Independent MLA. Mr Lakha Singh had earlier decided to contest the election of Mayor with the support of the split Congress group and Independents. He had claimed the support of some dissident BJP councillors too. Sources say if there is no cross-voting, it could be a cakewalk for the BJP. However, there is apprehension that councillors from different parties might cross floor. There are as many as 60 councillors in the House. Six MLAs also have the voting right. The former Mayor, Mr Subash Sharma, who was expelled from the BJP for six years, was seated alongside Mr Tandon and other BJP leaders. Mr Sharma said he hoped his expulsion would be revoked after the election. The three CPI councillors have not yet announced their support to any party. The Congress is left with only six councillors. The CPM and the Janata Dal have one each member in the House. The BJP claims the lone Janata Dal councillor has extended his support to the party. |
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Bibi plays hide
and seek JALANDHAR, Oct 17 — Even as the CBI has been reportedly going slow on the arrest of the SGPC chief, Bibi Jagir Kaur, in the case relating to the death of her daughter, the SGPC President seems to continue playing hide and seek with the premier investigating agency. Though the CBI has decided not to go ahead with the arrest of Bibi Jagir Kaur without sufficient evidence, the Bibi, it seems is in no mood to take chances and has cancelled almost all scheduled programmes during the past fortnight, staging dramatic appearances in small towns and villages. As she has been inaccessible to a majority of journalists during the period, her supporters have been sparing no effort to convince the people that she has not gone into hiding and is rather performing her duties in the capacity of the SGPC President as “usual”. Ironically, Bibi Jagir Kaur cancelled her scheduled visit to southern states from October 16 to set up Sikh missions there as she was “down with viral”. Earlier, despite an announcement that she would participate in the
“nagar kirtan” at Amritsar in connection with the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das, she failed to turn up. What was even made intriguing was her absence at the birth anniversary of her father-in-law, Sant Baba Prem Singh Muralewale at her “dera” in Begowal in Kapurthala on October 16. Her private secretary and loyalist Sarwan Singh Josh paid homage to the Baba on her behalf and announced that she could not attend the function due to “illness”. Bibi Jagir Kaur has not been seen at her Defence Colony residence in Jalandhar and her Begowal “dera” after the CBI registered a case against her. Her staff, particularly PAs Harjit Singh and Sarwan Singh Josh, have been entertaining queries of people and journalists on her behalf during time. Sources close to her say she is exercising caution in view of the direction of the CBI to the Punjab Police to trace her gunman Nishan Singh and produce him before it for questioning. Interestingly, of the seven persons booked in the Harpreet case, only Bibi Jagir Kaur and Nishan Singh have not been arrested so far. Five others, including Bibi’s confidante Paramjit Singh Raipur, his sister-in-law Dalwinder Kaur Dhesi, their driver Harbinder Kumar and servants Satya Devi and Sanjeev Kumar have all been arrested. Media reports from Delhi had claimed that Satya Devi had offered a concoction to Harpreet kaur on March 19 at Dalwinder’s Phagwara residence after which she was shifted to a nursing home in Kartarpur for abortion. The CBI has already raided the premises of Dr Satpal at
Kartarpur. Bibi’s support in
SGPC questioned AMRITSAR, Oct 17 — A Senior Vice-President, Mr Balbir Singh Pannu has alleged that out of 97 SGPC members who had reportedly expressed confidence in the leadership of Bibi Jagir Kaur, at least 50 per cent signatures were fake. The list of 97 members was released to press by personal assistant to the SGPC chief. Talking to the press at Circuit House here today, Mr Pannu claimed that some SGPC officials got the signatures of many members fraudulantly. Mr Pannu said as per the wishes of Sikh masses Bibi Jagir Kaur should either resign or the CBI should give a “clean chit” to her. |
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Five held for driving a woman to suicide JALANDHAR, Oct 17 (UNI) — The police has booked five residents of upmarket Model Town locality in the city on the charge of driving a young woman to commit suicide for allegedly not matching the dowry brought be the family’s younger daughter-in-law. Mrs Harpreet Kaur, who consumed poison at her in-laws house here on Sunday, died in the Civil Hospital about an hour past midnight yesterday, the police and hospital sources said. Married nine years ago, Harpreet in her early thirties left behind two young children. The victim’s sister Rajinder Kaur alleged that the in-laws of Harpreet were demanding a car. Mrs Rajinder Kaur claimed that her sister had been complaining of harassment, saying that her in-laws demanded a car. She said she had accompanied her parents to her sister’s house and delivered her in-laws Rs 20,000, saying that they could not afford to buy her a car. But Rajinder Kaur said the harassment continued and her sister was allegedly driven to commit suicide. She said it was the daughter of a neighbour who informed her that Harpreet had comsumed poison and had been admitted to a hospital. Rajinder Kaur said she rushed to the hospital where Harpreet Kaur died at 50 minutes past midnight. The police has registered a case of abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy under Sections 306 and 120-B of the IPC against the victim’s husband Sarabjit Singh, father-in-law Surinderjit Singh Cheema, mother-in-law Harwant Kaur, brother-in-law Amarjit Singh and sister-in-law Ramanjit Kaur. |
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Pistols smuggled
from Rajasthan FAZILKA, Oct 17 — Countrymade pistols unlawfully manufactured in the neighbouring state of Rajasthan continue to be smuggled in Punjab by petty criminals. Known as “kattas” in the police parlance, these pistols are cheaper and within the reach of small-time robbers, who cannot afford to buy sophisticated arms. Interrogation of criminals arrested with the weapon in recent months has revealed that “kattas” are unlawfully manufactured in Ganganagar and Hanumangarh areas and frequently sold in Punjab for anything between Rs 500-Rs 1,000. According to figures, as many as 56 countrymade pistols were recovered in Ferozepore district since January 2000. Of these, 14 pistols were recovered from Abohar sub-division that is close to the Punjab-Rajasthan border. Much recently, two countrymade pistols were recovered from a seven-member gang on October 2 under the Khui Khera police station of Fazilka subdivision. The Fazilka Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Ajay Maluja, said most countrymade pistols seized in the area were purchased from Rajasthan. The weapon continued to be manufactured by a section of the Naik community in Rajasthan. He said the Punjab police was fully alert and would not allow the menace to assume alarming proportions. Sources in the Police Department revealed that the racket has been active in the area for past many years. The Naik community of Rajasthan, mostly comprising blacksmiths, manufacture the single-barrelled “kattas” from their homes. The weapon can hold a 12 bore gun bullet that can be easily purchased from any arms dealer. Ordinary iron pipe and wood are used to manufacture the pistol. The Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Mr N.P.S. Sidhu, said the possibility of these weapons having been brought from states other than Rajasthan could not be ruled out. |
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Mann blames
govt for farmers’ plight FEROZEPORE, Oct 17 — The President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and MP, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, today lashed out at the government for the plight of farmers, while talking to mediapersons here. He said the farmers of Punjab had never faced such a condition in the past 53 years. He was sitting on a fast outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepore. The fast led by former MP Dhyan Singh Mand entered its fourth day today. Mr Mann said since paddy in the border districts of Ferozepore, Amritsar and Gurdaspur had been sown early due to weather conditions, it kept lying in mands since September 5. He said the farmers were exploited to the hilt by millers and traders from September 5 to September 21 but their ordeal continued even after the announcement by the government to start procurement from September 21 as the orders were not made effective. He said government agencies were lackadaisical in their approach towards the purchase of paddy whereas sheller owners were filling their coffers and demanding a truck free for every 10 trucks of paddy. He alleged the entire set-up in the state had virtually collapsed. Ministers and high officials were issuing strict orders, stern warnings and setting deadlines for the procurement, but the inspectors cared a fig about these. On the government decision to pay Rs 100 crore as compensation to those farmers who had sold paddy below the minimum support price, Mr Mann said last year too a subsidy relief of Rs 300 crore was arranged for the farmers but was siphoned off by ministers and officials concerned. |
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PUDA tightens noose around encroachers JALANDHAR, Oct 17 — Political pulls and pressures and protesters by a handful of residents notwithstanding, the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) has decided to go ahead with its weekly encroachment removal programme under its new and more stringent policy. The new anti-encroachment policy of PUDA entails strict departmental action, including suspension, against its officials in case of their failure to contain new encroachments in their respective areas. The PUDA officials who had gone to remove encroachments in the Urban Estate area on October 12 had to face slogan-shouting and protests by a few residents, led by Dr V.K. Tiwari, President of the Urban Estate Residents Welfare Association, who were demanding that the demolition drive should be stopped immediately. As the PUDA officials did not concede their demand, Dr Tiwari and other residents allegedly brought the local MLA, Bhagat Chuni Lal, into the picture, but in vain. Irked over the tough posture of the officials, the residents reportedly sought the intervention of Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, a Punjab minister, who rang up PUDA’s Additional Chief Administrator, Mr H.S. Nanda, who, however, told him that he had no option but to implement the new anti-encroachment policy as per the directions of the Housing Development Minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur. In a bid to save his face, Mr Phillaur allegedly assured some residents that he had discussed the issue with Dr Upinderjit Kaur. However, sources in PUDA said the latter had not directed PUDA officials to discontinue the drive in the Urban Estate Area, where residents, particularly VIPs, had encroached upon road-berms and replaced hedges with
pucca structures. Before beginning the demolition, the residents had been warned by way of a “Munadi” and had been given time to remove encroachments on their own up to September 9. However, except for a few, none had taken the notice seriously. On the other hand, the PUDA authorities have decided to continue the ongoing anti-demolition drive making it a weekly feature. Mr H.S. Nanda said no illegal structure would be spared even if it belonged to an influential person. He said PUDA officials would keep a regular watch to trace out new encroachments and file their reports on weekly basis. Under the new policy, in case of detection of new encroachments, the respective Junior Engineer would be suspended straightway while an explanation would be sought from the Sub-Divisional Officer. |
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Opposition leaders
flay administration bias HOSHIARPUR, Oct 17 — Local leaders of seven political parties have sent a joint representation against the district administration of Hoshiarpur to the Governor, Lt. General
J.F.R. Jacob, in which they have strongly criticised the partial attitude of it. Mr Raj Kumar Nidder, Member state Executive of Punjab Janata Dal, said in a press note here yesterday that Mr Ram Rattan (Congress) Mr Gurmesh Singh (CPM), Mr Onkar Singh Jhamat (BSP), Mr Prithipal Singh (Lok Bhalai Party), Mr Chanan Singh Jadiana SAD (A), Mr R.D. Singh (Janata Dal) and Mr Daulati Ram (RPI) in their joint representation to the Governor criticised the district administration for its alleged partial attitude towards leaders of opposition parties. In the representation they alleged that administration had become a pawn in the hands of leaders of the SAD and the BJP. Mr Nidder alleged that security guards of Mr Sohan Singh
Thandal, State Minister for Food & Supplies and Ms Mohinder Kaur, State Minister for Health & Family Welfare had recently beaten up a driver and a shopkeeper, respectively, without any
reason.
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Land offered free of
cost to US university CHANDIGARH, Oct 17 — The Punjab Government today decided to offer 300 acres of land free of cost and other infrastructural support to the University of California in the USA for establishing a global Institute of Science and Technology in the state. This decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. Mr Badal asked senior officers of the state government to vigorously pursue the proposal and offer all assistance to the university for the setting up of this institute. He claimed that such an institute would help give a fillip to the efforts to make Punjab a science and technology centre of excellence in the northern region, apart from contributing to imparting world-class education, training and research and development facilities to students. Meanwhile, the Project Approval Board meeting, held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, has also granted its approval for setting up an Indian Institute of Information Technology in SAS Nagar. The institute will be set up at a cost of Rs 20.25 crore. A press note issued by the state government said it was proposed to arrange the construction of about 1.5 lakh sq ft of high-class covered area in the first phase at a cost of Rs 15 crore. Mr Badal said the objectives of these steps were to introduce electronic governance and encourage the IT industry. |
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Missing girl traced LUDHIANA, Oct 17 — A girl, reportedly missing for more than a year after her family had sent her to Dubai to work as a domestic help, was traced by the police in Baddowal village near here today. In a press note, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr Kuldeep Singh, said the police rounded up Satish Chander during a nakabandi last night. He later confessed to be living with the missing girl from Gehri Mandi village near Jandiala Guru, whose family had sent her to work as a domestic help to Dubai. He said he had been married to the girl and had also had a child through this alliance. The girl was working at Nijjar Farm in 1996 when she was introduced to Dr Ravinder Singh by the owner of the farm, Wassan Singh. The former offered to take her to Dubai and the girl’s family agreed. In January, 1999, the girl’s family got to know that Dr Ravinder Singh had come to Ludhiana and they went to meet him. However, they were told that the girl had already left for her home in Jandiala Guru. The girl’s father fearing that his daughter could have been killed, approached the police and got a case of kidnapping registered in September, 1999. However, Dr Ravinder Singh left for Dubai and could not be arrested. Satish Chander also told the police that Dr Ravinder Singh had himself sent the girl to
him. |
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Change of Christmas
date condemned GURDASPUR, Oct, 17 — Mr Kanwal Bakshi has been unanimously elected president of the United Christian Front, Punjab here. He has also been authorised to nominate his executive. Meanwhile, Mr Bakshi condemned celebrating of Jesus Christ’s anniversary on October 21 here in which the government is also expected to take part. He said October 21 is not the
right time to celebrate Christmas as it is celebrated on December 25 throughout the world. Representatives of the Church of India (Anglican), Methodist Church, Baptist Church, Evanglical Church of India, Pentecostal Ministry of India, the Salvation Army and other recognised Christian Churches have also decided to boycott the celebration. |
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CBI
probe sought into murder case MOGA, Oct 17 — The PPCC General Secretary, Dr Malti
Thapar, and President, PPCC (Farmer wing), Mr Satnam Singh Sandhesh, today urged the Punjab police to arrest the murderers of Rakesh Kumar, son of Harmesh Kumar
Mukhija, joint secretary, Punjab Congress. Speaking to mediapersons here today they said the case should be referred to the CBI. |
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End untouchability,
says Kanjhla SANGRUR, Oct 17 — Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Minister for Social Security, Punjab, today called upon the people to work-towards abolishing untouchability from society and strengthen the Dalits, socially and economically. Mr Kanjhla was addressing a function, organised in connection with the abolition of untouchability, at Ambedkar Bhawan here today. He said though a lot of facilities had already been provided to Dalits in Punjab but a lot of work had yet to be done in this direction. Mr Kanjhla urged the people to work for the all round development of Dalits so that they could spend a respectful life in the society. |
BJP President to visit Punjab PHILLAUR, Oct 17 — The BJP President, Mr Bangaru
Laxman, during his one-day tour of Punjab on October 19, will preside over the state working committee meeting of the Punjab BJP at
Gurdaspur. Besides, he will address a state-level rally there to celebrate one year of successful BJP rule under the leadership of Mr Atal Behari
Vajpayee. |
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Kisan Sabha holds
victory rally NAWANSHAHR, Oct 17 — A deputation of the Punjab Kisan Sabha led by Mr Balbir Singh Dadla, senior vice-president of the sabha, met the State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr Sohan Singh Tandal, here today and demanded that the relief package and relaxations in specifications for paddy procurement be immediately implemented. The sabha organised a rally here today and termed the announcement of the relief package by the Centre for the farmers a victory of the struggle launched by the
Sabha. |
Takht Damdama Sahib
Web site soon BATHINDA, Oct 17 — The Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh, today said a website of Sikh educational institution would be launched. Addressing a press conference here, Giani Kewal Singh said conference would be organised at Tawlandi Sabo on October 21 and 22. |
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Man booked for embezzling
Pingalwara funds AMRITSAR, Oct 17 — The city police has registered an FIR against Jaswant Singh, a fund collector, who allegedly misappropriated Rs 4.50 lakh. The president of the All-India Pingalwara Society, Dr Inderjit Kaur, told newsmen here that a number of complaints were received against Jaswant Singh, who had allegedly got fake receipts printed to collect huge amounts from far-off places. Dr Inderjit Kaur added that the modus operandi used by him was that he would visit various cities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka and ‘dupe’ innocent persons by issuing bogus receipts. Based on the reports from these places and also written complaints, the society, after proper verification of the records, found that Jaswant Singh had allegedly misappropriated lakhs from the society money, which is used for the welfare of destitutes, the infirm, mentally retarded, sick and abandoned people. The police has already started investigation into the fraud after the registration of an FIR. However, no arrests have been made so far.  |
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5 cops booked for
implicating villager MANSA, Oct 17 — On the directions of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Sukhdev Singh, a case was registered on October 15 at city police station here against Avtar Singh, ASI, Sukhdev Singh, MHC, Gursewak Singh, Surinder Singh and Balwant Singh, all constables for implicating Mr Pritam Singh, a former member of Jawaharke panchayat in a false case. According to the complaint filed by Mr Pritam Singh in the court, he was beaten up on September 30 at his house by the suspect cops. He was brought to city police station where he was beaten up by Sukhdev Singh, MHC, and the other four police officials. The same day the police booked Mr Pritam Singh under Sections 452, 323, 506 and 34 of the IPC vide FIR no 121. Mr Pritam Singh has mentioned in the complaint ASI Avtar Singh as Head Constable in the CIA had arrested his cousin Jarnail Singh. Pritam Singh had got his cousin released without paying bribe to Avtar Singh. |
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Boy
kidnapped LUDHIANA, Oct 17 — A boy is alleged to have been kidnapped by the family of a girl who he had eloped with a couple of weeks ago. It is learnt that though the girl was brought back from Gujarat a couple of days ago, the whereabouts of the boy were still not known. According to sources, the police has registered an FIR under Section 364 of the
IPC. The father of the victim, Jit Singh, a resident of Jassian, has alleged that his son and his friend had eloped with the two daughters of Mohinder Pal a few days ago. The four had gone to the Gitaryse in Gujarat, but were later traced by the police and brought back here. However, there is no information of
Deesha. A case has been registered against Mohinder Pal and two of his
relatives. |
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4 killed in accidents PATHANKOT Oct 17 — Four persons have died in three accidents in the area in the past 24 hours. Two persons — Aman (17) and Raj (20) were killed in a collision between their motor cycle and a private bus near Khanpur Chowk here. In another accident near Kanwan bus stand, Shanker Singh was killed when he was hit by a tractor while crossing the road. A newly-wed woman was crushed by a tourist bus, near Chhani village on the Pathankot-Jalandhar national highway, about 14 km from here. She died on the spot as the bus hit the scooter on which she was going to her village along with her husband. The husband was also seriously injured and admitted to hospital. |
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Child killed in road
accident BATHINDA, Oct 17 — A seven-year-child was killed today in a road accident at Budhladhewala village in Bathinda district. As per the information available, the child was crushed to death by a private bus. The child died on the spot. A case in this connection has been registered under Section 174 of the
IPC. |
Ayurveda teachers demand arrears AMRITSAR, Oct 17 — The teaching and non-teaching staff of
S.L.N. Ayurvedic College here started an indefinite strike today demanding the release of arrears of revised pay scales from January, 1986 to March, 1993, and January, 1996 to October, 1998, besides arrears of ADA with effect from January, 1999, July, 1999, and January, 2000, and increments from 1997 onwards. The college staff threatened to intensify the strike in case the college failed to fulfil their demands. |
Divali mela from today PATIALA, Oct 17 — Students and artists of various departments of Punjabi University are going to present different items depicting colourful aspects of Punjabi culture during the two day annual Divali mela organised by the university on the university campus here on October 18 and October 19. Giving this information Mr Daljit Singh, Director, Youth Welfare, Punjabi University said competitions on folk-singing, folk- dances, folk-instruments,
rangoli, painting , choreography, Punjabi cooking and sports would be organised on October 18. A competition on hostel decoration would also be organised during the
mela. Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor who will be the chief guest at the function said the event was being organised to introduce the youth to the genuine traditions of the rich Punjabi culture. |
Credit card launched PATIALA, Oct 17 — Mr R.S. Nanda, General Manager, State Bank of Patiala today launched the “The State Bank of Patiala credit card” at its Yadavindra Public School branch here today. The occasion was also utilised to educate customers for availing facilities of house loan, car loan, gyan Jyoti loan for education and computer loan. About 151 credit cards and loan cheques to the tune of Rs. 15 lakh were distributed among customers on the spot.Primarily targeted at first time users, the State Bank of Patiala card offers a value proposition of a utility card which is convenient, safe, easy to use, widely accessible and extensively accepted, according to a press note issued by the bank. The card is available to any individual with a gross annual income of Rs 60,000 . |
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