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| Sunday,
October 22, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Ranjit Sagar Dam awaits PM’s touch
Decision on N-power plant soon Questions on bio-tech research Hindu bodies not to
send pilgrims to Pak Recruit’s death : LIC to pay Rs 50,000 Irrigation project cleared: CM |
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| Cong plan to expand
urban base LUDHIANA, Oct 21 — In order to arrest the decline in its urban base, the All-India Congress Committee has embarked upon a nationwide plan to involve people, particularly the youth, in different programmes that will address issues concerning the urban populace.
"BJP govt promoting elitist interests" Rinwa summons meeting
Rs 17 lakh grant for
Bhattlan’s development Improved polyhouse for farmers Police flayed for not
booking SAD leader Police Martyrs Day observed Dharna against delay in cops’ arrest Revision of voter
lists from Nov 2 AICC to grant 33 pc quota
to women 500 get learner’s
licences Employees’ salaries attached Principal Secy’s
statement flayed SGPC members burn copies of daily Quila Mubarak awaits funds
for restoration
Fifteen booked for attacking officials 5 held for
gambling in public
‘‘Onwards and Upwards’’ Sikh scholars dwell on education University softens stand on one student University to educate rural women Anti-drug student groups to be set up Acquire latest
knowledge: Jacob
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Ranjit Sagar Dam awaits PM’s touch RANJIT SAGAR DAM (Gurdaspur), Oct 21 — Forty three years after the Indus Water Treaty allocated waters of the Ravi exclusively to India, the river has finally been tamed. No more waters flow into Pakistan, about 45 km downstream from here. As a result Punjab and lower parts of Jammu and Kashmir will now get water for irrigation round the year and the northern power grid will get more power — 600 MW (when the turbines run full steam). Nowadays the dam generates between 100 MW and 150 MW. The water is released as per irrigation needs and not as per power requirements, explain engineers at the dam. The 160-metre high and 617-metre long Ranjit Sagar Dam — located in the lower Himalayas, 24 km upstream of the famous Madhopur headworks — has held the azure waters of the Ravi in a 87 sq km lake, enabling authorities to control its release. Downstream Madhopur, the Ravi has now dried up. The benefits of the dam have been reaching people for the past four months but the dam is yet to be commissioned. Punjab wants no less than the Prime Minister to dedicate the dam to the nation. This is expected after Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee recovers from his knee operation, says Mr J.S. Randhawa, General Manager of the Ranjit Sagar Dam. Earlier the Ravi, in every monsoon, used to cause floods in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. As the river meanders to the sensitive Indo-Pak border it makes the job of security forces tougher. Indian authorities used to level allegations that Pakistan constructed bundhs to divert the river course back in India. This year it has been different. During the monsoon the dam filled up while the Ravi was only fed by seasonal rivulets downstream Madhopur. Now irrigation engineers release a minimum of 3,000 cusecs of water for irrigation that goes to Madhopur headworks. From there it is diverted the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) and also to the Beas through the Madhopur-Beas Link (MBL). The average release of water nowadays is between 5,000 and 6,000 cusecs. Earlier the river flowed in the monsoon, but turned into a trickle during the winter. Mr J.S. Randhawa says, the dam has been completed in 11 years. The work started in 1985. The massive floods of 1988 washed away all that was done in the three years. Before 1985 the money given by the Centre was little and could not be used for a major work. Mr Randhawa adds ‘‘the construction was difficult because of complicated geological formations encountered during the construction of tunnels , shafts and other structures. Other than this, there were administrative problems. It took years for the staff of the Irrigation Department posted on other projects to be posted here”, he adds. The full extent of benefits of the dam cannot be quantified for this season. Almost 15 to 20 per cent less rain in the past two years in the catchment area of the Ravi has not allowed water levels to rise to the optimum capacity of dam that is 1739 elevation feet. The level on October 19 was at 1669 elevation feet. Not very high from the ‘‘ dead reservoir level’’ of 1607 elevation feet. The dam authorities admit ‘‘if we keep on releasing water at the present rate of 5,000 or 6,000 cusecs then the water in the reservoir will finish in 100 days from now.’’ The inflow at present is about 3700 cusecs. And these will gradually decrease to about 2000 cusecs in December and January. Mr Randhawa says ‘‘we will continue to meet the minimum irrigation requirements of about 3,000 cusecs. But to run even the minimum of turbines the dam authorities require 4,000 cusecs of water.’’ Once winter rains set in inflows will be sufficient. The Punjab Government has already been informed about the situation, he said while giving out data that it had rained only 1090 and 1123 centimeters in 1999 and 2000, respectively. This is much less than the previous three years when 1247, 1312 and 1262 cm of rain was recorded in 1996, 97 and 98,
respectively. (To be concluded)
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Decision on N-power plant soon ROPAR, Oct 21 — The decision on the much-delayed nuclear power project in Punjab would be taken in the next meeting of the Nuclear Power Convention. All nuclear power projects which have been pending since a decade would be discussed in the meeting and an early decision would be taken regarding them. This was stated by the Union Power Minister, Mr Suresh P. Prabhu, while talking to this correspondent at a function organised by the BBMB at it’s power house in Kotla. Mr Prabhu was at BBMB Kotla power house to inaugurate the renovation and upgrading work of the second generating unit here. The generating capacity of this unit would be increased from the present 24 MW per hour to 28 MW per hour. The renovation work that is being taken up with the help of the BHEL is expected to be completed in the next six months at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Earlier, while addressing a gathering on the occasion Mr Prabhu said the renovation and upgradation of the already existing units was the cheapest method to increase generation. The cost of generating extra electricity through renovation is about Rs 70 lakh per PW, whereas if a new unit is set up, it costs about Rs 6 crore per MW. Due to it the Centre has decided to spent Rs 1,000 crore on the upgradation, modernization and renovation of the existing units besides setting up new power plant to meet the future power demands, he said. Mr Parbhu further said many power projects had been delayed because of the unavailability of the non-planned expenditure in this sector. The present government is now keeping the provision for such expenditure in this sector keeping in view the vitality of power in the growth of industry, he said. Ms Jayawanti Mehta, Union Minister of State for Power, who was also present on the occasion, said Bhakra is a modern temple of the country which has significantly contributed to the development of the country by initiating the green revolution in the Northern India. The Chairman of BBMB, Mr R.R. Oberoi, said the BBMB had added 325 MW generation capacity in its various projects at a cost of Rs 195 crore during the past 10 years. It includes renovation of the four generating units of the right bank powerhouse of Bhakra. The work on the fifth unit at the same site is also expected to be completed by February 2001. The generation capacity of the upgraded units at Bhakra has been increased from 120 MW per hour to 157 MW per hour. Earlier, Mr Prabhu in his speech thanked students of the BBMB DAV School led by Ms Shallu Sharma and Sunil Dogra for the welcome accorded to him and said, “I have never received such a welcome”. Mr SP Sharma, member (Power), BBMB, Mr S.K. Duggal, member (Irrigation), BBMB, Mr Satish Loomba, Financial Advisor, BBMB, Mr Arun Kumar, Chairman, NJPC, J. Vasu Devan, Additional Secretary Power, Mr L.S. Deol, Chief Engineer, (Power), BBMB, were among others present on the occasion. |
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Questions on bio-tech research CHANDIGARH, Oct 21— Why should industry not pay royalty to academic institutions on whose research spins profit for it? This question was discussed at a session on “Priorities for biotech sector” that concluded here on Friday evening. The Punjab State Council for Science and Technology had convened the session. On the occasion the Northern Chapter of All-India Biotech Association was also inaugurated. The Punjab Agricultural University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr G.S. Kalkat, who chaired the session, pointed out the lack of confidence and communication gap between the university and industry. Both had their own points of view. The academic institutions expressed their inability to provide ready to commercialise technologies to the industry. The latter argued it could not accept the laboratory scale research and concept until the same were validated and proved to be fit for commercial use. Dr V.L. Chopra, a former Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and at present B.P. Lal National Professor, suggested: let industry pay “royalty” to the universities. One, this will eliminate the dependency on foreign technologies. Two, academic institutions and the industry would mutually agree on the type of research, product development and inputs. This would make research technologies commercially viable. With the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, having promised to set up a 100-acre biotechnology park in the state it was left to the Chief Secretary to work out modalities with the academic institutions and the industry on how to go about it. Biotechnology is poised to play a key role in transforming agriculture, which is the mainstay of Punjab economy. Therefore any intervention by the state in the light of the priorities identified at the session need to be critically examined before making a commitment. In this connection, the Principal Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment, Mr Rajan Kashyap, is meeting the All-India Biotech Association President, Mr Vivek Singhal, in New Delhi on Monday. The government policy is to act only as a “catalyst” in the interaction among the universities, research institutions and the industry. This was required in view of the international protocol on bio-safety. Biotechnological development must ensure adequate level of protection in the transfer of gene-technology for improved crop varieties as well as handling modified organisms. Such an approach, participants agreed, would be cost-effective and more useful. But funding of research and development both in academic institutions and the industry are imperative for survival and sustainable progress of the two, said Mr
Kashyap. |
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Hindu bodies not to
send pilgrims to Pak AMRITSAR, Oct 21 — Some Hindu organisations including the Shadni Darbar and the All-India Hindu Shiv Sena have decided not to send jathas to Pakistan in protest against the maltreatment meted out to the
jatha members during their pilgrimage which forced them to cut short the visit. The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee has already stopped sending jathas to Pakistan in protest against the formation of Pakistan Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PGPC). Addressing a joint press conference, here today, Sant Gobind Ramji and Mr Surinder Kumar Billa, here today said they would support the cause of the SGPC for not sending jathas to Pakistan till “anti-India” propaganda was stopped. This is for the first time that SGPC and Hindu organisations have supported the cause of each other. Sant Gobind Ram urged the Government of India to discontinue ‘Samjhauta Express and Lahore-Delhi bus immediately as these were being misused by the ISI and anti-national agencies for seditious purpose. He alleged that Aukaf board of Pakistan might be using some temples in Pakistan for anti-India propaganda as the jatha members were not allowed to pay obeisance there. Sant Gobind Ram was sore over the indifferent attitude of Indian government as it refused to grant citizenship to those Pakistani Hindus who had migrated to India about two decades ago. He alleged that more than 2000 Pakistani Hindu families had been going from pillar to post for citizenship but in vain. In a letter to General Parvez Musharraf, chief executive of Pakistan the ‘Shadani Darbar’ a Hindu organisation alleged that the members of the 40-member jatha were denied permission to visit many temples without assigning any reason. The jatha of Hindu pilgrims had gone to Pakistan to commemorate 292 birth anniversary of the first Sant Shardhanand. The member of the jatha alleged that they were not allowed to meet their relatives in Pakistan including a former member of Parliament. |
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Recruit’s death : LIC to pay Rs 50,000 BARNALA, Oct 21 — The Consumer Redressal Forum I, Chandigarh, has discarded the suicide theory in the case of the mysterious death of Harcharan Singh Shunty, Constable, police recruit. The forum, in its verdict, has directed the Life Insurance Corporation of India, Northern Zone divisional office at Chandigarh, to pay a sum of Rs 50,000
along with accrued benefits admissible under rules with interest at a rate of 12 per cent per annum from the date of repudiation of the deceased Harcharan’s LIC policy No S-160514585 viz August 8, 1995, to Mr Nachhattar Singh Shad, father of the deceased. This verdict was passed by Dr H.C. Modi, president, Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum I, Chandigarh; Dr R.K. Behl and Ms Shashi Kanta (members of the forum) constituting quorum of the forum — a photocopy of which was handed over to this reporter here yesterday. The three-member quorum of the forum maintained “that this is a case wherein the death of the deceased had taken place admittedly in the Police Training Centre, Jahan Khelan (District Hoshiarpur) police grounds, while taking the drill... on presumptive basis of the deceased having committed suicide, his claim could not be repudiated, rather suspicion itself cannot be taken to be status of proof”. The LIC had repudiated the life insurance policy of the deceased alleging that he had died due to suicide within one year of taking the insurance policy. A report published in The Tribune on October 12, 1994, entitled “Mystery shrouds cop’s death” had pointed out various gaps and contradictions in the case and had also highlighted dismal and poor picture of the Punjab Police recruits training system following the unfortunate demise of Harcharan Singh Shunty on July 7, 1993 during training in Police Recruits Training Centre, Jahan Khelan. The report had also contested the suicide angle being given to the case. The bone of contention between the Police Department and Nachhattar Singh Shad, father of the deceased, remains the same. The police had been sticking to its claim that the recruit had died a natural death whereas Mr Shad still suspects that his son had become a victim of the callousness and cruelty of Manjit Singh, Instructor at the training centre, who had compelled Harcharan to carry on with the drill in spite of having fever. However, the case got a new turn after the chemical report of the deceased’s viscera was got and this report had paved the way for the suicide theory. Police officials involved in this case also took refuge in the suicide theory to hush up the matter after the chemical report. The Life Insurance Corporation of India too found the suicide theory best suited to it to repudiate the life insurance policy of Harcharan and subsequent claims of the policy. Interestingly, Rajinder Singh, IPS, then Officiating Director, Police Training Centre, Phillaur, who had conducted an independent inquiry into this case also asserted and concluded that the actual cause of the death of Harcharan was not suicide. |
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Cong plan to expand
urban base LUDHIANA, Oct 21 — In order to arrest the decline in its urban base, the All-India Congress Committee has embarked upon a nationwide plan to involve people, particularly the youth, in different programmes that will address issues concerning the urban populace. In order to ensure maximum participation of people, the issues being taken up are entirely apolitical. The AICC has formed an Indian Youth Congress Urban Development Cell which will be an independent body answerable to the high command. Its leaders are selectively being drawn from the youth wing of the party and the National Students Union of India (NSUI). According to the chairman of the cell, Mr Pawan Dewan, it is being ensured that only meritorious persons with commitment to social service are involved in the programme. “It is more of a social than a political agenda we are pursuing”, he told TNS in an interview here today. He pointed out that urban areas in the country were facing numerous problems like unplanned expansion and industrialisation, environmental degradation, rapid increase in population, bad roads and poor water supply. Claiming that the purpose was “absolutely apolitical”, he said the aim was not to target any particular political party but to create awareness among the masses and evolve a solution to the problem. He claimed that the economic reforms initiated by the Congress were bearing fruits. However, he said, non-Congress governments had not been able to maintain the pace reforms. This had repercussions on growth and development as seen in urban areas. Mr Dewan pointed out that the urban middle class was no longer interested in sectarian and partisan issues. He observed that the common man, particularly those in urban areas, felt concerned about the population growth. The Urban Development Cell chairman said the rapid population growth and environmental degradation was of top on the agenda. He said the atmosphere in most cities was suffocating due to industrial and automobile pollution. “We want to find a way out which is only possible with the cooperation of a maximum number of people”, Mr Dewan said. The nationwide campaign is likely to be started from Delhi by some senior AICC leaders. Programmes will be organised in each capital city in the first phase and these will subsequently be extended to other urban areas in every state and the union territory, Mr Dewan informed. |
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Irrigation project cleared: CM GURDASPUR, Oct 21 — Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, addressing a public meeting at Sohal village, 9 km from here today, said a Rs 180 crore project had been cleared by the Centre as well as the state government for providing adequate irrigation facilities in the border districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar. Mr Badal said the project was being launched soon. A team of officers, including a Chief Engineer and the Superintending Engineers would implement the project to provide canal waters to these districts within a year. Mr Badal said the project when completed would boost economy and contribute towards farmers’ prosperity. Mr Badal said the Ranjeet Sagar Dam had been completed and had started generating power. He was trying to get a date from the Prime Minister for dedicating the project to the nation. The dam would generate 600 mw of electricity. It would also supply canal waters for irrigation purposes to the districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Mr Badal said the government had decided to construct mini-secretariates in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. These would house all offices under one roof. He directed the officers concerned to plan a nullah for disposal of sullage. He said as soon as a was plan was submitted to him in this regard, the required funds would be allocated to start work. He announced Rs 50,000 for repair of two Dalit dharamsalas in the village and Rs 25,000 for the village sports club. Earlier, Mr Badal inaugurated Baba Pal Singh Memorial Gate in the village. Baba Pal Singh was one of the heroes of World War II. Addressing a Christian convention at Government College here, Mr Badal blamed Congress for backwardness among Dalits. He said it was the SAD-BJP government that had given facilities to Christians on a par with Dalits. The Rs 5,100 shagun scheme on the marriage of the daughter of a Dalit had been notified for Christians as well. The convention was organised by Mr Munawar Masih. The United Christian Association led by its president, Mr Kanwal Bakshi, boycotted the convention. |
"BJP govt promoting elitist interests" JALANDHAR, Oct 21 — The All-India Students Federation (AISF) has accused the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO of being biased towards developed countries and has criticised the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for catering to needs of the elitist section of the society. The AISF has also urged the BJP government to provide adequate monetary allowance to all students and youths completing the age of 18 so that they could pursue their studies and interests without being a burden on their parents. Addressing a press conference on the concluding day of the 25th National Conference at the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall here today, the newly elected president of the AISF, Mr T. Srinivas, said the ongoing process of the imperialist globalisation and privatisation had been widening the gap between the rich and the poor in India and in the world. He said due to this, the developing countries were facing a threat to their economic independence and sovereignty and had to face the onslaught of the NATO and his military might. On the home turf, the BJP and its allies were busy carrying out the neoliberal policies and toeing the line of the US imperialism, thus putting the country’s self-reliant economic developing in a grave jeopardy and adversely affecting our agriculture, small scale industry. Mr Bijendra Kesi, the General Secretary of the AISF, said the worst part of the game was that the education was being commercialised and communalised and the process must be stopped. He said to encourage a healthy educational atmosphere, politicalisation and communalisation in the university campuses should be banned and all youths attaining the age of 18 be provided with an allowance to enable them pursue their education with a free mind. He said adequate attention should be paid towards education of women students, who should be provided education free of cost, as had been promised by the BJP before coming to power. Mr Srinivas announced that to protest against commercialisation of education and creation of communal atmosphere in educational institutes, the AISF would hold dharnas and protest rallies at the state level in November, while December would be observed as “Communal Harmony Day”. The AISF and the Indian Youth Federation were planning to hold a joint state level rally on November 17 at Ludhiana, in which nearly 40,000 students were expected to participate.  |
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Rinwa summons meeting PHILLAUR, Oct 21 — In an attempt to expand BJP’s base in villages, the president of the Punjab unit of the BJP, Prof Brij Lal Rinwa, has summoned a meeting of state office-bearers, district presidents and general secretaries at Bassi Kalan village near Hoshiarpur on October 22. Stating this the state general secretary of the party, Mr Avinash Jaiswal, said here today that the latest political situation would be discussed. |
Rs 17 lakh grant for
Bhattlan’s development BHATTLAN (Dhanaula), Oct 21 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today announced grants of Rs 17 lakh for primary health centre, cremation ground and memorials of two freedom fighters of this village. Mr Badal was here to express sympathy with the family members, including Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former Punjab Chief Minister, of Mr Manjit Singh Bhattal (former MLA and brother of Mrs Bhattal) who had committed suicide by shooting himself in the head a few days ago at his residence here. Mr Badal announced Rs eight lakh for the primary health centre of the village, two lakh for village cremation ground, five lakh for the memorial of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal, freedom fighter and Rs two lakh for the memorial of comrade Hardit Singh Bhattal, freedom fighter. Mr Badal expressed sympathy for 15 minutes with Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and other family members including wife, son and daughter of the deceased. Mr Badal was accompanied by Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Social Security Minister, Punjab; Mr Gobind Singh Longowal, Minister of State for Irrigation, Punjab; Mr Malkeet Singh Keetu and Mr Balbir Singh Ghunas, both MLAs. Mr Badal also paid tributes at the ‘samada’ (memorial) of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal and Mata Harnam Kaur, both freedom fighters, and parents of Mr Manjit Singh Bhattal. Among others who also visited Mr Manjit Singh Bhattal’s residence to express sympathies with the bereaved family included Mr Parkash Chand Garg, Chairman of the Punjab Land Reclamation Corporation; Mr Gurbachan Singh Fategarh, District President of the Shiromani Akali Dal; Mr Sukhwant Singh Dhanaula, vice-president of the Punjab unit of the BJP; and Mr Ranjit Singh Balian, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Punjab. Later, Mr Badal also visited the family of comrade Hardit Singh Bhattal, freedom fighter, in the village. He met Mrs Jagir Kaur and Ms Gursav Kaur, wife and daughter of the freedom fighter, respectively. |
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Improved polyhouse for farmers NAWANSHAHR : With the development of an improved version of the low-tunnel polyhouse by scientists of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Langroya,farmers have been provided with a structure that is both more durable and economical than the original one. Polyhouses (simple structures comprising polythene and bamboos or iron rods) can be used by farmers to cultivate vegetables even during the off-season period and augment their income by ensuring remunerative prices for their
produce. Besides, the structures can help farmers, especially those in the semi-hilly kandi areas, to change the paddy-wheat pattern. Dr
B.S.Kang, acting Deputy Director, KVK, said though vegetable farming was being practised over a large area in the kandi belt ,farmers usually failed to make much profit as vegetable nurseries grown in field conditions had either delayed growth or got damaged due to unfavourable climatic
conditions. This compelled the farmers to buy nurseries from unreliable
sources, which generally grew unrecommended varieties usually prone to pest attacks. He said a polyhouse developed by the Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), New
Delhi, was tested on the farms of KVK for raising nurseries of tomato,
chilli and musk-melon in October, November, December and February. The nurseries grown at KVK in polyhouses matured one to two months earlier than those grown in field
conditions. It was observed that the temperature inside the polyhouse was 4 degrees C to 9 degrees C higher than that recorded in field condtions. Dr Kang said hybrid seeds could also be grown in
polyhouses, which were easy to erect. Scientists at KVK had modified the polyhouse developed by the
CIPHET. Mr Sanjiv Mehta, an engineer at KVK, observed that the original polyhouse structure made of bamboos had certain disadvantages like being prone to termite attack and was also not
durable. Farmers had to replace bamboos after a few years,which involved extra expenditure. A new structure was therefore developed at KVK replacing the bamboos with iron
rods. The cost of erection was almost the same as in the case of the structure using bamboos and it was more durable and
economical, said Mr Mehta. Dr Kang said the yield and quality of the vegetables grown from seedlings produced in polyhouses were quite high as compared to crops produced from nurseries grown in field
conditions. More and more farmers were now adopting the polyhouse technology, he
added. |
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Police flayed for not
booking SAD leader HOSHIARPUR, Oct 21 — In a press note issued here today, Mr Manjeet Singh Lali, Managing Director, Hoshiarpur Express Transport Company Limited, criticised the Batala police for not registering an FIR against a SAD leader, even on the recovery of three buses of the company from his workshop. He said buses were recovered due to the efforts made by Mr Jagdish Sahni, a local BJP MLA from Batala. Mr Lali alleged that the Batala police expressed inability to registered case of theft against the leader due to political pressure. These buses were driven to Sadar police station, Ludhiana, police station, Phagwara, and police station, Kathgarh (Balachaur) and were still in their custody. He said these police stations had already registered FIRs under Section 382/395 of the IPC against Inderjit Singh Walia, Paramjit Singh Walia, Ajit Singh Walia, all residents of Phagwara and their seven other accomplices who had not been arrested so far. He urged the authorities concerned to hand over the buses to the company and arrest all culprits. |
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Dharna against delay in cops’ arrest MALERKOTLA, Oct 21 — Relatives of Balbir Singh (23), a Dalit and nephew of Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Punjab, who died of internal injures while in police custody here on September 2, staged a dharna and blocked traffic at Jarag Chowk here today in protest against the delay in the arrest of police party involved in the death. Residents of Malerkotla and nearby villages also participated in the dharna and demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits. They raised slogans against the police and the administration. More than one-and-a-half months after the alleged custodial death inside the Sadar police station, the police party allegedly involved in crime continues to elude the police leading to speculation that the police is shielding the guilty. While two constables — Hans Raj and Bhim Chand — have been arrested, five suspects — Inspector Ram Kumar, Head Constables Bhadur Singh and Harbhajan Singh and constables Dilbar Khan and Sukhwant Singh — are still at large. All seven policemen have been suspended and a case under Section 302 of the IPC registered at Malerkotla. While the police claims that the remaining suspects are absconding, the relatives of the deceased have charged it with shielding their counterparts. Balbir Singh was arrested by the Malerkotla police along with three youths on September 2 on the charge of gambling. He was allegedly beaten up mercilessly resulting in his death. The blockade was lifted following an assurance by the Tehsildar, Mr G.L. Garg, who said a fresh inquiry would be ordered into the case. |
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Revision of voter
lists from Nov 2 HOSHIARPUR, Oct 21 — According to the instructions of the Chief Election Commissioner, the revision of voter lists on the basis of eligibility from January 1, 2000, will be started from November 2 in Hoshiarpur district. This was stated in a press note issued by Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur, here yesterday. He said draft publication of voter rolls would be done on November 22 and thereafter claims and objections for the revision would be received up to November 30, 2000. Disposal of claims and objections for preparing and printing of supplementary voter lists would be finalised up to December 30, 2000. The final publication of the revised voter lists would be done on January 20, 2001. Mr Sidhu said a special campaign for making revision in the voter lists would be issued on November 11 and 12 and on November 25 and 26 throughout the district. During campaign claims and objections would be received by the government employees at the concerned polling stations. Requisite forms for revision would be supplied free of cost to the public by the state government. Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to file its claims and objections for the revision during the scheduled period and contact the SIM concerned in case of any difficulty. FEROZEPORE: The second phase of census will be started from February 9 and will continue upto February 28, 2001. This was disclosed by S. Inderjit Singh, Director Census, Punjab, while presiding over a district-level conference of supervisors and statisticians in Ferozepore yesterday. He said 50,000 supervisors would be pressed into service and a sum of Rs 3 crore would be given to them as honorarium. He also said the training of the supervisors and statisticians would be completed in three phases from November 15 to December 10, December 11 to January 10, 2001 and January 11, 2000 to 31, January 31, 2001. |
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Police Martyrs Day observed SANGRUR, Oct 21 — Police Martyrs’ Commemoration Day was observed by the district police at the local police lines today. Mr R.S. Gill, IG (zonal), Patiala, was the chief guest. A contingent of policemen headed by Mr Raj Bachan Singh Sandhu, DSP, Sangrur, paid tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives while performing duty. Mr Major Singh Dhillon, SP (headquarters), read a list containing 1236 names of martyrs. Members of families of the police martyrs laid wreaths at the memorial. HOSHIARPUR: Smriti parade was organised at the local police lines on the Police Martyrs, Commemoration Day. Tributes were paid to 1238 policemen and paramilitary personnel which included 83 from Punjab, including 12 from Hoshiarpur district. The names of martyrs were read by Mr S.S. Srivastava, SP (headquarter) Hoshiarpur. FARIDKOT: The commemoration day function was
held at the district police lines to pay tribute to police martyrs. Mr R.P. Meena, DIG, police range, Faridkot, honoured the widows and next kins of 30 police martyrs. BATHINDA: A parade was held at police lines on the Police Martyrs’ Commemoration Day. The family members of 20 police officials and jawans were honoured. FEROZEPORE: Police Martyrs Commemoration Day parade was held at the local police lines here. Mr Narinder Pal Singh Sidhu, SI, (headquarters) paid tributes to 86 officers and policemen. FATEHGARH SAHIB: Tributes were paid to the policemen killed while on duty in the commemoration day function organised at Municipal Park, Mandi Gobindgarh. The SSP, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr Harnek Singh Saran honoured the 16 police martyrs belonging to the district and gave Rs 5100 to the next of kin. |
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AICC to grant 33 pc quota
to women FARIDKOT, Oct 21 — The All-India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to allocate 33 per cent quota to women and 20 per cent to Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes in pradesh and District Congress Committees in the country. A circular has been issued to all heads of the bodies to complete the process before the organisational elections of the party to enable these members to cast their votes in the poll. This was stated by Mr S.K. Gupta, President, DCC, Faridkot, at a press conference here today. He said the AICC had also decided that no party member would be allowed to head a body for more than two terms. Directions would be implemented strictly in this regard, Mr Gupta said. He disclosed that Mr Sultan Singh, former MP, and Mr Abrar Ahmad, former Union Minister, had been nominated PROs to conduct organisational polls of the party in Punjab. District Returning Officers would also be appointed soon. Mr Gupta appealed to senior state Congress leaders, particular Capt Amarinder Singh, President, PPCC, and Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar, MP, not to issue statements against each other in the media. All issues should be resolved at the party level, he said. |
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500 get learner’s
licences SUNAM, Oct 21 —
Transport officials of Sangrur district organised a camp at the local Truck Operators Union here yesterday to prepare and issue learner’s driving licences (LDLs) on the spot to eligible applicants. Mr Deepak Raj Garg, PCS, DTO, Sangrur, while addressing mediapersons here yesterday said more than 500 LDLs were prepared and issued at the camp. Mr Garg also said 4,000 vehicle owners had been challaned since April 1, 2000, and an amount of Rs 37.50 lakh had been collected from them as fine so far. Mr Garg further said under the amnesty scheme truck owners and owners of other four-wheeler vehicle except sate carrier buses had been asked by the Punjab Government to pay only the actual amount of tax due towards them and the government had waived off the interest and penality. Sangrur district had collected a revenue of Rs 60 lakh under amnesty scheme, which was the maximum in the state. Mr Garg said to avoid any kind of harassment to the vehicle owners the state government had started to accepting token taxes and state route taxes (SRT) in cash from the vehicle owners. Mr Garg added that he had collected an amount of Rs 5 lakh in cash from the local truck operators as SRT yesterday. Mr Garg added that he would listen to and redress public grievances in his office at Sangrur on every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. |
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Employees’ salaries attached BATHINDA, Oct 21 — More than 100 employees of the local District Food and Supplies Office will not get their salaries following the attachment of the same ordered by Mr Gurbir Singh, Senior Sub-Judge here. Mr Gurbir Singh in the warrants of attachment issued by him on October 4, 2000, had also attached the official car of District Food and Supplies Controller, besides 40 chairs, 20 tables, 15 ceiling fans, four coolers, eight almirahs lying in the office of the DFSC. The judge had passed the order on an execution application filed in his court by Mr Amrik Singh, Inspector in the Food and Supplies Department, against the department. The list of property which has been attached on the execution application of Rs 50,000 includes account number 1456 Civil Supplies “head” which includes salary and other deposits, account number 4408 of capital outlay of food storage and warehousing and car bearing registration number PB-07A-0012 in the custody of the DFSC, Bathinda. Mr Joginder Singh Kahlon, DFSC, said on the phone that efforts were being made to take out salary “head” out of the list of attachment and an application in this regard had been filed in the court. He added that he did not know the decision of the court on the application. |
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Principal Secy’s
statement flayed AMRITSAR, Oct 21 — The Amritsar Vikas Manch has expressed surprise over the statement of Mr Ramesh Inder Singh, Principal Secretary to the Punjab Chief Minister, in which he had said the main problem in setting up an institute of technology of international standards in Punjab was the lack of an international airport in the state. The manch president, Prof Mohan Singh, said they had reminded the Punjab Government that Amritsar airport was declared international by Mr I.K. Gujral, the then Prime Minister, in May, 1997.The airport was again granted the status of an international airport by the Vajpayee government at a Cabinet meeting held on April 13, 2000. Prof Mohan Singh further pointed out that at present 14 international flights were operating from Amritsar every week. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Airlines were operating six international flights a week for London, Birmingham, and New York, he added. |
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SGPC members burn copies of daily JALANDHAR, Oct 21 — Irked over the publication of a series of photographs of SGPC chiefs deceased daughter and her “husband” Kamaljit Singh, several SGPC members today reportedly burnt copies of a Jalandhar based Punjabi daily at Amritsar and Muktsar. In a press note issued here today, Mr Harjit Singh, personal assistant to Bibi Jagir Kaur, said the SGPC members, at a meeting, resolved to launch a protest movement against the newspaper if its Editor failed to tender an apology to the SGPC chief. The members, according to Mr Harjit Singh, also urged the SGPC authorities to stop the flow of “Panthic” advertisements to the newspaper. They also asked Mr Kamaljit Singh to hand over all such photographs to the CBI and stop “playing” into the hands of political opponents of Bibi Jagir
Kaur. |
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Quila Mubarak awaits funds
for restoration PATIALA,
Oct 21 — Quila Mubarak, a magnificent residential fort constructed by the erstwhile rulers of Patiala, is still awaiting funds for its restoration. Except Rs 10 lakh released for the restoration of the Ranwas (abode of the queens) last year after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of finalised a Rs 42 lakh project for the restoration of this fort in 1998-99, little has been done to restore Quila Mubarak to its former glory. Even restoration of the Ranwas could not be completed as the ASI stopped work because the state government did not release more funds. No funds were released in 1999-2000. For the financial year 2000-2001, Rs 1 crore has been allocated for the restoration work. Sources said another Rs 1 crore had been approved for the 52 other historical buildings in the state. They said despite the allocation, after due approval of the restoration plan, the Finance Department had not released the funds so far. Art connoisserus of the city are critical of the fact that the Cultural Affairs Department has only made cosmetic changes at the entrance of Quila Androon and spruced up the courtyards on the ground floor. They say nothing has been done to meet the two most important restoration needs: strengthening the structure and restoration of the priceless wall paintings in the chambers. Mr Amarjit Singh, a lecturer in a local college, says it is ironical that the authorities have painted and decorated the main gate of Quila Androon whereas the huge cracks in the wall behind the gate have escaped their notice. He said if the cracks were not repaired immediately they could damage the main gate and the entire facade of the fort. Besides this, structural strengthening was required various mahals, particularly Florence Mahal, the only European style building in Quila Androon which has Gothic arches, huge windows and fireplaces, he added. According to him big cracks had developed in the facade of Florence Mahal and the Gothic arches would be lost for ever if immediate action was not taken to save them. The roofs of the fort also needed immediate attention. A visit to the fort revealed that bitumen sheets placed on vulnerable spots no longer serve their purpose as they have developed cracks through which water seeps in. During the monsoon, water seeped into the gurdwara on the top floor. (This gurdwara is adjacent to the dhuni (flame) which has been burning at this spot for more than 200 years.) Extensive repairs could not be done at this spot for want of funds. The wooden batons also are in bad shape. Experts say this is because the water level has gone down in the area resulting in reduction of the oil content in the wood which has become extremely brittle at the edge. They say the wood has to be treated chemically. Also of concern are the wall paintings in the fort. Only one painted chamber has been restored with the help of the National Research Laboratory for Chemical Conservation (NRLCC), Lucknow. All other painted chambers are in a pitiable state. Sources said the condition of the wall paintings was deteriorating by the day. Paintings in Kings Courtyard on the top floor are beyond redemption. In Sheesh Mahal, all glass work has lost its sheen and the pieces are coming apart. Condition of Sard Khana (a guest house for European visitors) and Jalau Khana (exhibition hall) which are ouside Quila Androon is also pitiable. A large portion of the roof of Sard Khana has caved in and wooden batons in Jalau Khana need immediate attention. |
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Ghariala case:
KMC holds protest AMRITSAR, Oct 21 — A rally was staged by the Khalsa Mission Committee (KMC) outside a local police station today in protest against the “failure” of the police to arrest havildar Sarvan Singh accused of cheating the parents of Onkar Singh Ghariala, who was abducted eight years ago from Khalsa College and has been declared missing ever since. |
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Kar seva begins AMRITSAR, Oct 21 — The first kar seva of the holy tank of Bir Baba Budhaji would begin tomorrow after Independence. The holy tank, which could not be completed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh as Punjab was annexed by the British at that time was completed by Baba Kharak Singh about 52 years ago. However, the first kar seva to desilt the holy tank would take place tomorrow. According to Baba Darshan Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Sikh high priests and other dignitaries, including those from other faiths, would be present. Baba Budha was the first Head Granthi of Golden Temple. |
Fifteen booked for attacking officials JALANDHAR, Oct 21 — As many as 15 persons have been booked for allegedly attacking officials of Nurmahl Panchayat Samiti and making an unsuccessful bid to enter and forcibly take possession of 18 kanal prime land belonging to the samiti. According to the police, 10 armed people, led by Surinder Singh, a resident of Bharuwal village and Surinder Singh of Nagra village, made an attempt to take possession of the land and tried to scare the samiti officials by firing in the air and by threatening them with dire consequences on the night of October 15. However, the attack was repulsed by the samiti officials, who alleged that timely police help was not provided due to political pressure for which, the attackers managed to flee. Mr Ranjit Singh, the Executive Officer of the Nurmahl Panchayat Samiti said, he had brought the incident into the notice of the SSP and the DC after which the accused were booked by the Nurmahl police yesterday under Section 336/447/427/148 and 149 of the IPC. |
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5 held for
gambling in public RAJPURA, Oct 21 — Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Arya Samaj Colony, and Shiv Kumar of Anaj Mandi were arrested by the Kasturba police station on the charges of gambling at Dashmesh Park. A sum of Rs 2,735 was recovered from them. In another case the police arrested Ashok Kumar, Om Parkash and Raj Kumar on the same charge. A case has been registered against them |
Old boys’ meet today THE official body of former students of Punjab Public School (PPS),
Nabha, goes by the name: Old Nabhaites’ Association (ONA). It is now 40 years old with the first batch in their 50s. Time, as they say, flies away quickly. It all seems as if it was only yesterday when we were ‘‘boys in school’’. Today as we look back, over 6,000 students have left the portals of the palatial school building, once the secretariat of the Maharaja of
Nabha. The school owes its existence to a visionary: late Partap Singh
Kairon. It was his brainchild to establish a sainik school and give an opportunity of quality education to the children of men in uniform without distinction of rank. The idea caught the eye of late Krishna
Menon, the then Defence Minister. He extended the concept nationwide. But Kairon had his own plans. To keep his project out of the purview of the Defence Ministry, he renamed it Punjab Public School, which was formally inaugurated by late Dr Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India in 1961. The
Kairon, however, opened two sainik schools as well, one at Kapurthala the other at
Kunjpura; now in Haryana. As the ONA celebrates ‘‘Rendezvous-2000’’ today, old memories, bitter and sweet, come flooding. Those were the days when we students underwent rigorous training in discipline, physical
fitness, academics or pursing hobby classes and sports. The long work hours put in by the founder Headmaster, late
J.K. Kate, the one-to-one relationship with the teachers, the mandatory orders to speak only in English, rugged PT drill, the Saturday evening movie et al are the reminiscences of yesteryear which will get revived today. It was a boys’ ‘‘only’’ school when we passed out. Today, PPS is a co-educational institution with 850 students on roll. Over a period of time, it has lost some of its old charms and prestige. It also became a victim of unionism, bureaucratic apathy and political indifference and interference by successive governments. A lot has changed and much needs to be changed and, perhaps, restored too to keep alive the spirit of
Kairon, realise the dreams of Kate and maintain the school’s identity. Being part of the ‘‘system’’, PPS could not remain insulated from
man-manouvered machinations and vagaries of time for too long. The special status the school enjoyed once was also lost in the maze of routine government functioning. Financial constraints and unkept promises adding to its woes. Such thoughts, per force, cross the mind as we, the old
Nabhaites, assemble on the Headmaster’s green and look back hoping things will change and improve. The campus has been spruced up. Only yesterday, October 21, the 40th Founder’s Day was celebrated where the Governor, Lt-Gen
J.F.R. Jacob (retd), was the chief guest. As in respect of many other institutions, PPS, today has one of its old students, M.S.
Bedi, as its Headmaster. The school owes much to those men who played a key role in realising the dream of
Kairon. They include Lt-Gen Kulwant Singh and Col Naunihal Singh Mann. From our experience, one thing can be said about schooling at PPS: it did not produce snobs, but boys who have risen in their varied, respective vocations and professions by sheer grit, determination and hard work. May this be in the field of politics,
defence, civil services, medical, engineering etc. Some even ventured into sports, journalism and business and stand out. As PPS celebrates its 40th birthday, it is time to rediscover and reinvent it reviving the real objectives with which it was established. The school is ‘‘home’’ to boarders but it now permits day students as well. The School scroll shows that old Nabhaites have risen to high ranks in defence forces and scaled many heights in their respective careers. The who’s who of Nabhaites is a long list of those who have distinguished themselves. Recently, Wisconsin University selected eight students giving them scholarship for higher studies abroad. The number of scholarships has now been raised to 25. The school badge has an Eagle with the motto: ‘‘Onwards, upwards’’. The ONA has adopted this as the name of its news letter, which connects the alma mater with the new.
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K.S. Sangha |
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Sikh scholars dwell on education TALWANDI SABO, Oct 21 — A galaxy of eminent Sikh educationists who assembled in the Diwan Hall of Takht Damdama Sahib today in connection with the International Conference on Sikh Educational Institutions suggested gigantic efforts were needed to raise the standard of education in the institutions managed by the Sikh religious and social bodies. The speaker also stressed on the need to develop financial resources as the standard of education could not be raised by keeping hopes centered on the government. Dr
H.S. Soch, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, while addressing the conference pointed out that while on the one hand the population of Sikhs was increasing on the other the number of Sikh educational institutions was declining. He said arrangements should be made in such a way that nobody remained illiterate. Ten per cent of the income of education should be spent on spreading education while Sikh and Punjabi students who excelled in education should be given scholarship. Dr Jaswant Singh
Neki, former Director, PGI, Chandigarh, warned that Punjab was heading towards becoming part of the club of illiterate states of the country as the literacy rate had failed to increase. He added that in 1984, Punjab was seventh as per the literacy rate while today the state’s ranking was 17th in the country. He pointed out that only two nursery schools were being run by the state government for about 22 lakh children falling between the 3-6 years age group. For primary students the Punjab Government had failed to make proper arrangements for education. Prof Gurbax Singh
Shergill, an eminent educationist, said a new educational policy in the state was the need of the hour. He added eminent educationists, prominent Sikh personalities and other dignitaries should come on a single platform to work out a strategy to raise the standard of education in Sikh educational institutions. He said there should be no political interference in the working of educational institutions being managed by the Sikhs. He added that stress should be given on teaching Punjabi in public
schools. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, said this conference would help in a big way in raising the standard of education in the Sikh educational institutions which was the need of the hour. He added that such efforts should continue. Dr
S.P. Singh, Dean, Guru Nanak Dev University, said no stone should be left unturned to propagate the Sikh religion, traditions, culture and identity and for this task an organisation should be formed. In the conference which will conclude tomorrow, many eminent Sikh scholars and educationists from other states of India also took part. |
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University
softens stand on one student PATIALA,
Oct 21 — The Punjabi University has withdrawn disciplinary action against one student, accused of arson and disturbing the atmosphere on the campus, following a written apology received from him . An offcial note here, today, said Jaskaran Singh, a research scholar who had been proceeded against alongwith two other students for allegedly burning shamianas during the Diwali mela held in the university , had tendered an apology and asked for forgiveness. The note said Jaskaran had also disassociated himself from a joint action committee formed by the rusticated students . The university note said, following the apology the Vice-Chancellor had forwarded the same for sympathetic consideration to the high powered Departmental Inquiry Committee headed by the Pro Vice Chancellor. The university had earlier served a show cause notice against Jaskaran asking him why his research scholar flat should not be vacated and his scholarship and registration be cancelled . Meanwhile, the Student Federation of India
(SFI), today, threatened to launch a state wide stir in case the two students — Sandeep Kapoor and Pawan Bhatia — who have been rusticated from the varsity, were not taken back immediately. Federation state leader Harpal Singh Cheema said a federation delegation would also meet Punjab Governor and University Chancellor to acquaint him with the situation in the university. It also said the rustication was illegal as the students were not given an opportunity to explain their actions . Meanwhile, the Organisation of Punjabi University Students (OPUS) in a statement here said a few students of the university were trying to hold the entire student community to ransom by creating hooliganism on the campus. OPUS President Bhupinder Singh Cheema said the rusticated students were playing with the sentiments of students for their own personal ends. The statement warned such students to desist from such activities. |
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University
to educate rural women BATHINDA, Oct 21 — In an unprecedented move, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has decided to impart education to adults and women in villages of Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts bordering Pakistan free of cost. For this the university authorities have prepared a blueprint which will be presented at the meeting of the academic Council of the univerisity in February, 2001. Dr H.S. Soch, Vice-Chancellor, GNDU, talking to TNS, said participation in the adult and women education programme would be made essential for students for getting degrees. Teachers would also be motivated to join the programme. The programme to increase literacy was being started on an experiment basis and if it succeeded, it would be expanded. In the initial phase, adults and women would be given informal education by making them aware about healthcare, formation and function of the government and their rights and duties. After this the authorities would launch computer literacy in rural areas. Students and teachers in the computer wing would be given laptops to give demonstrations. A computer literacy team would stay for 10 days in each village and strive to develop the villages, interest in computers. Panchayats would be involved to motivate learners. The university would manage funds needed for the task on its own. Dr Soch pointed out that the programme would be the first of its kind in the country. |
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Anti-drug student
groups to be set up NAWANSHAHR, Oct 21 — Groups comprising school and college students will be constituted to combat drug addiction and assist the police in traffic Management in the district. This was stated by the SSP, Mr Ishwar Singh, while addressing students at the local Dr Asanand Senior Secondary School yesterday. The programme was organised as part of the drive launched by the district police to create awareness regarding the menace of drug addiction. Mr Pritam Singh Johal, SDM, Mr Prem Bhardwaj, president, Arya Samaj and Mrs Achala Bhalla, Principal of the school, were among those who addressed the gathering. |
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Acquire latest
knowledge: Jacob PATIALA, Oct 21 — The emerging generations of students have a vital role to play in society and they have to be taught to adapt themselves to the fast changing educational environment through imparting progressive knowledge and by other methods of education rather than cramming books and passing examinations. This was stared by Lt-Gen
J.F.R. Jacob, Governor, Punjab while delivering his address on the 40th Founders' Day function of Punjab Public School at
Nabha, near here, today. He said that while in the first 4,000 years of mankind knowledge only managed to double itself, in the past decade due to the advent of information technology nearly 20 million words of literature were added to science alone. He said in this context it had become imperative for students to acquire the latest knowledge to face the challenges that lay ahead of them in life. General Jacob said that Punjab Public School was imparting balanced education and was not concentrating on academic pursuits only. |
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