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| Friday,
November 3, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Bibi’s gunman offers to surrender Officers stealing power Undertrial dies in hospital No promotion for
officials ignoring Punjabi Proposal on overbridges accepted |
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Ghadri Babas take on imperialists in USA BSF steps up vigil along border A brave Major’s sacrifice Plea for sale of IA aircraft fails SHSAD to challenge Sunam byelection
SGPC chief: PAC to decide on nominee
663 teams for pulse polio drive Priority to security, health: Advani I did not meet Kanishka
blast accused: minister Probe begins into infant’s death
due to AIDS Dental fortnight faces
teething troubles Land decree case: BKU activists
stage dharna Governor asks NGOs
to work in villages Tension in village over granthi’s
appointment
New civic Act soon: Tandon Over 100 lakh tonnes
of paddy procured
PNB officials summoned
embezzlement of grant Abduction case: Deepa not wanted,
says police Farmhouse attacked,
1 killed, 2 hurt Men in white get cheat arrested
PAU teachers challenge
promotion scheme Punjabi
University students go on strike ‘Upgrade’
ayurvedic college DA instalment for aided school staff
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High Court CHANDIGARH, Nov 2 — Nishan Singh, alleged controversial gunman and distant relative of SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur, today filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court here today stating that he was ready to surrender before the CBI team which has been trying to interrogate him in connection with the death of Harpreet Kaur, daughter of Bibi Jagir Kaur. Nishan Singh, who has been evading arrest and interrogation, has pleaded in the petition that he was ready to give an undertaking before the court that he would surrender to the CBI but he should be given counsel during interrogation. He alleged that the CBI would torture him during interrogation. The petition was filed with the registry today. It is likely to be taken up by the court of Mr Justice V.M. Jain tomorrow. Register FIR against
Parneet’s supporters The High Court today ordered registration of an FIR against Narpinder Singh Bittu and 13 other supporters of Punjab Chief Minister’s daughter, Parneet Kaur, for attacking the house of the petitioner, Harbhajan Kaur, on July 1 with an intention to kill the petitioner and her family. Handing down the order, Mr Justice
V.M. Jain observed:” Taking into consideration the serious allegations in the petition and taking into consideration that the SHO (Station House Officer) concluded an inquiry and found nothing objectionable. In my opinion, it is fit case where necessary directions are given for registration of FIR and its investigation is conducted by a senior
police officer so that the public may not lose its faith in the system”. “For the reasons, the petition is allowed and SSP, Tarn
Taran, is directed to get a case register an FIR in the police station concerned on the basis of the allegations made in the various communications sent to the police. This shall be done within one week from today”. Mr Justice Jain said adding that” the said FIR shall be investigated by the Crime Branch officer not below the rank of SP. Investigation shall be completed within three months from today”, Mr Jain added. Throwing light on the writ petition, Mr Justice Jain observed:” In the petition it was alleged that on July 1, Narpinder Singh Bittu, a resident of Kairon village in Amritsar district and 13 other respondents entered the house of the petitioner armed with deadly weapons on the instructions of Ms Parneet Kaur, daughter of the Chief Minister, and looted the house of the petitioner and fired shots with an intention to kill the petitioner and her family”. Mr Jain further observed:” It was alleged that purpose behind the whole show was a piece of land which daughter of the Chief Minister wanted to occupy and buy it at a throwaway price. The petitioner and her family escaped with the help of her neighbours. The petitioner approached the SHO, Patti, but to no avail. A reminder was also sent on July 18 to the SSP and SHO of Tarn Taran but until now nothing has been done” Notice of motion was issued to the Advocate-General and a reply was filed by Patti DSP, Mr
Asutosh, who denied the allegations made in the petition. Ms Harbhajan Kaur had filed the petition making the DGP, SSP (Tarn
Taran) and SHO and DSP of Patti subdivision, and 14 others as respondents in the
case. |
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Officers stealing power AMRITSAR, Nov 2 — Officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service Officers and politicians are among those who have indulged in power theft to the tune of crores of rupees. This had been detected during a statewide drive launched by the Punjab State Electricity Board against power theft. A detailed report is being prepared by the board which will be submitted shortly to the Chief Secretary and the DGP for action. Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Power Minister, talking to TNS here today, said camp offices at the officers residences were mainly run on stolen power. To minimise power theft, drastic steps were being taken. He said SAS Nagar, the industrial hub of Punjab, was being developed into a model town where a 24-hour power supply would be ensured. Equipment would be imported for detecting power theft and meters outside houses/industrial premises made mandatory. Mr Maluka said the Punjab Government would ask private concerns to set up power houses, including mini-hydel projects, to overcome power crisis in the state. To a question, the minister said there was no plan to withdrawn free power supply facility to farmers, which cost the government Rs 300 crore per annum. He, however, refused to divulge the details of the report of the sub-committee constituted by the state government to review the decision. Mr Maluka said Ranjit Sagar Dam would be dedicated to the nation by month-end. Site for the proposed nuclear power plant had been selected in Patran (Patiala) and a report was being sent to the Prime Minister for approval. Mr Maluka said the annual loss of the PSEB was Rs 1100 crore. Officials and people of all categories were responsible for this. Mr Maluka said coal costing Rs 200 crore was being pilfered during transportation between coalmines and thermal plants. Forty per cent of the coal supplied by Coal India had been found substandard, which was a matter of concern. He said if power theft was checked, the PSEB would be able to overcome all its financial losses. |
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Undertrial dies in hospital GURDASPUR, Nov 2 — Surinder Singh (37) an undertrial at the Central Jail here died last night at the local civil hospital under mysterious circumstances. The undertrial was admitted at 8.25 p.m. in serious condition and was declared dead at 8.40 p.m. Jail inmates associated with the deceased, in a letter to media held the jail authorities responsible for the death. They said that the deceased was not given proper medical treatment. Mrs Manjit Kaur sister-in-law of the deceased has written a letter to the Chief Minister, Minister for Jails and Chief Justice of the High Court demanding inquiry into the death of Surinder Singh. Mr Harbhajan Singh Superintendent of Jails said that the deceased was being tried under Section 382 IPC and 25/54/59 Arms Act in FIRs registered against him on April 28 and 29 this year. He was released on bail and reported back to the central jail on June 29 after his bail was cancelled. Dr Raj Kumar, Medical Officer, Central Jail here said that the deceased complained of a stomach ache yesterday at 6.00 p.m. and was administered an injection as part of the treatment. He was again called at 8.00 p.m. to examine the patient and found him in a serious condition. The patient was given first aid and rushed to the civil hospital for medical treatment. Dr H.S. Kaler, Medical Officer on emergency duty in the Civil Hospital said that the patient suffered a severe cardiac arrest and had no pulse and no blood pressure when came to a civil hospital. The body of the deceased has been sent for postmortem to the forensic laboratory, Amritsar. Another undertrial who was a patient of T.B. had died at the Civil Hospital here on October 31.
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No promotion for
officials ignoring Punjabi PATIALA, Nov 2 — The Punjab Government plans to stop increments and promotions of officials not working in Punjabi . This was disclosed by Principal Secretary, Higher Education GPS Sahi while attending a function at the Language Department here yesterday to honour writers as part of the ‘ Punjabi Week ‘ celebrations . Mr Sahi said the government was contemplating taking this action to give further impetus to its drive to completely implement Punjabi in all government offices . He said the department had already taken several steps to ensure that Punjabi became the medium of working in government offices. He said already the use of Punjabi had been included in the annual confidential report of each officer in which it had to be filled in the affirmative or negative whether a particular officer was using Punjabi in official working. Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Tota Singh said the
government would honour eminent writers with Shiromani awards this year. He said a 31-member committee had been formed under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for the purpose. The awards had not been distributed for the past three years. Mr Tota Singh also disclosed all schools seeking affiliation for grant of Central Board of Secondary Education ( CBSE ) certification would have to give an undertaking that they would teach Punjabi language from the first standard and Hindi from the third standard. He also disclosed that as many as 7,230 posts of lecturer were still to be filled in the state adding they would be done in due course as the case was in the courts . Speaking on the occasion, Punjabi University Vice Chancellor, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, said the state government should formulate a cultural policy with the next 25 years in mind. He said this was necessary to take Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat into the 21st century. Language Department Director Madan Lal Hasija while speaking on the occasion said foreign influence was having a detrimental effect on Punjabi culture in which light protection and preservation of the Punjabi language was necessary. At the function today seven writers were honoured. The Giani Gurmukh Singh award was given to Dr S Tarsem for his book ‘Dhai Akhar’, the Dr S S Randhawa award was given to Dr Davinder Pal Singh for his book ‘Vigyan Praptian ate masle’, Bhai Vir Singh award was given to Dr Anoop Singh’s book ‘Darshanic Yodha - Guru Gobind Singh’, Guru Harkrishan award was given to Dr Ajit Singh Aulakh for his book ‘Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Dr Atar Singh award for Dr Gurtaran Singh’s book ‘Prof Puran Singh te Walt Whitman’, the Ishwar Chander Nanda award was given to Satwinder Singh Begowalia’s book ‘Jabhe Baan Lagayo’ and the Nanak Singh award was given to Gurmail Singh for his book
'Ekhlahak Gum Hai’. Five books were released on the occasion including ‘Taana Baana’, writings of Sikh historian Dr Ganda Singh, Punjabi Naksh, Chunwi Shabadawali and History of Sidhus and Brars. |
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Proposal on overbridges accepted KOTKAPURA, Nov 2 — Hundreds of school children and members of a Bhangra team were made to wait for hours without any food for the chief guest, Mr Digvijay Singh, Union Railway Minister, who came here today to inaugurate a railway overbridge. The inauguration of the overbridge constructed over the level-crossing number 25 on the Bathinda-Ferozepore section, was done by Mr Digvijay Singh about four hours behind schedule. The function organised in connection with the inauguration turned into an election rally when ministers and other leaders of the SAD-BJP alliance, who were present on the occasion, urged people to vote for their party. Mr Digvijay Singh said the Centre had urged state governments to contribute financially in the development of the railway infrastructure in the country. He said the railways was facing shortage of funds and needed the support of states. He said the Central Government had decided to accept the proposal of the Punjab Government to construct railway overbridges and flyovers in the state. He pointed out that the railways had been spending Rs 30,000 crore on running trains and conversion of meter gauge lines to broad gauge lines, apart from laying down new tracks. The minister said the Bathinda-Rewari train would be extended up to Fazilka from November 11 and three more coaches would be added to the DMU between Kotkapura and Fazilka from November 15. Inter-city train running between Bathinda and Haridwar would be extended up to Ferozepore from the next financial year and a foot overbridge at the local railway station would be completed soon. Mr Chiranji Lal Garg, Mr Gurdev Singh Badal, Mr Ajaib Singh and Mr Sucha Singh, all ministers, among others were present on the occasion. Mr Mantar Singh Brar, MLA, presented a memorandum of demands to the Union Railway Minister. |
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Ghadri Babas take on imperialists in USA JALANDHAR, Nov 2 — Ghadar Movement which had lost its sheen after its important role in India’s freedom struggle, has gradually started taking roots once again in the West as a reform movement. The new generation of Ghadarites have started weekly congregations at gurdwaras in the USA, particularly in those controlled by moderates. They are not allowed to hold such meetings in gurdwaras under the control of fundamentalists who see the movement as a rival. Talking to TNS, a number of delegates from the USA, who were here to participate in the five-day “Mela Ghadri Babbian Da” which concluded at the local Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall here today, said the objectives of weekly meetings in the US was to create awareness about the sacrifices of Ghadri Babas and the “evil” designs of the imperialism, now fast engulfing their native country in the form of liberalisation. Mr Harsharan Gill, the Chairman of the California-based Ghadar Heritage Foundation, said there was great enthusiasm among Punjabis in the West. He had addressed about 50,000 people in two Ghadar fairs organised by his body in British Columbia and Yuba city in California during the past one year. He said the ghadar movement has not lost its relevance and could guide people, particularly Indians, on how to save themselves from “economic slavery” being imposed by some imperialist forces. Mr Teja Singh Bassi, another member of the delegation said the revival of the movement was at an initial stage and was being supported by most moderate Sikhs and secular minded Indians settled in the USA. He said the weekly meetings had become a regular feature in Yuba city, Modesto, Bakersfield and Frernont. Mr Charan Singh Rupewali and Mr Sumitter Singh were of the view that if revived properly, the movement could play an important role in curbing social evils and inculcating Ghadar movement values. Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, the Chairman of the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall Committee alleged that the country was being fleeced by followers of “imperialist” policies at the behest of some foreign powers. He said labourers and farmers in particular should unite against such forces. |
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BSF steps up vigil along border FEROZEPORE, Nov 2 — In view of the potential threat posed by Pakistan-sponsored narco-terrorism, the Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped up vigil along sensitive points on the International Border. These points are either close to riverine gaps or villages of Pakistan. Special security measures have been taken ahead of the winter as fog engulfs the area near these gaps and reduce visibility. A visit along the zero line revealed that the height of observation posts had been adequately raised and fog lights had been installed to check intrusion. Wild grass that affects visibility was also being cut in these pockets to bring maximum land under cultivation as part of a long-term strategy. According to BSF sources, 150 to 200 acres had been cleared and brought under cultivation. Boat patrol had also been stepped up in the area. Pakistani villages have gained notoriety on account of smuggling activities. Since, the Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI, frequently smuggles narcotics and RDX to India, the villages are under observation. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the most sensitive point is the Tapu Border Outpost (BOP), where the BSF has taken special measures to prevent subversive activities. Already, two attempts by Pakistani smugglers to send narcotics through this area were foiled in July. |
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A brave Major’s sacrifice NAWANSHAHR: The cruel jaws of death snatched Major Sikanderjit Singh Sra, a young, brave and promising officer of 12 Battalion of the Dogra Regiment and resident of Aur
village, near here, on October 20. Major Sikanderjit Singh, who had taken part in the Kargil operations last
year, sacrificed his life while saving six others. On the fateful
day, around 8.30 a.m., he was driving down in a jeep from his post at Poonch to attend a conference along with another Army officer, a Captain, and five jawans. Suddenly, he noticed that the jeep was not moving normally and told the others to jump
out. The vehicle then fell into a khud without Major Sikanderjit Singh getting time to jump out. He sustained a severe head injury and breathed his last at 9.30 a.m. His mortal remains were consigned to the flames with full military and state honours in his native village on October 22. The cremation was attended by Mr
C.L. Bains, Financial Commissioner, Punjab, and Dr Roshan Sunkaria, Deputy Commissioner, besides Army officers and a large number of friends, relatives and residents of the area. Col Jayant
Krishana, Commanding Officer,12 Battalion, said Major Sikanderjit Singh was extremely courageous and, above all, a gentleman. Born in August,1969, in Aur, Major Sikanderjit Singh studied at Government Primary School in that village and in 1981 joined Sainik
School, Kapurthala. In 1988 he joined the NDA and completed his training from Dehra Dun in 1991. During his academic career he was a brilliant student and excelled in cross country running and swimming. He had served in various areas, including the India-China border, Imphal, Darjeeling, Nagaland and Hyderabad. He leaves his wife Amandip Kaur and one-year-old
son, Gurtaj Singh. |
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Plea for sale of IA aircraft fails PATIALA, Nov 2 —The Patiala Sessions Judge, Mr S N Aggarwal, today dismissed the application filed by Indian Airlines requesting for permission to sell the ill-fated Airbus which had been hijacked to Kandahar in December last year. While dismissing the application the judge pointed out that the organisation should not have floated global tenders for sale of the aircraft without taking prior permission of the court . Counsel for the accused while submitting his reply in the court today said the application was not maintainable under the provisions of the law as it would cause serious prejudice to the accused and would affect their right to inspect the aircraft at the time of trial and during cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses . Counsel said that at the time of execution of panchnama for releasing the air craft on “supardari” it was undertaken by Indian Airlines that the aircraft would be preserved and kept in safe custody and would be produced when required for investigation purposes and court proceedings . The present application was a clear violation of the undertaking given at the time of release of the aircraft on “supardari”. Indian Airlines floated global tenders for selling the air craft without any right or authority . It was surprising that the organisation did not know that a case property of a particular case should not be allowed to be sold before final decision of the case . The Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the airlines was liable for legal action for this misdemeanour . Indian Airlines had stated in its application to the court that the Board of Directors of the organisation had on December 30 decided to sell the aircraft as it was more than 23 years old and needed a major overhaul before it could be made airworthy again . It said a USA-based firm had offered to buy the aircraft at a price of 23.75 lakh dollars following a global tender and had paid an earnest amount of 1.17 lakh dollars . Meanwhile, the court ordered that the three accused — Abdul Latif, Yusuf Nepali and Dalip Bhujbal, — be handcuffed while being presented in court . This order was given following an application by the police through the District Attorney which prayed that this was necessary for security reasons . The court gave notice to counsel for the accused and fixed the next date of hearing on December 6. |
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SHSAD to challenge Sunam byelection SANGRUR, Nov 2 — The Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) is preparing to file a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court to challenge the election of SAD candidate, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who was declared elected in the recently held Sunam Assembly byelection. Addressing a press conference here today, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, general secretary of the SHSAD and a candidate of the ‘sanjha morcha’ for the Sunam byelection, said the election petition would be prepared in a week and later filed in the High Court. Professor Chandumajra also said besides the CPM and the Lok Bhalai Party, leaders of the ‘sanjha morcha’ comprising nine parties would meet the Chief Election Commissioner on November 21 at New Delhi to brief him about the “irregularities” and “rigging” committed by the ruling Akali Dal in the Sunam
byelections. The SHSAD general secretary also disclosed that the SHSAD would hold a convention on ‘democracy in peril’ at Chandigarh in the first week of December. In this convention, scholars and political analysts would take part from all parts of the country. Prof Chandumajra also predicted that Mr Parkash Singh Badal won’t risk holding mid-term poll in the state as he only knew how he had won the Sunam byelection. Professor Chandumajra also said the SHSAD would not take part in the SGPC presidential poll to be held next month. He alleged that there would be rigging again in the SGPC election, so in such circumstances it would be difficult for the SHSAD to contest. Prof Chandumajra also alleged that about one-and-half times more canal water than the actual share of Haryana was being released to the neighbouring state by Punjab as a “gift” as the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, had ‘helped’ Mr Parkash Singh Badal in the Sunam byelection. He said the Central package for Punjab’s paddy growers was an achievement for the farmers only as they had struggled for several days by holding dharnas or blocking rail and road traffic in the state. He said Mr Badal should not take credit for this. He also criticised the Congress for signing the GATT agreement and condemned the BJP and the SAD for implementing the same. He also claimed corruption was rampant in the FCI as ‘scams’ of Rs 25,000 crore had so far unearthed in the corporation. But no action had been taken against the ‘erring’ officials and no recovery had been made from any of the officials involved in the scams. |
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SGPC chief: PAC to decide on nominee GURDASPUR, Nov 2 — Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Union Minister of State for Industries, talking to newsmen at Jaura Chhattran village last evening neither denied nor confirmed the candidature of the present incumbent of SGPC chief for elections being held for the post of President, SGPC, during this month. However he said that the candidate for the post of SGPC chief of the SAD would be a unanimous choice which rested with Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party which is meeting shortly. Earlier, Mr Badal gave away prizes to the winner of rural mela held in memory of Baba Bhoorewal at Jaura Chhattran village. The mela is an annual affair and is being patronised by Mr Sucha Singh Langah, PWD (B&R) Minister. Also present on the occasion were Mrs Satwant Kaur Sandhu and Mr Sewa Singh Sekhwan, both ministers. |
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663 teams for pulse polio drive BATHINDA, Nov 2 — As many as 663 teams comprising government health workers, non-government organisations, and other volunteers will work for the coming pulse campaign. This was stated by Dr Jagjit Singh, District Immunisation Officer, at a function here today. He said as many as 2,20,000 vials of polio vaccine would be made available and a team comprising four members would be deputed at all areas in the city. Each team would cover 250 children. Dr Bawa Ram Gupta, Civil Surgeon, said the pulse polio drive should not be confused with the routine vaccination as it was an additional dosage of the vaccine. He said this year, a total of 151 cases of polio had been reported and none of the cases were from Punjab. He lauded the role of NGOs and health workers in the pulse polio drive. Of the three polio viruses — P1,P2, and P3 — the first and the last were the most dangerous and could cause paralysis, he said. Mr Mohal Lal Garg, Chairman, Improvement Trust, Bathinda who was the chief guest at the function, said the role played by NGOs and other voluntary organisations was commendable. Mr Ajmer Singh Mann, District Secretary, Red Cross and Ms Raj Gupta, Chairperson, District AIDs Control Organisation, among others, spoke on the occasion. Dr Bawa Ram said to make the drive successful, 434 teams had been commissioned for rural areas and 149 for urban areas. Fortytwo mobile teams had also been commissioned. |
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Priority to security, health: Advani JALANDHAR, Nov 2 — The Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, today said the Russian model of economy had virtually failed in India, but at the same time new economic strategies and the ongoing process of liberalisation, too, could not change the fate of countrymen, instantly. Mr Advani, who was addressing the annual convocation of the local KMV College, indirectly criticised the previous Congress government for its “failure” on the economic front and referred to an editorial in the Russian newspaper “Pravada” saying, “There are still areas in the country, where people have not even seen a railway engine or where power is yet to reach. I went through the said news paper which had analysed that India’s bad economic situation was due to the fact that it had imitated Russia”. Talking about the new economic strategy he said, “I feel the economic strategy alone can not change the prevailing situation. But the thing which could bring us out of the gloomy situation and make us see the dawn of success is sincere work in the fields of defence, education and health. People working in these areas should realise that they are shouldering a special responsibility towards their country since we stand nowhere if we take up the UN’s Human Development Index. Finland stands first in the index and our number is 128th among 170 countries. Don’t you think we need a collective movement like that of India’s freedom struggle?” questioned Mr Advani. He said that students and younger generation should play a greater role in the development of the country by achieving excellence in their respective fields and at the same time continuing with their learning process. He said India would not succeed until the economic model kept the health and education in focus for the progress of the nation. But the Home Minister said security of the nation was equally important for the development of the country and hence he held the view that three priority areas for India should “security, education and health”. He said the quality of India’s human resource has been recognised by the world which was hunting the country for knowledge workers. He said women must educate themselves because “the learning revolution” has obliterated general differences. Mr Advani said two-thirds of three crore jobs created in the USA in the past 15 years had been bagged by women because information technology revolution has rendered general differences irrelevant. Appreciating the role played by the college in educating women folk, Mr Advani said that Lala Dev Raj, founder of the college, had great vision by starting the institution for women in 1886 with the aim of spreading education among women. He praised the college for its role in the freedom fight of the country and said that it was remarkable to note that a group of students and teachers of this college had participated in the “Pooran Swaraj Sankalap” rally held at Ravi River in 1919. Earlier, 466 students of the 1998-99 batch of the college were awarded graduate and postgraduate degrees. |
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I did not meet Kanishka blast accused: minister MOGA, Nov 2 (UNI) — Punjab Education Minister Tota Singh today denied reports appearing in a section of the Press that he had met Surjan Gill, wanted by the Canadian police in various criminal cases, including one related to the Kanishka aircraft blast case during his visit to Canada along with state Cooperative Minister Ranjit Singh Brahmapura. The Education Minister, in a statement here said, he had visited Canada one and half years ago and during his stay there he never met Surjan
Gill." I am not even familiar with his face”, he said. The minister said Canadian security officials accompanied him throughout his tour for security reasons and he was not even permitted to ride in a private vehicle of his relative. Therefore, the question of his meeting with Surjan Gill did not arise at all, he said. Surjan Gill is the resident of Chalkalan village of Moga district and not Rauli as reported earlier. Inquiries revealed that he migrated to Canada with his family members about 25 years ago. After 1985, he never visited his native village. Reliable sources revealed that the Punjab police had not received any information from the state or Centre to find out the whereabouts of Suraj Gill. |
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Malik, Bagri
“innocent” CHANDIGARH, Nov 2 —The President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, said today that Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, arrested last week by the Canadian police in connection with the bombing of an Air-India Jumbo jet, were innocent. He said they had been implicated in the case by the Canadian police “under pressure” from an Indian intelligence agency. Mr Mann said the bombing was done by a certain Indian agency to defame the Sikhs the world over. He said that Sikhs had nothing to do with the case. Urging their release, Mr Mann said the Canadian Government should reinvestigate the case. He said Canada had developed an economic interest in India and it had implicated Mr Bagri and Mr Malik to please the Union Government. He had got information that a senior Indian officer was to travel on the bombed plane but withdrew at the last moment. This aspect should be investigated thoroughly, he added. |
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Probe begins into infant’s death
due to AIDS MOGA, Nov 2 (UNI) — Senior health officials of Punjab have started a probe into allegations that a six-month old child died of aids caused by blood transfusion allegedly at a private clinic here in May last. The local unit of the Indian Medical Association
(IMA) had challenged the findings of a probe conducted by the district health officials saying that death of the boy was caused due to transfusion of his father’s infected blood to him as the blood, which was tested by Ludhiana hospital was found
HIV positive. Punjab Health Joint Secretary and Managing Director of State Health System Corporation Anurag Agarwal yesterday heard members of the local branch of
IMA and also recorded the statement of the doctor who had treated the child. Mr Agarwal also heard the Moga Civil Surgeon and went through the papers related to inquiry by the district health officials. |
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Dental fortnight faces
teething troubles JALANDHAR, Nov 2 — The “dental fortnight” announced by the Punjab Government with much fanfare failed to take off in the district, with the Health Department authorities failing to provide dental material to dentists on the very first day of the launching of the nation-wide campaign today. Starting today, the fortnight was aimed at providing treatment free of cost, to patients and to make available dentures, also free of cost, to needy patients. Only yesterday, the District Dental Officer, Dr Harjinder Singh, announced that apart from free treatment to people of the district, about 30 dentures, each costing Rs 4000-5000, would be provided to the poor at the local Civil Hospital, followed by 15 each at different primary health centres in a number of villages and townships like Bilga and Phillaur, during the fortnight. But patients who swarmed the camps at various places could not be treated as the doctors kept sitting idle on account of non-availability of the required material. While admitting that the campaign had fizzled out on the first day and they had to make “false
entries" about patients in registers, doctors and other staff members at different hospitals maintained no treatment and denture work could be initiated in the district today. They said that they could not treat patients as they were not given the material such as xycoline, impression compound and other material required for making of dentures and treatment of dental diseases, by the office of District Medical Commissioner, responsible for making purchases and by the office of the Civil Surgeon. Mr Ram Saran, a resident of Basti Bawa Khel, said he had to come back without any treatment at the local Civil Hospital today as he had been advised by the doctors to visit the hospital only after two to three days. Similar was the situation with a number of other patients who had to face disappointment in hospitals for they had been asked to report after a few days on one pretext or other. The District Dental Officer, Dr Harjinder Singh, was not available for comment, but the Deputy Medical Commissioner, Dr
J.K. Bajaj admitted that the required dental material could not be supplied to dentists for it could not be purchased on time. “Actually, we had invited quotations, but I felt that rates quoted were much higher than the ones quoted for same products last year. So as to avoid any bungling I had cancelled all quotations and invited new ones. Anyway, I assure that we will make the local purchase tomorrow”, said Dr Bajaj while admitting that dentists had also complained to him about the non-availability of
material. |
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Land decree case: BKU activists
stage dharna BATHINDA, Nov 2 — Activists of the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU), Lakhowal unit today staged a dharna in front of the office of the Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, in protest against the authorities concerned for not ordering a probe into a land decree case at Bangi Rughu village of this district. Mr Ramkaran Singh, president, BKU (Lakhowal), addressing farmers, demanded that the cooperative society of Bangi Rughu village should withdraw a false case registered against Mr Heera Singh and added that action should be taken against those guilty. He said the cooperative society should be delinked from Markfed and cooperative societies should have the freedom to purchase fertilisers from anywhere. If not that, they should be given money to purchase fertilisers on cheap rates. Mr Baldev Singh, General Secretary, pointed out that most of the farmers were unable to return their debts adding that they should be given loans on girdawri, instead of the registration of land. He said the farmers who wanted to cancel their membership, should be given cash instead of shifting the membership to the farmers. The profits of the cooperative societies should be distributed among all members he added. |
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Governor asks NGOs
to work in villages JALANDHAR, Nov 2 — The non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should come forward to provide better health facilities to the rural folk in the state, Punjab Governor Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd) said here today. The Governor, inaugurating a blood bank at the local S.G.L. Charitable Hospital, said the NGOs must work for the eradication of TB and dental diseases by organising camps in remote areas. He praised the S.G.L. Trust for its role in providing free medicare to the poor and asked it to introduce mobile vans. Baba Kashmira Singh, chairman of the hospital said: ‘‘We are going to start charitable hospitals in rural areas of Gurdaspur, Lohian and Amritsar for which land has been purchased by the trust.’’ |
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Tension in village over granthi’s
appointment ALIKA (Bathinda), Nov 2 — Even as the district police authorities have deployed the police in large numbers in this village to avoid any untoward incident, Mr Gurdial Singh, who was removed from the post of granthi, today began the recitation of “akhand path”. Tension prevailed in this village for the past several days over the appointment of Mr Gurdial Singh as granthi. A section of the residents had appointed Mr Arjun Singh as granthi in place of Mr Gurdial Singh. They alleged that Mr Gurdial Singh was being protected and backed by politicians. A few days ago the district police had registered a case against panchayat members and other prominent residents of the village who were opposing the appointment of Mr Gurdial Singh. Mr Bhan Singh Bhora, MP, alleged that the activities in the village were being managed by “government functionaries”, adding that the matter should be resolved as per the wishes of the villagers. |
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3 jail officials suspended GURDASPUR, Nov 2 — Mr Ram Pal, Superintendent (jail) Mr B.S.
Sidhu, Deputy Superintendent (jail) and Mr Balwant Rai, storekeeper, have been placed under suspension following an inquiry ordered by Mr Ajit Singh
Kohar, Minister of Jails. The minister raided the jail here on August 23 this year and noticed various malpractices, including shortage of fertilisers and eatables. It was also found that substandard material, including lentils and vegetables were being supplied to the prisoners. |
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SI suspended BARNALA, Nov 2 — Gamdoor Singh, Sub-Inspector posted at Bhadaur in Barnala district has been placed under suspension for dereliction of duty. According to sources, the official has been sent to the Barnala Police Lines. |
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New civic Act soon: Tandon PHILLAUR, Nov 2 — The proposed New Municipal Act, 1999, will soon be approved by all departments. This was stated by Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balramji Dass Tandon here today. He hoped that the proposed Act would be sanctioned by the Union Government within a month. To another question, Mr Tandon said the Act would give more powers to Mayors. Cleaning up of cities during the night had already been begun by the corporation and would be introduced in municipal council and nagar panchayat areas in a phased manner to improve sanitation. He said it had been decided to make parking arrangements in urban areas through the built-operate transfer system to regulate traffic. Mr Tandon said working of all four Municipal Corporations of Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala would be computerised soon followed by computerisation of municipal councils. This would enable speedy redressal of house tax and water bills. On the voting process in nagar councils and nagar nigams, Mr Tandon said the state government would soon amend law for open voting, like in Vidhan Sabhas and the Lok Sabha, to bring about transparency in local bodies. Mr Tandon, who holds the portfolio of Labour, said the government was considering an increase in the minimum wages of workers from Rs 1,795 to Rs 1,850. Labour laws would be soon amended to safeguard their interests.
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Over 100 lakh tonnes
of paddy procured CHANDIGARH, Nov 2 — Punjab is heading towards setting a new record in the procurement of paddy in the state. Already the government agencies and private traders have crossed the figure of 100 lakh tonnes. The Punjab Food and Supplies Minister, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, told TNS here today that 100.47 lakh tonnes of paddy had been procured till last evening. The state government agencies, including Punsup, Markfed, the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, The Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and the Food and Supplies Department had procured 54.68 lakh tonnes of paddy. The FCI had procured 25.07 lakh tonnes and private millers 20.70 lakh tonnes till yesterday. Last year, the total procurement of paddy was about 108 lakh tonnes. Sangrur district, with 16.07 lakh tonnes of paddy, is leading in the
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PNB officials summoned
embezzlement of grant FEROZEPORE, Nov 2 — The anti-fraud squad of the Punjab Police, that is investigating into the embezzlement of the border area grant amounting Rs 10 lakh has summoned certain Punjab National Bank (PNB) officials to record their statements. The officials had cleared three cheques separately presented at the bank for payment of Rs 10 lakh as border area grant last year. The amount that was sanctioned to compensate the civilians whose land was acquired for fencing along the Indo-Pakistan border was pocketed by Ramesh Kumar, an official at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Ramesh Kumar, who was arrested for embezzlement, had allegedly forged the signatures of the then Deputy Commissioner on these cheques and presented these at the bank for clearence. Sources in the Police Department revealed that two PNB employees — Mr V.K. Monga and Mr S.C. Sharma — who had reportedly cleared the three cheques have been called for recording their statements for further investigation. Their names were sent to the anti-fraud squad by the PNB authorities on the asking of the Punjab Police which is also examining the possibility of connivance of the bank staff. A report was earlier sought from the bank to ascertain who had cleared the payments for the three cheques presented on June 11, September 27 and October 29 in 1999. Although a few more names were sent to the police on October 25 last by the PNB, the police wants to record the statement of these two employees as they had cleared the payments. The police wants to know that under what circumstances these cheques were cleared when the bank possessed the specimen of the Deputy Commissioner’s signatures. The police believes that the signatures were not tallied with the specimen. The Senior Regional Manager of the PNB, Mr C.M. Mahana, said the bank staff had no mala fide intention while clearing the payment and discounted the possibility of connivance at any level. He said the bank staff should not be made a scapegoat. Instead, he asked the administration to find out how these cheques had fallen into wrong hands. “Slight alterations in signatures can be overlooked if the client is not under suspicion. Since Ramesh Kumar was a frequent visitor at the bank, our staff recognised him and there was no question of doubting his intentions”. Assuring co-operation with the police into the investigation, he claimed that there was no circumstantial evidence to establish connivance of the bank staff. |
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Abduction case: Deepa not wanted,
says police SANGRUR, Nov 2 — Mr Rajinder Deepa, elder son-in-law of late Bhagwan Dass Arora, Congress MLA from Sunam, against whom a criminal case was registered by the Sunam police on September 30 during the Sunam Assembly byelection, is not wanted by the police as stated by ASI Harwinder Singh, investigating officer, in the court of Mr R.P. Nagrath, Additional Sessions Judge, Sangrur. The police had registered a case on the complaint of Mr Harinder Singh of Ludhiana for kidnapping him (Harinder Singh) against Mr Rajinder Deepa, Mr Kuljit Nagra and 12 others under Sections 364, 506, 323, 342, 148 and 149 of the IPC and 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. A bail application under Section 438 of the Cr PC was filed by Mr Deepa in this case after the
registration of case against him. Earlier, the court had granted him an interim bail in the first week of October. In his order, the judge mentioned that the investigating officer of the case ASI Harwinder Singh had made statement in the court that Rajinder Deepa was not wanted in the case. After the statement of the investigating officer the judge observed that the bail application filed by petitioner had become infructuous. Meanwhile, Mr Rajinder Deepa said following the statement of the police in the court that he was not wanted in the case, it clearly showed that the police had registered a false case against him to counter the FIR got lodged by the Congress against officers of Ludhiana police for kidnapping and beating him up during the byelection. He also alleged that cases against Congress workers had been registered on one pretext or other during the Sunam byelection on the behest of top SAD leaders to pressurise and lower the morale of supporters and workers of Mrs Parmeswari Devi, Congress candidate for the Sunam byelection, and widow of Bhagwan Dass Arora. |
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Farmhouse attacked,
1 killed, 2 hurt JALANDHAR, Nov 2 — One person was killed and two others were injured seriously when a group of persons attacked a farmhouse near Bajuah village in Nakodar subdivision late last
night. According to the police, 10-12 persons attacked the farmhouse belonging to Gulzaar Singh and decamped with cash and jewelry worth Rs 1.5
lakh. While Gulzaar Singh and his son Manjit were injured their relative Sunder Singh of Ambgarh village was killed. The assailants also locked female members of the family in a room. A case has been registered. |
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Men in white get cheat arrested HOSHIARPUR, Nov 2 — Manga Ram son of Tarsem Lal, a resident of Sandhwa village was caught in his own net when he tried to misappropriate Rs 1.75 lakh entrusted to him on Tuesday. Mr R.P. Mittal, SSP, Hoshiarpur said in a press release here today that Manga Ram had come to Garhshanker police station on Tuesday evening and lodged a report in which he stated that he was on his way to Jasowal village on a scooter when four unidentified persons, all dressed in white and on Hero Honda motor cycles accosted him near Bhajian village. They beat him, snatched the Rs 1.75 lakh he had been entrusted with at pistol point and fled towards Saila Khurd. The police registered a case under Section 382/34 IPC and 25/54/59 Arms Act. But on investigation it was found that no such incident had occurred in the area the men in white were concocted by Manga Ram with a view to misappropriating the money. Manga Ram has been arrested and the money recovered from him. |
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PAU teachers challenge
promotion scheme LUDHIANA, Nov 2 — As many as 100 teachers of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here have challenged certain provisions of the career advancement scheme which was approved by the Board of Management of the university at its meetings held on June 14 and July 28. These provisions were notified by the PAU Registrar on August 11 before they were challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the ground that these were prejudicial to their interests. The teachers concerned are mostly those who joined the university in the grade of assistant professor after obtaining a Ph.D. degree. The petitioners have pleaded that the university’s notification makes a departure from the notification of the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) which had directed the state agricultural universities that the career advancement scheme notified by it on July 19 should be implemented in letter and spirit. However, they have argued in their petition that clauses 6.3 and 6.4 of the university’s notification, concerning promotion of teachers as associate professors and professors by the relaxation of the years of experience, do not find mention in ICAR’s notification. Incidentally, these clauses stipulate that an assistant professor is eligible for promotion, provided he has put in at least 9 years of service. Similarly, clause 6.4 stipulates that an associate professor will be eligible for promotion, provided he has put in 17 years of service as assistant professor/ assistant professor (senior scale)/associate professor. The petitioners have pleaded that an assistant professor should put in at least five years of service in the senior scale before he may be considered eligible for promotion. They have, therefore, demanded that assistant professors who joined the university service with M.Sc. qualification should put in at least 11 years before they can seek promotion. Likewise, they have argued that a teacher should put in at least eight years of service as associate professor before he becomes eligible for promotion. They have said that by the new dispensation, the teachers who joined the university with Ph.D. qualifications would become junior to those who joined with lower academic qualifications. In addition, they have said the period spent for acquiring Ph.D. degree by taking study leave from the university should not be counted as service for commuting experience. Accordingly, they have urged that the university should be directed to make promotions as per the scheme of the ICAR. As an alternative, they have requested, the university be restrained from making any promotions to the ranks of associate professors and professors under the scheme. A Division Bench of the high court, comprising Mr Justice R.S. Mongia and Mr Justice K.C. Gupta, that heard the petition on October 12, has directed the PAU authorities that “any promotion to the rank of associate professor (equivalent) and professor (equivalent) during the pendency of this writ petition would abide the final order that may be passed in this writ petition’’. The court has issued notice of motion to the university for December 18.
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Punjabi
University students go on strike PATIALA, Nov 2 — Students’ bodies of the Punjabi University today held a protest rally besides disrupting teaching work in protest against the rustication of two student union heads of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) and the Student Federation of India (SFI) by the university authorities for alleged arson and disruption during the Divali mela held on the campus on October 18-19. The university authorities had rusticated two students — ABVP president Sandeep Kapoor and SFI head Pawan Bhatia after some elements set a few tents on fire on the campus following the use of mild force by the police to prevent students from entering the lane to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence on the night of October 18 where a special cultural programme had been scheduled. Another student, Jaskaran Singh, who had also been rusticated for his role in alleged arson was, however, ‘forgiven’ when he apologised for his actions. The authorities have got cases of arson registered against all three students at the Sadar Police station. The striking unions — the ABVP, the SFI and the Punjabi University Students Association (PUSA) had threatened a strike following the rustication of the two students but the strike was delayed due to Divali vacation and subsequent holidays in the university. Students assembled in large numbers at the open air theatre under the banner of the Students’ Joint Action Committee which has been formed to fight for the alleged injustice done to the two students whose
entry into the university had also been banned in the morning. The students marched on the campus and forced the closure of classes by going to several departments. Few student leaders of Punjabi University Students
Association (PUSA) addressed the congregation. The student leaders demanded that the rusiticated students should be taken back and the cases registered against them should be dropped . They also appealed to the university authorities not to spoil the career of the rusticated students, both of whom were in their final year of study. The leaders claimed that the Divali mela celebrations were meant for the students and hence should be held in the open and not at the residence of Vice-Chancellor. They said a university function should be made accessible to everybody on the campus as these functions were organised from the money paid by the students in the form of fee. |
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‘Upgrade’
ayurvedic college PATIALA, Nov 2 — The Punjab and Chandigarh Ayurvedic College Teachers’ Association today urged the government not to open any more ayurvedic colleges in the state and instead concentrate on upgrading the lone post-graduate college at Patiala . In a statement here, association president Dr P. K. Rishi said the only Government Ayurvedic College of Punjab at Patiala was suffering due to lack of funds and staff. He said there was no scope of higher education in ayurveda in the state as the Patiala college only had postgraduate courses in two non-clinical subjects . Dr Rishi said the state had only one government and six other ayurvedic colleges. He said many seats remained vacant in these colleges and students passing out of them did not get jobs as there were only 550 ayurvedic dispensaries in the state. He said more
postgraduate courses needed to be started in the Government College at Patiala . The association also urged for supply of medicines to the dispensaries of the ayurvedic college and hospitals so that they could discharge their duties effectively . He said lack of medicines at most dispensaries was a great blow to the ayurvedic movement in Punjab. |
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DA instalment for aided school staff CHANDIGARH, Nov 2 — The Punjab Education Department has sanctioned one more instalment of dearness allowance for 10,000 employees of 484 aided schools. The DA admissible to them has been raised from 38 per cent to 41 per cent from July 1, 2000. The arrears in this respect will be paid in cash. This was stated here today by Mr Sapinder Singh Kurali, Joint Secretary of the Punjab State Aided School Teachers and other employees union. The union spokesman urged the Punjab Government to implement its decision regarding the payment of pensionary benefits to aided school pensioners in accordance with the recommendations of the fourth Pay
Commission. He said the pensioner’s cell of the union would hold a state-level rally at Sain Dass Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar, on November 5 in view of the situation created by the non-implementation of the notification pertaining to pension. More than 2,000 pensioners were likely to attend the protest rally. |
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