P U N J A B

Revolt brewing among Jathedars
AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — A revolt is brewing among the Sikh High Priest over the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, Golden Temple.

Another rail mishap averted
MANDI GOBINDGARH (Fatehgarh Sahib), Dec 13 — A rail mishap was averted on the ill fated Sirhind — Ludhiana railway section near here yesterday when due to a break in a coach coupling 35 wagons of the Lahore-Gaziabad (Up) goods train broke loose and were stranded near the Talwara railway crossing.

Show-cause notice to Bibi on pre-arrest bail
CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — Mr Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued fresh notice to the former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur for January 15 to show cause why the anticipatory bail granted to her in the Harpreet case should not be cancelled.

• Another setback for Bibi

VIP security costs citizens dear
ROPAR, Dec 13 — The involvement of the local police in providing security to the frequently touring ministers in Punjab is undermining the security of common citizens. The day on which the incidents happened, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, and the President of the Punjab BJP, Mr Brij Lal Rinwa, were on a visit to the area.

Jharkhand to study Punjab, Haryana models
Framing of sports policy
CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — Jharkhand is keen to ape both Punjab and Haryana while shaping its future in general and sports in particular, says Mr Inder Singh Namdhari, the first Speaker of the new state carved out of Bihar.

Students bowled over by ‘automatic toys’
MANSOORAN (Ludhiana), Dec 13 — Locals are bowled over by the arrival of computers in Government Girls School here. It is a big happening for kids as well as elders. While students feel these are “automatic toys” elders see it as the entry of their village into the modern era of information technology.

 

POLITICS

BJYM opposes talks with Pak
GURDASPUR, Dec 13 — Mr Sukhminder Singh, state President, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, talking to mediapersons, here today, opposed negotiations with the Pakistan Government till it stopped aiding and abetting terrorism in India.

Badal has failed to curb corruption: Rinwa
PATIALA, Dec 13 — The state BJP president, Prof Brij Lal Rinwa, came down heavily on the authorities saying that the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, had failed to curb administrative bungling due to political pressures.

CM takes notice of minister’s remarks
CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — In an obvious reference to the outbursts of Raja Narinder Singh against his Cabinet colleague, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today took cognisance of the issue.

Randeep men elected vice-presidents
PATIALA, Dec 13— The Congress group led by Randeep Singh in the Nabha Municipal Committee achieved a major victory when it was able to get two of its members elected to the post of vice presidents.

Kewal Badal ready to appear at Takht
AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — In a communication to the Akal Takht Jathedar, Mr Kewal Singh Badal, Junior Vice-President, SGPC, has “admitted” his mistake regarding violation of a “hukamnama” by attending a function held by Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara, who has been excommunicated.

NCC certificate holders eligible for IMA interview
HOSHIARPUR, Dec 13 — Certificate holders of the NCC are now eligible to go straight for IMA and OTA interviews to become commissioned officers in the Army.

Army recruitment drive on Dec 19
AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — An Army recruitment drive is slated for December 19 to December 24 in Faridkot.

Major Maninder’s cremation today
PATIALA, Dec 13 — The mortal remains of Major Maninder Singh, who was killed in a suicide squad attack at Shashiwar Rafiabad in Baramula district of north Kashmir, are expected to arrive here tonight.

Warehouse staff gives bandh call
AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — All warehouses in the district have gone on complete closure for an indefinite period following a call for closure by the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Field Employees Union.

• Warehousing Corporation staff on strike

3 tax payers honoured
PATIALA, Dec 13— The three highest tax payers of Nabha tehsil were honoured at by Mr Jagroop Singh, Income Tax Officer, a function held at the Punjab Public School auditorium at Nabha, near here, today.

4 killed in road accident
BATHINDA, Dec 13 — A fatal road accident on the Bathinda-Barnala highway left four dead and one injured, near Bhucho, this evening. 

Hospital in memory of mishap victims
FATEHGARH SAHIB, Dec 13 — A 30-bed hospital will be constructed in the area near the Sarai Banjara rail accident site in the memory of train mishap victims.

Probe sought into manager’s arrest
JALANDHAR, Dec 13 — The State Foodgrain Agencies Coordination Committee has demanded a high-level inquiry into the arrest of the District Manager of the State Warehousing Corporation, posted at Patiala.

• PSEB staff wear black badges

• Two die in road mishap

• SDM to probe custodial death

• PWD employees stage dharna

• Naval team to survey Harike
  

MLAs check drains, report by Feb-end
MANSA, Dec 13 — Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, MLA and Chairman of the committee of seven MLAs, namely Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, Mr Hardev Singh Arshi, Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Mr Ram Kumar Goyal, Mr Gurtej Singh Gurhiana, Mr Baldev Singh Khiala and Mr Balbir Singh Bhadaur, constituted by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

CRIME

Cops prevent child marriage
FEROZEPORE, Dec 13 — In a swift action, the Ferozepore police today foiled a child marriage from being solemnised at a gurdwara in Govindpuri locality.

‘Cobra’ gang busted
GURDASPUR, Dec 13 — The interception of two cars and investigation of its occupants led to the busting of Amritsar-based notorious Cobra gang which had been indulging in the sordid crime of sexual exploitation and thefts for the past several years, the police said.

EDUCATION

PCCTU rally in minister’s constituency
PHAGWARA, Dec 13 — The Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union will hold a zonal rally and a protest march in the constituency of the Punjab Finance Minister, Captain Kanwaljit Singh, at Banur on December 19 to tell the masses that his department was acting as a stumbling block to the implementation of the already accepted demands of teachers.

Redefine education goals: expert
PATIALA, Dec 13 — Higher Education has proliferated in a lop-sided manner in India during the past 50 years and in the changed scenario there is a need to review achievements by restructuring syllabi and re-defining educational goals .

Meeting favours folklore depts
AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — The 21st Indian Folklore Congress concluded today at Guru Nanak Dev University campus here.

Teachers resent promotion
PATIALA, Dec 13 — Classical and vernacula teachers have resented the promotions ordered by the state Education Department.

Revolt brewing among Jathedars
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — A revolt is brewing among the Sikh High Priest over the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, Golden Temple.

All High Priests, including Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar Damdama Sahib, Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi, Akal Takht, Giani Charn Singh and Giani Gurbachan Singh, both granthis of the Golden Temple, may lodge a protest with the SGPC President, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, for appointing the “sacked Jathedar” to the important post. Most High Priests were signatories to the joint statement challenging the controversial ‘hukamnama’ issued by Giani Puran Singh as Jathedar, Akal Takht, from a ’PCO’ at Guna (Madhya Pradesh) while on his way to Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib ‘excommunicating’ Bibi Jagir Kaur, the then SGPC chief, from the Sikh Panth. A majority of the High Priests, including those heading various Takhts, were unanimous that issuing of an edict from a place other than Akal Takht was “violation” of the Sikh ‘maryada’. The Sikh High Priests had taken a firm stand that the edict could be issued from Akal Takht in the presence of all five High Priests alone. However, the joint statement of the High Priests was ignored by Giani Puran Singh.

So much so, the Political Affairs Committee of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal had directed Bibi Jagir Kaur to appear before Akal Takht on the basis of the edict. However, Bibi Jagir Kaur had ignored the Akal Takht directive.

Giani Puran Singh excommunicated Prof Manjit Singh, Giani Kewal Sing and Giani Bhagwan Singh from the Panth for violating the directives of Akal Takht on the controversial ‘Nanakshah jantri’. However, a day after his installation as Jathedar Akal Takht, on March 29, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti revoked all controversial edicts.

With the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi, a fresh problem has cropped up in the wake of the meeting of High Priests to be held at Akal Takht on December 20. Without the presence of the Head Granthi, Golden Temple, the meeting cannot take any decision, as per the tradition.

It would be difficult for Giani Puran Singh to attend the meeting along with those he had ‘excommunicted’ in March this year. Giani Puran Singh had stated that the ‘hukamnama once issued could not be withdrawn.

While Prof Manjit Singh is abroad these days and likely to reach India in a day or so, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, who is on a tour of some states, may cut short his visit. Sources in the SGPC say the SGPC failed to withdraw its decision on the appointment of Giani Puran Singh, the High Priests could take ‘drastic steps’.

They may even threaten to quit their posts.

Some SGPC members have suggested that the inquiry against Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh should be reopened. The SGPC executive, which had suspended Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar Akal Takht, on February 10, 1998, had also constituted an inquiry committee against the High Priests.

Another rail mishap averted
Tribune News Service

MANDI GOBINDGARH (Fatehgarh Sahib), Dec 13 — A rail mishap was averted on the ill fated Sirhind — Ludhiana railway section near here yesterday when due to a break in a coach coupling 35 wagons of the Lahore-Gaziabad (Up) goods train broke loose and were stranded near the Talwara railway crossing.

The Howrah passenger train had met with a major accident further down near Jeewanpur village in the district when it hit coaches of another goods train which had capsized on its track on December 2.

According to sources, presence of mind shown by the gateman at the Talwara railway crossing saved the mishap. The gateman, who saw that some coaches had been separated from the train, rushed to the Mandi Gobindgarh Railway Station on his bicycle. He was also injured in the exercise when the front portion of his bicycle caved in and his face hit the stones lying next to the railway track.

Sources disclosed that once officials at the Gobindgarh Railway Station were informed about the break, they relayed the news to the control room at Ambala. Following this the Shatabdi Express on its way to Ambala was stopped at the Gobindgarh Railway Station and its driver was cautioned.

Meanwhile, an engine was sent from the Sirhind Railway Station which brought the separated coaches of the train up to Gobindgarh. The track was blocked for more than one hour due to the breakdown.

According to sources, the goods train driver and the guard told the authorities that the walkie talkies provided to them were not working properly due to which the guard could not inform the driver about the separation of the coaches. Though the Station Master was not available for comment, other officials said this was not the case.

Officials also discounted reports that the driver of the goods train had continued to drive on oblivious of the separation of the coaches. They said this was not the case and that according to directions issued by the authorities all drivers were to carry on for some time following any separation of coaches in their charge. They said this was done as there was a danger of the separated coaches, which remained in motion after being delinked from the main train, ramming into the main train if it was stopped too soon. Railway officials also inspected the portion of the track where the coaches were separated.

Meanwhile, Darshan Kumar, the gateman at Talwara crossing, was first admitted to the Civil Hospital here where some X-rays had been recommended. However, Railway officials shifted him to the Railway Hospital at Ambala yesterday.

Though a fractured track is blamed for the December 2 train tragedy which occurred at Jeewanpur village in this district, the general lack of maintenance of goods train has also come into focus following yesterday’s mishap. Even in the Jeewanpur tragedy, a broken coupling of the goods train had been recovered following the mishap. 

Show-cause notice to Bibi on pre-arrest bail
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — Mr Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued fresh notice to the former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur for January 15 to show cause why the anticipatory bail granted to her in the Harpreet case should not be cancelled.

Earlier, Mr Justice Nijjar had issued notice to the CBI and Bibi Jagir Kaur as well on November 27 and the same was served to the CBI but could not be served on Bibi Jagir Kaur following which arguments in the case could not be held today. Issuing fresh summons to Bibi, the Judge adjourned the case to January 15 for final arguments.

Alleging blatant misuse of the concession of anticipatory bail, Kamaljit Singh, a young man of Begowal village in Kapurthala district who claims to be the husband of the late Harpreet Kaur, had moved the High Court seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Bibi Jagir Kaur by Mr Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar on November 15.

Bibi Jagir Kaur has been booked by the CBI under Sections 302, 304, 342, 313, 201 and 120-B of the IPC for the alleged murder of her 19-year-old daughter after aborting her child.

Another setback for Bibi
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — The beleaguered Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former SGPC chief, today suffered yet another jolt when the executive committee did not confirm as many as 146 items on the agenda of the executive meeting held on August 8 under her presidentship.

With this, payments made to several colleges, schools and sports clubs will be recovered from the respective beneficiaries. The executive also rejected the resolution under which a Rs 15 lakh payment was made for opening a college at Talwandi Bhai. The executive rejected the proposal of the previous committee for adopting Guru Nanak College, Gurdaspur, running at a loss of 1 crore.

VIP security costs citizens dear
From Lalit Mohan

ROPAR, Dec 13 — The involvement of the local police in providing security to the frequently touring ministers in Punjab is undermining the security of common citizens. Robbers struck simultaneously at four places on December 3 here, leaving two persons dead and three critically injured.

The day on which the incidents happened, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, and the President of the Punjab BJP, Mr Brij Lal Rinwa, were on a visit to the area. Most of the police officials were busy with the security till 3 a.m., leaving the area under their jurisdiction vulnerable to the robbers.

Though the police now says that it did not get information about the robberies on time due to which the culprits escaped. Leaders of the Opposition allege that the police should have been patrolling the area instead of accompanying the VIP who had his own security.

Various police officers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, admitted that the force was under constant pressure due to the frequent visits of VIPs. A police official said about 300 policemen, including the SSP, SP and ASP, drawn from almost all police stations of Ropar were deputed for the Chief Minister’s security at each function he attended in the state. All this was in addition to the security of about 30 to 40 police officials under the charge of a DIG, who always accompanied the Chief Minister, he said.

The police officials responsible for security at the Chief Minister’s functions were drawn from the far-flung areas of the district. They returned to their police stations only late in the evening. There is thus an acute shortage of policemen for routine operations or night patrol.

A shortage of vehicles is another factor that affects the police functioning. The Nangal police station under whose area of jurisdiction the robberies took place has just got an old jeep with a speed limit of 40 km/hour and a motor cycle to patrol 60 villages. The condition of the jeep provided to the Anandpur Sahib police station is even worse. The SHO sustained injuries a few days ago when his official jeep overturned. He has since then stopped using it .

The SSP, Mr G.P.S. Bhullar, said as a protocol, an officer of the rank of DSP, along with officials of the local police, was deputed for the security of any minister visiting the area. He justified the involvement of the local police in providing security to the VIPs due to the threat perception to their lives.

About the poor quality of vehicles in various police stations of this district, he said these were minor problems and did not hamper the operations. He said though the number of non-gazetted police officials was according to the sanctioned strength, but over the time the police duties had increased, heading to a shortage of staff in some areas. The proposals in this regard were already under the consideration of the government, he added.

Jharkhand to study Punjab, Haryana models
Framing of sports policy
By Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — Jharkhand is keen to ape both Punjab and Haryana while shaping its future in general and sports in particular, says Mr Inder Singh Namdhari, the first Speaker of the new state carved out of Bihar.

Accompanied by Mr Vadiya Nath Ram, Sports Minister of Jharkhand, Mr Inder Singh Namdhari, arrived here this morning on a two-day visit. The two-member Janata Dal United delegation from Jharkhand also hopes to strengthen inter-state ties.

“Punjab and Haryana, besides Kerala, are high on the sports pedestal of the country. These states have made a mark and we want to study their models before we decide our sports policy,” said Mr Vadiya Nath Ram, maintaining that track and field, hockey and soccer were the sports on the priority list of the state.

“Our tribal sportsmen and women are talented and have been doing well. We came here to study the Punjab and Haryana models. Tomorrow, we have a meeting with senior officials of the Sports Departments of both Punjab and Haryana,” said Mr Vadiya Nath Ram, himself a tribal Dalit belonging to the Janata Dal United.

“To start with,” said Mr Inder Singh Namdhari,” we plan to organise a major national-level hockey tournament for men to commemorate India’s first Olympic hockey captain, Jaipal Singh, who came from Jharkahnd. His birth centenary falls on January 3 next year. As a tribute to him and to our new state, we want all states and top teams to play in this tournament to be held at Ranchi.”

“The tribal belt of erstwhile Bihar, which now forms the heart of Jharkhand, has contributed several internationals, mostly in hockey, both men and women, to the national teams,” Mr Inder Singh Namdhari said.

“It is not only sports but other areas, too, where we would like to use the experience of these states to our advantage. For example, Haryana has adopted a unique practice. No legislator can disrupt the Governor’s Address though he can stage a walkout or boycott the Address. But he cannot interrupt the Governor. We may adopt this procedural thing to ensure that the Address of the Governor goes uninterrupted,” said Mr Inder Singh Namdhari.

He said the present government was stable after it secured a clear verdict of the state Assembly. Of 81 members, 44 voted for the government and 34 against it.

“Financially, we do not see any problem. Jharkhand has 56 per cent of the total coal reserves of the country. We have 73 per cent of mica, nearly 50 per cent of bauxite, besides sufficient uranium, copper and gold mines. If we can manage our mines properly, there will be neither a problem of employment or of finances,” Mr Inder Singh Namdhari said.

“A major area of concern is terrorism. The main terrorist groups active in Jharkhand are the PWG and the MCC. But ever since the first elected government was installed, there has been a lull in terrorist violence. It has nothing to do with land reforms. But it is more on account of caste politics,” he said.

While talking about the stand of the state, Mr Inder Singh Namdhari said the state government was prepared to talk or negotiate with any group to find a permanent solution to the problem of terrorism.

Mr Inder Singh Namdhari and Mr Vadiya Nath Ram had called on the Punjab Speaker, Mr Charanjit Singh, and the Haryana Speaker, Mr Satbir Singh Kadian, in the morning. In the afternoon, Dr Shamsher Singh, a former Adviser to the World Bank, held a reception in honour of Mr Inder Singh Namdhari and Mr Vadiya Nath Ram.

While speaking to a select gathering at the residence of Dr Shamsher Singh, Mr Inder Singh Namdhari said he was proud to be the Speaker of Jharkhand, a state which does not vote on caste or creed lines. “I represent the Dalton Gunj assembly segment which may not have even 200 Sikh voters but I got more than 50,000 votes and have been a Legislator since 1980.

I love my people and their love for me is my biggest asset,” he added. Also present at the reception were several retired and serving officials and representatives of various social and cultural organisations.

Students bowled over by ‘automatic toys’
By Sarbjit Singh
Tribune News Service

MANSOORAN (Ludhiana), Dec 13 — Locals are bowled over by the arrival of computers in Government Girls School here. It is a big happening for kids as well as elders. While students feel these are “automatic toys” elders see it as the entry of their village into the modern era of information technology.

Tomorrow will be a big day for the locals when the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, formally launch the computer course as a regular feature of the school curriculum in the state. This school has been especially selected for this purpose because people here have themselves funded the construction of an imposing school building.

Not only locals but residents of the cluster of 10 villages from where girls come in the local school for studies are in a festive mood. The school complex has been beautifully decorated. Students in the school have smiles on their faces and teachers are also jubilant.

Mr Karnail Singh says the arrival of the computers in the school has kindled the hope of a better future for rural students who were being left behind because of the falling standard of education in the countryside. Certainly computer education will open new opportunities for our wards, he asserts. Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Joga Singh, another village elder. “What has added to our pride is that the government has selected our school to formally launch computer education in schools in the state”, he adds. Mr Harnek Singh, convener of the School Welfare Committee, said a lot of facilities were available in urban areas to get advance training in computers but rural areas were almost completely devoid of them. “We were feeling concerned as our wards in the rural areas know nothing about what is happening in the technology-driven modern world”, he said.

The Punjab Government has authorised NIIT for imparting computer education in the government middle, high and secondary schools. Already, computers have been placed in 90 schools and the course will formally begin tomorrow with the inauguration in the local school. Mr Amit Nevatia, Project Manager, Punjab Government Schools, says 700 schools will be covered by the end of the current academic session. Within the next 18 months, the computer course will start in all 4006 government middle, high and secondary schools in the state. There will also be Internet facility. The number of computer terminals will vary between five and 11 as per the strength of students in the school concerned. After school hours, the local youth in the village concerned can also join the computer course. Syllabi of the course for all classes have been prepared by an expert committee of the Punjab School Education Board.

Mr Sameer Shah, Assistant Business Manager, NIIT , says that within one year students would become fully trained in data entry, sending e-mails and other fundamentals. Within three years of training, they will be able to handle computers like experts. There are two aspects of computer course. One is computer education and the other is education through computer. Students will have to attend theory as well as practical classes as part of the course.

One could gauge the enthusiasm from the registration by students to join this course. Ms Archna Joshi, a teacher, who has been appointed as nodal officer of the course, said out of 400-odd students on the rolls of the school 300 had already deposited the prescribed fee for the course. From general category students Rs 80 would be charged and students belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes category will have to pay Rs 40 per month.

Mrs Usha Sidhu, District Education Officer, who was in the school to prepare for the Chief Minister’s visit, told TNS that in some schools computer training had been started with the help of NRIs and with the funds provided by member of Parliament under the local area development schemes. But the number of such schools was insignificant. The Principal of the school, Mrs Harjinder Kaur, said her school had a very rich history and tomorrow a new chapter would be added to it. 

POLITICS

BJYM opposes talks with Pak
From Our Correspondent

GURDASPUR, Dec 13 — Mr Sukhminder Singh, state President, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), talking to mediapersons, here today, opposed negotiations with the Pakistan Government till it stopped aiding and abetting terrorism in India.

Mr Sukhminder Singh said the BJP-led Central Government had made several gestures, including the Lahore bus diplomacy for cordial relations with Pakistan, but in vain.

He said the unilateral ceasefire declared by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, in Jammu and Kashmir in the month of Ramzan was a god-sent opportunity for militants to give up arms. “Political parties are misinterpreting the ceasefire to serve petty political ends,” he said.

On the WTO and the GATT agreements, he said these were signed by the Congress Government and were against the interests of the country. The only way out was to improve out products to compete in the international market.

The criticism of the RSS and the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat by the AISSF and the Chief of Akal Takht was due to lack of “coordination” among the Hindus and Sikhs, he opined.

Badal has failed to curb corruption: Rinwa
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13 — The state BJP president, Prof Brij Lal Rinwa, came down heavily on the authorities saying that the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, had failed to curb administrative bungling due to political pressures.

Mr Rinwa was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a computer centre at Lacchkani village near here today. Talking to the media, Mr Rinwa said the BJP, which was an alliance partner with the ruling SAD in the state, was not happy the way things were going on within the state. He said he had raised various contentious issues with the Chief Minister who was responsive and wanted to do something concrete but was mowed down due to political pressures from various sides. Mr Rinwa said “I have suggested to Mr Badal that exemplary punishment should be meted out to people in the government who are corrupt so that nobody will indulge in corruption so that the menace can be rooted out completely.”

Mr Rinwa added that he had spoken to Mr Badal regarding the recent hike in the rates of domestic tarrif of power and was expecting a positive response from the government.

CM takes notice of minister’s remarks
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — In an obvious reference to the outbursts of Raja Narinder Singh against his Cabinet colleague, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today took cognisance of the issue.

Without naming anyone, a press statement on his (Mr Badal) behalf was issued on the party letterpad. Inter alia quoting Mr Badal it said, “A serious view has been taken of the tendency among some party leaders and workers to indulge in allegations and counter allegations against their colleagues.”

The statement is unsigned. It further reads: “Mr Badal has spoken firmly to his colleagues in the party and advised that all grievances, genuine or otherwise, should be discussed at appropriate forums within the party or with me.”

Mr Badal also observed that acts of incrimination and recrimination against party colleagues amounted to indiscipline, which cannot be encouraged at any cost. “Anyone violating party decorum will expose himself to disciplinary action,” he added.

Randeep men elected vice-presidents
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13— The Congress group led by Randeep Singh in the Nabha Municipal Committee achieved a major victory when it was able to get two of its members elected to the post of vice presidents.

The election reportedly took place after high drama at Nabha near here yesterday with a section of Congress councillors grouping up with the BJP and the lone Akali Dal (Badal) councillor to get their nominees elected to the posts. However, the move was thwarted by the Randeep group which reportedly broke into the room which had been closed to enable the election to take place after the quorum of 10 was established with Raja Narinder Singh also coming to the meeting.

Following this Surinder Dawa and Anil Rana were elected vice presidents unanimously with the other group not contesting. Sources said while 11 members of the Randeep group had their way, one of its members had defected to the other camp. There are a total of 20 members presently and the rest of the nine members had formed a group to get their members elected after requesting the minister to attend the meeting to achieve the quorum figure. The nine members include four of the Ramesh Singla group, three of the BJP and one Akali member.

Talking to newsmen here, Congress leader Randeep Singh said he had requested the Subdivisional Magistrate yesterday to postpone the meeting but an attempt was made by nine councillors to get their nominees elected to the post of vice presidents. He claimed that all 16 councillors were required to meet him in the morning to discuss the election and that the councillors loyal to former legislator Ramesh Singla kept away.

Mr Randeep Singh said he would inform Punjab Pradesh Congress President Capt Amarinder Singh of the development so that disciplinary action could be taken against the four councillors. He also accused the four councillors of holding a meeting with the BJP councillors yesterday to defeat the Congress nominees.

Meanwhile Mr Randeep Singh disclosed that Rs 1.5 crore had been spent by the municipality in one year on various development works in the town. He said the municipality which could not even pay the salary to its staff earlier, was now earning an income of Rs 32 lakh every month. He said the committee was taking up putting premix on all the major roads of the city which included the Duladi Gate — Arya Samaj Road, Lahoran Gate to Military Chowk, Nirankari Road, Navdeep Marg, Cinema Road, Bathindian Mohalla, Bazigar Basti and Sangatpura Basti roads.

The Congress leader also alleged that while the Raja Narinder Singh wanted to stop development work due to which 13 projects were suffering.

Kewal Badal ready to appear at Takht
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — In a communication to the Akal Takht Jathedar, Mr Kewal Singh Badal, Junior Vice-President, SGPC, has “admitted” his mistake regarding violation of a “hukamnama” by attending a function held by Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara, who has been excommunicated.

In his application, he has said that it was an “inadvertent violation” of the edict and offered to appear before Akal Takht.

The written communication by Mr Kewal Singh was received today by the Jathedar of Akal Takht.

Earlier, Mr Gurdev Badal, Punjab Agriculture Minister and father of Mr Kewal Singh had admitted before mediapersons of having violated the “hukamnama” and expressed his “readiness” to appear before Akal Takht. 

COMMUNITY

Book released on Bhagat Puran Singh
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — The book, “His Sacred Burden”, on the life of the founder of Pingalwara, Bhagat Puran Singh, is the written testimony of his mission to serve the suffering humanity, remarked the author Reema Anand.

Talking to TNS here today, the freelance journalist said she felt the need to write his biography so that coming generations could understand what Bhagatji stood for. Reema had earlier produced a documentary, “Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe” in 1992.

The author talking about Bhagatji whom she fondly called Babaji recollected her first encounter with him was when he visited their house in Ferozepore when she was barely seven years old. She was initially intrigued by his simplicity and forthright approach to environment. Caring for the sick, mentally ill and the handicapped. Reema added that one day while she was accompanying him they came across an insane person lying on the road. Bhagatji took him to Pingalwara for treatment. That incident had a profound impact on her life and she developed great fascination for Bhagat Puran Singh who was an embodiment of humanity.

The book is thoroughly researched and traces the life and mission of the man who single-handedly took up social work to care for the destitutes, orphans and those neglected by society.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Reema said his mission need to be spread.

While releasing the book, Justice R.S. Narula complimented the author and the publisher for doing an excellent job. The founder of the famous Chipko movement and eminent environmentalist, Mr Sunder Lal Bahuguna, who was also present at the book release ceremony said that Bhagat Puran Singh was a shining example of how the earth could be saved from destruction. The book portrayed his multi-faceted personality. Mr Bahuguna recommended setting up a social sciences faculty.

Health corpn pays lakhs for faulty lab

JALANDHAR, Dec 13 (UNI) — The World Bank-funded Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC), which was expected to uplift collapsing health care system in Punjab, has failed to live up to the hopes especially in the field on dental care.

Dr Sharma said since he took over as SMO (dental) only about a year and half ago, he was not in a position to say as to how, why and when the payment was made for a machine which never functioned even for a single day.

Akademis dissociate from conference
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — In a significant development here today, the three constituent bodies of the Punjab Arts Council, which is due to organise the World Punjabi Conference in the city from December 23, have virtually dissociated themselves from the entire affair.

The much-expected move comes after continued publicity in the Press about the establishment of the World Punjabi Foundation under the guidance of the Council. At an emergency meeting held on December 9, office-bearers of the Punjab Sahit Akademi, the Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi even forwarded a letter to the chairman of the council expressing resentment over the issue.

The three Akademis are not convinced with the idea of the establishment of foundation. It is being felt that the Punjab Kala Parishad is already one such body dedicated to the promotion of Punjabi literature and culture. Hence, there is no need for a parallel body. Further, the office-bearers of the three units feel that their names are being used for publicising the affair, whereas no advice on any programme detail is being sought from them. Neither are they being consulted in this regard.

At a meeting held earlier this month, the secretary-general of the council, Mr H.S. Bhatty, had announced that the foundation would be established soon. He had stated that Mr Santokh Singh Mandher would propose the idea and Mr I.K. Gujral would second it.

The decision of expressing doubt over the issue of the establishment of the foundation was taken here on December 9 by the following office-bearers: Dr Dalip Kaur Tiwana and Rama Ratan, president and secretary, Punjab Sahit Akademi; Harjinder Kaur and Prof Rajpal Singh, president and secretary, Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi; Mohan Singh and Madan Lal, president and secretary, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi.

Army centre for ex-servicemen
From Our Correspondent

FARIDKOT, Dec 13 — The Army has set up a special help centre at the Army station here to resolve day-to-day problems of ex-servicemen in the district.

It will also help to remove communication gap between working Army officers and retired soldiers. The entire data related to retired service personnals has been computerised to reduce paper work and to bring efficiency in the working. This was stated by Bri J.S. Uberai, Station Commander, the local Sainik Rest House today.

The centre would also help in finding out suitable jobs for ex-servicemen in conjunction with the Resettlement Directorate at New Delhi, said Brigadier Uberai. A free legal lawyer had also been appointed at the Centre to provide legal help to them. The Station Commander said that two computer centres had also been established to impart training to the wards of the retired Army soldiers. Brigadier Uberai said that it had always been an endeavour of the services and state to look after the welfare of the ex-servicemen.

He said during the past few months nearly Rs 2 lakh had been spent for the welfare of the retired Armymen. He further stated that a mobile canteen had also been deployed to meet the daily needs of ex-servicemen at Muktsar and Malout.

Brigadier Uberai praised the Punjab Government’s efforts to do best for the wards of the ex-servicemen. He donated library books worth Rs 40,000 to the Sainik Welfare Institute to enhance computer literacy among the wards of retired personnals.

Badal meets DCs, reviews projects
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13 — Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed development projects and flow of benefits of the welfare schemes to the needy people with divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners urging them to monitor progress.

Presiding over their meeting, he said there should be fool-proof process of review and monitoring of social welfare programmes at their ‘‘personal’’ level.

The Scheduled Castes and other weaker sections of the society must derive full benefit under various schemes.

The Chief Minister asked the officers to be more responsive to the people for the redressal of their day-to-day problems. Justice should be provided on the spot and on merit, impartially in a transparent manner.

The Vice-Chancellors of all the universities were special invitees. This was done for the first time to enable them interact. The idea, the Chief Minister explained, was to give a push to the lower layers of rural and urban population that did not have the means to acquire the best education.

Mr Badal favoured equal educational opportunities to all. “Otherwise where is the element of justice in holding entrance examinations in which rural students are at a disadvantage to compete with others enjoying the best of educational facilities?” he asked.

Committees of experts on technical, medical and vocational education were constituted to evolve suitable strategies for tackling various issues that emerged during discussion at today’s meetings.

One wonders what happened to past reports of such committees.

The Chief Minister directed all Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and Heads of Departments to make surprise visit to their offices in the field and conduct inspections.

Advocating austerity, he advised channeling more funds for development and welfare purposes.

Mr Badal directed the deputy commissioners to pay special attention to the completion of new district administrative complexes and bus stands.

Visit to hospital unwanted: Director
Tribune News Service

SANGRUR, Dec 13 — Dr Randhiraj Singh Sandhu, Director, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, held a meeting with Dr C.P. Bansal, Civil Surgeon, Sangrur, Dr Suresh Goyal, District Family Planning Officer, Sangrur, and some other doctors associated with family planning programme in the district here this afternoon.

At this meeting, they discussed the tragedy and complications which set in after 11 women were operated upon at a family welfare camp in the mini primary health centre at Khanauri on December 4. These women developed complications after their operation for tubectomy. Two died on December 5 and 6 while the remaining nine women were admitted to the local Civil Hospital. Out of the nine women, seven have already been shifted to Rajindra Hospital at Patiala where they are now undergoing treatment.

Talking to TNS after the meeting, Dr Sandhu said both women had not died due to infection. Rather, they allegedly died due to reaction of the injections which had been administered to them by a medical practitioner. In support of his claim, Dr Sandhu further said when even with severe infection no one could die in two days.

However, he did not rule out the infection aspect in these tubectomy cases.

Dr Sandhu also said there was no need to hold a high-level or state-level inquiry as an inquiry was already in progress at the district-level by the health authorities.

When his attention was drawn that no top Health Department bureaucrat or the Health Minister had visited the affected women in the past few days in the local Civil Hospital, he said this was not required as he himself was in touch with the Civil Surgeon in this regard.

He also described the visit of Ms Alka Kothari, a representative of the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, and Senior Regional Director stationed at Chandigarh to the local Civil Hospital the previous day to inquire about the health of the women patients operated for tubectomy at Khanauri on December 4 as “unwanted”.

Dr Sandhu also disclosed that he had not come here today in connection with the tubectomy cases. He was passing through this town so he stopped here, he added.

Dr Sandhu also said he had discussed the matter relating to tubectomy operations performed at Khanauri with these officers here.

Dr Sandhu said steps would be taken to ensure the prevention of such incidents in the future.

Mukhija case: suspect to be declared PO
Tribune News Service

FEROZEPORE, Dec 13 — Failing to arrest Gurbux Singh Kukku, a prime suspect in the murder of senior Congress leader Harmesh Kumar Mukhija even a month after the incident, the police has launched proceedings to get him declared as a proclaimed offender (PO).

Disclosing this to TNS, the Ferozepore range DIG, Mr Hardeep Singh Dhillon, said the special investigating team constituted to probe the sensational broad daylight murder has already launched legal proceedings to get Kukku declared as a proclaimed offender.

Subsequently, his properties may also be seized and those giving him shelter will invite legal action. This follows the inability of the police to arrest Kukku and his nephew, Prince, for allegedly masterminding the murder.

A month-long exercise to make Kukku surrender has failed. Though the other suspects, including Kukku’s gunman and two employees, have already been arrested, Kukku is at large.

Preliminary investigation suggest that Kukku masterminded the killing of Mukhija, allegedly in connivance with Kewal Singh, a life convict who had come on parole. Kewal Singh was convicted in a double murder case that was slapped on Kukku at the behest of Mukhija. While Kukku was acquitted, Kewal Singh was convicted for life.

NCC certificate holders eligible for IMA interview
From Our Correspondent

HOSHIARPUR, Dec 13 — Certificate holders of the NCC are now eligible to go straight for IMA and OTA interviews to become commissioned officers in the Army.

This was disclosed in an exclusive interview by Col A.S. Jatana, Group Commander of the NCC group headquarters at Jalandhar to this correspondent here today. He said the written test was not required for IMA and OTA for C certificate holders of the NCC. The waiving of this clause had lured youths and a majority of the students had opted for NCC subject. More than 13,000 students in schools and colleges were getting NCC training under the NCC group at Jalandhar.

Colonel Jatana said 8 NCC cadets from the NCC Jalandhar group were being sent to Delhi for participation in the Republic Day parade. Besides, Ambisha, NCC cadet from Jalandhar cantonment, was being sent to Andaman and Nicobar Islands to attend a national integration camp there. He said the NCC camp of senior and junior boy cadets would be held from December 24 this year to January 4 next year at Kapurthala and a girl cadets camp at Jalandhar from December 25 to January 5. In addition to normal military training, cadets would also be asked to motivate people, especially the youth, to avoid intoxicants, follow traffic rules, make environment neat and clean and eradicate social evils like dowry etc. He said NCC students would be given special training to organise de-addiction camps in the near future.

Answering a question, Colonel Jatana said financial crisis to some extent had been resolved for continuing NCC training in schools and colleges. He said if the required funds were made available training to the NCC cadets could be made more effective.

Army recruitment drive on Dec 19
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — An Army recruitment drive is slated for December 19 to December 24 in Faridkot. All desirous candidates should be only matriculates and belong to Mazhabi Sikh, Ramdasia Sikh and Muslim caste for vacancies in ‘sipahi’ general category.

All candidates should be present with passport-sized photographs with and without turban (12 each), Matric marksheet, board certificate, identity cards, caste certificate and character certificates.

The recruitment chart warns that recruitment is free of cost and money should not be given to anybody.

It further warns that agents are illegal and no favours be granted to anyone while cautioning against misleading propaganda of agents, such persons are required to be immediately reported to the relevant authorities, the note states.

Major Maninder’s cremation today
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13 — The mortal remains of Major Maninder Singh, who was killed in a suicide squad attack at Shashiwar Rafiabad in Baramula district of north Kashmir, are expected to arrive here tonight.

Two militants, believed to be suicide squad members, attacked the Army camp with automatic weapons killing the Army officer and an Army jawan .

Family sources said the cremation of the late Major, who is survived by his wife and a four-year-old son, will take place at the Badungar cremation grounds tomorrow at 11 a.m.

The Major, who had his schooling at the Lady of Fatima School here, was due to be relieved from his assignment in the valley on December 29 and was scheduled to join the Staff College at Pune from January 12. 

Warehousing Corporation staff on strike
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13— Employees of all warehouses falling in Patiala district have been on strike since December 7 and they are staging dharnas in front of the district office in protest against the alleged filing of false cases merely on the basis of affidavits. Agitated employees are demanding a high-level inquiry into the false cases slapped on the employes framed by the DSP, Nabha.

 The striking employes are also demanding the withdrawal of a case registered against warehousing employees at Dhuri terming the case as false since it was registered by an outsider and that he had not sold his crop at Dhuri. The Punajb warehouse Field Employees’ Union said whenever a complaint was received against any employee an inquiry should be held. — TNS 

Warehouse staff gives bandh call
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — All warehouses in the district have gone on complete closure for an indefinite period following a call for closure by the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Field Employees Union.

The strike is in protest against the arrest of district manager, Patiala, Ms Jaswant Kaur, who they alleged, was illegally trapped in a false case.

The union has stated that till the arrested were not released and the case withdrawn, there would be no compromise. Supporting closure of warehouses all over the state, the union stated that all responsibility for the losses lay with government. Mr Karanjit Singh, president of the district union, said in a press note here today.

3 tax payers honoured
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13— The three highest tax payers of Nabha tehsil were honoured at by Mr Jagroop Singh, Income Tax Officer, a function held at the Punjab Public School auditorium at Nabha, near here, today.

Mr M.P. Rawley, Mr Surinder Paul and Mr Munish Kumar Tyagi were awarded swarna patras at the function which was presided over by Mr B.S. Rattan, Commissioner, Income Tax, Patiala division.

A large number of traders, industrialists, Bar members and prominent citizens attended the function. Speaking at the occasion, Mr Rattan informed that due to the liberal tax policies initiated by the government there was a marked rise in the quantum of income tax and the number of tax assessees had also increased.

4 killed in road accident
From Our Correspondent

BATHINDA, Dec 13 — A fatal road accident on the Bathinda-Barnala highway left four dead and one injured, near Bhucho, this evening. According to the information received from police sources, the five passengers of the ill-fated Matiz car were coming back after attending a marriage from Rampura. 

All five belonged to Bathinda. The ill-fated car (HR 14 A-0818) banged into a tree and was badly damaged.

Volunteers of the Sahara Welfare Club, Bhucho, reached the spot and helped the police rescue the victims. Three passengers, namely Mr Paramjit Singh, Mr Titu and Mr Papu died on the spot whereas Mr Sagar succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to the hospital. 

The fifth person, Mr Jagsir Singh, who was injured, was shifted to Bathinda Civil Hospital for treatment. A case under Section 174 of the IPC had been registered, the sources added.

Hospital in memory of mishap victims

FATEHGARH SAHIB, Dec 13 (PTI) — A 30-bed hospital will be constructed in the area near the Sarai Banjara rail accident site in the memory of train mishap victims.

This was announced by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal while speaking at the bhog ceremony of the akhand path of Guru Granth Sahib organised at the accident site by residents of Jeonpura village, 12 km from here, today.

Mr Badal, presented a cheque for Rs 10 lakh to the authorities for the project.

He said an amount of Rs 20 lakh announced for the development of this area by Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee would also be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner for the construction of the hospital.

Probe sought into manager’s arrest
Tribune News Service

In a press note here yesterday, Mr Akshar Kumar, a spokesman of the committee alleged that the District Manager had been falsely implicated by the police at the instance of a rice mill owner. He said a meeting of employees of all state foodgrain agencies had been called on December 14 to discuss the future course of action in case the government failed to take action against those who are behind the arrest.

PSEB staff wear black badges
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec13 — Members of the Punjab State Electricity Board Head Coordination Committee wore black badges at the headquarters in Patiala yesterday. The employees were protesting against the electricity-2000 Bill and showing solidarity with their striking colleagues. Mr Gurbinder Mohi, Mrs Surinder Bains, Mr Surinderjit Singh Walia, Mr Maghar Singh and Mrs Harjit Walia, leaders of various board staff unions, in a press note also demanded that direct recruitment of superintendents should be stopped.

Two die in road mishap
From Our Correspondent

GURDASPUR, Dec 13 — Two persons died when the scooter on which they were travelling collided head-on with a truck. The deceased have been identified as Pawan Kumar, resident of Jaini and Tarsem Singh, resident of Sardarvi. The driver of the truck has been arrested and truck impounded.

SDM to probe custodial death
From Our Correspondent

GURDASPUR, Dec 13 — Joginder Singh, resident of Kaler Kalan under Dhariwal development block, who was sent to the Central Jail here on December 4 for non-recovery of a loan, died in the jail yesterday. He was asthmatic. This is the third death in the jail during last one month. Mr T.K. Goyal, Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM), has been deputed to hold an inquiry.

PWD employees stage dharna
From Our Correspondent

BATHINDA, Dec 13 — Activists of the PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union, Sewerage Branch, staged a dharna in front of the office of the Sewerage Board here in protest against non-implementation of their demands by the Executive Engineer, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, here. Mr Kishore Chand, president of the union, said the authorities concerned had not implemented their demands which had been cleared by the government. He warned that they would intensify the protest if their demands were not implemented.

Naval team to survey Harike
Tribune News Service

FEROZEPORE, Dec 13 — A naval investigation team has reached here to conduct a survey of the Harike wetland and sanctuary. According to sources, an Indian Naval Ship (INS) investigation team, comprising one naval officer and four sailors, has reached here to carry out a 10-day-long investigation with the help of global positioning system.

ADMINISTRATION

MLAs check drains, report by Feb-end
From Our Correspondent

MANSA, Dec 13 — Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, MLA and Chairman of the committee of seven MLAs, namely Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, Mr Hardev Singh Arshi, Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Mr Ram Kumar Goyal, Mr Gurtej Singh Gurhiana, Mr Baldev Singh Khiala and Mr Balbir Singh Bhadaur, constituted by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in response to question no 2154 to inquire into the expenses incurred for cleaning and digging of drains told this correspondent the fourth meeting of the committee was held at Bhikhi yesterday.

The committee members checked the drains at about a dozen points and found some irregularities. Mr Aulakh further said the committee will submit its report to the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha by the end of February next year.

CRIME

Cops prevent child marriage
Tribune News Service

FEROZEPORE, Dec 13 — In a swift action, the Ferozepore police today foiled a child marriage from being solemnised at a gurdwara in Govindpuri locality.

On receiving information a police party is learnt to have raided the gurdwara premises and saved 14-year-old, Jyoti Bala of Adarsh Nagar from being wedded to Jagtar Singh (20) of Chak Khunder village.

All sponsors of the illegal wedding, including the girl’s mother Kamla, were arrested under the Child Marriage Act, 1929. In all, five persons, including the groom and his brother, were booked at the sadar police station. The sources revealed that Jyoti was being married by her mother to Jagtar Singh at the behest of a couple residing at Amen Wali Basti. The couple — Kabul Singh and his wife Gurdeep Kaur — has also been booked for the crime.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Jyoti’s father, Rattan Lal, is a drunkard and may have agreed to marry his daughter to Jagtar Singh in lieu of money. The police has not ruled out money having changed hands between the families of the girl and the groom.

‘Cobra’ gang busted

GURDASPUR, Dec 13 (UNI) — The interception of two cars and investigation of its occupants led to the busting of Amritsar-based notorious Cobra gang which had been indulging in the sordid crime of sexual exploitation and thefts for the past several years, the police said.

The SSP said the interrogation of the accused revealed that the gangsters had been primarily engaged in thefts and sale of cars after fabricating their documents at Jammu. They employed young women for getting the stolen vehicles pass through the police nakas unchecked. But they also allegedly exploited them sexually, he added.

EDUCATION

PCCTU rally in minister’s constituency
From Our Correspondent

PHAGWARA, Dec 13 — The Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) will hold a zonal rally and a protest march in the constituency of the Punjab Finance Minister, Captain Kanwaljit Singh, at Banur on December 19 to tell the masses that his department was acting as a stumbling block to the implementation of the already accepted demands of teachers.

Teachers will cease work in all non-government colleges of Chandigarh, Ropar, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts by taking mass casual leave on December 19, Prof Charanjit Chawla, General Secretary, PCCTU, said here today. Earlier, a zonal rally was held at Pathankot which is the constituency of the Punjab Education Minister, Mr Mohan Lal.

Prof Chawla alleged that the Finance Department had created hurdles in the release of Rs 4.2 crore for the 26-day strike period and Rs 10.2 crore as salary grant for January-February, even though Punjab Chief Secretary R.S. Mann had accepted these demands. Pension-cum-gratuity payment orders were not being released even though an act had already been passed by the Vidhan Sabha in this regard, he alleged.

Redefine education goals: expert
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13 — Higher Education has proliferated in a lop-sided manner in India during the past 50 years and in the changed scenario there is a need to review achievements by restructuring syllabi and re-defining educational goals .

These views were expressed by National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India Chairman, A. Gnanam while delivering a special lecture at Punjabi University on ‘‘Improving quality of higher education’’ here yesterday .

Mr Gnanam said the new educational policy should stress on computer knowledge and technical and communication skills to meet the socio economic aspirations of the youth and expectations of the country . He said there was a need to adopt a flexible and meaningful approach so as to be able to provide quality education and additional skills to our students .

The council chairman said education should be learner-friendly and one should be able to choose the course of ones abilities and needs. He said the new education policy should aim at the development of technical skills , human skills and intellectual skills to make learning and relearning possible .

Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia in his presidential address referred to the new objective of higher education as contained in the ‘‘World Declaration of Higher Education for the 21st Century’’. In this context Dr Ahluwalia stressed the need to adopt new methodologies of teaching and learning such as video conferencing , internet access , web site use and contuiing learning .

Dr Ahluwalia also empahsised the need for network relationship between Indian universities and foreign universities . Referring to the impact of globalisation , he said higher education should become a tool for sub-serving industry and business by providing new production technologies and trained personnel, instead of serving the earlier societal ends like social justice, eradication of illeteracy and poverty. This lop-sidedness should be corrected , he added.

Meeting favours folklore depts
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 13 — The 21st Indian Folklore Congress concluded today at Guru Nanak Dev University campus here. The participants unanimously resolved to establish a national-level institute of folklore studies on the pattern of the Archaeological Survey of India, Anthropological Survey of India and other similar institutions.

Hosted by the School of Punjabi Studies of the university for the first time in the northern region, the congress had more than 100 delegates from various states. Dr Jawahar Lal Handoo, President, Indian Folklore Congress, presided over various sessions.

Another recommendation made at the session was that adequate attention should be given to preserve the vanishing oral traditions and folklore of the country. Also necessary steps should be taken by the authorities concerned to establish regional and national archives of folklore.

The congress suggested that both the UGC and state governments must support the establishment of folklore departments or centres in the universities. It also recommended that folklore studies be introduced at the graduate level as one of the subject in the government and aided colleges in the country.

It also recommended that enough fellowships and financial support should be made available to the scholars and students who want to persue the folklore studies.

Teachers resent promotion
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Dec 13 — Classical and vernacular (C&V) teachers have resented the promotions ordered by the state Education Department.

In a press release, the teachers said that the Director, Public Instructions (schools) had issued orders relating to the promotion and transfer of nearly 160 teachers and physical training instructors even though most of them had already put in 25 years of service.

Sources in the Education Department said the department had decided that promoted teachers would be shifted to the rural areas whereas previously status quo was maintained relating to teachers who were promoted by the department.

The sources said neither any relaxation nor any consideration was given to those teachers who had completed atleast 15 years of service in the rural areas.