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| Saturday, December 16, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Young farmer dies in police
custody High Court
Baba Farid
University to
have new complex |
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CBI probe sought into sale of
mill
PPCC chief, Kairon
sink differences Include SGPC men
in PGPC: Mann
Parishad land to be
transferred back Ropar ‘under siege’
for CM’s function Docs seek better facilities at FP
camps Jawan cremated Construction of cow shed
leaves Akalis fuming IT Dept honours
taxpayers Amarinder defends WTO
agreement Making hay while strike lasts Mukhija case: Cong men to hold protest KMC for probe in Manochahal case High Priests discuss
appointment
Workshop for mentally challenged children Chemists, homoeopaths on
warpath Arms licence to
temple panel refused Garbage dumped despite guidelines Workers’ minimum
wages increased Strike hits BSF men’s morale Injured antelope taken to Ludhiana
List of Punjab
Govt holidays
Six arrested for
killing deer Ragi arrested
Teachers assured
on school grant 1.6 cr to be spent on
amenities in schools
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Young farmer dies in police
custody CHANDIGARH, Dec 14 — While the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, was addressing the top brass of the state police here to emphasise the need for a “considerate and humane approach” while dealing with people, a young farmer ended his life while in the custody of the CIA staff in Samana tehsil of Patiala district today. The deceased, Mr Gurdev Singh, had been summoned by the CIA staff for interrogation in a murder case. He reportedly consumed some poisonous tablets and was pronounced “dead” when taken to a private hospital in the
town. He vomited on the CIA staff premises and collapsed. It was the 20th case of custodial death in the state during the current calendar year. This is perhaps the highest number of “custodial deaths” in the state in recent years. Though there are strict instructions of the Director-General of Police to register a case of murder against the SHO at whose police station a custodial death takes place, no such action has been initiated so far in the Gurdev Singh case on the plea that the death took place outside the CIA staff
premises. Inquest under Section 174 of the Cr P C has been ordered. Though both the CIA staff and the police authorities at Samana deny that he died in police custody maintaining that he was summoned to the police station along with members of his gram panchayat, members of the family of the deceased dispute this
version. They maintan that both Mr Gurdev Singh and Goldy were in the custody of the CIA staff off and on. They were “illegally” detained. Today, members of the panchayat had come to inquire after his welfare when Mr Gurdev Singh allegedly took the extreme step, they add. They maintain that Mr Gurdev Singh ended his life because of “continuous harassment” by the police. They maintain that he made it clear that he was ending his life “because of inhuman treatment and harassment “ by the police. Police sources said that some time ago, Mr Kuldip Ram, who was working for Mr Gurdev Singh, died under mysterious circumstances. The case was treated as a suicide case and action was initiated under Section 174, Cr P C. However, later when the parents of the deceased worker and others went to court, a case of murder was registered against Mr Gurdev Singh and his son, Goldy. The investigation was handed over to the CIA staff at Samana. The police is working on the theory that the deceased, Kuldip Ram, had allegedly developed illicit relations with a member of the family of Mr Gurdev Singh. This ,suspects the police, was the root cause of the unnatural death of Mr Kuldip Ram. So he and his son were being regularly summoned to the CIA staff for questioning and interrogation. Mr Gurdev Singh reportedly felt slighted and was under “depression”. The Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala, the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Samana and the officer in charge of the CIA staff at Samana were not available for comment. All were reported to be out of the area on tour. The death today at Samana has brought into focus the lack of supervisory control of SHOs, or even gazetted officers above them over the functioning of the police stations, especially when a serious view is being taken of each and every custodial death now. Though most of the custodial deaths have been in the Malwa belt, their increased incidence is alarming. In most of the previous cases, the SHOs have been charged with murder after the registration of cases under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code against them. Though under the law any unnatural death warrants an inquest by the Civil Magistrate, it is more or less a ritual rather than a serious inquiry to find out the root cause of the death. |
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Police officers
told to protect human rights CHANDIGARH, Dec 15 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today directed police officers to strictly observe the rule of law, wipe out corruption and protect human rights while performing their duties. He advocated openness and transparency in the functioning of the police and more involvement of the people in the fight against crime. Presiding over a meeting of zonal IGs, DIGs and SSPs , the Chief Minister said law-enforcement officials must protect the rights and civil liberties of the citizens. Violation of law by those entrusted with the responsibility of its enforcement weakened the authority of law and led to anarchy, according to a press note. He called for the launching of a crusade against drug traffickers, land grabbers, abductors and habitual offenders. He also called for re-orientation courses for the police officers for better policing and the handling of situations arising out of agitations and social conflict. In his long speech Mr Badal asked the police department to bring about an improvement in the traffic wing, educate the people in traffic rules and enforce these. |
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Badal announces 5 lakh for
village SAS NAGAR, Dec 15 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today announced Rs 5 lakh for Kathur Labana village, the native place of Bibi Jagir Kaur’s father, Girdhara Singh, who died on December 7. Mr Badal, who was speaking at the bhog ceremony of Girdhara Singh here, said the amount could be used for development or for building a memorial to Girdhara Singh. Paying tributes, Mr Badal said Girdhara Singh’s biggest achievement was that he gave good education to his children even though he himself came from an ordinary family. He took deep interest in social and religious services. He joined the Army to serve his nation and later served as a teacher. The Chief Minister said Bibi Jagir Kaur was almost like his blood sister. He praised her services and said her father had given religious education to her. He said Begowal “dera” was rendering excellent religious and social services. Asked by mediapersons whether Mr Badal had plans of including Bibi Jagir Kaur in his Cabinet, he declined to comment saying that it was not an appropriate occasion. A large number of leaders, including Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, SGPC President, Mr Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, Amritsar, Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Dam Dama Sahib, Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Sucha Singh Langah, Public Works Minister, Punjab, Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Minister for Fisheries, Punjab, Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, Minister for Technical Education, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, Dr Rattan Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Mr Tota Singh, Education Minister, and Ms Mohinder Kaur Josh, Minister of State for Health, attended the bhog ceremony. Siropas, shawls and “dastars” were presented to Bibi Jagir Kaur and her brother Lieut-Col Joginder Singh, by Mr Badal, Mr Talwandi, Mr Vedanti and
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The dead desecrated NAWANSHAHR: Residents have expressed shock over the way the local Municipal Council has been cremating unclaimed bodies. Ashes, pieces of bone, etc, were seen lying at the cremation ground near Mohalla Pandora on December 11, about two months after an unclaimed body had been cremated (see photo). A few metal wires were also seen at the spot amid the burnt remains, indicating the possibility of the use of worn-out tyres. Certain persons, who have visited the cremation ground to attend ceremonies during the past two months, say that they had also seen a piece of unburnt flesh ,which may have later been eaten by a stray dog. As the municipal authorities often do not clear the burnt remains after cremating an unclaimed body, they have been stopped from using the cremation platforms, according to residents. The issue of the council failing to clear the ashes after cremation has been raised by a municipal councillor, Dr Shiv Kumar Tejpal, at a civic body meeting. However, no action has been taken by the council authorities. A sanitary wing official of the council said that the civic body was required to provide four quintals of firewood and a shroud for the cremation of an unclaimed body. |
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High Court CHANDIGARH, Dec 15 — In a case involving a brother of a Punjab Minister, Mr Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Mr Justice V.M. Jain of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued notice of motion to the state of Punjab, the SSP of Patiala and the SHO of Samana police station for January 9. The petition against Mr Faujinder Singh, the minister’s brother, was filed by Mrs Jal Kaur, a widow of one Balwant Singh, alleging that the minister had purchased land in Bhedpur village in Samana tehsil as a benami transaction in the name of his brother and relatives, Paramjit Singh, Kamaljit and Harbhajan Singh. The plot was part of a plot possessed by Mr Balwant Singh. The sale deed in favour of the minister’s relative was challenged in a civil court. The petitioner alleged that on November 18, the minister’s relative tresspased on the land and tried to take possession of it. He allegedly fired at Mr Balwant Singh injuring him. Mr Balwant Singh succumbed to his injuries at Rajendra Hospital, Patiala, and though an FIR was registered a month back, no arrest had been made till now. The petitioner sought a CBI inquiry into the matter on the ground that police was siding with the accused on account of the minister’s influence. Directive to minister on
teachers’ appointment Punjab’s Tourism Minister Mr Swarana Ram, was directed by a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Mr Justice R.S. Mongia and Mr Justice K.C. Gupta to file an affidavit by January 23, to specifically admit or deny whether the noting “issue order and report” made by him while he was Minister of State for Education on the application of certain candidates seeking appointment in the Education Department, which were marked to District Education Officer were in his handwriting and also to
verify the signatures. The Bench also directed Mr Sodhi Ram, the then P.A. of the Minister, to file an affidavit indicating whether he has written to District Education Officer directly for the appointment of certain persons as alleged by the petitioner. This order was passed by the Bench, on a public interest petition, filed by a High Court advocate. The petitioner had submitted that as per a report on a scam in the Education Department, certain primary school teachers’ appointment violated norms and among them were three relatives of another minister. Mr Swarna Ram on application of the candidates had ordered D.P.I./D.E.O. to issue appointment orders to them. Even his P.A., Mr Sodhi Ram, ordered such appointments on his behalf, which was illegal & arbitrary, it was contended. |
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Baba Farid
University to
have new complex FARIDKOT, Dec 15 — The Punjab Government has finalised the master plan of a health science complex at Baba Farid University. Its construction will start in March for which a grant of Rs 1.5 crore, against the total allocation of Rs 6.5 crore, had been received. This was stated by Dr J.S. Gujral, Vice-Chancellor, of the university, while talking to mediapersons on the campus here today. To monitor the plan, a nine-member committee to be headed by the Vice-Chancellor and comprising senior architects, financial and legal experts and economist had been constituted. Initially, eight study centres, an administrative block and the Vice-Chancellor’s office would be constructed. Dr Gujral said the Medical Council of India had recognised the MBBS and postgraduate degrees in medical science. The BDS and other allied courses were under the preview of the Dental Council of India. He said the university would soon start a nursing college. Also, National Dental College at Dera Bassi and Adesh Dental College at Muktsar and an ayurveda college in Ludhiana had been affiliated with the university and the affiliation of four homoeopathic colleges in Abohar, Ludhiana and Taran Taran, besides two physiotherapy colleges in Ludhiana was under way. He said public relation, legal and audit cells would be set up to improve the working of the university. The local areas connected with the institution had been computerised and all other institutions in the state affiliated with the university would be brought on the Internet during the next four months. In reply to a question, the Vice-Chancellor said 38 categories of posts against the sanction of 91 had been lying vacant. However, five persons had been recruited to the posts of junior assistant, clerk and a caretaker against the senior posts in this category on an ad hoc basis. |
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CBI probe sought into sale of
mill MANSA, Dec 15 — Mr Sher Singh Gagowal, share holder and former Punjab, minister demanded a CBI inquiry in the sale of local cooperative spinning mill. The mill installed in 1985 at the cost of Rs 30.82 crore had been sold for a paltry sum of Rs 4.51 crore. In a press note issued today after the meeting of 8,500 share holders of the mill, Mr Gagowal alleged that Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab was selling all government properties to his favourites and making money through malpractice. He further said that the Badal government had also permitted to the local bodies to sell properties to run the administration. Mr Gurwinder Singh Manshahia, former vice-chairman of the mill, said that it was surprising the mill whose yarn was exported due to its fine quality went into loss. It all happened due to mismanagement of the Spinfed, he alleged. Mr Rampal Dhaipi, President, District Congress Committee and a share holder of the mill, demanded refund of money to share holders and payments of outstanding dues to the workers. He further demanded that steps should be taken to operate the mill instead of its closure. He informed all share holders that the minutes of this meeting would be sent to Mrs Raji P. Shrivastava, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Cooperation Minister, Punjab to intervene into the matter to sort out the problem of share holders. |
PPCC chief, Kairon
sink differences AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Mr Amarinder Singh, and Mr Gurinder Singh
Kairon, a senior Congress leader of the Majha region, today sank differences in the ‘larger interests’ of the
party. Mr Kairon, who had earlier levelled serious charges against the PPCC chief, talking to
TNS, said the Congress stood united. It may be mentioned here that Mr Kairon and his supporters had pitched a separate pandal at Khadoor Sahib to mark the ‘gurgaddi divas” of Guru Angad a few months
ago. Mr Kairon hosted a lunch in honour of Mr Amarinder Singh at his residence here where more than 2000 senior Congress leaders and workers were present. Mr Kairon said the Congress would give a crushing defeat to the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal during the forthcoming elections. He claimed that the SAD was a ‘divided house’. |
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Include SGPC men
in PGPC: Mann PHAGWARA, Dec 15 — Hailing the decision of the SGPC to send Sikh jathas to Pakistan from Baisakhi, next year, as a “big victory” of his party the Akali Dal (Amritsar), President and Member of Parliament, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, today demanded broad-basing of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PGPC) with the inclusion of SGPC representatives belonging to his party,
Tohra-led SHSAD and SAD. “We had all along been opposed to banning of Sikh jathas to Pakistan and revocation of former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur’s decision by the new SGPC executive and President on December 13 had vindicated our stand, asserted Mr Mann here. It may be mentioned here that Bibi Jagir Kaur had stopped sending jathas after April 13, 1999, in protest against the formation of the PGPC. Akali factions opposed to the ruling SAD, including Akali Dal (A), had been flouting the boycott by sending jathas to Pakistan during Bibi’s ban and with today’s demand for the inclusion of SGPC representatives in the PGPC, Mr Mann had virtually recognised the locus standi of the PGPC formation opposed by Bibi Jagir Kaur. On rejection of the compensation given by the NHRC to families of those Sikhs who were killed and created as unclaimed, the radical Akali stalwart alleged that the NHRC had done what Mr
K.P.S. Gill, Beant Singh, and Mr Parkash Singh Badal had done. On RSS activities in Punjab, Mr Mann warned forces of Hindutava to stay away from meddling in the Sikh affairs. |
Parishad land to be
transferred back GURDASPUR, Dec 15 — Mr Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, talking to newsmen here today said that the land belonging to zila parishads and panchayat samities, mutation of which has not been entered in their names, would be transferred shortly. The process to enter the mutations of such lands in favour of zila parishads and panchayat samities have been set in motion. These lands were identified by a high powered committee headed by the said minister also comprising the Financial Commissioner Development, the Director Rural development and panchayats and respective Deputy Commissioner of the district. The district boards had been abolished in 1962 and replaced by the zila parishads. But the mutation of the land in various districts of the state still continued to be in the name of the Deputy Commissioners. Mr Kahlon said the committee had formulated plans to sell a part of the spare land through open auction and commercially exploit other parts of the land located at strategic locations. The step would raise the revenue of the ministry and would be spent on rural development. Mr Kahlon said elections to zila parishads and panchayat samitis and panchayats, which were long overdue, would start from February, 2001. All pending disputes in this regard had been solved. Mr Kahlon said that all panchayats in the state would be given liberal grants during the current and next financial year without any discrimination. The panchayats which had not received development grant so far should contact him personally. Earlier, Mr Kahlon presided over the prize distribution function in Arya Senior Secondary School, Dinanagar. |
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Ropar ‘under siege’
for CM’s function ROPAR, Dec 15 — A function was organised by the Youth Aggarwal Sabha here yesterday, which was presided over by the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal. The security arrangements for the Chief Minister’s function yesterday were so tight that those who had come here for some official work had to face inconvenience. The entire traffic from the old bridge was stopped forcing even the residents of the area to cover about 10 km extra to reach their homes. The traffic was diverted towards the new bridge and the people had to travel around the entire town to reach the areas near the Civil Hospital. In some cases people were not able to reach the hospital because the traffic was blocked by cars of police officials near the Bela chowk. The police had to leave their vehicles and travel on foot through the narrow streets to reach the places around the Chief Minister’s function venue. The residents resented the way in which almost half of Ropar was laid under siege due to Mr Badal’s visit. Moreover, all officials of the district were present at the venue, putting aside their official duties, leading to inconvenience to the people, who had come from the far-flung areas of the district. |
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Jawan cremated BATALA, Dec 15 — Naik Kulbir Singh (28) was cremated at his native village
Dalam, 8 km from here, on the Batala-Dera Baba Nanak road yesterday.
Kulbir Singh was killed on December 12, at Shaital checkpost in the Baramulla sector in Jammu and Kashmir. His body was brought to his native village and was cremated with full state
honours. Mr Pardeep Sabharwal, SDM, Batala, laid a wreath on the body on behalf of the Chief Minister, Punjab’ while Capt
Y.S. Parmar laid a wreath on behalf of the Army. Kulbir Singh leaves behind four children. |
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Construction of cow shed
leaves Akalis fuming PHAGWARA, Dec 15 — Senior Akali leaders are up in arms against encroachers reportedly supported by their alliance partner, the BJP, and a minister. Jathedar Gurmukh Singh, President, and jathedar Jatinderpal Singh, Secretary-General, of the local Akali Jatha and Mr Jagat Singh
Palahi, a veteran Akali leader, today took strong exception to the construction of a cow shed on a piece of land yesterday, with the authorities doing nothing in this regard. When sufficient land was already available for the cow shed, the illegal construction of such a shed near the Mehli gate was condemnable, they said, criticising the “collusion” of civic and other authorities. The Gau Surakhsha Samiti supported by certain BJP, Shiv Sena and Congress activists, including local BJP block president Chander Mohan Chawala and a few municipal councillors, kept laying the roof with impunity over a structure from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, but the police and the municipal authorities reached there after completion of the construction. The construction of the structure was checked by the authorities a few months ago. However, the activists of the samiti had stormed into a meeting of the municipal council on November 27, forcing the chairman to adjourn it. They had then claimed support of 16 councillors for the “noble” cause. Encroachments are becoming a menace here. It is the second major encroachment done with impunity in the name of religion. Earlier, a Shiv Temple was constructed on the Hoshiarpur road. |
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Docs seek better facilities at FP
camps SANGRUR, Dec 15 — Expressing resentment over the prevailing conditions for performing family planning operations, the surgeons of this district have said that just to meet the family planning operations’ targets, they are forced to work under unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in the operation theatres of the government hospitals and other health centres. These surgeons were gathered at a district-level conference of the family planning surgeons, organised by the PCMSA, in the Civil Hospital here last evening. The conference was inaugurated by Dr Baldev Sahota, state president of the PCMSA, and presided over by Dr Surinder Singla, regional secretary of the PCMSA. The conference was organised to discuss the problems being faced by the surgeons at the grassroots while performing family planning operations. The conference was organised in view of the recent tragedy at Khanauri mini primary health centre where tubectomy operations were performed on 11 women. While two of them died in two days, the remaining women suffered serious health problems. The surgeons were of the view that there was need to ensure proper utilisation of family planning funds and to provide quality rather than quantity in achieving the target in family planning operations. They also felt that under prevailing conditions more incidents like Khanauri tubectomy cases could not be ruled out in future. They also demanded from the government that it should ensure legal as well as financial protection for the surgeons performing family planning operations because despite all precautions during these operations there were always chances of complications like infection and failure of process etc. They also demanded an insurance cover for the surgeons and constitution of a legal cell at the district-level in the state to provide free legal aid to the doctors. The conference also suggested ways and measures to prevent incidents like Khanauri tubectomy cases. These included general, pre-operative and post-operative-care. The conference suggested proper constitution of family planning teams comprising a surgeon, gynaecologist, anaesthetist, trained staff, presence of an SMO, availability of all technical facilities to the family planning team at the camp and operations by a surgeon at not more than one family planning camp in a day. The surgeon should also be from the area concerned of the family planning camp. He should also not be given any emergency duty on the camp day. Measures and suggestions regarding pre-operative conditions included proper screening of the family planning cases especially tests for AIDS and hepatitis-B diseases; and proper gynaecological and medical check-up to ensure that the case was totally fit for operation. The surgeons were also of the view that operation theatres should be fully and well equipped as per surgical norms, including sterilisation and fumigation of the theatre. Operative materials such as gowns, slippers, bed sheets, gloves, mask and caps should also be available. They also stressed upon the regular and uninterrupted power supply by any means during operation hours to the operation theatre. The surgeons also suggested that the mega family planning camps without mega facilities should not be organised at the cost of patients’ health. Besides, not more than 25 cases should be allowed in a camp. The surgeons, regarding post-operative care of the family planning cases, suggested at least three days’ stay for patients of open tubectomy cases, and that they should not be discharged the same day as per the prevailing practice. Dr Surinder Singla, regional secretary of the PCMSA, talking to TNS here today, said the proceedings of the surgeons’ conference would be placed before the state executive committee of the PCMSA at a meeting to be held at Sangrur in the first week of January, 2001. Dr Singla said after thorough discussions on the proceedings, the approved suggestions and measures would be forwarded to the Punjab Government to implement the same strictly to prevent more cases like the Khanauri tubectomy tragedy. |
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IT Dept honours
taxpayers FARIDKOT, Dec 15 — The Income Tax Department held a function here yesterday to honour highest tax payers in the district. Mr Harbhajan Singh, Additional Commissioner, Bathinda region, who presided over the function, awarded “samman patras” to Dr H.L. Kajal, Professor of Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sushil Goel (Jaito) and Mr Devi Dass (Kotkapura). Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said the Central Government has launched a special voluntary scheme under which 98 per cent cases would be decided through summary and the remaining through scrutiny. Moreover, the tax structure has also been simplified in filing the income tax returns. The commissioner said more and more camps would be organised in the next three months to apprise the people about various other schemes started by the department. |
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Amarinder defends WTO
agreement AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — The Punjab Congress chief defended the World Trade Organisation agreement which he claimed would be a boon for the Punjab farmers. Capt Amarinder Singh, while addressing a press conference here today at the residence of a Congress MP, Mr
R.L. Bhatia, pointed out the Punjab farmers would find major markets abroad for their produce and would fetch remunerative prices. He said Punjab produced best quality wheat and rice and would it be able to command better rates, which would help farming community to earn more profits. Lashing out at the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Prakash Singh
Badal, for misleading the farmers in the state by whipping up hysteria against WTO agreement, Mr Amarinder Singh felt it was part of the Chief Minister’s misinformation campaign, launched to divert the attention of the innocent farmers. The PPCC chief expressed dismay over the Central package for the Punjab’s farming community which was not only inadequate but even that paltry amount was yet to be paid to the farmers. He pointed out the package of Rs 350 crore announced by the Centre for providing relief to paddy growers was not enough. He added this amount included Rs 250 crore for the difference in the minimum support price and only Rs 100 crore was as compensation. He was critical of the Badal government for the present paddy muddle and claimed that the poor farmers had not been paid their dues amounting to more than Rs 1,200 crore from October 30 onwards against the purchase of their produce by government agencies. The PPCC President also announced that Mr Badal may hold the State Assembly elections by March or April next year. Elaborating on his statement he added that according to his sources the Central Government was likely to backout from buying wheat in the coming season as the government was saddled with huge stocks worth over Rs 18,000
crore. He added that in that case, the Punjab Government would be under tremendous pressure from the farmers and which may force Mr Badal to go for early polls before the commencement of procurement. Answering questions about the Congress gearing itself for the snap poll, Mr Amarinder Singh affirmed that party was more than united now that they were ready to face the elections any time. Commenting on the faction-ridden district Congress party in the Municipal Corporation as 14 councillors had voted against the official Congress mayoral candidate in October, he said that he would appeal them to join the mainstream party. He categorically said the Congress here was supporting their local MP, Mr
R.L. Bhatia and no one had the right to challenge his leadership. He suggested to the dissident Congress councillors to join the party and avoid disciplinary action. The Congress would join hands with secular parties like the CPI and the CPM for the state Assembly elections and would give a crushing defeat to the religious and fundamental parties presently ruling the state. On arrival here, the PPCC chief was given a warm reception and was received by office-bearers of the Pradesh Congress Committee, Choudhary Jagjit Singh, Leader of the Opposition, and large number of party workers. Later, he visited the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir and the Jallianwalla
Bagh. |
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Making hay while strike lasts AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — As a result of the postal strike, courier services across the country are minting money to the tune of crores. While established courier services report 35 to 40 per cent increase in business, with a handsome turnover in lakhs from Amritsar alone, smaller courier services too are making hay while the strike lasts. Mr Kaushal Sachdeva, a small-time businessman dealing in spare parts says: “We are forced to use courier services for counterfoil on acknowledgement bills which our customers demands for the consignments delivered.” Although most established courier services are evasive on the actual profits that they are making, an approximate figure is between a quarter and half lakh. Reliable sources, however, reveal that even small-time services are making more than a lakh with a 500-700 documents parcels arriving daily. About 72 courier services operate in the city out of which only seven are established with fixed rates for various destinations. The remaining have jacked up their prices. Hence, Rs 15-Rs 20 is being asked for a package up to Delhi that cost Rs 5- Rs 10 earlier. The public is distressed over the hefty payments to be made to couriers for the services rendered in contrast to government postal charges. Mr Amit Ballagen, branch manager of ‘First-Flight’ Couriers, says due to the unprecedented rush and in the absence of direct ‘rural’ outlets “many customers have to be turned away. Otherwise there is 60 per cent increase in business due to the strike. “The advantage, thus, goes to smaller courier operators who make use of tie-ups, franchise etc to woo customer for deliveries in rural areas.” Mr Rajni Rai, branch in charge, ‘Desk-to-Desk Couriers,” admits to making courier deliveries at every possible destination to retain and make new contacts. “In case the destination is out of our jurisdiction, a sure charge is made”. Mr Rai says there has been a more than 40 per cent increase in business and consequent profits. |
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Mukhija case: Cong men to hold protest MOGA, Dec 15 — The party colleagues of Harmesh Kumar Mukhija, a senior Congress leader who was murdered in Dharamkot on November 13, have vowed to mount pressure on the state government for a CBI probe into the killing. Stating this here today, Dr Malti Thapar, a former Congress minister, said the Opposition leaders would stage a demonstration here on December 20, if the probe was not ordered to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome murder. She alleged that the Punjab police was not enlarging the scope of its enquiry to unveil political conspiracy behind the murder. |
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KMC for probe in Manochahal case AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — The Khalra Mission Committee (KMC) today demanded a court probe into the “disappearance of 14 family members of Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal. In its report, it alleged that on August 2, 1992, Nirvair Singh, brother of Manochahal, was arrested and tortured by the CIA staff at Tarn Taran and eliminated in an “false encounter”. |
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High Priests discuss
appointment AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — After discussing the controversial appointment of Giani Puran Singh with Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Damdama Sahib, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, has decided to go ahead with the proposed meeting of High Priests scheduled for December 20 at Akal Takht. Talking to TNS, Mr Prithipal Singh Sandhu, personal assistant to the Jathedar, Akal Takht, said the meeting would be held as per schedule. It may be mentioned here that there was uncertainty over the holding of the meeting after the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Head Granthi. Giani Bhagwan Singh, Head Granthi, Akal Takht, Prof Manjit Singh and Giani Kewal Singh are reportedly ‘annoyed’ at the appointment of Giani Puran Singh who had “ex-communicated” them from the Panth by issuing a controversial “hukamnama” which was revoked on March 29 by Jathedar Vedanti. Jathedar Vedanti and Giani Puran Singh were together at Chandigarh at the bhog ceremony of the father of Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former SGPC chief. However, Prof Manjit Singh could not reach there as he is abroad. Sources say that Jathedar Vedanti had discussed the appointment of Giani Puran Singh on the telephone. The Sikh circles describe the proposed meeting of High Priests on December 20 as “crucial”. Giani Puran Singh has already told Jathedar Talwandi that he will not attend the meeting of “ex-communicated priests” as the edict “ex-communicating” the three High Priests could not be withdrawn as per the Sikh tradition. Sikh scholars have already stated that the meeting on High Priests without the presence of the Head Granthi, Golden Temple will be ‘belittling’ the concept of ‘miri-piri’. If the meeting takes place at Akal Takht in the presence of the representative of Giani Puran Singh, it would mean that all controversial edicts issued by Giani Puran Singh from January 25 to March 28 stand
rejected. |
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Workshop for mentally challenged children PATIALA, Dec 15 — Devinder Navjivni School of Special Education for mentally challenged children will be organising a cultural programme for children “Pahchan” from December 19 to 21 at Amar Ashram here. Ms Shaminder Kaur, principal of the school said this workshop would be attended by more than 300 special children from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh. Mr
N.S. Sodhi, Secretary-cum-Director of Navjivni School informed that the workshop was being organised in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural
Centre, Patiala. Mr Sodhi has engaged experts to conduct the workshop. |
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Chemists, homoeopaths on
warpath JALANDHAR, Dec 15 — While the Northern India Homoeopathic Chemists Association holds a seminar on the “Role of combinations in homeopathy” at Ludhiana tomorrow, the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India
(HMAI) will hold a protest demonstration outside the venue of the seminar against the alleged moves of chemists to “distort the basic concept of homeopathy”. Dr
T.S. Rahel, President of the Jalandhar chapter of the HMAI, addressing a press conference here today, said there was no place for combinations or mixtures of various salts in homeopathy. The seminar was basically aimed at “distorting” the very concept of homoeopathy, which states “in no case is it requisite to administer more than one single, simple substance at one time to the patient”. “In fact, it is shameful that they are playing with the lives of people by selling and manufacturing non-homeopathic products under the shelter of a common drug Act to suit their interests,” Dr Surmeet Singh
Mavi, general secretary of the ‘Save Homoeopathy Federation’, said. Dr Mavi said at least 1000 doctors and students would participate in the demonstration at Ludhiana tomorrow. “In homoeopathy, there is a provision for treatment of man in disease and not disease in man, which is based on psychology and symptoms of the patient. The concept of homoeopathy does not allow multi-drug prescription in the form of combinations”, he explained. The federation had organised several seminars at Sangrur, Kapurthala and Jalandhar to
create awareness among masses against the adverse effects of the use of multi-drug combinations on human body, Dr Mavi said. He challenged those advocating multi-drug combinations to enter into a debate on the issue. He also demanded that the Central Government should enact a separate Act for homoeopathy drugs. |
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Arms licence to
temple panel refused AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — The District Magistrate, Mr Narinderjit Singh, has refused to issue licences to the Durgiana Temple Committee. Mr Surinder Kumar Billa, President, All-India Shiv Sena, said today that the world-famous Durgiana Temple had no foolproof security and denying of arms licence to the committee was a serious matter. He alleged there was a powerful bomb blast near Durgiana Temple last year. When arms licences could be issued under the name of the manager, Golden Temple, why licences was the same being denied to the committee, he questioned. He said the SHO, the DSP as well as the district police chief had given a no-objection certificate for granting licences to the committee. The District Magistrate should have issued the same without delay, he said. Mr Billa urged Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to take a personal interest into the matter as the temple lacked adequate security. He also urged Mr Badal to order sale tax exemption on material being purchased by the committee. |
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Garbage dumped despite guidelines PATHANKOT, Dec 15 — Although the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Central Pollution Control Board and their state counterparts have formulated the guidelines for the proper disposal of the human waste garbage, but no such urgency appears to have taken note of by the local administration. The municipal council authorities are throwing and dumping with impunity all wastes material, including plastic matter, on both sides of the road near the Khadi bridge. the Civil Hospital men also dump human waste and hospital garbage like hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, surgical gloves, cotton bandage, clothes. |
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Workers’ minimum
wages increased CHANDIGARH, Dec 15 — The Punjab Government today announced the enhancing of the minimum wages for all categories of workers from January 2001, according to a press release. The minimum rates of wages, which were fixed at Rs 1350 a month, for an unskilled worker on July 1, 1995, have now been revised to Rs 2000 a month, thus giving an increase of 48 per cent. The other categories, too, have been given the same percentage increase. These wages have been linked to consumer price index number (state series 1987-100). Necessary relief has been given to all categories of workers, automatically, corresponding to the increase in the consumer price index numbers. First such adjustment will be made from March 1, 2001. He said though the Chief Minister had directed the officials concerned in this regard, no action had been taken. |
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Strike hits BSF men’s morale ZERO LINE (Ferozepore) Dec 15 — For Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers manning the Indo-Pak frontiers here, the nation-wide postal strike has snapped contact with families back home. As most BSF soldiers deployed at the Border Out Posts here are from far-flung states, like Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, they largely rely on letters for communication with relatives. This is also the most sought after mode of communication for the jawans who do not have telephone connections at their native places. Senior BSF officers fear that the strike may have a demoralising effect on the minds of soldiers. “A letter from home keeps the morale of our jawans high”, a senior BSF officer said. |
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Injured antelope
taken to Ludhiana HOSHIARPUR, Dec 15 — Keeping in view the serious condition of an antelope struggling for life at the local veterinary hospital since yesterday, veterinary doctors have referred it to the College of Veterinary Sciences, Ludhiana, today. Officials of the Wildlife Department transported the animal in a tractor-trailer to Ludhiana today. Dr H.S. Sandhu, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, here said there was slight improvement in the condition of the antelope. Life saving drugs were given to it. Dr Sandhu said after seeing its condition, it was presumed that some Sikligar hunters, who generally hunted wild animals in groups along with dogs, had beaten up the animal due to which it has sustained serious internal and head injuries causing inner bleeding. When this correspondent visited the hospital today, the antelope was found unconscious. Dr Sandhu said the antelope was referred to the College of Veterinary Sciences, Ludhiana, to get its CT Scan done there. |
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List of Punjab
Govt holidays CHANDIGARH, Dec 15 — The Punjab government today notified the following holidays in public offices during 2001. All Saturdays and All Sundays. The other Holidays are: Birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, January 2; the Republic Day, January 26; Birthday of Sri Guru Ravi Das, February 8; Mahashivratri, February 21; Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), March 6; International Women Day, March 8; Holi, March 9; Hola Mohalla, March 10; shahidi day of Bhagat Singh, March 23; Ram Navami, April 2; Mahavir Jayanti, April 6; Baisakhi, April 13; Good Friday, April 13; Birthday of Dr B.R. Ambedkar April 14; Sri Parshu Ram Jayanti, April 25; May Day, May 1; Martyrdom day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev, May 26; birthday of Prophet Mohammad Sahib (Milad-ul-Nabi or Id-e-Milad), June 5; Kabir Jayanti, June 6; Martyrdom day of Shaheed Udham Singh, July 31; Janamashtmi, August 12; Independence Day, August 15; birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2; Dussehra, October 26; birthday of Maharishi Valmik, November 1; New Punjab Day, November 1; Diwali, November 14; Vishwakarma Day, November 16; birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, November 30; Id-ul-Fitr, December 17; Martrydom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, December 19; Christmas, December 25. Besides the above holidays each employee will also be permitted to avail himself/herself any two holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the restricted holidays given below: New Year Day, January 1, Lohri, January 12, Nirvan divas of Bhagwan Adinath, January 23; Basant Panchmi/Birthday of Sri Satguru Ram Singh, January 29; Muharram, April 5; Budh Purnima, May 7; Nirjala Ekadashi, June 2; death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, June 28; Anant Chaturdarshi, September 1; birthday of Baba Jiwan Singh, September 5, Karva Chauth, November 4; Goverdhan Pooja, November 15; Birthday of Sant Nam Dev, November 26; Jor Mela, Fatehgarh Sahib, December 26, 27, 28. Raksha Bandhan falls on August 4, Saturday, which is a public Holiday in Punjab Government offices. However, schools/colleges and hospitals etc will open at 11.00 on that day, says a press note. |
Six arrested for
killing deer GURDASPUR, Dec 15 — The police has booked 10 persons on a charge of killing a wild deer under Section 51 of the Preservation of Wild Life Act 1972. Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, today said that six persons — Bikramjit Singh alias Bikka and
Darshi, both residents of Jaura village, Jasbir Singh, Ajit Singh, Dilbir Singh and Rashpal Singh — all residents of border village Heer — were arrested yesterday. Their four accomplices — Manohar
Lal, Jaspal, Tarsem, all residents of Jaura village and Joga, resident of Heer village are still at large. Mr Varinder Kumar said that a wild deer from Pakistan had sneaked into Indian territory and while wandering had reached Heer village. The deer was spotted by the accused and chased along with their dogs. The deer was exhausted and was nabbed by the accused, who killed it and distributed its meat among themselves. The SSP said a case was registered against the accused. The police was also conducting raids at the suspected hideouts of the accused who have not been arrested so far. All six accused, who have been arrested, during interrogation confessed having killed the deer. About six months ago, villagers of Bakhatpur under Dera Baba Nanak police station had killed a peacock but no action was taken against them in spite of its knowledge to the officials of the Wild Life Department and police of the area which falls under police district Batala. |
Ragi arrested AMRITSAR, Dec 15 — The police today arrested Mr Balbir Singh, a ragi of the Golden Temple, after he attempted to get a shop vacated at gunpoint. Six persons, including the ragi, were arrested while one has absconded. According to police sources, Mr Sukhdev Singh was a tenant of Mr Balbir Singh in Udham Singh Nagar for the past one year. Yesterday at about 1 p.m., Ragi Balbir Singh along with a few persons forcibly entered his shop, beat him up and threw him out. The goods in the shop were taken away in a canter . An FIR was lodged under Sections 380, 448, 451, 148 and 149, IPC. |
Teachers assured
on school grant PHILLAUR, Dec 15 — The Punjab Government has decided to set up a high-level committee to consider the demand of 130 per cent grant to private schools in the state on the Gujarat pattern. This assurance was given by Punjab Education Minister Tota Singh to a high-level deputation of the Punjab Private Schools Organisations led by its president, Mr Manjit Singh Kauli, general secretary Tejpaul Singh and press secretary Principal Purshotam Kheti today. |
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1.6 cr to be spent on
amenities in schools FAZILKA, Dec 15 — Mr Lachhman Singh Brar, District Education Officer (Secondary), Ferozepore, talking to mediapersons here today said Rs 1.6 crore would be spent on all senior secondary, high and middle schools of the district for providing basic amenities. He said the amount had been received from the cess levied on alcohol by the Punjab Government. A sum of Rs 20 lakh would be spent on each Assembly segment of Ferozepore district as per the desire expressed by the MLAs of all eight constituencies. Mr Brar said for the proper utilisation of the amount, committees would be constituted in each school. |
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