 |
|
| Sunday, December 24, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
|
Special status for Uttaranchal?
British Columbia, Punjab sign pact Badal to expand ministry today Harpreet case: remand of
6 extended
Sessions Judge’s explanation sought |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WTO necessary
evil: experts HOSHIARPUR, Dec 23 — Striking an optimistic but cautious note about the impacts of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the Indian agriculture, experts from diverse fields were unanimous that the Central Government had done very little to save Punjab Farmers and that the WTO was a “necessary evil” and the farmers had to live with it.
RRD discusses poll plans
A club’s fall from grace Fire victims fed up with false promises PHRO deputy chief alleges harassment A unique gift for Christmas Consumer panel rejects RMP’s plea Tributes paid to Major Manvindra
Singh Presence
of women sarpanches stressed PNFC workers block traffic Cell in bottle of soft drink IMA state unit gets five awards IMA urges for one-child norm Demand for widening Dhussi bundh Hike in sugarcane price sought Cong flays Centre over Bofors case Aastha gets another ambulance 2 die in building
collapse 39 posts created in Coop Dept
4 more arrested in
deer killing case IT Inspector held
for taking bribe In-laws booked in dowry case
Teachers invited for talks College seeks help from alumni
|
|
Special status for Uttaranchal? AMRITSAR, Dec 23 — The Government of India may accord special status for the newly created hill state of Uttaranchal for its development. Indication to this effect was given by Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor, Uttaranchal, while talking to the Press at the information office at Golden Temple, here today. He said the Chief Minister, Uttaranchal, had requested the Central Government in this regard. Mr Barnala said the state government had been exploring the possibility of tourism potential in the hill state. He said Uttaranchal could earn revenue by promoting tourism. Answering a question, he said there was no proposal to impose land ceiling yet, which was being opposed by Punjabis. Mr Barnala said that the state government wanted to open many higher educational institutes there. He added that medical college, engineering college and dental college would be opened in the near future. The Governor said though the state was being run from Dehra Dun, a temporary capital, yet efforts were being made to select a permanent site for the purpose. He, however, declined to make comments on the site for the new capital. Mr Barnala claimed that Punjabis, especially residents of Udham Singh Nagar and Hardwar, who were opposing the inclusion of their districts into Uttaranchal, were now satisfied in the new state. He said representatives of Punjabis, who wanted to expedite the procurement of their paddy crop, met him and their demand was immediately conceded. Though he refused to entertain any question on Punjab politics, yet he claimed that he had no differences with Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Union Cabinet Minister. UNI adds: Mr Surjit Singh Barnala along with his family on Saturday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here. Mr Barnala was given a warm welcome by the SGPC President, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, and the SGPC executive members when he reached the shrine. After paying obeisance Mr Barnala and his family were honoured with “siropas” by the SGPC President at the shrine’s information office. Later, the Governor also visited the historic Jallianwala Bagh and laid a wreath at the Martyrs Memorial. He paid obeisance at the Durgiana Mandir, where he was also
honoured. PHAGWARA: Earlier the Governor of Uttaranchal stated that he would take up the issue of financial package to the newly formed state with the Centre for its development. He was talking to newspersons at Guru Nanak Mission Nettarheen and Birdh Ashram-cum-Sangeet Academy at Sapror village, 6 km from here. Mr Barnala claimed that the interests of minorities in the state were safe and there was no bitterness in the wake of the inclusion of Udham Singh Nagar district in the state. There was no discrimination or illwill towards Punjabis. He avoided questions on Punjab, saying that since he was staying in Dehra Dun, he was not in touch with SAD-BJP government activities in Punjab. He refused to be drawn into the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat controversy in Punjab. Earlier, addressing a function at the ashram, Mr Barnala lauded the role of NRIs in rendering services to the ashram inmates. He underlined need of setting up old-age homes and ashrams for the blind and the handicapped. He donated Rs 5,000 to the ashram. Mr Barnala is visiting Punjab for the first time after becoming the Governor of Uttaranchal. Meanwhile, Mr Barnala admitted that he did not know that his book “The Story of an Escape” had been translated into Punjabi. In a virtual believe it or not case, he further said he had actually come to know from some friend about the Punjabi version of the book available in the market. However, Mr Barnala does not wish to proceed legally against the unauthorised translator. He stated that the book was being translated into Tamil and Hindi. |
|
British Columbia, Punjab sign pact SAS NAGAR, Dec 23 — Mr Ujjal Dosanjh, the first ever Indo-Canadian to become Premier of British Columbia province of Canada, was felicitated at an official reception organised by the Punjab Government at the PCA stadium here this evening. The reception, which was attended among others by the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, and the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr Justice Arun Saharya, besides Mr Justice J.L. Gupta, also witnessed the presence of most members of the state Council of Ministers, Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, and senior functionaries of the state administration, including financial commissioners, principal secretaries and administrative secretaries. Also present at the function were Yogi Harbhajan Singh and some members of his organisation from the United States, Mr Tarlochan Singh, Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission, and several prominent NRIs who are here to attend the World Punjabi Conference. The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, presented a memento, a sword of honour and a “doshala” to Mr Dosanjh, and other members of his family — wife, Raminder, and son, Amber. Besides, a member of his personal staff, Mr Ramesh Singhal, was also felicitated at the function.The High Commissioner of Canada to India, Mr Peter Sutherland, too, was felicitated. The function also witnessed signing of a memorandum of understanding between British Columbia and Punjab on general arrangement of cooperation through which environment and waste treatment, infrastructure development, education and public health, agri food industry and other sectors are to be jointly identified by the two provinces for pursuing opportunities of mutual benefit. The two governments would also encourage cooperation in fields of culture, technology, economic and social development. Another memorandum of understanding signed earlier between the Punjab State Science Council and the British Columbia Science Council were also exchanged at the function. The Chief Minister, while welcoming Mr Dosanjh, and members of his entourage, recalled the numerous contributions made by Punjabis not only in the freedom struggle of India but also in the development of other countries, including agriculture. Praising Mr Dosanjh for bringing his parental state a big honour with his elevation to the highest position in the province with his hard work, determination, honesty and high ideals, Mr Badal said that it was not only Punjab but the entire country which was proud of him. Overjoyed by the reception given to him during his first visit to the country of his birth after becoming Premier of British Columbia, Mr Dosanjh said that perhaps the people in India in general and those of Punjab in particular were more thrilled and excited at his achievement than the minorities, including Indo-Canadians, in Canada. He said both Punjab and British Columbia had to continue their crusade for equality and social justice to make this world a better place to live in. A cultural programme presented by the North Zone Cultural Centre included “jhoomer”, “malwai giddha”, “naqal”, “bhangra” and a “Rajasthani welcome dance” besides a few other items. |
|
|
Badal to expand ministry today CHANDIGARH, Dec 23 — The Punjab Chief Minister will effect an expansion in his council of ministers tomorrow. Informed sources say that one or two new faces are likely to be inducted. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at Punjab Raj Bhavan at 3.30 PM. Though the unseating of an Akali Minister, Mrs Satwant Kaur Sandhu, has created a vacancy, the expansion move has taken everyone by surprise. The likely induction of a BJP man is being construed as arm-twisting by the coalition partner. The state president of the BJP, Mr Brij Lal Rinwa, has taken a strident stand. He has been openly criticising the government on its performance. Political observers attribute the expansion to an exercise to placate the BJP. There are at present 31 Cabinet rank ministers, including the Chief Minister, and 10 Ministers of State besides one Chief Parliamentary
Secretary. |
|
|
Harpreet case: remand of
6 extended PATIALA, Dec 23 (PTI) — the judicial remand of six of the seven accused arrested by the
CBI in connection with the mysterious death of Harpreet Kaur, daughter of former President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee
(SGPC) Jagir Kaur, was extended till January 3 by a local court today. Bibi
Jagir Kaur is the lone accused named in the fir not to have been arrested as she had got bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court here. Special
CBI magistrate Jaspinder Singh Heyer extended the remand of Punjab police sub-inspector Nishan Singh, Dalwinder Kaur, Paramjit Singh, Harvinder Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar and Satya Devi. Dalwinder Kaur, owner of Jasdil Mansion at Phagwara, where Harpreet Kaur, was allegedly confined prior to her death, was arrested in Delhi while Nishan Singh was arrested after his surrender before the
CBI in Delhi. The remaining four were arrested from Phagwara. |
|
Country’s first “VIP village” CHANDIGARH, Dec 23 — Kharaudi, a small village near Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district, is on the threshold of becoming the country’s first “VIP village.” When Mr Ujjal Dosanjh, the first Indian-Canadian Premier of British Columbia visits the village on December 26 at 2.30 p.m., it would have in place a complete sewer system connecting each of the 170 households, paved streets, galvanised steel pipe connections for water and solar streetlights. Perhaps, no other village in the country can boast such facilities. It will be a
village free from flies and mosquitoes. It was in July last year, that a group of enterprising non-resident Indians (NRIs) from the village, led by Dr Raghbir Singh Basi, a former Professor of Management and Glen and Ova Professor of International Understanding at Alaska Pacific University in the USA, launched an ambitious Village-life Improvement Programme (VIP) to catalyse the integrated, sustainable development of the lifestyles of villagers. The first phase of the programme — which aims at providing basic infrastructure, including potable water, an underground sewerage, electricity, paved streets and telephone access — is nearing completion and Mr Ujjal Dosanjh will formally inaugurate these services during his brief visit to the village the day after Christmas. “The entire project, which was initially designed to cost the village Rs 1 crore, is now almost complete, thanks to support from both the district administration, the state government and the contributions made by NRIs. “Initially, when we conceived this programme, the state promised to give us Rs 50 lakh, requiring the remaining Rs 50 lakh to be contributed by the VIP Foundation. In the first year we raised Rs 30 lakh and this year we contributed another Rs 40 lakh. The administration has been trying to help us out with whatever finances it could generate. We already have got Rs 7 lakh from the state and expect another Rs 12 to Rs 15 lakh for completing our project,” says Dr Basi. “The underground sewerage has been completed at a cost of Rs 12 lakh against the initial estimate of Rs 20 lakh. Paving of the village streets is in progress. We have already added one room to the village primary school and hope to add another one soon to make available five rooms for five classes. We also propose to provide one computer to each class. “The entire village has been fitted with solar streetlights. Each household has a regular sewer and water supply connection. We are now nearing the completion of the sewage treatment plant, where the entire sewage of the village will be treated and diverted to a pucca pond to facilitate the use of fully treated water,” adds Mr Basi, maintaining that after the VIP was launched in July last year, a couple of other villages in the periphery, too, started following suit. Nangal, village of one of the richest NRIs, Mr Didar Singh Bains, has already in place solar streetlights. Compared to Kharaudi , Nangal is a much bigger village and will need a lot of money for the sewerage. Another village, Dhadda, has also gone in for solar streetlights. Kharaudi, says Dr Basi, is a reasonably well-off village with a population of nearly 700. Almost every household has one or more members abroad. “Before I retired in 1999, I thought of initiating this programme. I believed that since most of the NRIs from the village were well off, they would contribute generously. And they did. We had fund raisers in Vancouver, Yuba City and in Toronto to get the model project going at Kharaudi. We are now sure that other villages will follow our example, and with some government support and backing from the VIP Foundation, they will launch similar programmes,” says Dr Basi, maintaining that there has been a good response from the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, and his Principal Secretary, Mr Ramesh Inder Singh, besides the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu. The entire VIP project is monitored by the Kharaudi Lifestyle Improvement Board with Dr Gurdev Singh Gill, a veteran doctor who started his practice in Vancouver in the early 50s, as its president and Mr Ravinder Singh Basran and Mr Gurpal Singh as its treasurer and secretary, respectively. “When we started our work in December, 1999, we fixed a target to complete it in one year’s time. And we have been successful in meeting our deadline,” says Dr Basi. As recognition and an incentive to those who contributed to the VIP project, a commemorative pillar will be built at a suitable place in the village with their names carved on it. “Those contributing to the programme are helping build communities wherein people can live healthy, productive and satisfying lives,” says Dr Basi. |
|
Sessions Judge’s explanation sought CHANDIGARH, Dec 23 — Mr Justice V.K. Jhanji of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Amritsar, to explain why action on “applications of the petitioner Apar Singh filed on June 3,1994 have not been decided till date”. He has been directed to submit his explanation before February 13, 2001 the date on which the case has been posted for next hearing. Mr Justice Jhanji has issued notice of motion to the Collector Amritsar and Defence Estate Officer for February 13 to explain why compensation for the acquired land of petitioner Apar Singh had not been executed. “I find that nearly for the past seven years execution application is pending but no order is being passed thereon and thus the petitioner is being deprived of the payment of amount of compensation for the acquisition of land as awarded by the collector and the court.” Mr Justice Jhanji also directed the “Special Land Acquisition Collector Amritsar to be present personally in the court on the next date of hearing”. Petitioner Apar Singh, a resident of Wadala Bhitte village in Amritsar district stated in his petition that his eight kanal and 16 marla land was acquired by the Defence 22 years ago on April 26, 1978 and in 1983 he was awarded a compensation at the rate of Rs 39,000 per acre and there was some dispute about the entitlement of the claim, which he contested but has been deprived of his right till date. |
|
WTO necessary
evil: experts HOSHIARPUR, Dec 23 — Striking an optimistic but cautious note about the impacts of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the Indian agriculture, experts from diverse fields were unanimous that the Central Government had done very little to save Punjab Farmers and that the WTO was a “necessary evil” and the farmers had to live with it. The experts, including bureaucrats, who participated in a seminar-cum-interaction organised by the New Age Fruit Growers Association at Ram Colony camp here yesterday, stressed the farmers should update their knowledge to face the competition after the implementation of the WTO agreement. Mr C.L. Bains, Financial Commissioner (Development), Punjab, was critical of the Central Government, saying that the Agriculture ministry was not consulted when the Ministry of Commerce signed the pact. Maintaining that there was negligible investment by the Central Government in the agriculture sector, Mr Bains said though the Central Government had been urging the Punjab farmer to diversify, it had done nothing to guide him or to provide the required infrastructure, resulting in the failure of diversification initiated by the farmers on their own. Mr Sanjeev Chopra, Deputy Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration, Dehra Dun, said he was optimistic about the post-WTO implementation era. “We cannot withdraw ourselves from the WTO in this situation, the Sharad Joshi Committee should, however, try to negotiate to get maximum concessions for the farmers,” he said the farmers had to devise ways to be self-reliant instead of depending on government subsidies. All subsidy-based systems were bound to collapse and it was a coincidence that the WTO came when the crumbling had started, he added. Prof Pramod Kumar, Director of the Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh, said the biggest danger of the WTO was to small farmers. They would have to form cooperative for survival and for generating technical knowhow and resources. |
RRD discusses poll plans AMRITSAR, Dec 23 — Anticipating mid-term poll, various political parties have started preparing for a mid-term poll. The Rashtriya Raksha Dal (RRD) at a meeting discussed its future plans in view of the anticipated Assembly elections. The meeting was presided over by Col (retd) J.S. Bal, President, RRD and was attended by members of the kisan youth and ex-servicemen wings besides others to discuss about the party’s preparation for the poll at the grassroots. The meeting exhorted its members to observe democratic traditions of secularism, work for removal of poverty and illiteracy, especially corruption. Asserting that the public was dissatisfied with the present politicians, Colonel Bal lashed at the politician-criminal nexus looting the country for the benefit of their families. The press note issued by the party highlighted corruption and injustice of successive political parties, “Under the plea of corruption as an international phenomenon they are misappropriating national funds,” the note said. While claiming the RRD could stop malpractices with the help of ex-servicemen, kisan and underprivileged, the dal resolved to stop exploitation of farmers, and retired Army and security personnel who have been denied complete and satisfactory pension benefits. It further offered its representatives to help farmers during procurement to stem malpractices by agencies. |
|
Ruling
combine MLAs to meet CHANDIGARH, Dec 23 — A meeting of the
legislators of the ruling combine of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the
Bharatiya Janata Party will be held in the Vidhan Sabha complex here
on December 29 to discuss the political situation in the state, Mr
Kirpal Singh Badungar, secretary of the SAD, said today. He said the
Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, would preside over the
meeting. |
|
Country’s security
under threat: Kapur BATHINDA, Dec 23 — Former minister and senior Congress leader Surinder Kapur said today that the security of the country was under threat under the NDA government. Talking to mediapersons here, he said the killing of two persons at the historic Red Fort in Delhi by militants belonging to the Lashker-e-Toiba outfit yesterday was a proof of failure of the BJP-led coalition government. He said it would be better for the country if Mr Vajpayee resigned from the prime ministership and handed over the affairs of the country to an able person. |
A club’s fall from grace FEROZEPORE: The Ferozepore Club, once the pride of the town and an evening rendezvous for the elite, today presents a picture of dismay and neglect. Gone are the days when the club reverberated with life and used to be the hub of activity for civilians as well as Army men. The imposing grandeur of the complex, which boasted of lush green gardens dotted with rows of blossoming flowers, adequately stocked bar, TV room and a cardroom, has fallen on bad days due to apathy by the authorities. The members nostalgically remember its heyday when events like “May Queen Ball”, “Spring Beauty” contests, “Saturday Night” parties were held with fanfare at the club. The original club, whose foundation stone was laid by Major SM Routh on June 26, 1925, shifted to this building in 1971 as the original building had collapsed. The club, affiliated to other prestigious clubs now hardly offers any charm to attract the young and the old. The elections for the executive committee were held several years ago and thereafter these have either been postponed on one pretext or the other, or members nominated. At present, the club has on its rolls four waiters, one gardener, one sweeper, one cook who are not only underpaid but are shabbily dressed most of the time in absence of uniform. No bonus has been paid to them for two years and their salaries have not been revised for a long time. Rains may be a boon to the farmer but to the club these bring a nightmare, thanks to its dripping roofs, which allow seepage of water, be it the main hall or the bar or the billiards room. The dilapidated condition of the bar ceiling bears testimony to it. The numbers of visitors have dwindled on account of these deficiencies and poor catering. Dr Kamal Baghi, an executive member, attributes the present mess of the club to the lesser number of members as there are only about 70 civilians who have access to the club. He feels that the number of members should be increased to improve the club’s conditions. Interestingly, fresh applications seeking permanent membership are pouring in large numbers, as the town offers no other place for the residents to relax in the evenings. To one’s utter surprise the applicants, which include some VIPs, are ready to shell out any amount for membership, but the authorities are in no mood to oblige them. The practice of renting out the club for functions has also been stopped for reasons best known to the management. Thus revenue earnings have fallen considerably. According to Mr M.L. Chugh, the executive committee was not taken into confidence before taking this harsh decision. It is high time that the club management wakes up from its slumber and puts the club back on the rails. |
|
Fire victims fed up with false promises DABWALI, Dec 23 — Kin of those who died in the inferno five years ago in this town bordering Punjab, today returned disappointed from the annual “shradhanjali samaroh” when the authorities concerned failed to come out with a concrete policy to redress their grievances. The gathering at the function was thin as compared to previous years as most of them did not turn up as they were fed up with the promises of successive governments which have not been fulfilled yet. Ms Seema Manchanda, a victim whose both legs were amputated, said she was feeling like an item which was exhibited every year. She said she had completed her B.Ed course but could not find a government job so far. An advocate, who suffered burns, alleged that he was finding difficulty in arranging money to buy medicines. He said he was taking medicines worth Rs 150 everyday. He added that he had to go to Ludhiana for plastic surgery as no plastic surgeon had been appointed at the local government hospital. Dr Prem Chabbra, Treasurer, Dabwali Fire Victims Rehabilitation Trust, said six victims were in urgent need of government job. He said the trust had submitted a memorandum to the Haryana Government in this connection. Mr Pardeep Kumar, SDM, said the government had decided to construct a memorial to those who perished in the inferno at a marriage palace where the tragedy took place. He said it would be constructed at a cost of Rs 5.91 lakh and the government had finalised the deal to take over that piece of land. He said jobs to deserving candidates would be given after a decision to this effect was taken in the Cabinet for the relaxation of conditions. The government would reimburse medical expenses of all victims, he added. The victims said they could not go to school as their faces had been disfigured and could not be treated as they could not arrange money. Mr Abhay Chautala, MLA, who presided over the samaroh said the government would make efforts to fulfil the demands of the victims. |
|
|
PHRO deputy chief alleges harassment AMRITSAR, Dec 23 — Mr Kirpal Singh Randhawa, Deputy Chairman, Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO), has alleged he was harassed and humiliated by a senior police official. In a statement, Mr Randhawa, who is also a member of the World Sikh Council, said he was manhandled by the official when he went to present a memorandum to Mr Ujjal Singh Dosanjh, premier of British Columbia, at the university guest house yesterday. He alleged he was threatened with a case for trespassing and breaking the security ring around the guest house. Mr Randhawa claimed when the DIG (Border) and Deputy Commissioner were apprised of the incident, they read the memorandum and remarked that there was nothing objectionable in it. The said police official had implicated some human right activists in a bank dacoity and murder case a few months ago. The case was later cancelled, he alleged. |
|
|
A unique gift for Christmas MALERKOTLA: Since long gifts and presents are being exchanged among human beings. Gifts are based on one’s capacity to pay. In olden times, rulers of small kingdoms used to present gifts of diamonds, gold and rare antiques to kings of large kingdoms for getting their patronage and blessings. Mr Charan Gupta, a devout Hindu, following the rich traditions of secularism of this old city of nawabs, prepared a rare gift for presenting to Christians on Christmas. Mr Gupta typed the word “God” 1.10 crore times on 5,600 paper sheets of 66 x 35 cm. The weight of the papers itself was 68 kg. He completed the task within a year. He said last December, people of the world were saying as the Millennium was approaching, he should do something special. Then he thought of preparing this gift for presenting to Christians on Christ’s birth anniversary. He told this reporter that he used to type five hours per day for nine months and 8 hours for three months during this current year to complete this job by Xmas. The maximum he typed was 94,000 words in a day on typing for 12 hours. If all the papers were put in one after one then it would total 3.60 km; and if all the words were put in one straight line then its length would be 125 km. This was a gesture of brotherhood and goodwill among the Christians and Hindus. The double MA law graduate has already typed the word “Ram” 1.11 crores. He has been working as senior assistant in Punjab Tubewell Corporation for 30 years.
|
|
|
Consumer panel rejects RMP’s plea ABOHAR, Dec 23 — The National Consumer disputes Redressal Commission has rejected an appeal by an RMP Kewal Krishan against the decision of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab, but allowed 6 per cent relief in the interest awarded against the petitioner. According to a copy of the decision received here on Thursday, Mr Justice Suhas C. Sen, Mr Justice J.K. Mehra, Mr Justice C.L. Chaudhry, Ms Rajyalakshmi Rao and Mr B.K. Taimni after hearing the arguments of Dr B.K. Dwivedi, counsel for the petitioner and Mr S.P. Khariwal, counsel for the respondent, passed an order stating that the order passed by the state commission needed no interference except that the interest of 18 per cent was high and it should be reduced to 12 per cent. The case was of the wrong administration of an injection by Kewal Krishan, RMP (Ayurveda), who runs a clinic at the Anand Nagar locality here. The complainant in his application submitted to the district Ferozepore Consumer Forum had stated that he had gone to the RMP following pain in his abdomen. The RMP allegedly administered and injection on December 9, 1994, Due to negligence the injection was administered in to an artery instead of vein and this led to the amputation of three fingers of Mr Kharaiti Lal on March 2, 1995. Mr Kharaiti Lal filed an appeal before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab, on January 31, 1997, which found the RMP quilty and asked him to pay a compensation of Rs 65,000 with 18 per cent annual interest on it to Mr Kharaiti Lal. |
|
Tributes paid to Major Manvindra
Singh PATIALA, Dec 23 — Tributes were paid by people from all walks of life at the bhog ceremony of Major Manwindra Singh who attained martyrdom in an encounter with militants in Baramullah Sector of the Kashmir Valley on December 12. Despite the large number of people who conglomerated at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha at the Mall, a smooth calm prevailed. Speaking on the occasion Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister, said keeping in view the requests made by the family of Major Manwindra Singh, the state government had acceded to the request of upgrading the hospital at the Major’s native village, Dhudhan Sadan, near here. The 25 bed hospital has been upgraded to a 50 bed hospital. Capt Kanwaljit Singh also said that the widow of the late Major, Ms Punamdeep Kaur, would be nominated to PCS (Executive) soon. Meanwhile, the impasse which had been created between two state government departments, over the naming of a ‘chowk’ in the memory Major Manwindra Singh, was cleared today with Capt Kanwaljit Singh laying the foundation stone of the chowk this afternoon. Yesterday, the local Municipal Corporation and the state Public Works Department (PWD) were at loggerheads over the naming of the ‘Chowk’ in memory of the late Major on the issue of installing a granite plaque at the chowk. PWD officials had yesterday stopped the corporation men from installing the granite plaque at the chowk near the YPS school claiming that visibility would be effected and that the plaque would become a traffic hazard. Capt Kanwaljit Singh instructed the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jasbir Singh Bir, to construct the statute of the Major Manwindra Singh as per the wishes of the Major’s family. He also said that the best sculptor of the country would be invited to design the statue of the late Major in accordance with the wishes of his family. Among others who were present on the occasion were the Chairman of the Patiala Improvement, Mr Manmohan Singh Bajaj, Brig (Retd) Kuldeep Singh Kahlon, Director, Sainik Welfare Board, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Mr K.S. Kang , former minister Mr Lal Singh, former chief whip of the Punjab Assembly, Mr Bir Devinder Singh, Mr Vikas Partap, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Manjit Singh Narang SDM, and the member PPCC, Mr C.D. Singh Kamboj. Mr Parminder Dhindsa represented the Union Minister, Mr S.S. Dhindsa at the bhog ceremony.
|
|
|
Presence
of women sarpanches stressed PATIALA, Dec 23 — The presence of ‘proxy sarpanches’ was resented at the Sangat Darshan held here yesterday as women sarpanches of various villages falling in this district absented themselves from the programme and instead sent male members to listen to the grievances of the people. In the programme, which was presided over by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Vikas Partap, grievances of more than 100 people were hear. This time again several elected women sarpanches absented themselves which provoked the ADC to stress the need to make themselves available as and when ‘Sangat Darshans’ were held. Most of the complaints were redressed immediately while the other complaints were referred to the respective departments. In a complaint, Mr Maghar Singh of Duggal Kalan village of Samana Tehsil said that houses built for the weaker sections of society were being indiscriminately allotted to the rich. The complaint was marked to the District Welfare Officer by the ADC. The villagers of Mukhmailbhaini, Bhagwanpur, Jattan and Rajgarh complained that due to the negligence of the Irrigation Department, their fields were inundated during the wheat harvesting season. The ADC asked the Executive Engineer, Devigarh, to look into the case.
|
|
|
PNFC workers block traffic ROPAR, Dec 23 — The workers of the Punjab National Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (PNFC) unit at Nangal, owing allegiance to the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, today blocked traffic on the Nangal-Chandigarh road. The workers were protesting against the closure of the plant and the non-payment of wages since September 29. Leaders speaking on the occasion criticised the local leaders for failing to project the problems of the workers at the national and state-levels. The workers spoke against the privatisation of the public-sector unions that were allegedly rendering workers of these units jobless. Local student leaders also joined the workers in today’s rally. The workers took out a march from the PNFC chowk and blocked the traffic at Nangal dam. They also burned the effigy of local MP, Mr Charanjit Singh Channi, for failing to highlight their plight in Parliament. The PNFC has ceased production for the past two years. |
|
|
Cell in bottle
of soft drink BATHINDA, Dec 23 — Be careful before you open the next bottle of a soft drink. It may contain things like a blade, fly, cockroach and now even a pencil cell. In the latest case of supply of spurious soft drinks, a bottle of “Mirinda” was found containing a pencil cell. This is just one of the irregularities of the bottling plant which has come to light, Mr Harpreet Singh Grover alleged. Mr Grover who purchased a crate of “Mirinda” from a godown situated on the Bathinda-Goniana road, found a pencil cell inside the bottle. All other bottles had suspended particles in them, he alleged. Showing the bottle of the soft drink to this correspondent he alleged that it was clearly stated on the lid of the bottle that it should be consumed before June, 2000, but even then it was being openly sold in the market. He said companies never tried to
recall the lot that expired. He alleged that Deputy General Manager (Sales) of the company concerned first denied that the bottle was of his company, but later offered an out-of-court settlement to him. Mr Vinod Thakur, Deputy General Manager (Sales), Pepsi, when contacted, said the bottle had been recapped and was not of his company. He added that there had been cases of fake soft drinks being sold in the name of big multinational companies. Mr Jaspal Singh, Deputy Commissioner, said he had been apprised of the situation and the health authorities had been ordered to take samples of the products and submit reports. |
|
IMA state
unit gets five awards SANGRUR, Dec 23 — The Punjab unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has bagged five national awards of the IMA this year. These awards will be presented at the IMA’s national conference to be held in Calcutta from December 27 to 29. A spokesman of the Punjab unit of the IMA said here today that the state unit would be given IMA president’s special award for increasing its membership and organising public welfare health activities. The spokesman further said Dr O.P. Singh Kande (Patiala), president of the IMA Punjab, had been selected for two awards — National President’s Merit Certificates for best president of a state and IMA National President Appreciation Award for strengthening the state unit of the association. The senior vice-president of the IMA, Punjab, Dr R.C. Garg (Barnala), has been selected for lifetime achievement award by IMA national president, Dr T.N. Mehrotra. Dr Surinder (Sangrur), press and public relations secretary, of the IMA, Punjab, will also be given IMA National President Appreciation Award for getting rectified map of India, which was distorted by three drug companies. |
|
IMA urges for one-child norm PHAGWARA, Dec 23 — A general body meeting of the local unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), with Dr S.P.S. Sooch in chair, yesterday recommended a four-pronged strategy to the Central Government for controlling the population growth. A press note issued here said the IMA strongly felt that the one-child norm should be accepted as a target for the family welfare schemes. Couples opting for one child should be given preference in employment and incentives in promotions in government, semi-government, public and private organisations. Female foeticide should be firmly dealt with. Dr Ajaib Singh Sandhu, Civil Surgeon, Kapurthala, was the chief guest on the occasion. |
|
|
Demand for widening Dhussi bundh GURDASPUR, Dec 23 — Residents of Bohra village in the Bet area of the Beas are a worried lot in view of the continuous erosion of land in the village due to the flow of the Beas. This was brought into the notice of the flood protection team that inspected the flood protection measures undertaken by a Drainage Department during the current year. The team was headed by Mr J.S. Dhillon, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development). Residents of Maujpur and Kishanpur villages demanded the widening of the Dhussi bundh on the Beas where pucca roads have been constructed. The village panchayats also demanded the repair of ramps constructed on the bundh. Mr Mohan Singh, sarpanch of Fattu Kulla, said the people of many areas of Bahadur Rajoa and Fattu Kulla villages had been saved with the construction of spurs on the Beas. The flood protection measures had cost the government Rs 1 crore and were undertaken during 1999 and 2000. Mr Mohan Singh demanded the construction of two more spurs on the western side of Fattu Kulla village so that the entire area was protected from floods. The inspection team also visited Romala, Jalelrha, and Kishanpur, and recommended the strengthening of flood protection measures already undertaken by the Drainage Department in the area. |
|
Hike in sugarcane
price sought NAWANSHAHR, Dec 23 — The Punjab Kisan Sabha organised a state-level convention of cane growers here at the sugar mills today in which hundreds of farmers from all over the state participated to press the state government to accept their demands, which included the increase in sugarcane price as the cost of production had increased to about 15 per cent, release of arrears amounting to Rs 25 crore by the sugar mills at Mukerian, Phagwara and Dhuri, make Budhlada sugar mill operational and to put an end to the practice of imposing cut in weight to the tune of 5 to 25 per cent on sugarcane at sugar mills. The sabha resolved to intensify the stir if their demands were not accepted. It plans to hold conventions in front of all sugar mills, district-level dharnas on January 18 and dharnas and rallies at tehsil and district headquarters from February 5 to 7 in the state to oppose the anti-farmers policies. |
|
|
Cong flays Centre over Bofors case FARIDKOT, Dec 23 — The District Congress Committee (DCC) has criticised the central government, particularly BJP, for raising hue and cry about the Bofors case. In a press statement here today, Mr S.K. Gupta and Mr Satish Baghi, president and press secretary of the DCC, respectively, alleged the BJP took up the issue against Congress to save its own skin. Both leaders said if the Central Government was sincere about solving the Bofors scandal it should expose all related documents and the persons involved. Mr Gupta and Mr Baghi criticised the NDA government and the BJP for honouring Mr Ujjal Singh Dosanjh, India-born Prime Minister of British Columbia, and at the same time raising cries about the foreign origin of Ms Sonia Gandhi. Both leaders claimed that Ms Gandhi was the undisputed leader of the party.
|
|
Aastha gets another ambulance SANGRUR, Dec 23 — With the inclusion of one more ambulance in the fleet of Aastha (Aid and ambulance service for traffic on highways), the total number of ambulances has now risen to 10. This ambulance was donated to the District Red Cross Society by Vishavkarma Agro Industries, Dirba, and its services were flagged off by Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, at Dirba on the Sangrur-Delhi highway. Talking to TNS, the Deputy Commissioner said Aastha was launched in January this year as a joint venture of the Red Cross and the district police to provide emergency services to accident victims on the highways in the district. Mr Tiwari said the ambulances were also used in emergencies like delivery and electrocution cases in the rural areas. Mr Tiwari said on the Sangrur-Delhi highway, the ambulances were parked at Mehlan, Dirba and Khanauri villages, on the Sangrur-Patiala highway at Phaguwala and Channo villages, on the Sangrur-Bathinda highway at Kunra, Handhiya and Tapa, on the Barnala-Moga highway at Pakho, Kenchian, and on the Malerkotla-Ludhiana highway at Kup Kalan. The Deputy Commissioner said these ambulances were working as traffic first-aid posts parked near the police posts of the respective villages. |
|
|
2 die in building
collapse PATIALA, Dec 23 — A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the municipal building collapse which occurred here today near the National Institute of Sports. The inquiry has been ordered by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Vikas Partap, who reached the spot along with other senior officials of the District Administration immediately. The dead have been identified Biratbai and Sonibai, both of whom belong to Maharashtra. An ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 will be given to the kith and kin of the deceased. The Red Cross will provide free medical aid to the injured. The seriously injured have been identified as Barkat (15) and Santosh (23). Both are migrant labourers. |
|
|
39
posts created in Coop Dept AMRITSAR, Dec 23 — The Cooperative Societies have passed orders for the creation of 39 posts of assistant registrar in the Cooperative Department. The step was taken to dispense quick justice to the public in the Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ferozepore, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Sangrur districts. The additional posts would not put any financial burden on the state government. Mr Bhupinder Singh Walia, president of the state unit of the association, said here yesterday. |
Seminar on
youth NAWANSHAHR, Dec 23 — Amardeep Singh Shergill Memorial College, Mukandpur (Nawanshahr), as part of its four-day Amardeep Yadgari Annual Function organised a seminar on Youth and Drug Abuse on Friday. Mr Tarsem Lal Prasher, an NRI, presided. Mr Ishwar Singh, SSP , was the chief guest. |
|
Projects hit by
lack of funds MOGA, Dec 23 — Four-laning of the Moga-Ludhiana-Chandigarh road and construction of a mini-secretariat, a stadium and six community centres in various villages are held up due to paucity of funds. The Punjab Government had announced several years ago that the work on these projects would be started soon. Since Moga was given district status three years ago, Deputy Commissioners have reminded the government of the projects but no funds have been released so far.
|
4 more arrested in
deer killing case GURDASPUR, Dec 23 — The police yesterday arrested Manohar Lal, Jaspal and Tarsem Lal all residents of Jaura, 9 km from here, and Bachan Masih of Jagowal under Section 51 of the Preservation of Wildlife Act. Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, said the accused had been booked for killing a deer near the border village, Heer, on December 7. Bikramjit Singh and Darshi, both residents of Jaura village, and Jasbir Singh, Ajit Singh, Dalbir Singh and Rashpal Singh all residents of Heer village had been arrested on December 14. Joga, also of Heer village, has absconded. The SSP said Bachan Masih had purchased the deer skin for Rs 90. Wildlife sources said there were repeated reports of killing animals in the district but the accused were able to go scot free due to lack of information. Moreover, the staff and offices of Wildlife Department are limited. |
IT Inspector
held
for taking bribe BHATINDA, Dec 23 — A Vigilance Bureau team led by DSP Mehal Singh yesterday arrested Income Tax Inspector N.D. Sharma for taking a bribe from Mr Ravi Kumar of Ghumankalan village in the district. The accused was caught while accepting a bribe of Rs 700 from Ravi Kumar in lieu of issuing him an income tax clearance certificate. The raid was conducted on the complaint of Ravi Kumar. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered. |
|
In-laws booked in dowry case ABOHAR, Dec 23 — The police here today booked some residents of Jain Nagar under the Dowry Act for allegedly torturing Daleep Kaur, who was admitted to Civil Hospital here on December 16, alleging that she was being tortured as she had failed to get more dowry from her parents. Daleep Kaur was running a beauty parlour in Chandigarh when Ravinder Singh married her. It was the second marriage for both of them. Moreover, her parents had reportedly made it clear at the time of marriage that they were not in a position of meeting any specific demand. The police after week-long investigation today booked Ravinder Singh, his father Daleep Singh, brother Swaran Singh, sisters Paramjit Kaur, Ranjit Kaur and Harjinder Kaur under various sections of the IPC. |
Teachers invited for talks PHAGWARA, Dec 23 — Agitating teachers of the non-government colleges have been invited for a dialogue by the Punjab Higher Education Minister, Mr Mohan Lal, in Chandigarh on December 27 to discuss their charter of demands. This was disclosed here today by Prof K.B.S. Sodhi, president of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU). The invitation follows a meeting of Prof Sodhi with the minister last night. The teachers are demanding the implementation of the pension and the gratuity laws, a grant of Rs 4.20 crore for the twentysix-day strike period, Rs 10.20 crore for the salaries for January and February, lecturer’s designation to DPEs, implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme, and the grant of HRA to 48 rural colleges. Besides a state-level education bandh on October 18, teachers have so far held eight zonal rallies, including at Pathankot and Banur, the constituencies of Mr Mohan Lal and Capt Kanwaljit Singh Punjab Finance Minister, respectively, to highlight their long-pending demands. |
|
College
seeks help from alumni PATIALA Dr Ravinder Singh Sidhu, Principal of the college, welcomed all delegates, including students of the past 50 batches. They had come not only from various parts of the country but also from abroad. The inauguration of this two-day function was followed by a talk by Dr Ajmer Singh, a surgeon. In the general-body session, issues of promoting membership, fund raising, future proposals, corpus funds, and
academic interactions were discussed. Dr Sidhu said the event had been organised to seek suggestions from the participants for the improvement of the college “We don’t have basic infrastructure. This is a sick hospital and my aim is to set things right,” he said. Many speakers urged the delegates to help the college. Dr Bharati and Dr Kuldeep Bedi of the 1975 batch said, “The event has helped the delegates refresh old memories.” The inaugural march past was followed by an open-house meeting in the college auditorium. Soft music and glamourous decorations added colour to the function. Prof Subhash Kaushal, Head of the Anatomy Department, announced names of old students who were given mementoes. They included Dr Baljinder S Kochar (USA), Dr Harish Sood, vice-president and overseas coordinator of GOMCO (USA), Dr Joginder Pal Saini, GOMCO chief in Chandigarh, Dr Surinder Kaur, first student of the first batch (1953), Dr Amrik S. Chatha, Executive Director GOMCO Association, and Dr Paramjit S. Mongia, GOMCO Secretary. Many delegates donated money for the college. Dr Sood said, “We should not except the government to help the college. Healthcare is expensive, so, our aim is to cut its cost for the needy.” |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 120 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
