The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

DYC condemns MC’s forcible collection of arrears
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — The District Youth Congress (DYC) has strongly reacted to forcible collections of house tax, water and sewerage arrears by the Municipal Corporation in the city, in gross violation of the government instructions to remit the penal interest and enable the people to make payments in easy installments.

Addressing a party meeting in Chowk Sufian, the DYC president, Mr Parminder Mehta, observed that the Punjab Local Bodies Minister, Mr Balramji Das Tandon, had recently made an announcement during a function organised by Ludhiana Improvement Trust that the state government had issued instructions to all local bodies to launch a special campaign for clearance of arrears of local taxes and allowing interest-free payment to residents.

“Rather than following government instructions, the MC had adopted intimidating tactics for collection of arrears and there have been instances of the MC employees, accompanied by police force, going door-to-door and threatening residents to pay up or face the consequences,” Mr Mehta alleged.

He said the water rate had been jacked up from Rs 8 per tap to Rs 50 per house, without any discrimination between the poor and the rich. Moreover, there was no justification of charging interest on arrears, which had accrued recently as a result of a court judgement. The civic body had cut down the duration of the water supply and the quality of drinking water in the city also left much to be desired.

In a significant move, Mr Mehta announced that his party welcomed the MC decision to construct an elevated road from Jagraon Bridge to Chand Cinema over Old G.T. Road in the city and replacement of Railway Foot Bridge near Old Courts with a flyover. The chaotic traffic conditions, prevailing in the city, needed many such long term measures, which would bring relief to the movement of traffic and check the alarming level of pollution in the city.

Mr Mehta opposed the proposal to raise a commercial complex by PUDA in the land adjoining Civil Hospital with the plea that the land, lying vacant should be used for a much- needed expansion of the Civil Hospital.

Other speakers, including Mr Jasbir Johny, Mr Sabhajit Pandey, Mr Charanjit Channy, Mr Ashok Arora, Mr G.S. Arora and Mr Sarbjit Singh criticised the civic body for discriminatory attitude in removal of encroachments in the city. They said influential persons got away scot free, while the poor and the weaker sections were targeted by the MC staff. The YC activists also charged the councillors, belonging to to ruling SAD-BJP combine with pursuing a dual policy. Many of the councillors were involved in encroachment of the government land themselves, while in the MC meetings they talked of drives against clearance of encroachments.

College convocation
IT has become a part of life: VC
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — “Today, almost every human endeavour and every sphere of human life has been affected by information technology. With the emergence of new technologies the entire education system, especially the system at the apex, is undergoing a paradigm shift from teacher-centered model to the learner-centered, from prescribed courses to learner-demanded courses, from micro teaching-learning processes to integrated network model, from on-campus classroom (face to face) education to home, work place and community-based education and from traditional classroom clientele to non-tradition distant learners. Education is no exception to it,” said Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab Univeristy in his convocation address at Kamla Lohtia Sanatan Dharm College to the B.A./B.Com students, who were receiving their degrees. The college was holding its second convocation and prize distribution function.

“The incredible speed and connectivity coupled with quality and productivity through information highways, multimedia, digital libraries and other information services, have empowered education to serve as a powerful instrument of social reconstruction, national development, international understanding and human well being. Internet has opened up astounding opportunities of global linkages. These ‘net citizens’ or net people will not be confined by physical boundaries or by political economy of a nation. The power of education lies in chiselling the personality development of these citizens so that the emerging global world and its system of governance is directed to the well being of beings”, said by Professor Pathak during his convocation address.

He further said: “Power of education to reach to the learner with enriched quality has increased manifold. Education is one of the those facets of national life where the results tend to be intangible and for this reason there is often a tendency to underestimate its importance for society. In my view the key to development lies in education; and those of us who are concerned with education have an important and continuing responsibility”. The college was holding its 2nd convocation and prize distribution function on Saturday. Amongst the eminent guests was Lala Lajpat Rai (MP).”

After the academic procession had moved amidst the chanting of Gayatri Mantra, the Principal of the college, Mr B.D. Budhiraja, read out the achievements of the college and informed that the VC had earlier launched the www. KLSD College website which had been prepared in a month’s time by five students of BCA.

Vikas Sharma, Nishant Chopra and Rajni were awarded for their outstanding academic performance, and Anoop Raheja was presented college colours in judo.

‘Fake’ college dupes students
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — The police and the Health Department have initiated an inquiry into the allegations by about 100 students of Raikot’s Indian Institute of Paramedical Training. It had been claimed that this institute where about a dozen courses were taught, was recognised by the All-India Council of Technical Education of the Union Ministry of Human Resources.

Officials of the Indian Medical Association, said students had lodged a complaint that a false promise had led them to seek admission in the institute. The IMA forwarded the letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana and the AICTE. The DC has asked the Senior Superintendent of Police at Jagraon and the Chief Medical Officer here to conduct an inquiry into the allegations.

In a letter to the IMA, Dr Narinder Singh, Director of the AICTE, has written that the courses run by the institute are not approved by the AICTE.

The institute is said to be run by the Sadbhawna Society headed by Dr A.K. Banerji. There are about 105 students of courses like medical labaratory technology, x-ray and ECG technology, nursing, public health and sanitation, dietics and human nutrition in the institute. It is written in the institute brochure that the college is affiliated to the AICTE.

The institute authorities have allegedly charged hefty fee from students. Students allege that they have been misled by the management of the society.

Meanwhile, the Raikot unit of the Indian Medical Association has taken a serious note of the allegation and sought an inquiry.

Fraud accused asked to report to police
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — A local court today ordered Gian Singh to report at the police station division No 6 and give his statement to the Additional District Attorney also for investigation into the case regarding fraud and cheating registered against him.

An FIR was registered against Gian Singh on the complaint of 23 persons who had alleged that he had cheated them on various counts on February 8. Gian Singh had procured anticipatory bail which was granted till February 24. However, the bail was not extended further and he was asked to report at the division no 6 police station.

The cases mostly relate to cheating and fraud. Major Anil Venu Gopal of the Parkash Road Line had alleged that Gian Singh had taken Rs 1 lakh from the company for settling a sales tax problem. However, the case was not solved as he had not deposited any money with the Sales Tax Department. Instead of returning the money, he allegedly disappeared.

It was only after the company approached the Additional Director-General of Police (Crime) that an FIR was registered against Gian Singh. Earlier, the police had allegedly been delaying the registration of FIR due to some influence wielded by the accused in the administration. One of his relatives is said to be a senior officer in the Income Tax Department.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed March 1 as the final date of hearing for the bail application.

The dying Marasi culture in Punjab
By Shivani Bhakoo

LUDHIANA, Feb 24— The success of the family planning programme may auger well for the country’s economic progress, but for the Marasis, it has proved to be a bad proposition. According to Darshan Singh Marasi, a descendant of Mardana, who used to sing with Guru Nanak Dev ji, “Family planning programmes have affected our business badly. Earlier, people used to have large families and we could earn a good living. People would give us good badhai when boy was born in a family”. With fewer children, business had declined.

Darshan Singh Marasi is the president of the state unit of Marasis Association. He said that he inherited the profession from his forefathers. They used to stay in villages. Whenever there was a new baby born in the village, the community used to go and sing songs for the long life and welfare of the child and the family. They also entertained villagers with their wit and humour.

Things have now changed a lot. But there are still about 20,000 marasis residing all over Punjab. There are marasi families in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Nakodar, Phillaur, Patiala, Gurdaspur, Jagraon, Dharamkot, Moga, Ferozepore and Faridkot.

Darshan Singh said that the city had more than 300 marasi families, residing at Tajpur Road, Dugri, Moti Colony, Shahi Mohalla, Hambran Road and Partap Singh Nagar. He said unfortunately, the new generation does not want to opt this profession. They think that it is below their dignity.

The Marasi culture had taken a new turn in recent years. The president of Marasi association informed that the state government invited them to perform in various melas like Kisan Mela and Jassowal Mela. “This generation is not aware of their own rich culture and traditions and we make them understand their values, culture and traditions in a lighter way”, added Darshan Marasi.

Darshan Marasi claimed ,” A true Marasi can neither be a thief or rogue nor he can be involved in any kind of crime”.

They have their own ‘sources’ who tell them about their ‘clients’.But due to marriage palaces their business has been affected. Marriage palace-owners do not allow us to go inside. No body comes out to give us badhai and we sometime return without taking even a penny”, he added. On behalf of his community, he urged people to cooperate with them by increasing badhais.

IMA organises meet, medical camp
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — IMA is organising a meeting of eminent doctors from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital from Delhi on February 25 at 7.30 p.m. at Hotel Baron. Dr Gursharan Singh, president of IMA, informed that Dr Urvashi (Gynaecologist), Dr Raju Vaishya (orthopaedian), and Dr Rajiv Lochan (Cardiologist), will speak on their respective fields of specialisation. This team of doctors would examine patients in a free camp at Bassi Hospital from 12 p.m. onwards.

Samples of cattle feed taken
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — Officials of the Dairy Development Department took samples of cattle feed from various outlets in Jagraon, Sidhwan Bet and Haibowal areas here. These samples have been sent to laboratory for analysis. The step has been taken on the directions of Dr Ratan Singh Ajnala, Punjab Minister for Dairy Development and Animal Husbandry, to check the sale of spurious and substandard cattle feed in the state.

The team comprised Dr Devi Das, Deputy Director for Dairy Development in Ludhiana, Dr Darshan Singh, Deputy Director for Dairy Development in Hoshiarpur, Dr Rajvir Singh, Deputy Director for Dairy Development, Mr Kuldip Singh Jassowal, Inspector, Mr Bhajan Singh, Inspector, Mr Harwinder Singh, Inspector, and Mr Gurdip Singh, Inspector. Dr Devi Das said unlicensed dealers of cattle feed should obtain licences without further delay.

Cases against PSEB workers flayed
From Our Correspondent

KHAMANO, Feb 24 — The PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union’s Punjab President, Mr Suresh Sharma, in a statement here has flayed the false cases registered against the workers of the PSEB by the Bathinda police.

They alleged that workers had been arrested and were being charge-sheeted. The leaders threatened the district administration and electricity board that if the false cases are not withdrawn and the illegal transfers are not cancelled, they will join the sangharsh of powermen with their union.

SBI donations
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — Employees of Railway Station Branch of the State Bank of India, Ludhiana, contributed Rs 5,100, their one day’s salary towards Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the Gujarat earthquake. Another draft of Rs 3,950, besides blankets, children’s clothes, sweaters and other items of daily use have also been sent.

CRIME

Dowry demand: case registered
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — A case has been registered under Sections 406 and 498A of the IPC, on the complaint of Kiran, a resident of Chhawni Mohalla, against her husband, Arvan, and her in-laws, for demanding more dowry.

In another incident, on a complaint from Ravinder Kaur a resident of Habowal Kalan, to the Senior Superintendent of Police on February 22, a case has been registered under Sections 406 and 494A of IPC against her husband, Surjit Singh, and in-laws for demanding more dowry.

Landlords in trouble
The police has recently launched a drive against residents who have not intimated the authorities about their tenants. The police lodged its first FIR in this connection against Sada Nand a resident of Jawahar Nagar Camp, for not informing about his tenants under Section 188 of the IPC.

Betrayal of trust
Mandeep Singh, a resident of Stor village, Hoshiarpur, had reportedly gave Rs 1,06,000 to Parmjit Singh, a resident of Shahid Karnail Singh Nagar and Jagjit Singh, a resident of Jamalpur for sending the complainant abroad. But the accused allegedly cheated him and did not send him abroad. The police has registered a case under Sections 408 and 420 of IPC.

Shopkeeper attacked
A shopkeeper, Taranjit Singh, was reportedly attacked with sharp- edged weapons by Balbir Singh and four unknown men. It is learnt that the accused and his accomplice damaged the goods of the shop. The police has registered a case under Sections 324, 452, 427, 506,148 and 149 of the IPC on the statement of the complainant, who is a resident of Model Town, against the accused, who is also a resident of Model Town.

Woman missing, in-laws booked
From Our Correspondent

KHAMANO, Feb 24 — A woman, Raj Rani, of Morinda is missing for the past some days from the house of her in-laws from Hawara Kalan, near here. According to the information available, she was married to Paramjit Singh of Hawara in 1993 and has two children. Mr Major Singh, brother of Raj Rani, has expressed fear that she might have been killed by her in-laws. He alleged that her in-laws were demanding more dowry. He told that they came to know about her disappearance from her house on February 18. He alleged that when they approached her in-laws, they could not give suitable answer .

The Khamano police has registered a case under Sections 364, 498A, 148 and 149 of the IPC on the complaint of Mr Major Singh, against her husband Paramjit Singh, father in-law Labh Singh, mother-in-law and elder brother of her husband Bhola.

Illegal liquor seized
From Our Correspondent

MACHHIWARA, Feb 24 — The local police seized nine bottles of illegal liquor from Jeet Singh of Kotala village, last evening. According to the DSP, Samrala, Mr Shil Kumar, a case under Sections 61, 1, and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered against the accused.

BUSINESS

ST cut on cycles, rickshaws hailed
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Feb 24 — The Punjab Government’s decision to lower the sales tax on several items including bicycles, rickshaws and tricycles has been widely hailed by the local industrial associations.

The state cabinet in its meeting held on February 22 at Chandigarh had decided to slash the sales tax on a number of items, thus rationalising the tax structure. Number of industrial organisations had been raising the issue of higher sales tax on various items in comparison to the neighbouring states.

The cabinet gave its approval to the lowering of sales tax from 6 to 8 per cent to 4 per cent on bicycles, rickshaws and tricycles. Mr D.S. Chawla, President, United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers’ Association, in a press note issued here today has welcomed the decision. He said,‘‘ The lowering of sales tax up to 4 per cent will boost the industry which is facing the challenges of recession and international competition at the same time.’’

While appreciating the government’s decision, he said that a delegation of the association would soon meet the Chief Minister and other concerned ministers to discuss the matters related to the cycle industry.

In another meeting, the Tractor and Auto parts Traders Association has also appreciated the decision of the Punjab Cabinet to reduce the sales tax on tractor parts, combine harvester parts and ball bearings from 8 per cent to 4 per cent. Mr Kanwar Jit Singh, President of the association, said, ‘‘It will benefit the farmers and the traders of Punjab. It would help checking the smuggling of tractor parts, combine harvester parts and ball bearings from New Delhi and other states where the sales tax was comparatively lower than Punjab.’’

He further said the revenue of state exchequer would also increase manifold. By bringing the sales tax on spare parts of farm machinery at par with the uniform floor rate the government has conceded a long pending demand of the traders and farmers. The association hoped the government will issue the notification at the earliest.

The Sweet Makers’ Association has also welcomed the government’s approval to exempt them from the payment of sales tax. Other organisations have also thanked the government to lowering the sales tax on other items such as edible and non-edible oils to 4 per cent from the existing 6 to 8 per cent and on oil pickles, chatni, jam, and pappad-varian to 4 per cent.

However, Mr T.L. Jindal, Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, pointed out that the notification about the revised tax rates may take some time. Only then the impact on the collection of sales tax would be realised.