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April 22, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Attempt to rob three families: fifth
strike
Ludhiana, April 21 Though the police has inspected the houses, no case has been registered so far. Residents said that the police had not even picked up the fingerprints from these houses. The police said the case had not been registered as no harm to property had been caused. It said fingerprint experts were called only when it was necessary. The robbers had entered into two of the houses by breaking windowpanes. They had locked residents of the third house inside to prevent them from rescuing their neighbours, before breaking in into this house as well. As they struck in three houses at the same time, their number is suspected to be more than five. Mr Surmukh Singh who lives in house 1082, said, “The robbers struck at about 3 am in my house. They uprooted grills and broke open windowpanes to enter the house through the kitchen and the drawing room. They were trying to open a cabinet in the room where children were sleeping when the other members of the family woke up and raised an alarm, due to which the robbers had to flee.” He said, “On hearing our shouts, the other residents of the colony came out of their houses, but the robbers had fled by then. Later, we realised that the robbers had locked our neighbours inside by tying a rope around the door handles.” The robbers also broke open the windows and grills of house 1088 in the colony. They had to flee after the family raised an alarm. The owner of the house, Mr Bhagwant Singh, said, “The robbers struck at about 3 am. My family woke up after hearing some strange noises and they had to flee. Robbers have targeted my house for the third time. The first time, they had taken away some jewellery and the second time only a gas cylinder.” Mr Surmukh Singh said robbers had stolen a gas cylinder from his house as well about two months ago. Meanwhile, a delegation of the residents welfare association of the colony met officials at the Vardhman police post and urged them to increase vigil in the area. Residents of the area have also called a meeting in the evening today to discuss a future course of action. Mr Paramjit Singh, head of the Vardhman police post, said the police would step up vigil in the area.  |
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Restoration work at Sarabha memorial
completed Ludhiana, April 21 With the completion of this first phase at the ancestral house of the famous freedom fighter of ‘Ghadar’ fame, the path to convert it into a museum has also been cleared. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr
S. K. Sandhu said a committee will be formed shortly by the administration which would be taking the help of the Chief Architect, State Department of Architecture, for designing the museum and to prepare the inventory of the items to be placed in the museum. Mr Sandhu also said that this was a difficult task to look for the things related to the martyr as nothing was available which could be placed in the museum. He said that, however, the committee would take references from books, Sarabha’s friends and relatives to get hold of certain things that actually belonged to Sarabha. He further said that the collection of such things was a continuous but slow process and it would take time. The administration had promised that the restoration work would be completed by March 31 and it had fulfilled its promise and this was for the first time during the last 20 years that work had started at Sarabha memorial, he added. He said similarly the work on museum would also be completed. The work on the memorial was started earlier this year after Bibi Jagdish Kaur, a kin of Sarabha, had threatened to renounce the title “Mother of Punjab” conferred upon her by the state government. She had said that she would renounce the honour on Republic Day if the work at memorial did not start. Bibi Jagdish Kaur was finally happy with the completion of work. “Atleast I will be able to die in peace now that the memory of my brother will be alive till the memorial is here. Now again I have gained confidence in this country that at least the freedom fighters are respected here,” said Bibi Jagdish Kaur, who is suffering from cancer. Sarabha’s nephew, Mr Narsher Singh, said he was very happy as finally the government had taken the pains of restoring the memorial, which was in ruins for the past many years. |
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Excise Dept blames govt for
loss Ludhiana, April 21 The officials while blaming the government said that the 19-day delay was due to the indecisiveness on part of the government. They pointed out that the department had referred the matter to the Chief Minister much before March 31, who referred it to the Cabinet, and it took 19 days to decide the matter. The department officials claimed that in case they had not resisted the pressure and postponed the auction twice, the revenue would have been much less, since there were some people who were threatening others in the matter of bids. It was pointed out that while at the end, revenue collections this year were about Rs 193 crore against about Rs 217 crore in the previous year, in actual terms the loss on account of the department was only to the tune of Rs 6.5 crore. Giving details they said Rs 3.5 crore were earned by the department from the sale of liquor in Ferozepur Road and Samrala Road segments which were auctioned earlier. An equal amount was earned by the department from the sale of liquor from its own vends during this period. The department has been attributing the loss of about over Rs 11 crore, at the rate of Rs 60 lakh per day during the 19 days, to the delay on account of indecisiveness on part of the state Cabinet. The officials maintained that had the cabinet decided on time Rs 11 crore would have been saved. They said this brings the total amount to about Rs 18 crore which should be deducted from the losses attributed to the Excise Department. |
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SSI for protection against unfair
competition Ludhiana, April 21 He was making a presentation at a seminar on ‘Impact of WTO on Indian Small Scale Industry’ here today. The seminar was organised by the Laghu Udyog Bharati to create awareness among SSI entrepreneurs about WTO and the government’s policies to combat the threat posed by the increase in competition. Mr S.K. Tuteja, Administrative and Development Commissioner, SSI, presided over the function. About 100 representatives of small-scale industrial associations from all over Punjab participated in the deliberations. Welcoming the chief guest, Mr M.M. Vyas, Chairman, Ludhiana Improvement Trust, asked Mr Tuteja to ensure timely and adequate credit to the industry. The industry was not lacking in entrepreneurship and innovation. However, lack of financial sources was threatening its existence. Mr V.P. Chopra, president, Federation of Small Industries Association, lamented that small-scale units were finding it hard to beat the large-scale production houses. The government should use anti-dumping measures against the imported commodities if the Chinese or other countries tried to flood the domestic market with cheap imports. Allaying the fears of industry, Mr Tuteja revealed that despite abolition of restrictions on imports, the
imports, excluding petro products, had actually come down by 8 per cent in the past one year. The government has taken specific measures under the Small Industrial Policy- 2000 to safeguard the interests of the industry. Elaborating the measures taken by the government, he said, “The government is providing 12 per cent capital subsidy for technological upgradation of the units in addition to subsidy up to Rs 75, 000 for ISO 9000 certification. The SSI associations will be given one time grant of 50 per cent for setting up testing laboratories. A plan for cluster development will be drawn.” He called upon the industry to make use of the opportunities being provided by the WTO. There was a lot of scope in cutting down the cost of production by lowering the overhead charges and the rate of rejection of manufactured goods. He disclosed that the government was considering a proposal to pass a law that the large scale units make payments to the SSIs on a priority basis from the working capital fund. Further, an expert group had been set up to monitor the import of some items on a day-to-day basis. Suitable action would be recommended by the group in case of emergency situations. |
Liquor war may hot up: administration officials Ludhiana, April 21 Even administrators fear escalation of tension between two groups of liquor contractors. The auction had to be postponed once and a Cabinet subcommittee consisting Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, and the Chief Secretary, Mr N.K. Arora, had to be formed to sort out the dispute. The auction was delayed due to a tussle between Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, Technical Education Minister, and Mr Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon, Excise and Taxation Minister, who is also son-in-law of the Chief Minister. The actual tussle is between Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal who supports Mr Garcha and Mr Adesh Pratap Singh. Mr Mann Singh Garcha, brother of Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, is a leading liquor contractor. Past year, his influence on the liquor trade here was reduced when he syndicates were smashed. The contractors lost crores of rupees due to the illicit sale of liquor. This year, too, there were efforts to reduce the influence of the Garchas in this trade, but after the auction, they have regained their hold on the local liquor trade. At the same time, Ponty Chadha, a liquor baron of UP, has got a big chunk of the liquor trade here. The district adminisration fears that the tension between the two will hot up when the normal liquor trade picks up. Ponty Chadha had allegedly been controlling the liquor trade in UP with the help of some gangs. The UP Government had changed its excise policy this year and brought in the lottery system to oust him from the liquor trade there. He owns liquor vends in Rajasthan now and enjoys the support of many politicians here. “To curb the activities of one gang, another gang has been allowed to enter the trade here,” say some officials of the district administration. Prof Jagmohan Singh, General Secretary of Akali Dal (Amritsar), said, “This tussle between liquor contractors is not good for Ludhiana.” He said the CM should take immediate steps to the tension did not escalate. |
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Gang of robbers busted Ludhiana, April 21 Mr Jaskaran Singh, the Jagraon Senior Superintendent of Police, said two members of this gang — Kulwant Singh and Surinder Singh — had been arrested in a recent operation. The SSP said they had confessed to committing a number of robberies in the region and accepting money for killing two persons of Moga. The persons who gave them the money for this job have not been identified. The police has also seized two pistols and some live cartridges from the arrested persons. They told the police that they used to smuggle arms into the state from Rajasthan and used these for committing robberies.
Fake currency gang active Ludhiana, April 21 This was indicated from an incident at the audio-video cassette market Bhadaur House today morning. One of the shopkeepers caught a migrant labourer who gave him a Rs 100 note, which was fake. Commotion developed in the market soon after the shopkeeper raised an alarm. The labourer, however, maintained that he was not member of any such gang. He said he did not know who gave him this note as a currency note passes several hands. However, the shopkeepers said the same man had given them a fake Rs 50 note two days ago. The matter was brought to the notice of the police which was trying to verify the note and the allegations. |
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Director arrested Ludhiana, April 21 |
Badal to hold sangat darshan today Ludhiana, April 21 The sangat darshan is aimed at wooing the urban electorate in different towns and cities by on the spot redressal of general grievances and distribution of development grants. Releasing the detailed programme of Mr Badal, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker, Mr Sat Pal Gosain, who represents the Ludhiana East constituency, informed that the Chief Minister would participate in the public meetings at Sanatan Dharamshala, Shivaji Nagar (Ward No 58); Kedar Nath Dharamshala, New Shivaji Nagar (Ward No 59); Jain Public School, Benjamin Road (Ward No 50 and 52); Wylie Memorial School, Brown Road (Ward No 51); Shahpur Road (Ward No 49); Mahavir Janj Ghar, Mohalla Prem Nagar (Ward No 53); Shiv Shakti Dharam Shala, Kidwai Nagar (Ward No 55); Hanuman Temple, New Kidwai Nagar (Ward No 57); Main Bazaar Janakpuri (Ward No 56); and Lal Bahadur Shastri School, Nanakpuri (Ward No 54). Mr Badal will have a hectic schedule all through the day, with the public meetings in different localities from 9 am to 5 pm. In between, he will address a meeting of SAD(B) and BJP workers in Gurdwara Kalgidhar at 11.15 am. Dr Subhash Verma, President, BJP, Ludhiana North Mandal, will host a tea party for the Chief Minister in the morning, while Mr Badal will have his lunch at the residence of Mr Satish Kumar Jindal in Kidwai Nagar. Meanwhile, the Municipal Karamchari Dal has strongly reacted to the decision of certain political activists to hold a black flag demonstration against Mr Badal on his arrival to the city. Presiding over a meeting of the dal, its Chairman, Mr Vijay Danav, made it clear that such mischevious activities would not be tolerated and the dal would give a befitting reply to those behind the move. The dal and the Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj, he added, would extend a hearty welcome to Mr Badal. |
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Cong pooh poohs CM’s sangat
darshan Ludhiana, April 21 Addressing a press conference here today, Mr R.R. Bharadwaj, the convener of the economic and planning cell in the PCC, said it was just an election stunt as during the last four years the Chief Minister could not find time for urban areas and now he had come to learn about their grievances. He said this amounted to politicisation of development and the sangat darshan should be restricted to the administration only. Pointing out that it was simply part of the political campaign, he said the Chief Minister had only chosen the assembly segments represented by the ruling alliance. Moreover, he disclosed that the Congress and other opposition councillors in the area had not been intimated about tomorrow’s sangat darshan programme, leaving no choice for them, except to boycott it. Mr Bharadwaj, who was armed with figures, alleged that the Badal government had diverted the funds meant for urban development. He claimed that Rs 292.61 crore had been allocated for the municipal committees but only Rs 60.28 crore had been provided to them. Similarly, Rs 150 crore had been allocated for small and medium towns and only Rs 5 crore had been spent there, while the rest was diverted. He said the Finance Commission had allocated Rs 200 crore for a period of five years at the rate of Rs 20 crore for each year for repairing the infrastructure in urban areas, but only Rs 20 crore had been spent against Rs 40 crore. The Congress leader said Ludhiana had high population density of 11063 people living per square kilometer, while it should not be more than 5000 people. Besides there were about 300 unauthorised colonies in Ludhiana which had no facility. Moreover, about 4 lakh people were living in slums in Ludhiana and government was not providing anything to them. Referring to the industrial development in the state he said, two organisation — Punjab Financial Corporation (PFC) and Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC) — set up for promoting industry where themselves burdened with debt. He disclosed tat while there was about Rs 400 crore debt pending against PFC, Rs 800 crore were pending against the PSIDC. Meanwhile, the elaborate sangat darshan programme of Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal in the constituency of Mr Sat Pal Gosain, Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly, here on Sunday has provided the SAD(B) factions with yet another opportunity for show of strength in their ongoing battle for supremacy. In the course of a hectic schedule of meetings at ward level in Ludhiana East constituency, Mr Badal will also address a meeting of the workers of SAD(B) and the BJP in Gurudwara Kalgidhar. The ruling SAD(B) in the city is divided between Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia and Mr Avtar Singh Makkar, who have been at loggerheads ever since the then president of district Akali Jatha (Urban), Mr Hira Singh Gabria, MLA, was removed from his post after he shifted loyalty to former SGPC chief Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra. During the intervening period both Mr Bhatia and Mr Makkar have made several bids to the coveted post of the district chief without any success so far. Mr Badal has not made public his opinion on the issue of presidentship and has left the matter drift, which has led to several unpleasant clashes between supporters of the two SAD(B) activists, both of whom claim proximity to the Chief Minister. With the assembly elections in the state being just a year or so away, the ruling Akali Dal circles in the city were reported to be optimistic that at last the party might have a new district president and this factor has once again made the two factions hyperactive in hogging the limelight through various political activities and claiming support of majority of party workers, delegates and councillors. Though both Mr Bhatia and Mr Makkar make conflicting claims over the support of party ranks, with each one of them staking claim to the presidenthship, those in the party, who have known Mr Badal for quite some time now, were of the view that the Chief Minister was too shrewd and would not make any such move as to antagonise any group and please the other. Highly placed sources in the party claimed that like he had done with the front bodies of ruling SAD(B), Mr Badal would not take any decision, which in a way would help him keep the flock together. With the issue of district presidentship of the SAD(B) hanging fire, the ruling party has multiple centres of power and has not been able to project itself as a cohesive and unified unit, which in turn has created a grave sense of uncertainty and indecision among the party ranks, who at times, have to prove their loyalty to the faction leaders rather than the party. The phenomenon, party insiders observed, will prove a great disadvantage in the coming elections and the party might have to pay a very heavy price for the prolonged indecision. |
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When Punjabi nostalgia
overwhelmed Lahore Ludhiana, April 21 According to Dr Gurbhajan Gill, a noted Punjabi poet, about 350 delegates from India, Pakistan and other countries of the world participated in the conference that deliberated on various aspects of Punjabi life and focussed on the theme of Punjab, Punjabi and Insaniyat. Dr Gill said, the conference included several brain-storming sessions, discussions and kavi sammelans, all focussing on the richness of Punjabi culture that transcends all the man made borders and barriers of region or religion, colour or creed. The conference was inaugurated by Malik Miraj Khalid, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who said, every 13th person in the world was a Punjabi. He called for a concerted and united effort for preserving and safeguarding the Punjabi culture and heritage, whose base was insaniyat (humanity). Dr Gill was among about 100 others who had gone to Lahore to attend the conference. They included writers, journalists and others representing different walks of life. The conference was managed by the Secretary General of the World Punjabiyat Foundation, Mr Santokh Singh Mandher. The people who returned here during the past few days had interesting tales to tell about Lahore. It was probably for the first time that such a congregation of people from two sides, whom history had made to fall apart about 55 years ago, sitting together sharing their sentiments about their land, about the language, about their culture, about their history and about their love for each other. “It was a pleasant surprise to listen popular numbers of Gurdas Maan, Daler Mehndi, Jassi and other Punjabi singers being played in each and every shop”, Dr Gill said. He disclosed that he was surprised to note the unbound love showered on Lata Mangeshkar in that country. Dr Gill said, a shopkeeper told him that during 1971 was, when they would say good luck to fighter pilots, in their messages the common people would exhort them (the pilots) to destroy the enemy (India) but ensure that no harm was caused to Lata Mangeshkar. But this does not hold true for all the Indians (read Hindus), most of whom are hated and deemed to be enemy number one. Interestingly while the Prime Minister, Mr Vajpayee, is liked very much, the Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, is feared and hated most. |
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NRI adopts
village Khamano, April 21 Mr J.S. Kerar, Finance Commissioner (Development), Punjab, in his address to the people on this occassion gave information that the Punjab Government has decided to spend about Rs 15 crore under the Multi-Development Project Scheme at Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Bathinda, Mukatsar and Ferozepur districts. He said the government was identifying the schemes that can be started in rural areas for the benefit of the poor people. He also said the Punjab Government has decided to give matching grants from 25 per cent upto 50 per cent to the villages where people will start development works on their own. The Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr Vikas Partap, in his address to the people said development works in the district will be completed on fast note. Mr D.S. Rana told reporters that the college will be a women college. |
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Chowk structure a traffic hazard
Ludhiana, April 21 The park was designed and built by a private practitioner of Patti near Amritsar who even got the name of the roundabout changed later. When residents objected to this, an inscription on the foundation stone carrying the new name was covered with a black tape to pacify them. Residents said a memorial dedicated to a martyr could not be renamed after a living individual. The park was designed to promote the person’s private practice and a herbal product manufactured by him. The height of the structure prevents drivers from having a full view of the other side of the roundabout. A roadside ‘pakora’ seller who sits nearby has to often run to the aid of a fallen driver. Residents and shopkeepers of the area said the structure in the middle of the roundabout was a traffic hazard that was also affecting the work on a storm-water drain there. The drain has been bent at a number of places due to the structure, which may block the flow of rain water. Residents want that either the height of the structure be reduced to the convenience of drivers or the structure should be demolished. |
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VRTC employees’
resentment Ludhiana, April 21 In a press statement issued here today, the employees said the director had ensured to give the salary slips to all employees before April 12. The employees had welcomed the decision and decided not to stage any dharna. They alleged that director denied to give any pay slips. He rather issued another circular which said the employees would be given honorarium and not salaries. Various employees have threatened to agitate if their demands were not met soon. |
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Caring for old parents Ludhiana, April 21 Ludhiana Tribune spoke to a number of persons to find out whether such a Bill should also be introduced in Punjab. Mr M.K. Khosla, a businessman, said: “We welcome the Bill and a similar measure should be introduced also in Punjab as a number of old parents are being deserted by their children. At the Kumbh we met a number of abandoned women. They were shattered and could not believe that their children could abandon them in such a ruthless manner. Some were so confused that they did not remember their bearings”. Madhu had mixed feelings about the role of government in guaranting safety and maintenance to old parents but at the same time, she was sad that things had come to such a pass that the government had to step in to remind children of their duty towards the parents. She said: “The Bill may force the children to keep their parents. But how they treat them is another matter. When people retire, they look forward to a peaceful old age. But today’s children take the money and treat the parents like dirt.” Surinder Thapar, a businessman, said “the law was a good effort. Parents sacrifice their entire life for the children and when they become old, they expect that the children should look after them. The law will help. The government will have to enforce it. The law enforcing agencies will have to see that the parents are treated well. A similar law should be passed also in Punjab.” Mr Surinder Grewal said that the law should be properly enforced. If the law is successful, I am sure 85 per cent of the children will keep their parents decently. Social organisaitons should make children aware of their duty towards their aged parents. Old age homes of good quality should be made for issueless couples. If the old people are healthy and active they should be inducted in some orgnaisations where they can do useful productive work.” Women were also happy over this law. Alka Khanna, a housewife, said: “It is a good law. But in my opinion, such law really is not required. If the parents give good upbringing to their children, they will respect their parents. The parents have to set a good example of respecting their elders so that their children imbibe such values from the parents. The law will at least ensure that old parents have a roof over their heads.” Ms Sadhna said that it was surprising that parents learn in their old age that daughters care for the parents more than the sons. Yet, people want sons. Sons only throw out the parents after taking their share of the property. Such laws should be made compulsory in all states to ensure the wellbeing of the aged. If children are found neglecting their parents, then a part of their salary should be diverted directly to the parents. The parents have a right to live with dignity in the sunset years of their lives. |
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FENG SHUI TIPS A science that goes back at least 4000 years to the days of the emperors and has so brilliantly survived the centuries bears testimony to its potency. In recent years there has been extensive revival of interest in the practice of Feng Shui and it has now attracted mainstream attention. This is perhaps a reaction to the speed of change, which is greatly evident in modern society. People have become aware of the lack of balance in society as a whole and in their own lives and have turned to ancient principles such as Feng Shui in the hope of finding a solution to that imbalance and a way of restoring the harmony and structure of their lives. Whether you already believe in the power of Feng Shui to create harmony and balance in your life, or whether you merely have a passing interest and want to find out more, the aim of this column is to provide a straight forward pathway towards the basic understanding of a very complex and highly structured philosophy. This series of articles on Feng Shui tips will be a step-by-step guide to providing a firm foundation in your mind for your understanding of the subject in order to make your life happier and more fulfilling.
Harshna
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CITY SCAN The Soods of Ludhiana make a fascinating study. Remember cine-queen Madhuri Dixit and try to recollect who designed the best of her dresses. She is a daughter of Ludhiana and a member of the Sood clan. Ritu Beri has her contribution to fashion acknowledged from Bollywood to Paris and suitably rewarded. Then the biggest air-conditioned market opposite Bhadaur House is built on a site which was the estate of Mr Sarv Krishan, an eminent member of the Bar. His elder son, Sarup Krishan had a meritorious career as a civil servant (Chief Secretary, Punjab) while the other, Prof Viapak Krishan, taught history at the Government college. Mr Nand Lal Beri rose to be the Chief Engineer in Malaya. His fabulous Lal Kothi on College Road had one of the biggest fruit gardens in the city. Lala Dasaundhi Ram Beri rose to be an Hony. Magistrate and lived in style. Ludhiana is the second theatre of action of Sood history, next to Sirhind. The first-ever conference of the Sood brotherhood was held here in 1881. In 1919, Lala Duni Chand Ambalvi gave it a new direction at a conference in Ludhiana. The VIPs include R.B. Mohan Lal (MLC), Justice Sir Jia Lal Sood, R.S. Mushtaq Rai, R.B. Jodhamal Kuthiala, R.S. Radha Krishan, Dr. Bhagwan Das, Ch. Ganpat Rai, Seth Sulakhan Singh Sood, Kidar Nath Bourie and Justice Tek Chand. The Sood clan presents an interesting account of itself, traditionally linking the ancestry to Lord Krishna. Others link them with Rajput principalities stretching from Agra through Jaisalmer, and Amarkot. Theirs is a defined region : Simla Hills, Lower Dhauladhars, sub-montane areas of Punjab and the contiguous parts of Haryana. Before partition, they had a sizeable population in Lahore. Whereas Sirhind has been their most notable place of settlement, Patiala, Sangrur, Nabha, Malerkotla, Gobindgarh and Rajpura have important Soods residents, past and present. Ludhiana’s growth is intimately linked with the Soods. Machhiwara, Behlolpur, Samrala, Doraha, Raikot, Jassowal, Turkheri and several small villages bear testimony to settlements of Soods. Jassowal, on the Ludhiana-Dhuri-Jakhal branch railway line, is known in revenue records as ‘Jassowal Soodan’. It may be interesting to know that this village is an important part of a 52-village cluster of Grewal Jat settlements. Jassowal has grand old havelis of rich Sood residents of yore. |
70 kg of poppy husk
seized Jagraon, April 21 Apart from 70 kg of poppy husk, police also recovered a gandasa whose length could be increased or decreased with socket fitting system in grip. One mobile phone which was being used to pass message to the customers or to their other companions for the presence of the police alongwith the scooter has been confiscated. Woman dies of burns Arms seized |
Limited mobility ‘not to affect’
cellular services Ludhiana, April 21 According to Mr Vinod Sawhny, Managing Director, Spice Communications, limited mobility cannot be an alternative for the cellular services, since limited mobility can be provided for a specific area only. Moreover, he pointed out, limited mobility was like an extended cordless services. Unlike cellular phones limited mobility phones cannot be used in different cities. Mr Sawhny, who was here in connection with a showroom of the company, disclosed that Spice was also exploring the potential of rural market. On experimental basis it had successfully started communication network in a village near Kapurthala. Under this experiment, a sim card is inserted in an EPABX machine from where 25 telephone lines have been working. He said this was still in an experimental stage aimed at providing telephone facilities in such villages where no such facilities exist as on now. The tariffs have not been set as yet. Referring to the use of cellular services in the country, he disclosed that Punjab was only third after Mumbai and Delhi in terms of the number of cellular phone subscribers. Currently there are nearly 1.6 lakh cellular phone subscribers in the state, with
Ludhiana on the top. Punjab is the only state in the country where all district headquarters and all major and minor towns have been provided with cellular connectivity. Currently cellular facilities are available in 57 small and big towns of Punjab. |
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