AGRICULTURE

BKU threatens statewide agitation
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 27
Charging the government procurement agencies with tardy purchase of wheat and exploitation of farmers in the state mandis, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) has threatened to stage dharnas all over the state. If the government fails to safeguard the interests of farmers, the union will resort to gherao of all Punjab Ministers.

The BKU secretary-general, Mr Manjit Singh Kadian, claimed here today that a team of the BKU, which visited several major grain markets in the state, had found that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was resorting to delaying and evasive tactics in purchase of wheat, with the result that farmers had to wait endlessly to sell their produce. In the Moga, Khanna, Ropar and Patiala grain markets, the farmers were made to wait for between a week and ten days. The FCI, he added, was harassing farmers by its refusal to purchase totally dry grain and describing it as discoloured.

Mr Kadian further observed that all government claims of purchasing the entire wheat brought to the mandis and making elaborate arrangements for procurement had proved hollow. He made it clear that the farmers would fight unitedly to end exploitation.

Seeking immediate compensation to farmers for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains, the BKU activist said it was unfortunate that the state government was not taking the matter seriously. He called upon the Union Government to announce the minimum support price of kharif crops. He also reiterated the demand for a compensation of Rs 5000 for the farmers intending to diversify from the traditional crop rotation.

Cong dharna spurs wheat procurement
Our Correspondent

Though the purchase work is going on smoothly in this mandi but there are some managerial problems. One of them is lack of any rest house in this mandi. Though a rest house had already been constructed but is in a very pitiable condition. 

EDUCATION

PAU bakery workshop concludes
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 27
The Department of Food Sciences & Technology at Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) organised a two-day bakery workshop and demonstration of bakery products that concluded here today. It was sponsored by the US Wheat Associates and Society of Indian Bakers.

Mr A.K. Bakshi, Head of the Department said, ‘‘We organise bakery workshops for local bakers and for people who would like to establish bakery business, housewives, college students.’’

In all 52 participants, including boys, attended the workshop. Bakery experts - Mr S.C. Dubey, Mr Rajan Satija and Prof. Islamuddin - had come from Delhi to teach new recipes and discuss finer points of baking.

Mr Bakshi further said that bakery industry had a lot of scope for expansion in Punjab which had surplus wheat and storing was a great problem. In the present scenario of storage and utilisation of wheat in the state, post-harvest value addition of wheat and expansion of processing industry in this area would help the state to move ahead. Keeping this in view, the department organised bakery workshops every year and people were appreciative of these workshops.

On the first day recipes for Danish pastries, puff pastries, egg-less plum cakes, nan-khatai biscuits and croissants were given.

Second day the trainees were given demonstrations on how to make pizzas-base and toppings, garlic and onion bread, cakes and icing. They also learnt to make dinner rolls and soup sticks.

Most of the people were happy to be taught by Mr S.C. Dubey, who has been in the bakery line for last 40 years. Ms Bhawna, who had come from Chennai and was supplying bakery products to British Airways was quite happy with the course. She said, ‘‘I happened to be here and I heard of this course and I joined it. This has proved very helpful to me. Mr Dubey has been a wonderful teacher and has given priceless tips.’’

Most of the participants were happy with the course. Many had come from Chandigarh and Faridkot. The reputation of the bakery courses have spread far and wide and many people who have been running bakeries had attended the course to get more knowledge about the latest baking techniques. There were many new aspirants, who after attending the workshop, would train in some bakeries and then establish their own businesses.

COURTS

Forum ‘fuses’ PSEB demand for Rs 2,37,694
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 27
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has quashed a demand by the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) seeking Rs 2,37,694 from Ms Usha Rani, a resident of Kot Mangal Singh. The forum further directed the PSEB to refund the amount deposited along with interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum from the date of deposit till the actual payment.

According to the complaint, Ms Usha Rani purchased a house on August 4, 1992 and a power connection (JF-05/686H) was already installed on the premises. The consumer further stated that the meter was changed on May 4, 2000 and after that she received two bills in August and October, which were paid by her.

The complainant stated that she received a bill of Rs 2,37,694 on October 10, 2000. She further stated that the PSEB officials illegally disconnected connection on October 11, 2000. She alleged in the complaint that the demand was illegal, arbitrary, unjustified and without any basis. She pointed out, “The board officials alleged that the meter was checked by the flying squad of the department on August 8, 2000. The officials claimed that on checking of the meter, it was found that it was recording 87.24 per cent less consumption. But the PSEB has unable to explain as to how they calculated the said amount. The period for which the demand has been raised has also not been mentioned in the bill.”

Ms Usha Rani maintained, “After changing the meter in May, 2000, it remained functional till October 11, 2000 and a consumption of 1072 units was recorded for five months and seven days. Even earlier, the meter was recording the consumption correctly.” She alleged that the meter was disconnected illegally.

The PSEB pleaded that the meter was checked by the Senior Xen (Enforcement), Ludhiana and Additional S.E. of M.E Laboratory in the presence of the complainant and as per the report on August 8, 2000, the meter was recording 87.24 per cent less consumption. The respondent further disclosed that the seals of the meter had been tampered with and the current coil on the main lock was also short. The respondent maintained that the account of the complainant had been overhauled from December, 1988 till the removal of the meter in May, 2000. However, it was denied by the PSEB that the complainant had purchased the house for want of knowledge. It had been also denied that the consumption of the complainant ranged between 300 to 400 units bi-monthly. The PSEB stated that the demand had been legally raised and the complaint was liable to be dismissed.

The forum observed that the PSEB had not produced any MCO through which the meter was removed and it was mandatory to issue MCO. The forum further stated that there was no evidence to prove that any notice had been issued to the consumer before checking and the meter was packed and sealed properly at the time of removing the meter which were mandatory. The forum held that the demand in this case had not been raised as per the rules of the PSEB and was liable to be quashed.

CULTURE

Designing dresses for stars
Our Correspondent

An accident had put Sulakshna out of circulation for about a year and a half ‘‘But now I am back, and have designed the costumes for the TV serial, “Jai Mata Di”. She is quite at ease designing Indian or Western dresses but she prefers Indian dresses.