The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Thursday, June 28, 2001, Chandigarh, India

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PUNJAB

AMRITSAR
FLOOD CONTROL: The district administration has made elaborate flood-control arrangements, especially in the flood-prone villages situated near the Ravi, the Beas and the Sutlej, by spending Rs 130 lakh in wake of the coming monsoon. This was stated by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Narinderjit Singh, after reviewing the flood-control measures here on Tuesday.

BARNALA
CHEQUES DISBURSED: Mr Malkit Singh Keetu, MLA, gave away cheques worth Rs 11.5 lakh to over 180 farmers of the local market committee at a function held here on Tuesday. The cheques were offered to those farmers whose paddy was purchased below the price of Rs 540 per quintal as fixed by the Union Government.

BANNED: The District Magistrate, Mr R. Venkatratnam, on Tuesday imposed Section 144 of the CrPC and banned the use of olive green dresses by anyone other than military officials, in the district. In a press note issued here, he also notified a ban on the use of military green vehicles.

MEDICAL CAMP: The Bharat Vikas Parishad organised a free medical check-up camp at the Chandsar Basti on Sunday. Over 150 patients were examined and given medicines free of cost.

FARIDKOT
EDUCATION: Mr A. Venu Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, distributed cheques worth Rs 6.8 lakh, under the Prime Minister’s Gramodya Yojna, to the panchayats of six villages on Tuesday for the renovation of building of primary schools and improvement in educational facilities.

FATEHGARH SAHIB
CHALLANED: During a campaign launched to nab the violators of the High Court orders on traffic rules, particularly use of black films and red lights, the local DTO challaned a Zen car (CH0-1Z-6994) of the local DFSC on Wednesday having a red light. The car, was on the name of Havildar Natha Singh of Dhanas Milk Colony, Chandigarh. The DTO told that when the car was stopped for checking, driver Jarnail Singh started arguing and the DFSC was sitting in the car. He said the driver was not having any permission letter of using red light, so it was challaned.

HOSHIARPUR
STATE-LEVEL DHARNA: The Ministerial Services Union of the PSEB, has decided to hold a state-level dharna in front of the head office of the board in Patiala on July 11 in support of their demands. This was stated in a press note by the general secretary of the union on Tuesday.

WAGE HIKE SOUGHT: Village chowkidars have demanded an increase in their wages. They expressed their problems at a meeting of chowkidars, numbardars and patwaris convened by Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, here on Monday.

COMPLAINT LODGED: A case of cheating under Sections 420 and 506, IPC, was registered against Karamjit Kaur, her husband Satpal, Resham Singh and Jarnail Singh on Monday following a complaint of Baldev Singh of Chak Bamu. He alleged that on April 21 the accused took Rs 3.5 lakh for sending him to Germany, not only did they fail to send him abroad but also refused to return the money.

KAPURTHALA
FUNCTION: The police in cooperation with the Bharat Vikas Parishad organised a function here on Tuesday to celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Members of political parties, social and voluntary organisations and social workers attended the function.

POPPY HUSK SEIZED: The police has arrested Satnam Singh, a resident of Littan village on the charge of possessing 5 kg of poppy husk. According to a press note issued by the police, he was arrested at a naka on the Kapurthala-Kartarpur road.

KHANNA
BOOKED: A case has been registered against Kartar Singh at the Payal police station under Section 406 of the IPC on the complaint of the District Welfare Officer, Ludhiana, as he had not submitted the cheque for Rs 50,000, which was given as a grant for the repair of a dharmshala to the dharmshala committee. Kartar Singh was directed to submit the receipt of expenditure after utilisation of the grant.

MEETING: A meeting of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) was held here under the presidentship of Jathedar Amrik Singh Issru. The SAD (A) general secretary, Mr Charan Singh Lohara, said the people had lost faith in the Badal government. Mr Lohara said the SAD (A) could have talks with the BSP and Kisan Union for seat adjustment for the coming assembly elections. He criticised Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi for giving more attention to Akali Dal conferences than religious matters.

LUDHIANA
‘DEAD SEA’ THERAPIES: “Due to high degree of pollution in the city, it is essential that the people of the city take special care of their skins”, Ms Vandana Luthra of VLCC advised the people of the city while starting the new package of ‘Dead-Sea’ therapies at the centre here on Wednesday. Talking to the mediapersons, Ms Vandana claimed that the therapies were a permanent solution for pigmentation, blemishes, tanned and dead skin. The dead sea therapies had no side-effects, Ms Luthra claimed. Meanwhile, a low calorie cooking contest was also organised at the centre in which more than 15 participants took part. The participants made a variety of dishes including Indian, Chinese and Continental. They also prepared different desserts, mocktails and puddings.

COOKERY WORKSHOP: A 20-day cookery workshop conducted by the Param Institute, Ranjit Nagar, concluded on Tuesday. Giving this information, Ms Parminder Kaur, Principal, said that more than 70 students participated in the workshop and were given certificates. A short cultural programme was also organised in which the students presented various song and dance items.

MEETING: A meeting of the National Association of Apex Clubs of India was organised at a hotel here on Tuesday. Delegates from various clubs at Ludhiana, Delhi, Sriganganagar, Abohar, Jalalabad, Fazilka, Mansa, Suratgarh and Ladhuka participated in the meeting. The members urged upon the delegates to implement National Service Project of ‘‘Care for unhealthy children’’. The meeting was presided over by Mr Dhiraj Rai Gupta, District Governor, and Mr K.B. Singh, National President, was the chief guest.

CAMP POSTPONED: A three-day gurmat training camp which was scheduled to be organised by Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle at Bhai Gurdas Senior Secondary School, Halwara, from June 29 has been postponed. Giving this information, Mr Surjit Singh, zonal secretary, said that fresh dates for the camp would be announced soon.

STRESSED: Veteran freedom fighter and senior Congress leader Avtar Singh has stressed the need for maintaining a clean image of the party. Talking to a delegation of the Congress leaders headed by the chairman of the PCC Labour and Employment Cell, Mr K.K. Bawa, he regretted the decline in the moral values and urged the Congress leaders to take measures to inculcate moral and nationalistic spirit among the youth. He said the Congress leaders should seek inspiration from the great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and others who had sacrificed everything for the country. Mr Avtar Singh also exhorted upon the leaders and workers of the party to ensure unity, particularly at a time when elections were round the corner.

SYMPOSIUM: The Punjab State Veterinary Officer Association in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and College of Veterinary Science, Punjab Agricultural University, is organising national symposium on Newer Perspective of Veterinarians in the upliftment of national economy at PAU on Thursday and Friday. More than 600 delegates including the scientists of international repute will be taking part in the delegations. It will also be attended by all senior veterinary officers and veterinary officers of the state. Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala, Minister of Animal Husbandry of the state, Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, will be the guest of honour. Dr V.K. Taneja, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India, will preside over the function.

MACHHIWARA
MEETING HELD: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Samrala, Ms Raghbir Kaur Khaira, held a meeting on Tuesday with the local Arhtiya Association regarding disbursement of compensation for distress sale of paddy. The main agenda of the meeting was to chalk out the disbursal schedule in the Machhiwara area. It was decided to distribute the compensation on July 3, 4, 5 and 6. About 550 farmers would be given money on each of these days, said the SDM, adding that an amount of Rs 1.28 crore had been allocated for disbursement among 2,763 farmers. Meanwhile, the local unit of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) has appreciated the decision of the state government to compensate the farmers.

MANSA
BAN IMPOSED: Ms Raji P. Shrivastava, District Magistrate, has imposed a ban on the assembly of five or more persons, raising slogans, using derogatory language and speeches which may create tension, and carrying firearms at public places, under section 144, CrPC. The orders have been in effect since Saturday.

RESENTMENT: Resentment prevails among candidates who passed the competitive examination conducted by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited for the posts of Telecom Technical Assistant (TTA). They are sore over the non-issuance of appointment letters even after the notification of their selection.

CONFERENCE: A conference organised by SAD (Badal) would be held on Saturday at Sardulgarh. According to Mr Sukwinder Singh Aulakh, MLA, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Om Prakash Chautala would address the conference.

ELECTION CAMPAIGN: The BJP would start its election campaign for assembly election on July 6 from Budhlada constituency. Mr Jana Krishnamurthi, National President, BJP, Ms Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, and other BJP ministers from Punjab and Haryana would participate in the programme.

NAWANSHAHR
RESENTMENT: Shopkeepers of the local Gulshan bazar have resented the delay in the construction of a road which was dug up five months ago by the municipal council for laying sewers. They have decided to hold a dharna in front of the municipal council office on Thursday.

PATIALA
POSTS VACANT: About 70 to 80 posts of draughtsman are lying vacant, which are not being filled for the past many years. Stating this on Wednesday, the Punjab Draughtsmen Association senior vice-president, Mr Subash Chander Puri, said the authorities must take view of the issue failing which, the association members might take strict steps.

ANTI-DRUG DAY: Anti-Drug Day was celebrated at the local Central Jail on Tuesday. Dr Amarjit Singh and Dr Sukhcharan Singh advised prisoners to shun narcotics. More than 150 prisoners were apprised of various physical economic and mental weak nessess associated with the use of drugs.

PHILLAUR
SUICIDE: Paramjit Kaur, mother of a three-year-old child, allegedly committed suicide here on Monday night. The police has registered a case against her husband Gurjit Singh, father-in-law Gurbachan Singh and mother-in-law Gian Kaur, under Sections 306 and 34, IPC, on a complaint by Amrik Singh, father of the deceased.

TARN TARAN
ADDITIONAL CHARGE: Mr Surat Singh Mahia, SMO and in charge of the Primary Health Centre, Kairon, has been given the additional charge of the Primary Health Centre at Sarhali with immediate effect.

ROAD ACCIDENT: Angrej Singh, a three-year-old boy, was killed and his father Sukhdev Singh injured when their scooter hit a Maruti car at Nannan village on Monday. A case under Sections 304A, 279 and 427, IPC, has been registered against Pardeep Mohan, driver of the car.

CHANDIGARH

PLAYS: The Chandigarh Mafia Theatre group is staging two plays “Bhoma and “I Nathu Ram Godse” at the Rock Garden cafeteria at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

MALARIA CAMP: To spread awareness on prevention and control of malaria, the UT malaria wing organised a camp in Mauli Jagran Colony on Wednesday. The camp is part of the activities during the anti-malaria month being observed by the UT Administration. Senior Regional Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Alka Kothari, stressed upon public participation in the programme. Dr G.C. Bansal, Assistant Director, malaria wing also urged the residents of the colony to keep overhead tanks properly closed and regularly clean the air coolers. Blood slides from the patients suffering from fever were collected and examined on the spot.

DEMANDED: The Pushpac Residents Welfare Association, Sector 49-B, has demanded an audited financial report of the past two years from the Pushpac society. In a press statement, it demanded that the venue of the election be shifted from the Panjab University campus to the Pushpac campus. The association added that the election schedule was tight and did not allow right to appeal to any candidate whose candidature had been rejected. The list of defaulters should be displayed seven days ahead of the election date, it added.

TRADERS' PLEA: The Chandigarh Electricals and Electronics Traders Association has demanded that the SHO of the Sector 19 police station be replaced as the police has been unable to control the growing crime rate in the area. According to an official press note, Mr D. Jaiswal, general secretary of the association, said the theft of Rs 1.25 lakh on Tuesday was the third such incident during this year. They alleged that the police had been unable to trace any such case.

DISCUSSION: The Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Punjab, will organise a one-day open house panel discussion on World Trade Organisation on July 4. A press note issued by the institute said the aim of the discussion would be to clear doubts of people on the World Trade Organisation policy framed by the government. A high ranking team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce led by Mr J.N.L. Srivastava, Secretary Department of Agriculture, will chair the session. The press note said the discussion would start at 9.30 a.m. in which the general public is invited.

AWARENESS CAMP: An eight-day awareness generation camp organised by the Indira Social Welfare Society in association with the Chandigarh Social Welfare Advisory Board at Kajehri village concluded on Wednesday. A press note issued by Mr D.S. Bhuakkal, secretary of the board, said Mrs Kamla Sharma, Chairperson of the Welfare Advisory Board, was the chief guest on the concluding day.

AGREEMENT SATISFACTORY: The Haryana Roadways Worker Union leaders on Wednesday expressed their satisfaction over the agreement they reached with the Secretary Transport about their demands. A press note said Haryana Roadways employees would not be required to go to the Secretariat for getting their medical reimbursement sanctioned. He claimed that the Secretary also agreed to settle all pending cases of suspended employees. A HCS officer would be deputed to complete the inquiries in such cases. The government would not resort to appointing employees on the contract basis and the employees appointed would be given regular pay scale.

AIDS AWARENESS: Over 1400 inmates and 110 employees of the local jail, along with their families, participated in the 24th awareness programme organised by the Chandigarh Chapter of the Indian Council of Social Welfare here on Wednesday. The camp was organised to educate the jail inmates about the sexually transmitted diseases and various aspects of HIV/AIDS. The project was successful in terms of cost viability and execution. It was expected that if some peer educators were trained, coupled with occasional blood tests for STDs, RTIs, HIV and AIDS, the camps could have more of an impact.

SAS NAGAR
ELECTED: The following have been elected office-bearers of the Senior Citizens Welfare Forum, Phase 9: patron — Mr Surjit Singh; president — Mr N.S. Sodhi; senior vice-president — Mr Joginder Singh; vice-president — Mr G.S. Chawla; general secretary — Mr T.S. Chawla; joint secretary — Mr Gurdeep; organising secretary— Mr S.C. Bector; press secretary — Mr P.L. Laroiya; and treasurer — Capt Gurcharan Singh.

CRITICISED: The Punjab Government Pensioners Welfare Association has criticised the Punjab Government for not implementing the recommendations of the 4th Pay Commission. The recommendations would benefit nearly 1.40 lakh pensioners in the state, according to Mr Prem Singh Gill, president of the association.

PLEA: The House Owners Welfare Association of Phase 1 has demanded the shifting of the Phase 4 dispensary back to its original location in Phase 1. A demand in this regard was made at an executive committee meeting held here on Wednesday. Mr P.S. Virdi, president of the association, said the land for the dispensary had already been earmarked. The delay in the construction of building for primary school on an allotted land was also highlighted at the meeting.

SYMPATHY: The Indian Ex-Services League of Punjab has expressed its sympathy with L/Nk Jarnail Singh, whose son along with the son of his brother were done to death at Siau village on June 22. A delegation of the league led by Lieut-Col Angad Singh (retd), general secretary, met the bereaved family.

SPORTS MEET: Sikh Missionary College organised the second Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Sports Meet at Shivalik Public School here. As many as 350 students participated. The participants were divided in three age groups — below 10 years, upto 14 years and above. Mr Hardeep Singh, member, SGPC, gave away prizes.

HARYANA

AMBALA
MAN KILLED: A railway employee was killed when he was hit by a train on Wednesday morning. The incident took place when Dasa Ram, a gangman, was run over by a train from Saharanpur to Nangal at about 9.30 a.m. The accident took place in Ambala City near platform 3.

KALKA
PRESS CLUB: The following have been elected office-bearers of the Press Club Kalka: president — Mr Harjeet Singh Jaggi; vice-president — Mr Surinder Mehra; general secretary — Mr Raj Kumar Chandel; secretary — Komal Ramola; treasurer — Mr Sanjay Goel; assistant secretary — Mr Madan Mehra; press secretary — Mr Rajesh Kaushal; and advisor — Mr Madan Lal Sharma.

JHAJJAR
2 KILLED: Two persons, both residents of Jassaur Kheri village, were killed in a road accident on the national highway 1, near Karnal on Monday night. According to family sources, Joginder (36) and his sister Suman were killed when their Tata Sumo collided with another vehicle.

SONEPAT
ATTACKED: Eight persons, including three women, were injured when they were attacked by some armed men at Kami village, about 5 km from here, on Tuesday. According to a report, the alleged assailants took away cash and jewellery from the houses of the injured. The police has registered a case.

LIQUOR SOLD: Liquor was reportedly sold at all liquor shops and bars on International Day Against Drug Abuse here on Tuesday, marring the essence of the day. At a function held here speakers blamed politicians and bureaucrats for their failure to enforce complete prohibition during the Bansi Lal regime.

PROTEST: Leaders of various farmer organisations on Tuesday protested against the non-distribution of the compensation amount among the hail-hit farmers of Bhatgaon, Salimsar Majra, Nakloi, Kheri Dahiya, Jaji, Garhi and Mohana villages in the district. In a joint press note, they demanded the immediate distribution of the amount.

ROAD ACCIDENT: Four persons were injured when a truck hit a Tempo carrying passengers on the GT Road near Hassanpur Kurar village, about 10 km from here on Tuesday. According to a report, the injured were hospitalised. The driver, however, escaped. The police has registered a case against the driver of the truck.

BODY FOUND: The GRP found the body of a 85-year-old man lying on the footpath of the railway road here on Tuesday. The body was cremated by the members of the Railway Road Market Association.

COMPUTER DIPLOMAS: Mr Raj Singh Dahiya, chairman, Sonepat Zila Parishad, gave away diplomas to the computer trainees at a function organised by the District Red Cross Society on Tuesday.