AGRICULTURE

NATP schemes reviewed
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
A meeting to review the schemes of the National Agricultural Technology Project for Punjab Agricultural University funded by the World Bank was held here yesterday.

Presiding over the meeting, Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, said under the project 93 scheme/sub-schemes relating to research and extension were operating in the university and that World Bank had provided Rs 23 crore for the purpose. Addressing the meeting, he said agriculture research development should get priority in Punjab as it contributed 42 per cent to the gross domestic product in the state as compared to around 25 per cent at the national level. He said as a result of financial assistance from the World Bank, the agriculture research had got a boost. The sustainability of soil and water resources, dairy farming, gender quality and multi-disciplinary approach needed attention of the experts, added Dr Aulakh.

Addressing the meeting, Dr P.S. Sidhu, senior agricultural specialist, World Bank, said the agricultural research system consisting of 31 state agricultural universities, four deemed universities and ICAR institutes had made remarkable progress till early nineties but the system started showing signs of fatigue. The projects would help invigorate the system, he said.

Dr G.S. Nanda, Director of research, welcomed the participants and gave a brief introduction about the ongoing NATP research programme at the PAU. In his opening remarks, Dr K.S. Aulakh mentioned that the PAU had been benefitted in terms of financial support, human resource development, creation of infrastructure and in generating and disseminating need-based technologies for the benefit of the farmers. He emphasised that mid-course review of NATP programmes was extremely useful in assessing the progress and reprioritising research programmes in accordance with the technological needs of the farmers and changing agriculture scenario.

Dr Darshan Singh, ADR (Agri)-cum-Nodal Officer, NATP (PAU), while highlighting the constraints confronting agriculture in the state stated that 75 per cent of the NATP funding had been spent on the generation of technology in the fields of crop improvement, development of crop hybrid etc. As many as 39 scientists had undergone advanced training in international and national institutes of excellence, he further added.

Dr J.S. Kolar, Director of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks. The review team along with the officers of the university visited Agricultural Research Information System Laboratories in different colleges and discussed the progress of these networking programmes. 

Bevy of beauties impress
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
The outgoing students of the Arya College for Women, Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women, Ramgarhia Girls’ College, Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women and Guru Nanak Girls’ College were given farewell parties today.

The function at the Arya College for Women began with a welcome song ‘Satyam shivam sundaram’. Pooja Singla and Pooja Sharma danced to the tune of Punjabi song ‘Amritsar de papad’. A play based on Mughal life was presented by B.Com II students. Nisha performed monoacting. A choreography on the changing styles of love affairs was also staged. Second year girls dressed in sarees, lehngas and designer suits presented a fashion show. Several games were organised for the final year students. Ms Satisha Sharma, Principal, wished the students good luck.

At the Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, a choreography titled ‘Dream girl’ was presented showing changing trends in clothes from 1970s till date. Second year girls dressed as Punjabi boys presented dance to the tune of song ‘Gabru’. Over 30 girls from final year vied for the Ms Farewell title. Ms A.K. Bansal, Principal, was present on the occasion.

Several music, dance and drama items were presented during a farewell party held at Guru Nanak Girls’ College. Second year students presented ghazals, a play and a choreography. Punjabi song ‘Charkha’ enthralled the audience. Ms Charanjit Kaur Mahal, Principal, urged students to adhere to their culture and tradition throughout their life.

At the Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women, farewell party was held for the students of BA and B.Com. A welcome song was presented, followed by recital of a satirical poem by Shruti. Ms Kamla Jain, officiating principal, wished the students good luck.

College toppers awarded prizes
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
The annual prize distribution function of Guru Nanak Girls’ College, Model Town, was held here today. In the arts section, Inderpreet Kaur (plus one), Padma (plus two), Rajbir Kaur (BA-I), Inderpreet Kaur (BA-II) and Harjindeer Kaur (BA III) received prizes.

In the science section, Esha (plus one), Ramanjot (plus two), Amits (BSc-I), Ravinder (BSc-II) and Harmanjot (BSc-III) were given prizes. Among commerce students, Jasmeet (plus one), Amandeep (plus two), Sakshi (B.Com-I), Preeti (B.Com II) and Rakhi (B.Com-III) received prizes. Besides, Kanika and Shilpa (BCA) and Nidhi Sharma (BBA III) were awarded prizes.

Arya College staff split
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
On the occasion of the annual elections of the Arya College Teachers Unit held today, faculty members divided into two groups.

While one group headed by Mr Prem Walia was backed by 49 staff members, the second group with 37 members has elected Prof A.K. Handa as its president. A furore was caused by the Prof Handa group when over 15 nominations filed by members were cancelled. The members of his group said no clear guidelines were specified for filing of the nominations.

DISTRICT COURTS
4 convicted under NDPS Act
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr G.R. Banyal, has convicted Balwinder Singh, Davinder Singh, Tarlochan Singh and Tarlochan Singh (son of Chet Singh) for smuggling drugs. Mr Banyal has sentenced Balwinder Singh and Davinder Singh to (14-year imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each or two year’s simple imprisonment in case of default. They were convicted under Sections 23, 25, 29 of the NDPS Act.

Mr Banyal sentenced the other two convicts, both with same name, to 14-year imprisonment, besides a fine of Rs 1 lakh each or two years simple imprisonment in case of default under Sections 18, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30 of the NDPS Act. Both of them have also been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and to pay Rs 1 lakh as fine under Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code. The accused were arrested by the Anti-Smuggling Wing of the Customs Department at Amritsar. The department had seized 175 kg of drugs from them.

Life term for murder accused

The District and Sessions Judge, Mr V.B. Handa, has sentenced P. Murugaiah to life imprisonment for killing two of his colleagues. Mr Handa also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on him and in case of default he will have to undergo four months’ rigorous imprisonment.

P. Murugaiah was working as Head Constable with the Border Security Force. Due to some differences with his colleagues, he opened fire on them with his official weapon on August 28, 1991 at the Kaunkay Kalan village area near Jagraon. In this incident Head Constable B.C. Sarkar and Constable G.S. Lagori lost their lives while three constables — Iresh Dey, Amar Nath and Dinesh Kumar — sustain injuries. After that the accused left the weapon at the spot and fled. He remained a ‘Proclaimed Offender’ till March 18, 1999 when he was arrested by the police.

LIC told to refund premium
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 14
In an order, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has upheld the repudiation of the claim by the LIC, but on the same time, it has directed the LIC to refund the amount, including that of the insurance premium recovered after the revival of the insurance policy, to Ms Bhupinder Kaur, wife of late Ujjagar Singh, a resident of Basti Jodhewal. The LIC has been directed to refund the amount recovered after February 19, 1998, with 9 per cent rate interest per annum.

The complainant, Ms Bhupinder Kaur, had challenged the repudiation of her claim of Rs 1,00,000 which was rejected by the respondent on March 31, 2001. She was working as an Assistant Junior Engineer in the Canal Department and earning Rs 13,000 per month.

The representative of the complainant, Mr S.D. Nagpal, said late Ujjagar Singh was insured for Rs 1,00,000 under the policy for the period from September 15, 1994, to September 15, 2009, at the age of 41 years. Mr Nagpal further said the policy was issued on December 31, 1994, and the premium was to be paid twice a year in March and September.

Mr Nagpal said the LIC had observed that the policy had lapsed due to the non-payment of premium from March, 1998, and it had to be revived. He said the net amount to be paid for revival of the policy on November 28, 1998 was Rs 7,359, but if the policy was to be revived after December 28, 1998, the net amount payable was Rs 7,398.40 and if revived on January 28, 1998, the net amount payable was Rs 7,436.90.

Mr Nagpal said the policy was revived after the completion of other formalities on February 19, 1998, after receipt of Rs 7,606. He said the respondent had also recovered Rs 15,798 for the revival of the policy on January 15, 2000. Ujjagar Singh died on November 6, 2000. He had paid the premiums on March 3, 2000, and September 2, 2000, he added.

Mr Nagpal said that the claim was made by the wife of the deceased within 15 days of the death, but it was repudiated. The complainant alleged deficiency in services as the claim was not repudiated in the right manner. The forum was urged that the LIC should be directed to pay the assured sum of Rs 1,00,000 with interest at the rate of 24 per cent per annum and to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 5,500 as cost of litigation.

The LIC pleaded that the policy had lapsed due to non-payment in March, 1997, and it was revived on February 19, 1998, on the basis of a personal statement regarding good health of the deceased. The respondent stated that the policy again lapsed and was revived on January 15, 2000, under special revival campaign on the basis of declaration of good health.

The LIC maintained that Ujjagar Singh had been suffering from diabetes and he had got himself treated at DMC Hospital from September 25 to October 20, 1997. He had been admitted to the hospital. But he did not disclose the ailment at the time of taking the policy or revival of the policy.

The LIC explained that the contract of insurance was based on good faith, but Ujjagar Singh concealed his ailment. It stated that the claim was rightly repudiated and complaint was liable to be dismissed.

The forum observed that it was fact that the consumer had taken an insurance policy of Rs 1,00,000 from the LIC in 1994 and the claim was lodged after the death of the deceased. The forum further stated that according to the document produced before the forum, it was clear that the deceased had concealed facts and as such the contract was void.

The forum held that the repudiation was done as per rules. The forum also said as the revival of the policy was not in accordance with rules and the liability of the LIC was not there, so it was desirable that the respondent should refund the amount recovered from the deceased for the revival of the policy and the premium paid thereafter.