The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Monday, September 23, 2002, Chandigarh, India

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PUNJAB

AMLOH
SEMINAR: A seminar on drug addiction, female foeticide, social evils and personality development was organised by the Punjab Adventure Club, Chandigarh, at Government Senior Secondary School, Naraingarh, 4 km from here, on Saturday. It was inaugurated by Mr Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, MLA, Amloh, who advised the students to work hard and avoid bad company. Mr Surmukh Singh, president of the club, presided over the function.

CHEQUES DISTRIBUTED: The NDA government of which the SAD is a partner has not accepted any demand raised by the SAD before elections, said Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo, Member Parliament, at a function organised at Shahpur village, 5 km from here, on Saturday. He distributed cheques worth Rs 20 lakh for development projects among 22 villages.

BATALA
PRESS: Mr Mohan Singh Saggu, president, Bharatiya Janata Party, Batala, has urged the chief of Batala police district, Dr Naresh Arora, to deploy policemen to check the veracity of vehicles flaunting “Press” on the vehicles.

FARIDKOT
ELECTION DUTY: As many as 44 government employees left for the election duty in Jammu and Kashmir by three buses under tight security from here on Saturday. Mr A. Venu Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, flagged off the vehicles.

FATEHGARH SAHIB
SCHEME: The district administration has started mid-day meal scheme for the primary schools of the Bassi Pathana block on a trial basis and after its proper implementation it would also be introduced in all blocks of the district, said Mr Vikas Partap, Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the annual sports function of Jawahar Navodya Samiti, Chandigarh, regional zone at Faraur village in the district on Saturday. He said that about 5,800 primary school children would be given proper diet and Rs 40 Lakh had been earmarked for this purpose. He said that to encourage the children of weaker sections to come to the schools, this scheme had been introduced. He said that the drop-out rate in primary schools in rural areas had increased and by introducing this scheme it would be checked to some extent. In this sports meet about 400 sportswomen from seven Jawahar Navodya Schools are participating. He announced a grant of Rs 2,500 for the Jawahar Navodya School.

KAPURTHALA
ONE KILLED: One person was killed and five were injured in a road accident near Dhilwan on the Jalandhar-Amritsar national highway on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Hardev Singh (45) jeep driver. The injured have been admitted to the local Civil Hospital. They have been identified as Jhirmal Singh, Billu, Dilbagh Singh and Billa, kar sevaks of Gurdwara Baba Jiwan Singh at Tarn Taran.

POLL DUTY: Two hundred employees of various government departments of this district who had volunteered to perform election duties left for Jammu and Kashmir in five buses on Saturday. They were given Rs 9,600 each as 80 per cent of the advance payment.

KHANNA
TEACHERS HONOURED: A function was organised at the local Golden Grain Club by the Lions Club Khanna (Vishal) on Friday. Three teachers were honoured on the occasion. The function was presided over by Mr Chaman Lal, while Mr S.S. Manchanda was the guest of honour on the occasion. The teachers’ Kunti Nandan, Santosh Kumari and Kumari Sudesh Bansal were honoured with mementoes, shawls and certificates by the chief guest.

LUDHIANA
INVITED: Mr Harsimranjit Singh Brar, who completed his M.Sc. (Horticulture) from the Department of Horticulture, PAU, was invited by the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to present his research work in the second International conference on ‘Sustainable agriculture for food, energy and industry’ held in Beijing from September 8 to 13. He presented his paper on ‘Effect of mutagen on seed germination and seedling performance of guava (psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar.” This research was conducted under the guidance of Dr J.S. Bal, Professor of Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, PAU. The conference was organised by the Institute of Botany, CAS, China, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN and the International Council of Sustainable Agriculture. More than 500 scientists from different parts of the world participated in this conference.

CONDEMNED: The local unit of the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) on Sunday condemned the police lathi-charge on peacefully-agitating farmers outside Bhogpur Sugar Mill, near Jalandhar. In a press note, Mr O.P. Mehta, general secretary of the unit, said the Punjab Government had failed to keep its promise made with the farmers before the elections. An inquiry should also be held into the lathi-charge, he added.

MANSA
BEATEN TO DEATH: Gayanand, a rickshawpuller was allegedly beaten to death by Narayan Singh, another rickshawpuller on Saturday night. Both accused and Gayanand were neighbourers. On the day of the accident, Gayanand met the accused on his way home. Narayan Singh allegedly beat him to death with lathis. The accused along with his family members has fled away. A case has been registered in this connection.

PROBE ORDERED: Mr Pala Singh, revenue Kanungo at Sardulgarh, is facing inquiry for fraudulently getting signed three cheques worth Rs 91,000 out of the natural calamity fund from Sardulgarh Tehsildar. The SDM has forwarded the inquiry report to the Deputy Commissioner Mansa, who promised to take action against the Kanungo.

BAN IMPOSED: Mr Alok Shekhar, District Magistrate, Mansa has imposed a ban on the use of harvester combines during night in the district from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The orders will remain in force till October 31.

NAWANSHAHR
COMPETITIONS: The Punjab School Education Board at JSEH SAS Nagar organised tehsil-level educational competitions of Khalsa High School, here which concluded on Friday. About 200 students belonging to different schools participated. The host school won maximum prizes and came first in Bhangra and lok geet.

PATIALA
SAPLINGS PLANTED: Mayor Vishnu Sharma planted a sapling to mark a tree plantation drive launched by the Dayasagar Youth Club at Deep Nagar area in the city on Sunday. Club president Taranjit Singh Dhup also briefed the Mayor of the problems being faced by residents of the area because of lack of sewerage and street light facilities. Mr Sharma assured them that their area would be covered for both facilities in the new projects being launched by the Municipal Corporation.

OFFICE-BEARERS: Mr Shamsher Singh has been elected president of the Khalsa College Non-Teaching Staff Union. The other office-bearers elected are Mr Satwant Singh as vice-president, Mr Ravinderjit Singh as secretary, Mr Devinder Singh as joint secretary and Mr Harwinder Singh as treasurer.

GRATITUDE: The Punjab Power Employees Federation on Sunday thanked Mr Harchand Singh Barsat, Political Secretary to the Punjab Chief Minister, for getting the demand for 15 per cent house rent for government employees living in Patiala accepted from the Chief Minister. Federation president Sukhdev Singh thanked Mr Barsat by honouring him at a special function organised in the city.

PARENTS’ MEET: Kindergarten students of Blossoms School enthralled their parents with their dances and songs on the occasion of parents meet held in the school. A song “we shall overcome” which they learnt in their daily routine class task was presented with gestures showing their determination to bring peace all around. Prep one and prep two students presented their knowledge about fruits in a musical drama of “Fruit Chat” which was well received.

DEMAND: The Forum for Common Cause while praising the Municipal Corporation Mayor, Mr Vishnu Sharma, for taking action against hotel and restaurant owners who were not maintaining hygienic conditions in their establishments, also appealed to him to extend the drive to roadside rehris who were selling unhygienic food. In a statement here, the forum convener, Mr Mohinder Singh Walia, said the corporation should conduct an immediate check on “rehris” who were serving unhygienic food.

PHAGWARA
IMA CONFERENCE: A north zone conference of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) College of General Practitioners (CGP), Punjab Faculty, will be held at Patiala on October 13 on the theme of spreading awareness and control of AIDS and TB. Dr OPS Kande, the Organising Secretary of the Conference gave this news on Friday.

SAPLINGS PLANTED: One hundred saplings were planted during one-day NSS camp at local Saint Soldier Co-Educational College Saturday. The SDM, Mr Pritam Singh, was also present.

COUNCILLORS-POLICE MEET: The police on Sunday organised a meeting with the newly-elected municipal councillors and sought their cooperation. Mr Harmanbir Singh Gill, DSP, presided over the meeting. Some councillors demanded an exemption from wearing helmets in the interior of the town. The DSP urged the councillors to be cautious while attesting any document.

CONFERENCE: Capt Amarinder Singh will inaugurate the North Zone conference being organised by the Indian Medical Association College of General Practitioners (IMACGP), Punjab, on October 13 at Patiala for spreading awareness about AIDS and TB. This was disclosed on Sunday by Dr O.P.S Kande, organising secretary of the conference and Dr J.S. Virk, Director, IMACGP.

CHANDIGARH

BAL VIKAS DAY: The Bal Vikas Day was organised by the Samithi 11 of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Chandigarh, here on Sunday at Government Primary School, Kishangarh (UT). As many as 60 children comprising of rural and urban Bal Vikas children of Modern Housing Complex, Mani Majra, and of Kishangarh village took part in this three-hour programme. It was based on conveying the message of practising human moral values so as to develop self-confidence and good qualities among the children. They also sung Gayatri mantras, other value-based songs which was appreciated by all. Ms Saroj Verma, education coordinator, gave a brief account of Bal Vikas Education imparted by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisation for overall development of a child. Later, Dr Subhash Mahajan, district president, gave a brief account on how to keep excellent and radiant health so as to serve society in a better way.

CAMPAIGN: The newly installed president of Lions Club Chandigarh Classic, Mr S.K. Khanna, on Sunday said that in order to stabilise the falling male and female ration in the region, an awareness campaign will be launched on the issue of female foeticide. Mr Khanna, while speaking at the installation ceremony here, said that other activities of the club would include blood donation camps, AIDS awareness camps and an anti-dowry campaign. Lion K.K. Sawhney, Past Multiple Council Chairman District 321, was the chief guest and the installation officer at the ceremony. Mr Rakesh Gupta and Mr P.C. Goel were installed as the secretaries for the Lionistic year 2002-2003.

TALK: “To move from good to great you have to know what is bench-marking? Bench-marking is all abut comparing performances. You have to compare your performance with the best person in your field in the world. Only then you will move from good to great. Look at the best in the world and try to do what they are doing”. This was stated by Mr Subash Bijlani, a management consultant, while speaking at a talk ‘How to move from good to great’ at the Exhibition Hall, Bank Square, Sector 17, here on Sunday. He advised the gathering to make a list of what they were going to do. “A great person knows what is the difference between important and urgent,” said Mr Bijlani. According to him, great people were good listener and communicators.

AYURVEDIC CAMP: Over 300 patients were examined at a free ayurvedic consultation and treatment camp organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Ayurveda Mahasammelan, here on Sunday. Ayurvedic specialists from the city examined the patients at the camp which was organised in association with Arya Samaj, in Sector 22. Patients with chronic ailments like thyroid, sugar, BP, lumbago and skin problems were given free consultation and medicine.

HARYANA

AMBALA
BEST WOMEN’S COLLEGE: MDSD Girls College, Ambala city, was declared the best women’s college of the zone for the fourth consecutive year in the zonal youth festival held at Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Shahbad. The festival was held from September 19 to 21. The college stole the show by being recommended in Haryanvi dance group, Haryanvi solo dance, classical vocal solo, Indian orchestra, one act play, best actress, mime, mono acting and commended in classical music (instrumental).

RALLY: Sangharsh Vahini took out a rally in Ambala Sadar to protest over “anti-people” policies of the state government on Sunday. The rally started from Kirchi Mirchi Piao, passed through Kabaddi Bazar, Pul Chameli, Sarafa Bazar, Sadar Bazar chowk and culminated at Bazaza Bazar chowk. A public meeting was held in which the speakers criticised the government. President of Sangharsh Vahini Hira Lal Yadav said certain vested interests are trying to take credit for the regularisation of 13 colonies. He said the development charges have been increased to 100 per cent from earlier 60 per cent and demanded that it should be reverted back. He alleged that the elderly were being harassed for old-age pension. He expressed unhappiness over the new power meters. Among others, Ms Neelam Sharma, Gauri Sharma, Sudesh Rani, Rano Dhamija, Sudhir Jaiswal were present. Mr Randeep Singh Nanhera and his supporters joined the Sangharsh Vahini at the public meeting.

TB CAMP: The fifth free tuberculosis camp was organised by the Rotary Club of Ambala at Government Senior Secondary School, Babyal, on Sunday. The president of the club, Mr Naresh Bhardwaj, said the camp was inaugurated by the sarpanch of Babyal, Mr Vidyasagar. He said the camp was extended support by the Elders Forum, the Ambala Social Welfare Society, the Principal of the government school and the Gram Parishad of Babyal. About 225 persons were tested and 10 TB cases detected. Mr Bhardwaj said examinations were conducted by Dr Vivek Malhotra and Dr Rakesh Kumar, besides personnel of Government TB Hospital.

KAITHAL
COMPENSATION: A sum of Rs 10,000 each will be paid on behalf of the District Red Cross Society to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in an road accident in Patiala district on September 14. Giving this information to mediapersons here on Friday, the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman, District Red Cross Society, Mr Anuraj Agarwal said that all those killed in this accident belonged to Guhla sub-division of this district. They have been identified as Ajmero (45), Amiro (60) of Jodhwan village, Nikki Devi (40) and Pragat Singh one and half years of Landa Heri and Gurmel Kaur (45) and Sonia (15) of Harnoli.

STRAY ANIMALS: The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anurag Agarwal, and the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have warned residents against leaving their catle in streets, markets or other public places. The Deputy Commissioner said stray animals obstructed traffic and resulted in serious accidents.

YAMUNANAGAR
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will soon start a membership drive which will continue till December 31. Mr Ved Pal, national president, Kissan Cell of the NCP, said this while talking to newsman here on Sunday. Mr Ved Pal demanded a white paper on development activities carried out by the Haryana Government in past three years.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

CHAMBA
HERITAGE AWARENESS: INTACH in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has organised a ‘heritage awareness programme’ for schoolchildren throughout the country. In this context, the regional chapter of INTACH has also decided to supply a six-page printed heritage report cards as entry forms to choose nine gems of the ancient hill town of Chamba, under three categories. Mr harish Chandra Sharma, convenor of the regional chapter, said here on Sunday that a national level exhibition of such entries would be held on the World Heritage Day, which falls on April 18, 2003.

DALHOUSIE
PROJECT SUBMITTED: The Himachal Pradesh Government has submitted a Rs 40.8 crore project to the Union Government for modernising the existing pharmacies at Jogindernagar, Majra and Paprola besides a sum of Rs 56.24 lakh had already been given to increase the capacity of a Drug Testing Laboratory at Jogindernagar and Rs 15 lakh had been sanctioned for establishing a standardisation unit in the laboratory. This was stated by the Himachal Industries Minister, Mr Kishori Lal, while laying the foundation stone of a Rs 10 lakh building of an ayurvedic health centre at Devi Dehra village, 15 km from here on Sunday.

ARRESTED: Mr Ajay Yadav, SP, Chamba, has said Dinesh, a main accused, along with his two accomplices came in a vehicle from Pathankot and trespassed the house of Mr Nathin Ram of Banikhet township near here on Friday and started abusing his family members. Nathi Ram’s family members were then beaten up with iron rods and heavy sticks. The Banikhet police had registered a case against the accused under sections 452, 323, 506 and 341, IPC. Dinesh of Pathankot had been arrested.

CANTEEN DEMANDED: Ex-Servicemen of the district have demanded the opening up of a Defence Pension Disbursing Office (DPDO) and a CSD along with a medical inspection room their families. These demands were raised at a meeting of ex-servicemen held here on Saturday under the chairmanship of Col Ravi Vaid (retd), district convener, BJP Ex-Servicemen Cell. Mr P.C. Thakur, state convener, Himachal Pradesh BJP Ex-Servicemen Cell, was the chief guest.

HAMIRPUR
NOTICE SERVED: The Hamirpur District Congress Committee has served a 15 days notice to Mr Manjeet Singh Dogra, former Congress MLA from Nadaunta, for the September 20 incidents at Mahre in the district in which Congress workers led by him had allegedly disrupted the meeting of the state Congress Chief, Ms Vidya Stokes. Congress party sources said here on Sunday that if no suitable reply was received, the DCC would recommend the Pradesh Congress Committee to suspend and thereafter expel Mr Dogra for his anti-party activity along with his supporters.

KANGRA
TARGETS ACHIEVED: The Agriculture Department has achieved the targets of 11,3500- metric tonnes of foodgrains, 46.23000 tonnes of potatoes, nearly 2 lakh tonnes of vegetables besides 290 tonnes of ginger during the last financial year and the departmental efforts were on to surpass the targets of 11.35 lakh metric tonnes for foodgrains, 47000 tonnes for potatoes, 2.25 lakh tonnes for vegetables and 4700 tonnes for ginger fixed for the current financial year. This was stated here on Sunday by the Additional Director of Agriculture, Mr O.C. Verma.

KULU
PRE-EVEREST TRAINING: The Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute, Manali, has given pre-Everest training to an IAF team which on Saturday moved to Chander Tal, the base camp of the expedition in the western Himalayas. This was stated by Col H.S. Chauhan, director of the institute, on Sunday.

NAHAN
SCHOOL FUNCTION: The annual prize distribution function of Adarsh Vidya Niketan School concluded here Friday. The function was presided over by Vice Chairperson State Planning Board, Ms Shayama Sharma. Principal K. K. Chandola read out the annual report.

NURPUR
EX-SERVICEMEN CHIEF: Instead of Lieut Ratan Singh Chib, Capt, Baldev Singh is the Nurpur Block Congress Ex-servicemen Cell president. Mr Chib had been appointed by the General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) Ex-servicemen Cell, Col R. S. Rajput without consulting the local Block Congress Committee. Colonel Rajput said Mr Chib, however, was being appointed joint secretary of the HPCC Ex-Servicemen Cell, Kangra district, on the recommendation of Mr Ranjit Bakshi.

SHIMLA
PAHARI PAINTING: The Language and Culture department spokesman has said the Himachal State Museum will organise a Pahari miniature painting exhibition 2002 at the museum in Dharamsala in October. The entries should reach the Himachal Art Museum, Shimla, Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba or the Kangra Art Museum, Dharamsala, before October 5.

OFFICE-BEARERS: The following have been elected office-bearers of the St Bede’s College Lecturer’s Association: president — Dr V K Bhardwaj; vice-president — Mr Neel Kamal Singh; secretary — Mr Issac Singh and treasurer — Ms Anita Khanna.

HPU: The International Centre for Distance Education and Open Learning (ICDEOL) of Himachal Pradesh University has extended the last date for submission of admission forms for MA/M.Sc/M.Com/PG DPM & LW upto September 30, 2002, without late fee, the Director, Prof. OP Sarswat, said this here Saturday. He said the form’s could be submitted upto October 20, 2002 with a late fee of Rs 500.