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| Thursday,
October 17, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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Houses for the poor: project report revised Ludhiana, October 16 Out of the total project cost, Rs 20 crore was to be loaned by HUDCO and an equal amount was to be given as subsidy by the Union Government. Rs 10 crore was to be raised by beneficiaries. Since the project was held up in legal tangles, the civic administration offered to take up the construction of 4,000 houses here. The proposal, reportedly, has been accepted in principle by the regional chief of HUDCO in Chandigarh. The MC was told to submit a revised proposal. Mr S.K. Sharma, Commissioner of the MC, said the revised project envisaged construction of 4,050 houses for economically-weaker-section (EWS) and below-poverty-line (BPL) families at Rs 27.86 crore. Under VAMBY, each unit was to be built over 15 sq m at Rs 51,000. Out of the total project cost, 10 per cent would be kept for upgradation of existing houses. The MC had identified 15 acres at Jamalpur for the project and there was a proposal to build shops and booths over 1 acre out of it. The cost of land, at Rs 25 lakh per acre, in addition to the expenditure on infrastructure, would come out to be Rs 19,000 per unit, to be borne by each beneficiary. Rs 25,000 would be given as funds to build each unit, as subsidy from the Centre. An equal amount would be loaned by HUDCO. The repayment would be in easy instalments. The target group would be from among 182 identified urban slums having more than 63,000 households and more than 1.5 lakh poor persons. The allotment of each unit would be either in the name of a woman member of each family or in the name of a couple. Half of the houses would be reserved for persons of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. There is a 30 per cent quota for persons of the Backward Classes, a 15 per cent quota for the poor, a 3 per cent quota for the physically and mentally challenged and a 2 per cent quota for old pensioners. The allotment would be made on first-come-first-serve basis to eligible families. Slums would be
identified for upgradation and renovation of the existing houses at Rs 10,000 per unit. |
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MSP: Farmers feeling betrayed Ludhiana, October 16 He said in a press release that the BKU did not have much hope from the Assembly session, which turned out to be a mere political stunt for the simple reason that the Congress government, as well as the SAD-B leadership had failed to do anything worthwhile before the MSP of paddy was announced by the Union Government and the farmers were left at the mercy of the traders to be exploited and in desperation, made to sell their produce at throw away prices. According to Mr Lakhowal, the BKU, being a representative of the farming community, had sent several suggestions to the two parties for discussion in the Assembly session as a step towards amelioration of the pathetic condition of farmers but the government, as well as the Opposition parties, amply proved that except for drawing political mileage, they were least concerned about the lot of farmers. ‘‘Among the issues raised by the BKU were maintaining — free supply of power to farm sector, early payment of arrears to sugar cane growers, timely announcement of MSP of sugarcane on the basis of wholesale price index, power supply to rural areas at par with urban feeders to assist the process of diversification of agriculture and a long-term policy for revival of agricultural economy.’’ Mr Lakhowal lamented that on one side the state government was making tall claims of initiating a drive for diversification of agriculture and steps were being taken to enable the farmers to cultivate alternate crops but on the other hand adequate power was not being made available to them. With the farmers having to depend on diesel generators and incur additional cost of production, the entire exercise for diversification would go waste. He also charged the government and the erstwhile ruling combine with ‘politicising’ the matter of river waters of Punjab. ‘‘In the present circumstances when the Centre as well as the state government have proved themselves to be anti-farmer, the farming community is left with no other alternative than to take up the agitational approach.’’ The BKU would convene an emergency meeting here on October 17 to discuss the bleak scenario for the Punjab farmers and chalk out a strategy to launch an agitation to seek justice. |
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With magnet in hand, they pull on Ludhiana, October 16 Paro is one such person. She moves out early in the morning with an iron rod fitted with a magnet at one end. With the help of this magnet she collects pieces of iron scrap, nails and other iron object lying on the road. She carries a bag on her shoulders in which she keeps putting the collected objects. Later, she takes this material to some scrap dealer and gets some money in return. There are many others who earn their livelihood in this way. Paro says, “I have to walk 10 to 12 km with the magnet everyday. Generally, I am able to collect three to four kg of iron scrap. By selling this to a scrap dealers, I manage to make between Rs 20 to Rs 30 daily. But sometimes, I don’t even get that much money. It is God’s will. But I am proud of the hard way I earn money. Many others living in our make-shift colony make their living by begging. They often taunt me that after such hard labour, I am able to make only half the amount that they make by begging. But I don’t care about such remarks. At least I don’t have to stretch my hands in front of anybody for earning my daily bread.” The life is tough in summers as it is too warm to walk long distances. In winters, it is too cold to go out. Inclement weather also keeps them indoors on many days. “Those operating in Focal Point and industrial areas make more money as a lot more iron scrap is available there,” says Rano. Putli Bai and her friend, Rano, had to opt for this work to earn money as they were left penniless after their husbands died and they were thrown out of their houses. “This was the only way left for us as we could invest only in a magnet. In the morning, after having our meagre breakfast of stale chapatis with leftover vegetables, we hastily make a few more chapatis and carry these with us for lunch. After returning home in the evening, we prepare dinner and a few extra ‘rotis’ for breakfast. We hardly earn enough to eat a decent meal and are forced to buy secondhand clothes,” say Rano and Putli. This job requires no qualification but grit, stamina and hard work which they have to have in plenty. What else can they do when it is a matter of survival? |
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HAUTE COUTURE Ludhiana, October 16 She says that she is the first woman to introduce boutique culture in India (under the brand name Ritu). Born in Amritsar, Ritu did her schooling in Shimla, Dalhousie and Amritsar. “After opening my boutiques in Amritsar and Chandigarh, I chose to open one in this industrial city to cater to the needs of women from all walks of life. You don’t have to base everything in Delhi or Mumbai; people of small cities, too, have great aesthetic sense,” Ritu says. “My work is constantly evolving, with aesthetics that are sophisticated by eastern as well as western standards. Each of my collections makes a contemporary statement in a fast-changing modern India,” she said. Ritu has virtually redefined the term “fashion” in the Indian context. She has shown that the work done with the hands can be as profitable and glamourous as any work done on machine. She has proved that Indian fashion is capable of holding its own in the international arena. She holds the status of a revivalist in the Indian fashion industry, that has successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity. While Ritu’s forte lies in traditional Indian clothes, that borrow heavily from the textile and embroidery heritage of India, she has also evolved another style for the young buyer. It is a collection which she says has “redefined traditional handwriting to meet the changing needs of the new generation.” Ritu has been designing wardrobes comprising swimsuits, evening wear, traditional wear, casuals and formal gowns worn by three winners of the Miss India title in international beauty pageants. Ritu says: “The fashion sense came to India in 1990, when the industry got recognition. Almost every small city in India has a fashion college these days to cater to the demands of people. It is encouraging that India has created a niche for herself in the international market.” |
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Hired security for Jagannath rath yatra Ludhiana, October 16 Though the local police would be keeping an eye on the long procession of devotees and diverting traffic as usual, keeping in view the participation of a large number of ISKCON devotees from several foreign countries this time, the organisers are leaving nothing to chance. According to Mr Satish Gupta, president of the Rath Yatra Mahotsav Committee, Mr U.S. Sharma, director of the private security agency, hired by the ISKCON, studied the yatra route and also the likely bottlenecks on the way. Meanwhile, as many as 300 different social and religious organisations of the city have been assigned various duties for the yatra day. In this connection, the Mangli Gauri Samiti has been assigned the job of running a number of “bhandaras” along the yatra route. According to Mr Sanjiv Sood, a shobha yatra of Acharya Jagadguru Shrila
Prabhupad, the founder of ISKCON, would be taken out on October 24 on the eve of the arrival of Lord Jagannath in the city. The shobha yatra would start at 6 pm from the Field Ganj area, he added. |
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Prof Mohan
Singh memorial Mela Ludhiana, October 16 Prof Jagdev Singh Jassowal, one of his ardent admirers started the mela on October 20 1978, on the birthday of Prof Mohan Singh, who died on May 3, 1978. Over the years, the mela has gained an international stature and poets and artists from all over the word participate in it. Prof Mohan Singh was born in Pothohar, educated in Lahore, and started a publishing house in Jalandhar. Later, he became Assistant Professor in Patiala. In Ludhidna he wrote “Mohan Kinjh Banda Tu Shair Je Mein na Mardi” and many other memorable literary works. |
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PCTE students bag top positions Ludhiana, October 16 Gautam Sikri won the first position in the BBA (sixth semester) examination. The sixth position in the second semester and eight position in the sixth semester examinations were also bagged by the Punjab College of Technical Education ( PCTE) students. The results of these examinations were declared earlier but the PTU has recently sent the merit positions list. Gautam Sikri and Deepak Gupta have bagged the first and the eighth position with 85.83 and 82 percent marks in the BBA (sixth semester) examination. Arshpreet Khattra has bagged the first position with a percentage of 84.3. She got 506 marks out of 600 in the second semester. Deepika Narang and Prabhjot Singh have got 82.3 and 82 per cent marks, respectively, while Emika Oberoi bagged the sixth position with 79.6 per cent marks in the second semester. The common refrain of the toppers is: "It has become possible only because of hard work and practical approach." "It is a matter of pride and honour for all the teachers and students of PCTE to achieve such magnificent results," said Dr K.N.S. Kang, Director, Punjab College of Technical Education, Ludhiana. |
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Bonanza for tipplers Ludhiana, October 16 This time rates of beer have also been brought down and the same are at par with the rates fixed by the state government. Earlier, the price of beer was higher than the fixed by the state government. Liquor contractors said sometime the consumers buy in bulk and distribute the same among themselves to get cheaper whisky. Smuggling of whisky from Chandigarh is continuing without any check. IMFL and country liquor are cheaper in Chandigarh when compared with the availability of the same in Punjab towns. Another interesting revelation has come to the fore during the investigations. This pertains to the anti-corruption drive launched by the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, under directions from the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh. The Punjab Government has posted officials of the Excise and Taxation Department who look after the sales or supplies from the distilleries to the liquor vends against the official permits for retail sale. The officials normally take “ fixed monthly” from the liquor contractors at the rate of Rs 1 per bottle. As the campaign against corruption got impetus, the officials of the state Excise Department stopped taking the “fixed monthly” from the liquor contractors for a month or so. |
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Idols of Durga immersed Ludhiana, October 16 A large number of women, children and men took part in the festivities which mark the end of Durga Puja, an important festival of Bengalis. Every year, the function culminates by immersing idols of gods and goddesses in a river. After performing the puja, each idol was immersed with the crowds dancing to the ‘thap’ traditional Bengali drums. The procession started from Ludhiana in trucks, trollies and tempos, carrying bedecked idols, painstakingly made by artists who had come all the way from Kolkata. Amidst dancing and cheering, the idols were immersed in Sutlej and people greeted each other, promising to meet again next year. |
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Locality
to have sewerage soon Ludhiana, October 16 The project will complete within the next two months. |
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Police arrests seven tricksters Ludhiana, October 16 According to information, the police arrested these persons while they were loitering at the railway station under suspicious circumstances. Those arrested have been identified as Sumar Palwan, Kailash Gupta, Shibu, Ranjit, Gopal, Santosh and Vikas. They have reportedly confessed that they used to board trains from Ferozepore and get familiar with migrants returning home with money. After winning their confidence, they used to give them drug-laced tea and biscuits and then robbed them of their belongings. Two knives have been seized from their possession. Snatcher held:
Earlier, Mr Charanjit Singh, an employee of a resident of New Prem Nagar, had alleged in a complaint that while he was driving the vehicle, he was intercepted by some persons and deprived of some cash at knife point. The driver informed a PCR team which, with the help of the Salem Tabri police, nabbed one of the accused and recovered the cash snatched from the victim. 4 injured in scuffle:
Mohinder Pal and his son, Lucky, who have been admitted to the local Civil Hospital, alleged that while a special meeting of the Valmik Naujawan Sudhar Sabha was in progress some people attacked them with sticks. On the other hand, Vijay Kumar, who has also been admitted to the same hospital, along with Surinder Kumar, alleged that he was also a member of the sabha. When they resisted a demand of Rs 1,500 as funds for the sabha, they were attacked and injured by the other group, he alleged. Woman immolates herself:
Woman duped:
According to the complainant, while she was returning home from Trilok Nagar on Monday, an unidentified man accosted her and after claiming that he knew her, offered to get widow pension sanctioned in her favour. He asked her to accompany him to the office concerned. On the way, he said since she was wearing gold bangles she might not get the benefit of widow pension and asked her to take the jewellery off and hand it over to him. But soon after taking the bangles, he said the office was closed on account of a holiday. He went away after returning her an identical bangle set, which later turned out to be a fake one. |
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