DMCH staff want colleague’s suspension revoked
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 21
Tension prevailed at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) when around 40 employees of the hospital gathered here today demanding the withdrawal of suspension orders of one of the hospital employees and to let the employees lit a “diya” at Pir Baba’s mazaar on every Thursday, which was allegedly locked by the management a few months ago.

An employee of the DMCH said the mazaar had been there on the hospital land long before the hospital building was built. “Initially, there were three mazaars here and the management had ordered to demolish them. After some time, the management decided to cordon off the area where the mazaars were located. Employees of the DMCH believe that all ill-fated incidents happening at the hospital were due to the demolition of these mazaars”, said the employee.

One of the union members of DMCH said the employees wanted to lit a “diya” at the mazaar. On Thursday, they were allowed to do so but were again stopped from visiting the mazaar. The employees had gathered to clear some misunderstandings in the morning but it was certainly not a big issue”, said the union member.

Mr Balraj Verma, acting president of the managing society, said the employees had been given the permission to visit the mazaar. “We had a meeting with the faculty members today. The faculty had been demanding guidelines on university pattern. We have assured them to provide the same at the earliest”, said Mr Verma. Regarding the suspension of an employee, Mr Verma said he was not aware of any such move.

Para-medical staff hold dharna
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 21
The district unit of the talmel committee of para-medical and health employees, Punjab, held a dharna against the non-settlement of promotion cases by the department.

Mr Amarjit Singh Pandher, convener, Anti-Larva Unit, stated in a press statement today that department officials were showing callous attitude towards settling the cases, though these were time bound. He said they were also getting support from other employees.

All set for national bridge meet
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, November 21
All arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 44th Winter National Bridge Championship, being organised by the Punjab Bridge Association at the Sutlej Club, here, from November 23 to December 3, have been completed.

Giving details at a press conference today, Mr Anurag Aggarwal, chairman, organising committee, said 200 teams, comprising 1,200 players from all over the country, would participate. He said the tournament would be played in accordance with the international standards and bidding boxes and screen tables would be used from pre-quarterfinals onwards. He said Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, would inaugurate it on November 23 at 4 pm and Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd), Governor, would distribute prizes on December 3.

He said on the inaugural day an exhibition match between the Chief Minister’s team and the Bridge Federation of India’s team would be played. The CM’s team comprises Capt Amarinder Singh, Raja Malwinder Singh, Mr Y.S. Ratra, Chief Secretary, Mr R.N. Gupta, a former IAS officer, and Mr K.R. Lakhanpal, Commissioner, Finance, while the federation’s team comprises Mr P.C. Goenka, Mr Krishan Goyal, Ms Hema Deora, Ms Geeta Lakhani and Mr Ashok Ruia.

Mr Y. Kamalakar Ra, president of the federation, said Bill Gates of Microsoft and Warren Buffet, a top financier, played this game very keenly and regularly.

Mr Krishan Goel, its general secretary, said for the conduct of the game and compilation of the results, sufficient number of computers had been installed in the club.

Ek Prayas students win 24 medals
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 21
Ten students of Ek Prayas Institute run by Social Action Group situated on the Ferozepore Road, participated in the Special Olympics, Punjab chapter at Amritsar in November. These students, along with their teachers Mr Brijesh (Rehabilitation practitioner in mental retardation), Mr Amarjeet, Ms Gurinder, Ms Meenu, and Ms Omwati, went to Amritsar with high spirits and hope of winning medals.

The students participated in athletics and cycling events and won 24 medals. Swaran won the silver and one bronze in walking, Surbhi won two bronze in dash and walk, Sukhjeet won one bronze in cycling, Gagan won one bronze in walking and eight other consolation prizes.