The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

TRIBUNE IMPACT
Admn swings into action on VAT issue
Excise officers directed to organise awareness camps
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

MAIN OBJECTION TO VAT

The main reservation of city manufacturers stems from the proposed VAT provision under which they will have to pay tax on the purchase of raw material. Under the existing sales tax structure, the manufacturers are purchasing goods against form sales tax number 22, which allows them to buy goods without paying tax. But under VAT, this form has been dispensed with and the manufacturers will have to pay tax on purchase of raw material. Further, VAT provides that the said tax will be refunded to the dealer or will be adjusted against other tax liability which he has. Manufacturers, however, point out that VAT has not laid down any clear provisions about the said refund.

Chandigarh, March 8
After initially dragging itself on the outstanding value added tax (VAT) issue, the UT Administration now seems to be swinging into rapid action. Earlier, despite repeated uproars in various state Assemblies over the proposed VAT Act coming into force across the country from April 1, the response of the Chandigarh Administration to the whole affair was quite slack.

However, following a report in the Chandigarh Tribune, highlighting the prevailing confusion over the structure of the VAT Act as applicable to the city, the UT Administration is getting into the act of creating awareness about VAT. The first major step in this direction came today, with the Excise and Taxation Department of the UT Administration instructing its officers to visit their respective wards and organise awareness camps by inviting traders, manufacturers and businessmen, who would be the most affected by the implementation of VAT.

The officials have been directed to apprise traders of the value added tax concept and explain the similarities between the existing Sales Tax Act and the proposed VAT Act. The ET Department officials today made it convenient to distribute various forms which have to be filled in for registration under the proposed VAT Act. Officials informed Chandigarh Tribune that while the first awareness camp in this regard was organised in the market of Sector 22-C on Thursday last and the second one was organised in the Industrial Area today, where a lawyer, Mr Ajay Jagga read out his detailed paper on VAT.

The Chandigarh Tribune enlists some important provisions, as proposed under the VAT Act:

Under the proposed VAT Act, every existing registered dealer must get his registration converted into VAT registration from the Excise and Taxation Department. For this conversion, the dealer concerned has to fill is a four-page factsheet which is almost similar to the fact sheet provided on the VAT website (www.pextax.com) launched by the Punjab government. The only difference that the UT's factsheet will have from the Punjab factsheet will pertain to column number 19 of the Punjab's factsheet that talks about tax exemption and deferment. It may be clarified that Chandigarh never had any exemption or deferment scheme similar to Punjab.

* Under the proposed VAT Act, the entire billing pattern will be in for a change. All the traders must acquire new invoices which are called tax credit invoices under the proposed VAt structure. Under this scheme, the total value added tax that has been charged at all the stages of the sale of a particular item must be shown on the invoice. Such a provision will facilitate transparency.

* As per new provisions, all traders, businessmen must maintain two (sales and purchase) new registers in addition to the existing accounting and documentation.

Student commits suicide
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8
The body of a first-year student of hotel management at the Dr Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Sector 42, was found hanging from the ceiling of a bathroom in a Sector 40 house here this morning.

The victim, Pukhraj Singh (18), was living in a rented accommodation along with three other students. Terming it as a suicide case, the police ruled out any foul play behind the death.

According to information available, the deceased was said to be under stress after his parents rebuked him for shorning off his hair last evening. After shorning off his hair, he along with his room mate, Nishant, went to an STD booth to inform his parents, who live in Delhi. Nishant reportedly told the police that Pukhraj was under depression after his parents told him that they were not interested in his continuing with his hotel management course in Chandigarh as he had embarrassed them by shorning off his hair.

Nishant found the body when Pukhraj did not come out of the bathroom for a long time and did not respond to his call. Nishant with the help of other persons broke open the door of the bathroom. Two other room mates of the deceased had gone out of station.

On receiving a call, police personnel from Sector 39 Police Station reached the spot and took the body for a post-mortem to the Sector 16 General Hospital. The father of the deceased, Mr Upinder Singh, who works in a bank in Delhi, reached the city along with his wife. Some relatives of the deceased, who live in the city, were informed by the authorities of the institute. The body was handed over to the victim’s family after conducting the autopsy.

The police has intiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC. No suicide note has been found by the police. An official of the institute said Pukhraj was a bright student. However, he was said to be an introvert.

In another incident, a 16-year-old girl of Sector 25 colony, Omi, allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her jhuggi. The police has intiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC.

Discussions, contests mark Women’s Day
Tribune Reporters

Chandigarh, March 8
International Women’s Day brought a ray of hope to underprivileged women in Makhan Majra today as the Chandigarh Social Welfare Advisory Board, in collaboration with a voluntary organisation, the Survival of Young and Adolescent Foundation, popularly known as the Surya Foundation, launched an awareness campaign ‘Swasth Naar, Sukhi Parivar’ as part of the national campaign by the Department of Women and Child Development under the Ministry of Human Development.

The campaign was launched by Ms Kamlesh Gupta, chairman of the board. Addressing the participants, Ms Gupta apprised them of various schemes for women. Ms Madhavi Kataria, SDM (South), Chandigarh, was the chief guest on the occasion. She delivered a talk on empowerment of women. Mr Gurdeep Singh, Director, Social Welfare Department, talked about pension and other schemes being offered by the department to make women economically independent.

Dr Ramneek Sharma, founder of the Surya Foundation, talked about female foeticide and general status of women in society. A group of 35 women from this area were identified as beneficiaries of the campaign who would be taught about various topics relating to health, hygiene and formation of self-help groups.

About 45 students were awarded certificates in various courses being run by the Surya Foundation. A mehndi contest was also organised on the occasion. Riti won the contest.

Meanwhile, various city institutions also celebrated International Women’s Day today. The NSS unit of Government College, Sector 46, celebrated the day by giving away prizes to NSS volunteers and NCC cadets for their outstanding performance in various activities taken up during the current session.

A colourful function by NSS and NCC cadets of the Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26, was organised to celebrate the occasion that brought forward various issues relating to status of women. The Principal of the college, Dr Harjinder Kaur, was the chief guest, while commanding officers of the naval wing and air wing, Mr Gursharan Singh and Mr R.K. Sharma, were the guests of honour.

A special programme was organised to culminate the week-long programme to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Government College of Education, Sector 20. Skits, songs, dance items and speeches highlighted the constructive and creative roles of women in nation building. The Government College for Girls, Sector 42, organised a talk on ‘Women and stress management’ to celebrate the day. Sri Sukhmani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dera Bassi, organised a paper-presentation contest on topics like ‘Gender bias in Indian society’ and ‘Role of women in Indian scenario’.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched a new policy, Jeevan Bharti, for women. A function in this regard, was held at the Kalka branch. Mr R.S. Upadhyay, branch manager, Mr Jas Pal Singh, divisional manager (Information Technology) of Karnal Division, briefed the participants about the scheme. The policy was inaugurated by Dr Jatinder Pal Kaur.

AMBALA

Only a few girl’s colleges organised functions on International Women’s Day. None of the women cells of any political party, nor any women organisation, which claim to raise voice for women’s rights, formally organised any function to focus on the day.

The Ambala City branch of Life Insurance Corporation, launched a special insurance policy ‘Jeevan Bharti’ at a function that was inaugurated by the lone woman MLA of the district, Ms Veena Chubbier.

A function was also organised in MDSD Girls’ College, Ambala City. A panel discussion was conducted on problems faced by women. Ms Vidhya Gupta, Ms B. Chawla and Ms Amerjeet Sodhi expressed their views on the occasion. The in charge of the women cell of the college, Ms Deep Shikha, also spoke on the occasion. A function was organised in Dev Samaj Girls College, Ambala City. The in charge of the women cell of the college, Ms Sudha Gupta addressed the students on this occasion.

PATIALA

The Patiala Deputy Commissioner, Mr Tejveer Singh, said here today that non- government Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers should work in close coordination with government agencies to create a movement against sensitive issues like female foeticide and dowry.

He was speaking at a seminar on Women Empowerment at the Red Cross Bhavan here. He said the male-female ratio was alarming in the state. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, and Dr Vandana from the Health department also spoke on the occasion.

SAS NAGAR

The SAS Nagar Clinic of Personal Point organised a special event to mark International Women’s Day here today. ‘Best personality’ and ‘Best client’ were chosen from among women clients of the clinic.

Young blood in MC out to prove worth
Ruchika M. Khanna
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, March 8
No matter how dull and dreary the current political set-up may be, for the young newly elected municipal councillors, there is still hope for making their roles as true representatives of the masses more meaningful.

These 20-something councillors have high aims of living upto the expectations of the masses who have voted them to power. Though these councillors were sworn in today, they had already started development works in their respective wards and were making their presence felt in the joys and sorrows of the electorate.

This young brigade has got the priorities right for the wards. “We are not going to sit idle and let things be for the next three years and work only for two years before the next elections. We have contested the elections to work for the development of the area, ” says Mr Vikas Chaudhary (25), the youngest councillor in the MC from Ward 25.

His views are echoed by Ms Manvir Gill, councillor from Ward 23. She says, “Gone are the days when politics was a means to get power. It is a full-fledged profession and we are here to serve the people who have sent us to the Panchkula Municipal Council as their representatives. As young leaders, we are here to change the perception of politicians in the people’s mind.”

She says her main concern will be the beautification of her ward (Sectors 4 and 12 and Railla village). She says the first thing on her agenda is the realignment and beautification of the Singh Nullah that passes through most parts of her ward.

Mr Tarun Bhandari (27), councillor from Ward 25, says he has the people’s mandate in spite of four senior citizens contesting against him. He says, “People, too, want a change in image. The hand-spun dhoti-clad politician is out and in his place has walked in the suave politician, who instead of sitting on his high seat after being elected, stands by the people.” He says first on his agenda is getting the roads repaired in Sector 4 and he has got patchwork done on a majority of the internal roads.

Another first-timer in politics, Ms Anita Aggarwal (29), councillor from Ward 30, says though she had never aimed at politics as a career option, she is now overwhelmed by the expectations that the people have from her and the massive support that she had got from the residents of her ward. She says, “I have talked to the HUDA authorities and am getting patchwork on roads in my ward done. I will now like to get development work done for residents of Madrasi Colony and Maheshpur village, where residents are living in the most insanitary conditions. There are neither toilets nor drinking water facilities.”

Spring Fest opens amid riot of colours
Tribune News Service

Tiny tots admire roses at the 17th Spring Fest Flower Festival being organised by HUDA at Town Park, Sector 5, Panchkula, on Saturday. — A Tribune photograph

Panchkula, March 8
The 17th Spring Fest Flower Festival was inaugurated amidst a riot of colours lent by the beautiful flowers of spring and artistes from Rajasthan and Punjab, who enthralled the visitors to the festival at Town Park today.

A number of people not just from the township, but also from Chandigarh and neighbouring areas of Himachal, visited the festival on the first day.

The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) the organiser of this two-day annual festival, left no stone unturned to ensure that the Town Park was beautifully decorated. Students from various schools had made beautiful rangolis for a Rangoli competition and competitions in classic cut flowers and flower arrangements were also organised in specially crafted tents.

The festival was inaugurated by the Commissioner, Mr Maha Singh who was accompanied by top officials of HUDA and the district administration. The festival was marked by a number of competitions and an exquisite flower and plant show. The results of the various competitions are given as below.

Class C cut flowers

Open to all including institutions

Gladiolus collection of 4 different var:- Mr Ram Sufal Morya 1, CHB - 2, Gladiolus Collection of three different Var:- Mr Ram Sufal Morya 1, CHB 2; Dahlia:- ADH CPWD Asstt Director-1, CHB and Groz Beckert Ltd -2; Carnation:- Punjab Station Ware Housing Corporation 1, director PGI 2; Antirrhinum:- CHB-1, Deltron Ltd 2; Pansy Exhibition Blooms:- Punjab State Ware Housing Corporation 1, Chandigarh CITCO 2; Gerber (single):- Chandigarh CITCO 1, Regional Director, Regional Institutions of Company management, Chd 2; Gerber (Double):- CRRID 1, Punjab State Ware Housing Corporation 2; Stock (Branching) Punjab State Ware Housing Corporation 1, Chandigarh CITCO 2; Stock (nn branching):- Chandigarh CITCO 1, Director PGI 2.

Fresh Flower arrangement:- Renu Rana 1, Binbu Misra 2; Dry flower arrangement:- Binbu Misra 1, Suman Dutta 2; Mixed flower arrangement (with fresh and dry flowers):- Shila Mitra 1, Taruna 2; Arrangement of flowers for a corner:- Heena 1, Simran Chopra 2.

Open to children up to 15 years:- Bunch of fresh flowers arranged in a vase or bowl:- Arjun Chopra 1, Shivani Pathania 2; bunch of dry flowers arranged in a vase or bowl:- Lokesh 1, Ishan 2.

Open to Malis only:- Floral arrangement for central table:- Harish 1, Mr Lallan 2; Most artistic bouquet:- Shiv Prasad 1, Mr Parbhu 2; Most artistic garland (haar):- Mr Ram Asrey 1, Mr Parabhu 2.

Class B cut flowers

Open to individuals only:- Gladiolus :- Mr Ramkishore Morya 1, Ram Sufal Morya 2; Dahlia:- Ram Sunder 1, Mahesh Prasad and Ram Kishore Morya 2; Carnation:- Chanderma Singh 1, Balbir Singh 2; Antirrhinum:- Mahesh Prasad 1, Mohinder Singh 2; Lupin:- U.D. Kapre 1, T.L. Eshwar 2; Stock:- Rakesh Kumar Morya 1, ADH CPWD 2; Aster:- Ram Sunder 1, Dwarika Prasad 2; Sweet Peas:- Cywthia Shear 1, Ram Sunder 2; Pansy :- Rakesh Kumar Morya 1, Ram Kirpal 2. Rose Hybir tea:- Mr Sanjay 1, Mr Jaswant Singh and Chanderma Singh 2: Clarkia:- Chandigarh CITCO 1, Ranbaxy Lab, Nawanshahr 2; Salvia:- Deltron Ltd 1, CHB 2; Petunia double :- Director PGI 1, CHB 2; Aster:- Groz Deckert Ltd 1; Ranbaxy Ltd Nawanshahr 2; Lupin:- Chandigarh CITCO 1, Ranbaxy Lab Nawanshahr 2; Sweet Peas:- Deltron Ltd 1, Vatika Nursery 2; Rose Hyrbid Tea:- Chandigarh CITCO 1, Director PGI and CRRID 2; Rose Floribunda :- Director PGI 1, Director PGI 2; any other flower not mentioned above:- CHB 1, CHB and Director PGI 2.

Mehandi competition (Age group below 12):- Ruchi 1, HImani Bansal 2; age group 12 -16 years:- Ruby 1, Tanu 2; age group above 16 years:- Pooja Dhiman 1, Neeru Garg 2; Open Category:- Ruchi 1, Ritiba Kamboj and Saloni 2.

Rangoli Competition (open category):- Blue Bird School, Pkl 1, Mrs Alka Kansal and Miss Pant 2.

School category:- Haryana Model School, Pkl 1, Nav Bal Niketan School 2.

Painting competition (age group below 6 years):- Palak Jain, SPS 1, Vineet, JPS 2; age group 6 to 12 years:- Anu Kumari, HMSSS 1, Seema Goyal BBHS 2; age group 12 to 16 years:- Suchi Gupta, DCMS 1, Pardeep Kumar, DCMS 2.

Open category (age group below 6 years):- Tansi 1, Alisa Sharma 2; age group 6 to 12 years:- Kirti Sharma 1, Manpreet and Pooja Singla 2; age group 12 to 16 years:- Geetika Anand 1, Sunil Aggarwal/Deepika Manchanda and Seema Sharma 2.

Class -E Potted Plants

Pansy:- Chandigarh CITCO-Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board-2nd prize; Phlox: St Xavier High School, Chd -Ist prize; Director PGI- 2nd prize; Aster:- Chandigarh CITCO -Ist prize; Deltron Ltd - 2nd prize; Nasturtium :- Chandigarh Housing Board-Ist prize; Director PGI- 2nd prize; Verbena:- Vatika Nursery -Ist prize; Director PGI-2nd ; brachycome:- Chandigarh Housing Board - Ist Prize; Director PGI - 2nd prize; Geranium:- Chandigarh CITCO- Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board - 2nd prize; Cineraria:- Director PGI - Ist prize; Deltron Ltd - 2nd prize p; Antirrhinum:- Chandigarh Housing Board - Ist prize; Director PGI - 2nd prize; Cineraria:- Mr Dwarika Prasad- Ist prize ; Amandeep Singh - 2nd prize; Antirrhinum: - Mr Amandeep Singh - Ist prize; Mr Amandeep Singh - 2nd prize; Salvia:- Mr Amandeep Singh - Ist prize; Mr Hira Lal Verma - 2nd prize; Carnation:- Mr Munna Lal-Ist prize; Mr Bhagat Ram - 2nd prize; Dahlia:- Mr Sukhi Chahal- Ist prize; Dr Rajni Thareja - 2nd prize; Petunia:- Mr Bhagat Ram and Mrs B.Roy - Ist prize; Mr C Shear and Ms Kavita Soni - 2nd prize; Rose HT:- Nil - Ist prize; Col D.C. Katoch-2nd prize;

Any annual not mentioned above: Mr Ashok Kumar - Ist prize; Mr Shivesh Datta and Mr Mahesh Prasad - 2nd prize; Cacti collection:- Hans Raj Public School -Ist prize; Ms Kavita Soni - 2nd prize; Succulent Collection of 4 different kinds: - Ms Kavita Soni - Ist prize; Dr Rajni Thareja - 2nd prize; Foliage plants decoratively trained 4 different kinds: Col D.C. Katoch - Ist prize; Ms Kavita Soni - 2nd prize; Collection of Bonsai Plants:- Dr V.P. Sood - Ist prize; Ms Sukhi Chahal - 2nd prize; Collection of decoratively trained bougainvillea:- Dr Rajni Thareja - Ist prize.

Best garden in School camps in Panchkula city:- Hans Raj Public School and Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan - Ist prize; The Gurukul School and Satluj Public School - 2nd prize.

Best garden in institutions: HSIDC Officer Appartments - Ist prize; M/s Venus Remedies Ltd and HSAM Board - 2nd prize.

Any annaul not mentioned above:- Vee Kay Nursery - Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board - 2nd prize; Cacti collection of four different kinds - Chandigarh Housing Board - Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board and The Gurukul School - 2nd prize; Succulent other than cacti 4 different kinds: CHB - Ist prize; The Gurukul School - 2nd prize; Collection of Climbing foliage plants:- Chandigarh Housing Board - Ist prize; Chandigarh CITCO and Col D.C. Katoch - 2nd prize; Collection of non-climbing foliage plants 4 different kinds:- Col D.C. Katoch - Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board - 2nd prize;

Class -D Potted plants (Open to individuals only): Pansy:- Mr Amandeep Singh - Ist prize; Mr Virender Sharma and Mr Bhagat Ram - 2nd prize; Phlox: - Mr Ashok Kumar - Ist prize; Mr Virender Sharma - 2nd prize; Aster:- Mr Shiv Baran-Ist prize; Mr Mahesh Prasad-2nd prize; Nasturtium: Mr Amandeep Singh -Ist prize; Ms Kavita Soni- 2nd prize; Verbena:- Dr Ranji Thareja- Ist prize; Mr Bhagat Ram and Mr Amandeep Singh - 2nd prize; Brachycome:- Mr Bhagat Ram- Ist prize; Mr Ramkishan - 2nd prize; Geranium:- Mr Dwarika Prasad- Ist prize; Mr Ramkishor Morya- 2nd prize; Marigold (African):- Director PGI - Ist prize; Director PGI - 2nd prize; Marigold (French):- Director PGI - Ist prize; Chandigarh Housing Board- 2nd prize; Petunia: - St Xavier Sr Sec School, Chd and Chandigarh CITCO - Ist prize; Chandigarh CITCO and Chandigarh Housing Board - 2nd prize; Stock:- Director PGI - Ist prize; Mr Shobh Nath and Punjab State Ware Housing Corporation - 2 prize; Carnation: - Director PGI- 2nd prize; Nemesia - Director PGI- Ist prize; Deltron Ltd - 2nd prize; Salvia:- Director PGI - Ist prize; Deltron Ltd - 2nd prize; Dhalia in pots:- Chandigarh Housing Board- Ist prize; Director PGI-2nd prize; Rose HT:- Nil- Ist prize; Nil - 2nd prize; Rose Floribunda:- Director PGI- Ist prize; Nil - 2nd prize.

Tribute to empowered women
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8
Eminent playwright Sardar Gursharan Singh could not have made a better offering than this one on the occasion of International Women's Day. Through his play "Mera laung gwacha", staged at Tagore Theatre this evening, the theatre veteran bared the festering wounds of hundreds of women who have been consumed by the fire of dowry.

Raising the crucial issue of women's liberation in the thick of male dominance and wrath, Sardar Gursharan Singh left the judgement to the viewers. The story is set in a Muslim home which is bursting with joy on the marriage of Sakina, the darling daughter of the house. The affair of celebration is eclipsed when the man Sakina loves sticks his tongue out for a motor cycle, which is highlighted in the play as a symbol of social greed. For Sakina it is the final moment of reckoning. She is left with a scarred heart, which is in for more trouble.

The script matures in another act when Sakina is married off to a non-resident Pakistani boy, who takes her to the USA. With a heart full of grief in an alien land, Sakina is further subjected to travails by her in-laws. The final nail in the coffin comes when she is thrown out of the house. Weaving the narrowness of male thought into the script, the playwright raises the vital issue of "how equal and liberated is the woman of today."

Sakina brings her man to book for having berated her. He, in turn, pretends to make amends, but in reality is waiting for the moment to settle scores. This is when the protagonist Sakina gives birth to a girl child, thereby inviting criticism and humiliation from her man. He threatens her with abandonment on the grounds that she will no longer be happily accepted by any other now, since she has engendered a girl.

The playwright hits the zenith when he empowers his protagonist with the courage of conviction. In the final act, Sakina walks over the man who insults her womanhood and lauds herself, her femininity and her newborn child. She safeguards her dignity, refusing to leave it in tatters anymore.

The play was a joint production of the students of drama wing of Pracheen Kala kendra and Chandigarh School of Drama, run by Sardar Gursharan Singh.

Blood donation camp on Women's Day
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8
The Tribune Employees Union organised a blood donation camp on the occasion of International Woman's Day on the premises of The Tribune here today. This was the 15th consecutive blood donation camp and the first on International Women's Day organised by the union.

A team of doctors from the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, led by Dr Kavita Srivastva conducted the camp.

More than 100 employees, including women, of The Tribune Trust donated blood. Mr Arun Kaushal donated blood for the 57th time followed by Dr Renuka Nayyar (30 times), Mr Raman Sharma (29 times) and Mr Surinder Singh and Mr Anil Gupta (both 19 times). Besides, a number of other employees donated blood for more than 10 times.

Dr R.P. Bambah, a Trustee of The Tribune Trust, who inaugurated the camp, appreciated the union for promoting social causes, in addition to watching the interests of the institution and its employees. He appealed to the union to keep this tradition of blood donation alive.

Mr Hari Jaisingh, Editor, The Tribune, said that the employees' union in itself was a unique institution and it had taken up social causes, including blood donation camps, with a missionary zeal. He also appreciated the role of the union in strengthening the institution.

The union president, Mr Balbir Singh Jandu, said that the camp, which was second in the current year, was in keeping with the union traditions of undertaking social work. He said that the union was committed to carrying on social activities in true spirit. He also spoke on the history and importance of International Woman's Day. Today's camp was dedicated to International Woman's Day and the movement for women's rights, he said.

Among others who appreciated the commitment of the union to this social cause included Mrs Saudamani Bambah, Mr O.P. Arora, Additional General Manager, The Tribune, Mr S.S. Bhullar, Editor, Punjabi Tribune, and Mr Vijaya Saigal, Editor, Dainik Tribune.

Kalpana Chawla remembered on Women’s Day
Tribune Reporters and PTI

Sangrur, March 8
A district-level seminar on Female foeticide was organised by the district health authorities here today on the occasion of Women’s Day. Mr A.S. Rai, SSP, told the health authorities that the police would extend its support against the violators of the PNDT Act.

Dr J.R. Bansal, Civil Surgeon, said female foeticide was a social evil and if not curbed, would lead to adverse results.

A play against female foeticide was also staged by the Rang Toli, a theatre group from Amritsar. The Punjab unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said the degrees of doctors involved in the violation of the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act should be derecognised.

NAWANSHAHR: The local Dayanand Amarnath College of Education for Women organised a function here on Saturday to mark Women’s Day.

Ms Neeraja, SSP, Ms Santosh Kataria, and Ms Kulwinder Kaur, chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively of the zila parishad, and Ms Indumati Gautam, a social worker, were honoured on the occasion.

A two minutes’ silence was also observed to pay tributes to astronaut Kalpana Chawla.

JALANDHAR: A state-level function, dedicated to Kalpana Chawla, was organised here. Chaudhary Santokh Singh, Minister for Social Welfare, said it was a matter of concern that despite several laws, women were still suffering for want of awareness.

Referring to the schemes initiated by the government for the welfare of women, he said apart from the state-funded insurance of Rs 5,000 at the time of the birth of a girl, the state government was providing a monthly incentive of Rs 50 to ensure the attendance of about 4.5 lakh girls in schools.

TARN TARAN: The Vikas Manch, Punjab, celebrated Women’s Day here. Mrs Kiranjot Kaur, former general secretary of the SGPC, was the chief guest while Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal, president of the manch, presided over the function.

SHIMLA: Dr Suraj Bhan, Himachal Governor, has stressed on ensuring a rightful place to women in society. He was the chief guest at a state-level function organised to celebrate Women’s Day by the Department of Social, Women and Scheduled Caste Welfare at Rani Jhansi Park.

KURUKSHETRA: Mr S.P. Sharma, Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, stressed the need for raising social consciousness among the youth against sex-determination tests. He was speaking at a symposium on the declining female sex ratio in Haryana organised by the Women studies Research Centre of Kurukshetra University.

The Director-General, Health Services, Haryana, Dr Baljit Singh Dahiya, the president of AIDWA (Haryana chapter), Dr Agmati Sangwan, and Ms Preeti Chawla, vice-chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, were among others who spoke on the occasion.

FATEHABAD: The All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) organised a public meeting on the occasion of Women’s Day. Ms Jatinder Paul Kaur, zila parishad member, presided. Speakers said the talks of women’s rights by the Central and the state governments was eyewash. They also held a procession and submitted memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner in support of their demands.

Ms Satya Vidyarthi, convener of the Janwadi Vichar Manch, and Ms Anita Rani, secretary of the district unit of the AIDWA, also spoke.

BUSINESS

‘Dairies need brand building’
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8
Dairying in India has emerged as an important sector of the economy and is growing at a rate of 5 per cent per annum. The total milk production, about 60 million tonnes, is only second to the USA, but the productivity is far below the world average. These views were expressed by the national experts in the dairy sector gathered here to participate in a three-day 32nd Dairy Industry Conference, North Zone.

The experts of the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) gave a call to the dairy cooperatives to invest in brand building, improvement in quality of the products that could take on the foreign markets. Speaking on the second day, Dr N.R. Bhasin, Chairman, IDA, urged the dairy owners to make efforts to build competitiveness in manufacturing of value-added services.

In the wake of the trade liberalisation policy of the government, he said, the scope for exports of conventional and indigenous dairy products had improved considerably.

In his presentation on ‘promoting brand equity,’ Mr R.S. Sodhi, GM (Marketing), GCMMF, Anand, said,‘‘ During the past five decades Amul had made heavy investments to build the brand by targeting different segments of society. With its success in the domestic and international markets, Amul had empowered of lakhs of women in rural India.’’

Dr B M Mahajan, Managing Director, Milkfed, claimed that the state cooperative had prepared a blue print for the diversification of resources. The National Dairy Development Board had approved an investment of Rs 72 crore for the implementation of Vision 2005 plan.

On this occasion, Dr Kurian Award was presented to Mr Jashvantlal S. Shah in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Indian dairying. An impressive exhibition of dairy machinery was also organised on the occasion, which attracted good response from the farmers and industry.