The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Demon in man set on fire
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 8
Four brave women — Saru Rana, Rajni Thakur, Paramjit Kaur and Anurag Gill — of Punjab today set to fire a symbolic effigy of a male demon who subjected women to sexual harassment in different walks of life.

Although coming from different organisations, different cities and parts of the state, these bravados had something in common. They had stood against sexual harassment meted out to them either by their teachers, employers or their own students. They were together on a common platform to share their experiences on the International Women’s Day at a seminar organised by the International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) here.

These women of substance had a message for their counterparts — not to bow under pressure and stand against the evil of sexual harassment.

While the world looked at them with appreciation when they were being awarded the “Brave Girls of the Year Award” by the IHRO, the ordeal they had undergone during their fight for justice was writ large on their faces. They conveyed a simple message: “Fight for your rights and never give up the fight.”

Stating that sexual harassment was rampant in almost all educational institutes, these women said the system of internal assessment was the culprit in letting the demon go scot-free. While demanding that the system of internal assessment be done away with, as it discouraged female students to go against their teachers, the awardees said they had themselves heard girls complain against their teachers in privacy but were fearful of raising their voice.

“I also faced a similar problem. But then I went ahead and chose to fail in examination than to be exploited. I received a complaint of my junior after the case came to light. She had complained that she had to undergo a similar treatment and had to leave her class finally. But she did not come out openly and instead chose to leave the degree course,” said Saru Rana, whose complaint lead to the ouster of the Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University.

Rajni Thakur, a second-year student of MPEd. at Physical Education College, Patiala, who had complained against her teacher said she had refused to take the exploitation and in her fight against her teacher a women also tried her best to prevent her from raising her voice.

Ms Paramjit Kaur, an employee of Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, said unless the women listened to their heart, the evil of sexual harassment would become stronger day by day.

Ms Anurag Gill, a former lecturer in Government College of Boys, Ludhiana, who was harassed by her students, appreciated the role of the police and media in bringing the guilty to the book. She had resigned from her college when the Principal of the college had allegedly punished her instead of her students against whom she had complained.

After the seminar, where these girls shared their experiences with other women, an effigy representing five men who had allegedly exploited them was burnt.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Model on Jhansi, Indira, Kalpana
Tribune Reporters

Ludhiana, March 8
A national seminar on women’s empowerment was held today at Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Mrs Gurkanwal Kaur, MLA, was the chief guest. Mrs Sarojini Sharda, Commissioner, MC, Jalandhar, Mrs Bhavna Garg, SDM, Ludhiana, and Dr Swaranjit Mehta were the guests of honour.

Dr B.S. Ghuman was the chairperson. Mr Swaran Singh, president, college managing committee, gave the welcome address. Mrs Gurkanwal Kaur, appreciating the achievements of Indira Gandhi, Rani Jhansi and Kalpana Chawla, denounced social evils like dowry, female foeticide and mental and sexual harassment of women.

Mrs Sharda talked about the identity crisis that the Indian woman was facing today. She emphasised the need for her to be her own self and not look towards a man to give her a name. Mrs Garg stressed on the emergence of a new independent woman.

Mrs Swaranjit Mehta from Panjab University highlighted the need to understand the concept of “empowerment of women”.

She said empowerment did not mean targeting all men but working on an equal platform with men.

Dr Charanjit Singh, also from Panjab University, pleaded for equality at every level regarding a woman’s status.

Dr Inderpal Kaur presented her views from a Sikh perspective. Principal Madanjit Kaur Sahota thanked all guests and presented mementoes to them.

Sahnewal: The International Women’s Day was celebrated by the NSS unit of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, here on Saturday.

The in charge of NSS unit, Prof Mrs Harvinder Kaur, Prof Mrs Harwinder Kaur and Prof Mrs Amarjit Kaur welcomed the guests. Dr Gursharan Kaur Sidhu of Sidhu Hospital was the chief guest of the programme.

In her address to the students of the college, she said, ‘‘The political empowerment of women has automatically resulted in her social empowerment.’’

Dr Sidhu stressed upon the need for organising camps for preventing female foeticide and infant mortality with the active support of the community.

Mrs Urmil Sood, Principal, Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, said female foeticide was practised at an alarming rate. The rate at which female foeticide was spreading had resulted in a serious decline in the sex ratio.

Not much had been done to the implement the law passed by the government for banning female foeticide.

A student of the college, Bhavanpreet Kaur also spoke.

Prof Manpreet Kaur of GNN College also expressed her views on female foeticide, Harpinder Kaur, a student of the college, spoke on ‘Women's reservation in Parliament’, Sukhdev Kaur, recited a poem on the position of women in the modern society.

Others who attended the function were Dr Ishwar Singh, president college management committee, Mrs Raj Rani, Municipal Councillor, Doraha and Mrs Balwinder Kaur.

Women without men’s shadows
Asha Ahuja

Ludhiana, March 8
A woman normally worries about her future till her marriage, but not any more. For some women it is better off without a man in their life sans the bonds of marriage. Winds of change have started blowing and on the International Women's Day some intrepid women have taken a decision to stay single and not enter into matrimony. One common factor is that these women, who are in their thirties, feel they have seen and experienced enough and have made the decision with sound knowledge that they can live by themselves. These women are mainly lecturers and teachers or are gainfully employed, single, free, very happy to be on their own and feel that man is not necessary in their life. They can perform all household chores and find men redundant. The common refrain these women have to face is that they would regret their decision later on when they would retire. The loneliness may send them into depression.

Ms Anupreet, a lecturer in a local college says ,“ I do not really see the need of a man in my life. I feel happy with myself, my job and my parents. My maternal instinct is satisfied by playing with children of my brothers and sisters. Men, I think are extra baggage, with their air of superiority, roving eyes, drinking habits and I do not want to carry it. I will adopt kids when I want too.”

They all are religious and they have chosen to remain single not because they did not find any one but they all unanimously say ‘none was appealing that we could tie the wedding knot’.

Ms Jyoti Mann, a college teacher, says,“ I am happy with my job. The best thing is that we are moving with society. We interact with other members at all social levels. I feel blessed that I can take care of my parents as a son. Thank God the society has more or less accepted us. Only at times there is pressure on our parents and us to get married but now that they know our minds are made up they have accepted our single status.”

Both Jyoti and Anupreet are reiki masters and spend their spare time healing ailing people. What about their biological needs? The trio answered it is a matter of channelising your energies in meaningful ways. They have their circle of friends, all economically independent, single, and without any burden of bearing tantrums of their spouses.

Ms Parminder Grewal, a college teacher says,“ I have a strong determination which has helped me to face society, relatives who find it unnerving for a woman to remain single.

A healing touch by cops
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 8
A police cell dealing with crimes against women and children, functioning since September, 2001, has made a small but significant contribution to providing relief to women facing violence. Dr Ravinder Kala, psychiatric counsellor, is helping train volunteers and policemen to handle cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment against women.

Dr Kala said mere economic emancipation could not free women from domestic violence. Even women earning well have to surrender their income to their spouses and live lives of humiliation and face a lot of domestic violence, he said.

The cell was the brainchild of Mr Harpreet Sidhu, former SSP, Ludhiana. The cell endeavours to provide a sense of security to women whose life is threatened by drug addicts and men suffering from mental illnesses. In such cases, the counsellors make both parties reach an amicable separation. Dr Kala and Mr Arunpal Singh, SP, have trained some volunteers and police officers in counselling skills.

These trained counsellors help women facing domestic violence, dowry demands, sexual crimes and adjustment problems. Till now, 1,400 to 1,500 women have taken help from this cell. Women from all social strata have come with their problems. Through counselling, Dr Kala says 60 to 70 per cent marriages have been saved whereas in 20 to 25 per cent cases, an amicable separation has been reached. In 7-8 per cent cases, the police has taken action against persons for causing trauma to women.

SDM orders closure of factory
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 8
In a landmark judgement, which will have far-reaching effects on the increasing noise pollution in the city, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ms Bhawna Garg, has ordered the closure of a box-making factory at Adarsh Nagar, Chandigarh Road, for causing noise pollution and “nuisance” to general public.

In her decision Ms Garg has warned the owners of M/s Goel Box Factory that if they fail to close the factory then strict action would be taken against them in accordance with the law. The decision has been passed while disposing of a complaint filed by Ramesh Kumar Nanchahal of the same locality.

The complainant had alleged that Adarsh Nagar was a residential locality and not an industrial area. He pleaded that he was a heart patient and was not able to sleep properly due to the noise pollution caused by the factory owners.

During the case proceedings the Joint Commissioner of the municipal corporation submitted a report mentioning therein that the owners of the factory had neither applied for obtaining any permission, nor the same was granted to them. Rather the factory had been challaned a number of times.

The pollution control board also confirmed that the factory was a source of nuisance to the residents of the locality.

After hearing the contentions of the parties the Court of the SDM held that the factory was in a residential locality. No permission was obtained for running the factory from any competent authority as such they were not entitled to run the factory.

The SDM directed the factory owners that they could run the factory only after getting a no-objection certificate from the pollution control board, a licence from the municipal corporation and obtaining the registration from the district Industry Department.

Four MCs go to polls today

Ludhiana, March 8
While battlelines for tomorrow’s MC elections have been drawn, the Congress is likely to have an edge over its rival, the Shiromani Akali Dal. This is despite the fact that of the four MCs which will go to the polls tomorrow, two are represented by the SAD in the Assembly. Leaders of the SAD have been apprehending that the Congress might misuse official machinery to its advantage.

Elections are being held in the MC wards of Jagraon, Samrala, Payal and Raikote. All three main political parties, the Congress, the SAD and the BJP are contesting .

Although the BJP has not many stakes in these elections, it is mainly supporting its ally the SAD-B. On its part the SAD-B is trying hard to used these elections to regain some of its lost ground in the assembly elections. Incidently of the four MCs, two are represented by the Congress, while the two assembly segments are represented by the SAD-B.

Even though these elections might not have a significant impact on the political situation in the state, these can certainly prove to be indicators of the public inclinations at this stage. TNS

Cong holds ‘pragati rally’
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 8
The District Congress Committee, Urban, organised a “pragati rally” to mark the recent victory of the Congress in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections. Mr Lal Singh, Finance Minister, Punjab, flagged off the rally comprising more than 100 vehicles and an equal number of motor cycles carrying banners on communal harmony and national integration from Rajguru Nagar here today.

Mr Tej Prakash Singh, Transport Minister, Mr Gurcharan Singh Galib, MP, Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, Mr Surinder Dawar ( both MLAs), Mr Isher Singh,former minister, Mr K.K.Bawa, president DCC (U), Mr Amarjit Singh Tikka, vice-president, Youth Congress, Mr Pawan Diwan, senior YC leader, Mr Surjit Singh Ahluwala, former Senior Deputy Mayor, and Mr Ashok Makkar were among those who led the rally. The Congress workers marched through Aarti Chowk area, Ghumar Mandi Domoria Pul and disbursed at the Clock Tower chowk.

The Congress leaders called upon the people to ignore the communal policies of the BJP and its allies, which were aiming to make political mileage out of the religious sentiments of the people.

PNDT Act: admn to book doctors flouting rules
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 8
District administration officials and officials of the Health Department lashed out at some city-based doctors who were running ultrasound clinics. The administration also flayed their ‘non-cooperative attitude’. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anurag Aggarwal, who chaired a meeting where doctors were also present, issued a stern warning to these doctors saying that the administration would crackdown on doctors aiding female foeticide. Convened to discuss issues related to the implementation of the PNDT Act at Bachhat Bhavan here today, the Deputy Commissioner said, ‘‘Intelligent people like doctors were unable to follow simple procedures required under the PNDT Act’’.

The Deputy Commissioner said that if the doctors in the district continued to remain obstinate on the issue of effective implementation of the PNDT Act the administration also would adopt stern methods to ensure that the Act was implemented in letter and spirit. He asked the doctors to ensure that all paper work required under the Act was completed.

Mr Aggarwal took a serious view of the incomplete and unreadable information being supplied in the prescribed form G and F circulated by the Health Department to the establishments concerned to collect the detailed information about all cases for feeding into computer to monitor the cases under the pilot project. He said that the technology of sonography which was originally a health safety device, had been hijacked with criminal intent for sex determination of the foetus followed by selective abortions. He asserted that female foeticide was purely a sex selective abortion and consisted of two illegal acts- sex determination and abortion. He said that a lacuna in the in the present approach was that government was talking only about the first act i.e. sex determination. He stressed that to have an effective check on female foeticide, sex determination and abortions should be linked together.

Mr Aggarwal apprised the participants of the two-pronged strategy adopted in the Ludhiana city, which comprised the enforcement of PNDT Act with a follow up of suspected cases of female foeticide. The monitoring system and the software developed by the district administration, Ludhiana, were an attempt to link sex determination and subsequent abortion. Through this software the suspected cases of female foeticide were detected, and then these women were visited by health workers to find out the status of their pregnancy. He informed that in this monitoring system certain personal information about the family of the pregnant women, who went for ultrasound was taken and analysed. A suspected patient was defined as one with one or more girl child, no male child and getting ultrasound done in 12 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.

He said that as per the provisions of the PNDT Act, all ultrasound centers were to be registered and to implement the project the city had been divided into five zones and inspection of an ultrasound center, both surprise and regular, shall be done by a three-member team, comprised a senior government doctor, NGO member and an IMA member. He said that a computerised database of the centers, machines, inspections, court cases etc, would be maintained and reports generated as per the requirement. Any women (15-45yr), before getting done an ultrasound, should fill up form F (personal details) and G (consent form). Earlier these forms were printed by the ultrasound centers and were kept with them.

Introducing the new strategy, a meeting was organised with heads of all ultrasound centers in Ludhiana city on December 22, 2002, in which the revised forms, each with a ID number, were distributed from a centralised pool (Red Cross) to the registered centers so as to facilitate the follow up. Details of patients undergoing ultrasound was to be maintained by the centers and carbon copy to be submitted to the CMO Office on a weekly basis.

Dr SN Tiwari, Civil Surgeon, while addressing the meeting, advised the doctors and owners of the ultrasound scanning clinics to extend cooperation to the administration so that this cruel menace could be checked.

Bank told to pay Rs 2,000 to senior citizen
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 8
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the State Bank of Patiala, Miller Ganj branch, to pay compensation of Rs 2000 to a senior citizen, for causing harassment to him. The bank had paid the arrears of revised pension to its client after a lapse of more than one and half year.

Mr Hardial Singh, president of the forum, passed the orders while disposing off the petition filed by Bhaddar Sain (70), a retired driver from the Railways. The forum observed that the bank officials failed to clarify that why the arrears of revised pension were not paid to the consumer well in time.

In its complaint, the consumer had alleged that he nominated the aforesaid branch for payment of his monthly pension. He was drawing the pension since 1986. His pension was revised but since December 2000, the revision was not implemented and he was deprived of the arrears, without any fault. Though he made a number of requests to the bank but even then the arrears had not been credited, which amounted to deficiency in services.

But the bank authorities, in the letter dated July 18, 2000, written to the forum, stated that all dues which were payanble to the consumer had been paid. They pleaded that the dues were paid after receiving some clarification from the Railways authorities.

After appreciating the documents on record, the forum held: ‘‘The opposite party has not produced any evidence as to what clarification was sought and when the reply was received by them. Even as per the statement placed by the opposite party arrears were credited to the account of the complainant after the period of one and a half years, which is a clear deficiency in services’’. As such the bank was directed to pay compensation to the consumer, within one month of the receipt of the order.

Budha Nullah area residents facing health hazards
Our Corespondent

Ludhiana, March 8
Improper treatment of effluents from industries and their mingling with water meant for irrigation purposes is resulting in intake of higher contents of heavy metals among the residents of localities surrounding the Budha Nullah. The level of intake of such toxic metals in food is much higher than the maximum permissible limits fixed by the World Health Organisation and is bound to affect kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, bones, pancreas and blood vessels of the residents.

These are the findings of a research project titled ‘Dietary mineral intakes by adults from sewage and tube well irrigated areas around Ludhiana city’ conducted by Dr C.K. Hira, Head of the Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Home Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Dr B.L. Kawatra, Professor in the department, and Dr S.K. Mann, Dean of the College of Home Science, and funded by the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP).

These scientists found that the intake of toxic metals such as nickel, copper, chromium, barium, lead and aluminium was quite high in the residents living in the sewage-irrigated area, including Manna Singh Colony, Chander Nagar and Chowni Mohalla, situated in the vicinity of Budha Nullah as compared to tubewell-irrigated areas such as Pohir, Thakarwal and Ayali Kalan village. The scientists pointed out that the higher contents of these metals in food was due to intake of green leafy vegetables that were grown in the sewage-irrigated area and consumed in plenty during the winter season.

The research showed that intake of lead by persons from sewage-irrigated area was three to six times higher than those fro tubewell irrigated areas. The intake of cadmium in diets of residents from sewage-irrigated area was more than three times higher and the scientists attributed it to industrial pollution as well as contamination of fertilisers. The data on nickel intake showed its four times higher consumption in residents of areas in the vicinity of Budha Nullah area as compared to area away from it. In contrast, the intake of zinc and manganese that form an essential part of dietary intake were found to be less.

The scientists pointed out that high lead intake could disturb heme synthesis, erythrocyte survival and nervous system, besides affecting kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system. Cadmium was toxic to every system in the body and could have adverse affect on pathological changes in kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, testes, pancreas, bones and blood vessels. High intake of nickel could result in nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, they pointed out.

The scientists pointed out that the municipal corporation and the district health officers needed to look into the matter and ensure proper effluent treatment. They said that the even though the available effluent treatments helped in recycling of nutritive and organic carbon, the trace elements were not being eliminated this way.

Rallies, talks, slogans . . . for rights
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 8
The women cell of the Punjab Bank Employees Federation, Ludhiana unit, today called upon women employers to come forward and play a more active role to strengthen unions in order to fight back the onslaught of privatisation and liberalisation.

Among who spoke were Naresh Gaur, Ashok Awasthi and Praveen Moudgil.

Leaders of the federation deplored the government at the Centre and the state for succumbing to outside pressures. They said women must fight against the neo-colonialist attempts from abroad and the collaborative approach of Indian rich elite.

In a tribute to Indian women, the Life Insurance Corporation of India will launch a multi-benefit money-back plan for women. The plan, “Jeevan Bharti”, will cover specified female diseases and congenital disabilities of infants at no extra cost.

The Senior Divisional Manager, Mr P.K.Rath, said a special feature of the new plan was that the risk cover would continue for three years from the date of first unpaid premium even if only two years’ premium had been paid.

The Ek Jot Welfare Society Ludhiana also celebrated the day at Nehru Siddhant Kendra. More than 500 widows were given woollens and sewing machines. Prominent women, including Bibi Gurdial Kaur Khangura, Ms Suvarsha Kalra, Ms Sushila Gupta, Mr Rajni Bector, Ms Poonam Kathuria, were honoured.

To create awareness about the rights of women, the NSS unit of Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women today held a rally in the area adjoining college premises, which was led by the college principal, Ms Kamla Jain.

Under the leadership of Mr Narinder Singh Gujral, Chairman and Managing Director of Punjab and Sind Bank, a function was organised at its Women Entrepreneur branch. Bank members observed a two-minute silence in the memory of Kalpana Chawla.

The Births and Deaths Department celebrated the day and generated awareness among the masses by using vehicles displaying banners throughout the city. Mr Sudershan Kumar Sharma, local Registrar, Births and Deaths Municipal Corporation, highlighted the importance of births and deaths registration and wished to promote the registration of births and deaths.

The district wing of the Women Congress also celebrated the day. Ms Gurkanwal Kaur, president of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (Women cell), was the chief guest. Ms Gurkanwal stressed that equal rights be given to the women in the country. She said women should fight for their rights.

CITY SCAN
March — a month steeped in history

Historically, certain years and months make a deep impact on people. Some dates mean a lot to a class, community or society. Festival days are awaited by all. At the individual level, too, particular dates are of significance.

Many days of March mean much to many people. Panjab University (Lahore) started the matriculation examinations on March 1. The Punjab Education Department declared the vernacular final results on March 31.

People of countries like Iran and Tibet start their new year in March. The last day of the month marks the end of the financial year in India. Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March.

March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day. Asks the cynic, “If women enjoy equal rights, why this special day?” The wag asks, “Which day is the International Men's Day?”

On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged to death at Lahore. Their sacrifice energised the spirit of patriotism. Though the trio belongs to the nation, Sukhdev hailed from Ludhiana. These great sons of India deserve a better memorial than their statues at the traffic-choked Jagraon bridge. Incidentally, the Muslim League resolution of Pakistan was passed at Lahore on March 23, 1940, the ninth anniversary of their martyrdom.

Abdul Hayee, who became famous as Sahir Ludhianvi, was born on March 8, 1921, at Ludhiana. On the same day, another great son of India, Harkrishan Lal, was born in the city. He won fame and made a name for himself in the world of painting, holding exhibitions at Paris, London, etc. His ancestral house is near Karimpura chowk. Interestingly, both the poet and the painter lived and died as bachelors.

The city holds an Urdu mushaira every year in memory of Sahir. This year, it was scheduled for March 8, but it has been postponed to March 29, thanks to the cricket World Cup. M.S. Cheema

Rs 50-lakh grant for war museum
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 8
The hitherto neglected Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum on the Jalandhar road, near nere, has got a new lease of life, with the state government releasing a special grant of Rs 50 lakh for the completion of several stalled projects.

Wing Commander M.S. Randhawa, Deputy Director, District Sainik Welfare Board, who is also the in charge of the museum, revealed to TNS here yesterday that the grant had been received and work for the completion of several projects would be taken up shortly. A meeting of the officials concerned was held at the museum today, in which the modalities of spending the amount were worked out.

Ms Geetika Kalha, Secretary, Sainik Welfare Department, asked Dr S.S. Biswas, Chairman, Asia Pacific, to put up diagrammatic presentations of the galleries that were to be upgraded. Mr Biswas was told to submit the presentation at the next meeting, scheduled for next month. Ms Kalha said the final shape to the project would be given after the next meeting.

The museum has been struggling for funds since its construction was started in 1991. Originally planned to be completed in a couple of years, the museum remains incomplete even after more than a decade. Sources said the museum had last received funds from the state government in 2000-2001.

While paucity of funds had been quoted as the primary reason, the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities concerned seemed to be a major factor, particularly post-Kargil. The state government had announced policies to commemorate the sacrifices of defence personnel hailing from the state a number of times.

The foundation stone of the museum was laid by General O.P. Malhotra (retd), the then Governor of Punjab, in early 1991. It was then announced that the museum had been planned to commemorate the sacrifices of persons from Punjab while defending the country. Before this, various battalions or regiments stationed in the state had the practice of making museums to exhibit feats of their own.

Four years ago, a hall having light and sound arrangements was completed and inaugurated. It screened a film on the feats of Punjabis while defending the country both before and after Independence. This had raised hopes that the remaining portion would be completed at the earliest.