The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

False declaration of assets by cops
Scheme to check corruption fails to deliver
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 2
A two-year-old massive exercise of the district police to record the details of the assets of its employees up to the rank of Inspector to check corruption seems to have come to a naught as several of them, ostensibly, made false declarations to the authorities. There is no evidence that the declared assets were counter-checked or action initiated against any policeman for lying.

The Ludhiana district police had become the first in the state to conduct such a unique and large exercise almost two years ago. The SSP, Mr H.S. Sidhu, had in 2001 issued an order to all police personnel and police officers from the rank of constable to Inspector to declare their assets.

Inspector Paramjit Singh. former SHO Sadar police station here, was booked by the local Vigilance Bureau under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, in his declaration before the local Police Department he had claimed that he owned cash and jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh only. He had not given any details about his movable and immovable properties.

Yet the VB unearthed assets worth over a crore possessed by him. Highly placed sources in the Vigilance Bureau have confirmed that they had got the official document from the Police Department regarding the declaration of assets. Sources hinted that Paramjit Singh may face another charge now for lying about his assets to the department.

Mr Kanwarjit Singh Sandhu, SSP (Vigilance), has confirmed that the Vigilance Bureau had got the document and the accused cop had claimed property, mainly cash and jewellery, worth Rs 1 lakh only. He said the VB was taking necessary legal action in the matter.

Informed sources said not only him but several other cops had also lied about their assets in declaration before the department. Vigilance sources said there was information that the cops accused in the video-film scandal had also not given the true report about their assets. The assets of these cops, however, could be verified only when the government orders a regular vigilance inquiry into the case.

While SSP H.S. Sidhu and SP (Headquarter) Arunpal Singh were not available for comments, informed sources disclosed that the department had issued notices to more than 40 cops for not furnishing the details but no verification of the assets listed was undertaken.

Police officers are required to declare their assets to the department at the time of their recruitment. But the Ludhiana police had started a unique exercise two years ago. Cops up to the rank of Inspector were directed to declare their assets. The declaration was not made public, not even when the action was taken or verification done on the details submitted by the cops.

The scheme had stirred up a controversy as several officers were not willing to declare their assets. The scheme was, however, hailed by the media as it was being perceived as an instrument to check corruption.

Mesmerising hues of Tiranga
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 2
The audience at Guru Nanak Bhavan where Tiranga — a salute to the National Flag was depicted through poetry, music and art — was spellbound by the superb performances given by the masteroes of Indian music. Ludhianvis will remain indebted to the Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam (LSS) for bringing this unique show to the city last night.

The show filmed at the onset, an eight-minute documentary, on the genesis of the flag and how it literally changed colours and got its present shape. The Tricolour was hoisted on August 15, 1947. For many like Mr Brij Mohan Lal Munjal who had actually witnessed this scene, it was an emotional moment.

The stage was well lit up and the platforms had orange, white and green colours. Javed, read out in his own inimitable style the virtues of orange colour. He said, “Surya ki pehli kiran, ek narangi kiran, subah jab chhooti hai, dharti ka badan, muskarati hai yeh dharati”, and continued in similar vein.

Pandit Jasraj sang the verses composed by Javed in his rich, mellifluous voice that transported the audience to a world where the power of music reigns supreme. His tabla accomplice Vijay Ghate was also at his best.

Javed then talked of white colour as “Barf ki chaddar unche Himalaya ke kandho par rakhi hui hai.” Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia interpreted his verses by playing magical music on his flute. Javed read out verses on green colour, “Junglon, pedon, podhon ke tan pe jo poshak, barishon mein dhuli aur khilne lagi hain, makhmali ghas ka naram kaleen dur dur tak khil gaya hai.” The sweet sounding sounds of mandolin created by U. Srinivas accompanied by skilful playing of khangira by Selva Ganesh and their ‘jugalbandi’ was astounding. Then came the verses on Ashok Chakra, “chand, suraj, zami, jkaynaat, har taraf, har ghadi, ek hi to hai baat, diara, diara, diara.”

Shafaat Ahmed Khan and Selva Ganesh produced magical moments by playing on their instruments with skilled fingers.

Finally, the Tiranga had Pandit Jasraj singing, Pandit Chaurasia on flute, Shafaat Ahmed Khan and Vijay Ghate on the tabla. “It was a fabulous show,” said Mr Sunil Munjal, president of the LSS.

Ms Preneet Kaur, MP, honoured the esteemed performers. Durga Jasraj on whose concept Tiranga was based succeeded in her motive of making the people proud of their Indianness, and their flag.

70 school employees found absent
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 2
As many as 70 employees, including 38 teachers and three Principals of the state Education Department posted in different schools in the rural area of the district, were found absent from duty during raids conducted by the Vigilance Bureau here today.

The worst scene was at Senior Secondary School, Khanpur, near here, where all 19 teachers were found absent and at Government ETT School, Attari Kalan and Daadpur, where only locks, instead of the teachers and students, greeted a Vigilance team.

According to Mr Kanwarjit Singh Sandhu, SSP, Vigilance Bureau, Ludhiana, several teams of the bureau headed by DSPs and Inspectors conducted simultaneous raids at 88 schools in Ludhiana and Ropar districts.

The bureau has forwarded the list to senior Vigilance officers as well as to the state Education Department for necessary action. The employees face departmental action and suspension.

Some of the employees had not given any leave application but were shown to be on leave in the attendance register.

The employees found absent from duty, including Harnek Chand — Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Humbra; Veer — ETT teacher, Government Primary School, Aliwal; Lakhwinder Kaur — ETT teacher, Government Primary School, Aliwal; Kuljinder Kaur — Government Primary School, Bhoondri; Sarabjit Singh — teacher, Government School, Bhoondri; Bandan Bhandari — mathematics teacher, Government Primary School Bhoondri; Jaswant Kaur — teacher, Government Primary School, Bhoondri; Sukhwinder Singh — agriculture master, Government High Secondary School, Sidhwan; Harpreet Kaur — Government School, Kool Khurs (Ropar); Inderjit Kaur — Government ETT teacher, Gaddolian; Harbans Lal — Hindi teacher, Government Senior Secondary School, Bhamana; Shamsher Singh — ETT teacher, Brahman Majra; Sarwan Singh — ETT, Takhtagad; Jasveer Singh and Seema Rani — teachers Elementary School, Mangat; Jasveer Kaur — teacher; Jasveer Kaur — science teacher; Amarjeet Kaur — teacher, Government Senior Secondary school, Mangat, and Praveen Rani — Primary School Khasi Khurd; Government Senior Secondary School.

Nineteen teachers found absent in Senior Secondary School, Thanpur, were: Ranjeet Singh (lecturer, science), Balwinder Kaur (lecturer, English), Harjeet Singh (lecturer), Surinderpal Kaur (science teacher), Balbir Singh (science master), Gurvinder Singh (DPI), Jagjeet Singh (Punjabi master), Gurmeet Kaur (SS teacher), Ramesh (SS master), Kishan Singh (SS master), Sukhwant Singh (SS master), Sandeep Kaur (maths teacher), Ravinder Kaur (science teacher), Rangoo Singh (Hindi teacher), Preet Kaur (PTI), Ravinder Singh (teacher), Rajinder Singh (clerk), Bachan Kaur (peon), Jagjeet Singh (sweeper), Sarabjit Kaur (Punjabi teacher) Middle School Latt village; Sita Ram Sood (Hindi teacher), High School No. 5, College Road; Kuldip Singh (maths teacher), Government Senior Secondary School Gobind Nagar; Santosh Sachdeva (science teacher), Baljit Singh (vocation lecturer), Kusum (senior lab attendant); Anil Kumar (Class IV), Senior Secondary School PAU, Ludhiana; Avtar Singh (clerk), Channan Devi High School, Salem Tabri and Balbir Singh (Class IV) Government Senior Secondary School, Gobind Nagar.

Overloaded school vehicles flout orders
Deepkamal Kaur

Ludhiana, May 2
Despite repeated orders issued by the District Magistrate, Mr Anurag Aggarwal, prohibiting the overloading of vehicles carrying schoolchildren, many autorickshaws and rickshaws running in contract with the schools continue to be packed with children much beyond the stipulated seating capacity.

Even though an autorickshaw has a seating capacity for seven to eight children, as many as 15 children are often seen “loaded” in them. Many “smart” drivers create extra room for the children by making them sit in the portion where luggage is supposed to be kept. Some others make small children sit in the laps of their seniors, or make the children sit on a narrow board on the side from where they are almost hanging out of the vehicle. Such children face serious risk due to heavy vehicular traffic on the city roads.

Some school rickshaws with a capacity of eight children have more than 12 children dumped in them with one or two kids running all along and pushing it from behind.

It is not just overloading but even the rash driving that makes the journey of the schoolchildren very unsafe. Bumpy rides, sharp turns and twists taken by the speeding autorickshaw drivers make it completely impossible for many school- children to balance themselves on the way. The hot sunny weather has further added to their woes. It becomes suffocating for many tiny tots of nursery schools who go back home in stuffed vans.

Surprisingly, such vehicles were seen passing right before the Ludhiana Traffic Police personnel on duty outside Mini Secretariat, Police Lines, at Bharat Nagar Chowk, Fountain Chowk and Clock Tower. All such vehicles were allowed to pass by without any check or interrogation. Not only the district authorities but also the principals, staff and parents seem to be unperturbed with the unsafe ride by the children. Amazingly, many teachers are a daily witness to such unsafe situations as they themselves travel along with the children in the autorickshaws.

Mr Anurag Aggarwal said it was very difficult to check the implementation of such orders. He, however, said he certainly believed that there had been much impact after the orders had been passed by him.

Ludhiana excels... be it politics, business or culture
Vimal Sumbly
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 2
It is a great transition. From politics to commerce. And commerce to culture. Ludhiana's elevation to artistic and literary sublimity may not be complete as yet. It may appear to be too subtle and silent to be noted too prominently. But it is certainly coherent and consistent, full of rhythm and melody.

If the number of cultural activities organised here regularly is an indication, Ludhiana is certainly emerging to be the second cultural capital of Punjab after Chandigarh. Despite Chandigarh having several distinct advantages, Ludhiana does not lag behind in any manner.

Culture and Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam (LSS) go together in Ludhiana. LSS is at the forefront of the cultural revival in Ludhiana. From time to time it keeps on organising various programmes of music, drama and dance which are both entertaining and at the same time convey a message. LSS may be on the forefront of the cultural activity, but it is certainly not the only one.

Patronised by the Hero Group of Industries, the manufacturers of the Hero Bicycles and Hero Honda motor cycles, LSS during last few years has brought great artistes of eminence to the city to enthral the people here. The venture has been so popular that at times it becomes difficult to handle the great demand for passes for various shows.

Even the last show, 'Tiranga', conceived by Durga Jasraj, with great legends like Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Hari Prasad Churasia, Shafat Khan and Javed Akhtar participating in it proved to be a great draw with the Guru Nanak Bhawan crammed to capacity. Some visitors had to return disappointed as they could not be accommodated inside the hall.

Ludhiana's spirit has always remained live and vibrant. Be it in business or politics or even the arts. The big industrial houses like the Heroes, the Oswals, Vardhaman, to name only a few, have already made a world class mark. And in political sphere Ludhiana has been no less either. Justice Gurnam Singh, a former Chief Minister of Punjab belonged to Ludhiana. There are others also who have held considerable influence at the state and national political scene.

It is however Sahir who immortalised Ludhiana by attaching 'Ludhiana' with his name. As Javed Akhtar remarked, Sahir and Ludhiana go together. He said, "whenever I think of Ludhiana, I think of Sahir and whenever I think of Sahir, I cannot escape thinking about Ludhiana". When Ludhiana is linked to such a great poet, it is quite natural for the city to be culturally alive and vibrant.

While the LSS has taken the lead in this sort of a new cultural movement, there are some other organisations which also remain continuously active. These keep on organising one programme or the another SPICMACAY has also been organising regular programmes, here with great artistes like Malika Sarbhai, Wadali Brothers and many others rendering their performance regularly. Besides, a couple of mushairas are also organised here every year in memory of Sahir Ludhianvi.

Johar inspects exam centres
Our correspondent

Ludhiana, May 2
With a view to check the menace of copying in the colleges, Mr H. D. Johar, Higher Education Minister, Punjab, paid a surprise visit to the examination centres in the Government College for Boys and the Government College for Women here today. The minister visited a number of centers along with the Principals of both colleges and enquired about arrangements and facilities in the centres.

After the inspection Mr Johar said in both colleges, the examinations were being conducted in the proper manner and there was no chance of copying as the principals had made strict security arrangements in and out of the college. The minister also visited different departments and asked the Principal of the Government College for Boys to ensure cleanliness within the premises of the college. He also directed the Principals to strictly ensure punctuality in their respective colleges.

Mr Johar said effective steps had been taken to improve the standard of education and more new vocational courses were being introduced in the colleges.

The Higher Education Minister said with the induction of Information Technology on a large scale at all levels, the whole world had shrunk into a small village and enormous education and employment opportunities had been created for students. He said to avail these opportunities, we would have to enhance the standard of our education so that our students could compete with their counterparts in other countries. He further informed that the Department of Higher Education would also arrange seminars with the representatives of the Worldwide Universities in Chandigarh and Ludhiana. with a view to give maximum information to the local students regarding the seats of different streams in these universities and the services of experts would also be availed to give factual guidance to them.

A deputation of Class IV employees apprised Mr Johar of poor conditions of the quarters in the college and urged him to get their quarters repaired immediately . Mr Johar told the Principal to take up the matter with the PWD at the earliest.

Among others who accompanied Mr Johar were Ms Sushil Gupta, Deputy Chairman, Municipal Corporation, Mr Amarjit Singh Matharu, Mr Raju Thapar, Mr Jagdish Marwaha and Mr Brij Mohan Sharma.

I-cards for morning walkers on PAU campus
K.S. Chawla

Ludhiana, May 2
Health-conscious residents of the city hate to miss their regular walking schedule, especially in the pollution free Punjab Agricultural University campus. So much so that they are ready to pay for it without any objection. There is tremendous response to the registration of walkers by the university authorities as more than 3,500 forms have been sold for the same. Each form costs Rs 20. If the walkers are conscious of their health, now they will have to be conscious of the health of the university environment too. The university authorities have been irked by the nonchalant behaviour of some of the walkers who have been allegedly spoiling the scenic landscaping of the university campus. The university authorities have been compelled to enforce certain do’s and don'ts for the walkers in order to maintain the discipline and sanctity of the campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr K.S. Aulakh said today that as many as 5000 walkers thronged the university campus in the morning and evening daily.

He said the walkers would be registered and identity cards would be issued to them to regulate the entry of bonafide walkers to the campus.

Dr Aulakh disclosed that there had been some incidents of chain-snatching during the walking hours at the campus in the recent past. Besides, registering the walkers, the university authorities would also charge some annual fee from them for the maintenance of the campus since the authorities have to keep watch and ward staff and also do regular maintenance of the roads and lawns.

Dr Aulakh said in Lucknow, the morning walkers were charged Re 1 daily for having a stroll in the National Botanical Gardens.

A senior officer of the university, on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the campus was also being misused by the “lovers”.

According to the university notice, the walkers would be allowed entry from 4.30 am to 7.30 am and 5.15 pm to 8.30 pm. The walkers are not allowed to take their vehicles inside the university campus.

The walkers have been asked to observe timings, to walk on the path only, to educate the fellow walkers to observe the rules and keep the campus clean.

The Estate Department of the university has received more than 2,000 passport photographs from the walkers for identity cards. The Vice-Chancellor has instructed the watch and ward staff to ensure proper discipline on the campus and if any walker is found to be violating the norms, then his entry would be banned.

Ludhiana being the industrial hub of the state is the most polluted city in the state. The city, with a population of more than 30 lakh does not have many gardens or leisure valleys to enjoy fresh air in the morning. Besides PAU, Nehru Rose Garden , Rakh Bagh, Mini Rose Garden and Leisure valley in front of the Sacred Heart Convent School in Sarabha Nagar are the places suitable for a morning stroll.

The city now also has a number of gyms where people go for physical exercises.

The huge vacant strip of land along the canal behind the DAV School in Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, can be developed into a leisure valley by the Municipal Corporation. This vacant land is being used as a filth dumping ground at present.

At 71, he cycles for peace
Shivani Bhakoo

Ex-serviceman Nathiprasad Nainwal spreads the message of peace and love on his cycle. — Photo Pradeep Teewari

Ludhiana, May 2
At 71 not many are left with any sort of zeal, but this man is different. Even at this age, Nathiprasad Nainwal's sole mission is to spread the message of peace and to make the country corruption-free.

He is convinced that he will succeed. He had undertaken a cycle expedition a few years ago and he still continues moving on his cycle, trying to make people aware that the country is not facing any threat from foreign nations but from corrupt politicians and officials.

It is very difficult for him to see countrymen die because of hatred . "I can not see innocent people dying unnatural deaths everyday. My family has sacrificed 35 lives to win independence for the country. And now people are suffering at the hands of their own countrymen( the politicians)", said Nainwal.

A resident of Kaljikhalv block, Janpath, audi Garhwal, Uttaranchal, Nainwal is on a cycle expedition for almost two months. He started his journey from Sirmaur, Nahan on April 25.

He has covered many places and villages and met many jawans on the way. He intends to meet the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed ,for bringing peace in the state.

"I am an ex-serviceman from 5 Para Regiment and getting a pension of Rs 4840 per month. My three sons are working and independent. I can lead a normal life but I love my country and want to save it from the clutches ‘vultures’. During my journey, I will meet other retired jawans in different villages and cities. I had recently met Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, and President Abdul Kalam and had urged them to give a free hand to the Army to make the state peaceful and prosperous", said Nainwal.

His expedition will end by mid-June. He said: “If my efforts do not bring fruits then over 8500 ex-servicemen will hold a protest rally outside the President's house.

“I feel for my country and countrymen. During the 1962 war, I was seriously injured when a bullet hit my stomach. I was hospitalised for almost five years in Pune. I have fought for the country and can not see the innocent people suffering like this".

Strangely enough, Nainwal always carries a bottle of poison with him. "I will try convince the authorities concerned ,but once I realise that I have failed, I will prefer to rest in peace forever", said Nainwal.

Minister to flag off Jain rally

Ludhiana, May 2
A caravan of about 550 followers of Jainism will be flagged off tomorrow night by Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Minister of Transport, from Jain School, Daresi, Ludhiana.

This was stated by the president, Mr Ramesh Kumar Barad, Shri Atmanand Jain Mahasabha (Uttari Bharat), in a press conference held in Jain Dharamshala this morning. Mr Barad said their aim was to take senior citizens who could not afford to go on pilgrimage to Shri Heenkar Tirath Jain in Vijaywada, a very important pilgrimage centre for Jains.

Thirteen buses would take the pilgrims to Delhi. From Delhi they would travel to their destination by train. The journey would take more than a fortnight and was being sponsored by the Heenakar Tirath Jain Yatra Sangh. The pilgrims would cover a distance of 8,000 km in 18 days. The people would be provided with food and shelter. OC

Summer Queen contest held
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 2
The Aradhna Ladies Club held a Summer Queen contest today for its members at a hotel here. The competition was divided into four categories — members below 35 years of age; the second group was between 35 and 45 years of age; the third category had members between 45 and 55 years age; and the last category included women above 55 years of age.

Jyotsana Walia and Shabina won prizes in the first category, while Ritu Sidana and Pammi Siddhu were winners in the second category. In the third group, Neelam Mahindroo and Binny Sharma were declared winners.

Sevadar found dead
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 2
The body of Hardev Singh, sevadar of a gurdwara at Kannian village, Jagraon, was found from a well which was dug for the purpose of constructing a sarovar in the gurdwara.

According to information, the sevadar was missing since April 29 and might have fallen accidentally into the well. He was mentally challenged. The body has been brought to the Civil Hospital, Jagraon, for a post-mortem.