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| Friday,
July 4, 2003, Chandigarh, India
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Waive interest on tax arrears: MC Ludhiana, July 3 Cutting across party lines the corporators unanimously observed that the interest on the arrears of water and house tax be waived off and the recommendation be again submitted to the government since there was growing demand from the public that the interest be waived off. Some of the opposition corporators from the BJP and the Akali Dal suggested that the enhanced water and house tax rates be also reviewed. Tempers ran high for a while during the meeting when these corporators criticised the recent hike in the water and house tax. They wanted the house to unanimously reject the hike and send the recommendations to the Government. This was objected to by the Congress corporators. At this, the Mayor, Mr Nahar Singh Gill, intervened and suggested that the house could simply unanimously recommend for the withdrawal in the hike. However, the issue could not be amicably resolved and the recommendation was dropped. This infuriated the BJP and Akali corporators who raised slogans against the government. The general house meeting passed off smoothly. An Akali corporator, Rajinder Singh Bhatia, son of senior Akali leader and party vice-president, Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, broke down while narrating his tale of woes. He alleged that no developmental work was being undertaken by the corporation in his ward and he had to cut a sorry figure. He was pacified by his colleagues, the Commissioner and the Mayor. However, other corporators like Mr Raju Thapar, Mr Kuldip Janda, Mr Sardool Singh Grewal and others denied the charges of Mr Bhatia. Mr Thapar said although it might appear that little work was being done in Ludhiana, but when viewed in comparison with other places, there was significant developmental work going on here. He disclosed that during his recent visit to Amritsar and Jalandhar he had found that practically there was no developmental work being carried out there. “We are still placed in a better position,” Mr Thapar observed. The house also unanimously placed on record the outstanding performance of the fire brigade personnel, the corporators and other officials of the corporation who helped in rescue operations in various fire tragedies like that at Khud Mohalla, railway fire, Mullanpur plane crash and other similar fire incidents. The house recommended that these officials be honoured and awarded with various incentives like promotions and cash as had been announced by the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, on the spot. During Zero Hour the corporators raised various issues highlighting the problems in their areas. The problems mainly related to the water supply, drainage and the sewerage in the city. The corporators also wanted that the drinking water and drainage facilities be provided in “undeclared” areas also. Besides the Mayor, the Minister for Higher Education, Mr Harnam Dass Johar and the Commissioner, Mr S.K. Sharma were present at today’s meeting. |
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VB raids school Ludhiana, July 3 The Vigilance officials descended on the school premises in the morning and questioned the Principal, Mr R.C. Kalia, and a social studies teacher, Ms Monika Jain. The raid followed a complaint by Mr Suresh Gupta, president of the Ludhiana Seva Sangh. Mr Hira Lal had alleged that he had gone to get his nephew admitted in the school. The school authorities asked him to pay Rs 1,400 after a discount of Rs 377 allowed by the Principal although as per the fee structure, the amount was Rs 90 only. Agitated at the alleged overcharging of the fee, Mr Suresh Gupta, at the instance of Mr Hira Lal complained to Mr Naunihal Singh, SSP, local Vigilance Bureau. The VB deputed DSP Sarwan Ram to conduct the raid. Sources in the Vigilance Department said that the school authorities had given a concession of Rs 337 to Mr Hira Lal and had marked the rest of the amount on the admission form. Vigilance officials claimed that they found Rs 28 to Rs 30,000 along with 12 or 13 forms in the possession of authorities. The Principal and the social studies teacher were taken to the police station and let off after the intervention of a Congress minister. No case has been registered in this regard. |
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What Reliance phone subscribers should know! Ludhiana, July 3 Though the subscribers are being offered a mobile phone and the service for an initial payment of Rs 501, but any failure to comply with the agreement will make the subscribers liable to pay through their nose for the instrument unless returned, else they will have to face legal action. Since Wednesday, most Reliance outlets in most parts of the country have been witnessing an unprecedented rush, forcing the franchisees and dealers at many places to down their shutters after being unable to cope with the rush. If the subscribers decide to opt out before the completion of a three-year period, he will have to return the handset. If the handset is not returned, exit charges will have be to be paid as follows: Exit in year 1 — Rs 8000, in year 2 — Rs. 6000 and in year 3 — Rs. 5000. The Rs 501 to be paid upfront are only collection and processing charges, while the scheme involves a monthly payment of Rs 200 per month for three years from the time of joining and an additional Rs 100 each per month for club membership and club privilege. The club privileges includes a multimedia mobile phone, 3 years insurance and 12 months warranty on handset, 25% discount on Reliance Webworld membership and R World contents free up to September this year. The company is offering two payment options; a budget plans, starting as low at Rs. 149 and the best-value-for-money at Rs 249. The first plan seeks a minimum commitment of Rs 349 and the second Rs 499. This includes a free usage of RS 100 and Rs 150 worth of calls in the first and second plan. However, if you decide to unsubscribe to Reliance Service, but retain the handset, the club membership charges paid at the rate of Rs. 100 per month up to the date of exit will be reduced from the above exit charges. In other words if you decide not to carry on with reliance after one year, but retain the handset, you will have to pay Rs 8,000 for the handset, but you will be returned Rs 1200 paid as club membership fee, which means that you still pay Rs 6,800 for the handset. However, the company is silent on the issue on what happens if you chose to opt out after 3 years, but want to retain the handset. Therefore the assumption of most subscribers that irrespective of the service, the Monsoon Hungama scheme gives you a free handset does not hold true. Reliance Infocom is offering a choice of two CDMA mobile phones the LG RD 2030 and Samsung SCH-N191. Reliance has a subscriber base of 15 lakh customers throughout the country and expects to enroll more customers. |
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New technique for heart patients Ludhiana, July 3 The 75-year-old father of a senior police official of Punjab was suffering from evolving heart attack with shock. He had to be put on mechanical support for his heart and lungs but his condition continued to deteriorate. He was found to have critical blocks not only in the heart arteries but also in his brain arteries and operation on just one of the systems would have caused a major heart or brain attack (stroke). A combined operation also carried the same risk as the patient was very unstable. Dr Bedi devised a technique of ‘Retrograde Coronary Sinus Perfusion’ to stabilise the condition of the heart while he first performed the surgery on the brain artery. This was followed by bypass of the heart arteries. The patient made a rapid recovery. This technique has been presented by Dr Bedi to various international experts and he has been invited by the European Heart Association to speak on this in detail in Vienna next month. The Indian Heart Journal (the premier heart journal of Asia) has endorsed this technique by publishing it in its latest issue. Dr Bedi said it would be a great help in the management of patients who might otherwise not survive if standard techniques are used. Dr Bedi is the pioneer of beating heart surgery and has a mention in the Limca Book of World Records for having performed the first series of multi-vessel beating heart surgeries. He is the recipient of the Punjab Sarkar Parman Patra for his services to the people of Punjab. |
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School admission: birth certificate not must Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 3 Endorsing a communication received from the Directorate of Census Operations, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Secretary, Punjab School Education Board, has advised the heads of all affiliated schools to follow the instructions. The letter written by the Director-cum-joint Registrar-General (Births and Deaths) states that the birth certificate issued by the local Registrar of Births and Deaths under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, is the only legal document showing the date of birth of a person. Though in most cases, births
The directorate apprehends that the enrollment in school goes down in rural areas if a birth certificate is insisted upon at the time of admission. To overcome the problem, the Education Department has been asked to admit the child without the birth certificate. The parents can be asked to produce the document later. It has further been stated that the entries can be corrected by the school authorities in the records if the date of birth as told by the parents to school is different from that in the certificate issued by the Registrar. |
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BJP to meet PM on anti-Badal drive Ludhiana, July 3 This was stated by MP Lala Lajpat Rai during an interaction with mediapersons here this morning. He also introduced the panchayat members of his ancestral village, Katani, where the Congress nominee was trounced with a margin of more than 500 votes. Commenting on the “witch-hunt” against the Badals, he said the anti-corruption campaign was targeting only Mr Badal and his relatives while the corruption of Congress ministers and leaders was being overlooked. “Badal, badli and badla” were the three salient features of the government, he added. He said the way Mr Badal was being hounded was not only shameful but also undemocratic and unconstitutional. Elaborating, he said it was not the job of the Vigilance Bureau to go into the background of the sources of income of a person. It was the job of the tax authorities and in case the government was convinced about the wrongdoing of the former CM, the case should have been handed over to the tax authorities. The MP said it is a known fact that he belongs to a rich landlord family. The raids on the houses and properties jointly owned with relatives were aimed at harassing them like common criminals. Others were being pressurised to name Mr Badal as the recipient of kickbacks and bribes, he added. He said the real test for the government would be during the parliamentary poll. In case the Amarinder Singh government continued with its “one-sided” campaign, it would prove to be the Waterloo of the Congress in the state. The people were feeling alienated since the government had failed to start major development projects in the state and
had added to the tax burden, he added. Lala Lajpat Rai said the Akali Dal was an indispensable ally of the NDA government and Mr Badal was one of the senior leaders of the coalition. The Centre was keeping a watch on the developments in Punjab. |
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Unity of hearts still awaited among Akalis Ludhiana, July 3 The leaders like Mr Hira Singh Gabria, owing allegiance to Mr Tohra, were conspicuous by their absence from the protest demonstration. This is despite the fact that Mr Gabria claims himself to be the president of the united Akali Dal. Before Mr Badal and Mr Tohra parted ways, he was the district president of the Shiromani Akali Dal at that time. It was learnt that the Tohra loyalists had been asked to adopt a cautious approach in supporting the agitation against the government. They pointed out even Mr Tohra had himself not come out in the open unambiguously in support of Mr Badal. Rather the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, had sent him positive feelers by declaring that Mr Tohra was an honest person. Mr Tohra and his loyalists were learnt to be waiting for his appointment as SGPC president. The incumbent president, Mr K.S. Badungar, is expected to submit his resignation on July 10. The Tohra loyalists have been told that unless Mr Tohra assumes the charge of the SGPC president, they should maintain a distance from any protests in support of Mr Badal. It is not just the Tohra loyalists who have upset the Badal supporters, even the BJP also appears to have disappointed them. Although the local BJP leaders have time and again been issuing statements in support of Mr Badal, but the Badal loyalists are learnt to be feeling that this is too little too late. Even the grassroot Akali workers feel disillusioned with the central BJP and the National Democratic Alliance saying that they had let down Mr Badal at a crucial moment. |
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J&K poll duty staff get dues Ludhiana, July 3 They have finally been remunerated for the duty and their
daily allowances have been paid. The good news came for them more than nine months after they had discharged their duties in the risky terrain of J&K to contribute in the country’s democratic process, while many of their counterparts especially teachers had refused to go there. Finally, the district administration has paid them Rs 4,155 each today. The authorities said the delay was not their fault as the money was to be released by the J&K Government. The payments came after the local authorities sent many reminders to them. Though resentment prevailed among them as the administration did not inform them about the arrival of cheques and they got to know about it through word of mouth, they were happy that they were given their dues. ‘‘It was only through a friend that I came to know about our payments. I went to the Deputy Commissioner’s office on my own and collected it. Almost all our colleagues have received the money by now,’’ said an employee who was a part of team sent to J&K. The employees were not even given their daily allowance for stay in the valley that had lasted for more than 15 days besides 40 per cent of the remuneration. They were agitated and had been stating that they had spent money from their own pockets to survive in the valley. The state government had asked the employees to volunteer for poll duty and had offered them Rs 5,000 for the duty. Each employee opting for such duty was to be covered through insurance of Rs 25,000 for injury and Rs 5 lakh for death. None of the local employees had volunteered for the job on the plea that it was very risky to go to valley during the prevalent circumstances. They had argued that during the difficult times in Punjab its own employees were performing such duties and nobody was called from other states. The Deputy Commissioner had then issued show-cause notices to erring employees. After reading reports of refusal, these employees had volunteered to go to the valley. The local administration had paid them 60 per cent money in advance at the time they were leaving for valley. ‘‘We are happy that we had been paid finally. Otherwise I was going to move the court to get my rightful dues,’’ said Dr Pushproop Singh Brar, a veterinary surgeon. The employees had met the former Deputy Commissioner to intervene in the matter but he had refused, stating that it was between the J&K Government and them. They had also written to the Chief Election Commissioner and the J&K Government. |
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BKU rejects APC suggestions Ludhiana, July 3 The union urged upon the Centre not to accept the recommendations and fix the new price by making the 1966-67 prices as the basis and taking into account the general price index. Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, president, Mr Manjit Singh Qadian, general secretary, and Mr Bhupinder Singh, press secretary, said in a joint press release here today that farmers had been asked to be ready to launch an agitation in case the price of paddy was not increased as demanded by them. The union leaders said that Mr Rajnath Singh, in his very first
decision, had proved to be anti-farmer. They said that where the APC was concerned, it had been advocating no increase in the prices of wheat and paddy for the past two years, while every year the prices of various inputs such as weedicides, insecticides and
fertilisers were being increased by 10 to 15 per cent. It was great injustice to the farmers that the prices of wheat and paddy were not being increased proportionately. The union leaders lamented that when the country was importing foodgrains at exorbitant prices, the farmers were given all kinds of subsidy but now when the country was self-sufficient in the production of foodgrains, the government was withdrawing its helping hand to the farming community. As a result of the anti-farmer policies being pursued by the government, the average farmer was facing economic hardships and was buried under heavy debts. That was why several farmers were opting to commit suicides. The union leaders categorically stated that the government must ignore the recommendations of the APC and announce increased prices for paddy this season.
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Trees axed in Civil Hospital Ludhiana, July 3 As many as 10 fully grown trees of various varieties, including Ashoka, rubber, dharek and other flowering varieties, were cut today. Sources told Ludhiana Tribune that the orders were issued by the “ top” authorities who felt that the trees were presenting a “bad look” to the premises as they had not been planted systematically. “The trees were not affecting anybody. I do not know why the authorities passed such an order,” said Mr Kulwinder Singh, a relative of a patient, adding that in the otherwise tense circumstances of a hospital, the trees presented a soothing sight. Dr Harjit Kaur, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, when contacted said the trees had not been cut but pruned. She said the trees were affecting the growth of other trees and were not getting proper sunlight as they were under other trees. The SMO said the trees would grow again as they had been just pruned. Horticulture experts, however, claim otherwise. According to them, once the crown of a tree is cut the chances are remote that the tree would survive. ‘‘Leaves are the food factories of a plant. If all leaves are cut, the tree suffers a setback. If its entire trunk is cut, leaving just the root, there is no chance that the tree would survive,” said a horticulture expert.
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Gurdwara
poll: list of voters displayed Ludhiana, July 3 According to Mr Anurag Verma, Deputy Commissioner, the lists were pasted in the offices of the District Electoral Officer, SDM-cum- Correction Officer concerned, Executive Officer of municipal councils, patwarkhana concerned and notified gurdwaras. Giving details, Mr Verma said any person, who fulfills all conditions to get himself enrolled as a voter and his name does not appear in the preliminary lists, could present his claim before the Correction Officer in person or through his legally authorised agent. He said handwritten objections in three copies could be presented before the Correction Officer till August 22 regarding any discrepancies in the list. The Deputy Commissioner said for corrections in the voters' lists and receiving new claims in urban areas falling in all subdivisions, SDMs concerned had been appointed as Correction Officers. |
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Be a part of chaos on Kachehri road Ludhiana, July 3 The road, one of the busiest roads within the old city limits, takes the load of the bulk of traffic between Civil Lines and several localities in outer Ludhiana, including Haibowal , Tagore Nagar and Kitchlu Nagar. Local buses, plying between Humbran and the city, starting from Clock Tower, also ply on this road. Auto-rickshaws, bicycles, two-wheelers, cars and other vehicles add to the chaos on the road. The road has been encroached upon by shopkeepers. Colourful heaps of clothes occupy a major part of the road in front of shops. Extensions have been made to hang dupattas to catch the attention of passersby. Shoppers also add to the congestion on the road, making it unsafe for pedestrians. Rehris, selling seasonal fruit, occupy a major part of the road. Whenever a vehicle of the Tehbazari Department of the local municipal corporation enters the road, these rehriwallahs pick up their goods and run towards adjoining lanes, connecting the road with the Bhadaur House market. Cycle-rickshaws, parked near these connecting lanes, also slow down the traffic. Interestingly, Tehbazari Department staff do not attempt to chase these rehriwalas despite knowing fully well that the moment they are gone, the rehriwalas would be back in business. Sources claim that a nexus between the department and the encroachment mafia is the reason behind this laxity It may be mentioned that that the encroachment mafia was making nearly Rs one crore every month from roadside vendors all over the city. Incidentally, When Mr S.K.Sharma took over as the Commissioner, he had promised wider roads and removal of all roadside encroachments. On the contrary, the encroachments have increased by the day, as can be seen on this road. The sources blame it all on politicians. Vendors also feel that the Congress favours the economically-backward. When asked if the party had granted them any loans to set up new businesses, a roadside vendor replied in negative. He, however, maintained that the Congress government had given him the liberty to set up a roadside enterprise so that he could earn a living for his family. As far as the Tehbazari Department was concerned, it did not make any difference. After all, he is back in business the moment the moment the drive is over. |
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Ensure
implementation of Punjabi: Johar Ludhiana, July 3 He conducted a surprise check of the offices of the district languages officer, here today. During checking, all the employees of the office were found present. The minister said that directions to all the district languages officers have been issued to spare at least 15 days every month for the checking of the various offices situated in their districts so that the orders of the government for carrying out all official work in Punjabi in government offices could be fully implemented. During the inspection, Mr Johar visited the typing training centre being run by the Department in Punjabi and interacted with the trainees to enquire about the quality of training. He asked the district languages officer to speed up the sale of Punjabi books sent by the department so that the Punjabi language could be suitably promoted. The minister was accompanied by Mayor Nahar Singh Gill and Ms Sushil Gupta, Deputy Mayor. |
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Senior
citizens laud Garcha's appointment Ludhiana, July 3 Senior citizens, comprising retired officials and educationists, observed, “While the world community has repeatedly included us among the most corrupt countries and the people nationwide are crying foul over abysmal venality, Mr Garcha's public admission of widespread corruption in LIT and his resolve to eradicate it from there has come as a whiff of fresh air.” They said Mr Garcha had rightly pointed out that the administration was held hostage and the people were enslaved to the bureaucratic hegemony. His stand reflected a rare integrity of character and purpose and a laudable boldness to fight the forces of evil in public life, they added. They emphasised that Mr Garcha deserved the support of all citizens in his fight against corruption. The senior citizens observed, “While Mr Garcha's stand should have been inundated by public support, lukewarm, rather negligible response, reflect the state of moral and intellectual stupor and paralysis in the society.” They congratulated the Chief Minister, Mr Amarinder Singh, for appointing Mr Garcha as the Chairman of LIT. The signatories include Mr Charanjit Singh Aulakh , Mr A.R. Gupta, Mr J.P. Dhingra, Mr Gurcharan Singh, Mr S.S. Gill, Mr Mehar Singh, Mr Bhagwant Singh, Mr Prahlad Singh and Ms Gurbinder Kaur.
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125 children learn gurmat kirtan Ludhiana, July 3 This camp was organised during summer vacation and concluded yesterday at a function held in the Sarabha Nagar gurdwara. Study circle general secretary Mr Jaspal Singh said that 125 children participated in the camp. The students were given religious teachings. In the gurmat class, the students got detailed knowledge of the achievements and sacrifices of 10 gurus. They also got good information about Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Mr Surjit Singh,Mr Sarabjit Singh, Dr Charan Kamal Singh, Ms Sarabjot Kaur, Mr Satnam Singh, Ms Devinder Kaur were the gurmat
instructors. The kirtan class was taken up by Harmeet Kaur, Parminder Kaur and Arvinder Kaur. Each participant was given a certificate. |
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New Rotary
office-bearers Ludhiana, July 3 While delivering his presidential address to the club members, Mr Munjal felt the need of improving the environment of the city and planned to take up regular projects of tree plantation and pollution control to improve the environmental conditions. He also said that he had planned to organise regular leadership training programmes for the members in order to develop future leaders. Dr Rajeev Gupta told the members that because of deteriorating environment, illnesses like neurocsticerosis, asthma and drug addiction were on the rise and there was a need to increase awareness of these problems and take up effective steps. |
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Ishwar
Singh cremated Doraha, July 3 His cremation was largely attended. Apart from Doraha town, people of the surrounding villages, including panches, sarpanches and other personalities of the area, thronged the house of Dr Ishwar Singh (80) in great numbers. Dr Ishwar Singh died after a long illness at a hospital at Mohali yesterday. Dr Ishwar Singh was not keeping fit for quite some time. Despite his growing physical illness, he was at present continuing as president of the Non-Government College Management Federation, Punjab and Chandigarh. Apart from this, he was the founder president of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, and Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha. He was at present president of the Management Committee of Khalsa High School, Jaspalon, and trustee of Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana. He was former president of the Municipal Council of Doraha. He was a former president of the Rotary Club. Mr Tej Parkash Singh Kotli, Transport Minister, Punjab, Mr Amrik Singh Aliwal, former MP, and Mr Ravinder Ravi, former Speaker, were among those who paid tributes to Dr Ishwar Singh. Dr Ishwar Singh is survived by his wife, a daughter-in-law, two daughters and grandchildren.
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Protest over
yatra Ludhiana, July 3
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Bihari migrant held with pistol Ludhiana, July 3 The police was interrogating the arrested migrant to find out if he had committed any crimes with the pistol or was planning to make use of it in the near future. Dowry harassment:
Fraud alleged:
The Civil Lines police registered a case of alleged fraud and intimidation under Sections 406, 420, 506 and 323 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Jasbir Singh, a resident of Bharat Nagar Chowk, against Gurminder Singh. The complainant had alleged that the accused bought some furniture from his shop but had not made the payment. When he demanded the money, the accused beat him up and threatened him on Wednesday. No arrest has been made so far. Robbery bid:
Beaten:
Hit-and-run case:
Booked:
Man killed:
Goods recovered:
Traffic jam:
Satwinder Singh, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, was arrested for the same offence and booked at the same police station. Both the accused were later bailed out. |
Project to boost hosiery, bicycle units Ludhiana, July 3 The Director Industries, Mr S.K. Sandhu, told TNS that for the uprgadation of the technological capabilities of the knitwear industry, for improving its competitive strength and building up institutional capacity to facilitate investment and technology promotion, the Central Government had formulated a national programme for the development of the knitwear and bicycle industry. The estimated budget for the project is said to be $ 2 million. The project aims to achieving various milestones like creating awareness, building attitude change through seminars and workshops, human resource development, artisan training, technology upgradation, market development and capacity building of local institutions. Mr Sandhu said the purpose of the project was to make the local industrialists think in global terms. He pointed out that the Indian bicycles and bicycle parts industry was facing tough competition in the emerging global scenario. The production, with over 90 per cent from the small section, is estimated to be 13 million units annually. He said about 60 per cent of the total output in bicycles and about 80 per cent in bicycle parts in the country was in Ludhiana. Similarly, the total production of the knitwear industry in the country was worth about Rs 8,000 crore which includes about Rs 3,000 worth of exports. This is again a small-scale sector. The major concentration of the small-scale units in India is at Ludhiana and Tirupur. There are about 12,000 units in Ludhiana and 4,000 in Tirupur. Mr Sandhu said to make them play an important role in the global market, this sector needs a concerted intervention to bridge the technology gaps and address other quality upgradation and procession pollution issues. Mr Vinod Thapar, president of the Knitwear Club Ludhiana said such projects were the need of the hour for survival in the stiff global competition. |
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