 |
|
| Friday,
August 15, 2003, Chandigarh, India
|
|
||||
|
Dharna by Dalits forces police to arrest main accused Raikot, August 14 The dharna was lifted in the evening following the arrest of four of the five accused of the murder of Dalit Surjit Singh. The Raikot police also announced that it would investigate the role of the main accused, Balaur Singh, who had produced a documentary proof that he was admitted to a civil hospital at Charkhi Dadri in Haryana at the time of the murder of the Dalit in Raikot on July 20. Pacifying the Dalits and accepting their another main demand, the police also announced the arrest Balaur Singh. Former state legislator Tarsem Jodhan, who led the agitation along with the local MLA (SAD-Badal), Mr Ranjit Singh Talwandi, said the police had also assured them of action against certain youths involved in anti-social activities. On July 20, Dalit Surjit Singh was beaten to death in full public view. Five persons were listed as the accused by the relatives of the deceased. The Dalits staged a massive demonstration in the town on August 9. The police, however, refused to arrest the main accused Balaur Singh. The agitating persons braved rain and continued their dharna in front of the tehsil office today till the police accepted their demands. The protest began at 10 a.m. and ended at about 3:30 p.m. The demonstrators took out a procession through the main markets of the town and then gathered in front of the tehsil office. The four arrested in the case were: Balaur Singh, Pintu, Neetu and Bhinder Kaur. The police was in the process of recording statements of the witnesses and relatives of the deceased in the case to ascertain the identity of the fifth accused. Speaking at the rally, Mr Jodhan and Mr Ranjit Talwandi and other speakers decried the increasing incidents of violence in the town. They accused certain local politicians of supporting anti-social elements. Notable among other speakers were: Mr Mohinder Singh Seo Kalan, president Zhamuhri Kisan Sabha, Mr Atma Singh Sehjara, BSP, general
secretary, Mr Ram Sarup Kalsia, president Rural Mazdoor Sabha. The slain Surjit Singh had an old enmity with a group of persons in the town. On July 20, late evening, he was hit by a Jeep in which the accused were travelling. He was allegedly attacked by Balaur Singh, Pintu and three others with sharp-edged weapons and rods. An All-Party Sangharsh Committee was formed to seek justice in the murder case. The members of the Sangharsh Committee were: Mr Tarsem Jodhan, Mr Vijay Kumar Jain, Mr Nirmal Singh Mahant, Mr Nachattar Singh, Mr Ram Sarup Kalsia, Mr Ranjodh Singh Talwandi, Mr Atma Ram, Dr Praveen Kumar and Mr Harnek Singh. |
|
Law-enforcers
turn into lawbreakers Ludhiana, August 14 This, despite the fact, that the district administration has itself issued stern warnings to discourage the defacement of public property, violation has been done by the law keepers themselves. The posters describing the observation of a state-level function to celebrate Independence Day at Issru, near Khanna, tell a tale of making a mockery of the law. The walls of Government College of Boys are covered with posters of the function with some of them carrying colour pictures of the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, with his message for Independence Day and some of them have pictures of Karnail Singh Issru, a martyr from Issru village. The administration had taken action against certain violators for pasting posters on the martyrs' statues at the Bharat Nagar chowk last year and got them cleaned, but this time the violators are the law enforcers themselves. Cases were also registered against the violators some time ago. ‘‘Last year they had taken action against the commoners but whom they will book this time? They have to set an example themselves for the general public to follow. I am sure it is not going to affect anybody this time. Even the law would be bypassed. Because there are some people who are unfortunately above the law." a resident said. He added that although under provisions of the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1997, the defacement of private property invited strict punishment for violators, but disgusted with the way the legal system worked, nobody would even lodge a complaint. Here most of the people prefer to spend a little money to undo the defacement rather than lodge a complaint. ‘‘If I lodge a complaint against this defacement with the police, do you think anybody will listen to me. After all the walls bear the posters of the Chief Minister. Otherwise also those who did lodge protests in the Assembly elections against the violators drew flak. Why would one antagonise a man who is at some position.’’ he said preferring anonymity. According to the provisions of the law, no one can put up posters, banners, slogans, etc on the pubic property. |
|
Independence
spirit in schools Ludhiana, August 14 A cultural programme was held at Guru Teg Bahadur Public School, Noorwala Road. Students presented patriotic songs like “Hum honge kamyab” and “Sada Bharat desh mahaan”. Speeches, skits, folk-dances and plays were the highlights of the programme. Ms Karamjeet Kaur, Principal, asked the students to fight corruption. Celebrations were also held at Home and Heaven Nursery School. Kids and teachers participated in the celebrations with a spirit of nationalism. The school was beautifully decorated with national flags. Kids came to the school with Tricolours in their hands. A fancy-dress competition was held in which kids mimicked Netaji Subhash Chander Bose, Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh and Mahatama Gandhi. Prizes were distributed among kids by the school Principal. Separate functions were held for tiny tots, juniors and seniors at Ritambra Public School. The celebrations began with the singing of “Eh mere vatan ke logo”. Students also participated in a fancy-dress competition. The cultural show was anchored by Gaurav and Rajat who played the role of Tara-Sitara. Groups songs “Jahan panv mein payal”, “Kasam li hai” and “Vande Mataram” touched the hearts of the audience. Group songs “Hum apne desh”, “Kar chale jaan” and “Jahaan daal daal pe” echoed the school. Recital of poems “Kab kahenge ke azaad hain hum” and “Jago Bharat vasiyo” filled the air with spirit of nationalism. At Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Model Town Extension, celebrations were held with enthusiasm. Patriotic songs and poems were recited by students. A poster-making contest was also held in which winners were awarded certificates. Ms Manjeet Kaur, Principal, asked students to inculcate spirit of nationalism and patriotism. The cultural show was organised at Harsh Vidya Mandir, New Subhash Nagar, with delivery of speeches by senior section students. This was followed by music and dance items. A choreography on “Mera mulk mera desh” was also presented. The function concluded with the singing of National Anthem. Mr Mandeep Singh, Director, Accounts, unfurled the national flag at Spring Dale Public Senior Secondary School, Sherpur, here today. This was followed by the singing of patriotic songs “Eh mere vatan ke logo”, “Mere karma tuhi”, “I love my India”, “Chhodo kal ki batein”, “Mera mulk mera desh”. Songs were presented by a team of students comprising Priyanka, Gurleen Kaur, Nandini, Ramandeep, Sapna, Jas Simran, Charanpreet, Annipreet, Jaspreet and Varinder Kaur. Ripul, Bableen and Nandit of nursery class recited the poem “Jhanda ucha rahe hamara”. Thereafter, Shivani Sharma of Class X, Nidhi of Class IX and Anirudh Puri of Class X delivered speeches in English, Hindi and Punjabi, respectively. Lastly, bhangra was presented by Gurpreet Singh and group on “Yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka”. Ms Avinash Kaur Walia, Principal, spoke about the heroes of the nation. At Jesus Sacred Heart School, South City, a grand show depicting various glimpses of cultures in India was held. Students participated with enthusiasm and promised to be good citizens. Ms Lorina Shah, Principal, stressed on the value of independence. Kiddies’ Care Playway School, Dugri Road, celebrated the day with great zeal. Dressed in Tricolour, they danced on patriotic songs. Bahamjot, a student, dressed up as Bharat Mata, was surrounded by other kids dressed up like Bhagat Singh and armymen during the singing of “Jana gana mana”. Ms Hardeep Kaur, Principal, appreciated the enthusiasm of students. Kids of Love Dale Montessori Home came dressed up like national leaders. Patriotic songs were sung by them. During the celebrations, refreshment was offered to them and Tricolours were handed over to each of them. Ms Pritima Behl, Principal, spoke on the occasion. Independence
Day celebrations coincided with the silver jubilee of Kids of Hollyhock Nursery School here today. Ms Amrita Garewal, Principal, cut the cake in the presence of children and teachers. The Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, organised a programme on national integration at Everest Public Senior Secondary School, Moti Nagar. A declamation contest was held which was presided over by Mr Hakam
Singh, Field Publicity Officer, Ludhiana. Gaganpreet Kaur stood first, followed by Isha Chhabra and Jasjoth. Two consolation prizes went to Neeraj and Dheeraj. Mr Ashok Garcha, Chairman, Improvement Trust, was the chief guest. Children of Small Wonders Nursery School, Sangat Road, were dressed up like Subhash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Mahatama Gandhi and Indira Gandhi to mark the day. Patriotic songs were sung by teachers and students in chorus. Kids depicted scenes of independence struggle. Ek Prayaas, an institute for children with special needs and run by the Social Action Group, Ludhiana, celebrated the day on the school premises. Dr S.N. Tiwari, CMO, Ludhiana, was the chief guest. Ms Samira Bector, president of the management, Ms Radhika Jaitwani, secretary, Mr Ashok Arora, vice-president, Ms Maninder Kaur, joint secretary, Ms Sunanda and Ms Asha Arora, both members, volunteers and parents of the children attended the function. Dr B.P. Mishra, clinical psychologist, DMC, was also present. The chief guest visited the class rooms. The dignitaries were presented cultural items by special kids. Patriotic songs and dances marked the function. Surbhi gave a special thanks to the guests on behalf of the students. The Principal, Ms Nivedita Mannan, later offered a vote of thanks to the guests. |
|
|
Traffic
snarls
a common sight Ludhiana, August 14 The colony is situated opposite GTB Hospital and there are four entry roads to this block from the main road running parallel to R. S. Model School. The road opposite the main gate of the hospital is used by hundreds of residents of the block, besides those residing in adjacent Nehru Nagar, Jyoti Colony and Model town extension. Mr Shamsher Singh Atwal and Mr Isher Singh, residents of the area, said they had taken up the issue with the authorities but to no avail. Shopkeepers stacked their goods on the road and patients and visitors to the hospital often parked vehicles in the lanes, adding to the chaos. There is usually a traffic snarl in the area since a major part of the road has been encroached upon by a tea stall owner. He has further “given” out a portion of the encroached land to another person who sells eatables. The other corner of the road has been encroached upon by a “kulcha” seller who runs his shop from morning to 4pm. The road is then occupied by a chat-seller until midnight. unauthorised and haphazard parking has aggravated the situation. "It is unsafe for women of the area to pass the area unaccompanied during odd
hours. Complaints to the police have not yielded any result," the residents alleged. |
|
Tailor
forced out of shop Ludhiana, August 14 Mr Durga Parsad, alias Munna Lal, a resident of Kanganwal Road,
Jugiana, in an application to the SSP, has stated that his landlord Gian Chand, who runs a grocery shop in the village market, wanted him to move out of the shop. He had moved a city court to obtain a stay order and a civil suit in this regard was under way. The tailor further alleged that on the evening of August 4, Gian Chand and his son Om Kar accompanied by their relatives and unknown persons came to the shop in three cars along with a Tempo. After entering the shop, they started beating him up and removing his goods, including sewing machines, counter etc. and loaded these on to the Tempo. He was made to load some of his belongings on the vehicle and lock the shop. Photographs were taken to suggest that he had moved out of the shop voluntarily. The tailor further alleged that he was then taken along and dropped outside his house along with his belongings. However, around 15 garments that were to be delivered to his customers were missing. Before leaving, the accused threatened him of dire
consequences if he tried to revisit his shop or reported the matter to the police. The complainant has demanded the registration of a criminal case under Sections 323, 379, 447, 448, 452 and 120-B of the IPC against the accused. The tailor further alleged in his application that immediately after the incident, he rang up the police at 100 thrice but no help came his way. Copies of his complainant to the SSP have also been forwarded to the DGP, Punjab, DIG, (Ludhiana range), DSP and SHO, Focal Point. Mr Durga Parsad told Ludhiana Tribune that when he went to the Focal Point police station to lodge a report, he was harassed by policemen present there and was told to leave. When contacted over the phone, an official at the Focal Point police station expressed his ignorance about the case but assured that the matter would be taken up if the complainant contacted them.
|
|
BKU demands quota for Jats Ludhiana, August 14 The BKU secretary general, Mr Manjit Singh Kadian, along with the general secretary (press), Mr Bhupinder Singh Mahesari, and general secretary (finance), Mr Puran Singh Shahkot, said in a statement here today that there was widespread resentment among the farmers in the state after the assurance of reservation given to the upper castes by the Prime Minister Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In keeping with the spirit of the proposal, government jobs should be reserved for all castes, including Jats in direct proportion to their population. He said the standard of Jats living in places like Delhi was far better than their counterparts in Punjab and Haryana. Whereas the Jats in Delhi and UP were enjoying the benefits of reservation, those in states like Punjab and Haryana were being discriminated against. Mr Kadian further asked the government to bring about a basic change in the reservation policy, which should benefit the economically weaker sections. The resourceful and rich persons, even though belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes should not continue to enjoy the benefits of reservation merely due to their political clout. The BKU functionaries, reacting strongly to the plea for ban on cow slaughter, observed that in the wake of globalisation and WTO such a sentimental step would be retrogressive. While the rest of the world was fast moving towards competitive economy, the Indian government was going to take a step under pressure from religious fundamentalists, which would adversely affect the agricultural economics. “The hard fact is that religious feelings, notwithstanding, there are no takers for unproductive cattle. The stray cattle cause immense damage to crops and in cities pose a grave danger to road traffic. If the government is really keen on the welfare of animals, it should, first of all, create ponds for stray animals and make arrangements to provide fodder to them. The NGO’s and other protagonists of ban on cow slaughter should also come forward to create necessary infrastructure for care of stray animals.” Mr Kadian said all these crucial issues would be discussed at the state level kisan panchayat to be held at Chandigarh on September 12 and depending on the response of the government by that time, the BKU would chalk out a detailed programme for a decisive battle with the government. |
|
READERS WRITE Residents of Sarabha Nagar have launched a signature campaign for the maintenance of the Leisure Valley in their locality. After having failed to evoke the interest of the Municipal Corporation or the Mayor, more than 400 residents have signed a memorandum asking the Zonal Commissioner, D-Zone, to have some concern for the welfare of the residents, who have to wade through filth for a refreshing walk. The memorandum signed by the residents has focussed on the deteriorating condition of the lung of the city which is a sad reminder of what is was till a few years ago. Built at a cost of Rs 1. 5 crore with the help of horticulturists, the Leisure Valley is no longer a walkers’ paradise. Senior citizens and a large number of people who had started coming to this place from most areas in the city not only feel cheated but are disappointed after a visit. The plight of the valley deteriorated after March 31 this year when the contractors handed over this project to the Municipal Corporation. From that day onwards, the bad days started due to lack of proper care, control and responsibility. Mr Harnam Singh Machhiwara, a former councillor, says that there is no maintenance. The plants and trees are not watered and the grass is growing wild. Stray animals, especially pigs, have an easy access to the valley and they are destroying the park and causing inconvenience to visitors. Children from different localities have stared playing cricket on the grassy grounds, the lights are not switched on at night, encouraging anti-social elements, and the fountains are not working. Residents want that proper metal fencing should be put up all around the valley as some nearby jhuggi dwellers have started using this beautiful place as toilets. The public-minded residents have said immediate action should be taken to restore the place to its pristine beauty. Timely efforts can save this beautiful gift to citizens of Ludhiana, otherwise everyone shall be deprived of fresh breathing place in a polluted city. RESIDENTS OF SARABHA NAGAR Encroachment problem persists The people and shopkeepers along the main road from Dugri Canal Bridge to the Kandhari Departmental store have heaved a sigh of relief since all the unauthorised encroachments - by rehriwalas and sellers of sundry items on the both sides of the road - have been removed by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation. It is really a commendable job which the MC has performed and for the residents of Dugri Urban Estate its a great relief from the perennially choked roads and traffic. It was one of the most long-pending demands of the inhabitants of the area and the issue had been raised at various fora for the past quite some time. The matter was also brought to the notice of the MC authorities but no action had been taken in the past. The role of the councillor needs to be appreciated since it was with his interest that the needful has been done. But alas, the problem still remains in part. Encroachments on the main road have been removed but still one can observe certain persons carrying on with their business on both sides. Some have installed their rehris or are selling products inside the green belts after breaking the grill, and in some cases the shopkeepers on the side of the village have put their goods inside the boundary wall. All these should be removed and green belt should be maintained and the grills repaired properly. It is also suggested that
the MC authorities must keep a watch regularly lest the things go back to square one. Moreover, steps should also be taken to remove all encroachments in different forms inside the areas at different crossings and on both sides of the internal road. Platforms and parking spaces should also be a great service and relief for the residents of Urban Estate areas. KULDEEP SINGH KREER
Right to strike The Supreme Court has decreed that the government staff cannot go on strike, as it paralyses the whole system and is against the interests of the nation. In fact the decision is a belated one. Had the SC interfered earlier i.e. just after independence, the situation would have been quite different. It would be very difficult for the government to enforce the ban at this stage, especially in a democratic setup like ours. This is a great blow to the trade union movement. The employees are feeling scared. There may be other forums to redress their genuine grievances, but employees take recourse to it only as a last recourse. The employee unions have the to resort to strikes as a last option. Our association, through a resolution passed under the presidentship of Mr Sher Singh, deeply feels angered about this decree of the SC, as ultimately there is an apprehension that the pensioners might have to feel the brunt of this decision. The SC has only touched the government employees. What about the bandhs and strikes by the traders, political parties on one issue or the other ? Every day there is uproar in parliament and it is a common sight to see politicians hurling chairs and mikes at each other. Does the nation not suffer this way? The rulers have to mend their conduct to hold a mirror to the people. K.L. CHITKARA |
|
Honour for
Dr E.M. Johnson Ludhiana, August 14 Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab, will confer the Punjab Sarkar Parman Patra- 2003 on Dr E.M. Johnson at the state-level Independence Day function at Kapurthala tomorrow. Dr Johnson is already the recipient of the President’s National Award; Hongkong Foundation International Institution Award (1996); Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwala Memorial Award (1998); 20th Century Best Service Award, Subash Chandra Bose National Award for Excellence (2000) and the Thomas Memorial National Award (2000). Dr Johnson has trained 758 medical officers working in the primary health centres of Punjab in disability management under a national programme. He has also trained Aganwadi workers in community-based rehabilitation in Ropar and Sangrur. Dr Johnson imparted educational and vocational skill to women inmates of the women jail here. |
|
Akhand
Bharat Divas celebrated Ludhiana, August 14 “Dhaka, Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sindhu were all part of Akhand Bharat before Partition. The youth of India now must know that we have to be careful that Kashmir and North East must remain the part of Akhand Bharat,” said Mr Mahesh Sharma. He further said that the Britishers never accepted Bharat a country, but called it a sub-continent. This led to Partition of Bharat. Partition has created a host of problems like Kashmir, the mandir-masjid conflict in Ayodhya, Article 370 , and the Common Civil Code. All these problems can be solved if all the Indians pledge to keep the integrity of the country intact. |
|
Janmashtami
celebrated Ludhiana, August 14 Mr M.M. Vyas, former chairman, Improvement Trust, lighted the traditional lamp. Ms Sunil Arora Principal, Ms Neena Sangar, headmistress, Mr Raj Kumar and Chaudhary Sat Prakash, both members of the management, were present. |
|
Suspended principal held Samrala, August 14 Mr Baldev Singh, son of Malkiat Singh, and Harbans Singh son of Mohinder Singh, both residents of Bondli village had moved a complaint before the SSP, Khanna stating that the Principal, Mr Jasbinder Singh Dhillon, of Malwa College Bondli-Samrala had issued a certificate in the name of Manpreet Singh, son of Labh Singh of Kot Gangurai village. Manpreet Singh had never studied in the college. The police on investigation found that the genuine student was Manpreet Singh, son of Hardev Singh a resident of Katani Kalan village. |
|
2 die in hit and run cases Ludhiana, August 14 The complainant had stated that while she and her father, Mr Ramesh Madan, were coming to the city from Moga, their car was hit by the vehicle. The driver sped away from the scene on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Ramesh Madan died on the spot and she also sustained injuries, added the complainant. No arrest has been made so far. Man dies in hospital:
The complainant has stated that while he, along with his uncle, Mr Harpal Singh, were having their morning walk, the car driver hit his uncle near the petrol pump on the road outside the village and sped away. He was admitted to the DMC Hospital where he breathed his last on Wednesday morning. No arrest has been made so far. Injured:
Assaulted:
The Haibowal police yesterday registered a case under sections 323, 341, 506 and 34 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Ajit Nagar, Haibowal, against Sandeep Singh and Rahul Kumar, residents of Haibowal Kalan. The complainant has alleged that the accused stopped him on the road, beat him up and also threatened him on Tuesday evening at Haibowal Kalan. No arrest has been made so far. Purse snatched:
Gamblers held:
Liquor seized:
Girl raped On Tuesday night a cattle of the victim strayed out of the house. She chased the cattle. Two motor-cycle borne youths kidnapped her. They took her to their house in the same village and raped her. The accused identified as Kulbir Singh and Kalu, son of Sukhdev Singh. Following a complaint by the victim, a case under Sections 376, 506, 342 and 34 of the IPC has been registered against the accused. Theft:
Thieves broke open the shutter of M/S Balwant Autos and stole 10 truck tyres, two tractor tyres, one colour TV, air cooler, and some other items, including tables and chairs. Mr Satwinder Singh Aujla, owner of the shop lodged a complaint at Sadar Police station. A case has been registered. |
|
Boutique
owner stabbed Vineeta Gupta admitted to DMC Hospital in Ludhiana on Thursday.
|
|
Four booked
for theft power Ludhiana, August 14 The four, who have been booked under Section 379 of the IPC and 39 of the PSEB Act include Jagtar Singh Namdhari, a resident of Jeewan Nagar, Surinder Singh and Davinder Kapoor. |
Tender specifications by CRPF resented Ludhiana, August 14 More than 95 per cent units, supplying woollen garments like jerseys and blankets to the defence services and para-military forces are located in the city. Completely ignoring the fact that the procurement of woollen hosiery items is exclusively reserved to be made from the small-scale units, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has laid down such unprecedented conditions for the suppliers that they will be simply out of business and the large units and multinationals will be
benefited. In a memorandum submitted to the Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, the association has noted with concern that in one of its recent tender invitations, the CRPF had made it a precondition that the bidders must have 'woolmark', an annual turnover of Rs 15 crore, deposit huge earnest money of Rs 15 lakh for jerseys and Rs 29 lakh for blankets and make further investment on the acceptance of the bid by way of 10 per cent of the total value of goods. As if this was not enough, the CRPF made things worse for the SSI units by insisting that the tendering units for blankets should have ISO - 9000 certification and facilities of weaving, processing and dyeing under one roof. Another ridiculous stipulation for the tender bid is that the sample should match the sealed master sample lying with the purchaser (CRPF in this case). Mr Virinder Khosla, president of the association, observed that it was obvious from these conditions that it was a brazen attempt to eliminate suppliers from the SSI sector and create new sources of supply with monopolistic hold on future
supplies. The prospective suppliers in the small and tiny sectors could not be expected to secure woolmark, ISO -9000 certification and deposit huge earnest money and security, which would practically block the entire working capital of many a manufacturing units. The association has called upon the Union Home Minister to intervene in the matter and prevail upon the CRPF to withdraw the conditions. Further, the manufactures in the SSI sector be given sufficient time to apprise themselves of new specifications and get themselves registered. The government has been asked to postpone the opening of the tenders till the time all these issues were sorted out between manufactures and para-military forces.
|
|
Light engineering units feel the heat of steel giants Ludhiana, August 14 The Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India has observed that the Union Government had been turning a deaf ear to the plight of the engineering industry while the five major producers of the iron and steel were holding the entire industry to ransom. Mr Joginder Kumar, president of the federation, alleged that the steel producers, including the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam were exporting major portion of their production at much cheaper rates whereas the domestic industry was forced to purchase the left out material at exorbitant prices. Focussing on the adverse impact of rise in the prices of essential raw material in domestic market as well as exports of the engineering goods, he flayed the government for its failure to effectively check the exploitation of small and tiny units by the steel producers. “For example the prices of iron and steel have almost doubled since March 2002. On the other hand, China, the major competitor of Indian industry in the global market, is making available steel material like HR Coils at equivalent of approximately Rs 14,000 per metric tonne while the domestic industry gets the same material at almost Rs 25,000 per metric ton.” Mr Joginder Kumar further said that in particular, industrial units located in Punjab were at a locational disadvantage as the steel plants were reluctant to make supplies to distant states like Punjab and the distribution was reportedly restricted to within 200 km of the steel plants. The federation has asked the government to immediately intervene in the matter and save the engineering industry from imminent death which would cause a big blow to the small and tiny sector of the industry. While pleading for the dire need to discipline the major steel producers, it has demanded rationalisation of custom duty on import of iron and steel, withdrawal of duty on export of basic raw material and restriction on exports of raw material so as the demand of domestic industry was met in full. Meanwhile, the Ludhiana Motor Parts Manufacturers Association has decried the continuous upward trend iron and steel prices. Mr Charan Singh Kohli, general secretary of the association said in a statement that in the absence of regulatory measures, the major steel producers were exporting iron and steel to countries like China at around Rs 17,000 per metric tonne whereas the same material was being supplied to domestic industry at more than 50 per cent higher rates. The association has urged the government to fix the prices of steel for domestic market, impose a blanket ban on exports of raw material, order a high-level probe into dealings of steel producers and cut down custom duty to enable the manufacturers to import the raw material. |
|
|
Advisory
panel constituted Ludhiana, August 14 The members of
the committee are: the Director, Department of Industries, Punjab, Mr
Jatinder Khurana, Chairman Young Lawyers(Taxation), Mr Paramjit Singh
Shad, president, Punjab Chamber of Industries and Commerce, Ludhiana,
Mr Sanjeev Garg, president, Northern India Induction Furnace
Association, Ludhiana, Mr Balwant Rai, President Northern India
Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mr S.C Ralhan, Regional Chairman
of the Engineering Export Promotion Council (Northern Region), Mr
Vinod Goyal, Chief Executive, Vardhman Spinning and General Mills, Mr
Amarnath Grover (Giddarbaha), Mr M.R.Mittal, president, Bhatinda Small
Industries Association, Mr Rajnesh Kumar Bansal, vice-president,
Ludhiana Textile Development Board, Mr Ashok Bansal, vice-chairman,
Punjab State Cooperative Handloom Federation Ltd, Mr V.P. Chopra,
president,Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association, Mr
Jagdish Rai Singal, Managing Director, Eastman Casts Forge Ltd, Mr
M.P.Jain, vice-president, Federation of Association of Small Scale
Industries of India, Mr S.K.Rai, MD (Works), Hero cycles Ltd, Mr
S.K.Malhotra, Mr Rajiv Jain, Senior Manager, Gujarat Ambuja Ltd, Mr
Pardeep Kumar Modi, joint secretary, Ludhiana Steel Re-rollers
Association, Mr Amarjeet Singh, president, Ludhiana Marriage Palaces
Welfare Association, and Mr Sunil Kumar Garg. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 123 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Ludhiana, August 14