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August 29, 2003, Chandigarh, India
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Poor made to buy dear drugs Sahnewal, August 28 Several patients and their attendants complained in this regard to Ludhiana Tribune the today. The patients, who were reluctant to speak initially, later also condemned doctors and attendants for being rude and callous towards the poor. Shaheen, wife of a migrant labourer from Uttar Pradesh, said both her children had developed some skin
infection. "My eight-year-old daughter, Heena, and 10-year-old son Salim had been complaining of some itching on their body. I brought them here for treatment. I am here for the past two hours. The doctors prescribed three medicines, which are not available here at the drug store. The storekeeper has told me to get the medicine from nearby shops. I have got just Rs 50 in my pocket, but the medicine is expensive. Now I have taken just one medicine. As soon as I will have sufficient money, I will buy these medicines for my children”, said a helpless Shaheen. She further complained about the indifferent attitude of the hospital staff. At times, they say that when you cannot handle your children, why do you give birth to them. Several other patients also complained of suffering at the hands of doctors. Mr Harmeet Singh, a local resident accompanying by his wife Sukhpal Kaur, complained that despite several visits to the hospital, they had failed to consult the doctor concerned. He said, “My wife complains of severe headache and blurred vision. I have been trying to meet the ophthalmologist for the past several days. Today, I was lucky enough as only two patients were standing in the queue, but when my turn came, I was told that the doctor had already left the place. It is simply disgusting.” Some patients with medicine slips in their hands were seen going to chemist shops as the prescribed medicines were not available with the hospital drug store. One of the chemists near the hospital, disclosed that this was a routine practice. “There are three chemist shops here on this road but doctors at the Civil Hospital prescribe only those medicines which are available with a particular chemist only because he gives them their share. If the patients come to us and we provide the substitute, the medicine is returned to us by the patients saying this would not solve the purpose”, said the druggist. Dr S.S.Dhir, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, however, claimed that the hospital was doing very well and had a sufficient stock of drugs. “There is no shortage of medicines. Patients go to other chemists of their own will. The patients are referred to other chemists because of some particular medicine, which is not available with us”, maintained Dr Dhir. When asked why expensive medicines were prescribed by doctors which were not available at the Civil Hospital, Dr Dhir said he would ask the doctors to stop prescribing such medicines. |
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Oppose move on education at WTO summit: ABVP
Ludhiana, August 28 Punjab ABVP joint secretary Sumedha Gupta said a ministerial-level meeting of the WTO was to be held in Mexico in November regarding the inclusion of the education sector under GATS. Ms Gupta said by including education under GATS, it would become a commodity of trade and be beyond the reach of the common man. She said the ABVP had demanded from the Prime Minister that India must oppose this decision to involve the education field under the purview of GATS. The ABVP’s Ludhiana unit president, Rajat Sood, said the Prime Minister must protect the interests of India at the WTO meeting. The ABVP also asked the Punjab Government to withdraw its decision to privatise ITIs, failing which the parishad would start an agitation.
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Business
firms prefer NCC cadets Ludhiana, August 28 A large number of business houses, including the Reliance, have their gates for NCC cadets. For this the NCC has set up special placement cells. The Reliance alone needs 8,000 security officers and guards. The business house prefers graduates with the NCC background. The firm officials were impressed with the cadets at a camp in Jammu and Kashmir recently. It was with this aim in mind that an Info-Cell was inaugurated at Ghumar Mandi NCC (female) office here today by Brigadier D.S. Dhillon, Dy Director-General NCC Directorate (North). It is the first ever Info-Cell of its kind and Ludhiana having the best potential of cadets and business firms has been chosen for the experiment. He also inaugurated a mess for the Personal Instructions Staff of the NCC. Brigadier Dhillon told Ludhiana Tribune that the cell would not only provide information about various career opportunities but also maintain a data of the capabilities and aptitudes of the cadets and supply it on demand to business firms. The scheme is going to benefit cadets immensely. Besides security jobs, business firms have offered all kinds of jobs for the cadets. “It is discipline, ethics we imbibe in the cadets that is attracting business firms”, said Brigadier Dhillon. He said with armed forces also offering new jobs to women, the NCC has also decided to increase the number of girl cadets. “Now we will have 30 per cent of female cadets out of the total 1.8 lakh cadets from the North. This means we will have more female battalions. Apart from this we will have mixed-boys and girls-battalions also,’’ he said. He said that till now NCC officers were visiting co-ed schools, colleges to create awareness among youth about the NCC and to enroll them. Further, women lecturers can also apply for the part-time post of Assistant NCC officers. Brigadier Dhillon also inspected various NCC offices here. Officers of all NCC wings posted in the state were also present. Local officers Col. R.P.S. Dhillon, Lt. Col. D.S. Kang, Lt. Col. R. Kanthan and Fl. Lt. P.P. Singh took the Dy. Director General round the NCC offices in the city.
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Ludhianvis
safe at Nashik Kumbh Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Raj Kumar and his wife Santosh Aggarwal had taken the holy dip a few hours before the incident, says their son Mr Manish Kumar. “Though we were very anxious after watching the news on television, but it took us five to six hours to get through to father on mobile. Once I spoke to him, we were very relieved”. Mr Raj Kumar is a member of the 20-odd group from the Gita Bhawan Mandir on Radhasoami Road in the city. An auto spare dealer, Mr Raj Kumar, had gone to Nashik in the hope that the problem in his knees would improve. Manish has now advised his father to stay in the camp, about 3 km away from the place of ‘shahi snan’ in Godavari. Similarly, Dr Resham Aggarwal who is married to Dr Nitin Aggarwal at Jalandhar has also advised her parents to stay put at the camp away from the crowds till they board a train for Ludhiana on August 30. After spending a harrowing time, when Mrs Prem Lata managed to reach her son Vinod Kumar Gupta on mobile at Nashik. She was more than relieved to learn that her son was not even aware that several people had got killed in the stampede. Mr Vinod Kumar, who runs a grocery in the city, told her mother that all pilgrims that travelled with him from Ludhiana were safe. Meanwhile, Bal Krishan, Naresh and their families held prayers at their Aggar Nagar home to thank God for protecting their father Janak Raj Garg, who was close to the site of the accident. |
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Financier
restrained from taking vehicle Ludhiana, August 28 The orders were pronounced, in connection with the complaint filed by Ms Harsha Arora of Phase-I, Urban Estate here. She had pleaded that she got her Maruti car
financed from the company. The financer took the original registration certificate of her car on the plea that they would return the same after the entry of hypothecation. But they did not return the same, even a letter was written to them. The complainant alleged that she was challaned by
the traffic police for not having RC at the time of checking. Thereafter, I stopped instalments, to get back my RC. However I am ready to deposit the remaining instalments but the opposite party be directed to handover the original RC, not to re-possess the vehicle, to pay Rs 5000 as compensation.
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Elevated road project on despite snags Ludhiana, August 28 Setting at rest the rumours that either work had been stopped or the progress was very slow on the Rs 32.68-crore project from the Jagraon bridge to Chand Cinema, the MC Commissioner, Mr S.K.Sharma, told Ludhiana Tribune that all 380 piles on the stretch had been laid, 61 piers (cemented pillars) had been erected and 35 had been filled up. The work for the fabrication of pre-cast beams, which would support the surface of the flyover, was also going on and more than 175 beams were ready. Though the expected date of completion of the project, according to Mr S.K.Sharma, was December but several factors had delayed the project to some extent. The project has been through quite a few controversies ever since its inception. There were apprehensions that the suspension of work on the flyover to replace Lakkar Pul by the Public Works Department might further retard the progress since it is proposed to be aligned with the elevated road for the traffic between the old city and Civil Lines area. But the work has since been resumed and the alignment would pose no problem. According to the proposed alignment plan, the elevated road would be integrated with the proposed flyover in place of the Lakkar Pul at two places—near the Bank of India building at the Clock Tower chowk and Bhadaur House. The elevated road would also be linked to the existing multistorey parking complex near the Mata Rani chowk, the Commissioner added. |
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Book Mann, says Shiv Sena Ludhiana, August 28 In a memorandum submitted to the Union Home Minister, Mr Lal Krishan Advani, the party general secretary, Mr Pawan Sharma, observed that the demand made by Mr Mann was an anti-national act and tantamounted to lending support to terrorists and separatists. He said it was not for the first time that the Akali leader had made such ridiculous observations in public. In the past as well, Mr Mann’s words and deeds had raised doubts in the minds of people about his nationalism. The Shiv Sena functionary further pointed out that Mr Mann had admitted having provided an amount of Rs 1 lakh to a library in Malerkotla, set up in the name of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The memorandum expressed apprehension that the counter intelligence outfit of Pakistan — the ISI might be using the Akali leader, like many others, as a tool to rouse communal feelings in the country which could further destabilise the country. The party urged the government to take cognizance of the disturbing and anti-national activities of the Akali leader and initiate effective action against him. |
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Tej Prakash supervises
Beantsinghwala function Ludhiana, August 28 Party sources maintain since Beant Singh has emerged a symbol against terrorism, the party is using the occasion to show its strength. The party will also seek to dispel the notions of dissension within its ranks as it has made it mandatory for each and every influential leader including former Chief Minister, Ms Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Faridkot MP Jagmeet Brar to attend the function. However, Mr Tej Prakash Singh, the Transport Minister and a son of the late Chief Minister, maintained that it would be an apolitical function as three senior leaders of each and every political party in the state have been invited to attend the function. Mr Singh is personally supervising these at village Beantsinghwala, earlier known as Kotli in Payal sub-division, about 40 km from here. Mr Singh said the Chief Minister will preside over the state level function. He disclosed that besides senior Congress leaders from Delhi and Punjab, ministers, MLAs and other senior leaders will pay their tributes to Beant Singh. The Transport Minister said that all the Chairmen of Boards, Corporations, Zila Parishads, Block Samitis, Mayors and Councillors of three Municipal Corporations and Presidents and Municipal Councillors of all the Municipal Councils would also attend the state level function. He informed that there would be different blocks for VIPs, Zila Parishads and Block Samitis members, Press, women and general public. The minister informed that the PPCC office-bearers, presidents of district and block level Congress committees have launched a campaign of small meetings in their areas to persuade people to attend the function and they would participate and along with their supports from all over the state. He said all the main roads leading to Payal were being repaired. Many renowned artistes would present patriotic songs. He said that elaborate arrangements have also been made to provide langar and water. Mr Tej Prakash Singh said that the then government had decided to raise a memorial to Beant Singh in Sector 42, Chandigarh. Capt Amarinder Singh had released funds amounting to Rs 2 crore to start work. The memorial, he said, would be completed at a cost of Rs 7 crore by the state government. |
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Shankar
for school of magic Ludhiana, August 28 One of the renowned magicians of the world, Shankar showed some tricks to media-persons at a press meet held here this afternoon. He said that many so-called god men and unscrupulous persons learn a few tricks like taking out ash from rings and bringing out pendants and other things from air. There is no miracle involved in such performances. These are just tricks of trade. These charlatans just hoodwink the gullible to get money from them. He emphasised that magicians do not perform any miracles, they just use a few tricks that they have learned. Shankar said,” that magic was one of the 64 arts taught in ancient India. If we do not teach magic to younger generation, this great art will be lost forever. For this reason, the government must start a school of magic, where students could learn this art and turn it into a profession. The government should allot an acre of land for the magic school. I have been urging the government to assist the magicians to keep this ancient art alive.” Tomorrow Shankar will drive a motor cycle blindfolded at 11 a.m. He will get his eyes wrapped in 10 layers of surgical bandage by a doctor. He will start his motor cycle ride from Shingar Cinema and drive through the crowded Samrala Chowk, Bus Stand Road, Gyan Sthal Mandir Chowk, Division No 3 , Baba Than Singh Chowk and back to Shingar Cinema. The doctor will open the bandages. He will give his first performance in the city tomorrow along with his troupe of 60 persons. He believes in one dictum, “The entry of magician, if not grand, is not worthwhile”. He has been learning magic since the age of 12 from S.N. Sarkar, whom he considers his guru. He has helped in social causes like relief to earthquake victims, Kargil martyrs etc. The tomorrow’s show is in aid of the Red Cross. |
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Recovery
from Punjab staff flayed Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Jagdev Singh Lalton, convener of the committee, said the government had issued a circular to all departments heads that the benefits
recommended by the Fourth Pay Commission after January 1, 1996 — addition of 148 per cent DA to the previous basic salary — and withdrawn by the employees from that date should be deducted from the salary of the employees. This, he said, would mean a loss between Rs 1, 000 — Rs 2, 000 to the employees. The worst affected would be those from the Class III and IV employees, he added. He said they will resist the anti-employee move and in case the government did not roll back its decision, they would be forced to start an agitation. In this context, a rally would be held on August 29 to chalk out a future course of action, he added.
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SDM holds meeting Amloh, August 28 Mr Hans has joined here after his transfer from Phillaur in place of Mr Amarjeet Singh Shahi. Later, talking to mediapersons, Mr Hans said pollution control, development works and redressal of public grievances would be his top priority. Meanwhile, Mr B.R. Gupta has assumed charge as Executive Officer of the Municipal Council. Mr Rajneesh Sood and Mr Sohan Singh have assumed charge as accountant and sectional officer, respectively.
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Dist scouts unit office-bearers Mandi Gobindgarh, August 28
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Vanmahotsav
celebrated
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Sahitya
Akademi plans block Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Gurbhajan Gill, senior vice-president of the academy added, "The master plan of this block has been approved. |
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Certificates
lost Doraha, August 28 Cherry, daughter of Mr Paramjit Lal, a resident of House No. 69, Ward No. 2, Railway Road, said the bag contained her certificates of matric, plus two, BA I, II and III classes, along with detail marks cards and domicile certificate. The Doraha police has begun an inquiry into the matter. |
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Superviser murdered Doraha, August 28 The body has been sent for post-mortem to Ludhiana.
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BIS specifications on steel to continue Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Mansingh, who was here today, told The Tribune that the Directorate of Foreign Trade had already confirmed it from the steel ministry and it was found that the BIS specifications were mandatory for the steel imports. He also clarified that the BIS specifications were not imposed on the imported steel only but had also been applied on the domestic steel. He said, “you cannot impose double standards...you have to apply the same standards for domestic and international producers”. Moreover, he added, it is also necessary to ensure that the steel imported into the country is of the standard quality. Earlier, addressing a seminar on ‘Export Promotion from Punjab’ jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC), he sought to dispel the notions of general cynicism prevailing in the industry about exports. The Director General of Foreign Trade maintained that the export scenario in the country was quite optimistic. Speaking specifically about Ludhiana, he pointed out the contribution of the industry from here was massive. He was of the opinion that the Indian exporters had placed themselves in a comfortable position and had already “wiped out” the threat of competition from China. He was optimistic about this trend and hoped it will continue for the time to come. Mr Mansingh said while the Indian export share in the world market had increased to 0.8 per cent, it would reach targeted 1 per cent in the next few years. He said to achieve this target an annual export growth of 12 per cent was requited. Giving details of the export scenario, he disclosed that only six countries in the world had shown positive growth in exports and India was one of them. Earlier in his welcome address, the vice-president of the FIEO, Mr Subash Mittal, said that Punjab being very far from sea ports required extra expenditure on transporting goods. He sought concessional rail freight for moving the cargo to sea ports. Among others who attended the seminar included Mr G. Balachandran, Director General of FIEO, Mr S.S. Bedi, Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, and Mr Arun Goel, Managing Director, PSIEC. A number of industrialists representing the steel, hosiery, engineering and other sectors attended the seminar.
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Industry
pins hopes on steel minister’s visit Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Tripathy’s visit assumes significance in view of the rising steel prices for the past one year. The industry, particularly the engineering exporters have been crying hoarse for the past one year over the rising prices. A delegation of the industry led by the former Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal also met the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi recently, and discussed the issue. Mr Tripathy will have to face uncomfortable questions here from the industry. The industry has been maintaining that the government has provided extra protection to five top manufacturers of steel, including the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), TISCO, Essar Steel, Jindal Steel and Bharat Ispat Ltd. These five have been raising the prices of steel almost every month. Mr P.D. Sharma, the chairman of the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, maintained that the government has provided heavy subsidies to the big five. Apprehending political patronage to these five, he pointed out, some of these have also been declared as wilful defaulters by the Reserve Bank of India and still they enjoyed huge subsidies. He pointed out that the government seemed to be so ill-informed about the steel prices that Mr Vajpayee while replying to the debate on the vote of no confidence in the Parliament cited the example of SAIL as “efficient functioning” of the government. He said, the SAIL example was quoted out of context and the public needed to be informed as at what cost did SAIL improve its performance. Similarly, the Chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India, Mr SK Dhanda, also regretted the lack of concern in India about the domestic industry. He pointed out, when China allotted contracts for development of cities in connection with 2008 Olympics, the Chinese government made it mandatory for the contractors that they will not consume domestic steel for the construction and will use the imported steel only. This was done to ensure that the domestic industry did not suffer the shortage of steel. With the result all the steel required for Olympics was being imported. Paradoxically Indian manufacturers were exporting steel to China. He said, the engineering industry was under tremendous pressure as it faced shortage of raw material. Even if it was available, it was very expensive. He pointed out, Indian manufacturers were suffering on the same count, for which Chinese took the preventive measures in advance. “We should have learnt from the Chinese”, he observed. |
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Scope for export to USA Ludhiana, August 28 Mr Dhawan said that at present the USA was passing through recession. He cautioned that India faced tough competition in its export of readymade garments and other goods, including electronics. China was the biggest competitor beside other countries. Even in the export of electronics China was posing a big threat. Mr Dhawan emphasised on the need for the provision of proper raw material and in time shipment of goods. To have more openings there was need to improve the quality of goods, he said.
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Bank launches scheme for farmers Ludhiana, August 28 Mr S. K. Gupta, General Manager, distributed loan sanction letters and Central Kisan Credit Cards with a total sanction limit of Rs 5.50 crore to farmers on the occasion. |
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