 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mann has no right to disrupt yatra, says CM
Chandigarh, March 24 Addressing a press conference here today, Capt Amarinder Singh, said that neither Mr Simranjit Singh Mann and nor his any supporter would be allowed to disturb the yatra in Punjab territory in any manner. “I have told the police chief to take the necessary steps to ensure trouble-free run of the yatra from Chandigarh to Amritsar,” he asserted. Mr Advani’s yatra was a legitimate political activity and people like Mr Mann had no right to stop such activity. “If Mr Mann has any objection to the yatra, he can express his views in this connection at political rallies and through media. But he has no business to issue threats and to resort to scuffles to impede the yatra,” said Capt Amarinder Singh. Capt Amarinder Singh said that the yatra would be provided full security. There was no need to change the yatra route. “Mr Advani and his party was free to chose any route for the yatra in the state and the police would make security arrangements accordingly,” he added. Meanwhile, informed sources said that the DGP had written to the BJP that it should not worry on account of security to the yatra as all arrangements had been made for the smooth passage to the yatra. Informed sources said that the threats issued by Mr Mann had caused panic not only in the state government but also the Congress at the national level. The party has the apprehension that if Mr Advani’s yatra was disrupted in the Congress-ruled Punjab, then similar disruption could take place to Mrs Sonia Gandhi’s road shows in the BJP-ruled states. Sonia to visit Punjab in April Capt Amarinder Singh said today that the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, would visit Punjab for a mass contact programme in the second week of April. Mrs Gandhi had sounded us in this connection. The exact dates of the visit would be fixed shortly, he added. |
Restrain
Tohra from welcoming yatra: Mann
Amritsar, March 24 Mr Mann submitted a memorandum to the Jathedar, Akal Takht in this connection. |
|
Heavy police deployment in Kharar
Kharar, March 24 Mr Dinkar Gupta, DIG, Ludhiana Range, met senior police officials of Ropar district here today and reviewed security arrangements. The Ropar SSP, Mr Surinder Pal Singh, said the site where Mr Advani would be halting for a few minutes had been selected and it would be cordoned off. Barricades would be put up in the area near the civil rest house. He said policemen had already been deployed on the route. He said persons, whom the police suspected to create some problems in connection with the yatra, were being rounded up. As many as 15 persons had been rounded up in Ropar district as a preventive measure till the filing of this report. The SSP said various security arrangements had been finalised and duties
assigned in this regard. He said a rehearsal was carried out in the evening to check the requirement of the force. Among those rounded up by the police are Mr Bhag Singh
Surtapur, president of the Ropar unit of the SAD (Amritsar), and Mr Sukhwinder Singh Bhatia, president of the youth wing of the Kharar unit of the SAD (Amritsar). Meanwhile, the Punjab unit of the Panchayati Raj Cell of the BJP has said it would accord a warm welcome at Kharar to the Deputy Prime Minister. |
|
CM sabotaged Bathinda refinery project, says Badal
Sherpur (Sangrur), March 24 In reply to a query, Mr Badal said Capt Amarinder Singh was also among those, who had hatched a “conspiracy” to sabotage the Bathinda refinery project as certain industrialists did not want the completion of this project. He said without the connivance of Capt Amarinder Singh, the refinery project could not be sabotaged as the latter had been stalling the project on the pretext of heavy losses to Punjab from the refinery. Mr Badal said he could not understand how a
project, which had not started production so far, could become a loss-making unit for
the state. Mr Badal was talking to mediapersons here today before addressing an election rally of Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the SAD candidate from the Sangrur parliamentary constituency. The rally was organised by Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, the Sherpur MLA. Thousands of persons participated in the rally. On the proposed disruption of Mr Advani’s “Bharat Uday Yatra” by Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, the SAD(A) chief, Mr Badal said Mr Mann followed his close relative Capt Amarinder Singh and this step was also taken by Mr Mann on the lines of Capt Amarinder Singh. Mr Badal termed the leaders of SAD (Longowal) as a “frustrated lot”. He said these leaders were not fighting a political battle with them. They were fighting for their individual interests. He also alleged that the advertisements under the name of “Miri Piri Sewa Dal Punjab” were being issued by the Congress-sponsored persons. Mr Badal also addressed an election rally at Sangrur, organised by Mr Ranjit Singh Ballian, former Punjab Minister, besides addressing an election rally at Sherpur. Mr Badal expressed the hope that with the formation of a Vajpayee government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha elections, the trade with Pakistan through the Punjab border would begin and the farmers of the state would be able to sell their produce in Pakistan at higher rates. The Sherpur rally was addressed among others by Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Union Cabinet Minister, Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Sherpur MLA, Mr Gobind Singh Longowal, Dhanaula MLA, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sunam MLA, Mr Daljit Sekhon, a SAD leader, and Mr Harbans Singh Sherpur, president of the Rashtriya Mulajam Dal. Besides Mr Badal and Mr Dhindsa, the Sangrur rally was addressed, among others, by Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mr Baldev Singh Mann, Mr Ranjit Singh Ballian and Mr Joga Singh Phaguwala, member SGPC. |
|
SGPC lodges protest with French Govt on turban issue
Amritsar, March 24 In a joint statement, SGPC President G.S. Tohra and General
Secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur expressed concern that the French Government had paid no heed to numerous
representations made by the SGPC and other Sikh organisation world over to review the Bill. They demanded immediate withdrawal or modification in the Bill to allow Sikh students to wear turbans in schools. The SGPC said, even personal submissions made to French Foreign Minister Dominique De Villepin during his visit in India, underlining the fact that the ban would spell grave consequences for Sikhs, seemed to have no effect.” The SGPC stated that the turban, unlike other religious symbols, forms an integral part of the Sikh culture. Besides quoting other historical announcements relating to religious tolerance, the SGPC also quoted that the November 25, 1981, declaration of the United Nations adopted by its general assembly on absolute elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. They reminded French of their age-old ties, as also the sacrifices made by thousands of Sikhs in battleground for France. |
|
PM’s visit: raids on SAD men’s houses
Amritsar, March 24 The entire shopping complexes around the Rajasansi Airport, Circuit House and Gol Bagh — venue of the rally — would also remain closed from tomorrow. Meanwhile, the police has conducted raids on residence of Bhai Ram Singh, General Secretary, SAD (Amritsar) and other office-bearers of the party, in wake of its threat to disrupt the ‘Bharat Udai Yatra’ of Mr Advani. |
|
Dreaded criminal shot dead by rival
Jalandhar, March 24 Meanwhile, the news of Dulla’s murder spread like wildfire and businessmen closed their establishments in Bhargo Camp, Mangu Basti, Avtaar Nagar and parts of model house localities out of fear, even as a group of young supporters of Dulla descended on the Jalandhar-Nakodar road and indulged in stone throwing. They also allegedly put the house of a relative of Gogi, one of four suspects in the Dulla murder case, on fire in Bhargo Camp, which forced the police authorities to heavily deploy police in these four localities. Police Control Room vehicles were also deployed at the Civil Hospital where Dulla’s postmortem was conducted late in the evening. Dulla, according to eye-witnesses and police sources, was shot in the head from a point-blank range with a double barrel .12 bore gun by his friend-turned-foe Gogi when he was coming out of the Mangu Basti house of a female acquaintance, Soma, at around 12.45 pm. A part of Soma’s house was also allegedly set on fire by miscreants, which made the police to detain Soma as a preventive measure. Gogi, who was said to be on foot, escaped within minutes of committing the crime. Goldi, a nephew of Dulla who was accompanying him, escaped unhurt. The suspect, who was carrying a half-cut double barrel gun, fired two or three shots, of which two directly hit Dulla’s face, disfiguring it badly. Senior police officers, including Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP, reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Though the exact reason behind the crime could not be determined, it was learnt that it was an outcome of the alleged murder of an uncle of Gogi by Dulla and his accomplices near Buddha Mal Park about four years ago. Sources also pointed out that an old rape case was also a bone of contention among some people and Dulla, against whom about 20 cases had been registered in the region. Dulla was taken to a private hospital, where he was declared to be brought dead by doctors. Ms Kamlesh Devi, a relative of the deceased, alleged that the police reached the scene after about two hours of the crime. The sources said Dulla’s brother, Raj Kumar, has also been killed in a gang war about seven years ago and Gogi, who was also said to be a proclaimed offender and a one-time friend of Dulla, may have attacked Dulla following his objection to Dulla’s visit to Soma’s house and for his fear that Dulla may try to have him arrested to avenge his own arrest from Ambala in the Ramesh foreman killing case. Mr Rajpal Sandhu, SP (City), said a case had been registered against three persons at Police Division No. 6 on the basis of a complaint lodged by Goldi, who identified Gogi as the main suspect. Mr Sandhu maintained that Gogi did not identify the two other accused in his complaint. He said raids were being conducted to arrest the accused. |
|
Entire water of holy tank
to be filtered in 96 hours
Amritsar, March 24 The entire Rs 5 crore on installation of the filteration plant is being spent by “Tut brothers” — the biggest Punjabi farmers and transporters of USA, who own 54,000 acres of agricultural land and 225 trucks in the USA and Belzi (central America). Mr Surjit Singh Tut and his younger brother Mr Ranjit Singh told TNS that the filteration plant would be the first of its kind in the country. The project is being installed by Olson Laval of the USA which is responsible for creation of big artificial lakes, water falls and big swimming pools all over the world. They claimed that after filteration, water of the holy tank would be as good as ‘mineral water’. The huge filteration plant installed near Gurdwara Mata Kaula can filter 25,000 litres of water per minute. Mr Douglass Whiteaker, Engineer Director of Aquatic Desig, USA, who also visited Golden Temple today, told The Tribune that all precautions had been taken for supplying ‘pure water’ into the holy tank. He said initially he had come here as a professional but after visiting Golden Temple he wanted to complete the project as a ‘devout Sikh’. Baba Amrik Singh, who has been supervising the ‘kar seva’ on behalf of Baba Jagtar Singh, said that it took 12 years to implement the project even as three resolutions were passed during the presidentship of Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr Kirpal Singh Badungar and now Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra. The idea was first conceived by Mr Tohra in 1992 who approached Baba Jagtar Singh for undertaking the ‘kar seva’. A large number of Sikh devotees from foreign countries, including Baba Mohinder Singh from the UK, had already reached Amritsar to participate in the ‘kar seva’. ETC Punjabi channel will give a live telecast of the ‘kar seva’. Mr Ranjit Singh ‘Tut’ said that it would take only four days to remove silt through kar seva. Fish had been carefully transferred to one fourth portion of the holy tank. After completing three parts of the holy tank, fish would be transferred to the other portions. Baba Amrik Singh said the entire underground portion of Golden Temple would be painted blue which would have a life of more than ten years. The entire Golden Temple complex would also be painted white simultaneously. However, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, SGPC Secretary, expected lakhs of devotees to participate in the ‘kar seva’. |
|
Paper leakage took place in Ludhiana
Mohali, March 24 While the exact details of the findings of the inquiry done by the Chairman are yet to be known, sources involved in the inquiry process pointed out that the source of leakage had led the board to an examination centre in a school in Ludhiana where the papers were leaked by the principal in connivance with the centre superintendent. Interestingly, the mention of an employee in the office of the Ludhiana District Education Officer (DEO) also figures in the findings, who allegedly ensured that a particular person is placed as the centre superintendent at the centre where the leakage was planned. The opening of seals on the question paper packet is done on the day of the examination, minutes before the beginning of the examination by the school principal, who is the controller of examination for that centre, in the presence of the centre superintendent who is deputed by the board. However, leakage can take place before the beginning of the examination if the two are in connivance. During the preparations for the conduct of examinations, the DEOs send to the board, names of persons who can be put on duty as centre superintendents at various places. The board then okays these panels. Sources pointed out that unlike last year, when the DEO, Ludhiana, himself had finalised these panels for approval of the board, this year the work was done by the DEO’s staff, which also led one to believe that the employee working in the DEO Ludhiana office could also have a link in the board, so the direct involvement of at least one employee of the board in the paper leakage could not be ruled out. However, sources added that the process of leakage of question papers was different for Class X and Class XII examinations. When contacted Dr Kehar Singh confirmed that an informal inquiry was on but he could not reveal the contents of the initial findings. “Anything said at this stage can pre-warn the culprits and then it might be difficult to nab them,” he said. The SSP Ludhiana, Mr. Narinderpal Singh, said that he had already received a verbal communication from the board in the regard and had assured the board of his cooperation. “We are waiting for details of the findings and action is likely to begin tomorrow,” he said. Meanwhile, the Director, School Education, Mr Anurag Agarwal, who had been asked by the government to hold an independent inquiry into the paper leakage, met the Controller of Examinations, Mrs Narinder Kaur, and the Secretary of the Board, Mr Mahinder Bir Singh, at his office today. The SP Mohali, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, who is also looking into the matter when contacted stated that he had asked for information from the board which he received today. |
|
Only costly drugs sold here, forget cheaper alternatives
Patiala, March 24 The poor frequenting the hospital have no say in the matter because they have to buy the medicines prescribed to them by doctors of the hospital from the chemist shop located on the hospital premises. The patients are also lured by a board outside the main gate, stating that medicines are available at cheaper rates on the hospital premises. A large number of expensive medicines are being sold from the shop and their cheaper alternatives marketed by reputed companies are not available. The expensive medicines are being sold at a 25 per cent discount in the shop, but even after that, these are much more expensive than their alternatives available in the market. The medicine Alcipro is being sold for Rs 5.80 per tablet in the Red Cross shop when a drug with the same salt Zoxon is available in the open market for Rs 2.90 per tablet. The medicine Mygat is available for Rs 11.90 per pill in the hospital shop when the same salt is being sold under the brand name Ragacin for Rs 5.60 per tablet outside. The drug Zenocin is being sold for Rs 15.30 per pill in the hospital shop when its alternative is being marketed at below Rs 8 per pill by in the open market. In case of Cetrizine, the hospital shop is selling the medicine for Rs 3 per tablet when its alternative is being sold for 35 paisa per tablet. Some doctors in the hospital, including Deputy Medical Superintendent Jai Kishan, prefer to prescribe an expensive drug even when its cheaper alternative is available in the Red Cross shop inside the hospital. This is done regularly in the case of Voxin, which is sold for Rs 13.30 per tablet when two other alternatives for the same salt Levocide and Levoflox are available for Rs 5.20 and Rs 5.80, respectively. Dr Jai Kishan, when questioned on this account, could not give any answer on why he was regularly prescribing
Voxin to reduce its rates, adding, “We will stop stocking it in case it does not do so”.The Deputy Medical Superintendent said the shop in the hospital was keeping the drugs which were recommended by a committee headed by the General Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner. Deputy Commissioner Tejveer Singh, when questioned on the issue, said though a district official was heading the committee, it comprised entirely doctors, including Dr Jai Kishan. “The committee can only keep medicines in the shop which are recommended by the doctors in the committee,” he said, adding, “How can a non- medico tell Dr Jai Kishan which drugs to sell”. He said he would get the entire issue looked into, adding there was no need for any doctor to recommend expensive medicines stocked in the hospital shop when cheaper alternatives were available. He said moreover, as poor and under privileged persons were generally coming to the hospital, the Red Cross shop should stock generic drugs. “We will try to bring down the cost of drugs available in the hospital,” he added. |
Fernandes to address rally in Mandi Ladhuka
Jalalabad, March 24 Mr Mann, while talking to mediapersons at the residence of Mr Prem Kumar Valecha, a BJP leader, said he was campaigning intensively and had toured almost all 1,300 villages of the 250-km long border constituency, besides holding four rallies at Ferozepore, Zira, Dharmkot and Balluana. Mr Mann has been elected twice from the constituency. In 1998 general elections, he had defeated BSP-Congress alliance candidate and former MP Mohan Singh Phalianwala in a direct contest. In a triangular contest in 1999 he again won the seat. This time again a triangular contest is anticipated as the BSP has fielded Dr Phalianwala. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate. |
|
SAD(A) workers rounded up
Bathinda, March 24 Information gathered by TNS revealed that raids were being conducted by the police on the residential premises of other workers so that they could be rounded up before they could reach Khamano to disturb the yatra. Meanwhile, Mr Birinder Singh, president, SAD(A), Bathinda district unit, alleged that SAD(A) workers were being rounded up by the police at the instance of Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh. |
|
Christians to back Preneet
Patiala, March 24 Mr Bakshi addressed a meeting of members of the Christian community at Methodist Church in the Baradari Gardens here today. He told newspersons that the community was convinced that the Congress was the only choice for them and that the entire community would support Ms Preneet Kaur. He claimed there were around 25,000 members of the community in this constituency. |
5 BSF IGs cross over to Pak for meeting
Wagah, March 24 This is the first biannual meeting after the resumption of cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries. Mr Gill, while talking to The Tribune, stated that all matters concerning the borders, including simultaneous coordinated patrolling on both sides of the 533 km long Indo-Pak border by both forces, effective management of borders, border crimes, drug trafficking, etc would be discussed at the meeting. He said the smooth functioning of people travelling across the border, better coordination among the two forces and anti-social elements would also be discussed. On a query that Pakistani Rangers still maintain aggressive posture during the Retreat ceremony, the IG said after improvement in the of ties the Rangers might adopt a soft posture in the near future. Those who crossed over to Pakistan included Mr R.S. Tiwari, Mr S.N. Jain, Mr Shivajee Singh and Mr Dalip Trivedi, all IGs belonging to Jammu, Rajasthan, Gujarat and BSF, Headquarters, New Delhi, Mr M.K. Rajan, Mr R.S. Pawar, Mr K.S. Chouhan, Mr C.S. Beli, Mr G.S. Sandhu, Mr D.V. Shaswat, Mr K.S. Brar and Mr Rakesh Goel, all DIGs and surveyors/engineers and officers of the Narcotics Control Bureau.
|
|
Protesting farmers block rail traffic
Bathinda, March 24 In a press note issued here today, Mr Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan, a senior leader of farmers organisation, said in Punjab the blockades were organised at 10 places. He said the main demands of the farmers included free electricity and water for agricultural use, payment of bonus announced on paddy, payment of balance amount of bonus on sugarcane, withdrawal of police cases registered against the farmers and imposing of ban on the arrests and attachment of properties of those farmers who were unable to pay debts. He said their other demands included 50 per cent subsidy on diesel and sanctioning of fresh loans at 4 per cent rate of interest. JALALABAD: As part of their statewide stir activists of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta) blocked the rail and road traffic at Muktsar railway crossing for four hours to protest against the anti-farmer policies of the Centre and State government here on Wednesday forcing the 4FF Fazilka-Ferozepore and 5FF Ferozepore-Fazilka trains to come to an unscheduled halt. Raj Kumar Sabarwal, vice-president, Ferozepore, Sawan Singh, block president, Jalalabad and Baldev Singh, block president, Guru Har Sahai, also spoke on the occasion. AMRITSAR: Hundreds of farmers under the banners of the Kisan Sangharsh Committee (KSC) and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta) on Wednesday held a demonstration on the rail tracks here against the “anti-farmer” policies of the state government. The rail traffic remained suspended for hours. Mr Kanwalpreet Pannu, convener of the KSC, said even as more than 18 months had passed since they first raised their demands, the state government had turned its back on their demands. He said the government had purchased another crop of sugarcane. However, it was reluctant to clear pending payments of their first crop. He also criticised the BJP-Akali alliance. He said both the governments, on the pretext of carrying out economic reforms, were
ignoring the farmer community. Mr Satnam Singh Pannu, another farmer leader, said the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, was not fulfilling his promises about redressing their problems. He said the Chief Minister at a meeting at Patiala on February 29 had promised to meet their genuine demands. However, till now, the government had failed to do so.
|
|
SHO booked for misbehaving with journalist
Amritsar, March 24 Rakesh Gupta, a journalist working for a Hindi daily, was allegedly mistreated by the tipsy SHO. Earlier, a large number of journalists from Tarn Taran, Patti, Bhikhiwind, Rayya and
Jandiala, under the banner of the Chandigarh-Punjab Union of Journalists, wore black badges and gheraoed and held a dharna in front of the SSP’s office today. They presented a memorandum to the SSP who assured them of action against the erring official. |
|
Indian Folklore Congress begins at GND varsity
Amritsar, March 24 The session is being hosted by the School of Punjabi Studies for the second time in this region, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore. Dr Jawaharlal
Handoo, president, Indian Folklore Congress, said the discovery of the written world might have helped mankind in many ways but has confined historical discourses. This was true even in the fields of history and literature. The Vice-Chancellor
elaborated on the heritage village to be established in the university at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. He said the university would establish a folklore museum and a linguistic lab in its School of Punjabi Studies for the promotion of Punjabi language and literature. It would also include folk orchestra, phulkari embroidery, vaar singing and folk songs. More than 100 delegates from various states, besides Nepal, China and Bangladesh are participating in the session. |
|
FDO tenders apology over derogatory letter
Amritsar, March 24 The official letter, issued by Registrar on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, here today stated, “As per orders of the VC, to avoid any chances of misuse, the contents of letter, No. 1816/A, dated March 1 written by the FDO to executive members/office-bearers of GNDUTA are expunged”. Earlier, Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma, FDO, and Dr Narpinder Singh, president, GNDUTA, had buried the hatchet during a private meeting held at a common place. Dr Narpinder Singh and Mr Sharma had crossed swords when the former had raised objections to the clearance of the case of the latter for attending an international conference on sports medicine and physiotherapy held in Muscat last month and providing him Rs 25,000 for the same. Dr Narpinder Singh had told the members of the committee concerned that the FDO was not entitled to the financial assistance as per rules of the university. At the meeting Dr Narpinder Singh had pointed out that the FDO was neither a teacher nor he possessed the requisite qualification in sports medicine and physiotherapy for reading a paper at an international conference. Interestingly, the FDO had written four ‘self-contradictory letters’ in a fortnight, which had created an unsavoury situation on the campus. The first letter written on March 1 against Dr Narpinder Singh had created a ruckus on the campus as the contents of the letter were derogatory. The FDO had also accused Dr Narpinder Singh of making purchases in alleged violation of the university statutes. However, when the GND University (teaching and non-teaching) Employees Forum, GNDUTA, BOC of Department of Food Science and Technology condemned the letter, which was described as an attempt to defame the teaching community, the FDO immediately circulated another letter wherein he said he had written the same under ‘emotional pressure’. When this letter did not satisfy the GNDUTA, Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma wrote two more letters on March 6 and 7, which read, “I again clarify that the original letter or any subsequent letter addressed to the office-bearers of GNDUTA were not intended to hurt anybody’s feelings and I really feel sorry if they had hurt the feelings of Dr Narpinder Singh”. The FDO further stated that after his meeting with Dr Narpinder Singh the misunderstanding had been cleared and now we had nothing against each other. However, the question arises whether an FDO, who deals with the whopping budget and financial matters of the university, can level serious charges and then make a volte-face on his own? Meanwhile, the GNDUTA yesterday wrote to the office-bearers and executive members of the association that the charges levelled by the FDO were patently wrong and deserved no explanation. |
|
Six IRB companies for Chhattisgarh election
Patiala, March 24 This was stated by Inspector-General of Police, IRB, P.M. Das at the IRB complex, Ladda Kothi, Sangrur today. Dr Das stated that the companies would be supervised by Mr R.P. Meena, DIG, Administration, IRB. Meanwhile, at a function held at the IRB complex, Mr Das awarded the IGP’s Standard Trophy for the best India Reserve Battalion to 1Battalion for 2003-04. |
|
Lectures, rallies mark World TB Day
Ludhiana, March 24 The SMO, Dr Manjit Kaur, appealed the persons with lasting cough for more than two weeks to get their X-ray examination done. Dr Verma said the theme for the World TB Day 2004 was “Every Breath Counts — Stop TB now”. He said India accounted for 1/3rd of the global TB-affected population. As many as 40 per cent of the people were infected with TB and it was unfortunate that in a single day, more than 20,000 persons became infected with TB. An awareness rally was also organised. Dr Gursharan Singh, president of the IMA, Ludhiana, flagged off the rally in which 200 students of Dayanand Medical College, Lord Mahavira College and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital took part. A poster-making competition was also held. The Health Education Cell of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital organised the 38th Health Education Lecture at Dumra Auditorium here. Dr S. K. Jindal, Professor Dr J. Whig, vice-principal of
DMCH, delivered the welcome address. He said TB was one of the most prevalent diseases in India and with DOTs programme its eradication was possible. Dr Rajoo Singh Chhina, convener, Health Education Cell, said 8 million cases of TB every year and 1000 deaths due to the disease were reported everyday all over the world. In India, 30 to 40 per cent of adults were infected with the disease and one to five million cases were put on treatment every year. In his lecture, Dr Jindal said the situation could be brought under control with the effective application of DOTs programme. The impact of TB could be estimated from the fact that 5 lakh deaths took place in India every year and 3 lakh TB-affected children were not able to go to school. If left untreated TB could further affect 10 to 15 per cent people every year. A memento was presented to Dr Jindal by Mr Amrit
Nagal, secretary, managing society of the DMCH. Dr Sandeep Puri, medical superintendent of the DMCH was also present. |
|
Patiala tops in TB detection
Patiala, March 24 The Civil Surgeon, Capt Hardev Singh, informed the participants about the free medicines and sputum examination being offered for suspected cases. He said tuberculosis was 100 per cent curable provide direct-observed treatment short course (DOTS) was given to the patients. He flagged off a TB awareness rally of school children. The District TB Officer, Dr Bhupinder Singh, 2381 cases had been put on DOTS in 2003 in this district. The district had also topped in Punjab in case detection rate in 2003. The cure rate was more than 85 per cent. ROPAR: Nearly 1,500 tubereulosis patients have been identified in this district. All these patients are being given free treatment under the revised National Tuberculosis Programme. The Civil Surgeon, Dr Rana Harinder, gave this information while speaking at a function organised at the Civil Hospital here to mark World TB Day. |
|
Rally on TB awareness
Kharar, March 24 Dr Balwinder Singh, medical officer and in charge of the TB control programme, said staff members of the hospital, apart from members of the Lions Club, Lions Club (Top) and Rotary Club went in cars through different parts of the town and stopped at various points to create awareness among people. The rally was flagged off by Dr S.S. Dhanoa, SMO in charge of the hospital. He emphasised that NGOs should try to create more awareness regarding the revised national tuberculosis control programme and help to eradicate TB. Dr Balwinder Singh stressed upon the diagnosis of more chest symptomatic patients so that free sputum examination and free treatment could be provided. He said efforts were being made to make Ropar district TB-free. |
|
Panel proceeds ex parte against
SGPC members
Amritsar, March 24 An advocate appeared on behalf of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, SGPC chief, and its secretary, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, in a case related to the gurdwara lease alleged to have been given at a meager rent to Sant Hari Singh Randhawa, a close confidant of the SGPC chief, Mr Tohra. The commission asked both Mr Tohra and Mr Calcutta to file their replies on the next date of hearing on April 30. |
Officers to get salary only if Class III, IV staff are paid
Chandigarh, March 24 Pronouncing the order on a petition filed by Health Department employees Harwinder Kaur and others claiming non-payment of salaries, the Bench, comprising Mr Justice G.S. Singhvi and Mr Justice Nirmal Singh, ruled: “We make it clear that in future the state of Punjab and other respondents shall continue to pay monthly salaries to the petitioners on the appointed date. If salary is not paid to the petitioner or any other Class III or IV employee in a particular month, then Class I officer of the department shall also not be paid salary”. Speaking for the Bench, Mr Justice Singhvi also directed that a copy of the order should be handed over to Punjab’s Additional Advocate-General Sukhjinder Singh Behl for conveying the same to the authorities concerned. In their petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Ms Harwinder Kaur and others had complained that they had not been paid monthly salaries for different periods specified in the writ petition. Arguing on their behalf, Mr Ranjivan Singh had submitted that the action was against the legal rights of the petitioners. The respondents, during the proceedings, filed an affidavit claiming that they had released salaries up to February 2004. The judgement is significant as the Punjab Government had earlier also taken the plea that the full payment could not be made to certain employees due to financial crisis in the state. Taking up one such petition filed by employees of Mohali-based Punjab Recorders Limited, another Bench of the High Court, headed by Mr Justice H.S. Bedi, had directed the state of Punjab not to make payment to the Pawan Hans Company, which was renting out helicopters to the government.  |
|
|
HIGH COURT
Chandigarh, March 24 Petitioner Harkirat Singh — a voter from Patiala — had earlier alleged that Captain had used the services of Class I gazetted officer Bharat Inder Singh Chahal. The documentary evidence, appended along with the petition, proved his role beyond any shadow of doubt. Liquor auction Taking up a petition filed by a liquor contractor against the clubbing of Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr circles, a Division Bench of the High Court today reserved orders in the case. The Bench, comprising Mr Justice N.K. Sud and Mr Justice Hemant Gupta, also saw video recording of the auction and asked the petitioner to deposit security amount to save state revenue in case of reauction. Complying with the directions, Rs 4 crore was deposited in the court. Appearing before the Bench, comprising Mr Justice N.K. Sud and Mr Justice Hemant Gupta, Mr Mohan Jain had earlier argued the petitioner was willing to pay Rs 5 crore more than the successful bidder. The auction, he added, was completely hijacked by liquor baron Ponti Chadha’s group. In his petition, Mr Bhandari had alleged that liquor vends in Nawanshahr were allotted to Mr Chadha’s firm for Rs 37 crore against available bid of Rs 40 crore. He had added that the auction for vends in Hoshiarpur was closed at Rs 70 crore despite the fact that the petitioner and his associates had offered Rs 72 crore. |
|
Lawyers observe ‘no-work day’
Jalandhar, March 24 While the lawyers chose not to appear before the courts, the litigants were given next dates in all cases. The Secretary of the DBA, Mr Gurmail Singh, said despite submission of facts and a detailed complaint regarding the attack on Mr Sukhbir Singh near Kala Sanghian village on March 2, nothing was done to register a case. The lawyers alleged that the police was trying to dilute the issue for obvious reasons. |
Markfed to promote contract farming of onion
Ludhiana, March 24 Through its subsidiary M/s Mark Hort Potatoes (India) Limited, Markfed has arranged for the cultivation of onion in 250 acre under contract farming. This is being done on such a scale for the first time in the country. To persuade more farmers to take to contract farming of onion, Markfed organised an interactive session in the Wheat Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University, here today. The session was attended by more than 150 farmers of Ludhiana and adjoining districts. While the farmers explained about various problems faced by them in the cultivation of brown onion, the farm experts provided practical solutions to the issues raised by them. The farmers were called upon to join hands with Markfed in its endeavour towards crop diversification and promotion of exports of fruits and vegetables. Mr S.S. Channy, Managing Director of the company, said Markfed had been having regular interactions with the farmers and the scientists of the National Horticulture Research Development Foundation (NHRDF) in the extension activities. He said brown onion was being cultivated for the first time and one had to learn the lesson and improve accordingly to provide quality product as per specifications of the importers. Mr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, exhorted the farmers to work for the production of a good quality produce with consistent supplies. He emphasised the need for closer coordination between farm experts, farmers and exporters on a long-term basis to achieve this objective. |
2 pc ADA for Punjab employees
Chandigarh, March 24 Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) today lifted the ban on the payment of pension amount in cash to old-aged persons and other categories of needy persons. A spokesman of the Chief Electoral Office said that the ban had been lifted keeping in view the position explained by the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department. He said that before enforcing of the model code of conduct, the state government had issued a notification on January 9 to make the pension payment in cash. However, there would be no sanctioning of new pension cases till the election process was completed. |
7 quintals of poppy husk seized
Bathinda, March 24 In a press note issued here today, Mr Dev said that nine bags of poppy husk were seized by the Sangat police from a car and Surjit Singh and Amar Singh were arrested in this connection. In another incident, the Sangat police also seized six bags of poppy husk from Baaz Singh who had been arrested. He said that the Phul police seized three bags of poppy husk from Makhan Singh, a resident of Sirsa, Haryana, weighing more than 96 kg. Two of the accomplices of Makhan Singh, who were identified as Harmail Singh and Garganj Singh, escaped. The Talwandi Sabo police had also seized 10 kg of poppy husk from a resident of Killianwali (Haryana). Mr Dev said that Dialpura police also seized 90 kg of poppy husk from a car and arrested Gurcharan Singh and Gurdial Singh in this connection. The Raman police also seized about 20 kg of poppy husk from Pritam Singh and Mahinder Singh who had been arrested. Thus from March 18 to March 23 the police seized 7 quintals, 65 kg and 600 gm of poppy husk. Separate cases against the accused had been registered, he added. |
Punjabi varsity grant up to 25 cr
Patiala, March 24 The university, which was facing an 8 per cent cut in its grant during the Akali-BJP regime, has now been granted what it was getting two years ago. Vice-Chancellor Swarn Singh Boparai, while talking to newspersons on the issue at a “Folk Art Mela” organised at the Government College for Girls here, said he expected the grant to be further increased in the coming years. Of the Rs 2.18 crore that was to be released by the government to compensate the university for taking back the fee hike last year, the government had promised to release Rs 1 crore by March 31. The university had earlier received Rs 25 lakh on this account. The remaining money would be released in equal instalments later, the Vice-Chancellor said. DPI, Colleges, Nisha Sharad, who was the guest of honour at the fair organised at the college, said the government had decided to adjust the extra amount taken from students due to the fee hike in the next year’s fee. In the cases where the amount was large, the colleges would be compensated earlier. College Principal Gursharan Kaur Jaggi said the college had collected a treasure of artefacts related to the heritage of the state. This included utensils, “bagh” and “phulkari” items. |
|
Lax security in hostel worries parents
Faridkot, March 24 Expressing concern over the situation, the parents of the interns said there had been frequent incidents of doubtful characters entering into the hostel complex, particularly in the middle of the night, causing mental harassment to the interns and creating a fearful atmosphere. A large number of parents and guardians of interns, who arrived here today from different parts of the state and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, held a meeting to take up the matter with the district administration to find a solution to the problem. They also discussed the failure of the college management to address the issue. Mr Ranbir Singh, general secretary, Youth Congress, Punjab, and the father of a hosteller from Ferozepore, alleged that a suspect entered the hostel premises after breaking the window pane of one of the rooms at midnight on Sunday and scared an intern who was sleeping alone there. Due to a fearful atmosphere and repeated threatening calls from the suspicious person, the interns did not dare to inform their parents about the incident. The parents came here after reading reports published in a section of the vernacular press on Monday, he said. Mr Ranbir Singh said the location of the hostel complex was not safe posing a threat to the safety of the students. He said the parents of the students would meet the Deputy Commissioner and the Principal today and seek their help to sort out the problem. Admitting the fact about the improper location of the hostel complex, Dr
J.S. Dalal, Principal of the college, said all interns were being shifted to the girls hostel of the MBBS students today. Security would also be provided to them to avoid such incidents in future. He also gave an assurance to the parents who met him in this regard today. |
|
Principals’ role in admn matters to
increase
Patiala, March 24 Mr Boparai emphasised on the need to curb the menace
of copying in examinations. He also announced that a group of 10
principals would visit South to study the new trends and projects in the
education system for the near future. He accepted the demand of the
principals that the involvement of principals in administrative
committees relating to the colleges should be increased. The
Vice-Chancellor constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Dr
S.P.S. Virdi, Dean, College Development Council, to study the problems
being faced by the affiliated colleges. |
|
Punjab Govt’s
move to print textbooks opposed
Mohali, March 24 This was
stated by association leaders at a rally held in front of the board
office here today. Condemning the Education Department’s move to
arrange for the printing of textbooks, the employees said the
preparation of the school syllabus and the printing of books was a
part of the board’s functions as listed in its act. ‘‘No other
agency can undertake the board’s functions. It is not only illegal
but will also lead to monetary losses to the board,’’ said Mr B.S.
Bedi, general secretary of the association. He said printed books in
a large number were lying with the board and instead of using these,
the government wanted new ones to be printed. |
|
HAMARA SCHOOL BHUPINDRA International Public School, Patiala, popularly known as BIPS, is the first IT and ISO certified school of Punjab. The school started in April, 2001, has never looked back since the time of its inception. It rather has been growing by leaps and bounds. BIPS is dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation. BIPS, an upcoming coeducational school, aims at providing education which is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. BIPS is functioning under the able guidance and control of Bhupindra Society which is a beautiful blend of academicians, researchers and professionals drawn from public and private sectors. BIPS proudly boasts of state of art infrastructure and most advanced teachings. BIPS follows CBSE curriculum. A synergistic mix of academics, sports, co-curricular activities, extra-curricular activities and art and craft to exercise the mind as well as body, completes the picture of overall growth of BIPS. Since its inception BIPS has been continuously upgraded every year. At BIPS schooling begins from +2 years from pre nursery class. BIPS aims at physical, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional and social development of all students. This is to prepare the students to be life-long learners by developing their skills not only for academic excellence but also to make them progressive thinkers, effective communicators and principled citizens. Beside the regular bookish teaching the school aims at the overall personality development of all the children. For the same various activities like development of hobbies, talent grooming, sports, weak student identification and improvement are stressed upon. Competitions for all age groups are held on every working Saturday and the students are encouraged to participate in activities like sketching dance, music, debates, painting etc. Yoga is also taught as a part of routine sports activities. Here every festival is celebrated with joy, explaining to the tiny tots the importance of the festival. BIPS holds the philosophy that every child entrusted to us is a unique being with his own talents, aspirations and hopes. Given the right impetus and a chance to actualise their potential, they can achieve great heights. BIPS aims at physical, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional and social development of all students. This is to prepare the students to be life long learners by developing their skills not only for academic excellence but also to make them progressive thinkers, effective communications and principled citizens. Individual attention is given to all children to bring out the best in each child. The broad and balanced school curriculum sets the direction, establishes the goal and implements a strategy for getting from where a child is to where he aspires to be. The ambience, conducive and stimulating environment, is directed to nurture high achievement. To make education more lucid and interesting, IT and multimedia based softwares are used from prenursery class onwards. CBT (Computer Based Teaching) making IT a way of life and not just a subject is the idea. BIPS aims at making students ‘techno savvy’ as multimedia computers are a necessity of today. Moreover, CBT helps the students not only to easily grasp, learn and master the subject but also removes the monotony of old legacy teaching techniques. BIPS is situated on Dakala Road, Patiala, at a quiet and pollution free place away from the hub-nub of the city. The classrooms are spacious, well ventilated and full of sunshine. State-of-art computer and science laboratories with audio visual facilities and project room and all that is needed to provide a good learning experience are available for children. The clean and green ambience of BIPS is truly a soothing sight for the mind and the soul. BIPS stands
committed to providing comprehensive education which seeks to develop
the children into academically sound, morally upright and socially well
integrated individuals par excellence. Learning has to be passionate,
interactive process in which children are allowed to explore and evolve
objectives. BIPS is committed to give a conducive environment like this
to all its students. |
|
I love my school It is a beautiful, it
is fine, It is yours and it is mine. All the classes full of toys Six
days are full of joys, Our principal great and kind She has care and
love in mind School bus runs like a bound Drops us home safe and
sound.
My dear school a treasure chest Full of knowledge and the
best Without this school, In ever can My friend, my elders, I give a
call My school is the best, the best of all. Rahul Goel, Class
VI My country
Bombay for beauty Delhi for duty, Bengal for
writers Punjab for fighters, Kerala for learners Maharashtra for
workers, Bihar for mines Himachal for pines, Naagaland for
hills Ahmedabad for mills, Kashmir for looks, Tamil Nadu for cooks Himanshu,
Class VI Examination For younger generation The time of examination
is time for frustration Always busy in preparation Doing mathematical
calculations Remembering the equation I wish the examination Should
not be botheration Rather should be an occasion Of joy and
celebration For younger generation Shivani, Class V Need of
homework Majority of the people today think that homework should not
be given to the students as it is an extra burden on them. It hammers a
child’s health, mentally as well as physically. But I think that
homework is very necessary for a student. It not only gives practice to
a student but also keeps him in touch with the regular work done in the
class. But a systematic and methodical approach should be adopted while
giving the homework. Homework should be given moderately so that child
can enjoy it while doing it and should not feel burdened. Kanika, Class
VI Some unknown
Proverbs 1. When an old man dies, a library burns
down. 2. A poor person isn’t he who has little, but he who needs a
lot. 3. Live your own life, for you will die your own death. 4. We
never know the worth of water till the well is dry. 5. Vision without
action is a daydream Action without vision is a nightmare. Sunny,
Class IV Do you know? 1. For every tonne of waste paper collected
and reused, at least two trees are saved. 2. Humans have more than 600
muscles, but an average sized caterpillar has over 2000. 3. Concrete
comes from a Latin word concretus, meaning “grown together”. 4. Playing
cards in ancient India were round. Karanveer, Class III Mother
Teresa Hail to thee mother Kind and chaste Pious and taintless You
were very great Mother of the forlorn Companion of the old Marvellous
was your mission Boundless and bold Walking on you footsteps Fear
less and free This mission will be fulfilled We pledge to thee.
|
|
From Principal
There is no
limit you can set to the capabilities of a child. The more opportunities
you provide them the more they grasp and amaze you with the outcome. At
BIPS this is exactly the work culture. Bring forth the untapped
creativity in the child and make him/her realise the unique potential
he/she possesses. While all this is going on one cannot lose touch with
the curriculum prescribed and this blend of education, values and
ingenuity is what makes BIPS what it is. The whole team of teachers and
staff are irreplaceable gears in the entire machinery which strive to
make children into responsible members of society. The dictum followed
is “Don’t wait for opportunities, create them”. The school with humble
beginnings is poised to take off into the big league with it’s own
self-sufficient environment by the start of the coming session which
includes the state of art teaching methodologies. Also on the cards are
hostel facilities and a whole lot of extracurricular activities. “Well
begun is half done” This is just the beginning. We have bigger
challenges to meet and larger goals to achieve. We look forward to
contributing our bit to realise the dreams the parents have for their
children. “A child is like a masterpiece. You never know how good or
bad the painting is till the last brush is done.” |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
‘A child is like a sponge,
Whatever you give it — love, knowledge and even vices — it will all soak
up, and when needed repay you back in the same measure.’