Chandigarh, November 15
The Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, has directed the officers concerned to complete the first phase of the Khalsa Heritage Complex ( KHC) at Anandpur Sahib before the coming Baisakhi festival. The first phase includes the main part of this project.

The second phase, which will mark the completion of the project, will be finished by December, 2006.

Informed official sources said that the Chief Minister was keen on throwing open the main part of the complex to pilgrims on Baisakhi day. The project, which was to be completed by 2002, has been delayed because of the paucity of funds. In fact, work on the project was resumed in March this year after a delay of seven months.

The sources said that Capt Amarinder Singh held a meeting last week in this regard with internationally known architect Moshe Safdie, who played a vital role in designing the project. He discussed the works at the project to be completed by the Baisakhi festival.

The officers concerned have assured the Chief Minister that there will be no problem in completing the first phase by the deadline fixed by him.

Till March this year, the project faced a lot of financial problems. Even the main construction company had almost stopped work on the project because of the drying up of funds. However, now the Punjab Government has arranged funds from a consortium of banks. The total cost of the project is expected to touch Rs 300 crore. Already, more than Rs 150 crore has been made available for the project, it is learnt.

The state government had set up the Anandpur Sahib Foundation to handle this project, the foundation stone of which was laid on November 22, 1998. The project was conceived as part of the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa by the then SAD-BJP government. However, that government failed to get the project completed during its tenure.

Besides, funds from the state and Central Governments, money has also been contributed by people, especially NRIs.

The project, which has eastern and western complexes, includes a museum, a library, a 400-seat auditorium and temporary exhibition galleries.

Mr D.S.Kalha, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, said that there was no problem of funds at present. The state government was making funds available when required. He said that work on the project was going on at a satisfactory pace.

Chandigarh, November 15
A controversy has started among Sikh scholars over the golden palki ( palanquin) to be placed in the sanctum sanctorum at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib (Pakistan).

Accompanied by the President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Mr Paramjit Singh Sarna, the Punjab Chief Minster, Capt Amarinder Singh, is scheduled to leave for Nankana Sahib on November 29 to offer the palki at the gurdwara. Mr Sarna will lead a religious procession from Delhi that will carry the palki via the Wagah border to the gurdwara. He has requested Capt Amarinder Singh to join the procession. The Chief Minister will return to India the next day.

The controversy is regarding the replacing of the existing palki of marble with the golden one. There are certain sections of the Sikhs which are opposed to the replacement as the existing palki has great historic, religious and heritage value. " It will not be advisable to replace the marble palki, which is of historic and religious importance for the Sikhs all over the world,’’ said a senior religious leader.

He said no one was opposing the offering of the golden palki at the gurdwara. The objection was to replacing the existing palki, which completely synchronises with the ambience of the sanctum sanctorum.

Sources said that Capt Amarinder Singh, too, had reservations in this regard. He is, according to the sources, of the view that the marble palki should not be touched. A way out may be found on November 29 when he reaches there.

The Janamasthan gurdwara complex has an imposing appearance. It is one of the best examples of the traditional ‘‘Sikh architecture’’. ‘‘Tampering with any part of the complex, especially the holy precincts, will be an unpardonable blunder,’’ says a Sikh religious personality. ‘‘ The Sikhs should be cautious while handling their religious issues and performing religious functions. It is good to be emotional about religious matters but not at the cost of heritage and history,’’ he adds.

The sources said that on his return from Pakistan, Capt Amarinder Singh, would stay in Amritsar and inaugurate the three-day Indo-Pak trade fair there on December 1.

Chandigarh, November 15
The addition of the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre (EHIRC) to the Fortis Healthcare family has made it the world's largest cardiac care programme, says Mr Harpal Singh, Chairman of both these superspeciality healthcare companies.

Talking to The Tribune here this afternoon, Mr Harpal Singh clarified not only the position with regard to various queries from different quarters on the actual takeover of the EHIRC by Fortis on September 28 but also reiterated that he or the new management of the EHIRC would honour every contractual commitment made to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) besides going by the verdict of the Delhi High Court in the ongoing legal cases.

"We are ready to resolve all problems or issues raised by the DDA. We are prepared to talk and negotiate in a non-provocative manner.

"All we request and need is that let this renowned institution, the EHIRC, be allowed to run in a peaceful and professional manner so that both patients and doctors, including superspecialists, have mental peace and benefits from this world-class facility should flow to the public uninterruptedly," said Mr Harpal Singh.

Explaining the background of the actual transaction, Mr Harpal Singh said that Fortis had acquired 90 per cent stake in EHIRC Limited, which had in 1990 converted from an out-of-Delhi charitable trust into an out-of- Chandigarh non-charitable trust. Within a couple of months of its conversion, it was converted into a company under the Companies Act. Since then, the EHIRC had been paying its taxes as per the law of the land. All this, he said, happened much before Fortis became interested in taking over the EHIRC as an attractive proposition in the field of multispecialty or cardiac care systems.

On September 28, the entire transaction was consummated with regard to the transfer of money (Rs 586 crore), the transfer of shares (90 per cent) and the transfer of the management. "We also have purchased the title of the company. Though we may not change the name or the title of the company, we have the right to do it," said Mr Harpal Singh, reiterating that since the basic entity of the EHIRC remained unchanged, "there is no change in the ownership of the EHIRC. Only the shareholding has changed and the basic entity of the company remains the same and unchanged. As such, there is no need for any prior consent of the DDA because there was no transfer of leasehold rights."

The transactions of September 28, he said, were based on sound legal advice, supported by renowned investment bankers and legal advisers. The entire transaction was done in a transparent manner. “Since September 28, I have been the Chairman of the EHIRC, Mr Shivinder Singh is the Managing Director and Dr Naresh Trehan has been taking care of the hospital management.”

"Fortis," explained Mr Harpal Singh, "was one of the bidders as some other bigger names in healthcare were also eyeing this world-class institution. As far as the issue of free beds under the lease conditions of the DDA is concerned, we reaffirm our commitment to meet any obligation under the contractual commitment.

"Since its inception, the EHIRC received eight allotments of land totalling about 7 acres. Of these, only one allotment of 0.7 acre has the condition of free beds. If we go by that, our total commitment of free beds comes to just 2.5 per cent. And in the past the EHIRC has allowed almost double that. But now since the matter is in court and sub judice, we want to reiterate that we will honour the verdict of the court. In fact, in May, 2004, the EHIRC had offered to pay a little less than Rs 20 crore to the DDA to free itself of the free-bed commitment. The DDA is yet to give its decision on this offer," added Mr Harpal Singh.

Coming to the Amritsar Escorts, he said that it would continue to function as before. “ Our city hospital will be linked to the outer superspeciality hospital, giving the people of Amritsar a world-class healthcare system. We will soon link the city hospital to the outer bigger hospital by a shuttle service so that all healthcare needs of patients are taken care of by the group on its own.

“After the merger of the EHIRC in the Fortis family, several multispeciality capabilities will be built. Other resources, including financial, that were urgently required to accelerate the EHIRC's growth plan, will now be available. The coming together of the two giants is a significant development in Indian healthcare, where the size of the combined operations will bode well for patient care, for doctors and also for clinical excellence. High- quality medical care with a human touch will remain the group's hallmark,” he added.

Mohali, November 15
"Each girl born in this world is special — that is the feeling I want to convey through KAURS. Women have a special world of their own that sustains life on this earth and we need to celebrate it." Even as Roma Kaur spoke this before leading figures of the Sikh Community at the Toronto launch of the Sikh women's first international magazine, of which she is the Editor, for those who knew this bespectacled girl from the Panjab University, Chandigarh, knew this was the outcome of a dream long held close to the heart.

A former student of French at Panjab University Chandigarh, Roma came from Jaipur to study in Punjab, a place where she always wanted to settle in. "But when you begin to speak French better than the French themselves it is very difficult for a small city to hold on to you. I was teaching in France for some years and then went to Canada where I worked for Omni Television. A brief internship with the UN helped me learn about women-related initiatives in other countries. That is when the idea took birth," she told The Tribune today over the phone.

The idea grew when Roma came back to India last year. "I realised that there was a definite vacuum as far as good quality reading material for women was concerned. After long discussions with a host of old and new friends in Chandigarh through months, the idea of KAURS took shape. And here I am, a year later, with the fruits of my labour in my hands," she said.

"KAURS" is a bi-monthly and bilingual (English/ Punjabi) magazine which would be published in Chandigarh but sold both in India and abroad. The magazine would be launched in Chandigarh before the end of this month. "KAURS is the manifestation of the voice of the contemporary Sikh women who have chosen to live according to the principles of Sikhism and seek guidance from their glorious history. It also seeks to celebrate a woman's active role in inspiring and guiding her family through her wisdom and patience while continuing to pursue her own career ambitions and professional development," she said.

But why only Sikh women? "Each community, ethnicity, race, faith or culture have something unique about their existence and something different to offer to this world. Sikh religion, as the world's fifth largest religion is no exception, and in fact, stands out to be one of the least known across the globe. With millions of Sikhs living in different countries, they have retained their culture in a very significant manner. But I feel that it is important to interact multi-culturally to know our own culture in the best light. KAURS would make an effort to talk about women in different cultures even as its focus would remain on Sikh women across the world," she said.

The magazine is, however, not an all religious affair. "KAURS would be highlighting strong and inspiring women who can be role models for our readers. Apart from that, the magazine will talk about the latest technology; the world of home and office décor; provide tips on pet care and gardening; bring home historical perspectives on women from other cultures. Poetry, literature, the magazine would have it all," claimed Roma, adding that the emphasis would be on the importance of "spirituality highlighting the shades of the devotee in all of us."

Moga, November 15
Reacting to the revelations of the Volcker report and charges of drug smuggling against an Akali MLA’s son, SAD (Amritsar) Chief Simranjeet Singh Mann today termed the “nexus between Punjab politicians and criminals” as dangerous and said nobody would now trust Indian politicians.

He stated this during his visit to Nihalsinghwala where he met his party workers.

Mr Mann alleged that SAD (Badal) President Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur were facing charges of stashing money abroad.

Lashing out at Union minister Natwar Singh in the aftermath of the Volcker report, he said the minister attributed his strength to his loyalty to the Nehru-Gandhi family. “But, was he loyal to his country,” he quipped. 

Bathinda, November 15
Punjabi jutis always attract attention of people looking for footwear for special occasions like marriages. But, jutis made by a local shopkeeper, Manohar Lal, are unique, as one could not wear them due to their very small size.

Talking to The Tribune, Manohar Lal said two pair of jutis that he had manufactured measure only 2 inches and 1.5 inches. While the former weighs just 5 gm, the latter could not even be weighed, he averred.

When asked as to how the idea struck his mind, he said: “Looking at people making world records on TV fascinated me and I would wonder whether I could also be the one among them.”

Aiming to make it to record books, he began working on a small Punjabi juti. “It wasn’t an easy job. I had to first order special tools for it, as the usual ones were too big for it. Though I didn’t face much problem in shaping a two-inch juti, but my skills were put to test at the time of embroidery work on it. It was an intricate job and needed a lot of focus,” he added.

Manohar didn’t stop after putting in 15-20 days in designing a two-inch juti. Enthused at his success, he made one more bid to better his own feat. Finally, his hard work and determination bore fruit and he made a 1.5-inch juti.

Running a shop on court road, Manohar left his studies midway and joined this work at the age of 13. Though he wasn’t aware of the process to get his feat registered in record books, he had displayed these jutis at various exhibitions in the state and outside. 

Abohar, November 15
The local municipal council has dropped the proposed transfer of the land vacated by the Army Medical Corps (AMC) to the Improvement Trust. The trust had reportedly eyed the prime land, located in the heart of the town, for developing a commercial plaza.

The AMC had been running a hospital after getting the complex, originally used as Circuit House, during the last Indo-Pak war. Though the Army hospital had been shifted to the military cantonment, the municipal council had to fight 
to get its premises 
vacated.

The Circuit House was built in 1860 for officers when the town had a status of notified area committee only. The council was not only deprived of this rest house but also had to give another newly constructed rest house as residential quarter to the Deputy Superintendent of Police here.

Confirming that the land vacated by the AMC, after getting compensation from the civic authorities, Mr Sunil Jakhar, Parliamentary Secretary, said Nehru Park would be expanded. As the Circuit House enjoyed heritage value, it could be developed as a newspaper-reading room now. The building had not so far been demolished.

Mr Jakhar, while addressing gatherings at different localities during a campaign to give boost to the urban development works today, said the residential quarter presently occupied by the Subdivisional Magistrate could also be shifted, if needed, to expand and develop Nehru Park as a unique environmental centre.

Pained over a survey that ranked Ferozepore district at number two in female foeticide, he told the medicos at a meeting that it was a matter of shame for all concerned.

Earlier a survey carried by the India Today magazine had put the area at number two in terms of consumption/marketing of narcotics, especially deadly smack. “We will have to fight against such evils by bringing social awareness,” he added.

He said the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, was expected to release Rs 17 crore to extend drinking water and sewerage facilities in Dharam Nagari, Panj Peer, Ram Dev Nagar and Deep Singh Nagar localities — all identified as backward areas. 

Ropar, November 15
Construction on the rail overbridge across National Highway-21 passing through Kurali, has come to a halt for the past three months. The reason is non-completion of the land acquisition work and Forest Departments clearance.

The project with the cost of about Rs 20 crore was awarded to a Kurali-based private toll company in 2003. The company would bear the cost of the project and would collect toll from commuters for over six years after the completion of the project.

The company had approached the Punjab Chief Minister last week, seeking his help to clear the hurdles in the project.

The president of the “rashta kholo andolan”, Mr Dikshit Kaushal, said locals had been protesting as according to the original plan, the level crossing level had to remain open for residents even after the completion of the overbridge. Moreover, a four-lane project from Chandigarh to Kirtapur Sahib had been sanctioned and another over-bridge would be built there. There was no requirement for two over-bridges here, he claimed.

The director of the company handling the project, Dr R. Sharan, said the company had already spent Rs 10 crore and had been facing problems. As a result, the construction was at a standstill since August. “Every day we are suffering a loss of lakhs,” he said.

The Chief Engineer of the national highway, Mr A.K. Sood, said: “If we accept the locals demand, what is the requirement for an overbridge. As per the guidelines, once the over bridge is completed, we will have to close the underbridge level crossings.”

Ropar, November 15
Fear of bird flu virus spread deepened today with the arrival of a large number of migrated birds, bar-headed goose, the suspected carrier of virus in the wetland area. More than 100 bar-headed goose were spotted at three different places in the wetland area that provides suitable habitat for the migrated birds.

Bar-headed goose is among the birds, great cormorant and great black-headed gull, the Centre has asked the state government to watch out for as suspected carriers of the virus. These suspected carrier of the virus said to be reached here from Southeast Asia and China.

A team of forest official spotted bar-headed goose in Katli village, Dr Salim Ali Ornithological track and in front of government tourist complex along the Sutlej in this afternoon.

So far, no case of bird flu virus has been detected in India but the outbreak of avian flu among migratory birds in China has raised possibility of spread of virus in India through these birds, which also travel to India.

The migrated birds arrival in the wetland area in Ropar began from mid-October but the three migrated birds suspected carrier of virus travel to the wetland area between November to December and remained here till April.

In addition to the three suspected carriers of virus, other migratory birds, which arrive here, include rudy shelduck, common shelduck, mavard, wigeon, pintail, conmon teal, Garganey, poachard.

The District Forest Officer, Mr S.S Bhatti, said after spotting these birds, the animal husbandry department had been intimated to take the samples. Besides it, forest officials had been trained to tackle the these birds.

He said the government had been monitoring the migratory birds in sanctuaries and wetland areas all over the country. India witnesses arrival of more than 15,000 Bar-headed goose every year. 

Chandigarh, November 15
Despite a letter written to the Union Government by the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, for the allocation of at least 15 per cent power to the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) from its discretionary quota, the Union Power Ministry has not made allocation of power to the PSEB.

Sources said the Chief Minister had written a letter to the Union Power Minister, Mr P.M. Sayeed, seeking the allocation of 166 MW of power for the winter season from the unallocated quota.

However, the PSEB got the information today that it had not been allocated even a single unit from the quota. The allocation was made yesterday and Chandigarh, which already had power available more than its requirement, had been allocated 55 MW of power from the quota. The availability of power to Chandigarh is 240 MW at present against its requirement of 190 MW, it is learnt.

Sources in the PSEB said during the winter, the power shortage in Punjab would be to the tune of 370 MW according to a rough estimate. Even this gap could increase depending on the weather conditions during the winter. In case of dry spell during the winter, the power consumption would go up in the state.

The availability of power to Punjab at present is 4,170 MW against its requirement of 4,540 MW. In spite of this fact, the Union Government had completely ignored Punjab’s claim for the allocation of power from the Central pool.

Giving details of the allocation of power from the quota, the sources said Delhi had been allocated 110 MW and Haryana 119 MW. J and K 116 MW and Punjab zero MW, Rajasthan 221 MW and Uttar Pradesh 221 MW. Uttaranchal has been allocated 37 MW. In fact, Uttar Pradesh is among the worst hit states in the country as far as availability of power is concerned. Against its requirement of 7,700 MW, the availability of power to it is only of 4,790 MW during the winter.

When asked, a senior officer of the PSEB said even during the summer months, Punjab procured power from far away states at a very high cost. And with the denying of power from the Union Government’s quota, Punjab will face serious problem on the power front during winter. Again, Punjab will have to spend a lot to meet its power requirement.

Bathinda, November 15
Four persons were killed and three other critically injured when a truck hit a cyclist and then a tractor on Multania road last night.

Sources said a speeding truck on its way from Teona village to Bathinda first hit a cyclist near Multania village killing him on the spot. The deceased was identified as Cheena Singh of Teona village.

Getting nervous, the truck driver continued with the same speed and collided with a tractor coming from the opposite direction near Bir Talab injuring its occupants as well as a couple of labourers who were peddling their way to home behind the tractor.

Sahara volunteers rushed to the spot and rushed six injured to the emergency ward of Civil Hospital. Out of these, tractor owner Kashmira Singh and it's other occupants Kewal Singh and Gurcharan Singh succumbed to their injuries.

Another tractor occupant Birbal Singh and labourers Kirpal Singh and Jagsir Singh were seriously injured. Jagsir has been referred to Ludhiana.

Sources said Kashmira Singh, who hails from Bir Behman village, had recently sold off his land to buy a tractor-trolley for business purpose.

Bodies of the deceased were handed over to their family members after post-mortem examination. A case has been registered against the truck driver under Section 304 of the IPC. 

Chandigarh, November 15
Under the banner of the Senior Vocational Staff Association, Punjab, vocational teachers will hold a dharna and demonstration in front of the office of the DPI (Schools) here tomorrow.

Mr Tota Singh Chahal, general secretary of the association, said there were 1,270 vacant posts of Principal in the state which should be filled by ordering the promotions of eligible senior lecturers who are posted as vocational teachers in 10+2 schools. He said there were 15 per cent reservation for vocational teachers in promotion for the post of Principal in schools.

He said that the vocational teachers, most of whom either hold engineering degrees or diploma with requisite experience, were recruited 30 years ago. However, promotions to them as Principal was being denied on one pretext or the other. He said they had gone to the court on this issue and won the case in this regard.

"There was a certain section of non-vocational teachers which was making a misleading propaganda against us by presenting a distorted picture about our qualification," said Mr Chahal. He said all vocational teachers were highly qualified and had the requisite experience for promotion.