Abohar, November 12
Agreeing that subsidies on fertilisers had tilted the economic balance, Surinder Kumar Jakhar, chairman of the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO), reiterated today that the benefit of subsidies should be passed directly to the farmer.

Speaking at a reception accorded by Kasturi Lal Makkar, director NAFED, here yesterday to felicitate him on his unanimous election to the 20-member International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the supreme organisation of cooperative institutions, Jakhar hoped that the Central government would soon complete modalities on a pilot project envisaged to benefit the growers.

He urged the government to announce a farmer-friendly fertiliser policy by next month.

On the reported crisis over diammonium phosphate (DAP), Jakhar said a bag of DAP costs Rs 1,100 but is sold at Rs 450. Imported DAP used to cost $300 earlier but its cost has gone up to $500 now, he pointed out.

IFFCO, leaders in fertiliser production, had been incurring loss for the past three years in marketing DAP to save the farming community, besides caring for grain consumption in the second highest populated country. But for how long can this be continued, he asked?

Asserting that DAP was available to members of the cooperative agricultural service societies (CASS) as per their requirement, Jakhar said farmers were now realising the importance of cooperative societies and those which had stopped working in the past, were being revived. Thousands of farmers were seeking enrolment in societies.

By purchasing laser land levellers, high-power tractors and other expensive agricultural implements, the cooperative societies had attracted fresh membership. These modern implements were provided to small and marginal farmers at half the market rent, he added. Laser levelling saves 25 per cent water, he claimed.

He said IFFCO proposed to invest Rs 5,000 crore in a phosphate plant to be set up in Egypt and Rs 3,000 crore in Jordan with 74 and 51 per cent equities, respectively. It might not be easy to arrange phosphoric acid after some years, which was otherwise essential for the fertiliser industry. Ways and means would have to be devised at the global level to find an alternative to phosphate rocks.

IFFCO had already doubled the capacity of the plants located in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, besides using natural gas.

“IFFCO Sanchar Nigam is another prospective venture. Talks with major private players are in the pipeline to supply mobile connections to farmers in the rural areas with less cost. Equipping cooperative societies with IT network to make latest information available on farming will also be ensured,” he said.

On non-functioning of a Rs 20 crore fruit and vegetable processing plant at village Alamgarh here, he said only professionally perfect companies, having expertise in the field, could run such modern plants.

Fruit and vegetable growers were keenly waiting for marketing.

The farmers were not inclined to contract farming and did not give the nod to MNCs feeling that cooperative farming was the ultimate solution for survival, he observed.

Abohar, November 12
There has been no considerable decline in the activities of narcotics smugglers on either side of the inter-state border.

According to the information available, the Sriganganagar police arrested one Sadhu Singh, a resident of Gadarkhera village, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) ACT, on recovery of 65 grams of smack from his possession on Monday.

His son Lakhvir Singh had earlier been arrested for the same offence. At present, he is in judicial custody.

On the same day, the Abohar police nabbed Sunny Sharma, a resident of Majha Patti, with 15 kg of poppy husk that had been smuggled from the neighbouring area of Rajasthan.

Sheelo and Gurjit Kaur, alias Surjit Kaur, of Nurpur Haqima (Dharamkot) village in Moga district, were arrested with 14 kg of poppy husk near village Kikkarkhera in this sub-division.

On Wednesday, the police, in the neighboring Rajasthan area, claimed having arrested Gurdeep Singh of Geri Baghi village and seized 76 kg of poppy husk from the car that he was using to smuggle the contraband to Punjab.

Two boys were also arrested in Abohar for possessing a small quantity of smack, the police confirmed.

It may be mentioned that because of the proximity of this area to Rajasthan and also with the international border, drugs find their way into this area easily. It is mostly the young who fall prey to this habit.

Bathinda, November 12
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) today said that they had prevented officials from the State Bank of Patiala from attaching agricultural land of a farmer due to non-payment of loan at village Bhucho Khurd in the district. BKU’s (Krantikari) block Nathana president, Mukhtiar Singh Bajeaana said this in a press note issued here today.

Giving details about the incident, Bajeaana said that seven years back, Gurbaksh Singh of Bhucho Khurd, a farmer, took a loan of Rs 1.7 lakh from the State Bank of Patiala, Lehra Mohabbat branch, for purchasing a tractor. ``The farmer suffered losses due to the failure of crops because of contamination of groundwater, shortage of canal water, spurious Bt cotton seeds and other factors. As time passed by, the actual loan amount went up to Rs 4.4 lakh with the addition of interest. Now, the farmer is unable to pay back the loan and the bank officials are harassing the farmer.’’

BKU (Krantikari) district president, Surmukh Singh said that they came to know about the attaching of land and then decided to prevent bank officials from doing so. ``Farmers from the Nathana block gathered in large numbers in the village. A protest rally was organized. We feel that the Punjab government has waived off loans of big companies but they are harassing the farmers by attaching their agricultural land. That is why, farmers of Punjab are committing suicides,’’ he claimed.

The protest rally was addressed by BKU (Krantikari) district secretary, Gurmel Singh Jandawala, cashier, Surjit Singh Bhucho Khurd, block Phul president, Surmukh Singh Sidhu, secretary, Lachhman Singh, Bathinda block president, Darshan Singh and others.

Bathinda, November 12“
The proposed Clinical Establishment Bill (Bill No. 71 of 2007) is an attempt to enforce another “Inspector Raaj” on medical profession,” said the members of the state council of IMA, Punjab at a meeting held in Faridkot on Sunday.

Reacting upon the bill, the president of the IMA Punjab, Dr Amrit Sethi said, “It seems to be a blatant attempt by the politicians and bureaucrats to enforce another act on medical profession after the Biomedical Waste Act, PNDT & MTP Act & horde of other Acts.”

Condemning the Bill, the members stated that the Bill was not in the interest of public, patients or practitioners and would adversely affect the health care by escalating the cost of treatment adding to the miseries of lower and middle classes.

“Medical profession is governed by the Medical Council of India Act, wherein MCI and State Medical Councils are the statutory powers in case of professional indiscipline or misadventure. There is hardly any need for such superfluous Bill,” They added.

Giving details of further strategy, Sethi said, “Punjab IMA, in collaboration with National IMA, will go all out to scuttle this draconian Bill and a nation-wide protest will be launched soon.”

“Instead, the government should ensure to make the supply of potable water a civil right, declare population explosion a national emergency and get rid of the menace of quackery in villages and towns as directed by the honourable Supreme Court of India,” he emphasised.

The Members also decided to support National IMA to launch contempt of Court proceedings against police officers, who booked the doctors under section 304 and 304A unmindful of the directions of the Supreme Court in Mathew Jacob case.

The members are all set to approach the concerned authorities once again to modify its directions of identity proof of pregnant women undergoing ultrasound scans.

“The IMA reiterated its resolve to help the government in all possible ways to end female foeticide, but the interests of patients in grave emergencies should not be sacrificed”, said a member.

At the end, members of the Indian Medical Association requested the authorities to block the online sites selling sex determination kits online.

Barnala, November 12
A seminar on female foeticide and its implication was held at Bhai Ghaniya charitable trust here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, principal Karm Singh Bhandari said the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Test (PNDT) Act has failed to check the female foeticide, the parents in order to get only male child go for the sex test of the foetus, and ultrasound centers are doing these tests right under the nose of authorities.

Jagir Singh Jagtar, secretary of Bhagat Mohan Lal Sewa Samiti said the administration had failed to use the PNDT act effectively.

It is evident from the records that in the past three years no significant complaints regarding sex determination test has been registered, he added.

Expressing concern over the continuous rate of decline in the sex ratio, Jagtar said there are only 34 districts in the country, which have low sex ratio, and all the 20 districts of Punjab fall in this category.

He felt the need of social awareness to curb this menace.

In Punjab, there are 798 girls against 1000 boys; this shows that the menace of female foeticide has rightly gripped our society.

Barnala, November 12
Around 724 patients were checked for various ailments related to heart, skin, paediatrics, gynecology and ENT at a free medical camp organised by the Malwa Swayachark Sath here on Monday.

R .L. Mehta, deputy commissioner, inaugurated the camp. While addressing the audience, Mehta said health was the first priority for people person and the NGOs, which worked for the benefit of society, should be encouraged. He applauded the role of the Malwa Sath, which is providing service to society in preserving its rich heritage by organising cultural festivals and organising medical camps.

Meanwhile, 43 units of blood were also collected at a blood donation camp held by Malwa Swacharak Sath. A team of doctors led by Vijay Kumar, cardiologist from the Christian Medical College Ludhiana, examined the patients.

Bathinda, November 12
The college principal and staff honoured the Government Rajindra College, Bathinda, team that stood overall second at the Inter-Zone Youth Festival held at Punjabi University, Patiala, from November 6 to 8, today. Government Rajindra College secured the second place out of a total of 187 colleges of Punjabi University, which participated in the youth festival.

Giving details about the college team’s accomplishments at the Inter-Zone Youth Festival, college principal, Sukhchain Rai Garg said the college team won the overall trophy in all folk art items. ``Amandeep Kaur won a gold in Western solo song event while classical dance and folk orchestra teams stood second.

The college team won a silver medal in Western group song item. In theatre events, our college team stood second in group skit item. A silver medal was also secured in the gidha event.’’

Dr Gurjit Singh Mann, youth co-ordinator, Government Rajindra College, said that the college team stood third in group shabad, group song, semi-classical, quiz and tabla events. 

Moga, November 12
The Disabled Persons Association (DPA), Punjab, has felicitated three physically challenged sportspersons from the Malwa region for excelling at the national and the international level.

The trio includes Hira Singh Sandhu (26) of village Shahwala, Kuldeep Singh (23) of Jaito and Harminder Singh (30) of Daudhar village.  

All the three players began their career as body-builders but switched over to power-lifting mid-way to brighten their career prospects.

Harminder Singh who was affected by polio in his right leg, clinched the sixth position at the Asian Power Lifting Championship held in Malaysia last year. He, earlier, had secured a berth for himself in the national squad after winning bronze in the National Power Lifting Championship.

Harminder quit bodybuilding after putting in four years. He began with bench press. After nearly two years of grooming, he was able to snatch gold in the NPLC held at Ranchi in 1997. He cornered the silver medal in the 2003 edition of the game and bronze in 2007.

Running a medical store for earning his livelihood, he rues that never ever the government or any of its agencies came forward to help him sustain his game, which earned a name for the country at the international level.

He wants to qualify for the Olympics. With his current ability of picking up 150 kg weight, he would have to add 10 kg more in order to realise his aim.

Kuldeep Singh secured various positions in the district and state body building championships during his three year long stint starting from 2003.

Notable among them was silver in the Punjab Body Building Championship in 2006. Immediately after, he turned to power lifting and acquired a gold medal in the ninth edition of the National Power Lifting Championship held at Ludhiana this year.

Putting serious efforts in his endeavour, he has not moved away from the realities of daily life. Hence, he is learning the nuances of repairing mobile phones after completing his graduation.

Sandhu became Mr North India in 2002 and held the title under his belt for two consecutive years. Last year, he became the national gold medallist in body building championship held at Bhubaneswar.

Following his meeting with Rajinder Singh Sodhi, an Arjuna awardee, he decided to switch over to power lifting. Belonging to a family of farmers, he invests one-and-a-half-hour in exercises. His strength lies in performing power chest, back with bicep, shoulder and triceps exercises.                            

With their meaningful lives, they are perfect examples to be emulated not only by persons with physical disabilities but for healthy persons as well. 

Bathinda, November 12
A breath-taking innings by Gurjot Singh of Delhi Public School (DPS), Bathinda, paved the way to victory for his team. Gurjot hit five sixes in an Inter DPS North Zone I (under-14) match against DPS Jhakri, which was played on the grounds of DPS Bathinda today. Gurjot Singh was adjudged man of the match for his scintillating performance.

A total of four matches were played on the day at two venues— at Government Rajindra College and DPS Bathinda.

The first match was played between DPS Rohtak and DPS Panipat City, which was won by the former. DPS Jammu who defeated DPS Panipat Refinery won the second match. DPS Amritsar defeated DPS Rewari and in the fourth match of the day, DPS Bathinda defeated DPS Jhakri.

Rahul Tiwari, deputy commissioner, Bathinda, was the chief guest on the occasion while other guests included S. P. Ananda Kumara, district forest officer, Bathinda. Vice-principal of DPS Bathinda, Paramjit Kaur Kingra, proposed the vote of thanks.

ABOHAR, November 12
Sandeep Rinwa and Rakesh Dahuja won in lucky double during the Friendship Badminton tournament held at the Nehru Stadium here today.

Rinwa also emerged winner in singles whereas Suraj Kukkar and Rakesh Dahuja were declared winners in doubles category.

SDM N.S. Brar and DSP Parampal Singh gave prizes. Sunil Periwal president of the Badminton Association thanked the participants and guests. — OC

Bathinda, November 12
The divisional secretary of the Northern Railway Men’s Union (NRMU), C.S. Bajwa, has said that the union strongly believe that wards of railway employees must be given jobs in railway. Stating that the NRMU had been working for the welfare of rail employees since its inception, he said that the union opposes any “policy of staff cut”, from safety point of view.

Bajwa was talking to media persons here on Monday at the election meeting of the NRMU held at Railway Officers’ Rest House.

The NRMU is affiliated to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. Including NRMU, altogether four unions are in the poll fray. Following an order of the Supreme Court, elections are scheduled for November 26, 27 and 28.

He said that there must be only ‘one union in one trade’ to carry out constructive work and also for the welfare of workers. Advocating that state governments should cooperate with the railways to run loss-making trains, he said that railway must not be used for any political purposes.

Several other office-bearers of the NRMU, including divisional president Surender Singh, divisional vice-president R.P. Singh, branch president Makhan Singh and branch secretary Thakur Singh, were present at the meeting. 

Bathinda, November 12
A 24-year-old boy, said to be mentally upset, allegedly thrashed a girl in the market, here this evening. On hearing the girl shout, people in the market thrashed him.

The boy, identified as Ashish of Basant Vihar, was taken to the Kotwali police station, where their parents were summoned.

SHO, Kotwali police station, Davinder Singh, said, “The parents of the boy showed all the medical reports of the boy to the relatives of the girls.

Both the party reached to compromise and requested not to initiate any proceedings. So no case has been filed in this connection.” —TNS

Bathinda, November 12
To give a boost to tourism and attract foreign tourists at the land of five rivers, the previous government led by Capt Amrinder Singh started a series of heritage festivals in the state in 2003. These festivals were started in Kapurthala, Amritsar and Patiala by the state government, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of 
Punjab. But now, Punjabi folk singers feel that the Punjab government should organise such festivals in all cities of the state, especially Bathinda.

These heritage festivals were started one each in Malwa (in Patiala), Doaba (in Kapurthala) and one in Majha (in Amritsar). But Punjab, which is rich in its history and culture, can have more heritage festivals all across the state.

Bathinda, for the last three years, has been organising one of the biggest cultural festivals of Malwa region called the Malwa Heritage Festival. This festival is organised every year with the joint efforts of art lovers and its supported by the local administration in the month of November. This year, it will be held from November 16 to 18 at heritage village Jaipalgarh in Bathinda.

Talking to TNS, Pammi Bai, a Patiala based Punjabi folk singer feels that the Punjab government should organise such heritage festivals all across the state. ``Every single city of Punjab is rich in heritage and to restore it for the generations to come, heritage festivals should be organised in all cities of Punjab. Local talent in all forms should be promoted more in these festivals. The heritage festivals were started with a purpose to promote Punjabi heritage and culture, but now it seems that its just become a government affair and there is less public participation.’’

``Bathinda also has very rich history and it is the duty of state government to organise heritage festival here,’’ Bai said.

Amrinder Gill, Amritsar based Punjabi pop singer agrees with Pammi Bai. ``These festivals are of the people and for the people. But I have seen that less number of local people participate in these festivals. If we want to conserve our tradition and culture, we have to spread it in a big way and it can be done only if we involve more and more local people. More of local talent should be promoted during these festivals.’’

Mansa, November 12
Traffic problem has become serious in the city due to the construction of an over-bridge. There was also a proposal here to construct an under-bridge.

After the completion of these two projects, the traffic problem may be resolved but right now, the bottleneck is obvious. Long lines of vehicles may be seen near the railway crossing, on cinema road, Goushala road and the hospital road. The fear of road accidents has increased due to heavy traffic. So there is a need to control the traffic to resolve the problem.

Bathinda, November 12
For the first time ever, a truck from Bathinda, bearing number PB03 P-9556, left for Pakistan carrying 15 tonnes of tomato on Monday night.

Deependra Singh, president, Bathinda Truck Union, informed that the truck booked for Rs 50,000 was carrying tomatoes from Nasik. It would enter Pakistan through the Wagah border and deposit its load 5 kms inside Pakistan territory at the scheduled godown. Driver Darshan Singh said he was excited at the idea of driving his vehicle inside Pakistan. — TNS

Mansa, November12
Senior Superintendent of Police Naunihal Singh held a meeting with the prominent citizens of Mansa to review the security arrangements.

Among those who participated in the meeting were Superintendent of Police headquarters Baljeet Singh Buttar, deputy superintendent of police Mansa sub-division Amarjeet Singh, DSP Budhlada Mukund Singh Mali and DSP headquarters Balwinder Singh.

After hearing the suggestions, the district police staged a flag march. This was done as a reaction to acts of violence that took place on the night of Diwali.

The police arrested 32 persons in this connection and search for the rest is going on. Meanwhile, the 32 arrested have been sent to Bathinda Central Jail till November 26 by a local court here. — OC