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50,000 to file IT returns again
Ludhiana, January 9 Their returns having been rendered invalid and the assessees in Ludhiana will have to go through the process again following the Supreme Court's approval to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT's) decision on filing of returns on return forms under a new series , ITR 1 to ITR 8. In order to enable the assessees submit their IT returns, the CBDT has also extended the last date for submitting returns to February 28, 2008, for the assessment year 2007-08. "It is mandatory to file IT returns on the new forms, which were introduced on May 14, 2007, and the ones filed after this date on Saral 2D forms are invalid. There is a mistaken belief that the new forms are tedious to fill whereas the fact is that these returns would simplify the entire procedure for people as well as the department and facilitate annexure free returns," said chief commissioner Income Tax M.S. Rai. The IT department would not levy any penalty or interest on those who had filed their returns on Saral forms earlier. Computerisation records of assessees would be available merely by keying in the PAN number. For getting refunds through the Electronic Clearance System, however, people will have to wait for six months to 1 year. The introduction of eight new return forms by the CBDT in May last year invited a lot of criticism and the validity of these forms was challenged in different high courts of
the country. However, these forms, says the IT department, will benefit tax assessees in the coming days. The department is also getting active on widening its tax base by adopting measures like door to door surveys. “It is being done to ensure voluntary compliance and we are very careful that there is no harassment of people. The procedure involves visit of officials from the department who give a form in which the person concerned has to answer few questions. In case it is found that tax should be paid, he is asked to do so, voluntarily.” By adopting these measures, the IT department here is expecting to add at least 1,25,000 new assessees this year to the existing 7.05 lakh. The department has set a target of 8.5 per cent growth in tax inflow this year. As per officials, the tax collected till December, 2007, was Rs 846 crore in comparison to Rs 780 crore in the corresponding period of previous year.
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3 routes identified in first phase
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 9 The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, executing authority of the project, has already identified three routes in the project under the first phase and the buses will be plying on all these routes. According to MC commissioner Vikas Partap, a Special Purpose Company named Ludhiana City Bus Services Limited (LCBSL) has already tied up with the MC to facilitate good quality bus service in the city. The SPC has been formed through equity contribution by the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board, (PIDB). A meeting of LCBSL, chaired by the commissioner, directors of the company B.K. Gupta, joint commissioner-cum-chief executive of the company Chander Gaind, DTO S.R. Kaler, additional chief administrator, GLADA, was held in the city today. The bus service will have unique features as the buses would be tracked by the Global Positioning System. The GPS will also provide real-time accurate information to the public regarding expected arrival time of buses at the designated bus stops. It will also enable convenient issuing of bus passes from different locations within the city. The 44 seater buses with a capacity for 25 standing passengers would have a rear engine. It would have distinct advantages like better mileage than front engine, no sound and less vibration inside the bus. The bus will have a wide entry and exit, electronic ticket vending machines, computerised passes for issuing digital tickets to public.
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Guru Nanak Stadium goes powerless
Ludhiana, January 9 Power supply to the stadium was disconnected, as bills amounting to a whopping Rs 4.75 lakh are still lying pending. And both the authorities are washing their hands off the responsibility. Sports department officials allege that the MC should pay the bill as it has opened some of its offices inside the stadium. But MC officials are not convinced by this plea. Notably, it is not the first time that PSEB has disconnected power supply to the stadium. Last year, supply was disconnected for approximately two months due to non-payment of bills and was restored only after the intervention of parliamentary secretary, Harish Rai Dhanda.Talking to The Tribune, an MC official said since sports department owns the stadium; MC is not responsible for the bills. Meanwhile, coaches are visibly upset over the state of affairs. A coach, on conditions of anonymity, said: "For just a day, MC employees should be made to sit without electricity in their office. They will realise our problem then." Class IV employees are the worst hit. They say they have to cycle to the Fountain Chowk around 10 times on a daily basis just to send a fax or attend other chores. Athletes are suffering too. They have to wrap up their practice sessions by dusk, as there is no lighting facility in the stadium. Upset by the prevailing situation, district sports officer (DSO) Gianinder Singh said: "We have intimated higher authorities about the issue and expect an early solution, as both officials and the players are suffering due to the disconnection of power supply." According to sources, sports department has also written to deputy commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar, urging him to settle the dispute at the earliest. However, despite repeated attempts, the DC could not be contacted. Vikas Pratap, MC commissioner said the matter is solely related to the sports department and MC has nothing to do with it. Pargat Singh, director sports, Punjab, said: "The department has got to know about the problem and we are looking forward to an early solution."
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One killed, another injured in accident
Khanna, January 9 According to information, Balwinder Singh, a resident of Jalanpur village, was killed while his brother Kuldip Singh was critically injured. The two were on their way to Samrala when while crossing the railway over bridge near Khanna a truck coming from the opposite direction hit them. Some of the passersby immediately gathered on the spot and pulled out Kuldip from the debris. They rushed him to the local civil hospital. However, driver of the truck fled from the scene. He was later identified as Balbir Singh of Gharet village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. A case has been registered against the absconding driver.
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Farm dept staffer looted, murdered
Ludhiana, January 9 He lived in Giaspura and had no motive to go to Jaspal Bangar village. He had been missing since last evening. Family members had reported the matter to the police that he did not return home from office last evening. The body, with sharp-edged wounds on head and neck, was found abandoned this morning. Shimla Puri police sources said robbery seems to be the motive of the crime as all cash and jewellery in his possession was missing. The police is suspecting the involvement of the notorious auto-rickshaw gang in the crime. Sources said these gang members often travel along a chosen victim, take him to an isolated place where they rob and kill him.
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One month, 1,600 challans
Ludhiana, January 9 Police sources said the market had recently become quite sensitive due to its proximity to the mini-secretariat, police headquarters and the CIA office. Vehicles parked dangerously close to the secretariat wall were a major threat, so vigil in the area was increased. SI Mukesh Kumar got the distinction of challaning nearly 1,000 vehicles. SSP R.K. Jaiswal, who had specially ordered increased monitoring in the market, has awarded him with a commendation certificate given by IG Zonal. The SI challaned 115 violators on December 31 itself! His team alone earned Rs 10 lakh. Sources added that different teams of cops challaned another 600 vehicles for various violations, majority being for haphazard or illegal parking.
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Large cache of drugs seized
Ludhiana, January 9 The raid and subsequent search operations, conducted by a team, led by state drug controller Bhag Singh and civil surgeon Dr Sat Pal Sharma continued till late last evening. Besides the district drug inspector Rajesh Suri, drug inspectors from Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Moga joined in the search and seizure operations. Giving this information here today, Dr Sharma said business premises as well as godowns of Hindustan Medicine Traders and Dada Distributors were searched by the team and the documents pertaining to sale and purchase of the medicines were thoroughly inspected. It was found that the stocks of addictive drugs available in the shops and godowns of the two firms far exceeded the purchase invoices and sale records, produced by the owners of the chemist shops. As the team landed at the shops late in the evening and commenced inspection of stocks and documents, the owners raised a commotion and made attempts to obstruct the process of inspection of stocks and documents. They also claimed that they could produce bills of all medicines lying in the stock. Apprehending resistance by the chemists, who had gathered in a large numbers around the spot, the drug officials sought police assistance which arrived in no time from Kotwali police station. In the meantime, Tikka Dalip Singh and G.S. Chawla, president and secretary of the Ludhiana Wholesale Chemists Association also intervened and situation was saved from taking an ugly turn. Dr Sharma said the seized medicines included 145 bottles of cough syrups of various brands, 2.03 lakh tablets, 2.42 lakh capsules and 2,683 injections of different formulations. The total seizures made by the drug authorities had an estimated value of Rs 7.35 lakh. The seized medicines were produced in a local court to obtain legal custody and proceedings under the relevant drug laws were launched against the defaulting chemist shop owners.
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Days before wedding, girl hurt in accident
Ludhiana, January 9 The tanker was allegedly being driven by a beldar, instead of driver. Rajni was given medical attention at the hospital but vital time was lost in shifting her to DMC Hospital as the police ambulance ran out of petrol. Worse, the private hospital did not have drivers for the two ambulances available. Although Rajni was grievously injured, her sister Pooja, who was riding pillion, escaped unhurt. Driver of the tanker was nabbed by the public and handed over to the police. The sisters were returning from Ghumar Mandi after shopping.
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SAD function penalty
for transporters
Ludhiana, January 9 Besides the CM, many other VIPs, including transport minister Master Mohan Lal, deputy speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, president of the state unit of BJP Rajinder Bhandari and other senior bureaucrats, are going to take part in this political function. One of the local transporters, who did not wish to be quoted said he was asked to provide at least three buses on January 11. "We have no other option but to send our buses. For a few thousand of rupees, we cannot afford to annoy our officers. The transporters from Ludhiana and surrounding areas have been asked to get at least 30-40 buses and trucks, which means loss of lakhs of rupees to transporters. What will we get out of it? But the transporters feel helpless otherwise they will face the wrath of department", alleged the transporter. Another transporter said when the Akali-BJP alliance took over in Punjab, the leaders had given speeches that they would not disturb the public workings to make their political rallies successful. "But they can not do without it. Whenever there are political rallies, transporters are made to suffer. If we dare to disobey them, they have many other ways to punish us", said another transporter, who runs mini buses in city. Chander Gaind, district transport officer said they never pressured anyone to provide their vehicles. "We just ask them if they could help us conveniently", he said.
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Call for mass movement against foeticide
Ludhiana, January 9 Presiding over a seminar on female foeticide, drug addiction and awareness of AIDS, organised by Malwa Sabhyacharak Manch on the eve of "Lohri Mela" at Punjabi Bhawan here, he said the law against killing of female foetuses should be strictly enforced and those indulging in such practice should be socially boycotted. He further urged the religious heads to issue edicts against this social evil which had assumed alarming proportions and could have serious repercussions on the social fibre if not tackled in time. Noted gynaecologist and pioneer of test tube baby process in the region, Dr Iqbal Singh Ahuja exhorted the masses to act unitedly in order to curb the tendency of female foeticide to avert disastrous results in the future. Presenting data of decreasing female population in Punjab to drive home the point, he said people had started realising the gravity of the situation, but still more efforts had to be put in to check bias for a male child. Former minister Jasbir Singh, principal R.K. Aulakh, renowned film maker and writer Inderjit Hassanpuri and Krishan Kumar Bawa also addressed the seminar and participated in the panel discussion which followed. Prominent among others present on the occasion were Surinder Singh Kooner, Ravinder Bhattal, Pawan Diwan, Ravinder Ranguwal, Pawan Garg, Akshay Bhanot, Ashok Makkar, Nirmal Kaira and Dr Jagjit Singh Ahuja.
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Jaggery samples fail test
Ludhiana, January 9 Court cases under Section 16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act are in the process of being instituted in the local court against the traders or manufacturers from where the samples were taken. Giving this information here yesterday, civil surgeon Dr Sat Pal Sharma said five samples of jaggery were found to be containing non-edible grade colours while another had yellow colour mixed in it which is not permissible. He said some milk samples, taken from several vendors as also milk tankers, were found to be adulterated and action under the relevant provisions of law was being initiated against the defaulters. According to the civil surgeon, a team of officials, headed by Dr Yash Pal Mehta, deputy medical commissioner, had taken eight samples of "gachak and rewri" from Civil Lines, Ghumar Mandi and Model Town localities in the city yesterday. The samples were sent to the government laboratory for chemical analysis and action, if warranted, will be taken on the basis of the report, as and when received.
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Vets training on brucellosis diagnosis ends
Ludhiana, January 9 It will help in controlling this dreadful zoonotic disease in the state. The programme was simultaneously organised at 11 centres at Ludhiana, Hisar Pantnagar, Jabalpur, Bhubneshwar, Bikaner, Tirupati, Mumbai, Guwahati, IVRI and Chennai. The programme was coordinated by Dr S.S. Singh, dean, College of Veterinary Science. Dr Narinder Singh Sharma, senior veterinary bacteriologist, and Dr Shukriti Sharma, assistant professor, department of epidemiology and preventive medicine trained 16 veterinary officers of the department of veterinary microbiology from the directorate of Punjab State Animal Husbandry Department. Dr H.M. Saxena, professor-cum-head, department of veterinary microbiology, gave away certificates during the valedictory function. Animal husbandry officers of the state gained hands-on training on a few serological tests like rose Bengal plate agglutination test, standard tube agglutination test, mil ring test and ELISA.
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Collector price of land will not be cut today
Ludhiana, January 9 The deputy commissioner, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Member Parliament, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, chief parliamentary secretary Harish Rai Dhanda, MLA Harish Bedi, jail minister Hira Singh Gabria discussed the issue for four hours today. The property dealers, who had been taking up the issue, were not allowed to sit in the meeting. Gurjar said they could not reach consensus today. Another meeting will be convened tomorrow, he said, adding that if the rates would not be reduced tomorrow, these would be the next day. The collector price that was hiked up to 300 per cent is quite an issue in the city. The local property dealers had met Badal at Chandigarh some days ago and had come back claiming that he had agreed that the hike would be rolled back by January 10.
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Pensioners meet Kang
Ludhiana, January 9 B.D.
Tandon, president, PAU Pensioners' Association, said was difficult for the pensioners to survive without it. "We will be holding a massive rally along with other trade unions on January 14 outside Thapar Hall of university to protest against the callous attitude of the state government. Till date, the Chief Minister has just given assurances. It has been over two-months now, we have not been paid a single penny by the university or the government", he complained. The delegation, later met PAUTA executives, who gave them a patient hearing and assured all their cooperation to the pensioners. They (PAUTA) said that in this time of crises, PAUTA will support the PAU pensioners.
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500 titles on display at BCM
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 9 About 500 titles in English, Hindi and regional languages on wide range of subjects, are being displayed in the fair. The books exhibited were not only meant for school children but also included titles of a few Indian and international publishers of the repute. It was delightful to watch children browsing through the colourful materials on display during the fair. A large number of book reviews written by students were also put on display which motivated them to read the books.
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Undisclosed income of Rs 3.82 crore detected
Ludhiana, January 9
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Consumer forum president retires
Ludhiana, January 9 He had joined the consumer forum after retirement as Additional Sessions Judge from Hoshiarpur. He was given a warm sendoff by the staff and lawyers.
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Roads in old city
I wish to highlight the pitiable condition of roads and frequent traffic jams especially in the old city. The roads alongside Jagraon Bridge, from the Laxmi cinema chowk to Fieldganj (Jail road), are full of potholes and put the lives of passengers especially the senior citizens at risk. I would request the administration to attend to the matter immediately to avoid further accidents and save precious lives. Secondly, there are no traffic signals or traffic police on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh highway near the Cheema Chowk, Janakpuri, Ludhiana. Due to this pedestrians who wants to cross the road daily put their lives in danger. Traffic signals should be installed on the roads and the police posted. In the busy areas such as Saban Bazar, Talab Bazar, Gur Mandi, the corporation should implement one-way traffic rules and remove encroachments done shopkeepers or traders. They should be warned of strict action if they don’t cooperate. Sudarshan Kumar Jain, Ludhiana Readers are invited to mail letters (not more than 200 words) at "ludhiana@tribunemail.com" or post the same to The Tribune, 1, 2 Improvement Trust Building, Badaur House, Clock Tower, Ludhiana.
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High land-use charges, industry’s bane
Ludhiana, January 9 Worried over the decision, local industry has urged the government to take a serious view of the matter. The industry feels that the state, which stands at a disadvantage due to location, will run into further trouble if a review of the charges is not done. According to the notification, a unit is required to pay external development charges of more than Rs 43.18 lakh, conversion charges of over Rs 5.38 lakh and licence fee of Rs 50,000 per acre in order to set up base in the state. "With such heavy charges for land use, no entrepreneur will plan to set up his unit in the state as his entire capital will get exhausted in paying these charges only," said S.C. Ralhan, chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), in a letter to the principal secretary, Industry and Commerce, Punjab, A.R. Talwar. Pointing out that the last few months had recorded a particularly dismal scenario so far as industrial development was concerned, industrialists said the matter required serious attention as several enterprises were contemplating shifting out of the state. If the situation continued, existing units will move out and new ones will not come up, which will act as a blow on the state's economy, they said. New units as well as the existing ones that seek expansion are required to pay these charges, which are even higher than the prevailing cost of land in most areas. Incentives by the Centre to industry in neighbouring states are already making it tough for units in this state to combat competition. Not only are new units hesitating from setting up base here, several existing ones are looking for avenues in states like Gujarat for their expansion. High freight charges, poor power situation are major reasons driving entrepreneurs out of the state. Industry has also urged the government to review the notification and withdraw change of land use levies at the earliest.
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Cosmetics services
Ludhiana, January 9
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Teachers’ union meets Badal
Doraha, January 9 Dr Kuldip Singh, general secretary, Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union, said the Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and formed a three-member committee comprising education minister, chief secretary and the education secretary for resolving the grievances of college teachers. The Punjab Legislative Assembly on December 24 had amended the Security of Service Act 1974 and did away with service security of a large number of college teachers working against unaided posts. The teachers and a few employees had been enjoying the security of service since 1974 as no grant-in-aid scheme to the colleges existed at that time. The grant-in-aid scheme was introduced in 1978. Since the original Act made no distinction between the employees working on aided or unaided posts. To register its protest against the amendment in the Act, the executive committee of the union has already decided to hold protest rallies at district headquarters and burn copies of amendment on January 15. Meanwhile, the union has welcomed the High Court’s judgement which had directed the chief secretary to evolve a mechanism for ensuring that employees get prompt payment of retrial benefits like gratuity and leave encashment etc. To implement the High Court’s decision, DPI Colleges (Punjab) had directed the college principals to submit affidavits in this regards. The union also condemned the dictatorial and inhuman behaviour of the managing committee of Malwa College, Bondli, Samrala, towards college teachers especially women. Two college teachers were suspended twice on flimsy grounds and presently Prof Kulwinder Kaur, lecturer in Hindi, is being harassed for no reasons. She is being implicated without holding any inquiry and her annual increment for one year has been stopped. The union’s executive committee has already condemned the management’s behaviour in its meeting held at Moga on December 31.The committee decided to resume its deferred court arrests agitation from February 5 after a span of four months since there was no substantial development on the already accepted demands. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and formed a three-member committee comprising education minister, chief secretary and the education secretary for resolving the grievances of college teachers. — Kuldip Singh, general secretary, PCCTU
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24 Spring Dalians honoured with Kala Ratna Award
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 9 Director and founder principal Avinash Kaur Walia conveyed her new year greetings to students. Speaking on the occasion she advised the students to constantly work hard as it is the only way to achieve success in life. She also congratulated the toppers for their best achievements as they brought good name to the school. Sandeep Raikhi, principal, said students should start the year with the resolution to develop and cultivate good habits, good behaviour and moral values as these qualities would enhance their personality not only as good student but also as a good human being. Winners: Gurleen Kaur, Aniketan Singh Sohal, Kirtija Pandey, Harmandeep Singh, Manas Dubey, Komalpreet Kaur, Harshita, Riya, Harleen Kaur, Anupama Sharma, Gurkeerat Singh Kamboj, Bableen Kaur Narula, Loveleen Jaswal, Asis Kaur Khalsa, Manpreet Kaur Saini, Baljit Kaur, Govind Singh, Sheenu Diwan, anjali Kavatara, Renuka Joshi, Kanchan Sharma, roshan Passi, Vivek Azad Bhatt and Kunal Sharma. Declamation An inter-school Hindi declamation contest was organized by MGM Public School, Ludhiana, at the Sahodhya school complex. A few schools of the city took part in the contest. G.S.Thind applauded the winners and appreciated their speaking skills. Principal Mona Singh thanked the judges and the teachers for taking part in the
events. Results: Ist Shiba Soin of KVM School, 2nd Sapanpreet Kaur of MGM Public School, 3rd Parag Jain of DAV School The overall winner’s trophy went to Kundan Vidya Mandir. The runners-up trophy was jointly bagged by Guru Nanak Public School and Bhartiya Vidya Mandir. Principals’ meet About 45 principals assembled at BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh road, for a meeting at the Sahodya School Complex. The meeting was organised to discuss new paper pattern, changes in the syllabus, common question papers and the date sheet of Sohodya exams for Classes IX and XI. S.D Kalia, director, Ludhiana Sohodya School complex, Principal of BCM school, Chandigarh road represented and presided over the meeting. S K Mehta, the manager of the school, welcomed all the principals and stressed on the qualitative education. Principals read out papers and expressed their views on the changes made by the CBSE. They also discussed the role played by a few members in Sohodya cluster. Latest achievements in Sohodya cluster and CBSE Nationals were discussed and appreciated.
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Seminar on personality development
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 9 It is recognised by UNESCO as an international organisation for peace. The programme started with the shabad- “deh shiva var mohe ihe”. Principal Dr H.S. Brar honoured the guests Satnam Singh, director, youth services and Harvinder Kaur, office secretary, Central zone, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle. The purpose of the seminar was to focus on the moral and ethical aspects of personality and on the ways to develop them in the would-be teachers. Prof Ikpreet Singh, in charge of the college unit of the circle, made the audience aware of aims and objectives of the study circle.
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Surinder, Ravi win quiz contest on population
Jagraon, January 9 The competition was held under the guidelines of the Population Education
Cell, State Institute of Science Education, Punjab, Chandigarh. The programme was attended by at least 80 trainees of the Elementary Teachers’ Training (ETT) course and 30 ETT students of semester-II. Each participant spoke on problems concerning overpopulation, social evils, environmental pollution,
unemployment and female foeticide.
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National integration seminar
Ludhiana, January 9 The seminar was organised to celebrate the 41st national integration day. Rakesh Pandey, Congress leader, said teachers and parents should come forward to curb the menace of drug addiction among youth.
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City Centre Scam Our Correspondent
Ludhiana, January 9 Sessions Judge G K Rai had reserved orders after hearing the arguments on the bail applications filed by ex-trustees Kala Navkar Jain, Sanjay Talwar, Surinder Pal Singh Bindra, Malkiat Kaur, Bhupinder Singh Basant and Vijay Parti for today. But no decision on their bail applications was pronounced. The Sessions Judge postponed the announcement of the decision for tomorrow. The Sessions Court had already issued summons to 35 persons, including Capt Amarinder Singh, his son Raninder Singh, Raminder Singh Richi (son-in-law) and Chowdhary Jagjit Singh, for appearing before the court on January 10. They will have to appear tomorrow before the court. They were not arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in the city centre scam. But they were chargesheeted in this case. Then the court had summoned them for January 10 to face trial.
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Ryanites film on AIDS premiered
Ludhiana, January 9 It was bit easy for the 25 Ryanites who made their directorial debut with the film “Choti se Asha” but for the fashion designer and little Rockers, it was an Herculean task, to top it all they had to change the venue at the last minute, one mistake and the entire show would have ended in a mess. After many take and retakes they managed to hit it right and thrilled the audience with their rocking performance at Guru Nanak Bhawan here today. The day was marked in the history as the school successfully managed to spread the message of AIDS awareness and with this the city has got its very own Rock band. The AIDS awareness campaign for youth and children carried on by the school hold an array of events. The students presented a puppet show. The graceful ballet was praise worthy. The street play staged at a few parts of the city was also appreciated a lot. At the same time the film “Choti si Asha” made by students of Ryan depicting the discriminations faced by the HIV positive people in society was premiered in P.V.R here today. Harish Bedi, MLA, Kuldeep Singh Mann, Income Tax commissioner, and Parveen Bansal, deputy mayor, were also present on the occasion.
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Hospitals sans doctor, infrastructure
Ludhiana, January 9 Located nearby, a veterinary hospital, catering to over a dozen nearby villages, has a doctor but no infrastructure or medical stocks. The dispensary at Bagga Khurd village has no doctor. On the other hand there is veterinary clinic situated close to the dispensary which is in a shambles. The clinic roof would have been fallen, if timely help has not been provided by the village sarpanch. The hospital has recently completed its 40 years and need urgent renovation. Due to the depleted condition of the clinic, the doctor has no option but to sit in the open. Villagers are ruing to the fact that the government is ignorant about this clinic which is the only animal treatment centre in the surrounding area. The height of neglect can be gauged from the fact that there is no pharmacist in the clinic to administer medicine to the ailing animals. The doctor is doing the job of pharmacist as well as doctor. On the other hand there is dispensary which is being run without doctor for long time, as the doctor Mannu Bansal has gone abroad for further studies. A doctor visits twice a week in this village, but most of the times it is found locked. A villager said due to such amusing scarcity they are facing a lot of inconvenience. Both clinics are in a dilapidated state and the parishad should think some thing for the improvement of this clinics as these clinic holds significance for the villagers. Sukhdev Singh, deputy CEO, zila parishad, said, “ We came to know about condition, and efforts will be made to restore the situation to its pervious state. While a parishad employee said, “The department could not spend money on a private building so there is no point that the department will spend money for the upgradation of the clinic."
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This HIV + man plays life-saver’s role
Jagraon, January 9 Mehar Singh, an HIV positive patient, who has been appointed as an outreach worker at the civil hospital, has succeeded in setting aside the stigma of untouchables associated with the HIV-infected people. Yesterday, Mehar Singh registered his name in the history books by taking part in the polio drops administering campaign. Mehar Singh, proudly call himself a “Very Important Human,” which if reversed means f HIV and Why not! Since, the local health department has taken the initiative by assigning him with a task of administering the polio drops to children of the nearby areas. Mehar Singh said HIV-infected people had an equal right to live as any other normal human being and they should not be considered as untouchables. According to his colleagues, his appointment as an outreach worker has turned out be a boon for the town. He has extended a helping hand to HIV-infected people by guiding them about the free treatment being provided by the NACO-run Punjab State AIDS Control Society. With his efforts he has inculcated in them the sprit to lead a normal life. Dr Hari Krishan Singla, SMO, Jagraon, said the HIV patients were playing the role of a good councillor. Mehar Singh had been successful in educating the people. Since he was suffering with this deadly disease he could educate more about this disease. Mehar Singh has encouraged the HIV-affected people living in the nearby area to get the Anti- Retro Therapy Test (ART) conducted free of cost at the government hospitals. Mehar Singh said, “A person who comes in contact with the HIV-affected person can lead a normal life by taking a few precautions.”
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Save your skin as mercury dips
Kuldip Bhatia
Ludhiana, January 9 According to Dr Alka Dogra, professor and head, department of skin and VD at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital here, specific measures have to be taken to replenish essential oils and moisture in the skin so as to save it from getting dry and flaky as well as other skin problems common in this particular season. Giving tips for better skin care during winters, she suggested shortening of baths or showers, as long hot baths could eventually strip the skin of lipids or moisturising fats. "One ought to use a moisturiser, choose soap or cleansers with oils and emollients, replenish skin with overall body moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, add oils to bath water, which can penetrate and nourish the skin." Dr Dogra was of the view that excessive use of emollients should be avoided on the face as it might lead to flaring of acne. Toners and astringents should be applied sparingly because these are typically alcohol based and can cause dryness of the skin. She further advised that a sun cream with an SPF of 15 or higher should be applied on the face, hands, and any other part of the skin that may be exposed. This will act as a barrier to help protect against the damaging rays of the sun. "Dandruff, commonly seen as excessive flakiness of the scalp can be managed by avoiding oiling of the hair and frequent shampooing. Various anti-dandruff shampoos like Nizral scalp shampoo, can be used to get rid of this condition," she said. On other common problems of the winter season, Dr Dogra advised that cracked heels can be taken care of using saline soaks followed by application of Vaseline. Similarly, chilblains (bluish discoloration and swelling of the fingers and toes) can be managed by avoiding contact with cold air and water and the use of protective gloves. Among other precautions that needed to be taken during winters are application of hand cream immediately after washing hands to seal in moisture, use of chap stick and sunscreen to manage chapping of lips and wearing of cotton clothes underneath to avoid allergic reactions to woollen clothes.
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Gujjarwal sports fest from Jan 17
Ludhiana, January 9 The festival is being organised by a newly constituted six-member committee, in association with NRIs from the area and the panchayat. During the four-day festival, kabaddi matches, bullock cart races, football and basketball competitions, and dog and horse races will be held. Besides, a paragliding show, giddha and bhangra dances will be the other main features of the festival. The first three position holders will be given cash prizes. Famous kabaddi player, Surinder Pal Singh, along with Surinder Mohan Gujjarwal, principal of Nankana Sahib Public School, Kila Raipur, would be honoured on the concluding day. Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal will be the chief guest on January 20.
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600 to take part in sports meet
Ludhiana, January 9 According to M. S. Rai, chief commissioner, Income Tax, Ludhiana, P K Chopra, chief commissioner, North Western region, will inaugurate the meet at Jalandhar tomorrow where athletic events will be conducted. Competition will be held in chess, carrom, table tennis, billiards, bodybuilding, bridge, kabaddi and badminton.
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SAI trainees given stipends
Ludhiana, January 9 Harbans Singh, incharge of the centre, said those who received cheques included 26 boys (handball), three boys
and three girls (judo), nine boys (basketball), five boys and 11 girls (volleyball). Gianinder Singh Sandhu, district sports officer, Ludhiana, along with coaches from different disciplines, were present at the function.
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Mercury rises despite drizzle
Ludhiana, January 9 The sun broke the cloud cover for a couple of hours around noon and the bright sun shine brought some relief from chilly winds for the city residents. However, as the day progressed, the sky was again overcast with dark clouds looming all over. |
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