Ludhiana, February 2
Tension gripped Dr Ambedkar colony in Rishi Nagar area today afternoon when a group of persons allegedly began digging earth for laying the foundation stone at a controversial land occupied by a large number of slum dwellers.

This slum has always remained at the centre of controversy particularly during the elections with a large number of politicians offering those living here permanent settlement for netting votes.

The issue became sensitive when the slum dwellers, who had gathered there in a large numbers, accused their leader of pocketing money for removing the slums.

The Haibowal police timely intervention prevented the situation from taking an ugly turn. They summoned both groups to the police station for verifying their claim over the land.

Later in the evening, it was decided that Improvement Trust and revenue department officials would conduct an on-the-spot investigation and examine the documents of both parties before taking any decision on the issue.

The incident took place when a group of persons led by Suresh Kumar reached the spot and employed labourers for digging the earth. G.S.Sidhu, a representative of the slum dwellers and CPI leader, said he was called by slum dwellers.

He said they (slum dwellers) were living on the land for the past 25 years and had even got a stay order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “These people had cleared bushes and made the uneven land fit for habitation. Later, the government departments came to stake its claim over the land. A few leaders of the slum dwellers betrayed them by taking money to felicitate its removal,” he added.

Suresh Kumar, who claims to have power of attorney over the land, said the stay order of the High Court does not cover this stretch and they were legally free to take its possession.”

He said despite that he had paid money to the families living on this stretch. “They were ready to vacate the plot but other slum dwellers arrived and created unruly scenes. We did not resort to forcible occupation or violence and called the police instead,”he added

Both groups have filed separate complaints with the Haibowal Police. The cops have kept the complaints in abeyance saying that the Improvement Trust officials and revenue officials would take decision on the issue and the police would act accordingly.

Ludhiana,February 2
In first ever experiment of its kind a private security guard has been employed to regulate the traffic at the National Road Bhai Bala Chowk.

This step has been taken by the Bhai Blal Chowk association after the Ludhiana traffic police enforced one-way traffic which was later withdrawn by it after succumbing to the shopkeepers’ pressure.

Ajinder Singh, president, Bhai Bala Shopkeepers Association said, "We have recruited two private security guards, who work in morning and evening shift. The security guards have been recruited on a monthly salary of Rs 3,500."

He further said the step had been taken after the shopkeepers started incurring losses due to traffic chaos."

At least 70 shop owners made a resolution to obey the traffic rule and said no to road encroachment.

They resolution was passed to make the market customer- friendly. Following this the shopkeepers have started parking their vehicle at a nearby parking lot to give ample space to customers to park their vehicle.

He said the move to recruit a private security guard had proved to be beneficial for the women as numerous cases of snatching had been reported in the recent past. The traffic chaos used to provide them easy passage as it was quite hard to spot them due to rush..

Ajinder Singh further thanked the SSP and Harish Rai Dhanda,chief parliamentary secretary, for extending their support.

"Half of the traffic problems can be solved in the city if we do not encroach upon the road, "said Singh.

COMMUNITY

LPG
Agency flouting rule, alleges manch
Members begin relay fast
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 2
Activists of the Ahmedgarh Surakhsha Manch started a relay fast to impress upon the food supply authorities to initiate action against the owner of the lone gas agency of the town, who according to them was allegedly violating norms while supplying refills.

The protesters accused certain councillors of the town of allegedly shielding the agency owner. A memorandum demanding action was handed over to executive magistrate Manjit Singh.

Jaipal Singh, owner of the Ahmedgarh Gas Agency, on the other hand refuted charges levelled against him and his staff.

He claimed that the shortfall of gas had been created due to higher consumption in winter and cut in supply from the company. The supply was cut by two 2,000 refills during the past month, he claimed.

Addressing a gathering at Bhagat Singh chowk, office-bearers of the manch alleged that the owner of the agency had been violating norms while supplying LPG refills.

“Though refills are not available for domestic consumption, these are being supplied to commercial organisations, including restaurants and dhabas, on the black market,” alleged Ajit Malhotra and Vicky Tondon, president and secretary of the manch.

Ludhiana, February 2
The second annual function of Sportking Institute of Fashion Technology- ‘Avant Garde’ - was held at the Guru Nanak Bhawan here today. The colourful event captivated the guests and students.

The show began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp and ‘saraswati vandana’. Paramjot Walia welcomed the guests and Dr Surabhi Mahajan briefed the audience on the achievements of students.

A dance item was presented by students, which was followed by a one act play. The function was presided over by Dr Manjit Singh Kang, vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University. Dr Kang lauded the enthusiasm of the participants and congratulated the faculty and management for providing quality education. He also applauded the efforts of Raj Avasthi who provided a fashion institute with such an infrastructure to the northern states. He also gave away prizes to meritorious students.

Anjali Avasthi, president of SIFT, acknowledged the contribution of Rati Verma whose untiring efforts made the event a success. She also thanked the director of the play Nirmal Rishi, Kuldeep, the choreographers and the make-up artists for providing their support. Sunil Puri, executive director, congratulated the faculty and students for making the function a grand success. 

Ludhiana, February 2
Job security and added perks turned out to be the ultimate selling point for the Army, as its recruitment rally received an unprecedented response this year.

With all sectors heading towards privatisation, village youth find Army as the best career option for a secure future.

And it was evident from the fact that the number of aspirants this year increased manifold as compared to last year.

The recruitment rally for Ludhiana, Ropar and Mohali district was hosted by Army recruiting office, Ludhiana, under the aegis of Deputy Director General (recruiting) Brig D.P. Singh.

Candidates from outstation reached the city to become soldiers, clerks, storekeepers, technical nursing assistants and tradesmen.

According to D.P. Singh, over 6,500 candidates turned up for trial out of whom over 3,000 were found eligible under various categories. The number is double in comparison to last year’s.

He expressed his pleasure over the response elicited by this year’s drive.

He said: “In comparison to last year, the response has doubled and youngsters are enthusiastically participating in the drive.”

He added that perk and privileges that the Army offered made the profession so lucrative.

The rally also received highly qualified candidates for the post of soldier, he added.

D.P. Singh said: “The recruitment drive turned out to be a boon for rural youth who weren’t as qualified as the city youth due to fewer career opportunities.”

He added: “The screening process consists of document verification, one-mile run, chin-up and other physical tests and physical measurements. The candidates were further selected for medical examination.”

Candidates declared medically fit would appear for entrance exam.

The move of the Punjab government to amend Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and to do away with the direct election of sarpanches is unwelcome. The government seems to be worried about being routed in the elections and wants to catapult its own men to the position of sarpanches by hook or crook. The move can hoodwink people as of now, but they will not spare the government during the next assembly elections. The proposed amendment will rob people of their constitutional right to elect their leaders and in such a case. Moreover, it will lead to fractions in the panchayat which will adversely affect its working.

Lapran, February 2
Pal of gloom descended on this village when bodies of two youths, including son of a transporter were brought from Tundla (Uttar Pradesh) here today. They were robbed and killed by a gang of highway robbers three days ago. 

Their bodies were identified on the basis of a slip yesterday. The robbers had decamped with a truck and goods worth more than Rs 50 lakh.

A large number of people, including activists and leaders of a few political parties attended their funeral that took place at village crematorium.

Malkit Singh Dakha and Gurdev Singh Lapran, both Congress leaders, have urged the Chief Minister to do the needful for ensuring the security of drivers going to other states and impress upon his counterpart in Uttar Pradesh to announce compensation for the victim families.

Pal of gloom descended on this village when bodies of Mandip Singh Money, 20, owner and driver of a LP 2515 truck and Surinder Singh Chhinda (helper), who were reportedly killed by a gang of highway robbers near Tundla town in Agra district       (Uttar Pradesh) three days ago; were brought here today morning.

The robbers had allegedly hijacked the truck from a dhabha near Guru ke Tall Gurdwara on the highway near Tundla town in Agra district and thrown their bodies after killing hem at a deserted place. Mandip and Surinder had talked to their families on Tuesday evening.

Sources revealed that Tirlochan Singh, a marginal farmer, finding agriculture to be non-remunerative, had purchased a truck for supporting his family. He used to drive the vehicle till he suffered an attack of arthritis last year. His son, Mandeep Singh, then started plying the truck. Surinder Singh had accompanied him as a helper on the truck for the first time.

Investigations by the Uttar Pradesh police had revealed that Mandeep and Surinder had stopped at the dhabha near Guru ke Tall Gurdwara on the highway near Tundla town in Agra district on January 29. The Tundla police had recovered two bodies from a deserted place the next day. Though the robbers had tried to destroy all evidences to evade identification of the victims, telephone number of a trader enabled the police approach him, who recollected that Mandeep Singh had transported his goods earlier. Officials of a transport company had then helped the police contact parents of the deceased.

Mandeep and Surinder had loaded goods worth over Rs 40 lakh in their truck from Delhi and the consignment was destined for Raipur in Chhattisgarh. 

Ludhiana, February 2
Keen to promote environmentally-friendly battery-operated vehicles, the state government has sent a proposal to the centre to give subsidy to units engaged in their production.

Inaugurating a store of an e-bike manufacturing company, minister for environment Bikramjit Singh Majithia said the state was willing to give its share of contribution for the purpose.

“There is a dire need to promote environmentally-friendly vehicles like battery-operated bicycles and auto-rickshaws. We have sent a proposal to the government for the same and are willing to chip in.”

He said the state had also sought Rs 15 per megawatt of subsidy for those who installed solar power plants.

PCCTU to resume strike from Feb 5
Lovleen Bains

Doraha, February 2
The executive committee of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union has decided to resume its agitation from February 5. The committee will court arrest and observe a bandh in all educational institutions on this day.

PCCTU general secretary Dr Kuldip Singh said the committee members along with 21 teachers from Punjabi University would court arrest, would go casual leave en masse and those of two other universities would send them for a protest rally at Chandigarh and hold campus rallies after taking the first period in their respective colleges.

Dr Singh added that the committee had decided to take such step after the education minister failed to fulfill their demands even after two rounds of discussions.

The committee had sought restoration of 95 per cent grant in aid, lifting of ban on recruitment and conversion of posts, pension and gratuity for college teachers and leave encashment.

Despite receiving a letter from the University Grants Commission (UGC) in this regard, the government has not implemented the CAS and grade of 14,940 of the DPEs librarians, annual stagnation increments, exemption of RC and OC up to June 2007, HRA for rural colleges, feeder grade and total service benefits.

The teachers are also demanding the arrears of the DA merger worth Rs 23 crore, difference of allowances from January 1, 1996 to February 1999 worth Rs 23 crore and additional arrears worth Rs 9.69 crore.

Ludhiana, February 2
Speculations are rife that the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) course, which is presently being run under the College of Agriculture at Punjab Agricultural University(PAU) will be shifted under the College of Basic Sciences at PAU. 

The final decision on the issue is expected to be taken during the next academic council meeting on February 4.

The faculty, however, seems to be divided over the issue. Some members have welcomed the proposal whereas others have started raising objections. The MBA course was already being run under the aegis of College of Basic Sciences earlier and it was Dr K.S Aulakh, the then vice-chancellor of PAU, who shifted it to College of Agriculture almost three years back.

One of the faculty member on condition of anonymity said they welcomed the decision of taking it back under College of Basic Sciences as it was a part of it. "Because of certain vested interests, the course was shifted under College of Agriculture. We want the decision to be implemented soon," he said. Reacting against the move, another faculty member said that there was no need to shift MBA course as students were satisfied and things were running smoothly.

Another major issue to be raised in the council meeting is of elevating the Centre of Communications to Centre of Communication and International Programmes. Some faculty members feel that this ‘upgradation’ of the centre will not make a major difference except for benefitting one person. "If this proposal is approved in the meeting, it will be elevating a person and not the entire communication centre," alleged the faculty member adding that until more posts were created, there could be no elevation.

Meanwhile, PAU vice-chancellor Dr M.S.Kang said the varsity wanted to upgrade the departments to achieve further heights. "We will certainly like to elevate our departments for betterment. As far as shifting of MBA is concerned, the final decision will be taken after thorough discussions with the academic council members on February 4," he said.

Ludhiana, February 2
Students of Spring Dale Senior Secondary School have brought laurels to the city as out of 4 lakh students, 27 of this school were among the top-rankers at the National Science Olympiad conducted by Science Olympiad Foundation, New Delhi. 

These students are through to the second level.

Nine students figured among the top 50, including Charanjit Kaur (seventh rank), Navroop Kaur, Shushant Thakur, Rizwana Syed, Mandeep Kaur, Palvi, Abhilash Kaushal, Saloni and Rajeev Kumar. Rest of the 17 students ranks were below 500.

Doraha, February 2
An extension lecture was organised by the physical education department of G.N.N.College, here today. Dr Paramvir Singh, senior lecturer in the sports science department at the Punjabi University, Patiala, presented his views on the topic ‘Health and Fitness’.

Addressing the students, Dr Paramvir emphasised that common people are not very conscious about health, which is more important than fitness. By explaining different meanings of health and fitness, he asserted that nutritious food and exercise should be an essential part of one’s routine. He also suggested some precautions to maintain good health. Dr Narinder Singh Sidhu, principal of the college, thanked the guests and members. Prof M.S. Bhandari, head of Hindi department, Prof Amardeeep Singh, Dr Sukhwinder Singh Virk, Prof Gursharanjit Singh, Prof Ranjit Kaur, Prof Priya Sharma, Prof Harwinder Kaur were among those present on the occasion. Dr Nirlep Kaur, head of physical education department, conducted the proceedings.

Ludhiana, February 2
The second day of the 63rd annual athletics meet of Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, witnessed keen contests, with students vying for top honours. Track and field events were held today and S.C. Saxena and Ashwani Kumar, principal and manager, KVM managing committee, respectively, were in attendance to cheer the participants on.

Srishti Sharma was the fastest runner in the senior girls category, winning the 100m race. Eshana Jain claimed the honours in the junior category.

Results: Junior girls: 600m: Namisha 1, Suchita Bhatia 2 and Himanshi Goel 3; 4x100m relay: Nehru House 1, Subhash House 2 and Gandhi House 3; 100m: Eshana Jain 1, Pratishtha Verma 2 and Palak Bector 3; back race: Kritika Sareen 1, Namisha 2 and Aarushi Kumaria 3; shot put: Eshana Jain 1, Tamanna Sharma 2 and Aishwarya Sharma 3; long jump: Eshana Jain 1, Partishtha 2 and Namisha 3.

Senior girls: 100m: Srishti Sharma 1, Anjali Goyal 2 and Kriti Gandhi 3; 800m: Titika 1, Arshia Bagga 2 and Alisha 3; 200m: Anjali Goyal 1, Kriti Gandhi 2 and Arshpreet 3; 400m: Arshia Bagga 1, Alisha Sharma 2 and Ritika Kaushal 3; chati race: Pallavi 1, Ekta 2; long jump: Srishti Sharma 1, Anjali 2 and Ritika 3; shot put: Pallavi 1, Riddhi 2 and Srishti 3; discus throw: Pallavi 1, Arshia 2 and Ritika 3.

Junior boys: 500m: Bhuvan Suri 1, Surya Goel 2 and Chirag Maria 3; long jump: Aakash 1, Bhuvan Suri 2 and Himanshu Vyas 3; 4x100m relay: Raman House 1, Nehru House 2 and Gandhi House 3; 200m: Mohit Ghai 1, Himanshu Vyas 2 and Parth Pruthi 3; shot put: Harshit 1, Aakash 2 and Imroze 3; 400m: Bhuvan Suri 1, Abhinav Bhatia 2 and Anmol Bajaj 3; three-legged race: Patel House 1, Gandhi House 2 and Nehru House 3.

Senior boys: javelin throw: Arjun 1, Jatin 2 and Ayaush Sharma 3; 200m: Nitin Sharma 1, Rohan Mehra 2 and Ayush Sharma 3; shot put: Nitin 1, Raghav 2 and Jitesh 3; long jump: Sunil Sahi 1, Nitin Sharma 2 and Jatin Kaushal 3; 1,500m: Sanchit Gosain 1, Abhejeet 2 and Geetansh Khera 3; high jump: Rahul 1, Ashish 2 and Geetansh 3; discus throw: Varun 1, Ankit 2 and Tushar 3.

Ludhiana, February 2
Nidhi Chandla, a student of BA III, won three titles (100m, 400m and long jump) to win the best athlete award in the 39th edition of the annual athletics meet of SDP College, here today.

Mohinder Pal, deputy director, local government and administrator, Improvement Trust, Ludhiana, distributed the prizes. Balraj Bhasin, president, SDP Sabha, along with other members, Dr Geeta Bhandari, principal, faculty and students were present at the prize distribution function.

Results: long jump: Nidhi Chandla 1, Navjot Kaur 2 and Prabhjot Kaur 3; discus throw: Sushma 1, Priya 2 and Abha 3; 50m: Shelly 1, Shilpa 2 and Meena 3; 100m: Nidhi Chandla 1, Shelly 2 and Prabhjot Kaur 3; 400m: Nidhi Chandla 1, Ritu 2 and Vaishali 3; sack race: Sushma 1, Ritu 2 and Navjot Kaur 3; shot put: Priya 1, Shallu 2 and Navjot Kaur 3; chatti race: Reema 1, Komal 2 and Seema 3; javelin throw: Sushma 1, Priya 2 and Shallu 3; cycling race: Aashima 1, Shallu 2 and Aabha 3.

Ludhiana, February 2
The two-day annual athletics meet of BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School (primary wing), Shastri Nagar, concluded here today.

Results: Relay race (boys): III-E 1, III-F 2 and III-3; lemon race: Rahul 1, Rushi 2 and Meghdeep 3; potato race: Raman 1, Mayank Jain 2 and Ayush 3; back race: Gaurav 1, Ketan 2 and Achin 3; sack race: Himanshu 1, Jaskaran 2 and Rahul 3; relay race (girls): V-E 1, V-F 2 and V-F 3.