Kotli Ablu (Muktsar), February 18
Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today inaugurated the community-based safe drinking water plants in two villages, namely Kauni and Kotli Ablu, in the Gidderbaha assembly constituency of finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, with an assurance that the villagers of Malwa region would soon get rid of the contaminated groundwater for consumption.

“A dream has come true as you can now get clean drinking water,” the Punjab finance minister said in his address on the occasion, thanking the chief minister for the government’s support in this joint venture with an NGO, Naandi Foundation.

Stating that this scheme of setting up the Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification plants in these two villages as a pilot project, the finance minister said it would be spread across the state where people were consuming contaminated water and suffered from water-borne diseases, which also included cancer in many forms.

The water would cost Rs 2 per 20-litre barrel to the villagers, and this user money would contribute to the operations and maintenance of the micro units, according to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which the government had signed with the NGO in December last. The MoU has been signed for setting up RO plants in all the 53 villages of Gidderbaha block in the first phase. 

The Rs 3.22-crore project, the first of its kind in Punjab, would have the villagers’ participation as the panchayats would be providing groundwater for treatment at the micro units, besides the land of 500 square feet. The state government’s department of planning has allocated Rs 2.5 crore for the project. 

Speaking on the occasion, CM Parkash Singh Badal said that the Punjab government had already inked an agreement with the World Bank (WB) for Rs 1,280 crore Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project which would be duly financed by the WB to the extent of Rs 751 crore. As per the pact, the Punjab government would be providing Rs 245 crore and the Union government Rs 207 crore, while the community contribution, in the form of user charges, would be Rs 77 crore.

Badal appealed to the village panchayats to come forward to convince the people to contribute their respective shares of 10 per cent and 5 per cent for the WB’s drinking water and sewerage schemes, respectively. He categorically clarified that the state government alone could not implement these schemes due to certain terms and conditions set by the WB for the monetary contribution of the people.

Referring to the upgradation of the age-old canal network in the Malwa belt, the CM said that the irrigation department had undertaken the huge task of 
de-silting and lining the canals at a cost of Rs 3,250 crore.

Bathinda, February 18
Development, it seems, is the only thing on the mind of the newly-elected SAD chief. Otherwise, he would not have devoted the whole day on laying foundation stone across the region, no matter if one of them related to the renovation of over a kilometer long road.

Going by the estimates received from MC sources, an estimated Rs 36 lakh is to be spent on the renovation of the 4300-feet long Amrik Singh road here. The project of renovating 13 roads across the city was about Rs 10 crore, added sources.

The foundation stone for the road was to be laid jointly by SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and Manoranjan Kalia, Local Bodies Minister.

Numerous policemen, including traffic cops, were deployed for the purpose.

All the roads, for which foundation stones were to be laid, were splashed with water. Water that is precious, a fact that the government strives to inform people through the media!

When police personnel deployed on the road were asked about why water was being sprayed on the roads, they said it was being done to ensure convenience for the SAD chief as spraying water would help the dust to settle down.

“It is all for big people! Chhote veer (younger brother), you are quite young to understand this,” said a cop deployed on the road.

“The entire road was sprayed with water so that ‘Sir’ doesn’t have to face any inconvenience due to the dust,” said another cop deployed on the same road.

Though the spraying of water did help in setting down the dust but it caused inconvenience to those commuting on the road. Probably, the authorities failed to realise that the road also had potholes and resultantly, water collected in them causing inconvenience to the commuters.

“I don’t know if the road would ever be completed. It is nothing but a publicity stunt. The amount spent on the arrangements could have been used for better purpose,” said a commuter.

“It is all misuse of public money, but who can dare to pop the question,” rued another commuter.

Deputy commissioner, Rahul Tewari, when contacted, said, “Water was sprayed so that the dust raised due to the movement of the convoy does not cause inconvenience to the shopkeepers.”

However, he assured that it would be ensured that a bare minimum of water was sprinkled on such occasions in future.

Bathinda, February 18
The city, which had been witnessing long hours of power cuts for the last many days, surprisingly saw uninterrupted power supply on Monday. Observers pointed to its coincidence with the visit of the newly-appointed Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, who had come to the city for laying the foundation stones of two 66KV sub-stations, besides many others.

City residents were seen discussing whether there had been no power cuts because it was the Punjab State Electricity Board’s (PSEB) own functions or did the Board want to impress the SAD chief with its efficiency?

Despite housing two thermal plants in the district and another one at Talwandi Sabo in the offing, Bathinda witnesses scheduled power cuts for at least 4 hours daily (from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm) and the rural areas witness prolonged power cuts. The situation is such that some people even plan their day accordingly.

When PSEB officials were contacted to acertain the reasons for this uninterrupted power supply, most of them were either tight-lipped or passed on the buck to their senior officials. As per sources, “There were orders from the top level that there should be no power cut in the city when the SAD chief was visiting on Monday. Moreover, Sukhbir was to lay the foundation stone of two 66 KV sub-stations, and it being the PSEBs own function, there were no power cuts.”

If there were no power cuts in the city today. But rural areas might have gone without power for long hours as has been the practice always.

Not even a single extra unit is being produced in the state right now. Even the unit III of Lehra Mohabbat thermal plant, which started production a few days back, has been shut down due to some snags.

Bathinda, February 18
While the administration was busy making the day successful, the personal rift among the SAD (B) leaders was clearly visible on the day when SAD (B) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and the Local Bodies Minister Manoranjan Kalia were to lay several foundation stones across the city. The low presence of the leaders and workers of the SAD at the foundation stone laying ceremonies too was the talk of the town.

The SAD chief and the minister jointly laid as many as 23 foundation stones across the city. However, former minister Chiranji Lal Garg and the SAD district president, Sikander Singh Maluka, were found absent at most places.

Sources said that both Sukhbir Badal and Manoranjan Kalia, along with their convoy, went to the former minister’s house, but did not enter.

When Garg was asked about it, he said, “The leaders had a tight schedule and they could not spare the time for a cup of tea. But they did accept the ‘siropas’ that he presented to them at the threshold of his house.”

Explaining his absence from most functions, he said, “It was neither a stage programme nor a public address, so I opted out after four-five foundation stones were laid.”

Garg also disclosed that he was not invited to the house of SAD area in-charge Sarup Chand Singla, at whose residence a press conference was arranged.

Sikander Singh Maluka, when asked, replied that he had some engagements in Chandigarh with some MLAs. So, he had to leave early.

About the low-key presence of party leaders, Singla said, “The schedule was preponed as the Local Bodies Minister had some engagements.”

Speaking about the dignitaries not visiting Garg’s house, Singla said, “The visit to his house was not scheduled. However, he came out and requested the convoy to stop so that he could present bouquets and siropas.”

Bathinda, February 18
The Punjab Yuva Beopar Mandal, in a press statement, claimed that the business community was always ready to pay all taxes, which the government intended to charge, but the biggest impediments were the corrupt officials. Instead of announcing new taxes, the government must find courage to enact harsh laws against erring officials.

The community rued that officials were given astronimical targets of tax collection.

The Mandal also expressed its displeasure over the fact the government didn’t seek their opinion while enacting business laws, despite huge contribution by the community towards the exchequer. The Mandal also condemned the entry tax, which was allegedly advised by the bureaucracy.

It is important to mention here that these demands assume significance in view of the coming budget and cash strapped condition of the state government.

Mansa, February 18
The state president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta), Joginder Singh Ugrahan, said the union would hold protests on March 3-5 for not implementing the agreement between the Punjab government and the Trident company. He also informed that after these protests, a state-level demonstration would be held in Barnala. He blamed the government for dragging its feet on the compromise reached with Trident and claimed that the government allowed the company to charge high rates from farmers for seeds, machinery and diesel, but reasonable rates for crops were not given to them by the government.

He also demanded Rs 5 lakh as compensation for the family of each farmer who had committed suicide.  

It is important to mention here that according to the agreement, farmers affected by the acquisition of land, were to be paid 70 per cent over and above Rs 5 lakh that had been assessed earlier. One member of each family was to be given job. The families of those killed in the police firing during the agitation were to be paid a compensation amounting to Rs 5 lakh for each victim. 

Abohar, February 18
Arti Kumar (61), daughter-in-law of former municipal council president Shriram Chaudhary here, has been conferred the Member of British Empire (MBE) by the British queen.

Her name figured in the queen’s New Year’s honours list for her contribution to higher education. Arti is the associate director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Bedfordshire, and has spent years finding new approaches to career and personal development of students.

Married to B. K. Chaudhary, Arti had earlier won a National Teaching Fellowship in 2005 and was awarded 50,000 pounds to write a book for students to help in their career development. She was also shortlisted for the Professional of the Year title at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in 2006, which recognises successful careers. And before getting involved in education, she had worked as an editorial assistant, airline stewardess, dental nurse and education administrator.

“I got adult education by accident as a fifth job. I was asked to teach a class in Indian cookery at a local college as a stand-in for a regular teacher. I reluctantly agreed, but found that I loved the teaching side of it and interaction with pupils,” she said. She went back to school to qualify as a teacher-trainer. She taught new teachers in schools and colleges for nine years before moving to Middlesex University and then the University of Bedfordshire to provide career education, guidance and information.

Commenting on the honour, she said, “I couldn’t believe when I received the letter from the PM’s office, a few days ago. My husband Baldev was very excited. It took me some time to absorb it. My three sons, all immediately wanted to know whom I was going to take along. I feel highly privileged to be invited to meet the queen at the Buckingham Palace.”

Her relative here, Gautam Chaudhary, said her colleagues at the University of Bedfordshire had nominated Arti because of her curriculum initiatives and strategies, including her unique approach to the personal development of students. 

Barnala, February 18
To oppose the privatisation of the ITIs, the students of the Government ITI (Boys) and ITI (Girls) held a protest march in the main bazaars of the city here today.

PSU calls for strike today  Student leaders alleged the government was bent on ruining the education sector and govt-run institutions were being handed over to private parties at throw-away prices

The protest march began at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk and passed through Sadar Bazaar, KC road and finally concluded at the Court Chowk, Barnala.

The students were holding placards against the state government, describing the dark future of the poor students.

While addressing the students, the Punjab Students Union (PSU) district president Pardeep Kasba criticised the government’s move of transferring ITI Barnala to Trident, a group managed by a local industrialist.

He alleged the government was bent on ruining the education sector. The government-run institutions were being given over to private hands at throw-away prices, he charged, alleging that the PSU would lend full support to students in their agitation.

The Punjab Students Union has given a call for strike on February 19 to protest against the decision. It has requested the local Beopar Mandal to observe a bandh on that day. 

Bathinda, February 18
A farewell party for the outgoing students of PGDCA, DCA, CTTC and Dress Designing was organised at Swami Vivekananda Girls College here today. On the occasion, a cultural programme was also organised.

Solo dance, group dance, mono-acting and modelling by the students were among the events performed at the party.

Nidhi Sharma, a student of PGDCA, won the ‘Miss College’ contest, while Prabhjot Kaur and Pooja of the same course were declared the first and second runners-up respectively. Gagandeep Kaur won the ‘Miss Beautiful Eyes’ contest and Kuldeep Kumari picked up the ‘Miss Beautiful Smile’ title.

Mandeep Kaur was adjudged as ‘Miss Beautiful Hair’ and Dapinder Kaur was chosed for the ‘Miss Personality’ title.

At the end, principal Raj Gupta urged the college students to work hard in life and become self-sufficient and self-dependent. — TNS

Bathinda, February 18
The Different Convent School organised a prize distribution function under the title ‘Achievement’, where the meritorious students in the field of academics, sports and cultural events were felicitated.

Mela Ram was the chief guest on the occasion. Shalu got the ‘Best Teacher’ award and the Yellow house bagged the ‘Best House of the Year’ award. A debate titled ‘Need of English’ was also held at the function. 

Mansa, February 18
Sukhcharan Singh, city secretary of CPI (ML), Bhagwant Singh, state secretary of the Mazdoor Mukti Morcha and co-convener of Radical People’s Forum, Jaspal Singh Kokhar, jointly alleged that in the name of checking documents of vehicles, the traffic police was becoming a reason for traffic jams in the city. This had come as a major inconvenience to the residents, they alleged.

They said that many complaints about the traffic police had been received and the death of a student, last week, proved the inadequacy of the cops.

However, Nirmal Singh, ASI, traffic police, said that such accusations were baseless and the police had been doing its duty to maintain traffic rules. 

Barnala, February 18
The state government must observe Punjabi Day at the state-level, on February 21, resolved the Likhari Sabha, Barnala, at a meeting held here today.

The Sabha said that the Akalis had carried out a long agitation to create the state of Punjab on the basis of Punjabi speaking areas. But after Punjab came into being, no sincere effort had been made to implement the Punjabi language in educational institutes or official work.

Jagir Singh Jagtar, general secretary of the Likhari Sabha, informed that the aforementioned meeting of the Likhari Sabha was presided over by professor Pritam Singh Rahi.

While applauding some of the decisions taken by Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jaspal Singh Dhillon, regarding the development of the language, the Sabha also asked him to take back the anti-Punjabi decisions made by former VC S.S.Boparai. At the same time, Balbir Kaur, director, language department, was advised to hold special programmes on Punjabi Day. 

Ferozepur, February 18
The Punjab government has embarked on a massive drive to spread awareness about the attack of Mealy bug on cotton crop, receding water level and the effect of using pesticides in fields among farmers.

DC Megh Raj said that as part of this awareness drive, a procession was being taken out at various places, which would be led by the agriculture minister Succha Singh Langah. He said that the said procession would reach village Jandwala in Ferozepur on February 22 and subsequently, the same day, a district level function will
be organised at Mudki.

DC said that Mealy bug and Congress grass had adversely affected the cotton crop in Abohar and Fazilka. He said that agriculture specialists were being invited to give their views and instructions to prevent Mealy bug attack in the fields. Besides, they would also make the farmers aware about the receding water level and explain the ways for the judicious use of water in fields, he added.

Abohar, February 18
The Khuyiansarwar police arrested seven persons, including five women, in connection with the clash over a land dispute, SHO Balkar Singh said.

Following the incident on February 14, the police had registered a case against 19 persons. Most of them had been hospitalised with injuries. One Kala Singh Nihang of Behak Bodla village had died on the spot.

Those arrested today included Balwinder Kaur, Bibi Bai, Manjit Kaur, Soma Rani, Joginder Singh and Satnam Singh. A local court remanded them to the police custody till February 20, sources added.— OC