Mandi Ahmedgarh/Doraha, February 25
The SAD-BJP “insaf” rally to be held in Delhi tomorrow crippled the public transport system today. The hiring of a majority of private buses by party leaders for ferrying activists to Delhi, left commuters fuming as they were stranded at various places for hours. 

Students, teachers and employees were the worst affected. Several transporters had withdrawn their buses from the routes yesterday.

State transport buses were stuffed to capacity today. Drivers and conductors even plied buses in between the scheduled timings.

The situation was worse on link roads where mostly private mini buses are the only means of transport. No private buses were seen plying between Sahnewal-Dehlon, Doraha-Karamsar, Dehlon-Raekot, Ludhiana-Ahmedgarh and Ahmedgarh-Malerkotla routes.

Shiv Sahib Puri, a students’ leader, said a large number of students returned home after waiting for hours at the local bus stand. “We were shocked to see that no bus came to the local bus stand for more than two hours. Ultimately, we decided to return home,” he said.

Ludhiana, February 25
The SAD rally in New Delhi may cause losses to taxi operators. Taxis were lined up at the Government College for Women here today. Sources said as many as 200 taxis were sent to Delhi with party workers from the district today.

The district transport officer was seen making arrangements for Sumos and Qualis at the college grounds. His Gypsy was parked there for most part of the day.

While politicians and transport department officials were “upbeat” at making arrangements for making the rally, taxi owners seem to be at the receiving end.

“We cannot do anything. This is the order of the day. We would be provided with just Rs 2,000 for petrol. We will have to pay our drivers from our own pocket,” a taxi operator said, requesting anonymity. The operators were identified ahead of the rally and asked to provide the taxis this morning only.

Taxi owners and bus operators, who owned a single taxi or a bus, were hoping they would not be spotted. “They were holding us up and now we have parked our vehicles in the streets where nobody comes. We will lose just one day of work. Otherwise, we would lose two business days,” said a taxi operator. 

Ludhiana, February 25
The municipal corporation has asked the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) to clear the slum in F-Block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar. Following a complaint by residents that the slum had come up on public land and was a source of nuisance, the building branch of the MC has written to the LIT that since the area was developed by it, the responsibility of removing the slums rested with it.

The move, however, did not go well with the LIT authorities, who said the area was passed on to the MC for maintenance. Moreover, the responsibility of clearing the encroachments rested with the MC only.

“We have written to the MTP that the area was transferred to the MC long ago. It was charging house tax, water and sewerage bills from the residents. So, the removal of slums was also to be taken care of by the MC,” executive officer (LIT) Avtar Singh Azad said.

The MC was the authorised agency to demolish illegal structures. “It can do something with these jhuggis also. If it cannot do anything, why did it let slum dwellers encroach upon the land in the first place?” he asked.

“We had constructed our houses in the planned colony by spending lakhs. But we did not know that we would have to share our space with slum dwellers who are a threat to our security. They rear pigs and create nuisance for us. We have been taking up the matter for so many years, but nobody has been listening,” a resident of the area said.

Ludhiana, February 25
Customers heaved a sigh of relief as bank employees deferred their two-day strike here today. As the day progressed, customers poured in and banking operations went on as usual.

“I needed to send an urgent bank draft today. However, I expected the bank to be closed as I knew about the strike. Bank employees should resist from full-day strikes,” said Kamal Verma, a resident.

The business community, too, felt relieved with the deferment of the strike. “When bank operations come to a halt, transactions to the tune of crores of rupees get stuck. We suffer as we are unable to make transfers and deposit cash which business units need to undertake everyday,” said Varinder Kapoor of Malik Steel Industries.

Earlier, employees of the public sector and foreign banks had decided to observe a strike on February 25 and 26 in protest against the non-fulfilment of their demands.

However, the decision to defer the strike was conveyed by union representatives in Delhi this morning to employees as they held a meeting with the Indian Bankers Association (IBA) and expected a positive response.

The meeting was on till the filing of this report and the future course of action would depend on the outcome of the meeting.

“We were conveyed about the decision this morning only, we are now waiting for the meeting to conclude,” said Naresh Gaur, general secretary of the Punjab Bank Employees Federation.

Their demands include ban on bank mergers, employment to kin of deceased employees on compassionate grounds and a second option to employees with regard to the pension scheme. 

Ludhiana, February 25
The railway authorities today closed down two stalls and removed 18 rehris selling snacks and beverages at different railway platforms following orders by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The corporation had served closure notices to some 60 defaulting railway contractors at main railway stations in Punjab, including 18 in Ludhiana, for not paying licence fee for the last seven years.

These contractors owed several crores to the railways.

They were issued notices after they lost a prolonged legal battle with the railways.

It is learnt that the railway authorities have decided to move against the defaulting contractors in a phased manner."If all stalls and rehris of defaulting contractors are closed in one go, it will cause inconvenience to the passengers as no snacks, beverages and other items of daily use will be available for sale at the platforms. Action will, indeed, be taken against the contractors, but not at the cost of passengers," sources said.

Ludhiana, February 25
Four youths driving a silver Honda City (DL 6SG 0050) opened fire at the Sarabha Nagar market here today. No one was injured.

The incident occurred at 9.45 am when the youths working at PVR Cinema entered the market and fired a gunshot in front of a cafeteria and later in front of Kipps Mart.

They then entered the H-Block market and fired two more gunshots into the air and fled.

Out of the four, two have been identified by the police as Gurpreet and Kinda. The identity of the other two has not been ascertained yet.

They have been booked under Section 336 of the IPC. The police has found empty shells of bullets and it suspects that .12 bore gun and a pistol were used.

The police has beefed security at all major entry and exit points. A search is on to nab the accused.

According to the police, the accused had enmity with a youth, Gurtej Singh. The accused fired gunshots to threaten him against entering the market.

This is not the first time that such an incident occurred in the market. A similar incident was witnessed over a year ago when four girls driving a Skoda fired gunshots into the air and fled.

Ludhiana, February 25
The district administration provided security cover to the sub-registrar at his office today. Incidentally, sub registrar, Mukesh Kumar, joined the office today. He had been on leave for the past 20 days.

It was on Mukesh Kumar’s request that the security cover was provided. He had sought the security cover after a few property dealers had allegedly misbehaved with him on February 5.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 25
Residents of Jandali Khurad, Railway Bridge, Butahri, Khatra and Maksudra villages are sore over the indifferent attitude of canal authorities. What to talk of safeguarding the lives and property of those living on the banks of Sirhind canal, the authorities have not even bothered to make arrangements for the safety of labourers working on the verge of a headwork containing 10,000 cusecs of water.

In a communication to the chairman of the Punjab human rights commission, Chief Minister, irrigation minister and the deputy commissioners of Ludhiana and Sangrur, the people have voiced their concern over the lackadaisical attitude of the canal authorities in this regard.

They alleged that the authorities had been misleading the civil works department with regard to the condition of the banks of the Sirhind canal. The condition even worse near Jandali Khurad, railway bridge, Butahri, Khatra and Maksudra villages. Even at Maanpur head, during releasing of water to the first Patiala feeder after closure for lining and strengthening of the banks, yesterday, the authorities ignored the safety of those dismantling the bandh. The canal banks are continuously eroding, but authorities are yet to wake up from slumber. Villagers have sent SOS calls to the authorities concerned, but to no avail.

Interestingly, the executive engineer, Ropar headwork, instead of taking action against erring officials had claimed that those living along the canal were safe. Responding to a letter written about two years ago by the then SDM (Malerkotla) he had claimed that the condition of the bank near Jandali Kalan and Malikpur was not bad. He had said this on the basis of the inspection report submitted by the SDO, Doraha.

“Even after two years of claim made by the authorities, the situation remains grave. Though the banks had eroded and mettled road encroached upon, the authorities have been trying to evade responsibility, claiming that no harm had been caused to human life in the past,” reads the complaint made to the higher authorities.

Observations by The Tribune revealed that the canal banks had eroded at many places. Condition was grave near Jandali Khurad, railway bridge, Butahri, Khatra and Maksudra villages. Even at Maanpur head, during releasing of water to the first Patiala feeder after closure for lining and strengthening of the banks, yesterday, the authorities ignored safety of those dismantling the bandh. A large number of men and women were seen working on the top of a temporary blockade of sand-filed bags and mud, made on higher side of iron gates. A little negligence on worker’s part or a sudden caving in could have resulted in loss of lives as no arrangements were made to meet any eventuality by the authorities. 

Ludhiana, February 25
Mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura’s move to stall the sealing drive has come under severe criticism with residents stating that leaders deserve brickbats rather than bouquets for the move. S.S. Chana, a retired IFS officer, said was expecting much from the SAD-BJP led municipal corporation. “We had voted them to power thinking the change would result in better living conditions for the residents. But things have come to square one,” Chana added.

“If they are elected representatives that does not mean they are bigger than the law. It’s shameful that political interference is marring the drive aimed at providing better parking conditions for the residents,” he added. Sham Singh Harike, another resident, who has been fighting against encroachments, said he was shocked to learn that the drive was stopped midway as the corporation touched a few “holy cows” by virtue of their political clout.

“Is this democracy? If elected representatives are to lead us to chaos we cannot tolerate them,” he said angrily. A few government employees said they were too happy that city was going to become a less congested place due to proper parking. “The stalling has come as a rude shock for us. We were happy at our civic body taking such strong action against the violators. That happiness remained short lived,” a resident said.

Jagjeet Singh, a resident of BRS Nagar, said the sealing had sent a message across the city that whosoever flouted rules would not be spared. ‘‘The leaders, especially a few residents who had promised to deal with violators with an iron hand before elections need to do some rethinking.” 

It is sad to note that DGMs of various banks make monetary grants running into thousands from Pension information centre (PIC) when they are invited to inaugurate certain functions. The retired people are getting pensions to take care of their old age and they should run the PIC themselves. I suggest that in case banks have extra funds they should donate it to orphanages, blind and leprosy institutes or other deserving poor students. Certain Punjab MPs, MLAs and ministers also donate to the PIC, Ludhiana, from their discretionary funds.

Ludhiana, February 25
According to information given by professor V.K. Sehgal, PAU College of Agricultural Engineering, an engineers’ night and a cultural programme - Vertex 2008 - will be organised by the College in collaboration with the Punjab chapter of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) on February 26 and 27. 

This will be a part of a series of events and activities planned to observe the birth centenary of Dr M.S. Randhawa, former PAU vice-chancellor. Dr Manjit Singh Kang will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Elaborating the schedule of events planned under the cultural extravaganza, Dr C.J.S. Pannu, chairman of Punjab chapter of the ISAE, said ‘Vertex 2008’ will be held in the PG building of the college and Jacob Hall in the computer centre building on February 26. Various activities including quiz, tractor driving competition, model presentation, tug of war, secret mission, graffiti, a session of mock interview etc will be organised.

To present a glimpse of rural games, that were dear to Dr Randhawa, students of the College of Agricultural Engineering will also play a kabaddi match. The engineering night will be held on February 27 at the open air theatre of PAU and a variety of events dedicated to Dr Randhawa will be held, such as portrayal of the glimpses of Dr Randhawa's life through a slide show, enactment of a play, music and other creativity items.

Ludhiana, February 25
The Punjab Agricultural University’s department of floriculture and landscaping, in collaboration with department of family resource and management, will organise its annual flower show dedicated to Dr M.S. Randhawa on February 27 and 28 in the examination hall of the College of Agriculture. 

Randhawa, a flower and landscape enthusiast and an art connoisseur, was the PAU vice-chancellor from 1968 to 1976.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Sadavarti, head of the department of floriculture and landscaping, said entries for the competition will be judged under three main categories - cut flowers, fresh and dry arrangement of flowers and foliage, pot plants, cacti, succulent, bonsai, etc.

In addition, there will be a competition for pot-plants of various types. PAU VC Dr Manjit Singh Kang will inaugurate the show at 1 pm on February 27 and the prize distribution function will be held at 3 pm on February 28. The show is popular among students, faculty and staff of not only the constituent colleges of PAU but also of the city schools and colleges, said Dr Sadavarti.

The information brochure on the flower show containing entry forms and guidelines have been brought out, which are available free of cost at the department of Floriculture and Landscaping, PAU Nursery (near gate number 2) and from the office of additional director communication in the centre for communication and international linkages and department of family resource and management in the College of Home Science at PAU.

Ludhiana, February 25
Khalsa College of Management and Technology for Women (KIMT) organised an industrial visit for its MBA students to Mahavir Spinning Mills, here today. Dr Vijay Asdhir, director, in a press release said the purpose of visit was to make students aware of the manufacturing processes, export procedures, marketing strategies etc.

Sanjay Kumar, manager, explained various manufacturing processes like twisting, winding, dyeing, finishing and packaging. Students actively participated in the discussion on Total Quality Management (TQM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) policies of the company.

Ludhiana, February 25
The teaching and non-teaching staff of Arya College held a dharna today to protest against the ‘non-cooperative and adamant attitude’ of college authorities in accepting genuine demands of Arya College Teachers’ Unit and Arya College Non-Teaching Employees’ Union.

Prof Rajinder Bhandari, state president of the BJP, also sat on dharna, which was held when the annual college sports meet was about to begin.

R.P. Sabharwal, president ACTU, in a press release alleged that the principal, who was aware of the resentment of employees, was informed about the dharna 48 hours before the function.

Sabharwal said the main demand was of 10 per cent CPF on gross salary, which was a statutory condition for employment. “The president of the managing committee had accepted that the management was aware of statutory requirement of paying 10 per cent CPF as it was receiving grant-in-aid at the rate of 95 per cent of salary budget, but later declared that they were not going to implement it in near future. They have been juggling with the offers to hold talks but never showed any sincerity to reach a workable solution,” he alleged.

Since the last dharna, held on January 25, the teaching staff has been organising a two-period strike everyday after duly informing the principal of the college, said Raj Kumar, president Arya College Non-Teachers Union, adding that other important demands included 50% merger of DA and leave encashment to retired employees.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 25
Sazia Parveen and Gur Bakhshish Singh of Government Senior Secondary School, Nathumajra, were declared the best performers at the AIDS awareness rally organised by the Red Ribbon Club at the village, here yesterday. 

The rally, organised under Adult Education Program (AEP), was supervised by Gurpreet Singh Grewal, principal and Sanjiv Kumar Joshi, convener of the club.

Addressing the participants on conclusion of the rally, Grewal and Joshi urged residents to associate themselves with the crusade against dreaded diseases such as AIDS. Instead of considering the issue a taboo, parents should impart basic knowledge to their children and encourage them to learn more from their teachers.

“Studies have proved that ignorance about the subject had resulted in proliferation of the evil. Had we taken preventive measure boldly, the situation could have saved from being explosive,” said Grewal and Joshi.

Earlier, members of the club marched through Nathumajra and surrounding villages to make people aware about the hazardous affects of AIDS. Besides carrying banners, they raised educative slogans. Students prepared charts, highlighting various aspects of adult education. 

Ludhiana, February 25
Government High School of village Kheri Jhameri organised a one-day workshop on ‘biodiversity’, on its campus here today.

Jaswant Zafar, poet and writer, was the chief guest on the occasion.

He encouraged students to create awareness about the imbalance between genetic species and ecosystem diversity.

To bring about general awareness about the environment, poems, lectures and extempore were also held under various titles such as ‘Rukh Rom’, ‘Panchhi’, ‘Pani Pita’, ‘Je Rukh Bolde Hunde’ etc. Staff members actively participated in the proceedings. 

Ludhiana, February 25
A large number of students took part in some of the events conducted on the opening day of the 61st annual athletics meet of Arya College, Civil Lines, here today. Competition in regular and funs games were held.

Sathi Vijay Kumar, president of the Arya College managing committee, declared the meet open. Balloons and pigeons were released and crackers were burst to mark the opening of the meet.

Earlier, Chetan Sehgal, student of B.Com II, took oath on behalf of the participants to play in true sportsmanship. The games torch was carried by Raman Kumar, Chetan Sharma, Sahil Kumar and Hardeep Singh.

Dr S.M. Sharma, college principal, welcomed the chief guest. Faculty members like T.L.Joshi, S.C. Sood, Baldev Singh, V.K. Bhardwaj, Sunil Khosla, H.R. Saini and S.P. Singh and students were present during the inaugural ceremony.

First day’s results: Boys: Shot put- Arun 1st, Anshu 2nd and Ajmer Singh 3rd; 5000m- Jagdeep Singh 1st, Kulwinder Singh 2nd and Romy 3rd; High jump- Gagandeep Kaura 1st, Gurpreet Singh 2nd and Amit Kumar 3rd; Triple jump- Gurpreet 1st, Sandeep Thind 2nd and Inderjeet Singh 3rd; 600m- Pankaj 1st, Amrinder 2nd and Amit Kumar 3rd.

Girls: 800m walk- Neha Marwaha 1st, Yashpreet 2nd and Sonia 3rd; 100m- Sarika 1st, Sonia 2nd and Shivani 3rd; Spoon race- Yashpreet 1st, Neha Marwaha 2nd and Sonia 3rd.

Teaching staff: shot put- V.K.Bhardwaj 1st, Amrish Aggarwal 2nd and S.M. Sharma 3rd; Non-teaching staff: Shot put- Karan Singh 1st and Rakesh Kumar 2nd.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 25
Members of volleyball team (women) of Government College, Karamsar, were felicitated by the management committee for winning the Zone-B inter-college tournament of Panjab University, Chandigarh. The tournament concluded at Chandigarh recently.

According to Jasvir Kaur, in charge of the event, the team had won gold medal by defeating M.L.B.G. Girls College, Tapprian Khurad, in the final match. Earlier, it had defeated the Satyam College of Education, Ghall Kalan, in the semi-final round. Sandeep Kaur was felicitated for outstanding performance.

Principal Sushma Gupta appreciated role of Parkash Singh in preparing players for the event. 

Ludhiana, February 25
Dressed up in white track suits, kids of Children’s Valley School, Sukhmani Enclave, on the Ferozepur Road, Ludhiana, took part in various fun games in the annual sports meet organised today.

The event began with prayer and tiny tots competed in races such as friendly race, animal race, hop race and cycle race. A race for the mama papa was also organised on the occasion. The winners of races were Jasmehar, Sheevan, Shivansh, Lovish, Lakshay, Gaurish, Jasmeh, Suhani, Anantjot, Rajveer, Jasnoor, Srishti and Navya. 

Chandigarh, February 25
Continuing their winning spree, Dev Samaj College of Education, Sector 36, defeated Sant Darbara Singh College of Education for Women, Lopon, 2-1 in the Panjab University Inter-College Badminton B-Division (Women) Tournament, being held at PU gymnasium hall, here yesterday.

Dev Samaj’s Manjula and Tanya emerged winners in their singles match but the pair consisting both the paddlers lost in doubles.

Manjula beat Santosh Kumari 18-21, 21-9, 24-22, while Tanya defeated Kirandeep 21-15, 21-9, in singles. In doubles, Santosh and Kirandeep took revenge as the duo outclassed the pair of Manjula and Tanya 21-15, 21-19.