Ludhiana, March 1
Stalkers are on the prowl on city and parks in late evening to extort money from young couples by threatening to expose their relationship to their parents or call the police.

A number of such cases have been reported from the parks in Sarabha Nagar, Model Town extension, Model Gram, Rose Garden and Rakh Bagh. Since most victims do not dare to report the matter to the police, there is no way to nab such people. The stalkers take away cash and jewellery and sometimes even outrage the modesty of girls.

The stalkers usually pose as cops and “look like policemen”. They move in a group of two or three and target couples huddled in a corner of the park.

The most common threat is to book them under Section 109 of the IPC.

Vicky (name changed) has been a victim of two stalkers who regularly strike at the Block C park of Sarabha Nagar. Last evening, he was sitting with his girlfriend when they appeared suddenly and asked what was his relation with the girl. He was forced to show his identity card when he claimed he was working with a hosiery unit.

Vicky said the moment he took out his wallet, the duo snatched it and pocketed Rs 3,000. They slapped his girlfriend when she confronted them. They even tried to tear her clothes.

She told The Tribune that two days ago, a suit and other stuff were found strewn in the park. “We were shocked when the stalkers told us about the suit and threatened to implicate us in the case,” she said.

Vicky later complained to the police.

A week ago, a similar incident had taken place at a park in Model Gram.

Jyoti (name changed) had a similar experience in Rakh Bagh. Three youths claiming to be cops beat and robbed her boyfriend and outraged her modesty. Jyoti did not dare to complain to the police.

The police says it has not got any complaints so far. It claimed it had been patrolling during evening. In another incident, a couple returning from a late evening movie were waylaid near Sidhwan Canal allegedly by two cops in uniform. They robbed them of Rs 2,500.

The cops had to return the money as the couple was working as domestic help with a journalist who took up the matter with senior officials.

Ludhiana, March 1
Milk prices increased by Rs 3 per litre here as dairy owners effected the hike today. Buyers, however, were confused as Verka sold milk at the previous rates only.

The increase directly hit those who buy milk from dairies and milkmen. Milk rates increased from Rs 22 to Rs 25 per litre. Prices of milk had increased in April last year and another rise comes as an unwanted burden on the common man. The rates of sweets and other milk products, too, are set to rise.

Halwais are planning to increase the price of curd from Rs 32 to Rs 36, cheese Rs 120 to Rs 136 per kg, burfi Rs 130 to Rs 150 and rasgullas Rs 75 to Rs 80 per kg.

Increase in the prices of milk products, however, has not come into effect so far.

“Our milkman told us this morning that milk would cost Rs 3 more from today.

However, when I went to the market, I was surprised to find that Verka prices were the same. I am wondering if I should continue buying milk from our supplier,” said Anu Sharma, a resident.

Dairy farmers had announced their decision to increase the prices 10 days ago due to “steep” rise in the cost of cattle feed.

The increased rates are applicable across the state.

“We are unable to bear the burden of the increase of the rates of cattle feed by over 70 per cent due to which we have decided to increase milk prices,” said Jaswinder Dhillon, president, Punjab Dairy Farmers Association.

The prices of milk products are yet to come into effect as the supplies went to them at old rates only. “In case of halwais, we have a commitment to supply on these rates till the end of March,” Paramjit Singh, chairman of the Haibowal Dairy Complex and Tajpur Dairy Complex Association, said.

Meanwhile, Verka today informed its dealers that it would make milk available in a 5-litre packing. “The rate of this new packaging has not been increased yet,” a Verka dealer said.

Ludhiana, March 1
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the Punjab and Sind Bank to pay Rs 5,000 to a consumer as compensation for deficiency in service. The consumer, Sohinder Pal Singh of Dugri, was a former employee of the bank.

In his complaint, the consumer had submitted that he wanted to invest money and chose his own bank for investing in FDRs.

He deposited Rs 2.32 lakh with the request to make an FDR for 10 years on May 2, 2001. Later, he deposited Rs 1 lakh in June 11, 2001, in an FDR for 10 years. But when he was issued the FDRs, he was stunned to see that these were for five years
and three years, respectively.

He informed the zonal office and requested that the dates of maturity be rectified. Instructions were issued to the branch manager but nothing was done.

Bank officials said the FDRs were made at the request of the consumer and it was not there fault.

When the consumer forum summoned the relevant record, it was observed that the consumer had mentioned the period to be 10 years. The vouchers filled by the bank showed it as five and three years, respectively.

Ludhiana, March 1
“India can gain a strong competitive advantage if it takes the lead in tapping the untapped potential of its women workforce. Be it US or any other country, the potential of women as workforce remains largely untapped,” said Anupama Arya, founder of Mobera Systems, while addressing members of the Ludhiana Management Association (LMA) here today.

Arya, who spoke on 'Competing in a Global World: A Woman’s Perspective', said companies were gradually realising that women employees had better multi-tasking abilities and also easy adaptability to change.

"We realised this in our organisation and most companies can immensely benefit out of it," she said.

Talking about challenges that women face, she said balancing personal and professional life remained a key issue to deal with which, women would need to fix up their priorities while competing and taking business initiatives. By adding to their qualifications and skills they could certainly gain an edge above the others in their fields, she added.

A recipient of several entrepreneurial awards, Arya, who set up two ventures in the US, is now based in Chandigarh. Neera Gupta, chairperson, Women Forum of LMA, introduced Arya.

Among others present on the occasion were K.N.S. Kang, general secretary and LMA president Anil Kumar.

Ludhiana, March 1
The department of veterinary microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) will organise four-day training on bird flu from March 3 to 6.

A total of 20 veterinary officers from department of animal husbandry, government of Punjab, will be given training on diagnosis of bird flu and its control.

Course co-ordinator Dr P.N. Dwivedi, professor of virology, informed that this training was being organised jointly by the Veterinary Council of India and GADVASU.

The training has been specially arranged to keep the veterinarians of the state ready to combat any outbreak of bird flu in the future although so far, no case has been reported in the state.

Dr H.M. Saxena, professor-cum-head, said this department had already arranged two such training on the diagnosis of brucellosis and 40 veterinary officers from Punjab had been trained.

Shortly, the department will hold training on the diagnosis of glanders in horses, which is also a zoonotic disease, which can play havoc in equines. Such training programmes are a regular feature of GADVASU to check the threat of emerging diseases and to increase the productivity of animals.

Ludhiana, March 1
The State Bank of India under its community services banking today donated Rs 4.87 lakh to “Ek Prayas”, NGO, for purchasing a van and physiotherapy 
equipment. The NGO is imparting training to mentally challenged children.

The children are taught to make cards, envelopes, candles and napkins under the vocational training programme. The institution is trying to rehabilitate these children in shops, factories and generate self- employment schemes. Ashok Gupta, general manager, N.L. Joshi, officiating DGM and J.K. Thakar, regional manager, were present on the occasion. 

Ludhiana, March 1
Farmers in this part of the region feel that whatever relief they have got in this Budget, was due to their 37 years’ of struggle. No party should take the credit of providing “relief” to the farmers, they added. Still much more was required than announced for the welfare of farmers.

Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, president, Bharti Kisan Union, Punjab, said the Centre had provided little relief to farmers than expected. He said though the government had claimed it to be a farmer-friendly Budget, but these were mere tactics to woo the innocent and uneducated voters of the country. “How can any party get the mileage on the issue? We forced them (government) to speak for us. We had to hold Parliament for two days. We had to resort to agitations. The farming community has won because of their sincere efforts”, Lakhowal claimed.

He also made it clear that the farmers were not satisfied with the announcements made by the finance minister. “We are going to meet Sharad Pawar in Delhi on March 4. Only 26 to 30 per cent farmers will get the actual benefit while fate of a large number of them hangs in balance. The farmers of Punjab are still under debt worth Rs 26,000 crore. Is it still a farmer-friendly budget?” Lakhowal asked.

The economists in the region, too, feel not many farmers will get the benefit as majority of the money to them has been extended by the money lenders and not the banks. Jaswant Singh Chamak, senior economist, said farmers, being innocent and less educated don’t reach the banks. “They rely on money lenders alone, the segment which has not been touched in the Union Budget. Hardly 25 per cent of farmers will get the benefit”, he said.

Jagtar Singh, another farmer from Mandiani village, said the government had waived-off loans of small and medium category farmers. “What about farmers, who have taken huge loans. One should not be selective while giving relief, the benefits should have been passed on to all farmers”, he said.

Ludhiana, March 1
Within hours of an alleged kidnapping of a youth, a team of the city police traced him after a retired Army officer reported that he had witnessed the kidnapping near Sood Homeopathic clinic, Pakhowal road, at 2 pm on Thursday.

Later, it turned out that the kidnapped youth, a Dugri resident, was a drug addict. His elder brother and a friend had forcibly dumped him into a family car, as the youth was loitering around after taking drugs.

It all began when Major Sher Singh Aulakh (retd) approached the clinic along with a sick relative. He saw two youths dragging another in a car (PB 10 N 0713). He rushed towards the car but it sped away.

At this, Aulakh called the police control room and informed them about the incident. Soon, the DSP and division No.5 SHO reached at the spot. Till then, the police has already sealed the exit points and raised special checkpoints.

The team along with witnesses then reached Dugri after cops reported seeing the car and the youth. The police soon came to know about the drug addict youth and how his family, especially elder brother, was trying to de-addict him.

The city has become home to thousands of migrants from UP and Bihar. Their numbers, if counted, might turn out to be double than that of the natives. Neither the administration nor political leaders have put any prohibition on their entry into the town.

Mushrooming of encroachments and jhuggis in the green belt areas and on the outskirts of the city is a result of the increasing migrant population. These slums not only give an ugly look to the city but the migrants are increasingly becoming a source of nuisance as they spit and litter around town. The administration and the police stations don’t have their identification proofs, names or addresses which is resulting in increase of crime rate, robberies, kidnapping, smuggling etc in the city.

Tehbazaari department/MC should uproot all slum dwellers from BRS Nagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab Mata Nagar, Pakhowal Canal road, Durga Mata Mandir, Salem Tabri, Shimlapuri, Dhuri line, Dhandari side, to free the city from the clutches of encroachments.

Ludhiana, March 1
A team of the local Vigilance Bureau yesterday nabbed a Punjab police ASI, posted in the Khanna city police, while he was allegedly taking Rs 2,000 as bribe from an undertrial to facilitate him in a case of narcotics smugglings. ASI Paramjit Singh was arrested and booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

He had allegedly sought Rs 10,000 from undertrial Paramjeet Singh of Tanda, Machhiwara, facing trial under the NDPS Act. The deal was struck at Rs 8,000 of which the first installment of Rs 2000 was paid yesterday.

Ludhiana, March 1
GGN Institute of Management and Technology (GGNIMT) organised an interactive session on ‘Budget 2008’ for students of BBA and MBA here today.

A panel of experts from different sectors of economy were invited to express their views on the current budget. Prof Arvind Malhotra, an authority on tax, expressed his ideas from the perspective of income tax. He said the budget primarily focused on two core areas: the middle class and the small farmers.

"The farmers who were under great debt trap for over years, have got some relief now with this budget,” said prof Malhotra. He listed various areas where the budget was appreciated ranging from the favourable restructure to increase in disposable income and the tremendous support extended to the senior citizens of the country.

Prof Malhotra also highlighted the segments which were completely ignored. The infrastructure of an economy, he felt, was the backbone of any nation and nothing much was proposed for its enhancement in the budget. He condemned the reduction of vehicle prices as they would overburden the roads and infrastructure leading to a chaotic situation in the country.

"There has never been a budget like this ever before”, said Congress MLA Jassi Khangura. He advised the audience to trust this decision of the finance minister as the proposal was expected to bring benefits to the citizens of the country at large.

Punjab BJP president Prof Rajinder Bhandari said there was a need to implement a rational budget where not just one segment but the whole economy was benefited.

Khanna (Ludhiana) March 1
Minister for local bodies Manoranjan Kalia has said a comprehensive plan for strengthening the infrastructural facilities in 44 cities and towns of the state has been chalked out and details of such developmental projects in 18 towns had already been submitted to the Centre.

Addressing mediapersons at Khanna, before presiding over the prize distribution function of A.S. College for Women today, the minister said basic facilities like sewerage, water supply, roads and street lights would be provided in all towns. To get approval for this, a high level meeting with the Central authorities will be held on March 11 at New Delhi.

Expressing concern over the groundwater pollution in towns due to inadequate sewerage facilities, the minister said a special project worth Rs 120 crore had been prepared to keep a check on this problem.

Referring to the industrial development, Kalia asserted that the government was clearing big industrial projects by committees headed by the Chief Minister. He further added that to clear the pending capital subsidy of the industrialists, the government had released funds worth Rs 100 crore and more would soon be released.

Ludhiana, March 1
Malwa Central College of Education for Women organised the 51st annual convocation of the college here today.

As many as 250 BEd and 21 MEd students were awarded degrees.

Vice-chancellor of Punjab Agriculture University Dr M.S. Kang presided over the ceremony and addressed the students.

Role of honour was presented to Renu Bala for standing first in Panjab University MEd examination and Ruchika for standing first in Panjab University in the BEd examination.

More than 65 academic prizes and 19 medals were given to the degree holders for achievements in various subjects and fields. Faculty members of the college Dr Tarlok, Dr Sukhdev Singh and Dr Navneet Kaur were also honoured for completing their PhD.

Principal of the college Dr Ravinder Kaur presented the college report and highlighted the achievements of the college during 2006-07.

Fellows of Panjab University senate, principals of various colleges, members of alumni association and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Ludhiana Khalsa Dewan president Pritpal S. Grewal proposed the vote of thanks.

Doraha, March 1
A quiz contest was organised by the Commerce and Economic Association of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, today.

Students of BCom I, BCom II and BCom III participated in the preliminary round. Out of a total of 50 students, 12 were selected. The students were divided into teams A, B and C.

The contest comprised of five rounds on business management, business laws, accounting and finance, current affairs and mental ability.

Prof Gursharanjit Singh, head of postgraduate department of commerce, welcomed the guests and students. The stage was conducted by prof Ranjeet Kaur.

Team A comprising Mandeep Kaur, Sandeep Bhatia and Harpreet stood first. Team B comprising Harkamal Kaur, Navjot Kaur and Kamal Sharma and team C comprising Jaspal Kaur, Sunil Kumar and Hardeep Kaur were declared second and third respectively.

Dr Narinder Singh Sidhu, principal, congratulated the participants and appreciated the efforts made by the association. Jaswant Singh Gill, director of the college, gave away prizes to the participants.

Those present on the occasion included prof Madan Singh Bhandari, prof Jagroop Singh, prof Balpreet Kaur, prof Amandeep Kaur, prof Rajesh Kumar, prof Shweta, prof Sandeep Saluja, prof Harinder Mohan and Priya Sharma.

Ludhiana, March 1
The book ‘Concepts & Practices of Research Methodology’, written by Harjeet Kaur, faculty member of Bhutta College of Education, co-authored by Harpreet Singh, Lovely Professional University, was released here today. The book is positioned as a beginner’s guide and is aimed at self-learning.

The book refers to the basic methodology required for research especially in social sciences. The authors said many students, researchers, managers, journalists and other decision makers faced difficulty in collecting and managing data. Though there were plenty of books available on the subject, but training under an expert was always required. The book in hand would serve as a self-guiding manual to researchers, said Harpreet Singh.

Principal Dr Rakesh Chander congratulated the authors for their effort. He said good quality books could guide the society, especially students towards prosperity and development. He advised all teachers to produce good quality reading material so that the students could gain maximum out of them. 

Ludhiana, March 1
Bhupinderjit Kaur, B.A.Ist year student, was adjudged the best athlete while Baljeet Kaur of BA IIIrd year emerged the fastest runner by winning the 100m sprint in the 38th annual sports meet of Ramgarhia Girls College, Miller Ganj, Ludhiana, today.

The meet began with the shabad “Deh Shiva Bar Mohe”. Ranjodh Singh, president, Ramgarhia Educational Council, declared the meet open. Council members, principal Harmeet Kaur, faculty and students were present on the occasion.

Girls took part in various regular events and fun games. A few events were organised for the guests as well.

Results: Shot put- Bhupinderjit Kaur 1st, Gagandeep Kaur 2nd and Parjinder Kaur 3rd; High jump- Bhupinderjit Kaur 1st, Baljit Kaur 2nd and Parjinder Kaur 3rd; Long jump- Loveneet Kaur 1st, Baljit Kaur 2nd and Bhupinderjit Kaur 3rd; Discus throw- Baljit Kaur 1st, Bhupinderjit Kaur 2nd and Gagandeep Kaur 3rd; Javelin throw- Parjinder Kaur 1st, Rajveer Kaur 2nd and Kuldeep Kaur 3rd.

Three-legged race: Parjinder Kaur and Kamalpreet Kaur 1st, Harkamal Kaur and Kuldip Kaur 2nd, Shallu and Mandep 3rd; Sack race- Kuldeep Kaur 1st, Loveneet Kaur 2nd and Harpreet Kaur 3rd; Skipping race- Supreet 1st, Harpreet Kaur 2nd and Neetu 3rd; 100m- Baljeet Kaur 1st, Bhupinderjit Kaur 2nd and Harkamal Kaur 3rd; Chatti race- Kamalpreet Kaur 1st, Talwinder Kaur 2nd; Spoon and potato race- Rajni 1st, Deepika 2nd and Amandeep Kaur 3rd.

Ludhiana, March 1
As several acres of prime land in the old courts complex where 1,500 trees are standing is all set to go down the hammer on March 14, city residents led by environmentalists and a BJP leader have given a clarion call to the Punjab Chief Minister to save the green belt.

Senior deputy mayor of the local municipal corporation Parvin Bansal yesterday joined the campaign launched by city residents a few months ago after The Tribune had carried a series of articles on this green belt.

He promised to take up the issue with the Chief Minister and urged mediapersons to highlight that the government should not cut these trees. Bansal said only this belt with 1500 trees was left and if it goes, residents would be bereft of greenery and fresh air.

He advocated further developing the green belt by converting it into a park and developing jogging and walking tracks for the residents. Retired IFS officer and well-known environmentalist S.S. Channa has already taken up the matter with the Punjab chief secretary.

In a letter written to him, Channa explained how 1,500 trees, many of immense medicinal value and over 70 years old were benefiting the old as well as new city due to their strategic locations.

Dr Sandeep Jain, honorary wildlife warden, who was also supporting the green campaign, said the green belt was home to many wild species and birds, “If the trees are cut and concrete structure comes up in their place, the residents would be deprived of natural beauty.”

The land is being auctioned under the Optimum Utilisation of Resources policy of the state government. The administration has termed it as one of the biggest auction that may fetch over Rs 600 crores to the government. 

Ludhiana, March 1
A study conducted by Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here has revealed that 20 per cent of the schoolchildren in the city are obese.

Dr Bindu Aggarwal, paediatric endocrinologist at CMCH, warned that childhood obesity could result in severe health problem as one grows up. The study suggested that obesity could result in numerous health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems and stroke in adults, polycystic ovarian disease (menstrual irregularities and excess hair growth on body), fatty liver, increased growth and sexual maturation, gall bladder and pancreatic problems, sleep apnoea, joint diseases.

Among the major causes of obesity are overeating, poor choice of foods, consuming high fat or high sugar foods and sedentary lifestyles.

The study further indicated that if one of the parents was obese, there was a 50 per cent chance of the child becoming overweight. But, if both parents were obese, chances of the child also being obese increased to 80 per cent. It was also seen that obese and overweight children had 80 per cent chance of becoming obese adults.

Dr Bindu advised parents to encourage their wards to indulge in physical activities and create healthy-eating habits among them. “Ask your child to take up a sport or any other outdoor activity like cycling and swimming. Or else, just go for a long walk. Gardening, washing the car and mowing lawns or even mopping the floor is better options.”