Ludhiana, March 14
The Rs 250-crore proposal for a mini ring road here is set to get financial nod of the state government.

The project report has been accepted by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB). Those travelling across the state and not wishing to stop at Ludhiana will benefit the most.

The original project report, however, requires a clearance from the ministry of environment as the ring road will mean felling hundreds of trees along the canal. The project envisages a road from Neelon to Doraha. Outstation vans will be able to bypass the rush of the city.

Confirming the project report cleared by the development board, a senior engineer said the internal ring road would make the entire passage along the canal double way.

The existing road and the new structure is proposed to be broadened to at least 25 feet. The process is on to remove encroachments on the canal banks.

This passage will be besides the original ring road plan under consideration of the state government. “The project will take off immediately following financial clearance from the cabinet,” the official said.

Traffic on the Chandigarh road, towards Moga and Ferozepur, generally takes more than an hour.

The Patiala-Ludhiana linkage will also be eased, saving more than 20 minutes of travel time.

He said the existing road was narrow at several places and often led to jams. The two-way route would mean no congestion.

Another benefit of the project includes three overbridges along the canal to reduce traffic pressure.

Doraha, March 14
The PCCTU at a meeting held at A D College Dharamkot today has decided to hold dharna on March 17 and March 26 in Chandigarh.

It was also decided to boycott the annual examinations and join hands with the Government College Teachers Association. According to Dr Kuldip Singh, general secretary, PCCTU, the executive committee took a serious note of the slow development of files pertaining to its accepted demands

Earlier, the union had deferred its decision to court arrest on October 4.

The education minister had a meeting with representatives of the union on August 31 and October 1 and had accepted their demands.

Dr Singh said: “But about seven months have passed, not a single demand has been implemented.”

He said due to “bureaucratic delay”, the union had no option but to boycott the annual exams.

The GCTA had already decided to boycott the exams and with both unions joining hands, it would be difficult for all three universities of Punjab to conduct the exams smoothly, he said.

Ludhiana, March 14
The authorities of Satish Chander Dhawan Government College for Boys have rectified their mistake of not mentioning the name of the scientist at the college entrance.

The newly painted name of the college duly mentions the name of the scientist after whom the college was named.

The authorities had forgotten to mention the name of the scientist on the college gate after the recent whitewash. The development comes in the wake of a recent news report in these columns which pointed towards the glaring mistake.

The city people expressed their resentment over the neglect. Ironically, the college authorities were not aware of any such development.

A senior professor of the college told The Tribune that they did not have any inkling that the name of the scientist had been erased from the college gate but soon after the news was carried in The Tribune, the college authorities became aware of the matter and painted the name of the scientist on the entrance wall.

Teja Singh Dhaliwal, general secretary, Punjab Basketball Association, said, "Finally, the college authorities wake up to the cause and made some effort to restore the pride of Ludhiana."

L.S. Badi, lecturer, Khalsa College for Boys, said, "I appreciate the effort made by the college authorities in order to restore the name of Satish Chander Dhawan back to the place where it belongs.

K.B.S. Sodhi, a well-known educationist, said, "Earlier, the college was known as Government College for Boys, but it was during the leadership of Giani Zail Singh that the work of this scientist got recognition and the college was named after him. 

Ludhiana, March 14
The habit of keeping his notes secret from classmates developed a distinct art in city resident Subhash Chander.

A cobbler by profession, Subash Chander can write backwards in as many as three languages i.e. English, Hindi and Punjabi, at a fast pace.

His writing can be read through a mirror or if the sheet is transparent, it can be read by holding it upside down.

Subash Chander has been practicing mirror (backward) writing from the past 15 years. And this is not the only unique quality he possesses. He has also made a pair of sandals, the size of which is less than one centimetre.

He has a collection of Indian currency notes from Re 1 to Rs 1,000, all ending with 786.

It was his passion to do something unique that made him stand out from the crowd.

He said, "I always wanted to do something special and unique to prove to this world that I can do what others cannot even dream of.”

"I have made the world’s smallest sandals and will soon send my name to the Guiness Book of World Records. I challenge that no one can write backwards as fast as I can," said Chander.

"I request the government to provide patronage to mirror writing. It is a productive skill and can be used for sending e-mails and letters. There are fewer chances of it being intercepted or understood,” said Subash Chander.

Machhiwara, March 14
The infamous multi-crore land record tamper scam of the Machhiwara Cooperative Agricultural Society has reached the assembly session after passing through police case and departmental inquiries.

The issue was taken up by Koomkalan MLA Isher Singh Meharban as farmers of his area had received notices to repay the loans they did not avail.

The legislator urged the cooperative minister to direct the officials concerned to stagger recall of loans till the final decision was taken in connection with criminal cases registered against the society officials.

Sources revealed that the police had booked the branch manager of the society and six other employees for allegedly scripting a Rs 5-crore misappropriation of funds through fake entries made in the name of over 500 existing and non-existing persons.

The police action followed a Tribune news report dated April 3, which had exposed how the police was not taking action on the recommendations of the FIR made by PCS-level officials of the cooperative department.

Besides the departmental inquiry, an independent investigation by the ADGP-Internal Vigilance Cell had also found allegations against the employees substantial for registering a case.

The accused had allegedly made fake entries in the name of non-existing persons or their relatives to pocket the money meant for farmers.

They also allegedly fudged records and did overwriting on the registers. They also did not furnish identity cards of the loanees as well as the revenue records (farad-Jamabandi) of their land, which is mandatory as per the rules. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 14
Baba Balwant Singh Rare Wale laid the foundation stone of a langar hall and a diwan hall at local Gurdwara Singh Sabha here today.

The project is to cost over Rs 1 crore.

After the ardas, Baba Balwant Singh said expansion and renovation of the existing hall was the need of the hour.

“With the construction of a more spacious community kitchen and diwan hall, more people will be accommodated here. We won’t need to spend thousands on erecting tents and the money thus saved can be utilised for helping the needy,” said Baba Balwant Singh.

Ajit Singh Walia told the Ludhiana Tribune that kar sewa for 90-feet long and 60-feet wide three-storied building would start soon. The basement will be used for parking of vehicles. This will ease out traffic congestion on Railway road, Walia said.

Dr Kuldeep Singh Bhullar, Krishan Singh Rajar, Arvind Singh Mavi and Navraj Singh Cheema were also present.

Ludhiana, March 14
Carrying on with their green mission, the activists of Vatavaran Sambhal Society encouraged the students of Government Primary School, Kasabad, to plant 270 saplings of various trees today.

Led by founder of society Jagjit Singh Mann, the activists planted saplings of neem, mulberry, Burma dek and bougainvillea on the school premises and the students were asked to look after these till they mature into trees.

“We have spoken to the village panchayat as well as school authorities who agreed in principle to exhort the students to take good care of these plants. We will keep doing follow ups and would plant more saplings after seeing the results in the school,” said Mann.

He added that they were very happy with the response from the school as well as village panchayat and they had decided to continue with their mission.

“We got trees from the forest department. We will carry on with our drive and continue planting more trees. We have vowed to educate children about the importance of trees in life. If these kids are sensitised, the earth will be a better place to live in,” added Mann.

He also spoke on conserving underground water failing which the state will be converted into a desert.

Village sarpanch Tarsem Lal also highlighted the importance of planting trees and protecting the environment.

Ludhiana, March 14
Feeling neglected by the government, particularly after the announcement of loan waiver for farmers, rural and factory labourers here have sought a similar treatment.

Grappling with economic problems, they feel the government should waive off their outstanding loans as well. With no revision in minimum wages for the last seven years, these workers said rising inflation had worsened their situation and made it very difficult for them to make two ends meet.

"The government has announced a loan waiver for farmers but ignored the segment which is the most economically backward. A large segment of them are Dalit labourers, labourers of rural segment and other categories, who are also reeling under the burden of debt.

By only focussing on one segment, the government has proved how little it cares for the labourers. The government should waive off all loans for them as well," said Parkash Singh of Mazdoor Mukti Morcha, Punjab.

Workers said wages were revised more than seven years back and while the industrial segment was flourishing, managing even daily expenses had become a tedious task for workers.

Urging Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to take urgent measures on issues like minimum wage revision and loan waiver, they said reduced job opportunities for them was adding to their woes.

“Rising inflation has led to the essential commodities going beyond the reach of economically weaker segment,” said former MLA Tarsem Jodhan in a letter to the CM. "Essential commodities should be made available to labourers at subsidised rates through government outlets."

Ludhiana, March 14
Pashu palan mela on the theme "Pashu palan dhanda apnao, Punjab nu khushaal banao" organised by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) attracted a huge rush of farmers on the concluding day today.

Vice chancellor Dr V.K. Taneja presided over the function. Dr O.S. Parmar, director extension, education, said farmers were continuously questioning about the procurement of the high-yielding livestock. Good number of people were interested in fish, goat and pig farming.

The farmers got themselves registered as members of various associations like Progressive Dairy Farmers Association, Punjab Piggery Farmers Association, Innovative Fish Farmers Association and Punjab Goat Farmers Association being run under the guidance of the veterinary university.

About 100 farmers registered their names for the forthcoming training programmes of the university.

About 500 books were sold in the mela and 150 farmers subscribed themselves for the regular supply of monthly magazine.

All departments of the GADVASU, including state animal husbandry department, Punjab dairy development and fisheries departments, Milkfed, Markfed, leading veterinary pharmaceutical and feed companies, put up their stalls in exhibition.

Dr Parmar said GADVASU would organise calf rallies, dog shows and other competitions from the next mela onwards.

Ludhiana, March 14
The two-day kisan mela organised by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) concluded here today with farmers expecting that "something more beneficial" will be added to the event for the marginal ones next time.

The farming community, while appreciating the efforts of organisers for putting up a great show, said the latter needed to get proper feedback from farmers. They also asked the policy makers (representatives of government) to interact with the farming community for the feedback.

Maheep Singh from Mundian Kalan village said it was unfortunate that political leaders had no time to spare for meagre farmers. "Punjab claims to be an agrarian state but worthy leaders have no time to boost the morale of persons responsible for bringing green revolution in the country,” he said adding that the government must provide relief to the farmers who took loans from arhtiyas.

Farmers were today seen asking several questions from the experts present at various stalls. They looked satisfied to know the techniques and correct methods to plant fruit trees, grafting, pruning, irrigation and spray schedules and the right way to raise vegetable nursery. They took interest in the growing of vegetables with the "net-house technique" without using pesticides.

"This is something new for me," said farmer Balkar Singh adding that authorities should add newness in these melas which, many farmers felt, had become "obsolete".

This time, the farmers minutely observed the literature available at various stalls. Gurinderjit Singh Sandhu, an agriculture graduate from Mansa, informed that his father could not attend the mela because of health problems. "But he has asked me to bring literature for him. He loves reading books (Punjabi) on ethics, moral values, social norms etc.”

More than 260 stalls in this agro-industrial exhibition attracted farmers and other visitors. Several farmers were seen carrying "sick" plant samples for examination at the plant diagnostic clinic. They also showed interest in knowing the quality and characteristics of new varieties of kharif crops.

The women visitors (from rural and urban background) were seen getting knowledge on imperatives of a balanced diet, importance of nutritious food, water-borne diseases, energy-saving devices and appliances at home and on the farm. They were also eager to know what diet should be given to diabetic patients or how nutritious food should be prepared from the raw material available at home.

An on-the-spot painting competition for children between the age group of 8-12 years was also held and winners were awarded with certificates and prizes.

Competitions were also arranged for decorating envelopes, preparing pranthas and crocheting art.

PAU VC Dr M.S. Kang presided over the function and lauded the efforts put in by the university to make the event a success.

Ludhiana, March 14
Home-made decorative items like footmats, bunting, glass and oil paintings, embroidered suits, musical instruments and pickles made by farm women under the guidance of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) run by the PAU drew a lot of visitors on the concluding day of the Kisan Mela here.

Stall in charges said hundreds of women and girls from Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Amritsar, Moga, Muktsar and Jalandhar etc., were encouraged by the KVKs to be self-employed.

Amritpal Kaur from Muktsar said she was lucky to be part of such a mega event. Her in-laws did not want her to go alone “but my husband made them understand. I am with PAU workers at the KVK in Amritsar. It is a life-time experience. We have sold so many suits,” she said, adding that the rural women were not getting enough support by her family members to become financially independent.

Dr Navjot Gill from the KVK, Fatehgarh Sahib, said more than 60 per cent of the rural women were able to get a salary of about Rs 5,000 a month by making various articles.

“The KVKs are making efforts to make women self-reliant. Young girls can learn many things sitting at home. All these programmes are run by the ICAR,” he said, adding that thousands of villages were covered under various districts.

Shaminder Bawa, a KVK employee, said their aim was to motivate the rural women. She said the department was organising regular training programmes for rural women.

“Our aim is to make them economically independent,” she said. Farm women were being trained in beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, dairy farming and preservation of food. 

Ludhiana, March 14
Annual function of St Xavier Playway School was held today on the school premises. The outgoing batch of children presented a colourful entertainment programme that included awareness skit-junk food v/s fruits and vegetables. Students performed various dances.

As many as 35 children participated in a fancy-dress competition.

Later, all participants were given prizes by Dr Jagdip Madan, orthopaedic surgeon, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. Prof V.M. Chopra, director, and S. Chopra, principal of the school, thanked the chief guest and other dignitaries.

Annual function: Dil's Nursery School celebrated its annual function with great enthusiasm. A fancy dress show was the main attraction of the day. Children came dressed up in colourful dresses. The function started with a welcome song. The children danced to the tunes of “Desh Mera Rangeela”, and “Nana Muna Rahi”. Sweets were also distributed. Principal Harbans Kaur Dil gave trophies to the winners and bid farewell to the outgoing students and wished them luck.

Founder’s day: Jatindera Green Field School, Gurusar Sudhar, celebrated its founder’s day. The campus was decorated with flowers. A series of events were organised in the school with Sri Sehaj Path marking the beginning. The celebrations started with ‘bhog’ of Sri Sehaj Path Sahib followed by ‘gurbani kirtan’ and ‘guru ka langar’ which was distributed by students. Manager Manpreet Kaur Dhaliwal and principal Suman Arora were also present.

Graduation ceremony: Sat Paul Mittal School organised the 3rd graduation ceremony of Upvan class here today. Manju Bharatam, chairperson, The Shri Ram Schools, was the chief guest. The function started with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp followed by prayer. Suneet Sidhu, head, junior school, introduced the chief guest. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, chairman, Governing Council, Sat Paul Mittal School, in his welcome address, stated that this ceremony held great importance for him and he had always made it a point to attend the function every year. Manju Bharatam congratulated the graduates and spoke volumes of their poise and confidence.

Ludhiana, March 14
Four matches will be played daily in the 5th All-India Guru Gobind Singh Gold Cup Hockey Tournament to be organised by the Ludhiana Sports Welfare Association at the Prithipal Singh AstroTurf Stadium of Punjab Agricultural University from tomorrow. The tourney will conclude on March 20.

The inaugural match of this tournament in which eight top hockey outfits of the country are participating, will be played between Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and Punjab National Bank at 10 am.

The second match slated to be conducted at 12 noon will be held between Indian Oil Corporation and Air Force XI while the third match of the day will be played between Air India and Bharat Petroleum at 2 pm. The fourth match will be played at 4 pm between Indian Airlines and Punjab Police.

General secretary of the organising club Kulwant Singh Sohal said though the tournament would begin at 10 am, Punjab cabinet minister Hira Singh Gabria would formally inaugurate it at 2 pm.

PAU vice-chancellor Dr Manjeet Singh Kang would preside over the inaugural function while Ludhiana mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura would be the guest of honour on this ocassion, he informed.