Muktsar/Bathinda, July 30
Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, today said that work on the 2000 mws mega thermal power station at Talwandi Sabo would begin next month. The project would cost Rs 10,000 crore and would be commissioned within three years.

Sukhbir said here today that about 10,000 MWS of electricity generation would be added in Punjab within the next four years to make the state power surplus. Besides, steps have been taken to tap renewable energy sources to generate 250 mws of power.

Sukhbir Singh said that the present SAD-BJP coalition government has inherited acute power shortage from the previous Congress rulers. However, the coalition government led by Parkash Singh Badal would implement its election promise of making the state power surplus within four years, he said.

He said that the contract for the Talwandi Sabo thermal plant has been awarded to a reputed company that has been asked to commission the project within the time frame.

International bidding for the 1500 mws thermal power station at Rajpura was progressing and work on the project was expected to begin around November 15.

Steps were simultaneously being taken to award construction of the 2000 mws thermal station at Gidderbaha that would also cost around Rs 10,000 crore. Work on the 600 mws power station at Goindwal Sahib would also be taken in hand shortly. The generation capacity of the thermal power stations at Bathinda and Lehra-Mohabattan would be increased by 500 mws each.

Sukhbir Singh said that bids were also being invited for pithead and coastal generation of 2000 mws of thermal power to save carriage of coal all the way to Punjab.

He said that the nuclear deal approved by the UPA government would not solve the energy crisis in the country, as it would add only 20,000 mws of power 12 years later in 2020 when the demand would have tremendously increased.

He said that instead of making it an individual agenda, the Congress- led UPA government should have discussed the nuclear deal with all opposition parties before signing it.

The SAD chief said that a new look would be given to the five major towns of Punjab-Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar and Patiala-for which international city-planners would be involved.

Bathinda, July 30
"Private courier agencies have no legal right to entertain any letter as none of the agencies has any authentic license in this regard," said P.R. Kumar, Chief Postmaster General Punjab Circle and UT Chandigarh.

Kumar was in the city to attend a business development meet during which Rural Postal Life Insurance worth more than Rs 11 crore was procured on the spot.

Addressing media persons, he lashed over the private courier agencies saying that after receiving any letter or document they mention it as "packet" on the booking slip as they were not authorised to receive any "letter". Meanwhile, he admitted that there was competition between postal department and private courier agencies in urban areas.

Kumar said that post office banking is the largest bank service in India with 1,55,204 branches across the country, with a huge deposit of Rs 5.5 lakh crore.

Talking about the progress of rural insurance sector, he said that success in the rural areas had encouraged the department to enter into urban areas. Authorities had been mulling over making the post offices hi-tech, he added.

Replying to a query, Kumar said that as per the norms, the postal department runs its offices even after bearing a loss up to 67 per cent of the total expenditure in the plane areas, whereas in hilly areas it may exceed up to 85 per cent.

Specifying the loss, he said that in India there were 22 circles out of which only two namely Haryana and Maharashtra have been registering profit rest were in loss. About Punjab, he said that it had been bearing 18 per cent loss.

When asked about the decrease in interest rate, he said that postal department had no concern with it as the Ministry of Finance had to look after the pros and cons of such decisions.

Answering a query of viability of running post offices, he said that out of total 3,907 in Punjab, all 3,100 rural branches are non viable. In that regard the department was thinking to relocate them.

Replying to a question about the proposal of female staff in Dak distribution, he said irrespective of gender any one can apply for the post.

In the end, he informed that the department has been playing pivotal role in the sate regarding the implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Barnala, July 30
The sustained struggle by the Sarkari Stationary Theka Radd Karao Committee has yielded result.

Conceding the huge demand of farmers, labourers, student unions and employee organisations, the deputy commissioner R.L. Mehta today has cancelled the contract given to a private firm for selling government forms. The DC, however, cites other reasons for the cancellation of the contract orders.

Mehta while talking to The Tribune said that the contract was given to Hira Lal, M/s Avon form contractor at Rs 17.25 lakh for selling the government forms in April 2008 as this firm made the highest bid as compared to other firms. The firm also deposited Rs 4.31 lakh with the district administration as the initial price money for one quarter. But it failed to pay the residual money with the district treasury. Surprisingly, it also made a request to pay back the original price money to them. DC Mehta said that that this demand was quite unreasonable because the private firm had already sold the forms to the general public for three months so there is no reason that this money can be refunded to them, he added.

DC also mentioned that various farmers, labourers and student unions approached him alleging that the firm was selling the forms to the general public at a much higher price than quoted in the government list issued by district administration. So keeping in view all this, he had cancelled the contract for selling the stationary contract, he added.

Earlier, during the day time, hundreds of farmers, students and employees under the banner of the Sarkari Theka Radd Karao Action Committee held a rally in front of office of the deputy commissioner, Barnala demanding the cancellation of the contract.

They alleged that the decision was anti-people and a common man could not afford more burden on his pocket. They alleged that the private firm was costing Rs 30 to 50 for a simple form which was earlier available for Re one. The committee had made several demonstrations and sit in earlier also for the same purpose.

Convener of the action committee, Anil Kumar, said that the committee would organise similar protests at sub-division Tapa for the cancellation of the contract. 

Bathinda, July 30
The 55th Senior National Boxing Championship would be organised in Bathinda from September 6 to 12.

As many as 600 renowned pugilists of the country, grouped into 35 units, would challenge each other for the top honour at Sports Stadium here.

Notably, the Malwa region of Punjab got the opportunity to host the prestigious senior national boxing championship after the gap of two decades. Earlier, the carnival was held at Sangrur in 1988.

The estimated cost of holding the tourney would be around Rs 30 lakh and the organisers were hoping to arrange the sum from various sources, including chief minister, corporate sectors, advertisements, administration and sports department, said MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who is the president of Punjab Amateur Boxing Association.

Addressing a press conference here today, Dhindsa also said that Bathinda district administration and others had been instructed to make all arrangements to make the championship a grand success.

Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal would inaugurate the championship while other guests would be decided later on, he said adding that the entire arrangements would be looked after by specific committees, which would be formed within a week.

Answering a query, Dhindsa said that Bathinda has been chosen for the purpose as it had gained the reputation of one of the fastest growing city and it would also be viable from all aspects.

He informed that a special committee would be formed for media.

Considering the lack of boxing coaches available in the state, he assured to take up the matter with director of state sports department.

Bathinda, July 30
MP and senior leader of SAD, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, today during his visit to Bathinda criticised the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not living up to the expectation of people of Punjab.

He alleged him for his "non-sympathetic attitude" towards the farmers of Punjab, who sows the 60 per cent of the total food grain of the country. He alleged that despite being aware of the pathetic condition of the debt-ridden state farmers, only one per cent of the total debt waiver amount had been granted for them.

He said that where at one side the SAD (B) had been demanding for All India Gurudwara Act, Congress had been expressing their interests in dividing the Punjab and Haryana gurudwara management committees.

When asked about the Dera Sacha Sauda chief's proposal to Sikh community for negotiation to solve the matter, he said that it could be decided only through the Akal Takht as all Sikhs were bound to follow the decision of the Takht Sahib. Meanwhile, he added that had he apologised in the initial stage, the situation would not have reached at the stage.

He expressed grief over the sad demise of Ludhiana-based singer Ishmeet Singh.

About the misuse of the official gunmen, he said that a DGP level-inquiry had been marked to investigate the misuse of gunmen in the state.

When asked about the alleged involvement of Bathinda Congress MLA Harmander Singh Jassi's official gunmen in Mumbai firing incident, he said that anyone found guilty, would have to face the music.

Answering a query related to the Improvement Trust, he said that it had been decided among both the ally parties that all designations would remain with the same party, which was having in the previous SAD government.

Dhindsa was accompanied by the MP Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, chief parliamentary secretary Jagdeep Singh Nakai, former minister Charanji Lal Garg, district SAD president Sikander Singh Maluka, junior vice-president of SAD Sarup Chand Singla, Talwandi Sabo SAD in-charge Amarjeet Singh Sidhu.

Abohar, July 30
Thousand of men, women and children, irrespective of caste, creed and religion thronged the mazaars (tombs), of Panj Pirs (five saints) to pay obeisance during the last three days on the eve of the annual Sawan Mela which concluded today.

The tombs are located on a dune 500 feet from the historic 'theh' which reminds us of Abu Nagari that had caved in 550 years ago. Most of the visitors said the Pirs had fulfilled their wishes besides curing chronic diseases. Some had come to take up fresh "mannats" (commitments) for getting their problems solved. All had to wait for hours. Make shift stalls owners did a brisk business.

It is said under the British rule in 1893, Abohar town was more of a mound of sand with population of less than 6,000. River Sultej flowed by the side of the 'theh' known as Abha Nagari. Some historians have referred it as Abu Nagari. Its creator was Suryavanshi King Abu Chander. Later Bhatti Rajput King Abhayrao Bhati ruled the region.

Third successor of the kingdom, Raja Hari Chander had only one daughter who was adept at horse riding and shooting. The King caught leprosy. She was told by some physicians, the king could be cured by applying blood of the horses of Panj Pirs of Multan state (now in Pakistan). The brave daughter went to Multan and took along 81 horses from Pirs' stud farm. But the King could not be cured. The Panj Pirs dispatched messengers to king's daughter requesting to return the horses but she refused.

Finally all five Pirs reached Abu Nagri and camped on a hillock of sand near the town to get back the horses. But she again turned down their request. After a long wait their wives too arrived here. This annoyed the Pirs who cursed them resulting in their burial on the spot. Angry Pirs then cursed the kingdom which made the town cave in say legends. Later when a new town was built, some persons developed the mazaars of the five Pirs also and warned the citizens against making residential constructions near the tombs but colonies had come up courtesy corruption that prevailed in the administration. People were still busy in removing sand around the "theh'' resulting in further reduction in its width and breadth. Neither the Punjab Waqf Board nor the local administration is concerned over it. Vested interests had removed the board that was put up by the Archaeology Survey of India warning the people against encroaching upon the historic land.

The mazaars are looked after by Bool Chand Sama's family who had migrated from Pak Pattan, sacred land of Baba Farid in West Punjab province of Pakistan after the partition of India. 

Bathinda, July 30
M.S.Farooqui, senior superintendent of police, Mansa, was today transferred as deputy director (Indoor), police academy Phillaur. His headquarter would be at Ludhiana.

Manminder Singh, SP, headquarters, Bathinda, has been posted as SP headquarters, Mansa.

Harbhajan Singh, SP, security, Punjab (Chandigarh), has been transferred as SP headquarters, Bathinda.

Baljit Singh, SP headquarters, Mansa, goes as Assistant Commandant, 36 Bn. PAP.

Transfer of Narinderpal Kaushal, SP city, Bathinda, to the office of Lokpal has been cancelled and he would continue to be on his present post.

Harjit Singh Pannu, Assistant Commandant 82Bn.PAP, Chandigarh, goes as SP detective, Ferozepur.

They are among the 38 police officers whose transfer orders were issued today by the Punjab government.

Bathinda, July 30
With a breach in the ITI canal distributary, the free flowing water today damaged the cotton crops sowing in around 60 acres piece of land near Jhutti Ke Patti village at the outskirts of the city.

While talking to the media persons, villagers said that the breach took place in the early hours on Wednesday morning. The breach uprooted several trees one dead bull was also found lying in the distributary.

A number of land owners said that the water had damaged the standing crop but till noon no effort was put to fill the breach.

Ferozepur, July 30
The Border Security Force (BSF) today morning seized about 4 kilograms of heroin from area close of border outpost Daulat Ram Dina Nath (DRDN) near border pillar 215/5 along the Indo-Pakistan border.

The four packets of contraband weighing one kilogram each were draped in while piece of cloth.

BSF sources said that on specific intelligence input, a massive search operation was launched in the area near village Gajniwala under area of operation of 43 battalion, BSF.

BSF officials said that during the patrolling, the consignment was found concealed between the international border and cobra fencing beneath the ground under cover of thick elephant grass, which was traced out by BSF sleuths. BSF personnel recovered a Pakistani SIM card ( JAZZ company) from the location where contraband was hidden.

BSF officials told that apparently it seems that the Pakistan based drug smugglers must have dumped the consignment at this location so that their Indian counterpart can recover it later under 'Conceal and Clear' strategy usually adopted by international drug peddlers for cross border smuggling.

Mansa, July 30
The Ashra Lok Sewa Club, Mansa today adopted three orphan girls and took responsibilities of their study and marriages.

Father of these girls, Labh Singh was killed in an accident while their mother Pal Kaur had died of cancer some time ago.

The project chairman of club, Tarsem Semi said that these girls had been sent to Elementary School, Bhamme Kalan for study.

On the request of the club, deputy commissioner Surjit Singh Dhillon had assured to start pension for above children. He said that in the future some other facilities would also be provided to the children.

DC hailed the club for the exemplary service and appealed to other social organizations to give contribution for social service activities. 

Bathinda, July 30
The local courts today sent Randeep Singh alias Bony, a resident of village Manak Khana under Bathinda district, who was arrested by Maur police for illegally possessing .32 bore illegal pistol, for 14-day judicial custody.

Maur police said that the accused was carrying the pistol and roaming in the neighbouring villages, when he was arrested.

He was carrying the pistol allegedly for taking revenge from a person with whom he was having some personal enmity.

Sources in police said that police held the accused after setting up a check post following a tip off that a person having pistol was roaming in the area.

Bathinda, July 30
The alleged threat call to blow the Udhyan Abha Express - 3008, received by the RPF Sriganganagar on Tuesday, turned out to be a hoax as the security force did not find anything suspicious during the intensive search of the train at several stations en route.

Mansa, July 30
The Mazdoor Mukti Morcha (MMM) today organised a district-level conference against rising prices.

In this convention, martyrs Sahid Udham Singh and Baba Bujha Singh were remembered.

Addressing the gathering, Bhagwant Singh Sammaon and Tarsem Jodha said that inflation was the result of wrong policies of the Central and the state government. They said that these governments had been favouring the traders and rich people. They said that ruling parties had not been taking appropriate steps to control the inflation.

Among others who addressed to the convention were Jagdev Singh Khundal, Jeet Singh Boha, Sukhvinder Singh Heere Wala, Sinder Kaur, Gurmeet Singh, Kalwant Singh, Sukhdarshan Natt, Nikka Singh and Gurjant Singh.