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City water not safe for drinking
Ludhiana, August 2 The water samples had been brought in by residents to the microbiology laboratory from areas like Dugri, Urban Vihar, Guru Gyan Vihar, Field Ganj and Kundan Puri for testing. The condition in posh localities including certain areas of Sarabha Nagar, BRS Nagar and Civil Lines is no different. In certain areas, the MPN index per 100 ml is higher than 2400 when it should be lower than three levels. Mohan Lal Bandha, a resident of Urban Vihar who had come to the department, said this was the fourth sample test from the area that had failed. “Despite repeated requests, we have not been provided with chlorinated water by the MC,” he said. According to sources, a majority of these samples have failed the chlorinated tests. “It is not a day's exercise. The department has been getting samples from various areas for the past six months and there has been no improvement. Residents have also been complaining to the authorities concerned but to no avail. They shell out Rs 100 per test and approximately 30-40 tests are undertaken by the laboratory every day,” an employee of the department said. During monsoon, water-borne diseases like typhoid, gastroenteritis, cholera and dysentery are common, but officials refer to these as “sporadic incidents”.
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Over 500 surplus teachers to be posted out
Ludhiana, August 2 This morning, more than 500 surplus teachers were asked to report at Government Senior Secondary School, Bharat Nagar Chowk, to be apprised of their transfer. They were also asked to file objection against the decision to transfer them to any other school. Sources in the education department said the district education department succumbed to political pressure and shifted its base to Government Senior Secondary School, to tackle the transfer issue. Teachers, who know political bigwigs, are trying to put pressure on Sudesh Bajaj, DEO, to stall their transfer. As per the new policy, surplus teachers posted in schools would be shifted to schools facing staff shortage. These teachers can be sent either to rural areas or in the urban area as per the discretion of the education department. According to a source in the department, Jagtar Singh Khatra, DPI, issued the orders to conduct rationalisation in government schools. The orders stated that surplus teachers should be relocated to other schools with vacant posts. The education department has been under scrutiny for the poor performance of some government schools during the recently held board examinations. The teachers’ union has protested against the transfers. Parveen Kumar, general secretary of the Government Teachers Union (Punjab), said: “Due to the irrational deployment of teachers in government schools, senior teachers of the district have to face consequences as they are being considered surplus and being transferred to other districts.” He said the department should not go ahead with the policy as it was going to affect teaching. Instead, the department should ensure that no surplus posts were created in any school. Sudesh Bajaj said: “The department had submitted its report to the DPI. We have invited surplus teachers to raise an objection, if any, against the decision.” A teacher, on the condition of anonymity, said: “We have four science teachers in our school, out of which three have been adjudged surplus by the department and the fourth is due to retire next year. Next year, we will have no science teacher in our school.” |
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Barrier to shift, but toll charged for month
Doraha, August 2 Requesting anonymity, a commuter said, “I told them that they were not authorised to take toll for a whole month as they would be shifting in five days, but they still asked me to apply for a pass or pay for multiple ticket. As I had no option, I had to get it renewed against my wishes.” The commuters rued that the NHAI was still “extracting” money. “As per rules, we are supposed to pay for a five-day pass, which comes to Rs 25 as against the present amount of Rs 150. Even if approximately 800 monthly passes are issued, the NHAI would be openly looting commuters,” another commuter said. The toll manager initially denied having issued such passes, but when given the reference of a commuter, he admitted that he had insisted for a pass renewal. He said commuters preferred to get passes renewed as they found it to be cheaper. It has been learnt that after the call made by this correspondent, toll employees stopped issuing fresh passes and asked commuters to pay for the ticket. It has been more than five years that the toll was first implemented at Doraha, but commuters rued that not even once was the recarpeting of the road undertaken. “An ordinary road is much better than such roads,” a commuter opined. |
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Dugri Murder
Ludhiana, August 2 “We would know the cause of the fire and how it spread only after forensic experts complete their examination,” the SSP, R.K. Jaiswal, said. Until such time, the case was being treated as a murder case as per the allegation of her son. Forensic experts from Chandigarh took samples from the burnt room this evening. They told the police that the report would be sent soon after a detailed analysis. Her son, Rajan Kumar, an oil trader, had alleged that his mother had been murdered. He said the stove and cylinder in the house were intact and she did not have any bottle or can with kerosene. He complained to the police today that Rs 70,000 was missing from the house. The SSP said the fire was mysterious. “It is strange for a woman who is engulfed in flames not to run around even if she has set herself on fire,” he said. Further, the lower right hand of the woman was not burnt, but the whole body had been reduced to ashes. The SSP said no arrest had been made so far. “We will proceed scientifically at the receipt of the report. As of today, all relatives of the woman are suspect,” the SSP added. |
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Vegetable prices dip
Surplus vegetables coupled with a drop in demand has led to the fall in prices, dealers say. “Vegetable prices have been continually rising. In the face of inflation, we had lost hope of a decline in the prices, however, there has been a minor reduction which has come as a relief,” Sukhminder Kaur, a resident, said. In the wholesale market, cauliflower which was earlier available for around Rs 22-23 per kg is now priced at Rs 12-13. Capsicum has recorded a reduction from Rs 18-19 per kg to Rs 11-12 while the rate of cabbage has come down from Rs 7-8 to Rs 4-5. Brinjal prices have come down from Rs 14-15 to Rs 7-8 per kg. Other vegetables have also recorded a fall in prices. Tomatoes are now around Rs 7-8. These were being sold for Rs 11-12. Onion prices have dropped to Rs 2 per kg from Rs 7-8 and garlic is now available for Rs 20 per kg from the earlier price of Rs 27-28. The price of French beans has nearly dropped to half and these are now available for Rs 7-8 per kg while pumpkin, which was priced at Rs 10 a week ago, is now available for Rs 5-6. Prices in retail markets are 50-100 per cent higher than the wholesale market. “Apart from sufficient local supplies, we are getting vegetables in abundance from Himachal, Malerkotla, Pathankot and other places. The demand is also not too high,” Amarbir Singh, general secretary of the Fruit and Vegetable Commission Agents Association, said. The prices of fruits are also on a decline. A 20 kg box of apples is priced in the wholesale market for around Rs 300-400 while mausumbi is available for Rs 7-8 per kg and papaya for Rs 7-8. Mango is being sold for Rs 20 per
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Ishmeet’s death personal loss to PM
Ludhiana, August 2 Family sources told the Tribune that Dr Charan Kamal Singh, uncle of Ishmeet was a distant relative of the PM. Ishmeet’s paternal aunt, wife of Charan Kamal, is a niece of the PM’s wife. They said the PM could not be present at the funeral due to security reasons, but he and his wife spoke to the family on phone. |
No end to his woes
Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 2 This is the plight of Daljit Singh Pannu (52), a farmer of Katahri village and a former reporter with a vernacular newspaper. Pannu had helped a large number of poor patients by publishing stories on their plights and donating blood to them. But today, he is confined to bed for the past three years as all his limbs had become motionless. Besides availing medical treatment at all leading hospitals of the state and Chandigarh Pannu had been taken to a number of deras and other religious places but his condition kept on deteriorating since the past three years. The family spent lakhs of rupees on his treatment by selling the land, jewellery and even took loan for it. According to Rajinder Kaur of Katahri village, her husband had been diagnosed to be suffering from motor nerve system disease. Despite expensive treatment undertaken at a few leading medical institutes of the state, Pannu hasn’t received any funds. “After having spent lakhs of rupees for three years we approached a number of social organisations and philanthropists, but none came to our rescue. When doctors declared the disease as untreatable, my husband requested the President to grant permission for mercy death,” said Though a communication was received from the President’s office, it did not approve of mercy death. Instead the office details about estimated expenses of the treatment. Doctors also differ on prognosis of the disease Pannu is suffering from. While majority of the doctors treating him termed the disease incurable, Dr Sunit Hind maintained that administration of guided dose of immunoglobulins might reduce pain and agony of the patient. 
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Left mourns Surjeet’s death
Ludhiana, August 2 The district unit of the CPI also expressed shock and grief over Surjeet’s death. Kartar Singh Bowani, district secretary, Dr Arun Mitra, assistant secretary, Om Parkash Mehta and Ramesh Rattan said he had worked for the upliftment of masses throughout his life. The Marxist Communist Party of India has also expressed its condolences over Surjeet’s death.
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Akalis promise funds for development
Khamano, August 2 Both MLAs urged Avtar Singh Ria to develop the area on a war footing. They assured to arrange funds for the developmental works. Chairman Avtar Singh, vice-chairperson Amandeep Kaur, BDPO Piush Kumar, Zila Prishad chairperson, Rajinder Kaur Salana, member of the district grievance committee Iqbal Singh Ria were among others present on the occasion.
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Bank attaches property
Ludhiana, August 2 The property at Kakowal village was mortaged in the name of M/s Mohindra Metal and Chemicals while the one in Jassian was mortgaged in the name of Pawan Kumar and Devender Kumar, residents of Haibowal Kalan. According to the bank, the parties had availed loan worth Rs 5.69 lakh and Rs 3.54
lakh, respectively, from the bank but failed to repay the same on time.
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Punish defaulting contractors
This is in reference to the news published in Ludhiana Tribune dated July 25 regarding use of substandard material by contractors for laying of two roads. It is commonplace to see freshly carpeted roads in bad shape days after work on them is completed. Roads are not laid properly. Contractors rush through their work only to lay hands on the money from the department concerned. A system should be devised to punish erring contractors. Madan Readers are invited to mail letters (not more than 200 words) at "ludhiana@tribunemail.com" or post the same to The Tribune, 1, 2 Improvement Trust Building, Badaur House, Clock Tower, Ludhiana.
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Female Foeticide Case
Ludhiana, August 2 Health department sources said past experiences like the Patran case where hundreds of aborted foetus were recovered from a sewer pit of a private hospital had shown that any hospital where doctor was caught on such allegation, needs to be thoroughly checked. The sources revealed that the hospital was quite popular with rural area RMPs and doctors. Dr Gambhir, who was caught two days ago has, however, been maintaining that the woman had profuse uterine bleeding due to which an emergency operation was carried out. Civil surgeon S.P.Sharma said they were working on all possible angles to ascertain if there was a racket running in the hospital. He had urged residents to provide information to his office or at his mobile No:9814467659 about illegal abortions or for any other information about the hospital.
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Johl panel recommendations
Ludhiana, August 2 The government had accepted the committee report at a meeting held with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in the chair last month. The committee headed by Dr S.S. Johl, former vice chancellor, Punjabi University, was set up by the board of management of the PAU to suggest ways to help the university in overcoming the financial crisis. The board of management of the PAU has approved the report of the committee. According to the report, the revenue generated by levying a cess of five paise per Rs 100 will be around Rs 150 crore per annum, which may be treated as an extra budgetary provision and be passed on to the PAU to meet its expenses on research, education and extension activities and other liabilities, including pension. The committee estimated that if the system was applied from the next arrival of kharif crop, by the end of January, 2009, the cess would generate enough funds and the government could take back the funds provided to meet pension liabilities and get reimbursed its expenses out of these collections. The vice chancellor told The Tribune that the PAU had already paid pension to the retirees of the university till May and pension for June and July was yet to be paid. The retirees had launched agitation and the state government granted a sum of Rs 20 crore to the university as a special grant for development. The retirees were paid their pension till February out of this amount. The remaining payment was paid from the university’s funds. The retirees also moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the vice chancellor to pay the pension of four months within one month. The vice chancellor has emphasised that the arrival of paddy in grain markets will begin from the next month and the state government should formulate a mechanism to collect the cess from farmers immediately. It has been learned that principal secretary finance D.S. Kalkh has asked financial commissioner (development) R.S. Sandhu to make a formal proposal and send the same to the finance department so that action is initiated in the same. The vice chancellor said the university had paid pension after the maturity of FDRs and would be able to pay the pension till August and has asked the state government to release funds for the pension immediately.
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From Schools
Ludhiana, August 2 The programme was held to apprise parents of the innovative teaching methodology used in the school. Importance of learning a language through phonetics was highlighted. Demo worksheets were handed out to parents so that they could work in coordination with the school. The parents appreciated the efforts of the school. In her address, principal Mona Singh sought the cooperation of parents for making teaching and learning a pleasant experience for the young impressionable minds.
Teej celebrated
Teej was celebrated by students of New GMT Public School here today. Students of junior classes took part in a fancy dress competition. The students also participated in folk songs contest and performed giddha and bhangra. School director Jasbir Singh Thind shared his views with students and staff on the importance of the festival. Teej was also celebrated at DAV Public School, BRS Nagar. Students came dressed in colourful attires and danced to the tunes of dance music. Surprise gifts were given to students. Kiranveer of class XI was crowned “Miss Teej” and was rewarded by principal R.S. Patial.
Vegetable Day
Maple Bear Canadian Playway and Nursery School, Udham Singh Nagar, celebrated vegetable day on the school premises by highlighting importance of vegetables and their nutritious value to students. Children came dressed up as vegetables like potato, tomato, lady’s finger, pumpkin, radish, cauliflower, chilies, peas, turnip, onion, etc.
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Training in life support techniques
Ludhiana, August 2 The participants were given hands-on training for various actions to be undertaken for saving the life of a patient when no medical facility or equipment is available. The programme included the technique of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in adults, children and infants, with one or two rescuers. The method of giving breath and bag-mast ventilation, chest compressions and use of AED (automated external defibrillator) were demonstrated. The participating teams were given lectures through Power Point presentation followed by video presentations, hands-on practice for various skills and interactive session with participants. The course dealt with RAP ABC i.e. checking for responsiveness, airways (opening the airway), position of the victim, activating emergency system, giving breathing and circulation by chest compressions. Guidelines for taking care of a choking child and infant were given. If a person was choking, fists of both hands were kept between the naval and lower part of chest and a forceful blow was given. This maneuver is called Heimlich manoeuvre.
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Patients forced to buy costly medicines
Ludhiana, August 2 Hospital authorities have, recently, in an order made it mandatory for the indoor patients to buy medicines from the hospital pharmacy, thereby adding to the financial burden of the patients. Protesting against the high-handed attitude of the hospital authorities, the attendants of the indoor patients have in a written representation to director A.B. Thomas asked him to allow the patients to purchase medicines from pharmacies located outside the hospital. “Prices of medicines available in the hospital pharmacy are 20 to 30 per cent more and in some cases the difference is almost 50 per cent,” reads the representation. The chemists outside the hospital offer discounts up to 20 to 30 per cent but the pharmacy at CMCH sells medicines on MRP. Ravinder Bansal, whose wife is undergoing treatment for severe burns for the past two months, said the hospital authorities were just fooling the patients as was evident from reasoning given by the authorities. They termed direct purchase from pharmaceuticals as the reason behind not giving discount on the MRP, Bansal added. Albural injection manufactured by Reliance life sciences costs Rs 3,150 at CMCH pharmacy and the same is available for Rs 2,050 at chemist shops outside the hospital.” My wife is regularly given these injections and I can’t afford to buy them at such a high price,” Bansal rued The bill procured from the department of pharmacy on July 26 indicates towards the difference in pricing as four Nubact 1.5 IV is priced for Rs 579 at hospital pharmacy as compared to Rs 440 outside. Similarly, the hospital pharmacy sold three injections of Zekacin for Rs 124 compared to the outside price of Rs 75. CMCH deputy director Kim Mamon said, “The medicines sold at our pharmacy are marketed and have overhead costs which is why they are sold at MRP without any discount.”
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Stress on oral hygiene
Ludhiana, August 2
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Lecture on breast feeding
Ludhiana, August 2 Poonam Bindra and Dr Ritu Chaudhry sensitised students regarding various issues related to breast feeding.
— TNS
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Anand Isher lift cricket title
Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 2 According to Kartar Singh, convener of the event, U-16 team of Anand Isher School beat and Government Senior Secondary School, Dehlon, team by 10 wickets. Jaspreet Singh, Karamjit Singh and Gagan Deep Singh were felicitated
for their outstanding performance. The winners reached finals by defeating Nankana Sahib Public School, Kilaraipur, and Government Senior Secondary School, Kilaraipur. U-14 team of the host school defeated GSSS Dehlon by five wickets. The Dehlon team had defeated GSSS Kilaraipur in semi-final match. Performances of Adiyta Garg, Gaganjot Singh and Sukhman Sher Singh were also appreciated.
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KVM storm into final
Ludhiana, August 2 Batting first, Kundan Vidya Mandir scored 95 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Sagar Khuran top-scored with 20 runs, followed by Rishav Maria (15), Minit Malhan (12) and Gautam Manchanda (11). For Saraswati School, Jai took two wickets for 14 runs, while Raghav, Sumit and Akash grabbed one wicket each. In reply, Saraswati School’s innings folded at 45 runs in 15 overs. Sumit made 11, while Aman scored four runs. For Kundan Vidya Mandir, Nikhil and Gautam Manchanda took three wickets each, while Sagar Khurana claimed two for 8 and Raghav Sharma grabbed one for 9. In another match (u-16) played at SDP College for Women ground, Circular road, Kundan Vidya Mandir beat Saraswati Modern Senior Secondary School, Hambran road, by eight wickets to enter semifinal. Batting first, Saraswati School could muster only 29 runs in 14 overs as Mrinal Partap Singh and Parth of KVM ran through their batting lineup. Mrinal took six wickets for just 7 runs, while Parth claimed two wickets for three runs to restrict their opponents to a small total. KVM achieved the target in just six overs. They scored 30 runs losing two wickets. Sahil and Abhishek scored 9 and 5 runs, respectively.
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Alpine paddlers grab 3 titles
Ludhiana, August 2 In the girls’ u-14 final, Alpine International School quelled a strong challenge from Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School 3-2, while their boys team scored an easy 3-0 win over Kundan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School to clinch the title. In the boy’s u-19 years category, Alpine International School managed to squeeze past Kundan Vidya Mandir School 3-2 to bag the title. Other results (final): boys u-17 years: Bhartiya Vidya Mandir School beat Alpine International School 3-1; girls u-17 years: Green Land Senior Secondary School defeated Alpine International School 3-0; girls u-19 years: Kundan Vidya Mandir School prevailed over Alpine International School 3-2.
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Local shuttler for Jakarta camp
Ludhiana, August 2 He along with other 10 shuttlers has been shortlisted for the specialised camp, according to a release issued by the association. A trainee of the Ludhiana Badminton Academy, run here at Shastri Hall, near Guru Nanak Stadium, Pranav has already established his potential after performing exceedingly well during the past two years. Pranav took part in the Junior Asian Badminton Championships 2007 and 2008 at Vietnam and Malaysia, respectively, and made his presence felt there. Besides, Pranav represented the state in doubles in the national badminton championships and came out triumphant. He has also titles under his belt in national tournaments. Pranav was instrumental in helping Punjab win North Zone Tournament Men as well as Junior Tournament after a gap of 12 years. On the basis of his consistent performance during the various national and international tournaments, Pranav Chopra has been adopted by Air India. The airlines will pay him a monthly stipend and bear all his expenses, including travelling for tournaments. Air India tried him in then TATA Senior Men’s National Ranking Tournament Mumbai late last month where Pranav performed well in the senior section. He was adjudged most promising junior player of the tournament and got a cash reward of Rs 10,000 special cash reward. Pranav has also been selected as a probable for the next Commonwealth Games to be hosted by India in 2010.
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U-19 Cricket Meet
Ludhiana, August 2 With this victory, Ludhiana secured two points. Ludhiana won the toss and invited Amritsar to bat. They could not bat through the allotted 95 overs in the first innings, as their innings culminated at 186 in 53.4 overs. The main architect of their innings was Sharat Loomba who scored 86 runs. For Ludhiana, Jashan Sidhi and Rahul Singla were the most successful bowlers, chipping in with four and three wickets, respectively, after conceding 60 and 73 runs, respectively. Rattan Singh and Baltej Singh captured one wicket each for 6 and 13 runs, respectively. Ludhiana surpassed Amritsar’s total as they scored 193 runs in 82 overs to earn seven runs lead. The main contributors were Ashish (45), Jashan Sidhu (43), Geetansh Khera (36), Rattan Singh (19 n.o.) and Sanchit Gosain (11). For Amritsar, Sharat Loomba claimed six wickets for 61 runs while Vinay grabbed three for 53 runs and Baljit Singh took one for 25. In the second innings, Amritsar were 122 for 4 after 33 overs when the match ended. Nitish made 34, followed by Raman (27), Mohit Handa (27) and Arush Sabharwal (16). For Ludhiana, Rahul Singla scalped two wickets for 50 runs and Akhil Aggarwal claimed two for 17. In their second match slated for August 4 and 5, Ludhiana will take on Ropar at Ropar.
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Ludhiana, August 2