Ludhiana, October 11
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today handed over a draft for Rs 40 crore to the mayor, Hakam Singh Gyaspura, for the execution of various development works in the city. 

He said there was no dearth of money with the state exchequer. As and when the MC would utilise the amount, he would release another grant. Badal said the master plan of the city had been finalised to ensure integrated and planned growth of the city and its suburbs.

A sum of Rs 240 crore had been earmarked for sewerage in the city. He asked councillors to be vigilant to ensure quality development work and also check misuse of funds. 

He assured residents that paucity of funds would not hamper the progress of development works in the city. He directed the DC and the mayor to evolve a time-bound mechanism for the disposal of complaints. 

Badal also sanctioned a grant of Rs 2.48 crore for the construction of seven roads, Rs 18 lakh for the pavement of streets and Rs 33 lakh for laying sewers in Ward No. 47. 

He approved a grant of Rs 4.54 crore for the construction of 12 roads and Rs 33 lakh for sewerage in Ward No. 48. In Ward No. 54, the Kichlu Nagar Welfare Association demanded the construction of a library on a vacant plot near the PAU. The residents of Udham Singh Nagar urged him to direct the PSEB to replace old transmission lines.

Ludhiana, October 11
Strong denial of their previous meetings with the Chief Minister notwithstanding, two Congress leaders met the CM at the sangat darshan today even as Congressmen raised eyebrows over the “developing alliances”.

Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Congress councillor, and Balkar Singh, a former councillor, whose wife is also a councillor, shook hands with the CM at the Lions Club function today.

The meeting was facilitated by the chief parliamentary secretary, Harish Rai Dhanda, who took both of them to the stage and introduced them to the CM. The meeting gave credence to the speculation that had been rife for more than a year that they were inclined to join the SAD in the footsteps of their aide, Madan Lal Bagga. 

Earlier also, they had met the CM at a function organised by Bagga, who shifted his loyality after he was denied ticket by the Congress.

He contested elections against Congress stalwart Rakesh Pandey and was instrumental in his defeat to a BJP candidate. He was rewarded by the SAD and made chairman of an industrial board.

Soon after Bagga joined the SAD, Congressmen started saying that Ashu would also do so. 

Ludhiana, October 11
The successive state governments in Punjab do not seem to be interested in implementing important projects.

Nearly six months ago, the Punjab government decided to undertake a survey regarding the suicide deaths by farmers in the Malwa region. The Punjab Agricultural University was entrusted with the survey.

It was learnt today that the department of economics of the PAU prepared the project report to undertake the survey of Bathinda and Sangrur. The report was submitted to the finance department and Rs 9 lakh was sought for the same.

The economics department held interviews and selected 18 persons to help in the survey operations, but the appointment letters have not been issued to them. 

More than four months have passed since the project was submitted to the finance department. So far, the university has neither received money nor a reply from the government.

There have been conflicting reports regarding the suicide deaths by farmers in the state, particularly in the Malwa region. An NGO has put the figure at more than 30,000 during the past 10 years. The BKU groups put it between 10,000 and 11,000.

Similarly, during the tenure of Amarinder Singh as CM, there were reports about cancer deaths in the Malwa region due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides and other chemicals, besides the supply of polluted water.

The PAU had undertaken a preliminary survey and maintained that the cancer deaths could not be due to pesticides and other chemicals alone. The university had recommended a detailed study of the problem.

The university was asked to submit a project report for making a detailed study. The project report was submitted and the Punjab planning board sanctioned Rs 1 crore for it.The project was to function under the soils department of the PAU. A cancer hospital was also to be associated with the project for clinical diagnosis.

Dr G.S. Chahal, former director research of the PAU, who had prepared and submitted the report to the planning board, said there was no information from the government regarding the project. “We are not aware of the fate of the project,” he said.

Ludhiana, October 11
Garbage is being dumped in front of the memorial of Gadar martyr, Baba Than Singh, at Sunet village.

Tonnes of garbage can be seen lying in front of the memorial which was constructed by villagers in his memory. But instead of beautifying it, the MC has converted the area into a garbage dump. When children and villagers visit the place to pay tributes to the martyr, the stink makes it impossible for them to stay there for long.

“We are treating our martyr in a shabby manner,” said Jaswant Jeerakh, an office-bearer of the Maha Sabha that was instrumental in setting up the memorial. 

Residents met the CM during his sangat darshan yesterday and told him about the state of affairs. Even then, nobody cleared the garbage. The residents staged a dharna in front of the memorial today. “We want the CM to know what is happening in this city. Through this protest, we want to convey to him our feelings,” said Col J.S. Brar (retd).

The martyr was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British for participating in the freedom struggle. He was kept in an iron enclosure at the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. He died a painful death. A memorial has been set up there in his memory. 

Khamano, October 11
A married youth of nearby Baur village committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan last night.

According to sources, Jaspal Singh (25) had married around seven months ago and was alcoholic.

Last night he had a quarrel with his family members. After the family members went to sleep, he hanged himself with a dupatta.

The family members learned about the incident in the morning when he failed to come out of the room.

They later found his body hanging in his room.

They informed the Kheri police chowki falling under the Khamano police station. The police handed over the body to the family after a post-mortem examination. 

Ludhiana, October 11
Sangat darshan has left many people upset as they could not meet the CM. Some people alleged that there was pick and choose policy as councillors were allowing their “favourites” to meet the CM.

Rajan Sharma, who wanted to meet Badal regarding arrears for his father, said: “I had been running from pillar to post, but to no avail. I thought if I met the CM, my problem would be solved and my father would get his dues.” 

Gurdit Singh of Model Town alleged that the councillor of their area was not helping in maintaining a public park in the area and he wanted to complain about it to the CM, but he could not meet him.

Residents from various wards complained of poor civic amenities and demanded work to restart on projects that had been stalled. The Tagore Nagar Social Welfare Society demanded a grant for a park and alleged that it was not receiving a grant of Rs 2,800 from the MC every month. 

The All-India Senior Citizen Organisation urged the CM to grant facilities to senior citizens in Punjab.

An NGO, Shree Manav Sewa Welfare Bureau, asked the CM to release the pay commission report of Punjab and pension for government grant-in-aid private schools.

Ludhiana, October 11
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s two-day sangat darshan in the city proved a boon for city residents as they were provided with 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. The city, which had been witnessing regular power cuts for six hours, witnessed uninterrupted powers supply during his visit.

This came as a major relief to residents as they had been suffering from power woes for the past few days.

Chintan Sehgal, a cloth manufacturer, said: “The last two days have been the best days for my business in the recent past, as there has been uninterrupted power supply, which is the need of the hour in the festival season.”

Cycle part manufacturers who had been complaining of lack of power were also elated with the chief minister’s visit.

“Earlier, power supply used to remain disrupted for at least six hours every day. Thanks to the presence of Badal in the city, we have received 24-hour electricity supply,” said Amit Behal, a manufacturer.

It was a special Saturday for city’s cricket enthusiasts who remained glued to their television sets and enjoyed live coverage of the third day of the India-Australia Test.

Saurabh Sood said: “It was after long time that I enjoyed the India-Australia encounter without a power cut being imposed during the day by the electricity department.”

Usha Chaudhary, a housewife, said: “Earlier, the PSEB officials used to impose power cuts during noon, making it difficult for us to sleep. However, for the past two days there has been no cut. I wish the chief minister could permanently stay here.”

Ludhiana, October 11
Although the sangat darshan programme is turning out to be a boon for city residents, it is taking a toll on city policemen, who are working round the clock to ensure law and order here.

The police department, which is already suffering from acute staff shortage, is finding itself in a difficult situation in the wake of stepped up vigil during festival season coupled with VIP visits to the city.

The city has turned into a virtual garrison as all police officers are deployed either on CM’s security or to maintain law and order.

The officers are hardly available at police stations, due to which complainant’s are either suffering or rushing to sangat darshan to register their complaints.

>However, the authorities have made some stopgap arrangements to give respite to around 2,500 policemen deputed in the district.

A medical examination conducted recently has revealed that a majority of policemen, especially lower-rung officers, suffer from various types of health problems. A majority of them suffer from liver problem caused due to irregular diet and sleeplessness.

A police officers said: “Politician are giving green signal to new projects here but ignoring the fact that the police department is suffering from acute staff shortage. Only of a handful of police force is there to man the entire city, which is growing by the day.”

An ASI-rank officer said: “Due to the CM’s visit I have not visited the police station for the past two days. People are surely suffering, but what can I do about it.”

“People think we are not human. Every time something happens in the city we are at the receiving end as not only people even politicians call us inefficient. Before blaming us they should know what kind of circumstances we are working in,” said a lower-rung policeman.

Ludhiana, October 11
Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gogi alleged unfair treatment to elected representatives of opposition party during sangat darshan here today.

He along with his wife, Sukhchain Gogi, a former councillor, lodged their protest outside Government College for Boys, where chief minister addressed the grievances of residents.

They said the function was organised in their ward but they were not asked to visit it with their problems. He took a list of works that needed to be done in his ward and handed it over to Badal.

“It is sad that being area councillor I was not even asked what kind of problems my ward was facing,” said Gogi, adding that he had come to the function thinking his people should not suffer just because he belonged to opposition party.

Ludhiana, October 11
Badminton lovers have a reason to rejoice, as the Shastri Hall near the Guru Nanak Stadium will be spruced up at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.

Giving this information, Anupam Kumaria, honorary secretary, Ludhiana Badminton Academy (LBA) which runs a free coaching centre at the hall for the past two years said that he, along with the Punjab chief parliamentary secretary, Harish Rai Dhanda, met the Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal, who was in the city in connection with sangat darshan programme and requested him for funds.

“We briefed the Chief Minister about the LBA's activities which included free coaching to the budding shuttlers in the age group between 6-16 and scholarships being paid to the needy players. The academy produced a number of potential players, including two internationals namely Raj Kumar and Pranav Chopra,” Kumaria said.

We urged the Chief Minister to sanction some funds, required for erecting a gymnasium, renovation of wooden courts and installing of tube lights as per international norms. The Chief Minister sanctioned a sum of Rs 50 Lakh for the purpose, he added.

The CM instructed the commissioner corporation, Ludhiana, Gurdev Singh Ghuman to take immediate action for the maintenance of Shastri Hall.

Ludhiana, October 11
Infusing a thought among the people towards deforestation, Jagdish Bajaj, president of Shree Gyan Sathal Mandir Sabha today celebrated his birthday by planting saplings. “If everybody starts this practice of planting saplings on his or her birthday or other special occasions it will help in making the environment pollution free”, he said. The time has come everybody should give a serious thought towards saving environment. The global warming should be taken seriously and people should start thinking of the ways to save the environment, he said.

Bajaj was born in Pakistan but shifted to India during partition. Being the president of the Shree Gyan Sathal Mandir Sabha he started several regular social work programmes like widow pension, performing marriage of poor girls and educating girls.

Ludhiana, October 11
The city today wore a festive look with all main roads decorated with lights and bunting to welcome the foot march that was taken out by Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib to commemorate the 300 years of Gurta Gaddi Divas of Guru Granth Sahib.

Langars were organised along the way. People stood outside their houses to welcome the procession.

The procession started around 9 am and after covering the entire city returned to the starting point in the evening. The entire gurdwara complex was illuminated.

The procession passed from Jagraon bridge to Vishavkarma chowk, Campa Cola chowk, Aatam Park, Dugri road. After Dugri, it headed towards the Model Town area, Sarabha Nagar, Ferozepur road and Ghumar Mandi and before culminating at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib.

People of all age groups took part participated in the procession. Hymns were chanted all along the procession.

“Jap Tap Samagam” and “Aatam Ras Kirtan” will be held at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib on October 12.

Jagraon, October 11
After claiming eight lives in Raikot, gastroenteritis has spread its tentacles in Kamalpura village here. Hathur SMO Dr Baldev Raj has referred seven cases to the civil hospital, Jagraon. Another 10 are stated to be admitted to private hospitals.

The village is located on the Raikot Road and has a population of around 9,000. The SMO visited the village and took stock of the situation. He said water samples would be sent to the laboratory for examination on Monday.

He said an awareness drive had also been undertaken at the village and chlorine tablets were being supplied.

Panch Balwinder Singh said the the outbreak was due to a leakage in the water pipeline. Most cases had been reported from Ramdas colony of the village. 

Those admitted to the civil hospital are: Gurmail Kaur (45), Sukhdev Kaur (40), Kashmira Singh (50), Gurmeet Singh (50) Vakil Singh (75), Harjot Singh (16) Parveen Kumar (20).

Jagraon SMO Dr Hari Krishan said the condition of the patients was stable and were recovering.

Jagraon tehsildar Rajinder Oberai after visiting the village said a new pipeline had been installed at the village for a particular area sometime ago. Leakage developed in the pipeline, which resulted in contamination of water with sewage.

The department is trying to locate the leakage. Meanwhile, the water supply through this pipeline has been suspended.

Ludhiana, October 11
The campus of Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, buzzed with activity as the annual exhibition opened here today. Dr Daljit Singh, principal, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital lighted the lamp and inaugurated the two-day exhibition. 

The zeal and enthusiasm of the students was worth seeing as they displayed innovative model and charts related to science, social studies, mathematics, commerce, home science, art and craft and computer. 

There were models like mathematics modeling of urban planning, river valley project, bio gas plant, line of symmetry, state of Indian economy before independence, motivation - Marlow's need hierarchy, multinational corporations etc. 

Each wing of the school had prepared model on subjects taught to them. Later during the day, the exhibition was opened up for parents too. The innovation, application of concept and presentation were the factor the parents kept in mind while judging the exhibits in various categories. Paintings, thali decoration, paper bags, envelopes, bandhanwar drew huge crowd.

Declamation: Vedic declamation contest was organised by BCM School, Baant Avenue, Ludhiana, in which students exhibited their talent of the art of speaking. 

In this inter-house competition, the students expressed their views on topic like Hind ki Chadar - Guru Teg Bahadur, Dhara Ka Adhar Nari, Parmatma ka Nij Naam Om etc. School principal Amarjyot Chawla and Naveen Sharma were the judges. 

Jagmeet Singh, Gagandeep Kaur and Amanjeet Kaur bagged first, second and third postitions respectively. Ved Prachar Mandal sponsored the competition.

Science expo: The scientific genius and potential of students of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir hogged the limelight during the inter-branch science exhibition here today.

All the four branches of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir namely BVM, Udham Singh Nagar, BVM, Kitchlu Nagar, BVM, Chandigarh Road and BVM, Dugri, participated in the exhibition. Concepts like energy harnesing, disaster management, road safety rules, conservation of natural resource, food health and nutrition, etc were taken as theme of model making. 

Paper reading and chart making contests were also held. For primary section, the topics were balanced diet, impact of human activity on environment and for middle and higher classes were global warming, depletion of natural resources, for senior secondary the topics included nanotechnology, nuclear deal, applications of biotechnology. Prizes were given to the winners.

Lecture: A lecture on "Cancer awareness-think about it" was delivered by Dr Rohit Joshi from the department of Oncology, CMC, at Government College for Women here today. Principal Dr R.K. Aulakh welcomed the key speaker. 

Dr Joshi, in his lecture threw light on different kinds of cancer. He said that cancer was not a single disease and any part of the body could be affected by it. 

The disease was one of the 15 most common diseases in the world. He advised the audience for regular breast self examination to notice the changes in the breast. Dr Joshi also answered their queries. A CD about self-examination was also given to the staff members.

Visit: Bhutta College of Engineering and Technology (BCET) organised a visit to Ludhiana Stock Exchange (LSE) for MBA students yesterday. Pooja Sharma, senior executive, training and placement of LSE explained, in detail, the historical perspective of stock exchanges in India and the emergence of Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. She also narrated various rules and regulations issued by SEBI to streamline the working of regional stock exchange. 

She said, “SEBI acts like a watchdog on the working of stock exchanges. She cautioned students to carefully venture into share and commodity trading.

Ludhiana, October 11
Former Punjabi University vice-chancellor Dr S.S. Johl today said teachers were the real builders of the nation as they moulded future citizens of the country. 

“Future of the nation cannot be secured unless much needed changes are brought about in our education system,” he said while speaking on “State of Education Today” during a meeting of Rotary Club here today.

Dr Johl regretted that the representation of students belonging to the rural areas and economically weaker sections of society in the urban areas in institutions of higher learning was very low with the result that talent of around 75 per cent of the population remaining untapped. 

He pleaded for correcting this imbalance.

Ludhiana, October 11
Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI) will organise a state-level convention on October 19 here to discuss the apathetic attitude of the central and state governments towards their demands like price rise and farcical elections to the local body institutions. State secretary Kuldip Singh in a press note issued here said the convention would raise voice against pro-capitalist policies and liberal and neo-liberal agenda being pursued by the central and state governments.

In addition, the convention will also raise voice against communalism especially in the wake of attacks on minority communities in Orissa, Karnataka and other parts of India.

Ludhiana, October 11
Indian Overseas Bank is poised to leverage advanced and better technology with the bank's aim as 100 per cent CBS branches in the current year for providing excellent customer service. This was revealed by V.K. Gupta who joined as chief regional manager, Indian Overseas Bank, Ludhiana region.

Addressing the Manager's Conference of Ludhiana Region, consisting of 53 branches, Gupta emphasised upon extending finance to small medium entrepreneurs (SME) besides targeting the agriculture sector as priority area for the bank in Punjab.

Giving details of the salient schemes of the bank which is celebrating its 72nd anniversary this year, Gupta said Indian Overseas Bank had been paying 10.5 per cent interest on term deposit for 720 days while the senior citizens are entitled for .75 per cent extra interest.

Gupta has a vast experience of working at major cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai in addition to its central office at Chennai.

Ludhiana, October 11
The division No. 2 police has booked a truck driver for attempted murder. He had allegedly mowing down a youth near the civil hospital eight days ago.

The FIR has been converted from reckless driving to attempted murder after the statement of the victim.

The victim, Jasvir Singh, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the civil hospital after he was mowed down by a truck on October 3.

Jasvir alleged that he had an argument with truck driver Jagtar Singh, who abused and threatened him with dire consequences.

Later, when the victim was standing along with his friends near the civil hospital, Jagtar Singh driving a speeding truck mowed down Jasvir Singh, who was later admitted to the civil hospital.

The police impounded the truck, but the accused fled the scene.

After taking the statement of the victim, the police has registered a case under Sections 307 and 427, IPC, for attempted murder and intentionally causing damage to the property of the victim.

Jagraon, October 11
The Dehlon police has booked 10 persons, including members of the panchayat, of Gurm village for illegally demolishing construction on a private property.

Complainant Balwinder Kaur had written to SSP (Ludhiana rural) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stating that she had a plot measuring 17 marla near the village pond on which she had started construction.

The village panchayat and certain other persons conspiring to encroach upon her land razed the construction, claiming that the property was part of the panchayat.

She claimed that she had got her property demarcated by revenue officials of the area. SSP Jagraon marked the complaint to DSP Dehlon for inquiry. 

The Dehlon police has registered a case against sarpanch Sant Singh, panches Gurmail Singh, Harjinder Singh, Kaur Singh, Jasbir Kaur, village lambardar Ranjit Singh, and Chamkaur Singh, Nirmal Singh and Bhupinder Singh.

Jagraon, October 11
A local youth died after he was found unconscious near the Ramlila ground yesterday morning. He died after being taken to the hospital. An unknown person informed SHO Ravinderpal Singh about the youth lying near the ground at Old Grain Market.

The youth was taken to the local civil hospital in a police vehicle. The doctors at the hospital referred him to the civil hospital, Ludhiana. The youth died on the way to Ludhiana. The victim has been identified as Parminder Singh, alias Binder (24), of Shastri Nagar. The youth was seen lying at the spot after Ramlila around 12.30 am.

The police has booked Pankaj Kumar and Pawan Verma of Jagraon on the statement of Jagdev Singh, brother of the deceased, under Section 302, IPC. He alleged that after consuming liquor, they both had a quarrel with his brother and beat him up following which he succumbed to internal head injuries that he received in the fight. 

Jagraon, October 11
The police today arrested one person and seized smack from his possession. 

The in charge of the Jodhan police post was given a tip-off by an informer that Amrik Singh Sonu of Assi Kalan was allegedly indulging in drug peddling and was going to Dhaipai village on foot to deliver drugs. 

The police laid a barricade on a bridge and arrested the accused with 2 gm of smack. The police has registered a case under the NDPS Act.

Ludhiana, October 11
Jarkhar Hockey Academy blanked Sangrur A 4-0 in a group A match of the u-14 section in the ongoing Punjab State Weekend Hockey Tournament for boys being organised by the Punjab Sports Department at the Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium of Punjab Agricultural University campus, here today.

They shot into an early lead when Amandeep Singh struck in the third minute. In the eighteenth minute, Sahminder Singh, scored a field goal to increase the lead 2-0.

In the very next minute, Jarkhar lads further consolidated the lead through Gurbir Singh while Gurpreet Singh found the target in the 38th minute to complete the rout 4-0.

However, in the second match of day (u-16), Jarkhar Hockey Academy fought a spirited battle against Malwa Khalsa Senior Secondary School Hockey Wing, Ludhiana, before going down 1-2.

After wasting a couple of scoring chances, Malwa Khalsa School, players opened the account in the 32nd minute through a penalty corner conversion by Ranjit Singh. They enhanced the lead six minutes later when Parminder sr. sounded the board.

Down by two goals, Jarkhar lads went all out and made attacks repeatedly. The pressure tactics yielded results in the 43rd minute when they forced a penalty corner off which Navjot Singh reduced the margin 2-1.

The third match was played in the group B (u-14) between Faridkot and Amloh in which Sukhwinder Singh scored a hat-trick (3rd, 25th and 29th minute) as the former came out triumphant 3-0.

In the last match of the day in the group B (u-16), Moga B survived many anxious moments before romping home victors 1-0 against Amloh. The important goal came off Harman's stick in the 53rd minute.

Ludhiana, October 11
Satish Chander Dhawan Government College and PP Club overpowered their respective opponents to set up the title clash in the men’s section on the penultimate day of the 4th Senior Ludhiana District Baseball Championship for men and women at Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujarkhan Campus, Model Town here today.

In the first semifinal, SCD Government College romped home victorious without being challenged by RS Model Senior Secondary School 10-0.

In the second semifinal, PP Club quelled a strong challenge from rivals My Nine Panthers Club whom they pipped 10-7 to set up the title clash.

Earlier, in the league matches, SCD Government College beat Guru Nanak International Public School 10-2; RS Model Senior Secondary School outplayed Guru Harkrishan Public School 13-3; My Nine panthers Club defeated Teja Singh Club 9-3; PP Club outclassed RS Model Senior Secondary School 13-3; RS Model Senior Secondary School got the better of Teja Singh Swatantar School 3-0; and My Nine Panthers Club blanked RS Model Senior Secondary School 11-0.

Ludhiana, October 11
Mahilpur Academy proved its authority by winning titles in both the groups (u-14 and u-19) in the 54th Punjab Schools Inter District Football Tournament for boys organised by the Punjab Education Department at Gur Nanak Stadium and Punjab Agricultural University grounds, here yesterday.

In the u-14 section, Mahilpur Academy lads, were followed by Gurdaspur and G S Mianwind Academy of Taran Tarn who secured second and third positions, respectively. In the super league matches played, Mahilpur Academy drew 1-1 with Gurdaspur while G S Mianwind Academy beat Ludhiana 4-0.

In the boy’s u-19 section, Mahilpur Academy won top honours while Dalbir Academy of Patiala finished runners up and Hoshiarpur had to content with third place. In the super league matches played on the last day, Mahilpur Academy beat Hoshiarpur 1-0; Patiala defeated Achharwal Academy 1-0; Mahilpur Academy beat Patiala 2-1 and Hoshiarpur defeated Achharwal Academy 4-2.