Ludhiana, October 31
The 25th martyrdom day of former prime minister Indira Gandhi was observed as ‘Sankalp Diwas’ jointly by the District Congress Committee (Urban), District Youth Congress, Congress Sewa Dal, Mahila Congress and Sports cell of the party at Congress Bhawan here today.

Paying tributes to the first woman prime minister of the country, the district party chief Jagmohan Sharma described her as a big source of inspiration for the youth and women. "She led the country with great wisdom, and the nation took big strides in agriculture, economic development and technology under her leadership. She also provided the country a strategic leadership in the war against Pakistan in 1971."

The youth Congress president Dimple Rana said the country was indebted to Indira Gandhi and her family for the sacrifices made by them to maintain unity, integrity and communal harmony. The youth ought to follow in the footsteps of the great leader in order to move ahead and take the country to still greater heights.

In another meeting organised by Chander Shekhar Sahota, secretary, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, at Valmiki Dharamshala in mohalla Shahi here, speakers recalled the great work done by the then prime minister for the empowerment of Dalits and weaker sections of society.

Sahota remarked that it was during the regime of Indira Gandhi that rights and privileges granted to the Dalits in the Constitution of India by Dr B. R. Ambedkar were given effect. "The Congress government, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, worked relentlessly to put an end to discrimination and inequalities in the society, and the oppressed sections were provided equal opportunities for their all-round progress."

The SC/ST cell of the District Youth Congress organised a rally at Issa Nagri to observe the martyrdom day of Indira Gandhi. Party leaders, including Kala Hans, Jasbir Johny, Raj Kumar Happy and Gurdeep Chawla also recalled the contribution of the former prime minister.

Ludhiana, October 31
The cabinet today decided to hike the foreign direct investment in the insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent and to raise the equity from Rs 5 to 10 crore.

Immediately, the LIC employees, under the banner of AIIEA, today held a protest demonstration in front of the offices of LIC of India under Ludhiana division during lunch hours.

Addressing the gathering, the leadership reiterated the stand of AIIEA to go for one-day strike in the insurance sector in case the bill introduced in the Parliament in the coming session. The AIIEA is of the opinion that the move to hike the FDI from 26 to 49 per cent will weaken the public sector insurance industry and will help the international finance capital.

According to a press note, as per IRDA's new business statistics for the year 2007-08, the LIC has underwritten new premium of Rs 59182.20 crore (on the basis of annualised premium) which is 63.64 per cent of the market share. Seventeen private companies together have a market share of 36.36 per cent with 8.93 per cent of ICICI Prudential, 11 companies have a market share of less than 2 per cent.

In the total premium mobilised in the country, the share of LIC is in excess of 80 per cent. LIC has settled 99.86 per cent of the reported claims in contrast to 72 per cent of private companies. The private companies have lapsation ratio more than 25 per cent as against 4 per cent of LIC. The expense ratio of LIC I 5.45 per cent while for private insurers it is worked out to 23.11 per cent. The LIC has made an enormous contribution to the infrastructure development and has the distinction of funding over 25 per cent of the Central Government borrowings.

There is also a proposal to amend the existing rules on investment to permit a portion of the premium mobilised in India to be taken out of the country. Raisng the FDI limits provides the foreign capital a greater access and control over the domestic savings.

The leadership was of the view that the argument that under the IRDA rules, minimum capital for a life insurance company is Rs 100 crore and so LIC should hike the capital to give confidence to policy holders about the security of their money is unconvincing. 

Ludhiana, October 31
Have you seen the government construction work undergoing sans a copy of approved plan with the site in charge?

Well, the much hyped and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's dream project of providing flats to the economically weaker section is going this way.

The construction of flats is being undertaken by the Chaddha Builders under the supervision of the municipal corporation.

When builder Chaddha was asked about the approved plan he replied that the construction company has only the copy of footing designs. It has not received any plan for the construction of building yet. He agreed that the site in charge Sukhwinder Singh did not has a copy of any designs.

According to information, each building would have four storey and accommodation includes one living room, one bedroom along with a bathroom, toilet and a kitchen. Each flat would come in an area of 30 gaj.

A few municipal councillors alleged that sub-standard material is being used for the construction of flats at Gyaspura. They added that even the pace of work was slow and the work was unlikely to be completed in the scheduled time, which is 16 months. Besides, various irregularities are also being reported.

The project is being taken under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission and the MC had invited expression of interests too for the allotment of flats. The project is expected to provide around 4,000 flats and would give shelter to slum dwellers in various localities like Labour Colony and Bhagat Singh Nagar.

Ludhiana, October 31
The much-awaited meeting of the municipal corporation’s finance and contracts committee will be held here on Saturday.

Members of the committee, including municipal commissioner G. S. Ghuman and mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura, will discuss around 39 agendas like construction of the Ferozepore road from Lodhi Club to Chungi Naka.

The meeting was already postponed thrice before being scheduled for tomorrow.

According to sources, the issue to dominate the meeting tomorrow will be the arrangement of flats for economically weaker section at Gyaspura and Mandiala Kalan.

Sources said for the construction of these flats at Gyaspura, the area has been divided into three groups and the MC had already approved work for two groups. The work for these two groups has been allotted to Chaddha Builders.

However, tenders for the third group has been received by only one construction company, Deepak Builders, which is ready to undertake the work at Rs 11,51,07,200.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 31
Slow lifting of paddy procured by various food agencies of the state from the grain market here and the centres running under the local office of the market committee has affected all sections of the society adversely, besides forcing farmers to stay at mandis for days to sell their produce.

Market committee authorities claimed that officials of the concerned procurement agencies had been directed to speed up the lifting.

The Punjab Kisan Union had threatened to launch an agitation if nothing is done to speed up the procurement process as selling paddy is turning out to be a nightmare for the farmers of the area.

While the farmers were forced to stay in the mandis for days, dumping of paddy on roads and streets caused inconvenience to passersby. As the yards were packed to their capacity with filled bags, labourers had to put more efforts to load the produce in trucks.

Negligible stocks were being lifted from the mandis by the procurement agencies, including PUNSUP, PUNGRAIN and MARKFED. The unsold paddy heaps and filled bags, lying in the yards at the Lohatbaddi, Kanganwal, Kalsian, Jhaner, Momnabad, Nathumajra and Maholi centres, besides the local grain market was reported to have forced the farmers to dump their produce in open on the roads and streets.

Sultan Mohammad, an official, said the officials in the concerned procurement agencies had been asked to speed up the lifting. According to him, 61,770 tonnes of paddy was procured till today in the local grain market, as compared to 61,920 tonnes procured during the corresponding period last year.

Baldev Singh Latala, general secretary the Punjab Kisan Union, alleged that the procurement agencies were not purchasing their produce under the pressure of rice mill owners. "We will launch the agitation in case the officials continued their present attitude towards the farmers," he threatened. 

Khamano, October 31
There is no old stock of damaged rice with FCI in Fatehgarh Sahib district and the new rice has started coming by millers after milling.

This was stated by Mehar Singh, area manager, FCI, Chandigarh, depo Sanghol, at the time of taking a delivery of new rice sent by Lakshmi Energy and Foods Ltd., Khamano, after milling while talking to mediapersons.

He said the rice stock had been sent by the mill from the quota of Punsup purchase agency. He said the quality and specifications given by the Central government were kept in front at the time of receiving rice after milling.

He said all purchase agencies have been strictly ordered to follow the guidelines of FCI.

He said if the Central government gave any relaxation in specifications then it would be implemented immediately. He assured that they are confident of more rice than the target fixed by the FCI.

Director Lakshmi Energy and Foods Ltd. Janak Raj Singh Uppal said they had presented five wagons of rice to FCI after milling and they were following the guidelines given by FCI.

He said they would continue milling with full capacity. 

Doraha, October 31
Women activists, including Dr Iqbal Kaur and Dr Jyoti Seth, lecturers, Government College, Chandigarh, stressed the need for adopting a gender-sensitive approach in the classrooms during a one-day workshop on “Teachers as catalysts of change for gender equal society” held at the Doraha College of Education here today.

An interactive session was also held to have a closer look at gender discrimination. A film focusing on the issue of female foeticide, “Vanishing daughters”, by Anwar Jamal was also screened for the teachers and the students of the college of education.

Amrit Kaur Gurm, director of the college and Sukhpal Singh, chairman, Doraha Group of Institutes, principal Dr Kiran J. Gera and Jaspreet Kaur, Coordinator, DCE, were among those who were present on the occasion.

Focusing on female foeticide and gender discrimination, Dr Iqbal Kaur said that sensitising the society towards gender inequalities was the need of the hour. "Changing mindset and attitude through sustained information, education and communication campaigns is required. Ensuring the survival, growth and overall development of daughters should be the sole motive of the society at present," she added.

For this purpose, she added, they have been collaborating with educational institutions, healthcare institutions, government agencies, police, media, NGOs, religious institutions, people from literature and art fields, community groups, artists and researchers.

Dr Jyoti Seth said, "The tendency to view the girl child as a burden and a liability is assuming serious proportions. There is a consistent decline in the sex ratio in this region. Policies and legislations should be practically effective in enforcing rules and regulations and creating equal opportunities for the girl child."

Discussing the Chandigarh model of fighting against female foeticide, Dr Jyoti said the administration not only focuses on improving the sex ratio at birth, but also in the 0-6 years of age group which was critical for advances in healthcare and nutrition. “The model goes beyond the expectant mother and her infant daughter and focuses on the child's early health care and nutrition. It further looks into the need to interrogate the educated mindsets .The Chandigarh administration has specially designed campaigns to empower the girl child which have commendably accelerated in the recent times" she added. 

Ludhiana, October 31
The district administrative complex, also known as the mini-secretariat, is one of the most happening and congested places in the city with over 5,000 people visiting it daily for redressal of their grievances.

Besides the offices of the deputy commissioner, the offices of the senior superintendent of police, state excise and taxation department, additional deputy commissioner (general), additional deputy commissioner (development), district transport office, the offices of the two sub-divisional magistrates (east and west), offices of the district education officers (secondary and primary) and deputy director, local bodies are also located in this complex.

The mini-secretariat also houses the Suvidha Centre where the affidavits are prepared. The Suvidha Centre has proved a boon for for the people as only Rs 20 are charged for getting an affidavit attested by a duty magistrate.

Deputy commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar said that on an average 500 affidavits are attested daily. The DC disclosed that they were planning to shift some more public services to the Suvidha Centre.

He claimed that he attends over 100 people in his office daily. The complaints normally pertain to revenue, property disputes and against the police. The DC said the adequate security arrangement were in place in the complex.

He said that another office of the sub-registrar would be opened soon in the complex as the work regarding the registration of sale and purchase of real estate has increased manifold. Ludhiana has already two offices of the sub-registrar.

With the huge concentration of the offices, the complex has become a congested place. The parking lot is full to capacity during working hours. 

Ludhiana, October 31
Reacting strongly to the continuing attacks on North Indians and killing of two migrants in Mumbai, the labour wing of the Shiromani Youth Akali Dal (Badal) today held a protest march from Sherpur to the mini-secretariat where a common effigy of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, union home minister Shiv Raj Patil, Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackarey and state home minister R.R. Patil was burnt.

Addressing the protesters, Sitamber Singh, president of the labour wing demanded dismissal of state government in Maharashtra and imposition of the President rule.

"The way the candidates for railway recruitment test from Bihar were beaten up in Mumbai and the helplessness shown by the state law enforcement machinery as well as the government to restore law and order in Mumbai is indicative of the total collapse of the administration in the state,” he said.

Lashing out at the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, speakers at the rally said rather than taking the Deshmukh government to task for its failure to ensure safety of the North Indians, the Centre was watching the deteriorating situation like a mute spectator, thereby exposing its real face, he added.

Ludhiana, October 31
Shahi Imam, Jama Masjid, Mualana Habib-Ur-Rehman today criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackarey for targeting innocent people from other states.

Addressing a press conference here today, the Shahi Imam said that such leaders were weakening the social fibre of the country by creating communal and regional rift. “It’s shocking that a handful of people led by a fundamentalist are challenging the integrity of the world's largest democracy and the Centre government is a mere spectator,” he said.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 31
Office-bearers of various teachers’ unions have opposed the state government's move to cancel the public holiday on the Punjab Day to be observed tomorrow.

Led by Sikandar Singh Jartoli, state president, Punjab School Teachers’ Union, Ram Singh Dehliz, general secretary, SCBC Teachers’ Union and Raghbir Singh Grewal, president of the Punjab State Recognised and Aided School Teachers’ Union, the unions claimed that the successive governments had been declaring November 1 as a public holiday every year. They accused the SAD-BJP combine of attempting to dilute the importance of the annual day.

"We fail to understand the logic behind the cancellation of the holiday. When the government can keep the offices closed on the birthdays and death anniversaries of leaders, why are we being denied the right to observe this day to pay gratitude to those who gave the state a separate identity," argued Sikandar Jartoli.

The leaders claimed that the Haryana government was still observing the day as a public holiday. 

Ludhiana, October 31
S.A.N. Jain Senior Secondary School and the S.A.N. Jain Model Senior Secondary School celebrated the 139th birth anniversary of its founder Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Maharaj here today.

This day is celebrated every year as the Founder's Day. Teams from various city schools participated in events organised on the occasion.

Member of Parliament Sharanjit Singh Dhillon was the chief guest of the function and chief parliamentary secretary Harish Rai Dhanda presided over the function. 

Doraha, October 31
The state-level assembly of the National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) of Punjab is holding a continuing medical education (CME) on bariatric and metabolic surgery for morbid obesity and minimally invasive surgery for haemorrhoids at Ludhiana on November 2.

Dr Harbans Singh Sidhu, managing director, Sidhu Hospital, Doraha, will be the chief guest. Dr Gurdip Singh Sidhu, director and chief of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, will be delivering a guest lecture on various treatment options available for obesity and the role of bariatric surgery in morbid obesity. Dr R.S. Sidhu, Dr Harjot Kaur Sidhu, Dr Gursaran Kaur Sidhu and Dr. Naveen Laiker will be speaking on joint problems, gynaecological conditions and metabolic diseases like diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity. More than 300 delegates are expected to participate in the CME programme.

Consultants belonging to various specialties from Sidhu Hospital, Doraha, will be elaborating on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of obesity and different co-morbidities associated with it. Amardip Grewal, a nutritionist, will speak on classification and prevention of obesity.

Dr Kamal Bharti, state president, Dr Hira Lal Garg, state secretary of NIMA, Punjab, will speak on the role played by NIMA in the prevention of various diseases and treatment modalities in providing “holistic” approach to patients. 

Ludhiana, October 31
The 4th Punjab Horse Show and State Equestrian Championship commenced at Punjab Police Academy, (PAP) Phillaur, here today.

The three-day horse and equestrian championship was inaugurated by MS Bhullar, former DGP, Punjab. The tournament will conclude on November 3.

The Olympic events of show jumping, dressage as well as the international events of tent pegging and endurance were held today.

Nihangs also displayed their horsemanship on the occasion. There was horse breed display, dancing horses, obedient horses and age group competitions for children sub-junior, junior, senior and open.

Teams from the member district units and clubs are also participating in the Championship. Col. (Retd.) Rupinder Singh Brar, Asian Games 1982 Gold Medalist (Tent Pegging) and Arjuna Awardee, Nripjit Singh Bedi, Arjuna Awaree (Volleyball), Dharam Singh Mann, Dhyan Chand Awardee (Hockey)and Hardeep Singh Neeta, Arjuna Awardee (Hockey) were honoured on this occasion. 

It is unfortunate that the quality of roads in the highest income-tax payees’ city remains below the expectations of the residents. The government spends huge amounts on recarpeting of roads but the condition of roads worsens and cracks and potholes appear, especially during monsoon.

The GT road between Vishvakarma Chowk and Dholewal, link roads to industrial area, Pakhowal road, Sangeet cinema road and many other roads have a large number of potholes that are prone to accidents.

The work of carpeting the roads should be given to the companies. Also, daily cleanliness of all the roads need to be ensured. On the lines of metropolitan cities, all roads should be constructed in such a way that rainwater can not harm them. Ban should also be imposed on spitting and smoking on roads.

Jai Gopal Kusla, Haibowal Kalan (Ludhiana)

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.

Ludhiana, October 31
The division No 6 police has nabbed an alleged kidnapper for abducting a one-and-half-year-old child of Balmiki Colony here today.

According to the police, the accused Anil Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was arrested when he was trying to escape during an investigation.

According to complainant Amerika, a resident of Balmiki Colony, the accused entered his house to collect Rs 1,200 in connection of some labour work but when the accused saw the boy left abandoned, the accused allegedly abducted the child and escaped from the spot.

It was during the investigation that the accused admitted of committing the crime. 

Ludhiana, October 31
The city police has arrested a gang leader and two other of the alleged murder of Vijay Kumar which took place on October 23 at Salem Tabri.

The body was found near the grain market in Salem Tabri area. His body bore marks of injuries inflicted by sharp-edged weapons on the stomach, chest and legs.

The police claimed that Vijay Kumar was the eyewitness to a clash between two gangs on August 9 between the gang members of Ajay and Jindi in which both parties opened fire at each other.

The police claimed that Jasvir Singh alias Bindri Baba along with other accomplice killed Vijay as the accused feared that the latter will name him in a statement to the police.

The Jodhewal and Salem Tabri police conducted a combine operation and arrested Jasvir Singh, Sunny Chawla and Anil Kumar from the Salem Tabri police check point.

Sajjan Singh Cheema, SP, city III, said these accused were operating a gang and were indulged in all kind of anti-social activities, including murder, robbery and brawls, etc.

The accused Jasvir Singh was the mastermind of the gang.

Ludhiana, October 31
On the basis of first innings lead, Amritsar defeated hosts Ludhiana by a huge margin of 340 runs in the two-day match of the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament for Women played at the Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, ground 
here today.

The hosts made an early exit from the tournament after going down in their first encounter.

Resuming from their overnight score of 177 for the loss of three wickets, Amritsar went on to post a huge total of 388 runs in 92.3 overs with Anita Thapar remaining unbeaten on 195 with the help of 14 boundaries.

The other main contributors were Renu (44), Navdeep Kaur (25), Simranjit Kaur (24), Pavneet Kaur (14), Gurinder Kaur (17) and Monika Mehra (11).

For Ludhiana, Bhawn and Rajinder Kaur scalped three wickets each after conceding 132 and 75 runs, respectively, while Nidhi and Baldeep Kaur grabbed one wicket each.

Ludhiana, in their first innings, were bundled out for a meagre total of 
48 runs.

In their second innings, Ludhiana were tottering at 60 for 7 after 34 overs when it was called a day. Ramanpreet Kaur and Rajinder Kaur scored 15 and 14 runs, re while Nidhi and Sukhwinder Kaur added 12 and 7 runs, respectively.

For the winners, Navdeep Kaur was the pick of bowlers claiming three wickets for 14 runs in 11 overs, followed by Anjali who captured two wickets for 17 runs. Jaspreet Kaur took one for 14 and Avneet Kaur captured one for 14 runs.