Abohar, November 29
Recently sown wheat and mustard crop in hundreds of acres was feared damaged as gushing water due to a 220 feet breach in the Ramsara minor sub-canal flooded the agricultural farms near village Rajanwali in the wildlife sanctuary area.

Junior engineer Sukhdev Singh confirmed having received the first message on the breach from farmers at 5 am today. Controlling authorities at the Ramsara head were immediately requested to suspend supply but the zero level was expected to be achieved till tonight, sources in the irrigation department said.

Meanwhile, efforts are in progress to divert the gushing water to a drain that had earlier overflowed during rains and damaged crops in village Ramsara.

This, the authorities said, might help in minimising loss to the orchards which had kinnow fruit in final stage across the cultivated fields.

Notably, breach in the Malukpura sub-canal and Arniwala distributary had a few days back wreaked havoc on the farms.

Sources in the department reiterated that files containing estimates for long awaited strengthening/ repair of the sub-canals in the region had not been cleared by the headquarters for more than six years. Weak banks besides the trees grown on the footpath result in repeated breaches, the employees observed.

Plugging of the breach is likely to start tomorrow.

Bathinda, November 29
The financial capital of India was turned into a battlefield when terrorists, around a dozen, split into groups and targeted different places in Mumbai and killed over 195 people and left over 300 injured. The main railway station, a hospital and luxury hotels were attacked and left many foreigners dead, among others.

Such incidents are occurring more often than before and the reasons cited for such activities are many. Every time such incidents take place, security forces are pressed into action. The Tribune spoke to some people belonging to the defence forces and some related to the men in uniform about what impact such incidents leave on them and what do they feel about them.

"Most of these incidents take place when the elections are near. It reflects the vested interests of political parties in creating terror among people and shifting the focus towards those who are not in power. But all this happens at the cost of the lives of innocent people, half of them would never have voted had they survived," Nidhi, an Army officer's wife, said.

Families of the uniformed league do feel insecure now, not by staying in such terror-struck times but who knows when a call for their near and dear ones come for sweeping the militants out.

Srijata from Pune, fiancé of a naval officer posted in Mumbai, said, "I was so scared when the news about the attacks spread. I was praying throughout and was constantly keeping track of Rahul, my fiancé, about his whereabouts. I have never understood what people behind such gory activities achieve by striking terror in the minds of people.

“Is someone out jealous of India and does not want it to be a super power, which it can, and is channeling most of our funds towards such issues. Men in the forces die and are remembered only till their obituaries are given in papers. It seems that the government understands the importance of such a capable defence force only when it needs it to defend its boundaries and killing the enemy within."

Families said the police is always sidelined when it is time for real action. "Is it that our police force is not capable enough?" questioned Pallavi, a student of Class XII. "Where is communal guru Raj Thackeray and his Shiv Sainiks? They should have been on the streets to save a burning city. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died while conducting operations to flush out militants in Mumbai, was not a Marathi. He did not think that he was going to save a north Indian or a south Indian. All that mattered to him was his country. Where do people like Raj Thackeray go when a non-Marathi goes and fights to save terror-struck Mumbai?" said an officer and Major Sandeep's junior in a defence academy.

People from the forces also spoke about the government policies made for defence personnel and they strongly condemned the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations which again turned out to be a mere eyewash for the serving as well as the retired lot. They felt that people remember them only when a bunch of interlopers attack and horror is struck, otherwise they are expected to keep quiet, abide by the discipline and bear everything that comes their way.

Almost everyone The Tribune spoke to, expressed concern for those who lost their lives or were injured while fighting terrorists in Mumbai and said if possible, tell them that we were safe.

Bathinda, November 29
Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research (AIMSR) organised a zonal seminar on 'Health manpower needs: The current mismatch,' today on AIMSR campus, and commemorated the platinum jubilee of the Medical Council of India. Dr Malti Thapar, former minister of medical health, Punjab, and Dr H.S. Gill, chairman of Adesh Foundation, were the guests of honour. Dr S.S. Gill, vice-chancellor of the Baba farid University of Health Sciences, was the chief guest.

During the two-day seminar, eminent speakers from the country would discuss on health manpower and mismatch. The panel of speakers comprises Dr Malti Thapar, Dr H.S. Gill, Dr Uday Mohan, Dr A.S. Sekhon, Dr T.K. Jena, and Dr R.K. Sachar, among others.

Dr Bhupinder Singh, while addressing a press conference, said, "There are many vacant posts in the medical fraternity. At places where there are no vacant posts, people are not working properly due to various reasons. As a result, the public is suffering."

Dr Virender Mohan from the institute added that, "There is no major shortage of doctors and healthcare centres are also present but quality of care and the round-the-clock availability of doctors is the problem. Underutilisation of services prevail due to no proper referral institutes. Institutes like the PGI are always overcrowded because people staright away go to big hospitals rather than going to the primary health centres even for small diseases. Babas on various channels keep promoting Ayurveda and say that preventive medicine has side-effects. Diseases like chicken pox and polio have been driven off by preventive medicine only and long-term treatment and cure is always aided by preventive medicine. Urban population is increasing and the number of lifestyle diseases is also on the rise. Preventive medicine definitely aids in treatment of every disease."

On being asked why medicines are getting expensive by the day, he said, "Companies earn a lot of profit by manufacturing medicines. Their publicity costs etc have to be recovered, hence the prices are rising. The doctor is not to be blamed for this. Generic medicine is solution to this problem."

In her speech, Dr Malti Thapar said, "At the last meeting of the Central Council for Health and Family Welfare, it was decided that the shortage of medical and paramedical staff should be given top priority to achieve the goal of health for all. Because of illiteracy and poverty, our people are more prone to diseases. The resources of the government are limited, so the private sector has to share more burden of the healthcare system in the country. We need at least two and a half times the medical personnel that we have today. This is a total mismatch of the availability and requirement of the health manpower. For our vast population, we cannot have specialists and super specialists at every nook and corner of the country. We shall have to evolve a policy under which our people get the best possible medical care."

Thapar said the topic of discussion was very important and hoped that after the seminar, positive measures to correct the current mismatch of health manpower could be suggested to the Medical Council of India.

Sriganganagar/Hanumangarh/Abohar, November 29
Even when the BJP nominee for the office of the Prime Minister L.K. Advani, during rallies in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, described terrorism as the biggest ever crisis, his party’s Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje continued to mingle with the crowd during election rallies till late last evening in different segments like members of the Gandhi family members, security experts regretted.

As per available information, the top brass in security agencies had cautioned the VIPs against accepting heavy garlands besides ensuring reasonable distance from the crowds but Raje in her last minute effort to retain power by emotionally influencing the masses, ignored all warnings even during her well-attended rallies till sunset on Friday in some Assembly segments of Bikaner division.

Amidst reports that all the major political parties were planning to rush their star campaigners within the next few days as campaigning will come to an end on Tuesday evening, Sriganganagar DC Bhawani Singh Detha has asked the political parties to inform about the visits of the VIPs at least 72 hours in advance to ensure security arrangements strictly in accordance with the Blue Book. He said in plain words that VIPs would not be allowed to enter the district if they are not escorted by the personal security officers (PSOs) attached to them. They will be sent back if they are escorted only by private gunmen, he said.

Meanwhile, the DC today suspended arms licences of five persons, identified as H.P. Bishnoi of Rawla, Sabila Ram of 8PSD, Bansi Lal Bishnoi of 10KSD, Nathu Ram Meghwal of 5PSD and Het Ram Bishnoi of 2KLD village as the security agencies reported that they were involved in criminal activities, official sources confirmed.

Notably, the security forces had been under tremendous pressure due to visits of BJP stalwart L.K. Advani, UP Chief Minister Mayawati, former Punjab CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal on Friday and are now giving final touch to arrangements for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s rally slated for Monday at Hanumangarh. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and parliamentarian Navjot Singh Sidhu too will address some rallies on Sunday.

Ferozepur, November 29
Taking strong cognisance of the non-compliance of its orders, Sanjay Garg, president, District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, sentenced the regional manger and branch manager of the ICICI Bank to two years of imprisonment. A fine of Rs 5,000 each has also been imposed on them. Besides, the forum issued non-bailable warrants against the duo. However, the orders were recalled and the sentence of imprisonment was suspended for the time being after the counsel of the respondents gave an undertaking that the orders would be complied with and the imposed fine was deposited.

According to information available, the forum, in its orders dated January 11, 2007, had directed the officials to refund Rs 40,000 to complainant Sukhdev Singh, who deposited the amount as an installment for obtaining a loan. Besides, the bank was directed to pay Rs 2,000 as costs and Rs 25,000 as compensation to Sukhdev for mental harassment he went through. The time period given to comply with the orders was 30 days. However, the officials did not abide by the directions. Sukhdev filed an application on October 3, 2008, under section 27 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, against the bank officials. Subsequently, the forum issued notice to the officials. The case was adjourned many times and in its order dated November 17, the forum told the respondents to comply with its earlier orders by November 27 or face prosecution.

They were also directed to come personally on the fixed date. However, they failed to appear in person.

Hence, the forum sentenced the bank officials to two years of imprisonment along with the fine. Later, Harcharan Singh, collection manager with the bank, and counsel R.P. Sethi appeared before the forum and filed an application for recalling the orders.

In response, the forum has allowed 15 days time to the bank to comply with its orders or the sentence of imprisonment would be reimposed.

Bathinda, November 29
Delhi Public School celebrated its annual function today. It was a fun filled extravaganza with the zest and zeal of the students stealing the show. The chief guest was Ashok Chandra, chairman, Delhi Public School Society, New Delhi and the guest of honour was DC Rahul Tewari.

The cultural evening began on an auspicious note by lighting the traditional lamp. After the felicitations, the pro vice-chairman read out the welcome note and thanked all present for their benign presence.

The evening was an amalgam of thought provoking items and rib-tickling comedy. The plays 'Samaj' and 'Raja Ghonchumal ki Pareshani' in their different styles highlighted the problems of society. Snow White and a dance drama was appreciated by one and all. The choreographed dance number on the theme of national integration was well received by the audience. The chief guest appreciated the efforts of the students and congratulated the principal, staff and students on the job well done. The principal proposed the vote of thanks in the end

Meanwhile, St. Kabir Convent Senior Secondary school also organised its annual function today.

DC Rahul Tewari, advocate income tax Parshotam Singla and Jaideep Syal presided over the function. The occasion began with shabad followed by a welcome song. Choreography on female foeticide and the fancy dress show were well appreciated. Children were awarded for scoring in academics. Managing director of the school proposed the vote of thanks. — TNS

Bathinda, November 29
Om Parkash was adjudged best athlete yet again, as the local Malwa College regained the trophy (boys category) at the inter-college athletics championship held on Punjabi University campus from November 26 to 28. It is for the first time in the region that a college has won the trophy back to back. The college won five gold, five silver and three bronze medals at the championship.

Results: 20 km walk: Manjit Singh (gold); Shot-put: Om Parkash (gold); Discus throw: Om Parkash (gold); 110-m hurdle race: Daler Singh (gold); 5000-m race: Sukhpreet Singh (silver); 100-m race: Inderpreet Singh (silver); 200-m race: Inderpreet Singh (silver); 1500-m race: Parveen Kumar (silver); 20-km walk: Dilbagh Singh (bronze); 5000-m race: Ramanjeet Singh (bronze); Discus throw: Baljinder Singh (bronze); 10-km race: Ramanjit Singh (bronze); and Decathlon: Sukhpreet Singh (bronze). The chairman, management and the principal of the college congratulated the athletes on their success. — TNS