Abohar, December 13
More than 500 members of the BPL (below poverty line) families, including women and children, who had started thronging the Municipal Council complex without having food at 8 am on Saturday were this afternoon told to go back to their homes as the computer software for issuing them smart cards under the "Rashtriya Swasathya Beema Yojna" was not functional.

This further exposes the callous attitude of the authorities who had even yesterday been censured for a casual approach during the maiden meeting, senior councillor Vimal Thathai said.

Lacking education and awareness, even those who had not been issued BPL cards were found waiting in queues for more than four hours. They had misunderstood what the employees of the councils besides the elected representatives in their respective ward had tried to convey during a short span of time yesterday.

The councillors were only yesterday asked to approach the BPL families in their respective wards and inspire them to participate in the camp. They had argued that the much awaited scheme deserved wide publicity which should have been started at least a fortnight back. The scheme had been inaugurated with much fanfare by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Independence Day but the Ferozepur district was lacking behind in launching it. The officials clarified that only 2,090 families in this sub-divisional town having about 1.5 lakh population listed as BPL during surveys conducted in 2002 and 2004 are entitled to apply for the smart card which entitles free treatment up to Rs 30,000 by depositing Rs 30 per annum.

Indira Nagri resident, Vijay Kumar, told newspersons in the council complex that he had no means for treatment of his cancer afflicted wife and pinned hopes on the smart card. Richhpal Singh, aged above 75, who along with his wife was feeling uncomfortable due to long wait said in poetical tone, “Ik sarkar ne smart card ka sahara le kar, hum gharibon ki gurbat ka udaya hai mazaak.”

Surjit Kaur was another aged aspirant who could not afford walking from Prem Nagar to the council complex located near the railway station. She too was cursing the officials. Dharam Chand and Hari Krishan from Dyal Nagari said most of the citizens are daily wage earners and struggle hard for making both ends meet. They had to give up earning today's wages to get the smart card. 

Moga, December 13
SAD candidate Gulwinder Singh Bawa, who is son-in-law of president of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), Avtar Singh Makkar, lost the election in the controversial ward 4 of the Municipal Council by a margin of just 31 votes.

The voting for this ward was held on the instructions of the High Court here today.

Earlier, during the general election of the council on September 14 this ward witnessed large-scale violence due to which the election was cancelled by the State Election Commission (SEC). Hundreds of youths, led by Inderjit Singh alias Dimple and Tejinder Pal Singh alias Sony, both sons of the SGPC chief, allegedly ransacked the polling camp of Surinder Singh Goga, the rival candidate. They thrashed him and his son and also allegedly opened fire in air before capturing the polling station forcibly during the general election. Both the sons of Makkar, along with the youths accompanying them, had also roughed up media persons and snatched their cameras.

The district magistrate Satwant Singh Johal while talking to The Tribune revealed that today's election process was peaceful and no untoward incident of violence was reported. The DIG of Ferozepur range R.P. Mittal and district magistrate of Ferozepur Megh Raj was also deputed by the SEC on duty here to ensure a peaceful election keeping in view violence in the past.

Johal said that a total of 1,358 votes were polled in today's election. Out of this, Goga got 690 votes while Makkar's kin Bawa got 659 votes while two other candidates got 7 and 2 votes, respectively.

Local political observers were of the view that Goga who was not present in the town today, got silent votes in his favour as the local people of this ward were annoyed with the past violence.

In the election for the municipal council, the SAD enjoys a total majority with 18 seats in its kitty and 8 seats of the BJP. Four independent candidates also won the election, the tally of which has now increased to five independents with Goga's win. 

Faridkot, December 13
A large number of youth activists of the SAD, bubbling with enthusiasm, piloted the cavalcade of the party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on motorbikes when he reached this district town in the afternoon to address a rally. Badal leaned out of his vehicle and waved to the crowd.

Sukhbir’s presence unleashed scenes of unprecedented Akali fervour in this traditional Malwa heartland, as his cavalcade wove through cheering supporters to address a highly-enthused gathering at the end of a hectic tour of the region.

Young motorcyclists, dressed in colourful and festive attire, navigated his caravan even as schoolchildren in large numbers lined on both sides of the road.

The SAD president was quick to echo the political mood with resounding salvo against the Congress in general and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in particular. n More cases against Capt likely P5

Bathinda, December 13
Normal life in several localities in the city, including the Green Avenue and the areas surrounding Amrik Singh road, remained disrupted between 2.30 pm and 9 pm on Saturday due to power cut.

According to sources in the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), a technical snag in the transmission line, occurred around 5 in the evening, near the Rose Garden. This was the reason behind the disruption in power supply.

Talking to The Tribune, XEN in-charge Bathinda, K.S. Mann, said the conductor breakdown at the Blue Fox Marriage Palace near Rose Garden, occurred when the power supply was resorted to after normal load shedding at about 5.30 pm.

He added that the power supply was restored around 9 pm after fixing the 
problem. — TNS

Abohar, December 13
Amir Kasab, the father of the lone Pakistani gunman arrested for the Mumbai terror attacks, by revealing during his first-ever interview with Karachi-based newspaper Dawn, that his family had its origin in Haveli Lakh, has raised many eyebrows as well as ears in this border district also.

He was reported having told the interviewer that he owned the house the family lived in and made a living by selling 'pakoras' in the streets of the village Faridkot after trying his luck in the streets of Lahore.

As per available information, hundreds of Hindu families had migrated from Haveli Lakha (called Haveli-Lakhe-Ki in local parlance) to settle at Fazilka, Jalalabad west and Abohar in Ferozepur and Sirsa district of the undivided East Punjab in August 1947 after losing many of their close relatives. There were many who actually resided in Pakpattan which was one of the important sub-division of Montgomery district (later named Sahiwal) but had their business in Haveli Lakha. They were commuters and some of them also owned agriculture land around Haveli Lakha.

Though the present generation of the migrant families may not have a definite idea about the family of Amir Kasab as 61 years have passed, discussion over the topic is inevitable. The Pakistan government had last year granted permission to some members of the Kamboj community from Ferozepur and Sirsa districts to visit their historic Dera near Haveli Lakha. They were told that the Nazim (Mayor) of Lahore had played a vital role in getting restored prime land to the Dera even as the same had remained under unlawful possession of influential persons of the dominant Muslim community.

The Dera had resolved to improve the condition of the link roads and other amenties from its income besides the grants offered by the state government there, the delegates had told the media on return.

Importantly, thousand of Hindus had used Haveli Lakha-Fazilka road route for the migration and still recollect how horrible the massacre was on the way. Haveli Lakha, a town of Okara district in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is located around 166 km south west of Lahore.

Haveli Lakha is part of Deepalpur tehsil and is administratively subdivided into three union councils. Haveli is famous for its Reed Stools and Hubble Bubble which are sent to numerous other cities of Punjab and even to Karachi. Hafiz Liaqut Ali Khan Lodhi is the Nazim (Mayor) of Haveli Lakha.

Haveli Lakha, with a population of about 80,000, has always been politically significant as it had produced people of such stature as Mian Muhammad Yasin Wattoo (former Federal Minister of Finance) and Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo (former Chief Minister of Punjab).

The adjoining towns are Basirpur, Hujra Shah Muqeem and Mandi Ahmedabad. To the east there is Head Suleimanki which is a cantonment and adjacent to the Fazilka sector of the Indo-Pakistan border.

In August 2005, India released 50 Pakistani prisoners who had strayed across the border, one of whom, Haji Mohammed Akram, was from Haveli Lakha.

The population mainly relies on agriculture as their main source of livelihood although a number of people are in the services sector and some are into small-scale business. The main tribes are Chishti, Pathan, and the Watto. It is famous for its fertile lands, peaceful natural environment and green fields of potato, wheat, rice and maize crops.

There is a history about the name of Haveli Lakha. The town was founded by Lakha Watto who had his mansion here. The passengers used to stay there. As this mansion was near the then Delhi-Multan road, so it got the name "the Haveli of Lakha" which gradually became "Haveli Lakha". However, the Punjabi speaking population normally referred to it as Haveli-Lakhe-Ki. 

Sriganganagar/Abohar, December 13
While improving its technology, the banking industry should not undermine the importance of its human face. This was the consensus at the UGC-sponsored two-day national conference on "Changing face of Indian banking", which was organised by the Maharishi Dayanand College in Sriganganagar. The conference concluded on Saturday.

Some of the participants were of the view that as of today, Indian banking system was among the best in the world. The foreign investors, who consider India as a hub of their future plans, had to think otherwise due to the hostile attitude of the banks. But, presently, investors from far and wide are welcomed and bankers are geared up with a range of schemes that can make them invest in India.

They said that the banks of India excel in both convenience as well as promptness. The CEOs of the banks are aware of the fact that mouse ‘clicks’ cannot replace bricks completely. Even in the age of computerisation and core banking solutions, the bankers need to know the needs of their customers and cater to their needs.

Discussing the impact of global meltdown on the future of India’s economy, some of the participants quoted what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said, “We live in an interdependent world and the fate of all the countries is related to the international financial system. Our value markets are open to the world and if they are affected, this would have an effect on the capacity to finance our development.”

Bikaner University chancellor Dr C.B. Gaina complimented the MD College for taking up a social subject for discussion. Dr Som Dev, Director, Academic Staff College of Rajasthan University, discussed the possible impact of global meltdown. He regretted that all regulations were discarded in a free economy environment that haunted America.

This boosted consumerism beyond limits and India too fell prey to it marginally. But with hard regulations in force here, the menace might not dwindle our economy, he hoped. Giving reasons for this, he said most of the transactions were carried in cash here as compared to the absolute use of credit cards abroad.

Speakers included Dr Madan Gopal, Dr J K Tondon, D B Singh, B B Barthwal, Dr H R Swami, Sakshi Chugh, Nilesh Arora and coordinator Dr O P Gupta. Principal Dr R S Poonia welcomed the guests. 

Bathinda, December 13
How and when did the cosmos come into existence? In its phase II round, the Science Express that chugged into the Bathinda railway station here today, probably has the answer. At least, it can tell you where to find it.

For all those, who have found science interesting at some point in their lives, the Science Express is something to visit. The 16-coach air-conditioned express train has a wealth of information on the mysteries of science. Starting from the origin of human life to complex phenomena such as gene sequencing and bio-engineering, it takes one through the modern developments taking place in physics, chemistry, biology and biotechnology.

On November 30, the train left New Delhi and reached Bathinda for its fourth halt today. A joint venture of the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany, research organisation the Max Planck Society and the BASF, a chemical company, the Science Express is an attempt to develop a scientific temper in students and encourage them to pursue their interest in science. It will leave for Jaisalmer on December 17.

About 40 research scholars from the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad, explain the exhibits to the visitors and interact with the students.

The multimedia exhibits, visual images, video clips and working models displayed in the train are as fascinating as the scientific concepts themselves. The ‘chaotic pendulum,’ indicating the sheer unpredictability of natural phenomena and positron emission tomography which can detect neuro-degenerative diseases are instances of scientific brilliance.

While most students, who visited the train today, were from classes VIII and IX, it is mainly aimed at students from Class IX to the under-graduate level. How do stars and planets originate? How are memories formed inside the brain? What are the energy sources of the future? These are among the concepts that are displayed in the coaches besides genetics, computer applications in medicine, the secrets of the universe, nano cosmos, energy sources of the future and the challenges the globe faces.

“I am very excited to be here. The fact that we can interact with exhibits with the help of multimedia is really exciting,” Saurabh, a student of DAV High School, said.

Another student Naman said, “I liked the section on universe and galaxies. The way things are explained, I felt that the schools, too, should take an initiative to explain things in this innovative way.”

“The 16 coaches are meant for educational and informational purpose. Students here are informed and educated on various aspects of science and technology and they show curiosity to learn more,” said Dilip Mirzapure, project coordinator with the centre.

Bathinda, December 13
Conceding the demands of passengers, the Railway Board has decided to resume the service of the Udyan Abha-Toofan Express, between Sriganganagar and Agra, from December 14.

Railway sources in Bathinda confirmed that the board’s communiqué in this regard was received by the railway officials here at around 9 pm on Saturday.

Sources said the train will depart from Sriganganagar at 20.45 on December 14 and reach Agra at 12.10 pm on December 15. The train will start its return journey at 15.30 pm on December 15, sources added.

The train, which was cancelled in the first week of December, citing foggy weather as reason, normally runs between Hawrah and Sriganganar. Sources said the board took the decision of partial resumption of the train following huge demands of commuters.

It may be recalled that suspension of the train had drawn a lot of criticism as it was the only mode for hundreds of passengers in Sriganganagar, Abohar, Malout and Gidderbaha for New Delhi.

Chak Fateh Singh Wala (Bathinda), December 13
A ‘Smart Class’ facility was launched today during the annual function of Mahindra Public School at Chak Fateh Singh Wala village, about 15 km from here. With the facility, equipped with interactive touchscreen boards and digital content, the school becomes first of its kind not only in this district but in the entire rural Punjab. 

The state-of-the-art facility replaces the traditional blackboards so as to enhance the effective teaching and to make the learning process more joyful.

Now, as many as 500 students enrolled with the school at present and belonging to rural families only, would receive the benefit of the facility.

Launching the highly-innovative educational technology on the premises of the school, Upjeet Singh Brar, additional deputy commissioner, Bathinda, appreciated the effort made by the school and expressed the hope that it would revolutionise the teaching and learning processes.

With the facility, the traditional class becomes more interactive with loads of streaming videos, animations, graphics and other digital content. Each classroom has been provided with an interactive touch screen board. 

Through LCD projection, the content is displayed on the screen. The teacher, with his electronic pen called ‘stylus’, surfs through the content and as per the requirement, displays it on the screen. 

Talking to TNS, the tech-savvy principal of the school, Som Prakash, said, “I had a dream to see the technology becoming an integral part of the routine classroom teaching. Now, it has come true.”

The chairman of the school managing committee, Narinder Singh Bhaleria, expressing satisfaction over the new technology raised a hope that it would bring verve in the erstwhile monotonous teaching-learning process.

During the annual day function, a cultural programme was also organised besides the meritorious students in academics and sports were awarded prizes. 

Meanwhile, award for best class went to third standard. The best House award was clinched by the Peace House while Gurkirandeep Kaur of class IX was adjudged the best student.

The principal further informed that the school would be raised to senior secondary level from the next session and a graduate academy for girls would also be started from that session.

Bathinda, December 13
Bathinda annexed the overall trophy on the concluding day of the three-day Punjab State Primary School Games held at the Sports Stadium here today.

While Bhavjeet Singh of Gurdaspur claimed the 200 m (boys) race medal prevailing over Jagjit Singh of Ferozepur, Manjit Singh of Kapurthala stood third. In the girls' 200 m race, Simranjir Kaur claimed the top spot, Amanpreet Kaur (Faridkot) was placed second and Sharandeep Kaur (Gurdaspur) stood third.

Sikander Singh Maluka, former minister, gave away the trophies to the winners.

Other results are:

400m race - Malkiat Singh (Gurdaspur) 1, Jagjit Singh (Ferozepur) 2, Surjit Singh (Muktsar) 3; 4x100 m (boys): Mohali 1, Gurdaspur 2, Mansa 3; 4x100m (boys): Gurdaspur 1, Faridkot 2, Ludhiana 3; 100 m (boys): Mohali 1, Ferozepur 2, Mansa 3; and 100 m (girls): Faridkot 1, Gurdaspur 2, Bathinda 3.

Kabaddi (boys): Bathinda 1, Mansa 2; Kabaddi (girls): Bathinda 1, Sangrur 2; Kho-kho (boys): Bathinda 1, Moga 2; Kho-kho (boys): Sangrur 1, Bathinda 2.

Bathinda, December 13
The St. Xavier’s girls Sumeet Pal, Yurleen Kaur and Rushmeet Kaur showed their splendid performance in softball and won the gold medal in school national games held in Hyderabad recently.

In the beginning, the team played for under-17 and state level, where they also displayed excellent performance and won the third position. Principal Father Bernard, school management and the team's coach, Mandeep Kang put their best efforts and helped out the team. The school principal was proud of the girls and encouraged them to come forward in sports.

Rashmit Kaur with her performance also won the best hitter award. The school thanked District AEO Harnake Singh for his help and efforts.— TNS

Bathinda, December 13
A scintillating performance was given by the mass Army band on the concluding day of the three-day Chetak Corps Pipe Band Competition, at Bathinda Military Station this evening. Various bands marched in formations and their melodious compositions kept the audience riveted for nearly an hour.

The show commenced with the arrival of the chief guest, Lt-Gen D.S. Chauhan, GOC, Chetak Corps.

The sprawling helipad field reverberated with the harmony of piper bands and buglers.

From the Scottish bagpipe to the brass bugle to the reverberating drums, the band developed a synergy between music and body movement, which was a pleasure to watch and listen. The display concluded with the band playing ‘beating the retreat’ in the backdrop of the setting sun.

A large number of officers, JCOs and other ranks with their families, including retired officers of the station, attended the function.

The 8 Madras regiment won the competition. On second position was the 3 J&K Rifles and the 9 Garhwal Rifles won the third place. While the 11 Dogra regiment stood fourth, the 10 Sikh Light was placed fifth. At sixth position was the 8 Gorkhas and the 18 Punjab regiment was adjudged seventh. The 14 Sikh secured the eighth position, the 18 Mechanised Infantry was placed ninth and the 10 Bihar got the tenth position.

Lt-Gen Chauhan said music had accompanied the feat of arms, serving the two-fold purpose of inspiring the troops to fight and as a method of carrying orders and commands. Over and above, music had a soothing effect.

Abohar, December 13
The English Association in the MD College of Education here organised a declamation contest on Saturday. Chief guest Rakesh Sehgal asked the would-be teachers not to become a part of the crowd. Instead, he said, they should try to prove themselves by giving excellent performances. “We need education in the real sense,” he added.

Director Anurag Asija, Prabhjot Kaur and Rajni Khurana also addressed the students. The winners, Sandeep Kaur, Rajni Arora, Jasmail Singh, Kavita, Anu, Renu, Malkiat and Vikas, were given prizes. — OC