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Village school shows honesty is the best policy
‘Introspect to protect your rights’
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Modern women prefer keeping maiden name post-marriage
Photojournalists works on display
Visitors to the photo exhibition organised by the Bathinda Photographers Association at the Teachers’ Home on Sunday. Tribune photo: Malkiat Singh
Govt doctor booked for forgery
Stones for link roads laid
Sukhbir on stone laying spree in Mansa
Traders seek rationalisation of VAT
Cong MLA flays state govt
Guddu Gudiya Bal Udyan Chairperson of BSF Wives Welfare Association inaugurating children’s park at BSF sector headquarters in Abohar on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Rs 10 lakh given to panchayats
Week-long NSS camp begins at DGCE
Youth ‘commits’ suicide
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Village school shows honesty is the best policy
Bathinda, December 14 It is an example for those who feel that government schools lack mere basics, let alone maintaining higher educational standards. But the school has proved that it was not just the infrastructure that was required to make a school a place to learn, but the spirit of the students, which imparts meaning to a school. At the shop, stationery items have been put up for sale to the students of the school. The shop does not have an owner or a shopkeeper. Students walk up to the shop and pick up whatever they want and leave the price money in a cash box placed inside the shop. The shop is being successfully run for two and a half years now and no serious case of dishonesty has been come to fore yet. The management of the school is satisfied with the concept and felt that the shop was imbibing honesty among the kids. The shop was opened with an aim to help the children know what ‘honesty’ is and how does it help a person in his life. The concept was started by Manjeet Singh, a teacher at the school, with Rs 400. The stuff sold here is cheaper as compared to the market and is of good quality. A notebook which costs Rs 7 in the market is available for Rs 5 here and a notebook worth Rs 12 outside is being sold for Rs 10. Stationery items like books, notebooks, pencils, erasers and pens are kept for sale in this shop. A board is hung inside the shop stating the stock kept and its respective price. A teacher sets up the shop every morning and the accounts are balanced once the school is over. Those who want to buy things kept in the shop leave the cash inside the cash box and take the respective item. However, those who cannot afford it just drop a chit in the box reading he doesn’t have enough cash at present and would pay later. Significantly, such students pay the money religiously. Sources said the shop had such an impact on the students that children, who find money lying anywhere, pick it up and put it in the cash box of the shop. The items for the shop are purchased by the school teachers at the beginning of every month. The shop has goods worth Rs 700 and is enough to cater to the needs of the students. The shop has a daily sale of Rs 35 to Rs 50. Manjeet Singh said, “Morality among children is decreasing today and we wanted to imbibe good qualities in our students. We don’t advocate being strict with the students or taking harsh measures. So, we thought of coming up with this concept. I spoke to the authorities about the idea and they approved of it. Since then, there has been no looking back. We do face little losses but children deposit the money they find somewhere and it makes up for the losses.” Children said they never felt like misusing the concept and were happy with such a shop in their school. The teachers said they had a mission of honesty for the students and they were glad that their students made it successful. Rahul Bhandari, former deputy commissioner, had once visited the school and when he saw the shop and heard about its concept, he was impressed. The students apprised him of the problems of power cuts. He issued a grant of Rs 50,000 for a generator in the school. Now, the school does not have to face the problem of power cuts and it stands as an example for all those who have even forgotten the word honesty. |
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‘Introspect to protect your rights’
Bathinda, December 14 Delivering a keynote address at the valedictory function of the “Human Rights Awareness Week”, Anand said the worsening law and order situation presented the biggest challenge to human rights. The week, which began here on December 8, was organised by the Human Rights Protection Forum, Bathinda. Tracing the history of human rights in India, Anand said some attention was given to the issue in 1982 when a committee was formed under the supervision of Justice Sikri for the development, awareness and protection of human rights. Promoting human rights culture had been the sole aim of the human rights’ education, he said, adding, that with the declaration of universal human rights by the United Nations, the aspect was attaining more significance. Suresh Gaur, president of the forum, urged religious leaders, social activists, political leaders of different parties and the media to contribute towards protecting and spreading the awareness of human rights. The inclusion of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution was a guiding force for acceptance of human rights, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Pardeep Kataria, senior vice-president of the forum, emphasised on introspection and self-evaluation. “Positive change will not be possible unless we introspect. We have to learn to safeguard our rights,” he said. Kataria said the issue of human rights education was assuming significance in the present situation. “There was a need for providing proper education about human rights at the grassroots level,” he added. Earlier, Baljit Singh Bir Behman, Mayor, Bathinda Municipal Corporation, who was the chief guest on the occasion, emphasised on the need to understand one’s duty so as to protect human rights. |
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Modern women prefer keeping maiden name post-marriage
Bathinda, December 14 Earlier, when a girl got married, she not only had to change her address and lifestyle but also her name. In some cases, even the first name. But now, many women prefer maintaining their maiden name as they feel that maintaining an identity is very important. “I did not change my name post-marriage and I was lucky that my in-laws and my husband didn’t ask me to change it. I started my career with my maiden name and people know me by that name only. I didn’t find it important to change my title,” maintained 28-year-old Nisha, a working woman who lives in the city. According to the women The Tribune spoke to, everyone had a bank account, a permanent account number (PAN) card, a passport, a driving licence and other official documents. “All the important documents and certificates are in your maiden name and changing the name meant either you have to reapply or get the alterations made, which is not an easy job.” There are others who believe in maintaining their names and respecting the emotional quotient attached to it too, by including their husband’s last name. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Malaika Arora Khan are some of the popular examples. Let alone the celebrities, even commoners feel the same. “I did not change my name after marriage but my husband insisted that I put his name after my last name and I did not want to upset him. So, I did attach his last name after my name. At times, more than your husband, your in-laws become very emotional about such issues and you accede to their request in order to maintain a happy family. If by doing such little things you succeed in keeping everyone happy, then why not,” another young working professional said. Another reason why women do not want to change their name is numerology and other such beliefs. “My name suits me as per our astrologer. But when I got a wedding proposal, our astrologer said it was a good match but I should try not changing my name. My husband’s surname was not suiting me according to numerology. We conveyed it before marriage to the in-laws and they agreed to it. Many people believe in numerology today and follow it too, at least I do,” a vibrant Monica chipped in. Whether people believe in numerology or not, whether they want to save themselves from the hassles of changing their name in their documents or not, a majority of women told The Tribune that they were happy with their names and did not want to change it at any cost. |
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Photojournalists works on display
Bathinda, December 14 About 100 prints displayed in the exhibition were in different categories of pictorial and photojournalism. It was a delight to see these works of art as they had used various in-camera and darkroom techniques in their works like montage and childhood. Among the members of the association whose works attracted attention on the inaugural day were Randhir Bobby, Malkiat Singh, Vijay Arora, Kulbir Beera, S.S. Sonu, Harvinder Sharma and Naib Singh Sidhu. ‘Emotions’ and ‘Childhood’ by Malkiat Singh and Babbal Garg respectively reflect their deep sense for not only human emotions but also for the innocence of childhood. The photographs also focus on the rural culture and issues that are significant for the people of Punjab. Some of the highly appreciated photographs put up are by Shamsher Singh Dhillon, Kulbir Beera, Ranjit Bathinda and Buta Singh Sidhu. While clicking a photograph, Kulbir Beera said that he first sees the subject matter from his viewpoint and then keeps the choice of viewers in mind. He is in this field for the past 11 years and hopes to scale new heights in the coming years. Earlier, Harbhajan Singh, managing director, the Harbhajan Institutes, inaugurated the exhibition. He lauded the efforts of the photojournalists, who go through great extent to get the right picture. The exhibition will be a great source of inspiration for budding photographers, he added. |
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Govt doctor booked for forgery
Moga, December 14 According to police, three drug peddlers were arrested on June 21 this year under the NDPS Act and 175 kg of poppy husk was recovered from their possession. However, Jagdev Singh, son of Gurnam Singh, driver of the truck who was said to be the ring leader of these drug peddlers, managed to escape from the spot. The drug peddler manipulated Dr Gurvinder Singh, posted in a government hospital at Daroli Bhai near here, and managed to record his name in the entry book of the hospital record by deleting one Mukhtiar Singh's name in the previous date of June 20 this year in order to show that he was admitted to the hospital when the police nabbed the drug peddlers. On the basis of this tampered hospital record, Jagdev Singh applied for an anticipatory bail in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana but the court before granting him bail summoned the hospital record for verification. When the copy of entry book was being examined, some visible signs of deletion were observed by the court. The SSP of Moga was asked to verify the original record. When the police verified the entry book, the doctor again deleted the name of Jagdev Singh and re-entered Mukhtiar Singh, the original name, who was actually admitted to the hospital at that time. The police had brought this matter to the notice of the High Court and also registered a criminal case against the said doctor under sections 217, 218, 463, 468, 471 of the IPC and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, last evening. However, the doctor was yet to be arrested by the police at the time of writing the news report. He was said to have proceeded on leave but it could not be verified from the authorities of the health department because being Sunday, it was a holiday. |
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Stones for link roads laid
Abohar, December 14 While addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone of Rajanwali-Bhagu link road in the sanctuary area, the legislator said that for five decades the people had been demanding construction of the 4.5 km road as memorial to Puran Singh but none bothered. Now, the government had sanctioned Rs 76 lakh for the project. Puran Singh was killed in a road mishap during a SAD rally at Moga. Ghuriana handed over a cheque for Rs 5 lakh for other development schemes to Manoj Kumar Delu, sarpanch of the village. |
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Sukhbir on stone laying spree in Mansa
Mansa, December 14 He would inaugurate the over bridge on Mansa, constructed at the cost of nearly Rs 17 crore. He would address the public meetings as well on the occasions. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Rahul informed that during his visit, he would launch many other development projects for drinking water and link roads in the villages. The Akali leader would address a big rally at the old grain market in Mansa on December 16. |
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Traders seek rationalisation of VAT
Fazilka, December 14 Sahni was here to attend a conference of traders to discuss the problems faced by the business community. More than 200 traders were present at the meet. Local MLA Surjit Kumar Jyani was also present at the conference and supported the demands of the traders. He urged Sahni to address the problems of the traders of this border town. While highlighting the main problems of the traders, Beopar Mandal president Ashok Gulbadhar demanded that there should be a uniform rate of VAT at 4 per cent on all footwear items. He said some of the footwear items were charged VAT at the rate of 12.5 per cent. This is an anomaly, which had been highlighted several times. This was a contentious matter due to which the traders and the officers of sale tax department were at loggerheads, he added. Gulbadhar disclosed that there was no tax on pulses and school bags in neighbouring states of Haryana and Rajasthan. He pleaded for waiving of tax on these items in Punjab too. Beopar Mandal patron and Pakka Artiyas president Dina Nath Sachdeva highlighted the problems of commission agents of the local grain market. He said the traders had to pay 4 per cent VAT on cotton, paddy, wheat and sugarcane purchased by them. Of this tax, 2 per cent was refunded by way of CST, if these items were sent to other states. However, the remaining 2 per cent was not refunded, he said. Traders demanded that the entire tax should be refunded. Sachdeva further said that commission agents of Punjab had to pay higher tax as compared to states like Rajasthan and Haryana. They had to pay 4 per cent market fees, 4 per cent VAT and 3 per cent Infrastructural Development Fund. Hence the total tax becomes 11 per cent whereas in Haryana only 1 per cent market fees was charged and 4 per cent VAT was levied, he added. He said that traders were ready to pay tax and the number of tax payers could increase if the taxation structure was rationalised. He further said that there was trading of about Rs 1200 crore annually in Fazilka grain market. Traders pay about 132 crore as tax. He lamented that despite this, government had not released adequate funds for development of the town. He demanded that more funds should be released for the all round development of
Fazilka. MLA Surjit Kumar Jyani while supporting the demands of the traders urged the parliamentary secretary to take up the issues with the government. He also called for simplification of the taxation structure which could yield higher revenue. Later, Sahni suggested the office-bearers to visit Chandigarh along with Jyani to discuss their problems threadbare. He assured them of meeting their demands. He said that due to better tax collections, Punjab government had been able to release a grant of Rs 3 crore for A-grade Municipal Councils, Rs 2 crore for B- grade and Rs 1 crore for C-grade civic bodies for the development of their respective towns. |
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Cong MLA flays state govt
Abohar, December 14 Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the MLA said that Ferozepur district had lagged behind in using funds received from the Union government under the NREGA scheme and later used the same for undefined purposes. Now, the BJP-led municipal council here has drawn flak by forcing hundreds of BPL card holders to stand in a queue. They were not even offered a glass of water during the five-hour wait in chilly weather, he |
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Guddu Gudiya Bal Udyan
Abohar, December 14 The speakers fitted on all corners of the children’s park played popular Bollywood numbers, including “Aao bachcho tumeh dikhayen jhanki Hindustan ki,” “saare jahan se acha Hindustan hamara” and “kar chale hum fida jaano tan sathio.” Wives of BSF personnel of Punjabi origin singing “Mere desh da tiranga nee bada sohna, roj-roj nahin auna eh din shagna da, nee tu hauli- hauli nach baliye” were joined by women from southern states with regional songs depicting true picture of a sovereign country. DIG V.K. Sharma said that the jawans had done a laudable job in levelling the huge heads of sand in a wild area to develop this beautiful park for which the Central government provided Rs 7 lakh. "The families in the sector headquarter will now find an independent place for recreation in the evening. Besides floodlights, sound system for two-hour entertainment has also been provided. The cheerful children will also provide relief to patients in the nearby hospital as they enjoy a stroll in the evening. The saplings planted during the gala opening today will soon emerge as soothing plants. The creation of the park fulfils a long cherished dream," he said. |
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Rs 10 lakh given to panchayats
Mansa, December 14 On this occasion, chairman Zila Parishad Dilraj Bhunder, district president youth Akali Dal Gurpreet Singh Banewali and village Sarpanch Boga Singh also addressed the gathering. Bhunder also gave a cheque for Rs 10 lakh to the village panchayats. |
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Week-long NSS camp begins at DGCE
Bathinda, December 14 Principal Dr S.S. Sangha welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, he explained the meaning of NSS slogan, 'Not me but you'. The wheel of NSS represents movement. The bars of the wheel mean that NSS volunteer should be ready to render services for 24 hours. The red colour represents the youth who is full of energy and vigour. This camp is an effort to inculcate moral and social values among the students. The DC, Muktsar, in his speech, said only academic achievements do not matter. What matters is the moral and human qualities people have. He also encouraged the volunteers by visiting those who were preparing food and doing other works. Dr Kuldeep Kaur Mann, principal, Dasmesh Girls College, Badal, Jagdish Kaur Sidhu, principal, Dasmesh Public Girls Senior Secondary School, Badal, Dr Malik, principal, Mata Jaswant Kaur Memorial Primary School, Badal, Dr Raman Gupta, Dr Puneet Gopal and Dr Anjali, dentists, Dr Amrit Sachdeva, eye specialist, Dr Deepak Gupta, dentist and Dr Shakuntla Aggrawal, gynaeologist and members of the Rotary Club Bathinda H.K. Arora, Jai Gopal Goyal, Arvind Mehta, Navin Gupta, Rakesh Goyal and Surinder K. Bansal were present. The programme officers of the camp are Jyotika Gupta, Lata Arora and Lakhbir Singh Dhillon. |
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Youth ‘commits’ suicide
Mansa, December 14 Police after registering a case under section 174 of the IPC has decided to keep the body in a hospital for 72 hours for identification purpose. Police said that the young man was clean-shaven and was wearing trousers and shirt. Postmortem would be done after 72 hours, police said. |
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Bathinda, December 14
Bathinda, December 14
Abohar, December 14
