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VIP security to be pruned
Ludhiana, December 18 The police is reviewing the number of security guards provided to those residing in the city. After the reviewal, some security guards would be withdrawn from the beneficiaries. SSP R.K. Jaiswal said the process would take a few days. “We will not withdraw all security guards but will reduce their numbers so that we can use the withdrawn ones for general policing.” He said they had received the orders from the DGP today and he had directed his staff to prepare a list of security guards. “If a person is given three security guards, we will withdraw one. The remaining two will then provide security to the beneficiary. We we have to reduce the security cover by 25 per cent,” said the SSP. Withdrawing or reducing the number of security guards has always been an issue of contention in the city. In the past, several people had moved court to claim more security guards. Hurt at the withdrawal, they had even used their political clout to retain the security guards. Several ministers, former ministers, MLAs, former MLAs, serving and retired officers have been provided security by the police. Some commoners, too, are on the list, claiming threat to their lives. The police is, however, happy this time that the orders have come from the chief minister, who has also ordered withdrawal of some security men given to his family. Having security guards has also become a status issue here. Several people who do not require guards seek security cover. And most of the times they succeed in their endeavour using their clout. “We are sure some people will not like their guards withdrawn. Since the orders are from the chief minster himself, we are not going to face any pressure,” said a senior police officer.
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Ownership of encroached shamlat land
Ludhiana, December 18 Maximum families have been selected from six villages of Khanna. The administration has approved 312 families from Khanna villages from the lists sent by the panchayats. Apart from this, 85 families from Ludhiana II, three families from Sudhar, 22 families from Sidhwan Bet, 71 from Raikot and 38 from Doraha have been approved. As many as 41 families from
Samrala and 70 from Macchiwara would also benefit. Talking to The Tribune, the DDPO, J.P. Singh, said the final decision was taken during a meeting headed by deputy commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar. “We would send the report to the government for its final nod,” he said. He said the government had decided to give ownership of panchayat land/shamlat land to SC/ST families who had constructed houses or encroached on these land before August 15, 2008. According to information, the beneficiaries would be given ownership on certain terms which include that the person in whose name the land would be transferred would be given all rights of
ownership. He could not sell the land or seek a loan on the basis of the land. However, the allottee could mortgage the land to the cooperative society or the housing development board for the construction of a house. Also, the land would be used for residential purposes only. After the death of the allottee, the land would be transferred to his heir and they would have to comply with the terms and conditions. |
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Barrier gone, but toll still being charged
Doraha, December 18 “What to talk of reducing bus fares, operators are openly charging passenger toll, which is no longer applicable to us and we are not supposed to pay it,” a commuter rued. Commuters often have an altercation with conductors and drivers over the issue, but the latter express their helplessness in the absence of any orders from the authorities. Commuters are being approximately charged Re 1 for 10-20 km between toll limits. If a passenger has to ply from Ludhiana to Patiala, he would have to pay Rs 5-6 extra in the form of toll, which is illegal as the toll barrier had been shifted four months ago to Ladowal. Passengers travelling in private or government-run buses on this route have to still pay the toll. Lakhwinder Singh Buani and Pawan Kumar Kaushal, district general secretary and state committee member, respectively, of the MCPI (U) have urged the government to revert passenger toll as no barrier existed on the way. They said since the toll barrier had been lifted from Doraha, the authorities should waive passenger toll. A passenger complained: “If the government does not pay heed and continues with the exploitation of passengers, we shall not sit back. We have already put up with this ‘highway robbery’ for the past five years. The tax we paid was just meant to fill government coffers. Things will not be allowed to continue the same way. We shall launch an agitation if our demand is not accepted.” Members of the Youth Forum and the Federation of Democratic Youth of Doraha have demanded the early lifting of the toll, failing which no private or government bus shall be allowed to ply on this route. |
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Integrated textile park approved
Ludhiana, December 18 The park would be developed on 60 acres with a provision for expansion. There would be a cluster of about 80 units of knitwear and textile industry and the investment would be around Rs 1,500 crore. The cluster would provide direct and indirect employment to about 1,25,000 persons and the project would have the provision for good roads, lights, effluent treatment plant, sewerage, storm water, captive power plant, trade centre and sophisticated research and development centre. |
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Scooterist killed in accident
Khanna, December 18 The victim has been identified as Pargat Singh. Pargat had come to Khanna to meet an arhtiya. According to eyewitnesses, the bus hit the scooter and the victim fell on the road, after which the bus crushed him. Pargat died on the spot. The police has impounded the bus. |
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IT raids on jewellery shops
Khanna, December 18 |
Railway Station
Ludhiana, December 18 The two wings of the railway security were engaged in a battle of wits over the issue for several hours. As the GRP and RPF officials failed to resolve the matter, senior railway officials had to intervene and it was decided to retain the booth for the time being with the condition that both wings of the police will hold joint possession of the booth and further that the booth will be used for frisking only suspect women, that too in the presence of women constables of the GRP. One key each of the booth will remain with GRP and RPF officials. The trouble started when the engineering wing of the railways, accompanied by RPF personnel, descended on the site of the booth with removal orders and began the process of dismantling it. The GRP personnel raised objection and resisted the demolition process, saying they had not received any orders for removal of the booth from their officials. In the meantime, RPF commandant also arrived at the scene but prolonged discussion remained inconclusive. As the demolition procedure was stalled for some time, local officials of the GRP and the RPF got in touch with their superiors, seeking directions from them. The matter was ultimately resolved for the time being at a meeting of the RPF commandant and SHO of GRP at the office of station superintendent Ashok Singh Salaria who ruled that the two forces would retain joint control of the booth. While the officials refused to comment on the reason behind attempt to remove the GRP booth, sources at the railway station revealed that the place had acquired notoriety in the wake of repeated complaints of harassment and extortion of railway passengers, especially migrants, at the hands of GRP personnel. “Senior railway officials at the divisional headquarters as also the railway ministry are flooded with complaints from railway passengers of being thrashed, bodily searched and deprived of money and belongings by GRP personnel after being taken inside the booth. Such complaints might have prompted the officials to go for removal of the booth,” sources said.
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Sihar Thath Case
Mandi Ahmedgarh, December 18 Peace at the Nanaksar Thath Sihar that according the police was at stake would be easy to maintain now. The Dehlon police, which after transfer of administration of 12 villages from the Payal police station, is now looking after the law and order situation of the mother temple of the sect spread all over the world, is yet to receive records of two FIRs registered in connection with the violence that had claimed life of a Baba Mann Singh’s follower, besides leaving many injured on October 10, 2003. The control of the dera would provide the beneficiary hold over near 7,000 acre in Canada besides a few thousand acres in Punjab and elsewhere in India. At least 50 persons belonging to factions led by Baba Mann Singh, son of the Baba Mihan Singh sect's founder, and Baba Harnek Singh on the other; were facing trial in connection with two criminal cases registered under Sections 302, 307, 382, 379, 323, 427 and 48 of the IPC and 307, 353, 186 and 379 of the IPC over five years ago. Enquiry by Ludhiana Tribune revealed that prior to the transfer of administration of 12 villages to the Dehlon police station, last year then Payal SHO Naveen Kumar had reported to his seniors that a few residents of the Sihar and surrounding villages were preparing to take possession of the Thath by getting about 10 followers of Baba Harnek Singh evicted. Though the circle officer in Payal was learnt to have submitted a report to then Khanna SSP in this regard, the apprehension was never conveyed to the Ludhiana (rural) police. The Thath was running affairs normally till September 11, 2003, when its management allegedly got the rooms vacated which were till then occupied by Mann Singh, Sewa Singh and Harchand Singh (sons of late Baba Meehan Singh). The incident made villagers angry. Situation remained tense till October 10, 2003, when violence took place leaving a large number of people injured, one of whom (Jit Singh) died later. The Payal police had registered a case of attempt to murder against 43 persons. All of these were residents of Sihar village and supporters of the three sons of the late sant, who founded the Thath and later joined the Nanaksar sect. The villagers were demanding dera to be handed over to Baba Mann Singh. The other group headed by Baba Harnek Singh refused this, as according to the late Sant Meehan Singh had given his "gaddi" to him and not to his sons about a decade ago. Senior officials had tried to bring the two groups to the discussion table and resolve the dispute over the control of the Nanaksar Ashram Thath, mother temple of 24 Thaths the world over. However, the talks failed when the faction led by Baba Mann Singh declined the rival's offer to drop the claim over the land on which "Darbar Sahib" is built in return for keeping control over all other property with it. Akal Takht had also taken both warring parties in the matter by directing them to perform 'religious sewa' for committing sacrilege. Then chief Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti had held both groups guilty on different counts. As the police had failed to arrest Gurcharan Singh Granthi, one of the main accused, residents suspected that it was trying to shield him and other suspects. Now, when he has been remanded in judicial custody, they hope logical conclusion of the case.
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Government shirks responsibility
Ludhiana, December 18 The government schools reportedly have not been provided funds for recruiting sweepers, peon, chowkidar and the waterman. As a matter of fact, the vacancies of Class IV employees are lying vacant due to shortage of funds. Consequently, the arrangements are being made by the school authorities, in collaboration with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The expenses of this staff are being met through the association funds. According to information, each student contributes Rs 100 per annum to the PTA fund, and this way, the schools are spending lakhs of rupees on the maintenance of buildings, incidental charges like electricity bill and holding workshops. The school heads said one person was not able to clean the entire school premises. In Government Senior Secondary Model School, PAU, there are 1900 students and 70 classrooms but, there is only one sweeper to sweep the school. The post of the peon and chowkidar are lying vacant. These posts cannot be filled without the approval of the government. Similarly, in the Government Senior Secondary School for Boys, Jawahar Nagar camp, the post of sweeper and gardener are lying vacant and the responsibility of getting the building cleaned is owned by the PTA. In Government Multipurpose School, two posts of sweepers, one post of waterman and one post of peon are lying vacant. The government has not appointed the Class IV employees for the past ten years.
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Scientists: Check phosphorus by using bio-fertilisers
Ludhiana, December 18 Normally, the chemical fertilisers are applied to amend nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies, said these scientists in their research paper published in the recent issue of the PAU research journal, adding that owing to hike in prices of fertilisers and the ecologic reasons, alternate sources were being searched. Microbial fertilisers like rhizobium and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB), which were eco-friendly, cost effective and non-bulky inputs could play a major role in plant nutrition. The scientists expressed that rhizobium inoculation enhanced nodulation and promoted N-fixation, while PSB increased the availability of applied phosphorus. Simultaneous inoculation with rhizobium and PSB produced positive results as together they enhanced the growth of legumes by providing them with phosphorus and nitrogen, respectively. Rhizobium inoculation increased number (27.8 nodules per plant) and dry weight (30 mg per plant of nodules over control (18.9 nodules and 22 mg per plant). Inoculation with PSB also increased number of nodules by 11-25.4 per cent. Further enhancement of nodulation was observed with rhizobium inoculation along with phosphorus fertilisation. The PAU scientists reported significant increased in leghaemoglobin content over control following inoculation with rhizobium while PSB showed marginal increase. Maximum leghaemoglobin content was observed in case of dual inoculation along with phosphorus fertilisation, observed the scientists. The results indicate that phosphorus fertiliser could be reduced with application of bio-fertilisers like rhizobium and PSB. The scientists highlighted a need to explore the vast microbial diversity to identify efficient and promising PSB formulate, better combinations of the bio-fertilisers.
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Indo-Danish Fest
Ludhiana, December 18 A team of twenty-eight students under the guidance of Thomas Dahl, Johannes, boys coach, Anne Marie, girls coach and Marlene Soby, physical trainer gave a scintillating performance during the festival. Girls in colourful dresses showed their mastery in gymnastics. The way they balanced the balls on their backs, on shoulders was mesmerising. During another performance they showed their skill in handling rings with ease. Boys during their performance showed their talent in different gymnastic abilities. The best part of the show was when these girls and boys performed with Punjabi music in the background. International friendship across borders, building new relationships and strengthening international networking among sports and cultural bodies of the world highlighting sports to promote dialogue between cultures were the highlights of the festival. Students of the host college also presented folkdance, songs, choreography, malwai, giddha with zeal. Partap College of Education has signed an agreement with the Danish Government for academic-cum-cultural exchange programme between India and Denmark. The group will be visiting various colleges and universities in Punjab and interact with the students.
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Internal assessment in colleges goes off track
Ludhiana, December 18 There are very few colleges which still stick to the real objective and provide marks as per the students’ performance. The culture of internal assessment was started by Panjab University, Chandigarh,in order to encourage the talented students. It was supposed to be a continuous evaluation process. For undergraduate classes, 10 per cent marks have been reserved for internal assessment by PU, out of which 4 per cent are to be given in September tests and remaining 6 per cent to be provided on the basis of December (conditional) exams. For postgraduate students, 20 per cent marks are to be provided to students on the basis of their attendance, performance in terminal examinations, assignments etc. "Though it aimed at improving students’ performance, but, colleges are no more doing justice with the process. For example, students who cannot even pronounce simple words, are being given 9 out of 10 marks by their subject teachers.,” K.S.S. Sodhi, former president of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU). The convener, Punjab Education Forum, Prof Tarsem Bahia, said certain measures had to be taken by the colleges to achieve the real aim. “The educational institutions are not handling the issue properly. The assessment should be done in an unbiased manner. Students will realise the seriousness towards studies and attendance only if they are assessed fairly,” Bahia said.
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Varsity students get training in embryo transfer
Ludhiana, December 18 It was a part of the ongoing joint research project of GADVASU and state animal husbandry department, Punjab, on “Improvement of Dairy animals through embryo transfer technology at the institutional farms and field conditions”. Outlining the objective of the course, principal investigator of the project-cum-coordinator of the course disclosed that there was an urgent need to adopt the technology of embryo transfer (ET) in conjunction with artificial insemination (AI) for the faster multiplication of the superior dairy animals to match the milk production with requirement at the national level. He stressed it was essential to maintain less number of high yielding animals rather than to waste resources on multiplication and feeding low producing cattle. During the course of this training, the trainees were acquainted with the procedures involved in embryo transfer in dairy animals. The course comprised of practicals and lectures followed by discussions pertaining to the scope of embryo transfer technology for the improvement of dairy animals with specific reference to selection of donors, recipients, oestrus cycle control, synchronisation of oestrus, superovulation, embryo production in vivo and in vitro to achieve calf crop of high genetic potential. Lectures also covered the emerging technologies of embryo bio-technologies such as micromanipulation, preservation of embryos for long-term storage and production of calf crop of desired sex. Dr O.S. Parmar, director (extension) of GADVASU, presided over the valedictory function and awarded the certificates to the trainees. Emphasising upon the benefits of the technology for the dairy farmers, he expressed the hope of extending the best use of this technology to the farmers through the trained veterinary officers of the State Animal Husbandry Department and scientists of GADVASU. Dr Moti Lal Chaudhary, head of the department of animal breeding & genetics, assured full support and technical assistance to the outgoing trainees in the field of embryo transfer technology for providing the best possible services to the dairy farmers.
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From Schools
Ludhiana, December 18 This project titles - spiritual farming - zero budget farming under the theme 'Planet Earth - our home, explore, share and care' was taken up after interaction with Dr Harminder Sidhu, executive director, kheti viraat mission. The project is selected to participate in national Children' Congress 2008 to be held at Nagaland from December 27 to 31 and also in the 96th Indian Science Congress 2009 to be held at North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, from January 3-7. Protest
In the wake of the recent blasts in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities, staff and students of Ram Lal Bhasin Public School, Phase I, Dugri, organised a protest against terrorism. A peace march was held in order to make city residents aware that peace is the need of the hour. The students raised slogans in which they pleaded for peace. They held placards with slogans "Shun Terrorim" and "Live and Let Live".
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MC notices to encroachers
Ludhiana, December 18 According to information, the department had issued 251 notices in “A” zone, 70 in “B” zone, while 162 and 45 notices in “C” and “D” zones, respectively, till yesterday. The number of notices issued today could not be corroborated till the filing of this report. The move has been going on following the High Court orders on a PIL wherein the petitioner had alleged that the town planning department was not adhering to the PUDA Act. The Act states that there should be no construction up to 100 m on both sides of bypass roads and 5 m on schedule roads. However, the petitioner had alleged that there were numerous encroachments on various roads like GT Road, Chandigarh Road, Gill Road, Ferozepur Road.
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Brick kiln workers hold rally
Ludhiana, December 18 The workers are demanding that minimum wages be raised upto Rs 600 per month and labour laws be implemented in all the industries. They are also demanding that their loans from private and public sector banks be waived. The labour union is also demanding a 10-marla plot for each labourer and that loans for construction on the land be given interest free. Their other demands include that families with annual income less than Rs 60,000 be included in the below poverty list and pension to the widows, senior citizens and physically challenged be raised to Rs 1,000 per month.
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Pulse polio workshop for nodal officers
Ludhiana, December 18 The programme is scheduled from December 21 to December 23. S.P.Sharma, civil surgeon, Ludhiana, said preparations had been made to ensure ‘precision’ in the pulse polio drive. He also called upon the supervisors to concentrate on the polio-prone areas. WHO acivist Goldy, too, was present on the occasion.
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SHO placed under suspension
Ludhiana, December 18 The SHO has been sent to the Police Lines. The SSP said Gurtej Singh did not pursue the case sincerely. The SSP warned officials in the district not to take court cases lightly else strict action would be taken against them.
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Seven transformers damaged
Raikot, December 18 It is pertinent to mention till date more than 100 transformers are reportedly stolen but no arrests have been made. Gurdial Singh, SHO Raikot, said he has received the complaints and looking into
the matter.
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NRI alleges assault by village youths
Raikot, December 18 Tehal Singh, a resident of Kaily village, has been training village youth in wrestling at his wrestling ring. In his complaint lodged with the police, he alleged that on November 18, a village youth, Binder Singh, had a quarrel with him. The youth then allegedly called his friends Harvinder Singh, Avtar Singh Rippu, Ramandeep Singh, Binder Singh and Chamkaur Singh who assaulted him. The complainant alleged that Binder Kaur, the mother of Ramandeep Singh, took away his turban. He also accused the assailants of removing his “Gatra”. A case under Sections 379, 295A, 341, 323, 506 and 149, IPC, has been registered against the accused at the Sudhar police station. He accused a former Akali MLA from Kila Raipur of shielding the accused. He claimed that he would approach the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and seek action against the accused for dishonouring of the symbols of Sikhism. SHO Manohar Lal said the case was under inquiry by DSP Raikot Narinderpal Singh. Binder Singh, one of the accused, claimed that Tehal Singh had been levelling false allegations to avenge an earlier incident. He claimed they had an argument that day and nothing else happened. DSP Narinderpal Singh said he had initiated an inquiry.
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One booked for rape
Ludhiana, December 18 According to sources, Harmeet Kaur (25) had been living with Kashmir Singh for the past two years. She told the police that accused had promised to get married to her but now he withdrew from his promise. A case has been registered under Section 376 and 420 of the IPC.
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Judicial remand for Cong activist
Raikot, December 18 On June 15, 2006, Gurtej Singh of Jalaldiwal village had given a complaint to the SSP, accusing Kimti Lal Jai of luring his brother into sending him to Canada by way of marriage and taking Rs 13 lakh from them. They also accused Amit Jain of receiving Rs 50,000 as commission from the deal. Raikot DSP Narinder Pal Singh found in his inquiry that Kimti Lal Jai, Lalit Jain, Dinesh and Amit Jain had committed the fraud with the complainant. He, however, did not make mention of the involvement of Renu and Muskan and thus their named disappeared from the FIR though the complainant had named them in the complaint. Instead, the name of Lalit Jain was included in the FIR on the basis of his verbal assurance of refunding money, on the basis of which the complainant earlier withdrew the complaint. Lalit Jain said he was a victim of political rivalry and the police had arrested him at the behest of an Akali leader who lost the Assembly election recently. He said he was named in the complaint even when nobody had complained against him.
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DBA Poll: Candidates put forth viewpoint
Ludhiana, December 18 President of the association Parupkar Singh
Ghumman, who is once again contesting for the post listed his achievements and shred his future plans. He claimed that the DBA was under severe financial crunch when he joined the office. There was only Rs 11,150 in the account, whereas more than Rs 5 lakh was lying in the account now. Opening of a post office, brick paving of parking lot, installation of submersible water pumps and a water reservoir, grant worth Rs 50 lakh from a few politicians, conversion of dump into park, upgradation of library with new computer
softwares, free internet facility were some of the major achievements listed by him. Ghumman also promised a cooperative housing scheme for lawyers, installation of CCTV cameras for foolproof security in the court complex, opening of a bank’s branch, or 15 percent quota for lawyers in plots of GLADA and LIT. However, the contestant, Stevon
Soni, refused to participate in the debate. The contestants for the vice-presidents’ post Vishal Gupta, Anil Kaushal and Joga Singh Rahi also shared their views and made commitments. Vishal Gupta, one of the contestant’s added that it was not easy to contest election for those who could not afford to throw lavish parties. The 'money' factor was dominating much in these elections, he added.
Kamaljit Sharma, Rakesh Bhatia and Amandeep Bhanot, who were contesting for vice-presidents’ post, shared their views. However, Gurvinder
Sodhi, another contestant for the same post, could not attend the debate as he had met with an accident.
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Cricket tourney deferred
Ludhiana, December 18 Acccording to Varinder Patwari, an organiser of the tournament, it had been postponed due to school examinations and would now be held from December 25 to 31, in which sixteen teams from the state would be participating. The winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 11,000 while the runners-up will pocket a cash prize of Rs 5,100. The tournament will be organised on a knock-out basis and matches of 20 overs, each side, will be played during the week-long tournament. Entries may be confirmed with Rajinder Billa (98769-00381) or Varinder Patwari (98156-67667).
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40 turn up for hockey trials
Ludhiana, December 18 As many as 40 aspirants turned up for the trials and the selection panel constituted by the DHA, including Harpal Singh Randhawa, Harinder Singh Bhullar, Harpal Singh Bhullar, Dr J S Kang and Ajay Pal Singh Punia shortlisted 24 probables and would further prune down the list to 16 players. According to the general secretary of the association, Ajay Pal Singh Punia, the selected players would represent the district in the forthcoming Senior Punjab State Hockey Championship slated to be held in Hoshiarpur under the aegis of the Punjab Hockey Association from December 24 to 27.
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Sports festival kicks off
Mullanpur Dakha, December 18 In the sports festival that will last for four days till 21 December, various categories in Kabaddi, will be played and their will be races of calves carts and oxen. About137 calves cart participated in the race today.
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