Amritsar, February 16
Scholars from various universities today called upon civil society to enlighten people that populist measure of providing free of charge power to agriculture was in no body's interest, including the farmers.

Addressing UGC seminar on 'Social and Physical Infrastructure in Punjab': Status and Implications for Development', the scholars said instead of free power , the government should supply quality education and health facilities, particularly in the rural areas, instead for overall development of the state. They emphasised on human development, to build strong foundation for economic development, especially with respect to development of industrial and service sectors.

Organised by Punjab School of Economics, Guru Nanak Dev University under the Special Assistance Programme of the UGC, the seminar concluded with set of recommendations for paradigm shift in the development strategy of Punjab. The scholars were of the view as the high level of quantitative development of social and physical infrastructure in the state had not translated into high rate of growth, therefore, more emphasis should be on qualitative improvement of infrastructure.

Quality of education, especially in government schools of the state need to be improved through better upkeep and effective supervision so that the teachers teach and the students study.

The delivery system of health services in the state needs to be improved by making medicines available at the level of dispensaries and primary health centres. The doctors and para-medical staff should be made available 24 hours. The supervisory mechanism of health services should also be strengthened.

If unbundling of the Punjab State Electricity Board is to be made successful, basic issues concerning free supply of electricity to agriculture, meterisation , theft, introduction of business principles and unwarranted interference of the state government should be addressed, so that the new electricity corporations are able to deliver efficiently and do not become mere cosmetic change.

As land in the state is very costly and scarce, the government should modify policy regarding new requirements. In future construction of multi-storey flats only and not residential colonies and kothis be allowed.

To encourage industrial development the state must avail the benefits under special economic zones by making land available. Location of SEZs be decided on the basis of availability of land rather political considerations. For examples, SEZ proposed to be set up in Amritsar be shifted to Goindwal Sahib, where land was already acquired by the Goindwal Industrial corporation.

Chandigarh, February 16
In Punjab, you can reap the benefits of your closeness with legislators, without state functionaries planting impediments in your way — at least this is the impression you get from a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Darshan Singh was, rather, able to “enjoy the fruits of a property, despite having been evicted”.

His ejectment was initially ordered in April 1984, on an application filed by gram panchayat of Khiala village in Gurdaspur district and another petitioner.

Even the block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) says he is helpless. “This case reflects a sorry state of affairs. How a person can circumvent judicial orders with the support of political master is reflected in this case,” observed Justice Ranjit Singh, while directing action in the matter.

Darshan Singh’s appeal was dismissed on November 26, 1990. A writ petition filed by him met the same fate. The land’s possession was handed over to the gram panchayat in May 1999 after it moved an execution application.

The area was put to auction on July 15, 2000. Still, Darshan Singh was able to harvest the crop valued Rs 36, 512, after interfering in the auction process by invoking legal proceedings.

After the order in his favour was set aside, direction was issued to recover the amount from Darshan Singh for payment to the patedars. “God knows what happened to that,” observed Justice Ranjit Singh.

In 2007, the land was again put to auction and second petitioner Rattan Singh emerged as the highest bidder. But Darshan Singh and his son forcibly harvested the crop, sown by Rattan Singh.

Aggrieved, the petitioners moved the court. They claimed a local MLA was helping Darshan Singh and his son. “This position is clearly unacceptable. The BDPO, present in person before the court, expressed his helplessness before the might of Darshan Singh and said he and his sons are forcibly interfering in the possession of the panchayat.

“The official respondents need to be told they have to perform their respective statutory duties. Darshan Singh is required to be restrained from interfering in any manner in the possession of the panchayat land or for possession of the patedars, to whom the panchayat has leased the land. It is ordered so.

“The police would take immediate action, if any complaint is made for violation of law on part of Darshan Singh. The BDPO would take immediate action to recover the amount due from Darshan Singh, if not already done, and paid to the patedars.

“The petitioners would be provided police help in case they ask for it. Gurdaspur SSP will be personally responsible in case police help is not provided”. 

Amritsar, February 16
A Sikh jatha of more than 200 members led by former MP and Shiromani Committee member Chatinn Singh Samao today left for Nankana Sahib in Pakistan for the first time to observe the Nankana Sahib tragedy which occurred on February 21, 1921, in which many Sikhs were killed .

Joginder Singh Adliwal, secretary, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), gave warm send- off, by presenting them siropa at the SGPC office on the Golden Temple premises. The jatha went to o Pakistan by Samjhauta Express today.

On February 21, 1921, may Sikh devotees were burnt and shot dead by goons of a Mahant, when they tried to free Nankana Sahib from his control .

Chatinn Singh Samao, said earlier four jathas used to visit Pakistan to celebrate birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and Baisakhi, besides observing death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Now for the first time, the Sikh jatha was going to pay tribute to Sikh martyrs who had laid down their lives to free birthplace of first Sikh master from a Mahant.

He said jatha would also visit Sacha Sauda gurdwara, gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasan Abdal), gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore and gurdwara Karparpur Sahib, and would return on February 23.

Adliwal said besides being the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, Nankana Sahib is being the place from where struggle for the liberation of Sikh shrines was launched. 

Gagra (Moga), February 16
Situated on the Grand Trunk road near Kot Ise Khan in Moga district, Gagra village, already having an institute of technology, has setting up first village information centre in the state. Residents now need not go to the offices of the tehsildar and other revenue officials for getting information on revenue records.

Inaugurating the centre here on Monday, District Magistrate Satwant Singh Johal said the centre also aimed at ending exploitation of rural folk at the hands of revenue officials.

It’ is common in this otherwise advanced agrarian state that one could not get a copy of any revenue record from a patwari or a tehsildar without bribe.

It would initially provide information, also in the printed form as required by the information seekers, with regard to land revenue records of the village such as jamabandi, girdwari, inteqal and nishandehi, but in the days to come the administration planned to add all types of information - population statistics, voter list, history of the village, development , health status of people, agriculture/milk production, etc.

The DM said information would also be offered on agriculture products, advanced technologies and market rates, for farmers’ benefit . He said it would also offer valuable information on health and livelihood to empower the community.

“Increase in communication facilities to the rural folk by adding Internet and e-mail services, resource generation, improvement in quality of community documentation, access to quality education to poor youth and children who can not afford quality education through latest technologies can also be added to this information centre later,” he added.

The infrastructure and space for this project has been provided by an educational society which is running Baba Ishar Singh Group of Institutes in the area. Dr JS Dhaliwal, chairperson of the society, who was also present , announced to set up more such centres in the nearby villages.

Chandigarh, February 16
Reacting to the Union interim Budget presented in Parliament today, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said dip in central tax collections would lead to the state losing at least Rs 300 crore.

Manpreet said, “Since this was going to be interim Budget nothing much was expected from it, but substantial decrease in the tax collections was cause of grave concern.”

“ Because of less collections at the level of Government of India, the state would get smaller amount as part of its share. Though we get only 1.29 per cent of these taxes, this minuscule share would also lead to loss of at least Rs 300 crore to the state,” he said.

The Finance Minister had called meeting of officers this evening to analyse the Union Budget and determine its impact on the state.

“The Budget has projected revenue deficit of 4 per cent and fiscal deficit of 6 per cent for the country. As a state, we have been told we should be revenue neutral and have only 3.5 per cent fiscal deficit under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. Now since it is clear even at the national level the picture is not so rosy, the Centre should allow us at least 4 per cent fiscal deficit. Also, it might not be possible for us to be revenue neutral either,” said Manpreet.

The minister welcomed higher allocation for rural development, higher education and also the stimulus package for agriculture. “However, in the Agricultural Department relief package, Punjab did not benefit to the extent that every state had,” he added.

The FM said the widow pension of Rs 200 per month announced today was too meagre to be of real help.

“Not much was expected from this Budget as it is valid only for three months. We are looking forward to a better deal in the Budget which the new government would bring,” said Manpreet.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described the Interim Budget proposals “totally directionless and disappointing without giving any relief to any section of society.”

Badal said the Budget was empty of substance and lacked fiscal daring required to tackle problems of the poor in the country. “I have been greatly disappointed that even senior leader like Pranab Mukherjee restricted himself only to singing praises of Mrs Sonia Gandhi and gave the common man no reason to cheer. Aam Admi will be the biggest loser in this,” he said.

SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the UPA’s Budget proposals were “anti-growth and anti-poor”.

Chandigarh, February 16
The Congress has decried “politicisation of the state police machinery” by unleashing “ new wave of political vendetta particularly against Amarinder Singh and his son Raninder Singh”. In a statement here yesterday Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Congress MLA from Bholath said there were many incidents of police highhandedness in Punjab that must be condemned.

Khaira said the latest case against Raninder Singh was primarily to damage him so he did not contest Bathinda Lok Sabha seat against the Badal family. “ Cases related to company illegalities have to be dealt by Income Tax authority or registrar of companies and not by the Vigilance. By registering fourth case against Amarinder Singh the Badals have proved beyond doubt the Vigilance is being used as convenient tool to browbeat political opponents in Punjab”.

He said Punjab was witnessing jungle raj.. The way peaceful student protesters were beaten up at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, reminded one of Mughals and the British regimes. In two years women anganwari workers, blind, etc. teachers and now students have been lathi-charged. 

Sangrur, February 16
PWD Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa today handed over Rs 90 lakh cheques under the shagun scheme for girls to officers of the areas concerned to give these to the beneficiaries at a function organised by the District Welfare Office at the Ambedkar Bhawan here.

Under the scheme, 600 girls, including majority from Scheduled Caste community, would get the money.

The function was organised to celebrate the 632nd Parkash Utsav of Guru Ravidas. Besides this, Dhindsa also distributed Rs 70 lakh cheques under government’s welfare schemes, including attendance scholarship, scholarship for sportspersons (students), scholarship for students of minority communities.

Addressing the function, he urged the gathering to follow the teachings of Guru Ravidas and work towards eliminating untouchability from society. He also criticised the Congress for discontinuing welfare schemes intitated by the SAD-BJP government earlier.

Chairman of the District Planning Committee Gobind Singh Longowal, former Minister Nusrat Ali Khan, area in charge of the SAD for Sangrur Assembly constituency Parkash Chand Garg and District Welfare Officer Parminder Singh Gill were among the speakers. 

Amritsar, February 16
The 150 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army (TA) will hold rally at Army Parade Ground ,Delhi cantonment to recruit GD soldiers and tradesman of Punjab on February 18.

Col Sunil Kumar, Director, Recruitments, said here today eligibility for soldier GD was matriculation, either with 45 per cent marks or 10+2 pass within age group of 18 to 42 years. He said weight should be 50 kg, chest 77-82 cm and minimum height of 160 cm.

Eligibility criteria for soldier tradesman were similar to the aforementioned except relaxation in education, with middle qualified candidates could appear in the rally. 

Chandigarh, February 16.
The Vigilance Bureau today registered an FIR to probe the collapse of 67 per cent of septic tanks in 158 villages in districts. The FIR has been registered on the direction of Punjab and Haryana High Court after a committee formed by it under a retired District and Sessions Judge observed reasons for the failure of the septic tanks needed to be probed. The FIR has named 13 persons, including a serving and a retired IAS officer.

The FIR, No 3 of 2009 registered by the bureau at Mohali has named 13 individuals, three companies that purportedly may have supplied substandard material, some officials’ in charge of supervision, besides un-named officials of the Central Institute of Plastic Technology (CIPT), Amritsar. The vigilance has said since the original pilot project was based on concrete septic tanks, subsequently plastic tanks were used. The vigilance will probe reported loss of Rs 7 crore to the state.

Names of two IAS officers, J.R Kundal (since retired) then (2004 when the scheme was approved) Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayats and Saravjit Singh, IAS - then Director of the department figure at the top of the FIR Others named in the FIR include Mohanjit Singh, J.S Sodhi, G.P.S Mann, Malwinder Singh, M.S Jaggi, Harbhajan Singh, Pardeep Sikri from the departments of Rural Development and Panchayats, Water Supply and Sanitation and the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology. The FIR also has names of four persons who acted as supervisors. They are Rajesh Kumar Verma, Gurmit Bhall, P.K Gandhi and Harinder Pal. The three companies that supplied material for the failed septic tanks include OK Ply India Ltd, Aquaplast (both from New Delhi) and Syntex from Gujrat.

The government implemented a pilot project in three villages Madhopur (Fatehgarh Sahib), Alipur (Sangrur) and Olana (Patiala) for setting up septic tanks with Swedish collaboration. Based on the success of these three tanks it was decided to set up similar tanks in two villages of every block, benefiting 282 villages. But the officials concerned modified the technology to replace concrete tanks with plastic ones, besides accepting tanks with “below minimum acceptable specifications” as prescribed by the CIPT.

After the project was implemented in 158 out of the 282 villages (62 by Department of Rural Development and Panchayat, 93 by Department of Water Supply and Sanitation and twoby Punjab State Council for Science and Technology) Kuldip moved the high court saying substandard work was being done.

The high court formed a committee headed by retired Districts and Sessions Judge B.S Mehndiratta to ascertain the truth. The committee reported, that 67 per cent of the septic tanks had malfunctioned or collapsed. At this the high court directed to hand over the matter to the Vigilance Bureau leading to registration of a case under Sections 420, 120B IPC and 13 (D) read with 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Sarvjit Singh now is General Manager, FCI. 

Chandigarh, February 16
In a serious breach of its own policy, the Punjab government has released a host of murderers and rapists following grant of remission of sentence on various celebratory occasions in the state. The directions issued by the Home Department in this regard clearly prohibit the release of convicted rapists and murderers.

According to information gathered by advocate HC Arora of the Punjab and Haryana High Court under the Right to Information Act, the state released several convicts in the past two years who were undergoing sentences for heinous and ghastly crimes.

Bakhshish Singh, a prisoner in Central Jail, Ferozepur, undergoing life sentence for murder with rape (under Section 302/376 IPC), was prematurely released on completion of sentence of over 12 years. Kishan Singh, convicted for murder and dowry death (under Section 304 B IPC), has been prematurely released from Central Jail Gurdaspur.

Other than these cases, there are several criminals convicted for murder with rape or dowry death lodged in central jails at Jalandhar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Maximum Security Jail, Nabha and district jail Sangrur, who are waiting for the “liberal” state government to set them free.

Arora pointed out that strangely enough, the government’s policy disqualifies the convicts who have been convicted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder (under Section 304 IPC) with rape from grant of remissions, whereas those convicted for murder (under Section 302 IPC) with rape, were being granted remissions quite liberally.

“The Indian Penal Code treats murder under Section 302 IPC a more serious offence and that entails sentence of death or imprisonment for life, whereas offence under Section 304 IPC entails only imprisonment for life or imprisonment which may extend to 10 years. This loophole is being misused by the state in granting remissions,” he said.

Arora states that the policy of the state government also disqualified those convicts from grant of remission, who have been convicted for crime connected with terrorism in the state. “The information provided by the Superintendent, Maximum Security Jail, Nabha, through DGP (Prisons) reveals that one Amarjit Singh, who was sentenced for murder as well as under Section 3 of the TADA Act, has also been released on January 21, 2008 after grant of remission, on undergoing a sentence of over 14 years,” said Arora.

Likewise, those prisoners who have been convicted under Section 304 (b) of IPC, dowry death, were also disqualified from grant of remission of sentence under the said policies. “But such prisoners too have been released,” said Arora.