Bathinda, May 15
The results of the four Lok Sabha seats of the Malwa region tomorrow is expected to sketch the future political scenario in the belt where the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was routed during the Assembly elections about two years ago.

The SAD has, this time, left no stone unturned to recapture its lost ground in Malwa as the result of the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat, in particular, has the potential to cast its shadow not only on the party's functioning but also on that of the Congress.

The high percentage of polling in the four constituencies of the Malwa belt is expected to spring surprises.

In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the appointment of Central government officials as micro-observers on each table during the counting of votes.

Central security forces would be deployed at the counting halls. It is worth mentioning that the opposition Congress has urged the Election Commission to take extra precautions during the counting of votes for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.

The four constituencies, Bathinda, Sangrur, Ferozepur and Faridkot, recorded a high percentage of polling as compared to various metropolitan constituencies elsewhere in the country. Bathinda, Ferozepur and Faridkot figure at the bottom of the literacy map of Punjab.

The Congress had allocated three of the four Malwa seats to the youth, Raninder Singh (Bathinda), Sukhwinder Singh Danny (Faridkot) and Vijay Inder Singla (Sangrur), who were first-timers in the fray. On the other hand, except for Bathinda, the SAD fielded its tested candidates for the three other seats.

All eyes are focused towards the Bathinda parliamentary constituency where the election turned into a high voltage contest between the two top political rival families of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and former CM Captain Amarinder Singh whose scions were in the fray.

Parkash Singh Badal, however, does not consider the election as a contest between the two families and says it is between two political parties.

Congress poll managers claim that while Amarinder Singh, who heads the campaign committee of the Congress, has hardly anything to lose in case his son Raninder Singh fails to make it to the parliament, it would be a political upset for Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal if his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who is the ruling SAD candidate, loses the election. Both parties were confident of winning the seat because of the unexpected polling graph.

The high percentage of polling in the rural areas of the constituency has put the political pundits in a dilemma over the outcome of the results.

While the Bathinda constituency recorded 78.75 per cent polling, it was slightly over 72.44 per cent in Faridkot. The Sangrur and Ferozepur constituencies also witnessed a high turnout of voters.

The three counting stations here and one in Mansa would be heavily guarded by the paramilitary forces to prevent any untoward incident.

This is for the first time that the Bathinda seat was thrown open for candidates of the general category following the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies as a result of which Faridkot was made a reserved seat this time.

Although there were 22 candidates in the fray for the Bathinda seat, but the main fight emerged between Harsimrat Kaur Badal (SAD) and Raninder Singh (Congress). Hardev Singh Arshi (CPI) and Nem Chand (BSP) were among others in the fray.

The fate of Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (SAD) and Sukhwinder Singh Danny (Congress), besides 13 others vying for the Faridkot seat , would be known tomorrow.

The newcomer Vijay Inder Singla (Congress) is locked in a contest with veterans, including SAD leader and a sitting MP, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Simranjit Singh Mann and Balwant Singh Ramoowalia (Lok Bhalai Party), besides 12 others for the Sangrur seat. The outcome of the Ferozepur seat with the highest number of 27 contenders is also being awaited keenly. The main contenders are, Sher Singh Ghubaya (SAD) and Jagmeet Brar (Congress). 

Moga, May 15
Local Congress MLA Joginder Pal Jain has filed an application for bail before the district and sessions court here, today. On the day of Lok Sabha polling on May 13, the local police had registered a criminal case against him under sections 382, 384, 323, 336, 148, 149 of the IPC and section 3 of the SC/ST Act at the rural police station.

A local resident, Jugraj Singh, had complained to the police that Jain had beaten him up and used abusive language with casteist overtone.

In his bail application, Jain had pleaded before the court that the case registered against him was politically motivated at the behest of the local leaders of the ruling SAD party.

The bail application came up before the court of the additional sessions judge Amarjot Kaur Bhatti who has fixed May 18 as the date for hearing.

The court has also demanded the record of this case from the police.

Meanwhile, Jain, while talking to The Tribune, alleged that the SAD-BJP government had influenced the local police to register the case against him to settle scores with the Congress because a criminal case was registered against former minister and SAD MLA Bikram Singh Majithia on the complaint of Congress at Bathinda.

Jain said that he had been the target of the SAD-BJP regime ever since he was elected to the state legislative assembly and many cases were registered against him by the government.

It may be mentioned that former Chief Minister and Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh has already announced that the Congress would extend all possible legal help to fight this case.

The Congress would also approach the Election Commission to inform it of the actual facts related to this case. 

Bathinda, May 15
With counting of votes slated to take place tomorrow, the election process has entered its last lap with candidates keeping their fingers crossed. The administration too has geared up for the smooth conduct of the counting process for the total of 10,49,366 votes polled for 22 candidates in the fray for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.

The counting centres for the nine assembly constituencies of Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency have been divided into four locations. For Mansa district, which includes three assembly segments, Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh, Nehru Memorial College has been selected, where three different counting centres would be located.

For the remaining six assembly segments, namely, Lambi, Bathinda (Urban), Bathinda (Rural), Bhucho, Maur and Talwandi Sabo, three locations having two centres each have been marked in Bathinda city. The locations are identified as SSD Girls' College, MSD School and one Polytechnic College at Bibiwala road.

For the counting of Lambi and Bhucho assembly segments, where 108611 and 120356 votes were polled, respectively, 10 tables each have been installed. For Talwandi Sabo that has polled 102006 votes, 12 tables have been installed.

For Bathinda-urban (113820), Bathinda-rural (99874), Maur (109742), Mansa (139851), Sardulgarh (123763) and Budhladha (131343) votes, 14 tables for each assembly segment have been installed.

Each counting centre would have a media gallery, while the counting would be monitored from the Polytechnic College, where the Returning Officer Rahul Tewari would monitor the whole process.

According to information available, counting would start at 8 am sharp and the administration is expecting that it would be over by 3 pm.

The counting staff has been asked to report before the RO by 5 am, when the counting supervisors and assistants would be manually randomise for their duty locations. The whole randomisation would be done in the presence of the senior-most observer among the four Central observers deputed for this Lok Sabha seat.

Each centre will have counting agents, provided by the candidates themselves. Before their entry, frisking would be ensured by the assistant returning officers (ARO) concerned, who would also administer the oath to the whole counting staff. 

To make the system,free and fair, micro-observers (employees taken from the Central government's institutions) would be deputed at each counting table, who are supposed to cross-check the figures.

Following the ECI instruction, the administration has barred mobile, cigarettes, tobacco, match boxes etc. inside the counting centres.

For Rampura Phul assembly segment, which is a part of the Faridkot seat, but is an administrative part of the Bathinda , the district administration would send its counting staff to Kotkapura, where the counting centre for Rampura Phul has been set up.

Gidderbaha, May 15
Fish of various species were found floating dead in large numbers in the Malout drain today under mysterious circumstances. According to the information received, residents of Thehri village in Muktsar district noticed the dead fish floating in the afternoon and the news spread like a wild fire in the area.

Receiving the complaint, officials of the fisheries department visited the spot and took samples of the dead fish and water. They informally disclosed that there was a possibility of some poisonous substance being dumped in the drain which had affected water in the drain up to 10 km.

It has also been apprehended that because of the elections and the free flow of liquor during the poll season, some mischievous elements might have dumped 'Lahan', an illicit variety of country made liquor into the drain to skip scrutiny.

Residents of the Thehri village have even announced a reward of Rs 5,000 in cash to the person helps nab the guilty.

While talking to TNS, a senior official of the fisheries department said such incidents take place at times when mischievous element put poison in the water to kill fish in large numbers and then sell them in bulk for wholesale purposes.

In reply to a query, he said that consuming such fish pose no health hazard if one cleans it properly after removing its internal organs.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner, Muktsar, Rajat Aggarwal said, "The team of fisheries department has taken samples which would be sent for test to the laboratory on Saturday. Soon after they submit the prima facie report, an FIR would be lodged in this case."

Bathinda, May 15
In separate incidents, two men reportedly upset over family disputes, allegedly committed suicide here today.

Sonu (32) of Dhanaula consumed some poisonous substance to end his life at the house of his in-laws house in Kartar Singh Basti, sources said, adding Sonu was living with his in-laws for five-six years.

Father of the deceased, Bagga Singh, told the police that the deceased was working at a dhaba in Bathinda and living with in-laws house. After some time, his mother-in-law Bhajan Kaur and wife Sandeep Kaur started harassing him on various grounds. SHO Kotwali Harmeek Singh Deol said, "We have registered a case against Bhajan Kaur and Sandeep Kaur for abetting suicide under section 306 of the IPC."

In another incident, Kasmiri Lal (42) of Amarpura Basti, an employee at an oil mill, hanged himself to death. Sources said, Lal was an alcoholic due to which his wife used to quarrel with him.

Police registered a case under section 174 of the CrPc and initiated inquest proceedings. — TNS

Bathinda, May 15
Frustrate over his services rendered for the party candidate during the canvassing for Lok Sabha elections going unnoticed, a SAD-BJP activist created a high-voltage drama by attempting to committed suicide, here today.

According to information, Ranjeet Singh (35) of Janata Nagar, who appeared to be mentally upset, today climbed atop the nearly 100-feet high water tank located near the Fire Brigade complex.

Receiving information, volunteers of the Sahara Jan Seva, immediately rushed to the spot. Meanwhile, a large number of policemen encircled the area. The number of onlookers also swelled.

The person, in question, was shouting that he had done his best for the party and its candidate but nobody had taken notice of his services. Wasting no time, two volunteers of the NGO climbed up but finding them there, Ranjeet threatened to jump if they attempted to touch him.

In a daring act, the NGO volunteers, Jony and Sham Murari, managed to get him to climb down.

Later the NGO rushed him to the Civil Hospital and admitted him for psychiatric treatment. When asked, the volunteers said that they assured him of honouring him publically.

SHO Kotwali police station Harmeek Deol said, "We got him medically examined and found him to be mentally upset. After observing his condition, we did not register any case against him."

Mansa , May 15
Sewerage problem in Mansa city has become a serious issue resulting in accumulation of dirty water in the streets and spreading water- borne diseases such as jaundice. Lack of proper sewerage system and poor maintenance are the main reasons for this problem.

It is notable that after the incident regarding the death of two men, who were killed during the cleaning of a manhole, no one is ready for this work.

Mansa resident Sukhcharn Singh Danewalia and Jaspal Singh said that the death of the two employees has badly affected the cleaning of sewer lines and people were forced to live in dirty conditions.

They demanded that the Muncipal Council and administration should took appropriate steps for the cleaning of sewer lines. Jatinder Agra, who had been vice-president of the Municipal Council, said there was a need to divide the sewerage system of the city into two parts and two disposal points should also be set up to solve the problem.

Ex-MLA Buta Singh said the problem has become acute in the city. It is more problematic for people during the rainy season because they cannot walk through the waterlogged streets of the city.

He alleged that the Municipal Council and administration had not paid any heed to the problem. Junior engineer of the sewerage department Rajinder Kumar said that after the death of two persons, who were cleaning the sewerage, no one is ready for this work.

He informed that the sewage in the pipes has been hampering the flow of water. He also expressed the need for laying new sewer lines because the old system has become outdated. He said that the executive officer of the Municipal Council had assured that the cleaning of sewerage system would start from May 23 with machines. 

Mansa , May 15
The problem of contaminated water has become a serious issue for the people of Mansa. People of the district have been suffering from water-borne diseases like jaundice and others.

The groundwater of this area is not fit for drinking and irrigation. The officials of agriculture and health department too admit this fact. Agriculture officer Davinder Singh said only 33 per cent water was safe near the canals while 67 per cent water was contaminated.

Leader of Radical Peoples Forum Jaspal Kokhar, social worker and advocate Rajinder Sharma, while expressing concern over the contaminated water demanded increase in the quantity of canal water. Budhlada MLA Mangat Rai Bansal alleged that the government did not take sincere steps to improve the situation.

He informed that Budlada and Sardulgarh face a shortage of canal water. Mansa resident Dr Baldev Sharma and Bhupinder Singh said half of the population was using contaminated drinking water. 

Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Rupinder Kumar admitted that only 30 per cent people in the district use safe drinking water. New system of water purification should be set up, he said. — OC

Fazilka, May 15
The disappointing results of the class VIII examinations conducted by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has raised a question mark over the style of functioning of the Board.

Even as the results have exposed the policies of the education department, there is also an apprehension of increase in the already high dropout rate following the failure of large number of students.

According to sources in the department, as many as 5,03,715 students appeared in the examination. Out of these, 4,04,924 students appeared as regular while the remaining appeared as private and open schools candidates. 

Out of the total examinees, 1,84,041 students or about 37 per cent have failed in the examinations. Moreover, a majority of the failed students are the students of the government schools. In the merit list issued by the PSEB, names of only 517 students figured. Out of the 517 students, only three students or nearly 0.5 per cent are from the government schools. 

These include two students from Barnala district and one from Bathinda. All other 17 districts failed to figure in the list. Surprisingly, of the nearly 6000 middle, high and senior secondary schools of the state, the results of some schools has been 0 to 20 per cent.

"Not only teachers but the defective and short-sighted education policy of the education department is by and large responsible for such a pitiable condition,” said Raj Kishore Karla, patron of NGO Shiksha Sudhar Committee. 

Citing the reason for the present scenario, he said 85 per cent posts of the heads of high and senior secondary schools were lying vacant besides teachers were forced to perform non-educational duties and government schools reeling under acute scarcity of basic amenities.

Moreover, the teachers who do not teach their subjects "seriously" in the classes are considered to be another reason for this miserable performance by the students and PSEB, lamented Kalra.The department has introduced English language from class I in government schools but the teachers are yet to be appointed for the purpose. Most of the students have failed in English and Mathematics subjects, sources added. 

Abohar, May 15
The Community Health Centre at the village Khuikhera located on the Abohar-Fazilka road (National Highway 10) has become a victim of non-resident doctors and other ranks. The Tribune team during a visit in the afternoon found a class IV attendant in the sprawling complex.

The health department sources confirm posting of five doctors, seven pharmacists, four staff nurses, one lab technician besides the senior medical officer, who reportedly belongs to Sriganganagar in Rajasthan.

None can afford to stay at night since most of the family quarters, it is feared, could collapse any moment, sources said.

But no member of the staff bothers to be on duty till evening, even the villagers rued.

Interestingly, the CHC better known as mini-hospital is among the oldest health centres in the region that has got more than 25 villages connected to it. Its jurisdiction is spread over Gumjal, neighbouring Sriganganagar on the inter-state border to Jandwala Meerasangla village located on the international border.

The CHC could not meet people’s expectations when a squall emanating from the Zero Line had wreaked havoc on Jandwala Meerasangla razing many houses to the ground about seven years back. 

Locals remember that Dr PR Bhadoo was one of the few SMOs, who dared to stay in the double-storied quarter in the residential colony. Now, only a caretaker resides in the last quarter with the members of his family.

Only three beds can be found in the emergency ward but people seldom heard of doctors attending any emergencies in the recent past. The victims of the road mishaps are normally rushed to the Civil Hospitals in Abohar and Fazilka located at an equal distance from Khuikhera, sources said.

Broken beds and other equipment lay scattered outside. The staff still prefers not to park the ambulance in the new garage. Ambulance is normally used for VIP duty, sources said.

Under a scheme funded by the World Bank, the state government is getting a new building constructed close to the old one through the Panchayati Raj department. Its cost had been estimated at Rs 1.20 crore and completion expected by the next few months.

But it is not going to bring much relief since the medicos and paramedics will continue to be non-residents, said a patient Surja Ram, moving helplessly outside the CHC with abdominal pain. All medicine shops were also found closed.

Bathinda, May 15
Mandeep Kaur of ECE branch of Baba Farid College of Engineering has bagged the first position in B.Tech first semester examinations by securing 81.8 per cent marks, held in December last year.

Mandeep was closely followed by Gagandeep Kaur of the CSE branch who secured 81.2 per cent and stood first. Navneet Gupta of civil engineering branch stood first in the class by securing 74.4 per cent. Baldeep Kaur Brar of IT branch stood first in class securing 75 per cent marks.

The students of Baba Farid College of Management and Technology who did well in the MBA exam are Dinesh Goyal who scored 80 per cent, Rupinder Kaur got 79 per cent, Seema got 78 per cent, Deepak Bansal managed 77.5 per cent, Ripanjeet Kaur scored 77.1 per cent, Akash Goyal got 76.7 per cent, Ramandeep Garg scored 75 per cent while Shikha Goyal managed 75 per cent.

Director-principal Dr Jasbir Singh Hundal congratulated the students on their achievement. Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal, while expressing his satisfaction and happiness, conveyed his appreciation and congratulations to the director-principal, faculty, staff and students. 

Mansa, May 15
The move of occupying panchyat lands by labourers under the leadership of Mazdoor Mukti Morcha and CPI (ML) continues in the Mansa district.

Labourers had occupied land for their houses in nearly 23 villages. The CPI (ML) has accused the district administration of being partial regarding the occupation of panchyat land by the labourers.

State secretary of the party Rajwinder Singh Rana and district secretary Bhagwant Singh Sammaon said that that the administration had not taken any action against those who had occupied panchyat land for nearly 20 years.

They said that the Akalis and Congress promise to provide land to labourers for their houses at the time of elections but later forget to keep their word. They informed that according to the BDPO office, Mansa, about 56 persons have occupied the panchayat land illegally at Chakerian village, 67 persons at Deluana, eight persons at Naggal Kalan, five persons at Mansa Khurd and 18 person at Khokhar Khurad.

At Fafre Bhaike village, Kendriya Navodaya Vidyalaya was set up nearly 15 years ago but poor children could not avail of it. This institution was set up on panchyat land. On being contacted, a Dalit woman Manjeet Kaur said her kids could not benefit from this institution. 

Another resident Ram Singh said this institution was only for the rich. A similar situation exists at village Jhuner where the Punjabi University has set up its campus on panchyat land, said Dalit residents. Meanwhile, the Radical People Forum said that the administration has been partial regarding the occupation of panchyat land. 

Jaspal Singh Khokhar and Sukhdarshan Singh Natt has criticised the administration for adopting the policy of pro-rich people. DC Kumar Rahul, however, assured that illegal occupation of panchayat land would not be allowed.