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Poll Debacle
Now, youth to be focus of BJP enrolment drive
Ban on ACs |
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Benipal urges colleagues to withdraw stir
‘Golden jubilee’ sack for granthi
Decks cleared for new Punjab DGP
Tiff in Akali Factions
SAI centre: Officials hold survey in Ropar
Pak Hindus can get visas for immersion of ashes in Ganga
Encroachments on Golden Temple road removed
IRON HAND: Encroachments being removed by the Municipal Corporation near the Golden Temple
in Amritsar. — Photo by Vishal Kumar
Now, local bodies can auction disputed property
Rs 5-lakh compensation for failed tubectomy
Fazilka revives ‘sanjha chullah’
Farmers block traffic over power
Lalgarh violence: CPM to hold rallies
New pay scales for GND varsity staff
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Poll Debacle Sarbjit Dhaliwal and Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 25 “As we, including myself, failed our urban supporters in the state, they taught us lesson in the Lok Sabha elections”, a party insider quoted Sidhu as saying on the second day of party’s meeting here today. The meeting was called to introspect on party’s massive defeat in the elections in Punjab. The party insider said posing questions indirectly to the BJP leaders and ministers, Sidhu asked why the industrial policy had not been framed yet even after the formation of the SAD-BJP government more than two years ago. Why has the pay commission not been implemented in Punjab yet when other states had already done the same? Why were people in urban areas not being given adequate power and potable water? Why were the BJP state leadership and ministers not raising their voice on these crucial issues concerning people of the state in general and especially urbanites? he questioned amid thundering applause from many middle-rung party leaders on the second day of the meeting here today. Sidhu said when a senior leader of the party was abused, the party rank and file got together in his support. And it was a right thing to do so. However, when party workers were beaten up in Rampura, Bathinda, Patiala, Tarn Taran, Amritsar and other places during the civic body elections, no one showed enough zeal to defend them and to stand by them. “The party was unable to get even a single senior officer transferred in the districts where BJP workers were beaten up.” Raising another serious issue, he said why the party’s senior leaders have grabbed wholesale liquor depots and other profitable ventures being made available at the state government level. “Party workers and activist have made us MPs, ministers and MLAs and it was our duty to get liquor depots allotted to them instead of grabbing them ourselves”, he said, making many faces turn red at the meeting. A strong stand would have to be taken against the sand mafia and other bad elements trying to rob people of their properties, he said. Party’s senior leader Balramji Dass Tandon said there was need to confront the SAD on all issues during the next two years and it was crucial for party’s revival in the state. Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, president of the BJP’s investor cell, said some gangs supported by top leaders of the SAD had established control on most of the sand and gravel mines, on main bus routes and also captured the cable network. “Punjab was passing through an era which it did not witness even during Emergency”, he said. Mr Balbir Punj presided the party meeting on both days.
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Now, youth to be focus of BJP enrolment drive
Jalandhar, June 25 Asked if there would be any change in party’s leadership in Punjab, Punj said after completing the membership drive in November, new office-bearers of the party would be elected in the state. Meanwhile, at the concluding session of the party’s two day meeting here, the BJP today passed political and other resolutions. Through a resolution, the party expressed its serious concern over growing political violence in the state. “The popular government’s image is being tarnished by the bossy attitude adopted by certain people to get genuine and illegal work done from officers”, said the resolution. It condemned the violent attack on tehsildar GS Benipal and other officials recently. It urged the state government to take on the land and sand mafia operating in the state. Through another resolution, the BJP said people of urban areas, employees and Dalits, who had supported the SAD-BJP combine in the last assembly elections, have drifted away from the combine. “Our party was committed to protect the interest of these sections of society”, said the resolution. Through other resolutions, the BJP sought the implementation report of the pay commission, to clear backlog of government jobs meant for SCs and BCs, to take effective steps to promote industry in the Kandi belt for balance growth in all regions of the state and sought adequate power supply for rural and urban areas. The party passed another resolution condemning the killing of Baba Rama Nand and violent attack on Baba Niranjan Dass of Dera Ballan and sought to isolating the fundamentalists behind such incidents.
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Day I marked by a surge in absenteeism
Kuldip Bhatia Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, June 25 An inadvertent fallout of the move has been absenteeism in the offices with those who were able to going on leave. Many of the officials left behind are perennially on ‘field duty’ while others are making token appearances in office but later disappearing for long intervals. People visiting the offices do not, however, have the luxury to do the same and could be seen braving another scorching day, waiting patiently for the officials to turn up. Employees grumbled about the logic of the order with some wondering whether it would have been a better idea for government offices to start working at 6:30 in the morning and close at 12:30 pm. Offices of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust were deserted with the executive officer being on leave, the new administrator yet to assume charge and many other officials including the superintending engineer being out on a one of his ‘field visits’. Employees claimed the airconditioners were not being turned on even during the short period when there was power, adding the generator used to run fans and electrical lights was not powerful enough to run the ACs. In the mini secretariat too, several officials were missing as they were in the municipal corporation’s offices in Sarabha Nagar and Mata Rani Chowk. Fans and some of the room water coolers were, however, operating on generator at the MC offices. The ACs remained switched off when power supply came on for about 45 minutes in the forenoon and again for one and a half hours in the afternoon. It was work as usual at the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority’s head office and, in contrast to other government departments, most senior officials were present though many of them appeared visibly tired. “How would it help the government if public servants fall sick?” asked one of them aloud. At offices of the Punjab State Electricity Board, officials declared the government’s order was being scrupulously followed. They claimed routine work and public dealing had not been affected due to ACs not functioning. However, many government employees were openly derisive. “When power is hardly available for an hour or so during office hours what can this move (to ban use of ACs) possibly hope to achieve?” asked one of them. Others in the room concurred. With ACs out of use, they said, officials had opted to stay away from offices on different pretexts, thus defeating the purpose of the government’s intention. The jury is still out on the matter and it is too early to say the move has failed. But with the mercury showing no signs of dipping one can hardly fault the employees for being skeptical.
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Benipal urges colleagues to withdraw stir
Ludhiana, June 25 Contrary to his earlier claims of dissatisfaction on the role of the Deputy Commissioner and the SSP, Major Benipal’s appeal says he is happy with the action taken by them in the assault case. The appeal further states he is satisfied with the police action against two prime accused and has been assured by the authorities concerned that the rest of the accused will be arrested. The joint action committee formed to seek justice for Major Benipal, however, did not decide on the withdrawal of the stir today. The decision on the matter would be taken at its general house meeting here tomorrow. Talking to The Tribune, tehsildar Ram Singh said the decision on the withdrawal of the agitation would be taken in the presence of the representatives of all bodies of revenue officials. He said he still stood for his old demands, including handing over the case to the CBI and the suspension of the Deputy Commissioner and the SSP. Earlier, Kohar and Dubey visited Major Benipal at DMC Hospital at 10 am and held a closed-door meeting with him till 2 pm. DIG SS Chauhan, tehsildars KS Randhawa, Kanwar Narinder Singh and Jagsir Singh were also present there.
Action committee divided
The joint action committee formed to seek justice for Major GS Benipal, tehsildar, was divided into two factions over the issue of calling off the strike. A group, led by tehsildar KS Randhawa, said they would rejoin their respective offices from tomorrow while the other group, led by tehsildar Ram Singh, said the decision on the issue would be taken at a meeting tomorrow. Randhawa said they had withdrawn the strike after appeals from the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister and in the larger interest of public. on the other hand, Ram Singh said Randhawa was nobody to take decision on this crucial issue and it would be taken at the meeting tomorrow.
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‘Golden jubilee’ sack for granthi
Amritsar, June 25 Earlier, he was removed as head granthi when he refused to accept the post of the Jathedar of Akal Takht on December 9, 2000, after the removal of Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar. Giani Mohan Singh was asked not to perform “rehras” (daily evening prayer) at an eleventh hour by head granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh. SGPC president Avtar Singh confirmed the removal of Giani Mohan Singh. However, Giani Mohan Singh denied that he had indulged in any violation of Sikh maryada while celebrating the golden jubilee of his wedding anniversary. He said it was surprising and shocking on the part of the committee to take decision after more than six months of the celebrations. He said then manager of Darbar Sahib and senior officials and certain SGPC members were present at the celebrations. He claimed that Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh himself told him that he had done nothing wrong in celebrating the golden jubilee of his wedding. He, however, admitted that “mehndi” was applied on his hands at the time of his celebrations and cake was cut.
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Tiff in Akali Factions Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 25 In his complaint before the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, Yadwinder Singh Buter of Gurdaspur district had earlier contended he was “permanent invitee of national body of Akali Dal (Badal); and had called a meeting of party workers on February 23 last year at Kahnuwan. A group armed with deadly weapons attacked the party members on directions of former minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan. As Sekhwan was influential, the local authorities were not taking any action, it was added. Initially, the commission asked the Gurdaspur SSP to give details of the action taken. In its latest order dated June 24, the commission has now observed: “In this case since the complainant is not satisfied with the report dated May 19, 2008, of Gurdaspur SSP, the commission vide order dated December 17, 2008, entrusted the matter to the crime branch for investigation and report. Accordingly, a report dated April 17 of zonal SP (crime), Amritsar zone, was received through ADGP (crime), wherein it was reported on February 23, 2008, there was a tiff between two groups of Akali party, one headed by complainant Buter and the other supported by former minister Sekhwan. In the melee, Kamalpreet Singh from the opposite side fired shots from his gun, and his accomplices assaulted with their weapons the members of the complainant party. Thus, many members of the complainant party sustained injuries. It was held in this report that various police officers, who investigated case FIR number 17 dated February 23, 2008, under Section 336, IPC, registered at PS Kahnuwan, did not do their work properly and even proper sections of the IPC were not applied….in this backdrop, departmental inquiry against the police officers concerned has been recommended in this report. It was recommended that Sections 323, 324, 427, 148, 149 IPC, and Sections 25/27/54/59 of the Arms Act be added in this case, and the matter be probed. It was also recommended that culprits be arrested and challan be presented in the court. Before parting with the orders, the commission has asked Gurdaspur SSP to submit a status report on action he has so far taken on the crime branch report. The case will now come up on July 16.
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SAI centre: Officials hold survey in Ropar
Ropar, June 25 The team conducted a detailed survey for the project by visiting 20 acres of land near both villages. Members of the team included Joint Secretary, Special Officer on Commonwealth Games, HS Kingra, Secretary of SAI SS Chhabra, SAI Executive Director (Operations) Joy Sebastian, SAI Director (Enforcement) DV Mangla and Executive Director, National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala, LS Ranawat. After surveying the area, the team asked for a detailed report on flood history of the land in question. The sports department will get data collected and send the same for further perusal. Proposed centre is to come up in 20 acres of land for which Deputy Commissioner of the district has been directed to identify requisite land. Director (Sports) Punjab, Pargat Singh told The Tribune that a proposal to set up SAI centre was sent to the government before the general elections. “Presently, the NIS, Patiala, is the only state institute under the SAI. We needed to have at least one more institute to train our youth and keep them busy in sport activities,” he said. The main criterion behind selecting Ropar, as the spot was its proximity to Chandigarh and the upcoming international airport at Mohali. Pargat added the sports department officials are also eyeing abundance of water in Ropar and nearby areas, which can be put to use for water sports. Bestowed with water from hills, Sutlej river, an international wetland in Ropar and national wetland in Nangal, Ropar district has potential to become hub for water sport activities. “We aim at producing finest sports men and women in water sports. Moreover, Ropar has also got distinction of having strong hockey team of state,” Pargat added. With SAI centre coming to Ropar and already existing IIT in the state, the district is set to bloom on economic radar of state. Setting up of these two centers and proposed tourism industry, district is expected to turn
into a hub.
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In search of Indian Obama
Jalandhar, June 25 “Owing to O-factor, the black community has integrated with the rest of America. And, the same factor can compel Indians to revisit burning issues like untouchability, discrimination based on birth, race, caste, creed, religion; prejudices based on superstition and ignorance; poverty of inaction and much more,” said Dr Sampla, who has been going from village to village and town to town to address seminars, workshops and meetings as part of his mission. “People are curious to know the impact as well as relevance to O-factor to their lives and I try to educate them in this regard,” said Dr Sampla, a social activist. However, that is not
the only issue on which Dr Sampla dwells. Former chairman of the Evaluation Committee of Inept Functioning of Vice-Chancellors and their Financial Aberrations and Evaluation Committee of IIT-BTech Students’ Problems and Faculty Challenges, Dr Sampla also tells people why women need to be empowered, what are negative impacts of globalisation; horrors of drug abuse and advantages of personality development among the youth, etc. He has chosen Hoshiarpur as the base for his mission. “I am sure, if we succeed, Hoshiarpur will become our platform for our entire O-factor campaign in other parts of the country,” said Dr Sampla. “I was alone a few years ago. But many well-educated people have joined me now because they understand the value of integrating the unpolished potential of young boys and girls, students and teachers and other citizens,” he said. The society should strive to maintain that all are equal, free and deserve to be happy, said Dr Sampla.
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Pak Hindus can get visas for immersion of ashes in Ganga
Moga, June 25 Disclosing this to The Tribune, general secretary of the South Asia Fraternity (Indian chapter) Satya Pal Grover said a few Hindu families of Karachi had approached him in February this year and told him that they could not perform the complete last rites of their deceased family members. In many cases, the ashes were lying in urns for the past 10 to 12 years. “I approached Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the then Home Minister Shivraj Patil and apprised them of the problem,” he said. The PM issued specific directions to the foreign ministry to find a way out of the problem. “In May, the foreign ministry issued directions to the Indian High Commission at Islamabad to issue visas in such cases,” he added. The Pakistani Hindus who would want to visit Hardwar for this purpose would have to provide details along with death certificates of the deceased relatives to the Indian High Commission at Islamabad for getting the visa. Grover said, “So far, 30 Hindu families have informed the Hindu Samiti president at Karachi of their desire to visit Hardwar.” He said the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Bharat Sadhu Samaj Ashram of Hardwar had agreed to provide free accommodation and food to the visiting Pakistani Hindus.
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Encroachments on Golden Temple road removed
Amritsar, June 25 The authorities were accompanied by a large posse of police to deal with any resistance from the pathway encroachers who had set up small shops and kiosks on the footpath. The authorities also brought down temporary and permanent sheds constructed by shopkeepers. DPS Kharbanda, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, said the step was taken to widen the roads leading to the holy shrine. Dilmegh Singh, secretary, SGPC, while lauding the step taken by civic authorities, said the encroachments were causing great hardships to devotees in particular and public in general. Meanwhile, the Congress condemned the demolition drive, saying that the owners should have been given enough time to remove their valuables. Congress MLA OP Soni said the government should compensate them for loss of their valuables and rehabilitate them at a suitable site. Kahan Singh Pannu, Deputy Commissioner, said the shopkeepers at Chowk Ghanta Ghar Market had been told to remove their items from shops till June 30.
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Now, local bodies can auction disputed property
Chandigarh, June 25 The local bodies have been told that they could dispose of, through a restricted auction, various buildings and lands that are owned by the local body but were disputed. The auction would include bidders who are lessees of the property,
sublessees, encroachers and others claiming ownership or simply having unauthorised possession of the property. While overtly the decision has been taken to raise funds for the cash starved municipal bodies, sources said the move would benefit law- breakers and local bodies would lose prime property incurring monetary losses. The ‘advisory’ issued by principal secretary local government, DS Bains states that since municipal councils, corporations and improvement trusts were not earning any sabstantial rents or taxes from the disputed
assests, these could be sold. The local bodies have been asked to draw up a list of all such properties with the cost of each ascertained using the collectors rate. These could then be put up for auction on an ‘as-is-where-is’ basis. Interestingly, the advisory also points out that as the first option the local bodies should initiate “appropriate action” against the encroachers, lessees and unauthorized persons. The local bodies have also been told they can regularise “unauthorised” possession by procuring an adequate “compensation fee” from the possessor and charge him or her 25 per cent more than the collectors’ rate for the property in question. Justifying the directive, department officials said properties worth crores of rupees were in possession of those who were not paying a penny to the state as rent or as tax. “The litigation is enormous and it would take ages to get relief. This is the only way that municipal bodies can get something out of these dead properties,” said an official. The directive adds, in case a property is not sold during a restricted auction an open auction be held to dispose it. The sources added the nod for issuing such an ‘advisory’ came from the chief minister after taking into account an opinion of the advocate general on the matter.
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Rs 5-lakh compensation for failed tubectomy
Bathinda, June 25 The woman, Meenu, had undergone tubectomy on May 8, 2004, but became pregnant in July last year. The three-member forum headed by George today ordered the Health Department to pay compensation of Rs 5,01,800 to the aggrieved woman for conducting the tubectomy negligently. Dr Phulinder Preet and Amarjeet Paul were other members of the forum. The forum ordered a compensation of Rs 3,46,800 for upbringing and education of the child, Rs 1 lakh as damages on account of inconvenience, mental tension and emotional sufferings to her, Rs 50,000 as lump sum grant for looking after the child for six years and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses. The department has been ordered to pay the compensation to the woman within 45 days. In her complaint before the forum, the woman had said she already had three children and did not require another one. She consulted doctors who assured her that after tubectomy, she would never become pregnant.
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Fazilka revives ‘sanjha chullah’
Chandigarh, June 25 According to Navdeep Asija, semi-urban and rural localities have been brought under the project. It will benefit locals in many ways. Besides saving around 50 per cent cost on fuel, it will also replace conventional LPG and thereby reducing carbon emissions. It will also create better social economic structure in the neighbourhood and help in better social interaction leading to friendlier and crime-free community. The project will also look at the impact of community participation on the crime rate, cost of cooking, domestic and on street violence, etc. As a pilot project, around 10 sanjha chullahs were set up today in the Nai Abadi locality of Fazilka near all religious places or places where community members gather, keeping in view the security of women during night hours. According to the association, one-year observation on key indicators shall be made to establish the success story of the project across the region.
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Farmers block traffic over power
Sangrur, June 25 Lehragaga block president of the BKU (Ugrahan) Balbir Singh Jhaloor asked the PSEB authorities to ease load on overloaded transformers in the state. Meanwhile, the BKU (Ugrahan), the BKU (Dakonda) blocked traffic on the Sangrur-Patiala road at Bhawanigarh and on the Sangrur-Barnala road at Bahadurpur village, about 10 km from here.
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Lalgarh violence: CPM to hold rallies
Chandigarh, June 25 This was stated in a note issued by Charan Singh
Virdi, acting state secretary of the Punjab state committee of the CPM.
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New pay scales for GND varsity staff
Amritsar, June 25 Vice-Chancellor Anjali Bhawra, who presided over the meeting, also informed the house that the micro-biology department of the university had received a grant of Rs 69.68 lakh for research on rich straw.
— TNS
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Jalandhar, June 25
The civic authorities today removed encroachments on both sides of the road leading to the Golden Temple from fountain chowk to Shani Temple here today.
The authorities were accompanied by a large posse of police to deal with any resistance from the pathway encroachers who had set up small shops and kiosks on the footpath.
