Doraha, August 28
Two out of the three occupants of an Alto car are reported to have drowned in a canal at Raul village, near Gurthali bridge, here this evening.

While Simranjit Singh of village Sahni was somehow rescued by villagers, Lakhvir Singh of the same village and Harpreet Singh of Sahnewal could not be saved.

A rehra-puller, who was the first to witness the incident, immediately raised the alarm and gathered a handful of people who put in their best to save the trio, but succeeded in pulling out only one of them. The others were washed away in the strong current.

While the police took out the car (no-PB 10 CG 2469), divers are still trying to recover the bodies from the canal. According to the SHO Payal once the bodies were recovered, investigations under Section 174, IPC, would be initiated.

“As the passage from the canal side is narrow and has been further hit by the recent rain, the way is not safe for commuters and passersby who have no choice but to take this route to reach their destination,” rued the villagers.

“Several times, the issue has been highlighted through the media, but to no avail. The administration doesn’t wake up until a tragedy strikes,” they added.

Ludhiana, August 28
Autorickshaws whose permits have not been renewed by the district transport department are still plying on roads, cocking a snook at the enforcement agencies.

The transport department had stopped renewing the permits after the High Court had ordered the department to stop registering diesel-run autorickshaws and buses to check pollution in the city.

Following the directions, the DTO office stopped renewing the permits of autos plying, much to the agitation of the drivers.

“We cannot do anything. We are plying the autorickshaws whose permits have not been renewed. Our families depend on these vehicles. We do not care for permit,” Madan Lal Bhumbak, leader of the autorickshaw drivers’ union, said.

He said as many as 13,000 families were dependent on autorickshaws with permit and there were more than 10,000 that were plying illegally. So if a few thousand more operate illegally it would not make any difference. “It is their will. If they do not want to issue a permit, the drivers would have to take this step,” he said.

He claimed that the DTO office had misinterpreted the orders of the High Court as it had only asked for the non-registration of new autos and buses with diesel engines. The union had now decided to move the High Court for clarification on the orders.

“We have to move the HC. How can the DTO’s office stop diesel-run public mode of transport when they do not have CNG or LPG filling stations in the city? This is absurd. They should make arrangements for the fuel first. Only then we would go for the vehicles,” he said.

Autorickshaws are a major cause of environmental pollution in city. 

Doraha, August 28
The delay in the result of the compartment examination for Class XII, conducted by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in the month of July, can render those who ‘clear’ the examination incapable of getting admission in any college of Panjab University for the current session.

Talking to a handful of such students who have appeared in the compartment examinations conducted by the PSEB in the month of July, it was revealed that the Board generally declares the compartment results before the last date of admission to the colleges of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

“This year, too, the last date for admission to the colleges affiliated to Panjab University is August 31. It is already August 28 today. In case the board fails to declare the result in another three days, we shall be losing one complete year,” said one such student who has appeared in the compartment examination and is confident of coming out with flying colours.

However, according to the news snippet in one of the Punjabi dailies, the Board is going to declare the result tomorrow after 4 pm and students can view the same on the Board’s website on the night of August 29.

“It would indeed be great on the part of the Board to do so, but the sword of Damocles shall keep on hanging on our heads till the time the result is actually declared by the board,” opined one of the candidates.

Unlike other universities, it is a rule in Panjab University that the students are admitted to the degree class only if they secure at least 20 per cent marks in the subject in which they are placed under compartment. For that matter it is almost always a good number of students who take the compartment examinations and eagerly wait for the results so that they can get adjusted in one or the other institution affiliated to Panjab University.

“So the students who secure less are left with no other choice but to appear in the compartment examination and helplessly wait for declaration of the result or face the music due to the delay on the part of the board,” was a teacher’s view.

The chairman of the PSEB, when contacted, replied that since he was out of station, enquires about the declaration of the result could be made on Monday, August 31.

Amloh, August 28
Fatehgarh Sahib district unit of the Panjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) organised a block-level seminar to celebrate Rajiv Gandhi Save Energy Day at the BDPO office here today. Speaking on the importance of the day, district chief of the PEDA Suresh Kumar Goel said, “We have been celebrating the day since 2004 with the help of the Centre government.”

Goel said our traditional energy sources of coal, oil, firewood etc were estimated to last for 20 -25 years, but the hike in demand would exhaust the resources within 10 to 12 years. Thus, it was necessary to adopt the alternative measures to adopt solar energy devices to save energy, which would reduce the pollution and save people from various fatal diseases.

To cope with this serious problem, the state government had set up the Panjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in 1991 said Goel. An exhibition was also organised to create awareness among the people about solar energy.

The speakers stressed to promote bio-gas and solar water pumping programme to promote energy recovery from urban, industrial and municipal waste and to create mass awareness about sources of energy projects.

Block development officer Ravinder Kaur, block samiti chairperson Maninder Kaur Badinpur, vice-chairman Paramjit Singh Khanian, former Market Committee chairman Kahla Singh Baini, District Planning Board member Joginder Singh Salana, Akali leaders Amrik Singh Meji and Surinder Singh Virk also spoke on the occasion.

Ludhiana, August 28
The PAU Kisan Club’s executive committee has discussed the minimum support price (MSP) for kharif crops and hailed the Central Government’s decision for increasing the price for paddy, arhar, moong and other crops.

This was stated by press secretary of the club Amrinder Singh Poonia. Although the country was facing drought, the farmers of Punjab and Haryana were in a position to save the standing crops by spending huge amounts for generating power, said club president PPS Pangli. He said agriculture being a state subject, the government was earning considerable revenue on procurement as market fee and VAT on diesel consumed by the farming sector.

He urged the state government for a special bonus of Rs 150 per quintal and the Union government for Rs 100 per quintal on all paddy varieties as drought bonus.

The executive committee of the club hailed the ministry of agriculture and cooperation for accepting the recommendations of Commission on Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) for kharif crops MSP and also the Union Finance Minister for announcing Rs 288 crore as rabi seed subsidy.

Pangli stressed the need to give direct subsidy amount to state agricultural universities of Punjab and Haryana, which contributed significantly to the national pool of food grains. The other organisations such as the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the Wheat Research Institute should also be considered for this, he said. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 28
Now MBAs, lecturers, retired officials, businessmen and homemakers have come forward to help 
the traffic police in managing traffic.

The city police has appointed 15 traffic marshals who would work in coordination with the traffic police at major bottlenecks of the city.

The SSP, SS Gill, said the police had shortlisted 15 residents who would represent the problem faced by commuters and work out a solution which would help in easing traffic.

These persons had been presented with special batches and would be posted, according to their availability, at some key location.

They would be educated about the traffic norms at a traffic school in Jawahar Nagar. They would also visit schools and educate students about the hazards of pollution and traffic.

The SSP said in a majority of cases, commuters would start arguing with the police over traffic violation. In such a scenario, a traffic marshal would intervene and would answer the queries of the violators.

They would also spread awareness about the benefits of following traffic norms among residents. They would file a report on the problem areas that lead to traffic chaos in their locality.

They would also suggest solutions to ease traffic near school, colleges and busy market places. They would also be required to help accident victims and provide them timely medicare.

The traffic police is also planning to rope in school students in this regard.

Ludhiana, August 28
The campus of Guru Nanak Girls College dazzled with colours amid the freshers’ day celebration here today. Senior students of the faculty of commerce, management and computer science (MBE, PGDPM and LW, MCom, MSc IT, PGDCA, BBA, BCA, and BCom) organised a cultural show to welcome the new comers.

This function commenced with a short speech by principal Dr Charanjit Mahal in which she formally welcomed the new students on behalf of the staff and all students.

Ludhiana, August 28
Dhvani, a prominent art and cultural organisation of the city, captivated its audience with the soothing music of immortal melodies from films of yester-years. Known for presenting theme-based musical programmes in the city, Dhvani has given to its audience many such memorable programmes earlier too like ‘Awaaz De Kahan Hai’ (old melodies), ‘Ghazal - Film Ke Parde Se’, ‘Lamhe - Tribute to Mahinder Kapoor’, etc. The occasion of today’s programme ‘Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din’ was the 33rd death anniversary of the famous play back singer Mukesh, who died on this day in 1976 at Detroit, while on tour to America.

The programme saw a cross section of people from different walks of life participating in it. The programme started with a highlight of the contribution of Mukesh who died quite young at 53, but not before leaving a mark on the Indian film music with his memorable songs.

Dr Thomas played memorable tunes on his guitar. Rakhi Kanwal sang the popular song of Noor Jahan ‘Javan Hai Mohabbat…’ from Anmol Ghari. Dr Sanjeev Uppal sang a very popular song of Talat ‘Jalte Hain Jis Ke Liye…” from film Barandari followed by ‘Chandan Sa Badan…’ Dr Navjot sang Kishore’s most popular number of that period ‘Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi…’ from Mr X in Bombay.

Noted musician Raj Srivastav held the audience spellbound when he sang Rafi’s song from Akashdeep ‘Mujhe Dard-e-Dil Ka Pata Na Tha…’ and Irani Chatterjee presented one of Madan Mohan’s best composition from the film Jailor ‘Hum Pyar Mein Jalne Walon Ko…’. Dr Sunil Juneja sang ‘Kahin Dur Jab Din Dhal Jaye…’ and Madhurima sang ‘Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha...’ and drew applause from the audience.

Dr Daljeet Singh, principal of the DMCH, sang Hemant Kumar’s song penned down by Sahir ‘Yeh Raat Yeh Chandani Phir Kahan…’ from Jaal.

The programme included engrossing medleys prepared and presented by Dhvani artistes Manjit Sood, Ahok Dheer and Dr Rakesh Aggarwal. 

Ludhiana, August 28
The Punarjot Eye Bank Society organised an interactive programme on eye donation at the regional office of the Central Bank of India here today in a bid to make the eye donation a mass movement.

Speaking at the occasion, noted eye specialist and director of the society Dr Ramesh explained ill effects of diabetes on eyes while advising the computer-users to sit in a proper posture to ward of the adverse effects of long use of computer on their eyes.

In a word of caution to the diabetic persons, he advised them to go for a regular check up. He made a fervent appeal to the NGOs, social workers, health institutions and media to spread the message of eye donation and work for furtherance of this noble cause.

Secretary of the society Subhash Malik, while focusing on the present scenario of eye donation in the state, termed it as dismal.

Assistant general manager of the bank GS Dhir himself pledged to donate his eyes and responding to his appeal, 25 other members of the bank staff came forward to donate their eyes. The officials and staff members of the bank also pledged to motivate their colleagues at other branches of the bank and carry the message of eye donation to the mass.

Ludhiana, August 28
International Industrial Expo and Conferences, 2009, being organised by Paramount Exhibitors in collaboration with the International Trade Promotion Council (ITPC) at Perfect Palace, GT Road, Samrala Chowk, was today inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg.

Speaking at the inauguration, Garg lauded the efforts of the local industrialists in being able to deal with the global recession. “It is very heartening to see the zeal of the local small and medium entrepreneurs who have been able to deal with the global recession and who have come out with flying colours,” he added.

Garg assured the present local industrialists that the local administration would render all possible help and support to the local industrialists in order to be able to help them achieve their growth targets.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Harish Arora, CEO, Paramount Exhibitors, said the present International Industrial Expo and Conferences was the 22nd in its series. “We have been coming to Ludhiana every year in a bid to be able to showcase machinery and equipment which will enable the local industry to compete globally,” he added.

Over 80 companies from different fields are taking part in the expo.

Ludhiana, August 28
Central excise inspectors have planned to intensify their stir and will stage a day-long dharna on September 9 throughout India. The Income Tax Employees Federation has also decided to go on strike on similar issues on the same day. The inspectors have threatened to go on indefinite strike if their long pending demands are not considered by the government.

They have launched an agitation in support of their demands relating to acute stagnation and pay anomalies. The representatives of the inspectors’ association said the government was not accepting their demands. “The cadre of inspectors and superintendents is facing acute stagnation due to lack of promotional avenues. The inspectors of the department having 18 to 20 years of service are still awaiting their first promotion whereas their counterparts in other departments have already reached Class I posts. This has resulted in demoralisation,” said Gurvinder Singh, branch secretary, Ludhiana.

They are also demanding time-bound promotions as is being enjoyed by group A officers, who have got four to five promotions during an equal span of service.

The staff is on agitation since July 15 throughout India and the agitation programme has entered the second phase since August 24. Since then, the inspectors and superintendents have been wearing black badges and holding lunch-hour demonstrations everyday.

It has been learnt that the revenue secretary and department of expenditure is holding consultations with national-level office-bearers of the association.

Raikot, August 28
Thieves struck at the lone shop of Nathowal village dealing in mobile accessories here. Lakhwinder Singh of the same village in his complaint to the police has informed that the thieves decamped along with his Toshiba laptop, mobile phone SIM cards, dummy mobile sets, recharge coupons, old mobile sets that were given to him by customers for repair, his voter I-card and Rs 35,000 cash lying in the shop.

The thieves had entered his shop by breaking the locks at the entrance. However, Lakhwinder Singh has expressed his apprehensions that the theft is the handiwork of some political opponent to inflict financial loss to him besides disturbing him mentally. The police has registered a case under Sections 457 and 380 of the IPC against the unidentified thieves.

Jagraon, August 28
The police has booked eight members of a family for seeking more dowry and harassing a woman since her marriage. Kanchan, in her application to SSP, Ludhiana (rural), Gurpreet Singh Bhullar on September 8, last year, had stated that she was married to Davinderpal Singh of Amritsar on September 14, 2007.

From the very first day she started getting humiliated from the hands of her in-laws for bringing inadequate dowry. Her in-laws demanded Rs 1.5 lakh more as dowry in cash to invest in the shop of Davinderpal. Besides cash, they also demanded that she persuaded her father to get her younger sister married to Ramesh, the younger brother of Davinderpal.

Within the fortnight she was beaten up for not fulfilling their demands. She somehow managed to stay with her in-laws, tolerating mental and physical torture, but the situation worsened after she gave birth to a premature girl on July 11, last year.

Her husband turned her out of his house for giving birth to a girl. She returned home at Jagraon. Her daughter died when she was just 18 days old after she developed some health problem.

SSP Jagraon entrusted SP (H), Jagraon, Gurmail Singh to conduct the inquiry into the application. In the inquiry, SP found the allegation made by Kanchan to be correct and sent the report to the SSP.

After due consultation with DA (legal), the SSP ordered a case under Sections 406 and 498-A of the IPC against Davinderpal Singh, his father Yashpal, mother Kamla Rani, brothers Surinder Pal, Narinder Pal and Ramesh and sisters-in-law Roshni and Sonia at Jagraon police station. No arrest has been made so far.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 28
Girls of under-19 and under-17 kabaddi teams of Shaheed Kartar Singh Dukki Government Senior Secondary School, Latala, were felicitated at a function organised on the school premises today.

The teams had emerged winner at district-level kabaddi games organised at Punjab Agricultural University Stadium at Ludhiana recently.

The felicitation function was presided over by principal of the school Krishana Sharda while district kabaddi coach Budh Singh was the chief guest.

In charges of the teams Nirmal Singh and Gurdev Singh said national champions Manjit Kaur and Paramjit Kaur had shown outstanding performance in the final matches played during the concluding session of the sports.

Budh Singh and Krishna Sharda lauded the role of office bearers of the Parent Teacher Association and other social organisations in promoting kabaddi and other games in the school.

Earlier, Kirandeep Kaur (u-19) and Sukhpreet Kaur (u-16) were felicitated for representing the state in the national kabaddi championship held in Mumydada (AP), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Delhi last year.

With an intention to identify and promote budding kabaddi players in rural parts of the state, the Punjab sports department had opened a day scholar sports wing (kabaddi) for girls at the school two years ago.