Ludhiana, September 14
In a major move of cracking a whip on the contractor-official nexus, the Municipal Corporation today registered a case against a contractor and office staff for embezzlement of funds.

The FIR was lodged at the Sarabha Nagar police station against contractor Jatinderpal Singh, along with the office staff, on directions of the O&M cell in charge BK Gupta. However, the names of the MC officials have not been mentioned.

The complaint states that the accused had forged duplicate documents of a contract pertaining to sewerage and lights without permission. Besides, false entries were also made on records of the Municipal Corporation.

Sources in the civic body revealed that the case pertained to a work done by the contractor in 2004. "The contractor, in connivance with some MC officials, including JE, SDO and XEN, had made some entries in measurement books (MBs) pertaining to a work which was never allotted to the contractor.

The payments of around Rs 1.5 lakh were denied by the MC on the pretext that work was never given to the contractor in the agreement. However, the denial by the civic body made the contractor knock at the doors of the judiciary seeking redressal," alleged an officer.

He said, "When the judiciary asked us to present the original file and agreement, we were unable to find it, while the contractor was bringing photostat copies of some documents to prove his point." He added that finally it was decided to lodge a complaint with the police in the matter.

Interestingly, investigations revealed that the original file pertaining to the contract had been missing bringing once again to fore how easily documents from a government office could vanish.

The officers posted in zone-D revealed that the case pertained to 2004 and that time when Vikram Bansal was SDO and Gurdev Singh was XEN. They revealed that the MBs, which were being presented as documents of proof by the contractor, bore the sign of JE, SDO and XEN so their role needs to be probed in the whole matter.

Ludhiana, September 14
The non-availability of funds with the MC seems has left councillors with no option but to simply hold discussions. This is revealed in the 10-point agenda circulated for the MC house meeting scheduled for September 17.

While debates are stated to be the major part of the house meet by the councillors, one fails to understand how issues would be discussed without a blueprint or plan. The document states that councillors would be given a chance to speak on sanitation, health, roads, sewerage, etc., along with recruitment on compassionate grounds, but it does not describe what strategy would be followed to undertake these works.

Discussions with senior MC officials revealed that issues like sewerage needed technical understanding. A senior officer requesting anonymity said: “You cannot hold discussions without having a blueprint. The biggest drawback of the system is that we are asked to publish tenders and execute work, but when we try to discuss problems, we are told to be quiet as if we are idiots with no knowledge about the work.” He added that the house meetings should not take decisions on technical matters, which was why civic amenities in the city were getting worse.

The agenda says the MC needs to start development from “ground zero” and debates on mushrooming of illegal colonies would be discussed even though the ruling alliance had already regularised illegal colonies.

The agenda seems to be a face-saving exercise by the SAD-BJP to silence critics and follow directions of local bodies minister Manoranjan Kalia to convene a meeting. 

Ludhiana, September 14
A lensman was allegedly thrashed by lawyers and some miscreants, while the former was covering the fifth day of strike by lawyers outside mini secretariat here today.

The District Bar Council staged a dharna and blocked traffic at Ferozepur Road to lodge a protest against the hike in the court fee and the introduction of evening courts.

The incident took place around 11:15 am when the cameramen of national news channel Vicky Sehajpal allegedly waylaid by a group consisting of two advocates and four miscreants.

Vicky said, "After covering the dharna, I was returning to my office to send the video footage. In the meantime, a lawyer came and removed the keys of my vehicle. When I asked him the reason, he, along with a few others, started thrashing me." He received injuries on his face. The camera was also damaged in this process.

The matter was resolved after the intervention of lawyers and scribes. Later, P.S Ghuman, president, District Bar Association, expressed regret and condemned the incident.

He said stringent action should be taken against the culprit. He said, "It is a planned conspiracy to disrupt the successful agitation by the lawyers. It was a very unfortunate incident and a lawyer should not indulge in such practices," he added.

He said he would pursue the matter in the bar council and make sure that the licence of the lawyers should be cancelled.

Meanwhile, Pramod Batish, president of the Punjab Press Club, strongly condemned the incident and appreciated the sentiments expressed by Ghuman.

He said stern action should be taken against the black sheep in this profession and such people should not be taken for granted.

The police has booked two lawyers and four miscreants for assaulting the cameraman. It is learnt that a four-member committee of lawyers has also been constituted to look into the matter.

On the other hand, a section of lawyers blamed the cameraman for abusing them. A lawyer said the lensman tried to cross his vehicle from the centre, where the lawyers were staging dharna. He was asked to take his motorcycle from an alternative route but instead of returning, the cameramen started abusing the lawyers. This infuriated the lawyer and resulted in a scuffle.

Ludhiana, September 14
Factionalism in the BJP came to the fore again during the core committee meeting convened by Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura here this evening.

The meeting was called to discuss the agenda of the MC house, but BJP councillor Gurdeep Singh Neetu picked up the issue of pending projects in the ward of BJP councillors. He was accompanied by BJP councillor Ruchi Jain’s husband, Tarun Bawa Jain.

The situation became so tense that Neetu threatened to boycott the house meet on Thursday with his supporters. He stated that there was a work of interlocking tiles to be undertaken at Mall Road in Ruchi Jain’s ward that has been pending for months. However, when enquiries were made during the meeting it came to light that senior deputy mayor and BJP councillor Praveen Bansal had the file and it was not being approved by him.

When Neetu was asked about it, he denied any difference between him and senior deputy mayor Praveen Bansal. “We are just like brothers and the issue I picked up was not of one ward, but represented by the BJP as a whole. The Mayor has assured me that things would be completed soon in Ruchi Jain’s ward and we agreed to it,” Neetu added.

When Neetu was asked about it, he denied any differences between him and Praveen Bansal. “We are just like brothers and the issue I picked up was not of one ward, but represented the BJP as a whole. The Mayor has assured me that things would be completed soon in Ruchi Jain’s ward and we agreed to it,” Neetu added.

Trying to pacify the situation, the Mayor told everyone that no supplementary agenda would be presented in the MC house and all discussions would be taken during zero hour.

Ludhiana, September 14
The Punjab Agricultural University Teachers’ Association (PAUTA) today met Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon and registered their protest against the non-implementation of the UGC scales for the PAU teachers.

PAUTA members also submitted a memorandum to the Speaker.

Meanwhile, PAU Employees’ Union, PAU Teachers’ Association and PAU Class IV Workers' Union held a protest rally outside the Thapar Hall here today.

The agitated employees condemned the state government for not implementing the Fifth Pay Commission report.

The employees also flayed the government for not providing monthly grant to PAU on time. They also threatened that if their demands were not met, they might boycott the Kisan Mela.

Ludhiana, September 14
Hike in the salary of private school teachers in accordance with the Sixth Pay Commission has increased problems for them, as the school authorities are applying all possible means to sack them from the job and hire temporary teachers on lesser pay scale.

The teacher, who was earlier receiving Rs 8,000, would now get Rs 16,000, which had been irking the school authorities.

The school authorities in order to gain more profit are forcing the teachers to resign. It is learnt that the school teachers are even being humiliated.

In a recent incident, a teacher of a primary wing of a CBSE affiliated school situated in Phollanwal, was allegedly rebuked by the director of the school.

He also made nasty comments on the character of the teacher amidst a meeting attended by at least 25 teachers.

He further said he was going to sack all permanent employees and would recruit the teachers on probation basis.

“I am worried about the new development. I was thinking that the Sixth Pay Commission would bail us out from the financial crunch we were facing. I did not know that our salaries will start irking the school authorities," said a teacher.

Ludhiana, September 14
The Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) Students’ Chapter along with the training and placement cell of Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology (GNIMT) organised a seminar on “Dot Net and Java” technologies for its MCA students.

Managing director GS Kalra, Gurpreet and Meenakshi were the resource persons. More than 100 students attended the seminar.

Gurpreet explained the importance of Dot Net and Java and said information technology was the convergence of all technologies and concerned with the use of technologies in organising and processing the information.

GNIMT director Dr HS Singha stated that such types of informative seminars should be conducted from time to time for the benefit of the students.

Army placement drive

Indian Army officials visited Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College campus to conduct a joint campus placement for final and pre-final year BTech students of the college.

GNDEC director, Dr MS Saini, and Prof KS Mann welcomed Lt Col Ashutosh Sharma, Corps of Signals, Major PP Mahto, Corps of Engineers, and Capt Vikram Kunwar, Corps of EME.

Around 300 students from different colleges participated in the drive. The participants were shown a movie depicting the Army life.

The shortlisted students appeared for a personal interview. Those selected will go for a SSB interview to be conducted by the Indian Army and the students clearing the SSB interview will be inducted in the Indian Army as Lieutenant.

‘Pearls-2009’

It was a day of fun and frolic at Shree Atam Vallabh Jain College here today, as the students celebrated “Pearls-2009” to welcome the freshers. The MBA students were dressed up as per the theme i.e. “1980s” whereas the students of BBA, BCA and BSc (fashion technology) followed the traditional Punjabi attire.

Based on a fashion show, Swati Arora of MBA (I semester) was adjudged Ms Fresher and Vishal Kohli was crowned Mr Fresher in the postgraduate category.

Similarly, Manvinder Singh and Jasmandeep Kaur won the Mr Fresher and Ms Fresher titles among undergraduate category participants.

Bharvi Sachdeva and Neha Wadhwa won the top honours in the personality contest among MBA students, while winners among the undergraduate students were Sandeep Kaur and Gursharan Singh.

Hindi Diwas

Hindi and Sanskrit departments at Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women observed Hindi Diwas with story and essay writing competitions among postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Head of Hindi department Indermohan Kaur highlighted the importance of Hindi as being the national language.

Neetu (MA II) and Nisha (BA III) were the winners and runners-up, respectively, in the story writing, while Sonu (MA II) and Parminder Kaur (MA I) were placed first and second in the essay-writing contest.

In order to emphasise on the significance of Hindi, a poetical symposium, Jashn-e-Mushaira, was organised at Khalsa College for Women to mark the Hindi Diwas. In the ghazal and poetical recitation competition, Nidhi (BA III), Rajinder (BA III) and Ritika (BA II) won the top three positions.

In the Hindi Diwas celebrations at SDP College for Women, more than 30 students presented papers and recited poems on the importance of the national language.

Meanwhile, Hindi Divas was also celebrated at BCM School at Dugri. Students recited poems, read papers and delivered speeches highlighting the importance of the national language.

Addressing the students, principal, Dr Vandna Shahi, said there was a need to rejuvenate the language, which was a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and national integration.

The students of Spring Dale Senior Secondary School participated in quiz, letter writing and essay writing competitions. Quiz teams comprising eight students each were named after renowned Hindi writers. The top honours went to Pant team followed by Nirala and Gupt teams who were placed second and third, respectively.

In the letter-writing competition for Class VIII students, the winners were Shubham Sharma (VIII Orange), Jatin Sharma (VIII Green), Anjali Kwatra (VIII Red) and Kewal 
Garg (VIII Pink).

Ludhiana, September 14
Certain boys from poor families have got so strong penchant for studies that they leave no stone unturned to achieve their goals. Notwithstanding poverty, these young lads in the age group of 11 to 18 years have taken up assorted jobs to earn their livelihood. All students from economically weaker sections are from Government Multipurpose School.

Ramesh Kumar, a student of Class VI, is a cobbler’s son. After finishing school, he goes for shoe making. He prepares 16 pairs a day due to which he is not able to finish his homework. He earns around Rs 30 per day.

Ravi Kumar, a student of Class VIII, is a good singer. On every Tuesday and Saturday, he goes for singing hymns at jagrata. He earns Rs 400 per week. During rest of the days, he works at a hair cutting saloon and earns Rs 1,000 to 1,200. A fatherless child and a mother as housewife, this young boy has got no other alternative but to work and support the family.

Sunny Kumar, a student of Class VIII, sells sweet potatoes (Shakarkandi) and earns Rs 100 per day. Family circumstances, being hostile with no father and mother's illness compel him to carry on his studies and work together.

Manish Kumar, a student of Class XII (Science), goes to a doctor's clinic in the evening. He is paid a paltry sum of Rs 650 per month. He supports his brother and sister and pays for his computer fee from this amount.

Kundan Kumar supports his mother by working in a hosiery as a designer. His father is a driver. Sunny Kumar, another student, said he works as a computer typist in the evening and earns Rs 1,000 per month.

Principal HK Mayer is all praise for these students for braving all hardships of life. Pleading for these children, he said some NGOs should come forward for financially helping these children. 

Ludhiana, September 14
Micronutrients, including zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, boron and chlorine, are essential elements, which are required in small quantities by fruit crops compared to essential micronutrients.

Scientists, Dr Harmander Singh, Dr Anirudh Thakur and Dr SK Jawanda of the department of horticulture said generally macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were well taken care of by fruit growers, but the micronutrients were neglected.

The scientists elaborated that the deficiencies of zinc and iron were noticed quite often, while that of manganese, molybdenum, copper, boron, etc. were sporadic and specific management practices needed to be followed based on leaf nutrient analysis report.

“The micronutrient deficiencies occur due to low organic matter status of soils, high pH and heavy use of NP and K fertilisers, high cropping intensity and growing fruits in marginal to sub-marginal lands,” said the experts.

Symptoms of micronutrient deficiency vary with nutrient and the plant species. Zinc deficiency symptoms appear first on fully mature new leaves as irregular yellow areas between the veins.

In case of severe deficiency, the affected leaves become entirely yellow, while the mid-rib, veins and tissues along them remain green, said the horticulturists adding that the growth of twig might also be arrested and the branch might give a rosette appearance.

The twig may also show dying back. In citrus fruits, the flower buds are borne terminally on the shoots reducing bud formation in citrus.

Ludhiana, September 14
The blatant violation of the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act by the witchdoctors and quacks in absence of any check by the department of health and family welfare and the district administration is creating problems for illiterates approaching them for remedies for various health disorders.

Not only are witchdoctors (unqualified) professionals making false claims to treat serious disorders but are also involved in criminal activities like animal and human sacrifices. These self-styled witchdoctors even go to the extent of asking women to sacrifice a lamb, calf and even a child in the name of “offerings” made during the prayers.

Majority of the clients are from the migrant populace who fall prey to these self-styled  physicians.

Questioning the inaction on the part of the department of health and family welfare and the police department, a senior doctor in the city stated that the advertisements given by these witchdoctors on the television points towards the “monthly bribe” offered by them to officials concerned. “How can an unqualified person claim to treat diseases as serious as tuberculosis, eyesight problems, mental retardation and AIDS which is untreatable,” the doctor questioned further.

The Tribune reporters posing as patients called Moin Ji Samrat, another witchdoctor practicing in the city, and asked him to provide a remedy for having a child and cure  for AIDS.

To their utter shock, the witchdoctor stated that he doesn’t have any medical degree but the problems could be sorted out through comprehensive prayers adding that initial expense would be Rs 4000. He further said, “AIDS will be cured  within a week, you just get a photograph  of the patient.”

Varinder, a resident of Civil Lines, raising objections on the role of local cable channels stated that giving advertisements of these imposters with criminal backgrounds was against the ethical regulating code by the Advertising Standards Council of India which was set up to ensure the truthfulness and honesty of representations and claims made by advertisements and to safeguard against misleading advertising. 

Ludhiana, September 14
An 82-year-old woman with cardiac diseases, who also suffered from fractured neck femur after a fall at home and refused surgery at other hospitals, was treated at Hero DMC Heart Institute (HDHI). She got admitted in HDHI and was stabilised by cheif cardiologist Dr GS Wander and his team. The patient was taken as a high-risk case after explainig the risk of anaesthesia and surgery to the familiy.

It was decided to do minimal invasive surgery (MIS) of the hip with a view that patient needed minimal surgical exposure in minimum time and without causing any damage to the muscles.

The patient was taken up for surgery by Dr Harpal Singh Selhi (Associate Professor of Orthopaedics) under the guidance of Dr Mohammad Yamin (Professor and Head of Orthopaedics, DMCH). She was given spinal anaesthesia and a modified prosterior approach to the hip was performed with a 10 cm. incision.

According to Dr Harpal, intramedullary canal was prepared and cemented implant was inserted and hip reduced. The total surgical procedure, including cementing, was done within 30 minutes.

Post-operation, the patient was doing well and walking with the support of walking frame.

Encroachments on the public land are not easy to remove. And so is the case of keeping a check on illegal posters, display boards and hoardings on private and public property. Especially those pertaining to religious functions, be it yajnas, jagrans or discourses. The local civic body was once again made to face the ire of self-styled religious leaders after the police and municipal corporation staff on the directions of the higher authorities removed billboards of a few religious congregations. Rather than feeling apologetic over putting up advertisements of religious functions in an unlawful manner, the bigots took an aggressive stand and made the civic administration backtrack. One fails to understand as to why even the religious institutions should be spared when they break a law, or why they should be allowed to get away with such unbecoming practices in the name of religion.

Mischievous tunes

Caller tunes depict the personality of a person. One gets a peep into the persona of a person by listening to the caller tune he or she has subscribed to. Nobody wants people to listen to the boring ringing tunes and assigning caller tunes is the order of the day for each and every subscriber. While generally caller tunes depict the personality of the person but sometimes they confuse you as well. Recently, I called one of my granduncle and was amazed to hear Babbu Mann’s “Mitran di chatri toh udd gaye” as his caller tune. Though I was feeling awkward but jokingly I asked him why he has assigned this caller tune. To my surprise he was not aware of the fact and said he didn’t even know how to assign it. Recalling he said a few days ago his grandchildren came to visit him during the holidays and it is probably they who might have done it. My poor uncle requested me to come to his place and discontinue the caller tune. This is probably not the only instance. One of my cousins mischievously caught hold of the phone of his boss while he was away for a few minutes. My cousin subscribed the hello tune, which was a dialogue from the film “Don”. The caller tune went like this-“Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin na mumkin hai”. Everyone calling up his boss was confused and trying to figure out why he had chosen this caller tune.

“Disabled” academician

Dr MS Kang, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agriculture University, took the parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by surprise as he called himself “disabled” when asked to speak in Hindi instead of English. Addressing a Regional Parents Meet-2009 organised at the PAU, Dr Kang in his capacity as a “sensitised intellectual” called upon the common man to be empathetic and not sympathetic towards the children and people with disabilities. Having lived in the USA for more than three decades, he didn’t know that it is mandatory to have a ramp in the educational institutes and public places adding, “I am surprised to know in today’s meeting that there is a law for the same but what is more shocking is the fact that I haven’t received any notice to abide by the law ever since I took over as the vice-chancellor.”

Champion motorist

Every time it rains, my heart fills with joy as well as sorrow. As the showers bring respite from sultry heat, but the very thought of going on the road reminds me of the bumpy ride. After every spell, the road gets weathered away and it gets difficult to ride even on a two-wheeler. One prays to reach the destination, without getting ones’ clothes dirty. Some time I feel myself as a champion motorist, who is maneuvering his bike in a dirt track. Water logging in pot holes, pollution and dust are the common features following every rain and only a champion ride can drive through all these hurdles. So each time it rains I pray the rain gods to spare the city streets.

Bitter report

Attack on a journalist by the lawyers today has once again brought to fore that even education does not matter when it comes to action. Advocates, who are considered to be one of the most learned and civilised people, presented such an example which is not only bitter to report but even raises a question is this what we are taught and our education has made us. A fit of rage may force an individual to adopt a measure that does not suit his personality or profession, but does action rules our education when it comes to anger?

Contributed by Kuldip Bhatia, Manav Ghuman, Anshu Seth, Mohit Khanna and Jyotika Sood 

Ludhiana, September 14
Coming down heavily on the state government for the hefty hike in the power tariff and the court fee, the Marxist Communist Party of India (MCPI) today called for immediate rollback of the anti-people decisions.

The state committee of the party, which met under the presidentship of Hari Singh Dhindsa, also condemned the use of brute force against the peacefully agitating farmers in Chandigarh, who were opposing proposed unbundling of the state electricity board.

According to state secretary of the MCPI Kuldeep Singh, the meeting held the Punjab government, the Chandigarh administration and the police responsible for unprovoked lathicharge on the protesters, which claimed a person’s life. They also blamed the SAD-BJP government for allowing the situation to take an ugly and violent turn.

Terming the registration of false and fabricated cases against a few activists of the farmers’ organisations as gross highhandedness, the MCPI demanded immediate withdrawal of all cases against the protesters. They also demanded action against guilty police officials for inciting violence and murder of one of the demonstrators.

The state committee of the party further condemned the hike in power tariff, saying it would prove to be a big burden on the people of Punjab who were already being crushed under skyrocketing prices all essential commodities and severe recession. It asked the government to immediately withdraw the uncalled for and unjustified increase in power rates and initiate stern steps to bring prices of essential items under control.

In another resolution, the party opposed the increase in the court fee, saying the step would deny the common man, the right to seek justice in subordinate courts while also inflicting a deadly blow to the judicial system.

Doraha:Taking serious note of the indiscriminate lathicharge on the farmers in Chandigarh recently, the Marxist Communist Party of India (United) MCPI (U) have demanded registration of a murder case against those responsible for the death of three farmers. They also demanded unconditional release of 42 arrested workers, withdrawal of false cases against leaders of five kisan unions along with Rs 10 lakh compensation each for the deceased and for the repairing of the cars and buses smashed in the struggle.

Comrade Jagjit Singh Layalpuri, MCPI (U) All-India General Secretary, while leveling serious allegations against the government said: “The government, it seems, is least concerned about the problem being faced by the farmers. The hike in the power 
tariff would definitely break the backbone of 
the farming community, which already running into heavy debts.” 

Ludhiana, September 14
The industrial city of Ludhiana is called the Manchester of India. All units be it rubber, plastic, hosiery, woolen, electroplating, dyeing, cycle parts, steel, etc., depend on industrial workers, who toil hard to make these units run smoothly and effectively.

And after working in the units for decades, hundreds or perhaps thousands of workers end up catching deadly diseases like tuberculosis, asthma and skin ailments due to continuous exposure to pollutants/poisonous gases emitted by the industry.

Those working for ESI-covered units consider themselves lucky, as the employer pays a major share of their treatment.

But there are several others, who remain untreated till their end, as they cannot bear the expensive cost of the treatment.

Ramesh Rattan, a former trade union leader, informed that the workers lived in pathetic conditions in the city. He said they came from their native places with the hope of getting good returns but all their expectations were shattered once they faced the ground realities.

“A majority of workers are not provided a comfortable environment by their employers at the workplace. They are made to work in continuous heat, dyes and chemicals and inhale poisonous gases in the units such as dyeing, rubber, electroplating, etc. They spend their entire youth and put in their sweat to run the industries but they end up catching deadly diseases. To add on to their miseries the majority of the workers are shown the doors by their employers when they are in deep trouble,” he said.

Mohammad Ishfaq, a worker working in a rubber factory in the Industrial Area, said he was suffering from TB for the past three years.

“I have not told about the ailment to my employer. I am scared that if I tell him the truth, he will terminate my services. Though the gases emitted by the unit are harmful but I have no other option but to continue working here under the shadow of death. Being the only breadwinner, my family and parents are dependent on me,” he said.

President of Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India Joginder Kumar said it was mandatory for several units to get their workers covered under the ESI health insurance.

“In these units, the employers bear 75 per cent of the cost of treatment, while the workers put their share of 25 per cent.

But many workers are still not aware about their rights.

They do not ask for an insurance cover. Being a member of the National Commission on Enterprises in unorganised sector, we have asked for a health cover for the workers, including domestic helpers, vendors, rickshaw-pullers, etc. and we hope that the Central government will implement the scheme by November 2009. It is beneficial even for the employer to get the workers insured otherwise he may be asked to pay lakhs in compensation,” said Kumar.

Ludhiana, September 14
The laugh riot of clowns, acts of acrobats and rare feat by animals do not evoke claps from an audience during circus any more.

Once considered as an exciting medium of entertainment for children, it is a lacklustre affair now. The ongoing circus in the city has few takers. Empty seats do not encourage performers and an appeal to clap after every act only leaves them discouraged.

Only migrant labourers were seen occupying seats at the show today and a majority of seats were vacant. Though artistes gave spectacular performances, but there was nobody to cheer them up.

Ram Parkash, a visitor, said he had seen the prime days of circus when there use to be a huge rush at the ticket counter. “Even the affluent class use to come to watch circus, but today it is a show for only a few,” he said.

No innovation in concepts is also to blame. Even animals that are part of a circus are usually not in a very good condition. Elephants that come to the ring seem old and lethargic. Instead of gleaming bodies, it appears as if they have come out from mud.

Surinder Singh, who had come along with his granddaughter to the circus, said the circus was the same since the past so many years. “The acts and tricks are the same and do not entertain the audiences anymore. A revamp is needed and it should be made more sophisticated to attract the young crowd and kids,” he added.

Ludhiana, September 14
The National Federation of the Blind took out a protest march from Ludhiana to Chandigarh to press for their long-pending demands.

The march started from Shimla Puri from the office of the district social security office and proceeded towards Samrala Chowk.

General secretary of the federation Rajesh Mohan said the federation members will hand over their charter of demands to the Punjab Chief Minister.

The charter of demands of the federation includes a special drive of recruitment of visually handicapped persons in various departments of the state government, implementation of the eight-point proposal of the federation.

They also demanded immediate implementation of the Disability Act 1996 in letter and spirit.

Taking a strong notice of the fast-emerging private educational institutions for the visually impared, the federation members stated that since they do not meet the required standards, these should be closed immediately.

Subsitence allowance of Rs 3000 for the visually impaired persons above the age of 45 and visually handicapped allowance of Rs 1000 for the students were also part of the demand charter.

Free higher education to the blind, upgradtion of the Bral Bhawan Ludhiana were among other demands. 

Amloh, September 14
The body of Surjit Paswan (30), a migrant farm worker, was found hanging from the ceiling of a room this morning. Paswan was working as a farm labourer with Sodagar Singh of Noor Pura village for the past two months.

The matter came to the notice of Sudagar Singh when Paswan did not come to attend to the cattle in the morning. Sudagar Singh informed the Amloh police. The police brought the body to the local Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. 

Mullanpur Dakha, September 14
The Humbran police yesterday booked five persons, including a Class XI student, for assaulting his classmate’s father. Humbran SHO said both Kuldeep Singh, a Class XI student, Government Senior Secondary School, Humbran, and Jagdeep Singh, complainant Satwant Singh’s son, a resident of Bhatha Dua village, Class XII student, studied in the same school.

Kuldeep Singh, who fell short of attendance, was turned out of the school. He held Jagdeep Singh accountable for his expulsion.

Kuldeep along with his brother Zora Singh, father Manjit Singh, uncle Charan Singh and Gagan of Kalyani village in Sangrur district forcibly entered Jagdeep’s house and assaulted him. A case under Sections 452, 323, 506, 148 and 149 of the IPC has been registered against the accused. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 14
Government High School, Andloo, Latala, has become one of the few schools in the area to have a Football Academy set up with assistance from the civic body.

The school authorities feel that the facility has been provided with the view to making students’ health conscious and refrain from social evils, including drug addiction.

The Parents Teachers’ Association of the school and the village panchayat have joined hands to make it happen.

Spacious ground has been developed to create enthusiasm among budding players of the Dasmesh Football Academy. Though the teachers will provide guidance to the students during extra time, a coach has also been arranged to coach the students after school time and during holidays.

According to village sarpanch Gurmel Singh, the project had proved to be a boon for the youth of the area.

“A large number of youngsters from the surrounding villages, who were otherwise vulnerable to evils like drugs, have started coming to the academy twice a day. Schoolchildren are being provided coaching during the physical education classes,” he said.