Ludhiana, November 8
With virtually every inch of space in corridors of different markets usurped by land-hungry shopkeepers, there is no room left for the pedestrians to walk in these busy markets.

With virtually every inch in the corridors of different markets encroached upon by shopkeepers, who use the space for keeping their generators, displaying their goods and even renting it out to part time businessmen, there is hardly any room left for the pedestrians and shoppers to walk. They are left with no option other than negotiating vehicles while walking on roads.

Similar situation prevails in all planned markets be it Ghumar Mandi, Sarabha Nagar, Dugri, Model Town, Feroze Gandhi market, Bhadaur house and other areas. The corridors serve as an extended store for the shopkeepers, at places as a show window and a perfect place for tea vendors to run their business.

In Sarabha Nagar market, the corridors have been taken over by shopkeepers. They have virtually put on display things like books; show pieces, generators, toys and even a small portion have been converted into a food joint in a space meant for shoppers.

In the Ghumar Mandi area, the roadsides left for pedestrians have been taken over by exhibits, utensils, generators, billboards and even knickknacks sellers.

‘‘The shopkeepers think that the authorities have left the space for them. Where should the pedestrians go? They have to brave the rain and the sun come what may. But nobody cares. Even the enforcement agencies look the other way, ’’ said Kirpal Singh, a resident.

It was strange that the sweetmeat sellers and dhabas were using these places as extended kitchens. Huge stoves have been kept outside the shops and edibles are being prepared throughout the day.

Though the Tehbazaari wing of the Municipal Corporation keeps on removing these encroachments, the action is never stringent. They keep on confiscating rehris and kiosks but the big shopkeepers are spared. Nobody has even taken out any anti-encroachment drive in Sarbaha Nagar main market.

Ludhiana, November 8
Under fire from all quarters over the issue of stray dog menace, the Municipal Corporation is all set to float an open tender inviting interested parties that can sterilise stray dogs in the city.

A few years ago, the corporation had hired an Ahmedabad- based company for the sterilisation programme, but the ambitious project hit a roadblock after the Animal Health Foundation found some irregularities in the functioning of the company.

The development has taken place following queries from the state government and MP Maneka Gandhi.

Expressing concern for residents of Kitchlu Nagar, who have been grappling with the stray dog menace, the state government had asked the municipal authorities to submit an action taken report on the issue of stray dog menace.

While talking to The Tribune, AK Sinha said: “We are going to float tender in two to three days where we would invite companies or NGOs interested in carrying out sterilisation programme.”

Varinder Bhakko, president, Dr Kitchlu Nagar Residents Association, who had recently sent of a letter to Maneka Gandhi stating that he was going to send the stray dogs to Aonla, Uttar Pradesh, her constituency.

Bhakoo informed that following his letter the MP spoke to MC Commissioner on this issue and told him to make necessary arrangement to tackle the stray dog menace.

Maneka had even spoken to principal secretary of the state on this issue.

According to sources, the municipal authorities are in no mood to take the responsibility of carrying out sterilisation programme, despite fully equipped to catch stray dogs.

The municipal officials have invited NGOs and private companies due to the fear that the sterilisation programme would trigger protest by various animal rights organisations.

“Catching a stray dog is not easy. No matter what, there would be some sort of cruelty involved in process of sterilisation of a dog and that is the reason way the corporation authorities are not taking any responsibility,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.

Ludhiana, November 8
The municipal corporation’s massive demolition drive is all set to face a rough weather with councillors threatening to go all out and offer tough resistance to civic body bulldozers. The demolition drive that is scheduled to take place this week will take political colours as the Congress councillors have alleged that the demolition drive should be in wards falling under Akali councillors.

“They should lead by the example and tell the civic authorities to conduct the demolition drive in their areas first. We know we- Congress councillors- would be targeted in the garb of the High Court’s orders. Ethically, the demolition should first be carried out in the wards falling under the Akali and BJP councillors as they are in power,” said one of the Congress councillors.

The demolition drive would be conducted following the direction of the High Court, which was hearing a contempt petition for not removing encroachments mushrooming in various part of the city.

Meanwhile, councillor Gurpreet Singh Goggi has categorically stated that he has pulled up his socks to stop the municipal bulldozers from demolishing any of the structures falling in his wards.

“I know they will target my area- Ghumar Mandi- as a local MLA is backing the civic officials. The MLA wants to increase his influence the area and he is deliberately trying to tarnish my image. Earlier, too, lots of restriction were imposed for harassing the residents and to lessen my popularity in the ward,” said Goggi and added that the corporation has to come out clean first on this issue as they were the ones who promoted the violation of building bylaws for reason best know to them.

From tomorrow till Wednesday all commercial encroachments in the city would be painted to tell the encroachers about the violations.

On the other hand the shopkeepers are lamenting that they have not been given time for getting the structure razed on their own.

A councillor said the civic authorities should give some more time to the shopkeepers, who have violated laws for commercial use. “Suppose the civic employees paint a commercial complex on Tuesday evening and tell the owner to erase the structure on their own, would it be possible for the owner to raze the structure in a limited span of time?” asked the councillor, while terming the decision as autocratic.

In the first phase encroachments would be removed from 20 roads, including Chaura Bazar, Meena Bazar, Brown Road, Janakpuri, Talab Bazar, RK Road, Link Roaqd, Gill Road, Hambra Road, Haibowal Road. If the civic authorities are so committed then they first remove the encroachment from the Chaura Bazar and Field Gunj area, before entering the posh colonies, said the councillor.

The municipal corporation has sought the police’s help in tackling any eventuality at the time of demolition drive.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 8
With the yards of most of the grain markets and purchase centres proving insufficient for accommodating the inflow of paddy during past weeks, farmers are forced to dump their produce at places most unsuitable for the purpose.

Streets, playgrounds, school compounds and open fields have been used for stocking unsold paddy.

Though officials had been rejecting heaps of paddy on the pretext of higher moisture content, officials at certain market committees allowed commission agents and authorities in procurement agencies to force farmers dump their produce near water bodies and tubewells.

Referring to information received from activists of farmers unions, Sikandar Singh Jartoli and Baldev Singh Latala, office-bearers of the Punjab Kissan Sabha, alleged that the authorities had failed to provide facilities for procurement of farmers' produce.

"There are dozens of instances wherein farmers had to take back their produce as yards were not fit for dumping it. In the absence of moisture-proof floors, the commission agents have to spread PVC sheets on moist ground," said Latala and Jartoli.

Surinder Kumar Sharma, a commission agent and a Congress leader, alleged that officials of the state procurement agencies were adopting double standards while supplying gunny bags for filling paddy.

Holding the administration responsible for the situation, farmers of the area have urged the higher authorities to impress upon officials of the procurement agencies to expedite procurement and lifting of the produce so that they (farmers) could start preparation of land for next crop.

Investigations by Ludhiana Tribune revealed that a large number of farmers had suffered huge losses owing to decrease in quality and quantity of their produce due to inadequate and faulty arrangements.

Denying allegations, Satish Kumar, an inspector with PUNSUP, claimed that there was no lapse on the part of the procurement agencies.

Ludhiana, November 8
Peeved over the skyrocketing prices and scarcity of essential commodities and the lackadaisical attitude of the Central government, activists of the Hindu Sikh Jagriti Sena today held a protest demonstration and burnt the effigy of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

The protesters charged Pawar with failing to act against the profiteers and the hoarders and abetting the powerful lobby of traders and manufacturers.

Led by sena chief Parveen Dang, the activists of the body, carrying placards against spiralling prices, staged a demonstration, took out a motorcycle rally which passed through several residential and commercial areas of the city before burning the effigy of the minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Dang and other functionaries of the sena made scathing attacks on Pawar, terming him a "scamster" and an ally of the hoarders and profiteers, who were out to suck the blood of the poor while the government remained a mute spectator. “The government, especially the Union Agriculture Minister, is doing nothing to control the prices of items of daily use, which have virtually gone out of reach of the even the people belonging to the upper-middle class. Except for issuing warning to the sugar mills, traders and business community, which fall on deaf ears, the government, has done nothing to provide relief to the people who are reeling under the burden of rising prices," the speakers maintained.

The sena activists gave a clarion call to the people to stand united on a single platform and come out in the open to wage a war against hoarders and profiteers. "Mere criticism of the government for inaction on the price front will not achieve anything. The affected population of the country will have to take a stand and make the government come out of its slumber," they added.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 8
Fearing return of grants for the upgrade of the Industrial Training Institute here, residents of the area have urged the office-bearers of the municipal council to provide free land to the institute management committee so that it could be upgraded.

According to official sources, the institute would run in some rented building till suitable land for the purpose was made available.

Local residents led by Tarsem Garg and Naresh Kumar Sharma have urged members and the office-bearers of the council to provide free land for the construction of the proposed building to accommodate the upgraded ITI. Apprehending return of grants in the absence of a suitable land, the residents alleged that the grant for construction of a community hall was returned unutilised due to lack of coordination among the then municipal council authorities and office-bearers of the management committee of a private school a few years ago.

“Now, the union government has sanctioned a grant worth crores for the upgrade of the local ITI. Though the institute management committee has received the first installment of Rs 2.5 crore, it is yet to get land for the purpose,” said Garg and Sharma.

MC president Usha Sood said she had discussed the matter with her colleagues and a piece of land had been identified for the purpose.

The local ITI, which had been running from a house for decades, was identified for upgrade under the Rs 3,490-crore central project launched for improving the standard of training.

Institute management committee, led by its national chairman Nanak Singh Kohli and local office-bearers had approached the council for providing free land for the construction of a new spacious building of the institute.

While some local politicians, opposed the move, a majority of residents wanted students of the area be given better facilities for studies.

Ludhiana, November 8
The tolerance power among kids is fast disappearing, thanks to the materialistic approach adopted by the society.

Not only the parents complain about the behavioural disorders among their wards, but teachers and psychiatrists, too, feel that due to intolerance, children are becoming aggressive and abusive.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Rajiv Gupta, a city-based psychiatrist, said irrespective of the fact that their demands were genuine or not, kids want everything from parents. In case they are denied, aggression is the only outcome.

“I have been receiving complaints from parents about intolerance among kids. A boy of Class X recently hit his grandmother when she asked her son not to fulfil each demand of the grandchild. The one-upmanship has become a dominant factor these days. Children want latest gadgets, mobile phones, branded clothes, freaking with friends etc. When they are stopped, they retaliate,” said Dr Gupta, holding parents, to an extent, responsible for this change.

He said parents do not spend quality time with the kids. Children are given a free hand so that parents continue with their work, business, parties and get-togethers. “If parents oppose the demands of kids, they start throwing tantrums, answer back to the parents and create indiscipline at home. To avoid this, parents bow to the pressure tactics of children,” added Dr Gupta.

In teaching line for over three decades, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Latala, Krishna Sharda said: “Children have become materialistic and selfish. They will wish the teacher only when there was some work. The old students still touch the feet of their teachers, but today students just ignore us. Due to frustration, they are losing tolerance,”

Shalini Gambhir, a parent, holds television responsible for polluting the young minds. She said violence, extra-marital affairs and sex-scandals were openly being shown on television. The sudden exposure to all this has cast its shadow over the immature minds of kids. They want to get all the attraction. If you stop hem, they retaliate. Counselling is the only way out to bring kids to the right path, said Gambhir.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 8
Activists and office-bearers of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) threatened to launch an agitation against the state and the union governments in case the administration failed to check exploitation of workers at the hands of their employers.

Addressing the concluding session of the state-level delegate meet at the local DAV High School, the BMS resolved to launch a movement against the alleged exploitation of workers in connivance with officials of the labour welfare department.

Maintaining that their organisation does not protect undisciplined and hostile workers, speakers, including Ram Dev Singh, Balwinder Singh and Raj Mony Yadav, said it was their moral duty to protect the interests of the workers too.

“We have urged our workers to work diligently for the prosperity of the nation, besides growth and development of their respective organisations. But at the same time, we cannot leave them at the mercy of their employers when it comes to protect their interests,” said Ram Dev Singh and Raj Mony Yadav while talking to The Tribune.

President of local unit Mohinder Yadav, press secretary Raj Narayan, Vinod Misra and Ramesh Chand Ghaie also addressed the delegates.

Ludhiana, November 8
People from all walks of life today performed ‘ardas’ for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims after both Akali Dal and the SGPC had announced to observe the day as the ‘ardas diwas’ (prayer day). Muslims, too, offered prayers at the local Jama Masjid.

Prayers at various gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, were organised. Those who attended the solemn occasion demanded stringent punishment for those guilty of instigating and leading rioters against the Sikhs in the aftermath of the Indira Gandhi’s assassination by two of her bodyguards at her residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984.

“People of Punjab are peace loving and they will not support any activity which would disturb the peace and tranquility of the state. Performing ‘ardas’ for the departed souls and seeking justice for them is the best thing we can do for them,” said Kulwinder Singh, a city resident at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib after performing the prayer.

While Muslims in large numbers gathered at Jama Masjid, Field Ganj, and offered special prayers for expediting the justice to the thousands of families of victims of 1984 riots. Shahi Imam of Punjab while addressing the gathering said they offered prayer for those who became victims of 1984 riots.

The entire Muslim community is extending their support for getting justice to those Sikh families, who were brutally killed during the riots. Urging the people to have faith in different religions and come together at the time of need.

While Hira Singh Gabria, Jail, cultural affairs, tourism and printing and stationery minister, after offering prayer at Gurdwara Shree Kalgidhar Singh Sabha said the Sikh community believes in peace and harmony and have given sacrifices for the freedom of the country. “It is very sad that even after 25 years these people have failed to get justice,” he added.

Amloh, November 8
Teachers in government schools are in a dilemma, as they have to decide between two contradictory orders issued by two different authorities, failing which the teachers will have to face the wrath of one authority or the other. This kind of sword is always hanging on the neck of a teacher, stated Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) chief Devinder Singh Punia in a press note here today.

Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan director Krishan Kumar had issued orders to the teachers to perform the teaching duties only, for which the checking teams would also visit the schools regularly.

Media statements of director-general school education (DGSE) and education minister had given assurance to the unions that the non-teaching work except election duties will not be forced upon the teachers, as it affects the teaching work in the school.

Now, Amloh block primary education official has also issued the orders to the teachers of elementary schools to perform the duty of revision of old age pension cases, aid to handicapped persons, etc.

It further stated that the Fatehgarh Sahib Deputy Commissioner had formed a committee to scrutinise the lists for which performa had been sent and in case of any discrepancy found in any case, the teacher concerned would have to face the consequences.

Now, the teachers have to decide whether they should obey the order of the DGSE or the DC.

If the teachers perform the non-teaching duty, it will surely affect the results of the teachers and general result of the schools for which the school head will also be liable for punishment.

The union urged the Chief Minister and education minister to intervene and to direct the officials not to put the teachers on the non-teaching duties.

Jagraon, November 8
An awareness generation seminar regarding the use of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005, was organised by RTI Users and Implementation Forum president Surjit Daudhar and secretary Puran Kaunkay, Punjab unit, Jagraon, at the Rotary Bhawan.

Information Commissioner Rupan Deol Bajaj, State Information Commission, Punjab, Chandigarh, participated as the keynote speaker in the seminar.

The seminar was attended by more than 150 persons, including RTI users.

Bajaj explained the basic tenets, purview, application and advantages of the RTI Act and called it a strong tool in the democratic set up of the country.

In the introductory session, Punjab and Haryana High Court Advocate HC Arora, also president of the RTI Users’ Association, and Prof Tarsem Sagar of LR DAV College explained the basic structure of the Act and its application, limitations and unresponsive bureaucratic culture giving a cold shoulder to the seekers of the information under the Act.

In the technical session, Prof Baldev Singh, officiating principal, DIET, Jagraon, remarked that the RTI Act was a remarkable achievement, which would initiate a silent revolution to empower the citizens to have a justified and graceful access to the information from the government and public offices for responsible role.

Bajaj answered the queries of audience regarding the problems faced by the Act users and indifferent behaviour meted out to the information seekers.

The speakers were honoured by the forum. Executive committee members Major Singh, Canada, Avtar Singh Gill, Advocate Rajinder Singh, Charnpeet Singh, Iqbal Singh Rasulpur and Satpal Kaunkay managed the seminar effectively.

Ludhiana, November 8
A meeting of active workers of PAU Employees Forum, PAU Employees Federation and PAU Employees Sewa Dal was held here to discuss the pending demands of the PAU employees under the chairmanship of DP Maur, chairman, PAU Employees Forum.

While addressing the gathering, Maur said there were long pending demands relating to field staff, stenographers, technical staff, ministerial staff and other different categories of the PAU employees.

The executive led by Harbans Singh Mundi never thought about the welfare of PAU employees. Maur said stenographers were facing financial losses due to recoveries of lakhs of rupees.

Paramjit Singh Gill, who is contesting elections for the post of president of the union, stated that 15 main demands of the PAU employees mentioned in the last election manifesto were issued by the rival group.

Not even a single demand had been fulfilled, alleged Gill.

“Implementation of personal promotion policy, left-out categories for G-I to G-IV, demands of laboratory attendants, grant of pay scales and arrears to the stenographers, facilities of personal loan and abolishing of type test of clerks have not been met by the authorities,” said Gill.

Gulzar Pandher, another leader stated that there was a great unrest among the field staff due to the non-fulfillment of their demands.

Doraha, November 8
The inter-college essay writing and painting competitions marked the human development festival, which was recently organised at Dr Ishwar Singh Memorial Hall of Guru Nanak National College in collaboration with the NSS, NCC, Press Club and Youth Club of the college.

The festival was especially planned under the scheme for strengthening the state plans for human development project and jointly supported by the United Nations Development Programme and the Planning Commission, the Government of India.

Chief guest Prof Balwant Singh Pangli, general secretary, college management committee, encouraged the students to assume cudgels in order to act as change makers in society.

The students were sensitised towards the topics such as declining sex ratio, drug de-addiction, female foeticide and modernisation of agriculture.

Focusing on the main issue of female foeticide and gender discrimination, Dr Gursaran Sidhu, director and head of department of medicine, said, “The tendency to view the girl child as a burden and a liability is assuming serious proportions. There is consistent decline in the sex ratio in the region. Policies and legislations should be practically effective in enforcing rules and regulations and creating equal opportunities for the girl child. Ensuring survival, growth and overall development of daughters should be the sole motive of society at present.”

Gurbhajan Gill’s poem, “Lori” (quest for a lullaby), which had been declared a national poem by the All-India Radio, New Delhi, was also recited by the renowned surgeon.

Dr Sarabjit Singh, associate professor, department of journalism and culture, focused on the growing tendency of consuming drugs especially among the youth.

“Changing mindset and attitudes through sustained information, education and communication campaigns are what is gravely required,” he added.

Drashan Singh Koohli, district president, Bhartiya Kisan Union Ekta (Ugrahan) group, also shared his views on the topic, “Modernisation of agriculture”.

Tavleen Suman of Gobindgarh Public College, Alour, was declared first in the inter-college essay writing competition. Pranav Gupta of Gobindgarh Public College, Alour, and Amrinder Kaur of Mata Ganga Khalsa College for Girls, Kottan, were declared second and third, respectively.

Similarly, in the fine arts competition, Navdeep Kaur of AS College, Khanna, was declared first, while Amritpal Kaur and Manjot Kaur of Mata Ganga Khalsa College for Girls, Kottan, were second and third, respectively.

Ludhiana, November 8
Dr Veena Jain took over as the national president of Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India (AGOI), as the three-day annual conference of the body concluded here today. The highlights of the scientific proceedings in the concluding session was a symposium, which covered topics like clinical management of early stage cancer ovary, management policies in different types of ovarian cancers, newer trend in the management and diagnosis of gynaecologic cancers, followed by a panel discussion on “gynae cancer associated with pregnancy”.

There was a free paper presentation session by the young doctors and also a poster display of their work from different parts of the country.

A gynaecologic-oncological quiz was also organised and final round was conducted for the awards. The valedictory function comprised with presentation of prizes to the young scientist for their scientific paper presentation, poster presentation and oncology quiz.

According to Dr Satish Jain, organising chairman of the meet, the conference turned out to be a huge success with regard to motivation of the young gynaecologist to adopt the super specialty of gynae-oncology so as to benefit large number of cancer patients in the country and to provide them with appropriate treatment so as achieve the better cure rate.

Dr SK Giri, reigning president of AGOI, handed over the charge of the presidentship for the next term to Dr Veena Jain.

The following awards were announced and presented at the concluding session:

Posters: First day- 1. Dr Tejinder Kaur, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana, 2. Dr Abhimanyu, Chandigarh. Second day: 1. Dr Surbhi, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana, 2. Dr Sheikh Zahoor Ahmed, Kochi.

Overall best paper: Late Prof Sarasvati Arora Award: 1. Dr Surbhi, 2. Dr Tejinder Kaur, both of Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana.

Oral papers: First day: 1. Dr Surbhi, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana, 2. Dr Shagun Sinha, UCMS, New Delhi. Second day: 1. Dr Bhavna Aggarwal, UCMS, New Delhi, 2. Dr Nidhi, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana.

Overall best paper: Dr BK Mohanty Award: 1. Dr Bhavna Aggarwal, UCMS, New Delhi, 2. Dr Surbhi, Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana.

Free papers: First day: 1. Dr Gauravi A. Mishra, Mumbai, 2. Dr Lajya Devi Goyal, Faridkot. Second day: 1. Dr Vanita Suri, Chandigarh, 2. Dr Vijay Zutshi, MAMC, New Delhi.

Gynae-onco quiz: 1. Dr Binni and Dr Jyoti, MAMC, New Delhi, 2. Dr Vibhor Mahendru and Dr Surinder Debbas from RGCI, New Delhi, 3. Dr Ashima Arora and Dr Puja Gupta.

Mandi Gobindgarh, November 8
The success of three-day youth festival was celebrated with a cultural programme presented by students of RIMT-IET Institute last night.

RIMT chairman Hukam Chand Bansal, co-chairperson Neena Bansal and vice-chairman Viayant Bansal inaugurated the night by lighting the lamp.

DSP Daljit Singh Rana was the guest of honour. Principal Dr Harsh Sadawarti welcomed the guests.

The function was started with a dharmik geet.

The students presented skits, songs, bhangra and giddha. Renowned singer Amarinder Gill spellbound the audience with his hit songs, “Tu kehre chan da tookra kehrey pindon aai ain”, Daroo na pinda hove”, “Hass ke na langya kar ni”, “Sanoo ishk ho gaya”, “Mel kara de rabba sohni kuri de naal”, etc. till late night.

Addressing the outgoing students, the chairman said the aim of RIMT Group of Institute was not commercial, as it stood to develop the talent of students.

Ludhiana, November 8
GN International Public School celebrated Gurpurb with great fervour here today.

Staff and students together recited “Japji Sahib” path in the presence of holy Guru Granth Sahib.

The students of different classes recited shabads of Guru Nanak's “Bani”. The school music team led by music teacher Gobinder Singh recited, “Kahe bhuleo re jhuthe lobh laag”.

The staff and students of the fine arts department had beautifully decorated the pandal with flowers.

The religious recitals of shabads were followed by Guru ka langar.

Langar was prepared and distributed by the staff and students.

General secretary Gurbir Singh Sarna, manager Harbhajan Singh, joint secretary Gurvinder Singh, secretary P Kahlon and director-principal Gurmant Kaur Gill joined hands in celebrating Gurpurb in a pious manner.

Children in Ludhiana do not have playgrounds for outdoor games. They are forced to become couch potatoes and are left indoors to watch TV and play video games. The only Guru Nanak Stadium is not accessible to all. The colleges and schools, too, allow their students only. Even the green parks are out of bounds for children as the management committees feel they will spoil the parks. The result is a dearth of playing space. To help children live their childhood, city residents have come up with some ideas.

Avail the existing facilities in the city. Due to urban pressure, you cannot find and develop new grounds for children. Therefore, look for spaces around you. Look for them in the educational institutions close to your home. Ask your representatives in the municipal corporation to arrange for a MoU with the institution concerned so that it remains the responsibility of the local governing body to arrange for the grounds.

The institutional heads can play a vital role in that they can inspire their staff and students to participate in sports and physical activities so that the message goes across that their grounds are being utilised for a positive end.

It must be remembered that only disciplined children can give us a disciplined nation. Therefore, it is important to discipline the children to make use of the playgrounds of these colleges and schools with responsibility. They can be taught and inspired to leave the playgrounds clean so the institutions do not suffer and at the same time, their playgrounds and other open spaces are utilised.

As a developing nation, it is our prime duty to make use of the existing infrastructure instead of spending money to plan and construct new infrastructure.

Ludhiana, November 8
On the penultimate day of the 56th Punjab School Games being held at the Guru Nanak Stadium, Harjinder Singh (U-17) and Harnek Singh (U-14), both from Sports Wing, Panj Garaian, Gurdaspur district, came out triumphant in the 100m sprint to emerge as the fastest runners.

In the girl's section, Anju Rani (U-19), Simrandeep Kaur (U-17) and Amandeep Kaur (U-14), from Sangrur, romped home winners in the 100m race.

In the gruelling 5km walk (boys U-17), Swaraj Singh from Amritsar finished ahead of others to clinch the title and in the 3km walk (girls U-17), local athlete Daljeet Kaur outperformed her opponents to annex the title.

Trainee of the Sports School, Jalandhar, Kundan proved too good for his immediate rivals (U-19) and emerged champion in the pole vault event while his mate, Harmandeep Singh secured second position and Gurpreet Singh from Sangrur had to content with third place.

Results

Girls U-14: 80m hurdles - Rajvir Kaur of Ludhiana, Rajneet Kaur of Taran Tarn and Harjit Kaur of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian.

Girls U-19: 100m hurdles - Anju Rani of HMV Sports Wing, Jalandhar, Manpreet Kaur of Sports Wing, Kairon and Veer Pal Kaur of Sangrur.

Girls U-17: 100m hurdles - Sumandeep Kaur of Gurdaspur, Veer Pal Kaur of Muktsar and Khushpreet Kaur of Sports Wing, Kairon.

Girls U-19: 100m race - Anju Rani of HMV Sports Wing, Jalandhar, Kulwinder Kaur of Sangrur and Surinder Pal Kaur of Sangrur.

Girls U-19: High jump - Sandeep Kaur of Sangrur, Dalbir Kaur of Sangrur and Navdeep Kaur of Ludhiana.

Girls U-17: Triple jump - Suman Devi of Muktsar, Manpreet Kaur of Sangrur and Parneet Kaur of Sangrur.

Girls U-14: 400m race - Manjot Kaur of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian (Gurdaspur), Prerna of Patiala and Swati Mehta of Hoshiarpur.

Girls U-17: 400m race - Amandeep Kaur of Sports Wing, Kairon, Punampreet Kaur of Gurdaspur and Kanwal Kaur of Sangrur.

Girls U-17: 100m race - Simrandeep Kaur of Sangrur, Sumandeep Kaur of Gurdaspur and Kanwal Kaur of Sangrur.

Girls U-17: 3km walk - Daljeet Kaur of Ludhiana, Shanti Rani of Patiala and Ranjit Kaur of Amritsar.

Girls U-14: 100m race - Amandeep Kaur of Sangrur, Navneet Kaur of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian (Gurdaspur) and Neetu Setia of Sangrur.

Boys U-17: 100m hurdles - Manvir Singh of Ludhiana, Rajinder Singh of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian (Gurdsapur) and Rupinder Singh of Sports School, Jalandhar.

Boys U-17: 100m race - Harjinder Singh of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian (Gurdaspur), Rajdeep Singh of Sports Wing, Patti, and Kammadeep Singh of Patiala.

Boys U-17: Triple jump - Haramrit Pal Singh of Sports School, Jalandhar, Ranjit Singh of Taran Tarn and Upkaram Singh of Ferozepur.

Boys U-14: 80m hurdles - Sharanbir Singh of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian, Vinod Kumar of Ludhiana and Bhupinder Singh of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian.

Boys U-14: 100m race - Harnek Singh of Sports Wing, Panj Garaian 1, Vinod Kumar of Ludhiana and Vikram Binny of Gurdaspur.

Boys U-19: Pole vault - Kundan of Sports School, Jalandhar, Harmandeep Singh of Sports School, Jalandhar and Gurpreet Singh of Sangrur.

Boys U-17: Javelin throw - Gurbir Singh of Taran Tarn, Ashok of Ferozepur and Navjot Singh of Amritsar.

Boys U-19: 400m race - Karamjit Singh of Patiala, Jasdeep Singh of Taran Tarn and Sneh Inder Sharma of Mansa.

Boys U-17: 400m race - Jatin Jain of Patiala, Kanwardeep Singh of Patiala and Sonu Kumar of Ludhiana.

Boys U-17: 5km walk - Swaraj Singh of Amritsar, Rajesh Kumar of Mohali and Jaspreet Singh of Ludhiana.

Boys U-19: Triple jump - Arpinder Singh of Ludhiana, Gurpreet Singh of Sangrur and Parwarjeet Singh of Amritsar.

Boys U-19: Javelin throw - Malkit Kumar of Sports School, Jalandhar, Malkit Singh of Taran Tarn and Sushil Kumar of Sports School, Jalandhar.

Jagraon, November 8
The Panjab University kho-kho championship started at Khalsa College for Women near here yesterday.

The championship is being conducted on the collage campus after a gap of two decades. A total of 16 teams from various colleges of different zones are participating, with 10 teams in A division and six in B. The divisions are further divided in four pools. Principals of various institutes of Sidhwan group of educational institutions, the management and principals of participating teams also attended the inaugural function.

Results:

GNN College, Doraha, beat Govt College, Hoshiarpur, with 1 turn and 9 points. Government College, Hoshiarpur, defeated GGS College, Kamalpura, with 1 turn and 11 points, GGS College for Women, Chandigarh, defeated SGHRS College for Women, Chabbewal, by 1 turn and 18 points, KCW, Sidhwan Khurd, defeated GCG, Chandigarh, by 1 turn and 20 points, Government College for Women, Ludhiana, defeated SDS College, Lopon, by 1 turn and 26 points.