Jalandhar, November 17
The ‘insightful’ modern-day caretakers of ours prefer to take quite an opposite path from their predecessors when it comes to preserving the greens. Our emperors and rulers, who always spent fortunes on building enhancing and maintaining sprawling lawns, gardens and parks, have found some morbidly dissenting descendants as far as understanding the importance of nature goes.

Our city is a case in point.

In Jalandhar, these modern-day rulers are committed to shatter the decade-old bond of their citizens with the benevolent trees and cheery flowers of the Burlton Park, which silently wait to be razed shortly.

In this scenario, when a large chunk of the population settled around this park is waiting to cash in on the dividends of the real estate business after launching of the so-called modernisation drive, a relatively feeble but constantly striving rhetoric of few opposing quarters is also making way into the ears of those who want to listen.

The voice, which is continuously urging authorities to stop the drive to cut eucalyptuses, silver oaks, bottle palms and innocent roses, belongs to a group of six senior citizens, living around this park.

This group has organised Save Burlton Park Action Committee.

Being eco-lovers, this group has decided to file a Public Interest Litigation within a day or two to save this 60-acre piece of green land.

While confirming this move, Harish Sharma, General Secretary of Burlton Park Welfare Society said, “We are moving court to save the green belt of Burlton Park. We will also launch a signature campaign in the coming days to sensitise masses against this move of the corporation.

“Earlier, the corporation was planning to begin this project from October 31 but owing to agitation by locals, authorities planned to start work on this project on November 12. Moreover, there is no reference of the upcoming sports hub of international standards on the foundation stones established on October 31 and then on November 12”, he claimed.

Not only the greenery, residents of this area also have some other concerns. “Though we have never faced any disaster in the recent past, where will the authorities evacuate the residents of this area if there is a major fire break out, flood or earthquake? Literally, residents will be left to languish in streets or roads in that situation”, said Dr. Rakesh Madan, a morning walker.

On the other side, some local leaders have totally different approach regarding the issue. “Residents of the city must welcome such great projects. Already there are huge parks in the residential colonies. We will develop them. Even the existing park will be modified into a better form in the new project,” said MLA, Jalandhar North, KD Bhandhari.

Even Mayor Rakesh Rathore is of the view that this project is important for the youth of the city. “When nearly 60 per cent of the youth of the society become addicts, it becomes mandatory to involve youth in sports. And for this, we need projects like this. There is no need to be apprehensive as the final blue print of the project is yet to come out and the demand to maintain greenery will be taken care of,” he said.

As per an estimate, there are nearly 2,000 rose plants and around 200 trees in the park. The corporation has its own nursery in the park where they grow and nurture the saplings of nearly 5,000 plants per annum. The park is divided into Rose Garden and Leisure Valley. The sad part is that the Leisure Valley has been adopted and being maintained by the Burlton Park Welfare Society. Some environment lovers have also planted hundreds of plants in the past years in the Leisure Valley. A masterpiece of Shiv Kumar Btalavi “Ik Rukh Meri Maa Varga” is also engraved on one the trees of this Leisure Valley.

It is important to note that the corporation has decided to mortgage 53.26 acres of land of the Burlton Park to avail loan of an amount of nearly Rs 450 crore to develop a stadium of international standards. The rest 10 acres, out of the total 63.26 acres, of land, will be developed as a commercial complex and five star hotel. Loan will be returned after selling portions of the commercial hub to private firms. Agenda pertaining to this has been passed in the meeting of the house of corporation, held last month.

Jalandhar, November 17
Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira today accused Parkash Singh Badal of favouring Surjit Singh Rakhra-led NRI Academy of Sciences consortium in allotment of PIMS by amending bidders’ minimum eligibility criteria soon after coming to power to ensure exit of renowned multinational healthcare companies from the fray. He submitted a complaint to the DGP Punjab and SSP Jalanhdar and demanded that legal action must be taken against all the people involved in these illegal activities, especially the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, under sections 168, 169, 406, 417, 418, 420, 424, 120-B of the IPC and under sections 7, 12, 13 & 14 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 as well as under the Bennami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988.

“Expression of interest (EoI) issued on November 23, 2006 during the Congress regime was more stringent but amended on October 16, 2007 to dilute competition,” he said.

“Earlier, the bidder having experience in development and running 200-bed hospital for one year or two separate 150 bedded hospitals for two years, an annual turnover of Rs 75 crore for the last year (2005-2006) from healthcare or related field and net worth of Rs 300 crores as on March 31, 2006 was eligible to participate in bidding process. But, amended EoI has done away with condition of running a hospital”, said Khaira.

“Moreover as per MCI rules, the applicant shall be running 300-bed hospital on the date of making an application for grant of approval to set up a medical college with an annual intake of 100 students. The deletion of such a clause from EoI was made to suit NRI Academy of Sciences led consortium later headed by SAD leader Surjit Singh Rakhra”, he claimed.

“The government had released Rs 30 crore to the private firm for providing medical assistance to patients belonging to economic weaker section, surprisingly much before of the functioning of the institute. Moreover, the consortium had failed to submit Rs 65.50 crore that is 50 per cent of the lease money within three weeks of the agreement. Though there was a provision to charge penal interest for three weeks and contract can be terminated after waiting for another month, the PIDB was in no mood to displease the private player”, he added while pointing towards the role of other agencies in the deal.

Jalandhar, November 17
Dharam Pal, a resident of Birring village, has lost all hopes to getting his house back from a tenant.

Disappointed with police functioning, the house owner has been facing threats to his life and property since the time he complained against his tenant to the police. His representations to the DIG, Jalandhar, the Senior Superintendent of Police, the Deputy Superintendent of Police and to the SHO, Paragpur, have failed to wake up the police department from its deep slumber even after two months.

Narrating his woes, Dharam Pal alleged that his tenant Suresh Kumar, alias Raju, who is an employee of the Punjab Health Department and works at the Jalandhar Civil Hospital, hired two rooms of his five-room-house in April. He later illegally occupied the entire house, Pal alleged.

In his complaints to police officials, Pal alleged that Suresh illegally occupied his house and even took away the household goods, belonging to his son, in other rooms after breaking open the locks.

The tenant and his wife even filed a complaint against the landlord and his family members, including a son who is presently living abroad, and got a FIR registered against them on false claims.

Coming in support of Dharam Pal, members of the Development Committee of Birring village took up the issue with the district police but to no avail. The committee has raised a voice against the ‘biased’ police personnel who try to harass Pal for a fault that he never committed.

Villagers have been demanding justice and fair enquiry in the case. The villagers have also warned to launch an agitation if the police fails to investigate the issue.

Jalandhar, November 17
As many as 500 students participated in Easyday Market’s kids’ carnival being held at the Vasal Towers, Police Lines Road.

Students from St. Joseph Convent School for Boys, Police DAV Public School, CT Public School etc. participated in the carnival which was organised to promote playful learning with a view to increase mental and physical development of kids.

The activities included dancing, quizzing, singing, drawing and essay writing competitions. Children also participated in the greeting card-making competition, computer aided games, tumbling monkey, Uno card games etc.

Winners of these competitions were awarded gift hampers by a panel of judges.

Winners:

Drawing: Rajiv Kalra first, Vaniska second

Quiz: Category 1: Khuswant Rai first, Akshit Mahajan second

Category 2: Yashica first, Aneesha second

Essay Writing: Category 1: Bisman Singh first

Category 2: Nikita Sharma first

Solo Singing: Gursimran first, Siddhant second

Jalandhar, November 17
Malkit Singh, known as the king of bhangra, an international success, who made songs like “Tootak Tootak Tootiyan… Hey Jamalo”, “Jind Mahi” and the remix of “Gur Nalo Ishk Mitha” a household success, was in Jalandhar on Monday to tap young talent for his upcoming album “Billo Rani”.

Born in 1972 in Hussainpur village, he has done BA in Music from the Khalsa College Jalandhar. Malkit Singh migrated to Britain in 1984 and cut his first album two years later. GND University conferred on him a gold medal award doctorate for his services to Punjabi music and culture. Having taken music from traditional Punjabi folk to fusion, Malkit Singh looks to achieve new heights. Malkit Singh in an exclusive interview with The Tribune…

Looking back, did you ever imagine that one day Malkit Singh will be listed in the Guinness Book of World Record as the largest-selling bhangra artiste of all times?

I started singing at the age of four. Music was my hobby and Khalsa College Jalandhar gave me the required push. I rolled to fame at the youth festivals. But, professionally, I started my career in London. I love performing live. I had faith in my abilities, in the public and of course, in god. Success can’t be estimated… sky is the limit.

Who influenced you into singing and music? Are there any musicians that you follow?

Dhadi and folk Punjabi music were the pulling factors, while my interest and zeal were the pushing forces. I am a big fan of traditional singers like Kuldeep Manak and Surinder Kaur. Great Sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was my singing inspiration in later years.

You have taken Punjabi music to unparalleled heights. Having taken bhangra to the Queen’s Buckingham Palace, which heights do you want to achieve now?

It’s the music and not Malkit that has left the people spellbound and has reached Queen’s Palace. I was just the source. And I believe in life long learning… this is just the starting, a lot more needs to be achieved. I am grateful to the public for appreciating my works. As far as my plans are concerned, I am going to release my 22nd album “Billo Rani”. I try to deliver quality product to my fans, even if it means releasing one album in two years. Also, I want to hear Punjabi music in an Englishman’s house.

You are on a lookout for fresh faces for your new album. Why are you taking the road less traveled? Why not professional models?

There can be no comparison between natural and artificial flowers. Newcomers are relentless. They enthuse energy and are positive to new ideas. Moreover, fresh looks are important in the industry. People are bored of watching the same old faces over and over again and want something new. Also, I want “Billo Rani” to be an authentic Punjabi album with Punjabis in the lead roles.

What is the theme of your album?

It is a wonderful blend of traditional Punjabi music and dance numbers. It has 12 songs, with its appeal ranging from kids to the elderly.

Punjabi cinema has come to life but hasn’t broken the cocoon as yet. All the movies talk about NRI affairs when there is much more to the life of Punjab. Are you working on any film?

Punjabi movies need to highlight socio-economic and cultural aspects of the society. And Punjabis should change their attitude towards a turbaned hero. When they will be ready to take a Sikh as hero, I will be the first one to make a film. I am also waiting for a good script.

What is your message for the upcoming singers?

We are making history. Next generations will listen to our songs. Be proud of your language and heritage. Make sure that Punjabi language doesn’t have to bow its head in shame.

You were born and brought up in Jalandhar district. How do you feel to visit the city?

It feels great. It’s like a Mecca to me. While Khalsa College sharpened my skills, Doordarshan gave me the much needed exposure. It rolled me to fame in a single day. I feel overwhelmed by the memories of the time I spent in the lanes of Jalandhar. I love the city and its people.

Phagwara, November 17
The ratio of buses plying in the state was on a constant decrease as compared to other vehicles as it was found that 12 per cent of the total vehicles plying on the roads of Punjab State in 1972 were buses, but the percentage had been reduced to only 1 per cent in 2009.

This was stated by Punjab Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal while addressing a news conference in the Improvement Trust office here on Tuesday evening.

He said private vehicles were increasing day by day and people now preferred private vehicles, a trend which had finally resulted in this imbalanced ratio.

But now the state government was determined to balance the ratio. The previous percentage (12 per cent) buses would be restored within the next two years and the state government will include 689 new buses in its present fleet of 2,400.

Commenting upon increasing road mishaps, the minister said 3,500 casualties were being recorded in a year in different road accidents in the state, and the state government was serious about taking required steps to prevent the mishaps.

He said instructions have been issued to all District Transport Officers to check those vehicle drivers, plying their vehicles on higher speed and using pressure horns within the municipal limits of their respective towns.

The Transport Minister disclosed that all offices of DTOs would be computerised by March 31, 2010 and would be connected with the State Transport Commissioner and Transport Minister’s offices.

He said no private vehicles would be allowed to ply as taxis without valid permits.

He said the state government was committed to provide luxurious transport services with ordinary fares. The minister said registration certificates would now be prepared by vehicle dealers to accelerate official work and to stop undue harassment of people.

Replying to a question about fake driving licences and involvement of several agents in this illegal trade, the Transport Minister said the menace could be checked when all DTO offices would be available online.

He said all principals of various ITIs and Technical Colleges would be authorised to issue driving licences. He said one large scale Driving Training Institute would soon be opened in Patiala.

The minister said two AC Bus Stands were being constructed at Patiala and Mohali while another one would be constructed in Bhatinda.

Replying to a question, the minister announced that a special bus would ply daily between Phagwara and Chintpurni to facilitate the piligrims of Phagwara and the service could be introduced this week.

The minister also announced that all DTOs will ensure a weekly visit to their respective sub-divisions to facilitate the people. Improvement Trust Phagwara Chairman Tejaswi Bhardwaj was also present on the occasion.

Jalandhar, November 17
Students of journalism and mass communication of Guru Nanak Dev University, Regional Campus, Ladhewali, today celebrated Press Day to mark the foundation of Press Council of India.

Head of the Department of Journalism Dr Kamlesh Singh Duggal spoke on the importance of Press Day. A declamation contest on “Print media challenges, opportunities and responsibilities” was also held. The celebrations included an interactive session with the students of journalism of B.D. Arya Girls College, Jalandhar Cantonment.

Six students of journalism and mass communication, who had attended the recently concluded 84th Association of Indian Universities in Amritsar, shared their experiences with the fellow students.

Earlier a press note writing competition was held in which Davinder Kaur, a student of MJMC-I, and Raghini Kaushal of B.D. Arya Girls College bagged the first and second positions, respectively.

Phagwara:The Journalism Department of Kamla Nehru College For Women, Phagwara, celebrated ‘National Press Day’ on Monday. On this occasion, S Harmeet Singh Dhillon, Media Secretary to Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister, was the chief guest. With a view to explore the talent of the students, contests in news reading and on-the-spot writing were organised. In radio news reading, Preeti was the winner.

Jalandhar, November 17
The Oriental Bank of Commerce has decided to open 100 more branches across the country to reach the target of 1,500 by March, 2010. This was disclosed by Chairman and Managing Director of the bank T.Y. Prabhu here yesterday.

He said the bank was committed to enhance its business to Rs 2 lakh crore during this fiscal year. Prabhu said the bank witnessed an increase of 24.20 per cent in its business till date. The Chairman said keeping in mind the future expansions of the bank, they would be recruiting 100 marketing executives, 53 agricultural officers and more than 1,550 officers in the coming days. “During this year, too, the bank recruited 191 agricultural officers along with 1,427 employees in different fields,” he added.

Jalandhar, November 17
The poor educational policy of the state government, coupled with no fresh recruitments in the past some time, has left the part-time lecturers in a lurch. It has been more than seven years since these lecturers have been working on ad-hoc or part time basis on meager salaries.

Agitated at the government’s failure, a delegation of part-time lecturers recently met the Secretary Education KBS Sidhu, to discuss the matter. “Despite raising this issue before the authorities concerned, there seems to be no ray of hope pertaining to our future. It has been years since we have been working on ad-hoc basis”, said a lecturer requesting anonymity.

Earlier, the part-time lecturers had handed over a memorandum to Punjab Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal during an inauguration function held at the Government College, Talwara.

“The Chief Minister, at that time, had assured us of some likely decision pertaining to our job status to no avail”, added the lecturer.

While the permanent lecturers working in the Government Colleges across the state are drawing enhanced pay packages according to the UGC norms and the sixth pay commission, the part-time lecturers have not been included under this ambit. At present, the part time lecturers are drawing Rs 12,000 as monthly salary.

It might be noted that a majority of the part-time lecturers working in these government colleges are highly educated with additional degrees of PhD, M.Phil and UGC-NET as well.

“We are performing the same duties as those of the permanent lecturers or the guest faculty but till date our financial status has not changed. At times we work even more than our counterparts. We are not even entitled for a sick leave. Our future is at stake owing to the poor functioning of the state government”, maintained another lecturer.

The lecturers further maintained that even if the state government now conducts fresh recruitments, nearly half of the lecturers would not be able to apply as they have become overage. “It is high time the government should take some decisive steps or we would be forced to stage statewide protests in the coming days,” said a lecturer requesting anonymity.

Jalandhar, November 17
The local Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, celebrated Children’s Day to celebrate the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. On this occasion, students presented poetry and talk on Nehru. The students of the Department of Fashion Designing celebrated ‘Children’s Day’ by distributing woollens, fruits and eatables among the children of financially weaker sections.

Children’s Day was celebrated on November 14 along with Grandparent’s Day at DIPS Dhilwan. On this occasion, students came along with their grandparents who were also part of the function. A cultural function was also held on the occasion.

To commemorate Children’s Day, a carnival for the primary wing of the Guru Amar Dass Public School was held on the school campus. Special eatery stalls were also arranged on the occasion.

Similarly, students of MGN Public School also celebrated Children’s Day. School authorities put up special stalls on the school campus.

Kapurthala, November 16
The Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) took out a protest march in the town against the UPA government at the Centre and the SAD-BJP government in the state for their failure in curbing the steep hike in the prices of essential commodities.

The march, led by the district president of the Shiv Sena, Manoj Arora, passed through different bazaars before culminating at Kacheheri Chowk. State chief spokesperson for the Shiv Sena Jagdish Kataria said it became very difficult, especially for the people belonging to the lower and middle class, to make their both ends meet due to sky-rocketing prices of essential commodities.

Jalandhar, November 17
Bharatiya Janata Party (Media Cell) Punjab Pradesh Co-convener Rajat Mohindru urged the Union Minister for Railways Mamata Banerji to take new measures for safety and security of the passengers.

Mohindru said strict safety measures be taken and thorough check of the rail tracks be carried out from time to time.

He further said new safety steps should also be taken to avoid accidents in foggy season during winter.