Ludhiana, January 23
The administration seems to have turned a blind eye towards the welfare of thousands of children taking part in the Republic Day parade, to be held at SCD Government College on January 26. While the dense fog, leading to zero visibility for most part of the day here today, kept the residents indoors; participants fought the chilly winds to rehearse for the function.

Besides the adverse weather conditions, the participants also have to struggle to reach the venue every morning with no arrangements made for their transportation by the authorities concerned.

With strict instructions to reach the venue in time and no conveyance, the participants, especially schoolchildren, have to struggle to reach the parade ground as dense fog makes life on the roads a virtual hell. Dense fog and bone-chilling winds only add to their woes while late arrival means punishment which includes a round of the ground, sit ups, front rolls and so on.

At least 2,000 students from various schools across the district are participating in the parade. While a few schools ferry their students to and from the parade ground, majority of the schoolchildren, including those from various government schools, have no transportation facility. In such a situation, they have to reach the venue on their own. Hitching a ride, braving the icy winds in rickety auto-rickshaws and other modes of public transport, kids reach the parade ground, risking their health and even lives in many cases as the dense fog has led to several road accidents in the past few days.

At the parade ground, the children again have to struggle with long hours of practice in the harsh weather as they are made to sit on wet grass.

A few years ago, a student had died while rehearsing for mass PT show for Independence Day celebrations at Bathinda. The magisterial probe ordered into the death of the student who suffered sunstroke while rehearsing for the show did not hold anyone guilty and it also did not give reasons for the death. However, the incident was an eye opener for the authorities concerned who had, at that time, decided not to compromise with the health of students while taking part in such rehearsals.

The lesson learnt from the incident seems to have faded from the memory of the authorities, who are playing with the health of thousands of children by forcing them to practice in the extreme weather conditions.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg said: “The administration just provides for the transport of those participants who come from far off areas. Local people can manage on their own.”

Meanwhile, the rehearsal for the Republic Day parade is in full swing. Numerous contingents, including school and college students, NCC cadets and police personnel, rehearse everyday for three-four hours on SCD Government College grounds.

Ludhiana, January 23
The recent announcement made by the ministry of commerce, government of India, to add 15 new products in the list of the special products has come as a good news for the industrialists in this part of region as about 80 per cent of these products are manufactured in Punjab, especially in Ludhiana. Besides these 15 products, 30 new products have also been added under the special focus product category by the Central government.

The products, which have recently been included under this category, are bicycles, fasteners, sewing machines, welding rods and machines, stapler pins and staplers. Under the special focus product category, the exporters will get a flat incentive of 5 per cent on all exports made after January 1, 2010.

Chairman of the Punjab Chapter of Federation of Association of Small Industries of India Badish K.Jindal told The Tribune that the government had put bicycle parts and flanges in the focus product category and the exporters could get 2 per cent incentive on the export of these products. “The association is thankful to the ministry of commerce for making these announcements to boost exports”, said Jindal adding that India mainly exports bicycle parts instead of complete bicycle to various countries. “We will again approach the ministry for inducting bicycle parts in the special focus product category instead of the focus product category.

SC Ralhan, chairman, Northern Region of Export Engineering Promotion Council, said the Central government had issued the notification of incentives keeping in view the needs of the Punjab’s small and medium enterprises. “It is a good step. The export of engineering goods in India had declined to almost 17.6 per cent till November but this step will give a boost to the exports. These incentives will give a relief to exporters who had to face losses due to decrease in US Dollar price and increase in prices of steel”, Ralhan added.

With these incentives, the export of the bicycles could reach double digit and that of fasteners could be enhanced from present Rs 500 crores to Rs 1000 crores, said Jindal.

Ludhiana, January 23
Eve teasing proved fatal for a 26-year- old auto-rickshaw driver as he was brutally stabbed to death by the girl’s brother at Tibba village near Bapu Asaram Ashram in Sahnewal last evening.

The deceased has been identified as Pritpal Singh (26), a resident of Khanpur village.

According to the victim’s father Sikander Singh, accused Gurpreet Singh and Jagmohan Sing, who are also from Khanpur village, took Pritpal Singh along with them on the pretext getting the challan of the auto-rickshaw settled.

The trio headed towards the city. When they reached Tibba village, Gurpreet Singh along with Jagmohan slit Pritpal’s neck and stabbed him numerous times.

The assault proved fatal and Pritpal died on the spot.

After killing Pritpal, the duo fled away the scene of crime. The police raided various hideouts and nabbed the duo this morning.

Giving detail about the incident the SHO said the accused had hatched a plan to kill the victim a month ago when the latter had allegedly physically abused Gurpreet’s sister during a wedding.

The SHO added that the accused got an opportunity to settle the score after the auto-rickshaw of Pritpal was challaned.

Both the accused were produced in the court today. They confessed having committed the crime.

While Sikander Singh, father of the victim, alleged that both accused were drug addicts and they killed his son in the fit of rage when he refused to give them money to buy drugs.

Meanwhile, pal of gloom descended at Khanpur village. The relatives of the victim lamented that eve teasing led to the destruction three families. While one lost his life, the other two would spend the rest of their life in a jail.

Khanna, January 23
One died and four sustained serious injuries after the Tata Indigo car they were travelling in was hit by a truck last evening near Mehandipur village.

The deceased has been identified as Ashok Kumar, a resident of Moga.

He, along with his family members, was on his way to Moga from Delhi when the incident occurred. They all were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Ashok was declared brought dead, others identified as Avinash Kumar, Gagandeep Kaur, Jaspal Kaur and Inkaar are undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Ludhiana.

A case in this connection has been registered.

Ludhiana, January 23
The opening up of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre at the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, has enabled female patients suffering from HIV/AIDS in Malwa region of Punjab to give up their inhibitions and exercise their right to get proper counselling, care and treatment.

The centre caters to the rural and urban population of Ludhiana, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, Moga and Sangrur districts.

More than 90 per cent of the women fall victims to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the social stigma refrains them from disclosing about their diseases.

With the help of some NGOs and integrated counselling at the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, women are now coming forward to get themselves tested and treated.

Ever since its inception in December last year, the centre, a venture of the Punjab State Aids Control Society (PSACS), has registered about 106 cases, out of which 64 patients have already been given anti retroviral therapy medicine.

Dr Ruchi Aggarwal, senior medical officer and in charge of the centre, said seven staff members in the centre were working towards building up confidence in HIV/AIDS patients through counselling and care followed by quality treatment.

When asked about the paediatric cases, Dr Aggarwal said five paediatric patients were receiving treatment at the centre.

“Patients with less than 250 cell count under CD-4 test are put on ART medicine, which is supplied by the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and patients are called for regular check-ups,” Dr Aggarwal went on to add. 

Ludhiana, January 23
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is curable, if diagnosed earlier, observed assistant professor of urology at DMCH, Dr Arvind Goyal.

In a statement issued recently, the doctor stated that prostate cancer was associated with ageing process and older men were prone to the disease. 
Diagnosing prostate cancer early was the best way for men to increase their chances of survival. Though the symptoms of prostate cancer may not show up during its early stages and therefore, regular prostate examination is required for its early detection, the doctor said.

According to Goyal, the examination for detecting of prostate cancer can be done as a part of routine investigation and is absolutely painless.

When the prostate enlarges due to cancerous growth, a person experiences several problems with urination, including signs of blood in the urine, burning with urination and back pain.

If the tumour is left untreated, it can also completely block the flow of urine thus, resulting in a painfully obstructed and enlarged urinary bladder.

Though the genetics and hereditary factors of a person plays an important role in the risk of developing a prostate cancer but environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking and diets that are high in saturated fat, seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Additional substances or toxins in the environment or from industrial sources might also promote the development of prostate cancer, but these have not yet been clearly identified.

Most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms by undergoing PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. When a man reaches age 50, it is recommended that PSA testing should be done yearly, particularly those who have higher risk due to family history of the disease.

The purpose of annual screening is to detect early, tiny, or even microscopic cancers that are confined to the prostate gland. The treatment includes a variety of procedures from surgery to hormone therapy, said Goyal.

Ludhiana, January 23
A few Railways’ projects that were pending for quite some time are waiting for the final take off in the industrial capital of Punjab. However, there are a few others, which might get delayed as the state government has not been able to submit the final proposals and project reports to the railway ministry.

Local MP Manish Tewari said today that Union Minister of State for Railways, KH Muniyappa, in reply to a few queries about various projects pending in the Ludhiana district, had told him that the Railway Under Bridge at Shastri Nagar was about to start as the work for its construction had already been sanctioned.

However, Tewari regretted, the state government had not so far submitted the proposal for the railway over bridge near Sacred Heart Convent School on the Pakhowal road in the city. He hoped that the state government would wake up to the urgency of an over bridge near the school and submits a proposal to the ministry at the earliest.

About the pending work on the Lakkar bridge, that links the old city with the new one, Tewari said. “I was told by the minister that the work had already been sanctioned as ‘deposit work’ of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation at the cost of Rs 21.98 crore. However, the corporation has so far deposited only Rs 11.47 crore. The consultancy tender for the design of bridge has been finalised and the work was underway.” However, Rs 10.51 crore were yet to be deposited by the civic body, he added.

Similarly the corporation is yet to give its acceptance to the proposal for the construction of the railway over bridge on the Ludhiana-Dhuri section on cost sharing basis. Estimates have been prepared and sent to the corporation in July 2009 but it has not accorded acceptance to the project so far.

The minister told Tewari that the preliminary work regarding the project implementation of the “dedicated freight corridor” project between Ludhiana and Kolkota had been started with the process of land acquisition. The project is under consideration for funding by World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Among other main projects, the Ludhiana railway station has been upgraded as A-1 category station where all minimum essential passenger amenities have already been provided as per norms, he added. Besides, the Dhandari railway station was being converted into an alternative passenger terminal as it will cater the needs of labourers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and also decongest the city railway station.

The railway ministry has also enhanced special quota for the city for several long distance trains as the station has been defined as a remote location for these trains. List of these trains will be released later.

Tewari stated that as of now there was no proposal to increase the speed limit of the trains on the New Delhi-Amritsar section from the existing 110 kmph.

Ludhiana, January 23
Daniel, two and half-year-old child, was recently diagnosed with cancer called Neuroblastoma and is undergoing treatment at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

The child’s parents got him admitted in CMCH on January 4 as he was frequently suffering from high-grade fever. Little did the family imagine that he would be diagnosed with such a life-threatening disease. After undergoing detailed investigations he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage III (advanced disease).

The family is in a state of shock as each member is still trying to come to terms with the illness. On the other hand, as the disease is in advanced stage, the child requires chemotherapy.

But Daniel’s father being a daily wager is unable to bear the expensive treatment of his son, who has presently been admitted in CMCH and is being given the required treatment.

Now, hospitalised for more than two weeks, he urgently needs to undergo chemotherapy followed by a surgerythat can save his life. The parents of Daniel have sought help from people to donate generously for his treatment and help save their young boy’s life.

Cheques and demand drafts can be sent to the Department of Pediatrics, CMCH with “For Daniel” written on the envelope. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 23
Long telephonic conversations have affected efficiency of almost all government and private offices. In case of police, the tendency, if unchecked, can lead to serious law and order problems.

Inability of the public-dealing officials to end unwanted calls politely has resulted in inconvenience to their clients too.

Owners and managers of private establishments are no exception to the trend. The trend proves more damaging when the receiver is performing some public utility duty.

Lack of restrictions on the use of mobile phone has resulted in a situation where a majority of the employees are seen talking on phone while on duty. In case of certain categories, the employees have been directed by their seniors not to switch off their mobiles.

Post offices, commercial organisations, police stations and business organisations are common places where public dealing is affected due to reckless use of mobile phones.

Showing concern over the tendency, Abhay Jain, a social activist, said even those officials whose job required utmost attentiveness, indulge in long telephone conversations while on duty.

“It is shocking to note that the driver of a Ludhiana-bound bus continued conversing on his mobile phone while on wheels. When we reached Ludhiana, the cop regulating traffic at a busy chowk was also seen talking on mobile phone,” said Jain.

Stressing for the need to check the tendency, Jagjit Singh Jajjie, an office-bearer of another social organisation, said the authorities concerned should train their officials to end telephonic conversations politely. Instead of making their clients suffer, the public officials should tell the callers about his or her responsibility. 

Ludhiana, January 23
In the last two decades, Jawahar Nagar Camp had become one of the biggest commercial hubs of Ludhiana, doing business of crores everyday, the reason being availability of products on wholesale or subsidised rates.

With the demolition drive, the shopkeepers pegged their losses in crores and feared that it would not be easy to recover the losses.

The Jawahar Nagar Camp market had over 5,000 visitors daily, according to shopkeepers. Anything from eatables to clothes and shoes to books and stationery was available, said a shopkeeper, whose shop was also affected.

The biggest loss was for booth owners, whose structures were completely demolished. “The jacked-up commercial activity had increased land prices. The cost of the commercial area was around Rs 50,000 per square yard before this demolition drive was undertaken,” said Rakesh, a shopkeeper.

He revealed that many shopkeepers in the area had sold their shops around two months ago and those who had bought those were now repenting.

One of the victims said, “I had bought two shops here for Rs 18 lakh and now all money went down the drain. I cannot blame anyone because it was my fault that I did not investigate about the property.”

Investigations and discussions with residents revealed that in the 1990s, residents of the area started extending their buildings and turned these into shops to increase their income.

As far as residential encroachments were concerned, people said, “When our families settled here in 1947, these were small families. With years passing by, extended families needed expansion and this is led to encroachment.”

Area councillor Kapil Kumar Sonu said, “The demolition has disrupted life.

Raikot, January 23
The new building of police post at Lohatbaddi village, which falls under Raikot police station of the Ludhiana Rural police, was inaugurated yesterday after a bhog and Shri Akhand Path.

The state police department from its own resources completed the building. The building was inaugurated by Prithipal Singh, DSP, Raikot, who was accompanied by Sant Baba Mahima Singh of Gurdwara Gurgian Parkash, Harbans Kaur Sukahana SGPC member, Harbans Singh Sarpanch, Amandeep Singh Gill, Raikot MC President, SHO Wariam Singh, Davinder Singh Chakohi, Sarpanches Harbans Singh Sultankhan, Harjit Singh, Ram Rattan Singh and others.

The new building is erected at the place where the old building existed earlier. The police authorities had no other option but to demolish the old building. This particular police post situated on the Malerkotla Road is the oldest police post of Ludhiana Rural police.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 23
Thousands of class V students studying in private schools of the state will be appearing in annual examinations according to the Sarav Sikhya Abhyan Authority schedule.

Though they have been asked to pay Rs 25 per students as examination fee, they will not be issued any certificate by any of the authorities other than their own school heads.

Parents of these students are confused and have urged the authorities to either discontinue the centralised system of examination or issue certificates to students clearing the proposed examination.

Successive governments having failed to devise a consistent system of examination for class V, teachers and parents of lakhs of students studying in government and private schools are under confusion every year. Though the state government had announced to discontinue the board examination of this class, it has now been decided that the SSA authority will conduct the annual examination.

Though the examination, scheduled to take place from March 18 to March 26, would be conducted under the supervision of Block Primary Education Officers and District Education Officers, invigilation and subsequent evaluation of the answer sheets will be done by teachers of respective schools only. Question papers will be supplied by the Education Department. All schools have been asked to retain answersheets for at least one year.

Perusal of records revealed that the decision to adopt present system was taken on basis of suggestions and recom mendations of social and educational organisations of the state.

“Though the class V examination is not a public exam, keeping in view complaints and suggestions received from the public it has been decided to conduct test for students of private schools along with government school students. However it is clear that they (private school students) will have to pay Rs 25 for this examination,” reads a communication from the state education department.

Heads of private schools have been asked to deposit the required fee with authorities by February 15.

Residents led by Bimal Kumar Sharma have urged higher authorities to review the system and issue certificates to students passing the examination.

“When they are appearing in an examination then why should they be deprived of their right to have certificates for their success? The authorities should either discontinue the centralised system or recognise the examination as conducted by the government agency,” argued Sharma.

Machhiwara, January 23
The construction of kitchens in government primary schools hangs fire due to insufficient funds. These kitchens were to be constructed under the Sarv Siksha Abhiyan for preparation of midday ymeals.

Central government had granted Rs 60,000 for the construction of kitchens a few months ago. The entire amount was spent for the construction of four walls and roof of the kitchen in government schools.

Considering the problems faced by schools to cook midday meal, it was decided to provide kitchens for these schools for better preparation of food.

School teachers, however, said the amount spent for kitchens would get wasted if more funds fail to reach for further construction work.

They said doors, windows and floor work is yet to be completed. While some of the incomplete works had been completed with the help of residents, but nearly 90 per cent schools were still without proper kitchens.

Due to lack of permanent kitchens midday meal was either prepared in open or in classrooms. The teachers rued that every time the meal was cooked, students were disturbed, especially during the winter season.

A visit to schools in Machhiwara revealed that either these kitchens were lying open without any window or doors or they were doubled as store rooms where unwanted furniture or other school items were stored.

Ludhiana, January 23
Tiny tots of Maple Bear Play Way and Nursery School visited the Rural History Museum at Punjab Agricultural University yesterday.

Trying to understand the significance of various pieces of art adorning the museum, children seemed to be excited to touch “chulha”, “chakki” and “charkha” as their teachers explained to them the use of these items.

Tiny tots got a rare chance to have a look at what most youngsters only get to hear about from their grandparents or see in films. Children also posed for photographs in the village-like interiors of the museum. Bronze utensils, water gag pot, phulkari, earthen ware, horse carriage, agricultural tools, kitchen and other household items caught their fancy.

The purpose of the visit was to acquaint children with the beautiful culture of our state, remarked school principal Veena Aggarwal. “The importance of old customs and traditions, which are losing sheen, need to be passed onto our future generations and this perhaps, is the best way,” said the school director.

Jagraon, January 23
The police yesterday arrested the students’ president of Moga ITI with sharp-edged weapons during a vehicle-checking drive.

The police laid a naka at the Sherpur Chowk and intercepted a youth, later identified as Gagandeep Singh of Nathoke village near Bagha Purana in district Moga. He is the president of the Moga ITI. The police searched his car and recovered a knife from his possession. On questioning him, he confessed to have more sharp-edges weapons in the bed box in his room.

The police party raided his house and recovered over 10 sharp-edged weapons. The police has registered a case under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act.

Ludhiana, January 23
The hosts, Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, along with Green Land Senior Secondary School, Jalandhar bypass branch, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, hogged limelight on the opening day of the Ludhiana Sahodaya Schools Complex (Central Zone) Chess Championship here today.

After the third round, in the boys U-14 category, Green Land Senior Secondary School secured 12 points, followed by DAV Public School (9 points), BCM Senior Secondary School, Dugri, (7.5 points), BCM Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, (7 points).

In the girls section (U-14), Green Land Senior Secondary School collected 8.5 points to lead the pack.

Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, and Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, with 8.5 points each were at the second and third positions, respectively.

In the girls U-19 category, Green Land Senior Secondary School with 11 points established lead, while BCM Senior Secondary School, Shasgtri Nagar, and Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School with seven points each were at the second place.

Kundan Vidya Mandir and GMT School, Jalandhar bypass, accumulated 6.5 points each.

Kundan Vidya Mandir secured 10.5 points to garner the lead. BCM Senior Secondary School, Shasgtri Nagar, and GGN Public School, Civil Lines, scored eight points each, while Green Land Senior Secondary School mustered 7.5 points.

Earlier, Rajiv Nagalia, principal, Kundan Vidya Mandir, declared the championship open. Teams from over 15 schools are participating in the two-day event.

Ludhiana, January 23
Nikhil Jain and Jimmy Gupta were declared best athletes in the boys and girls sections, respectively, during the fifth Annual Athletics Meet organised at Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, Baddowal, near here, today.

In the 100m sprint, Urvashi Gupta in the girls section emerged the fastest runner and in the boys section, Nikhil Jain outpaced others to romp home as the fastest.

In the girls section, Jasleen Thandi and Geeshu Sikka secured the second and third positions, respectively, while Amit Garg and Kashih Ajmani stood second and third in the boys section.

In 200m race (girls), Jimmy Gupta proved too good for her opponents, while Urvashi and Tanveen Luthra finished second and third, respectively.

In 200m race (boys), Nikhil Jain finished ahead of others to bag the title, followed by Kashih Ajmani and Karan Ajmani, who stood second and third, respectively.

Harkamal Singh clinched the title in javelin throw event. Kamal Bansal and Sidharth finished second and third, respectively.

Earlier, Col PS Choudhary, GM, education and administration, Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, inaugurated the meet in which a large number of students took part in various events.