Ludhiana, January 28
As if the craze for acquiring a single-digit vehicle registration number by shelling out a hefty amount was not enough, city residents have hit upon an ‘innovative’ way to show off their supposed political and police ‘contacts’.

Besides small-time politicians, residents associated with ‘anti-corruption’ associations as well as those who are members of the police advisory committee are flaunting number plates showing their affiliation on their vehicles. It is learnt they are ready to pay a huge amount of money to be allowed to use the insignia of a political party or other organization on the plates.

Vaibhav Duggal, a student, said an ‘anti-militant front’ organisation charged him a huge sum of money to display his membership on the number plate of his vehicle.

Recently, a resident had even complained to the SSP that a member of the city police advisory committee was “misusing his position” and even “threatening” him. He claimed the member had even put a sticker on his vehicle stating his post in the committee.

On the other hand, the SSP said no one is permitted to display a sticker or plate on his vehicle indicating he was a member of the police advisory committee. “Action would be taken if anyone is found violating the rules”, he added.

SP (traffic) Rupinder Singh said drivers of vehicles having such stickers or plates were liable to be fined. “No one can tamper with vehicle number plates. Most do so in order to evade ‘challans’ (fines)”, he added.

Ludhiana, January 28
Even as the MC is unable to keep a tab on illegal colonies mushrooming in the city, residents of Gyaspura have alleged that another unauthorised colony was coming up adjacent to Gyan Vidyalaya.

According to information, the colony is coming up in an area of around 8.5 acres on the boundary of Lohara and Dhandari villages.

Residents alleged that landowners had stuck a deal with councillor Sher Singh Garcha. “Under the unofficial agreement, industrial and commercial plots are being sold and allotted without any licence from GLADA or the MC,” they said.

They claimed that colony owners were trying to usurp the shamlat land. “The colony map they have prepared shows shamlat land as streets,” they stated.

A visit to the site revealed that the road construction in the area has been on for the past two days. Labourers said the roads would come up in a triangular shape across the whole plot area.

The property prices in the area are stated to be around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 per sq yard.

The colony is coming up in Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura’s ward, which is already under the scrutiny of the Punjab local bodies vigilance for several illegal colonies.

The area is considered to be the hub of illegal colonies and the Mayor has failed to do anything about it even though the area is under his jurisdiction.

SAD councillor Sher Singh Garcha, when contacted, refuted the allegations. “The area is not part of my ward. Why would I interfere in it? Besides, I don’t even know these particular land owners,” he said.

The residents said they had complained to senior deputy mayor Praveen Bansal also. He said: “I have received a complaint and I would take up the matter with the higher authorities.”

Ludhiana, January 28
Since yarn prices are touching an all-time high, it seems miscreants are looking for illegal ways to make a quick buck. The CIA-II police today nabbed a transporter and his driver for concocting a theft story of 149 rolls of yarn worth Rs 12 lakh belonging to a fibre unit.

The accused has been identified as Manmohan Jain, owner of Jai Bala Logistics, and his driver Mahinder Kumar, a resident of UP. They were arrested along with the seized goods from Sahnewal here today.

The CIA-II in charge, Harpal Singh Grewal, said the stolen yarn had been kept at a warehouse situated in Gill village.

Jain had hatched a theft story and said he was facing a huge financial debt. He thought since the yarn prices had increased manifold, he could make a quick buck.

The police said Jain offered his driver a huge amount of money in this connection. On December 21, Jain received an order from the fibre unit for the transportation of 149 rolls of yarn. He loaded the yarn in a truck and told the truck driver to park the truck outside his office at Partap Chowk. He then told him to place the documents pertaining to the consignment inside the truck and lock the truck.

Later, he sent Mahinder, who opened the truck with the help of a duplicate key and fled with the consignment to Delhi.

Jain reported the matter to the police and the police registered a case of theft against Mahinder.

Jain tried to sell the stolen yarn in Delhi, but he was not offered the desired amount, following which he took the consignment back to the city and kept it in a warehouse at Gill village.

The police received a tip-off that the accused were planning to sell the stolen consignment in the city. The police then nabbed them and seized the yarn.

Police sources said Jain’s health deteriorated after his arrest and he was taken to hospital. His condition was stated to be out of danger.

Ludhiana, January 28
The Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here has been chosen to host the prestigious international “Master Class on Venous Disease” next year. Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, head, cardio-vascular and thoracic surgery department, CMCH, said, “It was decided by an international panel which had been convened at the VAI conference in Bangalore.” Dr Bedi had also delivered a guest lecture on redo-surgery.

Renowned surgeons, including Prof Jean-Francois (France), Dr Ted King (USA), Dr Mark Malouf (Australia) and Dr Rene Milleret (France), will give a hands-on teaching to Indian doctors so that the latest techniques could be used to help people of this region.

According to Dr Bedi, chronic venous disease is quite common in India as most of our population works in the standing position, leading to pressure on the veins which dilate. It is estimated that over a lakh die due to venous disease (DVT and PE) each year is the equivalent of the disappearance of a city the size of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Ludhiana, January 28
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Directorate of Wheat Research (DWR) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research entered into an agreement in the area of agricultural education.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today by PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang and the project director of the DWR, Karnal, Dr SS Singh. Dr RK Mahey and Dr R Tiwari signed as witnesses on behalf of PAU and DWR, respectively.

Under the MoU, the PAU will have the responsibility of admission, seats, PG teaching, area of research, accommodation, etc. The collaboration of the DWR in students’ research may be sought and the degree will be awarded by the PAU.

The scientists of the DWR, on the recommendation of the PAU department concerned, may act as co-major advisor of the student who will work on his research project on wheat and barley involving inter-disciplines.

As per the agreement, the students will utilise the facilities and scientific material of the DWR on reciprocal basis. The students, after completing the course work/ comprehensive examination etc for PhD at the PAU, may be considered by the DWR for research fellowship in the ongoing projects related to the field of research of the student.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kang said although there was good interaction between the PAU and the DWR at scientist level, the inking of the MoU would strengthen scientific ties in research and education. Dr Singh said the collaboration between the two institutes would be mutually beneficial.

Dr Mann described the signing of the MoU as a good beginning in collaborative approach for the need-based agricultural education, while thanking all participants.

Ludhiana, January 28
The management, director, principal, staff and students of Class XI of GN International Senior Secondary Public School, Model Town, got together to bid adieu to Class XII students in the school hall today. Harjot of Class XI welcomed his seniors with warm wishes.

The programme included dazzling performances on foot-tapping numbers-like ‘Paisa-paisa’, ‘Twist’ and ‘All is well’. The school choir sang a beautiful song ‘Yaadein’. Some interesting games were organised for Class XII students.

The most moving item of the day was a medley presented by the teachers of Class XII -- Sharma, Kamal, Harminder and Pearl -- titled ‘Chalte-chalte’, wishing their students good luck for a bright future ahead.

Principal Gurmant K Gill gave a very moving and thoughtful speech regarding how to deal with day-to-day situations and challenges of life. She quoted examples from the movie ‘3 Idiots’. She emphasised that the students keep their minds and hearts open to absorb all experiences to face their tomorrow more bravely.

Annual Day: Cyberstar Infotech organised its annual function ‘Josh-2010’, a cultural festival at Hardy’s Resort. The function was inaugurated by chief guest Harish Rai Dhanda (MLA), chief parliament secretary (Punjab Govt). Dipinder Singh Sekhon, president, All-India PTU DEP Associates, graced the occasion as guest of honour. The function showcased the talent of the students of Cyberstar Infotech in the form of competition under various group and solo categories like group dance, choreography, solo song, solo dance, skit/play, mimicry and mehndi. Dhanda gave away prizes and trophies to the university and zonal toppers of the institution and congratulated students for brilliant performances in ‘Josh 2010’.

SEMINAR: Sadbhavna College of Women, Raikot, is organising a state-level seminar on January 30 on its campus at Jalaldiwal village, to discuss the newly formed Right to Education Act, its scope, applications and challenges. Dr AK Banerjee, president, governing body, said the Act had opened a new horizon of opportunity before the disadvantaged and downtrodden.

He said with this act, India was emerging as a true welfare state. Dr Madhu Meeta, director, said the seminar was sponsored by the Council for Teacher Education and would be addressed by Dr RK Sharma, dean, Panjab University, and other eminent educationists.

quiz contest: To test the general knowledge and skills of students, general knowledge and quiz competitions were conducted at Guru Nanak Public School.

Doraha, January 28
The postgraduate department of commerce and business administration of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, will organise a one-day national seminar on “Changing dimensions in Indian financial sector” sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research Ministry of Human Resource Development on January 30.

Ranjodh Singh, MD, GS Radiators, Ludhiana, will be the chief guest, while Dr Karamjeet Singh, fellow Panjab University, Chandigarh, will be the guest of honour and Dr SD Vashishat, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, will be the key note speaker. Other scholars of national repute, including Dr Balwinder from Singh Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Dr Bikram Singh Virk, Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia from Government College, Kapurthala, Dr Sukhdev Singh, Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana, and Dr AK Vashishat, University Business School, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Prof Gagan Deep Sharma, coordinator, department of management studies at Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib, will interact with the delegates.

Principal Dr Narinder Singh Sidhu said scholars of national repute would make the seminar a valuable experience for the participants, many of whom have already sent their papers on “Technical analysis in financial market”, “Financial market development”, “Non-directional strategy of deviation”, “Recent development in mutual fund Industry”, “Financial market melts down”, “Fundamental analysis of financial market”, “Investors sentiments and capital market”, “Effect of recession on Indian Stock Exchange”, “Economic Integration and growing competition for FDI” and “Financial markets and politics”.

Jagraon, January 28
A district-level seminar on anaemic diseases was organised here yesterday by the medicine department of Punjab in co-ordination with the National Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Patiala.

The seminar was inaugurated by Rachhpal Singh, deputy chief engineer of PSEB, Ludhiana.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, director of ayurveda science, Punjab, presided over. Ayurveda students, doctors, and NGOs participated. Dr Meena, Dr Rakesh and Dr Bansal spoke on anaemic deficiencies among people, especially women and rural population.

At present there are five centres in Ludhiana district to monitor the campaign at Model Gram Hospital Ludhiana, Health Centre Khanna, Government Ayurvedic Dispensary Bassian, PHC Kum Kalan, and PHC Ladhowal.

Ludhiana, January 28
With the Punjab government having decided to raise value added tax from 4 to 5 cent it is the common man who will bear the brunt of the hike that will come into effect tomorrow. Already burdened with spiralling prices consumers will now have to shell out more for basic commodities. The higher VAT will affect over 1,000 items, according to city traders.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal has said if the government issues its proposed notification to impose an additional 10 per cent surcharge on VAT in lieu of octroi, it would move the courts against the directive.

The association’s general secretary, Mohinder Aggarwal, told The Tribune there was a lot of confusion over the exact date of implementation of the VAT hike. "Whenever the increase takes effect consumers will face more problems by having to pay more for items of basic necessity. Traders and industrialists may be able to get VAT refunds after going through the tedious procedure but the common man will have no such relief. The Beopar Mandal will move to the court if the government issues a notification on a 10 per cent surcharge on VAT as it will be against the law", he said.

Apex Chamber of Commerce & Industry president PD Sharma said industry in Punjab was already bearing additional burdens when compared to other states. “By hiking VAT the state government is trying to test the patience of entrepreneurs. The resultant increase in prices will make industrial goods costlier and push down consumer demand”, he added. Said Gunjan Narula, a homemaker: “I don’t know much about taxes levied by the state government in state, but what matters to us is the ever-increasing prices of basic commodities. Due to increased VAT we will have to pay more for sugar, edible oils, pulses, toothpastes, toothbrushes, schoolbags and other essential items.”

Ludhiana, January 28
The canine fear that had gripped the city is finally going to end now, as the project of sterilisation of dogs in the city would kick off from February 10.

This was decided during the finance and contracts committee meeting held here this evening. The project has been given to Amritsar-based NGO Doggie Lane. Under the animal birth control programme, bitches would be sterlised by midline approach, while males would be sterlised by pre-social incision.

Municipal Commissioner AK Sinha revealed that the municipal corporation would pay Rs 550 per male and Rs 640 per female to the NGO and Rs 20 would be paid for anti-rabies vaccine per animal.

Around 30 dogs would be operated upon per day and they would be marked by an ear notching and a collar. Besides, two ambulances would be available round-the-clock to catch and release these animals.

Notably, for the past two years, except announcing dates, signing memorandums or giving various excuses, nothing concrete had been done by the corporation to control the population of at least 30,000 stray dogs.

Even while signing a MoU with an Ahmedabad-based NGO - Animal Help Foundation - on November 25, 2008, the corporation had claimed that the drive to sterilise dogs would start by February 1, but to no avail. The MoU stated that a team of the NGO would sterilise at least 12,000 dogs per year and the results were expected to come out after a few years.

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission had on September 2009 taken a cognizance of the matter and asked Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg and Municipal Commissioner AK Sinha to submit a report till September 17, 2009.

The direction had come following a complaint by former municipal councillor Pran Nath Bhatia.

The complainant had alleged that the stray dogs have made people’s life miserable and the municipal corporation had turned a deaf ears to the grave problem though issues has been discussed at its meetings from time to time.

The media has been highlighting the issue since long, but neither the administration nor the municipal corporation had ever tried to find a solution despite the fact that 334 cases of dog bites were reported in 2006 and 469 in 2007. 

Ludhiana, January 28
Adopting a Good Samaritan approach, the municipal corporation would be providing a deep freezer to keep bodies in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital.

The decision of approving funds for the equipment was taken during the Finance and Contracts Committee meeting here today.

Sources revealed that the civic body had taken the decision following the orders of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission.

Besides, the member of the committee also decided to give a site to the handcart owners so that they could be allowed to trade. “The town planning wing of the municipal corporation has been asked to find various vacant sites available in the city where rehri owners could be made to conduct their trade. Besides, the rehri owners would be also asked to pay rent for it. The project is just like Chandigarh-based Rehri Market and would help in a big way,” said a senior officer requesting anonymity.

Commenting on it, Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Bansal said, “The municipal corporation is working in a manner such that poor should not become the only victims. Since these temporary encroachers need space to earn their living, we are working on proposals to provide them with space. It would help all residents, MC and the poor vendors too.” He added that municipal commissioner AK Sinha was of the same opinion.

Ludhiana, January 28
Every raga in Shree Guru Granth Sahib has its own mood, time and season. The whole Shree Guru Granth Sahib is based on 31 ragas, which are sung during the specific period of day, season and also depicts a mood.

City-based photographer Tej Partap Singh Sandhu has made an attempt to capture the mood and time of the ragas at the Golden Temple. Sandhu has come up with a book “Raag Ratan” and had tried to capture the mood of every raga in the atmosphere of the Golden Temple. The book was today formally released at Punjabi University, Patiala.

“I had planned this book four years ago. I had the concept in my mind and worked on it for a long time, understood the meaning of the ragas and then executed it into a book,” said Sandhu. He has dedicated this book to the 300 years of “Gurtagaddi Divas”.

The ragas bring out one from darkness to light. “These pictures have been taken in three months. I visited the Golden Temple nearly 20-25 times. Sometimes I had to wait for hours to capture the right mood and still sometimes I had to return empty handed,” he added.

If the raga is sung early morning, Sandhu has captured the Golden Temple in early hours, likewise in the evening or noon.

This is Sandhu’s third book. His first book was, “Thus speaks the eye of the camera”, in which he had shown the problems engulfing society, including traffic, pollution and so on. His second book was “Baramaha -- the divine song of seasons”, which was an illustrated book based on all seasons.

A visually delighted Sandhu said, “The aim of my life has been accomplished. I would not be bothered even if I do not click even a single photograph after this. I am contended with my work after clicking the pictures at the Golden Temple,” he added.

Stylish people have a habit of leaving a lasting impression with their dressing sense. However, for those who need latest updates on fashion, college campuses serve as the best place. Like in every season, this winter too, college students have not disappointed those who ape their trends. From chic caps, colourful gloves, varied styles mufflers, myriad kinds of boots, smart stoles to trendy jackets, elegant coats and sweaters in all shapes and sizes; you name it and college students have it.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 28
Accusing organisers of a local gas agency of violating norms while supplying refills, the district food and civil supply controller has asked authorities concerned to initiate action against the erring agency.

Action was sought after a team of food supply officials lead by Ajai Vir Singh Saraon seized 10 commercial cylinders from a few commercial establishments of the local town and surrounding localities yesterday afternoon.

The organisers had allegedly diverted domestic supplies for commercial usage and adopted ‘out-of-turn’ delivery method while supplying the refills.

Denying allegations, Jai Pal Singh, owner of Ahmedgarh Gas Agency, maintained that refills were being supplied as per the availability of the commodity and no domestic cylinder was sold or transferred to commercial organisations. Accusing a few local leaders of misguiding the authorities Jai Pal Singh alleged that the consumers were bringing domestic and commercial cylinders from outside sources.

Investigations by The Tribune revealed that a team of the state food supply department, led by Ajai Vir Singh Saraon, Food and Civil Supply Controller, had raided a few commercial organisations, including dhabas and restaurants and seized at least 10 commercial LPG cylinders from their premises. The users could not show any documents, authorizing use of these cylinders.

Even the manager of the godown owned by the gas agency could not show empty cylinders as per the records.

Construing non-concordance of physical stocks and records, as divergence of domestic supply towards the commercial usage, the controller recommended action against the erring agency.

“Though it’s premature to arrive at any conclusion, circumstantial evidence suggests that all rules are not being obeyed while supplying the refills. There are instances where consumers have been made to wait for more than the prescribed norms,” said Saraon adding that he had written to appropriate authorities to initiate action after verifying the facts.

AFSO Malerkotla, Rajinder Bansal, inspectors Deepak Garg and Subash Garg accompanied the raiding party. 

Khamano, January 28
A robbery bid was foiled at Malwa Gramin Bank, Sanghol village, late last night. Police officials said the incident came to light at around 1 am today when the chowkidar informed the police about the bid to rob the bank.

The chowkidar, Anil, in his statement to the police said he was making a round of the area when he spotted two motorcycle-borne youths sitting outside the bank with iron rods in their hands.

He raised the alarm and they fled. He said three locks of the bank were found broken. A team of senior police officials reached the spot along with a forensic team. A case has been registered against unknown persons and efforts are on to identify the culprits.

Ludhiana, January 28
Nearly 200 aspirants turned up on the first day of the selection trials being conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre here today. Three-day trials are being held to select the players for the session 2010-11 in disciplines of athletics, basketball, judo, handball, volleyball and weightlifting under the residential and non-residential schemes of the SAI.

Harbans Singh, in charge of the SAI training centre, Ludhiana, who has been coordinating these trials, informed that boys and girls from different districts from across the state, besides those from the adjoining states, turned up today.

“During the trials, the players will go through different motor ability tests, skill tests and medical examination, followed by an interview,” he added.

The selection panel, appointed by the SAI authorities, including VK Verma (athletics), Harjinder Singh (basketball), Vikramjit Singh (handball), Sat Pal Rana (judo), Gurmesh Singh (volleyball) and DK Sharma (weightlifting), along with coaches from the local centre, supervised the sportspersons during the trials.

“They monitor physical motor abilities like speed, strength, endurance, flexibility, agility and coordination among other abilities which are the main performance components of an athlete,” said Harbans Singh.

Today, motor ability tests were conducted such as 30-mt flying for speed; standing vertical jump and standing broad jump for explosive strength; forward bend and reach for flexibility; 10x6-mt shuttle run for agility and 800-mt run for endurance.

The skill tests for specific games would be conducted tomorrow and the medical examination would be performed by the qualified doctors and the athletes found fit would be recommended for interview and final selection, added Singh.

Players, selected in the residential scheme, will be provided free facilities, like boarding, lodging, sports kit, medical and education allowances, insurance coverage and sports training by the expert coaches while those selected in the non-residential scheme will be provided facilities as per the norms of the SAI scheme such as stipends, sports kit, insurance coverage, sports equipment besides training by the expert coaches.

Ludhiana, January 28
Students of Government College for Women displayed an excellent performance to win the Panjab University Inter-College Powerlifting Championship held on the university campus in Chandigarh recently.

College principal RK Aulakh said lifters secured 17 points to romp home as winners.

Shobha Rani bagged a silver medal in the 56 kg category and Baljinder Kaur came out triumphant and won a gold medal in the 60 kg category.

In the 67.5 kg category, Rajni Rani secured fourth position, while Harpreet Kaur proved good for her opponents to win a gold medal in the 75 kg section.

In the same category, Navjot Kaur finished runner up to clinch a silver medal.

The principal congratulated Sharanjit Kaur, head, department of physical education, team in charge, Balbir Kumar and coach Gurinder Singh for their efforts.

Mandi Gobindgarh, January 28
The boys and girls of Gobindgarh Public School displayed their best at the 18th annual athletics meet at the school grounds, which concluded here today.

Students from classes III to XII vied for gold, silver and bronze medals for their respective houses.

S Charanjit Singh Grewal, director sports, Punjab University, was the chief guest.

The children presented bhangra and yoga asanas. Earlier, Gobindgarh Education and Social Welfare Trust chief Piara Singh Kalsi declared the meet open.

Result:

Senior Boys- 100m: Nishant Bansal, Harsh Sharma and Gaurav Nagpal; Discuss- Nakul Mittal, Lovepreet Singh and Harmanjot Singh; Horse and Cart-Ashant Talwar and Ravinder Kaur, Nakul Mittal and Jaswinder Singh and Shiva Uppal and Harmanjot Singh; 400m- Sanjeev Kumar, Gurfateh Singh and Jaskamal Singh; long Jump-Jaskamal Singh, Yazur Sharma and Jaswinder Singh; 200m- Nishant Bansal, Ankush Tiwari and Lovepreet Singh; 800m- Amandeep Yadav, Harpreet Singh and Chamkaur Singh

Senior Girls, 100m- Prabhjot Kaur, Meenu Goyal and Sonia Bharti; 400m-Prabhleen Kaur, Minu Goyal and Surbi Dhingra; three legged race- Anjali Gautam and Tanvi Singla, Surbi Dingra and Samandeep Kaur and Sampriya Singla and Navpreet Kaur; 4 x 100m- Prabhjot Kaur, Meenu Goyal, Navpreet Kaur, Tanvi Singla, Akshata Verma, Sonia Bharti, Tanvi Jindal, Aarifa Shabnam, Sannidhi Garg, Surbi Dingra, Kanika Aggarwal and Samandeep Kaur; 200m- Prabhjot Kaur, Samandeep Kaur and Sonia Bharti; shotput- Simrat Kaur, Surbi Dhingra and Gagandeep Kaur; middle boys, 100m- Manjot Singh, Sanket Markon and Dev Kumar; 400m- Anurag Goel, Rahul Bharti and Udhanvir Singh; 200m- Sanket Markan, Manjot Singh and Dev Kumar; high jump-Anurag Goyal, Sukhman Singh and Chandan Sharma; Middle Girls, 100m-Priyanka Bansal, Aishwarya Sharma and Prathiba Sethi; long jump- Priyanka Bansal, Ritika and Lovia Mittal; 200m-Priyanka Bansal, Shweta Khosla and Rupali Sodhi.

Best athletes senior girls- Prabhleen Kaur and Prabhjot Kaur; best athletes senior boys- Nishant Bansal; middle girl- Priyanka Bansal and middle boys- Manjot Singh.