 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
City’s head hangs in shame
Ludhiana, March 7 The incident took place last evening when the labourers hired by Ayali- based couple Gurdev Singh and his namesake wife, Gurdev Kaur, heard the cries of a child. They searched the area and spotted an infant lying in the bushes near the beehive at Jhamb village. They immediately informed Vikram Singh, son of the duo, about the matter. As Vikram’s father was away from home, he called his mother and narrated the entire incident. Gurdev Kaur said: “I received a call at 11pm following which I immediately woke up my neighbour and requested him to accompany me to the apiculturist farm. From there I took the child to Toor hospital in Hibowal. Thank god the child is safe!” He said the girl child seem to belong a well to do family as she was draped in a costly quilt, which a humble family could not afford. Gurdev Kaur lamented that while the entire world was celebrating Women’s Day, the three-day-old child was left abandoned. “Look at her she is so beautiful. How can someone leave such a beautiful child on the mercy of honeybees? If my labourers have not seen the child she might have been dead by the morning,” rued Gurdev Kaur. Gurdev suspects that the parents of the child had intentionally abandoned the child near the beehive, so that honeybees might bite her to death. “Waheguru, How can someone be so heartless to deliberately abandon a child to death,” lamented Gurdev Kaur. However, the arrival of the girl has brought cheers in the family. The family is looking to nurture the child. But the family would have to fulfill many legal formalities before they could take possession of the child. The police has completed all formalities and registered a case against unidentified person for abandoning a child. But, the fate of the child will remain undecided till the administration gives a nod to the couple to adopt the child.
|
|
|
Proud to be woman, say city cops
Charu Chhibber/ Mohit Khanna Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 7 Expressing complete professional satisfaction, DSP Amandeep Kaur, ASI Sukhpal Kaur and ASI Leelawati, in charge, Women Cell, say there is nothing in the world that a woman cannot achieve. Amandeep Kaur is working as the DSP with the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation and has been instrumental in making the civic body’s massive encroachment drive across the city a huge success. She is also a sportswoman of repute. Sukhpal Kaur is posted at the Sarabha Nagar police station as the ASI and looks after hundreds of women and child cases; Leelawati is the in charge of the Women Cell. She has been actively involved in solving cases of marital discord and has been the savior of innumerable relationships, besides handling other cases where involvement of women has been of prime importance. Refuting charges of gender discrimination made by numerous police officers, both past and present; the three women say the Punjab police is the best department to work with and its “male” officers are the best coworkers one can ever find. However, family support is one thing all three women agreed, could make life easy for a workingwoman. While Amandeep and Sukhpal have been lucky on this front, Leelawati had to face tough times as she and her husband strove hard to strike a balance between their jobs and domestic life. Amandeep, a single mother of two, had the full support from her retired teacher father; Sukhpal’s family supported her after her husband Kamaljeet Singh, also a police officer, died five years ago. She has a son, taken good care of by her family when she is not around. On the other hand, in the absence of any support from her parents and in-laws, Leelawati had to fight for her children’s survival while she and her police officer husband were away from home for work. “There were times when I used to take one child along on duty and the other accompanied her father to work,” said Leelawati, who is a mother of two daughters and also, a grandmother now. However, the three women agreed that being police officers gave them a high and they were all proud of playing the saviour’s role. “Managing the fighting souls and bringing about peace and harmony in someone’s life is the greatest achievement,” the three said in unison.
|
|
Armed robbery at Railway colony
Jagraon, March 7 The veiled robbers made all 11 members of the four families captive and robbed them of all their belongings, including cash and jewellery worth more than Rs 75,000. The victims were the Class IV employees. They have been identified as Saproja Thakur, Girdhari Lal, Mohinder Yadav and Hriday Narain. The families, which were in great shock, came out of the house after breaking open the door of a room and informed the Jagraon as well as Railway police about the incident. None of the police department was willing to take the responsibility of the investigation and hence evaded reaching the spot. Frustrated the families of all four workers sat on a dharna on the railway track and forced the Satluj Express to halt for more than 60 minutes. On getting this information, both police parties reached the spot but again asked each other to get the case registered. The Railway police was adamant that since the robbery had taken place in the residential area of Railway colony. But, the onus of investigation was on the Punjab police as per the Punjab Police Act Section 28(2) whereas the SSP Harinder Singh Chahal expressing sympathy with the victims said the responsibility of action lies with GRP only as the area where the robbery occurred comes under the jurisdiction of Railway police. It was only after Ashok Kumar, president, Northern Railways Mens’ Union, threatened to lay a siege on the Ludhiana railway station and stop the trains, the railway police registered a case against the armed robbers. |
|
Residents stage dharna against brothel
Ludhiana, March 7 The husband of a woman, who was allegedly running a prostitution racket, sided with the residents and held his wife responsible for creating nuisance in the locality. In a complaint lodged with the police Ujjal Singh, alias Bittu, husband of the woman, alleged that his wife was having extramarital affair with one Harish Kumar. Bittu further alleged that Harish, in connivance with his wife managed to get a snatching case registered against seven youths, who had reportedly objected to the late night visit of males in the area. Bittu alleged that Harish had lodged a similar complaint against the residents earlier also. The residents alleged that the woman enjoys considerable backing of the police. They further added that the prostitution racket was running right under the nose of the police and despite several complaints nothing has been done so far. In the morning the residents first staged a dharna at the Gill road and later during the day they carried out their protest at the Broata road, in front of the house of the woman. Sensing trouble, the Shimlapuri police sprung into action and pacified the irate crowd. Meanwhile, the residents have demanded the cancellation of FIR against the people who were allegedly booked by the police. |
|
Shopkeepers flout building bylaws
Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 7 The problem of traffic congestion has become so acute in this particular area that commuters have to wait for long hours to get the traffic cleared. Shopkeepers, without bothering about the passers by, load/unload their stocks on the main road connecting the Mata Rani Chowk. Even rickshaws, bullock carts, auto-rickshaws stand in between the road in anticipation to the stock lifted. The customers, caring to hoot about security guards (meant for ensuring proper parking) park their two-wheelers, cars in such a haphazard manner that it becomes impossible to pass through the road. The shopkeepers/ offices/restaurant owners etc at Bhadaur House (under Bhadaur House Commercial Scheme, developed by the Improvement Trust) have also been complaining about the nuisance being created by shopkeepers/customers at the AC market but to no avail. Rajinder Singh (name changed), owner of a shop-cum-office at Bhadaur House, said, “We are suffering unnecessarily as authorities have failed to enforce parking norms at the market. We have kept our own security guards at the entrance still shopkeepers park their vehicles here. There is also a provision of parking of cars on the top floor of the market but most of them prefer to park their vehicles in front of our premises as they find it more convenient. If security guards try to stop them, they start using abusive language. On certain occasions, they even manhandled them”, alleged Rajinder Singh adding that their (AC market) generator rooms and lifts were also being converted into shops. As per available information, when the market was being constructed, entire basement was demarcated for parking purpose. “Gradually, construction of shops started in the basement but nobody objected to it. Haphazard parking outside market has definitely created lot of nuisance. To be very honest, we cannot ask our customers to park their vehicles on top floor. If we start enforcing parking rules, our business will suffer”, said a shopkeeper dealing in readymade garments on the first floor of the AC market.
|
|
‘Sadiyaan’ ready for release after scene cut
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 7 The apparent reason behind the decision to cut the scene was it might offend Sikhs. However, Ranjan Kaushal, a town resident who plays the role of the protagonist’s father in the movie, claimed the film would “foster harmony among members of various communities”. He recollected its climax in which the heroine’s parents reject the proposal of marriage with the hero as according to them he was a Hindu. In fact, Hema Malini (Benazir) and Zabid Shekh, a Pakistani actor, had lost their son during the riots at the time of India’s partition. He was brought up in a non-Muslim family headed by Ranjan (Iqbal Singh) and Rakhi Tondon (Balbir Kaur) in Amritsar. “‘Sadiyaan’ portraits social ties of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim families during the pre and post-partition period”, said Ranjan. Some scenes of the movie were shot at the Golden Temple about a year ago. SGPC officials had then urged film director Raj Kanwar to delete the controversial scene. |
|
Nano to cost more
Ludhiana, March 7 “Deliveries to the first lot will be over by December. Prices of commodities and logistics have gone up, so we will have to rethink about the car’s pricing,” said an official. Davinder Singh, who was planning to buy a Nano for his family, was heartbroken after hearing this. “This was the cheapest car and I was planning to buy it for my family. While the price of the petrol has already gone up and if the car will also cost more it will not be possible for me to buy it,” he added. Natasha Goel, a banker, said she was hopeful that she would be able to buy a Tata Nano at the price of Rs 1 lakh. “Nano is a very compact and stylish car and since I will be driving inside the city limits only I thought of buying this car for myself. But if the rates will go up it will not be possible for me to buy this car,” she said. The Nano is currently manufactured on a makeshift basis at the Tata’s Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand, which gets tax sops, as the region is a zero excise zone. With production at its mother plant Sanand, Gujarat, set to commence from April, tax outgo will go up. |
DAV College students given prizes
Jagraon, March 7 The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp. A hymn was recited to invoke Goddess Sarasvati’s blessings by college students. Prizes were awarded to students who secured top positions in academic, sports and co-curricular activities during the current and last session. Principal Dr VK Sharma read out the annual report highlighting the progress made by the institution. Members of the college managing committee were also present. Tewari exhorted students to strive ahead and face the challenges with confidence and determination. He also shared his vision for the role of the youth in the growth of economy of the country. Around 500 students received prizes for their academic excellence. The local unit of the Private Colleges Non-Teaching Employees Union, Punjab and Chandigarh, submitted a memorandum for the fulfillment of their demands, including implementation of recommendations of the fifth pay commission w.e.f. January 1, 2006, implementation of pay parity with government employees, release of grant of 50 per cent DA, merger of arrears, implementation of IR and enhanced medical allowance w.e.f. November 1, 2006, lifting of ban on the recruitment of posts and implementation of pension and gratuity. Rakesh K Sharma, president and Jagdeep Singh, secretary of the association, said the non-teaching employees had been seeking fulfillment of their demands and agitating since August, 2009 but to no avail. In continuation of their agitation, they would boycott the university annual examinations and practicals due in March/April, 2010. They held the Punjab government responsible for any harm to students’ career.
|
|
Session on cereal rusts
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 7 The event was inaugurated by Dr Manjit Singh Kang, PAU Vice-Chancellor. Dr S Nagarajan, chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights, Government of India, and Dr OM Bambawale, director, National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi, were the guests of honour. In his inaugural remarks, Dr Kang said international awareness about the outbreak of any pathogen was required. Referring to the recent outbreak of the UG-99 race of stem rust of wheat, which was wind blown, Dr Kang said in view of the emergent plant disease problem, funds had been allocated by the US government to address the challenge through research. He emphasised on building research capacity to deal with emerging research needs through aggressive and coordinated efforts. Dr S Nagarajan remembered old-generation plant pathologists, Dr Jai Chand Luthra and Dr Kishan Singh Bedi, for their efforts in putting plant pathology on a sound footing in Punjab. He described the PAU as ‘corridor of intelligence’. Dr Nagarajan said right from the North-West Frontier Province to east Punjab, plant pathogens could travel without barrier. He cited the example of several diseases, including cotton leaf curl virus, that was introduced through African germplasm on the Pakistan side of the border. He said there were no boundaries even for white flies and other vectors. He complimented the qualitative publication of plant disease research. He said the changing agronomy for different crops had led to the emergence of hitherto unheard-of pests or diseases. Dr Nagarajan said farmers’ knowledge was often useful for reprioritisation of research. He said the outbreak of the UG-99 rust should not dampen research on the management of diseases through ongoing programmes. He also discussed the bioclimatic norms for the recurrence of different diseases. Dr Nagarajan complimented the PAU for the deployment of varietal strategy to manage plant diseases. He suggested that the tapping of the NRI talent for research be given due consideration. Kisan melas
The Punjab Agricultural University will organise kisan melas at its regional stations in Gurdaspur, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rauni, Patiala, Ballowal Saunkhri, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Bathinda, and PAU campus, Ludhiana. The melas would be held on March 9 at Gurdaspur, on March 11 at Ballowal Saunkhri, on March 15 at Rauni (Patiala) and on March 22 at Bathinda. The kisan mela at the PAU, Ludhiana, will be held from March 18 to 19. Director of extension education Dr MS Gill said the melas were being organised with the theme “Save natural resources for prosperity of all’. Dr Gill said melas would showcase technologies and new recommendations on kharif crops through field demonstrations, displays, exhibitions, visits and technical stalls by PAU departments and agencies related to promotion of agriculture. He said visiting farmers and women would be able to interact with farm experts of the PAU. There would also be displays of farm machinery and other agricultural tools in exclusive agro-industrial exhibitions, he added.
|
|
Anand Isher school honours achievers
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 7 Education trust director Kartar Singh presided over the function, while RS Dhaliwal was the chief guest. They called upon students to adopt learning as a style of life. They claimed that knowledge acquired during school life shaped the future of every individual. Students presented a cultural programme that included a Punjabi skit, a gymnastics display and a fancy dress show. Prize winners included 70 students who brought laurels to the institute by bagging medals in academic and national, state and district-level sports competitions. Naiya Vinayak (NCC cadet), Namita Goel (Punjab topper in class XII commerce group), Mandeep Kaur (non-medical), Diwya Aggarwal (commerce), Jasleen Kaur (commerce) and Navjot Kaur (non-medical), Ramandeep Kaur, Eashavdeep Kaur, Sherry Kalra, Gidian Singla and Gaganpal Kaur were felicitated for their achievement in academic field. Harsh Bansal, Gaganpal Kaur, Navdeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Ramanpreet Kaur, Harmandeep Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur, Sukraj Singh, Simardeep Kaur, Simarpreet Kaur were presented trophies for their achievement in sports and extracurricular activities. Principal B Sethi presented the vote of thanks.
|
|
Panel seeks support on seniority list issue
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 7 It has decided to adopt a do-or-die approach in case decisions of the DPC are not reviewed. Interacting with office-bearers of a few trade unions, Gurmel Singh Chandhar, state executive committee member, alleged that the government, in an attempt to appease some legislators, had ignored directions of the apex court. “Disposing of a PIL, the government had directed the government to fill posts of principals after rectifying the flawed seniority list. Instead of rectifying it, the government proceeded with organising a DPC and promoted junior lecturers while seniors, including general-category ones, were made to work under them,” he said. He added that the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes had taken serious note of the irregularity. Referring to the outcome of the joint meeting of authorities of the education department, the social welfare department, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and their committee, he claimed that the secretary, welfare department, said his office had written to the education department regarding consequences of implementing the list without rectification. He said they would try to mobilise masses in their favour during the next phase of action. “The government should have waited for a final decision on our representations against the list prepared in February last year,” he said. Chandar maintaining that a large number of lecturers would work under their students, appointed directly as lecturer, in case the decision was not reviewed. The withdrawal of fee hike and the implementation of reservation policy during master cadre for lecturers were also demanded by the committee.
|
|
Challenges before business community highlighted
Mandi Gobindgarh, March 7 The function was inaugurated by RIMT group of institutes chairman Dr Hukum Chand Bansal by lighting the lamp. He discussed the present state of affairs of the economies across the globe, stimulus package to industry and measures taken by companies at micro level. He called upon the educationists and the business community to discuss and formulate strategies to tackle the challenges of these turbulent times. Introducing the topic of the seminar, Dr BS Bhatia, director, said the seminar was an effort to provide a platform for researchers and academics to discuss the measures required both at macro and micro levels to come out of the global meltdown. Dr Prem Kumar called upon business leaders to look for opportunities during these turbulent times. He said there was a greater need to be proactive in conducting businesses. During a special address, Vishal Jain of Neva Garments Ltd. discussed the measures being taken by the textile industry to sail through the global crunch. Other prominent speakers at inaugural session were Ravinder Jindal, HR head with Procter & Gamble India Ltd., Baddi, and SK Anand, former member, PSEB. In the post-lunch session, Dr PS Gill, Dr Gurbachan K Bhatia, Dr Balwinder Singh, Dr Dhiraj Sharma, Dr BB Singla, Dr Manjit Singh, Dr R S Dhaliwal, Harmeet Kelly, Nitiya Mittal presented their papers.
|
|
Campaigning begins for Sutlej Club poll
Ludhiana, March 7 Talking to The Tribune club president Rahul Tewari, who is also the city’s deputy commissioner, said the date would be announced at the club’s annual general body meeting scheduled for March 10. Clearing all doubts on whether the elections would be at all held, he said “members had every right to choose their candidates and they must not be deprived of this democratic right”. According to the club constitution, elections are to held within 15-20 days after the AGM. The Sutlej Club elections have always been a "prestigious" issue for city residents, who fully engross themselves in canvassing members’ votes. ‘Get-togethers’ are being organised within different circles to plan out various "strategies". As always the most keenly contested battle is for the post of general secretary, for which four names are doing the rounds - Sanjeev Dhanda (the club’s former cultural secretary), Yogesh Bansal (present general secretary), Ramesh Gupta (former bar secretary) and Arvind Malhotra (current finance secretary). Politicians, bureaucrats and other influential members have begun fielding their "favourite" candidates. A senior club member, who is a doctor, said on condition of anonymity once a member decides to support a candidate there is no question of him backing out. "I was approached by a candidate whom I promised to support. Later when another candidate approached me and I told him flatly I had given my word to the other member he didn’t feel bad. If you are supporting someone, do so publicly", he said. Most members feel only those who can devote sufficient time in providing more and better facilities to club members should run the club. "I agree there is prestige and politics involved, which is absolutely not good for the club’s betterment. Only those keen to work diligently should come forward. Members must cast their votes for candidates who can be easily approached", said another member.
|
|
Salempur school lacks basic infrastructure
Salempur, March 7 With 36 students of Classes VI to VIII and just one classroom, the teachers express their helplessness in providing a proper seating place to their students. They rue that numerous representations and complaints to the authorities concerned have failed to bear fruit. When all efforts failed, teachers of the middle wing requested the in charge of the primary section to lend them a room, which is also too small to be converted into a classroom. "The teachers are forced to hold classes in the school corridors. With summers approaching and no proper classroom, the children will face a tough time," said a student's parent. Besides, the teachers rued that despite a sanctioned number of 13 computers, the school does not even have a single machine. Interestingly, a computer lab was constructed on the campus a few years ago and the school authorities were provided with tables and chairs for the same. "We have a computer lab as well a computer teacher in the school but with no machines, the students are being deprived of practical knowledge. Theory lessons alone are not sufficient for a subject like computer science," remarked a teacher. |
|
Focus on advancements in bronchoscopy
Ludhiana, March 7 In his lecture, Dr Jagdeep Whig, head of pulmonary medicine and vice-principal of DMCH, dwelt upon advancements in the field of bronchoscopy by elaborating on new innovative tools, ideas and techniques to perform the procedure in much better and effective manner. Ever since the introduction of bronchoscopy in India in 1979, its use has spread to many parts of the country, resulting in improved diagnosis and management of many respiratory diseases, said Dr Whig.' Dr UPS Sidhu, professor of pulmonary medicine, stated that tremendous advancements had taken place in diagnostic bronchology during the past two decades and a new section of interventional bronchology had emerged in the recent past, which had widened the field of bronchology. Dr Rajiv Goel said the increasing availability and diversity of clinical applications and complex technical details to bronchoscopy procedures had made it imperative to provide advanced bronchoscopy training at post-doctoral level. Earlier, Dr Whig introduced the guest speakers to the audience and welcomed the dignitaries and the participating delegates. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Daljit Singh, principal, while Dr Jai Kishan, director, research and medical education, Punjab, was the guest of honour. Others present included Dr BS Aulakh, member, Medical Council of India, and Dr Sandeep Puri, medical superintendent of the DMCH. The inaugural ceremony was followed by a series of guest lectures from speakers from the host institution, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, and PGIMER, Chandigarh. The lectures shed light on various aspects of bronchoscopy. The CME concluded with live demonstrations of various bronchoscopy procedures and hands-on training. During the session, the faculty members cleared the doubts of delegates regarding bronchoscopy. The guest speakers answered the queries of the audience and emphasised that bronchoscopy was the procedure of today’s era to diagnose and treat various chest diseases.
|
|
Patients examined for kidney stones
Ludhiana, March 7 Professor and head of urology, DMCH, Dr Sandeep Sharma said around one in six men and one in 15 women suffered from kidney stone disease. “Women are more likely to develop kidney stones if they have a history of high blood pressure, do not take adequate calcium supplements or if diets are deficient in magnesium-rich foods like nuts (especially peanuts), seeds, beans, broccoli, and dark leafy greens.” Similarly, men were more likely to develop kidney stones if they had uncontrolled high blood pressure. Children usually did not develop kidney stones unless they consumed very high-fat diets and failed to drink enough water. Interacting with patients, Dr Arvind Goyal, assistant professor of urology, stressed that the precautionary measures to prevent kidney stones and to lessen the severity of attacks included drinking adequate water, which should be minimum of eight glasses every day because not having enough water over a long period of time is one of the major causes of having kidney stone. “A good rule is to always keep your urine clear. He recommended having regular physical exercise schedule of 30-minute duration for three-four days a week. Consumption of high sugar intake and carbonated soft drinks are also associate with increased risk of kidney stones,” he added. Secretary of DMCH managing society Prem Kumar Gupta lauded the effort of the urology department in organising the camp and said such camps would be held in the future to make people aware about the prevention of kidney stone diseases.
|
|
Rs 20-cr grant for pension
Ludhiana, March 7 The Chief Minister convened a meeting of senior officers of the state government and the PAU on February 11 in Chandigarh and agreed to help the PAU in tiding over financial difficulties. In separate letters to the Chief Minister, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal and Agriculture Minister Sucha Singh Langah, Kang stated that the decision of the government would serve as a morale booster to the scientist of the university and they would work whole-heartedly. The Vice-Chancellor expressed the hope that the state government would continue to extend financial support to the PAU in the future, too. Meanwhile, Dr MS Swaminathan, agricultural scientist and Rajya Sabha MP, sent Rs 20 lakh to the PAU for the renovation of the Museum of Social History out of MPLAD funds. Swaminathan expressed his satisfaction over the Chief Minister’s gestures. The retirees of the PAU were yet to receive their pension for November and December, 2009, and January, 2010.
|
|
Lecture on human resource
Ludhiana, March 7 He said an establishment with huge money, buildings and infrastructure could enjoy success only when the people working were dedicated to their responsibility. He was delivering a lecture and presentation on ‘People First’. He was here on invitation by Dr VK Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He said as a teacher, his priority was student first and he worked on it for a quarter of a century, but for the last 10 years he had been working on people first. Dr Joseph said human resource was the soul of every establishment. “No success has been achieved without people and the level of success depends on the level of people,” he said. He shared a number of tips to become a ‘total quality person’ (TQP). He said one’s conscience guided him whether he was a TQP or not. He said timely decision, control on anger, usage of ‘thank you’ and ‘please’, cordial relations with everybody and quest for knowledge were the main characteristics to become a TQP. Dr OS Parmar proposed the vote of thanks. After the presentation, Dr Joseph visited the College of Veterinary Science, the College of Fisheries, the College of Dairy Science and Technology, the dairy farm and the poultry farm along with Dr Simrat Sagar Singh, dean, Dr AS Nanda, director, research, and Dr KS Sandhu, DSW. He also discussed a number of future plans with Dr Taneja.
|
|
Lure of profit attracts farmers
Tribune News Service
Khanna, March 7 Officials of the agriculture department point out that farmers living nearby have sought queries about turmeric cultivation from them. Even those, who are already in this business, are busy responding to queries of their colleagues. “I decided to grow turmeric in 11 acres few days ago. Now, having collected the information and the kind of dividend turmeric brings, I have decided sow this crop in 60 acres,” said Ravi, a farmer from Amloh. He has also decided to tell others about the economic benefits of this crop. “All of us may together grow turmeric in nearly 200 acres. Dialogues are on with various companies for direct sale of processed turmeric”, Ravi added. Farmers, however, face problem of getting good quality seeds. A group of farmers have already visited Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana for purchasing seeds but could not get the same. A few persons are charging exorbitant rate of Rs 30 per kg, while same seeds are available for just Rs 18 in southern states of the country. Presently, there are only two varieties grown in Punjab, Selam and Rajapur. Brig KS Dhillon (retd) from Sanaura village in Jalandhar, who had been growing turmeric for the past several years, said the area under turmeric cultivation would increase this time, as this crop needs less water, lesser pesticides and even less of hardwork. “Market price of turmeric is around Rs 200 per kg and it gives good return as compared to conventional crops like rice and wheat. If a farmer works hard he could get 125 quintal from an acre and 18 to 20 per cent powder out of this after processing”, he added. He added that the soil on which potato and sugarcane was sown is good for turmeric whereas alkaline and sandy soil does not favour turmeric growth. “PAU has limited varieties of Punjab-I and Punjab-II and not many farmers buy this seed due to low availability. Now with the setting up of processing plant in Hoshiarpur the problem of marketing has also been resolved,” he added.
|
|
Experts advocate organic cultivation
Mullanpur Dakha, March 7 Dr Rajinder Pal Singh Aulakh, agriculture development officer, Ludhiana block, presided over the camp and highlighted the benefits of organic cultivation to villagers. “The earth had sufficient recourses to fulfil the needs of human beings but not the desires of the human race,” he said. The camp was inaugurated by Farmers’ Advisory Committee, Punjab, chairman Maghar Singh Braich. Braich asked farmers to conserve natural recourses for the next generation by using it optimally. Appreciating the training camps conducted by the agriculture department, he said such camp not only made farmers aware of making maximum profits from agriculture and allied business but also provided information on latest technologies. Dr Sukhpal Singh, agriculture development officer, Ludhiana, highlighted the schemes offered by the government for farmers. He said farmers could avail of benefits by making agriculture development clubs. He called upon farmers to intensify their efforts to enhance the agriculture productivity. During a technical session, farmers were asked to adopt organic methods of cultivation. Dr Baldev Singh Sivia, agriculture development officer, stressed that organic methods were much more effective as compared to chemical fertilisers and insecticides. Dr Virender Kaur Randhawa, head, home science extension department, PAU, stressed the establishment of self-help groups by womenfolk of villages. Amanpreet Ghai laid stress on the intervention of government to develop needed machinery to be used in organic cultivation at concessional rates, while Dr Rajinder Pal focussed on government intervention in marketing organic products as well as produce. ‘Asal’, a self-help group of Barewal village, exhibited its edible produce and distributed plants of shadow, fruit and of medicinal values free of cost among farmers.
|
|
300 examined at eye camp
Ludhiana, March 7 At least 65 patients, in need of corrective surgery, were registered and operation slips issued to them. Dr Rajinder Singh, eye surgeon, along with his team of para-medics, examined patients and provided follow-up advice. The surgical procedure of needy patients will also be conducted at Dr Rajinder Singh Eye Hospital in the city later. The camp was inaugurated by Dr Maninderjit Singh, civil surgeon, who lauded the initiative of the club to reach out to the poor and needy and make available specialised medical care on their doorstep. BS Jandu, club president, and Kuldip Singh, project director, said the club was committed to the cause of prevention of blindness and eye camps were being organised, especially in the rural and remote areas, for the purpose regularly. Meanwhile, Ludhiana branch of National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) organised a public awareness lecture and de-addiction camp in Shivpuri locality here today.
|
|
Cops to crack down on fake SIM registration
Ludhiana, March 7 Singh today met representatives and retailers of various cellular service provider firms, including BSNL, Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Reliance and Tata, to sensitise them about the evergrowing menace of “antisocial elements” misusing fraudulently obtained mobile phone numbers. The meeting was held to discuss ongoing efforts to step up vigilance in police functioning. He reportedly told the representatives of the service providers that “national security hinged on keeping a check on sale of mobile SIM cards to people providing fake documents”. They were instructed not to issue SIM cards before thoroughly checking identity proof documents. “Employees of cellular service providers should conduct a on-the-spot verification of residential or employment addresses in case of migrant workers,” Singh said. The firms have also been instructed to maintain a register pertaining to identity facts of the subscriber along with a passport size photograph. “If any subscriber is found with a suspicious identity the company employee should immediately report the matter to the police. A random check of cellular subscribers will soon be conducted to ensure mobile connections obtained with fake documents are immediately deactivated. Strict action would be taken against those violating the regulations”, Singh added.
|
|
Hoisting of National Flag
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 7 Lack of knowledge about the code of conduct for hoisting the flag, among officials of civil and police administration; has frustrated the administration’s attempt to check violations. Investigations by The Tribune revealed that rules for hoisting and display of Indian flag or that of other foreign countries were being violated by those organising public functions. Apparently what seems to be revival of patriotic feelings has turned out to be a nuisance for the administration, which has failed to maintain sanctity of procedure of the flag hoisting at these functions. Dominance of NRIs over organisation of these public functions, for obvious reasons of financial support has further complicated the issue. As majority of rural sports are being sponsored by the NRIs from respective areas, organisers try to appease them (NRIs) by hoisting flags of the nations where they are settled. Though national flags of countries like the USA and Canada were hoisted at some of the functions organised in the area recently, but none of the organisers could tell the norms for hoisting these flags. National anthem was not sung at any of the functions where the Tricolour was hoisted. Though the code of conduct prohibits placing of any other flag higher or towards right side of the Tricolour, flags of other nations, organisations and simple flags rampantly flew higher and on both sides of the National Flag. Organisers, players and spectators moved and sat near the hoisted flags casually, showing little respect to the national emblem. Children swinging on these poles carrying the Tricolours and sitting with their back towards it were common sight during the functions. At the end of the function, the flag is withdrawn casually and kept along with other flags. Disgustingly enough government officials, office-bearers of social and constitutional bodies and legislators have been witnessing gross disrespect to the National Flag but none of them bothered to check the tendency or ask the organisers to rectify their mistakes.
|
||
|
Tewari lashes out at
SAD-BJP government
Ludhiana, March 7 Addressing a rally at Salempur stadium, near Jagraon, last evening, Tewari said the government only believed in talking too much and doing too little. He said: “If a detailed audit of the performance and expenses of the government is made, it will be established that it has spent most of the money on advertisements, making false and bogus claims of achievements.” He pointed out that big advertisements with tall claims of development like power and infrastructure were carried out in newspapers every day but on the ground there was nothing. He challenged the government to prove that even 10 per cent of what had been claimed in the advertisements was true and implemented on the ground. He said had the public money, which was being wasted on advertisements, been utilised for welfare measures, many people would have benefited. Referring to the claims of the government on power, the Congress MP said when they assumed office, they promised to make Punjab power surplus within three years. “Now they are asking for four more years,” he said. Tewari claimed that people of the state had decided to check them out and there would be a regime change in the next elections. He said the Congress had resolved that the SAD-BJP government should go and its countdown had started. CWC member Jagmeet Brar said the government had only indulged in corruption and victimisation of political opponents. He alleged that the government was neck-deep in corruption, having robbed the state and its people of all resources that were generated through various schemes. Tewari was awarded with “Maan Punjab Da” award, while Jagmeet Singh Brar was honoured with “Dharti Putra” award. Prominent among those present included Jassi Khangura, Gurdeep Singh Bhaini, Isher Singh Meharban, Darshan Singh Brar, MLAs, Pawan Dewan, Raman Subhramanyam and others.
|
||
|
Celebrating 100 years of womanhood
Ludhiana, March 7 The quote perhaps fits best on city women, who, despite having the best of everything in terms of education, family, favourable social and economical factors, have been unable to make a definite mark on the international or national scene. That quite explains why only a handful of names that come to mind when one thinks of successful Ludhiana women who have been able to attract national attention. The list of city women who have held important ranks and positions is neither too impressive. The city never had a woman Deputy Commissioner or a Deputy Inspector General of Police, all Vice-Chancellors of the PAU were men and representing Olympics also remained a male bastion here. While the world is celebrating 100 years of womanhood, the “Manchester of India” is yet to find even 100 names from among its women who find mention among the prominent national figures. In what is a matter of great shame for not only the city but for its people too, very few women from outside world have ever come here to establish themselves in varied fields. That too, when the city is known the world over to be the nation’s industrial hub. After a random survey across the city, it is revealed that while intellectuals think the patriarchal structure of the society is the main reason for the subordinate role of women at the local level, the medics blame the skewed sex ratio and conservative mind sets for the same. Social workers, on the other hand, put the entire blame on women themselves and say: “If she cannot stand for herself, she can never achieve her dreams.” Another school of thought says the city needs to change and give its women ample opportunities to grow. Whatever the world says, it is time Ludhiana women came out of their homes and made their presence felt to the world.
|
||
|
Cops patrol malls, cinemas ahead of Women’s Day
Ludhiana, March 7 "Following the commissioner’s orders we’re conducting searches at malls and cinema. The police have given priority to provide a safe environment to women. We’re doing our best to keep mischief mongers at bay so that they do not spoil the celebrations tomorrow," Kumar said. According to sources, he cops sprung into action following complaints of ‘eve teasing’ in shopping malls and cinema multiplexes. Though the latter have heavy internal security incidents such incidents have been increasing in the city. ‘Eve teasers’ are no longer ashamed of their activities and even go to the extent of assaulting those who come to the help of the victims. If a movie does not draw crowds, a lot of seats remain empty and many men, who are often in an inebriated state, make it difficult for women to watch the film. At times they even follow the girls outside the hall when the stores are closed and not many people are around. Narrating one such experience, Tamanna Chopra, a city resident, said it was not safe for a woman to venture out late at night. “The presence of a male companion doesn’t seem to discourage them”, she added. Citing one such experience at a cinema she said, ''The other day I saw an ‘eve teaser’ bothering two women. Thought the latter shifted their seats several times the man kept following them. Finally one of them stood up and started shouting. This alarmed the security guards who came running and warned the man”.
|
||
2 teachers booked for abetting cheating
Jagraon, March 7 The incident pertains to March 4 when examination observer Santokh Singh along with his flying squad team visited the school. In his statement to the police, he alleged that when he was about to enter the school for inspection, teachers of the school, identified as Talwinder Singh, Jagjit Singh and Rajwinder Singh, tried to obstruct their way. On his objecting to their behaviour, they said they were there to help students to cheat on the instructions of an influential politician. They threatened him and his staff to leave the venue and keep quiet over the matter. During the altercation, he alleged that the three physically assaulted him and abused the flying squad staff. They reported the matter to the police and entered the school but by then students had hidden their books and slips. They failed to recover any material that could be used for unfair means from them. Acting on the complaint of Santokh Singh, the police booked Talwinder Singh and Jagjit Singh under Sections 353, 186 and 506 of the IPC. Kulwant Singh, in-charge of the Bhundri police post and inquiry officer of the case, said he was investigating the matter and would book other persons also if found guilty.
|
|
5 booked for peddling poppy husk
Jagraon, March 7 The police rounded up Kuljit Singh and Satpal Singh but did not make any formal arrest. A case under Sections 15, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused. No recovery, however, could be made by the police. Meanwhile, Simarjit Kaur, wife of Kuljit Singh, has alleged that the police has booked her husband in a false case at the behest of her father-in-law and other members of her in-laws’ family. She claimed that the police picked up her husband from the house on the midnight of Friday after scaling the boundary wall.
|
|
Nine booked
Raikot, March 7 The ASI said Surjit Kumar in his application had accused Shingara Singh, his wife, sons Davinder Singh and Palwinder Singh, his daughter-in-law, his two daughters and two son-in-laws for encroaching upon the land. All accused have been booked under Sections 451, 448, 511 and 148 of the IPC. — OC
|
Simarjit, Navdeep best athletes
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 7 Gurcharan Singh Brar, chairman of the department of physical education, Punjab University, presided over the concluding function and Dr VK Sharma, principal, Bhutta College of Engineering and Technology, was the guest of honour. Satpal Gossain, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Shabha, and Jagdish Singh Garcha, former minister, gave away prizes to winners. The results: Men: 100m: Jasjeet Singh 1, Raman Satluj 2, Pankaj Chenab 3; 200m: Jasjeet Singh 1, Pankaj 2, Rohit 3; 400m: Simaranjeet Singh 1, Beant Singh 2 and Jagbeer Singh 3; 800m: Beant Singh 1, Harjot Singh 2, Jasjit Singh 3; long jump: Jagdeep Singh 1, Sukhjinder Singh 2, Harjot Singh 3; high jump: Jagdeep Singh 1, Narinderpal Singh 2, Paramjeet Singh 3; shot put: Simranjeet Singh 1, Paramjeet Singh 2, Pankaj 3. Women: 100m: Navdeep Kaur 1, Ramandeep Kaur 2 and Rajwinder 3; 200m: Neha Pal 1, Navdeep Kaur 2, Puneet 3; 400m: Ramandeep Kaur 1, Navdeep Kaur 2, Sonia 3; long jump: Kuljeet Kaur 1, Monica Rathore 2, Maninder Kaur 3; high jump: Amanjot Kaur 1, Manpreet Kaur 2, Kamaljeet Kaur 3; shot put: Manpreet Kaur 1, Jasvir Kaur 2, Harvinderpal Kaur 3; relay race: Chenab House 1, Beas House 2, Satluj House 3; spoon race: Lakhbir Kaur 1, Kirandeep Kaur 2, chatti race: Kirandeep Kaur 1, Jagminder Kaur 2, Prabhdeep Kaur 3; three-legged race: Navdeep Kaur and Gurpreet Kaur 1, Kamaldeep Kaur and Anita 2, Richa Jain and Neha Ravi 3. Raavi House was declared the best congregation. Jasjit, Harjot, Pawandeep, Simarjit, Harwinder, Paramjit, Manraj, Simaranjeet Singh and Harwinder Singh were felicitated for their achievements in inter-college and inter-university competitions.
|
|||
|
Punjab bodybuilding squad announced
Ludhiana, March 7 The selection panel of the PABA with Prem Chand Dengra, former Mr World, as its chairman and members Navneet Singh, Ranjeet Pal Pabla, Sukhdev Singh Sodhi and Sameer Kaushal supervised the aspirants prior to finalising the Punjab squad for the upcoming competitions. The names of the selected bodybuilders are: Below 55 kg: Robin and Jarnail Singh of Ludhiana, Ramandeep Singh of Hoshiarpur and Honey Kumar of Gurdaspur. Below 60 kg: Jai Narayan and Sat Pal of Ludhiana, Masam Mal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Below 65 kg: Amit Nijhawan and Anil Kumar of Ludhiana, Gurjinder Singh of Amritsar. Below 70 kg: Charanjeet Singh and Sandeep Kumar of Ludhiana, Vivek Sharma of Amritsar. Below 75 kg: Sahil and Vaneet Marwaha of Hoshiarpur and Ramesh Kumar of Amritsar. Below 80 kg: Sukhneet Singh of Patiala, Pankaj of Gurdaspur and Bakhtawar Singh of Ludhiana. Below 85 kg: Sandeep Kumar, Raghu Raja and Ajay Kumar, all of Ludhiana. Below 90 kg: Harcharan Singh of Gurdaspur and Davinder Singh of Hoshiarpur. +90 kg: Ram Saroop of Gurdaspur.
|
|||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
