Vatsalya Mela inaugurated: The exhibition organised by more than three dozen NGOs and self-help groups from different districts at the DAV College campus here on the eve of Vatsalya Mela attracted hundred of customers. The mela was organised by the Punjab State Social Welfare Board. Transport minister Mohan Lal was joined by the Board secretary AK Ranga, Vijay Luxmi Bhadoo chairperson of the Women and Child Development Board and DC Kamal Kishore Yadav in inaugurating the function by lighting a lamp. KK Yadav said self-help group movement must be given greater impetus to benefit the women at the grass roots. 

BATHINDA
Baby show: A baby show will be organised on March 14 at Daddy's Teddy, a franchise of the Kidzee playway school in Vishal Nagar. Principal Ritu Raonta said the aim is to create interest among parents for the overall development of their children. Entries have been invited in the age-group of 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years. Last date for sub,ission of forms is March 12, the principal informed. 

VCD released: Gurpreet Mann's VCD and CD "Khalsa" was released by senior additional advocate general, Punjab Sukhdeep Singh Bhinder at a function organised by the Sufi Arts Foundation at Civil Lines Club here on Sunday. The lyrics of the VCD have been penned by an English and Punjabi poet Dr J. S. Anand. 

Dispensary opened: Kulwant Singh Bhogal (Tungwali Wale) Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary was opened by local Young Welfare Society on Sunday at dispensary Gurdwara Bachittar Singh Partap Nagar here. On the occasion, a free homoeopathic medical and eye check-up camp was also organised. Hundreds of patients were examined at the camp. 

Hoshiarpur
575 cases settled: Of the 1,022 cases reported in the quarterly Special Lok Adalat here yesterday, 575 were disposed of amicably and Rs 3,22,31,811 was awarded to parties through settlement. 

Mansa
Mansa health dept holds function: The health department today held a function to mark International Women's Day at the Gaushala Bhawan here. The DC Kumar Rahul, Civil Surgeon Dr Pritpal Singh and ADC General Tanu M. Kashyap raised the issue of equal rights and opportunities for women in society. Dr Purushottam Goyal discussed various programmes available for women. Deputy medical commissioner Rupinder Singla and Dr Arundeep Kaur Sidhu also raised the issue of equal rights for women. 

Minor girl raped: A 14-year-old minor girl of Khaira Kalan village near Sardulgarh was allegedly raped by three persons on the night of March 6-7. The accused have been reportedly identified as Gindu Singh, Mangi and Kuldeep. One of the accused had invited the girl by making some false promise. The other two also reached the spot and raped the girl. Police said that .medical samples had been sent to the Civil Hospital in Mansa for confirmation. Police said that medical report would be received tomorrow. A case has been registered against the three accused. Police was conducting raids in the village to nab them. SHO Sardulgarh Darshan Singh said that the accused were from the same village. 

Tarn Taran
Check up camp: Haemoglobin of 300 women was checked at a free medical camp organised here yesterday at Muradpur, a slum locality, by the Vikas Manch Punjab. Manch president Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal said the camp was dedicated to International Women’s Day. A healthy baby show was also held on the occasion, in which more than 50 mothers brought their babies for participation. Sahilpreet Singh (boy) and Guranayat Kaur (girl) were adjudged first. Most of the women whose haemoglobin was checked had six to seven gm blood. They were given free medicines.