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Squatters give MC tough time
Ludhiana, March 30 Perturbed over the demolition drive, the occupants themselves set ablaze their stocks of wheat straw and ‘jhuggis’ to put the blame on MC officials. A case has been registered against those responsible for destroying sheds and straw. Wheat straw worth over Rs 50,000 was destroyed in the fire. Around 100 persons, including MC officials, police personnel, migrant labourers and Gujjars gathered on the spot when the MC squad went to demolish illegal sheds at 12.30 pm. The sheds on 7,000 square yard land of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation were illegally occupied by Gujjars for over an year.
The assistant town planner said that last year also sheds were removed, but after a few months, some persons belonging to the Gujjar community again built temporary sheds where they kept their cattle, hen and other animals. Besides, the sheds were being used to stock wheat straw. She said: “When we reached the spot, the occupants of illegal sheds were given a warning to remove their belongings to which they refused. We started with the demolition of the sheds. Two young men from among the occupants went up on the heap of wheat straw and put it on fire. Residents of the locality are witness to the incident. Now, they are blaming that the MC had put the sheds on fire.” Achhu, whose one of the shanties was also destroyed in fire, alleged: "We were ready to vacate the place. But we told them to give us time as women were cooking food. They did not listen to our pleas and went ahead with the demolition drive. Because of their callous attitude, fire broke out destroying sheds and straw.” Another Gujjar Haji Teg Ali claimed that he was living in the area for the past 20 years and the land was given to them by the MC. When the reporter asked him to show the documents, he said all papers had been destroyed in the fire. Jatinderpreet Singh, an eyewitness, alleged that the entire land was illegally occupied by the Gujjars. "They are living here for the past over a year. These are not more than 30 Gujjars, but each time when the MC squad comes to demolish their shanties, they call more people for support. Even the migrant population extends support to them,” he said. A case under Sections 353, 186, 447, 511, 436, 148 and 149 has been registered against Liakat Ali and Abdulla. |
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Reason to booze more
Ludhiana, March 30 The tavern owners who failed to get a contract this year have slashed the prices of liquor massively with a view to exhaust their stocks before the expiry date as according to the excise policy, they cannot carry forward their stocks into the new fiscal. In an attempt to lure the customers huge boards mentioning the slashed rates have been displayed outside the taverns. In these past two days, the Bacchus lovers are busy gathering maximum stock of liquor. People are buying cases of liquor, as it is available at low rates only at this time of the year. Jaswant Grewal, businessman, said it was the best time to buy liquor in bulk. "The rates are slashed by the contractors and the buyers make the maximum out of the situation. As parties and get together is a regular feature in my family I will be buying two cases of premium brand liquor," he said. Not only this, vends selling country made liquor also have employed drummers outside their taverns announcing the fall in prices. Migrant population can be seen flocking outside these vends late in the evening. "Be it the high-end class or the people from economically weaker section of society, everybody is busy buying liquor at slashed rates. Everybody wants to make the best out of the situation and liquor is selling like hot cakes at slashed rates," said a tavern owner at Ferozepur Road. |
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Kidnapped boy recovered, aunt held
Ludhiana, March 30 Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, a police official said: "We had launched a search operation to nab the kidnappers. We traced the cell phone number from which the ransom call was made and it was issued in the name of the kidnapped boy's maternal aunt, identified as Indu. She had switched off her mobile after making the ransom call." Jimmy, a resident of Dugri, was kidnapped yesterday afternoon from Jammu Colony. Jimmy had come to visit his maternal aunt at Dugri and was staying there since the past few days. He was playing outside the house when the incident took place. Following the child's sudden disappearance, the family launched a frantic search in the nearby areas. However, later in the day, they received a phone call informing about Jimmy's kidnapping. The caller also demanded Rs 3 lakh as ransom from the family and threatened them of dire consequences in case the police was informed. |
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Proxy pharmacists running drug stores
Ludhiana, March 30 A majority of these proxy pharmacists either show qualified pharmacists as their business partners in the retail drug stores or enrol pharmacists as employees to deal with the legalities of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. However, these so-called qualified pharmacists, who are “licensees”, are not present on the drug stores. Instead, they just make appearance at the time of collecting their "remuneration" for lending their licence. The remuneration varies between Rs 4,000 and Rs 10,000 depending upon the location of the chemist shop. The drug control and licensing authorities take the plea of the existing "anomalies" in the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Act, whereas the authorities are not in a position to take action against the drug mafia, who in connivance with the politicians, extend support to all the proxy chemists, say sources. Under Sections 17-A and 17-B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Act, the scheduled H drugs (referred to as habit-forming drugs) can only be dispensed by a qualified pharmacist followed by his advice on the administration of the medicine. On the contrary, unqualified persons in the chemist shops play with the lives of people. The drug mafia is encouraging proxy pharmacists to dispense schedule H drugs, especially to youths in urban as well as rural areas, reveal sources. “The health department, too, adopts a pick-and-choose policy when it comes to conducting raids, as the key players behind the whole show of illegal sale of habit-forming drugs have never been taken to task," complained the owner of a chemist shop near Model Town.
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Cardboard, corrugated boxes to cost more
Ludhiana, March 30 Kushl Jain, vice-president of the association, said, “From February onwards, the prices of craft paper will increase from Rs 5 to 7 per kg and duplex board from Rs 3 to 5 per kg. Another hike is expected from April 1. Under such circumstances, our industry cannot sustain without increasing the prices of cardboard and corrugated boxes.” Amarjit Singh Mankoo, chairman, legal cell OPA, said, “Paper mills have increased prices without any prior information. Hence, they have created a panic in the market.” “As the industry has already suffered a lot due to the recession, the hike in the prices of diesel and steel wire will only add to the burden of the common man.” “The industry is having a negative impact of this autocracy of paper mills,” he added. Sanjay Gandhi, secretary of the association, said paper mills had increased prices at their own. “Presently, we are working on orders that we received at least three months back, the increased prices will have a negative impact on our work,” he added. There has been a shortage of raw material in paper mills since long. Members of the association said the labour prices had also gone up and frequent power cuts had increased their cost of production. Members of the association have invited traders and paper mill owners for talks, as the hike in prices of duplex and craft paper has had a bad impact on their business. |
No respite for students even after board exams
Ludhiana, March 30 Various competitive exams starting in the first week of April are set to give students some more sleepless nights and anxious moments. Competitive examinations, including PMT,
UPSC, NDA, CET, AIEEE, among others are all scheduled in April and May. The preliminary test of the All-India Pre-Medical / Pre-Dental Entrance Examination
(AIPMT) 2010 that is scheduled on April 3 will be followed by a series of entrance exams for engineering, technical and other exams. For Class XII students, after board exams, CET is yet another step to be crossed, which is also scheduled for April. "After school textbooks and cumbersome classes, it is now time to attend rigorous coaching sessions, which would help students crack various entrance tests. Running from one coaching institute to another from tomorrow will be the schedule of most students who appeared for their Class XII board exams this year," remarked Sapna Joshi, a local school
teacher. Richa Walia, a Class XII student said, "The main papers are done but CET is yet left. I have started attending special coaching in private institutes for the same. To me, it seems that exams are a never-ending part of my life." Come tomorrow and another Class XII student Akanshka Mehta will get busy with preparation for various entrance exams of government as well as private institutes. "I don't want to restrict myself to engineering institutes only in Punjab. So I will also be preparing for other engineering entrances as well to get admission in other premiere institutes. Exams will get over tomorrow and from day after that, I will spend almost 12-14 hours daily for the preparation of these exams." The exams perhaps are equally important for the parents as are for students. Because, for them, children getting admission into reputed institutes is the lifetime investment and assurance of a bright future. "Excelling in board examinations is just not sufficient as in this competitive era one also needs to participate and excel in competitive exams. During our time, we were not aware of such good institutes and exams, but I have been providing all requisite facilities to my son for competitive exams as it is the need of the present time," says Ritu
Patil, mother of a Class XII student. Exam time also means brisk business time for private institutes providing coaching for various competitive exams. According to private coaching class tutors, the series of entrance exams starting from next week and the number of students appearing for the entrance exams is increasing every
year. Priyanka Shaida, a private coaching class tutor disclosed, "Now the number of students taking up entrance exam is increasing as compared to previous years. Earlier students used to depend on Class XII exam merit for admission but now they have become more conscious about competitive exams to get admission into reputed institutes." "April-May obviously are the most paying months for us," smiled a candid
Anupama, another tutor, as she talked about the swelling number of students coming in to her for coaching for various competitive exams.
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Rs 2.5-lakh grant to hospital
Ludhiana, March 30 Gabria added that it was the duty of the government to provide every health-care facility to the citizens but the NGOs and charitable hospitals were doing excellent job in extending their best possible support. He said that the government must encourage these organisations as it was beyond the limits of poor man to bear the expensive treatment. More and more charitable organisations should come forward to serve for the noble cause. The minister also inaugurated a multi-specialty operation theatre and indoor wing for patients. Gabria announced a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh for the hospital.
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Over 10 schools raided
Jagraon, March 30 The flying squad found irregularities in the functioning of a government school at Talwandi
Kalan. Other schools, where raids were conducted, included Manuke, Sherpur
Kalan, Talwandi Kalan, Sanmati Vimal School of Jagraon, Swami Roop Chand School of Jagraon and Khalsa School for boys,
Jagraon. — OC
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Clothes, jewellery and much more
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 30 “For fashion-conscious women contemplating to shop something fresh for the summer, the right time has come,”stated Anupreet, the brain behind the event. She added that the show would envelope all conceivable articles related to women’s world ranging from ramp of fashion, page 3 parties, great ceremonies, romantic date to home. About the idea behind the expo, Anupreet said, “Being a woman, I can understand women’s likes and dislikes. Whether she is a house wife, working or a college girl, the exhibition will cater to fashion-conscious women. This time our aim is to get best fashion elements from all across the nation and cross borders.” The “Woman-2010” will witness participation from some of the top-notch designers from across the country as well as from abroad. The catalogue of haute-couture comprises designers like Jaya Misra, Abhishek Surana and Sangeitaa. In jewellery section, players like Jusra-Jaipur, Jewel Ace, Celestial London, Desire Diamonds, Amrit Jewels, will be exhibiting their creations. Indian versions of jewellery from Sunklower, Voyala Jewels, Silver Tulip, Entice Art Jewellery, Bands n Clips, etc. will also be displayed. In furnishings and home décor segment, Jesia, Saffron, Spazio Inc, Kanu creations, Art homes will display their collection.
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Kashmiri dance a big draw
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 30 A wide array of performances set the stage rocking. The theme of the event was “Incredible India”, a journey unfolds, and the function was a potpourri of Indian culture and dances. After the lamp lightning ceremony, Saraswati Vandana was performed. Students performed martial arts stunts. Shivam broke 10 slabs of marble with his hand, while Ashima broke a brick on her stomach. Kashmiri dance was a big draw. Other events included Naga dance, Vande Matram, bhangra and a play titled “Mr Sun Takes a Holiday”. Prizes were distributed to winners. Amarjeet Kaur Sehgal, chairperson, presented a memento to the chief guest. Anju Banga, principal, read out the annual report.
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Hanuman Jayanti falls on Tuesday after 10 years
Ludhiana, March 30 Lord Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to the God. As dawn broke, all Hanuman temples in the city conducted spiritual discourses and at the time of sunrise the spiritual discourse stopped and prasad was distributed. Special function was held at Hanuman Mandir, Phillaur. This temple is considered to be the tallest temple in Asia. Heavy rush was witnessed at the temple and devotees from in and around the city came to pay obeisance at the temple. Devotees also read Hanuman Chalisa and Ashtaka. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is present, where the stories of Lord Rama are recited. Therefore, people could be seen reading Ramayana. Unlike the other pujas, where women fast, during Hanuman Jayanti, it’s men who serve a fast, especially wrestlers and body builders. Head priest of Hanuman Mandir at Civil Line said, “Lord Hanuman is the most popular God among Hindu devotees for his devotion, bravery, wisdom, selfless service. In today’s society, Lord Hanuman has become an embodiment of courage, self-control, power, selfless service, integrity and humility,” he explained. While Alok Sharma, a devotee, said, “Today is a lucky day. Tuesday is the day associated with Lord Hanuman and it is after ten years that it fell on Tuesday. I am fasting and will visit the temple again in the evening,” he added.
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International fashion wear for all under one roof
Ludhiana, March 30 Femina Miss India Personality Sahiba Singh, super models Jayshree Tahliyani and Sarayu Singh, Fashion Week model Hida Siddqui, and Walk magazine model Priyanka Sharma, along with famous male models of television and fashion world Akhil Valecha, Aryan, Ricky Walia, Manish and Vishesh, showcased the latest range of international brands for men, women and kids, all under one roof. On the occasion, Vipin Kapoor, senior director of Kapsons, said, "Kapsons represents over two dozen international brands, which are being retailed through its 68 sales points in Punjab and Chandigarh. The newly opened store in Ansals Plaza is the 12th mega store with multiple international brands, including Espirit, Tommy Hilfiger, PUMA, French Connection, Wrangler, to name just a few."
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Car catches fire
Ludhiana, March 30 The car, number HR-26R 5535, belongs to Manjinder Singh, a college student from Ludhiana. The incident took place at around 1.30 pm, when Manjinder, along with his grandmother and two kids, was on his way towards the road leading to Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib on Jagraon Bridge."The car suddenly caught fire. We rushed out immediately and managed to come out unhurt," said Manjinder, who was driving the car at the time of the incident. Manjinder immediately informed the fire brigade, which rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. "The front of the vehicle, its engine and bonnet has been completely burnt," revealed Manjinder, adding that the reason behind the fire was not known till now. However, it is suspected that the incident occurred due to sparking in the car. Meanwhile, the sudden fire created panic among the commuters as the stretch is one of the busiest roads in the city. "The fire could have resulted in a bigger mishap if the fire brigade was not called in time," said Suresh Kumar, an eyewitness. Due to this incident, the traffic was blocked at Jagraon Bridge for over half-an-hour and commuters faced a lot of inconvenience. |
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Bhagwad Gita in Punjabi now
Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 30 The NRI settled in England, has also offered to provide free copies of the book to public libraries of the region. Claiming that elements of the symposium of principles governing the ethical and spiritual life of man had been helping humans in deciding the course of action during critical moments of their family and social lives, Sharma hoped his endeavour would boost the morale and improve lifestyle of thousands of Punjabis, who would now be able to conceive essence of teachings of Lord Krishna in their own mother tongue. "Though majority of Punjabis, including Sikhs, appreciate relevance of principles of ideal human life enumerated in the Gita, they can not think of reading and understanding shlokas written in Sanskrit. I have just tried to make these teachings available to my fraternity in language of their choice," said Sharma claiming that he had studies the symposium for over a decade before starting work on its translation. Reiterating that principles and concepts illustrated in the Gita had played vital role in achieving target of human excellence for all ages and sects, Sharma held that adoption of these elements as a lifestyle would help people cope up with challenges of
stressed and confused modern society. He reminded that great personalities like Shankar Acharya, Mahatama Gandhi and Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak not only believed in the Gita, they wrote their experiences and outcome of research for enlightening the darker paths of generations to come. Sharma hoped his attempt would bear fruit by enhancing austerity and discipline among Punjabi readers.
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Dance contest on April 3
Ludhiana, March 30 About 18 candidates will be participating in the show. The competition aims at exploring talent and providing platform to budding artists. The group has incorporated 100 candidates in auditions from various cities of Punjab, including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Jalandhar. Comedian Khayali will also perform during the programme. Nirmal Rishi, Indira Bali and Vimal Sheetal will be the judges.
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Registration of scan center
suspended
Ludhiana, March 30 The registration of the scan centre was suspended and the team of health officials following the “incomplete record”, which was a violation of the Pre Natal Diagnostic Test (PNDT) Act, sealed the ultrasound machine. Sandhu said Bombay Diagnose Centre of Kalra Hospital in Baba Than Singh Chowk and Sachdeva Jospital scan centre at Chandigarh Road were given show-cause notices for discrepancies in their records. Dr Maninderjit Singh, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, said strict action will be initiated against every scan centre violating the PNDT Act.
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PSEB employees go on strike
Power supply unaffected Kuldip Bhatia
Ludhiana, March 30 Most of the cash collection centres, complaint offices of the PSEB and administrative offices either remained closed or wore a deserted look all through the day with the result that all work pertaining to payment of bills, receipt of applications for new connections and extensions was disrupted. At various places, even minor faults in power supply remained unattended to and people had to go without power till late in the evening. However, senior officials of the Central Zone here, more or less, managed to maintain the power supply to the city with the help of executive engineers, sub-divisional engineers and junior engineers, present on duty. No major snag in the supply was reported from anywhere during the day. The employees struck work in the morning at the division and sub-division-level offices of the PSEB and held gate rallies to focus on the pending demands and adamant attitude of the board management. Superintending Engineer (Administration), PSEB, Central Zone, Rakesh Sharma, told The Tribune that strike was nearly 85 per cent in the areas falling under this zone. "While no work could be undertaken at cash counters, some of the minor complaints in power supply were attended to by a few employees who reported on duty. Supervisory officers were deployed at sub stations, who successfully maintained the power supply to the city and no major break down was reported."
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Man killed in brawl
Ludhiana, March 30 A case has been registered at the Focal Point police station against Pradeep under Sections 302, 323, 506, 148 and 149 of the IPC. However, no arrest has been made so far. The body has been handed over to the family after post-mortem.
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Clean chit to bar council’s ex-chairman
Ludhiana, March 30 Justice Mohunta issued a letter to the High Court Registrar Vigilance, in which he has written, “I have enquired into the matter. After considering the judicial officials and advocates of Ludhiana, I have come to the conclusion that BK Goel has not influenced any judge in any manner.” “The impression, given by some complainants that BK Goel, being member of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, is trying to influence the judicial officials, is absolutely false. All complaints against him are frivolous and the same be filed (copy of letter with The Tribune).” Earlier, the High Court Registrar Vigilance had issued a letter to the sessions judge, Ludhiana, in February 2010, which read, “Hon'ble administrative judge of the Ludhiana Sessions Division has been pleased to direct you to advise the judicial officials not to get influenced in any manner by BK Goel, an advocate.” The development did not go down well with the lawyers, who said the letter was issued without carrying any probe and was a setback to the legal fraternity. A story was carried in these columns to the effect that unrest prevailed among the legal fraternity after the letter was leaked. However, despite given a clean chit to him, Goel has demanded a CBI enquiry into the entire episode, as to who were the persons behind filing anonymous complaints and what was their motive. He also accused the District Bar Association (DBA) president Naval Kishore Chhibber and his companions for indulging in filing such frivolous anonymous complaints against him, in order to tarnish his image. While the DBA president refuted the allegations terming the same to be false. Chhibber said a-four member fact finding committee would be constituted to look into the entire matter, as decided in a general house meeting held today. He said the committee would submit its report within a week. Thereafter, they would meet the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suitable action against the guilty.
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Sanjeev wins top spot in badminton
Ludhiana, March 30 Results: Badminton (men): 1st Sanjeev Kumar, 2nd Rakesh Bhatia; women: 1st Shivani, 2nd Sushma Biswas. Basketball: 1st Jagdeep Singh XI, 2nd Jagtar Singh XI. Volleyball: 1st Suram Singh XI, 2nd Joginder Rana XI. Cricket: 1st Surinder Negi XI, 2nd Ashwani Kumar. Carrom: 1st Munish Kalia, 2nd Shiv Kumar. Table tennis: 1st Sanjeev Kumar, 2nd
Nikhil Sabharwal. Football: 1st Hakam Singh XI, 2nd Amarjit Singh XI. Hockey: 1st Jagtar Singh XI, 2nd Jatinder Pal Singh XI. Chess: 1st Hridyajit Singh, 2nd Manmohan Semwal.
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Harjinder of BCA wins bronze
Mullanpur Dakha, March 30 The management of the institute, staff and the students congratulated Harjinder Singh for this achievement.
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