Amritsar, August 10
The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has finally announced the formation of a five-member committee of renowned Sikh scholars to examine the different aspects of the prevailing differences between the DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna and the senior Supreme Court lawyer HS Phoolka.

The committee comprising the Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor Jaspal Singh, Director of the Guru Granth Sahib Khoj Kendra, Waryam Singh, the head of the Law Department of Guru Nanak Dev University, Kashmir Singh, and prominent Sikh scholars Balwant Singh Dhillon and Jaswant Singh Neki will examine the documents submitted to Akal Takht by both sides in support of their respective claims. The committee, according to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, will submit its report within two months.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has directed both the Sarna brothers and Phoolka not to issue any statement regarding the issue in the media till the final decision of Akal Takht is made. Giani Gurbachan Singh has also directed Phoolka once again to continue fighting the cases of the victims of the 1984 riots.

Meanwhile, the SGPC has decided to form a 16-member joint committee of SGPC members and prominent J&K Sikh leaders to conduct a probe into the alleged July 26 attacks on Sikhs in different parts of the strife-torn valley.

“The joint committee will have five members of the SGPC and 11 representatives of Kashmiri Sikhs. Out of the 11, five representatives will be working members of the committee. They will study and consider all aspects of the problem in depth and give their report on it,” said the SGPC chief Avtar Singh while talking to The Tribune.

Amritsar, August 10
Senior Counsel, Supreme Court, HS Phoolka has said that the controversy regarding the expenses incurred during the functioning of the Nanavati Commission, which was closed nearly six years ago, was being raked up unnecessarily at a time when some cases were at a crucial stage.

He claimed that it was a deliberate attempt to divert his attention from legal cases especially of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as his case had reached at a crucial juncture. He asserted that he was the main person pursuing the case of Sajjan Kumar.

He said in this light his proposal to Akal Takht for a patch up with the Sarna brothers — Parmjit Singh Sarna, President, DSGMC, and his brother, Harvinder Singh Sarna -- stood cancelled as they had not endorsed it.

Phoolka had forwarded a proposal, containing three conditions to Akal Takht. According to the proposal, the DSGMC must make public the details of payments made to anybody for fighting the court cases of the victims of 1984 riots. Secondly, it would bear the entire educational expenditure of the children of the riot victims and lastly it must reserve 20 per cent of the jobs in its educational institutes for these children.

Earlier, Phoolka had asserted that he had not received a single penny from the DSGMC or any other organisation for fighting the cases of victims of 1984 riots. On the other hand, Sarna brothers had claimed that Rs 99.98 lakh had been spent on the legal cases, out of which Rs 84 lakh was paid as fee of advocates, staff, stamp papers and on photocopies, etc and the remaining amount was paid on the recommendation of Phoolka.

Chandigarh, August 10
There is a bad news for the state’s economy, as it has lost two promising proposals for the setting up of special economic zones (SEZ) in Rajpura and is on the verge of losing another four in Amritsar.

Two SEZs- Vividha Infrastructure Pvt Limited and Mridul Infrastructure Pvt Limited- had been formally approved by the Government of India to be set up in Rajpura. However, following on the request of the promoters, the approval was withdrawn by the Centre and these projects are now considered to be scrapped.

Vividha, an engineering-specific SEZ, was to be set up on 100 hectares in Rajpura with an investment of Rs 772.5 crore. Similarly Mridul, a textile-specific SEZ, was to be set up on another 100 hectares in Rajpura with an investment of Rs 900 crore. These two zones were to be developed by the same group, who had set up Quark City in SAS Nagar. The Quark City already has the status of an SEZ for information technology.

Principal Secretary (Industries and Commerce) SS Channy confirmed that the promoters had decided not to set up these two SEZ and information regarding this had been received from the Government of India.

This move comes as a setback to the state that has been trying to attract investors. It has also put an attractive SEZ policy in place in July last but has not received any fresh proposal under this policy.

Following the withdrawal of these, the state is left with 13 SEZ proposals that have been formally or in principle approved by the Centre.

Four out of these had been offered by DLF Universal Limited for multi-products in Amritsar, but are more or less scrapped. “We were promised by the Congress Government in Punjab that it would acquire 440 hectares of land required for SEZs. The area to be acquired was identified and notified. However, when the new government came into power, we were told to arrange for the land ourselves. We have no means to acquire the land and as far as we are concerned, the SEZ proposals are just on paper,” said Rahul Mehta, executive director DLF (North India).

The DLF had proposed to set up an SEZ each for engineering, textile, food processing and free tradeware housing with an investment of Rs 450 crore. It was expected to give work to about one lakh persons.

Sources said many other investors, who had proposed to set up SEZ in the state, were considering backing out of the state. “We are waiting a decision regarding the direct taxes code. In case the Centre withdraws various income tax benefits it gives for an industry in an SEZ, there is no point in continuing with the project as it will become unviable,” said RK Sharma MD, Ishan Developers limited, whose SEZ proposal for Amritsar has been approved by the Centre.

Chandigarh, August 10
The much-hyped United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Master Plan for Tourism Development across Punjab has been at a standstill for a month now. Its Chief Technical Adviser and the team leader, Roger Goodacre, complaining of a “suffocating” work atmosphere, decided to opt out of the project last month. Even the national coordinator of the UNWTO has gone.

Also in hot waters is the third UNWTO expert, architect Hans Carl Jacobsen, an urban and tourism planner, with over 30 years of international expertise in this field.

Another prestigious project -- Khalsa Heritage Centre -- too is mired in controversy as its Director, George Jacob, who was hired on a five-year contract, has been sacked. Jacob, a Canada-based NRI, is an alumnus of the famous Smithsonian Institute.

California-based Kristin Kelly has also sent in her resignation as the Chief Museum Consultant of the Khalsa Heritage Centre.

One after the other, international consultants were brought to Punjab, treated with disdain and then abruptly sent packing.

Punjab Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Geetika Kalha, however, says that the project is on. “Instead of one man continuing for two years, we have decided to have different subject experts to oversee the project. Within a fortnight, a UNWTO team is coming here,” she adds, maintaining that the project is being “restructured”.

The UNWTO project was started in January 2009.

She says the UNWTO and not the Punjab government employed Goodacre.

UNWTO Master Plan for Tourism Development in Punjab and Khalsa Heritage Centre, says Geetika Kalha, have nothing to do with each other, as they both are independent projects.

“Jacob has been removed and the decision to remove him was taken at the highest level. Since he has gone to the court to challenge his dismissal, the matter is sub-judice and I would not like to comment on it.

“As far as resignation of Kelly is concerned, we have not accepted it,” adds Geetika Kalha.

Before leaving the project, Goodacre reportedly heaped severe criticism on the style and functioning of the Punjab government’s Department of Tourism, complaining of procedural violations and use of office staff as domestic help. Allegations of questionable associations with consultants serving on expert selection and advisory committees while already being recipients of contracts where conflict of interest issued needed to be explored, disregarding experts advice, rampant mismanagement to downright rudeness, lack of civility and missing courtesy were also allegedly made by Goodacre before leaving the project.

For the UNWTO project, the Punjab government has to make a matching contribution of $647,900 (approx. Rs 3,00,00,000). But the recent developments may jeopardise the implementation of the project besides creating an atmosphere of unreliability within the department and UNWTO/UNDP.

Internationally acclaimed museologist George Jacob had reportedly accepted the founding directorship of the Khalsa Heritage Centre, and relocated to Punjab from the United States in 2009. Indian-born, Smithsonian-trained Jacob, an NRI, heeded the call to serve the motherland and made a five-year commitment to relocate to Anandpur Sahib to establish a world-class institution.

As the head of the largest contemporary museum conceived in India, George Jacob managed to resolve contractual deadlocks with prime artisan contractor, re-assign and re-negotiate work saving the state crores of rupees in the process while urging all parties to stick to a rapid completion target for a 2011 opening.

Chandigarh, August 10
The decision of the Punjab Government to fill vacant posts in various departments is likely to get the nod of the state Cabinet tomorrow.

According to the latest assessment of various departments, the government is short by nearly 32,000 persons and a majority of the departments are running at half of their sanctioned strength.

The Personnel Department has put together the figures based on reports from the government’s 31 departments.After the government took a decision not to increase the retirement age beyond 58 years, the Cabinet had asked the Personnel Department to make an assessment of vacancies and posts that would be required to be filled over the next 10 years. At tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, the matter will be discussed and a decision in principle will be taken.

Another issue that is expected to come up tomorrow pertains to Mohali International Airport. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is keen that the first international flight should take off in the current year. A date in October 2010 is likely to be finalised for laying the foundation stone of the airport complex.

Further, the Cabinet is likely to grant formal approval to the promotion policy for inspectors to the post of deputy superintendent of police. According to the formula worked out by the government, 60 per cent of all posts will be filled by inspectors serving in the districts, 24 per cent from among those with the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) and 8 per cent each by promotion from among the inspectors working in the technical and intelligence wings of the Punjab Police.

On the formation of the police commissionerate in Jalandhar, certain police stations have been taken out from the city and attached with the rural police. The Cabinet is also likely to provide defacto permission for this decision of the government.

The issue of the bus fare hike is also on the agenda, but it is yet to be seen how the Transport Minister and his Cabinet colleagues supporting the private bus operators resolve the issue. The Transport Minister, Master Mohan Lal, is adamant to curtail the bus fare hike to 4 paise per km, while private bus operators say they will settle for nothing less than 9 paise per km.

Further, several departmental reports will also be approved by the Cabinet. It is also expected to grant approval to the formation of the Punjab Media Society.The issue of reservation within reservation for the SCs in the state could also be taken up.

Ludhiana, August 10
Tehsildar (Central) Major GS Benipal (retd), who survived a murderous attack by Akali leaders over a year ago, today had a miraculous escape when two youths rammed their white Lancer into the vehicle of Benipal on a bridge in Harnampura village. The incident took place around 8:30 am when Benipal was on his way to his office in his white SUV.

The collision was strong but he escaped major injuries and is stated to be normal, though his driver suffered injures on his. Both were rushed to a private clinic.

A whistleblower in the fake stamp paper scam, who was stripped and assaulted while working in his office on June 19 last allegedly by SAD leaders and their supporters, had earlier raised apprehension that he could be made a victim of a stage-managed accident.

Sources close to Benipal said he had recently installed protective gears on his vehicle, sensing danger to his life.

The youth, who was reportedly driving the vehicle, has been identified as Lovepreet Singh of Partap Singhwala village. The accomplice of Lovepreet managed to flee.

However, Lovepreet Singh claimed that it was just an accident and that he had no idea that Benipal was travelling in the vehicle.

Lovepreet and his friend also sustained minor injuries.

Amritsar, August 10
After the intervention of the SGPC, Sajid Khan, one of the judges of TV reality show “India’s Got Talent”, has tendered an apology for his remarks on the performance of Sikh martial art- Gatka - by seven-year-old boy Manpreet.

Manpreet’s inclusion in the next round of the show is still not clear. However, members of the Tarn Taran-based Bir Khalsa Gatka Dal said the team would not participate in the show without Manpreet.

“Though the judge and the organisers of the show have tendered an apology on TV, they have not yet clarified their stand on Manpreet’s inclusion in the team for the next round,” said Kanwaljeet Singh, the leader of the team.

“It is for sure that the team will proceed along with Manpreet only. Even if the organisers do not send Manpreet’s tickets, we will take him along and will protest on the stage by not performing,” he added.

While the group was selected for the next level of the show aired on July 31, Sajid Khan termed the act as “too violent for his age”.

He had remarked that Manpreet be excluded in the next round, as his carrying a sword would have a bad impact on children.

Irked, the SGPC along with the Gatka Federation of India and the Punjab Gatka Association had demanded an apology from the channel concerned and the ouster of Sajid Khan from the show.

Akal Takht had recently honoured Manpreet for his tremendous talent of displaying Sikh martial art form by offering him a saropa. SGPC president Avtar Singh had said that the show had hurt sentiments of Sikhs by terming it as an act of violence. Akal Takht chief Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh maintained that if he had felt guilty of passing such remarks, it would be acceptable to the community.

Meanwhile, Manpreet has expressed his keen desire to be part of the team in the show.

Jalandhar, August 10
The number of engineering colleges affiliated to Punjab Technical University has risen to 89 with seven new institutes getting approval from the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and the Punjab Government. Three management colleges have also been granted sanction for the new session.

PTU, at its own level, has also reportedly conducted inspections and granted affiliation to these colleges. Each of the seven BTech colleges have been given 240 seats--- 60 in each of the four streams. Sixty seats have also come for each of the three management colleges.

The list comprises St Soldier College of Engineering and Technology, Jalandhar, Anand College of Engineering, Kapurthala, MK Education Group, Amritsar, Ghubaya College of Engineering and Technology, Jalalabad, Gian Jyoti Group of Institutions, Patiala, Radiant Institute of Engineering and Ludhiana Group of Colleges, Ludhiana.

Three new management colleges have increased the tally of MBA/MCA colleges to 153. The fresh list has the names of Innocent Hearts Group, Jalandhar, MK Group, Amritsar, and AS Group, Khanna.

Patiala, August 10
Following directions from the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Punjab, the Patiala district administration is all set to clear public land of encroachments by religious institutions.

Initially, only those religious institutions would be taken to task that had come up over the past one decade. Sources in the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Punjab, have confirmed that functionaries of all district administrations of the Punjab had already been issued letters in that regard and asked to comply with the same.

Information gathered by The Tribune indicates that taking into account the orders issued by the Supreme Court on September 29 last year that there should be no fresh construction of places of worship at public places throughout the country and the fate of existing places of worship be dealt with by the respective state governments on “case-to-case” basis, the Punjab Government has now decided to ensure that there are no fresh encroachments on public land by religious organisations.

Giving further details in that regard, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dipinder Singh said acting on the directions of the higher authorities, he had already instructed officials of various departments of the Patiala administration to ensure compliance of the orders. He said the administration had decided that the process to remove encroachments by religious bodies, which were not more than 10-year-old, be initiated under the Punjab Public Premises and Land (Evacuation and Rent Recovery) Act, 1973.

“In case, the officers concerned feel any threat to law and order situation, while doing their duty of removing such encroachments or there is any sort of possibility of communal tension in any section of society, such cases must be brought to the notice of the government and further action should only be taken after the final decision in the matter by the competent government functionaries,” he added.

Directing officials of various departments to compile a list of all existing religious encroachments on public land in Patiala district at the earliest, he said on the directions of the government, committees under the headship of District Magistrate are being constituted. “These committees would comprise the SSP, officials of the Department of Local Government and officials of the Village Development and Panchayat Department,” he said.

Regarding religious encroachments, which have been there for more than past 10 years, the process of regularisation will be initiated only after following certain guidelines issued by the state government.

Patiala, August 10
Punjabi University, Patiala, has conferred the degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) on former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral for his distinguished services in the fields of politics, international affairs and for playing a stellar role in furthering the cause of Punjabi language and culture.

The degree was conferred by Punjab Governor and Chancellor of the university Shivraj Patil at a special convocation in New Delhi on Sunday evening. Varsity Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh was also present on the occasion. University Registrar Dr Manjit Singh read the citation.

Among others present on the occasion were MP Naresh Gujral, MP Tarlochan Singh and noted journalist Kuldip Nayar. Dr Jaspal Singh said the varsity felt proud by honouring Gujral for his great contribution to the cause of humanity.

“Besides occupying the post of Prime Minister, Gujral also served as minister of external affairs, communications and parliamentary affairs, information and broadcasting, planning, and science and technology. Famous for his principles, guiding India’s relations with its neighbours having been termed as Gujral Doctrine, his association with academics and literature encouraged him to publish five books,” the citation read.

Nangal, August 10
Members of the BBMB daily-wage workers union today protested in semi-clad condition against the management in wake of their demands.

The workers took out procession in the city and later sat on dharna outside the office of chief engineer of the board.

President of the union Ram Singh expressed resentment on behalf of daily-wage workers against the new recruitments. He said despite repeated representations and agitation, the BBMB has never considered regularising their services. “This is a great injustice on part of the BBMB authorities to give us step-motherly treatment,” he said.

The workers said every year the board promises to regularise them, but promise has never been fulfilled. They said the board was not only exploiting them but also wreaking havoc on the future of their families and children.

“The board has left us with no option, but to intensify our stir,” they said. They added that during his visit to Nangal in December, Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had promised to fulfil demands of the Daily Wager Workers Union, but nothing has been done so far.

Mohali, August 10
Giving de facto approval to appointments of auditors in the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) today took an ugly turn during a meeting of PSEB’s Board of Directors, when the chairman of the board Dr Dalbir Singh Dhillon reportedly entered in to a heated argument with the Punjab Director General School Education (DGSE) Krishan Kumar.

The argument saw the DGSA walking out of the meeting along with three other board members. The meeting was ultimately deferred for want of quorum. Sources said during the course of the meeting, the DGSA sought certain record pertaining to the recruitment of the auditors. The board officials pointed out that there was no requirement of the record.

The exchange of words resulted in heated arguments with the chairman reportedly pointed out towards the fault-finding approach of the DGSA. Chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon confirmed that the meeting had been deferred after the arguments.

He stated that the DGSA needed to know the way to address the members. Dhillon said he would take up the matter with the state government. The DPI (Schools) and the official from the SCERT walked out of the meeting.

Patiala, August 10
In order to check ragging in educational institutions in Patiala district, the administration has set up a special helpline for the students. They can now report such incidents to the district administration round the clock. A brainchild of Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dipinder Singh, the initiative comes after elaborate deliberations on the issue.

The DC said, “In case, any fresher taking admission in any educational institution in Patiala or a newcomer to a hostel of any educational institution, is subjected to ragging by his seniors, the student can report the matter to the district administration.”

Any aggrieved student can contact the district administration authorities on phone number 0175-2311301 (DC Office) from 9am to 5pm, whereas the facility will be available round the clock on 0175-2311303 (DC’s residence).

Assuring that immediate action will be initiated after receiving any such complaint, the DC said all educational institutes must comply with the directions issued by the SC against the unhealthy practice of ragging.

“We have also issued directions to the authorities of educational institutes that boards mentioning “Ragging is a crime” must be put up outside the Principal’s office and in the hostels of the institutes. Besides, it has also been directed that the phone numbers of the district administration helpline, the Principal, the hostel warden and the nearest police station, must be mentioned on these boards,” DC added.

Others instructions issued in this regard mention that prospectus of the educational institutions should also have a special mention that ragging is a crime and there is a provision of strict punishment against those found guilty of indulging in the practice.

Ropar, August 10
The Ropar police launched its website here today. Launching the website rupnagarpolice.com, SSP LK Yadav said now the people would be able to know the status of their queries online. “This includes civil verification, arm licences, foreigner registration, character verification, national status, passport etc. The user needs to type in receipt number, name and village name or locality’s name,” Yadav said.

The website might soon offer the facility of lodging FIRs online after getting digital signature facility from the Central Government. The users can also post their suggestions, objections and other information on the website, besides posting their views on dpo.rpr.police@punjab. gov.in and ssp.rupnagar @nic.in.

The website is also equipped with information on cyber crime, children safety, fire safety, home safety, safety against sexual harassment and seven general tips of security. It is also equipped to provide information about DDR entries, FIRs, traffic rules, free legal aid services and others. Various forms will also be available for download. It also has the list of proclaimed offenders, missing people, unclaimed bodies, women helpline etc.

Chandigarh, August 10
The relaxation in the upper age limit for the PCS, announced by the State of Punjab in May this year, will not benefit PCS (executive branch) aspirants who could not apply last year due to the age bar. Candidates for the PCS (judicial branch), on the other hand, tend to gain from the relaxation.

The upper age limit was increased by two years from 35 on May 24, while the last date for applying for the PCS (executive) examination was December 28 last.

A petition for directing the State of Punjab and other respondents to extend the benefit of the notification amending the 1994 PCS rules was filed before a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court by an aspirant, Baljinder Singh.

Going into the background, he had asserted that the advertisement for the PCS (executive branch) was issued on November 28 last year. While the benefit of the notification was extended to the candidates taking the PCS (judicial branch) examination held on June 17, they were at a disadvantage. Among other grounds, he had sought the high court’s indulgence on the point of discrimination.

Taking up the legal controversy, the Division Bench of Justice M.M. Kumar and Justice A.N. Jindal made it clear that the notification does not come into force with retrospective effect, and can only benefit the candidates applying for the posts after the issuance of the notification.

In their detailed order, the Bench ruled: “We are of the view that the last date of receipt of the application has to be regarded as the cut-off date for determining the eligibility of the candidates”.

Dismissing Baljinder Singh’s plea, the Bench concluded: “In the case of the petitioner, who was a prospective candidate for the PCS (executive) examination, the last date of receipt of application was December 28, 2009, which is much before the date of amendment which has been made on May 24”.

Chandigarh, August 10
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today ruled that in-laws are entitled to compensation in case of their daughter-in-law’s accidental death.

The ruling by Justice K. Kannan is significant, as insurance companies have all along been claiming that in-laws are not dependent on their daughters-in-law.

It came on an appeal filed by an insurance company against Kotkapura residents, Parlad Rai and Geeni Devi, “on the ground that the claim by the parents-in-law for the death of daughter-in-law was not maintainable”, as they could not be described as dependants.

Justice Kannan ruled: “It is not unusual that a daughter-in-law takes care of the parents-in-law in her husband’s house. The situation is truly poignant in this case that the claimants have lost their son also…. The presence of a daughter-in-law and the value of her service can never be under-estimated in the Indian situation.

Dismissing the petition by the insurance company with Rs 10,000 cost, Justice Kannan asserted: “Motor vehicles accident claims tribunal awarded a compensation of Rs 96,000 and provided that the father-in-law would take Rs 24,000 and the mother-in-law would be given Rs 72,000. It is this award that is in appeal. I find no merit in the appeal and it deserves to be dismissed”. The costs would go to Punjab and Haryana High Court mediation centre.

Rajpura, August 10
Members of the “kala kachcha” gang struck at Ganda Kheri village temple, near Rajpura, last night and took away jewellery, cash, idols, a mobile phone and even fruits and other eatables kept there.

Last week, the gang, which had been very active in late nineties in Punjab, had struck at Rangian and Nalas villages of Rajpura and looted three poor families.

IG, Patiala zone, Paramjit Gill said the gang was the same that had robbed poor families at gunpoint last week. Senior police officials, including the Rajpura DSP, the SSP and the area SHO, reached the spot to inquire into the matter.

A sickle, stolen by the gang from a house during the previous attack, was also found lying near the temple. Last time, they were six in number while this time eight assailants struck at the temple.

The priest told the police that two of the attackers were carrying pistols while others carried guns, sharp-edged weapons, sticks and torches. They took away whatever they could lay their hands on.

Last week, they had targeted four houses and managed to loot three families as the fourth one raised the alarm and foiled the attack. This time also, they came barefoot, carrying torches, ropes, sticks and firearms. They tied the hands of the temple priest and then looted the temple.

The priest told the police that they were wearing sky-blue shorts and vests only.

Police officials have decided to intensify patrolling in all villages of Rajpura. They also conducted a meeting with all sarpanches of Rajpura and asked them to organise theekri pehras (night vigil). A case has been registered.