Ludhiana, October 10
Fearing rain, farmers from across the district are bringing paddy with excessive moisture content to the mandis, which when rejected by officials is dried in the mandis for almost 24-48 hours, resulting in space shortage in mandis.

A large number of farmers who had sown paddy in the later dates are reaping their produce prematurely and getting the same to the mandis for sale. But the paddy with 18-20 per cent moisture is not procured, hence the farmers wait in the mandis till the produce is dry and ready for procurement.

At various mandis, farmers are sitting with the heaps of unsold paddy, which takes one to two days to dry.

The procurement is minimum at Raikot, Hathur and Sidhwan, while the Jagraon mandi is beginning to buzz with activity, as farmers have started coming with produce since yesterday.

The procurement is at its peak in Machchiwara, Samrala and Khanna mandis.

Out of the total arrival of 82,742 metric tonnes of paddy in the grain markets of Ludhiana district till date, 7,7625 has already been purchased.

5,117 metric tonnes of paddy has not been sold as the produce has excessive moisture content between 18-20 per cent. District mandi officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal said 32,975 metric tonnes of paddy had been lifted by the procurement agencies and 45650 metric tonnes was still "unlifted".

He said the announcements had been made in the villages not to reap premature crop, adding "the farmers have been informed about the ban on harvesting the crop after 7 pm. They have been asked to harvest between 10 am to 7 pm as per the orders of the district magistrate, Ludhiana".

Following the arrival of 11,4454 metric tonnes today, a total of 12,153 metric tonnes was purchased and 9,016 metric tonnes was lifted by the agencies.

Ludhiana, October 10
Ludhiana’s food cart has become a favourite with players at the Commonwealth Games-2010. A cycle manufacturing company, who designed the cart for the purpose of carrying hot food and fresh fruits for players inside the Games Village, is flooded with orders.

Besides, manufacturers are claiming that they have received encouraging response from players for their eco-friendly products.

Paramvir Bhogal, director, sales and marketing, Bhogal cycles said, “The company manufactured four carts for the Commonwealth Games. While one fruit cart has posters of fresh fruits on it, the other carries a poster of the games.”

The cart was even showcased during the opening ceremony of the games.

Bhogal said they had made some minor adjustments in their carts.

“The organising committee demanded an eco-friendly cart, which could ferry food at various venues of the Games Village. We took the help of some designers and manufactured a cart within a week,” said Bhogal.

A single cart costs the company around Rs 40,000. The company is upbeat after the response that they received, as TATA Agri products have also shown interest in purchasing the carts.

“We are receiving orders from all around the world. Buyers from across the globe have given us orders to manufacture similar carts. The CWG has proved to be a great platform to showcase the innovative material,” said Bhogal.

Ludhiana, October 10
Having been christened Popcorn, Snowy, Bhoori, Bhola, Naughty, stray dogs in the Sarabha Nagar market here have now become "community dogs".

Newly formed NGO "Popcorn welfare" in association with another NGO "Hope", working for the welfare of stray dogs, has adopted 15 such dogs in this area.

An initiative taken by Gurpreet Singh, a trader in Sarabha Nagar, to save street dogs from cruelty became a mission for many, as more than 50 people have come forward to work for the cause. "It took us two months to win over the stray dogs and tame them to become community dogs. But we felt triumphant after putting the collars around the necks of these dogs, who were reluctant to take a pat initially," said Gurpreet.

The reciprocation shown by the community dogs enthused the NGO members to organise a special treat for them on the Animal Day (October 10) in the main market of Sarabha Nagar, which was a thumping success.

Children participated in the painting competition and enjoyed a musical evening with the famous Amy band that had come specially for raising funds for the cause of "community dogs". Not to miss the special treat of the pedigree food, bones, popcorns, milk and dog biscuits that the community dogs were pampered with on the occasion. The dog lovers from the city, who became part of the Animal Day celebrations, pledged to work in association with the "Popcorn Welfare" and "Hope".

Major Amarjit Singh (retd) , a member of the Hope, said he had eight street dogs at his home and had even gifted a few to his family friends in the past adding that street dogs are easy to maintain, not stolen, have good immunity and are best watch dogs. They are an asset and can be accommodated in farm houses by people," added Major Amarjit Singh.

Poonam Kalra, founder of Hope, said Shiv Kaushal (a dog trainer) would give training to community dogs to spread awareness for animal welfare among city people.

The next step by the NGOs will emphasise sterilisation of community dogs, followed by their registration by the municipal corporation, Ludhiana. 

Ludhiana, October 10
“Jaadu ki jhaphi”, catchphrase from the Bollywood blockbuster “Munna Bhai MBBS” does work when it comes to promote mental health of "chronically ill" patients undergoing treatment for years.

The nursing staff at Guru Teg Bahadur Charitable Hospital lead by Dr Paramjit Singh Khurana, head of psychiatry department, has taken up the role of "cheer leaders" for chronically ill patients being treated in various wards.

Holistic approach works when it comes to treat psychiatry disorder and prolonged physical illness, said Dr Khurana.

As per the theme "Mental Health and Long Term Illness: the need for continued and integrated care" for Mental Health Day, hospital nurses have come up with slogans to boost the morale of the patients being treated for mental disorders, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer and respiratory problems.

The slogans emphasising upon "good life", "health state of well being", "general condition of body and mind" have been painted on sheets, which will be exhibited for patients.

A warm smile, a consoling hug, a compassionate hearing and motivation to fight diseases from within is what matters the most when it comes to continued and integrated care of the patients suffering from chronic ailments.

The fact has been established in worldwide studies says Dr PS Khurana and the World Mental Health Federation (WMHF) is elemental in bringing more attention to mental illness and its effects on individual life, work, family and overall stability of communities and countries.

The awareness to “act in the right direction” is must when it comes to the families of the patients suffering from prolonged illness, as they should know about the impact of mental disorder on physical health and vice-versa, feel the experts.

Ludhiana, October 10
If the local unit of the Congress claims to be a united house, it is fooling no body because the ongoing blame game between six serving and former councillors and a former legislator is ample proof that the main Opposition, which claims to be waiting to take over the reins of the state in the next Assembly elections is thoroughly faction-ridden.

The bone of contention behind the open conflict between a few Congress councillors and former MLA Surinder Dawar seems to be the party’s nomination from the erstwhile Ludhiana (East) Assembly segment which has now been reorganised into two segments namely Ludhiana (East) and Ludhiana (Central).

More than 12 serving and former party councillors - Parminder Mehta, Sanjay Talwar, Rakesh Parashar, Ashok Bagga, Raj Kapoor, Sham Sunder Malhotra, Jasbir Chadha among others have openly charged Dawar, a former chief parliamentary secretary, for creating dissensions in the party.

The party councillors and other activists alleged that Dawar was portraying himself as a “pre-decided” party candidate from the Ludhiana (East) Assembly segment, which he had lost to BJP nominee Sat Pal Gosain in the last elections. “Dawar is visiting party activists, making all kinds of promises to them and also interfering in approval and execution of development works in a bid to show certain councillors or party functionaries in poor light.” one of the Congress councillors alleged

The party activists further maintained that the issue of the selection of the candidate for the next Assembly elections, due in 2012, is absolutely open and remains a prerogative of the party high command, which will take a decision on merit and winning prospects of the person. “Every Congress nominee who lost in the previous elections is not going to be selected to contest the next election as well and this principle had never been followed, they pointed out.

Not to take the attack from within his own party lying down, Dawar also hit his detractors back, albeit through proxy.

Several party functionaries stood out in support of Dawar and castigated the councillors for opening a front against Dawar for their vested interest.

The party functionaries, many block presidents and other office-bearers among them, charged the Congress councillors from wards located in Ludhiana (East) and the (Central) segments, with acting on the behest of the SAD-BJP ruling coalition in the civic body for getting their development projects approved.

Without being specific, Dawar supporters alleged that at least some Congress councillors were hobnobbing with BJP legislator and deputy speaker of Punjab Assembly Sat Pal Gosain for their selfish and political motives, and their anti-party activities were being brought to the notice of senior party leaders for taking disciplinary action.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 10
Be it a social gathering or a function, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal has emerged as one of the most discussed men in the state.

Even those who wanted Capt Amrinder Singh to become the next CM, have channelled their discussions around the farsightedness of Manpreet Badal and his concern over the economic stability of the state.

Constitution of a disciplinary committee to look into allegation of breach of party discipline by Manpreet has triggered a debate on his future.

Jagjit Singh Jajjie, a social activist, regretted that the Badals, instead of appreciating Manpreet’s vision and his concern for economic stability of the state, were all out to offend him among cadre of the SAD.

“The Badals should understand that politics is no more a game of number of heads only. People are wise enough to differentiate between the right and wrong.

Manpreet is being backed as he has been taking up issues of common people instead of pleasing members of his clan,” argued Jajjie.

Appreciating Manpreet’s stand, Dr Ravinder Sharma, another social activist, urged leaders of the ruling party to stand by him. 

Sahnewal, October 10
Despite the government’s promise to construct a flyover on the most complicated level-crossing in the town, work on the same is yet to be started.

The delay in the construction work has raised doubts in the minds of residents.

The level-crossing of Sahnewal remains a perpetual headache not only for daily commuters, but also for residents, shopkeepers and pedestrians who suffer frequent traffic congestions on the single main market road of Sahnewal.

Residents said, “We have to leave our home early in the morning, as during the rush hours, the crossing remains closed. We now seem to be living with it, but sometimes the situation goes really out of control, especially when there is an emergency.”

“First the trains test our patience and then keeper of the gate, who opens gates at his leisure and seems to be least bothered about the precious time of commuters waiting endlessly on both sides,” rued a commuter.

Commuters alleged that there had been frequent scuffles with the gate man on duty, as the gates remained closed even if there was no indication of the arrival of the next train. “The level-crossing remains closed for most of the time and each time passersby have to wait for half an hour or more. This happens nearly 10 to 15 times in a day,” said another commuter.

“Hardly does the long vehicular traffic clears, a fresh line follows as the crossing is shut down for the passage of another train. Sometimes two or three trains pass at a stretch,” said a commuter.

Shopkeepers complained that vehicles kept bumping into each other. “Frequent traffic jams have become the order of the day. Also, minor accidents and scuffles are witnessed everyday. Instead of following a particular line, commuters make four to five lines, thus creating further confusion for the pedestrians,” added a resident. 

Ludhiana, October 10
With tear rolling down his cheeks, Parminder Singh, a head constable, was cursing the day he joined the police force, which has rendered him homeless.

Parminder Singh, who is deputed as a PSO to Judicial Magistrate PS Kaleka, sold his house at Paviter Nagar in Haibowal four months ago.

He vacated the house four days ago hoping that he would soon get a room on rent, but little did he know that no one in the city would give him a shelter. For the past three days his household goods are littered the road and he has been forced to take shelter in a gurdwara located near his house.

Hailing from a Rajewal village near Patiala, he joined the police force 23 years ago. He has also served in PCR fleet during its launch in 2002.

“I am depressed and not in a state to talk right now. For the past three days I haven’t slept properly. I cannot even share the humiliating situation with my family back home. I sold the house thinking that the money generated from there would help in establishing the career of two sons, who are currently studying in Mohali, but I did not know that it would be blunder,” said Parminder Singh.

Hugging the photograph of Guru Nanak Dev, the emotionally chocked Parminder Singh said a food inspector agreed to give him a house on rent. But as soon as he came to know about I being a cop, he returned the token money and refused to allot him a house on rent.

He was happy when someone agreed to give him a room on rent. “Lets hope this time I manage to get a room,” said Parminder Singh, while instructing one of his relatives to look after his belongings.

Determinism has been the theme of Greek plays as well as the novels of Thomas Hardy. Ultimately, coincidences, situations and circumstances determine the course of one’s life. One has to accept the outcome even when one feels like denying the cup that has been dealt, in Shelley’s words, “in another measure.” So one has to cling to certain ideas as these provide an escape from the drudgery of life. When there seems to be no logic, nor is the mind capable of grasping certain phenomenon, one relies on the accepted theory of being and non-being.

One seeks refuge in myths when the going becomes difficult. The canopy of myths provide shelter from the onslaughts of doubts and fears. The Greek God Apollo is evoked when one needs cure from a disease. Pan, the Greek God of flocks, is remembered when there is a musical contest. Dionysus, the God of vine, is closely connected to the earth. He inspires men with lofty visions through the power of intoxication. The Greek Goddess of love Aphrodite and the God of love Eros have their own domains, where they interweave yarns of love and infatuation.

Nevertheless the modern man has been caught in the whirlpool of misgivings and misadventures. Much is at stake in this world that promises a lot but delivers a little. The uncertain future is gnawing at the vitals of human existence. The past is dead, they say, but the past is never dead. It lives and relives in the memory of human beings. The future is also a part of the memory in the form of expectations. So it is true that a moment is a window on all times.

So much is happening at short notice or without any notice. No doubt we are in step with the fast-changing universe. There is no scope of lagging behind in any walk of life. The wheels of time will crush whosoever is not keeping pace with the same gusto as is expected of him. When all is said and done, where do we meet to discuss the problems, which are being swept under the carpet? The cravings in the inner recesses of the mind are being brandished as a red rag to the bull.

Whenever a particular idea grips the minds of the youth, they are in the streets. Earlier to the Partition, the concept of freedom acted as a catalyst to change the course of life of the dedicated persons. Most of the freedom fighters at that time were in their late teens or early twenties. They faced the police that was prone to lathicharge at the slightest provocation. Mostly the processions used to be peaceful, except the slogan-mongering, which used to be at the highest pitch. Confrontation was avoided as a matter of policy.

The point I have been driving home is that it is the drift of the time that determines the course of the life of the younger generation. Freedom fighters of the earlier times had caught the spirit of the age. They were successful because their cause was genuine. But the concept of “Azadi” that has been inculcated in minds of the youth in the Valley has no solid base.

“Azadi” in what sense and from whom? At the most it can be termed as liberation from preconceived notions and misconceptions. Thereafter, the future would hopefully be promising and propitious.

by NS Tasneem

Ludhiana, October 10
With an objective to create awareness among people regarding development in the corporate sector and capital market, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India today organised an investor awareness programme under the aegis of Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) of Ministry of Corporate Affairs at ICAI Bhawan.

Chairman Hukminder Sahi said the emerging role of chartered accountants in bringing awareness among investors on the intricacies in the capital market was important in the present economic era, where information and guidance was the most important tool both for beginners as well as regular investors. He said before investing in the capital market, the investor must carefully read public offers like document and prospectus.

Dr Raj Singh, registrar, companies, Punjab, Chandigarh and HP, was the chief guest on the occasion. He said in addition to the economic scenario, investors should also know their rights and liabilities, the grievance handling mechanism and different agencies to be approached for redressal.

Speakers from capital market BK Sabharwal, executive director, Jaypee Capital Services, spoke on “Option Strategy for Stock and Currency Market”. He said, “With the growing economy and volatile markets we need fresh innovative minds in the industry to grab hold of this opportunity. ICAI has been proactive across India and today the efforts of Ludhiana chapter of ICAI produced a great event.”

Ludhiana, October 10
The 52nd Zonal Youth Festival, Ludhiana Zone-A, at SCD Government College entered its second day here today.

Harish Rai Dhanda and Bikramjeet Singh Khalsa, chief Parliamentary secretaries, were chief guests.

College principal Jasbir Kaur Makkar said it was a proud moment for the college, as both the guests happened to be the alumni of the institution.

Dhanda said while academics provided only knowledge, it was cultural and art activities that developed man's sensibilities.

He also set an example in humility and modesty by stressing that institutions were bigger than individuals.

Khalsa also dwelt upon the significance of youth festivals in the holistic development of student’s personalities.

A total of 350 students from various colleges participated in different events. Most items focused on youth-related themes like “mad rush for foreign countries”, “ultra-modernity” and issues related to women.

Meanwhile, an exhibition displaying the rich cultural heritage of Punjab is also going on the college.

Various articles of daily use in a common Punjabi household were also showcased. An effort had been made to revive interest in the fast dying folk arts of Punjab like phulkari, pakhi, charkha etc. The aim was to make students aware of their cultural roots and thereby help them stay connected and grounded.

The session was presided over by MLA Harish Bedi. He congratulated the winners of various events. He also stressed upon the need to participate in such festivals with a positive attitude.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 10
Daring to visit his old friend’s house for lodging a complaint with his parents cost Mandeep Singh his life. He was killed a week ago. This disclosure was made by the four accused, who were arrested by the Sadar police from different places in the area, yesterday.

Those arrested had been identified as Chamkaur Singh of Kanganwal, Pavittar Singh Pitta of Baurhai, Jassa Singh of Dhaler and Sukhpreet Singh Sukhu of Jhammatt village. They admitted having killed Mandeep Singh, who had dared to bring his mother Harpal Kaur and uncle to Chamkaur’s house to lodge a complaint with his (Chamkaur’s) parents on the fateful day.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Mandeep Singh and Chamkaur Singh, who were old friends, had parted over lifestyle manners. Drug addiction and eve teasing were the main issues that had widened the gap between the two friends.

Chamkaur waylaid Mandeep and challenged him to try his strength with his men last Saturday. He allegedly threatened him of dire consequences in case he continued interfering in his matters. As Mandeep had dared to visit his house the same day, Chamkaur, along with his accomplice stabbed him to death.

“Seeing Mandeep Singh along with his mother and uncle at our house, we could not control ourselves and attacked him with weapons,” stated Chamkaur before the investigating team.

DSP Amargarh Gupreet Singh Sikand, had constituted an SIT led by Amritpal Singh to nab the accused. The accused were arrested when they were trying to leave the area yesterday. The police is yet to recover weapons used in the crime.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 10
Deeming demand raised by senior citizens for parity in train travel concession, Dhuri MLA Iqbal Singh Jhoonda has urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to impress upon authorities in the railway ministry to remove the disparity between senior citizens of both sexes. In a communication recommended by legislators, senior citizens and pensioners of the area have once again urged union railway minister Mamata Benerjee to remove the disparity pertaining to the train travel concession.

The trend, besides creating a gap between senior citizens of both sexes, were not in women’s favour as they were made to travel more, argued the senior citizens.

The senior citizens, led by Dev Raj Sofat, have urged the union railway minister to review the policies drafted by her predecessors and remove the disparity.

The senior citizens have accused former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav of causing injustice to men by allowing lower (30 per cent) concession than that allowed for members of the fair sex in the same age group. Terming the disparity as an attempt to divide the men and the women, Sofat regretted that the authorities had ignored teachings propagated by various religions while taking decision to stop enhancement of concession to male senior citizens.

“While all religions propagate that husband and wife are two wheels of a cart and symbolises one soul in two bodies, the authorities treat them differently. Moreover, lower concession for male has put extra burden on women as they are made to travel more to save the money,” argued Sofat.

Justifying the demand the legislator, in charge of the SAD, said he had taken up the matter with higher authorities, who had assured him of reviewing the case. Usha Sood, president, Municipal Council, Ramesh Ghaie, BJP office- bearer, Amrit Pal Singh, retired headmaster, Krishan Gopal, president, block welfare committee, and Avtar Singh, councillor, were among the prominent signatories.

Ludhiana, October 10
The city has witnessed phenomenal expansion during the past three decades. According to 2001 Census, the population of the district as a whole was more than 30 lakhs and today that of the Ludhiana city alone stands at 35 lakhs. The total population of the district has touched 50 lakhs.

It is a pity that the expansion of the state administrative offices has not kept pace with the expansion that took place during this period. Being the financial capital of Punjab, the revenue earning departments like the Income Tax and the Central Excise have now huge administrative set up. Ludhiana has one Chief IT Commissioner with seven commissioners, including two Commissioners of Income Tax (Appeals). There are seven ranges of Income Tax with seven additional income tax commissioners and other paraphernalia.

Similarly, Ludhiana has now full-fledged Commissionerate of the Central Excise and Customs. Both these departments are earning huge revenue from the industries. Contrary to this, the district administrative set up always remain busy due to the rise in population and increase in the revenue work, has not seen any expansion for the past many years. Besides, deputy commissioner, there are two additional deputy commissioners and two subdivisions for Ludhiana and the city (East) and (West).

More than 5000 people daily visit the district administrative complex that is also known as the ‘mini secretariat’ for the redressal of their grievances. Many of the officers are busy looking after the VIPs who visit the town very frequently. Ludhiana being the capital of small industries and otherwise, too, being politically active, lot of VIPs visits this town. The Chief Minister and his son Deputy Chief Minister don’t miss any opportunity to visit this town. One day’s visit by either of the two means no work in the offices of the state government on that particular day. There is a very strong case for strengthening the district administration. Even the police set up has witnessed a big expansion with the introduction of police Commissionerate system.

Rahul Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, strongly feels that to cope with the rush of work and redress the grievances of the people, Ludhiana needs at least two more additional deputy commissioners and two more SDM offices. Ludhiana town already has two SDMs (East) and (West), respectively. They are supposed to look after the development work and the law and order situation in the district. The Ludhiana town has witnessed spurt in the real estate business and revenue work has increased manifold. The state government has provided two more sub-registrars and now their number has risen to four.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, Suvidha Centre has also come as a big help as it deals with more than 300 people who come for the attestation of affidavits, issuing arms licences and marriage registrations. Ludhiana district has five sub-divisional offices at Samrala, Khanna, Raikot, Payal and Jagraon. The judicial set up of Ludhiana has also witnessed a big expansion. There are as many as 29 subordinates courts besides the district and session judge’s court. There are seven additional district judges court as well. Two fast track courts, one labour court and one consumer court are also working in this town. Ludhiana calls for early strengthening of the district administrative set up.

Ludhiana, October 10
Dialysis is the lifeline for 22-year-old Mani, who is suffering from the renal failure for the past five years. Having undergone treatment at various hospitals in the city, the girl was referred to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) last year, where the doctors recommended her to undergo kidney transplant.

The girl’s father, who works in a factory, has exhausted all his savings for treating his daughter. The family spends Rs 6,000 per week on the Mani’s dialysis.

Now, the situation is such that he can’t afford to pay for the operation.

Ruby, the girl’s mother, said: “We are unable to pay for the estimated cost of the kidney transplant, thus want people to come forward for helping my daughter.”

Owing to her physical health, Mani had to quit studies after Class V, as she was unable to perform in academics. However, the family wants Mani to recover and lead a normal life.

Aggrieved over her sister’s condition, Kajal, one-year-elder to Mani said, “To have a sister is a blessing but looking at Mani, pain is all I feel.

I just pray to the God to take my share of good health and make her a healthy person once again.”

People interested in helping the family can contact the PR department at the DMCH. 

Ludhiana, October 10
Life is full of struggle for Geetika (9), who after being diagnosed as suffering from blood cancer is undergoing treatment at the PGI, Chandigarh.

Geetika, a resident of New Kartar Nagar, Salem Tabri, belongs to the economically weaker section of society and it is impossible for her parents to bear the expenses of her treatment.

Rajesh Kumar, the girl’s father, while appealing for the donations, said, “I am a painter and earn enough to make both ends meet. The cost of my daughter’s treatment is Rs 3 lakh and I feel helpless as the amount is out of my reach.”

Dr RK Marwaha, professor of pediatric hematology, oncology at the PGI, in a certificate issued in favour of Geetika has confirmed that the girl is suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and needs chemotherapy for two years. Geetika dreams of becoming a doctor one day and serve the ailing people.

Those willing to donate generously so as to save her life can deposit the donation in the saving bank account No. 2409000102531948, IFS Code PUNB0240900, Punjab National Bank, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana. Rajesh Kumar could be contacted at 98155-66716.

Ludhiana, October 10
More than 40 physically handicapped persons were given artificial limbs during an artificial limbs distribution camp here today.

The camp was sponsored by Helping Hand Welfare Association, Ludhiana, and was co-hosted by Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust, Punjab.

Tarun Jain from Helping Hand Welfare Association said their organisation would extend help to the NGOs working for the physically handicapped.

Dr Kuldip Singh, president of the Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust, said: "We have distributed limbs to 33,000 people, besides conducting free polio surgery camps."

Ludhiana, October 10
Eye department at the DMCH has got accreditation from the Punjab State authorities under the Human Organs Transplant Act, 1994, to setup a centre for corneal transplantation on the premises.

The centre aims to test, evaluate and process the corneas received from various eye donors and distribute the processed corneas found viable for corneal transplantation to the needy.

According to head of ophthalmology department Dr GS Bajwa, 2.5 million people in India are blind due to corneal diseases and the number swells at a high rate every year and almost 60 per cent are children.

The number of eye donations required for combating corneal blindness is atleast 1,50,000 pairs of eyes per year as against a mere 7,500 pairs donated all across the country.

Eye donors can contact at 99141-66699, 98762-05459.

Ludhiana, October 10
Even as the municipal corporation has been reprimanded many a times by the Punjab and Haryana High Court for its failure to remove encroachments-in the course of a civil writ petition, which is still to be finally disposed of, regulatory and enforcement staff of the building branch of the civic body still finds it tough to deal with the ever-increasing encroachments and blatant violations of building bylaws in the mega city.

The pace of work being done in the name of removal of encroachments is too slow and grossly disproportionate to the gigantic problem that stands in the way of development.

That the field staff of the building branch does not take its assigned task seriously is evident from a number of encroachments on public roads and streets in the posh BRS Nagar locality, where structures have been raised beyond the houseline for a security check post, a public street as per the original layout plan of the colony has been blocked by putting iron gates, portions of a green belt have been unlawfully occupied and quite a few house owners have extended their boundary by putting up fencing outside their buildings or extension of kitchen gardens on government land.

A complaint lodged with the MC Commissioner by residents of H Block in BRS Nagar states that the violation of houseline, encroachments on public streets or government land were duly identified by the building branch and cross (X) signs were painted on them long back, which denote that if the encroachment is not removed by owners within a given time, these will face demolition. However, no follow-up action has been taken for removal of these encroachments, residents maintain.

Going a step further, several area residents alleged that field staff of the building branch of the MC, not only in this specific case, but as a general rule, is most of the times, hand in glove with those behind unlawful occupation of government land, other encroachments or violation of building bylaws.

“It is simply not possible to encroach upon a public road or street, or for that matter construct a building in violation of the approved building plan without the tacit consent of the staff of building branch. They are not only aware of such offences, but make a lot of easy money under threats of taking action,” remarked another area resident.

Ludhiana, October 10
Ten top outfits of the country will slug it out in the XIVth All-India Mohinder Partap Singh Grewal Women’s Hockey Tournament slated to be held at Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium of Punjab Agricultural University from October 25 to 29.

DS Grewal, president, Mohinder Partap Singh Grewal Charitable Trust, said the teams included Central Railway, Mumbai, Northern Eastern Railway, Gorakhpur, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, IMA Academy, Jalandhar, Chandigarh Academy, MP Academy, Gwalior, Ludhiana XI, Western Central Railway, Jabalpur, South Eastern Railway, Kolkata and Shahbad Markanda Hockey Centre.

The tournament will be played on a knock-out basis.

The winners will pocket a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the team finishing as runners-up will get a cash prize of Rs 35,000. The third position holders will receive a cash prize of Rs 10,000.

Besides, best player, highest scorer and the highest scorer from penalty corners (minimum five goals) will also be given cash prizes.

The selection committee to choose the best players has been formed.

It comprises former international players-Sharanjit Kaur, HS Bhullar, Pritpal Kaur Kohli and Pushpinder Kaur.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon will be the chief guest on the concluding day.

Roller skating meet on Oct 16

The 13th edition of the Ludhiana District Roller Skating Championship will be held at the skating rinks, near Leisure Valley, Sarabha Nagar, here on October 16 and 17.

Competition in the sub-junior, junior as well as senior boys and girls would be conducted during this two-day meet, said JS Dhaliwal, District Roller Skating Association (DRSA), Ludhiana. Entries close on October 13 at 4 pm.