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SAD, BJP iron out major differences
Malwa politically hot; calm in Majha, Doaba
Power corpn allots 60 pc OYT connections in Malwa
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Now, get ‘Sidhuisms’ on SMS
Paddy growers ‘yet to get relief amount’
State’s sex ratio looks up
Govt ignoring thalassaemic kids
Rs 2.5 crore stamp duty evaded in land transactions
Ghuman to head Dasmesh Academy
Quality education need of the hour, says Badal
Patiala medical college blood bank is No. 1
DC raids govt departments
Cleanliness contract ends, Anandpur filthy
20 yrs later, Kalia’s plea still pending in HC
Case against two schools
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SAD, BJP iron out major differences
Chandigarh, January 6 As a result, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today announced the constitution of a cabinet subcommittee with both Kalia and Sukhbir as its members to find a solution to the BJP’s demand for forming two new districts in the state. The BJP wants Pathankot and Fazilka — both with a strong BJP vote bank--- as districts. BJP legislator from Fazilka Surjit Kumar Jiyani is on fast since yesterday, seeking the declaration of Fazilka as a district. Making things difficult for his own party, Jagdish Raj Sawhney, BJP legislator from Batala,has threatened to launch an agitation against the government if Batala was bypassed to make Pathankot a district. While Sawhney is a former Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Pathankot is represented by the BJP leader and Transport Minister, Master Mohan Lal. The BJP and the SAD have had major differences during the past four years over the distribution of development funds. The BJP has alleged that the SAD gave development funds to rural constituencies, ignoring the former’s urban vote bank. Finally, the BJP has managed to get the SAD to agree to getting a bank loan of Rs 1,100 crore through the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Corporation that will be distributed among 23 constituencies with a BJP vote bank. The BJP, which wants two districts and some new subdivisions carved out in the state,has in the past questioned the rationale behind making districts like Barnala that has only 120 villages, two nagar panchayats and one municipality. Similarly, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district comprises only two tehsils of Nawanshahr and Balachaur. Fatehgarh Sahib, also a new district, comprises four subdivisions of Amloh, Bassi Pathana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna. The BJP has accused the SAD of appeasing its own vote bank, while doing nothing for the BJP vote bank. The BJP has been so upset that at times it has even issued veiled threats to it senior political partner. Last year BJP leader and the then in charge of Punjab affairs Yashwant Sinha had to come and do some plain speaking with the Chief Minister to assert the position of his party in the coalition. Though Sukhbir and Kalia are reported to have ironed out many issues creating a chasm between their parties, the two are yet to look for practical ways to meet the BJP’s demand. For example, the creation of the new districts is likely to cost between Rs 150 crore and Rs 200 crore each. The state has no money to spare at present.Besides, the state is short of civil servants, especially PCS officers, who will be required to be deployed in the new districts. The cabinet subcommittee is expected to find a way out on various issues and make an announcement in mid-February.
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Malwa politically hot; calm in Majha, Doaba
Jalandhar, January 6 Politicians of this region are keenly observing the developments, especially those related to the Maghi Mela in the Malwa region. The mela, to be held next week at Muktsar, which is located in the heart of the Malwa belt, has for the first time assumed great political significance because of the challenge thrown up by Manpreet Badal to the SAD and the Congress. Manpreet has announced that he will organise a bigger political conference than that of the SAD and the Congress. He has been mobilising people for the conference over the past few weeks. The Congress is also leaving no stone unturned to make its conference a big show. It has deputed Avtar Singh Brar, a senior Congress leader, to handle the task of organising an impressive political conference at the Maghi Mela. On the other hand, the ruling SAD leadership led by Sukhbir Singh Badal is going all out to prove the point that it still dominates the core Malwa region, which has remained its stronghold for several decades. Usually, people from the Malwa region take part in the Maghi Mela. Obviously, the Maghi Mela will have a big impact on state politics this time. It will determine the future course of politics for various parties which are preparing for the Assembly elections in the state. Both the Congress and the SAD will be keenly watching the turnout at Manpreet’s conference because on the basis of the gathering there, the two parties will plan their electoral strategy. “Over the past some weeks, the SAD and the Congress have been trying to figure out which political party Manpreet will cause more damage to in the next Assembly elections,” said a political observer. Manpreet and his associates are keen on floating a political party on March 23 at a function to be held at Khatkar Kalan, native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
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Power corpn allots 60 pc OYT connections in Malwa
Patiala, January 6 While Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is MLA from Lambi, Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal represents Jalalabad constituency while his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal is Member Parliament from Bathinda. According to figures, over 3 lakh connections released by the PSPCL for various categories of consumers in Punjab, over 72,000 OYT connections were meant for farmers. Of these, 47,103 connections were meant only for the West Zone that covers Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot and Muktsar districts. “This shows the disparity in the allottment of connections as many villages in other parts of Punjab, especially in Congress dominated areas were ignored and preference was given to the CM’s home constituency,” allege villagers from Congress dominated areas. Under the OYT a farmer has to spend Rs 75,000 to own a tubewell connection. Senior officials, however, admit that following political pressure, accommodating the CM’s home constituency is an absolute must. “There is no option,” they said. The South Zone, covering Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib districts were released only 12,000 connections under the OYT scheme in the past one year. The Central Zone, including Ludhiana and Khanna got only a little over 3,600 of total 72,000 connections. North Zone, including Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Nawanshahr faired a little better with over 6,000 of those connections and border districts nearing Amritsar was sanctioned only 35,00 such connections. The review of the popular OYT scheme, which has been suspended by the PSEB following reports of large-scale corruption, was conducted by PSEB chairman YS Ratra along with senior officers of the board. Ratra had later ordered an inquiry that was conducted by the Vigilance Bureau. Denying all such allegations, K.D. Chaudhri, CMD, PSPCL said, no preference was being extended to any zone, including the CM’s belt. “The entire Bathinda belt was lagging behind in terms of OYT connections and therefore more connections might have been sanctioned there,” he said. He claimed the scheme is implemented in a transparent manner.
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Himachal industrial units discharging effluents into Beas, Sutlej: PPCB
Talwara (Hoshiarpur), January 6 The team found that industrial units located in Sansarpur Terrace industrial area in Kangra district not only dump their sullage and toxic solid waste into the tributaries but are also discharging effluents. According to Ashok Chalotra, environmental engineer, the industrial units were discharging effluents in Swan Khud on the Beas. He said industrial solid waste and hazardous sludge, including rubber parts, pharma waste, plastic etc besides ash. Sandeep Behal, Executive Engineer, PPCB, said the team has collected samples of water and solid waste and sent them to its Patiala lab for a chemical examination. Senior officials of the board have also been informed about the situation, he said. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had recently written to his Himachali counterpart seeking immediate action to redress the problem, which aggravates during the rainy season, he added. In April, Ropar Deputy Commissioner had also visited the area following complaints of large-scale discharge of effluents by industrial units in Nangal which had led to the death of a large number of water fowls and fish in the Sutlej. As per the report submitted by the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Nangal, into the incident, disposal of industrial waste from HP was polluting Talwara, Brahmla Khud and the Swan rivulet. Sources say the report also states that units in Bilaspur district, near Bhakra Dam and the Golthai industrial area also release pollutants into the Sutlej. Similarly, industrial units located in Tahliwal village in Una district are polluting the Swan rivulet which joins the Sutlej, sources add. Environmental Engineer, Kangra, S.K. Dhiman, said the HP Pollution Control Board, was monitoring the problem.
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Now, get ‘Sidhuisms’ on SMS
Talking to The Tribune on phone from New Delhi today, Sidhu said, “I made up my mind to go for a copyright for Sidhuism after I came to know that there are thousands of websites distorting it. I have assigned the job of designing my website to one of the top designers. My website will be like VIBGYOR, the seven colours of a spectrum, showcasing my life. My fans would also get to explore hidden aspects of my personality. For instance, very few know that I am the highest paid corporate speaker in India. I charge Rs 6 lakh for an hour.” Sidhu says he would soon tie up with a mobile operator to reach out to his fans daily. He said, “It would certainly act as a helpline for Amritsar residents to help them air their grievances and reach out to me.” “It may have different angles like business, thought sharing and motivation etc,” he said. He said the revenue will go to Amritsar. Interestingly, Sidhu is not at all computer savvy. “I am getting a special programme designed to make it easier for me to operate computer and Internet.” He credited his 16-year-old daughter for the idea.
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Demand for district status to Fazilka opposed
Ferozepur/Abohar, January 6 Members of the Zila Bachao Sangarash Committee, Ferozepur, today blocked traffic at Sher Shah Wali Chowk and staged a dharna to lodge their protest against the state government’s move to carve out another district from the existing boundaries of Ferozepur district. They also took out a protest march. “From tomorrow, 11 members of the sangarash committee will start a relay fast in front of the Deputy Commissioner office. Traffic will also be blocked near the octroi post number seven. Their agitation will continue till Jiyani continues his fast,” said KD Syal, president
of the District Bar Association, Ferozepur. Meanwhile, a section of members of the Bar Association, Abohar, today staged a dharna on the premises of the court complex to press the Punjab Government to accept their demand to elevate this subdivision to district. The Bar Association has also decided to continue their agitation till January 11. NK Garg, president of the Bar Association, Abohar, said: “We have given a call to all organisations connected with farmers, traders, clubs, political parties, employees and professionals to join a dharna that will be staged tomorrow at the court complex here.” He said the Bar Association had already submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister in connection with the demand of district status for Abohar, which was having the required infrastructure for getting
this status.
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Punjab to monitor cases filed against seniors citizens
Patiala, January 6 While Punjab-level nodal officer will be of the rank of ADGP, every Superintendent Police (D) has been designated to monitor such cases and send a report to the head office. A communiqué has already been sent to the zonal IGs and district SSPs. “Seniors are unnecessarily involved in litigation pertaining to registration of FIRs. The communiqué comes in wake of a notion that the seniors were involved in cases where they are just related to some of the accused”, reads the preface of the communiqué. “The SSP’s have been directed to investigate the dowry cases carefully and involve the parents after a thorough probe while and they should be treated with respect. Same should be done in cases pertaining to kidnapping of a girl, where the police try to harass the boy’s parents. This should be probed and the SSP should ensure that the elderly are not involved just for being related to the accused,” its reads. A senior police official told TNS, that this was a good step as the senior residents should be given all facilities and despite repeated efforts the behaviour of lower-ranked policemen had not changed towards them. “The timely monitoring by senior police officers would ensure better policing for seniors,” he added. The letter states that the District police should not to act under and political influence and register cases against senior citizens. A constable should be sent across for questioning them rather than calling the senior citizens to the police station. Following the communiqué, strict instructions have been passed pertaining to the complaints of the retired Army officers and pensioners. “These people have to approach the Chief Minister for every small matter, which would not be a good sign,” it reads.
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Gas agencies found flouting norms
Patiala, January 6 The raids were conducted after the Patiala DC, Dipinder Singh, got complaints of LPG shortage in the city. Dipinder said maximum violations were found at the Malwa Gas Service, Sanaur, while seven domestic gas cylinders were seized from the Rajindra Gymkhana and Mahindra Club. Officials said that the gas agency in Sanaur had not entered the 438 cylinders that came in a truck from Bharat Petroleum. “Malwa Gas Service was charging more from the consumers and incomplete stock board was found,” they said. The agency was misusing their domestic cylinders and seals were broken in many cylinders. “This shows that the agency might be transferring the gas from domestic cylinders to commercial cylinders,which is a violation of the rules,” District Administration officials said. The officials said the Malwa Gas Service officials were found to be selling ration to the consumers if they wanted the gas cylinder. “In the entire situation the common man the worst sufferer,” they added. SDM Patiala Gurmeet Singh supervised the raids at various places in and around Patiala. The administration has warned of surprise checks at gas agencies to ensure that they comply with all directions. Dipinder said, “We would further take appropriate action against the gas agencies violating norms.” Owner of the Malwa Gas Service, Kabis Das, told TNS, that all allegations were wrong and though the DC had the rights to check the stock, they were not at fault. “We gave them all possible assistance and I do not know why they are accusing us of violations,” said Das, who is also a former deputy mayor of
Patiala.
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Science Express attracts students
Ferozepur, January 6 A visitor Manish Kumar, a science teacher, said it was a novel way to take modern research out of the lab and highlight its role in developing a scientific temper. Lt Col Vijay Ramaniah
(Retd), project coordinator said the train has attracted more than 51 lakh visitors to the witness the exhibition during its journey through 55 locations covering a distance of 18,000 km. “Each coach has a separate theme like
Nanocosmos, climate change, global challenges, spaceship earth, Big Bang, from “gene to organism” and architecture of the mind besides there are several groundbreaking discoveries, emerging issues and future oriented technologies on the exhibit,” he said. The train would halt for four days in
Ferozepur. A team of well trained science communicators from Vikram Sarabahi Community Science centre were also be available aboard the train to help the visitors and answer to their queries. “The students can also conduct experiments in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Math in ‘Joy of Science’ lab in coach no. 13 of the train,” he added. Earlier, Vishwesh
Chobey, DRM Ferozpur, said one of the major objectives of this project on wheels was to encourage children pursue career in science. He said the 16 coaches of the train had been especially fabricated for the Department of Science and Technology by Rail Coach Factory,
Kapurthala, besides majority of the exhibits had been designed by Max Planck Society of Germany, a Noble laureate powerhouse.
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Paddy growers ‘yet to get relief amount’
Ludhiana, January 6 The government had announced the release of the first instalment of Rs 150 crore three months ago while the second instalment of Rs 150 crore will be released in April. However, many agencies have not even started the process. Resentment prevails among farmers over the “dilly-dallying” attitude of agencies in disbursing the amount. BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal said at a meeting held with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on December 28 last year, it was decided to disburse the first instalment within one week. However, more than 10 days have been passed, many agencies had not even started the process, he added. Rajewal said they had failed to understand why agencies were delaying making payments to farmers. He said except for Punjab Agro, Warehousing Corporation and Markfed, agencies like Punsup, Pungrain and the FCI had not even released a single penny to farmers adding that if these agencies failed to release the amount within 2-3 days, farmers would launch a statewide agitation.
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State’s sex ratio looks up
Chandigarh, January 6 Stating this here, Health Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla said the state was trying to create awareness and to sensitise people regarding the worth of the girl child. The department had inspected 3,462 ultrasound centres across the state since April 2010 to ensure they did not indulge in female foeticide. Notices had been sent to 144 of these centres under Section 20 of the PNDT Act. The minister said the licences of 96 centres were suspended whereas licences of five centres were cancelled following different violations of the provisions of the Act.
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Govt ignoring thalassaemic kids
Jalandhar, January 6 The medicine is required to clear out toxic iron that releases in the body of thalassaemic kids after the breakdown of transfused blood cells. Need to clear toxic iron arises invariably in all the thalassaemic kids after several transfusions. Otherwise, if accumulates, toxic iron causes poisoning and leads to disfunctioning of various vital organs. As most of the thalassaemic kids getting treatment across the state belong to poor families, the situation is worst as the drug that costs around Rs 1,500-2,000 per month per patient is beyond the reach of many kids. “Out of the total 90 kids getting treatment here, only a few of them are able to purchase the drug every month,” said Satnam Singh, president of the Amritsar Thalassaemic Welfare Society. Though the facility of free blood transfusion is available at all government thalassaemic units of the state, neither the Centre nor the state government is extending any financial help to provide subsidised medicines for such kids. “Students of only government and aided schools are entitled to avail the treatment free of cost. Contrarily, most of the kids either belong to poor families or are below the schoolgoing age,” said president of the Jalandhar Thalassaemic Society TS
Bhatia.
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Rs 2.5 crore stamp duty evaded in land transactions
Fatehgarh Sahib, January 6 The report has allegedly accused the then tehsildar and naib tehsildar for the evasion. It states that the officials concerned did not charge the three percent fees, deliberately incurring losses Rs 2.5 crore to the state exchequer. In a letter written to the financial commissioner, a copy of which is in possession of The Tribune, deputy commissioner Yashvir Mahajan has stated that Gupta was asked to look into all land records registered in office of the sub-registrar between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2010.Gupta submitted his report to the deputy commissioner of Fatehgarh Sahib on December 1. In his report, he produced a record of registries done fraudulently between April 1, 2007, and March 30, 2009. Enquiry states that revenue stamp duty of Rs 2,56,76, 207 was less in the state exchequer. It was also found out that stamp duty was evaded deliberately and in connivance with buyers or sellers of land in question. Stamp duty evasion is against norms set by the District collector and the state government. Enquiry officer has submitted record of registration of 311 files. It was found that registration of serial number from 8 to 47 was correct and there was no need to initiate action in this regard. However, stringent action was sought for all the other files. Recommending the recovery of missing Rs 2.5 crore from those concerned, the report also mentions that records of time period April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, were being scrutinised. Its detailed report will be submitted in next few days or so.The beneficiaries of wrongly registered deals would be directed to pay the remaining amount within three months under the Section 47 A.
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Ghuman to head Dasmesh Academy
Chandigarh, January 6 Reiterating his firm commitment to revamp the infrastructure as well as creating an academic atmosphere of high standards in the academy, Badal said PWD (B&R) department had already started working to rejuvenate the institution to turn it into an institution of excellence at par with renowned educational institutions not only in the country but across the globe. Badal also asked the management to create world-class sports infrastructure in various disciplines for the students.
— TNS
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Quality education need of the hour, says Badal
He was speaking at a specially convened meeting of eminent educationists of the state to provide a forum for sharing perception of Dr Sat Bhatachariya President of Harlem Children Society and a Monocular Genetics and Cancer Research Scientist here. Dr Bhatachariya, while sharing experiences of his novel programme with the educationists, said he had launched the initiative STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) in the US for preparing under resourced urban and rural youth in their career for meeting the requirements of the 21st century. He said he had started with only three high schools interns in his lab in 2000. The number swelled into 330 young scholars in 2009. His national program in the US serves 400 students from 150 schools with 150 mentors at 150 institutions. His society's main aim is to provide a model of education that opens the world of science and technology to low income and under privileged students. Lauding the initiative of the Dr Bhatachariya, the Chief Minister urged him to extend his partnership with Punjab and to open a branch of his society in the state to give new impetus to the education system by introducing new practices prevalent at global level. He also requested him to visit eminent educational institutions in Patiala, Amritsar, Mohali.
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Patiala medical college blood bank is No. 1
Patiala, January 6 As per the annual report prepared by the department in 2010, a total of 176 voluntary blood donation camps were organised with the help of NGOs and other
organisation. Professor and Head of the department, Dr Shashi Prabha said, “We have collected 13,016 units of blood in the 176 voluntary blood donation camps, which is maximum in the state. In 2010, 80 per cent of the blood was collected through voluntary blood donors.” She said the Punjab State AIDS Control Society had also confirmed that the department was at number one position in the state for maximum voluntary blood collection and blood donation camps. In 2009 as well, the blood bank at the Rajindra Hospital was at the number one position in Punjab. “A total of 18 more voluntary blood donation camps were organised in year 2010 as compared to year 2009. The collection of the blood units has also witnessed an increase,” she added. While asserting that Patiala was doing well in voluntary blood donations and blood donation had witnessed an increase during the last five years, Dr Prabha told The Tribune that they were able to increase the voluntary blood donation with help of the NGOs. “It is due to the efforts of the department and NGOs, that more donors are coming forward. This implies that more and more patients are getting blood without giving replacement donors thus improving the overall blood donation services,” she said.
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DC raids govt departments
Patiala, January 6 He found that as many as 17 officers/employees were missing from duty. The first raid was conducted at 4.15 pm at Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Bhundheri. During the raid, patwari Bishan Singh was found missing from the office. Likewise, at BDPO, Sanaur, JE Rajinder Kumar was absent. Maximum number of absentees was found at the District Industry Department where 12 employees were missing from duty.
— TNS
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Cleanliness contract ends, Anandpur filthy
Anandpur Sahib, January 6 With no senior authority to decide upon the renewal of contract, city is clogged with garbage. Area residents fear that the lack of sweepers would lead to more chaos and garbage is bound to increase. MC officials said the contract to clean city was given to a contractor for Rs 1.25 lakhs, which expired on Wednesday. Around 35 sweepers were working under the contractor. These sweepers would collect garbage from residential localities. Confirming the expiry of the contract, MC officials said the contract could not be renewed, as the posts of MC president and vice-president were vacant. The matter would be taken up with deputy director local bodies. “Nothing can be done till we get orders from the seniors. Till then people will have dispose garbage on their own,” officials said.
— TNS
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20 yrs later, Kalia’s plea still pending in HC
Chandigarh, January 6 Two decades later, Kalia himself is the Local Bodies Minister in the state of Punjab, but his plea is still pending adjudication. The case file containing typewritten pages, which have turned yellow with time, was listed for hearing before a Division Bench of the High Court today. But the case did not witness any concrete development; and was adjourned for further hearing. The petition apparently gives credence of sorts to the oft-quoted cliché of justice denied. It also brings to the fore the need for filling the vacancies in the High Court. As of now, the High Court is reeling under the burden of more than two lakh pending cases, with just about 42 sitting judges, against the sanctioned strength of 68 judges. In his petition through counsel JK Sibal and RK Handa, the then councillor Kalia had sought directions to the state, Jalandhar division commissioner and Municipal Corporation to hold the election of the senior deputy mayor and the deputy mayor in accordance with the procedure prescribed under the Punjab Municipal Election Rules. Going into the background, Kalia had contended that the municipal election was held on April 28, 1991; and Jai Karan Saini was elected the mayor on July 12, 1991, during the corporation’s first meeting. But “strangely enough, the election of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor was not conducted”. Kalia had added that the Congress feared it would not be able to “grab both the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor with the pattern of voting exhibited”. To gain time for wooing the councillors, the party devised a method of seeking a clarification from the state government, Kalia had added. The Local Government Department, on the other hand, advised the Mayor that the election may be held separately for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. This, Kalia had contended in his
petition, was “wholly arbitrary and unfair”.
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Case against two schools
Jalandhar, January 6 Additional Deputy Commissioner SK Kalia said action under Section 144 of the IPC had been taken against Social Day Boarding Public School and Social Model Senior Secondary School, Basti Shiekh, which defied the orders. The administration has warned that strict action will be taken against those schools that will not complying with their orders and headmasters will be responsible for any violation in this regard. The state government has already ordered the closure of primary wings of all schools in the state till January 10.
— TNS
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Amritsar, January 6
Chandigarh January 6