|
|
|
|
|
Crop on 11,000 acres inundated in
Mand
Sultanpur Lodhi subdivision worst hit
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SAD campaign to focus on social evils
Panthic issues hanging fire for long
Buta Singh set to return to Cong
Indiscipline may cost PCC dear
Khaira to approach Lokpal against Jagir Kaur
Badal betrayed Rajiv, Longowal for political gains: Amarinder
Gidderbaha thermal power project proves to be a non-starter
Barriers take toll on commuters
Fatehgarh Sahib villagers allege bungling of funds
Changing lives of juvenile home inmates through yoga, music
Illegal gate at Rajindra hospital stirs controversy
Mega job fest organised by polytechnic college
270 cases disposed of at lok adalat
Bluestar Memorial in limbo again
HC fines official for not releasing seized goods
|
Crop on 11,000 acres inundated in
Mand
Amritsar/Taran Taran, August 20 Following news of release 2,708 cusecs of water from the Ranjit Sagar Dam today, the Amritsar and Tarn Taran administrations have sounded an alert in the villages located along the Beas and Ravi. It has been learnt that the water flow in the Ravi today stood at 9 feet below danger mark and the current was read at 10,561 cusecs from the Dharamkot station point. At present, the water level at the Ranjit Sagar Dam was 518.28 m. Ravi has a capacity to bear over 75,000 cusecs of water. “Even if the water level at the Ranjit Sagar Dam reaches 527.91 m, it will be well within control. We have otherwise alarmed the villagers located on its banks,” said Amritsar DC Rajat Aggrawal. Seepages spotted Due to overflowing of the Beas, the administrative team spotted seepage at some points near the Goindwal Thermal Plant site, 26 km from here today. In a damage-control measure, the Tarn Taran administration got it repaired.
|
|
Sultanpur Lodhi subdivision worst hit
The Baupur Jadid villagers narrated their woes to Kapurthala DC Dr Harkesh Singh Sidhu, who toured the affected villages here this morning, along with a medical team. “We have lost everything and the government must now come to our rescue,” said Lambardar Surinder Singh with folded hands. He is seconded by all the others gathered at the village gurdwara, the highest place in the village. “Although we have shifted our children to safer places, we have to stay here to take care of the cattle. Fodder is also unavailable. We also need more boats to bring essential items from villages from across the bund,” said former sarpanch Dayal Singh. Most of the villagers here have large herds of cattle and they earn their living by selling milk. Another villager, Amrik Singh, said, “The flow of the river has been diverted towards their settlements by the villagers of Chak.” “Necessary action will be taken once the situation returns to normal,” said Sidhu. Harjit Kaur, a resident of Sangra village, said, “We have run out of cooking gas. Though we use it sparingly as cow dung cakes are in plenty, the floods have washed away all our stored cakes.” Kamaldeep Singh said the villagers wanted fodder as the toori (wheat husk) they had stored was wet and unfit for the cattle. Whatever green fodder they had was submerged. Harbans Singh, another villager, said many houses in the village had developed cracks due to floods and demanded adequate compensation. “We also need tarpaulins and plastic sheets to provide temporary shelters for our animals,” he added. “It is a sad moment and needful will be done by the government and district administration. Medical teams, including veterinary doctors, will be visiting the affected areas everyday till the situation improves,” said Sidhu. He also directed SDM Lakhmir Singh to ensure requisite amount of fodder to be sent to the villages on a daily basis. “The required number of boats and LPG cylinders are at hand. A special girdawari will be conducted to provide compensation to the affected farmers,” he added.
|
||
|
SAD campaign to focus on social evils
Releasing the 20-page panthic agenda in Sangrur on the 26th death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, Badal appealed to the voters to vote for his party candidates so that once elected, the SGPC could maintain the supremacy of the Akal Takht Sahib, manage Sikh shrines efficiently, upgrade Sikh educational institutions and defeat the forces inimical to the panth. Describing SGPC as the “Parliament of Sikhs”, the SAD patron said that Shiromani Akali Dal had the honour to claim that right from the time of its inception in 1920 till today, the Sikh masses had always trusted the SAD for the management of Sikh shrines. The SAD leader expressed “satisfaction” over the performance of all 110 educational institutions run by the SGPC and informed that 74,745 students were getting quality education at a cheaper rate in these institutions. The Panthic Agenda begins with the three-page appeal of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Sukhbir stressed that there should be a quality school, a well equipped hospital and a playground along with each and every gurdwara being managed by the SGPC. Sukhbir said apart from establishment and up-gradation of educational institutions, a campaign against drug abuse, female foeticide and social reform would be a launched by the SGPC. He also said that Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism in the name of former president of SGPC Panth Ratan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra would be completed on time. Similarly, the most important job of authentic translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is under progress, will be completed in the shortest possible time and it would further be translated to different languages so as to spread the message of social equality and universal brotherhood enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib to whole of mankind. He said the SGPC would establish a museum at a cost of Rs 100 crore at Akali Market in Amritsar and Rs 25 crore would be spent on the construction of ‘sarai’ (inn) at Saragarhi site. He said the langar building at Sri Harmandir Sahib was being upgraded with Rs 20 crore. Earlier, Parkash Singh Badal paid tribute to Longowal and accused the Congress of betraying him by not implementing the Rajiv Longowal Accord. Poll promises l Setting up new and up-gradation of existing educational institutions l Campaign against drug abuse, female foeticide and taking up social reforms l Timely completion of Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism l Accurate translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and that too as early as possible Pending issues l Evolving consensus regarding authenticity of certain portions of Dasam Granth, penned by Guru Gobind Singh l Finalising norms for appointment, removal, tenure and working sphere of Akal Takht Jathedar l Making structural changes in Golden Temple look-alike Gurdwara Mastuana in Sangrur district l Implementing Akal Takht edict issued on May 17, 2007, for the closure of branches of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa l Seeking return of manuscripts, religious books allegedly taken away from Sikh Reference Library in June 1984 There were various issues before the community in the previous years, which have been sorted out. Some issues remain unresolved, and if elected again, we will try to resolve them as per the Sikh traditions
|
||
|
Panthic issues hanging fire for long
Amritsar, August 20 Among the key issues hanging fire is that of the Dasam Granth. The SGPC failed to evolve a consensus regarding the authenticity of certain portions of the Dasam Granth, which was penned by the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The Dasam Granth has not been fully accepted by the entire Sikh Panth. While a section of scholars, including certain Sikh organisations, determined that the Dasam Granth was entirely the work of Guru Gobind Singh, the controversy and reluctance to fully accept it has lingered on. The SGPC is yet to formulate rules and norms for the appointment, removal, tenure and working sphere of the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the directions regarding which were issued to it by the Takht during the tenure of former Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti. A couple of years back, the construction of a Golden Temple look-alike — Gurdwara Mastuana in Sangrur district — had raised a storm in the community. The SGPC has not been able to get structural changes made in the gurdwara despite strong recommendations made by Sikh Conclave held under the aegis of the Akal Takht on June 20, 2009. Some Panthic groups allege that the SGPC had also failed to implement the Akal Takht edict issued on May 17, 2007, for the closure of branches of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa, and stopping its anti-Sikh activities. Apart from these, the SGPC sent various resolutions to the Union Government, but they all remained unaddressed. These included resolutions regarding implementation of Anand Marriage Act, return of manuscripts and religious text books allegedly taken away from Sikh Reference Library in June 1984.
|
||
Buta Singh set to return to Congress
Bathinda, August 20 Buta Singh was here today to participate in a programme organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Lok Bhalai Manch, Punjab, to mark the 67th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He also paid floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi. He also announced that he would support the Congress whole heartedly in the ensuing Punjab Assembly elections. However, Buta Singh expressed his anxiety over the differences prevailing among four to five top Punjab Congress leaders, saying that they were not even on proper speaking terms. He said if all the Congress leaders put up a united face forgetting their differences in the ensuing Assembly elections, then nobody could stop the Congress from coming into power in the state. He also said if the Congress failed to put up a united face then there might be some loss to the party as Manpreet Badal factor would also work this time. In case, Manpreet won even three to four seats then he might be in a position to do a balancing act, he added. Chairman of the manch Dr Satpal Bhathheja, vice chairman Ranjit Singh Grewal and president Tehal Singh Sandhu were present on the occasion. He also said there was a dire need of experienced persons in the Congress as their number had lowered down. However, he said AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi was gaining experience, besides promoting youths in the party in a big way. He also said despite the scams, done by the ministers of the UPA Government, no one had a doubt over the integrity of the Prime Minister, but he should have sent the files to the vigilance before signing the same. Meanwhile, the Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary was also observed at the office of the District Congress Committee. District president of the party (Urban) Ashok Kumar, Congress delegate KK Aggarwal, Mohinder Kaur Rani, Mohan Lal Jhumba, Suresh Bansal, Baldev Singh Aklia and Rupinder Singh Bindra were present on the occasion. Malout: The OBC Department of the PPCC observed the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at a function here today. Former Union Home Minister Buta Singh, Muktsar district Congress president Gurdas Girdhar, ex-MLA Baldev Singh Ballamgarh, Tehal Singh Sandhu, Rajpal Singh Sidhu and Paramjit Singh Captain were present on the occasion.
|
||
|
Indiscipline may cost PCC dear
Jalandhar, August 20 The party was almost wiped out in these areas in the last elections and desperately needs to win back the voters of the two regions. The common feeling is that the party has not come out with a solid programme to put the SAD-BJP alliance on the mat. Ironically, it is the “thoroughly corrupt” ruling alliance that has come out in support of Anna Hazare, holding rallies across the state. The SAD is doing what should have been done by the PPCC. That would have sent a positive signal to the electorate, said a senior Congress leader whi did not want to be named. Other leaders pointed out that the party was yet to learn from the mistakes of the past. It continued to neglect the urban and Dalit voters who had gone with the SAD- BJP alliance in the last elections. Nothing concrete had been done to win back the urban and Dalits voters, they said. With the party top bosses failing to rein in factionalism, an impression had gone that the party was in utter disarray. The present drift in the party could see certain leaders defecting to rival parties, knowing well that they would not be given the party ticket. The obvious choice would be the People’s Party of Punjab which is looking for leaders from all regions. Meanwhile, in accordance with the "zero tolerance" to corruption policy spelled out by AICC chief Sonia Gandhi, Punjab Congress incharge Gulchain Singh Charak recently said leaders facing corruption charges will not be given the party ticket. Charak said the party had the requisite mechanism to verify the antecedents of a probable candidate and to make sure he/she was facing not facing corruption charges or had a questionable past. Several senior leaders of the state Congress are facing graft charges and are facing trial in courts. Charak said several MPs had suggested that he toured the constituencies when they were there in their respective areas. He said all factions had been given an opportunity to air their views and grievances. He was at pains to dispel the impression that his campaign was being seen as a parallel display of power and would create further factionalism since PCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh had already conducted such an exercise some time ago. Praising the former CM, he said Amarinder was the right candidate to lead the party to victory in the assembly poll. "He is a popular mass leader, an able administrator and knows the pulse of the people."
|
||
|
Khaira to approach Lokpal against Jagir Kaur
Chandigarh, August 20 Giving out copies of revenue records, Khaira said Bibi Jagir Kaur was not only in wrongful possession of the land, but she had further rented it out for cultivation and was pocketing the money that belongs to the nagar panchayat. As per the allegation leveled by him based on the copies of revenue record supplied by Khaira, the land is owned by the nagar panchayat, but is under the cultivation of Bibi Jagir Kaur and her kin. Khaira said he had approached the Punjab Chief Minister and all the district officials to get the land released, but he had failed to get any favorable response. "I have now decided to approach the Lokpal on Tuesday and file a complaint before him," he said. He said Bibi Jagir Kaur was chairperson of the District Planning Committee, Kapurthala, and therefore, was covered by the Lokpal Bill being a "public person". He said, "I had in a formal complaint submitted to the Punjab Chief Secretary dated June 23, 2010, stating that Bibi Jagir Kaur was in illegal possession of very costly government land and that the said land must be got vacated in public interest. The Chief Secretary in an acknowledgement dated June 29, 2010 promised to get a report from Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala and take necessary action in the matter. But unfortunately even after passage of 10 months, the government has failed to do anything". He said she further misused her position by registering a society by the name of Sant Prem Singh Education Society. Her daughter Rajneet Kaur was made president, while her son-in-law became the Secretary and all other members are her near and dear ones. "Through this society, she started a new school Sant Prem Singh International School and invited the CM to lay the foundation stone of the said school on the said government land." Khaira further alleged that this school enrolled about 500 students and charged hefty fees, while the students are made to study in a nearby government-aided school. Denying all allegations, Bibi Jagir Kaur said, "The land has been with the school, a neighboring college and others since the "Murabey bandi" that took place in 1953, if I had encroached even an inch of the land, would the villagers have spared me." She said Khaira and the Congress had got several inquiries initiated against me, but none of them found any wrong doing. As per law, if I have encroached upon any land, I cannot contest elections. This itself shows that outburst by Khaira is out of political frustration."
|
||
|
Badal betrayed Rajiv, Longowal for political gains: Amarinder
Addressing a state-level rally, organised to mark the 67th birth anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi, at the New Grain Market here today, Amarinder, while referring to the Rajiv-Longowal accord, said Badal was a selfish and coward leader, adding that Badal betrayed Rajiv and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal for personal political gains that led to loss of about 35,000 lives in the state. Amarinder, who was closely associated with the developments that led to signing of the Rajiv-Longowal accord, said it was an irony that same people who betrayed Sant Longowal and were responsible for his assassination are now observing Longowal’s death anniversary at Longowal (Sangrur) today. Amarinder launched scathing attacks on Badal and his son Sukhbir. “It is ridiculous on part of the SAD to stage protest in support of Anna Hazare as Badal and Sukhbir are themselves neck deep in corruption,” he said. Supporting the agitation of the farmers in Mansa, Amarinder came down heavily on the SAD-BJP Government for giving the new power generation plants in the state to the private players through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) route. “Without the mandatory clearance for the project site from the Central Electricity Authority, how can the government acquire the land of the farmers? This is nothing but anarchy,” he said, while condemning the decision of the state government regarding the proposed closure of the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant (GNDTP) at Bathinda. Leader of the Opposition in Punjab assembly Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, in her speech, said Parkash Singh Badal’s refusal to accept the Rajiv-Longowal accord was a historical blunder that proved disastrous for the development and the peace of the state. “Badal family is a toli of thugs (group of corrupts). The state can only progress under the Congress regime,” she said, while exhorting the people to wipe out the SAD-BJP in the next assembly elections in 2012.
|
|
Gidderbaha thermal power project proves to be a non-starter
Though nearly one year has passed after assigning the Rs 15,000 crore project to the NTPC, but it has so far failed to obtain statutory clearances from the power ministry, pollution control board and also coal linkage. The notice under Section 6 has already been issued for acquiring 2,316 acres of agriculture and waterlogged land for the project, but the state government is also going slow on further proceedings in the matter as it has already burnt its fingers in a similar land acquisition at Gobindpura that has led to lot of hue and cry by farmers resulting in politicisation of the issue by the opposition Congress. The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) had signed the requisite MoU with the NTPC in October last year for setting up the thermal project in Gidderbaha that has emerged as a hot battlefield between Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and PPP leader Manpreet Badal following the latter’s expulsion from the ruling SAD. The biggest thermal power plant was proposed to be set up in the area because of its political importance and also because it was the home turf of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Sukhbir hinted that the state government might scrap the agreement with the NTPC if it did not begin the work soon. The project might be assigned to some other organisation, he said. The farmers whose land is to be acquired for the project are also growing restive as the market price of land has increased in the area. The government had fixed the rate of about Rs 25 lakhs for each acre. The farmers who would lose their fertile land in three villages, Theri, Babania and Ghagga, are sitting on chain hunger strike on the roadside demanding that higher compensation be fixed for fertile land. PSPCL engineers too are up in arms against the proposal to dismantle the 440 MW thermal power plant in the heart of Bathinda that has become a source of respiratory and other diseases among the residents of the town due to the high-level of pollution being caused by it. Sukhbir had recently mooted the idea of dismantling the thermal plant and assigning construction of another power plant elsewhere by the PSPCL. Residents of the town have been demanding that the government should either shut the plant or modernise it to check the air pollution that it was causing. Meanwhile, Indiabulls that has been assigned the work for the 1,350 MW thermal power plant at Gobindpura in Mansa district has reportedly sought one more year’s time from the PSPCL for preparing the detailed project report (DPR). The company was supposed to submit the DPR by February 20 last and has now sought extension of time till March 2012 on the plea that the land has not yet been transferred to the company. About the power project l
Generation capacity: 2,640 MW l Estimated cost of the plant: Rs 15,000 crore l Executing agency: National Thermal Power Corporation l Almost a year has passed after the signing of the MoU, but NTPC is yet to obtain clearances from the power ministry, pollution control board Why it's important l Politically sensitive Gidderbaha has emerged as a hot battlefield between Sukhbir and Manpreet following the latter's expulsion from the SAD l The plant was proposed to be set up in the area because of its political importance and also because it is the home turf of CM Badal
|
|
|
Barriers take toll on commuters
Mohali, August 20 Khaira said he would also seek information on whether the company charging toll at Kurali had recovered its dues or not. Another commuter, Amit Sachdeva, pointed that a similar situation had arisen when a toll plaza had come up at Dappar, Lalru, and was located within eight kilometre distance of the toll barrier at Dera Bassi. When the issue was pointed out, the NHAI had to abolish the toll plaza at Dera Bassi. A former Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru TR Baalu, had pointed out that there was no sense in paying toll at two plazas located at a short distance. A former Punjab Cooperation Minister Late Capt Kanwaljit Singh had pointed out that there was no sense in paying at two toll plazas. Cars, jeeps and vans will have to pay Rs 32 for a single trip and Rs 48 for double, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) Rs 56 for a single trip and Rs 84 for double, multi-axle vehicles Rs 180 for a single trip and Rs 270 for double. Those travelling from Chandigarh to Jalandhar will have to pay the toll tax at four places. The company executing the project will collect toll for the next 20 years. A total of Rs 450 crore has been spent on the project. costly travel l A similar situation had arisen when the toll plaza had come up at Dappar, Lalru. When the issue was pointed out, the NHAI had to abolish the toll plaza at Dera
Bassi. l Those travelling from Chandigarh to Jalandhar will have to pay the toll tax at four places. l The company executing the project will collect toll for the next 20 years. A total of Rs 450 crore has been spent on the project.
|
|
|
Fatehgarh Sahib villagers allege bungling of funds
Patiala, August 20 The Bora village, which has an estimated population of 500 residents, has annual revenue ranging in lakhs as the village land has been leased out to farmers and others. The scam, reported in Bora village in Khera block, came to the fore after certain villagers complained about it. A preliminary inquiry was conducted under the supervision of the Rural Development Department and the Panchayat Department. A recent visit to the village by the Deputy Director of the department, Jaspal Singh, too established numerous loopholes in the expenditure of funds by the authorities concerned. Sources in the district administration said the role of officials of the Panchayat Samiti was also under the scanner, as the alleged bungling of funds had been taking place from the past four years where works were shown to be done at high rates. “From roads to other works, the condition of the works done is questionable,” they said. Following a complaint by some village residents to the Rural Development Department and the Panchayat Department, the copies of which were also sent to Punjab Chief Minister and the Rural Development Minister, a probe was initiated. The preliminary inquiry further revealed that certain officials had connived to withdraw Rs 25,000, several times from the official bank account. When contacted the Deputy Commissioner Fatehgarh Sahib, Yashvir Mahajan, told The Tribune that he had already deputed a XEN (Panchayati Raj) to look into the official transactions. “The XEN would also ascertain the amount of work done and the rates at which all these were completed,” he stated. The DC further said he would get the entire report in a week’s time. “Certainly there would be a financial irregularity if the nature of works done and the amount of money withdrawn are found to be mismatching. A proper inquiry would establish the facts,” he stated.
|
|
|
Changing lives of juvenile home inmates through yoga, music
Faridkot, August 20 As many as 36 youths, including a few nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh, are lodged in this juvenile home. They have recently been shifted to a new building, three times bigger than the old complex, with better amenities. District Magistrate Ravi Bhagat said he had introduced ITI courses, yoga and music classes, besides improving language skills to change the mental psychology of the youths. “I hope these children can start their own work or do job after going out of this observation home,” he said. The administration has hired resource persons who do motivational activities with the youths like drama, dance, music and games. Bhagat said the administration had provided separate beds to each of the inmates so that they could come out of the myth of being lodged in a ‘jail’ and lead a relaxed life. They have also been provided with the facilities of outdoor and indoor games to keep them busy and healthy. Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla along with senior officials of her department visited the observation home on Friday. She inspected the new building and looked into the facilities being provided to the juveniles. “We have provided an opportunity to these children to shape a better future for themselves through learning and physical and mental exercises and shed the pre-occupied mindset of violating the laws,” she said.
|
|
|
Illegal gate at Rajindra hospital stirs controversy
Patiala, August 20 While there has been a lot of hue and cry about the gate, senior functionaries at the hospital, including the Medical Superintendent (MS), Dr Manjit Kaur Mohi, feigned ignorance about the matter. The matter came to light with Karamchari Dal’s (Bhagdana) Rajindra Hospital Branch president, Gurmukh Singh, having given a memorandum to the MS in this regard. The Dal alleged that the gate was illegal and had been opened to facilitate chemists. The hospital already has three gates on the
Sangrur road. Interestingly, even the MS of the hospital showed ignorance about the gate despite the fact that her office is opposite to the gate. District Planning Committee president, Surjit Singh Rakhra, said the matter had been brought to his notice and he would ensure that the gate was closed at the earliest. I would personally talk to Principal Dr KD Singh in this regard, he added. After the matter was highlighted, the authorities covered the gate with tree stems. Meanwhile, sources said a few doctors in the hospital gave their visiting cards to patients during OPDs and asked them to purchase medicines from particular chemists.
|
|
|
Mega job fest organised by polytechnic college
Dera Bassi, August 20 It was in pursuance with the placement drive being carried out by the college. Out of the 526 students, who participated in the job fest, nearly 225 students were selected by 15 companies. Cheema Boilers Ltd, Swami Automobiles, Flash Trading Co., Apex Ltd, Gilard Electronics, Avon Meters Ltd, Core Metal Krafts Ltd, ACME Telepower, Red Alkemi, Mount Shivalik Breweries Ltd, Interactive Group, Foxicon Engg Co., and many other companies participated in the event. Kanta Katyal, chairperson of the institute, inaugurated the job fair. Speaking on the occasion, she highlighted the importance of such job fairs, as these were helpful to both the companies and the students. She applauded the efforts of the management, faculty members and the Placement Department. The candidates had to undergo various rounds of tests like written tests, aptitude tests, online tests, followed by group discussion and interviews.
|
|
270 cases disposed of at lok adalat
Chandigarh, August 20 The adalat was held under the supervision of Acting Chief Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Satish Kumar Mittal, who is also the chairman of High Court Legal Services Committee. The disposed of cases related to service matters, matrimony, accident compensation and workmen compensation. The insurance companies brought cheques valuing Rs 1.34 crore to be handed over to the claimants on the spot.
|
||
|
Bluestar Memorial in limbo again
Amritsar, August 20 Prof Prithipal Singh Kapoor, former Pro V-C of GNDU, who is one of the members of the SGPC panel, said they had already held two meetings in this regard and had invited proposals from Sikhs across the globe on the proposed memorial. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said Punjabi University V-C Dr Jaspal Singh, a member of the SGPC panel, had gone abroad.“Now he is back in the country and the panel will soon meet again,” he added. — TNS
|
||
|
|
HC fines official for not releasing seized goods
Chandigarh, August 20 The judgement -- expected to go a long way in reducing harassment to the industries in the state -- is also significant as the High Court has made it clear that the officers failing to comply with the provisions of the Act can find themselves being penalised. The directions came on a petition filed by Azad Pipes Pvt. Ltd against the State of Punjab and other respondents. Appearing before the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Rajesh Bindal, counsel for the petitioner argued that “though it is provided for under the provisions of Punjab VAT Act, 2005, that the goods, if detained, are to be released on furnishing of surety, the same have not been released”. The counsel added that the officer earlier also had been burdened with costs of Rs 10,000, to be recovered from him personally, in Osaw Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. He added: “Considering the fact that he has still not corrected his way of working, costs be imposed upon him.” The State, on the other hand, “fairly submitted that the goods of the petitioner shall be released on furnishing surety”. The Bench, after hearing the rival contentions, asserted: “The stand of learned counsel for the State was that the officer was working in the best interest of the State and is one of the honest officers.” Disposing of the petition, the Bench added: “In our opinion, considering the conduct of the officer, who dealt with the case of the petitioner in the manner which was indefeasible and the State had to ultimately concede the relief prayed for, the officer deserves to be burdened with costs of Rs 25,000. The amount shall initially be paid by the State, however, the same shall be recovered from the officer”.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Chandigarh/Sangrur, Aug 20
Sangra/Baupur Jadid, August 20
Chandigarh/Sangrur, Aug 20
What makkar says 
Patiala, August 20
Bathinda, August 20
Commuters travelling between Chandigarh and Ropar are being forced to pay Rs 43 for a single trip and Rs 55 for a double trip. “It is totally illogical to set up two toll barriers within a distance of eight kilometre. Those travelling to Ropar are being forced to pay the toll while the road from Ropar to Kiratpur Sahib has been converted into a four lane. The toll barrier should have come up ahead of Kiratpur Sahib. I will raise the issue in the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha session,” said Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira.