Ludhiana, November 25
With the state assembly elections approaching, the state government seems to be in a please-all mode. The government has given a “breather” to defaulters by deciding to waive off crores of rupees of the pending amount of interest related to house tax and water supply and sewerage bills.

It means that residents have been given a choice that if they want to get their pending dues cleared, they will have to pay only the principal amount, while the interest charged on that particular amount (penalty) would be waived off.

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is yet to recover a whopping Rs 154.91 crore as pending water and sewerage bills from city residents. Another Rs 50 crore is pending as house tax. Interestingly, this pending house tax amount includes only that of defaulters who owe more than Rs 1 lakh to the MC.

Even if the principal amount is deducted from the total amount, the waived off amount too would run into crores of rupees.

Confirming that the state government’s decision was inked to the assembly elections, a senior MC officer said “That is why residents don’t pay their bills on time; they know that whenever its election time, the penalty would be waived off. Had the MC recovered the entire amount, it could have been used for the overall development of the city. Unfortunately, our leaders believe in vote bank politics and that is why, people don’t pay their bills on time,” said an official.

MC Joint Commissioner PS Ghuman said, “Earlier, the local bodies department had issued orders that people who want to clear their pending house tax, water supply and sewerage bills, could pay till September 30. But later, some residents urged the state government to increase the date of clearing their dues. That is why now the residents who want to avail this facility can avail it by March 31, 2012.”

Ludhiana, November 25
In the wake of an organised racket of touts, agents and middlemen thriving at the railway reservation complex here, and all earlier attempts made to check the menace having proved futile, the divisional headquarter of the Northern Railway has now mooted a proposal to put the reservation complex under electronic surveillance.

Senior railways officials say once close circuit television (CCTV) cameras are in place at the reservation centre, arrangements will be made to watch the footage on a daily basis to identify the touts, those making repeated appearance and others carrying multiple forms for reservation of railway tickets.

Till such time, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff deployed at the railway station has been directed to get vidoegraphy done during heavy rush and also keep a close watch on those persons trying to make "benami" booking in the tatkal or general category.

For quite some time now, railway booking agents, touts and other middlemen have been ruling the roost at the reservation centre. While genuine passengers or their representatives keep standing in the queues waiting for their turn to make reservation, agents and touts manage to get tickets reserved on an "out-of-turn basis", thanks to certain "obliging" staff members. And then the same tickets are sold to desperate passengers on a hefty premium.

Sources at the railway reservation centre claimed that the problem was more acute in the case of "tatkal" tickets, which were purchased by middlemen as soon as tatkal booking opened in the morning with the help of "conniving" railway employees, while the genuine passengers were left in the lurch, and had no other choice but to buy tatkal tickets from agents by paying anything from Rs 200 to Rs 500 extra for each ticket.

"Now the problem has been solved to some extent with the railway decision not to entertain booking agents from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for tatkal booking and also saying no to multiple booking by others. But still some manipulating touts do manage to get tatkal tickets posing as genuine passengers," the sources added.

Railways officials asserted that electronic surveillance seemed to be the only permanent solution to the problem. "We shall not only be able to identify and act against dubious persons and touts by watching the CCTV footage, but more importantly, the staff at the reservation centre will also remain under the scanner all the time with no chances for any wrongdoing."

Ludhiana, November 25
It turned out to be an unforgettable journey for many passengers travelling on the Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Amritsar when they came to know that they were on board with none other than Prime Minister's wife.

Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was here to attend the bhog of former PAU Prof Dr Seetal Singh, who passed away a few days ago. She also visited the house of her sister Thananter Kaur (84).

Passengers landing from other compartments were surprised to see the lady escorted by SPG commandoes at the railway station here this morning.

For those travelling in the executive class of the Shatabdi, it turned out to be a memorable journey with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife.

Dressed in a fawn suit and black sweater, Gursharan made a quick exit from the railway station. She was accompanied by her son-in-law.

Tajinder Singh, a co-passenger, said, "The lady is known for her simplicity and humility. She was perhaps accompanied by her relatives and commandoes were protecting her. Not for a moment did the two pose inconvenience to passengers travelling alongside them."

Puja, another passenger, was delighted when she came to know that the PM's wife was travelling along with her.

"I couldn't believe I was traveling on board with Gursharan Kaur. There was security all around the railway station. The moment she alighted from the train, commandos created a circle around her," said PS Bhatia.

The train was scheduled to arrive at platform No 2, but was taken to platform No 1 due to security reasons.

Prince Grover, a resident of Chaura Bazar, expressed excitement at the fact that a person running the world's biggest democracy has a Ludhiana connection.

He was all praise for the simplicity of the lady and said while small-time politicians throw the rules to the wind, the PM's wife did not let her presence cause inconvenience to others.

Ludhiana, November 25
A female infant who was found abandoned yesterday in the bushes at Rahon Road died here yesterday itself. Dr Karamveer Goel, senior medical officer of Lord Mahavira Cvil Hospital, Ludhiana, said, "It was very difficult to save her as she was only 28 or 29 weeks old and was also suffering from hypothermia. She died at 9:15 am."

The infant was spotted by a passerby yesterday who then informed the police and later the staff of ambulance 108 and tried saving her life by rushing her to the civil hospital. The infant was wrapped up in rags and the placenta was also intact.

Ludhiana, November 25
Terming the proposal for advanced value added tax (VAT) to be collected on goods imported from other states for trading, manufacturing and processing as detrimental for the knitwear and textile industry, the Knitwear Club has sought the intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for providing relief to the seasonal and crisis-ridden sector.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, Knitwear Club president Vinod Thapar observed that as if to add to the woes of the industry, the government has further made a provision that input tax credit (ITC) would be taken in account with the last quarterly return and manufacturers would have to deposit at least 25 per cent of the estimated tax with each return, or else pay the penalty.

He said the government seemed to be in no mood to provide any relief to the knitwear and textile industry, which was already reeling under the adverse impact of several factors like hike in the prices of raw material, global competition and matching international standards in cut-throat competition.

“The assistance of the state government to this sector is a pre-requisite to gaze ahead in terms of growth. And more so during this particular season when weather appears to be set opposed to this particular industry forcing a large number of units to either stop the production altogether or slash the output down drastically,” Thapar added.

Making a fervent plea for coming to the rescue of the knitwear and textile industry to save it from reaching a point of no return, the club asked the Chief Minister to do away with the proposal of advanced VAT tax and initiate other necessary steps to enable the industry keep afloat.

Ludhiana, November 25
High drama was witnessed at a beauty parlour at Sarabha Nagar here this evening when an army officer's wife levelled allegation that her ancestral gold necklace was stolen from the parlour.

The woman identified as Maya Dasgupta, wife of Col Dasgupta, visited the beauty parlour to get her facial done. Before her facial began, she was asked to remove her necklace.

After her facial session when she entered the changing room she raised an alarm claiming that her gold necklace was stolen.

The claim of Maya sent the parlour authorities in a tizzy. Soon the police was also informed about the incident. The employees were also frisked but the necklace was not found.

Col Dasgupta said, "To us the necklace is priceless. It was the ancestral jewellery and gifted to my wife by the elders of the family."

On the other hand, the parlour authorities said, "We have issued clear guidelines to the customers to remove their jewelry before they visit the beauty parlour for facial, manicure and pedicure."

Manjinder Singh, SHO, Sarabha Nagar, said, "I cannot comment, who has stolen the chain, as the matter is under investigation."

Jagraon, November 25
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) have lost their sheen in the current shift in the economic stability all over the world. There was a time when all Indian parents, especially Punjabis, wanted NRI grooms for their daughters.

But now a time has come where parents are looking at boys with handsome salaries in stable government jobs instead of highflying NRIs or Green card holders after the economic turbulence felt by the western economies.

Statistically speaking, even advertisements seeking NRI grooms have gone down by around 20 per cent due to this economic uncertainty. The increasing uncertainties relating to bankruptcy of companies and loss of jobs and incomes have lead to this shift in preferences. On the other side, booming Indian economy has also been playing an important role in bringing down the demand of NRI grooms. It is not only the reputation of the NRIs that has travelled via the Internet that is keeping the prospective brides away, but also the recent economic downturn has further strengthened Indian brides’ resolve to keep these boys at bay.

“There has been a dip in the response for the NRI grooms post the slowdown and the demand has fallen than before. People now are not willing for NRI grooms because of the stumbling western economies,” says a Chandigarh-based marriage bureau owner, Vinod Ahuja.

As far as shaadi.com searches go, government employees are among top 20 professions that are most sought after as of now.

The lure of the much sought-after Dollar doesn’t hold much of an appeal anymore. With the Indian economy booming.

Ludhiana, November 25
A team of the health department and the police nabbed 20 juveniles after a raid at a hookah bar here this evening.

The raid was conducted following Ludhiana Tribune reports highlighting the menace of consuming hookah among juveniles.

The team led by district health officer Dr Kulwinder Singh first raided Hide-Out hookah bar in BRS Nagar and detained the 20 juveniles.

A majority of the teenagers had bunked tuition classes and were inhaling hookah.

"We have collected samples from the hookah bar and sent these for chemical tests," said DHO.

Jagraon, November 25
Notwithstanding the instructions of the district health department about maintaining sanitation level and hygiene of various eatables to prevent outbreak of various diseases, the vegetables are being soled under extremely unhygienic condition in local sabzi mandi (vegetable market).

Despite of the fact that it’s a very busy mundi yet it has been neglected by the authorities for the past many years.

During a visit to sabzi mandi, it was found that the vendors were selling the vegetables and fruits amid stagnant rainwater, filth and heaps of garbage. Moreover, rotten vegetables were also laying scattered all over the area emanating foul smell.

No cleanliness is maintained here and in every nook and corner one can see pile of garbage.

The local administration is oblivious to the situation prevailing in the vegetable market as no sanitation level and hygiene is maintained in the market.

“The authorities have not taken any necessary action to maintain cleanliness and hygiene here. The state of affairs is such that the vegetables and fruits are being kept on ground amid heaps of garbage and dirty water”, lamented Iqbal Singh, a resident.

Moreover, a large number of stray animals also keep wandering in the market and sometimes they even eat the vegetables and fruits kept by vendors on the ground.

“I have never seen any official from health department visiting the vegetable market to examine the sanitation level. There is no cleanliness here and the vegetables are being sold in highly unhygienic surroundings”, rued Manjit Rana, another resident. The apathy of the local administration towards keeping a check on the sanitation level has given a free hand to the vendors to sell the vegetables and fruits in unhygienic manner. The residents have demanded that proper arrangements for the cleanliness of the vegetable market should be made.

SMO Dr Amrit Kaur claimed that the department had conducted a number of surprise drives in the city to check the sale of unhygienic eatables. We have also been issuing strict warnings to the vendors to maintain proper hygiene or else face action.

When asked about the condition prevailing in the vegetable market, she said she was not aware of the situation but assured that she would look into the matter and take timely action.

Ludhiana, November 25
The yesterday's incident where a 10-year-old boy set himself afire after being stopped by his parents from going out with his friends has yet again brought to fore the declining patience level among children.

The incident was the second such case here where a child took the extreme step after being reprimanded by their parents.

The boy, identified as Ravi Kumar of Shamsher Colony, sustained 60 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to Civil Hospital. His condition was stated to be serious.

The boy's father Murari Dass told the police that Ravi's mother was stopping him from going around with his friends, “who were indulging in bad habits”.

Yesterday, when Ravi's mother told him to stay inside the house, he locked himself in the room and set himself afire by pouring kerosene.

This was not a stray incident. In June, Rohit (11), son of a class IV employee at the PAU, hanged himself with the ceiling hook in a kitchen. Later it came to light that the boy was pulled out of school due to bad grades. He was also stopped from going out with friends.

He was upset and stopped talking to his parents and siblings. On June 1, when he was alone at home he committed suicide.

Dr Mukhtinder Singh, a homoeocare and paediatrics specialist, said, " Behavioural disorders lead to the loss of self-control among children these days. Parents must observe out-of-proportion reaction and hysterical behviour among children. Watching too much cartoons and eating preservative-laden foods are also reasons behind such behaviour. Further the parents need to be tactical while keeping their children away from bad company."

Ludhiana, November 25
Residents of Upkar Nagar and Guru Nanakpura demanded strict action against anti-social elements who consumed liquor in public parks of the locality and created nuisance.

The matter was raised during a police-public meeting held at Kapoor Marriage Place here today.

The meeting was headed by ACP Swapan Sharma. He assured the residents that action would be takn against anti- social elements.

Ludhiana November 24
Making it hard for the students who failed to pass their examns in the graduation, Panjab University has delayed the results of the compartment examination. The affected students are in dilemma either they should submit the examination fee of the next class or not. The students who received compartment in final year exams and now pursuing postgraduate degree or diploma, are in utter confusion.

The problem is big for those students who migrated to other universities.

A girl from Guru Nanak College for Women, pursuing postgraduate diploma in mass communication is confused whether she should pay the examination fee or not . For clearing compartment in one subject in graduation, she took the exam in September 2011. But the result is still awaited.

Another girl student from Government College for Women in the same situation, said, “I am worried about my future. Now I have taken admission in college by giving a huge amount of fee. I hoped that the result of compartment paper would be declared in November, but in vain.

"My classmates are submitting the examination fee but I am unsure about my result. I am disappointed from the delay. Because December is approaching and we have only three months left before the final examination. What would we do?" she rued.

Doraha, November 25
Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev was celebrated at Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, here today. After bhog, the students recited the gurbani.

Dr Sarabjit Singh, an associate professor, department of journalism and mass communication, PAU, was the resource person and the chief guest.

A turban tying competition was held in which Ravinderjit Singh secured first position whereas Harpreet Singh and Gurpreet Singh secured second position, jointly. Kamaljit Singh won third position. The winners were given ‘Dastars’. “Shudh Gurbani Ucharan” competition was also held and Jasvir Kaur bagged first prize while Randeep and Pawanpreet won second. The third prize was jointly shared by Pawanpreet and Harpreet. The winners were awarded trophies for their achievements.

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, political secretary to the Chief Minister, Colonel Rupy Brar, president Roop Brar, general secretray Harpartap Brar, senior vice-president Jogeshwar Singh Mangat, executive committee members Sartaj 
Dhillon, Adarsh Pal Bector, Harjiwan Pal Singh Gill, Pavittar Pal Singh Pangali were also present on the occasion. The students prepared guru ka langar and served it at the end of the programme.

Ludhiana, November 25
An "Oxford Digital Exhibit", a complete digital learning solution for the students was unveiled in the presence of academicians and principals from schools, in and around Ludhiana, at BCM Arya Model School.

Ritu Narang, CBSE resource person for Life Skills, said technology has empowered students, who now have an access to an enormous repository of knowledge at the click of a button. Thus there is a growing and compulsive need to break away from traditional pedagogy.

Principal Paramjit Kaur, said, “This digital solution is not a mere change but brings a transformation for effective classroom interaction. It is compatible with every platform in the existing interactive white boards (IWB), normal classrooms, desktops and laptops. It is cost-effective and enriching digital solution suited to Indian classrooms with no recurring cost to the school."

Manzar Khan, MD, Oxford University Press, highlighted the need to integrate digital technology with the curriculum of different subjects and use it as a strong tool to impart quality education.

An ELT and science workshop followed the unveiling of oxford digital exhibit. During the ELT workshop conducted by Sonali Bhattacharya, the teachers shared their experiences with the resource persons to overcome any difficulties in teaching English in their classes. Champa Banerjee in science workshop focused on primary science curriculum and urged the teachers to be more dedicated and scientific in their approach.

Ludhiana, November 25
This morning cricket fans in the city were an excited lot as Sachin Tendulkar was already more than halfway through to the much-awaited score of hundredth 100. The brilliant display of strokes, coupled with great footwork right from the start had no doubt left in the minds of his fans that the milestone was only a matter of minutes.Smiles and cheers turned into expression of dismay all across the stadium and the echoes and expressions of the dismissal could be heard and seen on the faces of his fans. It was the 10th time he got out in the 90s.

"Ah, so near and yet so far," sighed Harjit Singh, a resident of Dugri. I had taken my first-half off at office just to watch Sachin achieve this milestone, but unfortunately it didn't happen today. It was sad especially when he was batting so brilliantly and only six runs away" he said.

"It was hard luck. I think number nine is unlucky for him for it has been nine months since he scored a century and now got out in the 90s once again," said Gursharan Singh, who plays for Ludhiana cricket team. "But he is a big player. It is only a mater of time and will complete the feat soon," he added.

Paras, a cricket enthusiast, had his fingers crossed ever since the match started this morning, cheering every run Sachin scored. "My heart sank and I stopped watching the match after he got out. He was awesome this morning despite the pressure on him with fans cheering for him," he said.

Navjot, another player from Ludhiana, said that it was good in a way as suspense and excitement would grow even more now. More eyeballs would be glued to the game next time when he came out to bat. "The century is just around the corner, and we'll see that happen on the tour of Australia for sure," he smiled.

Ludhiana, November 25
Anshita Sharma’s stamina and strength is example for many budding players in the city as her efficiency won her the International Championship of Karate held at Pune organised by the National Karate Federation of India (NKFI).

She has bagged the gold medal beating Priya from Bhutan in the international meet.

Anshita has won six gold medals in a short span of time. She has participated in one international, several national tae-kowan-do and karate championships.She has five national gold medals to her credit.

Anshita (17), is a class XII student from Government College for Women and wants to pursue her studies. Talking about her dream she revealed that she wants to become an IAS officer or an architect.

"I dedicate my victory to my parents because they encourage me to do some thing extraordinary in life. I want to become black belt in the sport", she added. Now she is working hard for the World China Championship.

Her father Sulekh Sharma, working with the Punjab National Bank, is on cloud nine due to his daughter's achievements. He said, "It was a memorable moment when we got the news about Anshita's victory. I can't express my feelings in words only a father can feel it when his child achieves something in life. Anshita is very hard working and I feel that she will achieve more in life".

Principal Gurminder Kaur said, "I am proud of Anshita. We will try and give her all facilities we can tohelp her in her endeavour. “She made us proud”, her tae-kowan-do coaches Narinder Sharma and Ramesh Sharma said.