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EC to monitor paid news
Striking farmers insist on two demands |
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Review policy to protect whistleblowers, state told
Congress’ Raninder Singh with teachers in Gidderbaha. Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma
Media attention reminds villagers of ‘Peepli Live’
Teacher in ICU, tension outside Faridkot hospital
Chaos at IAF recruitment drive
A policeman tries to control youths at a recruitment drive in Amritsar on Thursday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal
Alleging monopoly, cotton growers boycott sale
Bathinda farmers disappointed too
Ahead of Vice-President’s visit, security beefed up in Patiala
Police personnel checking a car in Patiala on Thursday. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar
Non-communicable diseases
NRI’s murder: Wife, 4 others get life term
Badal cuts birthday cake in Phagwara
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal cuts a cake to celebrate his birthday in Phagwara on Thursday.
Poll panel wants POs behind bars
School to be named after Manak
HC upholds state govt’s decision on stamp duty
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Striking farmers insist on two demands
Amritsar, December 8 “We have kept our demands before the officials who will contact the high-ups in Chandigarh and get back to us,” he said. He said if the government conceded to these two demands, the farmers will consider lifting the blockade. The situation may get serious if the matter is not resolved soon as the annual fair at the Radhasoami dera in Beas is to start on December 10. A report from Bathinda said that farmers blocking the Bathinda-Dhuri rail section planned to erect more tents to accommodate protesters and to start langar (community kitchen). Farmers from 17 farmers’ unions had initially planned a protest at Chandigarh ‘s Matka Chowk today but were not allowed to do so. “Since we were not allowed to enter Chandigarh, we decided to block the rail tracks,” said BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leader Ram Singh Bhainibagha. As the strength of protesters squatting on the rail tracks at the Jethuke railway station near Rampura swelled today, so did the strength of policemen deployed at the site.
But there was no tension.
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CM: Protest uncalled for
Amarkot (Tarn Taran), December 8 Earlier, addressing a public rally, the CM delivered a message to his rival Capt Amarinder Singh, asking him to shun the politics of threats. “He should help Punjab get funds from the Centre the way Mamata Bannerjee has secured for West Bengal,” he remarked. Badal lashed out at the Congress for working against the interests of Punjab. He said the SAD had ensured that the farmers with land-holding across the fence got compensation, but the Congress, after taking over the reins at the Centre, had discontinued the same. Mid-day meal workers held a mild protest.
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Review policy to protect whistleblowers, state told
Chandigarh, December 8
The directions by the bench of Justice MM Kumar and Justice R Raina came during the resumed hearing of a PIL filed by RTI activist-cum-advocate HC Arora. The bench observed that as per the Punjab policy, a whistle blower has to approach the District Magistrate or Police Commissioner concerned for protection Referring to the status report submitted by UT Administration, the bench observed that a protection review group (PRG), headed by the IGP and comprising IPS officers and some civilians, was meeting regularly and was adopting measures for providing security depending upon the assessment of threat perception to applicants concerned. The Division Bench observed, “We are of the considered view that the policies of Punjab, Haryana as well as UT Chandigarh are required to be made broad-based. The concerned committees are not only required to have in it police officers or other officers, there is necessity to associate either members of the Bar or other private persons like district-attorneys or advocates-general, depending upon the level of the committees concerned.” The bench also adjourned the hearing on the PIL to February 27. Child Panel Chandigarh: Taking exception to the violation of child rights, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the States of Punjab and Haryana, along with UT Chandigarh, to file a status report on the constitution of Child Commission. The High Court also fixed one week’s deadline for the purpose. While taking up a petition the court also observed that the response from the UT Administration was lukewarm and it was expected that necessary steps would be taken by the next date of hearing so as to enable the court to issue comprehensive directions. Counsel Hemant Goswami and Anil Malhotra also brought to the High Court’s notice the developments taking place for the
protection of child labour in Delhi.
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Manpreet, Raninder meet aggrieved teacher
Muktsar, December 8 The incident has become a major issue on the eve of the assembly elections. The PPP chief, Manpreet Singh Badal, met Varinder this morning. His wife Vinu Singh had organised a candlelight procession in Gidderbaha last night against the slapping incident. Raninder Singh, PCC chief Amarinder Singh’s son, also met the aggrieved teacher today. The Congress has sent a message to its district units to hold demonstrations tomorrow. Raninder Singh urged the state election authorities to provide police protection to Varinder Kaur as she had received threat calls from unidentified persons. The Congress would include the demands of the EGS teachers in its election manifes, Raninder told Varinder Kaur and her parents. He said it was a matter of shame that an Akali sarpanch had slapped a woman as Punjabi menfolk were known for their valour and chivalry. Raninder accused CM Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal of trying to muzzle the voice of the people. Criticising Manpreet, he said the latter was now shedding crocodile tears whereas he had himself let loose a reign of terror on Congress supporters as Finance Minister in the SAD-BJP government. Manpreet, who was the first to visit Varinder Kaur’s house, said he was shocked by the incident and Sukhbir Badal and his wife Harsimrat Kaur should publicly apologise to the
teacher.
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Media attention reminds villagers of ‘Peepli Live’
Gidderbaha, December 8 Since Varinder Kaur, the teacher who was slapped by a sarpanch during Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur’s Sangat Darshan programme on Sunday, belongs to this village, Sukhna Ablu often finds mention on local as well as national TV channels. Manjeet Singh, a village youth, said, “It is not difficult to find mention of Sukhna Ablu on news channels and newspapers. It reminds us of ‘Peepli Live’”. Similarly, Makhan Singh, an elderly villager, said, “On almost everyday, journalists from all over are thronging our village. We are thankful to them that they are highlighting the cause of the protesting EGS teachers”.
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Teacher in ICU, tension outside Faridkot hospital
Faridkot, December 8 A number of local Congress, PPP and other political leaders and unemployed teachers, who gathered at the hospital, claimed that Zila Singh, who was on hunger strike, had died but his death was not being disclosed by the authorities as it could lead to a massive protest all over the state. However, VK Sharma, Jaitu SDM, who reached the Faridkot hospital to talk to the protesters, claimed that Zila Singh was alive, but his condition was critical so he was put on life support system in the ICU. As the teachers kept insisted on meeting Zila Singh, a heavy police force was deployed to stop them from entering the hospital premises. Following this, the teachers sat on a dharna outside the hospital. Zila Singh, a daily wager’s son, was on hunger strike for about two months in May and July this year in Bathinda when EGS volunteers were demanding regular admission to the ETT course. Though the government conceded to the demand, Zila Singh’s two-month-long hunder stike badly affected his liver and brain. He was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago, but there was no improvement in his health. Admn announces financial assistance Even as the condition of Zila Singh, who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College Hospital, Faridkot, remains critical, the district administration on Thursday announced Rs 5 lakh assistance for his family
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Chaos at IAF recruitment drive
Amritsar, December 8 The management of the college, too, did not like this chaotic situation in their campus. Over 2,000 youths, who gathered at the Khalsa College ground to submit applications, began to complain about lack of basic amenities during the recruitment drive. “We were made to stand in the queues since the wee hours and there were no basic arrangements, like drinking water or adequate toilets within the campus,” they said. A candidate from Gurdaspur alleged that in the absence of adequate counters, they faced difficulty in appearing for the physical test or depositing their application forms. “We are in thousands, they should at least have more outlets to attend us. This is utter mismanagement,” he said. Defying this, HPS Gill, Deputy Director of Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Amritsar, said the police faced tough time controlling the ‘indisciplined’ crowd and all the allegations made by them are baseless. Discipline is the first and the foremost characteristic required to be a defence officer and most of the candidates lacked it. “Moreover, the recruitment is done by the Air Force authorities only and Sainik Board is just a facilitator. Since it was a large group of people it was quite obvious to be bit strict in manning them. Otherwise, there were no other intentions,” he said. On the other hand, an official representing management of the college said they were reluctant to give the college campus for this recruitment drive. “This three-day drive had spoilt our ground. It was only after the Deputy Commissioner and Sainik Welfare officials insistence, we had to give up. We would not have let such a chaotic rally happened in our
premises, otherwise, as it disturbs our college discipline,” said an official, preferring anonymity.
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Alleging monopoly, cotton growers boycott sale
FARMERS: Traders are controlling the prices. They are offering us Rs 3,900-Rs 4,000 per quintal while last year cotton fetched Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 per quintal TRADERS: The trading is quite fair and there is no monopoly of any kind. Moreover, there is a slump in the cotton market worldwide Fazilka, December 8 The farmers recently blocked the main gate of the local cotton yard. This resulted in a long queue of cotton-laden tractor trailers in front of the cotton yard. Later, some farmers returned with their produce to their respective villages. Notably, the price of cotton during the corresponding period last year was over Rs 5,000 per quintal while the maximum price offered was about Rs 7,000 per quintal. Such high prices had prompted the farmers to grow more cotton. Ram Swaroop, agriculture development officer (ADO), said this year, cotton was grown in about 24,500 hectare in Fazilka block as compare to 22,200 hectare last year. Like basmati 1121 variety of paddy, cotton too is facing a distress sale this year probably for similar reasons in Fazilka market. “The traders are not allowing the prices to go up which is why the growers have decided to boycott the sale of cotton for an indefinite period,” said Gopal Singh Sandhu, president, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), Arniwala block of Fazilka subdivision. Meanwhile, the bulk purchasers of cotton, including commission agents, private traders and cotton factory owners, have denied the allegations. “The prices in Fazilka market are on a par with rates prevailing in nearby markets. The trading is quite fair and there is no nexus of any kind,” said Avinash Kalra and Kapil, both cotton traders. Vijay Chhabra, a factory owner, said there was a slump in the cotton market worldwide, hence the prices were comparatively low this year. “The prices were extraordinary high last year due to higher prices in the international market,” he added.
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Bathinda farmers disappointed too
Bathinda: Low prices of cotton this season have disappointed cotton growers who are forced to sell their produce for Rs 3,900 to Rs 4,200 per quintal in the local and Mansa markets as compared to last year’s Rs 7,000 per quintal. Hoping for the prices to go up next month, the farmers have starting storing their produce.
Besides, farmers have also rued fall in per acre yield this season due to inclement weather and rain during August and September. “The per hectare yield has reduced to 10-15 quintals this season whereas it was 20-30 quintals last year,” said Lakhwinder Singh, a farmer from Rampura. He said, “We are expecting the prices to go up after Lohri. We are adopting various traditional methods to maintain the moisture”. Baljinder Singh, agriculture development officer (ADO), said the prices were low due to an overall rise in the production of the crop.
— TNS
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Ahead of Vice-President’s visit, security beefed up in Patiala
Patiala, December 8 Speaking to The Tribune, Patiala SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill said that instructions had already been issued to the police officials about the visit and all requisite security arrangements had been put in place. "The bomb disposal squad, special quick response teams and arrangements to regulate the traffic have been made. Besides the security arrangements, our main focus is to ensure that the commuters and the city residents do not have to face any difficulty on account of the movements of the VIPs on December 10," he said. As per the information available, Ansari would reach Patiala Aviation Club on December 10 morning, from there he would head for the conference. Giving details, Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh said, “This is for the third time that Punjabi University is organising the conference, since its inception about 75 years ago. Earlier, the university had hosted the Indian History Congress in 1967 and 1998.” The conference has been divided into six technical sessions, which would cover ancient, medieval and modern India, archaeology, contemporary India and countries other than India. Conference’s chief organiser Dr JS Grewal, former vice-chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, said, "The primary objective of the congress is the rational interpretation of the past, its relevance in the modern times and promotion and encouragement of scientific study of Indian and international history."
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Non-communicable diseases
Ludhiana, December 8 Disclosing this, Deepak Bhatia, state nodal officer for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, Punjab, said, "Special cells under this project are being opened in civil hospitals at Bathinda, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur in the state. And at Bathinda, it has already started working.” However, in other districts, these cells would be established in the current financial year, informed the nodal officer. Bhatia said, "At these centres, screening, diagnosis, confirmation and management of the diseases will be taken care of." Dr HS Bedi, head, cardiovascular, endovascular and thoracic surgery, Christian Medical College and Hospital, said, "These days, communicable diseases are controllable, but non-communicable diseases are difficult to control because of people’s own laziness and their unhealthy lifestyle." Vital statistics
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NRI’s murder: Wife, 4 others get life term
Ludhiana, Decemeber 8 The convicted includes Jatinder Pal Kaur, wife of Basant Singh, Baljinder Singh alias Babbi of Mahal Khurd village, Gurmeet Singh, Hansdeep Singh and Pardeep Singh of Safuwal village, all from Moga district. According to the prosecution, Jatinder Pal Kaur was having illicit relations with her nephew Baljinder Singh. Because of this, both of them considered Basant Singh as a hurdle in their relationship and hatched a conspiracy with other persons to eliminate him. A case under Sections 302, 364, 201 and 120-B of the IPC was registered at the Jagraon police station on September 21, 2008 on the complaint of Kulwant Singh, younger brother of the deceased. The complainant had stated that his brother Basant Singh was settled in Finland and he was running a restaurant there. sHe regularly used to visit India after three-four months. On September 15, 2008 when he had come to India, accused Baljinder Singh was with him, as he used to drive his vehicle. On September 19, 2008 Basant Singh along with Baljinder Singh had gone to Ludhiana. When they were returning back, they stopped at Pehalwan Da Dhaba at Jagraon, but did not reach home. Next day, they lodged a DDR with the police. Later, the police cracked the case and arrested the accused persons for murdering the
NRI.
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Badal cuts birthday cake in Phagwara
Phagwara, December 8 Talking to mediapersons, Parkash Singh Badal said while the Congress was sans an agenda, the SAD would return to power on the development plank. He said the number of atta-dal scheme beneficiaries had been increased under a fresh survey. He said a sum of Rs 4,000 crore was being spent on meeting basic needs like water supply, sewerage, roads and streetlights and Rs 2,500 crore had been earmarked for cleansing river waters. Accusing successive Congress Governments at the Centre of meting out "step-motherly" treatment to the state, Badal said that a unitary form of government, with huge powers vested in the Centre, was the mother of all travails. Favouring a strong Lokpal, Badal said he would not mind if everybody, including the media, was brought under it. He criticised the sarpanch who had slapped a woman teacher. On the unparliamentary language being used by political leaders, Badal said: "Capt Amarinder Singh's agenda is to come to power with the use of khunda (club). No one can be at the helm of affairs with brute force. If the Captain is so fond of 'khundas', I can gift him two." On the possible swapping of seats with the BJP, he did not rule out the same. When reminded of the announcement made by him on his birthday in 2007 on completing the cleaning of all rivers by November 30 this year, he claimed that 80 per cent of the work had been completed.
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Poll panel wants POs behind bars
Chandigarh, December 8 There are about 17,000 proclaimed offenders in the state- 3003 (highest) in the Jalandhar(urban) police district, 1545 in Jalandhar (rural) police district, 52 (lowest) in the newly created Pathankot district, 67 in Gurdaspur , 101 in Batala, 1552 in Amritsar (urban) police district, 2264 in Ludhiana (urban) district, 1053 in Hoshiarpur and 602 in Moga. Also on the list are some Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from the Doaba belt and
Moga.
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School to be named after Manak
Ludhiana December 8 The minister also announced early implementation of the higher education policy. About he Library Act, he said it would be implemented soon to help the poor students gain easy access to books, magazines and newspapers. He said that the government school at Jalal village in Bathinda would be named after deceased singer Kuldeep Manak as demanded by Punjabi Sahit Akademi president Gurbhajan Singh Gill.
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Brig Manjit Singh is Sainik Welfare chief
Chandigarh, December 8 He had commanded an infantry unit in the eastern sector in counter-insurgency environment and also participated in the Kargil War.
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HC upholds state govt’s decision on stamp duty
Chandigarh, December 8 The Bench of Justice MM Kumar and Justice Rajiv Narain Raina asserted: “A private developer like the petitioner develops land for sale in the market for promoting his business and this is subject to regulatory laws whereas the state government, PSUs and local bodies develop and sell land for social purpose to meet the dire need for housing at a cost affordable to a distinct class that is not so affluent.” The Bench added: “The notification in our view does not practice any discrimination between the two distinct groups”.
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Amritsar, December 8
Amritsar, December 8
Ahead of Vice-President Hamid M Ansari’s visit to Patiala on December 10, security has been beefed upin the district.
Ansari would be the chief guest at the Platinum Jubilee session of the four-day Indian History Congress, being hosted by Punjabi University, from December 10. Besides several noted historians, Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil would grace the inaugural session of the conference as the guest of honour.
Phagwara, December 8
