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Code violations still on
Ludhiana, January 13 The nomination papers of more than 50 candidates, including covering candidates, have been rejected after the scrutiny. Eligible candidates can withdraw their names till January 16. In the presence of about 13 senior observers (IAS/IPS/IRS officers) from across the country, district election officer Rahul Tewari today said that five of these observers would be general in charge, five for expenditure and three would take care of police arrangements. Besides, a total of 14,000 persons had been deployed in the district to ensure fair and impartial Assembly elections. Tewari said despite repeated warnings to candidates, violations of the model code of conduct were being witnessed. He said several prominent candidates had been booked in connection with paid advertisements. The ones who have been served the notices include Inderjit Singh Asabad (Rs 52,800); Hakam Singh Gyaspura (Rs 63,800); Sarabjit Kochar (Rs 7,500); Sat Pal Gosain (Rs 45,360); Pankaj Sharda (Rs 64,485); Manpreet Ayali (Rs 8,000); Rajeshinder Singh Sidhu (Rs 30,000); and Ishar Singh Meharbaan (Rs 68,750). The candidates who have been sent notices for displaying illegal hoardings include Pawan Dewan, Rajinder Bhandari, Simarjit Singh Bains and Hira Singh Gabria, the election officer said, adding that two publishers -- M/s Tushar Printers and M/s Pataal Printers -- had been issued notices for publishing material without filling the required forms. “We have been waiting for their replies. In case they fail to give a satisfactory answer, we will register a criminal case against them,” Tewari said. Seizures to date Cash: Rs 4.95 crore Arms: Eight pistols, a revolver, a rifle, 17 cartridges, 7 large knives Liquor: 1,301 bottles of illicit liquor Drugs: 12 kg opium husk; 34,000 capsules/tablets; 100 kg cannabis; 113 gram smack; 1.5 kg opium; 23 kg poppy husk; and 2 kg charas (Candidates have been sent notices for putting up a maximum number of posters in the Atam Nagar constituency. The municipal corporation has constituted special teams to look into the matter.) Zero tolerance Poll observers have maintained that they will ensure that the Assembly elections will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Sanjay Pratap Singh, an IAS officer and an observer, said they would ensure that the code of conduct was enforced “very, very strictly”. The observers would have zero tolerance towards any violation, no matter how small, and the guilty would not be spared. “In Punjab, the literacy rate is higher. We expect everyone to cooperate with us,” he added.
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Bains tops in movable assets, Birmi in immovable
Puneet Pal Singh Gill Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 13 Bains has movable assets worth Rs 3.73 crore while Birmi and SAD candidate Hira Singh Gabria have movable assets worth Rs 2.13 crore and Rs 1,11,091, respectively. In terms of immovable assets, Birmi is the richest with immovable assets worth Rs 28 crore. Bains comes second with Rs 3.78 crore and Gabria third with assets worth around Rs 41 lakh. Interestingly, since 2007, Birmi’s immovable and movable assets have increased by Rs 14.69 crore and Rs 1.57 crore, respectively. On the other hand, Gabria’s immovable as well as movable assets have decreased since 2007. His movable assets have decreased by Rs 1.92 lakh and immovable assets by Rs 57.35 lakh. Birmi, a two-time Cabinet minister, owns three vehicles, including a Toyota Innova, a Maruti Swift and a Chevrolet Cruze. At the time of the filing of his nomination papers in 2007, neither Birmi nor any of his family members owned a single vehicle. Archrivals Simarjit Singh Bains and Hira Singh Gabria do not own any vehicle. In 2007, Gabria owned a Tata Indica car, which he may have sold as it is not mentioned in the papers filed by him today. Gabria, who used to own 20 tolas of gold in 2007, does not own it today. In terms of educational qualification, both Birmi and Bains are graduates while Gabria is a matriculate. Gabria and Birmi do not have any criminal case against them, but Bains has six cases registered against him. These cases, which are pending in the court, include the high-profile case pertaining to the stripping of tehsildar Gurjinder Singh Benipal and an assault case in 2009. Assets of candidates Malkit Singh Birmi (Congress) Year 2007 Year 2012 Movable assets 56,53,130 2,13,92,332 Immovable assets 13,30,20,000 28,00,00,000 Hira Singh Gabria (SAD) Movable assets 3,04,048 1,11,091 Immovable assets 98,35,000 41,00,000 Simarjit Singh Bains (Rebel Akali and now Independent) Movable assets 3,73,35,210 (Year 2012) Immovable assets 3,78,91,000 (Year 2012) Educational qualification Malkit Singh Birmi Graduate Hira Singh Gabria Matriculate Simarjit Singh Bains Graduate
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Candidates forced to go door to door
Ludhiana, January 13 Candidates are going door-to-door to try to meet each and every voter of their constituency. When they get tired, they hold “nukkad” meetings. Parveen Kumar Bansal, BJP candidate from Ludhiana North, said: “I start early and spend hours canvassing door-to-door. At some places, I hold ‘nukkad’ meetings. I am doing this to know about the problems being faced by residents. The instructions of the ECI are another big factor. But I am happy going on foot as despite the chilly weather, I stay warm.” The Congress candidate from Ludhiana Central, Surinder Dawer, said: “We have already started door-to-door canvassing. My wife and other family members are helping me. We will continue it till January 28.” Rakesh Kumar Pandey, a Congress candidate from Ludhiana North, stated: “I have already started campaigning in my area from door-to-door. In every elections, I prefer this way of canvassing. It reminds me of the good old days when my father the late Joginder Pal Pandey used to start his day with early morning campaigns.” SAD candidate from Payal Charanjeet Singh Atwal and Sanjha Morcha candidate DP Maur (Ludhiana West) are also busy canvassing.
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Anything for winning battle of ballot
Ludhiana, January 13 Simarjit Singh Bains and his elder brother Balwinder Singh Bains, both rebel Akali and now Independent candidates prefer wearing sports shoes while campaigning. “Every morning I start my campaigning at 7 am. Wearing sports shoes is more comfortable as I can cover a long distance without getting tired. Which is why, when I started my campaigning I purchased the shoes,” said Simarjit Singh Bains. Malkit Singh Birmi, Congress candidate from the Atam Nagar constituency, who fractured his leg a month ago, said, “I am having a plaster on my right leg. But I cannot just sit at home and wait for the plaster to be removed. I am still campaigning,” he said. It’s not only the candidates, but the “core team” working 24X7 with candidates has also shifted from leather shoes to sports shoes. “As we have to accompany candidates to several public meetings and functions, we prefer wearing sports shoes,” said a supporter of an Akali candidate. Prikshat Sharma, owner of a showroom in Model Town, said the sale of sports shoes had doubled ever since the date of elections was announced. |
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EC’s rigidity delights residents
Ludhiana/Jagraon, January 13 Residents said candidates should stop taking out rallies and processions. “Politicians unnecessarily waste time, resources and indulge in unethical practices. In such a short span of time, they can only create noise, which actually has little impact on the outcome of the elections, as voters already know about the candidates,” said Sunny Mohindra, a resident of Civil Lines. “Whatever is the outcome of the coming elections, one thing is sure that the present elections are going to be noise free. The common man is not going to be disturbed due to campaigning by supporters of various political parties, which is really a good sign,” said Ashok Sharma, a resident. During the earlier elections, supporters of different political parties used to make loud campaigning and it was the residents who were at the receiving end. “But this time around, as there is no such loud campaigning so far, residents are quite relieved,” said Joginder Singh, a student. Traders unhappy The strictness of the Election Commission has not gone down well with traders as well as businessmen. Terming the strictness unnecessary, the latter said the Election Commission should not have caused unnecessary harassment to businessmen and traders in the name of model code of conduct. “The strictness is not accepted. By doing so, the commission may be or may not be able to stop the use of black money or other unethical means during the coming elections, but it has definitely made the lives of businessmen difficult,” said Sudarshan Verma, a local businessman. The business community has appealed to the Election Commission to show some lenience. “The strictness has affected our business,” lamented Rajiv Jhanhi, another trader. Election observers deputed
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Constituency Watch: Payal (Reserved) Anupam Bhagria Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 13 The constituency, which has remained with the Congress since long, was recently declared reserved. This has opened the doors for the new candidates. There are 100 villages in this constituency with a projected population of 2,32,346. Out of this, 1,24,282 are male and 1,08,064 females. As compared to other constituencies there is sizeable population of Scheduled Castes. Presently, it is the stronghold of Congress MLA Beant Tej Parkash Singh, son of Late Beant Singh. He had also served as the minister of transport. He was elected in 2007 from here and sent to the state legislative assembly. Former Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated by the terrorists, belonged to Kotli, a small village on the outskirts of the Payal constituency. He won from this constituency thrice. His son, Tej, has been looking after the area since 2002. Not much developmental work has been undertaken in this constituency till date. Sewerage system was laid only in towns like Malaud, Doraha and Payal. Ironically, many villages, which fall under Transport Minister Tej Parkash Singh constituency, are yet to get facilities like transportation, educational and health. There aren’t any institutes catering to higher education. However, only a few villages have government dispensaries. Fact file Total voters: 1,40174 Male: 74,598 Female: 65,576 Candidates' take Major issues in your constituency? Atwal: Development of the area is one of the major issues. The SAD-BJP government has already undertaken numerous developmental projects here. I will get more grants for this constituency. Lakha: There isn’t any institute for higher education. Providing facilities for setting up a higher education institute is the major issue Your poll plank? Atwal: This constituency needs to be developed and more educational institutions need to be opened especially of higher education. Lakha: SAD candidate Charanjeet Singh Atwal is an Outsider, I belong to this constituency. Moreover, the area needs to be developed earnestly. Promises made to the voters? Atwal: I will try to get all developmental schemes and projects from the state government as the area needs to be developed in every sphere. Lakha: I will try my best to help youths in shunning drugs and get policies related to the upliftment of the poor implemented. What make you a better candidate? Atwal: People love and support me. And the tag of former Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is self-explanatory. Lakha: I am not an outsider and have been in touch with the people of my constituency. Residents are aware that I am not an old man and understand their needs.. What are your chances of winning? Atwal: I will win, as no one is opposed to my candidature. The Akali Dal candidate was defeated in this constituency when there was opposition. But, no one is opposed to me now. Lakha: God knows, but I am sure of winning the poll with a good margin People’s voice Educational and health facilities are lacking here. Our village has only one government primary school. Only 12 children study in this school. We go to Payal for availing medical facility — Mandeep Grewal, a resident of Kotli We don’t have any higher educational institute in our village. No one has ever thought of it. We are forced to send our children to Shahpur village for studying —Baljinder Singh, a resident of Kotli Drains in our village always remain choked and ponds, too, are dirty. The condition worsens during the rainy season — Manjeet Kaur, a resident of Kotli We got grants during the Congress rule in Punjab. There neither any institute of higher education nor any transport facility in Kotli village — Durlabh Singh, a resident of Kotli I am fed up of long power cuts in the village. I am a welder by profession and have to bear losses due to this. The village isn’t connected with bus service — Gurtej Singh, a resident of MaksoodranWe have a senior secondary school in our village. But, we don’t have any institute for sending our girls for higher education — Gurjeet Singh, a resident of MaksoodranWe have motorable roads and water tanks, but there isn’t any bus service in the village — Manjeet Singh, a resident of Maksoodran We have been staying near the fort in Payal for more than 40 years. Our houses were demolished one-and-a-half-year ago by the Central government. We are now living in jhuggis and looking forward to get rehabilitated by the government — Buta Singh, a resident of PayalPolitics wise Tej Parkash Singh, Congress MLA and son of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, earlier represented the Payal constituency. This constituency was declared reserved after delimitation.Congress candidate is Lakhbir Singh Lakha SAD candidate is Charanjeet Singh Atwal Sanjha Morcha candidate is Malkit Singh, sarpanch, Fatehpur village BSP candidate is Giani Sukhdev Singh Dhamot
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Hike in fuel prices drives away car buyers
Ludhiana, January 13 High fuel prices and rising interest rates have led to a fall in the auto sales, especially passenger cars and commercial vehicles. With an increase in the fuel prices, the market sentiment has gravely affected the passenger vehicle segment, which includes cars, vans and sports utility vehicles. Similarly, the two-wheeler segment which comprises motorcycle, scooter and moped, has also been affected by the slump. Upkar Singh, joint secretary of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertaking, said, “The MSME sector is the mainstay of our industrial economy and any further cut in the production will lead to unemployment which will disturb the social set-up. The Central and state governments should announce corrective measures and come out with a clear cut strategy that they intend for the revival of auto industry immediately,” he said. Some measures to shield auto industry The continuous tight monitory policy which is being exercised by the RBI to rein in inflation by increasing key interest rates 13 times since March, 2010, should be reconsidered as vehicle makers and ancillary units are being adversely affected. The tax regime is another hurdle. Excise duty on passenger vehicles and two-wheelers should be reduced by 2 per cent. Renewed focus is required to strengthen infrastructure for gaseous fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and LPG. Steps to speed up vehicle sales in Punjab VAT on passenger cars and two-wheelers should be reduced from 13.75 per cent to 5.50 per cent immediately. Low availability of power, which has kept Punjab’s industrial growth at the lowest (just 3 per cent while other states have recorded 8-9 per cent), should be addressed on a war footing. Growth in passenger vehicles is directly related to availability of proper road network. In Punjab, the road network should be strengthened and developed considerably.
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Kites take on political hues
Ludhiana, January 13 Kite sellers have pasted photographs of senior BJP leader and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Anna Hazare, among others. Photographs of Bollywood actors like Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan also don the kites. Pictures of some cricketers like Mahendra Singh Dhoni also figure on the kites. Avinash Singal, a kite seller at Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, said: “We have got the kites made from the Field Ganj area. We have the biggest kite with dimensions 3.5 ftx3.5 ft and it costs Rs 400. We have pasted the photograph of Sonia Gandhi along with the pictures of Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi on it. We have sold 10 such kites in the area today.” At the Daresi ground, kites bearing photographs of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Anna Hazare are being purchased by residents. Sumit Vij, a resident, said: “I bought eight kites with pictures of Hazare. I like him. Each kite costs me Rs 40.” Some buyers were seen asking for kites with photographs of cricketers and kabaddi players. Rajneesh Dhir, a resident and kite flier, complained: “They are selling kites with photographs of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but not of kabaddi players of Punjab. They should have kites bearing their photographs too.”
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Comics still a hit with kids
Ludhiana January 13 With the passage of time, Champak may have been translated into English and Archie's editions are available in Hindi, but the readership of these comics still persists despite the increasing competition from increasing TV channels for children, computer and video games. Chandamama, Billoo, Tinkle, Magic Pot, Lotpot, Children’s World, Asterix series are still being read by children. Two editions of Champak are published- one has a CD ROM as well. New genres of comics have emerged over a period of time apart from humour and heroics, as religious and didactic comics have also been available. “Comics brought out these days have much better graphics and content and children always appreciate colour and graphics,” said Sukhbir Singh, editor, Probity Comics. “So there will always be a good scope in comics,” he added. Saksham, a Class I student of KVM School, loves to read Children's World. His father Vikas said comics were an important part of children’s world. “My son reads this magazine and Chandamama. Sometimes even I read these,” he added. “Instead of making children getting glued to cartoon channels, making them read comics is a better option,” said Nitika Sood, a parent.
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Career counselling must in schools, say experts
Ludhiana, January 13 “For the real change in attitude of parents and those of children in the city, career counselling of students and their parents needs to be implemented with precision in schools in order to create good professionals,” said experts. Dr TS Nagpal, a child psychologist and executive director of a private school, said there were so many avenues open to children these days, but these needed to be identified early enough in order to further encouraging the fortes of children whereas strengthening their weaknesses. “Multiple factor analysis of children should be conducted, which not only identifies the strengths, but also sets expectations of parents accordingly resolving undue parental pressure on children to follow career they want,” he said. “Children need career coaching,” said Saksham Katyal, a freelance career counsellor. “They have to be guided according to their psychological inclinations on the basis of psychometric tests,” he added. “I am good at articulating and being friends with people, but a couple of options people tell me are in the media,” said Anand Bansal, a student. However, not many students in the city are aware of psychometric tests and multiple avenues open to them.
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Make chess compulsory in schools, residents urge govt
Ludhiana, January 13 “This game improves the IQ of the children. I think, the state government should also think of introducing the game in local schools,” said Navita Puri, Principal, Kundan Vidya Mandir School. “There is a need to develop an awareness of the game as it helps in developing the cognitive skills of the children. Time has come to change the attitude of people towards the game,” said Narinder Singh, President, Punjab State Chess Association. “The government has started taking interest in the game and should take steps to encourage it. It doesn’t even require very expensive infrastructure. Once during a chess contest in a school, a teacher jeered at children are now being made to play the game of idlers,” he added. “The benefits of the game are immense as it improves the reasoning, power and never say die attitude as the player has to find a way out even in the tight spots,” Dinkar Sharma, a resident of Urban Estate, said. “I play this game with my son everyday and he is become sharp. Companies have introduced this game so as to improve the mental skills as strategy and planning is the core part of management,” says Amit, an executive with a private company located at Feroze Gandhi Market.
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Students dance to the beats of dhol, fly kites
Lohri was celebrated in the primary and middle sections of KVM School, Civil Lines. The children had a good time celebrating the festival. They danced around the bonfire and relished sweets. Kite flying was also held.
BCM School At BCM School, students sang “Sundar Munderiye” to celebrate Lohri. The Punjabi department of the school lit a bonfire. Students came dressed in traditional attire. Groundnuts and rewris were distributed among students. They also presented bhangra and giddha. GRD Academy Lohri was celebrated at GRD Academy. Students spoke on the significance of the festival. The song "Sunder Mundariye" was recited by the school choir girls who were dressed in Punjabi traditional attire. Students of the primary section assembled in the ground around the bonfire. They danced to the beats of dhol. A kite flying contest was also held. Guru Nanak school Students of GN International Public School, Model Town, celebrated Lohri with bonfire, music and dance. They were acquainted with the history of Lohri celebrations and folk tales of Dulla Bhatti. The boys of senior section had an inter-house kite-flying competition. The festival was also celebrated with fervour at MGM Public School and UPSC Jain Public School. Doraha College of Education Students of Doraha College of Education celebrated Lohri with zeal and enthusiasm. BCM College At BCM College of Education, the festival was dedicated to the girl child. The function started with the lighting of the bonfire. Students presented a cultural programme, including folk songs and poetry recitation. Kirandeep Kaur of MEd was declared Miss Punjaban. DD Jain College Students at DD Jain College recited the song "Dulla Bhatti" and performed giddha. Principal Vijay Laxmi apprised the students of the importance of the festival. Ramgarhia Girls College Lohri was celebrated at Ramgarhia Girls College, Miller Ganj. The significant festival once again brought everyone together. The function began with the lighting of the bonfire. The students were told about the importance of the festival. They relished groundnuts. They danced to the tune of Punjabi songs. Ludhiana Group of Colleges Teachers and students of engineering, polytechnic, management and computer application streams participated in Lohri celebrations. A cultural programme on a theme 'youth and heritage' was held. Students presented boliyan, folk songs, jokes, poems and games. Giddha and bhangra were also performed during the event. Various competitions like like kite flying, mehandi and rangoli were held. GMT College Students of GMT college danced around the bonfire. Groundnuts and popcorns were distributed among students. — TNS
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Youngsters seek sports clubs for honing their skills
Youths of this constituency are sore with government, as it has failed to construct institutes catering to higher education and sports clubs. They complain that they have to go to far off places to seeking higher education. Gagandeep Singh, who is pursing career in ITI at Samrala said, “ We daily to go to Samrala for attending classes. It is difficult for us. Such institutes should be opened here for facilitating students."
While supporting his views Sarabjeet Cheema, who did post-graduation from SCG Government College, Ludhiana, said, “The problem is still there. We don’t have any institute for higher education here.” Dharampal, a painter by profession, said, “There aren’t any toilet for the poor. The governments come and go, but no one has ever thought about it.” Sukhdev Singh expressed concern over the unemployment in the area and said, “A few industries are coming up near Payal, so I am hopeful that the youths of the village would be able to get better job opportunities." The youngsters also feel that sports are an integral part of their life but there is no facility in this constituency. Sonu, a driver by profession, said, “The youth has potential, but there isn’t any facility for honing their skills." The youngsters want community centers for holding marriages and other functions. Sant Singh said: “One has to go to nearby towns for holding functions as there aren’t any community center in the area. We have to empty our pockets for holding functions in other areas.”
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Theft at PAU college
Ludhiana, January 13 The matter came to light yesterday evening when the police interrogated a few sweepers of the PAU on suspicion of robbery. Ajit Singh, a security guard, said he was overpowered and tied up before committing the crime. The robbers then broke open the door and laid their hands on the laptop and the computer. Meanwhile, Ajit Singh set himself free and informed the estate officer about the incident. This alarmed the robbers and they fled from the spot. Ajit said Rs 35 lakh was lying in the office when this incident took place. Fortunately, the robbers could not lay their hands on the money. Army helps nab man The CIA police has arrested a man and recovered a country-made pistol and 15 live cartridges from his possession. The man was arrested following inputs from the intelligence wing of the Army. Jatinder, alias Monu, a diver, Jandiali Kalan, told the police that he had smuggled the pistol into the city from Uttar Pradesh. The man confessed that he was expecting to get a good return by selling the weapon to a gang of snatchers. Murder accused held Ravi Kumar, who is undergoing trial in a murder case, has been nabbed for sneaking 900 habit-forming drugs and eight SIM cards inside the Central Jail here yesterday. Ravi Kumar, who was returning the court, was stopped by a jail guard and frisked. The contraband and SIM cards were seized from their possession.
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