Ludhiana, February 5
Hundreds of fans were left high and dry after the much-awaited Canada-America Kabaddi Cup was cancelled as the sports department officials refused to install a stage in the middle of Guru Nanak Stadium for the performance of Punjabi singers. Babbu Mann and Satinder Sartaj were scheduled to perform after the kabaddi matches.

Reacting to kabaddi-turned-singing concerts, District Sports Officer (DSO) Surjit Singh said: “From now on, no singer will be allowed to perform in the stadium during the kabaddi event until they make proper security arrangements and ensure that the stage would not damage the ground.”

The controversy erupted after the Canada-America Kabaddi Cup organisers began to install the stage in the middle of the ground.

The organisers pleaded that if the organisers of World Kabaddi Cup were allowed to install the stage in the middle of the ground, then why was the DSO not allowing them to do so.

The state-of-the-art stadium had borne the burnt of kabaddi enthusiasts in the previously held Canada-America kabaddi cups.

Even during the Canada-America Kabaddi Cup held last year, fans barged in the stadium and damaged costly infrastructure when Babbu Mann appeared on the stage after the event. The incident drew sharp criticism from the administration in general and the police in particular.

“We can ask for security for a sports event and not for some singing concert. If a singer will perform after the kabaddi event, the organisers will have to arrange for the security,” said the DSO.

Hundreds of youngsters from Moga, Jagraon and Mullanpur who had come to watch their favourite singers perform live, were left disappointed. “The kabaddi cup should not have been cancelled at the last moment. We came here thinking that we would watch the performances of our favourite singers, but are dejected to know that there will be no concert,” some fans from Mullanpur stated.

Ludhiana, February 5
Even as the results of the state Assembly elections would be declared on March 6, several candidates are on “religious-resolution” spree for “wish fulfilment” as they anxiously await the results. Several candidates are organising “akhand path” as well as havan for a favourable result.

A candidate, who had contested the elections from the Ludhiana South constituency of the district, claimed: “My family has come up with a religious resolution (Sukhna Sukhni) that if I win the elections, we would donate Rs 1 lakh at a religious place. Even though I personally don’t believe in such things, if my family has this religious resolution, I would abide by it.”

Most of the candidates claimed that they had full faith in God and were hoping to be victorious.

“I have faith in my God and know that He would make me successful this time. When I win the elections, we will organise ‘akhand path’ at a gurdwara. I won’t call it superstition, but belief,” admitted a Congress candidate from the city.

This is not the first time that candidates, who have contested the elections, are going in for religious resolutions as they await the results.

Another candidate said this time, it was a long wait of five weeks before the announcement of the election results.

“Now that almost a week has passed and a month is left, we have no option but to wait patiently. So, this is the best time to turn to God,” another candidate remarked.

However, during all election meetings before January 30, the candidates had been claiming that for them, a voter was like God. But now that the voting has ended, most candidates are keeping their own religious resolutions.

Not only this, several candidates have also been “depending” on good luck charms.

From keeping special colour pens and handkerchiefs to wearing “patkas” under turbans and auspicious time before filing the nomination papers.

A Congress candidate contesting from the Ludhiana district had filed his nomination papers in an “auspicious hour”. He reached the office of the returning officer at 11.58 am, but waited for two minutes before filing his papers.

Considering it to be auspicious, it was only at 12 noon that he handed over his nomination paper to the returning officer.

Ludhiana, February 5
A day after Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) officials removed temporary encroachments from Akalgarh Market, the encroachments have “resurfaced” in some parts of the market again. The MC team had carried out a comprehensive anti-encroachment drive in the Akalgarh Market yesterday and had confiscated eight truckloads of goods.

Interestingly, the encroachments have come up again in a market, which is hardly 100 metres away from the zone A office of the MC. The drive had been carried out on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A visit to the Akalgarh Market today revealed that shopkeepers had kept their goods in the passage, leaving very less space for passersby. 
Asked about the MC drive, a shopkeeper quipped: “Now that the MC has already conducted the anti-encroachment drive, they won’t come here again for some time. They had to conduct the drive because a group of shopkeepers had approached the High Court. We are running our own business and not harassing any one, so the MC should not bother us with such drives.”

It is not for the first time that the shopkeepers or residents have again encroached on government or private land, a few days after the civic body had conducted an anti-encroachment drive.

MC Joint Commissioner AS Sekhon said today being Sunday, the shopkeepers might have encroached on the pavements again. “I would be sending a team to the market again tomorrow to take a look and if any person is found encroaching on any portion of the market, we would take strict action against them,” he said.

Ludhiana, February 5
An inter-state nexus between vehicle lifters and a policeman has put the role of an Assistant Sub-Inspector from Jandiala Guru near Amritsar under scanner.

The matter came to the fore after the car that was stolen from the city two months ago was found by theASI from Jandiala Guru, who instead of informing the city police, contacted the car owner about the recovery of the vehicle because he did not to pursue the case he had registered in Ludhiana.

The septuagenarian Gurmukh Singh, a resident of Sector 32, Chandigarh road, is ruing the day when he gave his Honda City at JS Car Shingar, for cleaning on December 5 last year.

"I gave my car keys to Jagjit Singh at around 5pm and was asked to collect the vehicle after two hours. After two hours when I reached the car washing unit, Jagjit Singh told me that thieves had stolen my vehicle. I was shocked. In the meantime, the residents of the locality gathered at the spot. It was Jagjit Singh who called the police and informed them about the thief, but later I came to know that it was just an eyewash," said Gurmukh Singh.

It was after 13 days (December 17) that a case was registered against Jagjit Singh for stealing the vehicle.

The registration of case turned out to be a prelude of an ordeal for Gurmukh Singh and his son Manjit Singh.

"The case was subjected under inquiry by higher officials and I was made to shuttle between offices of senior police officials for recording of statements," said Manjit Singh.

While the father son duo were busy tracing the vehicle they received a call from the ASI in Jandiala Gurur.

"The call was made from two numbers 99157-08188, 97800-03433 and the caller identified himself as a Punjab police ASI posted at Jandiala Guru. He told me that the stolen car was in his possession. When I asked how he managed get the possession of the car? The ASI replied that a drug addict youth fled with his vehicle. The police party in Jandiala Guru impounded the stolen vehicle. However, the thief managed to flee the scene," said Malkit Singh.

The ASI further told Malkit Singh to reach Jandiala Guru and take possession of the stolen the car and not to pursue the matter.

"I smelled a rat and told the ASI that a case of criminal breach of trust has been registered against the Jagjit Singh and he should contact the Ludhiana police about the recovery of the car," said Malkit Singh. The father-son duo further informed ACP Ramneesh Chaudhry about the phone call.

"The ACP also spoke to the Jandiala Guru-based ASI and the latter confirmed about the recovery of the stolen car. Since then the police going dilly dallying on the issue. Neither we were handed over the vehicle nor any action was taken against the culprit. I came to know that my car was badly damaged by Jagjit Singh and his accomplices," complained Gurmukh Singh.

Ludhiana, February 5
The local industry engaged in making transformers, towers, conductors, wires, cables and meters are going through a rough phase due to the high-tax regime in the state. The state government prefers to procure these equipment from other states as they are cheaper since no VAT is applicable on them.

Time to time, tenders are floated by various government departments for purchasing goods, but commodities manufactured by other states are given preference due to the low prices. Prices have to be quoted inclusive of taxes due to which the rates of Punjab-made goods are on the higher side.

The sewerage board, canal department, irrigation department, and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited keep floating tenders regularly. “Tenders are invited by various government departments from time to time. Since the price has to be quoted inclusive of all taxes, the goods made in Punjab are costlier due to which the tenders are generally bagged by neighbouring states,” said Badish Jindal, president of the Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association.

In the neighbouring states no VAT is applicable and only central sales tax (CST) is levied on goods. Compared to Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir has no CST, Himachal, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan have 2 per cent CST while Uttaranchal has 1 per cent CST. In Punjab, VAT is levied at the rate of 5.5 per cent.

“Due to the high rate of VAT, the price of our equipment is higher and generally the tender is given to those with lower prices. Quotations from Punjab is always high due to the high rate of VAT. Earlier, entry tax was levied, but now stay has been given on entry tax also, which has further complicated our situation,” added Raman Pandey, an industrialist. Not only Ludhiana, but also the industry in cities like Bathinda, Jalandhar and Pathankot are feeling the heat. Some units have also shut down.

“When tenders are invited, prices should not be quoted inclusive of taxes. The government should bring about this change as not only the industry, but also the government is suffering losses. If equipment is procured from Punjab, VAT will be charged and will benefit the state exchequer. So, the government should invite tenders and applicants should be asked to quote the prices without taxes,” said Jindal.

Ludhiana, February 5
People usually complain either of lack of appetite or flatulence due to overeating. To keep digestion on the right track, they prefer to take cold drinks or other alternatives, but have forgotten the traditional drink “kanji”, which is made of black carrots, rai, pepper, salt and water. However, hing can also be used after roasting for better effects.

Dr Anshu Vatsayan, a city-based ayurvedacharya said, “It is a useful drink, which helps in digestion. It promotes good appetite if taken before meals and helps in digestion if taken after meals.”

However, another city-based ayurvedacharya, Vaid Veni Parsad said, “It improves digestion and immune system of the body.”

Talking about benefits of kanji, Dr Anshu said, “Carrots come in many shapes and colours, including orange, yellow, red, purple, but usually black carrots are used to make kanji. Although these are sweet and bitter in taste, they are hot in their effect. It is a natural tonic, which strengthens nerves, heart and brain. Rich in vitamin A and dietary fiber, it also has a lot of minerals and is anti-oxidant.”

However, talking about the benefits of rai, she said, “Rai seeds are bitter, sharp and hot in its effect and being digestive, its carminative and killer of intestinal worms. It is also good for liver and spleen. It is a gastric stimulant. Hing can also be added to it, which is anti-flatulent and anti-spasmodic, so it expels excessive gas from the body.” The ayurveda experts warn that excessive use of kanji can cause acidity and burning sensation in chest.

Samrala, February 5
Almost all the main roads of the area are in a bad condition with the authorities adopting a callous attitude towards the problem. The Defence Road, linking Machiwara to Khanna via Samrala, is in pitiable situation, having huge potholes at several places near Samrala, Otalan, Balion and Khanna. There is a heavy rush of traffic on the road, with a large number of trucks daily passing over it, but officials and political leaders seem to be unaware about the problem. The situation becomes even more difficult for two wheelers. Students of AS college, Khanna, too are facing this problem.

A stretch of Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road from Kohara up to Khamano to is in a dilapidated state. Several VIPs daily pass through this road in their way to Chandigarh, but appear to be indifferent to the condition of the road. The bridge on Bhakra Canal, between Khamano and Morinda, too is dotted with potholes. Officials often fill up the patholes with sand, but still accidents take place on the bridge.

The condition of Khanna- Khamano Road is not much different. A 20 km long stretch of the road is has huge potholes at severalplaces. The stretch from Khanna to Barwali is yet to be widened and it is very difficult for even two vehicles to pass simultaneously on this narrow road. Often commuters have to switch to other routes to reach their destinations. The other part of this road, from Barwali to Khamano, is also fast turning into a bad condition as it has not been repaired in a while.

The condition of Khamano-Fatehgarh Sahib Road, from Sanghol up to Bassi Patahana, is also worsening day by day as the PWD department is not paying much attention towards its repair.

Advocate Narinder Sharma and Hardev Singh Kang, a social activists of the area, have demanded immediate repair of these roads. When XEN PWD Ropar Karnail Singh was contacted in this regard, he said that he was aware about the problem at some places on Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, but regretted that the department had no funds for their repair. He rued that they had informed higher officials but nothing was done in this regard. He also said that the joints at Bhakra bridge were loose and needed immediate repair, but the work is pending due to lack of funds.

Ludhiana , February 5
Activists and office bearers of over 70 units of Rotary Club falling under RI district 3090 comprising major parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan vowed to dedicate their lives for fostering Indo-Pak peace and fraternity, and eradicating communal and racial hatred from the region.

An oath was taken in response to a call given by the official representative of Rotary fraternity of Pakistan and chairman Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee Aziz Memon during the concluding session of the Annual District Conference ‘Manzil’ held here today.

The attendees also resolved to contribute their best in fight against dreaded diseases including cancer, cardiovascular ailments and polio from the earth.

While responding to the emotional and motivational appeal made by Memon during his keynote address, Rotarians and members of their families, led by Amjad Ali and Firdosh, vowed to do their best for bridging the gap which has since been created between people of two neighboring countries.

“Though history may have divided us due to hasty decisions of our overambitious political leaders, the geography and psychology has not separated us,” argued Memon calling upon Rotarians to undertake measures to ensure peace and fraternity among people of Pakistan and India.

Appreciating the gesture shown by certain social and medical institutes in providing selfless medical services to the ailing humanity, Memon disclosed that around 1200 Pakistani children have been granted life by doctors from the bordering state during past couple of years. He said the Rotarians should augment exchange of sports teams, cultural exchange teams and projects associated with the industry, trade and commerce.

The conference was inaugurated by former Rotary International President Padamshree Rajinder K Saboo, and Pardeep Mukherjee, official representative of the Rotary International. Kalyan Banerjee presided over various sessions.

Prof A Walsey, vice chairman Urdu Academy, New Delhi, Dr Naved Aslam and Dr GS Wander, renowned cardiologists were the keynote speakers during various sessions.

Newspaper offices are flooded with news/press releases. Though the reporters make sure that each and every news is sent for publication, still at times certain news cannot be published due to space constraints and the persons to whom the news matter, feel disappointed. A senior citizen came to the office to hand over a press note regarding the appointment of certain office-bearers, which could not be published. The person came after two days and said, "You all are working here. I can understand that you cannot argue with your bosses. Provide me the telephone numbers of your seniors so that I can talk to them directly. Otherwise also I can tell them to encourage you reporters by publishing all the news sent by you. I am a septuagenarian and they will consider this"! The person really looked too concerned for all of us.

Mandi Gobindgarh, February 5
Desh Bhagat Institute of Management and Computer Sciences organised an Inter School Youth Festival ‘Uniquest-12’, a one-day mega youth festival, for school students of the region. The program included competitions in 30 events relating to the field of singing, dancing, acting, modelling, painting, cartoon making, collage making, Giddha, Bhangra, creative writing, etc. Teams from 35 senior secondary schools participated in different competitions and exhibited their talents.

Over 700 budding artists enthralled the audience with their performance. Though all the events had their share of admirers and fans, events like skits, dance, choreography and modelling remained the focus of attraction and drew large crowds. The competition depicting the use of waste material for useful purposes was particularly appreciated by the audience.

The overall trophy for the best school was awarded to Green Grover School, Khanna. DAV Public School, Khanna, was declared the runners up. Chief guest Satish Kaul, an eminent Punjabi film industry personality, presided over the valedictory function and gave away the prizes to the winners. He lauded the initiative of Desh Bhagat Group in organising such an event for school students and providing them an opportunity to show their abilities. Such programmes, he said, were as essential as academic activities in the all-round development of students.

Earlier, while inaugurating the festival, Desh Bhagat Group Chairman Dr Zora Singh in his address welcomed the guests. Director General Dr Shalini Gupta proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion and expressed her delight at the overwhelming response the festival had received from different schools.

In literary events Green Grover School, Khanna, came first while Neta ji Model School was declared runners-up. In sports event, Government Senior Secondary School, Bhadson, was declared winners and GTB School, Khanna, runners up.

Ludhiana, February 5
Basant Utsav was celebrated at Bal Bharati Public School. Students performed ‘bhangra’ and ‘giddha’ during the celebrations. The vibrant Rajasthani dance on the tunes of ‘Assi gaj ka mora ghagra’. Children at the fair began to enjoy various game stalls like shoe-fly shoe, chocolate wheel, hoola, hit me, quotes, magnetic charm, bull’s eye, kill the rat. Dance competition and kite-flying competitions were also organised in addition to painting and rangoli competitions. The souvenir-Basant Utsav 2012 was released by the students and staff. The healthy baby contest was also held along with the healthy vegetarian and fruit-salad competition to promote healthy habits. The special attraction of the day was dental checkup by experts of Christian Dental College, which gave the people a chance to be careful about their dental health. For the kite flying competition Ramneek for maximun cut, Samar Pratap for maximum height, Chiraag for maximum time and mother of Harmanjot Singh got prizes for senior most kite flier. In rangoli, competition Preeti, Neetu Singh and Shweta Arora bagged the top prizes.

In recipe contest Sushma Batta, Kawaldeep and Sonia Dua got prizes. In the healthy baby contest Anna Singh, Prableen, Kunwardeep, Geet Kang and Navleen won the first prizes in respective categories. In the dance competition Vani (2-6 years), Khanak (6-10 years), Arshjot and Chanpreet (10-13 years) bagged first prize in their respective age groups whereas, Rythem and Dilraaj bagged first prize in duet dance and Vani, Ishnoor and Muskaan bagged first prize in group dance competition. In art competition, Eknoor Kaur, Sharneet Karu, Ayati, Jasraj and Keerat stood first in their respective age groups.

Ludhiana, February 5
The Hindi department at SCD Government College is being used for the purpose of keeping EVMs and security personnel by the Election Commission.It is disrupting the studies of students of the department at the college.

Security personnel have blocked the entry of students towards the room where EVMs are kept. Ironically, one room is not in use but the election staff is not willing to give it to the college authorities. The common room at the college and a room in the commerce department have also been occupied.

Meanwhile, classes are being managed in other departments. Students of the department are taking classes in seminar hall and old hall.

More than 20 persons of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police are deployed for the security of EVM machines in the department building. Security personnel are using two different rooms for residential purposes.

Dr Mukesh Arora, head, department of Hindi, said, "We have to follow the instructions of the Election Commission but it is a month-long process and our study is suffering. We are demanding a room back, which is not in use for the staff. Otherwise, we are adjusting the classes by changing the time schedules".

Principal Jasbir Kaur Makkar said, "Hindi department is facing more problems because they have to manage the classrooms in other departments. No doubt, studies are suffering. But the election authorities have promised us that the problem will be solved on Monday".

Doraha, February 5
A meeting of the Government Pensioners Association was held at Com KK Kaushal Memorial Bhawan Doraha. Pawan Kumar Kaushal presided over the meeting.

Various difficulties faced by the pensioners were discussed in detail during the meeting. The memebers condemned the large scale corruption prevalent throughout India.

“A lot of cases regarding pensioners are lying pending in the concerned offices. Many cases are pending in District Education Office, which needs to be cleared at the earliest," said Pawan Kumar Kaushal, president, Government Pensioners Association, Doraha.

The members also requested the pension disbursing bank authorities to bring to an end to the harassment suffered by pensioners regarding the payment of any arrears, allowances etc so that the pensioners may not be harassed at this stage of their life.

A resolution was passed in the meeting to support any movement against corruption. Mehar Singh, Gurdial Dalal, Ranjit Singh Tiwana, Darshan Singh, Harcharan Singh Heeran, Pritam Singh, Harbans Singh also addressed the meeting and presented their views. The members also paid rich tributes to the veteran peasant leader Rachhpal Singh.

Ludhiana, February 5
Unesco Club of Punjab organised a literary seminar at Punjabi Bhawan here today wherein Sahitya Academy Award winner noted novelist Prof Niranjan Tasneem met his fans and readers and shared his life experiences as a novelist.

Pritpal Singh Kapoor, noted historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University was the chief guest on the occasion.

Prof Kapoor released a book on Hindi criticism "Kahanikaar Yash Paul-Ek Yatharth Bodh" by Dr Sanjiv Dawar. Expressing his views on the book, Kapoor recalled the contribution of Yashpal as a great author of Punjab who depicted Punjab culture and history of pre-Independence period.

President of the club Dr GS Maan welcomed the guests and shed light on holding such literary seminars. Dr KK Minhas, general secretary of the club read her paper on the life and novels of Tasneem.

Dr Rajinder Toki, an eminent scholar, highlighted the works of Yashpal on this occasion.

AMLOH, FEBRUARY 5
HDFC Bank conducted ‘Coin and Notes Exchange Camp’ at Amloh Branch on Saturday. The Camp was organised by Bank's Chandigarh Currency Chest and was inaugurated by Artia Association Chairman Jeewan Puri.

Bank official Sunil Sethi said that it was the first camp of its kind organised for the benefit of people in the area. There was huge participation in the camp with around 400 people benefitting from the event Fresh currency notes and coins worth Rs 36.50 lakh were exchanged in the camp.