Bathinda, February 22
Twenty one cases of theft have been reported from the kitchens of government schools and learning centres where mid-day meals are cooked for students. Since 2010, LPG cylinders and ration have been stolen from these schools, but not even a single case has been cracked or any of the accused arrested.

The district manager of the mid-day meal scheme, Daljit Singh Joshi, has written to the Bathinda SSP to draw his intention towards the problem. In his letter, Joshi had demanded that his office be apprised of the action taken by the police in the 21 cases.

The SSP office replied giving details of all the 21 cases wherein a total of 27 LPG cylinders have been stolen. The highest number of LPG cylinders stolen was five. The theft took place at Government School at Laleana village on January 3, 2011.

Interestingly, none of the cases has been solved and 12 cases are still under investigation while the fate of other cases hangs in balace due to technical reasons. Besides LPG cylinders, large quantity of rice, wheat, sugar, spices and condiments and gas stoves have also been stolen from the schools.

“These kitchens are the heart of the mid-day meals given to students in the primary, upper primary, EGS centres and AIE (alternative and innovative education) centres in the district. It is impossible to run the scheme without apparatus and ration,” said one of the cooks at a government school in the city.

He added that the department does not have any provision to replace the stolen goods. “In absence of any such provision, we depend heavily on village panchayats or good samaritans. At times, the school teachers contribute to keep the kitchen running,” added a teacher.

The mid-day meal officials said if the police cracks even 10 to 15 cases, it would send a strong signal to the offenders who would not dare to steal anything again. The lack of peons in schools is also another factor responsible for such thefts as the schools remain unguarded.

The officials added that in few cases, the teachers even refused to go to the police fearing backlash. “Not ready to shoulder the responsibility of probing a case, the cops start harassing our teachers. So, teachers have ultimately stopped reporting the matter altogether,” added the officials.

SSP Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill was not available for comments.

Bathinda, February 22
The Day II of the national conference at Government Rajindra College saw a large number of youth-related topics being addressed. The duo of Navdeep Kaur and Samriddhi presented a paper on ‘Effects of technology on youth in today’s society’.

Starting with the fact that the technological advancements have brought about major changes in the lives of youngsters, the duo moved on to how from being the masters of technology, the youth is slowly moving towards becoming slave to the technology.

Citing the example of the telecommunication companies offering newer and more alluring plans targeting the youngsters, Navdeep Kaur said, “The companies know that youngsters use mobiles more. And hence, the companies target them with more and more plans and packages.”

The sample for their study comprised 150 respondents (90 females and 60 males). “During our study, we found that 51 per cent of the respondents talked on the mobile phones for one to two hours a day and about 52 per cent spoke for two to five hours. Close to 84 per cent said they used mobile phones for entertainment,” said Samridhi.

“The findings for the use of internet are even more astonishing. About 55 per cent of the respondents said they accessed internet both in school and at home. While 30 per cent of the internet users said they used it to seek information, 53 per cent said they used it for entertainment,” she added further.

The hours of usage of internet is also a determining factor of the effects of internet on the young minds. The study pointed out that while 60 per cent used the internet for almost 9-10 hours a day, a whopping 85 per cent said they couldn’t imagine a life without internet.

Discussing the effects of extensive use of social networking site by the youngsters, they argued that although these sites were quite a helpful media and were making the world a smaller place, they wondered if these were in fact, isolating the individual from his immediate surroundings and the people sitting next to him and staying with him under the same roof.

Samridhi said a majority of the respondents had confessed that spending long hours talking on mobile phones and using internet was actually hampering their academic growth, minimising their face-to-face interaction and was limiting their socialising as well.

They also added that their study also showed that continuously decreasing socialising and personal interactions may have long-term effects on the youth’s mind. “It may lower their self-esteem, the feeling of hopelessness may also creep in and they may lose self-confidence,” Samridhi concluded.

Bathinda, February 22
Postal employees under the banner of National Federation of Postal Employees will go on one-day strike on February 28 for what they call to save the nation and protect the labour from neo-economic policies adopted at Centre.

To ensure success of the strike, a general body meeting of the All India Postal Employees’ Union, Group-C, has been convened at Bathinda Head Post office on February 26, said division secretary of the union, Makhan Lal.

Makhan Lal said meetings would be convened at divisional and branch level at several work places prior to the strike to ensure full participation of the staff in the daylong agitation.

The leaders of the unions said the charters of demands comprise two parts. The Part–A includes concrete measures to contain price rise, concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with concession/incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs, strict enforcement of basic labour laws, universal social security cover for the unorganised sector, creation of a national social security fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendations of NCEUS and parliamentary standing committee, amendment of Minimum Wages Act and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not below `10,000 a month, remove the ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus and others.

Under the Part-B, the demands are stopping the downsizing, outsourcing and privatisation of government functions, filling of vacant posts of functional requirement and merging DA with pay for all purposes, including pension. — TNS

Bathinda, February 22
An emergency siren sounded to evacuate everyone from the district administrative complex (DAC) today failed to serve the purpose.

The hooter was used during the mock drill of earthquake organised by the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) at the Mini-secretariat here. The drill was aimed to sensitising people towards the dos and don’ts they should follow in case of man-made or natural disasters.

The employees and visitors were unaware of the emergency siren and left their respective offices only after the intervention of the officials of the NDRF. All offices on the administrative complex were vacated during the mock drill.

When questioned about the lack of seriousness among people to evacuate the building, a member of the NDRF replied: “People knew it is merely a mock drill and not an actual earthquake. Otherwise, they would not have even listened to anyone before leaving the building.”

The demonstrations in the parking area of the complex by 130 members of the NDRF were, however, widely applauded by onlookers. The NDRF members demonstrated how to evacuate people trapped in buildings in case of fire, earthquake and accidents. The members of the teams used ropes, ladders and other equipment to evacuate people.

People applauded when the uniformed men climbed down the walls using ropes.

The highly-skilled and equipped with modern gadgets, NDRF battalions are located at nine different places in the country, including Bathinda.

The rescuers displayed several techniques and gave a basic idea to the viewers on how to extend a helping hand to the victims of a man-made or natural disaster.

Talking to Bathinda Tribune, Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav said he had urged the commandant of the NDRF to prepare a plan so that employees and people visiting the Mini-secretariat may be evacuated in case of any disaster.

“The team of experts from the NDRF would soon visit the Mini-secretariat and conduct a study on the possible emergency exit routes. The routes would be demarcated with indicators which will prove helpful to people in case of exigency,” the DC said. He added that the task of signage in the entire building and indicators would be assigned to an expert agency and the entire process would be completed within next three months or so.

The DC pointed out that there were seven sirens in the city, including the Mini-secretariat, and efforts would be made to create awareness among the people and government employees in the Mini-secretariat so that they could leave their respective offices and buildings during any calamity.

Bathinda, February 22
The newly set up physiotherapy clinic in the OPD block of the local Civil Hospital was inaugurated by the Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav today. The clinic has been established under the National Programme for Healthcare for the Elderly.

Yadav said the clinic would certainly prove beneficial for the residents of Bathinda as well as the surrounding areas. Ailing persons could visit this physiotherapy clinic for treatment.

In a room of the clinic, four cabins have been made for serving the patients with treadmill, shortwave diatherapy, continuous passive motion and the traction. Besides, a shoulder wheel has been installed.

In the second room, provisions have been made for the wax bath and the hydro collator. In the third room, two cabins have been made for interferential therapy (IFT)/stimulator and the ultrasound therapy/transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Except for the traction unit, all other units have started functioning at the clinic. The traction unit has yet to receive the table for the patients due to which it is not functioning nowadays.

Physiotherapist at the clinic Amanpreet Kaur said for the past two-three days an average of 10 patients had been visiting the clinic daily. She expressed the hope that the number would increase in the days to come.

An ASI of the Punjab Police posted in Mansa district and getting treatment here today said he had a fracture in his thigh about a year ago. Though he has recovered from the fracture injury but the knee was not turning properly. He had started coming here from today for continuous passive motion. He had earlier been getting treatment at the DMC Hospital, Ludhiana, but the opening of the physiotherapy clinic here has proved beneficial to him, he added.

Among others present on the occasion included Civil Surgeon Dr Iqbal Singh, deputy medical commissioner Dr Vinod Garg, assistant civil surgeon Dr Sat Pal, district health officer Dr Raghubir Singh Randhawa, SMO of Women and Children Hospital Dr BS Gill and the SMO of the Civil Hospital Dr Satish Goyal.

Bathinda, February 22
The Virasat Mela to be held at Jaipalgarh village here from February 24 to 26 would kickstart with a heritage walk starting from gurdwara Haji Rattan.

Addressing mediapersons here today, office-bearers of the Malwa Heritage Foundation, DC Kamal Kishore Yadav, SSP Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill and historian Harvinder Singh Khalsa said the mela this year would be dedicated to Kuldeep Manak, the legendary singer from Bathinda.

The poster of the event was also released.

On February 24, a heritage walk would begin from Gurudwara Haji Rattan at 10 am. It will move towards the Haji Rattan 'dargah' (shrine), pay obeisance at the Qila Mubarak gurdwara and culminate at village Jaipalgarh for the inaugural ceremony function.

Later, poetical recitation would be held at the heritage village from 4 pm to 6 pm.

At 6:30 pm, a jago would be taken out from the residence of the DC. At 7 pm, singers Kanwar Mann, Raja Sidhu, Rajwinder Kaur, Kiran Deepu, Bikka Manhar, Jassi Gobindpuria and others would perform.

On February 25, competitions in conventional and non-conventional categories would be held. Events of Malwai giddha, kabaddi, tug-of-war, discus throw and Gabru Punjab Da contest would be held on the second day. In the evening, singers Gurbinder Brar, Jaspal Jassi, Balvir Chotia and Jasmine Chotia would give their performance.

On the final day, huge footfall is expected owing to the concert of singer Jazzy B. The family members and friends of Kuldeep Manak would also be honoured on the occasion. Later in the evening, singer Jyoti Gill, Veer Davinder, Goga Chakwala and Neetu Virk would present songs.

Besides these events, the heritage fest would have paraphernalia of stalls showcasing the heritage of Malwa, including artefacts, old domestic items, accessories, dresses and other things.

Bathinda, February 22
The UGC-sponsored national conference on 'Social and Cultural Changes: Prospects and Challenges for Youth" concluded here today with the valedictory ceremony in which the former vice-chancellor of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib University, Fatehgarh Sahib, was honoured.

The day began with some interesting paper presentations that threw light on conventional versus modern gender roles, teachings of Buddhism, moral values, character building, effect of technological advancements, peer pressure among many others.

While Jatinder Kumar Sharma drew everyone's attention towards the fact that we were increasingly becoming consumerists in our outlook and from an early age become brand-conscious, young scholar Arshpreet Kaur argued that just because the youngsters went to pubs and wore a certain type of clothes doesn't not mean that they were moving away from their culture and values. "Looks don't matter, outlook does," she argued vehemently.

Dr Raj Bala from Government College, Sangrur, urged the women to raise their voices if they wanted the suppression to end and the violence against women to decrease. She also asked them to be each other's strength.

Dr Sudhir Baweja termed himself a 'commercial break' among the scholars present at the conference. He emphasised the need to put the common interest before personal interest and "be a man first and then try and be someone else".

Dr Sumail Sidhu, while concluding the day's proceedings said, "The youngsters are free to choose and are responsible for the choices that they make. Elders, instead of only blaming the youngsters, should also lead by example. It is for the youngsters to be inquisitive, raise questions and challenges," he said.

Dr Gurjit Singh Mann, from the Department of Philosophy, thanked the guests for making the conference a huge success and also thanked all the former students of Rajindra College who had come back to the college to present papers.

Dr Vijay Goyal and Dr Gurjit Singh Mann presented a bouquet and a ceremonial shawl to Dr Gurnek Singh, the former vice-chancellor of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib University, Fatehgarh Sahib.

Dr P Sheshadri, from the Khalsa College, Mumbai, was honoured by the vice principal of Rajindra College, Dr Malkit Singh, Seema Gupta from the Department of Psychology and Dr Gurjit Singh Mann.

Bathinda, February 22
Psychologists have been arguing this for decades now — peer pressure plays a major role in shaping an individual's personality. Dr Arun Bala, from the Department of English of Government Rajindra College, argued the same while presenting a paper on "Peer Pressure in youth: Causes and Solutions'. She was speaking at the national conference at the college.

Describing a peer group, she said peers are two or more people with whom we share some commonalities like sex, age, class, workplace, institution or even a family. "And hence, peers are not only the students with whom you study, they may be your siblings and your colleagues as well,” she explained.

Busting the myth that peer pressure always has a negative effect on an individual, she argued that peer pressure may instil confidence, inspire someone to study harder or improve his/her dress sense.

Explaining why peer pressure has more effect on the minds of the youngsters, she said, "Youngsters are at a vulnerable age. In the adolescent age, they wean off the parental influence and slowly step out in the world but are yet to establish their own identity. This is also the time when they lack a proper understanding of human behaviour and the knowledge of chafing the right from the wrong.

“Negative effects of peer pressure include low confidence, self- esteem and low academic capabilities which may also lead to drug addiction and alcoholism.”

Addressing the elders in the audience, she said, "Handling peer pressure is as much our responsibility as it is a child's. The tried and tested tool to handle is constant interaction between the parents and the children. Parents should also keep a tab on the company that their children keep and should never put added pressure on them to achieve academic excellence. Constant motivation also helps."

"It is also for the teachers to be friends with their students as well. The youngsters should also know the difference between what they want to do and what others want them to do. They should learn to say no," she added.

She concluded by quoting the great martial art exponent Bruce Lee: “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you are not here to live up to mine.”

Bathinda, February 22
The Bhullar Bhaichara that claims a piece of land near Rampura city on Tuesday met Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav and demanded that the year-old dispute between the Bhullars and the SGPC be resolved.

While the Bhullar Bhaichara claims the nearly 12 acres of land, located around a kilometre away from the Rampura city, the SGPC too stakes its claim.

Surjit Singh of the Bhullar Bhaichara said they met the DC as the sewadars of the SGPC stopped devotees from having langar last Sunday on the land.

The land is the virasat (heritage) of Baba Bhullar of 12th century. "We hold a fest in memory of the Baba after every six months but now a section of the SGPC in a nearby gurudwara are trying to usurp the land as the prices have increased manifold near Rampura city," said Surjit Singh.

"Earlier, the SGPC reached a compromise in writing with us and restored the uprooted boards and signs in front of the shrine," he said.

"We urged the officials of the district administration to bring a mutual agreement between both the parties but the officials failed to initiate any action in this regard and said a decision would be given after the completion of the Vidhan Sabha elections," said Surjit Singh.

Charan Singh, manager of the SGPC gurudwara, refuted the allegations and alleged that some unscrupulous elements were raising a hue and cry and instead of taking up the matter with the SGPC president, they are entering into heated arguments with them.

"The SGPC never opposes the holding of the fest after every six months at the place but some unscrupulous elements are now trying to take the land in their possession," said the manager. He said the size of the land is 100 kanal and 16 marla.

Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav said the local tehsildar and SDM have been deputed so that both the parties may reach a compromise without any heated arguments or clash.

"We have taken legal opinion and the matter could be resolved only through a civil suit. The SDM has been told to keep a tab over the activities and get in touch with both the parties," he said.

The Deputy Commissioneradded that both the Bhullar Bhaichara and the SGPC is now demanding a permanent solution to the problem and efforts are being made to do so.

Bathinda, February 22
There seems to be no check on the rising number of theft incidents in the city. The thieves have not even spared the vehicle of a policemen on duty.

The motorbike of an ASI (assistant sub-inspector) deployed at Rama police station was stolen from the district courts on February 4.

In his complaint, ASI Gurjant Singh said he was told to visit the district courts by his senior officials in connection with a court hearing.

"I parked my bike in the parking area and when I came back before evening, the bike was missing. I tried to enquire about it but nobody gave me any clues,” rued the ASI.

The ASI brought the matter to the notice of the police station concerned, Civil Lines the same day. The cops on duty, however, kept on lingering over the matter and did not register a case in this regard. The ASI told the officials that he was ready to meet the senior police officials to get a case registered against the thieves but to no avail. The ASI was not aware that a case has finally been registered against unidentified people 17 days after the theft. This correspondent informed him about the registration of the case under section 379 of the IPC. The ASI lamented that he has lost all hope of tracing his bike as even a case was not registered by the policemen on duty.

The ASI rued that cops like him are not provided government vehicles and they are forced to use their personal vehicles with their own fuel.

"The bike was in my name and it was driven merely for 35,000 kilometers and its tyres, tubes and engine were in a very good condition,” said the ASI.

He rued that the policemen at the Civil Lines police station were of little help in tracing his missing bike.

The cops at the police station told the ASI that it appared that thieves from outside Bathinda have stolen his bike or else it would have been traced.

Bathinda, February 22
Bathinda police today claims to have recovered 32 kg poppy husk from a car that hit a motorbike near Mahalan village adjoining Sangat Mandi.

Sukhpal Singh of Kot Guruke village, in his complaint to the police, said he along with his daughter was going towards Sangat Mandi when their bike was hit by a speeding Maruti car, bearing Delhi’s registration number.

The complainant and his daughter received injuries and the car too was badly damaged. The driver fled and some commuters helped in shifting the injured to a nearby hospital.

A case under sections 279, 337, 338 and 427 of the IPC was registered in this connection at Sangat police station. However, sections of the NDPS Act were added to the case next day.

Investigating officer Joginder Singh said during the checking of the vehicle, it was found that the driver was carrying 32 kg of poppy husk worth Rs 32,000. The car driver has been identified as Gurlal Singh, a resident of Kilianwali village in Muktsar. Police said the car has been impounded. — TNS

Bathinda, February 22
The Millennium School, Bathinda, is organising a rally on February 25 to spread the message of road safety, not driving when drunk and shunning drugs.

The rally is called, 'Carathon: Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow'. The rally will focus on how accidents can be prevented if one has good driving skills, a well-maintained vehicle and above all, patience.

The drive will begin from The Millennium School, Ansal Mittal Township, Sushant City-1 and will cover the main areas of the city. The district administration has not only given the school the permission to go ahead with the rally but has also extended support by providing police assistance, traffic control, security coverage and medical aid for the event. NGOs like Sahara, Aasra, United, Naujawan Welfare Society and the Inner Wheel Club have also joined hands with the school.

On the evening of February 25, a live performance by the Ali Brothers will be organised in the school. — TNS

Bathinda, February 22
The bhog ceremony of Akhand Path of Shri Guru Granth Sahib was celebrated at Punjabi University Campus, Maur, by the staff and the students, as per the traditions of the institution.

The principal of the campus Dr DK Madaan thanked the gathering and appreciated the effort of the students saying such initiatives boost the confidence of the students and help to nurture leadership qualities in them.

S. Gurtej Singh Akali encouraged the students to succeed in life by imbibing the cultural values. The 'kirtan' by Bhai Jaswinder Singh (Chote Maur) mesmerised the sangat.

Among those present were S. Dharam Singh, security officer, Amandeep Singh, in-charge USBS Talwandi Sabo, Prof Jagtar Singh, in-charge, YCOE, Talwandi Sabo, Dr Manmohan Singh, regional centre, Bathinda, Tej Ram, industrialist, Vijay Goyal, MC, Maur besides members of the media. Langar was also served to the gathering. — TNS

Bathinda, February 22
A two-minute silence was observed at the monthly meeting of the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) held under the District Education Officer (Elementary) Malkiat Kaur today. The silence was observed in memory of block education officer, Mandi Phol west, Buta Singh who was killed in a road accident. — TNS

Bathinda, February 22
A religious programme “108 Havankundiya Srimadbhagwat Saptah Gyan Mahayagya” is being organised from February 23 to 29 at a vacant plot in New Shakti Nagar, near Dr Mela Ram Road here. Swami Atamnand Puri will deliver discourses. A discourse on Gita would be held daily from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm. — TNS