Ludhiana, February 25
Shortage of funds is affecting development projects in the city, forcing the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) to launch a comprehensive recovery drive a few days ago. To date, the MC has recovered around Rs 13 crore as pending tax from city residents. This amount will be used to carry out several development projects, besides making payments to contractors.

As per information, due to shortage of funds, the MC is yet to make payment of around Rs 50 lakh to the contractor involved in the construction of a pedestrian under-pass (PUP) opposite the mini secretariat here. Due to the non-payment of bills, the work on the project has got delayed.

On February 1, MC Commissioner Malwinder Singh Jaggi had told officials to either “perform or perish”. The orders were issued in lieu of tax and dues pending against residents, who owe crores of rupees in terms of pending house tax, water supply and sewerage bills and dues to the building branch of the MC.

The MC Commissioner has told the officials to recover at least Rs 1 crore every day, failing which strict action would be taken against them, including suspension and even charge-sheeting.

As per the orders, the house tax branch has to initiate a daily recovery of Rs 70 lakh and the water supply and sewerage wing a recovery of Rs 16 lakh while the building branch has to collect Rs 20 lakh.

“A total of 18 working days have passed since these orders were issued and we have already recovered Rs 13 crore as dues from residents. In March, we will speed up the recovery and easily achieve our target of Rs 40 crore,” claimed Jaggi.

Due to the Assembly elections, most MC employees had been put on election duty, which hampered the recovery process.

Ludhiana, February 25
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) seems to have gone into the overdrive mode to enforce regulatory measures against the mushrooming of unauthorised colonies on the periphery of the city.

In a fresh drive undertaken on Saturday, officials of GLADA`s regulatory branch, led by the additional chief administrator Jaswant Singh, visited unauthorised colonies and stopped the illegal construction.

The team of regulatory staff dismantled roads, sewerage man holes, electric poles, boundary walls, and other internal development works in some four colonies which were being developed in an area of more than 25 acres. Colonies targeted during the drive were located in Alamgir, Sarihn, Gill, and Bulara villages.

Ranjit Singh, estate officer, GLADA said, "GLADA is determined to stop the mushrooming of unauthorised development of colonies. Now we would start issuing notices to unauthorised colonies from Monday. According to this notice, they would have to get the approval under master plan to construct infrastructure." 

Ludhiana, February 25
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Corporation Commissioner to constitute monitoring committees for each commercial area/market within the municipal area of Ludhiana.

The orders issued by the court on February 10 say that every committee shall comprise not less than five members, out of whom three will be local residents and the remaining government officials.

The court further directed that the committee shall be headed by a responsible and respectable person of the local area. The Station House Officer (SHO) of the respective area shall associate with the committee and as and when it is reported that an encroachment has taken place or the encroacher is adamant against removal of the encroachment despite a three-day notice, the police shall proceed in the matter in accordance with law.

However, if there is “title” or “possessory rights” dispute, the committee shall be at the liberty to approach the civil court and/or the statutory authority for the adjudication of such disputes.

The court asked the officials concerned to let the composition of the committee be placed on record.

Kartar Singh Patna, chairman of Akalgarh Market, said due to the encroachments on roads, commuters were facing inconvenience.

The traffic congestions had become a routine affair, especially in the interior areas. “With these orders, encroachments will be removed. Political leaders and certain officials in the Municipal Corporation shielding encroachers will also learn a lesson. By March 28, the district administration and the Municipal Corporation will submit the list to the High Court,” he said.

Ludhiana, February 25
In yet another incident, armed assailants thrashed a resident and fled with Rs 15,000 from Transport Nagar here today. The incident took place in the wee hours when Jatinder Sharma of Jamalpur was returning home after attending a wedding.

He told the police that when he reached Transport Nagar, a man suddenly came in front of his vehicle. He managed to apply the brakes just in time and averted an accident. In no time, five men surrounded his car, pulled him out and started thrashing him.

“They took cash and were trying to flee in my car, but I raised the alarm and some commuters also started shouting for help. This made the snatchers panic and they fled the scene,” he said. — TNS

Ludhiana, February 25
Two persons have been nabbed for allegedly trying to snatch valuables from Pakistani nationals and stabbing them in the process.

The incident took place when the victims were visiting an eating joint. Three youths intercepted them and asked them to hand over the cash. The victims refused and managed to overpower one of the youths while another was overpowered by commuters. — TNS

Ludhiana, February 25
The city police has nabbed Moga-based Parwinder Singh Gabbar and recovered a 9 mm pistol, two magazines, six live cartridges, and an SUV from the possession of the accused.

Gabbar, a resident of Nanak Nagri in Moga, was reportedly hiding in Guru Nanak Pura area. The police received a tip-off that the accused was hiding in Guru Nank Pura area and was planning to commit some crime. Acting on the information, the police laid a trap outside a crematorium. On seeing the police check post, Gabbar tired to escape, but the police managed to intercept his vehicle and arrested him. During the search, the police found weapons lying in the SUV. The accused has been booked under section 25, 54, 50 of the Arms Act.

Mandi gobindgarh, February 25
More than 200 MBA students from various institutes and universities of the region participated in the first phase of recruitment at the RIMT campus. The drive saw students being selected by the AXIS Bank for the posts of assistant manager at a package of Rs3.25-3.50 lakhs. Prominent amongst the participating institutions were Punjabi University, Patiala, Guru Nanak Dev University, Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Engineering College, PIMT, SVIET, and Mata Gujri College. Out of the 75 selected students, 35 were from RIMT.

RIMT Group chairman Dr Hukam Chand Bansal complimented the students for their success in the placement drive. 

Ludhiana, February 25
International students and folk artists from Kazakhistan, Russia and Poland got a taste of the folkloric tradition of Punjab and were all praise for the hospitality they received and the Punjabi way of life. Barabara Gajdarska, a university student from Krakow, Poland, remarked, "The Punjabi spirit and the traditional folk dance of Punjab, Bhangra, fascinate me.

Ludhiana, February 25
Jaswinder Singh Brar, DPI Colleges, asked students to devote time to self-analysis, saying it helped in building self-confidence and self-respect. Brar was in city today as the chief guest of the 69th annual prize distribution function held at Government College for Women here.

Brar extolled the students to tread the unbeaten path and expressed his happiness over the fact that the college had bagged many positions at the university-level. He said that it is a proud moment for parents and teachers when children achieve success in life. He encouraged the students to work hard and advised them to excel in their exams to achieve greater heights.

He extended his best wishes to the faculty and students on this occasion. While addressing the gathering, Brar lauded the efforts put-in by the students for making the college proud.

Meanwhile, Upneet Kaur Dhaliwal was adjudged the best all-round student for the year 2011-12 during the event. Principal Gurminder Kaur accorded a warm welcome to the chief guest. She read out the annual report of the session and highlighted the various academic, cultural and sports achievements of the college. She informed the guests about the achievements of the students in the zonal youth festival which was held at the college and about the positions bagged by the students in the inter-college sports competitions.

As many as 450 students from different streams were awarded prizes for their excellent performance in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities in the presence of a glittering gathering of parents and eminent guests.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 25
Dr Rajinder Mittal, chairman of the Social Welfare Organisation Ahmedgarh (SWOA), has informed that fifth blood donation camp would be organised at the local grain market on Sunday.

SR Ladhar, Divisional Commissioner, Patiala, will be chief guest and Dr Romesh Mittal, chairman, Lovely Professional University, will be the guest of honour.

While over 850 volunteers had donated the blood during the last camp, the organisers expect about 1000 donors this time.

Ludhiana, February 25
MScs (IT), MBAs, BTechs and a few students pursuing doctorates are working as postal assistants in post offices, the requisite qualification for the post being mere Class XII.

Because of shrinking job opportunities in the government sector, the postal department is becoming a hit with job seekers.

Apart from job security, decent pay scale and perks, youngsters are preferring the postal department because there are no problems of transfers.

“Although you can work in a post office only for a certain tenure, the transfers are done within the district, so there are no real hassles,” said a postgraduate working as a postal assistant. In the banking sector, for example, you can be transferred to any part of the country at any stage of your career, working here is a much better proposition,” she added.

“Opportunities for improvement in your job profile over a period of time are also there through promotions,” said another employee.

In the postal department, everyone is selected strictly on the basis of merit and entrance examinations. No interviews are done. Women in particular prefer joining the department.

“Absence of corruption or politics at the workplace and intra-district transfers make the environment particularly congenial for girls,” said a employee.

As the department is undergoing a transformation with better services, branding and better work environment, prospects for employees are also becoming better. “Gone are the days, when we used to take up jobs in the postal department only to get a job. Better salaries and better image of the department coupled with a few opportunities in the government sector are attracting many youngsters,” said a senior employee.

The department is benefiting with the coming of better educated and qualified staff. “Efficiency of the department has increased because of educated youngsters. They adapt quickly and work faster,” said Swaraj Kaur, senior postmaster in the post office. 

Ludhiana, February 25
After joining as the president of the All-India Cycle Manufacturers Association (AICMA), Pankaj Munjal,

co-chairman and managing director, Hero Cycles, said he would stress on the reform of tax structure for the bicycle industry.

He has replaced Arun Alagappan. His presidential tenure at the AICMA will be one year.

Munjal said, “The bicycle business is about 130 million units in size and $ 30 billion in value in terms of market worldwide. However, In India we are merely a $ 1.2 billion market only which is just 4 per cent in terms of value in the worldtrade. There seems to be some fundamental fallacy which needs to be addressed here. There is 12 per cent tax on bicycle which is an item of basic necessity for economic class. As a president of the AICMA, I will stress on the reform of the tax structure.”

He said the waiver could foster the expansion of the cycle market that stood at about 15 million units annually now as compared to 80 million units in China. Additionally, by making the sector duty-free and equalising the freight charges across India, the exports of premium cycles could also increase up to $ 5 billion every year from about $ 200 million at present.

He added that there was a need to match the duty drawback norm and freight subsidisation in line with China. “The aim will be to nurture a $ 2 billion export market. Moreover, like the automobile cluster there is a call for to work together, to upgrade the technology of suppliers. Realising that India still has 500 million people who cannot afford a cycle, it is suggested that the bicycle industry should be excluded from the GST,” he said. 

Ludhiana, February 25
Like everything else, petrol stations have changed over a period of time. Almost imperceptibly, from being mere petrol filling stations, these have been improving and adding services. Various facilities, including air and repair facilities, to the inclusion of gift outlets and eateries at the petrol stations, have been added to facilities over the years.

Sources said a couple of petrol stations of Bharat Petroleum power station at Dugri and Salasar PowerPoint en route to Cheema Chowk to Samrala Chowk have been selected for upgradation.

Petrol stations are going to become operational 24x7. CCTV cameras are going to be installed at these stations which are aimed at maintaining good quality.

“New pedestals will be installed. The petrol bills will also be generated immediately after filling petrol. These will be automated as the next filling will be possible only after the bill slip has been taken off,” said sources. For better transparency, petro-cards and credit cards will also be scanned in front of customers. A person will be deputed for welcoming and guiding the incoming vehicles towards the pedestals.

A team leader will be deputed who will wear uniform according to his designation.

“Earlier, we used to promise better quality now with better checks in place, we will be able to claim it,” said Puneeta Aggarwal, owner of one of the petrol stations.

“It is a good initiative. I think more petrol stations should be upgraded and facilities should be added,” said Poonam Verma, a resident of Model Town. “I used to wonder why such facilities aren’t available in our city. It is good that these are going to be implemented in the city as well,” said a resident.

Ludhiana, February 25
The department of veterinary and animal husbandry extension education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, organised a specialised pig farming training course, which concluded here today.

Dr HK Verma, course director, and head, department of veterinary and animal husbandry extension education, interacted with farmers and dealt with their queries. About 49 trainees, including one woman from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and New Delhi, participated in the course. Participants were informed about pig breeds, sheds, balanced diet, vaccination, hygiene, meat production, value addition to pork, marketing as well as bank loaning 
procedure.

A visit to the pig farm at Government Pig Breeding Farm Mattewara and a farm of an innovative and progressive pig farmer Balwinder Singh Jhande was organised for the practical training as well as exposure visit.

During the training course, practical session was conducted to learn the various procedures viz; recording of temperature, pulse,respiration, restraining and handling for 
medication and other interventions.

Dr Ranjodhan Singh Sahota, director, extension education, GADVASU, said the university was organising such training sessions on a regular basis viz pig, dairy poultry, goat, fish farming and many other tailor made courses as per demand. The trainees appreciated the efforts of GADVASU for working for the welfare of the livestock and farmers. Dr Jaspal Singh Hundal, coordinator of the training programme, thanked the trainees.

Girls sing a song at Guru Nanak Girls College in Ludhiana. A Tribune photograph

Ludhiana: Guru Nanak International Public School, Model Town, organised an orientation programme for parents here today. The programme began with a welcome address by principal Gurmant Kaur Gill. Counsellor Abhineet Kaur Sarna laid emphasis on the role played by parents in the upbringing of their wards.

Camp

Students of Ram Lal Bhasin Public School, Phase I, Dugri, held a camp. The camp was set up at the playground of the school. Thrilling and daring games were organised for tiny tots. At least 150 students participated in the camp. The event included various activities such as exercises, food break, visit to MC Donald, web climbing, rope bridge crossing, moving through tunnel, sand pit, tenting, stepping stone, swinging by loops, tight rope walking and yoga. It was fun watching the little ones crawling the web and crossing the hurdle. The camp also helped students understand the complexity and ambiguity of the adventurous world.

Farewell party

A farewell party was held at KVM School. The party began with a havan. Everyone prayed for the welfare of the school and students. A cultural programme was also held. Muskan Gumber delivered a speech. Headmistress Namita Raj Singh advised students to be disciplined, honest and ethical.

Function

A student being honoured at Penguin Castle Playway in Ludhiana. A Tribune photograph

Mother’s Pride celebrated its annual day function at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan here today. Students’ performance mesmerised all. The event started with a theatrical presentation of Bal-Ganesha and was followed by folk dances. Tiny tots also gave a performance “Tribute to Fathers”. The event was dedicated to SPARSH, an NGO, that works towards the welfare of underprivileged children.

Graduation ceremony

The annual day and graduation ceremony of Penguin Castle Preschool was held on the school premises here today. Dr LS Chawla, former Vic- Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, was the chief guest while Dr GS Wander, chief cardiologist and coordinator, Hero DMC Heart Institute, was the guest of honour. Certificates were given to students. The programme started with a Gayatri Mantar, Mool Mantar and Lord's prayer. The main attraction of the event was a short programme presented by students. Group items included bhangra, couple dance and modelling. Mannika recited a poem “Cobbler cobbler” while Arsh recited “Five little monkeys”. Nitin recited “Insy vinsy spider”.

Annual function

Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute organised its annual function. Prizes were given to academic achievers and winners of Sardar Jawala Singh Memorial Annual Sports Meet, 2012. College chairman Baba Jaswant Singh appreciated the efforts put in by the management, faculty and students for bringing laurels to the institution in the field of health care and education. He exhorted them to work diligently towards the attainment of excellence. The students also expressed their gratitude towards the chairman, management and faculty for providing them a conducive environment and cerebral guidance leading them to the achievement. Principal Dr DS Kalsi read out the annual report and highlighted the achievements. Vice-chairman Kirpal Singh welcomed the gathering and congratulated the staff and students. A cultural programme was also presented. The chairman presented certificates to toppers and distinction holders.

Birth anniversary

The 113th birth anniversary of Justice Gurnam Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab, and founder of the college, was celebrated at Guru Nanak Girls College. Principal Charanjit K Mahal extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and esteemed guests. She highlighted the contributions of Justice Gurnam Singh towards the transformation of rural economy of Punjab. Gurbir Singh, president, Guru Nanak Education Trust, was the chief guest while Lt Col Subhash Sehgal, Commanding Officer, 3 Pb Girls NCC Bn, was the guest of honour. Tributes were paid to Justice Gurnam Singh. About 24 meritorious students of the college were awarded tokens of appreciation. — TNS

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 25
Varinderjit Singh and Kuldeep Kaur of Government College, Karamsar, were declared best athletes at the 40th annual athletics meet that concluded on the college premises, near here, on Friday. Principal Nirmal Singh presided over the inaugural session and Sant Baba Teja Singh of Gurdwara Karamsar was the chief guest.

Baba Teja Singh and Nirmal Singh called upon students to shun drugs and take to sports. They said the state government had launched new schemes for promoting sports in institutes. At least 200 students took part in various events during the meet today.

Results

100m race (women): Kuldeep Kaur (BA) 1, Gurvinder Kaur (BSc) 2, Daljit Kaur (BSc) 3; 200m race (women): Kuldeep Kaur (BA) 1, Kamalpreet Kaur (BSc I) 2 and Sandeep Kaur (BA) 3; 400m race (women): Gurvinder Kaur (BSc) 1, Daljit Kaur (BSc) 2 and Kamalpreet Kaur (BSc) 3; discus throw (women): Sandeep Kaur (BA) I, Gurpreet Kaur (BSc) 2 and Kuldeep Kaur (BA) 3; high jump (women): Kuldeep Kaur (BA) I, Daljit Kaur (BSc) 2 and Sandeep Kaur (BA) 3; 1,500m (men): Jasbir Singh (BA) 1, Sukhwinder Singh (BA) 2 and Dilpreet Singh (BA) 3; 800m (men): Varinderjit Singh (BA) 1, Jasbir Singh (BA) 2 and Sukhwinder Singh (BA) 3; discus throw (men): Amandeep Singh (BA) 1, Sukhwinder Singh (BA) 2 and Gurjant Singh (BA) 3. 

Ludhiana, February 25
Ramanjot Kaur who bagged three titles, including the 100m sprint, was named the best athlete in the annual athletics meet of Malwa Central College of Education, Civil Lines, here today.

She also won top honours in the 200m and 400m races, besides a silver medal in the 800m race.

Dr Ravinder Kaur, principal of the college, declared the meet open while Dr Jagtar Singh Gill, associate professor, department of physical education and sports, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, was the chief guest at the prize distribution function.

Results

100m race: 1 Ramanjot Kaur, 2 Ravinder Kaur and 3 Shikha; 200m race: 1 Ramanjot Kaur, 2 Harleen Kaur and 3 Navshikha; 400m race: 1 Ramanjot Kaur, 2 Harleen and 3 Palvinder; 800m race: 1 Harleen, 2 Ramanjot Kaur and 3 Promila; Shot put: 1 Priyanka, 2 Amritjot Kaur and 3 Parminder Kaur; discus throw: 1 Priyanka, 2 Amritjot and 3 Ruchika; javelin throw: 1 Priyanka, 2 Manpreet Kaur and 3 Parminder Kaur; long jump: 1 Harleen, 2 Navshikha and 3 Ravinder Kaur; high jump: 1 Navshikha, 2 Anupama and 3 Gurmeet Kaur; chatti race: 1 Promia, 2 Rani, Satwinder Kaur; spoon-potato race: 1 Anju, 2 Jaswinder and 3 Ravinder Kaur; three-legged race: 1 Navshikha and Jaspreet, 2 Rani and Jaswinder, and 3 Priyanka and Manpreet; rope-skipping race: 1 Promila, 2 Rimple and 3 Avneet; and sack race: 1 Navshikha, 2 Promila and 3 Anupama.

Ludhiana, February 25
Trials to select the Ludhiana district basketball players (men and women) will be held at the Guru Nanak Sports Complex here tomorrow from 4 pm onwards.

Teja Singh Dhaliwal, honorary general secretary, Ludhiana District Basketball Association, said the aspirants had been advised to report at the venue in time.

Ludhiana, February 25
A large number of students participated in various sports disciplines and fun games in the 12th Annual Sports Meet held at Partap College of Education, Humbran road, here today.

Principal of the college Dr Balwant Singh welcomed guests and motivated students to participate in sports activities. Prof Sukhjinder Singh, principal, Government College of Education, Faridkot, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Girls perfrom giddha during the meet. photos: Inderjeet Verma

Ludhiana, February 25
Harpreet Kaur was adjudged the best athlete in the 43rd Annual Athletics Meet of SDP College for Women, circular road, Daresi ground, here today. Commissioner Ishwar Chander gave away prizes to position holders.

Results: 50m race: Inderpal Kaur 1, Harpreet Kaur 2 and Ritika 3; 200m race: Harpreet Kaur 1, Shashi 2 and Ruchi 3; 400m race: Harpreet Kaur 1, Shashi 2 and Radhika 3; long jump: Harpreet Kaur 1, Alisha 2 and Shashi 3; high jump: Sapna 1, Harpreet Kaur and Priyanka 2; javelin throw: Aditi 1, Harpreet Kaur 2 and Pooja 3; discus throw: Khushboo 1, Manpret Kaur 2 and Simple 3; 100m race: Harpreet Kaur 1, Pallavi 2 and Neha 3; shot put: Simple 1, Sukhpreet Kaur 2 and Sapna 3; cycling race: Radhika 1, Harpreet Kaur 2; chatti race: Manpreet Kaur 1, Sapna 2 and Nisha 3; sack race: Sapna 1, Priyanka 2; rope skipping race: Kirti 1, Jyoti 2 and Raj Rani 3; three-legged race: Sukhpreet and Sakshi 1, Jyoti and Sushma 2, Vishali and Nisha 3.