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MC budget passed in a jiffy
Ludhiana, March 16 Interestingly, some of the councillors, including Senior Deputy Mayor Parveen Bansal and several others, reached late for the budget. When the budget proceedings got over, there were around 55 councillors present out of the total of 75. Parveen Bansal reached the MC Zone A building at
10:18 am. Ironically, even the opposition leaders failed to play their role as no discussion was held. The budget was not even properly read out before being “passed” unanimously. Interestingly, last year also, the general house of the MC had passed its annual budget worth Rs 801.44 crore in half an hour, averaging Rs 26.7 crore per minute. For the year 2011-12, the MC budget was kept at Rs 801.44 crore and for this fiscal, 2012-13, the MC had proposed a budget of Rs 741.25 crore, which is Rs 60.19 lakh lesser than the last year’s budget. Everyone other than the municipal councillors and MLAs was expecting fireworks during the budget proceedings as the state’s richest MC had reduced the budget by Rs 60.19 lakh. But all were in a state of shock when the budget got unanimously passed in flat eight
minutes. A cut of Rs 60.19 lakh means that for this financial year, the MC would carry out comparatively less development works. All municipal councillors, be it from Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), Congress, Bharatiya Janta Party as well as councillors from other parties kept sitting as mute spectators. When asked about this issue, Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura claimed that it was announced thrice in the general house that if any councillor wants to discuss any
point of the budget, he can do so. “But what can we do when the councillors themselves kept sitting there as mute spectators? Moreover, we had already discussed several things regarding the budget at our core committee meeting, which comprises councillors from all political parties, yesterday,” claimed the Mayor. Sidelights
Reduction in MC Budget is for
Speaking out: Councillors not serious
Prof GS Dua, Coordinator, GGNIMT
Ranjodh Singh, an industrialist
Col JS Brar (Retd), president, Maha Sabha
Ashok Marwaha, a social worker
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Post Assembly poll, Mayor Giaspura, MLA Bains fail to meet
Bains brothers, Balwinder S Bains & Simarjit S Bains, said they got late due to traffic congestion Puneet Pal Singh Gill Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 16 Balwinder had defeated Giaspura, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) candidate from the Ludhiana South constituency, by a margin of 32,233 votes. As the budget proceedings ended in flat 8 minutes, the duo could not meet as the Bains brothers, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjit Singh Bains, got late due to traffic congestion. While the MC budget proceedings finished at 10:06 am, the Bains brothers reached the MC Zone A building near Mata Rani Chowk at 10:10 am. Being a local MLA, Balwinder Singh Bains has now become an ex-officio member of the MC house and had come to attend the MC proceedings for the first time. His younger brother Simarjit Singh Bains is also a municipal councillor from ward number 71 and now he has also been elected as an Independent MLA from the Atam Nagar constituency. Taking a dig at Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura, Simarjit Singh Bains said as Giaspura could not see straight into his eyes, he managed to finish the budget proceedings in 8 minutes. “People have shown him the mirror in the Vidhan Sabha elections and would repeat it in the MC elections to be held in a few months time. I wonder why was the Mayor in a hurry to finish the proceedings,” quipped Simarjit, who claimed that he got stuck in traffic jam and got late. Both brothers left the
MC
building after some time. But the councillors supporting Bains distributed “laddoos” after the budget proceedings got over. Reacting to it, Mayor Giaspura said the meeting was to start at 10 am and as Simarjit and Balwinder were late, they could not attend it. “If they really wanted to raise any issue, they should have reached on time. Simarjit was called for the Core Committee meeting yesterday also but he failed to attend it. Now what can I do,” questioned Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura. Interestingly, when Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu, MC councillor from ward number 54 of the city, arrived, the budget had already been passed unanimously. “When I reached around at around 10:03 am, the proceedings were almost over,” said Ashu. During the budget meeting, only two MLAs, both from SAD, Ranjit Singh Dhillon from Ludhiana East and Prem Mittal from Mansa, were present. Both of them are municipal councillors from ward numbers 2 and 51, respectively. Mittal said as he was still a municipal councillor, he had come from Mansa just to attend the budget proceedings. |
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Cong leader among 5 arrested in land dispute
Jagraon, March 16 The accused have been identified as Ranjit Singh, alias Raja of Malak village, Dalbir Singh of Kothe Sher Jang, Sarabjit Singh of Kothe Aath and Jatinder Singh and Parminder Singh, both residents of Kokri Kalan village. According to the police, Congress leader Gurwinder Singh of Kothe Pona had some land dispute with another villager Kulwant Singh. To get rid of Kulwant Singh, Gurwinder allegedly hatched a conspiracy and hired Ranjit Singh, alias Raja, Dalbir Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Jatinder Singh and Parminder Singh for killing him. The contract killers had even visited Kulwant’s village many a times to kill him, but they failed to do so. According to DSP Jagraon Harpal Singh, all these accused were going to Pone de Kothe village to kill him when they were stopped by the police. When the police searched their vehicle, it found many fatal weapons. Following this, the police arrested all of them. The police also arrested Gurwinder Singh
following a tip off. DSP Harpal Singh stated that the police had been examining the matter from various angles. The police has registered a case against these persons under appropriate sections. Meanwhile, local Congress leaders have termed the arrest of Gurwinder Singh as political vendetta. Speaking at a press conference here, former Congress MLA Isher Singh Meharban along with other senior party leaders said that the case against Congress leader has been registered under political vendetta. DSP Jagraon denied this claim of the Congress workers. |
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30 working as child labour rescued
Ludhiana, March 16 The raid was conducted following a complaint by Denish Kumar, who runs a non-government organisation (NGO). The raid was conducted in the morning at Sumit Hosiery. Dinesh alleged that 30 children below the age of 14 years were working in the hosiery unit. The employees of the Social Securities Department confirmed that the children were being made to work in the hosiery unit. It is learnt that the owners of the hosiery units in the area protested against the move, but the police intervened and saved the situation from taking an ugly colour. On March 13 the Ludhiana Tribune carried a news item, "Child labour goes unchecked in the city”.
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Man sets himself afire
Ludhiana, March 16 His request was turned down following which Gurdeep Singh locked himself in the kitchen and set himself afire by pouring kerosene on him. He was rushed to the district civil hospital by an emergency ambulance from where he was taken to a nearby multispeciality hospital. He is stated to be serious as he has suffered over 70 per cent burns. Gurdeep had worked in Germany. During the economic meltdown, he returned to India and reportedly got addicted to drugs.
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Pranab’s lollipops fail to impress
Ludhiana, March 16 The Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA) has welcomed the relief given to the power projects, including external borrowing, concession rate of customs on import of various parts and especially long-term contracts with various coal companies. “Increasing the custom duty on bicycle from 10 to 30 per cent and bicycle parts from 10 to 20 per cent is a welcome step as it will make Chinese cycles and cycle parts at par with the Indian ones,” said Badish Jindal, president, FOPSIA. President of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Inderjit Singh; besides vice-president and chairman of CICU, Ashok Juneja, has criticised the union Budget 2012 for providing negligible income tax relief as it has put more burden on industry by increasing the service tax and excise rates. Avtar Singh, General Secretary, and Upkar Singh, Joint Secretary, CICU, said the industry and service providers would suffer due to the increase in service tax and excise duty rates. Vinod Thapar, president, Knitwear Club, said the knitwear and textile industry is great revenue generator, but in spite of that no strategies had been presented regarding the excise duty other taxes implemented the industry. The district unit of the CPI has termed the Budget to be inflationary as increase in the service tax and the excise duty will lead to increase people’s burden. “Marginal increase in the tax slab exemption has made a mockery of the people as it no where meets the price rise during the last year. There is marginal increase in the health Budget which will not meet the healthcare needs of the people as a minimum 6 per cent of the GDP is needed from the public spending to give basic minimum healthcare to all,” said Dr Arun Mitra, secretary of the city unit of the CPI. The All-India Trade Union Congress, Ludhiana, and the Joint Council of Trade Unions, Ludhiana, have criticised the Union Finance Minister for decreasing the interest rate on the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) from 9.5 to 8.25 per cent. “This is against the interests of the workers who have minimum saving from this,” said O P Mehta, secretary, and DP Maur, Secretary of the AITUC and the JCTU, respectively. Highlights
Five main objectives
Cheaper things
LCD, LED, cancer and HIV medicines, iodized salt, soybean, matchstick, mobile phone, tyres, aero parts, construction equipment and branded silver jewellery. Costlier things
Luxury cars, TVs, fridges, ACs, cigarettes, phone bills, food in restaurant, gold, platinum, diamond, air travel, foreign trips, bidi, gutka, paan masala, imported cycles, health club, fitness centre, cyber café, beauty parlour, hotel stay and gym.
Speaking out:
No relief for salaried class
Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association
Rajeev K Sharma, executive member, ICAI, Ludhiana branch
Sonia, Immigration consultant
Arvind, Professor, Arya College
DS Chawla, president, Jammu Colony Small Scale Manufacturers Association
Jatinder Khurana, president, Taxation Young Lawyers Association
Shaheen, homemaker
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Some relief for taxpayers
Ludhiana, March 16 Individual will have to pay 10 per cent tax on income between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh; 20 per cent between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh; and 30 per cent for above Rs 10 lakh. Increasing the exemption limit is a move towards implementation of the Direct Taxes Code (DTC). The exemption limit for senior citizens between 60 and 80 years of age will be Rs 2.50 lakh; 10 per cent will be levied on income between Rs 2.5 and Rs 5 lakh, 20 per cent between Rs 5 and Rs 10 lakh and 30 per cent above Rs 10 lakh. For senior citizens (80 years and above), the income tax exemption limit will be Rs 5 lakh; 20 per cent will be levied on income between Rs 5 and Rs 10 lakh and 30 per cent for above Rs 10 lakh. Highlights
Overseas Assets Now, it is mandatory for taxpayers to declare their foreign bank accounts and other offshore assets. Moment taxpayers disclose their overseas assets; they will be under compulsion to pay tax on these assets. A similar law was first proposed in India in a document submitted to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) by KVM Pai, a former chief commissioner, Income-Tax Department. Later this proposal became a part of the Direct Tax Code (DTC), which is scheduled to become operational from April 1.
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Gold buyers will suffer
Ludhiana, March 16 “It is very uneventful Budget for the gold
buyers. There are chances of smuggling or illegal import of gold. The growing interest among buyers for gold coins and gold bars will slightly come down, industry experts believe. The struggling passenger car industry was loaded with a 2 per cent increase in the excise duty. The increased tax is likely to be passed on consumers tonight and it will dent an already weakening sentiment. The government has increased the excise duty on big cars from 22 to 24 per cent. However, in what is a major reprieve for
the automobile industry, the Finance Minister did not slap any additional
tax on the diesel cars. The increase in duties will impact demand, say experts. If you are planning to buy a new air conditioner or a refrigerator for your household, this Budget has managed to upset your mood.
The ACs and refrigerators will cost more in 2012-2013. The good news is that you can buy an LCD or an LED at a cheaper price. The prices of LCDs and LEDs will cost less in the next fiscal. The Finance Minister has for the consumer electronics industry announced that the goods and services tax
(GST) will become operational from August 2012, much in line with what the industry was expecting from this Budget.
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PSEB takes away examination controller charge from official
Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 16 Saroa is senior legal advisor with the PSEB. She was given additional charge of the state examination controller. PSEB chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon said, "The decision against Sukhwinder Kaur Saroa was taken at the meeting of board of directors. A number of complaints of corruption were received against Saroa. So we decided to take back the charge of controller of examination from her." Meanwhile, Sukhdarshan Singh, president, Nakal Virodhi Adhiapk Front, appreciated the action of the PSEB. "Corrupt officials are a big hurdle in curbing copying in the board examinations. We welcome the move of the PSEB chairman to get rid of corrupt officers from examinations," he said. Despite several attempts, Sukhwinder Kaur Saroa was not available for comments.
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Sachin Tendulkar scores 100th international century
Ludhiana, March 16 The Ludhianivis were seen glued to their television sets since morning watching telecast of the Union Budget. In the afternoon, when Sachin was going great guns and it was expected that the Little Master would score the ''elusive'' ton their concentration shifted from the budget to the match. As Sachin reached the three-figure mark in a league match against hosts Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup at
Mirpur, the cricket fans here started celebrating, dancing to the tune of
dhols, distributing sweets among the residents and exploding crackers. A visit to the cricket coaching centre being run at the Arya College ground and the one at the Punjab Agricultural University campus, aptly summed up the celebrations as the young players were ecstatic over this great cricketer's feat of reaching the mile stone of the 100th century (Test and ODI matches). "After a dismal tour of Australia where Team India was outperformed in every department of the game, the cricket fans were a disillusioned lot. Sachin's achievement in Bangladesh would certainly end the barren spell and many more such feats would fall in line in the time to come," said Chaman Lal
Malhotra, senior vice-president, of the Ludhiana District Cricket
Association. Puneet Garg, an avid fan of the game, opined that Sachin's considerable achievements seemed greater when looked at the burden of expectations of over a billion people on him. "In our country, the cricketers are worshipped like demigods and people follow them in every style. Young cricketers would emulate Sachin's achievements and bring more glory to the nation," adeed
Puneet. Another cricket fan, Naresh Kumar said Sachin (38) had proved that age was not a deterrent and one could achieve the goal with determination and hard work. |
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TET made mandatory for teachers
Ludhiana, March 16 In a circular issued by the
CBSE, minimum qualification for teachers to teach various subjects from class I to VIII in schools affiliated to the board stands amendment to that extant and it shall be mandatory that the teachers appointed hereafter should qualify Teacher Eligibility Test. According to Vineet Joshi, Chairman,
CBSE, the board is responsible for providing quality education to students in affiliated schools. So skilled teachers should be recruited in the CBSE schools. With these directions, the schools authorities are in a fix because the teachers who would pass TET would rather prefer government jobs. It would be difficult for the
CBSE-affiliated schools to find good teachers.
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Society seeks clemency for Beant Singh’s assassin
Ludhiana, March 16 Surjeet Singh, president of society, while addressing a press conference here today, said: "In the riots of 1984, many Sikhs were killed. Twentyeight years have passed and still cases against the accused are lying
pending in the courts and none of them has been hanged. Now, Balwant Singh Rajoana is being hanged on March 31. It is a big injustice to the Sikh community." He said we appeal to the President of India that his punishment should be converted into life imprisonment. He said: "If Balwant Singh was hanged all the riot victims from Punjab will hold a dharna in front of Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib at 10 am on March 31." Meanwhile, chairman of the Punjab Shiv Sena Rajiv Tandon submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Rupanjali Kartik in which he had offered his services as hangman for the hanging of Balwant Singh
Rajoana.
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Malwai giddha team enthrals
Ludhiana, March 16 All the 16 members of the team are retired or working class I government officers and have got together to preserve our culture and heritage, according to 56-year-old Darshan Sing Patli, who is a senior assistant at the Punjab Civil Secretariat. "Because most of us hail from Malwa, and know our folk dance, we thought about preserving our culture," he said. Since the formation of the society in 1995, they have performed at various places in the country performing Malwai giddha, jhoomer and luddi. They have also staged plays like “Bagane Bohad di Chha”, “Harbad Narbad Dhandukara”, apart from a telefilm on the issue of female foeticide, said another member of the team Charanjit Singh Sidhu, 62. Paramjit Singh Sidhu, aka Pammi Bai, also performed to the delight of the audience. However, the competition was a bit tepid this time, because only a few teams turned up for the event. Talking about the low turnout of the participating teams, some people said these days most students are busy preparing for their college examinations. According to the organisers, the competition was scheduled to be held in January but because of some reason it could not be organised before.
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‘Arrested trio was planning robbery’
Ludhiana, March 16 The suspects, identified as Satwinder Kumar, Pal Singh Palla and Mangat Ram Manga, all residents of Mahalpur and adjoining areas, were nabbed in the Ghumar Mandi area. During their interrogation, the soon cracked and confessed that they were planning to commit a robbery and wanted to sell the country-made pistols they had procured from Uttar Pradesh. According to ADCP- III Kulwinder Singh, the trio had stolen nearly 10 tractors in the Mahalpur area in
Jalandhar.
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Kidnapped man traced
Ludhiana, March 16 He told the police that a few unidentified persons picked him up. They trimmed his hair. On the other hand the financers said Rajinder had concocted a kidnapping story to usurp the money. The financers further alleged that Rajinder trimmed his hair to hide his identity. Police sources said Rajinder fled from the house and booked a room in a hotel. Meanwhile, Rajinder’s family claimed that the former was kidnapped.
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‘Tuitions hit child’s growth’
Ludhiana, March 16 The tuitions are thought to have become all the more important for the students, who take medical and non-medical streams in higher classes. For the average students, parents prefer their wards to join tuitions for the subjects like mathematics and science in classes above VIII. But, surprisingly, kids of the LKG, too, are sent to tuitions these days for leaning to write the alphabets. A couple, who are teachers themselves in schools here, have been sending their three and a half year-old son to a teacher, who makes him "perfect" in writing English alphabets. "Since he is a naughty child, I send him to a teacher in neighbourhood so that he learns to write well. The teacher is strict and he follows and obeys her. I pay Rs 400 per month to the teacher", said the mother. This is not an isolate case, due to the "busy" schedule of the parents, small children, from almost all the leading schools in the city, are sent for tuitions. Raavi Garg, a homemaker (name changed) said since she has three kids, it was too difficult to pay equal attention to all. “Since my son is too small, I take care of his studies and he takes too much time for learning. Due to this, my elder son, who is in class V suffers. So I send him for tuitions. Right after the school, he goes for tuition and comes back home at 7.30 pm," said the mother. When asked what about his lunch or physical activity, the "helpless" mother said that a driver brings the lunch and he ate in the car itself. “As far as any physical activity is concerned, by the time he comes back, he is totally exhausted. I serve him dinner and then he sleeps," she said. Doctor’s view
Dr Paramjit Singh Khurana, a consultant neuro-psychiatry, at a hospital said that for the emotional and physical development of child, tuitions should be started late. "Tuitions at an early age, hampers the overall development of a kid. The schools provide perfect teaching in classes, the parents need to encourage child to follow everything in school and rest, they can teach themselves. Putting small kids to tuitions is a burden on kids, which should be avoided," said Dr Khurana. Teacher’s opinion
Monika Maini, a teacher at Kundan Vidya Mandir, said that the parents should pay attention towards the studies of their wards. "In classes IX or X, tuitions become necessary for majority of the students. But till then, children must be taught by the parents for their overall development. It is important to provide the child a friendly atmosphere with parents paying attention to all their needs."
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139 units of blood donated
Ludhiana: As many as 11 Easy day stores, owned and operated by Bharti retail, collectively, organised blood donation camp at Dugri and Silver Arc yesterday in association with the Civil Hospital and the DMC Hospital. As many as 139 units of blood were donated by employees and the customers stores. The collected blood units will be given free to the needy patients in Ludhiana. All the participating donors were given refreshment, certificates of appreciation and blood donor’s card for their contribution to the society. Kidney, prostate check-up camp
Gift of Life Organ Donation Awareness Society IFT of Life Organ Donation Awareness Society (Glodas-India) in collaboration with Dayanand Medical College and Hospital will organise kidney and prostate check-up camp for the people of Ludhiana, faculty of PAU and farmers attending the Kisan Mela on March 22 at PAU campus. Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, vice-chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana, and Prem Kumar Gupta, secretary, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, will inaugurate the programme. All the patients, suffering from kidney problems like kidney failure, stone disease, kidney/urine infection, cancer, prostate problems will be given free check-up and consultation. Necessary tests will also be done free at the venue. This will be followed by organ donation awareness walk and signing of donor cards. With the cooperation of philanthropists of the “Maa Bhagwati Club”, five girls from needy the families tied nuptial knot. The cost of the marriages were borne the club. Honoured
The Inner Wheel Club of Ludhiana honoured Divya Dhanda as part of Women's Day celebrations. Dhanda was honoured Divya Dhanda for being able to make a mark in event management for the best national and international brands and always working for the welfare of the downtrodden. Vijay Dhingra, the manufacturer of Beautica lipsticks was also honoured for her entrepreneurship and working for women's empowerment by employing women in her industry. The club also honoured Dr Naurang Singh Mangat, who runs a charitable trust, by the name of Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram for the homeless.
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Farewell party
Ludhiana: A farewell party was organised by Cherry Lane Play School here today. There was a graduation ceremony in which all the tiny-tots passing out were awarded certificates for successful completion of nursery. The parents were asked to write small messages for the school, which the teachers read out on stage. The function ended with a cake-cutting ceremony as the children and teachers together celebrated their foray in to formal education. ‘Wisdom of Tales’
The idea to imbibe worldwide knowledge in a short span of time motivated Bal Bharati Public School to come forward with a show on dramatics 'Wisdom Of Tales'. In the show, the stories from the world were collected, compiled and presented in an impressive manner. The students presented the mythological, religious, cultural and moral values through tales. They shared the versatile knowledge to spread the message of 'Unity In Diversity' and 'Diversity in Actions and Gestures'. The tiny emerging stars showcased the vivid mood in an appropriate and confident way that the tremendously intense idea of depicting worldwide information appeared simple. Firsteps School celebrated its Graduation day here today for the students of 2011-2012 session. The students were given with certificates. The students had come in gowns.
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Alumni association meet
Ludhiana: An alumni association meet at Guru Nanak Girls College, Model Town, was held here today. Gurbir Singh, president Guru Nanak Education Trust, was the chief guest on the occasion. The function served as a platform for the old students to rejuvenate. Farewell held
The farewell function of department of arts, Ramgarhia Girls College, Miller Ganj, organised farewell for the BA III students. Principal, Narinder Sandhu, the chief guest on the occasion, crowned the winners. She also blessed the students and wished them a bright future ahead. While the students of BA II of the SDP College for Women, Ludhiana, bid adieu to the senior students of BA III. Government College for Women
The Commerce Department of Government College for Women, Ludhiana, organised a farewell party for its final year students.
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Training centre inaugurated
Ludhiana, March 16 Training for learning software for various positions would be provided at the centre. Prior to this, the postal employees used to go to Chandigarh or Saharanpur for such training. Training would not only be provided to employees working with the postal department in various positions and departments in the city but also to those in other cities. Some of the employees said, such centres have also been set up at Amritsar and Jalandhar. RL Meena, senior superintendent of post office, Ludhiana City Division, it would go a long way in improving the services which would save time and travelling expenses of employees in the department. "The training centre is particularly good for women, because they would not have to go out of town for training," said a woman employee.
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Annual convocation at Nursing College
Ludhiana, March 16 Addressing the gathering, Dr Gill congratulated the students. He said, "The students should translate their hypocritical oath into reality and heal the sick to bring solace and happiness in people's life. As many as 59 nurses were awarded degrees for BSc (N), six for post basic BSc (N) graduated and 27 for general nursing were awarded certificates. College principal, Dr Rajinder Kaur Mahal, read the annual report of the college and highlighted the achievements.
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Pickpocket arrested
Ludhiana, March 16 The pickpocket, identified as Amit Kumar, was caught red handed while he trying to steal the purse of Vipul Kumar in the lawyers’ chamber. He was taken to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and arrested by the police later on. — TNS
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The proceedings of the MC general house started at 9:58 am, two minutes before the scheduled time of 10 am, and by 10:06 am, everything was over.
It’s sad that the budget of the Municipal Corporation was passed in eight minutes. As we know that the corporation plays a major role in city’s development and if no discussion is held, and that also when the budget is presented, what can residents expect from its elected representatives? The councillors should rise above party lines and think about the city as a
whole.
If the budget was presented in eight minutes, then it shows how serious our councillors are for the city’s development. Just like fast food, passing of the budget in such a less time could be detrimental for the city. The councillors should have discussed the budget thoroughly before passing
it.
Time span in which this budget was passed clearly shows that everything was preplanned. What more can we expect from our councillors, who are hand in glove with corrupt contractors and officials. It seems that they were either unable to understand the budget or were not bothered about
it.
Passing the budget in 8 minutes and that also without any discussion is nothing but a mockery of our system. We have elected these councillors and if they are not bothered about even discussing the budget, on the basis of which development in our city would take place, then I have nothing to say. I have learnt that this year, the budget is Rs 60 lakh lesser than what it was last year and with no discussion taking place, it looks as if the councillors as well as the municipal officials doesn’t seem to be bothered about this
fact.
I will give the Union Budget 5/10. The government has given concession from 55 per cent to 70 per cent to branded garments (that means if the MRP of a product is Rs 100 the manufacture requires to pay the duty on Rs 45. Now, he will have to pay on Rs 30). But with an increase in duty from 10 per cent to 12 per cent, this will be more on loosing
side.
I will give the Budget 4/10. This Budget has not come up to the expectations of common man who are already reeling under inflation. No attention has been paid to rural economy of Punjab. Our Industry is already burdened with the state-level multiple taxes, we were expecting relief but this has come as a blow
instead.
I will the Budget 5/10. Education will be exempted from service tax, which is a welcome step while no incentives have been given to higher education. In addition to this, the Budget has nothing in store for the common man. Prices will sky rocket after the
Budget.
I will give 5/10. It is a lackluster Budget. Nothing has been given to the salaried and those working in the private sector. Income tax exemption, too, is meager. The exemption limit should have been raised up to Rs 3 lakh. No initiative has been taken for the growth of the
industry.
I will like to give 5/10. The hike in excise duty will directly impact the prices of steel and other products, which will hike the rate of inflation. Poor man’s cycle will become costlier by at least Rs 70 to Rs 100. Although the increase in the custom duty on bicycle from 10 to 30 per cent and bicycle parts from 10 per cent to 20 per cent is a welcome
step.
I prefer to give 5/10. It is an average Budget. Service tax has been increased by 2 per cent while increasing the income tax limit will not be of much use. Increasing the income tax limit for women to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.90 lakh is not of much use. Senior citizens will not have to pay advance tax which is the only positive
step.
I will give 4/10. Increase in the prices of goods like fridges and ACs have been condemned. In addition to this, TVs will also become costlier. Gold and diamond, too, will become costlier. The Budget has nothing in store for the common man. The prices of all necessary articles will increase after the Budget. It is not a common man’s
Budget.
Five needy tie nuptial knot
Graduation Day for little champs
