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Services of 29 MC men made regular
Fire incidents on the rise in district
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World Autism Day
38 DAVIET students clear GATE exam
2 posts of vice-president in NC lying vacant for 3 years
Principals flay GND varsity lecturers
86,000 litres of fungicide provided to farmers
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Services of 29 MC men made regular
Jalandhar, April 2 The occasion of the first visit of the minister to the MC office ever since he got the portfolio was clubbed with distribution of letters among 14 safai sewaks driving three-wheelers, five of those who had remained absent at the time of last round of appointments and 10 next of kin of deceased employees on compassionate grounds. During the function, MC union leaders were given over two hours to eulogise the SAD-BJP government from the dais. Leaders of the Employees’ Coordination Committee claimed to have supported the government for a comeback and raised their demand for regularisation of 301 gardeners and induction of more safai karamcharis on regular basis. The gardeners have been holding cycle rallies for quite sometime. Addressing union members, Bhagat said he had got the list of the gardeners and he would set up a committee which would check their eligibility before appointing them on regular basis. Time and again, all speakers, including Bhagat, Mayor Rakesh Rathour, Senior Deputy Mayor Kamaljit Bhatia and Deputy Mayor Parvesh Tangri, sought the support of employees in the MC polls. Elections by May end
The Local Bodies Minister said today that the MC elections were likely to be held by May end. The elections to the civic body were last held on August 8, 2007. Asked about the rotation pattern likely to be adopted for reservation, he said it would be discussed within the party. Asked whether the 2,5,8…pattern would be adopted or 3,6,9…pattern or some other policy would be considered, he said, “We are yet to decide on that”. Bhagat evades questions
Bhagat was evasive on most questions, including certain important policy decisions like implementation of Change of Land Use (CLU) at local level as had been announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal. “The matter is under-discussion,” came the one-line reply. Asked if he would hand over Rs 100 crore to the Jalandhar MC to tide over financial crunch as demanded by the Mayor during the function, he replied, “I will try my best”. On a question regarding his stand on delay in demolishing of Rangla Vehra on which the MC Commissioner as an arbitrator had passed orders since long, he said, “I am yet to see the file.” Over the issue of bad condition of roads in the city, he said, “Roads keep on breaking. The authorities keep on re-carpeting them. The cycle keeps on going.” Quizzed on whether he would get removed multiple illegal hoardings bearing his pictures erected across the city in violation of the Public Defacement Act, he said he had not got these erected. He, however, said he would ask the Commissioner to get these pulled down. Lift operational
While normally the two lifts at the main entrance to the Municipal Corporation office remains non-functional, one of it was today kept operational as the octogenarian Local Bodies Minister was to visit the premises. While several elderly and physically challenged persons also come to the office daily, the authorities were considerate for Bhagat who walks with little discomfort. |
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Fire incidents on the rise in district
Jalandhar, April 2 In the current year, the Fire Station Department has already recorded 81 fire incidents - 28, 22 and 31 in January, February and March, respectively. In most of the fire incidents, though fire officials, however, claimed that they were able to douse the flames in the rescue operations, but still the loss was reportedly in lakhs of rupees. The reason might be the arrival of fire tenders late due to one reason or another or high intensity of
fire. In January last year, there were total 24 fire incidents and the number decreased to 20 in February and 18 in March. Fire number of incidents suddenly shot up in April and May. The reason being the season of harvesting of crops in these two months, a fire official said. Sources said the district witnessed 50 and 57 fire incidents in these two months, respectively. The practice of burning stubble after harvesting is the main cause of fires in the fields in rural areas. It is, however, learnt that sparks from overhanging power cables and machines have been a common cause for fire incidents so far and strong westerly winds sweeping in the region helping spreading the fire. In the next three months of June, July and August, fire incidents recorded a decline in number to 28, 21, and 21, respectively. Fire officials maintain that during the festival season in October their rescue team members remain on their toes. The sources stated that in October last year there were total 85 fire incidents and majority of the incidents occurred on the single day of Diwali. The majority of the fire incidents occurred due to short circuits of electrical cables, while in scores of cases, the cause of fire was still unknown. Fire station still to get advanced fire tenders
Sources in the Fire Department revealed that last year the Municipal Corporation had passed a resolution to buy three advanced fire tenders - including water douser, small fire tender (to douse flame in congested areas) and foam tender (well equipped to douse flame in case fire occurs at petrol pumps) - and the state government had also approved the proposal. One of the fire official revealed that still the machinery was not purchased. ‘Fire Act’ is the need of hour
Jalandhar Fire Officer Kashmir Singh said recently a meeting of the higher fire authorities was held in Ludhiana, in which the topic of discussion remained the non-existence of a “Fire Act” in Punjab. “I have also suggested the authorities to clear the way to bring a “Fire Act” in Punjab. Once the Fire Act is implemented, all commercial establishments will have to make provisions like installation of smoke alarm and fire extinguishers and to hold fire drills regularly,” he said. |
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Learning made easy for those who find it difficult
Kusum Arora Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, April 2 Today when, Akshat Jain (12), an autistic child, is able to identify colours and write his name in English with ease, it indeed rekindles the hope of his teachers, parents and family. An extremely cheerful and carefree, Akshat, remains surrounded with his teachers at the Udaan Special School for Retardation, where he has learnt to explore his life with certain basics, but a fast rewind in his life is nothing short of a tale of struggle, which can bring tears in the eyes of anyone. Apart from learning the basic manners, he has started excelling in academics, too. His parents who were present in the school for the annual function, which coincided with World Autistic Day, were indeed standing tall watching their son grow. Talking to Jalandhar Tribune, Neeru Jain, mother of Akshat, said it still sounded like a dream when I saw him write something on a paper and paint his imagination on drawing sheets. “We had lost all hopes of his mental growth till the day we decided to admit him to a special school. It was a long frustrated period as my son did not start speaking till the age of three. We had no idea that these were the signs of autism and neither we were ready to accept the harsh reality of life, but then time teaches you everything,” she said.Akshat was initially admitted to a normal school - STMD Model School - in the city, but soon his dependence on everybody started posing problems. “Till the age of five he could not learn and understand what was nature’s call. Although the school staff was supportive, but there were times when they would ask me to come to the school to clean my son as he would pass urine and stool anytime in his clothes,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. His father Arvind Jain said when their son failed to pick up the basic lessons of manners and nursery rhymes, he ended up beating his son. “We never knew that his failure to pick up the lessons like normal students was an indication of autism. He would keep on writing and speaking things, but the very next minute, he would act blank. We ended up beating him up during those initial years, but we are contended that he has been able to start learning in life,” he added. Even Akshat responded to queries with slight stammering tongue and smiled at different colours speaking their names aloud. Principal-cum-owner of the school Meenu Shahi said, “Akshat was one of the fast growing children at the school. He has shown remarkable growth, which shows that timely diagnosis of autism can help make child learn easily,” she added. Highlighting his traits, Akshat’s parents said at time he behaved hyperactive, which had been a major stumbling block. “Since he is autistic, he finds it difficult to converse and at times remains moody too. But, probably he is one of the highly disciplined child too. He is habitual of keeping his room clean so much so that he never sleeps until the room is well cleaned and decked up,” she added. “And despite problems, we are contented that our son is making us proud by his growth and a good academic learning ability too. His charming personality makes him stand out among his peer group, which is indeed a compliment for us,” said his parents.
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38 DAVIET students clear GATE exam
Jalandhar, April 2 While a majority of these students have already bagged placements with different companies, the GATE clearance further comes as a double bonanza for them. Around 1 lakh plus engineering students had appeared for GATE held on February 12. Those who clear GATE can either pursue their masters programme in engineering or management at leading universities of the country and at the same time apply for government jobs in top Navratna companies like BHEL, ONGC, Power Grid Corporation of India. Talking to Jalandhar Tribune, jubilant Akanksha Jain, a student of BTech (Electrical Engineering) who bagged 1,277 rank in GATE, said her good rank has opened doors for pursuing an MTech programme from any of the IITs and NITs across the country. Akanksha pursued her aim without any private coaching for the exam. "Since last year, I was preparing for GATE. The faculty at the institute has been of great support. Especially professor Sushil Prashar played a key role in my preparations," she added. She has already bagged placement with iGATE Patni Computers. Another achiever, Randeep Singh, who bagged 11,232 rank in GATE, said he is looking forward to a government job in leading Navratnas namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL) and Power Grid Corporation of India. "These leading companies would recruit candidates who have cleared GATE. Even though I am employed with SSK, Kapurthala, a switch gears company, my preference will be a lucrative job in any of these companies," he said. Dr A.L. Sangal, principal, DAVIET, said it was an achievement of sorts. "It is a matter of proud that our students will pursue their Masters programme in leading institutes of the country," he said. Vanika Jain, a topper in the BTech (Electrical Engineering) sixth semester exams in Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar, also cracked the exam through self-study. She bagged 5,425 rank in the exam and would pursue a master's programme in IITs, PEC, Chandigarh, or Thapar University, Patiala. At the same time, she will apply for jobs in Navratna companies. The first-ever engineer from her family, Vanika said a conducive study atmosphere at the institute paved way for her success. "I am eagerly looking forward to my next achievement- either a degree or a job", she said. What’s Gate
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is an all-India examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. The achievers
38 students who cleared GATE are Akanksha Jain, Anshul Singh, Charandeep Singh, Randeep Singh, Nitish Sharma, Ridhim Ranjan, Vanika Jain, Puneet Jain, Pankaj Singla, Vaibhav Arora, Siddarth Panjathia, Sahil Jain, Ratul Chopra, Gurinderpal Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nitesh Kumar, Satguru Singh, Gurpinder Singh, Milan Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Harmanjit Singh, Shivani Syal, Varun Verma, Tarun, Vishal Vasudev, Aanshi Bhardwaj, Nitika Bhardwaj, Guneet Kaur, Taranpreet Singh, Aditi, Gagandeep, Gurleen, Inderjit, Kriti, Neha, Pallavi and Saurabh Gupta. |
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2 posts of vice-president in NC lying vacant for 3 years
Phagwara, April 2 The election for the posts could not be held owing to repeated transfers of executive officers of the NC; ongoing tug of war between councilors and NC president Balbhadhar Sein Duggal; and lack of unanimity between the SAD and BJP on the choice of candidates. The elections had repeatedly been postponed. Sarabjit Kaur and Sita Kaul, who were elected on July 23, 2008, held the posts for one year. Manpreet Singh, Phagwara SDM, said he would conduct the elections of these two posts when the Local Bodies Department would write to him. Lack of coordination among the ruling alliance partners has also become a major hindrance in the holding of elections, which were postponed several times in 2010.
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Principals flay GND varsity lecturers
Jalandhar, April 2 In a press release, principal Dr Jaspal Singh Randhawa, general secretary of the federation and member of the university syndicate and senate, said a group of lecturers, instead of contributing to the development of the university was indulging in tarnishing its image. The federation said the fact was that during the past two and a half years, the university had made significant progress.
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86,000 litres of fungicide provided to farmers
Jalandhar, April 2 Yellow rust was reported from Ropar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Patiala and parts of Jalandhar districts. "The disease had started gripping wheat crop in February, but it was contained as fungicide was supplied to farmers well in time," said Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu. He said as many as 500 paddy transplanters have already been provided to farmers of the state. "In our effort to ensure diversification of crops, pulses would be sown in 18,000 hectares in Punjab," said Dr. Sandhu. Nakodar MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala said horticulture could prove to be a boon for Punjab farmers. "Net house owners have been reaping good profits in the state. There is a future in horticulture and farmers could explore it," he said.
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Haryana Police arrests dowry case accused
Jalandhar, April 2 The accused, identified as Sameer, resident of Kapurthala, was arrested from the Bhargo Camp locality here this afternoon. Hisar police’s Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sunder Lal said Nisha, a resident of Hisar, had registered a case against her husband under the Dowry Act. She got married to Sameer two years ago when he was working as a clerk in some private bank. She had complained to the police that soon after the marriage, her husband started harassing her for bringing meagre dowry. Today, the police received a tip-off that the accused was staying in the Bhargo Camp locality. The Hisar police official said they along with the Bhargo Camp police conducted a raid on the place and arrested the accused. NRI woman ends life
A non-resident Indian (NRI) woman, who was presently residing at the Mithapur locality here, committed suicide by setting herself ablaze after pouring some inflammable substance on herself at her residence last night. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Balwinder Kaur, wife of Pavitar Singh. Sources said Balwinder Kaur and her family members were the permanent citizens of the USA and she had came to India just a few months ago. Late last evening she was alone in her room. She went inside a bathroom and set herself ablaze. On hearing her shrieks, family members barged into the bathroom after breaking its door and found her badly burnt. She was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital, but she was declared brought dead by the doctors. The deceased, according to sources, was under depression. The police, on the statement of the deceased’s brother Hardeep Singh, has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC. Youth booked for rape
Shahkot: The police booked a youth of Nimajipur village for raping a girl of Wadala Khurd village on the pretext of marrying her here today. A case has been registered against the accused, who is still at large. The accused, Bhupinder Singh, sources said, had also forced the girl to undergo an abortion after she got pregnant. The sources said the couple had been in relationship for the last several years. |
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lower-rung staff of the Municipal Corporation (MC) by handing over 29 letters of regular appointment to the employees and rekindling hope for many awaiting a similar gesture.
Last year, fire broke out at 401 places in the district. In majority of the incidents, fire broke out at commercial establishments and industries, while there were a few occurrences of fire in residential areas.