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Construction material on road causes traffic jam Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 6 After SHO Division No 5 Beant Juneja booked a resident for creating clutter on Pakhowal Road, it was the turn of Division No 1 police which last evening booked a resident, as the latter had kept construction material on a road near Arya Senior Secondary School. According to ASI Balkar Singh, Vijay Kumar, a Chander Nagar resident, had placed construction material on road, which led to traffic jam. Vijay was carrying out construction work at his shop located near Arya School. The material on the road led to a huge traffic jam. Commuters requested Vijay to clear the road, but the latter did not pay heed to their requests. He was arrested and booked under section 188 of the IPC for disobeying a government order under Section 283 of the IPC for causing danger, obstruction/injury in a public way or line of navigation. Vijay was later released on bail after furnishing a bail bond. It may be recalled here that Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh had passed strict instructions against the keeping of construction material on road. He had even sought public support to eradicate the menace that has led to the several deaths. The Commissioner has stated that residents could lodge such complaints to the respective police stations and promised immediate action. SHO Division No 1 Surinder Mohan said, "We are strictly implementing the orders of the Commissioner. Those blocking the road with construction material would be strictly dealt with. In the recent case, the construction material on road had led to heavy traffic jam near Arya School area that joins old city area with other parts of the city." Truck driver also booked
The Division No 8 police has booked Shingara Singh, a resident of Morinda, for blocking traffic. According to ASI Bhajan Singh, the accused parked the truck near Officers Colony, leading to a traffic jam.
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Pitiable road to blame for Shekhupura mishap
Jagraon, May 6 If the eyewitnesses of this accident are to be believed, the accident took place due to the highly bad condition of the road. According to Sandeep Singh of Sawadi village, who witnessed this tragedy, the driver of the Mahindra jeep suddenly turned his vehicle to avoid it from falling in a huge pit on the road, which led to the mishap. “The driver of the Mahindra Scorpio SUV coming from the opposite direction was already driving almost in the middle of the road due to the presence of pits on the other side of the road. While saving the jeep from falling into the pit, the jeep driver turned his vehicle suddenly and smashed it into the Scorpio coming from the other side,” said Sandeep. The condition of the Ludhiana-Moga stretch on the Grand Trunk Road has been utterly bad for a long time. The 20-km-long stretch of the road between Jagraon and Mullanpur Dakha has been the major cause of concern and it has turned the road into a highly accident-prone area. There are hundreds of pits on this stretch and some of these pits are even 1 to 2 feet deep, as a result of which commuters often remain at high risk of meeting accidents. The drivers of the vehicles often face a lot of troubles due to the presence of huge pits on the road. The situation turns more dangerous during night when it become difficult for the drivers to see the holes on the road. In recent past, many accidents have taken place due to the bad condition of the road. Though commuters have been repeatedly demanding to recarpet this portion of the road for a long time, all the requests of the people seem to be falling on deaf ears and the authorities have paid no attention towards such a serious problem so far. Though the issue has been continually highlighted in the media, this too has failed to wake up the authorities. Even the requests of the people about at least repairing the damaged portion of the road have not yielded any result so far. Following today’s incident, the demand for the reconstruction of this road has become louder. It remains to be seen whether this incident manages to wake up the government from its deep slumber. Four-laning soon
The work on making this road four lane will be started very soon. I have already instructed the department for starting the patch work to fill up the pits on this road. This work would be completed very
soon. — Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Punjab |
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After CMCH, more hospitals may come under RTI
Ludhiana, May 6 In its order, the SIC observed that the CMC was drawing a two-fold financial privileges facilitated by state, which included exemption from house tax by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, besides exemption under Section 80 (g) of the Income Tax Act. The CMC Ludhiana is not the only charitable hospital exempted from paying house tax in the city. Information procured using the RTI Act by an RTI activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira states that other prominent hospitals which are excluded from paying house tax are Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Pahwa Hospital, Rama Charitable Hospital, Lord Mahavir Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Sheela Charitable Hospital Trust, Deepak Memorial Charitable Hospital, Bhai Daya Singh Ji Charitable Hospital, Ideal Charitable Hospital, Dr D N Kotnis Health and Education Centre, besides some others. During the proceedings of the case filed by one Munish Kumar Seth of Dhuri (Sangrur), the SIC (on May 4) had observed that the CMC had been exempted from the house tax as a charitable trust. The CMC College Hospital is a society registered under Section 12 (a) of the Income Tax Act and has been granted exemption under Section 80 (g) of the said Act. The relief granted under Section 80 (g) of the Income Tax may be a tax relief to the donor, but the fact remains that because of this statutory enablement, financial benefits accrue to the CMC. Therefore, such benefit must be construed to fall
within the provisions of Section 2 (h) of the RTI Act,” read the order. Kuldeep Singh Khaira has stated that there are many other charitable hospitals in the city that are exempted from paying house tax and are also exempted under Section 80 (g) of the Income Tax Act. “These hospitals should also be brought under the purview of RTI Act. Soon, I will be filing an application before the State Information Commission so that these hospitals also come under RTI Act,” said Khaira. Last year, Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura as well as Congress councillor Raju Thapar had alleged that some of the private-run “charitable” hospitals were doing charity work only on paper. Mayor Giaspura had gone to the extent of saying that Dayanand Medical College and Hospital was charging as high as Rs 4,000 for a single room for one day. “And on paper, they tell us that they are charging Rs 500 per room for a day, which is totally wrong. I have been telling my staff that they should conduct checks on their premises quite often, but now I will take this issue in my own hand and would make sure that these hospitals also pay house tax,” Giaspura had said on June 28 last year. Charity only on paper
Last year, Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura and Congress councillor Raju Thapar had alleged that some private-run ‘charitable’ hospitals were doing charity work only on paper. Giaspura said Dayanand Medical College and Hospital was charging as high as Rs 4,000 for a single room for a day. On paper, they tell us that they are charging Rs 500 per room for a day, which is totally wrong. |
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Recovery of water, sewerage user arrear charges poor
Kuldip Bhatia
Ludhiana, May 6 Information obtained under the Right to Information Act has revealed that tardy recovery of user charges over the past several years has led to the accumulation of arrears worth a little over Rs 1.38 crore in four colonies developed and presently maintained by the LIT. The number of total defaulters stands at 762 and total recovery till date is a meagre Rs 2,66,581. The details of arrears of user charges, outstanding in some cases, for the past about 20 years, provided to Arvind Sharma, general secretary of the Council of RTI Activists under the RTI Act, indicates that the maximum arrears (Rs 44,29,308) were outstanding against the residents of the 475-acre Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar scheme. And the amount recovered was just Rs 69,293, which amply displayed the inefficiency of the field staff. In the 129-acre Rajguru Nagar locality, some 199 defaulting residents owed the Trust Rs 39,17, 275, out of which only Rs 78,388 could be recovered. The situation in other two localities - 256-acre Maharishi Balmiki Nagar and 8.4-acre Sant Isher Singh Nagar was no better, where the amount of arrears stood at Rs 32,20, 225 and Rs 22,46,799, respectively, while the amount recovered from the defaulters was Rs 1,04,699 and Rs 14,271. Ironically, even as there are provisions for the disconnection of water supply and sewerage connection in the event of the failure of the consumers to pay user charges, the LIT authorities did not go beyond serving notices for recovery upon the defaulting persons. "Not only this," said Arvind Sharma, "The LIT authorities failed to provide names of the employees and officials who were responsible for the recovery of the outstanding user charges even though the information was sought from them under the RTI Act." Demanding a probe into the failure of the LIT authorities in effecting the recovery of user charges, outstanding for the past several years, the Council of RTI Activists has urged the the state government to direct the Trust to take necessary steps for the recovery of the arrears and also initiate action against the erring staff and officials.
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With MC poll nearing, councillors keen on using Facebook
Ludhiana, May 6 Terming this “initiative” as the most convenient and cheaper way of connecting with their voters, some of the leaders are busy learning ways to use these social networking websites. “I have got a nice photograph clicked, which I would upload on my Facebook profile. This is the best and quick way to contact with my voters, especially youth, who remain glued to this website 24X7,” said a sitting Congress councillor. BJP district president and Senior Deputy Mayor Parveen Bansal, independent MLA Simarjit Singh Bains, Akali councillor Jagbir Singh Sokhi, Congress councillor Parminder Mehta, BJP councillor Gurdeep Singh Neetu, Akali councillor Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, former health minister Satpal Gosain, former MLA Harish Bedi, besides many other councillors and politicians have been maintaining their Facebook accounts for a long time. They not only post their views on this social networking website, but whatever activity takes place in their area or the functions they organise, the photographs, sometimes even detailed reports and even news clippings are posted on their Facebook profiles. Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, Akali councillor from ward number 59, said he had been maintaining his Facebook page for a long time. “My ward consists of well educated class, many of whom are there on the Facebook. Some residents even submit their complaints through this social networking website and I am able to get first-hand experience of their problems. I have even helped some of my party councillors create profiles on the Facebook,” he quipped. Another councillor said these days most of the voters were least bothered about election rallies and meetings. “So if they don’t come to attend our rallies or meetings, it becomes our duty to reach them and social networking websites are the best way of doing it,” he said. Parveen Bansal says when he contested the Vidhan Sabha elections from the Ludhiana North constituency, he made full use of the Facebook. “This is probably the best way of putting your views forward, especially amongst youth. A majority of people use this social networking website on their mobile phones and so in a way, I can connect with them directly,” he said.
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Bag snatched at pistol point
Ludhiana, May 6 The complainant said the incident took place late last night near the bus-stand when he returned from Ferozepur and was going towards his scooter. Sunil Kumar said the five persons waylaid him. Before he could react, one of the accused pulled out a weapon and trained it at him. The accused then snatched the bag. Some personal enmity was stated to be the reason behind the incident. |
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Boiler kept in truck explodes
Ludhiana, May 6 Irate residents later staged a dharna and demanded the closure of the soap factory. The residents complained that the soap factory was operational in complete violation of norms laid down by the pollution board. The boiler kept in the truck exploded due to the leakage of gas. However, no one was injured in the incident. |
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No end to traffic woes
Jagraon, May 6 The administration, despite some efforts by the traffic police to smoothen the flow of traffic, has failed to solve the problem. The situation is more complex near the Old Grain Market Chowk where one can often see long lines of the vehicles stuck in the traffic jam. Apart from being one of the oldest and unplanned areas of the town, it is also one of the busiest areas of the town, but the congested roads here are unable to sustain a huge number of vehicular traffic. The absence of traffic cops as well as recklessness on part of drivers often lead to hour-long traffic jams. Another major reason behind the traffic chaos on this road is the haphazard parking of vehicles. The people visiting the town from various villages often park their vehicles on roadsides, which obstruct smooth flow of traffic and leads to long jams. Besides this, illegal encroachments by shopkeepers on both sides of the road make the situation worst. The visitors, on the other hand, term lack of proper parking space in the town responsible for traffic congestion. “There is no proper space available for parking and in such a situation, we have no option but to park our vehicles on roadsides. The municipal council shall make proper arrangements for the parking in the town to solve this problem,” said Gurtej Singh, a visitor from a nearby village. The residents have also demanded a traffic cop to be deployed permanently at this chowk to solve the problem. DSP Jagraon Harpal Singh assured that a traffic cop would be deployed on permanent basis soon.
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ABVP meeting
A meeting of the Punjab unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was organised here on Sunday. It was presided over by Gurvinder Singh, secretary of the unit. and activists form all over Punjab attended it. Gurvinder Singh said the ABVP would start a movement against expensive education. Electrical safety
In continuance of the electrical safety week (May 1 to 7), a seminar was organised by the electrical department at the Ludhiana railway station power substation. At the seminar, Gursharanjit Singh Dhunna and Amarjeet Singh, both engineers, gave information to the officers and railway employees about the Indian electricity rules and precaution to be taken while using portable equipment. Sportsman honoured
The Ekjot Welfare Society honoured Rahalu for winning bronze medal at the Athens Para Olympic Games. On this occasion MLA Asshu, Darshan Arora, president of the Ludhiana Citizen Council and Rahalu’s coach, and Capt Payra Singh were
also present. Teachers meet DEO
Members of the Computer Teachers Union (Ludhiana) met District Education Officer Leela Rani and congratulated her for her promotion. The delegation of the computer teachers was led by senior vice-president of the union Tejinderpreet Singh. The district coordinator, ITC, Jasveer Singh, presented a memento to the DEO. Leela Rani also congratulated the computer teachers for the hike in their grade pay. Society constituted
First, a new social welfare society, was constituted here on Sunday. A number of social activists elected Chaman Lal Ahuja as its president. Krishan Kumar Bawa, president of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Foundation, appreciated Chaman Lal Ahuja’s effort. Music concert
Arpeggios Music Factory (AMF) organised a music concert at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan on Saturday. Rock music, classics melodies for tiny tots, pop music of the eighties were played during the concert. The little performers were dressed as international artists. Inaugurated
National spokesman for the Congress and MP Manish Tiwari inaugurated a building at Goernment High School, Badewal, which has been built with the help of a grant of Rs 2 lakh from the MP quota. He said the Central Government is committed to the development of Punjab. Dental clinic
With the aim of making the rural masses aware of the causes and consequences of ailments caused due to poor oral hygiene and providing them proper dental treatment at their doorstep, the Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Group of Medical Institutes, Sarabha, opened its first Satellite Dental Clinic in collaboration with the Bhai Ghanayia Welfare Society at Pakhowal village, near here, on Sunday.
— TNS
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Pleasure in violating traffic rules!
Residents of the city do not leave a single opportunity to violate traffic rules. Although the police has become strict, they still manage to break the traffic rules and go uncaught. Today when I was standing at the traffic lights, I saw two policemen busy to stop a truck that had jumped a red light. Seeing the policemen busy with a traffic violator, people standing at the red light jumped the light, as they knew the two policemen were not watching their moves. I could not stop laughing when I saw a man jumping a red light with all his eyes fixed on the policemen and got bumped into a car going ahead of him. I wonder what is the use of violating the rules or is it that people receive some pleasure by violating the traffic rules? Punishment no deterrent
With the city traffic police going in an overdrive mode for regulation and compliance of traffic rules, it is a common scene on the roads when an illegally parked car is towed away and owners have to shell out a hefty penalty both for violation of traffic rules and towing charges. In normal circumstances, the sight of a car helplessly dangling behind a tow-away vehicle should serve as a deterrent to other vehicle owners and while thanking their stars that it is not their vehicle that is being forcibly removed from the road, they should make sure to park their cars in a proper manner in designated parking areas or within the yellow line along the roads. But this is not the case with Ludhianvis as a majority of the car owners in the mega city show utter disregard for the rule. If caught on the wrong foot, most of them will throw names, flaunt their connections and if it does not work would pay the penalty with absolutely no remorse. God alone can help such arrogant violators. ‘Please give us something’
A state-level function was organised in the city on Saturday to pay tributes to Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, a warrior on his birth anniversary, which was attended by Cabinet ministers and former Akali ministers. As Bikram Singh Majithia was the chief guest on the occasion, Hira Singh Gabria, former minister for jails, did not miss the opportunity to make a request to him to hand over the land to the community, which Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had already asked them to identify. Gabria said, “Majithia Sahib, we have identified the land. Now you are here with us who can take the decision on behalf of the state government. Make us happy by handing over the particular land to us on this special occasion. If you happen to provide Rs 1 crore along with the land, then it will be great. Hun te zamin ate ik crore rupaye naal den da ailaan kar hi deo majithia sahib! And poor minister (Majithia) had no answer to this request, which was made in public several times by
Gabria! Tough time for traders
Even as the summer season has started, wholesalers dealing in garments and dress material in the city are going through tough times. They are of the view that as the summers arrived late, not many people are shopping for clothes these days. A plaza near Bhadaur House area, which is otherwise full of hustle and bustle on routine days, wears a deserted look on Sunday. Till a few weeks ago, the market was thronged by buyers from across the district, but the situation is not same anymore. A wholesaler rued, “We are suffering huge losses as not many people are coming out for shopping. If this trend continues for some more weeks, it would be difficult for us to run our businesses,” said the shopkeeper. Strict but kind
In the present times, a few persons communicate softly. In a government office, it was observed that despite of his busy schedule, an official was talking to each visitor in a kind and soft way. Commenting about his communication skill, one of his employees said, “He speaks so sweetly that sometimes we fear that we may get diabetic.” Another employee said, “Indeed he is strict, yet a kind person. I also try to learn from his skills but you know what a famous Punjabi poet Waris Shah said, “Waris Shah na aadtan jaandiyan, bhanve katiye poriyan
poriyan.” Lack of playgrounds in the city central is a big letdown for residents of the city. All spaces are getting snuffed out and the residents are left with no choice but to play on concrete spaces. On Sunday, children near Pathaur House were seen playing in the parking area. By afternoon, with the influx of vehicles, even this space was not left free for playing. Now, it was the turn of some of the grown ups wanting to play cricket and they started playing in the corridors. One of them quipped, “You are seeing us playing here today. But the way things are, I think even this space wouldn't be left in some time, so we're searching for some rooftops nearby for playing,” he said. Contributed by Manav Mander, Kuldip Bhatia, Shivani Bhakoo, Puneet Pal Singh Gill, Anupam Bhagria and Gurvinder Singh
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Maintaining work-life balance challenging for working women
Ludhiana, May 6 According to a survey conducted by Navneet Kaur, a student of MBA (final year) at the PCTE Groups of Colleges, 63 per cent women felt that the industry and workplaces in the city should provide facilities like flexible working hours and creches for their children. The most predominant concern for them was bringing up children and spending quality time with them. About 56 per cent women said stress at workplace was affecting their relationship with their spouses, according to the survey. "Although work culture and conditions in the NCR and Chandigarh are becoming more attuned to the needs of working women, the local industry is yet to take steps in this direction," says Navneet. Women are expected to manage both work and home, and so they feel that there should be better facilities for them, she says. Many women said transportation facility should be provided to them for commuting to and from workplaces, she said. According to Chitwan Kaur Bhutani, a member of the faculty of the institute who supervised the survey, said the survey was conduced because finding out problems working women are facing is important as more and more women are trying to get employment today. It was also pertinent to find out what facilities and support structure they are seeking from workplaces and families, she said. "Industry in the city is yet to evolve enough and human resources departments are yet to start considering women’s special needs," said Navneet. As a substantial number of women admitted professional life gave them more confidence and made them financially independent, they felt that industry should become more considerate, she said.
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Cosmetics are harmful: Study
Ludhiana, May 6 Universally used cosmetics are face creams, powders, lipsticks, eye makeup, nail polishes, rouges, hair dyes and perfumes. Most cosmetics are complex mixtures containing perfumes, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers, lipids, higher alcohols, besides other substances. Dr Alka Dogra, professor and head of skin department of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said, “The risk of adverse reactions to these, even though extremely small, is a reality. Chemicals in cosmetics may produce primary irritant reactions, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity and hair and nail breakage.” In a recent study conducted by Dr Alka Dogra, 200 females with reactions to cosmetics were patch tested. It was found that 5.5 per cent of women who used sindhoor suffer from allergy, however, lipsticks (5.1 per cent), creams (3.75 per cent), rouge (2 per cent), bindis (1.75 per cent) and eyebrow pencil (1.5 per cent). Dr Dogra said, “Cosmetic sensitivity was more prevalent in working women, especially beauticians and nurses, followed by housewives and young girls. It was maximum in the age group of 21-30 years.” Reasons of allergy
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Unkempt roads pain Ward No. 3 residents
Ludhiana, May 6 With sewerage nonexistent in some parts of Nanda Colony, the residents got sewers laid in the area on their own. The sewerage projects is still hanging fire. Sewers were laid in some of the areas recently but the work is far from completion. The residents of the ward complain that garbage is not lifted by safai karamcharis regularly. The ward sans government high school and dispensary. Compared to some of the other wards in the area, certain colonies fare better in terms of cleanliness. The garbage dump on the Kailash Nagar road gives a tough time to passersby. There were two garbage dumps on the road. In the wake of pressure from the residents of the area, one of the dumps was removed. Garbage gets scattered to the middle of the road, creating problems for commuters. This has also made the place prone to accidents. Despite complaints about the dump, not much has been done to solve the problem, say the residents. A substantial proportion of the populace in the area is that of migrants. For this reason the number of voters is considerably low. Councillor Rakesh Kumar, who had contested for the first time as an independent, and had won by a margin of over 1,000 votes in the last elections, says this time he would contest the elections on the Congress ticket. There are about 17 colonies in the area, including Shimla Colony, Sat Sang Road, Nanda Colony, Vishal Nagar, Kailash Nagar, Om Vihar, Gagandeep Colony, Amrit Vihar, New Gagandeep Colony, New Kailash Nagar, Vishal Colony, Bawa Colony, Yashpal Colony, Royal Estate, New Shimla Colony, Mangal Deep Colony and New Nanda Colony. RESIDENTS Speak Roads in the area in poor shape. The MC workers dig up the roads for the laying of sewers but never come back to repair them. While the problem of overflowing sewage has been resolved, the damaged roads are giving a hard time to the residents~ — Gurvinder Singh, a resident of Gagandeep Colony Water supply in many parts of the colony is poor. Because of the open garbage dumps and stagnant water in the streets, there is no letup in mosquito breeding in the area, and the residents fear dengue will breakout in the area this year
again. — Suresh Kumar, a resident of Kailash Nagar Bulbs on the streetlights are often stolen by miscreants but nobody cares to fix new ones on them. As a result, the number of incidents of robbery and snatching in many parts of the area have increased. Residents fear while moving out of homes during the late hours. These lights should be fixed to prevent such
incidents. — Rajan Kumar, a resident The garbage dump has become a pain in the neck. The stink is so obnoxious that it becomes difficult to pass the road. Despite complaints by the residents, nothing has been done to remove the garbage dump. When the MC truck comes to lift the garbage, the stink becomes unbearable. Flies are a constant nuisance in the area because of such open garbage
dumps. — Dharminder, working at Kailash Nagar Most roads in the area are uncarpeted. During the rains, the streets become muddy and water-logged. It becomes difficult to even pass the streets. There should be an end to roads and sewage problems in the
area — Sukhjinder Singh, a resident of Nanda Colony Councillor Speak I have spent Rs 11 crore on the maintenance of roads, street lights and tube-wells apart from carrying out other developmental works during my tenure. A major chunk of the funds has been spent on constructing new roads and carpeting the potholed ones. A sum of Rs 72 lakh has been spent on roads at Gagandeep Colony, Rs 46 lakh at Shimla Colony, Rs 52 lakh at Kailash Colony and Rs 1.59 crore at the other colonies. A sum of Rs 4 crore was spent on sewerage, Rs 10 lakh on covering of manholes and Rs 45 lakh on street lights. I am a God-fearing person. That is why I organise Radhaswami satsang in my area. If I win, I would work for providing free education to children. I would also work towards setting up a dispensary in my ward if I win in the new
term. — Rakesh Kumar
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Development irrelevant for residents of Vardhaman Nagar
Ludhiana, May 6 Gahlewal, Ekta Colony and Guru Nagar are the industrial areas where big industries are running but these sans basic infrastructure. Most of the roads in these areas are uncarpeted and since there is no drainage in the are, water gets stagnated. Nonfunctional streetlights in the industrial area lead to incidents of crime at night. The incidents of snatching and loot are a common occurrence on these roads during the night. Blockage of sewerage is the major cause of concern of the residents of Vardhman Nagar, New Kuldeep colony and the Naginder Nagr areas. The open sewerage and stagnant water in the vacant plots and streets in Vardhman Nagar have become health hazards. Owing to unhygienic conditions in the area, people are afflicted by various diseases. The problem of garbage disposal is one of the major problems in the area, as most vacant plots have been turned into garbage dumping grounds. Major colonies in the ward include Mangat Colony, Vishnu Nagar, Janta Colony, New Kuldeep Nagar, Kailash Nagar, Ram Viahar, Sant Viahar, Krishna Colony, Baldev Nagar, New Baldev Nagar, Thapar Colony, Jujar Singh Nagar, Gahlewal Industrial area, Naginder Nagar and Vardhman Nagar. RESIDENTS Speak Stagnant water in the streets and vacant plots due to the blockage of open drains leads to breaking out of diseases like diarrhoea and malaria. Our ward councillor resides in our colony but he has never visited the area in the past five years. After the announcement of elections, we hope that he will come for to the area for his election campaign~ — Nazim, a resident of Vardhaman Nagar After the wait of several years, the MC staff laid sewers in our street. But the sewerage is still nonfunctional because it is yet to be connected with the main sewer. The pathetic condition of roads and contaminated water supply are the other problems of the
area — Mohammad, another resident of Vardhaman Nagar Most of the patients visiting him are affected by unhygienic surroundings. Diarrhoea and malaria are common in the area nowadays. People are poor and can not afford costly
medicines — Dr Krishana, a practitioner in Ambedkar Nagar Roads are in a poor shape. During the rainy season, it becomes difficult to pass the area due to water-logging of the potholed roads. The condition of the main road of Gahlewal is worse than
others — Satnam Singh, a worker at Gahlewal The roads of the industrial area are a nightmare for poor labourers for the streetlights are nonexistent. Incidents of snatching and loot regularly happen in the area. The MC should install streetlights in the industrial area to save poor labourers from
snatchers — Jora Singh, resident of Guru Vihar Councillor Speak In my tenure I have got done a number of major development works. Some of the projects are going on. Earlier, former councillor of the ward got 16-inch sewers sanctioned. That was not appropriate for the whole locality. Now, I have got sanctioned 32-inch sewers to be laid in the area. Work on sewerage, water supply and the carpeting of roads has been completed in street number 1, 2 and 3 at Vardhaman Nagar. Pending work at other streets will be completed in the next few days. I haven't received any complaint of people getting contaminated water supply in the area. I want to make a park near the pond at Gahlewal village if the public elects her
again — Sudesh Chaudhary
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Swiss govt move worries city elite
Ludhiana, May 6 Although nobody from the business class in the city is openly criticising this move of the Swiss government, secret discussions over it are being held in the elite social circles. "The new treaty between India and Switzerland is the topic of hot discussions at social gatherings these days. Those who have stashed black money in their accounts in Swiss banks will be in trouble and people in the hi-end social circles are really feared over this new agreement between both the nations," added a socialite. Under a mutual agreement reached between the two countries, Switzerland has agreed to give the details Indian citizens’ bank accounts. Under the existing bilateral treaty, the requesting country has to compulsorily provide the name of the person under examination and the name of the foreign holder of the information. These are part of the identity requirements without which the information would not be shared by the other country. "This agreement is beneficial to India because it gives liberal interpretation to the identity requirements for exchange of information which India will be seeking from Switzerland and is in line with international standards. It will enable India to get information even if we have only limited details regarding the person having bank accounts in Switzerland," said a senior I-T official. Whopping amount
As per the data provided by the Swiss National Bank, the total deposits of Indian individuals and companies in Swiss banks stood at about $2.5 billion at the end of 2010.
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Price of tomatoes heads north
Ludhiana, May 6 “It has been one month that tomatoes are priced at Rs 40 per kg. I have now switched to tomato purees. Initially, we used to consume nearly 2 kg of tomatoes in one week, but now we have reduced the consumption to half a kilo and use tomato purees along. Tomato has been omitted from the salad and now we use it judiciously,” said Rati Malhotra, a homemaker from Gurdev
Nagar. “Last year, onions burnt a hole in our pockets and now tomatoes are doing it. It has become difficult to maintain the kitchen budget with the prices of vegetables going high. This year when tomatoes will become cheap, I will prepare puree and save it for the coming seasons,” added Sikha, another homemaker from Aggar
Nagar. Mian Khan, a vegetable vendor at Pakhowal Road, said tomatoes were being brought from Mumbai due to which the prices are high. “Wholesalers also add the cost of transportation while fixing the price, as a result the prices of tomatoes are sky rocketing,” he added.
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Unpredictable weather adds to woes
Anupam Bhagria Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 6 Dr Anil Kashyap, assistant professor in pulmonary medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital said, “We are witnessing an increase in asthmatic patients by 20 to 25 per cent in OPDs. The reasons behind this are change of weather and burning of stubble, which pollutes environment and thus triggers respiratory problems. There is an increase in the asthma exacerbation (normal asthma aggravates) due to which the patients feel cough, expectoration, chest tightness and an increase in breathlessness.” Dr Ashish Chawla, chest specialist and head of tuberculosis department, Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said, “There is an increase in the normal asthmatic patients. New cases of asthma are also being reported. But there are no specifications for diet, as eating banana, milk, etc, do not aggravate asthma. These are mere myths.” He further said usually patients leave their medicines in between. He said, “Asthma is controllable, so the patients who are asthmatic should not stop taking medicine in between.”
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Focus on facilitating finances for MSMEs
Ludhiana, May 6 Executive director Abraham Chacko, Federal Bank, along with the senior management and operational team of the bank addressed the participants on various financing options available with the bank for MSMEs. Chacko while delivering the inaugural address mentioned that the bank is presently concentrating on MSMEs in Punjab cluster, out of its main presence in five states, namely Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab. He also said the MSMEs should be cautious of hedging techniques to manage foreign exchange risks. Upkar Singh Ahuja, convener, Ludhiana zone, PHD Chamber and president CICU, emphasised, “Since MSMEs contribute hugely towards India’s gross domestic product and hence the economic growth, it is extremely essential to encourage and support the business sector- small, medium as well as large with timely, adequate and cost effective finance and financial services.”
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Goods, property worth lakhs gutted
Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 6 At least four persons suffered minor injuries, following a wall collapsed during demolition of one of the godowns that was undertaken as a part of the rescue operation. According to Sanjay Maini, director of the company, the fire was first noticed in a cotton godown by a labourer late in the evening. The loss could have been more had a fire brigade from Shryans Industries Limited not reached immediately. The rescue operation continued, as three more fire brigades from Nahar Fibers Limited, Municipal Council Malerkotla and Sangrur were pressed into the service of dousing fire. The operation continued till early morning. The fire had engulfed a major portion of the stock lying in two godowns and a portion of the plant and machinery before the fire brigades could arrive. Subeg Singh, SHO Sadar, who supervised the operations, said a report would be sent to higher officials.
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‘Create posts of vice-principals’
Ludhiana, May 6 A delegation of lecturers recently met higher officials of the education department to oppose the government’s decision. During the meeting, the officials cleared that the schools lecturers are deployed in the schools only to teach and there is no such need to take care of the administrative duties of the schools.
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Students win laurels LUDHIANA: Baljeet Kaur, a student of MCom first semester, Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujharkhan campus, Model Town, secured fourth position in Panjab University. A total of 25 students secured more than 70 per cent marks. The management and principal Kawaljeet Kaur congratulated the students and faculty members for their outstanding results. SCD college
Twenty-five students of SCD Government College scored more than 70 per cent marks and 36 students, out of 40, secured first division in the MCom first semester examination. Rishu Khera secured 79.64 per cent marks and achieved the first position, while Inderpreet Kaur achieved the second position with 79.45 per cent marks and Reema Paul with 79.27 per cent marks got third position. College principal Prof DS Chahal congratulated the students and faculty for their achievements.
— TNS
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Problems of printing industry discussed
Ludhiana, May 6 OPA president Parveen Aggarwal while addressing the meeting discussed the problems faced by the industry. “There is hardly any growth in this sector and the printing industry is feeling the pinch due to the benefits available in the adjoining states due to declaration of special economic zones. It is hard to compete due to incentives available in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. DIC should convey the same to the state government who further should take up this matter with the Central government, so as to give a breather to this sector,” he said. MSME assistant director BS Nagi said a delegation of the OPA was leaving for Germany and the President of India had nominated CK Mishra, joint secretary Government of India, Ministry of MSME, to lead this group visit under the International Cooperation Scheme of the Ministry of
MSME.
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Centres overcharging students
Ludhiana, May 6 PSEB charges Rs 1,200 for class X examinations, but open school centres are charging Rs 3,500 for the same. Most of the time the students are not aware about the board fee and they believe on centre owners. The PSEB charges Rs 1,200 from class X students, Rs 1,400 for class XII students and Rs 150 for the new registration. The students who are enrolling for the first time with the PSEB have to give Rs 150 as the continuation fee and Rs 100 for the prospectus. Dalbeer Singh Dhillon, chairman Punjab School Education Board said, “I am aware about this practice running in the centres but the students don’t want to complaint about the centres. If any student will give a written complaint to the board, then we will cancel the centre.”
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Tonni to join SAD
Our Correspondent
Mandi Gobindgarh, May 6 Panjab Vidhan Sabha speaker Charanjit Singh Attwal welcomed the decision of the industrialists, which will further strengthen the party. Attwal assured the new entrants that the state government would press the Central government to include the steel trade along with other items to be traded with Pakistan and its adjoining countries. SAD district chief Jagdeep Singh Cheema nominated an industrialist, KK Jindal, as the senior vice-president of the Gobindgarh circle.
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Book released
Ludhiana, May 6
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1 killed, 3 hurt in road mishaps
Mandi Gobindgarh, May 6 When he reached the national highway from Model Town area side, a car hit him and crushed him on the spot. The police reached the site and sent the body for a post-mortem. Meanwhile, owner of the car fled from the scene. In another incident, Kapraj, a resident of Kodnian, Uttar Pradesh, was hit by a motorcycle near Kukar Majra village, following which he sustained injuries, while two motorcycle-borne persons, namely Dharam Dev and Avtar Singh of Mandi Gobindgarh, also received injuries. All injured were admitted to the local Civil Hospital here today from where Kapraj was referred to the Civil Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib.
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2 held with stolen cars
Ludhiana, May 6 The accused were arrested by the Sarabha Nagar police, following a tip-off here today. The accused, identified as Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, both residents of Talwandi village near Samana in Patiala, were arrested this evening. According to SHO Sarabha Nagar Prem Singh, the police has recovered one Mahindra Logan and Maruti Zen from the possession of the accused. The SHO said the vehicles were stolen from the city recently. The accused were stealing cars from the city and were selling them in other parts of the state by forging the documents of the vehicle.
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