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punjab budget 2012
Patiala residents unhappy with budget
Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 20
With Punjab Budget for the fiscal year 2012-13 being tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, people from various sections of the society remained glued to the TV sets to watch the budget speech of the Punjab Finance Minister, Parminder Singh Dhindsa. The Tribune correspondent Gagan K Teja talked to different sections of the society in the royal city of the Patiala to get their reaction on the budget. Here is what the people have to say.

The education budget of the state has in no way addressed the fundamental problems afflicting the existing educational institutions in the state. The state needs a well functioning and organically connected education sector, which can produce quality human resources. For this to happen, the need is to increase the education budget of the state by at least 20 per cent every year in order to double it in the next five years. It seems that the education budget is prepared without analysing the ground reality of education sector of the state.

Prof Jaswinder Singh Brar-Senior Academician

Government’s decision to give employability allowance of Rs 1,000 per month to unemployed graduates registered for three or more years with employment exchange for pursuing higher studies and vocational courses is a shame. The government should not have imposed such conditions. Why would anyone first spend thousands for studies for meager amount of Rs 1,000? Moreover, offering such allowances will not solve the problem of unemployment. They need to generate more jobs to secure the future of youngsters.

Amanpreet Singh-Postgraduate but unemployed

Tourism and culture of a state are its distinct identity and thus it is very important to lay proper emphasis on its promotion. Allocation of funds for memorials is a welcome step but the government should also earmark certain funds to promote quality art in Punjab. As far as tourism is concerned, the government should also try to create a Public-Private partnership to improve condition of the historic forts. They should also involve artists for this cause on the same pattern with states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, Cultural community should also be responsible enough that if funds are allocated, they are not squandered like in the early 90’s when subsidy was given to promote the Punjabi films.

Manpal Tiwana-Theatre Artist

While the government has announced more cash award for the Olympic medal winners, it has ignored the ground reality that many sportspersons despite being talented are unable to continue their game due to financial crisis. Despite winning laurels for the state and the country, players are either joining jobs in other states or central services because there is no job security in Punjab. Even when it comes to providing jobs, the government is using pick and choose policy.

Gagandeep Kaur-Sportsperson

The main components of the budget, including health and education sector, have not been given much importance. The announcements made by the Punjab Finance Ministers regarding budget will actually see the light of the day is one question that needs to be addressed to because in past many successive governments have made lots of promises but nothing concrete came out of it.

Rajni-Patiala resident

Increase of budgetary provisions by almost 600 crore in the Health Sector and regular recruitment of doctors is a welcome step. However, I must say that the Punjab government should have provided some funds for Punjab Medical Council for carrying on its duties in controlling practice of medicine by unqualified and unauthorised medical practitioners in the sate and put an end to quackery as ending quackery will boost better health care delivery in the state.

Dr OPS Kande-Member of Punjab Medical Council

The Punjab government’s initiative to launch Mission Green Punjab is a welcome step and would ensure that the green cover could be maintained with an increase from Rs 19 crores to Rs 72 crores. Punjab has limited forest cover and therefore there is ample need for this allocation in this year’s budget.

Aruna Sharma: Member of Patiala Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals

Though the government has kept some allocations for relining of Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind Feeder and rehabilitation of four canals, the irrigation department would soon become meaningless if new recruitments are not done. At present the engineer crunch in this department has meant that many important works are pending and as a result government suffers huge losses per annum due to floods. The government should keep special provision for new recruitments at the earliest.

Jaskaran Sandhu: Retired Chief Engineer (Irrigation Department)

The Punjab government should make sure that they strike a balance with rural and urban development. Though majority of the BJP vote bank is in cities, the Akalis derive power from the rural vote bank. But it is high time that the government ensures proper funds allocation for rural areas, as merely constructing toilets and assured water supply would not solve any purpose in the backdrop of increasing uranium content in under ground water.

Jaideep Narula: A Patiala Resident

Dera Bassi, June 20
One person was killed in a road accident on the Dera Bassi-Barwala road here today morning. Deceased was identified as Shivepunjan Mishra, a resdent of Dera Bassi. As per the information, the accident occurred when the victim was going on his scooter towards Dera Bassi and suddenly, a truck had hit him from behind.

Seriously injured Mishra was brought to the Civil Hospital, Dera Bassi, where he was declared brought dead. The truck driver fled from the spot after the accident. The police has registered a case against truck driver under Sections 279 and 304 A. — OC

Chandigarh, June 20
The UT Police today arrested two persons and recovered over 5,000 banned capsules from their possession. The two were carrying the drugs to distribute these among youngsters residing in colonies.

The accused were identified as Dinesh Thakur, a resident of Ram Darbar and Vijay Gupta, a resident of Sector 30-B.

A team of the PCR Special Operation Cell laid a barrier at 29/30 lights when they stopped a scooter for checking.

Both the driver and riding pillion tried to flee after leaving the scooter when they were apprehended.

On carrying out a search of the scooter, the police recovered a bag of medicines that was placed on the front side and some boxes of medicines were kept in the dickey of the scooter. A large quantity of medicines such as carisotrobol (890 tablets), spasmocit plus-five boxes (containing 80 capsules in each) total 400 capsules, parvon spans-six boxes (containing 200 capsules in each ) + 60 loose capsules total 1,260 capsules, parvon spas -21 boxes (containing 144 in each) total 3,024 capsules (total 890 tablets and 4,684 capsules) and rexcof 125 bottles (containing 100 ml each) were recovered from them.

Sunil Chaudhary, drugs controller officer, UT Administration, was called for verification. He said the medicines were purchased without any bill and licence which is an offence under the Drug Act 18C and 18A which is punishable under Section 27 (b)(ii) and 28 Drug Act, respectively.

The police registered a case under Sections 22 NDPS Act at the Industrial Area police station.

Chandigarh, June 20
Incidents of theft and snatching are on the rise in the city. Vijay, a resident of Sector 29, reported that two gold rings, two wrist watches, one printer, one DVD player, two silver anklets and Rs 6,500 in cash were stolen from his house last night.

In another case, Ajay Sharma, a resident of NAC, Mani Majra, reported that diamond articles worth Rs 3.8 lakh were stolen from his shop. A case has been registered at the Mani Majra police station.

Inderjit Kaur, a resident of Sector 22, reported that two unidentified occupants of a motor cycle sped away after snatching her gold chain near a Verka booth in Sector 47-B. A case under Sections 379, 356 of the IPC has been registered. — TNS

Mohali, June 20
In a major catch, the local police has arrested two miscreants including a most wanted criminal and proclaimed offender Mohan Singh alias Mohna alias Baba and recovered a pistol along with four live cartridges here today.

The police also nabbed Ram Singh from village Manakpur, Kurali on the charges of giving shelter to the dreaded criminal at his residence. With the arrest of Baba, the police claimed to have solved several cases including murder, attempt to murder, ransom, robberies and that of the illegal weapons.

Giving details, the SSP GS Bhullar said Baba, who originally hailed from village Saini Majra in Solan district (Himachal Pradesh) had been residing in the village for past two years and Ram Singh had known that Baba was criminal.

“Baba has been announced proclaimed offender in several cases and with his arrest we hope to solve many more cases in the area,” said Bhullar.

Apart from his involvement in various robbery cases, Baba had also demanded ransom of Rs 2 crore from a person from Delhi in 2008 while in 2009 he had allegedly murdered a photographer in 2009. He had also allegedly shot at the son of his accomplice on some dispute. In 2011, Baba had also taken away a trailer, carrying tractors, after administering drugs to its driver at Banur.

The SSP Bhullar added that during interrogation, Baba confessed that he used to get ransom, ranging between Rs 15,000 to 20,000 per month from various factory owners in Nalagarh.

Mohali, June 20
The local police has arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl here today. The accused has been identified as Satnam Singh, a resident of Phase 11, who lives in neighbourhood of the victim’s house.

The police said that Satnam, who works as an electrician in a factory, had taken away the victim to his house on pretext of some work when she was playing outside her house on Tuesday night and raped her.

The victim’s father is a daily wager while her mother runs a smalltime business on a rehri. The victim was alone at her residence at the time of incident.

The police has registered case of rape against Satnam on the complaint of the victim’s mother at the Phase 11 police station.

Chandigarh, June 20
Where there is a will there is a way. The rowing team of Punjab can totally be tagged under this saying, as the team won seven medals after practicing at the Sukhna Lake, here.

Notably, Sukhna Lake is hitting the headlines everyday for becoming a dry bed, decreasing water level, desilting and the dry patches in the shape of small islands but these young players proved their iron after undergoing daily practice session, here.

The sub-junior team of the Punjab Amateur Rowing Association won 5 Gold Medals in the Coxed Four event and two Bronze Medals in the Coxless Pair event. The team also won the prestigious rotatry “Sandpipers Cup” during the 15th Sub-juniors and 16th Challenger Sprint National Rowing Championships held at Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu from June 10 to 17 under the aegis of the Rowing Federation of India.

The team consisting of Armaan Sandhu, Gurveer Singh, Navdeep Singh, Deepanshu Singh, Aryan Singh Cheema, Gurveer Singh and Navdeep Singh won the top honors after defeating teams including Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

“We went through a tough time while practicing at the Sukhna Lake. The present situation of the lake is very bad. We used to undergo a regular 5 to 6 hours training in morning and evening session and moreover, we had to carry our long scull boats, oars to the shallow water area, so that we can practice there. But the win has brought cheers on our faces as the team has given the best and won as many as seven medals during the competition,” said Armaan Sandhu. Adding further, “The team has faced a difficult time in overcoming the strong opponents. Our coach has guided us well and everyone has performed the best. Our achievement was appreciated by all the officials present there. The team will continue to work hard to win the upcoming tournaments,” added Armaan.

GS Cheema, coach of the team, also expressed his happiness and said, “The team deserves the achievement. The team won the medals after practicing hard here. The Lake is believed to be lucky for the rowers and also their hard work paid off well. The Kodaikanal Lake is among the toughest patch to compete but the boys displayed a great combination power and presence of mind,” said Cheema.

Chandigarh, June 20
The cricket team of Panchkula cricket academy defeated DAV College, Sector 10, during their match of ongoing Junior Cricket Cup for boys (U-14), being held at DAV College, Sector 10, here today.

Batting first, the DAV team pilled their innings on a mere total of 85 runs in their allotted slot of 20 overs. Sidhanth top the team’s score chart after scoring 15 runs while Sarthak contributed 16 runs in the team’s total. Bhavya remained the other noticeable contributor after contributing 10 runs.

On other hand, in reply, the Panchkula cricket academy chased down the target in 15 overs. Shitij guided the team to victory after scoring 35 runs from his bat. The team register a five wicket win over the rivals.

chandigarh, June 20
In the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District one day limited over matches, the local cricket team stood tall against Mohali, at Government Model Secondary School, Sector 26 (Timber market), here today.

Batsman, Jaskaranvir Singh, scripted the team’s win after contributing a handsome 205-run’s in the team’s total reading of 335 runs. He completed his double ton off 147 deliveries studded with 22 boundaries and five high-towering sixes. He was equally supported by Shivam Bhambri, who played an 84 runs knock off 113 balls with 10 boundaries. The duo stood-in for a 239-run partnership for the opening stand.

Earlier, the Chandigarh’s innings ended at 335 for 5 in the allotted 50 overs with bowler Gurpreet taking 2 for 66 for Mohali.

In reply, the Mohali team failed to achieve the target and bowled out for 315 in 49th over of the game.

Skipper, Maninder Singh was the main scorer for the team after scoring 81 off 51 inclusive of nine boundaries and a six while Abhijeet Garg (55 off 59 with 5 boundaries) and Inderpreet (42 off 65 with 4 boundaries) were the other principal scorer for the team.

Brief Scores:

Chandigarh-335 for 5 in 50 overs (Jaskaranvir Singh 205, Shivam Bhambri 84, Gurpreet Singh 2 for 66).

Mohali-315 all out in 49.3 overs (Abhijeet Garg 55, Inderpreet 42, Subeer Hayer 28, Maninder Singh 81, Abhilash 3 for 55, Simranpreet 2 for 24).

In the second match at Dhruv Pandove Stadium, Patiala, the home team registered an easy win over Ludhiana to gain a bonus point. The Ludhiana team was bundled out on a mere total of 113 runs in 37.2 overs after putting to bat first.

Vinay Kapoor (27) and Nikhil Chaudhary (25) were remain the main contributors. For the bowling side, Sukhwinder Singh claimed 3 for 15 while Manpreet Singh and Vicky Sharma took two wickets each.

In reply, the Patiala team chased down the total in 21st over of the game with Manpreet Singh contributing an unbeaten knock of 48 off 63 inclusive of eight boundaries while Anmolpreet remained unbeaten on 20 runs. With this win, the Patiala team secured full 5 points including a bonus.

Brief Scores:

Ludhiana-113 all out in 37.2 overs (Vinay Kapoor 27, Nikhil Chaudhary 25

Sukhwinder Singh 3 for 15 Manpreet Singh 2 for 20 and Vicky Sharma 2 for 27).

Patiala-114 for 2 in 20.3 overs (Manpreet Singh 48 not out, Prabhjot 21, Vicky Sharma 17, Anmolpreet 20 not out).

In the third match at Burlton Park Jalandhar, the Jalandhar team defeated Amritsar by 56 runs and garnered 4 points.

Winning the toss and bating first Jalandhar posted a handsome total of 309 for 6 in the allotted 50 overs. The team’s innings was studded with by the second wicket partnership of 238 runs between Bhupinder Singh and Mandeep Singh.

The partnership was broken after Mandeep Singh was bowled out by Sunny after scoring 129 off 128 studded with 11 boundaries and four sixes. On other hand, Bhupinder Singh continued to flourish and took the score to 305 in 49th over. Bowler, Sunny was the pick of the pick of the bowlers after taking 3 for 79 while his bowling partner Rahul Kanojia also claimed 3 for 43 for Amritsar.

Chasing the target, the Amritsar team started off with their openers Harmandeep Singh and Karan Sharma. The duo put on 71 runs for the first wicket in 8.2 overs but Harmandeep Singh after scoring 38 off 29 with three boundaries and three sixes was caught by Mansab off Kamaljot. Karan Sharma was the next to go after Bhupinder claimed his wicket .He contributed 43 off 41 aided with seven boundaries.

Then joined, Rohan Marwaha and Abhinav Sharma added 69 runs for the third wicket before Rophan Marwaha was snapped by Jaipreet off Karan Bhargav for 56 off 63 balls with five boundaries.

But the team failed to achieve the target and bundled out for 253 in 50 overs. Kamajot Singh remained the highest wicket taker for the team after claming 4 for 38 whereas Bhupinder Singh and Vaibhav Sharma claimed two-wickets each Jalandhar.

Brief scores

Jalandhar-309 for 6 in 50 overs (Mandeep Singh 129, Bhupinder Singh 136, Sunny 3 for 79, Rahul Kanpjia 3 for 43).

Amritsar-253 all out in 50 overs (Harmandeep Singh 38, Karan Sharma 43, Rohan Marwaha 56, Abhinav Sharma 35, Kamajot Singh 4 for 38, Bhupinder Singh 2 for 55, Vaibhav Sharma 2 for 38).