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Devise law to demolish illegal colonies: HC
Upholds notification on bulls, but finds nothing wrong in Kila Raipur race
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BJP forms panel to study tax proposals
Ashwani Sharma and (right) Shanta Kumar at BJP office in Chandigarh on Friday. A Tribune photograph
BISA tests new varieties to help increase wheat yield in state
Manish Tewari, Congress MP, in Ludhiana
Waraich gurdwara land was swapped with dera: Report
Apologise before Takht, Sikh bodies tell Nayar
Solution to floods by 2014, claims Ghubaya
Shift grain to godowns, agencies told
12 IAS among 23 officials get fresh postings
41 more gastroenteritis cases surface in Patiala
Test for promotion of constables
Bains back as media adviser
Keep check on expenses, depts told
19 Muktsar schools fail to collect DMCs
Jeweller’s son held in cyber crime case
Woman held for killing stepdaughter, father-in-law
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Devise law to demolish illegal colonies: HC
Chandigarh, July 20 The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain called for a report on the action initiated by it in response to the order. The directions came after the High Court was told that the Patiala Urban Development Authority could get an FIR registered against an unauthorised colony, but the law restricted it from razing illegal structures. The fact was brought to the Division Bench’s notice during the hearing of a petition filed in public interest by Ramesh Kumar against an illegal colony in Sangrur. The petitioner had claimed that Sukhdev Colony in Khanauri in Sangrur had been set up without following the due procedure. It did not have a no-objection certificate. Even the layout plan had not been cleared. The municipal corporation, in its response to the issue, said there were 11 such colonies in the area. The Bench then directed the authorities concerned to prevent unauthorised construction. The High Court has already directed the state to take “necessary action” on such complaints by “ensuring registration of FIRs” wherever required. The sate was also directed to ensure “due investigation of the FIRs already registered and to be registered”. The directions came after the High Court took cognizance of Punjab Chief Secretary’s inaction in the matter.
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Upholds notification on bulls, but finds nothing wrong in Kila Raipur race
boost for buffs Chandigarh, July 20 A Division Bench of the High Court ruled: “We do not find any illegality in the notification dated July 11, 2011, by which restriction has been imposed by the Central Government on exhibition or training of a bull as a performing animal, which means any performance where public is admitted through the sale of tickets”. Referring to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, the Bench clarified: “We are sanguine in our consideration that the restriction imposed under Section 22 of the Act would apply in respect of performing animal, who has been exhibited or trained for a public view through sale of tickets and not otherwise”. At the same time, the Bench held that the notification was not applicable to sports festival at Kila Raipur. Giving reasons, the Bench asserted: “The events were being held for public entertainment without any sale of ticket in which people from rural Punjab show their strength, endurance and skills in various events, including dog race and bullock cart race. Bullock cart is an integral part of rural India and is still a major means of transportation and bull/ox is regularly used for the purpose of ploughing and other subservient agriculture purposes.” The Bench said it has been observed that the bulls, which are being used for sports, are well looked after, well nourished and are not treated with any cruelty. The ruling came on a bunch of petitions by Gauraksha Dal and other petitioners. They had challenged the 2011 notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The petitioners had also sought mandamus seeking direction to the State of Punjab to allow bullock cart race in the Rural Olympics, held every year in “as it did not amount to exhibition or training the bulls as performing animal”. Before parting with the ruling, the Bench also quashed orders dated February 2 and February 10 against bullock cart racing in the games.
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BJP forms panel to study tax proposals
Chandigarh, July 20 With the revision of the retirement age, the state government is expected to save about Rs 1,000 crore per annum for two years. After the meeting, some committee members, including former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, BJP state president Ashwani Sharma, Kamal Sharma, Chunni Lal Bhagat and Balramji Dass Tandon, met Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. They told him that the BJP would give its final views on the tax proposals within three days. The BJP leaders urged Badal to remove certain irritants in the smooth functioning of the SAD-BJP government. The BJP core committee has set up a sub-committee to prepare a document on the party’s response to the tax proposals. That document will be handed over to Badal by Tuesday. Some members on the committee pointed out that if farmers in Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP and Rajasthan could pay electricity charges, there was no reason why farmers in Punjab could not do the same. They said the power subsidy bill, about Rs 2,000 crore five years ago, had now gone up to Rs 5,800 crore. They suggested a cap on the power subsidy. “The Punjab treasury becomes almost empty after paying the subsidy, interest on loans and salary and pension to employees”, said a senior member of the core committee. Though officials say there is a need to mobilise an additional revenue of Rs 3,000 crore to overcome the fiscal crisis, sources said a sum of Rs 5,000 crore was in fact required to accelerate the development process in the state. The sources said some BJP leaders pleaded that the weaker sections be exempted from the proposed property tax. Likewise, there should be slabs for the professional tax. Some members supported tax on branded clothes, costly shoes and luxury items. To the proposal to increase bus fares by 15 paise per kilometre (from 66 paise per kilometre to 81 paise per kilometre), the BJP members had some reservations. However, it is likely to agree to a lesser increase in fares.
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BISA tests new varieties to help increase wheat yield in state
We want to develop varieties which can withstand terminal heat conditions Ludhiana, July 20 The institute tested 106 new varieties last season. “Five to six varieties have done exceptionally well”, said BISA team leader Dr Raj Gupta. “The first 40 varieties that have shown positive results will be sown again next season.” The experiment would be evaluated after three years after which new wheat varieties identified as most suitable for the region would be released to farmers. “The challenges are immense,” says Dr Harminder Singh Sidhu, senior engineer, BISA. He looks after day-to-day operations. “We want to develop varieties which can withstand terminal heat conditions,” he added. Terminal heat is described as the heat experienced by the wheat grain in the last week of February when it is set to mature. “The institute aims to bring in genetic improvement in new varieties.” says Dr Gupta. This would include varieties which need less water, are more disease- tolerant and have enhanced iron and zinc content to ensure better nutrition. The scientist said local farmers were enthusiastic about the new varieties. An Agriculture Technology Management Agency team had also appreciated the exceptional quality of at least six varieties. Team member Palwinder Singh from Barunga in Fatehgarh Sahib said the farmers were anxious to improve their wheat yield as what they earned from wheat was much less than that from paddy “If we can get more from wheat, we can diversify by sowing maize rather than paddy”, he said. Dr Gupta said hybrid maize varieties resistant to pest diseases and waterlogging stress would be tested at the centre. Applied technology would be used to create a new germ plasm which was expected to partially replace paddy in Punjab in the next five to six years. Dr Gupta said the institute would conduct long-term conservation agriculture trials on 12 acres of land with focus on saving water, soil health and environment. It would forecast climate variability so that the farmers could do better crop planning. A 100-metre tall flex tower to study climate variability was coming up at the site, Dr Gupta said. Also coming up shortly was a state-of-the-art linear irrigation system which would provide irrigation by sensing the moisture content of the soil. Also on the anvil was a 30-acre campus which would include laboratories for 300 scientists.
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PCC to challenge MC poll validity: Tewari
Ludhiana, July 20 Talking to mediapersons, Ludhiana MP and national spokesperson of the Congress Manish Tewari, claimed that a “Constitutional vacuum” had been created in the state. “Virtually, there are two Houses existing in each corporation. The elections are to be held after the House is dissolved. Post-elections, the previous Houses should be presumed to be dissolved. And till the time the new councillors are sworn in, the House does not exist,” Tewari said. Accusing the state government of rushing through the MC elections, he alleged that the people had to bear the brunt of the confusion created because of the “haste” shown by the government. “While the new councillors say they are yet to be sworn in, those who have lost the elections tell the people that they no longer hold a position.” Flaying the Akali-BJP coalition government for its decision to levy VAT and surcharge on sugar, he said the decision smacked of arbitrariness on the part of the state government. “The state is bankrupt. The Punjab Chief Minister should tell us about the roadmap to bring the state out of this financial distress,” the MP said. Admitting that there was some measure of demoralisation in the Congress rank and file, he said the party defeat in the MC poll had nothing to do with it. He alleged that the MC poll were neither free nor fair. “Nevertheless, the party needs to get its act together,” he said. On the leadership issue, he said the decision on the matter was the Congress president’s prerogative. He dismissed charges that some senior Congress leaders were hobnobbing with the Akalis. He admitted that certain tactical errors, including faulty ticket distribution and a flawed campaign strategy, had cost the party dear in the assembly elections. He reiterated that he would contest the Lok Sabha elections from the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency and that there was no question of his opting for another constituency.
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Waraich gurdwara land was swapped with dera: Report
Amritsar, July 20 “Only the house of Balwinder Singh Comrade was left in the village and he was the one who was taking care of the gurdwara as per Sikh ‘maryada’. But as he too had sold off his house, the panchayat was compelled to take a decision on the shrine,” the report said. Later, the panchayat and a few villagers “swapped” one-and-a-half kanal of the gurdwara land with the dera for a same-size plot adjoining the village’s other gurdwara. Besides, the dera management also gave a cheque of Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the gurdwara building. The amount was to be utilised to raise a "bunga" in the name of Mata Ganga Jee at Anandpur Sahib, the report states. The panel stated that there were two ‘birs’ of Guru Granth Sahib at Waraich gurdwara and both of them were moved to Gurdwara Ramsar at Chhamb village as per the ‘maryada’. The report said no sacrilege was committed during the process. Prominent residents of the village also told the panel that there was no forcible shifting of Guru Granth Sahib or demolition of the gurdwara building. They said everything happened with consensus. Concluding its report, the panel said, “As all the residents of Waraich village have sold off their property and shifted to other places, it was not possible to manage the gurdwara affairs as per the ‘maryada’. In this situation, shifting the gurdwara was the right move and, hence, the decision to swap the gurdwara land and receive compensation for its building is also correct.”
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Apologise before Takht, Sikh bodies tell Nayar
Amritsar, July 20 At a meeting called by the Khalsa Action Committee at Bhai Gurdas Hall here, most of the speakers objected to the comments made by Nayar regarding Sikh personalities in his book. These outfits passed a resolution which stated that Nayar should personally apologise before the Akal
Takht. They also demanded that the noted writer should either withdraw the remaining copies of his book's current edition or include a page carrying a clarification on his "objectionable remarks" in it. While serving a week's ultimatum to the noted writer, the Sikh bodies said if Nayar failed to do so, they would urge the Akal Takht to take back the honour bestowed upon him. They said they would also give a call to the Sikh Sangat to stage protests whenever Nayar visited Punjab in the future.
Khalsa Action Committee spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh said, "Nayar didn't show sincerity in tendering the apology and a letter in this regard was released by some of his associates in the state." Apart from Sikh outfits, representatives of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities also participated in the meeting.
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Solution to floods by 2014, claims Ghubaya
Muktsar, July 20 The MP was here to preside over a meeting of the district administration. “The state government is seriously deliberating on a solution to the problem.The Chief Minister has assured me that a water regulator, costing Rs 1.6 crore, would be installed to help tackle the floods caused by the Sutlej.” On the development projects in Muktsar, Ghubaya said all development schemes, be it potable water supply, roads or overbridges, would be completed within the stipulated period and the government had sanctioned funds for the purpose. On strengthening rail connectivity, Ghubaya said he would request the Railway Minister to reschedule train timings so that Muktsar residents could derive the benefits if the newly started Abohar-Fazilka track.
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Shift grain to godowns, agencies told
Chandigarh, July 20 Miffed over the fight between the two agencies, the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain issued directions to occupy the godowns, regardless of the deficiencies pointed out by the FCI. The orders were issued by the Bench on a PIL filed by Bhola Singh of Mansa district, seeking appropriate directions to PUNGRAIN and the FCI to shift the wheat stocks to 27 capacity godowns constructed under the 2008 scheme all. The Bench directed PUNGRAIN to rectify the deficiencies at the earliest. The Bench also took note of the submission by the petitioner’s counsel that the two agencies, it appeared, were occupying godowns only on paper. The Bench then directed the agencies not only to occupy the godowns, but also to store foodgrain in it.”
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12 IAS among 23 officials get fresh postings
Chandigarh, July 20 Financial Commissioner (Revenue and NRI Affairs) NS Kang has been given additional charge of Principal Secretary (Information and Public Relations). Anirudh Tiwari has been made the Secretary (Personnel and Power) with additional charge of Secretary (Government Reforms). Roshan Sunkaria has been posted Secretary (Parliamentary Affairs) with additional charge of Secretary (Coordination and General Administration). Among the other postings are: Sarvjit Singh, Secretary (Revenue), in addition to Survey Commissioner (Wakfs); Ashok Kumar Gupta, Director-cum-Secretary (Local Government); Anurag Verma, MD (Infotech), in addition to Commissioner (Rupnagar Division); Rakesh Verma, Municipal Commissioner, Ludhiana; Vikas Partap, Director (State Transport); Ajay Kumar Verma, Chief Administrator (GMADA); Bhawna Garg, Special Secretary (Science and Technology) and Inderjit Singh Sandhu, Special Secretary (Water Supply and Sanitation, General Administration and Coordination). Manvesh Singh Sidhu has been made Special Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Administrator (PUDA) and Director (Town & Country Planning). Arun Sekhri, who is Additional MD (Punjab Warehousing Corporation) and Principal Staff Officer to the Chief Secretary, has been given additional charge of Special Secretary (Vigilance and Personnel). Shivrular Singh Dhillon, Additional MD (PIDB), has been given additional charge of Director (Sports).
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41 more gastroenteritis cases surface in Patiala
Patiala, July 20 District epidemiologist Gurmanjeet Kaur said though the condition of these patients was stable, they had been admitted as a precautionary measure. A large number of patients have already taken medication from a health camp set up in the colony. Patiala Deputy Commissioner GK Singh today visited the colony to take stock of the situation. He directed the Municipal authorities to conduct a survey of all water supply lines in the city and carry out repair in case of any leakage. He also directed them to ensure proper chlorination at all tubewells. He told the MC officials to submit a report on the action taken by them at the earliest. Taking note of illegal water connections in the city, he ordered immediate removal of such connections and asked the MC authorities to focus on cleanliness of the city and to get the fogging done. The health authorities have been directed to ensure that all localities facing such threat be identified and an awareness drive be initiated to apprise the residents of various vector-borne diseases and preventive measures. A team of health officials yesterday conducted a door-to-door survey and collected water samples from the locality. Workers of the department also distributed chlorine tablets and ORS sachets among the residents. Meanwhile, Patiala Mayor Ajitpal Singh Kohli met patients at Rajindra Hospital and enquired about their health. He said the entire expenses of medication would be borne by the MC. “We have ensured the patients that they will get treatment free of cost,” he said. Earlier, more than 150 persons were affected with gastroenteritis in the city's Sanjay Colony a week ago. Here, mixing of sewage with potable water was found to be the main reason behind the outbreak of the disease. Though no deaths were reported from there, three patients were tested positive for cholera.
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Test for promotion of constables Patiala, July 20 Sources said despite two meetings of senior police officials pertaining to allegations that certain police officers in various districts, including SSP ranked officials, allowed use of unfair means to some constables during the examination, they failed to summon anyone and instead, prepared the merit list. "A meeting was held to discuss the issue. The list of qualified candidates is ready. We have brought the matter to the notice of the higher-ups and it is up to them to accept the list," a senior police officer stated. "The result will clearly show that while certain districts performed exceptionally well, others have failed miserably. It means we have intelligent candidates only in few districts," said a police officer, who has lodged an informal complaint questioning the credibility of the test. IG Paramjit Singh Gill, chairman of the exam committee, has brought the matter to the notice of his seniors, but the sources said no one paid any heed to his request for a re-examination. Those securing 50 per cent in the written exam qualify. There are limited slots available for promotion and only a few from those who qualify will be selected. "Some of the candidates attached with senior officers got preferential treatment," alleged a constable. Gill said he had held a meeting with his seniors, but he could not comment on the matter.
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Bains back as media adviser
Chandigarh, July 20 Sources said it was because of resistance from the Deputy Chief Minister that he was not re-appointed to the post earlier, despite a SAD-BJP victory at the hustings in March. Sukhbir reportedly did not approve of Bains’ mode of functioning. He was accused of ineffective media management during the assembly polls. Bains has earlier worked with Parkash Singh Badal in the same capacity in 1997, 2002 and 2007-12. He was media adviser to Surjit Singh Barnala in 1985. In a statement here, Bains said : “I will do everything to deserve the trust and confidence reposed in me by the Chief Minister and the Deputy CM.”
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Keep check on expenses, depts told
Chandigarh, July 20 Disclosing this here today, Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa said all departmental heads, commissioners of divisions and deputy commissioners had been asked to pursue austerity measures while spending money from their allocated budget. He said these departments/officers had also been asked to provide quality services to the people.
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19 Muktsar schools fail to collect DMCs
Muktsar, July 20 The DMCs of nearly 700 students, who had appeared in examination in the 2011-12 academic session, were still lying with the PSEB officials here. Accusing the school staff of negligence, an official said, “The Board had directed all schools to collect DMCs from respective district offices, but certificates of 19 schools are still lying with us.” The maximum 85 DMCs were of Government Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Seerewali Bhangewala, followed by 69 of Government High School, Husnar. The other defaulters include GSSS, Panniwla Fatta (43); Sada Ram Bansal School, Sarainaga (43); GSSS, Gurusar (40+29); Government High School, Marar (36); GHS, Mann Singh Wala (34); Everest Public School, Muktsar (32+53); GSSS, Bhullar (31); GHS, Khuddian Gulab Singh (27); GSS, Bhundar (26); Guru Gobind Singh High School, Muktsar (26); Shubh Karman Convent School, Tarmala (24); Guru Nanak High School, Killianwali (22) and 16 each of Alfonsa High School, Sikhwala, and Sohan Lal Memorial Public School, Muktsar. District Education Officer Gurinder Kaur said, “The delay in collecting DMCs by some schools is surprising. It is their duty to immediately collect them DMCs from the Board’s office.”
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Jeweller’s son held in cyber crime case
Amritsar, July 20 The police has arrested the son of a rival jewellery house, Sohail Kedia. Munish Khurana, a shareholder in Khurana Jewellers, had lodged a complaint with the Civil Lines police that an unidentified person was allegedly writing blogs and sending frivolous e-mails from bogus IDs to their customers. The e-mails used to mention that the jewellery house would defraud its customers. The mails were being sent with an intention to defame Khurana Jewellers and ruin their business, Munish had alleged in the complaint. A case under Section 66-A of the Information Technology Act and Sections 500 and 501 of the IPC was registered. Amrik Singh Pawar, ADCP (City-II), said during investigation, the police zeroed in on Sohail Kedia, son of the owner of Malliram Jewellers. He, however, was released on bail. The ADCP said a team of cyber crime experts of the Punjab Police was summoned from an outside station to handle the case.
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Woman held for killing stepdaughter, father-in-law
Ludhiana, July 20 Reena of Nakodar was married to city-based businessman Hitesh six months ago. It was the second marriage for both of them. Reena allegedly committed the crime as Narinder had decided to give his property to his granddaughter. Reena, however, alleged that Narinder had tried to get physical with her which forced her to commit the crime. Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh said Reena used a hammer to kill the victims. She then tried to put their room on fire, but failed to do so. She later told the police that two unidentified men, who had come to meet Narinder while she was going out of the house, might have killed them. The accused was presented before a local court which remanded her to police custody.
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Chandigarh, July 20
Chandigarh, July 20
Ludhiana, July 20
Patiala, July 20
Chandigarh, July 20
