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Wrong policies to blame for fiscal mess, says economist
Sukhbir okays Rs 112 crore police modernisation plan
Police to have special unit for VIP security
Patwari Case |
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Akali Dal, Congress ready for rallies at Rakhar Punia
Govt launches austerity drive
Mittal for better medical care for women prisoners
Workers replace the photo of former Health Minister Satpal Gosain with that of present Health Minister Madan Mohan Mittal before the latter’s visit to the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan
Residents bitter over soaring sugar prices
Bar for contempt case against Punjab cop
‘Dead’ convict falls into police net
Funds misuse
Directions to keep travel agents under watch
HC relief for dependants of accident victims
Court: Convicts not entitled to grants
Find ways to preserve drinking water: HC
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Wrong policies to blame for fiscal mess, says economist
Rao, who is also the Director of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi, delivered a lecture on 'State Level Fiscal Policy: Important Issues' at the Punjabi University here today. Criticising the Punjab Government's free power policy for tubewells, he said: "Politics of populism cannot help in improving any state's financial condition. This lack of foresightedness will rather push the future generations into indebtedness." Citing Gujarat's example, Rao said though Narendra Modi was charging for electricity, he ensures the state people get what they pay for. On the other hand, Punjab claims to be providing free power to farmers, but the community hardly gets it, he claimed. "Such policies can be detrimental for the fiscal health of any state," he said. Another issue of concern, he said, was states taking to "blackmail politics". "While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been demanding a bailout package, Punjab has been blaming the Centre for its fiscal woes. This is unjustified. Despite recommendations, Punjab has not bothered to either generate revenue or raise user charges and taxes and contain subsidies. Why should a national taxpayer pay for the lethargy of the Punjab Government?" he questioned. The expert on economy claimed that in the 1990s, the tax revenue to gross domestic product ratio of Punjab was 10, but now it had come down to around seven, which was a "cause for concern". "Punjab should focus on generating revenue. The industry is moving out from the state as there is no proper plan for the sector. The state should seek central help only after preparing a plan on how it wants to spend this money and also justify its expenditure. Relying merely on central assistance will not solve any purpose," he said.
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Sukhbir okays Rs 112 crore police modernisation plan
Chandigarh, August 1 In addition, an ambitious plan for installing CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras in all corporation cities for facilitating intensive surveillance was also given the green signal. Sukhbir presided over a meeting of the Police Department, attended among others by Director General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini. The Deputy Chief Minister said the Punjab Police must gear up to transform itself into the most professional force in the country. As part of the modernisation plan, the department would get high-speed and cost-effective vehicles running on diesel. The police control rooms in commissionerate and corporation towns would get 220 additional motorcycles and 50 interception vehicles. Besides, 1,285 high acceleration motorcycles would be provided for the rapid rural police response system. Sukhbir said initially, Ludhiana would be covered under the CCTV plan. The aim was to curb incidents of snatching, eve-teasing and traffic violation. The government also approved procurement of 100 sniffer dogs for the police, three anti-sabotage schemes for Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Bathinda, housing plan for construction of barracks for constables and construction of 10 new police stations. The Deputy Chief Minister said the number of women in the police force would be raised to 10 per cent, from the present 3 per cent, in a phased manner. He also approved direct recruitment of women police officers. in for overhaul * Police to get high-speed, cost-effective vehicles running on diesel * Police control rooms in commissionerate and corporation towns to get 220 more motorcycles and 50 interception vehicles * The rapid rural police response system to be equipped with 1,285 high acceleration motorcycles
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Police to have special unit for VIP security
Bathinda, August 1 At present, Punjab does not have any such special unit and the policemen are posted on security duty through deputation. The unit, Special Security Guards (SSG), being formed on the pattern of the National Security Guards, would comprise the “best-performing” personnel. In all, 150 head constables in the age group of 30 to 40 would be enrolled. The process to shortlist head constables has already begun and it is likely to be completed within the next few weeks. Superintendent of Police Mangal Singh, attached with the Chief Minister’s security, had visited Bathinda in this connection two days ago, it is learnt. “The skills of these selected head constables will be honed,” said Inspector General Sanjeev Kalra, who is heading the SSG. He, however, said it would be wrong to link the current enrollment of head constables with the recent pruning of VIP security. “We need 150 police personnel for the SSG. Managing the security of the VIPs, though, will also be their job,” he said. After a hue and cry by the Police Department over a large number of its personnel remaining engaged in security duty, the SAD-BJP government had okayed to reduce the cover of several VIPs. A majority of those enjoying the cover comprise politicians or retired police officials. With the raising of the SSG, the state will have a dedicated force for VIP security and common policing would not be affected, said sources.
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Patwari Case
Chandigarh, August 1 In his report, Pannu had stated, "During the inquiry, some facts emerged that indicated Shiv Kumar Sharma had made property in Patiala by misusing his official position. A separate inquiry is recommended." In his complaint, Mohan Singh had alleged that Sharma spent Rs 4 crore on constructing a marriage palace in Roorki village in Patiala. The SSP also owned two independent houses and three luxury cars, the patwari had alleged. Last week, Badal had ordered registration of a case against Sharma and five other serving Vigilance officials. The Punjab Home Secretary today forwarded their file to the DGP for registration of a case. Sources said the DGP would decide whether any action was to be taken against the five serving officials. "If he feels the inquiry will be hampered with these people serving in the police department, he can take action against them," said a senior official.
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Adarsh Schools under scanner
Chandigarh, August 1 Education Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka has given this task to Kahan Singh Pannu, Director-General, School Education. Sources in the Education Department said a preliminary inquiry by Pannu earlier had found several schools in Bathinda district resorting to various kind of fraud to extract extra funds from the The Adarsh Schools are run on government and private funding (in the ratio of 70:30). A number of schools were found to have altered their records to show a higher staff strength in order to get more money from the authorities. Also, the teachers were not being paid their entire wages. In some schools students were being charged for certain school activities against norms. It was also noticed that the purpose of opening such schools had been defeated with students belonging to well-to-do families alone studying there. Pannu brought the findings to the notice of the Education Minister who took up the matter with the Chief Minister. Sources said Pannu would submit his report within a month. The SAD-BJP Governent had opened 42 Adarsh Schools in the stateduring its previous tenure with the help of 17 private parties. Panchayats of various villages had provided land free of cost for these schools. Maluka, talking to the Tribune, said Pannu had been directed to inspect the schools and, if need be, the auditing of school records could also be undertaken. Looking Back * The SAD-BJP Government had opened 42 Adarsh Schools during its previous tenure
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Govt defends Saini’s appointment as DGP
Chandigarh, August 1 Rajoana is facing a death sentence in the Beant Singh assassination case. In its plea, the government brought to the court’s notice an official confidential noting dated March 13. It read the "threat to law and order in the wake of the warrants of execution is imminent. “The current DGP may not be able to control the situation effectively…. On this count, Sumedh Saini has a reputation of effectiveness and a no-nonsense approach". The state also produced his appointment record, sought by the High Court on the previous date of hearing. The development comes just about a week after petitioner “Voices for Freedom” accused the powers that be of adopting a dual policy on terrorism. The NGO said the government was blaming it for siding with militants while it was pleading for clemency for certain militants. The NGO said the government accused it of justifying Beant Singh’s assasination. “But, the top political bosses of the Government of Punjab, including the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, were clamouring for his clemency and boasting about it on the television that he should not be hanged, though for political reasons.” Govt Contention * Says threat to law and order in the wake of the impending execution of Rajoana’s death warrants was the
precipitating factor
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Akali Dal, Congress ready for rallies at Rakhar Punia
Amritsar, August 1 However, enthusiasm in both the sides is lacking as compared to last time apparently because the assembly as well as local body elections were due then. Even the size of pandals erected by the two major political parties is smaller as compared to last year. While the SAD would be holding its rally at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Stadium in Baba Bakala, the Congress has put up its pandal on the Jalandhar-Batala road.
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Govt launches austerity drive
Chandigarh, August 1 All departments have been asked to surrender the budget sanctioned for the purchase of new vehicles and not to send any proposal for the purchase of new vehicles. The petrol/diesel limit for official vehicles has been lowered. The consumption limit on petrol for car and jeeps has been decreased from 290 litres to 261 litres per month. The consumption limit on diesel vehicles has been cut to 261 litres per month. Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners will now be entitled to 414 litres of petrol/diesel per month instead of 460 litres. Similarly, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and tehsildars will be entitled to 339 litres of petrol/diesel per month instead of 377 litres.
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36% PSEB schools fail to file info on RTE
Mohali, August 1 Out of the total 2,999 affiliated schools, 1,920 have responded to the notice by the Board in this regard. Taking serious note of the lapse, the Board authorities have decided to hold a meeting to decide on affiliation to defaulting schools. Talking to the Tribune, Board Secretary Balwinder Singh said: "We have taken serious note of irresponsible behaviour of these schools. We will hold a meeting soon to decide the fate of such schools". The Board had issued a final reminder in this regard on July 12 in which it was mentioned that if any school failed to comply with the instructions, its affiliation could be terminated without giving any further notice. The Board had sought information from all affiliated schools on implementation of directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the RTE. Besides affiliated schools, there are 4,392 associated schools, eight Adarsh schools, 5,603 government schools and 181 recognised and aided schools. facing action * The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) had sought information from all its affiliated schools on implementation of directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the Right to Education (RTE) Act
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Mittal for better medical care for women prisoners
Ludhiana, August 1 Mittal said: "I have come to know that women jail inmates are being denied proper medical care. To redress their health related grievances, women doctors will visit jails once in a week". On the shortage of specialist doctors in government hospitals, Mittal said: "Experts prefer the private sector due to higher incentives. We are also considering to offer an attractive package to specialists". He said the government would come up with five de-addiction centres under the guidance of medical colleges.
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Residents bitter over soaring sugar prices
Jalandhar, August 1 The situation is likely to worsen with traders threatening not to lift sugar stocks untill the decision on VAT is taken back. Wholesale sugar merchants haver been on strike since July 24. Sugar prices have gone up sharply in the past 10 days from Rs 31 per kg 10 days ago to Rs 39 per kg now. In urban areas, it is being sold at Rs 43 per kg in rural areas on the pretext that sugarcane production has been hit because of lack of rains in UP and Maharashtra. When contacted, Pritam Singh Arora, president of the Wholesale Sugar Dealers Association, said: “We are already paying excise on sugar at the rate of Re 1 per kg. Now the government has burdened us with VAT at Rs 2 per kg. We are left with no alternative than to go on strike against the the ‘discriminatory’ orders.” Inder Dev Kapoor, secretary of the association, said: “There will be no sugar available in the market once the existing stocks with retailers get exhausted. The prices are bound to rise in such a situation.” Meanwhile, wholesale sugar traders submitted a memorandum to senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia here today. sweet no more *
Price of sugar shoots up from Rs 32/kg to Rs 40/kg
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Bar for contempt case against Punjab cop
Chandigarh, August 1 Convicted in a murder case, Gurmeet Singh had created a flutter when he had accused Justice Jora Singh of demanding a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to change the lower court’s decision. — TNS
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‘Dead’ convict falls into police net
Faridkot, August 1 Gurjinder was believed to have died in a road accident near Ambala on May 27, hours after fleeing from police custody. To mislead the police, the wily Gurjinder had dropped his handcuffs near the body of the accident victim. Later, the Faridkot police learnt that Gurjinder was alive. He was arrested near Singhpura village while he was travelling in a stolen car, said Ram Ji Dass, SHO, Pojewal.
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Funds misuse
Chandigarh, August 1 The members include former Financial Commissioner (Development)-cum-President of the four farm councils RS Sandhu, Managing Director of Punjab Agro Himmat Singh and CEO of Citrus Council VS Chimni. As the case came up for hearing this morning, the Punjab Government produced the action taken report along with vital contents of the SIT report. The SIT requested the Punjab Chief Secretary to initiate action against Sandhu. The SIT has indicted him for misusing the funds and causing loss to the Citrus Council. As per the allegations, Sandhu's farm at Chak Sadhu in Hoshiarpur was entrusted to Jain Irrigation System Ltd, Jalgaon, for drip irrigation. “During investigation, irregularities were found in the work done on the farm for which the government has suffered a loss of more than Rs 22 lakh," the SIT report said. The Punjab Government, in its action taken report, added: "It has been decided to recover the money spent on Sandhu's farm from the persons responsible for incurring the same".
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Directions to keep travel agents under watch
Chandigarh, August 1 Acting on a petition filed by a High Court retired Judge, a Division Bench directed the States of Punjab and Haryana, along with the Union Territory of Chandigarh, to ensure that no immigration consultant or agent was running business that was not registered under The Emigration Act, 1983. Disposing of the petition filed in public interest by Justice Amar Dutt, the Bench also asked the authorities concerned to ensure that unauthorised agents were not working in their areas. In his petition filed through his counsel Anil Malhotra, Justice Dutt had stated mushrooming of unregistered recruiting agents was required to be checked for curbing immigration frauds. Justice Dutt had also expressed apprehensions that such illegal agents might be functioning with impunity in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, without obtaining registration under Section 10 or permit under Section 16 of The Emigration Act, 1983. These agents might be functioning by issuing newspaper advertisements or using other means to unethically recruit innocent persons for employment abroad, he had asserted. The replies filed by the authorities were nothing less than eye openers. The State of Haryana, in its reply, said it had only seven authorised recruiting agents. Only 19 agents were registered in Chandigarh and 47 in Punjab. The Bench reiterated its earlier order that no unauthorised agent should be allowed to function.
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HC relief for dependants of accident victims
Chandigarh, August 1 The directions are significant as an adopted minor girl’s plea for compensation was turned down by the claims tribunal after her status as the legal representative of the deceased was not admitted. The decision comes two decades after the appeal was initially filed. Taking up the matter, Justice K. Kannan asserted: “The law that provides for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act does not even require the heirship to be proved.” “The expression used under Section 166 is a claim by the legal representative. This wider expression would admit of even a person such as the appellant, who has claimed that she was dependent on the deceased and that she was being supported by the deceased”. Surti Gupta of Delhi in her appeal had earlier contended that her petition for compensation was dismissed by the tribunal on the ground that the adoption “could not be true, since the adoption deed did not contain any recital as to the reasons for the adoption”. She added the now deceased was a spinster and had adopted her by performing the necessary religious ceremonies. The deed of adoption, registered subsequently, was actually executed by her biological parents. Moreover, she had obtained a succession certificate and all the terminal benefits arising out of her adoptive mother’s death had been given to her by the employer. Before parting with the orders, Justice Kannan also held the adoption to be valid. “If the registered instrument itself brings out the fact of adoption as having been taken and the natural biological parents have also joined in the instrument, there cannot be any doubt about the factum of adoption itself”. Justice Kannan added the total amount of compensation payable to her would be Rs 6,30,000. “The amount shall be paid by the insurer with interest at 6 per cent from the date of petition till date of payment”.
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Court: Convicts not entitled to grants
Chandigarh, August 1 Disposing of a PIL filed by advocate HC Arora, the High Court directed in its order that any person could submit an application for sanction of grant to the minister concerned or to the secretary of the ministry concerned. All such applications for sanctioning grants would be considered "on merit". The court further directed that a person convicted of criminal offence shall not be entitled to any such discretionary grant. Application for sanction of grant for construction of a room or a building would be accompanied by a sanction letter from the authority concerned in case the proposed building is situated within the municipal limits. The Court further directed that in future while sanctioning or disbursing discretionary grants the provision contained in the new or revised policy dated July 9, 2012, should be strictly complied with by all concerned. The Punjab Government had earlier produced the revised policy for introducing safeguards, including the provision that all records pertaining to utilisation of grants along with vouches of expenses, would be produced before the Accountant General (Audit), Punjab, for auditing purpose.
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Find ways to preserve drinking water: HC
Chandigarh, August 1 Directions have been issued to the sub-divisional magistrates to ensure the supply of uncontaminated drinking water through tankers in localities within their jurisdiction. The directions came from the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain on a petition filed by Vikram Singh against the Union of India and other respondents. The Bench issued directions to Punjab and Haryana to treat the petition as a representation and “make an attempt to find ways by which drinking water can be preserved for public need”. Before parting with the order, the Bench asserted: “If need be, a committee can be constituted to study the matter and suggest measures. The needful shall be done within a period of three months”.
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Ludhiana, August 1 
Patiala, August 1