Ludhiana, August 7
In a shocking double murder case, the in-laws of a 24-year-old pregnant woman allegedly killed her and her mother with sharp weapons at Ekta Colony today.

The victims have been identified as Seema and her mother 45-year-old Usha Rani. The incident took place around 7.30 pm this evening when Seema and her mother were allegedly attacked by her father-in-law Subash and mother-in-law Darshana.

Both the victims bled to death on the spot. According to the investigating officer, Seema had married Sonu, who also lives in the same locality, over a year ago.

She left her in-laws' house about four months ago after they allegedly began harassing her for dowry. She then started living with her mother.

Subsequently, Sonu, who works as a driver with an industrial unit, was disinherited by his family. The victim's relatives said he used to visit his mother-in-law's house to meet Seema. Since he did not visit her for the last two days, Seema along with her mother visited her in-laws' house today to enquire about his whereabouts.

A heated argument ensued and in a fit of rage, her in-laws attacked them with sharp weapons and killed them before fleeing. The incident came to light when neighbours spotted the bodies lying in a pool of blood and informed the police.

Ludhiana, August 7
The worst fear of Rajanpartap's family came true when the body of the 25-year-old youth was found near the hydro electric substation at Raiwala village, near here, in the wee hours of today. The body was found 35 km from the place of the accident.

Rajanpartap was among the five persons travelling in a car that fell into a canal near South City on Sunday. While four persons, including the driver, were rescued by passersby, Rajanpartap was swept away and feared to have been drowned.

His inflated body was spotted at around 4.30 am and was fished out with the help of divers. Charanpal Singh, the victim's father who runs a business of car accessories, was devastated on seeing his son's body.

"He was my only hope. Now, there is no purpose to live," he said heartbroken.

His mother Paramjit Kaur broke down: "Please, bring back my son. I cannot live without him. God has been cruel to me and snatched him at the fag end of my life."

The body was taken to the Civil Hospital for postmortem. It was during the afternoon that his body was brought home. Emotional scenes were witnessed during the cremation of the body this evening. His sisters Gurleen and Simrat were inconsolable and were requesting the other members of their family to wake him up from sleep.

His parents lamented that had his friends not planned to celebrate the birthday of Rajan's fiancee, he would have been alive. It is learnt that he was having lunch with his friends when they decided to celebrate Inderpreet Kaur's birthday in the South City area. 

Ludhiana, August 7
Rohit, a 19-year-old youth working in a factory unit, allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance at his house in Jodhewal Basti today.

The victim was reportedly depressed as he was “underpaid” for the job he was doing.

He did not report to work at the factory today and consumed some poisonous substance when he was alone at home.

His parents found him lying unconscious when they reached home and rushed him to hospital. Doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead.

In another incident, 19-year-old Laxmi, a resident of Salem Tabri, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her house on Tuesday.

Laxmi had tied the knot only recently.

The police has not ruled out the possibility of murder. Her body has been taken to the Civil Hospital for a postmortem examination and a case has been registered.

Ludhiana, August 7
Two armed motorcycle-borne assailants reportedly attacked a collection agent working with a local soap manufacturing company and robbed him of around Rs 3.5 lakh after injuring the victim with sharp-edged weapons near Gyaspura late this evening.

The twentyfive-year-old victim, identified as Rohit Kumar, was returning after collecting cash from shopkeepers of the area. He was riding a motorcycle. He told the police that the assailants attacked him from behind due to which he lost control over the vehicle and fell on the road.

He was rushed to the Civil Hospital where his condition is stated to be critical. The police has registered a case and started investigations. 

Ludhiana, August 7
GLADA has initiated action against defaulters who failed to pay the balance amount of consideration money of commercial and residential sites sold through an auction. After being rapped by the audit department for failure to recover default amount, which had crossed a whopping Rs 50 crore by March-end, GLADA has resumed 15 commercial sites and a residential plot.

Information provided by GLADA under the Right to Information Act to the Council of RTI Activists reveals that cancellation notices had been issued to buyers of six SCOs in Dhandari Kalan, Phase 4; eight SCOs in Dugri Urban Estate Phase II; and a residential plot for the failure to pay the balance 75 per cent cost.

The notices say that under the powers vested by Section 45(3) of the Punjab Regional Town Planning and Development Act, the allotment of property, along with structure raised on the site, if any, is liable to be cancelled and 10 per cent of the total consideration amount of the property is forfeited.

The buyers owe over Rs 12.63 crore and most of them had failed to pay even a single half-yearly instalment after making a payment of 10 per cent as earnest money and another 15 per cent of the bid amount.

Notices for cancellation had also been issued to another 107 allottees who had defaulted in payment of instalments.

RTI activists said the time allowed for personal appearance and clearing dues in the final notices served on 107 allottees had lapsed months ago, but GLADA had taken no further action.

Doraha/Mullanpur, August 7
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal today laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the stretch between Neelon and Doraha.

Inderjit Singh, XEN PWD, Ropar, said the total stretch was 5,474-km-long, which included four-laning from Neelon to Doraha and widening of 10 meter from Ropar to Neelon.

He said a sum of Rs 240 crore would be spent on the project. A flyover at the railway crossing near Rampur village and improvement of junctions at specific places would also form parts of the project.

"After getting clearance from the Forest Department, it will take around 18 months to complete the entire project. The funding agency for the same is the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board and the execution is to be done by the PWD," said the XEN.

Later, Badal inspected the project for the four-laning of the Ludhiana-Talwandi Road. He said this would be one of the most modern access controlled roads that would address the problem of the increasing traffic on the busiest artery of Punjab.

He said this road was being constructed on the design-build-operate and transfer model. This would have elevated road in the urban habitation like Mullanpur-Jagraon-Moga falling on the road and would have 56 bus bays.

Expressing concern over leaving a neck of about seven km out of the purview of the four-laning of national highways from 85 km to 92 km, Badal said after seeking permission from the Defence authorities, they would impress upon the NHAI to expand the scope of contract to the remaining stretch. He said if they had any problem, the Punjab Government would itself complete the four-laning of this crucial neck between the Ludhiana City and the starting point of this four-laning project.

Jagraon, August 7
With the four-laning of Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway under way, residents have heaved a sigh of relief.

The project will considerably reduce the traffic congestion, thus bringing down the number of accidents on the highway which is also known as Sher Shah Suri Marg.

Environmentalists on the other hand are worried as thousands of trees are being axed under the project.

They said it would increase the pollution level that had already touched alarming proportions due to constantly increasing vehicular traffic and industries.

Under the project undertaken by the National High Authority of India, the national highway would connect Ludhiana with Talwandi Sabo covering a distance of around 78 km. The contract has been awarded to a Baroda-based construction company and the company employees have already started the work on the project.

The project will surly ease out the traffic woes of thousands of commuters who travel on the highway everyday. Moreover, the project will also reduce the number of accidents on one of the busiest highways of Punjab.

There has been an increase in the number of accidents.

As per information, several overbridges and some underpasses will also be constructed on crossings in various towns.

The fact that more than 43,000 trees will be axed has not gone down well with environmentalists who have expressed concern over the rising vehicular traffic.

However, after the completion of the project, the forest department will be planting saplings along the highway.

District forest officer Daljeet Singh Brar said, "Once the project is completed, the department will plant around one lakh saplings on both sides of the highway. "

Khanna, August 7
Police officials were in for a surprise when MF Farooqui, DIG, Ludhiana Range, and Inderbir Singh, SSP, Khanna, decided to ride a PCR motorcycle. Senior police officials were seen meeting people and asking them about their problems. They asked them whether they were receiving timely police assistance.

"Our motive is to break the barrier between the police and public. We are going to make PCR motorcycles a bridge between residents and police. The police should put forward the grievances of residents," said DIG MF Farooqui. They also visited some shops and enquired about the working of PCR teams near the GTB market.

The DIG said police personnel would be deployed at various areas. The DIG said ever since its inception a month ago, the PCR fleet had attained good results. He said, "If there will be a gap, residents will be reluctant to share." He added that drug peddlers would be dealt with sternly and appealed to the people to come forward to give information about drug sellers.

Among others present included Khanna SPD Neelambri Jagdle, SPH Sarabjit Singh Pandher and other officials.

Ludhiana, August 7
Cultivation of vegetables in net houses can improve the quality of vegetables and economic status of farmers as it provides benefits to both grower and consumer. Now, when a section of society is well aware of pesticide-free vegetables, experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) are expecting an increase in the area of net house in the state.

PAU started carrying out experiments on net houses in 2000 and recommended it to farmers in 2005. But only 1,200 net houses have been installed in Punjab till date. Dr Tarsem Singh Dhillon, a vegetable expert from the PAU, said with people preferring pesticide-free food and becoming quality conscious, the area will increase.

The PAU has introduced the net house technology in order to enhance the income of farmers.

Dr T S Dhillon, associate professor, department of vegetable, urged farmers to go in for net-house cultivation of capsicum, tomato and brinjal.

"Net houses are useful to grow pesticide-free vegetables. Net works as a barrier between crops and insects. We recommend underground pipes or drip system for irrigating vegetables to preserve them from insects and pests. Net provides shelter to veggies from harsh weather conditions".

PAU experts said the cost for a modified net-house spread over 1 kanal area was around Rs 1.5 lakh. The Punjab government provides financial help to farmers.

"The produce of the net-house, available in off-season, fetches high price in the market due to its better quality and early availability. We are evaluating other vegetables which can be grown in net house," said Dr TS Dhillon. 

Ludhiana, August 7
In order to keep dairy farmers updated, a book on "Dairy Pashuian da Prajanan Prabandh (reproductive management of dairy animals)" has been published by the scientists of Guru Angad Dev Animal and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

The book has been written by Dr HK Verma, RK Sharma and Rajesh Kasrija.

Dr Verma, head of Veterinary Animal Husbandry and Extension Education, said it would be of great help to dairy farmers. He added that it was a comprehensive book covering all aspects of reproductive management of dairy animals, including nutrition interaction, repeat breeding, anestrus, prolapse, bull management, artificial induction of lactation in sterile animals, record keeping and embryo transfer technology.

Dr Verma added that it took about a year and a half to write the book and the price was Rs 80 per copy, which was nominal. “Farmers have liked it so much that we are publishing 2,000 more copies of it. “It is a complete reference book in Punjabi language for the livestock farmers. A “Prajanan Calendar” has also been developed by the scientists of GADVASU for the benefit of dairy farmers of Punjab. The calendar will help the farmers keep a vigil on the current reproductive status of their animals. The reproductive records of animals can be easily analysed by using the calendar for the day of next heat, day of pregnancy diagnosis, expected day of delivery in cattle and buffalo. Thus, reproductive efficiency of animals gets improved leading to more calf crops resulting in higher milk production” said Dr Verma.

GADVASU is having various publications in Punjabi for the livestock farmers, including a monthly magazine Vigyanak Pashu Palan, too.

Ludhiana, August 7
In response to a call given by the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU)(Ekta), farmers in large numbers, today staged a dharna at the Mini Secretariat here to demand for a draught relief package for Punjab in view of the failed Monsoon.

Addressing the rally, the BKU district president, Darshan Singh Koohli, highlighted the plight of the farmers who had to spend more on diesel and other inputs due to a scanty rainfall. "The promised power supply of eight hours for the farm sector also failed to materialise and the government appears to be clueless to tackle the draught."

He slammed the government for ignoring the farmers who were being forced to commit suicide due to increasing losses and persistent increase in the cost of agricultural inputs. The government was granting largesse to the corporate sector but those contributing to the food bowl of the nation had been left to fend for themselves, Koohli lamented.

The BKU leader and other speakers at the dharna called upon the government to declare the state of Punjab draught-hit without any further delay and announce a comprehensive relief package for the farmers. Under the relief package, the paddy producers (actual cultivators) be paid a compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre and those suffering total losses Rs 25,000 per acre while the farm workers be paid Rs 10,000 per family.

Other demands raised at the dharna included moratorium on repayment of all agricultural loans, 16 hours power supply for farm sector, 24 hours power supply for domestic consumers, 50 per cent subsidy to farmers on diesel and introduction of voluntary disclosure scheme for extension of load on tubewell connection without any fee.

Ludhiana, August 7
Postage stamps continue to reach late, much to the disappointment of philatelists in the city.

"It was not the case earlier, but for about three to four months, it has become a regular thing that the postage stamps have started reaching the city too late," complains a philatelist.

They complain that even the postage stamps on Olympics did not arrive in the Head Post Office on time. Although miniature sheets had arrived, but the postage stamps did not.

An official of the post office said the postage stamps should ideally reach the office a couple of days before the date of release. "So that even if there are chances of delay by a day or two, these are available on the date of release," the official said.

Another official said the postage stamps and other stationery of the postal department were printed at Nasik.

But philatelists said, "The excitement of getting and sharing a postage stamp is a lot more on the date of release and the delay kills the enthusiasm." "It's a lot like release of the movie, for philatelists. If movies start hitting theatres late, what will be the fate of those movies," said Rohit, a philatelist. "For us, the craze for the release of postage stamps is perhaps more," he added. 

Ludhiana, August 7
The income tax department may do away with the income tax verification (ITR-V) from the next financial year. If one is filing the returns online, he/she will not be required to mail the income tax verification (ITR-V) from next year. If the proposal works out than individual taxpayers, who do not have a digital signature will not be required to sign the ITR-V to complete the process of e-filing returns.

A senior income tax official said the work for doing away with the ITR-V was in progress and hoped it would work out. This would prove to be helpful for many as they would not be required to send the return with their digital or physical signature to the Bangalore office.

"If the proposal works out it will be implemented from the next financial year, but this year taxpayers will have to mail the ITR-V to the I-T department's Bangalore office," he added.

"If the proposal is passed it will prove beneficial for the tax payers as maximum number of tax payers do not send the ITRV to the department and hence their return remains incomplete and do they do not get the refund. The online filing of the returns will be made completely online which will prove beneficial for the tax payees and they will not be required to post the forms," Jatinder Khurana, tax professional, added. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 7
Showing satisfaction over action taken by the Greenfield police after the Wisconsin shooting incident, NRI Sikhs settled in various parts of USA and Canada have appealed to the Sikh organisations in India, to restrain their activists from protesting against the US government.

Besides affecting diplomatic relations between the Indian government and the governments of foreign countries, the protests might create problems in making extra arrangements for the protection of Sikhs by the governments of these nations, apprehended the NRI Sikhs.

Office-bearers of certain organisations working for the welfare of Sikhs settled in foreign countries, including the USA and Canada, led by Harbans Singh Jandali, an NRI from nearby Jandali village and former president of the Ontario Sikhs Gurdwara Council, maintained that the loss could have been much more, had the Greenfield Police not swung into action immediately after the incident.

"Though the families of victims have suffered an irreparable loss, we should also acknowledge that prompt action by the police saved many other lives," argued Jandali adding the armed policemen had reached the spot within minutes of the incident.

Referring to the information received from various government agencies, Jandali and other NRI Sikhs maintained that the administration in their respective localities had been taking preventive measures to check such incidents and communal hatred was never encouraged by the government.

Reminding that similar attacks on members of other communities had taken place at various places in India too, Jandali and his associates said, "We feel more secure and safe in the US and Canada, that when we are in India." 

Ludhiana, August 7
World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated at the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, today. The event was organised by the Ludhiana Academy of Paediatrics (LAP), along with the Health Department of Ludhiana.

Civil surgeon Subash Batta was the chief guest on the occasion. Dr AK Handa, Deputy Medical Commissioner-cum-pediatrician and former president of the LAP, stressed upon the myths and facts about breastfeeding. About 50 staff nurses attended the seminar.

Dr Handa said: “Breastfeeding between half and one hour after delivery can save 22 per cent infants”.

He said this could also save children from diseases like hypertension, heart ailments and diabetes later in the life.

Dr KV Goyal, senior medical officer, Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, and Dr Ritesh Chabbra, president of the LAP, also attended the seminar.

The Inner Wheel Club of Ludhiana also organised an educative programme at SDP College for Women to mark the concluding day of World Breastfeeding Week - 2012.

Dr Paramjeet Kaur, principal of the college, Sushma Gupta and Harpreet, president and secretary of the club, respectively, advised the students to prepare themselves for the benefit of the younger generation.

Dr Rajinder Gulati, pediatrician from the Civil Hospital, Raikot, emphasised the importance of mother’s milk for the good health of newborn babies. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 7
The Director General of School Education (DGSE) has instructed the employees of the Education Department with reference to the Government Employees Rules that no one can write articles for newspapers and work as a journalist.

In a circular issued recently, he warned the teachers that if someone violates the rules, strict action would be taken against him/her under the Punjab Civil Services (punishment and appeal) Rules - 1970.

The DGSE issued this letter with the prior sanction of the Punjab Government.

It was mentioned by the DGSE that according to the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules - 1966, no government employee would, expect with the previous sanction of the government or of the prescribed authority, publish a book himself or through a publisher or contribute an article to a book.

According to the rules, government employees could not participate in a radio broadcast or contribute any article to a newspaper/periodical, either in his own name or anonymously or in the name of any other person.

The condition when no such sanction is required is if such publication, contribution or broadcast is of a purely literary, artistic or scientific character.

"It is clear in the Government Employees Rules that no one can work as a journalist while serving in the government department. So, teachers should not violate the rules," said the DGSE.

Reacting on the instructions, Harjit Singh Balari, a government teacher and a columnist, said: "It is a contradictory decision of the government. While selecting teachers for the state award, the government considers the articles published in newspapers as a merit. Even school principals give 2 marks in the ACR according to the articles published in newspapers. Working with a newspaper as a journalist during the government service is a different thing".

Ludhiana: "Carbon nanotube plays a vital role in nano-devices," said Dr KP Singh, scientist, Directorate of Maize Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, while delivering a talk on carbon nanotube and its bio-sensing applications during a seminar organised by the science club of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today. PAU Deans, senior officers, heads of various departments, faculty members and students attended the seminar. Dr Singh said carbon nanotube was a new form of carbon, which was several microns long. Nanotubes are either metallic or semi-conducting, depending upon how they are rolled up out of graphene. Referring to nanoscience and nanotechnology, Dr Singh said both were truly inter-disciplinary, as it involved physicists, chemists, engineers and many others.

Training camp

The Directorate of Extension Education is holding a training camp on August 9 at Kairon Kisan Ghar for members of the Seed Producers and Nursery Growers Association (SAPNA). The experts will share opportunities for seed producers, management of seed production for commercialisation, vegetable seed production and uses and abuses of the FDI in India. Dr HS Dhaliwal, additional director, Extension Education, said participants could register as members at Kairon Kisan Ghar with Dr TS Riar, coordinator of the association. — TNS

Jagraon, August 7
Pugilists of the Shere Punjab Sports Academy, Chakar, near Jagraon gave yet another wonderful performance and brought laurels to the academy when they won six medals, including three gold medals at the 28th Sub-Junior State Boxing Championship held at Jalandhar recently.

Chief administrator of Shere Punjab Sports Academy Balwant Singh Sandhu said, the trainees won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the different weight categories during the event.

While Jagwinder Singh clinched a gold medal in the 42-kg weight category, Arashdeep Singh and Lovedeep Singh won gold medals in 40 and 30-kg weight categories respectively.

In 44- kg weight category, Paramveer Singh won a silver medal. Jaspreet Singh won a bronze medal in 54-kg weight category while Sukhpreet Singh won a bronze medal in the 70-kg weight category.

All the pugilists were given an arousing welcome when they returned to the village after taking part in the championship. Expressing satisfaction over the performance of the trainees at the academy, Sandhu said that this was not the first time that the trainees had brought laurels for the area.

Earlier too, the trainees have given done well in the state and national level events and credit of their success goes to all the villagers and NRIs supporting the academy, he added.