Amritsar, August 25
With a few days remaining for the current MC House, Mayor Shwait Malik conducted a 'final' meeting of the finance and contract committee (F&CC) and cleared various pending development works worth Rs 13.73 crore.

The term of MC House will expire on September 6.

The F&CC under the Mayor during a meeting on August 22 gave approval to purchase of new machinery for garbage lifting which included 16 open bins, 15 small-sized bins, five bigger-sized bins, two tractors, one unit of fabrication of vehicle.

Similarly, the streetlight maintenance contract, which expired on May 16, was renewed. The F&CC also gave its nod to install new benches in various public parks, carpeting of roads, water disposal pumps and purchase of a fresh lot of manhole covers at various places in holy city.

Importantly, the meeting was long desired as the city suffered drastically in the absence of House meetings. The SAD-BJP retained power in the MC after the elections but functioning of the MC has been hit.

Since the MC polls, the city has seen a major crisis on the garbage lifting front. The private firm engaged for the job pulled out of contract leaving the MC crippled for several days. The corporation, which did have its own infrastructure, finally sought services of private players to lift the garbage in the city.

This move even upset MC safai karamacharis who demanded strengthening of MC infrastructure and permanent jobs for contractual staff.

Other issues which directly impacted the residents were defunct streetlights and absence of tubewells.

Also, the process of engaging 346 fresh safai sewaks was stalled amidst the garbage crisis.

Though, the MC got over 15,000 applications for these posts and conducted the interviews, the recruitment process hung in balance as it required the final nod of the Mayor.

Amritsar, August 25
One of the most neglected and unhygienic place, Bhai Himmat Singh Satellite Hospital in Ghanupur Kale near here is hardy visible to outsiders because of the wild growth surrounding it.

To make matters worse, foul-smelling sewage water surrounds the hospital from its sides. It also enters the premises often.

The wild growth, which is at least 10 feet high, has not been cleared. Hospital employees claimed that they had asked the panchayat and other authorities for clearing the wild growth, but nothing was done.

Facing apathy, the employees even had to pool money to build a wall to demarcate it from the village pond.

Covers of the sewerage manholes have been reportedly stolen. And fittings in washroom are broken. Employees said a part of the hospital used by ESI wing is without electricity for the past three days.

Located on the outskirts of the city, the hospital often grapples with the shortage of medicines. The health department had established five satellite hospitals on the outskirts of the city to cater to the needs of expecting mothers.

The government does not only claim to provide free child birth services, but also transportation charges and a monetary reward to pregnant women at the time of birth of her child. The motive is to promote institutional deliveries and thus curtail mother and infant mortality.

When The Tribune team visited the satellite hospital, an attendant of a patient, Nishan Singh, said he was asked by the hospital staff to procure some medicines from the market.

The employees admitted that the hospital faces shortage of medicines.

When asked about Nishan Singh's claim, they said, "We had used the fluids and other things required for the delivery from our stocks. We had asked for medicines as a precautionary measure as no medical store would be open near here in the night."

Dr Manisha, Medical Officer, satellite hospital, was not available for comments.

Bhai Himmat Singh Satellite Hospital in Ghanupur Kale is hardy visible to outsiders because of the wild growth surrounding it.

foul-smelling sewage water surrounds the hospital from its sides. It also enters the premises often

The employees even had to pool money to build a wall to demarcate it from the village pond

Covers of the sewerage manholes have been reportedly stolen. And fittings in washroom are broken. Employees said a part of the hospital used by ESI wing is without electricity for the past three days

Amritsar, August 25
After listening to the grievances of traders, Industry Minister Anil Joshi today took the Amritsar Improvement Trust to task for a “faulty” parking lot at the District Shopping Complex in Ranjit Avenue.

Joshi said the erring officials would be summoned for their lapse.

Members of the District Shopping Association apprised the minister about the faulty design of the parking lot, which lead to chaos. “Customers don’t visit our shops and we face losses as a result,” they added. They said illegal encroachments by rehris in the parking lot also add to their woes.

They also complained that there were scant provisions to lay sewerage and water disposal pipes. In the absence of this facility, the approach road to the complex is often inundated with rainwater.

The minister directed Superintending Engineer Bharat Bhushan Sharma to visit the spot and take steps to remove the shortcomings. 

Members of the District Shopping Association apprise the minister about the faulty design of the parking lot, which lead to chaos and business losses

The minister directs Superintending Engineer to visit the spot and take steps 

Amritsar, August 25
The anti-ragging cell, set up by the Punjab Government to root out ragging in institutes, has been welcomed by students and technical education institutes.

The heads of prominent institutes in Amritsar have hailed it as ‘defining’ move that will ensure discipline and safety among students.

“We have already adopted a zero tolerance policy towards ragging in all our institutions. Ragging has been termed a crime by the apex court. And any student found guilty will be immediately rusticated from the college,” says Daljit Singh, principal, Khalsa College, who is also the chairman of the disciplinary committee, heading the anti-ragging cell on campus.

There are strict instructions given in all hostels and on campus about any such incidents and till date the campus has been free of major ragging issues.

“Apart from some minor incidents, the college has been able to check ragging, with a total ban on any such act,” elaborates Dharminder Singh Rataul, deputy director, Public relations, Khalsa College Governing Council.

Most cases of ragging have come from technical institutes, especially engineering institutes. But since the problem is universal, Gaurav Tejpal, admissions-in-charge and head of department of mechanical engineering, Amritsar College of Engineering, Manawala, clears the air.

He said, “Off late, we have multiple cases of ragging in colleges and even schools. Post the decision, the educational institutions should ensure implementation of these guidelines as it’s their responsibility. We already have an anti-ragging cell on our campus and have posted Supreme Court’s guidelines on ragging on all prominent places across the college.” They also have helpline and direct numbers of the security officers and dean displayed on the notice board in case of any incident.

“Ragging is the most damaged form of interaction between seniors and juniors and it has taken a very ugly form for some of the victims. While most of the youngsters are aware of the crime, there is still a long way to go before we can totally erase it. The anti-ragging cell is one such strong step in the direction,” says Chandan Nagi, an engineering student from the city.

Sahil Saini, another student of DAV College, too feels the decision reflects the seriousness of the issue. “It’s a positive decision that shows that efforts have to be put in from all sides to tackle the sensitive matter. There is one way to deal with ragging and that is by adopting zero tolerance.”

The anti-ragging cell comes as a big relief for those who shy away from reporting such incidents. “Sometimes, the victims do not know where to go for help. The anti-ragging cell will come to rescue at institutes where there is no defined anti-ragging policy. Also, it could act as a deterrent in case the college authorities fail to punish the guilty,” says Ranjodh Madaan, a student of ACE. 

Amritsar, August 25
On the call given by the Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisation, teachers working at Guru Nanak Dev University, Panjabi University, 55 government colleges and 170 non-government-affiliated colleges ceased work after 11 am today and organised rallies on their college premises and district headquarters in support of their demands.

In Amritsar, teachers working at Guru Nanak Dev University, Mata Swaroop Rani Government College and nine non-government-affiliated colleges participated in the rally organised at DAV College, Amritsar, after striking the work.

The rally was addressed by president of the Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers’ Association Prof Balwinder Singh, state executive member and former general secretary, Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU), Prof HS Walia.

Prof Gurdas Singh Sekhon, district president, PCCTU, welcomed the participants. Addressing the rally, Prof Balwinder Singh highlighted various issues which included inter alia, release of arrears on account of revision of pay scales and enhancement of retirement age to 65 years as per the Central Government notification.

He also called upon the teachers to make the rally slated for September 5 in Chandigarh a grand success.

He appealed to the government to implement the Central Government notification dated December 31, 2008, as composite scheme, clear the arrears due on account of revised pay scales and enhancement of retirement age to 65 years.

Prof HS Walia lambasted the government for its anti-education and anti-teachers policies.

He said due to the short-sighted policies of the government, higher education in the state was going haywire.

He said the grant meant for salaries in non-government-aided colleges had not been released for the past nine months. That is why about 80 colleges in the state were on the brink of collapse.

He further added that to save the academic atmosphere from vitiating, the state government should immediately release the arrears (from January 1, 2006, to March 31, 2010) due on account of revision of pay scales, lift the ban on recruitments imposed in 2005 and cover the teachers working against unaided post under the Security of Service Act, 1974.

Prof Devinder Singh, executive member, GNDU Teachers’ Association, stressed the need for enhanced allocation of funds for universities and colleges in the larger interest of the state and society.

Prof Satnam Singh, vice-president, Government College Teachers’ Association, appealed to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to fill the vacant posts of principals and teachers in government colleges at the earliest.

He said about 50 per cent of the vacancies of principals and teachers in government colleges were lying vacant, which was hampering the quality of higher education in these colleges.

Prof Gurdas Singh Sekhon conducted the proceedings of the rally and appealed to the government to immediately convene a meeting with the representatives of Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisation to sort out the issues.

Amritsar, August 25
An exhibition-cum-sale was organised by the Post Graduate Department of Commercial Art on the premises of BBKDAV College for Women, Amritsar.

More than 80 students participated in the programme. The exhibition was conducted by Neha Sabharwal and was inaugurated by ML Aeri, administrator, Medical & Para-Medical Institutions, DAV College Managing Committee.

The exhibition included designing of various 3-D objects like lamp shades, key rings, key chain holders, CD covers, pen stands, paper weights and various other items produced for display and sale.

“The purpose of the exhibition was to help the students gain confidence in making creative things and selling them,” said Neelam Kamra, principal of the college. 

Amritsar, August 25
Four IPS and PCS officers selected from the city attended a function at Citizens’ Forum Vidya Mandir School, Maqboolpura, here today to encourage the students from the deprived sections of society and slum-dwellers.

Philanthropist Brij Bedi, who is running the school for the students from slums and drug-affected families, said PCS officers Sakatar Singh Bal, Rakesh Kumar Popli, Harbhajan Singh and IPS officer Jashandeep Singh Randhawa visited the school.

He said these officers, who were selected recently, shared their success stories with the students.

“We are sure that the students will derive inspiration from these stories and work hard to attain success,” said Bedi.

Government school teacher Ajit Singh, who also serves at this school in the evenings, said: “The young and tender minds always choose their role models. These newly selected officers have inspired the students a lot.”

Speaking to the students, Jashandeep Singh said they should chalk out a clear-cut goal in order to attain success in life. Jashandeep added that he was happy to be invited to interact with the students.

Amritsar, August 25
Fortis Escorts Hospital has introduced angioplasty with new technique for cardiac patients ensuring their discharge from the hospital after two hours of surgery.

In a press conference here today, Dr Arun K. Chopra and Dr Deepak Kapila, said with the use of the new closure device after operation, patients recover in less time.

The doctors claimed that the device was used on 20 patients at the hospital during the previous week.

Chopra said the device was being used in the US and other parts of the world for more than a decade.

Amritsar, August 25
Despite opposition from various quarters, the Supreme Court has directed the Punjab and Haryana High Court to commence evening courts between 4.15 pm and 6.15 pm. This would not only polish the skills of budding lawyers but also help in solving various cases, said Justice Jasbir Singh, acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

He was in the town to lay the foundation stone of Rs 14.60-crore court complex at Ajnala today.

The upcoming complex would house four courts, a bar room for lawyers, a library, an ATM, a computer room, a judicial service centre and separate rooms for assistant district attorney, petition writers, besides waiting rooms for police officials and visitors.

Justice Jasbir Singh said there would be a provision for at least 80 chambers for lawyers and this complex would be functional within a span of one year.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice SS Sarao said it would be a historic moment for the residents of Ajnala after the formation of state-of-the-art court complex here.

He emphasised on conducting lok adalats which not only save the time of the court for more important cases but also provide instant justice to complainants.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Priyank Bharati welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. Schoolchildren also recited shabads and songs depicting national integration.

At the end, District and Sessions Judge Harminder Singh Madan presented a model of the Golden Temple to Justice Jasbir Singh.

Among others who were present on the occasion included District and Sessions Judge (Industry Tribunal) JS Khushdil, Additional Civil Judge (senior division) Ajnala Kulbhushan Kumar, Civil Judge (junior division) Ajnala HS Sindhia, CPS Amarpal Singh Ajnala, SSP Rural Preet Pal Singh Virk, Bar Association Ajnala president MS Nijjar and SDM Ajnala Ravinder Singh. 

Amritsar, August 25
Growing popularity of Punjabi cinema is breaching every boundary.

Come September 7, ‘Ajj De Ranjhe’ will be released not only in India, but also in Pakistan, where the world’s largest number of Punjabis live.

The film will also be released in Canada, New Zealand, UK, US, Australia and European countries.

It’s expected to get a grand opening audience in the neighboring country.

The latest full-blown comedy that takes on the Punjab Police and its functioning has been directed by Manmohan Singh.

The film has actors Aman Dhaliwal and Gurpreet Ghuggi in lead along with Gurleen Chopra and Kimi Verma. The movie also has Guggu Gill, Deep Dhillon, Rana Ranbir, Paramvir Singh, Saminder Mahal, Rana Jang Bahadur and Darshan Aulakh.

Elated Manmohan Singh, fondly called Maanji, says, “This is like a dream come true. Punjabi films have come of age, some of them breaking box office records and doing well than some Bollywood films. Also, they have been equally popular in Pakistan, which till now has been an eluding market due to the diplomatic issues. The Pakistan release will not only forge ties between the two nations, it will also provide the industry a new Punjabi market.”

With the release, the Punjabi film industry is sure to establish itself as a multi-crore industry, both at home and overseas. “There is a demand for Punjabi cinema in Pakistan and it is a big assurance for the growth for this industry,” says the director.

Come September 7, ‘Ajj De Ranjhe’ will be released not only in India, but also in Pakistan, Canada, New Zealand, UK, US, Australia and Europe

 There is a demand for Punjabi cinema in Pakistan and it is a big assurance for the growth for this industry, says the film’s director. 

Amritsar, August 25
The city police has nabbed three persons, including two notorious criminals, for allegedly possessing narcotic substances in two separate cases here.

Narinder Singh of Gurnam Nagar, Sultanwind road, and Lawkhwinder Singh of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar were nabbed by the B-division police station with 600 grams of narcotic powder.

Parkash Singh, the investigating officer, said the accused were wanted in many criminal cases. At least four cases of snatching had been registered against them, while cases of quarrels and attempt to murder were also registered against them. He said they were also involved in drug peddling.

The investigating officer said the accused had been brought on one-day police remand for further investigations. More recoveries were likely to be made following their interrogation, he added.

Meanwhile, in another case, the police arrested one Sukhdev Singh of Gujjarpura with habit-forming drugs. More investigations were under progress, police officials said.