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Student hurt as ceiling fan gives way
Ludhiana, September 14 Daman was attending his class when the incident took place. Daman, a resident of the Model Gram area in the city, received three stitches on his head and was treated at Deepak Hospital here. At around 8.30 am, Daman was attending the second period of Hindi in the class when suddenly the ceiling fan fell on his head. Even though Daman was injured inside the classroom, the school authorities did not inform his father Shiv Charan, who owns a chemist shop in the Model Gram area. The school authorities took Daman to Deepak Hospital, located nearby. Speaking to The Tribune, Shiv Charan alleged that he did not receive any call from the school authorities about the incident. “All three of my children study in this school. Today, there was a parent-teacher meeting of my youngest daughter, who studies in Class V. I was on the school premises when I came to know about the incident. I was shocked to find my eldest daughter (who studies in Class IX) crying. She narrated the incident to me and I was more shocked because the school authorities did not even bother to inform me,” alleged Shiv Charan. He then went and met the school authorities, who felt sorry about the incident. “Daman told me that two years ago, a ceiling fan had fallen in a similar fashion in another classroom of the school. The school authorities have failed to provide a safe environment for our children,” alleged Shiv Charan. Daman was visibly shaken after the incident and could not utter a word. Dr Tushar Arora from the neurosurgery department of Deepak Hospital said the child was brought to the hospital by his schoolteachers in the morning. “He is out of danger and was discharged after treatment,” said the doctor. OPD card says it all Sunil Maria, chairman of the school management committee, initially refused to acknowledge the fact that the incident had taken place inside a classroom in their school. However, Daman’s OPD card, which is in the possession of The Tribune, clearly mentions: “Sustained injury over head (parietal region) after a fan fell on his head at New Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana. Suturing done.” Later, Maria said even if a ceiling fan fell on a student’s head, what was the big deal?
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12 auto-rickshaws impounded
Ludhiana, September 14 The traffic police started the drive from BCM Arya School, Shastri Nagar, today. The police has also laid "nakas" outside RS Model School, Shastri Nagar, Kundan Vidya Mandir and Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Kitchlu Nagar. The police dropped the students concerned at their respective schools before impounding the auto-rickshaws. After the police impounded the auto-rickshaws, the school authorities called parents of students to pick them up from school. Earlier, the police had issued a circular to the parents of students through the school authorities to make alternative arrangements to pick up their children from school in case auto-rickshaws were impounded by the police. Paramjit Kaur, Principal, BCM Arya School, said, "We know that students face inconvenience whenever the police impounds auto-rickshaws. We have suggested to parents to send their children to school using a safe mode of transportation." Beant Juneja, SHO, Traffic police station, said, "We allow a maximum of six students in an auto-rickshaw. However, today we found that auto-rickshaws were carrying 15 to 18 students. We have told the parents to take care of the safety of their children." "We will continue this drive during the next few days and cover other parts of the city," said Juneja.
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Shoe manufacturers observe strike
Ludhiana, September 14 Spokesperson for the Shoe Merchants Association of Punjab Harpreet Singh said the increase in VAT had left the shoe industry in a crisis. “Even the common man’s hawai chappal has not been exempted from VAT. I fail to understand what exactly the government wants. Does it want the traders to shut their work and shift their base to other states?” asked Rajinder Singh, a shoe retailer. Making a comparison with other states, he said footwear (up to the sale price of Rs 500) was exempted from tax in Rajasthan, Haryana, New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. He pointed out that the footwear industry could not flourish under the present policies of the state government. “We will have to think of an alternative source of livelihood,” he said. “The recent hike in tax on shoes worth more than Rs 250 per pair will adversely affect the trade and nearly 20,000 families associated with it. We will be left with no option but to move out of the state,” said Harpreet Singh. VAT on footwear Earlier, there was 5.5 per cent VAT on footwear except leather-made footwear and 12.50 per cent on leather-made shoes. Now, the state government has introduced 5.5 per cent VAT and 10 per cent surcharge on it on all footwear on the sale price of up to
Rs 250. Meanwhile, 13 per cent VAT and 10 per cent surcharge on it (total 14.30 per cent) on all footwear on the sale price of above ~250 has been introduced. |
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0001 vehicle number goes for Rs 5.1 lakh
Ludhiana, September 14 District Transport Officer MS Chatwal said, "The auction of fancy numbers lasted till 8 pm with a total revenue generation of Rs 51.45 lakh. The auction was conducted for the PB 10 DE and DF series with a collection of Rs 9,86,000 and Rs 41,59,800, respectively, for the two series. Earlier, the DC series had netted a huge revenue of over Rs 50 lakh. Chatwal said Ludhianvis had a craze for fancy numbers and through the auction of such numbers, revenue worth lakhs was generated during each bid. He said Ludhiana district had always been numero uno in generating the highest revenue through the auction of fancy numbers in the state. Meanwhile, PB 10 DF 0001 was bagged by Amandeep Singh for Rs 5.10 lakh. 0002 number went to Rajat Chabra, who paid Rs 1.37 lakh. Manjit Singh paid Rs 1.25 lakh for the 0003 number. Interestingly, 0009 remained the hot favourite among the bidders. It was finally given to Anil Kumar Sharma, who paid Rs 3.05 lakh for it. The 0005 and 0008 numbers went to Surinder Singh and Rachit Khanna for Rs 1.76 lakh and 1.70 lakh, respectively.
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3 held with heroin worth
Rs 30 lakh
Ludhiana, September 14 Addressing a press conference, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 4, Sushil Kumar said, "The police arrested them from the Gopal Nagar area where they were moving on a motorcycle." "The police had laid a naka in the Gopar Nagar area. It found the trio moving in suspicious circumstances and stopped them. On checking, the heroin was seized from them," said Sushil Kumar. Naveen Singla, Assistant Commissioner of Police, East, said, "During preliminary investigation, Naseem revealed that he used to bring heroin from Jagtar. Now, we will investigate from where Jagtar used to get this consignment." The accused said the money seized from them by the
police was collected after selling heroin in the city during the past few days. The police said there are already a number of cases registered against Naseem. A case of recovery of 1 kg of opium was registered against him at a police station in Rajpura. Besides, in 2011, he was booked in a case of drug peddling by the Division No. 7 police station, Ludhiana. |
Freedom fighters fight for rights
Ludhiana, September 14 Interacting with the principal secretary of Freedom Fighters Department, Punjab Sarvesh Kaushal, over 50 freedom fighters and their kin appealed to the The freedom fighters said they must be allowed to travel free of cost in deluxe buses. It is now the country's turn to recognise their efforts, they said. They should be allotted land or residential accommodation, besides the reservation quota for their children and grandchildren should be increased in medical and technical colleges, demanded the fighters. They said their children were given the benefits but now their grandchildren, too, must get the scholarships. They also said that they must be exempted from toll taxes. Kin of some of the freedom fighters also complained that they were living a life in penury and that the state government must provide jobs to them. The freedom fighters said the shagun scheme for the grandchildren of freedom fighters to be increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 51,000. They must be given a patient hearing in all the government offices and their grievances be redressed on priority. They also demanded that the Deputy Commissioner must convene a meeting with them twice a year.
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Railway pensioners want better medical facilities
Ludhiana, September 14 A memorandum was submitted to Dr Chetna Kapoor, medical superintendent of the SDH, Sher Singh, chairman, SM Sharma, president, and BR Dhawan, general secretary of the association. The memorandum states that no postgraduate doctor in surgery, orthopaedics, pathology and dentistry were permanently posted at the railway hospital. "Some doctors coming here from the divisional hospital at Ferozepur do not serve the purpose. Emergency medical services are denied to the beneficiaries. The diagnostic contract (for laboratory tests), which had expired on March, has not been renewed. With the SDH being short of specialists, the pensioners and serving employees are made to go to Ferozepur or New Delhi for treatment," the memorandum stated. Functionaries of the association further complained that demand of at least once-a-week visits by a cardiologist for conducting regular check up of the elderly pensioners was also caught in the bureaucratic red-tapism. The pensioners were disappointed at the failure of the railway authorities to recognise a reputed private hospital where the pensioners and serving employees could avail specialised medical care, especially in medical emergencies on cash-less basis. “This facility is available to the employees and pensioners of the Northern Railway headquarters. They why the beneficiaries in Ludhiana are facing discrimination,” they complained. They alleged that the medical bills submitted by the employees and pensioners towards treatment of life-threatening diseases were held back for months together putting the claimants in dire financial crisis. The association called for posting of specialists at the SDH without any further delay, recognition of a reputed private hospital in the city for railway employees and pensioners and immediate clearance of all pending medical bills. "If the railway authorities failed to respond to our demands and proper medical facilities are not made available to the beneficiaries, we shall launch an agitation with the support of serving employees," the pensioners said. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to chief medical superintendent, Northern Railway, Ferozepur, and chief medical director in New Delhi, executive director of health, Railway Board and the Union Railway Minister.
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Ban controversial movie, demands Shahi Imam
Ludhiana, September 14 He also asked the Centre to take up the matter and to block the websites showing promos or the entire movie. Echoing sentiments of the Islamic world which had reacted angrily and even violently at several places across the world, the Shahi Imam specially targeted US President Barack Obama on the issue. “It is under his regime in the USA that such a film has been made. Freedom does not mean anyone has the right to make derogatory observations against any religion or show the Prophet in poor light," he asserted. The Muslim leader alleged that the entire episode (of making the movie and committing acts of violence in different parts of the world) might have been engineered by the US to generate ill-feelings among people of other religions against the Muslim community. The Shahi Imam, however, made a fervent appeal to the Muslim population not to fall prey to the evil designs of the US government, and to maintain peace and communal harmony in the country at all costs.
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Worker dies in lift mishap
Khanna, September 14 Thieves decamp with
Rs 40,000 Thieves struck at a gymnasium in Rakh Bagh and decamped with Rs 40,000 cash from a drawer. The incident came to light today when Parvesh Chander, coordinator of the gym, informed the police about the theft. The police has not yet registered a case and has not ruled out foul play and involvement of an insider behind the theft. ––
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Ban on tobacco products being flouted with impunity
Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 14 The items, containing non-smoking tobacco, which were earlier available on pan shops and groceries, are now being sold at medical stores and ‘dhabas’, located near factories and industrial unit. While showing ignorance about the procedure of initiating an action against violators, officials in the health and police department said they had received no directions to act against consumers and sellers of the banned products. Earlier, the Punjab Government had banned the sale, storage, manufacturing and distribution of these items after considering potential health hazard. Although the ban has forced the traditional sellers to stop displaying the products openly, yet the products are being supplied to the consumers, particularly migrant labourers. The supplies are being made by the establishments who provide goods to farmhouses, dairies and other industrial houses. Ram Lakhan, a migrant labourer working at a dairy in Lohgarh village, said he and his friends had stopped purchasing ration from the grocer who refused to sell the banned products. "The new grocer is charging higher rates for each sachet of these products but we are glad that we are getting items of our choice," said Lakhan. An owner of farmhouse, said some labourers had left the job when they were asked to shun the use of the banned products. "Though we don't oppose the government's decision, still we have decided to arrange these materials for our labourers at least for some weeks as we cannot expect somebody to leave the addiction overnight," the owner said.
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Work suspended for months
Ludhiana, September 14 The contract of laying 80-mm thick interlocking tiles of plastic mould and construction of footpath on sides of the Gill road (from Gill Chowk to Sidhwan Canal bridge) was allotted to the contractor (through a work order number 6/G-33) on February 4, 2011. This work was to be completed in a six-month time, which means the work was to be completed by August 3, 2011. After a request from the contractor concerned, the completion date was extended by three months i.e. November 3, 2011, but still the contractor failed to complete the work on time. Till date only 40 per cent of the work has been completed by the contractor and the construction activity has been suspended. An area resident and RTI activist, Kuldeep Singh Khaira, sought information about this work through the Right to Information Act. “I was shocked to see that four different notices were issued to the contractor on February 9, February 27, May 9, July 5 and July 7. In each of the notices, the MC had asked the contractor to speed up the work, which is leading to unnecessary delay in the completion of work. Even the last line of each notice mentioned that this particular notice should be treated as the last one. But still the contractor failed to start the work,” rued Khaira. When contacted, HS Khosa, Additional Commissioner (technical) of bridges and roads department of MC, confirmed that the contractor has not completed the work. “We issued him four warning notices, but he failed to start the work. That is why, we have prepared his case for blacklisting now. The file concerned has been submitted to the MC Commissioner for further action,” informed Khosa. MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma could not be contacted for his comments.
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Common man feels the pinch
Ludhiana, September 14 Due to grim power situation in the state, people are largely dependent upon gen sets for power generation. With the increase in the prices of diesel, the cost of power generation through gen sets will also increase. Although the state provides continuous power supply to the agricultural sector, still 70 per cent of the production is done with the help of gen sets. “This will lead to an increase in the prices of food grains and the increase will ultimately be passed on to consumers,” added Joginder Singh, a farmer from Lalton Kalan. Meanwhile, exporter Jatin Aggarwal further added, “Since the state is unable to provide continuous power supply to the industrial sector, we are dependent upon the gen sets. With an increase in the prices of diesel, the production cost will also increase,” he said. For Harbinder Singh, an employee in a private firm, who recently switched to a diesel car, the news came as a cruel joke. “Initially, I was driving a petrol-run car, but after seeing the skyrocketing prices of the petrol, I switched to the diesel car and now the prices of diesel has also started increasing and it seems that soon the prices of petrol and diesel will be at par,” he rued. Sham Lal, an auto-rickshaw driver, said on one hand, the administration has launched a drive against auto-rickshaws and now the government has increased the prices of diesel by Rs 5 per liter. “It will become impossible to sustain under such circumstances. Bus services have already taken a toll on us and now the increased diesel prices will prove a death knell for us,” he said. “All materials of daily use are getting costlier day by day. This hike in the diesel has also disturbed the hosiery and textile industry. The Punjab State Power Regulatory Authority has already announced a hike in the power tariff by 12.8 per cent to meet the demands of the electricity. It is a hard hit for the common man, who is already reeling under the severe circumstances due to hike in the prices of essential items,” added Darshan Dawar, president of Knitwear Club.
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BKU hits out at Centre
Ludhiana, September 14 BKU president Ajmer Singh Lakhowal said the organisation would launch a struggle to press the demand for justice to the farmers and modalities of the stir would be announced after a meeting of the state committee of the BKU being convened on September 16. Lakhowal termed the substantial increase in the prices of diesel as “backbreaking” for the farmers, who were already facing a crisis of survival due to refusal of the Centre to grant minimum support price (MSP) of food crops to the farmers as per recommendations of Dr Swaminathan committee. “There is a widespread resentment among the farmers over the recommendations of the Agricultural Prices and Costs Commission (APCC) to freeze MSP of wheat for next year. And now the hike in diesel prices will inflict yet another fatal blow to the farm sector,” the BKU president said. Meanwhile, Bharti Kisan Union (BKU), Rajewal, from Samrala has decided to block traffic on all main roads tomorrow against the hike in prices of diesel by the Centre.
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‘We will have to readjust our budget’
Ludhiana, September 14 Jindal family For Badish Jindal, head of the family and an industrialist, the price hike is definitely going to affect him, both at workplace and home. Reacting sharply to the price hike, Jindal who is also the president of the Federation of Punjab Small Industries’ Association said, “Punjab will suffer heavily due to its location disadvantage. The cost of raw material will increase substantially. We will be forced to pay heavy transport cost due to increase in the diesel prices”. Due to grim power situation in the state, the industry is largely dependent upon gen sets for power generation and with the increase in the diesel prices, the cost of production will also be increased by nearly 17 per cent. In addition to this, Jindal said the government should give them input tax credit on the purchase of diesel. Meanwhile Meena Jindal, a homemaker, said, “The trend for diesel cars has taken up recently, but with the increase in the diesel price, people will now find it difficult to make a choice between the diesel and petrol cars. “The diesel-run car is definitely going to become a bit costlier after the price hike,” she added. Sikarwar family Kuldeep Singh Sikarwar, working as a branch manager in a financial company, feels it is not the hike of 10-12 per cent, but consequently the prices of every essential commodity will be increased, be it food grains, clothes or any essential commodity. After paying 25 per cent direct and indirect taxes from my income, I am hardly left anything to save and now the prices are going to escalate further. “I have a diesel-run car and bought it with an idea that diesel is cheaper than petrol, but now it seems the prices of both will become equal,” he added. Namrata Sikarwar, a homemaker, said it was her responsibility to manage all expenses and save for the future. “In present times, it is impossible to save anything for the future. Planning for the future has come to a halt with the rising inflation,” she rued.
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Book 107 traders for trespass: MC
Ludhiana, September 14 The MC has demanded the registration of a case against the shopkeepers located on the Gill road and the surrounding areas for allegedly violating an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Additional Commissioner (Zone-C) said the shopkeepers had "temporarily" encroached upon government land by stocking their material on it. He said the encroachment often led to traffic jams on the road. “The letter may have been sent to the Commissioner of Police on a routine basis,”€ť said Rakesh Verma, MC Commissioner.
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Mandi Gobindgarh, September 14 However, owners of 12 buildings, who obtained a stay from the High Court, were not affected by the drive. - OC
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School celebrates Hindi Diwas
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 14 Storytelling event
Ram Lal Bhasin Public School organised Hindi calligraphy, Hindi storytelling and Hindi declamation on the occasion of ‘Hindi Diwas’. The students of Classes I to V participated in storytelling and calligraphy. The students of Classes VI to X participated in calligraphy and declamation as well. The main purpose was to show respect to our national language. The president of the school, Balraj Bhasin, appreciated the efforts of the students and teachers. The director of the school, S Verma, and headmistress Tarannum Fatma encouraged the students to take part in such activities. The winners of the Hindi storytelling were Ansh (Class-I), Arya (Class-II), Samar Partap Passi (Class-III) and Himanshi (Class-IV). The winners of declamation were Divyta of Class VI (first), Erika of Class VI (second) and Rahul of Class VIII (third). Poem recitation contest
Poem recitation and declamation contest were held in Vajra Army School for the students of primary wing. The students spoken on varied professions they would like to take up on completion of their education. They appeared to be aware of corruption and dishonesty prevalent in the country as they talked of making their nation free from all evils. Skit presented
‘Hindi Diwas’ was celebrated at Spring Dale Senior Secondary Public School here on Friday. The programme started with a Hindi song, sung by the students of pre-nursery to Class II. The programme was followed by Hindi calligraphy and declamation competition. A skit was also performed by the students of dramatics. Managing director Avinash Kaur Walia, chairman Nirmal Singh Walia, director Mandeep Singh, principal Sandeep Raikhi, headmistress Kamalpreet Kaur were present and were honoured by the Hindi department. Bal Bharati Public School
Hindi Diwas was celebrated at Bal Bharati Public School with great enthusiasm. The celebration commenced in Unit I of Bal Bharati Public School with poem recitation competition wherein students of Classes I and II impressed one and all. The students of Classes I and II, Vedanta (Khooni Hastakshar), Rizul (Rangh Birangi Dharati), Tanisha (Azadi) and Gun Rajveer (Achchhi Baten) were applauded for their performances. Declamation contest was also held wherein students of Classes III to V expressed their views on different topics. Jaismeen (Mere Sapnon Ka Bharat), Guneet (Paropkar), Sehajleen (Samay Ka Mahatva), Aditya (Yadi Main Mantri Hota), Gursahib (Mere Sapnon Ka Bharat), Buddhisha (Dosti), Navika (Jal Hi Jeevan Hai), Diya Goyal (Mere Sapnon Ka Bharat) and Ekjot (Paropkar) were admired for their impressive presentation of thoughts. Hindi Diwas celebrated
Hindi Diwas was celebrated in AS College for Women, Khanna on Friday. The function was presided over by Principal Dr Meenu Sharma. The head of the Hindi Department, Dr Naina Sharma, welcomed the principal and participants on the occasions. The principal told the students about the role of national language Hindi, in the cultural development of the country. The students of the Hindi department presented the cultural items during the function. The principal also distributed prizes. Guru Nanak Girls College
The Department of Hindi of Guru Nanak Girls College, Model Town, Ludhiana, celebrated 'Hindi Diwas' on Friday by organising various inter-class quiz contests. The college principal, Dr Charanjit Mahal, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The winner of quiz contest was team A, whereas team B and C bagged the second and third positions respectively. Dr Charanjit Mahal felicitated the go-getters and appreciated their endeavours. Khalsa College for Women
With the objectives of enhancing the significance of Hindi as our national language, Departments of Hindi and Sanskrit of Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, organised 'Hindi Diwas' in the college auditorium. Approximately fifteen students participated in the event. Students from various classes participated with tremendous zeal and showed their talent to the best of their abilities in contests for ghazal and poetical recitation. Shanno of BA II bagged the first prize, Richa of BA III was second and Gitika of BA I won the third prize. Interactive workshop held
An interactive workshop on self management and communication skills for the benefit of postgraduate students of Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College was held here on Friday. A PowerPoint presentation punctuated with practical approaches and suggestions went down very well with the students.
–– TNS
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KVM lads romp home
Ludhiana, September 14 In the stipulated 12 overs, KVM scored 152 runs after losing three wickets. The architect of their innings was Nikhil Chowdhary, who faced just 28 balls and smashed 87 with the help of eight sixes. The other useful contributor was Har Tejaswar Kapoor, who made 40, while Nimit Malhan chipped in with 13 runs. Gagan of Jain Public School was the lone successful bowler. He claimed all three wickets. KVM bowlers restricted their opponents to a paltry total of 68 runs, which came in 10 overs. Gagan fought well and scored 32 runs, but his battle went in vain. Nitin scored 10 runs and Gaurav contributed seven runs, but that was not enough to overhaul KVM’s score. For KVM, Saurabh Mehdiratta was the pick of the bowlers, who grabbed three wickets for eight runs. Rajat Verma, Navdev Sharma and Arshdeep Singh accounted for one wicket each and steered their team to an easy win. However, the match (U-14) played at GRD Academy, Hambran road, between Kundan Vidya Mandir and GMT Public School, Jalandhar bypass branch, could not be completed due to rain. Batting first, KVM scored 95 runs losing five wickets with main contribution coming through Vaibhav Kalra (33) and Parth Sharma (15). But, Shubham Dyal Singh and Kartik Joshi could add just four and three runs, respectively. In reply, GMT Public School were nine for one after four overs when the play was stopped due to rain.
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DAV, Sat Paul school hog limelight
Ludhiana, September 14 The events were organised in different categories i.e. under-14, under-17 and under-19 for both boys and girls, respectively. The first position in the under-14 girls’ category went to DAV, BRS Nagar, whereas the second position was bagged by Sat Paul Mittal School and third by BCM, Dugri. In the under-17 girls’ category, the first position was bagged by DAV, BRS Nagar, whereas the second position was bagged by Bal Bharti School and third position by BCM, Dugri. In the under-19 girls’ category, the first position went to BCM, Dugri, whereas second and third positions were bagged by BCM, Shastri Nagar, and Sat Paul Mittal School, respectively. In the U-14 boys’ category, the first position went to Sat Paul Mittal School, whereas second position went to DAV, BRS Nagar, and third to Bal Bharti School. In the U-17 boys’ category, the first position went to Sat Paul Mittal School, while second to DCM Presidency and third to DAV, BRS Nagar. In the U-19 boys’ category, Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, bagged the first position, while the second and third positions went to Sat Paul Mittal School and BCM, Dugri, respectively. School principal, Dr Vandna Shahi, appreciated the winners and gave trophies to them.
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Rain disrupts play on Day I
Ludhiana, September 14 Ludhiana won the toss and decided to bat first. Both openers, Nitin Goel and Arjun Puri, thwarted visitors’ attempts to make use of heavy weather. Arjun Puri with 51 runs and Nitin with 32 runs were at the crease when the rain forced the players to return to the pavilion after over an hour’s play.
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