|
|
|
|
|
Bus fare hike in offing
Batala gastroenteritis toll rises to 6
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Leaking pipes to blame, says report
Pak to declare Hasan Abdal a holy city: Bar Assn chief
SGPC yet to phase out high-altitude fireworks
Rahul not to meet MLAs one-on-one
SAD: Shinde’s remarks unfortunate
Manpreet blames govt policies for financial mess
Arrested militant spills the beans, names 10 more British nationals
High moisture content keeps paddy procurement sluggish
Worried farmers take to streets in Rajpura
Hero Group’s SK Munjal to head PTU Board of Directors
Property registration through power of attorney
now till December 31
Hepatitis C cases on the rise in Muktsar
24 hospitalised in Moga
Nabha Power Ltd told to sign fuel supply pact
Food samples of hotels fail quality test
Jail Supdt and his deputy suspended
Can’t throw riot victims on the road: SC
3 brothers land in jail for poppy trafficking
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bus fare hike in offing
Jalandhar, October 8 The Punjab Transport Department had last time hiked the fares in December 2010. Then, the hike was between 55 and 66 per cent. Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar attributed the proposed increase to the repeated hikes in the prices of diesel and other industry inputs after 2010. “The Punjab Government will take a decision on the issue soon so that the transport industry does not plunge into losses,” Kohar said after interacting with private transporters, who had converged here to press for a hike in fares. Kohar, however, did not reveal the quantum of the proposed fare hike. He said the hike would be planned in a such way that the transport industry also gets a breather and at the same time the state people too are not burdened much. “Diesel has witnessed a hike of Rs 9 per litre in the last two years. The cost of inputs in the transport industry has also risen manifold. But, the bus fares have not been revised. Transporters have sought a 15 per cent hike,” said Kohar. He was accompanied by Transport Secretary Mandip Singh and other senior officials of the Transport Department Office-bearers of the Punjab Mini Transport Union presented a charter of demands to Kohar. They demanded that the minimum fare rate should be fixed at Rs 10 and that no tax should be levied on mini bus owners. Sources said the file pertaining the hike had already been sent to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for clearance and the final decision could be taken anytime soon.
|
|
Batala gastroenteritis toll rises to 6
Batala, October 8 So far six residents of this slum area, identified as Hans Raj, Ram Piari, Dheero, Billu, Surinder Pal and Subash Kumar, have died of gastroenteritis. There are 28 patients recuperating at the local Civil Hospital where a team of doctors led by Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr Sukhdeep Singh is attending patients round the clock. On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhinav Trikha, Gurdaspur Civil Surgeon Dr Vinod Beri was sent here this morning. Gastroenteritis is characterised by inflation of the gastrointestinal tract involving the stomach and the small intestine. The symptons are diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A team of doctors visited the Gandhi Camp this morning. Four water tankers were stationed in the area to ensure clean drinking water for the residents. However, the residents said it was a case of too late, too little. "The damage has been done,” said a distraught Shanti Devi whose niece Ram Piari died on way to the Civil Hospital. Chlorinated water is now being provided to Gandhi Camp residents even as the MC has been told to deploy a sanitary inspector in the area. Safai sewaks have also been deputed in strength at the locality. The SMO said that reports of water samples taken from the area were expected by Monday. "Though there is no clear reason for the outbreak if gastroenteritis, we have initiated some preventative measures. “We have formed teams that will go door-to-door for vaccination," he said.
|
|||
|
Leaking pipes to blame, says report
Chandigarh, October 8 The pipe was hit by a truck some days ago but the authorities concerned were not informed about the incident. There have been reports of gastroenteritis from Dasuya, Ludhiana and Batala. In Ludhiana, the Municipal Corporation and the Health Department blame each other for negligence in handling gastro cases in Jawahar Nagar locality from where 24 cases have been reported so far. At least 132 cases of cholera and gastroenteritis have been reported from Dasuya. It seems that the state health authorities have not been working in tandem with local civic bodies that look after water supply and sanitation. Leaking water and sewer pipes, that have outlived their utility, are a reality in most parts of the state. The Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Ashok Nayyar, said any information on leaking pipes could only be provided by local bodies. "In the absence of a centralised reporting mechanism, it is difficult to pinpoint as to who should warn the Health Department about a possible emergency”. Health Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, when contacted, said he had spoken about the need for a "module of integrated services for upgrading the healthcare delivery system”. Dr Deepak Bhatia, Director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, said: “Broken pipes at different places have been found to be carrying human waste as also kitchen waste."
|
|||
|
Pak court allows Sarabjit to meet his lawyer in jail
Lahore, October 8 Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial issued the order after hearing arguments by his lawyer Awais Sheikh and the Assistant Advocate General of Punjab province. Sheikh argued that authorities at Kot Lakhpat Jail could not stop him from meeting Sarabjit as he was the prisoner's counsel. He said he was prevented from visiting his client in jail. Such actions by the jail authorities and the provincial government violated the fundamental rights of a person, he said. The Assistant Advocate General argued that since Sarabjit's case had been decided and no proceedings were underway, there was no point in allowing him to meet his counsel. Sheikh told the judge that he wanted to meet his client as he had to get a fresh mercy petition and a letter signed by Sarabjit. The court rejected the law officer's arguments and allowed Sheikh to meet his client. The lawyer said he intended to submit fresh mercy petition to President Asif Ali Zardari. Sarabjit was convicted for alleged involvement in a string of bombings in 1990 that killed 14 persons. His family says he was a farmer and a victim of mistaken identity. Sarabjit's relatives said he strayed into Pakistan in an inebriated state three months after the bombings. Following the intervention of the Pakistan People's Party-led government at the Centre, Sarabjit's execution was put off indefinitely. He recently submitted a fresh mercy petition to Zardari. — PTI
|
|||
|
Pak to declare Hasan Abdal a holy city: Bar Assn chief
New Delhi, October 8 The delegation was led by Dr Adish C Aggarwal, chairman of the All-India Bar Association, and the Additional Advocate- General of Punjab in the Supreme Court. “Malik accepted the request of the delegation members and issued a letter to the concerned department in this regard,” Aggarwal said. He said Malik had written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, inviting them to Pakistan to be part of the “historic declaration”. The letter reads:“I cordially invite you and your noble son Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, to visit Pakistan to be part of the historic declaration of Hasan Abdal as ‘Holy City’ at your convenience, preferably in this month. “I am sure, you will appreciate our respect for Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the entire Sikh community.” Aggarwal was honoured by the Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal today.
|
|||
|
SGPC yet to phase out high-altitude fireworks
Amritsar, October 8 Last year, the SGPC had also curtailed the duration of fireworks to a mere 15 minutes on Diwali, which was half as compared to previous years. It was for the first time that the SGPC had reduced the time of fireworks. SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh confirmed that they were yet to find a viable alternative to high-altitude fireworks and that they will continue with the same this time as well. Darbar Sahib manager Harbans Singh Malhi said they will keep the duration of fireworks less this time too. The shrine will witness fireworks tomorrow on the occasion of Guru Ram Das Birth Anniversary and again on Bandi Chhod Diwas on November 13. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) had last year advised the SGPC to ban bursting of firecrackers at the Golden Temple Complex. However, the SGPC had said that they could not discontinue with fireworks altogether as it was the traditional way to celebrate the occasion and the devotees sentiments were attached to it. The SGPC had also invited bids for smokeless firecracker display by giving advertisements in the print media, but no company came forward for it. The SGPC also organised a laser show once in the past in Anandpur Sahib but it didn't meet their expectations. In an effort to curb pollution, the SGPC has already stopped ground display of fireworks. As per a study conducted by the PPCB from January to December 2011, the RSPM level around the Golden Temple had come out to be maximum of 227 and minimum of 124, though it should not be more than 100 microgram/cubic metre around heritage sites. However, the level of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide was within prescribed limits. The high level of pollution is causing harm to miniature paintings and gold plating at the shrine, besides leading to corrosion and blackening of white marble. Its adverse effect could also be seen on the gold plating on the outer walls of Akal Takht.
|
|||
Rahul not to meet MLAs one-on-one
Chandigarh, October 8 Rahul’s itinerary for the Punjab visit, which is part of his all-India tour to interact with the senior party leadership as well as the youth, has been finalised. The Congress general secretary will address block and district presidents, Pradesh Congress members and former and present MLAs and MPs at Amritsar on October 10. After this interaction, he will hold a separate meeting with the Youth Congress leadership. He is expected to spend more than two hours in Amritsar. In Chandigarh the following day, the Congress general secretary will address former Pradesh Congress and district Congress presidents at 11 am after which he will meet National Student Union of India (NSUI) activists at Panjab University. Accompanied by Punjab Pradesh president Capt Amarinder Singh, he is expected to fly back by 1 pm. Amarinder’s rivals in the Pradesh Congress were preparing to use Rahul’s visit as an occasion to highlight the need for a change in the state party leadership. However, with the one-on-one interaction off, they have been left disappointed. Sources here said seven former PCC presidents were expected to participate in the meeting here on October 11. They were Raghunandan Lal Bhatia, Varinder Kataria, HS Hanspal, Shamsher Singh Dullo, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Mohinder Singh Gill. At least 60 former district Congress presidents would also be present at the meeting. Though most of the former Pradesh Congress presidents, except Hanspal, are inimical to Capt Amarinder, a few have lost their relevance in state politics. A few others have themselves failed to deliver during their tenure. Moreover, the general nature of the meeting is not likely to give them an opportunity to launch an anti-Amarinder campaign. Sources said most district Congress chiefs who would attend the meeting were aligned with the PCC chief.
|
|||
|
SAD: Shinde’s remarks unfortunate
Chandigarh October 8 Reacting to Shinde’s statement urging the Akalis to introspect whether the memorial would revive terrorism in the state, Majithia said it seemed the Congress was raising a hue and cry over a religious issue only to divert the people’s attention from the scams that had hit the UPA Government. Majithia said: “Now that the flames of scams have reached the Royal Palace of the Gandhis, through exposure of scams about Robert Vadra, the Congress’ desperation has crossed all limits and it has been driven into this mindless opposition of a spiritual monument”. Majithia challenged Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh to clarify his stand on the Army action. “If he thinks building a peace monument against Operation Bluestar is wrong, then why did he enact the drama of resigning from the Congress in protest against this very operation,” he asked.
|
|||
|
Manpreet blames govt policies for financial mess Sangrur, October 8 The PPP chief along with party's youth wing state chief Bhagwant Mann, today toured Lehra Assembly constituency's villages and semi-urban areas with an aim to strangthen the party at the grassroots level. — TNS
|
|
Arrested militant spills the beans, names 10 more British nationals
Jalandhar October 8 Besides “admitting” to his links with Wadhawa Singh Babbar of Babbar Khalsa International, Ranjit Singh Neeta of Khalistan Zindabad Force, Jagtar Singh alias Tara of Khalistan Tiger Force, Azad has unravelled his British network, revealing names of over 10 British nationals who have been directly or indirectly coordinating terrorism activities. Sources said Azad’s bank account details helped the police in identifying three persons, all based in the state, to whom Azad had transferred several lakhs of rupees. Jalandhar police officials said security agencies in the state and the Centre had been alerted. The suspects would be put on the watch list. Sources said the police would prepare a complete report of Azad's interrogation and send send it to the state government. Among the British nationals reportedly named by Azad are Balbir Singh of BKI, Ranjit Singh alias Rana of Sangat channel, Jaswant Singh Thekedar of Kalgidhar gurdwara, Paramjit Singh Bal of Sikh channel, Lashminder Singh Dhaliwal of Dal Khalsa and Jarnail Singh Malli of New Castle gurdwara. He has also “admitted” to having arranged funding for these persons. A police officer said since the suspects were British nationals, their report would be sent to the UK Government.
|
|
|
High moisture content keeps paddy procurement sluggish
Patiala, October 8 As per official figures, five major state government agencies have procured 7,605 metric tonnes of paddy as compared to 65,000 metric tonnes during the same period last season. Deputy commissioners in their respective districts have been issued directions to ensure that farmers face no inconvenience in the market and lifting is also taken care of from the initial procurement days. Initially for the first few days, farmers had to face some tough time due to the ongoing tussle between procurement agency officials and the government with farmers complaining that there were no buyers. Sunday onwards, the purchase of paddy started picking up pace after the end of the strike by the staff of procurement agencies and in the days to come, the paddy arrival is expected to almost double. The process was to start from October 1, but it could not commence due to boycott by the procurement staff. With the beginning of procurement, officials of the Market Committee and administration heaved a sigh of relief. “This time, paddy procurement season is unofficially delayed by almost a week,” said a senior official. “Farmers have been told to ensure that their paddy is dried as per norms so that they do not have to wait in the market and dry their produce in the already cramped area,” said Patiala Deputy Commissioners GK Singh.
|
|
|
Worried farmers take to streets in Rajpura
Harjit Singh, an affected farmer, said though the Punjab government had directed the district officials to ensure smooth and timely procurement, the district authorities were not doing timely procurement as a result of which heaps of paddy were lying in the mandis. Mani Singh, another farmer, said though the Patiala Deputy Commissioner had ensured us four days ago that the lifting would start, nothing much was done and only a small amount was lifted by some private agencies. District officials today met the protesting farmers and convinced them to lift the dharna, assuring immediate lifting of paddy. The farmers then agreed to lift the
dharna.
|
|
|
Hero Group’s SK Munjal to head PTU Board of Directors
Chandigarh, October 8 Principal Secretary, Technical Education and Industrial Training, SS Channy confirmed the development. Asked whether Chander Mohan had vacated the seat, Channy said, "There was no question of his vacating the seat as he had never been given any appointment orders in the first place." Governor Shivraj Patil had given his nod to the appointment. Earlier, the Punjab Chief Secretary had held the post of the chairman of the Board of Governors, an act that was pointed out to be against the norms. This followed the appointment of Chander Mohan, which too was termed against the rules by the office of the Advocate General of Punjab. Munjal is a senior member of the $5.1 billion plus Hero Group and is responsible for forming growth strategies and implementing new business plans for the Group. He is also on the boards of the Indian School of Business at Hyderabad and Mohali, besides being a member of the Board of Governors of IIT, Ropar. He also remained the president of the Confederation of Indian Industry between 2004 and 2005.
|
|
|
Property registration through power of attorney now till December 31
Amritsar, October 8 Speaking to the media after conducting a surprise check at Tehsil Complex here, Majithia said the time limit for property registration on the basis of power of attorneys was earlier till October 28, but due to the huge rush of applicants, especially in Amritsar and Jalandhar, the last date had been extended till December 31. — TNS
|
|
|
Hepatitis C cases on the rise in Muktsar
Muktsar, October 8 The situation was also found similar at Khema Khera village in An official of the Health Department said 15 infected residents of Khema Khera had approached them for financial assistance. "The treatment costs between Rs 1.5 and 2 lakh and everybody can't afford to spend so much," the official said. When contacted, Civil Surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh Brar said hepatitis was a communicable viral infection. “We have sent blood samples of a number of Faridkot residents for testing. Also, some cases have been sent to the higher ups for approval for monetary assistance,” he said. He said any delay in treatment could lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. He said it was essential that to keep the surroundings clean.
|
|
|
24 hospitalised in Moga
Moga, October 8 Moga District Magistrate Arshdeep Singh Thind, who also holds the charge of Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, said he had ordered a magisterial probe. “The Health Department has taken samples of water and some food items consumed by the labourers,” he said. Additional Civil Surgeon Dr Naresh Gupta said stool samples of the patients had been sent to Faridkot. All the patients were out of danger, he claimed. Sources said some cases had also been reported from the local Grain Market Meanwhile, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Jorma Beda, has sought a report from the authorities concerned on the use of chlorine in potable water supply in recent months. “I will ascertain if potable water was being treated with chorine or not," he added.
|
|
|
Faridkot
Abduction Case
Faridkot, October 8 “With the police trying to project the case as that of elopement, we are left with no other option but to approach the High Court for a CBI probe,” said the victim’s father, Ashwani Kumar. “Shruti was kidnapped by a gang on September 24. The police has failed to trace her whereabouts or nab the gang leader, Nishan singh, who is facing 16 criminal cases. Now, the police is suggesting that it is a case of elopement, not one of kidnapping,” said Swaran Singh, member of the local Action Committee that has been formed to get justice for the aggrieved parents. Two days back, the police had released a copy of a letter purportedly written by Shruti, claiming that she was with Nishan Singh of her own free will. “Today, the police released a number of photographs, suggesting that Nishan Singh and Shruti were a married couple,” said Bhupinder Singh, another member of the Action Committee, while pointing out that Shruti was a minor and any such marriage was illegal. He alleged that the police was “resorting to such tactics” on the directions of some ruling alliance leaders. “The letter and photographs are not aimed at creating any confusion but to make the picture clear,” claimed Paramraj Umranangal, Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The police, he said had started the process to seal Nishan Singh’s bank accounts and to attach the properties of his accomplices, said Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police GS Dhillon. Raids were being conducted at various hideouts and more than 200 hotels in Delhi’s Paharganj area had been searched to trace the girl, he claimed.
|
|
|
Nabha Power Ltd told to sign fuel supply pact
Chandigarh, October 8 The order comes in the light of the shortage of domestic coal with government coal mines failing to deliver even committed coal in some cases. The order is expected to force NPL, which is promoted by Larsen and Toubro Limited, to go in for advance booking of coal. The Centre had earlier approved coal linkage to the Rajpura project. To operationalise this coal linkage, NPL needs to sign fuel supply agreement with the coal mine concerned. The commission has in its order advised NPL to vigorously pursue with authorities for maintaining the status quo with respect to quantity/quality/grade/origin of coal committed as per the letter of assurance. It has also asked Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to coordinate with NPL and pursue the matter with the state and Central governments. PSPCL had entered into an agreement with NPL to establish, operate, maintain, generate and supply power from the thermal power project of 2x700 MW (1400 MW) capacity at Nalash village, Rajpura. Fuel linkage was arranged by PSPCL before the submission of bids. South Eastern Coalfields Limited issued the letter of assurance for 5.55 million tonnes per annum of coal in December 2008. Nabha Power Limited informed PSPCL that SECL had circulated draft MoU along with the FSA with certain changes that are different from the earlier proposal. Coal India Limited’s subsidiary will supply 80 per cent of coal for a period of five years against 25 years as envisaged earlier and arrange for the balance imported coal at the prevailing imported coal prices. PSPCL said it had become necessary to sign the FSA as proposed by SECL. It said the consequences of not signing the agreement as and when proposed by SECL might result in coal linkage being lost in which case the project would not have any coal supply. The commission noted that the respondent appeared to have a few other concerns and apprehensions, which have been brought out in its reply to the petition and subsequent submissions. It, however, said given the current scenario of shortage of power in the state, the commission considered it of utmost importance and in the interest of all stakeholders that the project was commissioned in time.
|
|
|
Food samples of hotels fail quality test
Patiala, October 8 District health officer Dr Daljeet Singh said he, along with food safety officer Aditi Gupta, had collected samples from various hotels in Patiala in September and the lab reports of almost six hotels, mainly Neemrana near Chhoti Baradari Garden, Moti Mahal Delux at Bhupindra Road and Grand Park Hotel, failed the quality test. "We had collected various samples, including those of dahi, paneer and various cooked materials, and most of them have failed quality test. Suitable action will be taken against these hotels under the Food Safety Act - 2006,” he said. Meanwhile, the health team today collected samples from about 10 shops and stores, including Baba Ramdev's store Patanjali at Nabha Mandi, Anra Vearna Chowk, Triveni Chowk and others. They mainly collected samples of mustard oil, biscuits, rasgullas, laddoos and atta. They have been sent to a lab in Chandigarh for testing.
|
|
|
Jail Supdt and his deputy suspended
Ludhiana, October 8 "Such dereliction of duty would not be tolerated,"
he said. “Several undertrials have escaped in recent times. I had marked an inquiry, which was conducted by the Additional Director- General of Police (ADGP), Jails. On the basis of that, we have suspended these officials,” he said. The minister said a similar inquiry was underway against Gurdaspur jail
officials. “Action would follow,” the minister said. On September 20, three inmates had escaped from Ludhiana Central Jail. The ADGP (Prisons) had recommended the dismissal of three jail guards, who were found guilty after a probe. The three accused had broken out of the jail by creating a hole in the wall of their cell with the help of a spoon. They scaled the wall by making a human ladder.
|
|
Can’t throw riot victims on the road: SC
New Delhi, October 8 “We can’t allow them to be thrown out on the road, come what may. If they are recognised as victims of the anti-Sikh riots, they will have to be allotted accommodation,” a Bench comprising Justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Desai said. The Bench made the remarks after the state government informed the court that under the existing policy the four victims, who had approached the SC pleading for flats in Ludhiana, were not entitled to the same. It, however, offered to arrange for alternative accommodation. The SC retorted: “You can’t have such a policy. You give houses to all sorts of persons, but you will not give it to those who were displaced during the ’84 riots. They are still litigating. We don’t agree with your policy. We will order you to provide them accommodation. We will call someone who is authorised to take decision.” The Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, who was present in the court, also said the petitioners did not qualify for the flats meant for red-card holders. At this, the Bench said: “They have to be given accommodation. You keep this in mind.” The case will come up for hearing on November 2 now. Dharminder Singh and three other petitioners had contended that they were forced to flee their homes to safeguard their lives, honour and property and had come to Punjab looking for a “safe abode” and since then had been pleading for help from the state and the Centre. During the last hearing on September 19, the Bench had made it clear that it was a national responsibility to ensure that the victims were rehabilitated and had asked the Punjab Government to take “positive steps.”
|
|
3 brothers land in jail for poppy trafficking
Bathinda, October 8 Inspector General Jatindera Jain said accused Mohinder Singh of Ghanauri Kalan village in Sangrur was arrested from Doomwali barrier on the Punjab-Haryana-Rajasthan border while he was trying to smuggle 19 quintals of poppy husk, estimated to be around Rs 20 lakh, in a mini truck. The accused had hidden 54 bags of poppy husk under empty crates. Two of his accomplices, Harjinder Singh alias Kalu of Jaito village and Gurjant Singh of Ghanauri Kalan in Sangrur, were also arrested. A .22 bore pistol was also seized. Police investigations revealed that Mohinder had jumped bail in another smuggling case and was allegedly living under a fake identity near Malwa Factory in Barnala. His two brothers, Amrik Singh and Randhir Singh, were caught smuggling poppy husk a few weeks ago on the same route. Jain said the accused used to bring the contraband from Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan and sell it at double the price in various places of Punjab. "Had they succeeded in their mission, the accused could have easily made Rs 10 lakh in this trip alone," he said. In a separate case in Malout, police today caught a narcotics smuggler and seized two-kg opium from his possession. It said the accused, Bangel Singh of Khanna in Ludhiana district, was arrested during a routine checking near Danewala
chowk.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Jalandhar, October 8
Batala, October 8
Chandigarh, October 8
Faridkot
Abduction Case
Patiala, October 8