|
|
|
|
Mayor tells MC officials to pull up socks
A view of an illegal colony
Intoxicants seized from jail inmate
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Daily monitoring of mid-day meal scheme by year end
Two ASIs among five traffic policemen suspended
A scene from the play Khuh Bolda hai. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Car gutted in fire, Fiat told to pay up
At 61, commission agent shifts gear to become marathon runner
14 booked for ransacking shop, causing injuries
Manpreet Kaur wins 100-m sprint in CBSE athletic meet
Students participate in athletic events during the CBSE athletic meet at Sidana International School in Amritsar on Sunday. Tribune photos
Two held selling LPG
cylinders on black market
60 GNDU toppers felicitated
Class four staff urge
govt to meet demands
Members of the Democratic Class Four Employees Front, Punjab, hold a meeting at Ram Bagh in Amritsar on Sunday.
Photo: Vishal Kumar
Lok adalat on Dec 15
Woman found murdered
|
|
Mayor tells MC officials to pull up socks
Amritsar, October 14 Taking cognisance of illegal colonies mushrooming in and around the holy city, Mayor Arora directed officials of the MTP wing to be vigilant and warned the Municipal Town Planner and inspectors concerned that they would be held responsible for any unauthorised constructions in the areas falling under their jurisdiction. They also have been directed to find out the proprietors, who have defied the change of land use (CLU) norms. He has also asked the officials to prepare a list of unauthorised colonies and directed officials to streamline the passing of building plans within a span of 15 days. Sources said there were repeated complaints against officials of the departments for allegedly siding with certain land mafia groups thereby disturbing the master plan of the city. Also, keeping in view the low collection of taxes, the Mayor directed the officials concerned to prepare a list of defaulters and take a follow-up action.
The MC's law wing has been told to maintain a register about the status of cases lying pending either with the local court or with the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Sources said as many as 45 cases are pending in the High Court and over 400 are with the lower court. Mayor Arora told the officials that they would be taken to task if fail to do their duty. "I have told the officers not to be dictators, but be friendly with the consumers so that they do not hesitate to approach the MC. It is pity that unauthorised colonies have been prospering for years. There are several cases where authorised colonisers have chosen the wrong path after they had to face harassment at the hands of officials. I have observed that the several commercial or residential colonies in authorised areas like Lawrence Road, Kennedy Avenues, Green Avenues were lying defunct for want of one formality or the other. This clearly raises a question mark over the integrity of our officials. I have sternly told my staff that they would have to face the music if they dared to take any unlawful step in giving undue privilege to the defaulters," he said. "It was equally astonishing to learn that the Law wing has become obsolete. It never maintained any record about the number of cases or the defaulters. This implied that we were having no base to initiate any legal proceedings against the wrong doers. I have directed the Law wing officials to maintain a regular register citing the status of cases pending in the courts, the prosecutor who is representing the MC and the next date of hearings etc. This would help us pressurise the defaulters," he added. Mayor takes charge
|
|
Intoxicants seized from jail inmate
Amritsar, October 14 In another case in which two persons were arrested with narcotics on Friday, it was found that they were allegedly involved a number of snatchings in various parts of the holy city. The accused, identified as Davinder Singh and Sahil, both residents of Sultanwind raod, were found to be acute drug addicts. The police has seized 340 grams and 500 grams of narcotic powder from their possession, respectively. They have been booked under Sections 21, 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act. Now, Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC have been added to the case. Sukhdev Singh, the investigating officer, said both were arrested in the Chatiwind area with the intoxicants. During interrogation, they admitted to have committed a number of snatchings in the city. In April, they had snatched a bag from an aged man near Mehta in which he was carrying Rs 10,000. In June, they had snatched the purse of a woman who was returning after witnessing the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah joint check post. She was carrying a pair of gold earrings, two mobile phones and some cash in her purse. He said the police had recovered the gold earrings besides Rs 8,000 from their
possession.
|
|
Daily monitoring of mid-day meal scheme by year end
Amritsar, October 14 With a view to accomplishing the ambitious target, the HRD ministry is holding two separate two-day workshops in the country to familiarise the heads of the mid-day meal schemes of each state. Of these two workshops, one concluded here recently in which heads of the mid-day meal schemes of 17 states and Chandigarh participated. Another workshop would be held in Thiruvantapuram on October 18, where heads of the mid-day meal schemes of 18 states are anticipated to participate. The HRD Ministry Mid-Day Meal scheme director Gaya Prasad said the Union Government-funded scheme would cost the exchequer about Rs 20 crore annually. He said handling the operations of one-time meal a day in nearly 12.63 lakh government, government-aided schools and Madrasa Makhtab is called the mid-day meal management Information System (MIS). He said about 10.54 crore students were availing the mid-day-meal scheme. He said the new system would link the MIS with the interactive voice response system (IVRS). The IVRS-based daily monitoring system (DMS) envisages an automated MIS where data of children availing mid-day meal would be available regularly, he quipped. He added that the technique facilitated teachers for giving data without spending a single penny, which means that there is no need for accounting and auditing exercise. He said it gives school-wise information access on a real time basis through an out bound dialling solution wherein calls are placed to all teachers from a virtual number using PRI lines. He stated that the system generated compilation of the data of a number of children who availed mid-day meal. It would be keyed in by the teachers which would be displayed on web the same day. Moreover, transmission of real time data would not leave scope for data manipulation and was anticipated to improve efficacy and transparency of the system. Prasad added that currently it took nearly two months for information from a school to reach the state headquarters. With the IVRS in place, the same information could be delivered to the desired destination instantly. About the impact of limiting the number of subsidised LPG cylinders, he said since not more than 27 per cent schools had LPG connections, it would have additional burden of Rs 653 crore. He said had the LPG connections been granted to all 12.63 lakh schools, the additional financial burden would have gone to Rs 1,700 crore. He hoped that the no additional fiscal burden would be extended to the mid-day meal scheme as the HRD ministry had already written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Keeping a close eye
LPG cylinders
About the impact of limiting the number of subsidised LPG cylinders, Gaya Prasad, Mid-Day Meal scheme director, HRD Ministry, said since not more than 27 per cent schools had LPG connections, it would have additional burden of Rs 653 crore. He said had the LPG connections been granted to all 12.63 lakh schools, the additional financial burden would have gone to Rs 1,700 crore. He hoped that the no additional fiscal burden would be extended to the mid-day meal scheme as the HRD ministry had already written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
|
|
Two ASIs among five traffic policemen suspended
Amritsar, October 14 Those who have been placed under suspension are Ravel Singh and Kulwinder Singh (both ASIs) and head constables Daljit Singh, Raghubar Singh and Balraj Singh. Senior police officials said the department had been receiving continuous complaints against these police officials, which were later verified through the intelligence wing. The wing found the charges true following which the action was taken against them. Ram Singh, Police Commissioner, said ADPC Baljit Singh Randhawa had been asked to probe into the matter besides making a detailed report about their nexus and modus operandi. He said stern action would be taken against those who have been indulging in corrupt practices. Visitors, especially tourists, going to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple often complained about the misconduct and corrupt practices of the traffic policemen. However, they preferred not to lodge any complaints due to several reasons. These police personnel allegedly used to harass visitors by refusing to accept the vehicle documents and take money for letting them go. A couple of days ago several pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple had raised the issue with the Deputy Chief Minister who had also come to pay obeisance at the shrine. Graft charges
|
|
Acting against female foeticide in their own distinctive style
Neha Saini Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 14 With the play running in its fifth year through the cultural NGO, Khuh Bolda Hai made its high-profile audiences self-introspect and stand united for the cause of saving the girl child. The play, written by Jyoti Bawa, highlighted the deep rooted social pressures that lead to female foeticide. It especially pointed finger at the ‘dubious’ role of the men folk. It also brings to the fore the fact that a majority of women were not ready to come forward and protest against the heinous crime being committed against them, which has far reaching social repercussions. The play is one of the many efforts initiated by Punjabi Samvaad to eradicate the malpractice from Punjab. “Dowry and love for the male child in families are the major reasons contributing to the menace which has assumed an alarming proportion. The play points out that the skewed sex ratio in several states, especially Punjab, is the direct fallout of the evil. We cannot put the blame on others as we too as a part of the society contribute towards these pressures and stigmas,” said Jaswant Mintoo, the director of the play.
Punjabi Samvaad too is fighting this social evil through social tools. “This problem has cropped up from several socio-cultural stigmas and the best way to fight it is by using the socio-cultural means of education and communication. We have staged shows of Khuh Bolda Hai in various cities and had audiences from various segments of society. Our target is the young audiences, especially girls, who are direct victims as well as the most important segment of society who could stop it,” said Jasmine Bawa, a young volunteers and member of Punjabi Samvaad. The show too had female protagonist who is shown to go through the pressures and fears of bearing a girl child. “It’s a blast of emotions and lessons for everyone. If we empower women with decision-making abilities and educating them about their rights, this problem could see a solution. Every individual needs to chip in for a collective effort against the problem, especially youngsters who would be future parents,” said Barinder Kaur, principal, GNDU, Dinanagar. ‘Khuh Bolda Hai’
|
|
Car gutted in fire, Fiat told to pay up
Amritsar, October 14 Though the insurance company had earlier compensated for the loss of vehicle which was totally burnt in an incident on July 2010, the forum held Fiat as well as the dealer liable for causing the trauma and agony to car occupants. They also have been told to pay Rs 2,000 as litigation expenses. In her complaint, Arvindeka Choudhary, a resident of Jail road here, said when the incident took place, his brother along with his three friends were travelling in Fiat Punto car. She said there was short circuit in car’s dash board which led to sparks. The occupants came out quickly and soon the car caught fire. Subsequently, the fire brigade was called in and the matter was reported to the police. Demanding compensation, she said the car caught fire due to manufacturing defects in it. She said the incident had caused mental pain, agony, harassment and inconvenience. The manufacturer on the other hand said their car was a strong unit equipped with advanced technology and was duly certified by the Automotive Research Association of India. The company also said there was no manufacturing defect in the vehicle as alleged by the complainant. The manufacturer said they were not liable to pay as there was an expert opinion available as to why the fire occurred. Advocate Naveen Puri for the complainant said as the driver and his friends went through mental shock and trauma, the opposite parties particularly the manufacturer of the car as well as the dealer who sold the car to the complainant are liable to pay compensation to the complainant.
|
|
At 61, commission agent shifts gear to become marathon runner
Amritsar, October 14 A resident of posh Rani Ka
Bagh, Jarnail said, “When I was working at the grain market, I used to cover about 10-km distance between my residence and workplace on foot. This continued for many years.” He said, “There is the best possible way to reduce pollution and maintain good health.” Originally hailing from Hashimpura village in Ajnala sub-division, he shifted to the city in 1985. His water intake is very high. “I like to drink as many glass of water as possible,” he said. He first participated in the 32nd Punjab Masters Athletics Championship at Banga last year. Aged 60 then, he came second in 800-m race. He also came second in the Chandigarh Veterans Athletics Championship at Chandigarh. He also bagged the first position in 5,000-m walk. He secured third position in 10-km marathon organised by the Rehabilitation and Settlement Organisation here in April. He recently participated in the 4.25 km Airtel Delhi Half Marathon last month.
|
|
|
14 booked for ransacking shop, causing injuries
Amritsar, October 14 Those booked included Bunty, Rana, Tota, Maano, Taabu, Dharminder, Balwant Singh, Sonu and Tony. Six other accused are still unidentified. They are all residents of Ganda Singh Wala. Rajinder along with his cousin Munish besides Navjot, who had come to the shop to repair his mobile, sustained injuries in the attack. He alleged that the group attacked them after we objected to their abuses. The police authorities said a case under Sections 451, 324, 160, 148, 149, 506 and 427 of the IPC has been registered. The accused are absconding. Hooliganism
|
|
Manpreet Kaur wins 100-m sprint in CBSE athletic meet
In the 400-m race of boy’s u-14 category, Jaspreet Singh of Spring Dale School stood first while Ajay Pal and Sukhwinder Singh, both from Guru Harkrishan Public School, Tarn Taran, came second and third, respectively. Gagandeep Kaur of Rajal Convent School, Moga won the javelin throw in girl’s u-16 category. Second and third positions in the event were won by Simranjit Kaur of Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Tarn Taran, and Jashanpreet Kaur of RD Khalsa DAV School, Batala, respectively. Dr Sukhdev Singh, director and overall in charge of the meet, exhorted athletes to put in their 100 per cent. The closing ceremony of the meet will be held tomorrow at Sidana International School.
|
|
Two held selling LPG
cylinders on black market
Amritsar, October 14 The police said the accused procured filled LPG cylinders from an employee of gas agency and then transfer gas in other cylinders using a piped instrument. They then sold these cylinders having lesser quantity of gas on higher prices. The police seized six gas filled cylinders, an empty gas cylinder and an instrument from the spot.
|
|
60 GNDU toppers felicitated
Amritsar, October 14 Students who excelled in sports were also awarded at the function. The awardees, mostly girl students, were given mementoes. RS Bawa exhorted the students to fix goals and strive for top positions in their academic pursuit. He asked the students to do a little bit of introspection before taking any decision in their lives so that the decisions are taken in the larger interest of the nation and the community.
— TNS
|
|
Class four staff urge
govt to meet demands
Amritsar, October 14 They decided to pursue the matter with the Education Department. They would meet the department director on October 30. Front’s district president Satnam Singh said they would go public only after analysing the response and sincerity of the government over their demands. Their demands included filling vacant posts of class four employees in schools; decreasing the current 24-hour duty shift of watchmen; extension of holidays similar to those for teaching staff; bicycle allowance to be increased to Rs 1,000; and promotion to clerks. He said a majority of the class four employees, who were appointed on a part-time basis, must be confirmed.
|
|
Lok adalat on Dec 15
Amritsar, October 14 Aggarwal said cases of civil, criminal and domestic disputes would be solved through consensus among the litigating parties. He said the DLSA would organise a competition among colleges on October 26 and 27 to spread awareness on legal matters at Khalsa College of Education. Students aspiring to take part in the poetry competition, slogan making and poster making on legal issues can get their names registered till October 18.
— TNS
|
|
Woman found murdered
Amritsar, October 14 Police authorities said the body had been lying at the spot for the past couple of days. She might have been killed somewhere else. Later, the boy was thrown here, said police officials. The police has registered a murder case against the unidentified accused. Investigations are going on to identify the deceased, police sources said. Preliminary investigations revealed that she was murdered using sharp-edged weapons.
|
|
| 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 | |
Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora summoned officials of the Municipal Town Planning, House Tax, Water and Sewerage and Law wings and told them to pull their socks up against illegal colonies and tax defaulters.
Fighting for girl child
Manpreet Kaur of Doaba Public School came first in the girl’s u-19 100-m sprint on the second day of the three-day CBSE Cluster XVI Athletic Meet at Sidana International School today. Navneet Kaur from Cambridge School and Sandhya from SBB School, Khiala village, stood second and third, respectively.
Amritsar, October 14
Amit Bawa’s poetic dialogues build up a sensitive atmosphere which is soul stirring. Among the audiences were ADC Sandeep Rishi, Amritsar, Paramjeet Singh, SDM Khadoor Sahib, ACG Taran Tarn and Barinder Kaur, Principal, GNDU branch, Dinanagar. With the prominent members of the society in support of their cause, there were promises made and pledge taken. “There is a dire need to awaken the masses and involve them in the fight against female foeticide. It’s a problem that has to be solved through intimate medium,” shared Sandeep Rishi. 
Amritsar, October 14