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Resource mobilisation drive abandoned
Another flight from Amritsar airport grounded
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DGP draws the line as police officers squabble
Patiala gets its cancer diagnostic machine
Panel to probe land misuse in Ropar
acting tough
Drug menace: New survey on the cards
Dera ‘premis’ execute 45 more sale deeds
Bhatti mishap: No skid marks found at site
Most water samples from Muktsar schools fail test
Land Grab Case
Further police remand for Sarabhdyal
Ex-servicemen serving with govt entitled to 2 increments
Kandola calls his ‘escape’ a police drama
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Resource mobilisation drive abandoned
Chandigarh, October 26 In his Budget speech this year, Finance Minister PS Dhindsa had announced that the government would go in for resource mobilisation after the civic elections in August. However, the drive has been put off owing to pressure from the BJP and the public, with less than half of the proposals implemented. Proposals, including property tax, stamp duty and 200 per cent hike in luxury tax on hotels and marriage palaces and 6 per cent road tax have been cleared. However, property tax is yet to be introduced despite the fact that doing so will qualify the state for Central funds. Proposals to levy 5 per cent VAT (value-added tax) on sugar and a 5 per cent tax on cotton fabric have been dropped and so has the proposal on professional tax following objections Dhindsa, when questioned on the issue, said instead of imposing new taxes, the government hoped to meet its target by relying on “natural buoyancy of economy”. Dhindsa admitted that the government was partly unable to meet its Plan expenditure during the last three months, with the state concentrating on committed expenditure such as repayment of loans, salaries and subsidies. He said the situation would improve from next month with the government set to collect Rs 1,200 crore in taxes for procuring paddy and additional revenue in the form of taxes in the festive season. Dhindsa said the situation was likely to stabilise by April next year with improvement in the manufacturing sector and foreign trade. The minister said there had been a robust increase in VAT collection by 17 per cent. Sources said the government was banking on collection of enhanced revenue (Rs 1,000 crore) next year because of the resource mobilisation steps taken this year. Proposals Dropped Proposals on levying 5% VAT on sugar, 5% tax on cotton fabric and professional tax Property tax yet to be introduced Proposals Cleared Property tax, stamp duty and hike in luxury tax on hotels and marriage palaces, 6% road tax MinisterSpeak The situation is likely to stabilise by April next year with improvement in the manufacturing sector and foreign trade. Already, there has been a robust 17% rise in VAT collections
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Another flight from Amritsar airport grounded
Amritsar, October 26 The flight was the holy city’s most convenient air link with Europe. Apart from passenger traffic, it will also have an adverse impact on the export of fresh farm produce from the state. Sources said the flight is being withdrawn for two reasons: the British Airways, which has taken over the BMI (British Midland International), doesn't believe in point to point connections; secondly, lease of two Airbuses-330 being used on this route ends on October 30. There are also reports that the BMI pulled out as its business class seats were going vacant. Though a huge amount has been spent on building infrastructure, the airport is yet to attract national and international players in the civil aviation sector. A number of major airlines had started operations from Amritsar over the past few years, but they later withdrew their flights. Singapore Airlines had launched thrice a week Amritsar-Singapore flight on October 1, 2004. The service ran well for around five years before being discontinued in early 2009. However, what surprised all was Air India’s move to discontinue its Amritsar-Birmingham-Toronto flight, which was termed as the most successful flight in the national carrier’s history. It used to witness over 90 per cent occupancy and was withdrawn on October 31, 2010. Gunbir Singh, a member of Amritsar Airport Advisory Committee, said the BMI primarily withdrew its operations because they were not getting enough business class and first class category passengers, which contributed 25 per cent of its revenue. High landing charges at the airport, expensive air turbine fuel and absence of duty drawback facility in air cargo were the other reasons, he said. Gunbir claimed that the state government was not marketing well the Amritsar airport as a destination for international flights. “This treatment must stop… The upcoming Mohali airport will cater to south Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. But it is the Amritsar airport that has a huge demand among the Non-Resident Indians as well as tourists. A large number of fliers who reach New Delhi airport are from Punjab and if given a choice, they will prefer direct flights from Amritsar,” he said. He said the airport had witnessed several improvements, including introduction of EDI system, which facilitates duty drawback, and reduction in value added tax on ATF from 22 to 5 per cent. “Now, the key is to market it as a major destination. We must try to get low-frill airlines to start flights from here and encourage various airlines to form their base in Amritsar. It is cheaper to have a hub in Amritsar than in Delhi,” he said. Member of Parliament Navjot Sidhu had said in July that the airport was reeling under an annual loss of Rs 33 crore. With the BMI withdrawing its flight, the airport is now likely to suffer an additional Rs 4 crore loss. The Air India's Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight continues to remain suspended and there are no signs of its early resumption. The flight was suspended in view of a strike by Air India pilots earlier this year. Vital connection to europe snapped The thrice-a-week flight was the holy city’s most convenient air link with Europe The departure time from Amritsar airport was 4.10 am while the arrival time was 2.45 am The
Amritsar-London flight used to take 12 hours whereas the return flight took 11.35 hours The move will adversely impact the export of farm produce from Punjab Why the step Most of the business class seats were going vacant on this flight another setback Several airlines have discontinued flights to Amritsar airport of late Singapore Airlines discontinued its Amritsar-Singapore flight in 2009 Jet Airways also stopped its flight to London recently Heavy losses The airport is reeling under an annual loss of Rs 33 crore With BMI’s move, it will suffer additional Rs 4 crore loss An official claimed that the Amritsar airport was not being marketed well by the govt for international flights Remaining flights Turkmenistan Airlines: Amritsar-Ashgabat Air India Express:
Amritsar-Dubai Air India Express: Amritsar-Sharjah No start to AI flight Air India's Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight continues to remain suspended and there are no signs of its early resumption The national carrier had also discontinued its Amritsar-Birmingham-Toronto flight recently
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DGP draws the line as police officers squabble
Ludhiana, October 26 The mouthing of expletives by Dr SS Chauhan, Inspector General (IG), Traffic, at a recently held press conference has sparked a controversy. It is learnt that video footage, in which Chauhan had used derogatory language while referring to Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harmohan Singh, has been sent to the office of (DGP) Sumedh Singh Saini. Dr SS Chauhan had recently called a press conference and accused (ADCP) Harmohan Singh of defaming him. Sources said both the officers were to approach the court and file defamation cases against each other. Dr SS Chauhan’s abusive language has not gone down well with senior officials. MK Tiwari, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Administration, refused to comment on issue. However, retired police officials expressed concern over the issue. “Policeman, who loses his temper ceases to be a policeman,” said former DGP Lalit Bhatia quoting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Former DGP DR Bhatti too opposed the use of expletives while referring to a subordinate. “This is a disciplined force. If a junior officer makes a mistake, it should be brought to the notice of the immediate senior or the DGP. I am surprised how DGP allowed Dr SS Chauhan, IG, Traffic, to convene a press conference,” said Bhatti. Tall claims fall flat
Dr SS Chauhan’s tall claims that the two policemen indicted for robbing diamonds worth Rs 35 lakh from a trader were not deployed in his department have fallen flat. Kanwaldeep Singh, Commandant, 82 Battalion, Chandigarh Police Headquarters, confirmed that Assistant Sub Inspector Amar Singh and the Head Constable Rajinder Singh deployed in the office of IG, Traffic. IG had also said if the two officers were from his department then he should also be booked for the offence.
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Patiala gets its cancer diagnostic machine
Patiala, October 26 The fee fixed by the state government for undergoing the test is a mere Rs 30. The machine has been purchased at a cost of Rs 50 lakh from England. Patiala Deputy Commissioner GK Singh formally inaugurated the machine. Only Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in the state’s capital Chandigarh has such an equipment. — TNS
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Panel to probe land misuse in Ropar
Ropar, October 26 A delegation of village residents met Bagha at local PWD rest house and demanded a probe into the matter and alleged that the sarpanch served his interests at the cost of the poor. Bagha then stated that a two-member committee comprising former ministers Dalip Singh Pandhi and Parkash Singh Gardhiwala will probe the matter and submit its report within 15 days.
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acting tough
Chandigarh, October 26 The decision will see the ouster of at least 700 government teachers who have been on leave for the last more than six years. A majority of defaulters in this category have travelled abroad. Apart from teachers, over 200 doctors are in the list. While a majority of them had moved abroad, others have been practising locally. Almost every government department has a list of employees who have not reported on duty from a long time. Despite the ever-expanding list of employees going abroad and never returning back, the state government had not initiated any action against them. A state government spokesman said all departments had been directed to give such officials a three-day notice for rejoining their duty. In case of failure in doing so, the employee concerned should be dismissed as per the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. The spokesman said departmental action would also be taken against those officials who engaged in any other profit work during their study leave.
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Drug menace: New survey on the cards
Chandigarh, October 26 Official sources said the Health Department has discussed the problem with senior officials of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and also those of the United Nations Health Programme. Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary, had had said a few weeks ago, that 70 per cent of the youth in the state was addicted to drugs, triggering a political storm. Angry Akali leaders had said that all Congress leaders needed to undergo a dope test for issuing such statements. Confirming that issues related to drugs and health had been discussed with the officials concerned threadbare, ICMR Director V Katoch said the Centre was prepared to extend all help to the state in the matter. He said the Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Vini Mahajan, had prepared an elaborate document in this regard. A senior official said that though studies on the drug menace had been conducted in the past, these were based on random sampling with little effort to differentiate between drug addiction and drug abuse. Vini Mahajan said there was a proposal to study the issue scientifically. “We have consulted experts and are preparing a format for the study,” she added. Rahul effect AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi's claim during his Punjab visit that 70 per cent of youths in the state were addicted to drugs had triggered a political storm
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Dera ‘premis’ execute 45 more sale deeds
Bathinda, October 26 While spokespersons for the dera in Sirsa had denied any such order or desire by sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, 45 more properties ranging from a few kanals of land to several acres were donated in the name of Shah Satnam Ji Green 'S' Welfare Force Wing, an environment unit of the group. The total number of such sale deeds has reached 113 while more such donations were expected on Monday. Sources said a number of dera followers had lined up in Gonyana and Talwandi Sabo tehsils but the registration of their property could not be completed due to some administrative reasons. The "premis" (dera followers) who gifted land today were mainly from Gehri Bhagga , Chugga Kalan and Bhaagu villages in the district. Speaking to The Tribune, a few premis got agitated at queries. They said they were free to give or take land. They maintained that they were least bothered about the financial implications of their decision. Choor Singh of Bhaagu village, who has gifted an acre out of his total seven acres of land, said: "Our donation is nothing as compared to what the dera has given us." Asked whether the decision would affect the annual earnings of his family, he said the dera head would give him "anything he desired". "My son is in the Army and my daughter is with the Punjab Police. All has been possible due to our association with the dera," he said.
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Bhatti mishap: No skid marks found at site
Jalandhar, October 26 She told the police that Bhatti and Navnit Joshi, who were on the rear seats, were sleeping when the accident took place near Shahkot at about 1.20 am on Thursday and that she was herself ‘half-asleep’ at that time. “We have inspected the accident site.There are no skid marks on the road. If the driver had tried to avoid hitting another vehicle, he would have applied the brakes and there would have been skid marks on the road,” said Superintendent of Police Mukhwinder Singh. Two policemen on patrol duty were the first to reach the accident site after they were informed by the chowkidar of the Shahkot Truck Union. “There appears to be no need for further investigation,” said Superintendent of Police Rajinder Singh.
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Most water samples from Muktsar schools fail test
Muktsar, October 26 A Health Department team collected water samples from 73 government schools between April and September, but only two could pass the safety tests. Forty-seven samples failed the test whereas the reports of 24 others are awaited. Chief Medical Officer Dr Charanjeet Singh Brar said, “Fluoride level has been found to be high in the samples collected from these schools. The report has been submitted to the District Education Officer and the Deputy Commissioner for further action.” “We have recommended the schools to either change water source or install reverse osmosis plants,” he said. Officials who gathered the samples said consumption of contaminated water may lead to vomiting, hepatitis, typhoid, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. Contaminated water is also to blame for the increasing cases of cancer in the Malwa region. District Education Officer Gurinderpal Kaur said, “We have sought funds for installing reverse osmosis plants in schools where they are needed. We will visit these schools to examine the situation.” Brar said 279 samples had been collected from other areas as well in the district. Of them, 88 failed the test whereas the report of 90 is awaited.
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Land Grab Case
Chandigarh, October 26 Sources said the Revenue Department has suspended revenue officer Rupinder Singh who had transferred the cultivation rights in Gill’s name. The action against Gill comes after an inquiry by Kharar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sukhjitpal Singh following a complaint that Gill had used armed men for forcible occupation of the land on May 13 this year. It was alleged that he had done so despite the dismissal of a suit filed by him in this regard by a civil court. The SDM has held that the shamlat land in Sainimajra could not be tilled or cultivated as it came under the Punjab Land Preservation Act. He has also held that the erring revenue officer did not hear the village panchayat in possession of the land before transferring it in Gill’s name.
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Further police remand for Sarabhdyal
Amritsar, October 26 Sarabhdyal, personal assistant of former Cabinet Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, is the prime accused in the embezzlement of government funds worth Rs 3.14 crore released under the Border Area development Fund and the Rural Area Development Fund. The public prosecutor argued that recoveries were yet to be made from Sarabhdyal and his brother-in-law. She said Sarabhdyal had admitted before the investigating agency that more cheques worth Rs 50 lakh had been deposited in various banks for clearance. She said since verifying facts was a time-consuming process, the remand of the accused must be extended further. Sarabhdyal’s counsel, Ajay Vermani contended that the Vigilance had failed to produce any concrete results even after six days of remand.
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Ex-servicemen serving with govt entitled to 2 increments
Chandigarh, October 26 The ruling by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain came on a petition filed by Capt SP Singh (retited) against the State of Punjab and other respondents. Capt Singh was claiming the benefit of military service after his appointment in the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation. In his petition, he had asserted that he was commissioned in the Indian Army “ in the wake of Chinese aggression” during the period of Emergency in May, 1964, and was demobilised in 1969.” Taking up the matter, the Bench headed by Justice Sikri referred to an earlier order passed by the High Court on July 11, 2011, in the case of Jagir Singh versus the State of Punjab and others. In the judgment, the High Court had observed that the State of Punjab had framed “The Punjab Government National Emergency (Concession) Rules, 1965” to ensure that benefits to ex-servicemen joining the armed forces during Emergency remained in operation. The High Court had further observed that an amendment was made in the 1965 Rules by adding Rule 8-A, dealing with increments and pension. It said “the period of military service rendered during the first National Emergency from October 26, 1962, to January 9, 1968, shall count for increments and pension.” Taking note of the judgment, the Bench said: “ The benefit of service rendered during the proclamation of the first Emergency for the purpose of increment has been given, holding that such persons will be entitled to two increments.” The Bench concluded: “The respondents are directed to give the benefit of grant of two increments to the petitioner.The necessary exercise in this regard shall be undertaken within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.”
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Kandola calls his ‘escape’ a police drama
Jalandhar, October 26 Kandola was talking to mediapersons after he was produced before a local court here today. He was escorted by personnel of the Tihar Central Jail, where Kandola is lodged. The case will now come up for hearing on November 9. Kandola accused the Delhi Police of misleading the authorities about his ‘escape’ from custody. He claimed that he was innocent and that he had been falsely implicated in the drug haul case. the police personnel escorting him remained tightlipped. Kandola had reportedly escaped from police custody on September 25 while he was being escorted back to Delhi after a court hearing in Hoshiarpur. Originally belonging to Haibowal village in Nawanshahr, Kandola was nabbed in Zimbabwe in 2002 for being involved in human trafficking. After spending a year in a Zimbabwe jail, he took to smuggling of drugs after he met Johan Milan, a Serb national. Kandola was arrested on his return to India and sent to Tihar where he reportedly came in contact with Sukhjinder Singh and the duo then started real estate business. He also started manufacturing “ice”, a party drug, on Milan’s advice. He them came in contact with Amanpreet Singh Jaggu who was assigned the task of converting Kandola’s black money into white by investing in real estate.The police arrested members of a gang led by Kandola and recovered 34 kg of “Ice” from their possession in June this year. Kandola was himself nabbed in Delhi later.
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Amritsar, October 26
Chandigarh, October 26
The functioning of the Delhi Police has come under a cloud with Ranjit Singh alias Raja
Kandola, the main accused in a Rs 200 crore drug haul, terming his escape from police custody earlier a police ‘drama’.
