The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Civil Surgeon office gets into bribery row Health dept employee accuses another staffer at Civil Surgeon office of demanding Rs 10,000 as bribe to issue him an NOC Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 A health department employee has accused the Civil Surgeon office of demanding Rs 10,000 as bribe to issue him an NOC (No Objection Certificate) needed to apply for a passport. Jaikaran Singh, laboratory technician Grade-I, posted with the Civil Surgeon office, alleged that he made a written request for the NOC from the Civil Surgeon. He alleged that Navtej Singh, a multipurpose health worker at the Civil Surgeon office, asked for the money to get the No Objection Certificate. Jaikaran Singh alleged that Navtej had demanded the money on behalf of Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra. The complainant also circulated an audio recording of his conversation with Navtej Singh about the matter. In the conversation, the person (Navtej Singh as claimed by him) whom Jaikaran Singh is talking to on the phone has explicitly boasted of getting the job done from the Civil Surgeon. The complainant had recorded three phone calls between the two in this regard. Jaikaran Singh said he had already informed Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra about the demand made by Navtej Singh. He said he still has not got the NOC demanded by him. He alleged that the Civil Surgeon was trying to hush up the matter by not showing any keenness even after he had asked him to verify the truth. “Nor has he provided me the NOC,” alleged Jaikaran. Tajinderpal Singh Dhillon, president of the District Clerical Association, said, “The incident has brought to light that how paramedics deputed in the Civil Surgeon office are taking bribe for their superiors. We have already written to the department that only ministerial staff should be appointed at these posts. The Civil Surgeon has been flouting all rules by deputing his close associates at such positions.” When contacted, Dr Yash Mitra, Civil Surgeon, said he had called the complainant to show him the proof. “But he failed to turn up in the meeting. Then we got busy in a departmental meeting. Later, he was asked to turn up at 4 pm. Even then he did not come,” said Dr Mitra. He said if some department employee had asked for money in his name, he would inquire into the matter and take necessary action. Mitra said works at Civil Surgeon office are carried out in a transparent way and there is no scope for anybody to ask for money. He denied any association with the accused, Navtej Singh. Serious allegations Jaikaran Singh, laboratory technician Grade-I, posted with the Civil Surgeon office, alleged that Navtej Singh, a multipurpose health worker at the office, demanded the money on behalf of Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra. The complainant also circulated an audio recording of his conversation with Navtej Singh about the matter Jaikaran said he had already informed Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra about the demand made by Navtej Singh. He said he still has not got the NOC demanded by him official speak I have called Jaikaran Singh to show him the proof. But he failed to turn up in the meeting. Then we got busy in a departmental meeting. Later, Jaikaran was asked to turn up at 4 pm again. Even then he did not come. If some department employee had asked for money in his name, I will inquire into the matter and take necessary action — Dr Yash Mitra, Civil Surgeon
	Three youths arrested for eve-teasing Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 The rural police arrested three persons on the charge of eve-teasing at Lopoke village today. The accused have been identified as Kanwaljeet Singh Bawa, Vikramjit Singh Bawa and Vishal Rajan, all residents of Mahal village. "Head constable Amrik Singh, who was on duty near Chogawan chowk, spotted the trio sitting in a wrongly-parked car and passing comments on girls. When he objected, the youths entered into a verbal duel with the policeman. Amrik Singh then called his colleague and overpowered the trio," said Davinder Singh, SHO, Lopoke police station. A case under Sections 353, 332, 186, 294 and 34 of the IPC has been registered against the trio. Policeman catches the trio Head constable Amrik Singh, posted near Chogawan chowk, spotted three youths passing comments on girls.
	Man arrested in Ajnala abduction and killing case Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 The rural police arrested one of the accused in the abduction and murder of Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Nangal Wanjawala village of Ajnala. The accused was identified as Swaran Singh. Even as the name of the sarpanch of the Akali Dal, who is also an office-bearer of the Youth Akali Dal, surfaced in this case, the police said his role had yet to be scrutinised. SSP (rural) Preet Paul Singh Virk said Swarn Singh has been arrested while the rest of the suspected persons are still at large. "The role of the sarpanch is under investigation," he said. A total of 11 persons had been booked in this case. It is learnt that Swarn Singh believed that Gurpreet Singh (20) has illicit relations with his sister-in-law. Gurpreet's mother Sukhraj Kaur alleged that the accused kidnapped his son on Sunday and later beat him to death. Family members had gone to save Gurpreet when they learnt that he was kept in the house of one Pargat Singh in the village and was beaten up. But the captors opened fire at them, the family had alleged. Later, Gopi was handed over to the family, but in a very critical condition. He was admitted to the hospital, but died in the hospital on Monday. Heinous crime Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Nangal Wanjawala village of Ajnala was abducted and killed a couple of days back. A total of 11 persons had been booked in this case
	Solving traffic chaos on and around Bhandari railway overbridge MC proposes to extend elevated road up to rly station Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Having taken the charge to develop a plan to resolve the persistent traffic chaos on and around Bhandari railway overbridge, better known as Uchcha pul, the Municipal Corporation has proposed to extend the elevated road till the railway station. Going by the report of RITES Limited, a Government of India enterprise, over 1 lakh vehicles pass through this bridge in 24 hours. The study is substantiated by a report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on vehicular pollution around Bhandari bridge. The PPCB has termed it the most polluted area due to vehicular pollution between 9 am and 8 pm. At Bhandari bridge, the PPCB found the particulate matter as high as 599 per cubic metre (µgm/m3) during peak hours and 232 per cubic metre (µgm/m3) during lean traffic hours. Even though it has been since the problem of traffic chaos in and around the bridge started, the administration took notice of it only a couple of years back. But since then, it has not moved beyond the planning stage. It may be mentioned that a proposal to widen the railway overbridge, which connects the walled city with the new city, was dropped after spending 20 months in planning, meetings and debates. The Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT), the funding agency for the project, has to forego the advance of Rs 12 lakh submitted to RITES Limited to carry out the feasibility study. The Railways had rejected the proposal to widen the bridge as iron angles distinguishing its main road from the pedestrian paths on both sides could not be removed. Besides, being a cantilever bridge and keeping in view its age, it was found infeasible to spend so much money on its widening. Subsequently, the matter was incorporated in the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for the city. MC Commissioner Dharam Pal Gupta said as many as 17 bridges of the city are under the comprehensive mobility plan. “The matter of Bhandari bridge is in the initial planning stage. As per the plan, the elevated road could be stretched another half a km starting from Bhandari bridge to the railway station. After carrying out the feasibility study, we will be able to know where to construct the ramps,” he said. Surveys Going by the report of RITES Limited, a Government of India enterprise, over 1 lakh vehicles pass through this bridge in 24 hours. The study is substantiated by a report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on vehicular pollution around Bhandari bridge. The PPCB has termed it the most polluted area due to vehicular pollution between 9 am and 8 pm. At Bhandari bridge, the PPCB found the particulate matter as high as 599 per cubic metre (µgm/m3) during peak hours and 232 per cubic metre (µgm/m3) during lean traffic hours. Even though it has been since the problem of traffic chaos in and around the bridge started, the administration took notice of it only a couple of years back. But since then, it has not moved beyond the planning stage
	No brakes on Underage driving Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 With policemen closing their eyes on the underage driving and youths avoiding main roads to reach their destinations, the phenomena is on an increase as is evident for more number of such drivers on roads these days. While these underage drivers feel that it helps them save a lot of time and there is nothing wrong as long as one knows how to drive properly. Few concerned residents expressed their concern and said parents must not allow their children to drive unless they have a valid driving license. The underage drivers can also be spotted easily during the evening time when they go for extra classes, especially in Rani-ka-Bagh area. Dressed in school uniforms, some of these drivers are not even tall enough to touch their feet to the ground while sitting on the two-wheeler. In such a situation, obviously they are inefficient to control the vehicle in times of emergency. One of these drivers said, "Most of my classmates drive two-wheelers. There is nothing bad about it if the person knows how to drive properly." The risk these drivers are posing to their own lives and as well as to others cannot be denied. "The students who mostly drive to school and home take to lesser known streets to save themselves from the police. That way they outsmart policemen who are on duty at major junctures," said a policemen on duty. He said they question underage drivers when ever they spot them on major junctures. On the other hand as few of the residents are worried over the increasing phenomena; the parents too have a duty to not to allow their underage child drive on the road. "Many accidents occur daily because of the underage drivers. Most are not even reported as nobody would like to get involved in an accident case," said Balwinder Kaur, a local resident, who revealed that she too was once injured as a school student could not apply breaks well on time.
	Clinic in city soon for ‘varicose veins’ treatment Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Enlarged and tortuous veins should not be neglected as just any other pain. Such veins, known as ‘varicose veins’, needs to be treated as early as possible to avoid further complexity. This was said by said Dr Ravul Jindal, vascular surgeon, at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. He said that varicose veins can occur in any part of the body. These are mostly found on thighs and calves due to strenuous and long hours of continuous standing. He said that Fortis Hospital at Amritsar is soon going to launch a vein clinic in city, adding that laser procedure involves puncture of vein under ultrasound guidance and burning it using diode laser. This technique is combined with foam sclerotherapy to ablate small veins. It is safe and painless. Patients can return home on same day as compared to conventional surgery where they are hospitalised. The ailment is usually characterised by ache and heavy legs, swelled ankles, dilated bluish bulge under the skin, redness, dryness and itchiness of skin. In some people skin above ankle may shrink because fat underneath skin becomes hard. The symptoms also include whitened, irregular scar-like patches can appear at the ankles or the patient might have chronic non-healing ulcers. “If disease is not properly evaluated and is operated by an inexperienced surgeon, chances of reoccurrence of varicose vein become higher,” he said. The exact reason for the cause of varicose veins is not known. “We think that mainly it happens without any reason but is more common in patients who are tall, stand for long time and post pregnancy,” he said. Conventional surgery for treatment requires anaesthesia, hospitalisation, and 2-3 weeks recovery time. The chances of reoccurrence are higher. Dr Jindal, secretary, Venous Association of India, said: “The latest treatment options have come as a boon for the patients suffering from it. The modern treatment is less painful and ensures early recovery. Also the patient need not take repeated medications during treatment.” Signs and symptoms Aching, heavy legs (often worse at night and after exercise) Appearance of spider veins in the affected leg Ankle swelling, especially in evening A brownish-blue shiny skin discolouration near the affected veins Redness, dryness, and itchiness of areas of skin Whitened, irregular scar-like patches can appear at the ankles
	Finding solace in winter food without guilt ? Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Winters are all about comfort food. Some people pipe in hot pies with even hotter cup of coffee; others enjoy dollops of butter and ghee melting over the stuffed paranthas; while rest like to sip luxurious quantities of hot chocolate milk. Food in winters is a luxury that we all love to indulge in by keeping guilt at a bay. While most people crib that winters are punishing, simply due to the fact that putting on some extra layers of fat becomes easy, it is also the season to enjoy good food. The layers of clothes make it almost impossible to make out the layers of weight being piled on and so it becomes important that food is enjoyed while keeping the nutrition and wellness in count. As the best of seasonal foods are winter produce, keeping fit is not an issue even while staying indoors. Soaking in the winter sun keeps us high on vitamin D; the rest could be managed through the lavish nutritious food buffet spread for the season. “Green vegetables are good for you during winter as they are rich in antioxidants,” said Sonia Gandhi, a city based dietician. “Antioxidants perk you up and keep winter blues at bay. Spinach is also a good source of iron and calcium. This is the reason that ‘sarson da saag’ became a staple Punjabi diet in winters,” said Gandhi. “Winters are also the best time to have a variety of fruits. Pomegranate, guava, oranges, kiwis and passion fruits, all are winter produce and a great source of fibres and vitamins. Most citrus fruits are available in abundance in winters. Pomegranates are a good source of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant,” said Gandhi. “It is also a good source of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This combination works well in boosting our immunity,” she said. “Fruits like strawberries and oranges will also help in keeping one hydrated since winters cut down the usual water intake of an individual. Another favourite winter food is nuts. Peanuts are rich in antioxidants,” said Dr Sunita Katyal, a nutrition and diet consultant from city. . “Have lots of fish during winters as it is good for skin and heart,” said Gandhi. ‘Amritsari kharore’ soup is a favourite winter recipe for all those who want some health with taste. Other popular winter food in city are walnuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds and of course, jaggery. “Jaggery is a healthy form of sugar that finds rich intake during winters. It’s a comfort food high on vitamins and calcium,” said Dr Sunita. “For those who love their paranthas, here is a healthy advice, Use jowar or bajra flour in winters to avoid putting on calories and bad cholesterol,” said Gandhi.
	I-T Additional Commissioner spreads tax awareness among businessmen Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Income Tax (Range-I Amritsar) Additional Commissioner Abha Rani Singh today organised a meeting with office bearers of various market associations and unions falling under the jurisdiction of her range. Office bearers of various associations, including the Hall Bazar Traders’ Central Association, Hotel Association Walled City, Amritsar Hotel-Restaurant Welfare Association, Amritsar Shawl Manufacturers and Traders’ Association, Amritsar Tea Traders’ Association, Traders’ Welfare Association, Retail Cloth Merchants’ Association, Shastri Market Cloth Dealers and Manufacturers’ Association and Partap Bazar Association attended the meeting. She said the main agenda of the meeting was to create awareness among the businessmen to pay advance tax in time and in correct amount so as to avoid paying self assessment tax. She said the self assessment tax caused unnecessary burden of paying interest on the tax as the next due date of advance tax installment is December 15. The businessmen were also informed about the various initiatives being taken by the Income Tax Department in order to provide better facilities to the tax payers and to make entire tax payment and filing of return process smooth and user friendly.
	Tennis C'ship Rutvi beats Gurleen in girls' U-14 quarter finals Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Rutvi Shah of Gujarat beat Gurleen Singh of Punjab by 6-1, 6-4 in girls' U-14 quarter finals of Tennis Championship Series being organised by the Punjab State Lawn Tennis Association here today. In other quarter final matches, Serat Kaur Pannu, Kavya gupta and Sarah Dev, all from Punjab, defeated their rivals Jannat Khurana, Harleen kaur and Alisha Menon, respectively. In U-14 boys' pre-quarter finals, Eklavya Singh beat Sacchitt Sharma by 8-1, Mohit Sehrawat beat Anmol Rattan by 8-3, Karandeep Singh outplayed Jagdeep Bajwa by 8-7(1). Kabir, Vikas Kumar, Gurjot Sidhu, Rishab Sharda and Rohit Kumar won their matches in the pre-quarter finals.
	Safai workers call off strike Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 11 Safai karamcharis, who had taken to the protest path after being laid off by the GNDU, called off their 6-day-old hunger strike after getting an assurance from the university authorities. Earlier, the university's decision to outsource work of as many as 55 karamcharis, who worked on a daily waged basis, to an Abohar-based firm created quite a controversy after the shunted workers went ahead with an indefinite chain hunger strike. Partap Singh, one of the affected-workers, said they had decided to call off the strike after the university authorities assured them to find some way out so that their services do not get affected. "Our representatives would meet the authorities tomorrow to have further talks on the issue. At the moment, we have unanimously decided to withdraw the agitation," he said.