|
|
|
|
|
Time ripe to enhance economic
cooperation: Pakistan minister
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
New Indo-Pak visa regime a historic step: CM
Govt splurging on army of law officers
Kingpin in ration pilferage scam held in Nabha
BJP postpones Punjab party chief’s poll
State in grip of sand mafia, alleges PPP president
Bangladesh award for Ashwani Kumar’s father
Eviction notices to PowerCom staff for subletting quarters
47,532 cases settled in Lok Adalats
Shruti case: Accused being tried through video-conferencing
NRI booked for bigamy
|
Time ripe to enhance economic
cooperation: Pakistan minister
Amritsar, December 15 Talking to mediapersons, Sanaullan said after decades of hatred, relations between India and Pakistan were finally moving towards the right direction. "Increased socio-cultural contacts between the two nations have breathed a new life into their relations. It is the right time to enhance economic cooperation by resolving various issues through talks," he said. On relaxation in visa norms, he said Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who was on a visit to India, had the matter on his agenda. "Hopefully, the deliberations in New Delhi will pave the way for greater trade ties and improved bilateral relations," said Sanaullan. Others members of the Pakistani delegation included Rana Mashood Ahmed, Deputy Speaker; Khurram Dastgir, Member, National Assembly; Kamran Michael, Senator; and Sardar Jahan Zaib Waran, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister. Earlier, Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, on behalf of the Punjab Government, welcomed the delegation at the Attari-Wagah joint check post. Interacting with the media, he said mutual sports and cultural exchanges had broken the thaw between the two countries and it would go a long way to dismantle the bottlenecks. He said during his recent visit to Pakistan, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal had proposed setting up of joint committees to improve bilateral trade and it was now up to the Centre to decide.
|
|
New Indo-Pak visa regime a historic step: CM
Amritsar, December 15 Badal, who was in the city for the foundation stone laying of a new law college and a legal aid clinic cell at Khalsa College, said there was need to enhance trade through road routes as it would help both
Punjabs, especially on the Indian side. “The reason is that Punjab is well connected by road network with the border from all sides, which can facilitate easy import and export of goods frequently between India and Pakistan. If trade is increased through the land route, it will immensely benefit the farmers and traders of both the countries by opening new avenues for them, thereby, heralding an era of unprecedented economic prosperity for them,” he said.
Pakistan and India on Friday entered into a new visa agreement when Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and his Paksitani counterpart Rehman Malik officially opertionalised the new visa regime in New Delhi. "The time is ripe for the governments of both the countries to join hands for making more such sustainable efforts, which will result in promotion of friendship, trust, brotherhood, peace and amity between both the countries," he said. The Chief Minister said the Union Government should also make concerted efforts for opening trade avenues with the countries of Central Asia through the land route so that people of Punjab could be benefited from it. Replying to a question, Badal said that the state government was fully sensitised to check the crime against women in the state. Badal said he had asked the Principal Secretary (Home) DS Bairns and Advocate General Ashil Aglaia to explore the possibility of amending the existing provisions of punishment in such cases so as to make them more harsher. He reiterated that the necessary amendments would be incorporated in the existing laws so that strict punishment could be ensured to the culprits in crime against women.
|
|||
|
Govt splurging on army of law officers
Chandigarh, December 15 Available information suggests that an additional advocate-general in Punjab advocate-general’s office gets approximately Rs 90,000 a month. Till about two years back, the salary of an additional advocate-general was just about Rs 50,000. But, their salary was almost doubled with the issuance of a notification in December 2010. Soon after taking over for the second time in succession, the SAD-led government in Punjab had cut the number of law officers by nearly one-third in November this year. The number of law officers was, in fact, brought down to 94 from 164. But the number has again been increased to 144 with the Punjab Government releasing a second list of 50 more law officers in the state advocate-general’s office. The second list, released on December 12, carries the names of 16 additional advocates-general, over and above 45 additional advocates-general in the first list. The reply of the authorities concerned in the state government is standard: the law officers are required to ensure smooth conduct of cases, to cut the delay in filing replies and presenting cases before the Bench, and also for better communication of orders to the powers that be in the state government. But, one look at the track record is enough to reveal that the state government has failed to achieve the desired results, despite the strong army of law officers. The advocate-general’s office has more than once received a rap on its knuckles from the Punjab and Haryana High Court for the failure of its law officers to appear in cases. Virtually passing strictures on the AG’s office, Justice LN Mittal had recently minced no words while saying the number of law officers in the state was double the strength of judges. Yet, the officers were not appearing. Not only was this a cause of inconvenience to the court, precious time was also being wasted. Justice Mittal also asked state Principal Secretary, Home, to intervene after making it clear that bringing the problem to notice of the AG office had proved to be en exercise in futility.
|
|||
|
Kingpin in ration pilferage scam held in Nabha
Patiala, December 15 Dheeraj Kumar, the accused, allegedly ran some government ration depots and was instrumental in the sale of ration in the open market. The vigilance officials said with the arrest of Kumar, more arrests would be made soon. “Dheeraj was hand in glove with the arrested Food and Civil Supplies officials and bribed them. He ran many depots under different names,” a VB official said. On November 28, The Tribune had reported on how the government subsidised ration meant for the poor was up for sale in the open market. Following this, the Vigilance Bureau had registered a case against two senior Food and Civil Supplies officials and nine others for cheating and forgery under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Food and Civil Supplies department has recommended suspension of the said officials. It has also recommended cancellation of licences of the raided depots. “Preliminary investigations suggest that many depots in Nabha, Bhadson and other areas are selling subsidised ration in the open market against the norms,” reads the FIR. Earlier, people from various parts of the state had complained against depot holders. Big catch Dheeraj Kumar, the accused, allegedly ran some government ration depots and was instrumental in the sale of ration in the open market. The vigilance officials said more arrests would be made soon
|
|||
BJP postpones Punjab party chief’s poll
Chandigarh, December 15 BJP’s media in-charge Vineet Joshi claimed that the decision had been taken as the party leaders were busy in Gujarat elections. He said the election would now be held after the Gujarat election results on December 20. Sources, however, said lack of unanimity on electing the next president also forced the party to postpone the process, nominations for which were to be filed today. The party has been electing a new president after every three years. But, a change in the party’s constitution allowing an incumbent to stand for re-election for a second term has made Punjab unit president Ashwani Sharma a natural candidate for the post. The party’s good show in the Assembly elections held earlier this year is also going in Ashwani’s favour. The Punjab BJP had been written off by most observers and there was a feeling that the party would at best win five of the 23 seats it had contested. However, it managed to win 12 seats. Though the BJP performed well under Ashwani’s leadership in the Assembly elections, he is being blamed for his alleged failure to get the party leaders their due from the coalition partner, the SAD. He is also being blamed for not intervening in time to settle the clash between Heath Minister Madan Mohan Mittal and Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health) Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu. It is in this context that senior leader and adviser to the chief minister Kamal Sharma has emerged as the second claimant for the top party post in the state. Kamal’s candidature rests on the stand that he was a claimant three years ago as well and when he missed the bus, he had been reportedly assured that he would be considered next time. Kamal is considered as a good organiser and has the experience of working with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan. Sources said Kamal was perceived to be close to senior BJP leader Arun Jaitely, who had earlier played a major role in getting him appointed as adviser to the CM. On the other hand, Ashwani Sharma is said to be close to senior leader Sushma Swaraj. The party is still trying to arrive at a unanimous decision on the issue. Senior leader JP Nadda has already held a round of discussions with members of the party’s core committee. At the state level, the view of veterans, including former minister Balramji Das Tandon, could also be a major factor.
|
|||
|
State in grip of sand mafia, alleges PPP president
Ropar, December 15 Manpreet, who addressed party workers here, said though mining was permitted in the state by the High Court, the benefit of the same would reach the masses once the sand mafia was reined. He said the sand mafia was manipulating the auctions to increase sand prices in the state. “The state is reeling under poverty and unemployment. Both the problems are an outcome of the prevailing corruption,” he said. Holding SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal responsible for defections in the PPP in the recent past, Manpreet said he would like the former to cleanse the PPP of “greedy people so the party is left with honest and loyal workers only”. Brushing aside rumours of his joining the Congress, the PPP chief said his party would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on its own.
Sodhi hits out at Manpreet
Chandigarh: Arunjot Sodhi, the estranged People's Party of Punjab leader, today lashed out at Manpreet Badal, claiming that the latter was allegedly trying to deviate the attention of the people from the main issue of making public the details of funds collected by the party. Reacting to the release of a CD by Manpreet yesterday, which allegedly contained conversation between Arunjot and another party leader, Jagdeep Singh, he denied having ever met Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal. Manpreet had alleged that SAD was trying to finish him off politically by offering plum posts to top PPP leaders. In a statement, Sodhi said while he had not held any meeting with Sukhbir, Manpreet had met Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on a few occasions. "In the recent past when security provided by the Punjab Police to VIPs was downsized and Manpreet's excess security was withdrawn, Manpreet personally requested the CM and his security cover was restored," he claimed.
|
|
Bangladesh award for Ashwani Kumar’s father
New Delhi, December 15 Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed over the award to him at a ceremony in Dhaka. The previous recipients of the award include Indira Gandhi, Jagjivan Ram and IK Gujral. On his arrival in Bangladesh yesterday evening, Kumar called on Prime Minister Hasina and conveyed to her the greetings of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He reiterated India's commitment to develop the best possible relations with Bangladesh in all fields based on principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and mutual benefit. He said New Delhi attached the highest importance to its relations with Dhaka and was committed to resolving all issues through consultation.
|
|
|
Eviction notices to PowerCom staff for subletting quarters
Hoshiarpur, December 15 The PowerCom authorities have served eviction notices to the allottees for subletting their quarters. An official said the department had allotted the quarters to its employees for free and they were also exempted from paying electricity and water bills. Sources said these employees had further rented out these quarters (Type-1, Type -II and Type-III) for Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per month. The practice was going on for many years in connivance with some department officials, a senior official in the PowerCom said. The authorities finally conducted a survey and issued eviction notices to the violators. The issue came to the fore when Assistant Engineer (Civil) Charanjit Singh allegedly received threatening calls from an Akali leader after the former issued notices to the defaulters. Charanjit subsequently took the matter with senior officials in this regard. Charanjit had named the caller as SAD's Hazipur circle president Lakhvinder Singh Timmy. Timmy, however, said, "How could I go against the officer who was performing his duties? I had rather told him (Charanjit Singh) to take action against the defaulters. In fact, we have sorted out the misunderstanding." Deputy Chief Engineer, Talwara, Daljit Singh Khaira, admitted to have received a complaint from Charanjit Singh. He said he had advised Charanjit to make a written complaint to the district police chief in this regard.
|
|
|
Health officials stock IV fluid in open
Ropar, December 15 The officials concerned said 2,000 cases of bottles meant for distribution at various centres in the district were stocked in the open due to paucity of space. Experts said storing these in the open would affect their quality. After remaining in the sunlight for a long time, there could be chances of fungus growth in the fluid, said a lecurer at the College of Pharmacy, Bela. On Thursday, a truckload of intravenous fluid bottles meant for distribution at health centres run under the National Rural Health Mission reached the civil surgeon office. Prem Bansal, a pharmacist deputed at the civil surgeon office, got it stocked in the balcony of the first floor of the adjoining Civil Hospital building. Bansal said the consignment was received in the night. He had no option but to stock the fluid in the balcony due to paucity of space, he said. Ropar Civil Surgeon Rajnish Sood said he would take an appropriate action. He said he had already ordered to cover the stock with a plastic sheet to protect these from direct sunlight and rain.
|
|
|
47,532 cases settled in Lok Adalats
Muktsar, December 15 Vivek Puri, District and Sessions Judge, Muktsar, said disputes involving an amount of Rs 9.50 crore were resolved amicably. A total of 13 benches were set up across Muktsar district in which cases pertaining to civil, rent, matrimonial, motor accident and bank loans were settled. As many as 21 Benches conducted the proceedings of the Lok Adalat at Sangrur, Dhuri, Sunam, Moonak, Malerkotla and Barnala. Over 14,000 cases were settled with mutual understanding of the parties concerned. Awards worth Rs 9.51 crore were announced at a mega Lok Adalat in Ropar where 23,132 cases were settled.
|
|
Shruti case: Accused being tried through video-conferencing
Faridkot, December 15 The move was taken with a view to avoid heavy deployment of police force during their appearance in the court. The Chief Judicial Magistrate extended the judicial remand of all the accused by 15 days.
|
|
NRI booked for bigamy
Moga, December 15 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surjit Singh said the case had been registered against Navneet Ratan and his brother, mother and father, who are based in Ludhiana. In his complaint, Davinder Kumar, a resident of Machhi Ke village, alleged that Navneet tied the nuptial knot with his daughter in February 2011 even though he was already married and also had a son. Davinder alleged that his daughter came to know about the accused's first marriage when he refused to take her to the US on the pretext that she did not get sufficient dowry.
|
|
| 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 | |
Chandigarh, December 15
The time is ripe for the governments of both the countries to join hands for making more such sustainable efforts,
which will result in promotion of friendship, trust, peace, brotherhood and amity 
Under his leadership, the BJP managed to win 12 of the 23 seats it contested in the 2012 assembly elections
Considered close to BJP senior leader Arun Jaitley, he is considered to be a good organiser