 |
|
|
MCB plans property tax on agricultural land
With elections looming, councillors stop playing truant
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
MCB meeting: 16 items on agenda passed, 1 pending
Agitating lawyers want case withdrawn
Public opinion divided on ASP’s transfer
No construction within 1200 yards of ammunition depot
Dasmesh College to host inter-varsity youth festival
Students urged to serve humanity
Liquor worth Rs 2 lakh stolen
|
|
MCB plans property tax on agricultural land
Bathinda, January 15 The agricultural land lying in areas like Lal Singh Basti, Gillpatti to Sivian Road, Green Avenue near Patel Nagar, parts of Birbehman village will be liable for the payment of property tax. The issue was highlighted during the general house meeting of the Municipal Corporation Bathinda (MCB) held today. Responding to a query from MC Jagroop Singh Gill of the Congress in this regard, municipal commissioner Uma Shankar Gupta said that as per the provisions in the law, the tax will be imposed on agricultural land too. Gill criticized the government for taxing the agriculture sector which has already been exempted from paying maliya — the land revenue which amounts to only a few hundreds. "Instead of maliya, farmers will now pay taxes in thousands. Their only fault is that they are the owners of agricultural land," said Gill. He said the Congress will take up matter with its farmers' cell and chalk out a movement against the imposition of tax on the farming community. Jagroop Singh Gill added that according to a rough estimate, the owner of an acre of agricultural land would have to pay Rs 30,000 as tax per year. The councillors belonging to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress demanded that the government exempt certain sections of society from paying this tax. This includes exemption for self-residence property, exemption for widows and ex-servicemen as well as that for the farmers. Recently, the municipal limits of the city have been extended which has resulted in a large portion of the agricultural land coming under the corporation's limits. Sources say the de-limitation committee had also plans to include areas from villages like Sivian, Gillpatti, Bibiwala and Jassi Pau Wali. But these villages were left out as the Municipal Corporation Bathinda did not want their inclusion in the municipal corporation limits without taking the consent of the respective panchayats.
|
|
With elections looming, councillors stop playing truant
Bathinda, January 15 At the MCB general house meeting held today, many councillors — especially women — were seen after a long gap. Some of these included councillors Arvind Kaur Cheema, Asheshar Paswan, Darshan Kaur, Pinki Rani, Mandeep Kaur, Gurpreet Kaur and Parwinder Kaur. Most of these councillors preferred to remain silent and did not participate in any of the discussions held today, except for Asheshar Paswan, who raised the issue of sewer not being laid in his ward in Dhobiana Basti. The others voiced their concern over the pending work related to civic amenities. MCs Mandeep Agrohia, Shanti Jindal, Shakuntala Devi, Khem Singh Maakar, Manjit Singh, Basant Bhatia and others expressed concern over the defunct and choked sewers and lack of cleanliness in their wards. Mandeep Agrohia said time was running out and there were still many works pending. Most of the complaints were against the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PSWWB) for not working diligently. "Sewer in my area is in a poor condition. Despite repeated requests, nothing has been done. How are we supposed to face the public?" asked a councillor. Referring to the lack of water supply in his ward, MC Khem Singh Maakar said, "Panj saal ho gaye. Main vi udd jana do mahineyan vich" (My five-year term is nearing its end. In the next two months, I too may not be around). Maakar was requesting for RO water supply in his ward. "These MCs want to project themselves as responsible representative of the masses. On the contrary, they behave in the laidback manner. Most of the councillors play truant and are not even aware of the works initiated in their respective wards," said one of the councillors from the opposition. As per rules, a municipal councillor cannot remain absent from the meeting without informing the head of the House (the Mayor) more than three times. Such erring MCs can be taken to task for not complying with the norms of the House. However, no action has ever been taken against the municipal councillors for not attending the meeting for so long. Mayor Baljit Singh Birbehman said MC Arvind Kaur Cheema had gone abroad for two months and hence, had not come to the meetings. "I will take action if anyone is found guilty of not being regular at the meetings," said Mayor Baljit Singh Birbehman.
|
|
MCB meeting: 16 items on agenda passed, 1 pending
Bathinda, January 15 During the meeting, the councillors raised the issues of improper street lights, complained against the sanitary inspector who has recently been transferred from Amritsar to Bathinda, the need to urgently repair roads, clogged sewers, lack of drinking water facilities and dog by-laws. MC Mithu Ram Gupta said the notices of house tax issued to people should be toned down. “We should pass a resolution telling the government that people should be provided 50 per cent waiver in these taxes,” he said, while others agreed in unison. added that the people were facing problems in paying for legalising their illegal water supply and sewerage connections. Municipal Commissioner Uma Shankar Gupta, however, said for water and water supply charges, people could simply bring their ration cards or power bills and pay the taxes easily. He added that from the first week of February onwards, camps will be held at various places in the city to help people get their connections legalised. Mayor Baljit Singh Birbehman directed the MC officials to plan the camps with the help of the MCs of the areas concerned. MC Jagroop Singh Gill objected to the government's diktat on banning the use of interlocking tiles and replacing it with the laying of premix. The house passed the agenda of converting interlocking tiles work into the premix laying ones, albeit at a much less price. The House also passed the plea of shopkeepers of Gandhi market who had asked for the regularisation of the first storey of their booths. Keeping in view the strength of the structures, the House agreed to appeal to the government to regularise the first storey. MC Khem Singh Maakar pointed out that 1,620 days had passed since he took over but the water supply pipes were yet to be laid in his area. “Mere paani de pipe di file tussi America bhejji e?" (Have you sen my water pipe file to America?), he asked, leaving the house in peels of laughter. Master Harmandar Singh pointed out that the road opposite DAV College gets damaged after every two months. “Sewer overflows on the road every second day. Every two months, we have to get the road repaired or re-carpeted. A permanent solution should be found for this road, which supports heavy volume of traffic throughout the day,” he said. The MCs also raised the issue of bus service for the areas beyond railway tracks. They were told that under the project, objections had been invited over next 82 days. As soon as the period gets over, the government will sanction the project and mini buses will start plying in the area. The PRTC will operate these buses in the city for MCB. Deputy Mayor Gurinder Pal Kaur Mangat raised the issue of streetlights not working properly in the areas of Sivian Road and Goniana Road. Besides, cases of defunct street lights were reported in areas of Gurukul Road and Janta Nagar. MC Raj Kumar Garga raised the issue of Improvement Trust Colony Green Avenue not being taken under the MCB despite repeated requests. The MCB officials said since the Improvement Trust had not paid the connectivity charges, the colony was not being taken by the MCB. Tax ants too, says councillor
MC Khem Singh Maakar had the house in splits when he said the ants should be taxed too. MC Jagroop Singh Gill said while dog owners are being taxed, the government had failed to do anything to check the stray dog menace Other MCs said stray cattle had also increased in the city and demanded that they be sent to the cattle pounds. |
|
Agitating lawyers want case withdrawn
Bathinda, January 15 The lawyers said they would intensify their agitation if their demands, which includes the withdrawal of case registered against the son of the SGPC member and stringent action against the policemen guilty of conducting the raid, was not taken. The lawyers said they would continue their dharna till their demands are met. Secretary of the Bar Association Gurwinder Mann said the lawyers are supporting the SGPC member Sukhdev Bahia, who is also a lawyer. He said Bahia's son, along with his two friends, Prabhjot and Shaminder, were beaten up by the police after they were found to be under the influence of liquor. The youths were released on bail but were again booked under various sections of the IPC by the police and re-arrested. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ravcharan Brar held a meeting with a delegation of lawyers.
|
|
Public opinion divided on ASP’s transfer
Bathinda, January 15 Expressing his views, Manmohan Kukku, a local jeweller and a member of the Police Advisory Committee, said the incident could have been handled in a different manner. Instead of infuriating the youths by forcing them to undergo medical examination, they could have been gently pacified, he said. In developed countries, police have devised various means, apart from thrashing, to handle people who are under the influence of liquor. The youths should have been arrested by the police and their parents informed about it. The transfer of the ASP was a right decision taken by the government, said Kukku. Pirthi Jalal, state general secretary, Punjab Private Transporters Union, was of the view that the decision to transfer the ASP was taken following the raids conducted at the residence of a reputed personality. However, the demand to transfer the SSP is not acceptable as it was the ASP who was at fault for beating up the youths, said Jalal. It was the late night action at a senior citizen's house which led to the vehement protests. First, police took action and issued a challan. Taking preventive action was appropriate, but the action taken after that was wrong. The transfer of the ASP, therefore, was justified, added Jalal. Malkit Singh, senior vice-president, Punjab Police Pensioners Association said his association will support all the anti-crime initiatives launched by the Bathinda police under the supervision of the SSP. "We have noticed a decline in criminal activities in the city. The process of carrying on these initiatives will take some time and the continuity in the police force is necessary for the overall decline in crime rate. Those taking law into their hands by bullying the police should be dealt with accordingly," said Malkit Singh. He said the members of the association have held a meeting and lauded the police action initiated to curb the rising crime. "We have offered all possible help in reducing crime in the city," he added. Gurmeet Singh Sidhu, a social worker and property dealer said the police has to tread cautiously. Since a case had already been registered against the youths who were in an inebriated state, the second step could have been avoided, he said. "The officer, who was actually involved, has been transferred. Though what actually happened is known only to the policemen and those physically present at that time, it seems that the law and order situation in the city has indeed been streamlined with the appointment of the present SSP," said Sidhu. Rajinder Guddu, state president, Punjab Associated Schools Association, was of the view that emphasis of the police should be on nabbing the criminals and not on scaling the boundary walls of reputed citizens. "Instead of raiding the house of someone, the police needs to spend a little time on first scanning the background of that person. The police action against any offender is right but the re-arrest after the registration of the second case is unacceptable," said Guddu. It should be the responsibility of the police to do the groundwork before taking action against reputed people in society, he said.
|
|
Missing lawyer yet to be traced
Bathinda, January 15 The father said Yogesh had gone to the court on January 10 and returned home in the evening at around 5 pm. He again left at 6 pm on a motorbike bearing the registration number PB-03-7172 and has not returned since then. Ravi Kumar Singla, who retired from the Punjab National Bank (PNB), following an accident, said his other son and wife reside near the Qila Road. Advocate Rahul Jhumba, general secretary of the legal cell of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), demanded that the missing lawyer be traced by the police.
|
|
Combing operation: Cops detain 13
Bathinda, January 15 A heavy posse of police personnel arrived under the supervision of senior police functionaries including SP (D) Amarjit Singh and SHOs. Houses, commercial areas including shops were scrutinised during the combing operation that lasted for over two hours. The police said those rounded up by the police will be interrogated and if found guilty or wanted in some criminal cases, would be booked accordingly. Police sources said those rounded up are suspected thieves and local goons involved in petty crimes. Police have also impounded a three-wheeler which was found without having any valid documents. The early morning operation surprised the local residents and created panic among the unscrupulous elements. The small-time criminals were seen running for cover following the presence of heavy police force. The police also arrested some criminals who, after noticing police, tried to hide by entering houses int he locality.
|
|
|
Be ready for a rainy, cold weekend
Bathinda, January 15 The rise in temperature brought the normal life back on track. Sensing that the cold wave conditions were over, many apparel brands even announced end-of-season discounts. However, according to the weather forecast the cold is set to return over the next few days. Although the weather will remain dry over the next few days, as per the agri-met department of the PAU regional station, Bathinda, there may be partial cloudiness with a possibility of light rains or thundershowers. Cloudiness and light rains may cause the temperature to fall, the forecast stated. The maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 20.3 degree Celsius while the minimum was recorded at 2.6 degree Celsius. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded on Monday was 20.6 and 3.5 degree Celsius, respectively. As per the latest weather forecast released by the department, the rise in day temperature could be attributed to the low wind speed. The winds have been blowing at an average speed of 2-3 km per hour over the past few days. Humidity level has been recorded at 85-95 per cent during the daytime and at 30-35 per cent during the evening. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) heavy rains/snow are expected over a few places with isolated areas getting very heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Fresh snowfall in the Himalayan region may cause the temperature in the planes of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to dip and bring back the cold weather. As per the IMD, hailstorm would occur at one or two places in Punjab part from other northern states between January 16 and 18. On last Tuesday, the minimum temperature had dipped to 0.2 degree Celsius while the maximum temperature was recorded at 8.2 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature recorded on last Monday was 0.4 degree Celsius.
|
|
|
Sky is no longer the limit in kite selling business
Bathinda, January 15 The city's oldest kite sellers talk about the slide in the demand for kites during the last few decades. Satish Patang Store at Qila road is one of the oldest kite selling shops in the city. The shop has almost every variety of kites, of different colours, sizes and designs. Speaking of the changes in the kite selling business, Satish Kumar, the owner of the store, said, "We have been in the business of selling kites for 40-50 years. Earlier, my father used to handle the business, now it's my turn." "Initially, we had four shops in the city and we manufactured and sold kites. But now, the business has declined and we are left with only one shop," he said. Kumar said people have lost their interest in flying kites. "There was a time when the season used to last for three months. But now, it is over in just a few days. The changing lifestyle and bad weather have badly impacted the business. " Prem Nath, the owner of Subash Kites store at Amrik Singh road, has been in the business for more than 30 years now. "I have been selling kites from the time when it was a passion and people used to fly kites for months. But now, it is just a business." "In those days, the quality of kites was very good, they were big and cheap. It could be bought for 50 paise at that time, but now, it costs at least Rs 2 to Rs 3," he said. "The business is witnessing a downslide. Bad weather and inflation have also negatively affected the business. Around 30 per cent to 40 per cent people have given up the tradition of flying kites," Prem Nath said. Fact file
|
|
Unemployed linesmen to intensify stir
Bathinda, January 15 While addressing the members, he stated that the unemployed linesmen had been protesting for their rights for a long time. He also accused the state government of making false promises to the union. He said the unemployed had protested on January 13 during the rally of Prakash Singh Badal, but the administration ordered a lathicharge and put the members behind the bars till January 28. Jagtar Singh added that to put pressure on the government, the linesmen were now on hunger strike. District head of the union, Lakhvir Bansi threatened that if the government did give jobs to 4000 linesmen and set those arrested free, the union would intensify its protest against the state government to force it to accede to its demands.
|
|
No construction within 1200 yards of ammunition depot
Bathinda, January 15 The additional district magistrate Rajiv Prashar has banned construction under the Work of Defence Act 1903. Prashar said the constructions already going on the area are illegal under the Punjab Municipal Act 1976. The orders are applicable from January 13 to March 12.
|
|
Dasmesh College to host inter-varsity youth festival
Bathinda, January 15 This festival is being held in the state after a gap of 16 years. As many as nine universities will participate in the festival. The function will be presided over by Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh (director of the World Punjabi Centre) while SS Channi (secretary, Cultural Affairs, Punjab) will be the chief guest at the festival. SS Virdi, former chief engineer and secretary engineering, Chandigarh administration, will be be present at the festival as the guest of honour. Prominent among others present will be Hans Raj Hans (president, Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy), Dr SM Kant (vice-president, Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy), Dr Kuldeep Tiwana (secretary, Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy), D. Rajpal Singh (creative director, Heritage Group, Patiala) and Dr Ranjeet Singh (president, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi).
|
||
|
Students urged to serve humanity
Bathinda, January 15 The programme was organised under the presidentship of the principal of the school, Varinderpal Kaur. Addressing the students she asked them to follow the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. “He used to promote humanism. We should also follow his preachings and serve humanity," she said. Only a few days back, a state-level function was hosted in the city to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
|
||
|
Liquor worth Rs 2 lakh stolen
Bathinda, January 15 The matter came to light when the vend workers arrived in the morning to open the outlet and found that the locks were missing. The workers were shocked to see the entire vend vacant and informed the police immediately. The workers pointed out that the burglars managed to decamp with the liquor although two policemen and a watchman are always deployed in the market where the vend is located. They also pointed out that the thieves must have used a vehicle to ferry the liquor. A case in this connection has been registered against unidentified persons. Rajasthan resident booked for cheating
Police have registered a case against a resident of Rajasthan for cheating a Partap Nagar resident. In his complaint to the police, Pawan Kumar accused Mangal Sharma of taking money in lieu of getting him a job in the Military Engineering Service in 2004. Pawan further added that Sharma neither returned the money nor helped him in getting the job in the MES. Police have registered a case in this connection under the Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. |
||
|
| 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 | |
Bathinda, January 15
Lawyers continued their protest today against the raid conducted at the house of a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) by a police team seeking to re-arrest his son who had allegedly entered into heated arguments and a scuffle with the cops under the influence of liquor last week.
As a supplementary agenda, the dog by-laws were also moved at the MCB meeting wherein owners of the dogs will be taxed and every dog will have to wear a collar provided by the MCB. 
