|
|
|
|
Gang attacks another in Gwalmandi
Employee held for bid to loot cash from railway office
Two youths snatch car
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Girl’s thrashing: Inquiry report submitted
Amritsar, February 11 The Civil Surgeon and District Education Officer (Secondary) submitted the inquiry report of the alleged thrashing of a girl student of Government Senior Secondary School, Rajasansi, to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajat Aggarwal this evening.
Patients suffer due to defunct elevators, dirty ramps at ESI Hospital
Waste-Handling firm Workers meet Mayor
Displaced employees of the Antony Waste Handling Cell Private Limited meet Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora in Amritsar on Monday. photo: vishal kumar
Refresher course on library science ends
Govt hospitals get consignment of another 25 free medicines
A poster shows a list of free medicines at a government hospital in Amritsar. A Tribune photo
Amritsar administration gears up for imposing property tax
Trade unions chalk out plans for nationwide strike on Feb 20
My purpose to visit holy city was my husband Jagjit: Chitra Singh
|
|
Gang attacks another in Gwalmandi
Amritsar, February 11 However, no casualty has been reported in the incident, which took place just a few metres away from the Cantonment police station, while an office of the CID is also located near the spot. According to preliminary investigations the incident was the fallout of a clash between the two groups in a beer bar located on the Albert road late last night. The Cantonment police has registered a cross case of attempt to murder against both the parties.
Roshan, brother of Kamal, alias Bori, a property dealer said his brother along with his friends had gone to the beer bar on the Albert road late last night where Jagtar Boxer and his accomplice were already having drinks. He said a minor altercation between them led to a scuffle in which Jagtar and his companions hit his brother and his friends. Today, he said, at about 3 pm, Jagtar along with Shantu, Harry, Monty and four to five unidentified persons, who were armed with firearms, sharp-edged and blunt weapons, barged into the office of his brother Kamal and fired six gun shots in the air. “Kamal, Rakesh and Munish saved themselves by escaping from the back door of the office. Before fleeing, the accused also damaged an SUV (PB-02-Y-0029),” said Roshan. While claiming that his brother had stopped indulging in unlawful activities for the last two years, he alleged that Boxer and his gang members used to threat the family every now and then. However, the Jagtar Boxer claimed before the police that it was Kamal Bori and his associates who had attacked his residence located in Guru Amardass Avenue. He alleged that they broke windowpanes of his house. Sohan Singh, SHO, Cantonment police station, said a cross case under Section 307 of the IPC and Arms Act was registered in this regard. He said a police party had been constituted for conducting raids and nab the accused.
|
|
Employee held for bid to loot cash from railway office
Amritsar, February 11
Railway officials arrested Ashok Kumar, a class IV employee posted in the Inspector of Works wing of the Railways. Railway sources said Ashok Kumar being an employee of the department was aware that cashiers from Ferozepur, where Divisional Railway Manager’s Office was located, brought cash on certain days to disburse it among the employees and the same amount was brought yesterday only. They stated that taking advantage of the undergoing repair work, he made a hole in the wall of the office with tools and gained entry into it. However, Ashok Kumar's attempt to loot cash was foiled with the alertness of Davinder Singh, Superintendent in Traffic Inspector's office. He had come to receive his son last night. When he visited his office after finding the train arriving late, he found that the room was bolted from inside and it was not being opened even after repeated knocking. In the meantime, Ashok Kumar made an attempt to run away from the place, but was overpowered with the help of railway officials and police employees, said SHO Government Railway Police (GRP) Dharminder Kalyan. Before Ashok Kumar could open the locks of the strong room containing salary of employees with duplicate keys he was overpowered, he said. Kalyan said a major theft was prevented and Ashok Kumar was booked under various sections of the IPC, including 380 (theft in other’s premises), 457 (unauthorised entry in other's premises), 511 (attempt to theft). Railway officials stated that the department would initiate due action against the erring employee.
|
|
Two youths snatch car
Amritsar, February 11 Gurparkash Singh stated to the police that he was calling his friend Ajay Kumar when two youths knocked at the windowpane of his car (PB-02-BA-5103). He said when he lowered the windowpane the accused took out a pistol and pointed towards him. He said the youths pulled him out of the car and took it away. The Sadar police has registered a case under Section 382 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
|
|
Girl’s thrashing: Inquiry report submitted
Amritsar, February 11 Director-General (School Education) KS Pannu had asked the DC to conduct an inquiry into the instance. Aggarwal said a preliminary inquiry report was handed over by the Civil Surgeon (CS) and DEO (S), but it was incomplete and had several gaps. He had directed Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra and DEO (S) Rasal Singh Malhi to complete the inquiry report and submit the The incident had occurred three days back. Deepak Kumar and Gita Rani, parents of Class X student Neha Sharma, alleged that their daughter was given corporal punishment by her science teacher Tejinder Kaur. Neha was admitted to a private hospital. The science teacher, who vehemently denied the allegation, said she was roughed up by family members and relatives of Deepak Kumar.
|
|
Patients suffer due to defunct elevators, dirty ramps at ESI Hospital
Amritsar, February 11 In the absence of the elevators, patients have to be shifted to the wards on the upper floor through the ramp. However, a look at the condition of the ramps available in the hospital reveal that they have not been cleaned for months. Patients at the hospital reveal that in the absence of any security, dogs easily enter the hospital area and make it dirty. Even the bird droppings could be seen scattered all around the ramps meant for transporting patients. Sukh Inder Singh, an attendant of a patient, said, “One cannot walk on the ramps without covering nose. Bad smell surrounds the place.” he said, adding that if the lift were not working, at least the ramps should be cleaned. The old and patients, who in the absence of the elevators prefer the ramp for climbing up the building, are suffering because of the filth. Joginder Singh, an old patient said, “The elevators is not working and the ramp is not usable. We do not have a option, but to use the staircase. Those having arthritis know that how painful it is.” He said hospital management must become more sensitive to the needs of patients and their attendants. Meanwhile, Medical Suprintendent of the hospital Dr Jagjeet Singh Cheema said he had joined his post barely a month ago. As he had proceeded on leave a few days after joining the post, he was not much aware of the problem. He said he would ensure that the elevators were made functional as soon as he joined back. Talking about the lack of cleanliness, he said the hospital had got a sanction from the headquarters for engaging more sweepers. The process for engaging more manpower had been initiated, he said.
|
|
Waste-Handling firm Workers meet Mayor
Amritsar, February 11 Refuting the allegations, the management of the company said all dues of the workers were cleared. Nevertheless, former employees of the company, under the banner of Green Field Workers’ Union, apprised the Mayor that the company had not provided any convenience or perks since 2009 as applicable to the labour laws. It had not cleared their dues against the gazetted holidays and the bonus for which they were entitled to. One of the employees said the company had not provided any advance notice to them before shutting down its operations. They were rendered jobless after the firm decided to stop its functioning in a midway. “We all went to attend the office as per our routine on August 27 and were shocked to see a closure notice pasted on the main gate,” said Kuldeep Sharma, president of the Green Field Workers Union. Showing a copy of the circular, under the letter head of the company, agitating workers maintained that earlier the management had told them that the company was entitled to pay them against the gazetted holidays, but later the firm denied it. Secretary of the Green Field Workers Union Raj Pal said “A list of 15 holidays, duly signed by the management’s authorised signatory, was circulated to us. But the company denied us any payment. It had shut down its operations due to differences over the payment with the Municipal Corporation. But why should we suffer because of that ?
|
|
Refresher course on library science ends
Amritsar, February 11 Prof IV Malhan, Dean, School of Mathematics, Computers and Information Science from Central University, Himachal Pradesh, was the chief guest at the valedictory session. Academic Staff College director Prof TS Banipal and course coordinator Prof Amritpal Kaur welcomed the chief guest. Dr Mohan Kumar proposed the vote of thanks. Prof Malhan in his valedictory address talked about the challenges being faced by the librarians in the present times. He advised the participants to equip themselves professionally, technologically to meet these challenges successfully. “The librarians have to play a leading role in plugging the gap between knowledge stored in the libraries in various forms and the actual use of this knowledge,” he said. Citing the examples of National Library of America and Australia, he explains how the libraries can play a significant role in the development of a nation. He concluded that not mere knowledge, but the use of this knowledge is a real power. Prof Amritpal Kaur exhorted the participants to imbibe the knowledge gained by them and to incorporate it in their professional routine. Prof TS Banipal congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the course. He said the knowledge gained by the participants would definitely help them to serve better. Prof Malhan also distributed certificates among the participants.
|
|
Govt hospitals get consignment of another 25 free medicines
Amritsar, February 11 In a new consignment, X-ray films and a few other medicines have delivered to the hospitals. The government had announced to provide 150 free medicines, along with 27 other items such as bandages, at free of costs to the public. However, patients and medical fraternity expressed that the government should fulfil its promise. Banners at the government health institutions show the names of the medicines and other things which are available at free of cost. An employee at the Civil Hospital said, “The people do not believe us when we inform them that only 50 per cent of the total free medicines are available. They think that we are cheating them.” The employee said the government should have ensured that all the medicines, which are promised for free, are delivered at the hospitals before making such claims in the public. On the other hand, patients usually complain that hospital employees do not provide free medicines to them. Joginder Singh said “The board outside the hospitals reads that a total of 150 medicines are free. But there is no point of it when the hospital does not have them in stock.” Hospital employees are failed to convince the patients that the government is yet to supply all the medicines, which it has claimed to give at free of cost. Senior Medical Officer Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon said they had received 25 more medicines today. He hoped that the remaining medicines on the list too would be supplied soon. The hospitals are giving free medicines, which are available in the stock, to all as per the government’s directions.
|
|
Amritsar administration gears up for imposing property tax
Amritsar, February 11 Even as the move to impose property tax was taken by the Punjab Cabinet to fit in the bracket for getting funds to the tune of over Rs 3,000 crore under Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, thereby also mending the dilapidated fiscal health of local bodies in different districts, yet urban residents feel that it as an improper step to put the additional burden on them while exempting the rural residents. Officials said the Punjab government had introduced the Property Tax Bill after releasing notification on November 15, 2012 and gave its nod to all civic bodies of the state to implement it with immediate effect. The term property tax would replace the prevailing house tax with effect from April 1, 2013. Those who were not paying the house tax would have to deposit the tentative amount, to be calculated till March 31, 2013. However, the ones who have already been paying house tax would be levied property tax from April 1 onwards. A residential unit could be any that is not being used for the purposes of business; profession or trade; while a commercial building is simply one that is not a residential building. In case of malls and hotels with five-star and above rating, 20 per cent of the unit value would be calculated. For other hotels, the property tax would be 15 per cent per year. It would also be charged on vacant plots and other such properties as well. For determining the unit value of the building for each zone in a municipal area, a valuation committee, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, would consider the prevalent price of land, cost of construction and rental values. The other members of the panel would be the MP, a representative from MLA’s side, the MC Commissioner and City Mayor. Nevertheless, if everything goes according to the plan and property tax becomes a reality. Amritsar civic authorities anticipate garnering to the tune of between Rs 40-50 crore annually by way of realisation through property tax alone. Amritsar has been divided into eight zones consisting of 557 localities. On houses measuring 50 yards, the property tax would be Rs 50 per annum; on houses measuring 100 yards, it would be Rs 150 per annum. On houses measuring above 100 yards and other buildings and properties, it would be charged on unit area basis. The value of unit will be decided by respective Deputy Commissioners. However, no tax would apply to buildings and land used exclusively for religious purposes, cremation or burial grounds, gaushalas, stray animal care centres, historical and heritage buildings, scientific and cultural organisations, charitable and philanthropic organisations.
|
|
Trade unions chalk out plans for nationwide strike on Feb 20
Amritsar, February 11 The strike call has been given by labour unions against the economic policies of the UPA government. Communist leaders headed by MP Guru Dass Gupta, National General Secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), said as many as 11 central trade unions, labour unions and bank and insurance sector employees would go on strike in protest against anti-people policies of the UPA government. “The Congress-led UPA government has turned a blind eye towards the problems of the common man who has been burdened with its anti-people policies,” he said. He said the union had forwarded 10 demands to the government. These demands include fixing minimum of Rs 10,000 as a monthly statutory income of unskilled workers, raising minimum pension to Rs 3,000 per month, ending contract labour, bringing workers of unorganised sector under employees Provident Fund Act and ESI Act and proper implementation of labour laws. He said problems like continuously inflation, increase in diesel prices, reducing the limits of domestic LPG cylinders, hike in rail fares etc. had dampened consumer confidence. He also criticised the disinvestment in pubic sector units and increasing foreign direct investment in various sectors. “The trade unions had been seeking time from the Prime Minister for the past three years but we failed get an appointment to meet him,” he said.
|
|
My purpose to visit holy city was my husband Jagjit: Chitra Singh
Amritsar, February 11 "My purpose to come to Amritsar was my husband Jagjit. He loved the city as he was a devout and he always loved the spiritual aura of Amritsar. It's my remembrance and tribute to my husband's birth anniversary," she said. Further questions and she politely declines that she is not here for interviews and publicity, but it is a personal trip. "I would like to keep that way," was her only response. The singer couple became legends in the music industry after they pulled out the genre of ghazal singing from the drawing room and on to the big screen. Chitra, who has kept her silence in front of media from the past 22 years, revealed plans to open a foundation in memory of her husband, ghazal king Jagjit Singh.
|
|
| 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 | |
Amritsar, February 11
With the two elevators at Employees State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, Majitha Road, lying defunct for the past many months, patients and their attendants are facing lots of problem. The door of one of the two lifts has even been removed, while the other one, which is reserved only for the patients, is, too, not working.
Displaced employees of Antony Waste Handling Cell Private Ltd, which reportedly had quit the job of lifting garbage midway of their contract, alleged that they had not been paid their dues amounting to Rs 50 lakh which the company owed before shutting down its operations. They also met City Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora in this regard.
Amritsar, February 11
Abiding by the Punjab Government’s ordinance to impose property tax in urban areas, the Amritsar administration has geared up to realise it under the Punjab Municipal (Second Amendment) Bill 2012. Other districts would follow the suit.
Amritsar, February 11
