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No school in 1 km radius makes students suffer
Standoff between minister Bhagat, traders ends
City mothers, daughters dwell on that special bond
Residents peeved as asthma cases see a dramatic rise
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EC tells DC to look into complaint against BJP
Nuptial ties to bind Daler and Hans families
Cracks on rail tracks hit train movement
NGO gives ration to needy families
‘India reaping benefit of investment in science & technology’
Inter-district gang of robbers busted
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No school in 1 km radius makes students suffer
Jalandhar, May 12 Mandi Fentonganj Senior Secondary School is one among the many burdened aided schools in the district which are heavily relied upon by area residents, especially poor ones. Since the adjoining areas do not have any government school within a 10-km radius, most of the students of the area are sent to the Mandi school. The nearest government school (Kishanpura) has its own troubles and cannot seat a thousand students. Except that, there are no other schools in a kilometre radius in the periphery. The school, thus, is one of the prime examples of victims of a school which has to accommodate thousands of children as the government hasn’t arranged adequate or spacious schools in the periphery. While the said aided school is one of the prime examples of languishing schools in urban areas, in rural areas, too, students in many villages suffer. Students of Kasoorpur, Malliwal and Khanpur villages do not have any schools in a km radius, owing to which, students are left with no option but to either walk to schools in neighbouring villages or not going to schools at all. The district education department has also not made any arrangements for the transportation of these children to nearest spots. Sources also say that since poor parents cannot afford to send children farther, students miss out on precious education. |
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Standoff between minister Bhagat, traders ends
Jalandhar, May 12
Mohinder Bhagat claimed that his father Bhagat Chunni Lal could never issue any anti-trader statement, as he himself had risen from being a small industrialist and the question of issuing any anti-trader statement did not arise. Mohinder Bhagat requested the representatives of traders and industrialists to withdraw their agitation "created due to misunderstanding caused after publication of news items in some papers on May 5 regarding Bhagat Chunni Lal's statement". However, businessmen, including state president of the Vayapar Sena Ravindra Dhir, president of the Federation of Manufacturers and Traders Association Gursharan Singh, chief of the Electronic Association Phagwara Gate Gurmeet Singh Bittu, Shekhan Bazar Shopkeepers Association president Harpreet Singh Kiwi, Bolts and Nuts Manufacturers Association DL Sabharwal and general secretary of the Jalandhar Rubber Goods Manufacturers Association Ashok Mago used this opportunity to highlight their problems and their possible solution. Representatives of the traders drew the attention of the Local Bodies Minister's son Mohinder Bhagat towards the adverse effect on trade of Punjab of steep 30 per cent hike in power tariff and increase in VAT from 4 per cent to 6.05 during the last couple of years. A number of manufacturers have closed their units and started trading by importing different items from China, they said. They demanded that that Parkash Singh Badal-led Punjab government, in general, and BJP ministers, in particular, should support the traders in their hour of need by providing relief to them.Earlier irked over Local Bodies Minister Bhagat Chunni Lal's remark, industrialists and traders wanted an unconditional apology from him for his comment against the business community of the state. Various industrialists and traders' associations had given a five-day ultimatum to veteran BJP leader Bhagat Chunni Lal for tendering an apology. If he failed to do so within five days, industrialists' and traders' associations had threatened to gherao his Jalandhar-based home on May 16 to lodge their strong protest against his anti-industry statement. State president of the Vayapar Sena Ravindra Dhir and chief of the Metal Merchant Shopkeepers Association Ponty Rajpal said, "Bhagat stated while talking to mediapersons in Mandi Gobindgarh on May 4 that the industrialists and traders are issuing misleading statements of acute slump in their business due to anti-industry policies of the state government and they are doing so just to get various incentives from the government." On the contrary, Bhagat Chunni Lal's son Mohinder Bhagat claimed that his father did not issue any anti-business statement in Mandi Gobindgarh and a section of traders was just trying to make a mountain out of molehill. Even if there was any misunderstanding, that might be solved while holding a meeting.
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City mothers, daughters dwell on that special bond
Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, May 12
On International Mother’s Day, when women across the world celebrate the bliss of motherhood, some mothers shared their special stories, their bond with their children and the joy of being blessed creators. Vandana Ghai, a homemaker, and a dedicated mother to her two daughters, said, “For me, motherhood is that special feeling of watching my daughters grow and be happy. When I am tired, they tell me to rest and cook something for me. We have little disagreements sometimes, but I have been blessed with daughters who are understanding and obedient. So that’s my greatest happiness.”
She was gifted a cup and a Mother’s Day message last year and this year was greeted with loads of wishes and hugs. Daughters Vidushi (16) and Vasudha wittily say their mother is a like a perfectly cooked meal, which has just the right amount of spices. “In other words, there isn’t a single aspect of hers which we do not like. She’s just right and we feel blessed to have a mother like her.” Home-maker Manpreet Kaur Soand and her daughters Gurpreet and Amanjot celebrated the day with a special Mother's Day and some blissful moments of girl to girl talk. Amanjot, a chartered accountant, said, “No matter what the problem, I can always lean on my mother and share all my problems with her. We are best friends and I feel serene after spending this special Sunday with her.” Gurpreet, who herself has a one-year-old daughter, said, “Mothers are our first gurus and supports. I have learnt a lot from my mother and now that I have a daughter, it makes it easier for me to realise the sacrifices she made for us. I am trying to pass on the same love to my daughter Gurnav.” Amanjot and Gurpreet’s mother Manpreet said, “I had a great day with both my daughters today. I am proud of both of them and love spending time with them. Our little all-girl party made the day all the more special.” Narinder Sodhi, who received Mother's Day wishes from her daughters via Facebook and phone (both are in Australia), says, “I believe motherhood is about understanding your children and realising that you can never expect the same amount of maturity from your child that you yourself have. Mothers have to go down to the level of the child. The child can’t come to the level of the mother. When the time is right, children understand.”One of her daughters is married in Australia and the second is pursuing studies in Melbourne. About Mother's Day, she says, “Since my daughters were small, they have been greeting me on the day with gifts and cards. I feel delighted to be their mother. They are now abroad, but we regularly keep in touch via phone, messages and social networking and they wished me today as well.” Charanjeet Kaur Bains, mother of two delightful children, daughter Sabreena (9) and son Zorawar (2), says, “There’s nothing as special as being a mother. My daughter was so keen to greet me that she couldn’t even wait until Mother’s Day. Two days ago, she gave me a hand-painted card with a poem written (by her) on it. On any occasion, she has some card or gift ready. It feels great and I live to see my kids smile.”
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Residents peeved as asthma cases see a dramatic rise
Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, May 12 Incessant burning of such waste in various city areas has even reflected on the health of residents, as medical experts have reported a dramatic rise in the number of patients. A number of city areas have been marked by open burning of waste by MC officials and some residents as well, which has given rise to both pollution and damaged precious trees and fauna in various areas, as residents themselves report. Chander Bhushan, who runs the NGO People for Animals in the Civil Lines area, says, “I have personally asked safai karamcharis near my residence and office to stop burning garbage and leaves. Two days ago, I saw MC employees burning big heaps of waste in the Baradari area, and the flames did a lot of damage to the lower branches of mango as well as other trees.” “When I tried to stop the men, they said what problem I had if the residents weren’t complaining. While I immediately called the MC Commissioner, he sent a few men within 25 to 30 minutes. But by the time they reached, the damage had been done,” he added.Bhushan who has also been a Wildlife Warden, says, “The practice causes irreparable damage to trees, and small organisms like insects and butterflies and since this is happening across the city, the damage caused is on a much bigger level.” Ramnita Saini Sharda, a city-based professor, a resident of the Green Model Town area, says, “I have told safai sewaks in my own street and a couple of neighbouring streets to stop burning leaves countless times. I have brought in buckets of water from my own house and my neighbours’ house to douse the flames. The employees all recognise me now. Sadly, while MC employees are hard to convince, some residents also do not realise the threat the smoke poses to the environment and those undergoing respiratory troubles. Garbage burning in a number of plots and on street side still continues unabated. I fail to understand what problem people have in using these leaves to enrich their soil.” Dr Rajiv Sharma, District TB Officer, says, “There has been a dramatic rise in the number of asthma cases in these months. If in other months we get 100 asthma patients, in this (April-May-June) quarter, the patients increase to 150 to 175. And the pattern this year is pretty bothersome. While the season is already bad for asthma patients, the smoke makes it worse. And despite repeated instructions and warnings from the government, people continue to employ such damaging shortcuts.” MC Commissioner Vinay Bublani said, “We have been receiving reports from various areas regarding the smoke. I have deputed the Assistant Commissioner to look into the complaints from various areas. I have also asked for a report on the issue by Wednesday.” No action takenResidents from various areas say the practice continues in the city despite repeated requests to safai sewaks and top officials. The dramatic rise in asthma cases in the season is linked to increased smoke and toxic fumes, says the district TB officer. The MC Commissioner says the report on the issue is expected by Wednesday x
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EC tells DC to look into complaint against BJP
Jalandhar, May 12
In a one-page letter sent to the DC on behalf of the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, state electoral officer Harpal Singh stated, "I am directed to forward herewith a copy of letter number 39/PB/2013/NS-I (dated May 9, 2013) of the ECI alongwith enclosures for taking necessary action as per law on the basis of your enquiry in pursuance of Commission's attached instruction." The Punjab EO also forwarded a copy of the letter to complainant Sanjay Sehgal, advisor member, grievances and RTI Cell, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Earlier, in a letter sent to the Punjab CEO, ECI Under-Secretary Kumar Rajeev stated, "I am directed to refer to your letter regarding complaint about violation to run political office in religious place. In this connection, your attention is invited to the Commission's instructions contained in its letter number 3/1/2012/SDR (dated July,27, 2012) and to request you to ask Jalandhar DEO to take necessary action as per law." Actually, following BJP leader Manit Malhotra, who moved a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding alleged unauthorised construction of shops on the local Congress Bhawan premises, Congress leader Sanjay Sehgal had filed the complaint with ECI for taking appropriate action against the BJP for running its local office from the temple premises. In an online complaint to Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath and Punjab CEO Sehgal, he stated, "The BJP is running its district office in Jalandhar from the Sheetla Mandir complex, which is a religious place and their act is in complete violation of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India." He said the BJP was running its office from a religious place just for securing votes. He said, "As per the guidelines of the EC, no political party can run its office from a religious place." Interestingly, the official address of the BJP district office was Sheetla Mandir, he said, adding that the entrance of the temple and the BJP office was the same. Sanjay Sehgal also sent a copy of the complaint to the Punjab CEO. Sanjay Sehgal had requested the CEC to look into the matter and mark an enquiry to the Jalandhar DC to take suitable action as per the guidelines of the EC. Meanwhile, the acting district president of the BJP, Subash Sood said, "The BJP (erstwhile Jansangh) office has been running from the same premises since 1953 and no one lodged any complaint in this regard during the past six decades." Responding to other queries, he said, "The BJP office is being run from the place which is quite separate from the temple." When asked that the entrance to the temple and BJP office is the same and the office is located on the temple premises, he reiterated, "No one raised any objection since 1953 and veteran leaders had announced the formation of Jansangh in this very office."
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Nuptial ties to bind Daler and Hans families
Jalandhar, May 12 The duo will be exchanging rings at a ceremony, which will take place at a hotel in Jalandhar on May 15. Confirming reports, singer Hans Raj Hans said, “Our families have known each other for a long time. Mika is like a younger brother and given the bond our families have shared. We thought that it was time we took our friendship a step further.” “It is an arranged marriage all the way. We had great respect for each
other's families and through the years, the bond had grown through good and bad times. So we had faith this would be the best choice for our children,” the beaming Sufi singer added. Son of the Padmashree awardee, Navraj has created his own niche in the Punjabi industry with hit songs like "Saadi Love Story", "Saiyaan" and "Rabba". He will be making his Bollywood debut with the film "Band of Maharajas", incidentally base on a story of three Punjabi folk singers. Ajit Kaur Mehndi, daughter of Daler Mehndi and niece of singer Mika, is also known to possess a sweet voice. |
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Cracks on rail tracks hit train movement
PhILLAUR, MAY 12 Station superintendent Phillaur Bunesh Arora confirmed the snag and told this correspondent here on Saturday morning that after the passing of the 12459 Howrah Express, cracks were noticed by the railway employees and the up line trains were stopped midway to prevent any mishap. The Amritsar-bound Shatawadi Express was halted at the Ludhiana railway station, Amritsar-bound Nanded-Amritsar Sachkhand Express at the outer signal of the Phillaur railway station, Haridwar-Amritsar Jan Shatawadi Express train at the Ladhuwal railway station for about one hour and could proceed for their destinations after repairing the damaged tracks, which was crossed with caution speed. The normal traffic was resumed at about 9.40 p.m. — OC
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NGO gives ration to needy families
Jalandhar, May 12 Geeta Jyanti Utsav Committee president Ravi Shankar Sharma was the chief guest, whereas Dinesh Kapoor and Ashok Soni attended the function as guests of honour. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma stated that there was a need to organise such functions on the eve of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti for highlighting the ideology of Bhagwan Parshuram. The samiti president Sunil Sharma said his NGO was doing this service only with the assistance of donors. |
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‘India reaping benefit of investment in science & technology’
Kapurthala, May 12 Dr Khandpur further stated that the National Technology Day was an occasion to recollect the achievements of India in science and technology and to dedicate ourselves to continue endeavours for the uplift of society through the application of science and technology. The day is a very special day for Indian science and technology as it was on May 11, 1998 India successfully conducted the second nuclear test in Pokhran. The DG said India had achieved a great success in agriculture in the past few decades. "All achievements like high-yielding varieties of seeds, fertilisers, chemicals and mechanisation of agriculture are due to the green revolution. Development and advancement of biotechnology have further added to the growth potential of the nation. Our health and nutrition standards have improved substantially. The country has made significant achievements in the IT sector, for which we have received global acknowledgement," she said. On this occasion, Dr Manjit Singh, Director, Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, delivered an inspirational talk on "High Speed Instrumentation for Test and Evaluation of Explosive Warheads and other Armament Systems in TBRL". He discussed a detailed information about the challenges and new developments in the area of armament technology. "It is very interesting to understand and analyse events like explosion of a warhead or impact of a bullet. However, these are events that are over in a fraction of a millisecond. These are highly dynamic in nature and so fast that they cannot be understood by human eye. That is why, high speed instrumentation is required to capture those crucial moments when the impact is created by such type of gadgets," he said. Dr Manjit Singh briefed the audience about the specialised facilities, which have been set up in the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. The laboratory has developed several products like multi-mode hand grenades, blasting device and less lethal bullets, which are used by the security forces. Various competitions such as painting, debate and model display were organised by the PGSC on the occasion.
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Inter-district gang of robbers busted
PHAGWARA, MAY 12 GRP in charge Pawitra Singh said on a tip-off, a police party raided a place near Railway bridge Bhagatpura, Phagwara, and nabbed four migrant robbers from Bihar, identified as Chit Narayan, Sanjay Sahba, Dharmendera and Beas Kumar while hatching a planning to loot the rail passengers. Two sharp-edged weapons and some intoxicants were also recovered from the accused who had confessed their involvement in various crimes committed in trains. Several more disclosures were expected during police interrogation, said the GRP in charge. Rail passenger killed
Nakodar: An unidentified rail passenger fell from a Diesel Multiple Unit Train and was killed on the spot near the Noormahal railway station last night. GRP Phillaur in charge Vijay Kumar said the police had registered case and sent the body to Phillaur Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination. |
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