Electricity wires, transformer removed from Ghee Mandi area
Amritsar, July 12
Officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited today pressed in its men and machinery to remove electric wires and a power transformer in the Ghee Mandi area.

Public schools dodge RTE Act, no student from EWS admitted
Amritsar, July 12
Even as the Right to Education (RTE) Act was implemented in the schools across the district from this academic session, no student from the economically weaker sections has taken admission in any of the reputed public schools here.

Grievances of 60 women resolved
Amritsar, July 12
Punjab Women Commission Chairperson Paramjit Kaur Landran resolved disputes, presented by 60 women from Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar, here today.

Exotic, unexplored destinations catching residents’ fancy
Amritsar, July 12
Visiting a new place means adding to your collection of memories, photographs and experiences. A holiday at popular travel destinations may come easy and expensive, but a holiday to explore the unexplored comes with lots of surprises. And some families in the city have just savoured these surprises this season.

Durgiana panel buys 6-kg gold for plating
Amritsar, July 12
Even as pilgrims visit Shree Durgiana Tirath to have a glimpse of its serene and immaculate beauty, the work of gold plating the sanctum sanctorum, known as Lakshmi Narain Temple, received a boost as the managing committee procured 6-kg gold with a sum of Rs 1.55 crore in the past one month.

en-lightened: A view of the Durgiana temple in Amritsar on Friday. A Tribune photograph

GNDU declares exam results
Amritsar, July 12
The results of BBA Part II and PGDMM examinations, held by the Guru Nanak Dev University in March and April 2013, have been declared. Dr RK Mahajan, Professor In charge, Exams, said the results will also be available on university website www.gndu.ac.in.

 

 

Amritsar, July 12
Even though foundation stones of many development works are being laid in the state, negligible efforts are being made to complete them within the stipulated timeframe.

The recent being the purported new office of the Municipal Corporation in the Ranjit Avenue area, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Deputy CM on June 14. The MC office was supposed to be shifted from its present location from the historic Town Hall complex. However, till date, the project has not moved an inch.

The lame excuse given by officials was the Punjab and Water Supply Board, on whose land the new MC building was to come up, had one of its godowns on the site, which could not be removed.

Similarly, the reconstruction of the police department offices and construction of flyover project to replace the Kitchlew Chowk is moving at a snail's pace.

Even as the officials believe that the 900m-long city’s first ever Kitchlew Chowk flyover would be dedicated to the public by July end, the chances seem quite bleak.

This half built flyover with giant machineries and supporting construction infrastructure has been causing immense inconvenience to the commuters. The horde of electricity wires, water and sewerage pipes placed on the site have further added to their woes. It is learnt that the company hired for the project has taken up the task on much lower rates and now it has been finding it non-feasible to continue. The delay in the project has further aggravated the rental quotient of the hired machinery.

Scores of other projects, be it the most congested Taranwala pul point, recarpeting of internal city roads, are being executed at full speed without realising the rationale behind it.

Ironically, the new flyover at the Taranwala pul could be a live example of poor workmanship. Two days ago, right in the middle of this elevated road, inaugurated in August 2012 by the Deputy CM, there occurred a 22 ft wide and 3 ft deep pit. The compaction process was not taken up properly at the time of its construction due to which it could not stand the rain showers and dislocated its original place.

When it rains, it brings along woes for common man. Almost all key city roads get waterlogged during rains. The main elevated road on the Amritsar-Jalandhar GT road, termed as the lifeline of the holy city, witnessed a terrible situation this time. This elevated road, leading to multiple destinations, including the Golden Temple complex parking, was constructed for over Rs 230 crore, yet no thought was spared to devise a mechanism that could clear the stagnant.

A series of other projects that affect people at large, like the construction of a flyover and underpass at SSSS Chowk, widening of Bhandari Bridge, construction of the District Administrative Complex, two railway overbridges at Vallah, railway crossing no 22 and introduction of low-floored city bus service for peripheral route etc, are yet to see light of day.

Deputy CM's ambitious move to make Amritsar a 'safe city' by installing CCTV cameras at the key points had hit the headlines on several occasions. However, nothing seems to be moving on the ground. Aimed to be completed in one year, the project was announced by local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu in presence of then Police Commissioner RP Mittal and former Improvement Trust chairperson Sanjeev Khanna with much fanfare in June 2011. 

Amritsar, July 12
The police has registered a cross case against both the groups of goldsmiths who clashed over in the Kot Baba Deep Singh area yesterday. This move was the aftermath of a complaint registered by both the parties against each other at the Sultanwind police station.

Ranjit Singh and Harbhajan had sustained serious injuries, while others had suffered minor injuries in the melee.

Confirming this, the investigating officer, ASI Sarwan Singh, said no arrest had been made so far.

Those booked included Harbhajan Singh, son of Gurnam Singh, Harjinder Singh and Sona, both sons of Nirmal Singh, Gora, Harbhajan Singh, Jasbir Singh, Nirmal Singh and eight others under various sections of the IPC.

Ranjit said one among them, who received severe injuries in the clash, had submitted a complaint stating that when he was standing outside his shop yesterday, the accused attacked with swords and rods and injured him. The reason he cited in the complaint was that the accused used to steal electricity and were caught red handed.

On the other hand, Harbhajan Singh stated to the police that Jagir Singh, his son and other family members, were armed with pistols and sharp-edged weapons and attacked him and his family members.

According to sources, officials of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited were fixing power meters outside their houses. Jagir Singh allegedly used his influence and managed not to have an electricity metre outside his house.

This did not go down well with Harbhajan Singh and several other persons of the area, who met a senior Powercom official in this connection. Enraged at this, both the parties engaged in a bloody clash, they said.

Amritsar, July 12
Traffic chaos continues to rule the key intersections of the city due to lack of will and planning on the part of the traffic police to streamline the flow of vehicles. Today, however, the traffic flow was smooth at the Bhandari Bridge in view of the Deputy CM's visit to the city.

Traffic chaos at the Bhandari Bridge in Amritsar on Friday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal

Otherwise, under normal circumstances, the police refrains from sparing adequate manpower for proper vigil on this most vital link.

Ironically, the scant number of traffic cops normally on duty here would be seen rejoicing on this roundabout at any given time.

The chaotic situation on road prevailed in other parts of the city too. Not only residents, but the policemen also were found riding two wheelers without mandatory headgear.

It was studied that the number of accidents could be avoided if the traffic police had been strict on visible offences. Due to lack of proper vigil, commuters do not refrain from using the wrong side crossings.

Auto-rickshaw drivers also blatantly violate the norm and often go unchecked.

According to a rough estimate, over 35,000 unregistered autos are being operated in illegal way within the city limits. It is an open secret that a majority of their drivers do not possess valid driving licences. The need of the hour is to launch a rigorous drive against the traffic violators.

In July last year, the police administration had introduced on-the-spot challaning. The practice now is being looked upon as just another way to garner money.

Amritsar, July 12
Officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited today pressed in its men and machinery to remove electric wires and a power transformer in the Ghee Mandi area.

Pritam Singh, Deputy Director Local Government (DDLG), Jalandhar, who is also holding additional charges of DDLG and Land Acquisition Collector, Amritsar, did not confirm when the demolition would start. He said majority of the occupants had themselves vacated the premises and many of them demolished their structures. He said the department had requested the power department to snap the power lines and remove its paraphernalia to thwart any accident in case of demolition.

Though several shopkeepers running their shops on rent have taken outlets on rent in various areas of the city to ensure sustain livelihood for their families, they are reluctant to come on record. Market association chief Manmohan Kundra said the traders operating their business from rented shops are staring at a possible face-off with their shop owners. 

Amritsar, July 12
Even as the Right to Education (RTE) Act was implemented in the schools across the district from this academic session, no student from the economically weaker sections has taken admission in any of the reputed public schools here.

District Education Officer Satinder Bir Singh, who is holding dual charge of the secondary and elementary education, said his office had not received any affidavit for claims for reimbursements of education and other charges from any of the 954 schools recognised under the RTE Act in Amritsar. There are 1,024 private schools in the district affiliated to various education boards, including the Punjab School Education Board, Central Board of School Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).

The Act, implemented by the state government in 2009, stated that all private schools had been given time of three years to get affiliated under the Act and make infrastructural and other arrangements accordingly. However, the process is already late.

The district education office constituted separate committees, which included senior Principals of government schools to verify the claims of the schools for the implementation of other clauses of the RTE Act. The schools were supposed to fulfil at least 40 per cent of the recommendations of the Act. In return, the Education Department issues temporary affiliation to these schools under the RTE Act.

Earlier, the public schools affiliated to the CBSE and ICSE expressed reservation for getting affiliation under the Act. However, Section 18 of the chapter four of the RTE Act states that besides government and local bodies schools, all other schools have to register themselves under the Act.

“Now, the government has made a provision for reimbursement of expenditure incurred on the education of students from the economically weaker families to the public schools, but these are still shying away from the responsibility,” said Ranjit Singh, a retired teacher.

The Act ensures free text books, writing materials and uniforms, apart from free education to poor children. Children with disabilities were also entitled to get free special learning and support material.

As per the provisions of the Act, wherever a government school was not available, the state would make reimbursement to the nearest school, referred to as the neighbourhood school, to ensure compulsory education to all. It makes compulsory for all private schools to admit students from weaker sections within the radius of 1 km in primary classes.

Following this, private education institutes had to reserve 25 per cent of their seats for students from underprivileged sections of society. Of the 25 per cent reserved seats, 12.5 per cent must be kept for the economically weaker sections, as defined by the income tax department, 5 per cent for Scheduled Castes, 5 per cent for the Other Backward Classes, 1.25 per cent for children of war widows and 1.25 per cent for children of handicapped parents.

Many public schools said they offer education to children from underprivileged families at evening schools and a charitable school being run in a separate building.

The RTE Act ensured that all affiliated schools must fulfil stringent infrastructural norms ensuring quality environment and studies to students coming even from the marginal sections. The Act makes it mandatory for every child between the age group of six-14 years to be provided education by the state.

This means that children do not have to pay a single penny on books, uniforms and mid-day meal. The schools need to have certain minimum facilities like adequate teachers, playground, a kitchen and other infrastructure. The government should ensure that qualified teachers be appointed and they are paid accordingly.

Amritsar, July 12
Visiting a new place means adding to your collection of memories, photographs and experiences. A holiday at popular travel destinations may come easy and expensive, but a holiday to explore the unexplored comes with lots of surprises. And some families in the city have just savoured these surprises this season.

Sisters Ravleen and Dipleen Kaur have just returned from a 15-day vacation in Oman. The small country in the Persian Gulf has managed to surprise them with its beauty and prosperity.

"If the word exotic holiday destination defines anything, it is Oman. A beautiful country with rich culture and richer people," said 20-year-old Ravleen. Considering that not many tourists from the country pick Oman as their destination, she said the country's cultural and geographical paradox is something to experience. "It has mountains, desert, white sand beaches and a beautiful coastline. Muscat presents a picture-perfect view of the foothills while the sea has different shades of water from blue to green to white," she recalled.

Being an Islamic country, the cultural difference was quite noticeable. "We got a chance to witness a traditional wedding, which is strictly a private affair. The women love to dress up in giddy clothes, jewellery, interesting blonde wigs and heaps of make-up," shared Dipleen.

“Well, the things that stand out in Oman are their pastries, fragrances and the warm attitude. Even the police is so cordial that after an accident, the first thing they do is to hug you and make you comfortable," she added.

Well, another family that came back with a bagful of memories was that of Rakulpreet Singh. The city businessman chose Vietnam as his holiday destination, unusual in his own opinion.

"It has abundant natural beauty with its national parks and bio-reserves. The World heritage sites like Hoi An's ancient town, caves and marble mountains would stun you with their old-world charm and make for mysterious and interesting exploration but one has to be accompanied by locals," said Singh.

Gunbir Singh of Divine Destination said a handful of people in the city preferred to travel differently by choosing unexplored places. "The most popular ones are Vietnam, South Africa 
and New Zealand. These places offer thrill of exploring and are a new experiences for the travellers." 

Amritsar, July 12
Even as pilgrims visit Shree Durgiana Tirath to have a glimpse of its serene and immaculate beauty, the work of gold plating the sanctum sanctorum, known as Lakshmi Narain Temple, received a boost as the managing committee procured 6-kg gold with a sum of Rs 1.55 crore in the past one month.

The process of gold plating and gilding the domes has entered its ninth year. It was in 2004 when the first phase of gold plating with 3-kg gold was completed in one month. All calculations of expenditure to be incurred in the gold plating have gone wrong as the prices of the yellow metal have increased sharply in all these years.

In the first phase, gilding of the domes and the main pillars of the sanctum sanctorum was finished in the initial year itself.

Shri Durgiana Committee spokesperson Harish Taneja said 41-kg gold had been utilised for the gold plating after the current management took over in 2006. Three walls of the sanctum sanctorum, constructed in the middle of a holy pool of water and linked by a causeway, are gold plated and the work on the fourth and the last wall would be finished by the end of this year. He anticipated that the work would require about 6-kg gold.

The renovation of the causeway, Mata Dhanwant Kaur Dharmshala and the Parikarma and the widening of the entrance gate, apart from the installation of a water re-charging plant, are the major projects undertaken by the management.

Amritsar, July 12
The results of BBA Part II and PGDMM examinations, held by the Guru Nanak Dev University in March and April 2013, have been declared. Dr RK Mahajan, Professor In charge, Exams, said the results will also be available on university website www.gndu.ac.in.

Students bring laurels

Tamana and Amandeep Kalsi of BBK DAV College for Women have topped in BCA Part II examination of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU). The college achieved six merit positions in BCA Part II examination, conducted by GNDU in April and May. Smiley Mahajan was placed 15th, Navneet Kaur and Nitika Kundra shared the 17th position and Mandeep Kaur was placed 24th in the university. College principal Dr Neelam Kamra applauded the students and wished that they continue bringing in laurels for the institution in future as well. She contributed the success to the industriousness of the students, support of their parents and their teachers, including Head of Department Kiran Gupta and other faculty members of the computer department.

Workshop on traffic rules

Ryan International School held a workshop on traffic rules. Surinder Pal Singh, Traffic Marshall, Amritsar, Jatinder Singh, In charge, Traffic Education Cell and Sukhcharn Singh, Assistant, Traffic Department, were the resource persons. They acquainted students with different aspects of traffic and steps to control road accidents in an interactive session. School principal Rajni Kalra elaborated the road transportation rules and felicitated the visiting guests.

Professor to get award

Prof Balvinder Singh, head, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, has been selected for the best teacher award for the year 2013 by the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE).