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change of land use
Ludhiana, August 1 Acting on a complaint filed by Rohit Sabharwal and Arvind Sharma, president and secretary of the Council of RTI Activists, the Vigilance Department has referred the matter of unlawful change of land use and unauthorised extensions/modifications made in shop-cum-flats (SCFs) constructed by the LIT in the E Block of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar to the Local Government Department. The violation of the terms and conditions of the allotment of SCFs was also highlighted in Ludhiana Tribune on May 12, 2013. The complainants said the owners of most of the SCFs had converted their residential portion (flats) into full-fledged restaurants and showrooms, whereas the conditions laid down in the sale letter clearly mentioned that the building (SCF) could not be used for any other purpose. “Owners of SCFs have also not obtained permission for extension, modification or amendment carried out in the buildings, which is another violation of the terms and conditions, to the extent that the allotment can be cancelled in such cases,” said the complainants. Accusing the field staff and officials of the Trust of closing their eyes to violations, the complainants alleged that that the regulatory officials and staff had not only failed to discharge their duty of enforcement of rules, but had aided and abetted illegal change of land use against “protection money”. Calling for a vigilance probe into the irregularities and violations, the complaints have sought action against the owners of SCFs. The responsibility of the staff and officials should also be fixed
for dereliction of duty, they said. |
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Man hurt as villagers open fire
Ludhiana, August 1 The victim, Taranjit Singh, runs a grocery shop in village, sustained a bullet injury in his abdomen caused by a .12-bore gun. He was rushed to the DMCH where his condition was stated to be critical. Taranjit and residents of the village maintained that he was shot at by the members of the Kala Kachha gang. Jatinderjit Singh, SHO, Meharban police station, said the victim’s statement had been recorded and investigations were on. He said the incident was not the handiwork of the Kala Kachha gang. “There are reports that 15 residents of the village who were carrying licensed firearms entered the primary school and opened fire. There is a possibility that one of bullets may have hit the injured,” said the SHO. Kuldeep Singh, a resident of the village, claimed that the members of the Kala Kachha gang shot at Taranjit. "The gang struck at three houses on Monday night. The villagers raised the alarm and the gang members managed to flee. Similar reports were tricking in from other villages. The police was unable to nab the accused," said Kuldeep Singh. The incident took place last night when residents spotted a migrant. On seeing the armed men approaching towards
him, the migrant ran from the spot and entered a factory unit. Soon, the residents surrounded the factory unit and claimed that a member of the Kala Katcha gang had entered the premises. The police reached the spot and questioned the manager of the factory. He said the migrant was neither a thief nor a member of the Kala Kachha gang. He had left the factory to have food and returned on seeing the armed assailants approaching towards him. It was around 2 am when a word spread in the village that members of the Kala Kachha gang had entered a primary school Soon, around 30 residents, 15 of them carrying licensed firearms, gathered around the school. The police said around 50 rounds were fired by the villagers. Taranjit Singh, who was holding a stick, was hit bu a bullet in his abdomen. This led to panic and residents ran helter-skelter for cover. Gurpreet Singh, another resident of the village, said while they were busy rescuing Taranjit, the assailants managed to flee. |
Schoolchildren injured as auto-rickshaw overturns
Ludhiana, August 1 The injured have been identified as seven-year-old Divya Attri and Sneha Sethi. They were rushed to the DMCH. Those with minor injuries were sent home after first aid. The incident took place this afternoon when the auto-rickshaw ferrying students of BVM School was heading towards Udham Singh Nagar. An eyewitness said a motorcyclist came in front of the auto. In order to avoid collision, the driver of the auto took a sharp turn and the vehicle overturned. Divya and Sneha Sethi, who were sitting in the corner seat, sustained injuries in the face and leg. Other students too fell over them. The commuters immediately rescued the children and rushed the two girls to the hospital. In the second incident, an 18-year-old motorcyclist, Gaurav, fractured his leg after being hit bay a school van at Joshi Nagar today. |
Now, e-trip system to be implemented from Aug 31
Ludhiana, August 1 As many dealers don’t have the IT infrastructure to comply with the requirements of Rule 64-A and 64-B, they are being given time till August 31 to upgrade their system, the notification reads. Commissioner, Excise and Taxation, Punjab, Anurag Verma said the field checking would be done and penalties would be imposed, if required, only after September 1. The Commissioner clarified: “Forging and casting items are not included in the item iron and steel specified under Rule 64-A and 64-B. 3. In case goods are being transported through a transporter, the requirements of e-trip/e-ICC will not be applicable when the goods are being transported from the premises of the dealer to the transporter,” said Verma. He said the requirements would be applicable when the movement of goods start from the premises of the transporter and the transporters will be able to submit data on the behalf of the dealers on the website of the department. For making the things clear to the transporter, the department clarified that so far as Rule 64-B regarding goods being sent outside the state were concerned, the e-trip is the same e-ICC which is already being done by the dealers/transporters. The only difference is that earlier this was optional for all the commodities and now it is mandatory for a few
commodities. Traders to file PIL
The convener of the All Industries Trade Forum, Badish K Jindal said during the extension period till August 31, the forum would plan its next strategy as much confusion had been created by the Excise and Taxation Department regarding the implementation of the system. "We are also planning to file a PIL in the court,” said
Jindal. |
mc house meeting
Ludhiana, August 1 A core committee meeting convened by the Mayor at his office today as a last-minute attempt to run the House meeting in a smooth manner failed to achieve the desired results as the Congress councillors, decided to boycott the core committee meet. Not only this, the group of SAD councillors, led by the rebellious party legislator Simarjit Singh Bains chose to stay away from the meeting. Spokesperson of the Congress councillors Parminder Mehta said the core committee of councillors normally holds a meeting prior to the House meeting to sort out contentious issues and also to evolve a broad consensus on the development agenda. "That is not the case with Gohalwaria at the helm of affairs," asserted Mehta, adding that the councillors have to agitate for even minor works related to development projects. Although Bains was not available for comments on the reason for his group not attending the core committee meeting, his close supporters claimed that ‘autocratic’ attitude of the Mayor had alienated a large majority of the councillors, including those of the SAD-B from the ruling coalition in the civic body. |
Freak out in freakish weather
Ludhiana, August 1 "But when it's not raining or breezy, it gets repugnantly humid," said residents. The unpredictable moods were experienced today as well as heavy showers lashed the city. It was cool and then turned warm as the day wore on. The dark clouds surged back in the evening. "Weather is enjoyable but when it gets hot and humid, it gets unbearable. When there is no wind, it becomes very close and uneasy," said Riddhi, a resident of Civil Lines. The humidity touched 97 per cent in the morning and 77 per cent in the afternoon. The maximum temperature was 31.4 degree Celsius which made the weather relatively hot in the afternoon. The minimum temperature was 25.2 degree Celsius. The day length was 13 hours and 38 minutes, according to the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, PAU. KK Gill, agro-meteorologist at the PAU said the weather would remain partly cloudy and there was a possibility of thundershowers over Ludhiana and adjoining areas in the next 24 hours. "I like rainy season but too much rain becomes a curse for the city as water gets accumulated on roads due to the shoddy water management system of the administration," said Rahul Uttam, a businessman. "My car got stuck in the middle of the water-logged road. The pleasure of early morning rain was spoilt when I started for my workplace," he lamented. |
Scientists express concern over declining natural resources
Ludhiana, August 1 Eminent scientists from across the region, heads and faculty of various departments attended the workshop. Special lectures on 'Issues of Agricultural Development' were also delivered. Dr SS Gosal, Director of Research, highlighted the remarkable contributions of the PAU to the farm development. "It is the only university which has the credit of developing/recommending more than 700 crop varieties/hybrids," he said. "Presently, due to intensive agriculture which is rice-wheat cropping system, the Punjab is facing the problem of agri-sustainability," he pointed out. He said various issues such as environmental pollution, climate change, micro and macro-nutrient deficiencies in crops and declining natural resources such as water and soil needed to be addressed immediately. Dr MS Gill, Director of Extension Education, PAU, said the intensive production system had led to ecological imbalance. Disclosing that the per capita availability of water which was 31,000 cubic meter in 1975 was reduced to 1.9 cubic meter in 2000, he said it was projected to come down to 1.4 cubic meter by 2025, which might make India a water-stressed country. An integrated farming system should be adopted for income enhancement and for generating additional employment, he stressed. Dr RS Sidhu, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, spoke on 'Groundwater in Punjab: Depletion and Sustainability'. "The factors responsible for groundwater depletion are cropping intensity, electricity operated pumps and vast area under rice cultivation," he said, adding that growing power subsidy and unregulated water access had added to the problem. In Central Punjab, 96 per cent of the 78 blocks were
over-exploited, he said. Earlier, Dr MS Sidhu, head, department of economics and sociology, welcomed guests and participants. Dr Kamal Vatta, principal investigator of the project, 'Capacity Building in National Planning for Food Security', proposed the vote of thanks. Japan's model needs
to be studied
Prof SS Gill, Director General, Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development, Chandigarh, said food security and fuel security (power) were two vital elements for the country. "In view of the existing production system which seems to be nonviable for small farmers, cooperative farming is the only answer to their problems," observed Prof Dr MS Gill. He said Japan model needed to be studied for the purpose. "As per a study carried out by the PAU, the department of economics and sociology, there is a decline in the number of cultivators. This kind of distress needs to be rectified," he said. |
Upload details of teachers’ salary on websites, CBSE directs schools
Ludhiana, August 1 As per instructions issued by the CBSE, the schools have been asked to provide the particulars of the teaching staff (to be updated from time to time), details of the salary being paid to the teaching staff/non-teaching staff and the fee structure. The CBSE stated that it had come to its notice that some of the schools had yet not developed their own websites and had not uploaded the required information. The schools failing to comply with the directions will not be able to register students of classes IX and XI for the board examination. Hailing the CBSE's directions, principal of Nankana Public School Harmeet Kaur said they had been waiting for the decision for long."By uploading the salary details of the teachers on the website, everything will be in black and white. In the past few years, teachers have been complaining that many school managements do not pay them adequate salary. The teachers alleged exploitation at the hands of the school managements. About 60-75 per cent of the total budget of the school has to be spent on the salaries of the staff and the remaining is spent on the development of the school. But private managements are paying meagre salaries to the teachers. The Director of CBSE had assured of doing the needful," said Harmeet Kaur. Commenting on the directions of the CBSE, principal of KVM Navita Puri said the school authorities were aware of the development and information was being uploaded on the website. "Within a day or two, we will update every detail on the school's website," said Puri. |
Toxic waste flows on to fields
Jagraon, August 1 Villagers claimed that this practice has been going on for past several months. “The workers
of the refinery unit openly discharge the toxic waste of the factory into nearby fields with the
help of the tankers on regular basis. The toxic waste being discharged into the fields and vacant pieces of land has been contaminating the fields. This illegal practice of
discharging factory waste in open has also been polluting the air,” the
villagers rued. “Earlier, the workers of the factory used to discharge the toxic factory waste into the drain
passing near the village, we along with other villagers raised objections. So, they started discharging the waste into the open fields of nearby villages,” said Joginder Singh, a member of Sant Baba Maghar Singh Sports and Welfare Club, Ramghar Bhullar. “Recently, the workers of the refinery unit discharged toxic waste into a vacant plot adjoining Government High School of the village thus, posing a serious risk to the health of children studying in the school,” said Paramjit Singh, panchayat member of Ramghar Bhullar
village. We took the matter with the owners of the factory and asked them to stop discharging the waste
into the fields, but to no avail, Joginder Singh rued. Apart from Ramghar Bhullar, the residents of Tappar, Sawadi Khurd, Bodalwala, Leelan Megh Singh and Rasoolpur
Jandi villages also complained about the similar problem. “The practice of toxic waste being discharged into the fields by the
refinery unit is not only against the norms of the Punjab Pollution Control Board but also violates the directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Instead of discharging the waste into the fields, the factory owners should set up a treatment plant,” said Kanwaljit Khanna, secretary of Inqulabi Kendra Punjab. The villagers have requested the local
administration to restrict the refinery unit from discharging the toxic factory waste into the open fields. SDM Jagraon Gurmit Singh said the issue had been brought to his notice. “I will be visiting the refinery unit and the nearby villages tomorrow. We would allow no one to play with the health of the people and a strict action would be taken against
the unit if anything wrong is found on the part of the refinery unit,” the SDM said. SDM's TAKE ON THE ISSUE
I will be visiting the refinery unit and the nearby villages tomorrow. We would allow no one to play with the health of the people and a strict action would be taken against the unit if anything wrong is found on their
part — Gurmit Singh, SDM Jagraon |
Another hike in diesel, petrol prices irks residents
Ludhiana, August 1 The petrol pump dealers believe that the prices were directly associated with the dollar and they anticipated that in the next two to three months, the prices may further be increased. Meanwhile, the increased prices have given another reason to the common man to worry about their monthly budgets. Sukhjinder Singh, a government employee said that the way the prices of commodities were increasing, it was becoming difficult to manage the budget in the salarythey were getting. "One can not commute without diesel or petrol and we have to abide by the instructions. But increase in prices of crude oil at such short intervals is pinching our pockets", said the employee. Bharat Bhushan, an attendant at a petrol pump, said that earlier when announcements of hike in the prices of petrol/diesel were made, commuters used to panic and serpentine queues were soon witnessed at the petrol pumps to fill the tanks of their vehicles. "But now, residents have become cool, as they have surrendered to the situation. Since the prices of petrol and diesel are hiked regularly, it hardly makes any difference now", said the attendant. |
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Medical representatives protest
Ludhiana, August 1 Nearly 300 members of the PMRA today gathered outside the Division No 8 police and staged protest against the four manager of the pharmaceutical company. Manjeet Saini stated that one of the PMRA members, Japjot Singh, had visited DMC Hospital to donate platelets to a dengue patient on July 30. While he was sitting in the canteen of the hospital, four members of the pharmaceutical complaint approached him and started threatening him. Japjot tried to avoid any confrontation and sat in the recovery room of the hospital. Saini said Japjot was shocked to learn that the four managers of the pharmaceutical company filed a complaint against for manhandling.The police today visited the hospital and saw the recording of the close-circuit television camera installed at the hospital. But the claims of assault by the company manager were found to be false. PMRA members demanded a registration of case against the four managers of pharmaceutical company for lodging a false complaint and harassing a medical representative. |
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Dengue larvae found in Issa Nagri
Ludhiana, August 1 The larvae were destroyed on the spot by spraying temephos. .Pamphlets on dengue awareness were distributed among residents in the area.In Ludhiana district, a few dengue cases have been reported so
far. Verma said, "Last year, as many as nine cases tested positive by the end of July. However this year,
only two have tested positive for dengue in Ludhiana district." |
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Indiscipline in party will not be tolerated: PPCC vice-president
Ludhiana, August 1 Channi said the Congress vice-president had directed the Congress leaders to highlight the policies of the UPA Government at the state and the district levels for which they needed to convene district and block level meetings. He said the block-level meetings would be held on the first Saturday of every month and the district-level meetings would be held on the second Saturday of every month. The report of these meetings would have to be submitted to the state committee before 20th of every month, he added. He said the party high command had categorically stated that strict action would be taken against the members who remained absent from three meetings consecutively. Special attendance would be marked during these meetings and the block and district presidents would have to send the list of absentees to the party high command through the zonal
vice-presidents. |
Trekking expedition flagged off
Ludhiana, August 1 The team, comprising Capt NS Sandhu, Sub (AIG) PR Gomase and 10 other ranks of 103 Air Defence Regiment are expected to reach Bir tomorrow. From there, they will cover a distance of 136 km in 11 days on the Bir, Bada Bhangal, Sanghor trek axis. During the trek, the team will cover the mountain area at about 4,000m height. They will scale some of the highest peaks in the region like Marhu at 4052 m above sea level, Sanghor at 4029 m via two major passes, including Thamsar Pass at 4747 m and the Kaliheni Pass at 4644 m.One of the official said that these expedition helped them to keep fit and they learnt to survive under difficult conditions. |
Oath administered to 48 veterinary graduates
Ludhiana, August 1 Dr PS Mavi, professor and head, Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, welcomed the chief guest and other
dignitaries. Dr HS Sandhu, Dean, College of Veterinary Science, administered the veterinarian's oath to the passouts. Dr Taneja advised the students to keep in touch with the university so that they could remain updated with the recent developments in the field. Dr Taneja also highlighted the importance of higher education and the need of specialisation, keeping in view the recent developments in science.
— TNS |
Chairman, vice-chairman of Pakhowal block elected
Ludhiana, August 1 JP Singh said the name of Harpreet Kaur (general category) was proposed by Surinder Singh for the post of chairman and she was elected unopposed. Similarly, for the post of vice-chairman (which is reserved), Charanjit Singh's name was proposed by Gursharan Singh and was elected unanimously. JP Singh said for Raikot Block, chairman and vice-chairman along with Doraha, Jagraon and Ludhiana 2 blocks, the elections for the posts would be held tomorrow itself i.e. on August 2. Kanwalpreet Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (D), said six SDMs were
given two blocks each and were asked to get the chairman and vice-chairman of the block samitis
elected between July 27 and August 2. |
Doctors’ stir hits patients
Ludhiana, August 1 The doctors at the dispensary started narrating his tale of woes and refuse to attend to any patient. Joginder Singh Kalsi, another resident, said, "I had to return empty-handed. The doctors said step-motherly treatment was being meted out to them. Patients who had come from far-off places too had to return without getting examined." Dr Anand Malhotra, state general secretary of the Rural Medical Services Association, Punjab, said, "We have not sent important reports to the state health department since July. We are not sending weekly and monthly reports to the department which is responsible for running 1,186 dispensaries in rural areas. The doctors demanded that they should be given 60 per cent PG quota. |
Nominal fees for regularising colonies
Ludhiana, August 1 He said that people should come forward to avail the benefit as in regularised colonies, the government would provide basic amenities, including drinking water, sewerage system, streetlights and roads etc. |
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Kho-kho meet ends
Ludhiana: A two-day Zonal-Level Kho-Kho Tournament organised by the Punjab School Education Board concluded at Sacred Soul Convent Senior Secondary School. Seventeen teams from various CBSE and PSEB schools participated in the event. Education officer Paramjeet Kaur Chahal, sub-education officer Ajit Pal Singh, zone convener Satpal Singh, Gurmail Singh Gill, chairman of the school, were present. Principal Monica welcomed guests. Teej celebrated
Students of Kiddies's Paradise School, Kochar Market, celebrated Teej with fervour. Swings and paintings were put up in the school. Students came dressed in traditional attire. Students bought bangles. School principal Taranjit Kaur highlighted the importance of the festival. ‘Rainy Day’ celebrated
'Rainy Day' was celebrated at Babies Paradise Playway School. Students danced to the tune of Bollywood numbers. They were told about the use of raincoat and umbrellas. Students recited rhymes. Martyrdom Day observed
The Martyrdom Day of Shaheed Udham Singh was observed at Ram Lal Bhasin Public School. A special assembly was conducted for the senior wing. Mehak, Avneet and Monica of Class VIII and Mithesh of Class X threw light on the life of Udham Singh. Tributes were paid to the martyr. Principal Mona Thakur delivered a motivational speech. Talent hunt
Kundan Vidya Mandir organised an inter-house talent hunt. Various activities such as solo dance, instrumental and group song were held. Students presented dance performances on 'A Stitch In Time Saves Nine', 'Smooth Seas Do Not Make Skillful Sailors', 'Wear Out The Shoes Than Sheets', 'As You Sow, So Shall You Reap', 'Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining' and 'Where There Is A Will There Is A Way'.
— TNS |
Grant issued
Pawan Dewan District Congress President issued a cheque of Rs 2 lakh to Government Model Senior Secondary School, Model Town, for installation of RO System. The grant was issued by Manish Tiwari, Information and Broadcasting minister. Memorandum submitted
Trustees of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Music School for the blind submitted a memorandum to the Governor regarding the possession of the school. They were called at Governor House on Thursday, and were assured about resolving the issue. Appointed
Rajendra Prasad Jayswal was appointed as the president of Punjab Pradesh unit of Rashtravadi Janta Party. The appointment has been made for a period of two years, the party members said. Elected
Chandar Shekhar Sahota, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee secretary and Bhariya Valmiki Dharam Samaj member, was elected to Telephone Advisory Committee. He is also the president of Dalit Mahapanchayat. Meeting
Under the leadership of Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, Akali leader, Harbhajan Singh Dang and Gurdeep Singh Gosha, Youth Akali Dal member, met on Thursday. Gosha committed to support Dang. The party is making efforts to avoid division among party, a party member said. Workshop
Student workshop was organised by Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle on Thursday. Thirty five students participated in the workshop. Youth leaders who had participated in the earlier workshops were also invited during the event. They were told to gain excellence in their relative fields, to serve the society as leaders. Exhibition
A cluster-level model-exhibition and competition was organised at Government Model Senior Secondary School under the Social Studies Project. 15 schools participated. Models were made on irrigation methods, natural calamities,
etc. — TNS |
Under debt, 2 persons commit suicide in city
Ludhiana, August 1 The incident took place last night when Rajinder Singh did not return home at New Subash Nagar till late night. Panic-stricken family members reached the factory unit and were shocked to see Rajinder Singh hanging from a ceiling hook. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead. Family members said that Rajinder, who runs a zip manufacturing unit, had suffered losses in business and was facing acute financial crunch. In the second incident Bhupinder Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver, committed suicide by jumping in front of a speeding train. His family members said Bhupinder, a resident of Fathe Singh Nagar in Shimlapuri, could not pay a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh. Yesterday, a bank employee had pasted a notice outside his house stating that if Bhupinder did not pay the loan amount, then the bank would take the possession of his house and auction it. Today, he went to Sherpur Chowk and left his auto-rickshaw there and jumped before an approaching train. |
Two booked for fraud
Ludhiana, August 1 He reportedly told the police that three armed assailants, travelling on a motorcycle, attacked his employee Manoj Kumar opposite Nagesh Hosiery near the Jalandhar Bypass. The assailants also stabbed Manoj’s left arm before fleeing with cash. The incident led to panic in the area. The police rushed to the spot and Manoj was taken to a hospital where the paramedical staff said that the injury appeared to be self-inflicted. The police then questioned Manoj and the accused soon told the entire story. He confessed before the police that he had hatched a plan along with his friend Durgesh to take the money from his employers. The police then recovered the cash from Durgesh's house in the Jodhewal Basti area. The police has also received the blade used in the crime and booked the duo for fraud. |
DTO’s gunman booked
Ludhiana, August 1 Two drug peddlers nabbed
The police nabbed two drug peddlers from Tibba Road last night. The accused have been identified as Balwinder Singh, a resident of Talwandi Kalan, and Sony, a resident of Chhauni Mohalla. The accused were nabbed at a police checkpoint. On spotting the police, the duo tried to flee the scene, but the policemen overpowered them. During the search of his belongings, the police seized 125 gm of sedative powder. The accused has been booked under Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act. Two kidnapping cases registered
Two kidnapping cases were registered with the city police yesterday. In the first incident, the Daba police has booked a person along with his
three accomplices for kidnapping a 16-year-old girl. The accused have been identified as Adesh, a resident of Maha Singh
Nagar. The police has booked Mah Singh's accomplices Rampal, Kuldip Singh and Satish Kumar. The victim's parents came to know that the accused along with his accomplices has kidnapped his daughter on the pretext of marriage. A case under Sections 363, 366A and 120 B of the IPC has been registered against the accused. In second incident, the Division number 7
police has booked Rajul Singh, aresident of Rahon road, for kidnapping a 18-year-old girl. |
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