The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	MC collects Rs 1.75 lakh tax from defaulters GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 Continuing with its drive of defaming the tax defaulters, a Municipal Corporation (MC) team today collected an amount of nearly Rs 1.75 lakh from different localities. The MC House Tax Department team, accompanied by drummers beating drums, visited the localities of the defaulters, including the Industries Department of the government, which owes the MC Rs 4.82 lakh as tax for the past three years. Similarly, scores of other property owners who voluntarily paid up their dues got their sealed properties back in the afternoon. Accompanied by drummers, the MC team, led by Superintendents Shushant Bhatia and Daljit Singh, along with inspectors Gurpreet Bhatia, Sarabjit Singh, Ajit Singh and Paramjit Singh today started the recovery drive from the office of the Industries Department. However, the government office was given some more time only after the General Manager of the department assured MC Commissioner DPS Kharbanda of clearing the dues as early as possible. It has been learnt that the Industry Department’s name was published among the list of defaulters in a newspaper some months ago, but the department did not bother to pay up the taxes. According to Kharbanda, since it was a matter pertaining to a government office, it was a bit of time consuming exercise to clear the tax dues. “The industry office has been given a time period of two months as the official assured to communicate to the higher authorities for the release of payment for tax dues. I have told them to send the communique in this regard immediately and submit a copy of it to us, to which they agreed,” he said. Then came the turn of a police official, who owed Rs 45,000 as house tax to the MC for four shops (two owned by him and two others on rental basis). House tax officials said the properties were located in Gobind Nagar and the police official paid the whole tax on the spot. As many as five shops were sealed in the Gobind Nagar area and New Partap Nagar area, but some of them were later released after their proprietors cleared their dues. A hospital located in New Partap Nagar and a cloth house were sealed as their owners failed to deposit the tax amount of Rs 71,000. Similarly, a boutique was sealed for not paying the dues amounting to Rs 25,000. In a bid to streamline the recovery process, the MC Commissioner reshuffled the staff of the House Tax Recovery Department. Sources said on the basis of performance, Superintendent Shushant Bhatia was entrusted with the responsibility of collecting taxes in the Civil Lines area, which included Lawrence Road, Queen’s Road, Cooper Road and Race Course Road.
	Isolated dengue wards set up after 3 cases confirmed in city Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The district Health Department has set up isolated dengue wards for dengue patients after three dengue cases were confirmed in the city. District Epidemiologist Dr Charanjit Singh said of the total nine suspected patients, dengue was confirmed in three of them. The Health Department has set up isolated wards at the local Civil Hospital, Government Medical College and Civil Hospitals at Baba Bakala and Ajnala, he said. The Mac Elisa test for dengue is conducted free of cost at the microbiology laboratory of the medical college, said Dr Charanjit Singh, adding that people must get the test done if they had any symptoms of dengue. Talking about the measures taken by the department to prevent the spread of disease, he said, “In the past two years we had came across around 200 dengue patients in city. Based on the information of their localities and streets we have identified a few disease-prone areas and have kept special focus on these places.” The department had conducted a survey in April and May with a view to educate residents of these localities about the preventions for the disease. The department is also keeping a vigil over areas as roadways yard and Jhajgarh where there is a maximum possibility of larva breeding due to water stagnation. Besides, the state government has made it obligatory for the private hospitals and practitioners to inform district health departments in case a suspected dengue or malaria patient comes to them. “As and when they send us the information we get the samples of the suspected patient collected and send them to the government medical college for confirmation,” said the Epidemiologist, adding that this would keep the department updated about the actual number of confirmed dengue cases. He said the government hospitals were well-equipped with machines and medicines to treat dengue patients, so people must prefer them over private institutes.
	Hansliwali Gali cries for urgent attention Residents of Katra Mit Singh area at the receiving end due to faulty sewerage, water disposal lines GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 Belying all claims of claims of the authorities to rejuvenate the sewage system in the city on the pattern of Japan, the Hansliwali Gali located in Katra Mit Singh area is a victim of faulty sewerage and water disposal lines. This, despite the fact that the Japanese firm JAICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has been assigned the task of laying sewage pipelines. Students and staff of a school located in this area have to face great hardships reaching their destination everyday. The locality is located in ward no 41 and is at a stone’s throw from the Golden Temple. It is not rainwater but the sewage which generally spills over onto the streets as there is no proper water disposal passage, this making it difficult for the residents to even venture out of their homes. The approach road to SS Public School here gets submerged in sewage. The situation sometimes worsens to the extent that the school management at times has to close the school due to the stagnant water on the approach road. Despite several complaints lodged with the Municipal Corporation, nobody ever bothered to rectify the problem of overflowing sewage while exposing the residents to diseases. Piles of rubble choke the passage of water going down the drains. Residents complain that due to slippery roads, many accidents have occurred here but the authorities never bothered to pay heed to their problems. Foul smell emanates from the bins put near these garbage dumps at the entrance of the street. “Our repeated pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The MC authorities are not willing to lift the garbage. Residents are exposed to various diseases,” a local resident said. Gurinder Singh, a chartered accountant by profession, said, “It is a pity that the authorities have not woken up from their slumber. The situation is so alarming that it could lead to an epidemic outbreak. Our street has become more of a garbage dumpsite.” “The over-spilled garbage has blocked the passage of water and the stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he added. Kapil Piplani, manager at SS Public School, said, “A five-minute rain is enough to make our area surrounded with dirty water. Our repeated pleas to the authorities have fallen on deaf ears. Just 15 days back, we had lodged a complaint with the MC office and obtained the diary number officially but in vain.” Municipal Commissioner DPS Kharbanda said, “The problem is persisting due its century-old topography and the obsolete sewage lines which remain blocked due to uneven surface. I will direct my technical team to monitor it and we will try our best to sort out the problem.”
	Part of Gobindgarh Fort likely to be thrown open on September 27 Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The Department of Tourism is expected to throw open a part of the 18th century Gobindgarh Fort to the general public on September 27. Even as the ambitious conservation project at the fort has jumped its deadline several times in the past, the main central ground, General O’Dyer’s bungalow, Toshakhana (where Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mint was situated), would be opened for the public by the end of this month. District Tourism Officer Balraj Singh said the entire overview of the fort would be available for the visitors. However, barricading of unsafe buildings and under conservation structures are yet to be done. He said the conservation process, construction of hotel and other structures would take about two years. Of these, four bastions in all the corners, a hotel, a durbar hall, three museums reflecting Sikh history, coins and British and Sikh Armies would be on display. Light and sound shows may be started after two or three months. Initially, not more than 50 members would be allowed entry in the fort every day. Meanwhile, the fort would be opened for school children on Friday evenings and for general public on Saturday and Sunday evenings. On fixing of ticket value, the Department of Tourism is yet to take a final decision while the local office has recommended Rs 25-30. The administrative complex and the parking lot for the visitors would come up at the Dussehra Ground, situated opposite the fort. The delay in opening the fort has raised eyebrows of hoteliers and other hospitality players. For, they think that they are not able to make the stay of tourists visiting the holy city longer. The restoration work at the fort has been moving at a snail’s pace, said APS Chatha, president, Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRA). Chatha said it was good news for the hospitality industry that the fort would be opened by this month end. Following the state government’s request, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to the city had personally given the keys to the then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in December 2006. After the conclusion of all formalities, the Army garrison stationed in the fort handed over the possession to the Department of Tourism, Punjab, in October 2008. The Punjab government had allocated a sum of Rs 25 crore last year for the purpose. At present, conservation work under the supervision of the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) is under progress. Funds have been arranged partly from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Central government.
	Farmer leaders, villagers booked for attacking police PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The Amritsar (Rural) police has registered a case of an attempt to murder against several farmer leaders and residents of Thobe village, who had resorted to blocking the Ajnala-Ramdass road yesterday and allegedly attacked a police party.They were subsequently arrested by the police. The farmer leaders had been protesting against the move of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to fit electricity meters outside the residences of farmers. They had blocked the Ajnala-Ramdass road when the police team, headed by SP (Headquarters) Balbir Singh, reached the spot and tried to intervene. The police officials tried to pacify the agitators, who allegedly starting pelting the police party with stones. The police party had reportedly cane-charged the protesting farmers and residents of Thobe village to disperse them. Among those booked include farmer leader Gurinderjit Singh of Thoba, Avtar Singh (son of Baaj Singh) of Chavinda, Avtar Singh (son of Tarlok Singh) of Chavinda, Bikramjit Singh, Lalli, Dalip Singh, all residents of Thoba and Prithipal Singh of Paidewal village. The police authorities said a case under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 353 (obstructing government servant from discharging his duty) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered on the statement of the SHO, Ramdass police station, Harpal Singh. The police complaint stated that the agitators damaged government vehicles besides a private bus. Over half a dozen policemen, including SP (Headquarters), sustained injuries in the incident. The PSPCL has been facing tough resistance from the farmers, who have been protesting against the installing of electricity meters outside the residences. The government and the PSPCL had launched the campaign several times back in order to nail the stealing of power, especially in the rural areas, where the PSPCL incur huge losses due to power theft. Various farmer organisations, including the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha and Border Area Sangharsh Committee, had flayed the PSPCL authorities for the major swoop on the farmers drawing powers from unapproved lines. They also criticised the political leaders, especially from the ruling party, who discouraged the PSPCL officials from disconnecting the illegal power connections and allowed farming community to get illegal connections before elections. They had promised them to get these connections regularised after the polls, they alleged. But after elections they failed to do so, they said.
	NRI booked for demanding dowry, fraud Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The Ajnala police has booked an NRI and four others for fraudulently marrying a woman much younger than him and assaulting her and demanding dowry from her. Levelling serious allegations, Ramanpreet Kaur, the victim, a resident of Ajnala, in her complaint to the police stated that her husband Jagjit Singh was a permanent resident of Spain and fraudulently married her by claiming that he was 27-year-old while his real age was 40 and thus ruined her life. At the time of marriage her age was just over 18, she added. She lodged the complaint through the women helpline. She alleged that Jagjit Singh used to beat her after locking her in a room, besides asking her for bringing a car. Ramanpreet told the police that Jagjit Singh had got prepared two fake passports in the name of Mandeep Kumar and Manjit Singh having his photographs and a PAN card. Besides Jagjit Singh, who originally hailed from Kherabad village, his two brothers Gurjit Singh and Kanwaljit Singh, brother-in-law Raghubir Singh and a fake travel agent, identified as Jagir Singh have been booked. She reported to the police that the Jagjit, who was in Spain, had connived with Jagir for preparing fake passports. A case under Sections 498-A, 467, 468, 471, 506 and 120-B of the IPC and Sections 3, 34 and 23 of the Indian Passport Act was registered. Pargat Singh, investigating officer, said Ramanpreet Kaur submitted xerox copies of the fake passports allegedly made by Jagjit Singh.
	Man booked for firing at wife, son Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The Beas police has booked a man for allegedly firing at his wife and son over an altercation. They have been admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. The incident occurred at Bal Saran village on the night of September 6. However, the police received the information only last evening, following which a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC and Arms Act has been registered against the man, identified as Satnam Singh. Surinder Singh, investigating officer, said the police received a tip-off that Satnam Singh had tried to kill his wife and son following a tiff. He allegedly fired at them. One of the bullet hit his son Robin Singh (22), whose condition is serious. His wife also suffered a bullet injury in her leg. The investigating officer said preliminary investigations had found that Satnam Singh did not possess any licence for the weapon used in the crime. He said Satnam Singh was on the run and raids were being conducted to nab him.
	10 held for drug peddling, bootlegging Amritsar, September 9 The city police has nabbed 10 persons, including a woman, for drug peddling and bootlegging. Those arrested have been identified as Kulwinder Singh of Rasulpur Kallar, Inderjit Singh of Daburji, Baljinder Singh of Thad village (Tarn Taran), Avtar Singh of Jawahar Nagar, Mehta road, Nishan Singh of Jawahar Nagar, Pardip Singh of Housing Board Colony, Rinka Gil of Indira Colony, Harpreet Singh of Basarke and Narinder Kaur of Gurnam Nagar. Ravi Kumar of Sultanwind village was nabbed with 180 bottles of illicit liquor. Separate cases under the NDPS Act and Excise Act have been registered against them. — TNS
	Purses snatched from 2 women Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 Snatchers attacked a tourist from Uttarakhand and a Delhi resident in the past 24-hours. Kavita, a resident of Delhi, stated to the police that when she was going to Beauty Avenue from the Lawrence Road area at around 8pm, an unidentified person came from behind and snatched her purse, containing gold jewellery, including a bangle, necklace, ring and earrings, worth several lakhs of rupees. In the second incident, Navnit Chand, a resident of Pittorgarh, Uttarakhand, alleged that he along with his wife had been returning after watching the Retreat Ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post when two motorcycle-borne youths came from behind and snatched the purse of his wife containing a digital camera, besides cash and important documents. The city police has registered cases.
	Cong councillor blames govt for faulty policies Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 In response to the state government's move to introduce bus service on the pattern of BRTS (bus rapid transit system), Congress councillor Raj Kanwal Preet Pal Singh Lucky said these announcements were mere castles in the air. Talking to mediapersons here, Lucky said the SAD-BJP government had announced magnetic pods earlier which could never see the light of day till date. "The foundation stone of magnetic pod system was laid in 2011 by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal but nothing has been done on ground even after two years. Similarly, the city bus service was conceptualised in 2006 but due to official rigmarole it could not be started and the residents have been left on the mercy of private public transport which charge exorbitantly. It is an irony that the Centre has already released funds to the tune of Rs 12.86 crore but the project is still on papers," he said. Defying the claims made by the SAD-BJP government that the Centre government always discriminated with the state while allocating funds for development works, Lucky said the Centre had always been positive about shelling out its share for development works. "The Centre always released its share of funds for various projects, such as the elevated road, solid waste management plant, Rasoolpur Kalan housing project for BPL families and the city bus service. These projects are either incomplete or never took off because of the faulty policies of the state government," he said.
	Refrigeration room for dead bodies at GMC dysfunctional Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The refrigeration room for keeping dead bodies meant for imparting practical training to the medical students at the Government Medical College (GMC) is in an urgent need of repair. It has been learnt that the authorities have sent a proposal for its upgrade. Sources said dead bodies are disposed of after a short while as they start decomposing. The college even does not have a vehicle of its own to fetch dead bodies. "Sometimes, people from social establishments ask for taking a body for medical students. As GMC does not have a vehicle for the purpose, the SGPC-run medical college often gets the body," said an official. The Pingalwara Charitable Society here has a tradition of donating dead bodies to medical colleges for educational purpose. Apart from the society, the college gets dead bodies donated by individuals as well. Family members of the deceased have to make arrangements for transporting the bodies to the college after death. The college on an average needs around 25 to 30 cadavers every year to impart practical training to students. With opening up of a number of private medical colleges and not many individuals and their families ready to donate bodies, the supply is always less than the demand. Government Medical College principal Dr S Shergill said the college had sent a proposal to the Health Systems Corporation for the upgrade of the refrigeration room. He, however, denied they faced any problem as only two or three air-conditioners are out of order. He said that the instructions have been passed on to get the same rectified.
	Rotary Club celebrates Teacher’s Day Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The Rotary Club (Amritsar West) organised a function to celebrate the Teacher’s Day yesterday. Eminent educationists from the city were honoured for their contribution in the field of education. Those honoured were Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, principal, Khalsa College for Women, Simranjit Kaur from Sant Singh Sukha Singh School, Madhu Mangri, a retired teacher from the Government Medical College and Nitin Aggarwal from Career Launchers. The function was presided over by Municipal Commissioner DPS Kharbanda. Rotary Club director Dr Sandeep Aggarwal said they felt immensely proud to honour the teachers who were still working to impart education to students. Club president Dr Raman Gupta and secretary Rakesh Mahajan were also present. Kharbanda exhorted the club members to work for saving the depleting water table in the city. He said a recharge well could be made with just Rs 20,000 and the club must promote the idea among city residents.
	Regional athletics meet concludes Amritsar, September 9 Anita of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) No.3, Amritsar, secured first position in the long jump event of girls U-14 in the two-day Regional Athletics Meet 2013-14 organised by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Jammu Region. Held at sports stadium of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), the athletic meet concluded today. In long jump (U-14 girls), Anita stood first, Sakshi of Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhikhiwind stood second and Jatinder of KV Bhikiwind stood third. Tamanna of KV Miran Sahib bagged the first position in U-19 triple jump, Ronak of KV No. 3, Srinagar, stood second and Rehana of KV No.1, Srinagar, got the third position.In javelin throw U-17 event, Badal of KV Jyotipuram got the first position, Gagandeep of KV Chamera second while Anil of KV Rjouri stood third. Head of Physical Education Department Dr. Sukhdev Singh awarded the medals to the winners. Kusum Malhotra, principal, KV No.1, Amritsar, and GS Sethi, principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.3, Amritsar, gave away the certificates and medals to the winners and to the participants. — TNS
	Tennis championship series organised Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 9 The All India Tennis Association (AITA) championship series tennis tournament was organised the Punjab State Lawn Tennis Association (PSLTA) at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Tennis Complex in Ram Bagh today. Results are as follows: Boys Under-14 1. Kabir Manrai (Chd) beat Tejas Parikh (UP) 9-5. 2. Anmol (Chd) beat Khush Arora (Raj) 9-1. 3. Kevin Patel (Guj) beat Dalbir Singh (Pb) 9-5. 4. Arvind (Kar) beat Affaan Kidwai (UP) 9-0. 5. Ishan Anirudh (UK) beat Mahesh Mahapatra (Ors) 9-5 6. Srijan (UP) beat Sarang Garg (Har) 9-7 Boys under - 12 1. Jagtar Arora (Pb) beat Chetanbir Singh (Pb) 4-0, 4-0. 2. Eshaan (Mah) beat Avitej (Pb) 4-0, 4-0. 3. Srikant Thakur (UP) beat Shrut Mohan (Pb) 5-4, 5-3. 4. Kavan Dev Sandhu (Har) beat Parakarm Bakiwala (MP) 5-4, 4-1. 5. Kyle (Mah) beat Jaishvin (Pb) 5-4, 5-4. 6. Aakash (Mah) beat Saideep (Pb) 4-2, 4-0. Girls Under-14 1. Sarah Dev (Pb) beat Poorvi (UP) 9-0. 2. Prerna Vichare (Mah) beat Sehaj (Pb) 9-1. 3. Panya Bhala (MP) beat Sanya (Mah) 9-2. 4. Alisha Menon (Pb) beat Anjum M Shaikh (AP) 9-2. 5. Nimrat Kang (Pb) beat Shaikh M (AP) 9-3. Girls Under-12 1. Sarah Dev (Pb) beat Shaikh M Anjum (AP) 4-0, 4-1. 2. Panya Bhala (MP) beat M Akshita Gaud (AP) 4-0, 4-2. 3. Alisha Menon (Pb) beat Innayat Sandhu (Har) 4-0 , 4-0. 4. Sham Bhavi Tiwari (UP) beat Husnal Kaur (Pb) 4-2 , 4-0.