Ludhiana, September 14
Director, Health Services, Punjab, Dr Ashok Nayyar today conducted a check at Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital.

He directed the hospital authorities to overcome the shortcomings.

Two women share a bed in a corridor; and a sanitation worker at job ahead of the Health Director’s visit to the hospital.  Tribune photo:

Nayyar said,"Of the two labour rooms, one is used as the recovery room. I have directed the authorities to use the second room as well. This way, they will be able to deal with the heavy rush of patients. Nothing has been done to solve the seepage problem. Something has to be done at the earliest."

He said the burn unit had not been made operational even after one-and-a-half years. It was inaugurated today. The director instructed the staff to treat male and female patients in separate wards. He also told them to install ACs and increase the number of beds. Civil Surgeon Dr Subhash Batta said,"We will get it done at the earliest."

Dr Nayyar was satisfied with the functioning of the hospital. He said,"There is some improvement. Better coordination can help us yield good results." Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Kaushal Saini and Senior Medical Officer of the hospital Dr Rajkumar were also present during the inspection. Director, Health Services, Punjab, also visited the physiotherapy ward of the hospital and spent half-an-hour there. He said more equipment and an air-conditioner were needed in the ward.

Ludhiana, September 14
It happens only in India: Even after learning that the question papers of classes VI-X were leaked, the Punjab School Education Board is yet to reset the papers.

Summative Assessment 1 exams are being conducted in PSEB-affiliated schools.

A principal of a government school said the department's claims of taking measures to curb mass copying had fallen flat as its decision to send question papers through the Internet had led to the paper leak.

Ludhiana, September 14
Charanjit Singh Vishivkarma was elected president of the United Cycle and Parts Association (UCPMA).

He defeated Gurmeet Singh Kular and Jaswant Singh Birdi by 39 votes.

Rumours were that DS Chawla, former president of the UCPMA, might also contest the elections. But he extended support to Gurmeet Singh Kular. Chawla had resigned from the post of president in 2011 saying political pressure was getting to him.

Vishivkarma said he would work for the development of the small-scale industry. "Big corporate houses are doing fine and the need of the hour is to buck up the small manufacturing sector," he said.

Ludhiana, September 14
All speculations were put to rest after former DC Rahul Tiwari was today appointed the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation Commissioner.

He has also been given the additional charge of Chief Administrator, GLADA.

The orders were issued by the Chief Minister’s office this morning.

Rahul Tiwari, who is quite familiar with the problems of the city, said his priority would be to get the projects that were in the pipeline completed at the earliest.

"People think that the civic body is not accessible. I want residents to give me their feedback on the functioning of the body," said the new Commissioner.

When asked if he will be able to improve the financial health of the civic body, Tiwari said he did not have a magic wand. "I will make efforts to make the MC self-reliant. The system can only be streamlined with the help of leaders, councillors, officials, staff and the public. The development of the city will help us generate revenue," said Tiwari.

Spokesperson for the Congress councillors Parminder Mehta said, "It is not going to be a cakewalk for the new Commissioner. At a time, when the cheques issued by the MC are being dishonoured, to bring about a change will not be an easy task." "We will not be a disappointment and try to live up to the expectations of the residents. We want Tiwari to convene regular meetings with the councillors. The development works have been stalled as tenders are yet to be floated," said Mehta.

Jagraon, September 14
Two days after Ludhiana Tribune highlighted the issue of illegal hoardings in the town, the Jagraon Municipal Council authorities swung into action and removed some hoardings.

But the Municipal Council's action against illegal hoardings stirred up another controversy as the NGOs, whose hoardings have been removed by the MC, accused the authorities of adopting biased approach while removing the hoardings.

Apparently, the removal of the illegal hoardings has not gone down well with the representatives of several NGOs as their hoardings informed the people about various kind of public welfare services being offered by them. Terming the action of the MC a mere eyewash, the NGOs have criticised the approach of the civic body .

"The Municipal Council authorities have removed the hoardings installed to create awareness about various social welfare schemes meant, the hoardings put up by political leaders, especially of the the ruling alliance, have not been removed. Moreover, the hoardings installed by the commercial establishments to advertise their products have not been removed, which clearly shows the biased adopted by the MC while removing the illegal hoardings," alleged Jatinder Malhotra, president of the Lok Sewa Society.

Malhotra said if authorities were serious about the removal of hoardings, then they should remove all the illegal hoardings put up by the political parties as well as commercial establishments without any discrimination.

Jagraon Municipal Council Executive Officer Davinder Singh Toor was not available for comments as he was on leave. When contacted, Jagraon SDM Apneet Rayat said no one would be allowed to put up hoardings illegally in the town. "All the illegal hoarding will be removed soon without any kind of discrimination," said the SDM. 

Ludhiana, September 14
Rajat Aggarwal took over the charge of the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, today. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tiwari handed over the charge to him in the presence of senior officials and the staff of the district administration at the DC office.

Aggarwal, who worked as the DC, Amritsar, prior to the posting said he would like to accomplish the projects initiated by his predecessor Tiwari. "I will sincerely try to live upto the expectations of the residents and for that team work is required," said Aggarwal.

He said streamlining the traffic in the city, controlling the pollution level and issues relating to senior citizens would be taken on priority. He said though the traffic came mainly under the purview of the police, the district administration would try to provide respite to the residents from the problem. Besides, being the Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, he knew that two cities Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana were highly polluted.

"I wish to start afresh to control the pollution level in the district. And the cleaning of the Buddha Nullah will be on priority," said the new DC.

Another issue close to his heart seems to be that of senior citizens. He said it was unfortunate that the young generation was abandoning the senior citizens. "There is a provision in the law that when parents transfer their property to their wards, they can make sure under Section 23 that if their wards start neglecting them, they could get the property transferred in their name again. We will try for the implementation of the section to safeguard the rights of senior citizens," stressed Aggarwal. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 14
The district administration has directed officers of the departments concerned to make elaborate arrangements for the 'Chappar Mela', a traditional fair of Malwa. The fair will be held from September 17 to 21 at Chappar village. These directions were given by Dr Neeru Katyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, at a meeting here today. She informed that a round-the-clock control room was being set up at the site to supervise the arrangements and to coordinate with officials of various departments.

Dr Katyal said elaborate security arrangements were being made by the SSP, Ludhiana (rural ), Ashish Chaudahry. She said orders under Section 144 of the IPC were also being issued to ban carrying of arms in the fair and the sale of articles, which could be used as weapons. 

Ludhiana, September 14
The two-day Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), concluded today. The mela received an overwhelming response from farmers and farm women.

Dr GS Kalkat, chairman, Punjab State Farmers' Commission was the chief guest at the prize-distribution function whereas Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, presided over the closing ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude to the farming community for making the mela a grand success and a mega fair with their enthusiastic participation.

Dr Amrik Singh Sidhu, vegetable scientist, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bangalore and the members of the PAU Board of Management were also present.

In his inaugural remarks, Dr Kalkat hailed the farmers for serving the nation by producing surplus food grains. He expressed concern over the depletion of underground water table in the state. "Save water for yourself and for the future generations," he said.

In his presidential address, Dr Dhillon called upon the farmers to save natural resources by using resource conservation technologies.

Dr HS Dhailwal, additional director of extension education, said the problem of burning of paddy straw needed to be addressed.

Winners of the crop produce competition, agro-industrial exhibition, on-the-spot competition, conducted by the PAU College of Home Science, were given certificates and prizes.

When the prize distribution function was on, a number of fans of comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, who is also a professor at the PAU, were busy to get a photographs clicked 
with him. 

Ludhiana, September 14
The two-day Kisan Mela at Panjab Agricultural University witnessed a record sale of books on farm technologies.

Books and farm literature worth over Rs 12 lakh was sold during the mela.

“It’s encouraging that farmers have shown interest in reading books,” said Gurbhajan Singh Gill, president of the Punjabi Sahit Academy.

Private publishers sold books worth Rs 7 lakh whereas the communication department of the PAU collected Rs 4.5 lakh from the sale of literature.

Books on rational optimism were a hit among farmers, while books on Sikh worriers and Operation Blue Star attracted the youth.

Sumit Gulati from Chetna Parkshan said: “The book Jattan da ithaas was the bestseller. Books penned by Babu Rajab Ali and Shiv Kumar Btalwai are always in demand. Literature written by Saheed Bhagat Singh, Avtar Passh, Jaswant Kawal have their own market. New books of Gurbhajan Gill and Gurpreet Singh Toor are also in demand.”

Nashatar Singh from Gurmat Gian Missionary College said: “We have received good response from farmers. Ajmer Singh’s books on Punjab and Sikh politics are in demand.”

Dr Anil Sharma, manger (sales), PAU, said: “We have received good response this year. A total of 1,200 magazines were subscribed by farmers in two days.”

Dr MS Randhawa, former Vice-Chancellor of the PAU had started the tradition of setting up book stalls during Kisan Melas.

Dr Amarjit Singh Bhullar, professor, PAU, said: “It is a good sign if ruralites have started reading books. Books are the best source of knowledge.” 

Ludhiana, September 14
Punjabi was Greek to him until he laid his hands on the monthly magazine of Panjab Agricultural University, Changi Kheti. Curious to know the new techniques in the field of agriculture, Ram Kumar, a farmer from Mavikala village in Uttar Pradesh, learnt Gurmukhi. He is learning the language for the past six months and is now able to read all the farm literature published by the PAU. Ram Kumar said: “The farm literature of the PAU is useful for farmers, but it is not available in Hindi, so I decided to learn Gurmukhi. I learnt about the PAU five years ago through AIR.”

“I visited the PAU three year ago during Kisan Mela and this is my third visit. Gurmukhi is the easiest script to learn as the letters are similar to Hindi,” said Ram Kumar.

Ram Kumar said he adopted the techniques suggested by the PAU experts on his farmland and the results were extraordinary. The yield of sugarcane on his land has doubled in a couple of years. Now, he uses natural manure instead of chemical fertilisers and has minimised the use of pesticides. 

Ludhiana, September 14
The local chapter of Institution of Engineers, India, in association with students' chapter of Institution of Engineers, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, observed the 46th Engineer's Day at the college today. 

Ludhiana, September 14
An NGO, Ann Jal Sewa Trust, has brought the smile of Amit back. He was attacked by a stray dog on August 31. The 4-year-old boy, a resident of Bhamad village, was rushed to the Community Health Centre, Macchiwara, after the attack, from where he was further referred to Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana. Shiv Ram Saroy, founder of the NGO said, “The right side of the child's face was badly bitten up by the dog. After consulting doctors at the Civil Hospital, an injection was arranged for him.” The injection worth Rs 6,000 was arranged by the NGO.

“A few days ago the child was discharged from the hospital. I requested Dr Vijay, head of the plastic surgery department, Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), to review his case. The doctors at CMCH treated his face in different phases and now he is much better,” said Saroy. “One more stitch is required, which will be done soon. We are happy that our NGO could contribute in his well-being. It is a matter of great delight for us, that little Amit can smile once again," said the founder of the NGO. 

Machiwara, September 14
A minor girl from Chamkaur Sahib, who jumped into a canal last evening, was saved by Machiwara police after covering about 24 km in six hours. As per information, the girl, a student of Class XI, had jumped into the canal at about 7 pm last night .

After jumping into the canal, air filled her clothes and she kept on floating. She was not noticed till she reached Behlolpur. Near the Behlolpur bridge a driver with the help of some persons tried to save her, but she was swept away by strong currents. Meanwhile, a police party, led by Samrala DSP Jagwinder Singh Cheema, and Machiwara SHO Harjinder Singh reached the spot. The policemen jumped into the canal near the Garhi bridge and evacuated the girl out from the Sirhand canal at about 1 AM. The girl was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Machiwara. She was handed over to her guardians. The girl's parents are more and she was under some stress. — OC 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 14
The sadar police has arrested a swindler who has been demanding money from entrepreneurs and industrialists in the name of officials from various departments. The accused has been identified as Hardeep Singh of Rachhin village. He has been booked under Sections 419 and 420 of the IPC.

The case was registered on the complaint of Sukhminder Singh Bhathal, additional superintending engineer, MMTS Enforcement Punjab State Power Corporation, Patiala . Amargarh Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurmit Singh said he was arrested while trying to leave the area today.

Bhathal had alleged that some industrialists and entrepreneurs had informed him that a swindler had demanded money from them in his name for the marriage of poor girls.

The accused used to call his target over the phone and then introduce himself as ASE Bhathal. While some of the victims paid him the amount, others chose to know the reality.

Rajesh Singla, one of the victims, said the accused posing as a complainant had called him over the phone on September 2 and told him to contribute to the noble cause. He then visited his factory to collect the money on September 4.

Singla also provided CCTV clips to the police in which the accused was seen receiving money. The preliminary investigation revealed the accused was presently living at his in-law's house in Kup Kalan and his mother-in-law, who is settled in the USA, had arranged the visa for him. He was scheduled to leave India for the US soon. The police is yet to identify all the victims. 

Ludhiana, September 14
The police has booked the husband and in-laws of a 26-year-old woman for abetment to suicide. In his complaint to the police, the deceased’s father Dhanpat his daughter was married to Major Singh of Subhash Nagar. He said the accused were harassing his daughter for dowry.

The police has registered a case against Major Singh, her father-in-law Gurmukh Singh and mother-in-law Gurdev Kaur.— TNS 

Ludhiana, September 14
Pickpockets had a field day during the PAU Kisan Mela. It was learnt that the 28 farmers were targeted in the past two days.

The police did not act and failed to apprehend the miscreants.

Sources said a farmer caught hold of a pickpocket, but the latter managed to flee, leaving behind his bag that contained 21 wallets that had no money, documents and ATM cards. Seven more farmers complained that they were targeted by pickpockets during the fair.

"I had Rs 15,000 and wanted to buy seeds and other articles. But pickpockets took away my money," said Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from Ghall Kalan village in Moga.

"We have received some complaints and are investigating the matter," said a police officer.

He said there was a gang of pickpockets active in the area and the police was on a lookout for them.