Ludhiana, October 28
After hoardings of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia, now posters of Sukhbir's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal have been displayed illegally on direction boards in the city.

Several boards have been installed on prominent city roads for the past many days and the MC has turned a blind eye to the violation.

Harsimrat Kaur is scheduled to visit the city in connection with a Nanhi Chhaan function tomorrow.

Earlier, when Cabinet Minister and Youth Akali Dal president Bikram Singh Majithia was to visit the city in connection with a series of functions on October 1, almost the entire city was "flooded" with illegal boards. At that time too, the MC had failed to remove the posters pasted illegally on direction boards.

Though some hoardings have been installed on unipoles, these are illegal since the contract of the advertising company, which had installed these unipoles, has expired.

The worst affected are Ferozepur Road and Pakhowal Road, where unipoles carrying Harsimrat Kaur's posters dot the entire road.

A tehbazaari wing official said they could not remove political hoardings due to "obvious reasons". “If we remove these illegal hoardings, our officers refuse to stand by us. We, therefore, look the other way whenever such hoardings are installed in the city,” said an official on condition of anonymity.

Davinder Singh, MC Zonal Commissioner and in charge of the tehbazaari wing, said he would hold a meeting with all political and social organisations regarding the matter. “We need to educate them not to put up posters on direction boards, which can cause problems to commuters,” said Davinder Singh.

Ludhiana, October 28
Flower shops are having a gala time these days as the festival of lights, Diwali, is round the corner. Shopkeepers of the flower market near Durga Mata Mandir have orders in plenty.

Due to the increasing trend of rangoli decoration in homes, offices, shops, showrooms and educational institutions, the demand for rose petals has been on the rise for the past one month. Leaves of ashoka, mango and lily are also in demand.

Parshotam, a shopkeeper, said special garlands of "madaar", "murli" and blue lily are being sold at around 20 per cent higher rates. During Diwali and Dhanteras, the demand in the local flower mandi increases by 70 per cent.

"Bunches of lotus and ashoka leaves are usually used for decorating terraces and gates of homes and shops, with the belief that the flowers will please Goddess Lakshmi," said Parshotam. Varanasi is the major supplier of flowers to the city and lotus is offered to Goddess Lakshmi during the Diwali rituals. Flower mandis were flooded with quintals of "tabbera", a variety of pink lotus, he said.

Ludhiana, October 28
A 20-year-old expectant woman died under mysterious circumstances at a private hospital here late last evening. The deceased has been identified as Reeta, a resident of Chowhan Nagar on Dhandra Road. Reeta's husband, Suresh, got a complaint registered at the Dugri police station alleging that some of their neighbours thrashed her during a clash on October 19. Reeta was admitted to the hospital on October 25.

Suresh alleged that the injuries caused to her during the clash resulted in her death. The police is investigating the matter, but has denied the complainant's claim.

Satwinder Singh, SHO, Dugri, said, "On a complaint of Reeta's family, we are investigating he matter. The clash was not the cause of death. Doctors have stated that the death was caused due to anaemia. Reeta was also a suspected case of dengue."

"A clash between Reeta's family members and their neighbours took place a few days ago over a children-related issue. However, Reeta's medical reports did not confirm any injury. She had some other medical complications. Her family seems to have cooked up a story. We will be able to say more only after the postmortem report is received," the SHO said.

Ludhiana, October 28
Fourteen patients tested positive for dengue today at city hospitals. Of them, nine are from the district. They belong to Gunj, Giaspura, Shiv Puri, BRS Nagar, Dhandari, Sherpur, Saheed Karnail Singh Nagar and Sherpur. Three patients are from Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar and Hoshiarpur districts, while two patients are from Jammu and Kashmir.

With these, the total number of cases reported from the district has reached 599, while 296 cases have been reported at city hospitals from other districts and 117 from other states.

A team of the Health Department visited Dhandari Kalan, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Makkar Colony, Indra Colony, Dharam Kanda Road and held 12 group meetings today. A total of 39 desert coolers and 96 containers were checked by the team. Larvae were found in three drums and a tyre kept outside a house in Dhandari Kalan. 

Ludhiana, October 28
The Danga Peerit Welfare Society has taken exception to All India Congress Committee vice-president Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks against members of the Sikh community on the issue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her security guards.

Addressing a press conference here today, Surjit Singh, president, and other functionaries of the society, said Rahul Gandhi's reported statement that he was nursing a grudge against the Sikh community over the killing of his grandmother was reprehensible.

They said while those responsible for the killing had been brought to justice, several Congress leaders allegedly "responsible" for the anti-Sikh riots had remained unpunished even after 30 years and were occupying positions of power in the government.

Charging the ruling Congress and the successive Congress-led governments with gross injustice towards the community, Surjit Singh cautioned Congress leaders against rousing communal passions for political gains.

Demanding an unconditional apology from Rahul Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs, the society said the Congress would have to pay a heavy price in the coming elections for its anti-Sikh stance.

Ludhiana, October 28
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has failed to tackle the traffic chaos in markets during the ongoing festival season. The MC tehbazaari wing is facing tough resistance from shopkeepers, who team up against civic body officials whenever they go to clear encroachments from any area.

An MC team had to return empty-handed when it went to clear encroachments from the Jawahar Nagar Camp area last evening. Shopkeepers did not allow MC officers to remove encroachments from the streets. Even in Ghumar Mandi, the MC staff had a tough time while clearing encroachments.

Due to the ongoing festival season, shopkeepers in almost all parts of the city have encroached upon streets by displaying goods outside their shops. This not only leads to traffic congestion, but also causes a nuisance to visitors.

The problem gets worse in the evening when residents throng the markets, especially those in Ghumar Mandi, Model Town, Pakhowal Road and Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar.

MC tehbazaari officials claim that they are already overburdened as they have to manage three public parking lots on Ferozepur Road, besides a multi-level parking near Mata Rani Chowk. "We are already short of staff and are finding it difficult to manage public parking lots. Our task becomes all the more difficult when people come in the way of our work," said a tehbazaari official.

Ludhiana, October 28
A week-long Inter-College Youth Festival concluded at the Open Air Theatre of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) with a spectacular cultural extravaganza. The vibrant and captivating performances of the students amidst thunderous applause stole the show on the last day of the fest. Students showcased their theatrical skills in skit and mono-acting events, whereas the fast-paced “bhangra”, “giddha” and other folk dances kept the audience spellbound. College of Home Science, PAU, made a hat-trick by clinching the overall trophy for the third consecutive year.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest, Paramjit Singh Gill, Police Commissioner, Ludhiana, said youth fests present a true picture of the glorious cultural heritage of Punjab. Participation in the cultural programmes provides a unique opportunity to the budding talent to express their creativity, develop confidence and achieve new heights in future, he added. Calling youth as the future of the nation, he said that the teaching fraternity has a prominent role to play in this regard and the students must express their deep gratitude to their teachers. He distributed the certificates and prizes among the winners.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, applauded the wonderful performances of the students and congratulated the prize-winners.

Dr VK Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU; Gurpreet Singh Toor, Zonal AIG (Intelligence), Punjab Police; Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Director (Planning and Development), Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda; and PAU faculty, staff were also present. Besides, eminent Punjabi singers like Sippy Gill, Gippy Grewal, Pammi Bhai and Punjabi comedians Jaswant Singh and BN Sharma, enthralled the audience with their power-packed performances.

During the prize-distribution ceremony, Sumita Bhalla and Atma Singh (College of Home Science) were adjudged as best singer and best artist, respectively. Silika Gupta and Sarabjit Singh (College of Basic Sciences and Humanities) were declared as best speaker and best poet, respectively. The running trophy for literary events was bagged by College of Basic Sciences and Humanities; theatre events by College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; and music, dance and fine arts events by College of Home Science.

Results: Skit competition- First- College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, Second-College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and Third - College of Agriculture.

Mono-Acting competition - First - Sukhjit Singh (Agricultural Engineering and Technology), Second- Naveen Bhandari (Agriculture) and Third - Isha (Home Science)

Folk Dance competition (Female) - First - College of Home Science (for giddha), Second - College of Agriculture and Third - College of Home Science (for Rajasthani dance).

Best Dancers (Female) - Mandeep Kaur Sandhu and Alokika of College ofHome Science.

Folk Dance (Male) - First - College of Agriculture, Second- College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Third - College of Basic Sciences and Humanities.

Best Dancer (Male) - Mahekpreet Singh of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. 

Ludhiana, October 28
A musical night was organised at Rose Garden by the students of Ishmeet Singh Music Institute. Students of the institute gave renditions of many popular melodies. 'Neele neele ambar par', 'Ab Mujhe raat din', 'Odhni od ke Nachu', 'Tum hi ho Bandhu' and 'Sanwar Loon' by students Satwinder Singh, Shivam, Nidhi and other students of the institute. Gurleen Kaur sang 'Tinka Tinka', 'Batdmeez Dil' and 'Brown Rang'. The event was attended by senior officials of the district administration and municipal corporation.

Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria was chief guest of the evening. Presiding over the function, deputy commissioner Rajat Aggarwal desired that such musical programmes should be organised every Sunday evening at Rose Garden. MC Commissioner Rahul Tewari also lauded the performances of the students.

Dr Charan Kamal Singh, director of the institute, welcomed the dignitaries and informed about the institute.

Ludhiana, October 28
Gujranwala Guru Nanak Institute of Management & Technology (GGNIMT), will host the PTU Inter-Zonal Youth Festival from October 29-31. The festival will witness the performances in more than 30 literary, musical, cultural and fine art events.

About 1,000 students from 35 PTU affiliated colleges hailing from all over Punjab will participate in the various events including ‘bhangra’, ‘giddha’, skit and many other exciting events will be the attraction of the festival.

During the curtain raising ceremony, Dr SM Kant, advisor, Youth and Cultural affairs, PTU, unfolded the schedule for the three days and informed that such platforms help the students to showcase their talents and to develop healthy competitive spirit. He shared the list of dignitaries expected to visit the institute during the festival. He informed that Dr Rajneesh Arora, vice-chancellor, PTU will inaugurate the event tomorrow. The other distinguished guests gracing the occasion on day will include Kamal Sharma, former advisor to Chief Minister, Dr Suresh Tondon, vice-chairman, Punjab School Education Board will be the chief guest for evening.

Prof Gunwant Singh Dua said such platforms not only break the monotony of academics but also help in honing the skills of the students to develop their personalities. 

Ludhiana, October 28
The festival rush compounded the traffic problems across the city. The traffic police is yet to streamline it. The situation was worse in the old city areas. Commuters were seen spending hours on the roads to travel a few kilometers. Meanwhile, fewer traffic police personnel were deployed to address the woes. The police has been seeking the help of NGO's and volunteers to manage the traffic.

The senior police officials held a meeting to discuss traffic issues of Ghumar Mandi, Model Towan, Sharabha Nagar and Civil lines areas, here today.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Deepak Hilori said, "We will make the public aware about the traffic rules. We hope that announcements will help in reducing the traffic violation." The ACP said, "The police is going to initiate a two-way drive in the congested areas of the city."

"We don't want to annoy the residents and shopkeepers on festival season by interfering in their activities. So we urge them to not violate the rules," said Deepak Hilori.

"The Municipal Corporation tried to widen some roads of the city but the encroachers made the efforts fruitless. Moreover, the roadside vendors also add to the problem of the commuters," said Rajveer Singh, a city resident.

"The MC is the competent authority to deal with encroachments so we will collaborate with the MC officials to remove the all types of encroachments," said Hilori. 

Ludhiana, October 28
A poetry book "Mann Tandoor" written by Gurbhajan Singh Gill, president, Punjabi Sahit Akademi, was released by Dr SS Johl, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.

On the occasion, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, and Dr NS Malhi, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Kashi University (GKU), Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, were present.

While congratulating the poet, Dr Johl said: "This book covers all facets of life and will have a deep effect and impact on the readers. During 40 years of his tenure as a poet, Gurbhajan Singh Gill has identified and studied the social problems closely. In his book, he has called upon the directionless youth to come forward and make key contribution towards the society."

Dr Malhi praised Gurbhajan Singh Gill for possessing vast knowledge on diverse topics and for his presence of mind. "His poetry encompasses tradition and heritage," he said. Dr Malhi exhorted him to keep contributing regularly to the society through his pen.

Prof Ravinder Bhattal highlighted few lines of Gurbhajan Singh Gill's poetry and added that the book speaks volumes of hope, aspiration, frustration, strength and wait.

Earlier, Dr Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, additional director of communication, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. 

A degree being conferred on a student during a convocation at Nishkam Sewa Ashram in Ludhiana. A Tribune Photograph

Ludhiana: A convocation programme was held at Nishkam Sewa Ashram, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, to confer degrees and diplomas on 150 students belonging to underprivileged families who had completed the course in computer training, sewing, and fashion designing. Neeraj Jain, executive director, Vardhman Group of Industries, said: "Those who have completed the course will be considered for employment." Naresh Bansal, CEO, Vardhman Steels, while applauding the efforts of Nishkam, offered full support to the organisation. The programme was made interesting by showcasing garments designed by the students. Sarwan Kumar, Chairman, Nishkam Sewa Ashram, appealed to all present on the occasion that service to humanity is important than worshiping God and invited all to join in this effort.

Religious function

The Sessions Judge, GS Matharoo, Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal, Commissioner of Police Paramjit Singh Gill, Judicial Magistrate Amrinder Pal Singh and DCP Harsh Bansal on Monday paid obeisance before the holy Shree Guru Granth Sahib at a religious function held at district courts. In order to have atmosphere of peace and brotherhood, path of Shree Guru Granth Sahib and Shree Ramayan was organised by the District Bar Association, Ludhiana, under the supervision of its president Parupkar Singh Ghumman. A large number of lawyers, judicial employees were present on this occasion.

Protest

On the call given by the Tax Virodhi Sangharsh Committee, Ludhiana, hundreds of city residents gathered at Chattar Singh Park near the bus stand to stage protest against the unwanted property taxes imposed by the state government. The residents marched toward the Bharat Nagar Chowk raising anti-government slogans. They also burnt the effigy of the state government at the Bharat Nagar Chowk. Speaking on the occasion, former MLA Tarsem Jodhan termed state government as anti-people. He said due to the polices of the government the state has become bankrupt.

Interactive session

The Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha, Ludhiana, in co-ordination with the Saathi Teja Singh Sutantar Mohalla Sudhar Committee organised an interactive session on "Effects of GM Crops on Human Health and Protection of Healthy Environment" at Haibowal Khurd.

Awareness drive

Sant Baba Rampal Singh in association with the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Foundation launched an awareness drive against drugs. Speaking on the occasion, Baba Rampal said, "The drugs are eating up our society like termite. We need to protect our youth by making them aware of the ill-effects of the drugs by creating awareness about the same. youth are the fiuture of a nation."

Medical camp

A medical camp was organised on Monday by the Ved Parchar Mandal in which patients were given free treatment. The camp was inaugurated by MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Over 200 children were examined by a dentist. Ashu appreciated the appreciated the efforts of the mandal in providing selfless service to the society.

Memorandum submitted

The All-India Kissan Sabha on Monday submitted a memorandum at the Deputy Commissioner's office. The members while listing their demands said, "The price of sugarcane should be fixed at Rs 400 per quintal." The association members also demanded that farmers who are above 60 years should be given pension of Rs 3,000 per month.

Seminar

A seminar organised on Monday at a local office of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation. Information regarding different schemes under the employees' provident fund was given to the members. They were also acquainted with the online facility through which they can check their balance.

Awarded

The Dalit Mahapanchayat accorded "Bharat Dalit Ratan Award - 2013" to SC and ST Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Raj Kumar Verka on Monday. President of the Dalit Mahapanchayat Chander Shekhar Sahota and chairman Ajay Sidhu said the award has been bestowed upon Dr Verka for raising his voice in favour of the dalits and work for the dalit community.

Book released

A poetry book 'Ankaha Jo Reh Gaya' was released by the Preet Sahitya Sadan on Monday. The book was authored by Dr Kulvinder Kaur. The programme was presided over by Dr Asha Aneja.—TNS

Ludhiana, October 28
The stroke unit of department of neurology held a stroke awareness programme in the Kalvari Church, yesterday. More than 300 congregational members were informed about the stroke warning signs and symptoms, risk factors and its prevention. Dr Santosh Mathangi, a rehabilitation physician, spoke about the importance of rehabilitation after the stroke.

The stroke team visited various wards, OPDs and waiting areas of the CMC Hospital and gave stroke talks and distributed educational pamphlets today. The stroke team of the CMC, Ludhiana, organised a stroke-support group meeting in the hospital auditorium. About 50 patients and relatives came for the meeting. Shefali Chopra from Tata Motors, Ludhiana, led the session along with Deepika Sharma. Chopra is the Indian representative for the formulation of the Stroke Global Bill of Rights. She said, “The best part is that the WSO is taking inputs from stroke survivors and curers across the world and hence the final bill will cater to the actual needs of the patients particularly in developing countries.” Dr Pandian said, “The bill will cover the rights of stroke patients, acute care, prevention, rehabilitation and long-term care, including social support.”

An NGO, Rising Youth Association, organised a stroke education event today at Ludhiana Mediways and invited stroke survivors to share their experience. 

Ludhiana, October 28
Canteens set up in the industrial units covered under the Factories Act, 1948, have been exempted from service tax by the department. Serving of food or beverages by a canteen maintained in a factory and having the facility of air-conditioning or central heating at any time during the year have been exempted from service tax.

"In simple words, it means factory canteens are exempted from the negative provisions of service tax even if they are having air-conditioning or central heating at any time of the year," said a senior official from the department.

Service tax is payable on the food bill or beverage bill served at any place where the facility of air-conditioning or

air-heating is provided on even a single day but if the AC or air-heating facilities are not provided

even for a single day during the year in a restaurant/food joint or canteen, then service tax is not calculated on the food bill.

Lauding the move of the department, Mahesh Sharma, owner of a garment manufacturing unit, said the step taken by the department is appreciable. "Employees were finding it little difficult to have their meals at the factory canteen as they were required to shell out more money on account of service tax. Exempting the factory canteens from service tax is a welcome step," he said.

How tax is calculated

The value of service on food or beverage bill is 40% of the bill amount and rate of tax is 12.36%.

Ludhiana, October 28
Superintendent of the tehbazaari wing of the Municipal Corporation Rajiv Bharadwaj could not record his statement in front of MC committee today for the want of quorum. Of the three members of the committee, only one member was present in the office as the other two had to go to Amritsar in connection with a meeting.

Rajiv Bharadwaj was allegedly slapped by two MC safai workers in his office on September 24 and since then he has not been able to record his statement for one reason or the other. Last time when Bharadwaj was called for recording his statement, he was out of station.

He is likely to be called again within this week for recording his statement before the three-member committee, which includes MC Additional Commissioner Davinder Singh, MC Joint Commissioner AS Sekhon and MC Additional Commissioner (Technical) Dharam Singh.

While speaking to The Tribune, Davinder Singh said the Local Bodies Minister had called a meeting of senior officers of all municipal corporations of the state in Amritsar today. “Both AS Sekhon and Dharam Singh had to go to Amritsar for attending the meeting. As our quorum was not complete, we could not record his statement and now we will ask him to appear before the committee within this week,” informed Davinder Singh.

On September 24, Rajiv Bharadwaj was allegedly slapped in his office by two MC safai workers. Though Bharadwaj had initially claimed that he had reached a compromise with the workers, he later claimed that he was made to sign the compromise papers under pressure.

Ludhiana, October 28
Although bowled over by the hospitality of the Ludhiana residents, the visitors from abroad are not satisfied with cultural activities taking place in the city on a regular basis for the general public.

Emellia and Andrada from Denmark chose Ludhiana to brush up their practical business skills for a financial management course in Denmark. They had heard about Punjab and the industrial city. So, they decided to come here not only to learn business skills but also to fulfil their desire to travel in India.

Impressed by the hospitality of the people here, Andrada says Punjabis are very hospitable and friendly. "The family we are staying with here is also very warm and treats us like its members."

Theophilus from Liberia, who is studying at the PAU, says people here are very friendly and he has enjoyed his stay for the last couple of years. "Whenever we go out and enjoy, people invite us to their place and offer tea, etc."

People here are very friendly and great hosts no doubt but the fascination for Ludhiana ends at that, says Andrada. "We have been to other cities of India, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Goa, and visited Taj Mahal in Agra where there is much to see and do," she says.

The tourists from abroad are also not comfortable with the stares they get from strangers, which at times gets very uncomfortable and awkward, she says.

Although we like the culture here, there is nothing here to visit and on the cultural front, hardly any activities take place here, says Andrada. There are no cultural events in the evenings. Delhi and Chandigarh are still better as some cultural events keep happening there. There are many sites to visit in these cities. But, after the day's work or on a holiday, there isn't much to do in Ludhiana, she adds.

Another student said the city had nothing to share in terms of cultural activities. Cultural activities should regularly happen and at least a cultural centre must be build here for conducting theatre, performing and visual arts and exhibitions, he added. 

Jagraon, October 28
Thieves struck at Government Primary School, Sudhar, late last night and stole 3 LPG cylinders, a gas stove and some bags of grain. The incident came to light in the morning.

A team from the Sudhar police station reached the school and started investigation.

Principal Paramjit Singh has alleged that thieves broke into the school on the night of October 26 and decamped with one cylinder full of LPG, two empty gas cylinders, one gas stove, eight bags of grain and five bags of rice. The police has registered a case.—OC 

Ludhiana, October 28
Two motorcycle-borne youths snatched a bag from a woman in the model town area today. The incident took place in the busy market when the woman, along with her friend, was going on a rickshaw. Suddenly, two bike-borne youths came from behind and snatched her bag.

The women started shouting and a crowd gathered at the spot. The victim is a resident of Basant Avenue and the wife of a bank employee.

The woman claimed that the bag contained gold rings, earrings and cash worth Rs 1.5 lakh.

The PCR staff reached the spot. However, they could not get any clue about the snatchers.

A complaint has been registered at the Model Town police station.

In another such incident, two motorcycle-borne youths snatched the mobile phone from a 26-year-old boy in the BRS Nagar area. The victim, Sahil Gupta, is the son of Subash Gupta, District Public Relations Officer.

Subash, along with the members of his family, had gone to the market for shopping. When they parked the car in the market and Sahil alighted from it, two clean-shaven youths came from behind and snatched his mobile phone. A complaint has been lodged with the Sarabha Nagar police station.