Ludhiana, November 10
Perturbed over the dwindling financial position, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is all set to tighten its noose around residents who have failed to clear their water supply and sewerage bills. The MC will start its recovery drive from tomorrow, and this time, the water supply and sewerage connections of all defaulters will be disconnected by the civic body.

According to rough estimates, city residents owe more than Rs 300 crore as pending water supply, sewerage and other bills to the MC. The issue of such a big amount remaining pending often comes up for discussion during meetings, but due to political interference, the defaulters often go scot-free.

The non-payment of bills by residents due to alleged political interference has hampered the functioning of the MC. At present, the MC is seeking funds from every possible source, be it the state government, the Centre, World Bank or other such agencies. The financial condition of the civic body has worsened to such an extent that it had to mortgage its offices and other properties for seeking a Rs 100-crore loan from Canara Bank. Now, some more properties have been mortgaged for another loan of Rs 50 crore from the same bank.

It is learnt that the Rs 100-crore loan was taken for a period of three years and more than Rs 1 crore goes as monthly interest alone.

A senior MC official, who did not wish to be named, said due to a shortage of funds, little development was taking place in the city. “We are just managing the affairs. Sometimes even paying salaries to our staff becomes difficult,” said the officer.

It is learnt that due to the financial crunch, a majority of the development taking place in the city is from funds provided by the Centre under various schemes. The best example of it is the City Bus Service, which is running because of funds provided under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, MC Additional Commissioner Isha Kalia said the MC could become fund surplus if it was able to recover the pending bills from city residents. “No massive recovery drive has taken place in the city for several months. It will be our priority now. I have asked my staff to recover water supply and sewerage bills from all defaulters and if any person fails to deposit the outstanding amount, we will disconnect his connection,” she said.

Ludhiana, November 10
The "Herculean task" of getting admission for their wards to the "best" schools in the city is taking a toll on parents these days. According to psychiatrists, during the admission time, the anxiety among parents increases. Besides, "family fights" become a regular feature over the choice of school.

As interviews (interaction) in leading schools in the city begin, "panic" has gripped parents. Most parents are worried as the future of their wards largely depends on the environment in schools.

Principals of playway schools have asked parents to maintain calm and not to pass on their anxiety to the tiny tots.

Jaswant Kaur, who has been running a playway school, Pinewood, in the city for over two decades now, said she had witnessed a discernible change in society. "Earlier, admission used to be a normal feature, but now, anxiety and panic grip parents whenever the admission process begins. We take mock interviews of both parents and children, and ask parents not to pass their anxiety to their wards. At times, students perform very well in interviews, but parents mess up. The parents need to be focused and to the point at the time of interviews of their wards," Jaswant Kaur said.

Dr Rajeev Gupta, a leading psychiatrist, said during the admission time, fathers were perturbed over

the undue pressure exerted by their wives to get their wards admitted to a particular school by hook or by crook. He said parents must discourage the habit of "branding" schools.

Meanwhile, there are some elite families which want their wards to go to schools which teach moral values and develop the overall personality of the child. Instead of being part of the mad race for "prestigious schools", many parents are looking at other options this time. Kanu Kaul (name changed), a homemaker from a leading industrialist family, said she did not want to sent her son to a school which carried a "status symbol".

Ludhiana, November 10
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has challaned 22 persons after larvae were found in their containers and coolers in various localities. The action follows information provided to the corporation by the Health Department in this regard.

Confirming this, the Health Officer of the MC, Dr Charanjeet Uppal, said, "Each one of them has been asked to pay a fine of Rs 500."

Though the chill in the weather has brought down the number of dengue cases, the Health Department is continuing with its awareness programme regarding the precautionary measures to be taken to prevent dengue.

Meanwhile, 21 more patients tested positive for dengue at various hospitals in the city today. Of them, 12 are from Ludhiana district — eight from the city and four from rural areas. Six cases are from other districts — one each from Bathinda, Muktsar, Ropar, Nawanshahr, Sangrur and Mansa. Three cases are from other states — two from Jammu and Kashmir and one from Haryana.

The District Epidemiologist, Dr Anil Verma, said, "The total number of cases diagnosed in Ludhiana hospitals so far this season is 1,293, of which 794 are from the district, 373 from other districts and 126 from other states."

Ludhiana, November 10
The loud thunder of Harley-Davidson and other high-end superbikes attracted the attention of city residents as the stunning bikes cruised through different parts of the city. However, the "glamour and noise" of the bikes was for a cause today as the group riding the bikes named it "A Ride for Charity".

Forty-two riders of these superbikes chipped in to give "happy meals" to children of the Bal Bhawan and warm clothes to the elderly at the adjoining Senior Citizens Bhawan.

Jasjeet Libra from the group said the bikers, who usually rode through the city for leisure every weekend, decided to chip in for charity this time. "We called everyone known to us, who owned superbikes, to chip in to bring joy to the children and the elderly," he said.

The bikers brought joy on the faces of the children at the Bal Bhawan who had never seen such motorbikes earlier. Abhishek, a student at the Bal Bhawan, said he liked the bikes a lot. Members of the Senior Citizens Bhawan also appreciated the initiative.

"Since we get together every weekend, we have decided to organise a charity ride every month," said Jasjeet.

The group comprised bikers of different age groups -- from the young to those stepping into old age with "flashes of grey" in the hair. Jainish Singh Bindra, one of the group members studying in Class XII, said he was elated to ride with the group. The joy was all the more since the ride was for charity.

Javed Grewal, one of the members, said it was a great experience to come together for the joy of giving. "We plan to cover more places and help more people in and around Ludhiana," said Javed. 

Ludhiana, November 10
The Schedule Caste Animal Husbandry Officers' Welfare Association held a meeting to welcome the state government's move to amend the rules to give promotion to the scheduled caste officers here today.

Dr Gurcharan Singh, president, SC Animal Husbandry Officers' Welfare Association, said that they have been struggling from last 24 years to get their right.

"Now, the state government is going to implement the report of the welfare committee of Punjab Assembly," he said.

"We are thankful of the state government for considering the report of the assembly. There is not a single officer from scheduled castes on higher post in the animal husbandry department. We demand that the government should amend the rule and implement new rules as soon as possible," said Gurcharan Singh.

There are over 200 officers from schedule castes in the animal husbandry department.

Ludhiana, November 10
Furnace industry in the city is in troubled waters due to various reasons, including high power cost. The rates of power have increased considerably in the past one year giving tough time to the furnace units. Input cost of the industry has increased leading to diminishing margins as a result many units have shut down.

"Power rates have increased manifold in the past one year. There has been an increase of Rs 1,500 per tonne. If one year back the production cost per tonne was Rs 3,000, now it has gone up to Rs 4,000," said Mohinder Gupta, president of the Mandi Gobindgarh Furnace Association.

Another industralist Satish Aggarwal from Mandi Gobindgarh said, "More than 30 per cent steel and furnace industries in the steel town have shut down. The imposition of 2.5 per cent import duty on steel scrap and a 5 per cent VAT has sounded the death knell for the units. About 15 to 20 per cent manufacturers have put up their furnaces for sale, but have failed to find buyers. The others have cut down production by 50 per cent."

The ban on mining and shortage of scrap supply has pushed the steel industry on the brink of closure. The demand for steel has gone down by 50 per cent. Most units are operating one shift a day, forcing the labour to sit idle or move to neighbouring states.

"The production of the overall industry has gone down by 50 per cent. Furnace industry is facing many problems, including increase in power rates and cross subsidy. According to the information available many units have surrender their power connections and the VAT numbers. Government should look into the problems faced by the industry otherwise it will either shut down or shift to other states," said Lalit Khanna, another city-based furnace unit owner.

Ludhiana, November 10
A painting exhibition is under way at a city-based restaurant Bistro 226. Artworks of about eleven city-based artists, including Mark Victor, Amita Gupta, Amrit Sambi, Mallika Bhatti, Amarpreet Walia, Paramjot Walia, Prem Sharma, Sumit Gogia and sculptor Harminder Singh Boparai, Mandeep Kaur and Aarti Sehgal are on display.

Although the concept of displaying paintings by professional and amateur artists for exhibition and sale at restaurants is common in metros like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, but the trend seems to be getting a fillip in the city as well now.

Amita Gupta, a city-based artist, who has displayed her paintings on bamboo and tree series, said: "Paintings on display at a restaurant is a different experience. They are appreciated by general people too, apart from art lovers at a restaurant, whereas art galleries are visited only by art lovers."

Harminder Boparai and Amita agreed that restaurants must encourage art and such coming together of art and restaurants should take place in the city, for the promotion of art. Boparai, who has his Lalit Kala Academy-recognised sculpture on display for the exhibition, said: "It is a different and good experience to display paintings at a restaurant and seeing it appreciated by people new to art." 

Jagraon, November 10
Government health and social services dominated the second day of three-day long awareness programme, Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign, being held at Government Senior Secondary School, Mullanpur Dakha, by the Press Information Bureau for creating awareness about various government policies.

A healthy baby show was also organised on the occasion. As many as 73 children participated in the show and presented dances and songs. While speaking during the occasion, Child Development Planning Officer Sudhar Sunita Rani informed the gathering about various children welfare schemes run by the government for development of children. She also spoke about widow pension and elderly pension being provided by the social security office and asked the people to take benefit of these government schemes.

Experts, including District Mass Media Officer Dr Harjinder Singh spoke about the importance of breast feeding for the growth of children. District Lead Bank Manager Manjit Singh Jaggi spoke about government subsidies. He asked the people to open bank accounts to get benefit of the Direct Benefit Scheme.

Press Information Bureau Principal Director General Neelam Kapoor said, "More than 700 such campaigns are being conducted in India. She also shed light on various schemes like Food Security Bill, Mid-day Meal Scheme, Land Acquisition Act and Right to Information Act."

An exhibition regarding various schemes implemented by the Central Government was also put up during the occasion. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Nov 10
With intent to get recommendations of the Department of Health and Family Welfare regarding tobacco-control measures implemented in letter and spirit, the state Education Department has directed all the officials of the department to ensure that no student, staff member, member of management committee or a visitor can consume tobacco on the premises of any school.

The tobacco-control committees will be constituted soon which besides monitoring the progress of the movement will submit quarterly reports to the administration.

Perusal of records at offices of all elementary and senior secondary schools of the region revealed that Director General School Education Kumar Rahul had directed heads of all the schools besides district education officers to ensure that recommendation of the Department Of Health And Family Welfare regarding tobacco control are implemented in letter and spirit.

Similar orders were passed about three years ago, but nothing concrete was done in the direction. Though the authorities at all schools were asked to ensure that no tobacco product is sold within radius of 100 meter from the boundary of the institutes but very few number of schools succeeded in getting the Tobacco Product Act implemented.

It is for the first time that the authorities have recommended constitution of a committee to monitor the progress of movement re-launched for getting school campuses freed from tobacco products.

“The tobacco control committee should be constituted at each school which will include science teacher, NSS/NCC volunteers, parents of at least two students, legislator and SHO of the area, councilor and panch. Head of the school can be the chairperson of the committee which will monitor steps being taken to make the institute tobacco free and submit reports to the administration after organising quarterly meetings,” said DGSE Kumar Rahul.

Balwinder Singh Grewal and Pardeep Sharda, principals at Government Senior Secondary School, Dehlon, and MGMN Senior Secondary ,Ahmedgarh, said recommendations of the Act had already been implemented at their institutes. We have initiated process for constitution of the tobacco control committee under new guidelines. 

Ludhiana, November 10
The annual training camp of the No 4 Pb Air Sqn NCC concluded at the JNV, Dhanansu. The 10-day camp was attended by over 500 cadets from various schools/colleges of Ludhiana.

Speaking on the occasion, Wg Cdr SS Kaila said, “During the period, the cadets were following a fixed routine of PT, drill, academic classes, sports and cultural events every day. The motivational movies/video clips/talks were a regular feature in the evenings. The cadets also got the opportunity to showcase their skills in cultural events which was held daily before dinner. Besides living in a disciplined environment, the cadets also developed the spirit of bonhomie and camaraderie with other school cadets.”

The prize distribution ceremony was held last evening with over 120 cadets winning medals in various competitions held during the period. Additionally, trophies for inter-troop competitions were also awarded to schools in JD/JW. While the cultural event and PPT presentation was won by the NSPS JNV School emerged winners in static aero-modeling and X-country events. The sports trophy was shared by Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, and the GNPS. The GNPS won the coveted drill trophy with a superlative show in addition to being adjudged the best overall troop. The ANO of the GNPS, Gurdeep Singh, was adjudged the best ANO of the year. The prizes were given away by Wg Cdr SS Kaila.

With two gold medals (sports) and one silver (12 bore-skeet shooting), CSUO Gurlal Singh of Arya College was adjudged the overall best cadet in the SD. Amongst the girls (SW), Cadet Priyanka Routela of BVM School was adjudged as the best cadet after she won a total of three gold medals (X-country, solo dance and team game-football).

Ludhiana, November 10
To make people aware about diabetes, an NGO, Rising Youth Association, is organising an activity in different public parks of the city. The activity started today and will conclude on November 16. Unde this campaign parks of BRS Nagar and adjoining areas, PAU, leisure valley, Rose Garden, Rakh Bagh, Dugri, Golden Park and mini Rose Garden will be covered.

Gurinder Chahal, president of the NGO, said: "Today, we started this campaign from the Neelimorh Park, BRS Nagar and I-block Park. Harpreet Singh Bedi, director, Khadi Board, inaugurated the awareness camp.

Ludhiana, November 10
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Manish Tewari today came to the rescue of the Punjabi film industry.

The minister said his ministry would provide all support and cooperation required in setting up the Punjabi film industry in Punjab.

He said if the Punjab Government takes an initiative, the ministry could consider setting up the regional Film Censor Board in Chandigarh that would cater to the needs of the regional, particularly Punjabi, cinema.

The Union Minister also asked the Punjab Government to come out with a proposal for facilitating the setting up of the Punjabi film industry in Punjab. Making a strong case for producing Punjabi films in Punjab only, he pointed out that Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali films were made in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, respectively. There was no reason as to why Punjabi films should not be produced in Punjab.

Tewari also warned against the "fascist forces" who, he said, were posing a threat to free thinking and cultural development in the country.

He warned that the freedom of thought and expression and the cultural development was always the first target of the fascist forces. Addressing a function after inaugurating the studio and programme services of the Ludhiana FM Gold here today, Tewari said the Punjabi farmers in Gujarat were being threatened and coerced to move out by the "fascist forces", despite various courts having ruled in the farmers' favour.

The minister said there should be an investigation of all land deals of politicians belonging to different political parties.

“Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Partap Singh Bajwa has already said he is open to investigation,” he said.

Ludhiana, November 10
AIR FM Gold studio was launched at Pal Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University, today. FM Gold Ludhiana will start the relay of local programmes from 9 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 7 pm.

During the launch of the programmes, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said the duration would be increased to two hours in the morning and evening each in a month or so. Eventually, the channel would be turned into a 24-hour regional channel in Punjabi. He said FM Gold was only there in five metro cities.

“Regular features will include traffic and weather updates, tips for good living and popular music, besides information on health, agriculture, heritage, art, culture, literature, legal matters, trade and industry and sports will be provided to the listeners,” said the minister.

Tiwari said Ludhiana had always been a nursery of independent thoughts and literature and had produced tall figures in the art and literature. This channel would provide a platform for the young talent.

On this occasion, a cultural programme was organised at Pal Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University.

Ludhiana, November 10
Sounding a note of warning to private traders, the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) has asked them to desist from fleecing the farmers by forcing them to sell paddy at below minimum support price (MSP) in the name of moisture content and discoloured grains due to unseasonal rains.

Addressing a news conference here today, BKU president Ajmer Singh Lakhowal also exhorted the paddy growers to insist on obtaining form J at the time of the sale of paddy so that these transactions were properly recorded.

He also asked those farmers who had to resort to distress sale of their produce to bring the facts to the notice of the BKU so that the specific complaints could be investigated through the market committees concerned and interests of the farmers could be safeguarded.

Lakhowal said he would present a strong case for fixation of prices of the farm produce as per recommendations of Dr MS Swaminathan Committee at the next meeting of the Central Advisory Committee to be held in New Delhi on November 13. The BKU chief is to address the third meeting of the committee, set up by the Government of India, as the main spokesperson for the Punjab Government.

He said through a resolution adopted unanimously, the BKU had rejected the MSP of kharif crops announced by the Centre. The union had reiterated its demand for the revision of procurement price of wheat and other kharif crops taking into account heavy increase in the cost of farm inputs.

Lakhowal also urged the Punjab Government and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to ensure 8-hour uninterrupted power supply for the agricultural sector during the forthcoming sowing season of wheat.

Ludhiana, November 10
For the past couple of months, the prices of vegetables are heading towards north and are giving tough time to the homemakers to manage their budget. After onions, tomatoes also followed the league.

“It has become very difficult to manage the household budget these days. No vegetable is priced below Rs 50. Tomatoes and onions are most cherished among them,” said Paramjeet Kaur, a housewife.

Supriya, another homemaker from Sunrise Colony, said she had stopped the use of tomatoes in her kitchen. “I prefer using ready-made tomato puree, dry mango powder, tamarind or yogurt in place of tomatoes. It is difficult to replace onions, but I have successfully replaced tomatoes. Buying onions and tomatoes both priced between Rs 80 and Rs 100 is a difficult task,” said Supriya.

Aman Gill, another homemaker from the Pakhowal Road, said since both tomatoes and onions were essential ingredients of Punjabi kitchen, one could not completely stop their usage, but I have definitely limited their use”.

“I myself give onions and tomatoes to my cook and make sure that these are not cut into abundance in the salad,” she said.

Ludhiana, November 10
Two persons were injured in separate incidents of firing late last evening. The first incident took place at 9.45 pm in the Preetam Nagar area of Hibowal in which two gangs, Sachin-Mohini gang and Lalla Gang, entered into a major scuffle.

According to information, Gaurav Bachu of the Sachin-Mohini gang and some of his accomplices opened fire at Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukha, of the Chhota Lalla gang.

In this clash, Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukha, received two gun shots in his stomach and lower body part. He was rushed to the DMC Hospital.

Lakhwinder Singh, brother of Sukha, told the police that Gaurav, along with his four accomplices, came outside his house and opened fire at him. But, he managed to escape. Later, the accused attacked Sukhwinder Singh in the Pritam Nagar area with an intention to kill him. The accused managed to flee from the spot.

According to the information, both the gang members had an old rivalry. Earlier also, one of the gang members had fired on the other.

The Division Number 4 Police registered a case against Gaurav and four unidentified accused under Sections 307, 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. No arrest has been made so far.

In another such incident, some unidentified accused opened fire at Gurmeet Singh, owner of a sweetmeat shop in the Dhuri Lines area, on late Saturday evening.

The accused managed to flee from the spot after firing. The accused persons came on a car.

Gurmeet Singh suffered two bullet injuries in his legs. According to information, the attackers and the victim had an old rivalry. The victim was rushed to a hospital where his condition is stated to be out of danger.

The police has started investigations in this matter. However, no arrest has been made so far.

Ludhiana, November 10
On the second day of the Swami Vivekananda Punjab State Rural Games for Boys (U-16), players from across the state showed their mettle in 12 disciplines. The games are being organised at Guru Nanak Stadium, Multipurpose Hall and sports complex at Punjab Agricultural University.

4x100m relay: In 4x100 relay event, Gurdaspur bagged gold, clocking 46:21 seconds. Meanwhile, Jalandhar won silver in 46:37 seconds, while Tarn Taran got bronze in 48:26 seconds in this event.

1,500m race: In 1,500m race event, Kamaldeep Singh of Sangrur won gold in 4:12.48 mnts, Gurpreet Singh of Tarn Taran won silver in 4:13.26 mnts and Dhani Kashyap got bronze in 4:14.64 mnts.

Long jump: Pricedeep Singh of Sangrur clinched gold in long jump by jumping 6.47m, Mohitpal Singh of Gurdaspur won silver with 6.36m and Gulshan Kumar of SBS Nagar got bronze with 5.84m distance.

400m race: In 400m race, Arshdeep Singh of Patiala won gold with timing of 51.01 sec, Jagmeet Singh of SBS Nagar got silver by completing the race in 51.06 sec, whereas Navdeep Singh of Patiala got bronze in 53.19 sec.

Discuss throw: Hardeep Singh of Patiala won gold in the discuss throw event by throwing discuss to a distance of 42.17m, Gagandeep Singh of Gurdaspur won silver with 38.50m and Harpreet Singh of Ludhiana won bronze with 36.14m.

Kabaddi: In the semifinals of kabaddi, Mukatsar Sahib outplayed Patiala (41-21) and Amritsar defeated Gurdaspur (43-41) in a cliffhanger match.

Basketball: In basketball quarterfinal matches, Patiala defeated Bathinda (52-44), Mukatsar beat Jalandhar (52-48), Ludhiana crushed Fazilka (47-14), while Sangrur outplayed Mansa (54-40).

Weightlifting: In weightlifting 50-kg category, Gurpreet Singh of Ropar clinched gold, Vikas Ram of Jalandahr won silver and Mangal Singh of SBS Nagar got silver medal. In 56-kg, Gagandeep Singh of Sangrur won gold, Abhisheikh Shukla got silver and Kilrajpal singh of Kapurthala got bronze. In 62-kg, Kamaljeet Singh of Gurdaspur won gold, Navroop Singhof Kapurthala got silver and Harpreet Singh of Amritsar got bronze. In 69-kg, Ramandeep Singh of Sangrur won gold, Sanju Sharma of Gurdaspur bagged silver and Gurkirat Singh of Jalandhar got bronze.

Volleyball: In volleyball quarterfinal matches, Bathinda beat Mansa (2-1), Jalandar outplayed Amritsar (2-0), host Ludhiana defeated Faridkot (2-0) and Kapurthala defeated Gurdaspur (2-0). In semifinals, Ludhiana outplayed Bathinda (3-1) and Kapurthala defeated Jalandhar (3-2).

Football: In football quarterfinals, Gurdaspur outclassed Faridkot (4-0), Amritsar outplayed Sangrur (3-0), Mansa defeated Hoshiarpur (4-2) and SBS Nagar beat (3-2).

Judo: In judo below and up to 60-kg, Karamjit Singh of Gurdaspur won gold, Jatin of Ludhiana got silver and Puneet of Pathankot won bronze. Below and up to 66-kg, Munish Gill of Jalandhar won gold, Harshpreet of Mohali got silver, while Pulkit Rana of Ludhiana got bronze. In below and up to 73-kg, Harshdeep of Bathinda won gold, Karamkit Singh of Amritsar won silver and Kuldeep of Patiala got bronze.

Ludhiana, November 10
The trials for the selection of the Indian team for the fourth edition of the World Kabaddi Cup could not be completed today as the selection committee failed to conduct all rounds.

The trials were scheduled to complete within two days, but according to president of the Punjab Kabaddi Association Sikander Singh Maluka, the selection trials for the training camp would take one more day to complete.

Selection committee members said the number of raider aspirants was almost double than stopper so trials took more time.

Today, Sikander Singh Maluka visited Punjab Agricultural University for the inspection of the ongoing trials. Maluka held a meeting with sports officials, office-bearers of different kabaddi federations and kabaddi promoters at Sutton House, PAU.

While interacting with mediapersons, Maluka said they would strictly watch that no drug addict player was selected during the trials.

"In this edition of the World Kabaddi Cup, the award money for the winner women team has been increased. Now, the winner women team will get Rs 1 crore. The award money for the winner men team remains the same, which is 2 crore,” Maluka said.

“We will shortlist at least 50 players in these trials. The training camp for male players will be organised at Bathinda, while the training camp for female player will be organised at Ludhiana,” the president said.