Ludhiana, December 23
Akali MLA Ranjit Singh Dhillon and Independent councillor Daljit Singh Grewal (Bhola) are once again at loggerheads over claiming credit for the start of work related to laying of sewerage in ward number 8. Both of them claimed to have inaugurated the same project by holding separate functions.

Interestingly, the project is funded under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), under which 50 per cent funds are provided by the Centre, 30 per cent by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation and the remaining 20 per cent by the state government.

Both of them have had differences over the inauguration of different projects in the area.

Today, Grewal inaugurated the Rs 3.62-crore sewerage project at 11 am in Gopal Nagar, while MLA Dhillon, accompanied by Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, inaugurated the project at 12.30 pm in Guru Gobind Singh Nagar.

MLA Dhillon represents the Ludhiana East constituency, while Grewal represents ward number 8, which is part of the Ludhiana East constituency.

Both Dhillon and Grewal have been at loggerheads since the last Vidhan Sabha elections. Their supporters have also clashed in the past. Whenever both of them are in the news, it is generally over claiming credit for some development project. Before the Vidhan Sabha elections, they were SAD councillors from ward number 2 and 8, respectively.

Dhillon had successfully contested the elections on the SAD ticket from the Ludhiana East constituency while Grewal contested as an Independent from the same constituency. At that time, Grewal had managed to secure close to 22,000 votes and Dhillon won with a margin of around 4,000 votes.

On June 23, supporters of MLA Dhillon and councillor Grewal had a major clash when both claimed credit for a development project in New Shakti Nagar in the Basti Jodhewal area after which an attempt-to-murder case was registered against Grewal and his supporters.

What both leaders say

Councillor Grewal claimed that he inaugurated the project as it was related to his ward. "This project is part of a Central scheme and the area MLA is befooling residents by claiming that the project is funded by the state government. The state government has contributed only 20 per cent of the funds for the project."

MLA Dhillon said, "I had personally met the Chief Minister over the issue and it was after my meeting that funds were allocated for this project. Councillor Grewal's total quota of funds for his ward is Rs 1 crore and this project is coming up at a cost of Rs 3.62 crore. How can he claim credit for this project?"

Ludhiana, December 23
Many PCMS doctors are seeking pre-mature retirement as they strongly feel that their job now involves more multitasking than taking care of the patients.

After the completion of 20 years of their service, at least six PCMS doctors have taken voluntary retirement in the past six months in Ludhiana district. After seeking voluntary retirement, these doctors get all pension benefits and work in the corporate sector, where they not only get a good salary but also enjoy work satisfaction.

Requesting anonymity, a PCMS doctor said, "Throughout the week, I remain busy attending medico-legal cases, conducting postmortems and attending to VIP duties. My purpose of serving the sick gets defeated as I get little time to attend to patients."

Another PCMS doctor said, "The state Health Department should appoint more medical officers for such tasks, which consume a lot of time and energy."

Dr Hardeep Singh, president of the PCMS Doctors Association, Punjab, said, "About 350 posts of doctor are lying vacant in the state. Medical experts should not be deputed on such jobs. Feeling stressed due to handling such works, the PCMS doctors are seeking voluntary retirement."

An officer of the Health Department said, "These duties are part of their job and they are supposed to do these when they get handsome salaries. Shirking responsibility is not the right attitude."

Ludhiana, December 23
Residents of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) colonies in Sarabha Nagar have heaved a sigh of relief as they have got a breather from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the acquisition of land where their houses and offices are located. Taking up a petition against the transfer of land, the High Court has put on notice the state of Punjab, GLADA and the PSPCL.

The notice came on a civil writ petition filed by the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and two other petitioners. They had challenged the decision taken on August 13 by a committee headed by the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister directing the PSPCL to transfer their land to GLADA by December 31.

The state government has planned a project on 32 acres, where a theme park, shopping malls, multiplexes and luxury corporate apartments will be developed. The project will be undertaken by a private company and the land for it will be auctioned by the state government through GLADA.

The land in question measures around 32 acres and houses offices of the PSPCL, including the office of the Chief Engineer (Central), Ludhiana, and residences, besides the anti-power theft police station. The land is worth hundreds of crores as it is located on the main Ludhiana-Ferozepur road.

The GLADA authorities had sent a notice to the PSPCL authorities and had asked them to vacate the 32-acre piece of land by December 31.

The decision had left the PSPCL employees fuming as they had been asked to vacate their houses and find an alternative accommodation at a short notice. “We got notices in November that we need to vacate our houses by December 31. In such a short period, it is difficult for us to shift. We had no option but to move the court,” said a PSPCL employee.

Interestingly, the proposed project will be developed on 100 acres, but the PSPCL is in possession of around 32 acres -- one chunk of 10.82 acres and the other of 21.07 acres. The first chunk of 10.82 acres houses PSPCL offices and 16 residences of Group A employees. The second chunk of 21.07 acres has 600 houses of Group B, C and D 
employees.

Ludhiana, December 23
The decision of the district Transport Department to ask dealers to provide registration certificates (RCs) to buyers directly has not gone down well with people who allege that getting an RC from the dealers is a Herculean task.

For getting even a simple document from the dealers, the buyers have to make the rounds of their offices several times and the process at times takes two to three months. The buyers suffer another jolt while getting the number slips (for high security number plates).

Rajvinder Kumar, a resident of Vardhman Colony, Sector 38, said he had purchased an Alto from a local dealer on June 28 and after visiting the dealer's office several times, the RC was finally handed over to him in October-end. "Now, I am again visiting the showroom to get the number slip. It is a disgusting; no one gives you a patient hearing," he said.

Another resident, Sokesh Kumar, said he had purchased a two-wheeler about three months ago, but he was yet to get the RC. "Every time I visit the dealer, I am told to visit after 10 days. Last week, a traffic policeman stopped the vehicle and asked for the documents and I had nothing to show due to which a fine was imposed on me. I tried to argue with the policeman, but he refused to listen to me, saying that I was making excuses," said Sokesh.

Sources in the Transport Department said there was a huge pendency with 90-odd dealers in the district. "The RC is supposed to be given within 20 days, but there is a pendency of about three months with some dealers," said an official.

DTOspeak

District Transport Officer Anil Garg, however, said there was no pendency with the department and if people were feeling harassed, they should send their complaints to him. 

Ludhiana, December 23
A 30-year-old man, Satinder Kumar Singh, who was on his way to Phillaur, died after he was hit by a sports utility vehicle here this evening. The incident took place near the Jalandhar bypass.

According to an eyewitness, he was returning home after finishing work when a speeding Mahindra Bolero hit him.

The impact was so strong that he fell into a drain under construction on the National Highway No. 1.

He was taken to hosptial by passers-by, where he was declared brought dead. The driver of the sports utility vehicle sped away with his vehicle. 

Ludhiana, December 23
A 50-year-old general store owner allegedly attempted to rape a three-year-old girl here today. The accused, Lal Bahadur Yadav (50), has been arrested by the Focal Point police.

The incident took place this afternoon when the victim visited the shop to purchase potato chips.

The accused took the victim into a storeroom in the general store where he tried to rape her.

The victim narrated the incident to her parents when she returned home. She could not walk properly following which she was taken to hospital.

The parents informed the police about the incident. Angry residents caught hold of Lal Bahadur Yadav and thrashed him before handing him over to the police.

The police conducted a medical examination of the girl and registered an attempt-to-rape case against the accused.

The victim's parents do odd jobs to eke out a living. The accused as well as the victim's parents are residents of Uttar Pradesh. 

Ludhiana, December 23
Seeing the severe weather conditions, government schools have declared winter vacation from December 25-January 1 but as far as private schools are concerned, many of them will be closing for winter break either by the end of this year or by early January. Parents feel that keeping in mind the chilly weather, school managements must close the institutions for winter vacation.

Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar, has declared holidays from December 24 onwards while the winter break at Guru Nanak Public School will begin from December 29. At Kundan Vidya Mandir, the winter break will be from December 31 to January 14. The Sat Paul Mittal School management has announced a break from January 1 to 15.

Shruti Gupta, a parent, said in such severe weather conditions, it was difficult to send children to schools.

Ludhiana, December 23
Dr Vivek Saggar, a leading dentist and Implantologist of the North India, has won the All-India Famdent ‘Outstanding Dentist of the Year’ award at a function held in Mumbai.

The ‘Famdent Excellence in Dentistry Awards' recognises the highest standard of excellence in dental profession, honouring individuals for their outstanding achievements. There were nine finalists (shortlisted from over 500 dentists from across the country) for the category of ‘Outstanding Dentist of The Year award’, including two leading dentists from Mumbai and two from Delhi, said a press note. He also won the ‘Special Jury Award’ for the ‘Clinic of the Year’ for his dental care and cure centre.

“It is a humbling experience and the best moment of my professional life. For being nominated alone was a big achievement, but to win the award is an amazing feeling. I owe this award to my family and parents, whose quality time I have often used for my professional work,” said Dr Saggar.

Ludhiana, December 23
Ludhiana is all set to celebrate Christmas. Not only Churches but also restaurants, clubs and discotheques are gearing up for the celebrations. Most of the hotels are ready to celebrate the Christmas Eve.

Special Christmas dinners and Santa brunches have been rolled out in restaurants and hotels. Live bands are all set to be played in different hotels.

“The ambiance in the hotel has been changed with carol singing and decorations,” said Umeish Yadav from Park Plaza.

Naveen from Brewmaster said live bands, along with live carving of turkey, was the attraction for the day.

Special Christmas menu had been rolled out at Radisson Blu Hotel, said Manav Inder Singh Guram from MBD Group. Christmas décor is already in place at malls in the city. A Christmas bash was also thrown by the students at INIFD.

Shivam Kakkar, one of the organisers of the event, said they had got an elaborate set-up done from Delhi. “We have created a good set-up with four large LED balls, and a number of decorative lights," he said.

The markets are sparkling with Christmas décor, including Santa Claus caps, dresses and masks. Life-size statues and statuettes of Santa were seen in different places, both as part of décor and sale. Christmas trees of different sizes, materials and colours were selling like a hot cake at various gift shops.

“It seems the whole city is celebrating Christmas. Though it is a Christian festival, people from all religions celebrate Christmas. They may not celebrate it as a religious festival, but it is an occasion of celebration with Santa, Christmas trees, special food and decorations,” says Indu, a resident of Gurdev Nagar. 

Ludhiana, December 23
The Christmas spirit is engulfing the city and bakeries are all prepared for the occasion. Varieties of cakes, pastries, gingerbread houses and Yule log are dotting the shelves of the bakeries and prompting the customers to buy without having a second thought.

“We are flooded with orders and most of them are plum cakes. Apart from plum cakes, various Christmas theme-based items like fruit cake, marzipan cake, brownies, fudge, doughnuts, chocolates and others are also available in the bakery,” said the owner of one of the bakeries in the city at Sarabha Nagar.

Plum cake is the traditional cake for Christmas and is always an integral part of the festival.

“My grandmother use to prepare the plum cake but now with everybody getting busy in their work, we prefer buying them from markets. Moreover, there is so much variety in the market that one is tempted to buy even if you are preparing one at home,” said Gabriel D'souza, a city resident from the Brown Road.

“We have more than 15 varieties of cake and have more than 1,000 orders for cakes, mostly from schools. Depending upon the need, customers can buy a slice of a cake costing Rs 25 per slice and the price of plum cake is Rs 500 per kg and plum pudding cost Rs 600 per kg. Cookies in different shapes like stars, socks, bell, Santa Claus and others are also available with us,” said another owner of a bakery-cum-café shop.

Jyoti Aggarwal, another city resident, said: “I love the spirit of Christmas and indulge in buying cakes and other bakery stuff during the festival. Christmas is the time when I love to decorate my home, visit Church and not to forget buy yummy cakes and also gift them to near and dear ones.”

Ludhiana, December 23
Innocent joy and smiles marked the Christmas celebrations by special children at Darpan School. The celebrations were organised in collaboration with the Rotary Club Greater.

They enacted the scene of the birth of Jesus and sang Christmas jingles with the help of their teachers.

Amandeep, a student at the school, played Santa Claus.

He enjoyed the Christmas celebrations. He also distributed candies among the people and other children during the celebrations.

Arzoo, who had a constant ingenuous smile on her face, played Mother Mary during the celebrations. She, too, enjoyed the festival.

Jatin, another autistic child, also enjoyed seeing everyone celebrate the festival.

Poonam Kalra, who is one of the founder members of the school, said it was great seeing the children smile and celebrate.

Poonam said: “I celebrate Christmas at the school every year. Both Christmas and the school are very close to my heart. So, I make sure that I share the joy with the children.”

A faculty member at the school said: “These children have to be taken care of especially as they tend to get hyper, and they are introvert. So, such celebrations are like a therapy for them”.

“It is the human spirit to triumph in adversity, but these children have to struggle. For many, it is like a victory to be able to do small chores. But yet they smile and win with no malice in their hearts,” she said.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Dec 23
The chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Exports Corporation, Shakti Sharma, has urged the owners and managers of the small scale and medium scale industries situated in the rural areas to make the optimum use of expertise and paraphernalia of the corporation for further strengthening the profitability and viability of their units.

While addressing the office-bearers and activists of the local organisations of manufacturers and traders, Sharma regretted that a majority of the owners of the small and medium scale industrial units were unaware of the facilities being provided by the corporation, either free or at a nominal fee structure. Earlier, entrepreneurs led by former councillor and milk product manufacturer Bimal Sharma felicitated Sharma. — OC

Ludhiana, December 23
To tackle the shortage of labour, industry is focusing on the multi-purpose machinery. Many such models have been displayed at the engineering expo under way in the city.

"The problem of labour shortage has been getting worse with each passing day and the only solution to this problem is to replace the labour with machines. Many models displayed by companies at the exhibition help tackle the labour problem," said Manmeet Singh, one of the visitors to the exhibition.

Many industrialists are making investments in machines instead of depending on labour. "By making the use of these machines, the labour cost will decrease and production will also improve. Many cycle parts manufacturers dealing in hubs, chains, frames are importing machinery for the manufacturing purpose," said Jagjit Singh, a cycle parts manufacturer.

Machines are 50 per cent cost effective and help in increasing production by nearly 25 per cent. "Industry thinks it is wiser to invest in machines rather than spending huge amounts on labour. The shortage of labour is haunting the industry and we are left with no other option but to adopt automation. Sometimes five or six machines are operated by a single person," said Kunjal Kukreja, another industrialist.

It is difficult to find labour these days and with an increase in wages, they have literally gone out of our reach. It is better to switch to machines now. I have also ordered a machine for my unit which will cost only a few lakh but my problem for engaging extra labour will be solved," said Nitish, an auto parts manufacturer. 

Ludhiana, December 23
Two days after a Ludhiana Municipal Corporation team was attacked by residents of Haibowal, Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria is planning an all-party meeting in order to prevent politicians from obstructing such drives. The Mayor wants to have a consensus on the issue because these encroachments are being removed on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

It has been witnessed in the past that politicians cutting across party lines often obstruct drives against encroachments in the city.

On December 21, the MC staff was pelted with stones and their vehicles were damaged by those opposing the demolition drive. The Congress as well as the BJP leaders were later seen siding with those who attacked the MC team.

Speaking to The Tribune, Gohalwaria stated that he would be convening an all-party meeting to discuss this major issue. “We cannot just let our staff being insulted by politicians or residents who enjoy their support. Sadly, after this unfortunate incident, some leaders from the ruling combine were seen holding a protest against the state government. I am not pinpointing any particular leader because politicians from all political parties are often seen siding with encroachers,” “Gohalwaria said.

He said the meeting would be convened soon. “I have already spoken to some leaders from the BJP and leaders from other parties will also be called to discuss the matter. We will try to have a consensus on the issue,” said Gohalwaria.

Ludhiana, December 23
The death of four-year-old Arjun Rampal, who died after a 400 kg slider gate fell on him, has once again brought to the fore the safety issue of slider gates. The slider gates are fast replacing the conventional gates, but there have been several complaints regarding these.

Arjun was visiting his aunt's house at Mall Enclave near the Mall Road when the incident took place. A neighbour said Arjun was opening the gate when it fell on him.

He said the gate was so heavy that nearly 10 persons had to be pressed into service to remove the gate and rescue the child.

The boy was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.

According to a mechanic, these gates are supported by a railing. "These gates need regular maintenance otherwise these can fall."

He said, "In a majority of the incidents, the slider gates fall either by the loosening of nuts or due to accumulation of garbage under the track on which the gates move."

Ludhiana, December 23
Following in his father's footsteps, Mohkam Udasi, son of eminent poet Sant Ram Udasi, has presented the revolutionary lyrics of his father in the form of audio album. The Sant Ram Udasi Likhari Sabha and Balvir Datt Memorial Committee, London, have presented an audio album in Mohkam Udasi's voice to promote the revolutionary poetry airing social concerns.

Ravinder Ravi, chairman of the Sant Ram Udasi Likhari Sabha, said Sant Ram Udasi's lyrics had been recorded to revive the memories of Udasi and to counter the vulgar singing of present day.

The album, “Main Han Punjab Bolda”, has nine tracks, two in the same style in which Sant Ram Udasi used to sing.

Ravinder Ravi said all the poems and songs sung in this album had been recorded for the first time. Punjabi Singer Jasbir Jassi had sung a song of Sant Ram Udasi, “Magda rahi ve surajaa kamian de vehre” a few years ago. A number of other songs of the Udasi have also been recorded by singers in their voices. So, we decided to record the songs that were not recorded earlier. The songs, including "Geetan de waris", "Kar lavo dattian tiyar", "Mazdoor di kali", "Hun main kis nu apna watan kahanga" and "Suraj kade marya nahi", have been recorded in the album.

Mohkam Udasi said: “I used to attend various programmes along with my father. After his demise, I started sing as part of the Lok Sangeet Mandli and got training from master Ram Kumar but not took up professional singing”.

“A number of singers have sung my father’s lyrics but they can’t do justice to them with their style of singing. I sing the songs in the same style in which my father used to sing. I have sung these songs in high pitch and people like this style,” said Mohkam Udasi.

Jagraon, December 23
Under the banner of the Joint Sangharsh Committee formed to oppose the property tax imposed by the state government, the representatives of various political parties and NGOs took out a rally here today.

A large number of people took part in the protest held at the Municipal Council Park, Jagraon. The protesters raised slogans against SAD-BJP alliance government in Punjab and urged it to withdraw the tax.

Addressing the protesters, the leaders of different parties, including the Congress and Left parties, condemned the state government for imposing tax on urban properties.

"The residents of Punjab have already been facing a lot of problems due to the rising prices of various essential commodities. The common man is finding it hard to make both the ends meet because of anti-people policies of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal-led state government," said Kanwaljit Khanna, general secretary of the Inqulabi Kendra Punjab.

"The government should withdraw the property tax or be ready to face an intensified protest by people," said Baldev Singh Kohli of the CPI.

Congress leaders Pritam Singh Akhara and Gopal Sharma, Ravinder Kumar Sabharwal, Davinder Kathuria, Sajan Malhotra, CPI leader Baldev Singh Kohli, CPM leader Avtar Singh Gill, PPP leader Master Shingara Singh were also present. — OC

Samrala December 23
The Bardhalan police have arrested a youth and recovered 7 gm of smack from his possession. Chowki in charge ASI Jaswant Singh, along with a police party, was patrolling the area when he noticed a youth, who was going on foot, near Dhilwan village. His search yielded 7 gm of smack.

The youth has been identified as Manoj Sharma (24) of Dabbi Bazar, Samrala. A case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act. He was presented before a court at Samrala that sent him to judicial custody for 14 days. — OC

Ludhiana, December 23
On the third day of the 59th edition of the Punjab State School Athletics meet, Bikramjeet Singh of Ludhiana won two gold medals in the 100-metre race and long jump at Guru Nanak Stadium. Another player from the district, Lakshmi Chauhan clinched gold medal in the 1500 metre race and Kashvi Chhabra won gold in the 100 metre race. The players, who are from government schools, have performed well despite the fact they have not been provided with sports kits and other basic equipment.

Athletes participate in the 200m race during the 59th Punjab State School Athletics meet in Ludhiana. A Tribune Photograph

The Education Department had delayed the school games as the schedule clashed with World Cup Kabaddi. The delay has compounded worries of the players as on one hand they find the cold weather unfavourable on the field and on the other they have to prepare for the examinations.

Ajitpal Singh, Additional Education Officer, said: "We have to delay the games as the schedule clashed with that of other sports events. The school games should be held in November".

Results: 3000 metre walk (U-17 girls): 1 Archana from Muktsar Sahib, 2 Ramandeep from Amritsar and 3 Manju Rani from Muktsar Sahib; 1500 metre race (U-19 boys): 1 Jagpreet Singh from Grudaspur, 2 Ranjit Kumar from Amritsar and 3 Rajat from Ludhiana; 1500 metre race (U-17 boys) 1 Dhramiinder Singh from Gurdaspur, 2 Gurpreet Singh from Muktsar and 3 Gurpreet Singh from Taran Tarn; 1500 metre race (U-19 Girls): 1 Lashmi Chauhan from Ludhiana, 2 Mandeep Kaur from Taran Tarn and 3 Rajwinder Kaur from Jalandhar; 1500 metre race (girls U-17): 1 Renu Rani from Sangrur, 2 Aarti from Gurdaspur and 3 Rajwinder Kaur from Bathinda; 100 metre race (U-19 girls): 1 Manveeer Kaur from Patiala, 2 Kulveer Kaur from Gurdaspur and 3 Manpreet Kaur from Tarn Taran; 100 metre race (U-17 girls): 1 Khushwinder Kaur from Bathinda, 2 Harpinder Kaur from Ludhiana and 3 Amandeeep Kaur from Sangrur; 100 metre race (U-14 girls): 1 Kashvi Chhabra from Ludhiana, 2 Rosepreet Kaur from Hoshiarpur and 3 Shallu from Hoshiarpur; 100 metre race (under-19 boys): 1 Bikramjeet Singh from Ludhiana, 2 Karanbeer Singh from Gurdaspur and 3 Sewa Singh from Gurdaspur; 100 metre race (U-17 boys): 1 Karanpreet Singh from Jalandhar, 2 Ranjodh Singh from Patiala and 3 Harjinder Diwana from Nawanshahr; 100 metre race (U-14): 1 Naresh Kumar from Ludhiana, 2 Maninder Singh from Gurdaspur and 3 Sashak Parasher from Roop Nagar; discus throw (U-17 girls): 1 Arpandeep Kaur from Amritsar, 2 Kawarbeer Kaur from Amritsar and 3 Priyanka from Muktsar.