Ludhiana, December 26
Even as commercial complexes are being constructed across the city, most of them either without the approval of building plans or in blatant violation of the building bylaws, the building branch of the municipal corporation, the regulatory and enforcement body, seems to have gone into a deep slumber as far as taking action against the defaulters is concerned.

In a shocking revelation, the building branch of the MC has stated that of the 1,455 building plans approved for commercial plans in all four zones of the city during the past 13 years, the completion certificates had been issued to just 10 of them during this period.

Information obtained under the Right to Information Act by Rohit Sabharwal and Arvind Sharma, president and secretary, respectively, of the Council of RTI Activists, indicates that from January 2000 to October 2013, zone A of the MC had approved 585 building plans of commercial buildings while 127 building plans were approved in zone B. In zones C and D, the number of building plans approved for commercial complexes during this period was 74 and 669, respectively.

As against the total number of approved building plans, the number of completion certificates issued during the past 13 years was two (zone A), three (zone B), nil (zone C) and five (zone D), as per information provided by the building branch.

Sabharwal and Sharma said under the building bylaws, it was mandatory for every commercial building to obtain a completion certificate after the construction work was completed and the building used for the intended purpose.

They said before issuing the completion certificate, the competent authority (the building branch of MC in this case) had to ascertain that the building had been constructed according to the approved building plan, including parking space, and there was provision for fire safety norms.

The functionaries of the council alleged that given the small number of the completion certificates issued, which was less than even 1 per cent of the total number of plans approved, it could be assumed that most of the commercial buildings had deviated from the approved plans, committing both compoundable and non-compoundable violations in the process.

In a complaint lodged with the Vigilance wing of the Local Government Department, the council has sought a high-level probe into the blatant violation of building bylaws committed by owners of commercial buildings, which, it said, would not have been possible without the connivance of the field staff of the MC.

It has also demanded an inquiry into the alleged inaction on the part of officials of the building branch, which had caused a "huge loss of revenue".

Ludhiana, December 26
The city police arrested a person and seized 10 gm of heroin from his possession on Pakhowal Road last evening. The accused has been identified as Avtar Singh, alias Golu (32), a resident of Hawas village in Ludhiana district.

According to the police, the accused was earlier booked in three cases related to narcotics. The police had set up a checkpost at a bridge at Lalton. Avtar Singh was coming from the Lalton side on a motorcycle. Sensing suspicion, the police stopped him and seized 10 gm of heroin and Rs 5,000 from him.

Amandeep Singh Brar, SHO of the Sadar police station, said the accused, a drug addict, was on his way to supply heroin to his customers.

Harkmal Kaur, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said he was earlier booked in June under the NDPS Act at the Meharban police station, the Sadar police station in Kapurthala and in Jagraon in separate cases of narcotics.

During the investigation, he had confessed that he used to bring drugs from Moga district and sell these to local customers.

Meanwhile, the Division No. 8 police have arrested another person with 5 gm of heroin.

The accused has been identified as Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Indra Nagar. The accused was arrested from Maya Nagar on a tip-off.

Ludhiana, December 26
The Head Post Office here will have a new parcel centre for the recently inaugurated Express Parcel Service. The new service, although functional since the beginning of this month at the Head Post Office, will require a dedicated counter once it gets popular.

According to Senior Postmaster Swaraj Kaur, the new parcel service is targeted at business owners. It will accommodate business and corporate parcels weighing 2 kg to 35 kg.

"Bulk booking has now been discontinued at the Speed Post Centre near the railway station and will now be done at the Head Post Office," said Kaur.

"For the booking and dispatch of bulk orders under the Express Parcel Service, there is need for a dedicated counter as people have to wait for a long time at other miscellaneous counters during rush hours to send their parcels. Besides booking and dispatch work, the counter will also serve as storage space for the parcels until these are dispatched," she said.

Kites carrying photographs of cricket stars are a hit in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, December 26
Sachin Tendulkar is flying high after his retirement from active cricket! Kites donning Sachin's photographs are selling like hot cakes this season and have become a hit with teenagers. Some of these kites carry slogans such as "Cricket Ka Badshah" and "Cricket Ka Baazigar".

With the festival of Lohri around the corner, several shops in city markets have stocked a large variety of kites.

"Sachin is a celebrity and his retirement is rightly the popular theme on kites this time around," says a kite seller.

Youngsters purchasing "Sachin kites" are particularly enthused. "Sachin is a superstar and matchless. I have purchased different kites donning Sachin's photographs," says Harkirat, a student.

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Ludhiana, December 26
Even after a lapse of three months, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has failed to complete the inquiry related to the incident where an MC superintendent was slapped by two MC safai karamcharis in his office. After this incident, an inquiry was ordered by MC Commissioner Rahul Tewari, but till date, the status of the inquiry remains pending.

The superintendent, Rajiv Bharadwaj, was allegedly slapped by two safai karamcharis, Vicky and Raju, on September 24, after which the matter was brought to the notice of the senior MC officials, Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Mayor. Later, both the parties reached a compromise. But things took a U-turn with Bharadwaj alleging that he was forced to sign the compromise document.

It was after Bharadwaj filed a complaint in writing that an inquiry was ordered by the MC Commissioner on September 30. A three-member committee, comprising MC Additional Commissioner Davinder Singh, Joint Commissioner AS Sekhon and superintending engineer Dharam Singh, was formed and they were asked to submit the report "soon".

"But till date the inquiry has not been completed by the MC officers for reasons best known to them. I had recorded my statement before the three-member committee on October 30, but till date nothing has been done. If the MC goes slow on such incidents where a superintendent-level official was slapped by sweepers, one could very well imagine the state of affairs here," said Rajiv Bharadwaj, president, Ludhiana Corporation Ministerial Staff Association, while speaking to The Tribune.

The members of the association also held a meeting in MC Zone-D office at Sarabha Nagar and discussed the issue.

This association was formed after this incident as the ministerial staff thought that the existing union, the Municipal Karamchari Dal, was favouring the two safai karamcharis.

Meanwhile, certain leaders of the Valmiki community reached the meeting venue and asked the association members not to form a new association.

Additional Commissioner of the MC Davinder Singh confirmed that the inquiry had not been completed yet. "We had called the safai karamcharis twice to record their statements, but they did not appear before the committee. Now, we will give them one more chance and if they still fail to appear before us, we will conclude our report and submit it to the MC Commissioner. The inquiry report just cannot be delayed just because the other party is not interested in recording their statement," stated Davinder Singh.

Ludhiana, December 26
The employees’ groups at Punjab Agricultural University filed nominations for the upcoming elections of the PAU Employees’ Union. The election committee has allotted election symbols to all the three employees’ groups and one individual, who 
is contesting for the post of president.

The PAU Employees’ Forum, which is going to contest elections under the leadership of Baldev Singh Walia and Manmohan Singh, got mango symbol for elections. The PAU Employees’ United Front, known as Mundi group, led by Harbans Singh Mundi and Lakhwinder Singh Sandhu got the election symbol of cycle.

Meanwhile, the newly emerged group of PAU Democratic Manch, led by Avtar Chand and Manjit Singh, got ladder as the election symbol. An individual employee, KK Sachdeva, will contest for the post of president. The election committee allotted him letter box as the election symbol.

Earlier, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Gurjeet Singh, chairman, election committee, PAU Employees’ Union, at the examination hall. The election committee finalised the list of candidates.

Harbans Singh Mundi will contest the election for the post of president from Mundi Group. His group members Lakhwinder Singh Sandhu and Charnjit Singh Sekhon will contest for the post of senior vice-president, while Dr Kashmir will contest for the post of general secretary.

From the PAU Employees’ Democratic Manch, Avtar Chand will contest for the post of president, Manjit Singh and Ranjit Singh Mann for senior vice-president, and Swaran Singh for general secretary.

Baldev Singh Walia will contest for the post of president from the PAU Employees’ Forum. Lal Bhadhur and Gurpreet Singh Dhillon will fight for the post of senior vice-president and Manmohan Singh for general secretary from the same group.

The elections will be held on January 10.

Doraha, December 26
The stagnant water in front of the office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Payal, stares at every face visiting the premises.

The administration has failed to find any solution in the past many years. The residents, fed up with the repeated requests made to the authorities, are now planning to sit on a hunger strike on December 30.

Gagandeep Boparai, a social worker of the area, said: “We are planning to garner support of all like-minded organisations for this protest. We wish to send a clear-cut message to the authorities that stagnant water is not only problematic for the visitors but also for the employees who work there. Moreover, it sends a wrong message to the visitors. If the SDM’s office is surrounded with a stagnant pool of water, what would be the fate of those colonies and areas where similar situation persists?”

“The environment around the SDM office is pitiable. It has been so for years together, but the administration seems not to care. Not only does the foul smell give tough time to the visitors, but the standing trees too are beginning to dry. The green shady surroundings are being reduced to barren land and to make the matter worse the pool has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies, inviting diseases,” said a resident.

Pawan Kumar Kaushal, another social activist, said: “We will sit on hunger strike on December 30 in front of the SDM office. It would be a peaceful protest just to send a message to the SDM that he should look into the matter.”

SDM, Payal, when contacted, said: “There is a scarcity of drainage space due to which we have to drain the surplus water in the surrounding area. The problem will be resolved in the next few months. Tenders have been floated and a site finalised for the water treatment plant. The process of allotment of work will be done in a month, and the plant will come up in another nine months.

Ludhiana, December 26
Though the District Transport Department had issued a show-cause notice to city-based MRG Auto Pvt Ltd (on November 8, 2013 with letter reference number 9465), asking the company why its authorisation must not be cancelled for the serious violations of the terms and conditions for providing high security registration plate for a vehicle purchased by a complainant in March 2013, no action has been taken against the dealer by the department so far.

The show-cause notice was issued by DTO Anil Garg on the basis of a complaint filed by Hari Om Prakash Jindal, a resident of Kitchlu Nagar.

Talking to The Tribune, Garg said the officials of the company had replied and maintained that many calls were made to the complainant to get the number but he did not respond. Hence, the delay in providing the number plate to him. "But we have asked them to provide us the call details. In case they fail to do so, appropriate action will be taken against those making the number plate and the particular car dealer," said the DTO.

Ludhiana, December 26
Though exporters in Punjab, except those in the engineering sector, are upbeat over the five per cent increase in their business this year, those running businesses in the other parts of the country are much worried as the duty drawback worth about Rs 4,800 crore was still pending with the government. Apart from the duty drawback, the Cenvat Refund worth over Rs 10,000 crore has also not been cleared by the government till date.

As far as the exporters in Punjab or Ludhiana are concerned, they are getting the regular duty drawback from the authorities concerned. The president of the Northern Region of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), SC Ralhan, said as the exporters had established a good rapport with the higher-ups in the region, they are not facing any problem in getting the duty drawback. But in other states, there is a huge pendency and the respective governments seem reluctant in clearing the exporters' dues.

Ralhan said in 2012, the exports had seen an increase up to 5 per cent but as far as the engineering goods were concerned, there was about 14.5 per cent decline and the reasons for this could be the NAREGA schemes, acute labour shortage and prolonged holidays on account of Dasehra, Diwali, etc. "Otherwise, the exporters in Punjab and Ludhiana are very happy as their business has grown this year compared to the last year," said Ralhan.

If the exporters are to be believed then Punjab exports, including hosiery items, engineering goods, cycles and cycle parts, sports accessories, are worth about Rs 22,000 crore every year and this time there is an expected growth of about 5 per cent.

Ludhiana, December 26
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the junior partner in the ruling coalition government, is indulging in “dirty politics” over the ongoing project for coverage of an open drain from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran to Shagun Palace at a cost of Rs 22 crore.

The BJP factions, led by former Punjab Health Minister Sat Pal Gosain and party councillor from Ward No. 42 Gurdip Singh Neetu, who is also group leader of the BJP councillors in the Municipal Corporation, had almost clashed on December 16 when work was to recommence on the project after Rs 5 crore was released towards the pending bills of the contractor.

Under pressure from the two warring groups, the contractor chose a middle path and accordingly work was simultaneously taken up near Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran and at another site near the temple as desired by Gosain and Neetu, respectively.

Interestingly, the district president of the party Parveen Bansal, whose differences with Gosain are well known, has been extending support to Neetu in the ongoing tussle.

The faction led by Gosain today launched yet another attack on BJP councillor Neetu when Ramesh Bangar, president of the Active Anti-Corruption Group and close supporter of Gosain, levelled charges of corruption against Neetu and demanded a vigilance probe into the alleged dubious role played by the councillor in connivance with the field staff and MC officials concerned.

Addressing a news conference here, Bangar alleged that sub-standard material was being used to cover the drain and the councillor was patronising corrupt officials of the civic body for his own vested interests.

Neetu, however, rubbished the charges levelled by Bangar, saying that he was prepared to face any inquiry by any agency, including the Vigilance Bureau. The BJP councillor said Bangar was in the habit of levelling baseless and frivolous charges to gain cheap popularity. He chose not to make any comments with senior leader of the party Gosain taking a divergent stand over the project.

Ludhiana, December 26
With the change in weather, several people are now seen jogging on the city roads, streets and parks in the morning and evening.

Many joggers say jogging and brisk-walking not only help them stay in shape but also help them warm up to beat the chill. "Come cold weather and it is time for joggers and walkers to step into their sneakers and have a good run," says Ishvinder, a resident.

"I hardly run due to humidity, heat and perspiration during the summers," says Harsh, a Model Town resident. "But I make sure that I jog in the morning in the winters as it helps me beat the cold," she says.

"You tend to eat more during the winters, so I try to keep in shape by working out in the morning. I don't particularly like working out in gymnasiums and rather like running in the open. I particularly wait for the winter season to start with the jogging routine," she says.

Ludhiana, December 26
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, country’s largest car manufacturer, organised the “mega delivery of cars” at its dealerships Sandhu Automobiles, Samrala, and Span Auto, Ludhiana. Mayank Pareek, chief operating officer, Maruti Suzuki, handed over the keys to the proud owners.

Eleven cars were delivered at Samrala and 51 at Stan Autos. Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Pareek said: “Maruti Suzuki has been leading in the market share in the state of Punjab and continues to be the most loved car in this part of the country. It is heartening to see the love of the people. There is a significant amount of research and a lot of work that goes behind each product that we bring out to ensure that the confidence of the people in the brand grows from strength to strength."

Pareek's said he was glad to point out that every second car was a Maruti Suzuki in Ludhiana. There are 41 Maruti Suzuki showrooms, 113 dealer workshops and 132 authorised dealerships in the region. Keeping the rural penetration in mind, Maruti Suzuki has 49 outlets in the rural region. “The company has aggressive plans for the country and the region with more dealerships and service network being put in place in the coming year,” Pareek said.

Ludhiana, December 26
Around 100 volunteers of National Service Scheme (NSS) are attending a seven-day camp at SCD Government College.

On the morning of the second day, students participated in yoga and fitness exercises. During the second session, the students took part in poster making and poem writing competitions. The theme for both the events was female foeticide. Dr Poonam Mahajan, a chemistry lecturer, talked on environmental pollution. The camp will conclude on December 31.

Kamla Lohtia Sanatan Dharam College, Daresi Road, also organised an NSS camp. It was inaugurated by the college principal, Dr Shiv Mohan Sharma. The camp started with the digging of the lawn. As many as 100 students of the college participated in both the units of the camp. Various projects were assigned to them.

Ludhiana, December 26
Postgraduate dentists passing out of colleges have good news. The Dental Council of India (DCI) is going to increase the number of jobs in dental colleges manifold.

Dr Vikas Jindal, member, DCI, who has recently returned after deliberating in a session of the council at Guwahati, said: "New MDS regulations passed unanimously by the general body approved 200 per cent increase in the appointment of MDS fresh graduates in all departments to improve the standard of education in dental colleges of the country. This landmark decision will pave way for increased appointment of fresh graduates in the country. Till now, the requirement of lecturers was one in each department. Now, six lecturers will be required in each department.''

Jindal further said that dentists in the country have been allowed to undergo 18 months of training in ophthalmology to be recruited for the "Vision for All "project in rural India in 2015, subject to the approval of the Medical Council of India.

Students take part in a three-legged race during the annual sports day of Teja Singh Swatantar Memorial School in Ludhiana on Thursday. A Tribune photograph

Girls gave an impressive performance in tae kwon do that was highly appreciated by the gathering. The guests and the school principal distributed the prizes.

Sports day

The annual sports meet was organised at Teja Singh Swatantar Memorial School. A large number of students representing different houses participated with great enthusiasm. Chenab House bagged the overall trophy in the boys’ as well as girls’ category. Gurbachan Singh Grewal, principal, gave away prizes to the position holders.

In slow-cycling race (girls), Gursharan Kaur bagged top honours while Sheetal secured second position and Ramneek finished at third place. In the boys’ category, Harsimran Singh got first position, followed by Gurpreet Singh and Bhupinder Singh who secured second and third position respectively.

In the three-legged race, the girls’ pair of Harpreet Kaur and Rubal got first position and the duo of Ramandeep Kaur and Hardeep Kaur finished as first runners-up while Harmanm and Khushmeet Kaur had to be content with third position.

In the boys’ category, Prabhjeet Singh and Karan Puri proved too good for the other contenders to clinch the title. Abhishek and Sanyam stood second, followed by Jaspreet Singh and Durgesh Gupta who secured third position.

In the girls’ category, Manjot Kaur came out triumphant in the 100-m race to be declared the fastest runner. Prabhjot Kaur and Sumandeep Kaur secured second and third positions respectively.

Among boys, Deepak Kumar proved his mettle as he finished ahead of others to win the title in the 100-m sprint. Rakesh secured second position while Amrinder Singh got third position.

In 200-m race (girls), Rajni, Rupinder Kaur and Rajni Bala secured the top three positions. In the boys’ category, the top positions were clinched by Manjinder Singh, Rakesh and Poshan.

In long jump (girls), Inderpreet Kaur secured first position and Pawan got second while Garima finished at third place. Among boys, Gurwinder Singh stood first, Baliram Gupta got second position and Rinku secured third position.

Students felicitated

Peace Public School celebrated its Annual Prize Distribution Day. The chief guest was Dr MS Kang, former Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, and the function was presided over by Dr Ramesh Kumar, head of the Directorate of Floricultural Research, New Delhi.

The principal extended a warm welcome to all and read out the annual report of the school, briefing all accomplishments in the field of academics, sports and co-curricular activities. The meritorious students were honoured for their achievements in various fields.

The cultural fiesta began with a scintillating performance—Blooming Buds and Mingling Melody—by the tiny tots of LKG and UKG. The programme continued with Western dance performances of Class I and II students. Students of Class III showcased 'A Devotional Odyssey.' The founder president of the school, Prof SC Jain, in his address lauded the effort of students for their outstanding performance in various fields.

The chief guest appreciated the effort of staff and students and motivated students to follow the path of discipline and righteousness to be successful in life. The grand finale brought the evening to a captivating end.

Fancy dress contest

A fancy dress competition was organised at Darshan Academy. A warm welcome was extended to all the parents by the head of the school, Dinesh Singh.

Children dressed in different costumes were looking very charming. Children played the roles of Jodha, Akbar, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, flower seller, balloon seller, Bhagat Singh, etc. The whole environment was filled with great enthusiasm. Parents were glad to see their children's active participation. Dinesh Singh congratulated teachers as well as parents.

Prizes were given to students who gave outstanding performances. — TNS

Samrala, December 26
A migrant labourer who had fled with Rs 70,000 from a local mill was arrested by the Delhi Police. The stolen amount was reportedly recovered from his possession.

The police nabbed him following a tip-off from an auto-rickshaw driver, who got suspicious on seeing a large amount of cash in possession of the accused. The driver saw a large number of Rs 500 notes being carried by the accused while he was paying rent.

Sub-inspector Zora Singh from the Darya Gang police station nabbed the labourer and recovered the cash. The labourer reportedly confessed to having fled with the cash from a Samrala mill.

The accused, identified as Sulinder Sahni, was later presented in a Delhi court and sent to Tihar Jail.

A rice mill owner had given the money to a contractor for making payments to labourers. At night, Sulinder, who was aware about it, absconded with the trunk carrying the cash.

Station house officer, Samrala, said they were inquiring into the matter and were in contact with the Delhi Police officials.

Ludhiana, December 26
A woman from the city has levelled allegations of rape against the principal of a college in Moga. The woman has complained to Police Commissioner Nirmal Singh Dhillon in this regard.

In her complaint, she has alleged that the principal raped her on the pretext of providing her a job in the college. She alleged that the Principal had been raping her for the last two years and used to threaten her with dire consequences if she talked to anybody about the matter.

The complainant has urged the Police Commissioner to take action against the principal.

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh performs during the closing ceremony of World Kabaddi Cup in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, December 26
As usual, whereas cricket continued to make the headlines at the national and international levels and the legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, bade goodbye after an illustrious career spanning for more than two decades, it was kabaddi that remained at the centre stage in Ludhiana.

Tall promises and announcements by the Punjab Government to promote all sports and to provide the best available infrastructure to the players in the state notwithstanding, it did a little except for organising the World Cup Kabaddi for the fourth consecutive year.

The state government went all out like all the previous years in organising the event and spent crores of rupees to conduct the kabaddi cup, for which 18 teams from abroad were invited. Cine stars and other artistes were called to perform during the opening ceremony and closing function in addition to spending huge amounts on fireworks on these two occasions.

This time, the state government invited the Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan), Mian Shahbaz Sharif, who visited the city along with his family members and a delegation. The guests from across the border watched the final of World Cup Kabaddi besides visiting other places in the state, including his ancestral village, Jati Umra, now in Tarn Taran district.

The arrangements made for the visit of VVIPs consumed as many as a week's time or so as the local authorities and the state headquarters remained busy to prepare themselves for the D-day.

But all these days, the sports persons who used to visit Guru Nanak Stadium, the venue of the World Cup Kabaddi finals, were not allowed to enter their respective training centres, which affected their preparations for the upcoming tournaments.

Nevertheless, sports organisers from the city and those from nearby places besides certain schools organised various sports throughout the year which definitely needs to be appreciated.

“The state government should not concentrate on the promotion of kabaddi only. All the games should get equal attention. The game of hockey in which players from Punjab constituted the national team for many years should be given extra attention so that it could regain its lost glory," observed sports organisers and office-bearers of certain sports associations of Ludhiana district.