Ludhiana, January 28
The 'squeezed' budget has jolted the Municipal Corporation.The civic body had proposed a budget of Rs 631 crore for 2014-15, but the state government cut it to just Rs 512 crore.

Already reeling under financial crunch, carrying out development works in limited resources will not be a cakewalk for the MC.

The authorities were expecting Rs 800 crore, but the state government disappointed them.

On the 'squeezed' budget, Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria said they would have to face a number of problems. "We will find a way out," he said.

"We have been facing a tough time in the absence of revenue-generating sources. Our calculations never matched the figures of the state government and we never received adequate funds. We were to generate Rs 200 crore from the property tax, but we ended up earning Rs 75 crore. We need to pull up our socks," said the Mayor.

Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu said they had not ask for hefty sums. "Today, every development work in Punjab is being carried out by taking loans, which is not good. Adequate funds mean better infrastructure," said Ashu.

BJP councillor Inder Aggarwal said the MC was availing of benefits under JNNURM.

He said: "At the same time, revenue is being generated from taxes and water-sewerage bill collection. The MC has cut down on fuel expenditure. This will help tide over out financial problem and we will emerge strong." 

Ludhiana, January 28
With the arrest of four persons, the police have busted an interstate gang of thieves, who were behind a series of ATM breaks in the city.

The police have recovered a pick-up truck, gas cutters, rods, spray paint, clocking gas cylinder and Rs 80,000 from the accused.

Those arrested have been identified as Kuldeep Singh, Lalli, Nirmal and Rakesh Kumar. Their accomplices, including the kingpin, Raman Kumar, and Ajay Kumar, managed to flee.

The Commissioner of Police said the accused were nabbed from near a restaurant in the Jodhewal Basti area when they were planning to break open an ATM.

"It is the same gang that had struck at the Punjab National Bank ATM near Swarn Palace on January 15. The accused took away Rs 14 lakh by breaking open the ATM. We have recovered Rs 80,000, including some burnt currency notes, from their possession. The currency note were burnt when the accused were breaking open the cash box with a gas cutter," said Commissioner of Police NS Dhillon.

Dhillon said the police had registered seven theft and robbery cases against Nirmal Singh. While Ajay is a resident of the Peeru Banda area in Salem Tabri, the other accused are natives of Ferozepur. Dhillon said the accused used to keep a gas cutter, LPG cylinder and the other equipment in the pick-up trick.

While Raman used to conduct a recce during the day, the other accused used to strike at ATMs at night. They used spray paint on CCTV cameras so they don’t get caught on it.

The Commissioner of Police did not rule out the involvement of the same gang in the ATM break case near the Sahnewal police station.

Police soft on banks?

The police have failed to take action against banks for their failure to deploy security guards at ATM booths. The Police Commissioner had instructed bank officials to depute security guards at night. He also directed them to close down ATM booths sans guards to avert loot incidents. When questioned why action was not taken against banks, the Commissioner said: "It is under process.” 

Ludhiana, January 28
The three-member panel of chief engineers has mooted the re-tendering of the Ferozepur Road project.

The committee was formed by the state government to find out if the bidder who had quoted the lowest price could be outsourced the eight-laning of the road.

Senior officials held a meeting in Chandigarh today. Additional Commissioner Sumit Jarangal said they had decided to re-tender the project. The state government had allocated Rs 209 crore for the project which was supposed to be completed in a year and a half. Two bidders came forward, the one who quoted the lowest price, asked for Rs 238 crore. Following this,the MC asked RITES to make suggestions.

RITES stated that the bidder could be given the contract. The file was then sent to the state government which formed the committee. The chief engineers said since three bidders came forward, the tender could be floated again (as per government guidelines).

"We are following the committee's directions,"said Sumit Jarangal. 

Ludhiana, January 28
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) today sold five residential plots in Urban Estate, Dugri, Phase II, for Rs 3.72 crore.

The authority conducted a public auction and sold the properties at a premium of 37 per cent over the total reserve price of Rs 2.71 crore.

GLADA estate officer RK Popli, along with the other officials, conducted the proceedings.

Twenty-one bidders deposited an eligibility fee of Rs 50,000 each. In all, 14 plots (five measuring 100 square yards , five 125 square yards and four measuring 150 square yards) were proposed to be put under the hammer. However, bids were offered for only five plots and the auction of the remaining properties was deferred for want of buyers.

Popli said against the reserve price of Rs 37,530 per square yard of the plots, the highest bid was Rs 70,000 per square yard while the lowest successful bid was Rs 40,100 per square yard. A premium of 10 and 5 per cent over the reserve price was payable for corner plots and the ones facing parks, respectively.

As per the terms and conditions of sale, the successful bidders were required to make 10 per cent payment at the fall of hammer and another 15 per cent within 30 days of the date of auction.

They were asked to pay the remaining amount (75 per cent) either in lump sum within 60 days of the issue of allotment letters at 5 per cent rebate, or in six half-yearly instalments along with 12 per cent interest.

The sites were sold by the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority on an 'as is where is' basis and the plots were to be used solely for residential purpose with no provision for change of land use, division or sub-division of the plots.

Panchkula, January 28
Months after the murder of the sister-in-law of Ludhiana Superintendent of Police Manohar Lal, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Madhuban, is yet to submit the viscera report of the victim.

Taking note of the delay, the court today directed the public prosecutor to write to the Director of the FSL asking him to submit the report at the earliest.

Sushila Devi (68) was killed by domestic helps (Suraj Pal and his wife Chintesh) on August 31 last year, with loot being the motive behind the gory act.

She was found murdered in a washroom. As the domestic helps did not flee the spot, they were declared innocent.

They said the elderly woman had slipped in the washroom, but the post-mortem report stated that she was smothered to death.

The case had come up for hearing here today. Dr Sunil Gambhir deposed before the court stating that he had conducted the autopsy, but had not received the viscera report. Devi’s viscera was sent to the FSL in Madhuban immediately after her murder. The police wanted to ascertain whether she was drugged before being smothered. On the day of the murder, the police had arrested four persons (two servants and their relatives). Loot was cited the reason behind the murder. The police said after smothering her, the domestic helps stole cash and jewellery and gave those to their relatives who fled the scene.

Devi's husband was an Army officer. He died 20 years ago. Her younger son and his wife were away to Dubai at the time of the incident. Devi's elder son is settled in Canada. 

Ludhiana, January 28
The Municipal Corporation is going in for fuel rationing. This will help it overcome financial crisis.

The orders were issued today. The authorities aim at saving 30-35 per cent of the resources this way.

The cut will be applicable on all field vehicles, including tractors, tippers, earthmoving machines and trucks. Senior engineer Manjit Singh said with the fuel rationing, the MC would be able to save money.

The official said the orders would not be implemented on official vehicles as their approval comes from the head office (Chandigarh).

The annual fuel bills amount to Rs 17 crore. Now, the MC will be able to save Rs 4 crore.

Former Commissioner of the civic body AK Sinha had also taken the same measures a few years ago, which had yielded fruitful results.

As far as the fuel bills are concerned, the MC has always condemned the misuse of official vehicles.

When the MC was facing financial problems, even the petrol station dealers had refused to fill fuel in its vehicles. MC Commissioner Rahul Tiwari said they would take the MC out of the financial mess. "We will take austerity measures to strengthen its position," he said.

Ludhiana, January 28
A 25-year-old youth was found dead in the fields of Jhabewal village near Chandigarh Road this morning. The deceased was identified as Sarabjit Singh. Residents of the village spotted the body and informed the police.

Deceased's father Malkit Singh and uncle Paramjit Singh reached the spot and alleged that Sarabjit was killed.

But soon the entire story unfolded. The police said Sarabjit had committed suicide at his aunt's residence in Mundian and that his family was concocting a story.

"The family was aware of the suicide. They were seen taking the body through the fields. As they saw the residents, they left it there," said Kulwant Singh, SHO, Shanewal.

Sarabjit's uncle Paramjit claimed that his nephew was working as a security guard in a factory. Recently, he had a dispute with his friend who had accused him of stealing his dog. He was demanding Rs 20,000 from Sarabjit.

He had also visited Sarabjit's house and both of them (Sarabjit and his friend) had a heated argument, claimed Paramjit. Sarabjit left home a week ago and allegedly ended his life at his aunt's house. He was the only son in the family, said Paramjit. "His elder sister is married while his younger sister is studying," he said. Sarabjit's parents were looking for a suitable match for him. In the second incident, a 70- year-old man, who was allegedly thrown off the top floor of a building by his neighbour on January 3, today succumbed to his injuries. The victim, identified as Dharamdev, a resident of Lalton village, had a quarrel with his neighbour on January 3. He had suffered a neck fracture following which he was rushed to the hospital. 

Ludhiana, January 28
One needs to have a brave heart for travelling on the 18-km stretch from Jagraon Bridge to Mullapur. It tests the driver’s skills, as one needs to be careful to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. When commuters reach the newly constructed eight-laned road, they tend to over speed, which often leads to accidents. Though, the widening of the road has given it an international look but there are negatives effects as well. Even the traffic cops have failed to check the menace.

Traffic rules have been laid for the benefit of commuters but are violated with impunity. Self-discipline and strict action against violators can be of use to curb the menace. Life is invaluable. Bread earners lose their life leaving dependants to misery and starvation. Drunken driving should be awarded sentence for at least ten years. Maintenance of roads is no answer to this problem. Traffic illiteracy adds fuel to fire. It can only be dealt with an iron hand.
—Ajay K Jindal, Senior Advocate and Columnist

Ludhiana January 28
Around 17,000 Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) passed unemployed candidates have become bone of contention for the state government. The unemployed graduates, who passed the teacher eligibility test in recent years, are now organised under the TET Passed Unemployed Teachers Union.

Implementing the Right to Education Act 2009, the National Council for Teachers (NCTE) has made the Teacher Eligibility Test compulsory for the recruitment of the teachers in schools.

However, the State council of Education Research and Training issued the certificate to TET passed candidates mentioning that ‘qualifying TET would not confer the right of any person for recruitment as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment’.

But the TET Passed Unemployment Union considers it to be government’s tactic for not recruiting the qualified teachers.

State council of Education Research and Training, Punjab, conducted three tests in the past three years. In year 2011, around 9,000 candidates passed the test. Meanwhile, in second test around 8,000 teachers cleared the eligibility test. In year 2013, only 800 teachers passed the TET test.

Kalbushan, an activist of TET Passed Unemployed Teachers Union, said, “A large number of posts of teachers are lying vacant in government schools of Punjab. The well qualified TET passed teachers are ready to serve in the schools but the government is not recruiting us.”

As many as 36 male activists, including leaders of the union, were arrested by the city police on Republic Day at Chatar Singh Park in Ludhiana. “We were protesting peacefully on January 26, which is our democratic right. But the police arrested our leaders and activists to sabotage our movement for employment,” said Kalbhushan.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan teachers’ union condemned the move of government to arrest the activist of TET passed unemployment Union.

Ludhiana, January 28
Dr Kapil Gupta, an expert from the World Bank, today visited the city to conduct a study on providing solution to the waterlogging problem. The expert accompanied by the officials of the Municipal Corporation (MC), including XEN Ravinder Garg, and SDE Ekjot Singh visited many areas and witnessed points responsible for floods in the city.

Dr Gupta said he was in city to conduct a survey on the water stagnation points. For this, he had visited several low lying areas along with Buddha Nullah and soon the solutions to the problem will be provided. “These will be short-term and long-term solutions. Right now, the short-term solutions can be considered and in case of the long-term solution, a drainage master plan for the city is on the cards. By adopting these measures, the flood problem in the city could be curbed,” said the expert.

He added that for getting such master plans, MC had to consult the engineers who would provide the estimates on the basis of which the recommendations would be then sent to the World Bank for securing loans. Consultants from the World Bank will do a detailed study before reaching to any conclusions. He said some of the solutions were simple such as in low lying areas, where there were MC parks, the level of parks should be lowered down so that extra water goes into the parks instead of houses etc. “If measures are taken, solutions are possible,” said Dr Kapil.

Jagraon, January 28
The State Information Commission, Punjab, has issued a notice to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jagraon, for allegedly failing to provide information, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005, to an RTI activist.

In a notice issued on the appeal filed by the Jagraon-based RTI activist, Rahul Gupta, the Information Commission has directed SDM Jagraon Apneet Rayat to appear before the State Information Commissioner, Satinder Pal Singh, in person or through a duly authorised officer on February 13, 2014. The Commission has further directed the SDM to file a written reply with the Commission before the next date of hearing and supply an advance copy of the reply to the appellant.

According to information, Rahul Gupta had filed an application under the RTI Act on September 6, 2013, seeking various kinds of information relating to all the private schools falling under the Jagraon tehsil. Gupta had requested the authorities concerned to provide detailed information about the admission fees and monthly fees being charged by the private schools from the students, names and contact numbers of the office-bearers of transport committees formed in the schools for the safety of schoolchildren and the status of admissions of underprivileged students in each private school under the Right to Education Act. Gupta had also sought information if the private schools have the right to sell school uniforms and books to the students.

While replying to the Gupta’s application, the SDM Jagraon asked him to seek the information directly from the District Education Officer. Dissatisfied over the reply by the Jagraon SDM, Gupta filed an application with the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, on October 8 and requested him to provide the information sought by him. But even after this, Gupta did not receive the required information following which he appealed before the State Information Commission. On Gupta’s appeal, the State Information Commission instructed the SDM, Jagraon, to appear before the Commission.

The SDM, Jagraon, Apneet Rayat, confirmed to have received a notice from State Information Commission.

Ludhiana, January 28
The College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, PAU, has postponed the annual convocation and prize distribution function.

The convocation was scheduled for January 23. A notice to this regard has been posted on the PAU website.

Graduates say they will now have to cancel their air and train bookings. Some of them, who are working in the private companies, had to cancel their leaves.

A city resident, whose son was to attend the function, said: "The College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology had asked all students willing to attend the convocation to give their consent by January 13. As they had given only 10 days to make travel plans, many students got their air and rail tickets booked. But on January 16, the college authorities posted on the website that the convocation-cum-prize distribution function had been postponed."

Another parent, whose son works in a private company in Maharashtra, said if the university authorities were to postpone the function, they should have mentioned the next date of the function.

PPS Lubana, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, PAU, was not available for comments.

A professor at the college said the function had to be postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. "We will announce the new date soon," he said. 

New Delhi, January 28
Air Marshal Daljit Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has been conferred Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) by the President for his meritorious service.

The officer hails from Ludhiana where he studied at KVM School and later at Government College before joining the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Singh was commissioned in the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1976. An ex-National Defence Academy officer, he has flown over 3,500 hours on various aircraft which include Gnats, Ajeets, MiG-21s, Su-30 MKI and Mirage-2000 aircraft, and is a qualified flying instructor and graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

In his service career of 37 years in the IAF, he has held prestigious operational appointment of command of fighter squadron and fighter base, staff appointments and diplomatic assignment abroad as Defence Attachés accredited in Thailand from May 3 to March 6.

Prior to taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, last year, he was Director General, Air Operations at Air HQ (VB), looking after operational aspects of the IAF.

Ludhiana, January 28
The All-India Agricultural Students’ Association (AIASA) started a membership drive on the Punjab Agricultural University campus.

The aim of the students’ body is to bring agriculture students on a common platform. Members of the Punjab Agricultural University Students’ Association (PAUSA) are already assisting the AIASA team.

Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Sahdev Singh, a representative of the All-India Agricultural Students’ Association, said the association was successful in bringing down the NET-qualifying marks from 60 per cent to 55 per cent for the general category and 50 per cent for the OBC category by introducing OBC reservation in the ARS and NET.

“We want that all agriculture students should come together on a common platform to air our grievances. We visited all agricultural institutes and universities,” he said.

Karanvir Singh Sandhu, president, Punjab Agricultural University Students’ Association said: “We held a meeting with AIASA members them and liked their idea. We are distributing membership forms on the campus,” said Sandhu. 

Ludhiana, January 28
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Ludhiana (West), Kuljeetpal Singh Mahi asked all the officers to perform their duties honestly to check the illegal sale of acid so that the orders of Supreme Court of India could be implemented properly. He was addressing a meeting of different departments, including district administration, police officers, teachers of schools and colleges at Guru Nanak Stadium.

He said as per the instructions of the court, it is mandatory that if any shopkeeper wants to sell acid, he should maintain a log book or a register, containing all the details about the buyer and should also carry the details about the quantity of acid purchased by the buyer.

The photocopy of buyer’s identity card issued by any government office should also be kept as a proof in the record book and aim behind buying acid should also be mentioned. He said any shopkeeper selling acid should send the detailed report about the acid stock to the SDM concerned. A fine of Rs 50,000 can be imposed on the shopkeeper in case he fails to do so.

The SDM appealed all the shopkeepers, factories, dying units and industrial units to cooperate with the district administration in implementing the orders of the Supreme Court.

He also asked all the school teachers to maintain registers in the schools about the usage of acid and depute a responsible person to maintain the stock. He also issued instructions to all the hospitals and asked them to send the report to the SDM.

Ludhiana, January 28
The Petrol Pump Dealers Association Punjab (PPDAP), at a conference held here today, asked the Punjab Government to reduce VAT from petroleum prices.

The Association led by Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal revealed that all neighbouring states had been charging less VAT than Punjab which is affecting the sale of petrol in Punjab. Paramjit Singh Doaba, president, PPDAP, informed that Haryana was charging 20.5 per cent, Himachal Pradesh was charging 24 per cent and Chandigarh had been charging 22 per cent VAT, whereas, Punjab had been charging 31 per cent VAT on petroleum.

“More than 1,800 petrol pumps are directly affected form this practice. We assure that the revenue collections of the government will not be affected if it reduces VAT from petroleum,” Doaba said.

Sukhmiderpal Singh, General Secretary of Federation of All India Petroleum Traders, demanded to exempt the property tax on petrol pumps.

The petrol pump owners opposed the move of the Forest Department of issuing notices to petrol pump owners to pay for land being used for entry of vehicles.

Grewal said, “When new petrol pump is opened, a NOC from the Forest Department is obtained after paying for the land to be used at entry points. The move is unjustified. The state government should intervene.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 28
Dr Rajinder Mittal has been elected as the chairman of the Social Welfare Organisation (SWO) for the third consecutive term.

The secretary of the Social Welfare Organisation, Tarsem Garg, said Pawan Singla and Dr Sunit Hind have been elected as the president and senior vice-president of the organisation, respectively.

“Balwinder Verma Happy has been elected as the vice-president and Sanjay Mittal as treasurer of the organisation,” said Garg.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 28
Residents of Nagal village in Ludhiana district have threatened to boycott next elections in case roads leading to the village were not constructed/repaired at the earliest.

Residents accused the government of ignoring their genuine demands and alleged them of adopting a laidback attitude in this regard.

The legislator of the constituency, Darshan Singh Shivalik, said, “I have already taken up the issue with concerned officials. The needful will be done soon.” Villagers, led by former sarpanch Zora Singh, alleged that the authorities have failed to provide even the basic amenities to residents. The historic village has an association with Satguru Ram Singh, and still we are staying in such a neglected state of affairs, said a villager.

Condition of the road connecting the village with the Ludhiana Malerkotla road worsens during the rainy season. Students and commuters have to take alternative longer routes during such climatic conditions, rued another villager. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 28
On the occasion of the bhog ceremony of social worker Mohan Singh Grewal, the family of the deceased announced to continue working for the welfare of the villagers by contributing towards improving the condition of the roads connecting the Kilaraipur village to other areas.

Appreciating the gesture shown by the family, office-bearers and activists of various social, religious and constitutional organisations said the initiative would go a long way in improving the condition of those roads which have not been repaired by the Administration so far.

The sons of the deceased social activist, Harjinder Singh and Gurdeep Singh, said, the family would be contributing initially for repairing and filling the pits on the Kilaraipur-Ghungrana road. During his life, Mohan Singh along with his associates contributed for the construction of this road for many years. — OC

Samrala, January 28
The Samrala police have claimed to have arrested a youth and recovered 15 gm of smack from his possession. The accused has been identified as Tarsem (18), a resident of Ward No. 9, Samrala.

According to the information, a police team of Bardhalan Chowki under Samrala Police Station was on patrolling the area, when while going from Khanna towards Samrala when they noticed a youth near Sacred Heart School, Otalan.

On the grounds of suspicion, the police party stopped him and searched him. They recovered 15 gm of smack from his possession and arrested him on the spot.

A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused.

The accused was presented in a court from where he was awarded a judicial custody for a period of 14 days in Ludhiana Jail, said the chowki in charge, Bardhalan Jaswant Singh.

According to the police, a case under the NDPS Act is already pending against the accused. The accused has been kept at the Jail Hospital. Further investigations are on in this regard, said a police official.

Ludhiana, January 28
Beant Kaur came out triumphant in the 800m race on the opening day of the 71st Athletics Meet at the Government College for Girls here today.

Rinki and Harpreet Kaur secured the second and third positions, respectively.

In the long jump event, Jaspreet Kaur bagged the top honours while Baksho managed to bag the second position with Sarabjit Kaur finishing at the third place.

Balwinder Kaur romped home victorious in the shot put event while Jaspreet Kaur and Palwinder Kaur secured the second and third position, respectively.

In cycling, Sukhpreet Kaur proved her mettle to clinch the top honours. She was closely followed by Sandeep Kaur and Sapna, respectively.

Earlier, Isha Kalia, Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation (MC), Ludhiana, declared the meet open.

A large number of students are taking part in the different disciplines of sports besides fun games during the athletics meet.

Ludhiana, January 28
Top wrestlers from across the country will be seen in action during the 2nd Bharat Kesari Wrestling Competition scheduled to be held at Sabzi Mandi ground on Hambran road here from February 9.

Addressing a press conference here today, Soma Pandit, spokesperson of the organisers of the competition, said the event would be dedicated in the memory of world famous wrestler Dara Singh who passed away last year.

Joginder Pehalwan from Delhi akhara, Satish from Alamgir, Soni from Ludhiana, Rambhaj from Haryana, Kala Pehalwan from Uttar Pradesh and Vijay from Rajasthan besides many famous names in the field of mud wrestling will take part in the prize money competition.

The winner of the competition will be given a Bullet bike while the first runner-up will be awarded Rs one lakh.

Other participants will also pocket cash prizes, said Soma.

Ludhiana, January 28
Deepin Chitkara excelled with bat and ball to lead Kundan Vidya Mandir (KVM), Civil Lines, to an easy win against GMT Public School, Jalandhar bypass, by 10 wickets on the second day of the (U-16) Inter-School Tournament of the Coca Cola Cricket Cup being organised by the Ludhiana District Cricket Association under the aegis of the Punjab Cricket Association at Nankana Sahib Public School, here today.

The star player claimed five wickets for just eight runs and smashed 67 runs that helped his side to come out triumphant.

Batting first, GMT Public School made 92 runs in 23.5 overs. Amandeep scored 28 runs while Akshay and Amit contributed 11 and 8 runs, respectively.

For Kundan Vidya Mandir, Deepin Chitkara captured five wickets. He was ably assisted by Anmol Sharma who captured two wickets for seven runs, Yuvraj (1 for 8), Keshav (1 for 12) and Shubham (1 for 23).

The target set by GMT Public School turned out to be a small one as KVM attained the target in just 16 overs without losing a wicket. Deepin Chitkara and Shubham remained unbeaten on 67 and 9 runs, respectively.