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70% occupancy in city bus service
Traffic helpline to be launched this week
‘Bread and Breakfast Scheme’ to start again
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Consumer forum fines radio taxi
Amritsar, January 29 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed City Cab, the radio-taxi service to refund Rs 10 to a local resident for overcharging from him. The forum has also directed the City Cab to pay Rs 500 as compensation for the non-working air-conditioner in the car and Rs 1,000 as litigation expenses towards the case.
Jail inmate charged with bid to murder
Better
amritsar: STATE OF PUBLIC PARKS-II
Committee to probe late fee issue, says GMC principal
Punjab villages have 87% internet connectivity
house tax
GNDU honours senior citizens
Guru Nanak Dev University honours its student-artistes
One arrested in burglary case
Trilium mall gets award
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70% occupancy in city bus service
Amritsar, January 29 Officials say though there was around 70 per cent occupancy in these buses and it appeared to be a welcome step, there remained some lapses which call for immediate attention of the authorities. The major bottlenecks spotted were that the buses are stationed beneath the elevated road on the Amritsar-Jalandhar GT road to carry passengers. This has been hampering normal traffic. Secondly, even as the MC had introduced the e-ticketing facility taking into account transparency in the bus fare, the passengers complained that conductors were short of small-denomination currency with them to clear the balance. Similarly, in the absence of adequate bus-queue shelters, the residents were confused about the stoppage of buses. Another prominent point is that defying the Outdoor Advertisement Policy norms, the MC itself has been defacing the city by putting up posters to publicise the bus service. Posters regarding bus passes were spotted pasted on the pillars of the elevated road. This in itself is a damaging act and the pasting of any material over the pillars was banned because the civil experts had cautioned against pasting of any material over the pillars as it would damage its specially coated material to maintain the strength of the pillars. All 40 buses were put on the road today to ply on the designated routes. These buses are being operated on the NCC (net cost contract) mode by hiring a Karnataka-based company. It will be the liability of the company to operate and maintain the buses. In lieu, the company would also pay the MC an amount of Rs 1,250 every month for each bus. For the non-AC buses, the least fare is Rs 2 (up to 5 km), Rs 5 (5-10 km) and Rs 10 (more than 10 km). The fare for AC buses is Rs 5 (up to 5 km), Rs 10 (5-10 km) and Rs 15 (more than 10 km) for air conditioned. officialspeak On the very first day, I have been told by my officials that the buses were occupied by upto 70 per cent. I admit that there may remain some lapses but it’s a start. Each day would be a learning experience for us and we would be able to improve the bus service as it catches up on routine. We have done trial run before putting the buses on roads and no serious hurdles were there, still I have noted down the shortcomings. These would be redressed at the earliest. The information posters on the elevated road pillar too have to be removed — Bakshi Ram Arora, City Mayor public view The city bus service is a welcome step. The monthly pass will be beneficial for students like me to commute, but the authorities should spare a thought for plying special buses for women passengers — Ravleen Kaur, a GNDU student Until and unless the authorities manage the traffic properly or make roads that come under the ambit of uncongested bus routes, it will hamper the movement of buses and disrupt the service — Jagdish Singh, a resident of Bagh Ramanand There is no provision for proper bus shelters for waiting passengers. The existing ones have become a resting place for rickshaw-pullers or the destitute — Naresh Johar, a resident of Rani Ka Bagh This service will definitely help in breaking the monopoly of auto-rickshaw operators who charge them exorbitantly. Besides, it would be a safe journey — Jagdish Singh, a resident of Bagh Ramanand
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Traffic helpline to be launched this week
Amritsar, January 29 Earlier, the city police divided the whole city in four zones, each headed by an Inspector. Shailender Singh Shelly, ADPC, traffic, said the helpline was likely to be launched this week, while the Police Department had applied for a toll-free number, he said. “Amritsar will be the first city to launch this facility in order to facilitate residents. Those stuck in traffic could call at this toll-free number which will be transferred to the police official concerned who will reach the spot and decongest the traffic,” he said.
Not only this, the official would send his report to the head quarters which would again contact with the aggrieved person or the complainant,
he said. As per the details, the city police have shortlisted police commissioner office besides traffic control room for setting up the helpline facility. Shelly said the facility would prove to be boon for the city residents who often had to face the severe traffic chaos on the city roads. He said Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, is likely to launch the
helpline.
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‘Bread and Breakfast Scheme’ to start again
Amritsar, January 29 Earlier, the scheme launched in 2010 came to a cropper as no resident had evinced interest.
For the first time, four city residents, Vivek Mehra of Chand Avenue on Fategarh Churriyan road, Gurcharan Singh of Preet Vihar area on GT road, Gurmukh Singh of Sant Avenue on GT road and Ranveer Singh of Cheel Mandi, inside Maha Singh road subscribed to the scheme. District Tourism Officer Balraj Singh Kang handed over to them licences authorising them to offer their houses for stay purpose to visitors. He said the PHTPB extended invitation to owners of houses to subscribe to the scheme to benefit financially and increase the ambit of tourism in the city. He said the PHTPB had laid down a set of eligibility criteria and licences were offered to those who met these guidelines. He elaborated that a house must have a maximum of six rooms and adequate parking space. Validity of a licence would be for a year and change in ownership of the property would mean end of the scheme. An interested applicant needs to fill a form, a list of facilities available, NOC from the Police Department, background of applicant, an authorised undertaking along with a Rs 5,000 fee. Subsequently, a four-member team comprising district tourism officer, a PHTPB officer from Chandigarh, a representative of Deputy Commissioner and a staff member of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Gurdaspur, would visit the place to check hygienic and other standards of the place. The idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for overseas visitors and domestic tourists, besides an opportunity for tourists to stay with a local family, experience the traditions and culture of Punjab and savour authentic Punjabi cuisine. The PHTPB has adopted the scheme after the key recommendations of the United Nation World Tourism Organisation’s Tourism Development Master Plan for Punjab and stresses increase in the provision of high-quality accommodation that caters to the holiday visitor, in and around the state’s main tourist destinations.
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Consumer forum fines radio taxi
Amritsar, January 29 Earlier a local advocate, Kanwar Pahul Singh, had filed a complaint to the forum stating that he had booked a cab for travelling from SV Motors to district courts on May 20, 2013. He stated that the car was in a shabby condition and its air-conditioner was also not working. He alleged that the left side windowpane of the backseat could not be
opened. He added that the driver charged Rs 190 for 9 km at the rate of Rs 20 per km even as the distance travelled was 8 km. He complained that for travelling 8 km, the driver should have charged
him Rs 160. The forum observed that for 9 km, the actual fare should have been Rs 180 and as the driver had charged Rs 190, he had charged Rs 10 more which should be refunded. While issuing the ex-parte judgement, the forum stated that taking in view the summer period of the said journey on May 20, when the heat was at its peak, the complainant though had hired an AC cab from the opposite party but had to travel without AC in the cab. The left side of the windowpane of the back seat was also not opening, as such the complainant also suffered inconvenience and harassment.
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Jail inmate charged with bid to murder
Amritsar, January 29 The victim also a murder convict was saved by his fellow prisoners and jail warden on duty. The jail authorities have lodged a complaint against the accused, who has been charged with attempt
to murder. While narrating the incident, R K Sharma, Deputy Superintendent Jail, said it was an unprovoked murderous attack by Gurbaksh Singh, who is a person having criminal tendencies. “Gurbaksh Singh was transferred from Faridkot Jail a few weeks ago. He seemed to have some psycho problem. He sat on the chest of the victim,Sharanjit Singh, and started strangulating him,” said Sharma. Had the jail staff and fellow prisoners not acted promptly and pushed him down, he could have killed him, said Sharma. He has been put in separate barrack for time being in order to check his behaviour, he added. A case under Sections 307, 323 of the IPC and 42 of the Prisoner Act has been registered against him. Repeated instances raise a serious question over the security lapse inside high security, Amritsar Central Jail, which also houses foreign prisoners. However, the jail officials termed majority of these incidents as managed, in order to
diver the attention of the jail staff.
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Better
amritsar: STATE OF PUBLIC PARKS-II Parks in city are in a bad shape. In the concluding part of the series, Amritsar Tribune speaks to residents who feel that joint efforts of admn as well as residents are needed for the upkeep of parks The government and the local administration have invested their resources in planting saplings and deployed staff to maintain the parks. However, it is not feasible to guard these 24x7 from trespassers and violators. People, especially those who make a visit to these places on a daily basis, must form vigilant groups to maintain the parks. Mandeep Kaur, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, The Mall. Open Ram Bagh to tourists
}The Ram Bagh gardens, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s summer palace, must be opened to tourists soon. The holy city once used to be known as the “city of gardens”. At present, the situation is far from satisfactory. Revival and maintenance of parks will also provide a boost to tourism as gardens in Bengaluru and Chandigarh attract a large number of tourists.~ Piyush
Kapoor, hotel manager Check dumping of garbage
The government departments concerned must take note of unethical and unhygienic practice of garbage dumping and its burning at the historic Ram Bagh. Spread over 80 acres and located in the heart of the city, it is the green lung of the city. If this practice is not checked, then chances are that it may spread to other parks as
well. Gurinder Singh Mattu, sports promoter Need to awaken youngsters
There is a need to familiarise the younger generation with varieties of plants and trees standing tall in various gardens of the city. Brought up in an urban environment, a majority of the residents are unaware of the names of trees and plants and their importance. Services of experts in the field could be sought to install display boards with vital information about these close to
them. Paramjit Kaur, teacher Educate visitors on keeping parks clean
Non-profit organisations should come forward to educate visitors to keep parks clean to maintain these perfectly. Practice of throwing refuse in the open at parks must be discouraged. Besides, the Challih Khoo park has immense scope of
development. Prof Bhupinder Singh, Khalsa College — Neeraj Bagga
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Committee to probe late fee issue, says GMC principal
Amritsar, January 29 Meanwhile, Government Medical College (GMC), Principal, Dr Karnail Singh said a committee had been constituted to probe the allegations. He said it could be possible for him to comment on the issue only after the completion of enquiry. As per the information procured by activist Rajinder Sharma from Baba Farid University, the college had deposited the registration fees of 49 students of BSc nursing at a rate of Rs 1,000 per student on January 1, 2013. “The fee was deposited with college with a delay of 17 days and as such the university imposed a fine of Rs 100 for each day of delay. Afterwards the college made students to deposit Rs 1,700 each for the fault of the college,” said Rajinder. The information provided by the university establishes that college deposited Rs 49,000 on March 4 and Rs 34,300 on June 25 as fine. The college was required to deposit the registration fees with the university before December 31, 2012. In his complaint, Rajinder Sharma said that students were made to bear the expenses for the fault of college management and it should be the college management, which should bear the burden. Demanding an enquiry in the case, he has requested the Principal Secretary to ensure that the money collected from the students is returned to them and action should be taken against the guilty employees.
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Punjab villages have 87% internet connectivity
Amritsar, January 29 Punjab villages have done much better with 87 per cent. This information is procured by Sandeep Kumar, an RTI activist and a teacher in DAV College here. As per the official figures, the country has around 2.50 lakh gram panchayats. Under
the project, the government has planned the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) to connect these villages through optical fibre. The project was approved by the Cabinet in October 2011, which is being executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). It is likely
to be completed by September 2015, the information said. The government initiated the project with an aim to empower every panchayat with digital connectivity in order to improve the governance and public service delivery at the panchayat level using the information technology. Besides, its objective is to put every panchayat on the global digital map, create an information and communication technology-friendly environment and facilitate the growth of panchayats through e-commerce of local produce and panchayat tourism. In Punjab, 11,170 villages, out of the total 12,809 villages, have been provided with the internet broadband connectivity. Out of the total 2,47,864 villages in the country, broadband connectivity is provided to 1,57,895 villages till November 30. Madhya Pradesh is among the states having lowest connectivity ratio with 18 per cent (4,199 out of the 23,022 villages). Sandeep Kumar said about the steps being taken to make all villages or gram panchayats digitally equipped, the information provided by the Department of Telecommunication, GoI, revealed that all villages were being
connected through NOFN utilising existing fibres of Public Sector Units, BSNL, RailTel and
Power Grid and laying incremental fibre wherever necessary to bridge the connectivity gap between gram panchayats and blocks. Government officials said the project would
be completed by September 2015.
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MC gears up to recover dues, seals properties of defaulters
GS PAUL Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 29 The MC is also contemplating to initiate the proceedings under Section 138, which entitle it to confiscate the moveable assets of the defaulters. The MC house tax team, led by Superintendent Shushant Bhatia, targeted defaulters of areas located on the GT road-Chheharta, Islamabad road, Gurbax Nagar, Dam Ganj and Nawa Kot. The team also comprised Superintendent Subhash Chopra, and inspectors Jatinder Uppal, Darshan Singh and Gurpreet Bhatia. As per information, two shops, an embroidery unit, one power loom factory and a ration depot were put under seal after their proprietors failed to clear their tax dues. Similarly, four shops of fruit sellers located in the Old sabzi mandi were sealed. Bhatia said there were still 75 to 80 defaulters in this area and action would be taken against them. The MC has set a specific recovery target of Rs 7.5 lakh between January 23 and February 6 and today it had managed to realise around Rs 1.75 lakh. The MC's recovery drive had lost steam midway due to the government move to recover property tax from residents. In a meeting conducted by MC Commissioner DPS Kharbanda recently, he had made it clear that the house tax has to be recovered under the stipulated period and no pressure, be it political or bureaucratic, should be taken seriously by the house tax staff. There are several big houses, hotels, government offices, marriage palaces, commercial units running under the Improvement Trust and several privately run schools which are on the hit list of the MC on account of house tax dues recovery. There is utter confusion among the residents that with the introduction of the property tax, it would earn them immunity from paying their house tax dues. With the introduction of property tax, the house tax realisation has suffered a dent as the whole staff of the house tax was absorbed in realisation of property tax, which came into being w.e. f. April 1, 2012.
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GNDU honours senior citizens
Amritsar, January 29 As many as 20 women, with age more than 65 years including a few on wheel chairs were present on the occasion. Dr Sarvjit Kaur Brar, President and First Lady of the university who presided over, lauded the contribution of the some of the senior women for the development of the university since its inception. Meanwhile, Dr Geeta Hundal, secretary of the Ladies Club, welcomed the chief guest and others before detailing the activities of the club. Dr Brar while speaking on the occasion said that senior citizens were the treasure of our society and command due respect. "We all are successful only because of their blessings and advice given by them from time to time," she said. She apprised that the university would shortly organise a series of lectures by senior citizens to provide guidelines to the students so that they could benefit from their experience. "Besides this, workshops would also be organised to share the technical skill of senior women in the field of handicrafts. An exhibition of handicrafts would be put up so that our rich cultural heritage could be revived among the youth," she said. Dr Sarvjit Kaur Brar honoured the senior citizens with a shawl and a memento. The students of the Music Department presented a musical programme on this occasion. Some of the senior citizens also shared their experiences. They also thanked and blessed the members of Ladies Club of the university.
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Guru Nanak Dev University honours its student-artistes
Amritsar, January 29 Prof HC Bernhard Blumich, Professor of Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTHAACHEN University, Germany, was the chief guest on this occasion. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof AS Brar, presided over the function
and honoured 34 student-artists who won the titles in the North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival with cash prizes, medals, blazers and certificates. Dr Jagjit Kaur, Director, Youth Welfare, welcomed the chief guest and others. Dr PK Sehajpal, Dean Students Welfare, presented the vote of thanks. Dr Sucharita Sharma, Principal, Dr Arun Mishra, teacher-in charge and Dr Amita Pandey, teacher in charge all from the Apeejay College of Fine Arts. Jalandhar, and a large number of faculty and student-artists were also present. Prof Brar said cultural activities were an integral part of student life and students should actively participate in such activities along with their studies. Prof Blümich said he was impressed with the colourful Punjabi culture and its rich heritage. On this occasion, student-artists, Anadi Mishra, Surtaal Singh, Satwinderpal Singh, Surpriya Seen, Rashi, Palakdeep Kaur, Gaurav Saul, Harpreet Kaur, Sham Singh, Arminder Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Kamaljit, Divya Saini, Tarrunum Sharma, Anjali Badhan, Poornima Jain , Navjot Kaur, Nancy Bagga, Paramvir Kaur, Ravinder Kaur, Sumeet Heer, Divyesh Dutta, Paras Sharma, Aakash Chadha, Manjit Singh, Shainu, Nancy Vijan , Jaskirat Singh, Ramneet Kaur, Amandeep Kaur, Sukhmani Kaur Kahlon, Riya Mehra, Megha Sood and Kirandeep Kaur were honoured. Meanwhile, the winners of Inter-Zonal Final Youth Festival held recently on the Guru Nanak Dev University Campus, too, were also honoured on this occasion. Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, was overall champion in this festival while BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, was runners-up and Shanti Devi Arya Mahila College, Dinanagar, was third in the festival. They were honoured with cash prizes and
trophies. Dr Jagjit Kaur said the university participated in 24 items of dance, music, fine art, literary activities and theater and won 17 important positions in these competitions and was declared overall first runners-up along with the music trophy. She also presented a detailed report of the activities of departments.
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One arrested in burglary case
Amritsar, January 29 The CCTV footage of the shop helped the police officials in cracking the case. The police arrested one person identified as Gurpreet Singh, alias Lalli, resident of the Mustafabad area while his five accomplices were still at large. Vavinder Mahajan, SHO, Sadar police station said Rakes Kumar, a resident of Shashtri Nagar, Majitha road stated to the police that he runs an electronic goods shop at Mander Wala Bazaar, New Jawahar Nagar on the Batala road. He said on Monday evening he went home after closing his shop. Next day, when I opened the shop, found that around a dozen LEDs of different brands, 4 cameras, 4 mobile phones and Rs 2 lakh cash had been stolen. The accused gained entry into the shop after breaking the iron gates of the roof with the help of gas cutter. Following which a case under Sections 457 and 380 of the IPC was registered. During probe the CCTV camera footage showed a person, who was already arrested by the police in a case around four years ago. Acting on the tip off, the police arrested the accused Gurpreet Singh Lalli. Interrogation revealed that he committed the crime with the help of five other youths identified as Sabi and his brother Jaju of the Mustafabad area, Shera of Indira Colony, Gagan on Dhupsadi and Munshi of the Mustafabad area. All the accused were on run and raids were being conducted to nab them, said SHO. The SHO said the police had recovered 4 LEDs, 6 DVDs besides several other things from the residence of Sabi. He said the accused was remanded in the police custody and further investigations were on.
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Trilium mall gets award
Amritsar, January 29 The TRIL threw opened Trilium mall here last year. The mall had been built with an overall investment of Rs 510 crore and mixed-use mall sets to redefine the retail landscape of Amritsar. Designed by an international architectural firm, Trilium is one of the few Indian malls that is compliant with LEED guidelines and is quake-resistant. The mall is centrally located in the city and is spread over 5.54 acres with 700,000 sq ft of the shopping area, making it the largest and finest mall of the state. At present, it has an impressive array of
150 top international, national and regional retail brands. — TNS
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Even as the municipal corporation authorities are on cloud nine having introduced city buses in the holy city today, it still requires a lot of efforts to fine tune the service to enable its optimum use for the public.
Amritsar, January 29
