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Audit finds bunglings worth crores in JIT
Important administrative posts lying vacant in Phagwara
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Patients relieved as work resumes at ART Centre
Popular landmark house of the city in need of repair
Get copies of judgment on same day
Cancer Awareness Week organised at PIMS
CT Group signs MoU with Civil Hospital
Punjabi film festival on Feb 8
Sri Sai Institute get walkover
KMV signs pact with Edu Ventures
Labourers hold rally
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Audit finds bunglings worth crores in JIT
Jalandhar, February 5 There have been 892 objections raised by the audit department from time to time, which have neither been handled by the officials concerned nor has any effort been made for their ratification. The copy of the report certified by Executive Officer DC Garg which has been procured by RTI activist Kailash Thukral even clearly mentions that the last audit report of the year 2011-12 was not presented either before the Trust nor sent to the Examiner Local Audit, Punjab, which it reads is a violation of Rule 14 (2) of the Punjab Town Improvement Trust 1939. The first point raised in the note mentions about an alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 2.7 lakh in financial years 1978-79 and 1979-80 by Prem Lal, accounts cashier. The audit note mentions that the matter is being recorded in all annual reports being put on record for the past 35 years. Still there has been no action taken report put up on the matter. The officials have been asked to report progress and legal action taken on the matter. An important point in the note mentions that the Trust has opened 46 accounts in various banks which the auditors have said is a violation of Section 69 of the Punjab Town Improvement Act. As per the Act, there is a provision to maintain account only in the State Bank of India. Opening more than one account is a violation of the Act. A total amount of Rs 10.05 crore was shown to be lying in the Trust accounts till March 31, 2013. Almost all banks have been roped in by the Trust, including Kotak Mahindra, HDFC, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, IDBI Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, PNB, Allahabad Bank and Bank of Baroda. The report has revealed that a whopping amount of Rs 1.31 crore of the JIT has been attached by courts in various cases, which has come as a big loss to the Trust. The report points to the utter negligence on part of JIT officials in making various recoveries from time to time. Sample these: A monthly amount of Rs 4,000 as rent was to be recovered by the JIT from a shop owned by the Trust in its 8-kanal scheme since July 5, 1970. An amount of Rs 4.95 lakh was to be taken from M/s Pawan Kumar and Company as per the audit report of 1992-93. An amount of Rs 30,000 as security, too, was to be levied which the Trust has not taken till date. Later, the Trust let out the same shop to M/s Sham Lal Kakkar for a monthly amount of Rs 4,500. An amount of Rs 6.48 lakh stands recoverable from this company from 1991 to March 2003. The officials, however, have not submitted any action taken report ever since. The report also points out to the use of land meant for 28 booths of the Trust at JP Nagar by the Division Number 5 police station. A monthly rent of Rs 16,500 was fixed in November 1995. The JIT was to receive an amount of Rs 19.63 lakh till March 2000 for which a communiqué was sent to the SSP, but there has been no follow-up. The recoverable amount stands at Rs 35.47 lakh, which does not reflect in the account till date. An amount of Rs 45 crore was diverted to the Municipal Corporation (MC) by the Trust following directions from the Local Bodies Department on May 9, 2008. The MC was to hand over a 65-kanal 3-marla site on 120-foot road and a swimming pool site to the JIT after changing the land use to commercial. It had then also been decided that some more properties would be handed over by the MC to the JIT if these properties were sold for an amount less than Rs 45 crore. No follow-up report has been sent to the Assistant Controller (Local Audit) ever since. The report also points to the use of plot numbers 227-28 in Master Tara Singh Nagar to Regional Deputy Director Local Government for running its office. The Trust is not recovering any rent from the office. The auditors have pointed out that the rental amount be fixed and recovery be made by the JIT from the office for the use of property. The list of the cases is endless. JIT Chairman Vinay Bublani said he had joined the office just three months ago and would have to check all issues and the current status of all matters. |
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Important administrative posts lying vacant in Phagwara
Phagwara, February 5 ADC, Satish Kumar Singla, who had the additional charge of Sub Divisional Magistrate, Chairman of the Improvement Trust and Market Committee retired on December 31, leaving all these
posts vacant. SDM Parwinder Paul Singh was relieved of his services on September 13 last year due to his alleged involvement in the infamous Ravi Sidhu scandal and the charge was given to Singla. Market Committee's chairman Sarwan Singh Kular’s term expired in November 2012. The chairman of the Improvement Trust could not be appointed even after three years of the formation of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government due to infighting within the BJP. After the retirement of ADC Singla, ADC Kapurthala has been given the additional charge of Chairman of the Phagwara Improvement Trust and SDM Sultanpur Lodhi Kuldip Singh Chandi has been given the additional charge of Phagwara Sub Divisional Magistrate.
No regular appointment has been made against these posts. Municipal Commissioner Kuldip Singh Vaid has also been transferred from Phagwara. Bahujan Samaj Party, Punjab, general secretary, Jarnail Nangal, while talking to mediapersons here today, criticised the policies of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government. He said Phagwara looked “lawaris” these days. He that all administrative posts were lying vacant and people were being harassed by the staff of different government offices. He threatened to launch an agitation if the government did not make these appointments soon. |
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Patients relieved as work resumes at ART Centre
Jalandhar, February 5 The patients, who were suffering on account of the strike since January 30, saw things returning to normal for the first time in about a week. About 32 members of the Punjab State AIDS Employees Association, working at the - ART centre, ICTC (integrated counselling and testing centre) centre, OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) and STI units and the blood bank, had struck work due to the lack of proper pay and demand of regularisation etc. The staff, which was initially on an indefinite strike, said their salaries were less than what a NACO driver was getting. A member of the local unit of the union said, “The Punjab unit has received assurances from the NACO Director-General that our salaries will be revised until February 12. We are suspending the strike for some days following the assurance. Our struggle will be intensified if the salary is not revised till the given date.” While the staff started work at 12 noon today, from tomorrow testing will also resume at the all these centres. Of the about 7,000 patients registered at the ART Centre and many others collectively at the ICTC, OST and STI units, patients from far-away villages and areas coming for treatment to the Civil Hospital were undergoing great inconvenience due to the strike. A number of BPL women had also protested owing to the financial constraints being faced due to the continuous visits to the hospital and a number of them had also called the PSACS office. The Tribune had also highlighted the issue, following which the state PSACS project director had promised that work would be resumed. The other demands of the contractual staff included pay parity, regularisation, risk allowances and leaves on a par with the regular health staff. |
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Popular landmark house of the city in need of repair
Jalandhar, February 5 It is not just this house, there are, in fact, quite a few houses wherein the owners have chosen to put up an aeroplane, ship, bird, body builder and other symbolic structures in the form of a water tank or otherwise atop their houses to have a unique identity. But this one has always stood out. Old-timers from the city tell that the owner of the house, Rulia Ram Kapoor, who got built "Car Wali Kothi" in the 1930s, was actually a trendsetter in planning unique constructions. The upper portion of the house was shaped like a car with the logo of Chevrolet. The headlights of the car, made on top of the kothi, used to beam at night, giving an exact impression of the car. People in the neighbourhood say that Kapoor was so obsessed with the car that he got special architects to design his 26-marla house in its shape. The three-sided open house has a basement, huge bedrooms, a lobby in the centre with an idol of Lord Shiva and a stream of water falling on Shiva's head, giving a marvellous view. But the old glory has gone, as the house now wears a withered, desolate look. After the death of Rulia Ram Kapoor, his son Chand, who was interested in distribution and making of films, shifted to Mumbai. A resident of the locality, Bunty, said, “Chand tried his luck there and assisted in the production of some films like 'Dharma', 'Kabhi Kabhi' and 'Dhund'. Since then, this property changed many hands. And no one is bothered to look after it, as all successive buyers have purchased it only for resale purposes.” Nothing remains on the second floor except some portion of the car. The back portion, roof and a tyre of the car have got destroyed. The entire building is in dire need of some repair. “I've been watching this kothi since I was a class II student. I have some kind of an emotional connection with it and I desperately want to see it in the same condition as it was in its early years," said Ram Parkash. In contrast, there is another such beautiful house with an aeroplane atop, which has been maintained very well by its owners. The house at Laxmipura is popularly known as "Jahaz Wali Kothi" and was built in 1962 by Watan Singh, who was then into the business of aeronautics. “When he got his first order from Bangalore for the supply of some aeronautics parts, he was very pleased. In his excitement, he decided to build an aeroplane on the roof of his house,” said Hitu Saini, his daughter-in-law and an ex-councillor of the Municipal Corporation. More than 52 years after the aeroplane was built, it still glistens, showing love and respect for the precious formation of Watan Singh, which the family has well preserved. |
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Get copies of judgment on same day
Jalandhar, February 5 The lawyers applauded the announcement of the judge saying that it would prove helpful for the lawyers and litigants. Attri said judgements could also be downloaded from the website. He urged the lawyers to help him dedicate this year as a year of speedy trials so as to strengthen petitioners’ faith in judiciary. Attri said he had begun his career in Jalandhar and was happy to serve in the same courts again. “I am well aware of the problems of shortage of parking space for lawyers and petitioners and the pending work of construction of chambers. I assure you all my support on that issue. I want plush chambers constructed here that are in line with those in Patiala and Bathinda”, he said. The District and Sessions Judge also assured the lawyers that bail applications of the under-trials would be heard the same day when they come for hearing and all procedural formalities for release would be accomplished the same day to assure timely justice. He sought the support of lawyers to get statements of witnesses recorded on the same day they are made so that no time is wasted the next day. The judge also asked the DBA members to plan a meeting with him every month for resolving various matters between the judiciary and advocates. DBA president Mandeep Singh Sachdev and secretary Satnam Singh organised the event. Factfile
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Cancer Awareness Week organised at PIMS
Jalandhar, February 5 The principal kicked off the session with a brief awareness talk on the rising incidence of cancer. She said PIMS had all equipment for cancer treatment such as onco surgeries and chemotherapy. Col C Vasanta Kumar and his wife presided over as guests of honour. Director principal Dr Kulbir Kaur honoured them on their arrival. Week-long screening and various tests such as Pap Smear, X-Ray, ultrasound and mammography would be conducted free of cost. Dr Archana Dutta delivered an awareness talk on ‘Myths about Cancer and Cancer Awareness’. She highlighted the wrong notions about cancer and lifestyle changes which could reduce cancer incidence. Dr HK Cheema also delivered an awareness talk on ‘Cancer Prevention and Cure’ wherein it was emphasised that women above 35 years should get their full examination of uterus and breast through Pap Smear and sonomammography annually so that cancer could be detected at an early stage. Awareness lectures will be held and knowledge material will be distributed throughout the
week. — TNS |
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CT Group signs MoU with Civil Hospital
Jalandhar, February 5 While the institute has inked an MoU with the Civil Hospital in this regard, the IMA will also provide support to the initiative through UNICEF -approved ‘Aao Gao Chalen’ project for the effective implementation of various health schemes in rural areas. The civil hospital has made arrangements and activity co-ordinations with more than 20 educational organisations to hold medical camps and activities in the district. CT has adopted two villages - Bilga and Chak Kalan - where surveys will be conducted, camps will be held and the implementation of various health schemes of the government for students and children will be ensured. Before inking the MoU, about 400 volunteers of the CT group also conducted surveys in Bilga and Chak Kalan along with other villages, including Mithapur, Lambra, Jandiala, Kang Sabu, Shahpur, where broader health-related camps and activities were carried out. It has held camps in 22 villages so far. Director, CT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr Ankur Sharma, said, “About 400 NSS and pharmacy volunteers of the CT group have conducted surveys at many villages, of which Bilga and Chak Kalan have been adopted by us. It was noticed that the incidence of Hepatitis B was high among people. Proper health support hasn’t been reaching villages and villagers are not aware of the diseases they suffer from. So the initiative has been envisioned, taking a cue from the Community Pharmacy Programme, which is a widely prevalent concept in the west.” Notably, while a School Health Programme is already going on across schools in the district, it has not been able to make any special headway in villages where many school kids still don’t get basic health care. Reacting to a query, SMO Harjit Singh and BTO Gagndeep Singh said, “It is widely known that only 20 per cent of the government schemes are implemented. This scheme will accentuate the already running government programmes by borrowing manpower from the IMA members, Civil Hospital and CT volunteers. The 1,084 registered members of the Jalandhar IMA unit will be providing support to the programme. Additional initiatives like adolescent health education and support and aid on addiction issues will also be given.” Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, Dr JS Cheema, when asked if the Civil Hospital authorities were independently authorised to sign an MoU with a private organisation, the MS said, “The civil hospital will not make any financial contribution for the group’s programme. It will only provide support through various activities and camps. Students covered under the programme will also be treated by the hospital. Since the programme was well chalked out, the Civil Hospital thought it fit to sign a written MoU in this case.” |
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Punjabi film festival on Feb 8
Jalandhar, February 5 He said renowned personalities in the Punjabi cinema would be honoured on the occasion. CT Group’s Gaurav Khanna today said the group was proud to be associated with an event that would promote meaningful cinema in the region. It would make youngsters delve into the roots of what Punjabi cinema, he added. A documentary on the journey of the Punjabi cinema will also be screened on the occasion. Celebrities expected to be present at the festival include Satish Kaushal, Dev Tharikiya, Guggu Gill, Harish Verma, Roshan Prince, Yuvraj Hans, Hans Raj Hans, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Binnu Dhillon, Master Salim and Japji Khaira. |
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Trials for football championship
Jalandhar, February 5 The best 18 will play the championship, which will be held from February 15 to 20 at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium here. President of the District Football Association, Inderjit Singh, said so far 19 districts had registered for the tournament. He also informed that Harpreet Singh and Vinod Kumar would train the players in the camp. |
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Sri Sai Institute get walkover
Jalandhar, February 5 DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology has been organising such tournaments in a bid to encourage sportsmanship and athleticism among its students. The officials present during the match, included Dr Jagroop Singh, Associate Professor, Mohit Sharma, DPE, Jaswinder Dhillon, Dinesh Gupta and Gagandeep Singh. The tournament will move to Burlton Park from February 7 onwards. |
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from schools & colleges Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, February 5 Under it students of the college will be given training by retail professionals about the retail industry functioning and various placement opportunities with it. The students will be accredited through an assessment test by RAI (Retailers Association of India) and will receive a Central Government certification and placement assistance thereafter. Principal, KMV, Mrs Atima Sharma and Mr Deepak Vats, Director EOS Edu Ventures signed the MoU. HR quiz, role play held
To give practical exposure to MBA students, the HR Club of KCL-IMT, organised two events - HR Quiz & HR Role Play under the guidance of Sonu Dua (Asst. Prof) and Tarunjit Singh ( Asst Prof). Students of MBA enthusiastically participated in both events. Basant Panchami celebrated
Home Science Association of PCM SD College for Women, celebrated Basant Panchami yesterday.Competitions in cooking and best dress were held. Students from different streams- Arts, Science, Commerce, Fashion Designing, PG Diploma participated in the competition. Seminar on road safety
A seminar on road safety was organised on the campus of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Public School, Sarhali, Jalandhar. Traffic in charge Shamshar Singh and his team gave pivotal information about
traffic rules. |
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Labourers protest outside FCI office
Phagwara, February 5 They alleged that the management hired labourers from outside in their place. They said only 53 out of total 634 labourers, who were thrown out of their jobs, were reappointed. They threatened to intensify their stir if management didn’t consider their demands. |
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Labourers hold rally
Jalandhar, February 5 More than 100 labourers gathered on the occasion and demanded that if the gram panchayat did not solve their problems, then they would launch a bigger protest on February 19. The labourers also raised slogans against the
government. — TNS |
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