Ludhiana, February 27
A woman domestic help decamped with jewellery and cash worth more than Rs 40 lakh by opening an almirah with duplicate keys at Tagore Nagar. The theft, which was pulled off on February 21, came to light on February 25 after the wife of the owner returned home from Rajasthan. A case was registered yesterday. The woman domestic help avoided police verification on the pretext of seeking some time to arrange her particulars.

A day after registering the case, the police got the footage of a close circuit television (CCTV) camera installed in the locality, carrying the movement of the woman domestic help and her accomplices. The police have found the soap bar that was used to take the impression of the keys of the almirah.

The police suspect either the domestic help got the duplicate keys made from a key-maker or sent the pictures of the soap bar to her accomplices who further got the duplicate keys made.

Vimal Kumar, owner of the house, said he had hired the domestic help on February 19 on the recommendation of the driver who lived in the neighbourhood. When the police grilled the driver, the latter said the woman had met him a few days ago and she asked him for a job.

Vimal claimed they had asked Usha to give them the details of her native village for the purpose of verification, but the latter sought some time on the pretext of arranging her particulars.

On February 21, Vimal's wife went to her maternal granddaughter in Rajasthan. Vimal, along with his son, left for work. In the afternoon, his daughter and daughter-in-law left home to meet a relative.

Another domestic help, who is of Nepal origin and has been working at Vimal's house for a long time, said when everyone had left the house, Usha, the woman domestic help, entered Vimal's room on the pretext of cleaning it. Later, she left the house on the pretext of buying some medicine and did not return.

The theft came to light when Vimal's wife returned from Rajasthan and was told about Usha’s mysterious disappearance. She rushed to her room only to find her jewellery and cash missing.

Ludhiana, February 27
A security guard at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) was killed after a chopped tree that was being shifted by a JCB machine fell on him in the Dakha area here yesterday.

The victim has been identified as Prem Singh (30). While he was returning home on his bike, he stopped on the way to meet his friends who were volunteered their services for the construction of a Satsang Bhawan.

According to eyewitnesses, he had parked his motorcycle in a corner of the road and was talking with his friends. In the meantime, the tree being shifted by a JCB machine fell on him.

The victim died on the spot. Prem Singh is survived by his wife and two sons. He was deployed at Gate No. 2 of the PAU.

Ludhiana, February 27
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has given one month’s time to the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department to explain the recent notification issued by it in context of iron and steel.

According to the new notification, the department has reduced VAT on all iron and steel items from 4.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent (plus 10 per cent surcharge).

The new tax rates will come in effect from February 2014. However, the department has also announced the input tax credit (ITC) on stock held as on January 31, 2014, would be restricted to 2.5 per cent.

Input tax credit enables a registered dealer to adjust the amount of tax paid on input against tax paid on output or sale.

The Federation of Association of Small Industries of India has filed a writ petition against the notification. The High Court Bench headed by Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Anita Chaudhary has given one month’s time to the department to explain the notification.

“How can the state government give us input tax credit of 2.5 per cent when we have paid 4.5 per cent tax on the purchase of iron and steel items? It is an illegal and anti-trade move and the Punjab and Haryana High Court has given one month’s time to the department to explain the notification issued by the department on January 25,” said Badish Jindal from the Federation of Association of Small Industries of India.

Ludhiana, February 27
The offices of the Excise and Taxation Department will remain open on Saturday. Although Saturday is a holiday, the offices will remain open to clear the cases of VAT amendments.

If any trader has to make changes in partnership or included some additional items in his business, etc, he can visit the offices on Saturday.

He has to fill in the VAT 5 form and submit it along with an application to get the amendments done.

Ludhiana, February 27
Shivratri was celebrated with fervour throughout the city today. Devotees thronged various temples, which were tastefully decorated for the occasion on the auspicious day.

Desidents offer milk and flowers to a Shivlingam

People from all age-groups and walks of life were seen offering fruits and milk to Lord Shiva at these temples.

At all the markets--in both the posh areas, including Ghumar Mandi, Sarabha Nagar and Dandi Swami Chowk, and interior parts, including Chaura Bazar, Daresi and Talab Bazar--stalls were set up to distribute Prasad that included kheer, puris and pakoras.

Also, prayers in praise of Lord Shiva were played through loud speakers by several market associations, temples and individuals. On the other hand, the institute of Brahma Kumaris celebrations were simple and peace, the festival was celebrated in a simple and peaceful manner.

The Shivpuri unit of Hindu -Sikh Jagriti Sena took out a shobha yatra. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed in the air as devotees danced to the tune 
of bhajans.

Fruits, flowers, milk sell like hot cakes

Fruits, milk and flowers were sold in bulk by the city-based shopkeepers. Seeing the huge demand, fruit prices suddenly went up last evening. Bananas, which are available for around Rs 55 a dozen, were sold for Rs 75 last night. Prices of other fruits including apple, orange, guava and papaya were also increased by fruit-sellers.

Apart from fruits, devotees bought flowers and milk to offer to Lord Shiva. Flowers, too, were sold at exorbitant prices by local shopkeepers.

Factories witness thin attendance

At various factory units and business establishments in the city, workers took a day off or managed to join the celebrations after completing half of their working hours. These establishments registered a very thin attendance of migrant workers.

Mantras, bhajans echo in temples

Mandi Ahmedgarh: Devotees paid obeisance at various temples of Pohir, Payal, Rohira, Kanganwal, Dehlon and Barundi. Chanting of mantras and bhajans marked the celebrations at most of the temples during the day, while jagrans were organised at temples in Pohir and Payal at night. Temples were decorated with colourful lights to celebrate Lord Shiva’s marriage with Parvati. At Payal, the festival was celebrated at the renovated Parachin Mahadev Mandir. Different types of rituals were performed. — OC

Ludhiana, February 27
Various teachers’ unions have condemned the Education Department for cancelling the Shivratri holiday and assigning the work of filling cards for the Atta-Dal Scheme to the teachers.

Yesterday, too, teachers working in government senior secondary schools of the city were made to do data entry work after school hours. Teachers alleged that senior officials forced them to work till late night. The District Education Officer also cancelled their holiday today.

Saudagar Singh, president of the Government School Teachers’ Union, said, "Teachers were engaged in the work for the Atta-Dal Scheme till 10pm. Today, again, the teachers were working on a holiday. The ruling party has been harassing the teachers for their personal interests. It is unfair and we oppose this practice.”

The Computer Teachers’ Union, too, condemned the government for making the teachers do non-educational work.

Union president Harpreet Singh said, "Examinations of Classes X and XII are round-the-corner and the teachers have a lot of work to do. The data entry work of the department had already overburdened the computer teachers. Now, the government instructed the teachers to work for the Atta-Dal Scheme.”

Ludhiana, February 27
Residents, academicians and political activists have raised concerns over the construction of ‘School for Meritorious Students’ on the place where the hostel of SCD Government College used to exist.

Aware of the controversy over Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Jalandhar, which was established on the land of Punjab Agriculture University, the residents suspect that the Akali Dal led government will give this prime land to private players.

Dr Jaipal Singh, Professor at SCD Government College said, "Observing the past moves of the state government in land acquisition cases, we do not rely on the ruling party. We welcome government’s initiative to build a school for meritorious students, but why are they doing it at this very place. The government can get land for the school in any other area. It's unfair to establish the school on college's land. The intention behind this move is suspected. There are a number of examples in which the government further gave the land to private players, including PIMS".

"The PAU, SCD Government College and Government College for Girls campuses are known as the green lungs of the city. The unwanted construction will affect the ecology of the city. We have to think about our future generations", said Jaipal.

Meanwhile, Ishwarjot Cheema, associated with student politics and executive member of Punjab Congress said, "There is resentment among students that instead of strengthening the higher education and providing better facilities to students, the government is constructing a school on the college campus. The government has failed to run the already existing model schools but making plans to build new ones. The hidden intention is to sell the prime property to its near and dear ones".

Santhok Singh, a political activist, said, "The college is a historical college and it should be expanded. But contrary to this, its land is transferred for building a school. We can't say that it is development. Any of the government schools of the city can be upgraded to facilitate the meritorious students".

Rajinder Singh, Principal, SCD Government College said, "It is a government's decision. They never discussed it with the college administration."

Ludhiana, February 27
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) will hold a farmers’ mahapanchayat at Mohali on March 6 to discuss their pending demands. On the basis of deliberations at the congregation, a detailed memorandum will be submitted to Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil.

This was stated by the local coordinator, Harinder Singh Lakhowal. He said a group of 2,100 farmers from the district, led by district president Charan Singh Hans, would leave for Bondli (Samrala), where farmers from all across the state would gather, and then proceed to the venue: Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali.

Lakhowal said BKU fuctionaries went all around the district to mobilise farmers for the congregation.

“Ludhiana district has been divided into four zones and each zone has a coordinator who will supervise the arrangements,” he said.

He said BKU’s state president Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, along with a large number of farmers from all over Punjab, would submit the memorandum, listing all the pending demands with the Centre and the state government, to Patil.

Among other things, the union will put forth demands for remunerative prices of farm produce based on the recommendations of Dr MS Swaminathan Committee, restructuring of all agricultural loans, compensation for families of farmers who committed suicide, linkage of minimum support price of crops to the hike in prices of farm inputs, social security for farmers over the age of 60 years, tubewell connections and uninterrupted power supply.

Ludhiana, February 27
The state government has agreed to pay salaries to the contractual employees under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) on a par with the regular employees of the Health Department.

Welcoming the decision of the government, Dr Inderjeet Rana of the NRHM Employees' Association, Punjab, thanked the Chief Minister on behalf of all the 4,000 employees.

He said the state government had fulfilled its responsibility towards its employees, and now it was the Centre's turn to do its bit.

The assurance was given by the Chief Minister during a recent meeting with the association members, in presence of the Health Minister and other officials of the department. The Chief Minister told the union that 25 per cent of the contribution would be made by the state, while the Centre would be asked to give the remaining amount. The matter is to be taken up by the Cabinet.

"The NRHM employees are working on very meagre salaries for the past five to six years," said Dr Rana.

"We have been struggling for this for past many years. While the doctors stationed in urban areas make a lot of money, those working in rural areas are ignored by the government," said a member of the association.

Ludhiana, February 27
With the aim to find solutions for bridging the gap between the available skills and those required by the industry, the Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC) organised its first meet in Ludhiana.

With the theme "A dialogue to promote skill development", the Rubber Skills Meet-2014 provided a platform to industrialists to share their challenges jointly find a way ahead.

The chief guest—Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Punjab Government— appreciated the council for taking the initiative.

Mittal said the state government was committed to developing skilled manpower and making the youth employable.

“Various training programmes initiated by the government will channelise the productivity of the youth," he said.

Mittal also distributed certificates to the students who have been recently completed their training. Vinod Simon, chairman, RSDC, urged the gathering to share their training requirements to help the council in coming up with programmed for the benefit of the entire sector.

Jagraon, February 27
With the teaching and non-teaching staff of Lajpat Rai DAV College here going on an indefinite strike against the management in support of their long-pending demands, study in the college has been affected badly.

The teachers and members of the Non-Teaching College Employees’ Union sat on a protest before the principal’s office and raised slogans against the college management for ignoring their long-pending demands.

“We have received no salaries for the past three months. Despite raising our issues repeatedly, the management has not released our salaries. Hence, we have decided to go on an indefinite fast,” said senior lecturer Karam Singh Sandhu.

“Our strike will continue till our salaries are not released by the government. We have made it clear that the college authorities will be responsible for the loss of students due to the protest,” said Prof Tarsem Sagar.

On the other hand, the non-teaching staff has also begun a protest on a call given by the Non-Teaching College Employees’ Union over its long-pending demands.

Sushma Kumari, president, of the union, said the non-teaching staff of the college had not received salaries for the past three months.

“We have already been struggling to get our wages increased, which is must keeping in view the rising prices. But now we have not received salaries for the past three months which has made our lives difficult,” said Sushma.

With the university examinations round the corner, students might have to pay the price if the protest does not end soon.

Ludhiana, February 27
City philatelists and fans of Jagjit Singh are enthused over the release of postage stamps on the ghazal maestro. The stamps, released a couple of weeks ago, are getting popular among people.

The set of postage stamps comprises of two stamps, said Mukesh, a city-based philatelist.

The stamps are more significant for residents as the singer lived in the city for sometime before he moved to Mumbai. It was a prized possession for some as they carry his pictures with them, he said.

"Jagjit had a special connection with his fans. His voice still remains with us. His voice is unmatched and soothing. I listen to his ghazals everyday. Lately, I got to know about these stamps. Though I am not much into philately, I bought the stamps," said Sanjiv, a resident.

Ludhiana, February 27
Your mother was right: "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day". Not only does it give you energy to start a new day, breakfast has many health benefits, including weight control and improved performance.

According to experts, eating breakfast is the secret to staying healthy. They believe skipping the first meal of the day increases the chances of becoming obese, developing diabetes or even having a heart attack.

"According to a recent study, people who eat wholegrain cereals every morning are most likely to remain healthy. Moreover, people who eat breakfast every day are three times less likely to get obese than those who skip it," says Dr Shipla Joshi, a diet and nutrition expert from Mumbai.

Researchers believe that eating breakfast may help in stabilising the blood-sugar level, which regulates the appetite and energy. They say people who eat breakfast are less likely to get hungry during the rest of the day and are, therefore, less likely to overeat.

One should make a healthy choice for breakfast. Fried and calorie-rich food adds to the weight, so should not be consumed. Bread toast, vegetable sandwich, oats, cornflakes, eggs and "missi roti" are an ideal option, says Joshi.

"Breakfast can be a very good source of vitamins. Many processed cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get if people are just having two meals a day," says another dietician, Swati Aggarwal, from the city.

Eating breakfast is important for everyone, but for children and adolescents it holds a lot more importance.

"Children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, with better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination," says Aggarwal.

Ludhiana, February 27
National Youth Policy of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was launched here by Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), here.

The policy has been launched for the overall development and empowerment of youth. An impressive function under the leadership of the NYK co-ordinator Samson Masih was held at RS Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar and schoolchildren took out a rally. Samson Masih spoke in detail about the new policy. He said 27.5 per cent youth between the age of 15-29 came under the younger generation.

They would be able to get benefits under various schemes of the National Youth Policy-2014, he said.

Ludhiana, February 27
Hyatt launches its first Hyatt Regency brand in Ludhiana today. General manager of Hyatt Regency, Glenn Peat, said it was a premium business hotel offering guests a spacious and comfortable environment in this bustling city.

He said, “We are proud to announce the first Hyatt Regency brand in Ludhiana, which is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers.”

Glenn Peat said, “With Ludhiana being the largest corporate and financial hub of the state, it is an exciting time for us as we believe in the rapid growth of this city, making our hotel ideal for high profile meetings, conferences, social events and weddings.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 27
A karate learning camp has been organised on the campus of Government Degree College to equip the members of the Women Safety Cell (WSC) with self defence tactics. The camp is being organised by the management of the college led by Principal Manju Sharma.

The self defence programme was launched in the wake of rising incidents of eve-teasing and attacks on women and the nationwide uproar following the Delhi gangrape case in 2012.

Around one hundred members of the Women Safety Cell got tips on self defence by a team of coaches led by Simmi Batta, a renowned karate coach.

The programme includes talks by eminent personalities, audiovisual shows and discussions on youth issues. Sharma said similar camps would also be organised in future.

Ludhiana, February 27
ASSOCHAM Ladies League carried out a makeover of a park on Gill Road. They did it in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation.

According to Kitty Bakshi, a member of the group, it was the sixth makeover exercise taken up by the group. These exercises include cleaning up parks or walls, sensitising schoolchildren regarding cleanliness and encouraging public participation in keeping the city clean.

Sangita Gupta, another member said it took a week for the makeover of the park. There was lot of waste material lying in the park as the waste generated in building a flyover had also been thrown in the park, she said.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 27
Manvinder and Sandeep Kaur emerged the fastest runners during the nineteenth annual athletics meet of the Shanti Tara College for Women at Akbarpur village near here.

The chief guest, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, motivated students to adopt sportsmanship as a part of their lifestyle. Outstanding performers were felicitated by the organisers. Atwal presented a cheque for Rs 5 lakh to the college authorities for undertaking developmental projects on the campus.

Students who bagged the top-three positions in various events are—200m race: Sandeep Kaur, Rajveer Kaur, Manpreet Kaur; 400m race: Manpreet Kaur, Manvinder Kaur, Sandeep Kaur; javelin throw: Sandeep Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Pawanpreet Kaur; shot put: Kiranjit Kaur, Rajveer Kaur, Sandeep Kaur; high jump: Manvinder Kaur, Rajveer Kaur, Sandeep Kaur; long jump: Manvinder Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Baljit Kaur.