The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Fake birth, death certificates nexus GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The Birth and Death Certification Department always hogs the limelight for wrong reasons. In a startling revelation, it has come to light that the birth and death certificates being issued from the MC office allegedly carry fake signatures. This was duly certified by the newly appointed Superintendent, Shushant Bhatia, who has observed many irregularities prevailing in the department. Ironically, when the matter was probed, it came to light that the signatures of the issuing clerks on these birth certificates were forged ones. Sources said these counterfeit certificates were issued on January 18 and January 27 this year. Nonetheless, Bhatia has ordered that the records pertaining to the two types of certificates be certified to make further investigations. “I have confiscated two birth certificates which bore fake signatures. This, in itself, testified the corruption prevailing in the functioning of the department. When the clerks concerned were questioned, they flatly refused to endorse the signatures on the certificates,” he said. Sources said this was not a new instance. Earlier also, numerous cases came to the fore when the MC authorities registered a police complaint after detecting fake birth or death certificates, yet in the absence of any follow-up action, no concrete proceedings could be initiated against the wrong-doers. No points for guessing that the forged birth certificates are sought to facilitate admissions in educational institutions and death certificates are obtained to gain financially through property, etc. The issue was raised umpteen times in the MC’s House meeting by the councillors and every time some policy matter was promised to be taken up, but has all proved to be a damp squib due to various hurdles, primarily it being the non-cooperative attitude of the department’s own staff. It has been reliably learnt that there is a nexus and there are middlemen who act as conduits between the beneficiary and the department employees to facilitate the forged certificates. They charge hefty amount for their services. Insiders said the kickbacks between Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000 was a common practice to get a hand on either of these forged certificates. There have been shortcomings in the manual maintenance of records. The MC had proposed to make these fully computerised and a software was conceptualised to be introduced for the purpose, but in vain. Similarly, many preventive steps were announced to be taken to make the certificate-issuing process transparent, like establishing direct contact with the applicants through the SMS service, but it, too, could not see the light of the day.
	Jail inmate's bid to sneak in liquor, 3 cops held guilty of facilitating it GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 In a startling development, three police guards on duty with Amritsar Central Jail have been booked allegedly for facilitating availability of liquor to an under trial on the jail premises. A fresh case against the under trial, too, has been registered in this regard. The liquor was concealed in the three packets of juice. According to information, the three head constables, Major Singh (no. 11968/TT), Resham Singh (no. 1345/TT) and Satnam Singh (no. 637/TT), were deputed to escort a jail inmate, Paramjit Singh, lodged in Amritsar Central Jail, for a court hearing at Hisar yesterday. He was serving trial under the NDPS Act. When they returned in the morning at about 6.30 am, the jail staff searched the inmate before letting him in. Officiating Superintendent RK Sharma said the three suspected Real Juice tetra packs were found in his possession which he attempted to sneak in. “Though the packs were sealed, but on thorough checking, it was discovered that instead of juice, the packs contained whiskey. A special polythene bag was affixed inside the pack to pour whiskey. On interrogation, he confessed to his misdeed and a fresh case was registered with the Cantonment police station,” he said. The role of three Tarn Taran cops who escorted him to Hisar, too, could not be ruled out because they had spent a night over there before coming back here this morning. “It is quite evident that the juice tetra packs were filled with whiskey with the consent of the cops who shadowed him all the while to the court and back. We have submitted a report with the Tarn Taran police regarding the incident and action will be taken by the Tarn Taran police authorities only,” he said. Nonetheless, a case under Sections 61, I and14 under the Prisoners Act has been registered with the Cantonment police station. The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Prabhjot Singh, in charge of police station, said the case had been registered against the cops for being negligent in performing their duties and under the Excise Act. “Their role will be monitored and if they are found to be guilty, it may cost them their job,” he said.
	Drug addiction forces four youths to commit crime, accomplice escapes Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The city police today claimed to have busted a gang of robbers and arrested four youths, including an engineering student and a son of a former cop, while one of their accomplices managed to escape. Those arrested are Sandeep Singh and Jobanpreet Singh of Gurnam Nagar, Ranjit Singh Rana of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar and Gurjant Singh of Antaryami Colony. The fifth accused , identified as Jujhar Singh of New Kot Mit Singh, managed to escape. Parampal Singh, ADCP (City-I) said the accused were nabbed from near a pear garden on Bhai Manjh Singh Road when they were allegedly contemplating to loot an ATM in the area. The police recovered a .303 pistol with three live cartridges, three pairs of earrings, two stolen scooters and a couple of sharp-edged weapons from their possession. They have been booked under Sections 399, 402, 382, 379 and 411 of the IPC and 25/54/59-A of the Arms Act. The ADCP said Sandeep Singh was an engineering student from a local private engineering college while Jobanjeet was the son of a former cop who retired as a head constable. The police claimed that drug addiction was one of the reasons behind their involvement in petty crimes. Arun Sharma, SHO, Sultanwind police station, said that during the preliminary probe, they confessed their involvement in 24 instances of snatching. He said the accused were produced in a court and the court had sent them to two-day police custody.
	Three women among four held on theft charge Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The city police have nabbed four persons, including three women, in two separate instances for allegedly involving in pick-pocketing and stealing devotees' valuables at the Golden Temple. The police recovered cash, mobile phones and stolen purses from them. The accused have been identified as Mahinder Singh of Chowk Karori, Rani, alias Dani, of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Lakhbir Kaur of Gujjarpura and Rajwinder Kaur of Jhetekalan village. Sarabjit Singh, SHO, Kotwali police station, said the police had recovered Rs 80,000 in cash, nine mobile phones and eight empty purses from Mahinder Singh and Rani. They have been booked under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC. In another instance, the police nabbed Lakhbir Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur for theft. The police have seized Rs 700 in cash, a driving license besides other important documents from their possession. They have been booked under Section 379 of the IPC. As per information, Capt Ankit Mishra, who originally hails from Mumbai and at present living in Chandigarh, had come to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple when he was robbed by the two. He immediately lodged a complaint with the police, which identified the accused through a CCTV footage.
	Gunshot noise heard over brawl Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 Panic gripped the Shashtri Market area in the walled city here this evening after an alleged accidental gunshot was heard when a brawl occurred between security guards and reportedly a temple priest and shopkeepers over parking of a vehicle. According to information, the guards had parked their cash van before a temple. The priest and several shopkeepers asked them to move the vehicle which led to an altercation. One of the guards allegedly fired in the air to disperse the people who were gathering near the van and quarrelling with them. The people allegedly thrashed a guard while they were trying to escape. He was later handed over to the police. Sarabjit Singh, SHO, Kotwali police station, confirming the incident said that it was accidental firing and further investigations were under progress.
	Specialists on methodology of teaching English Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 A two-day workshop was organised by the British Council, in partnership with the Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhya Abhiyan (RMSA), Punjab, under the Punjab English Language Teaching Incentive Secondary Project (PELTI). It brought together 42 specialists in the field of education. They emphasised that with play way and activity methodology, it cost less and paid much to the students to learn in a better way. They explained that the training would develop the teachers' language-speaking skill, confidence and capacity for effective monitoring and evaluation of teachers' practice and progress within the state. District Educaiton Officer (DEO) (Secondary), Amritsar, Shinder Singh and Sukhwinder Singh, Principal, DIET, Verka, Satish Kumar of RMSA, welcomed the members of the British Council training team comprising Natasha, Risha, Dhruv, Manisha and other officials. Speaking on the first day of the two-day workshop on Wednesday, delegates said, "From the first day you will be encouraged to use English in the classroom to communicate with the teacher and other students. The more you speak, the easier it becomes to learn the language. Methodology adopted for this is similar to the one adopted for training the master trainer." The aim is to teach in the most effective way possible, and in a fun and enjoyable environment. Students actively participate in lessons and are challenged and stimulated, a variety of media and other activities are used to cater for all learning styles, teachers are positive and supportive and have access to a wide range of teaching aids, students' progress is continually assessed in all areas of spoken and written English, based on the work done in the classroom and at home. Speaking about teaching English, Amritpal Singh, District Resource Person, English, of Amritsar said, "We believe that English classes should help you to achieve more in life, be motivating, challenging and enjoyable, give you the chance to make friends with others. In addition, we believe that teachers should be knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, adapt the content of the lesson to fit the students, teach study skills, so you continue learning after the class has finished. The workshop aims at reviewing recent advances, challenges and issues in the field of education specially in government schools of Punjab.
	Sewerage work spells traffic chaos Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The ongoing sewerage work on the stretch from Lohgarh Gate to Hathi Gate has resulted in traffic chaos and harassment to commuters. The municipal corporation (MC) and the traffic police have failed to chalk out an alternate traffic plan. Harish Mehra, a resident of the Katra Moti Ram area, said the MC had washed its hands of the responsibility by erecting barriers on both ends of the road at Lohgarh Chowk and Hathi Gate Chowk. Meanwhile, the traffic crawls through a single lane on the road. All kinds of vehicles, heavy or small, are using the same lane. Moreover, encroachments on the road by four-wheeler and taxi operators are adding to the chaos. It is a blatant violation of the norms and the authorities concerned never attempted to reclaim the road. Harjap Singh, a resident of the Katra Karam Singh area, said, “It has become an ordeal to travel on the road or its parallel road to reach your destination in time.” “The active involvement of the traffic police, along with proper planning, could have converted the parallel road into a good alternative but the authorities left it to the people to manage the affairs," Harjap Singh said. When contacted, MC Commissioner DPS Kharbanda said he would instruct the Sewerage Department to speed up the work and approach the police station concerned to put in place an alternate traffic plan.
	Passport office holds lok adalat Amritsar, March 12 The Regional Passport Office organised a lok adalat to clear the pending applications for passports here today. Regional Passport Officer JS Sodhi said 525 applicants whose files for grant of passports were pending due to any reason were called to attend the lok adalat. The passport office had posted letters to all applicants to attend the event. Sodhi said that 345 applicants turned up, out of which 272 were issued passports today. He said that the office collected a total of Rs 9,000 as penalty from the applicants. He said it was the last chance for the applicants whose files were pending for a long time. “Many applicants have not turned up today,” said Sodhi. — TNS
	Three burglaries reported in night Jalandhar, March 12 Three burglaries were reported in the city last night. The first incident was reported at the Punjab States AIDS Control Society at Santok Nagar from where thieves decamped with a computer, projector, printer and a DVD. Centre in-charge Kuldip said he came to know about the theft this morning. The second theft was reported in the same locality where thieves struck at VK Dhaba and decamped with an LCD, two LPG cylinders and Rs 5,000. The dhaba owner Vijay Kumar said he was informed about the theft this morning by some persons known to him. When he reached the spot, he was stunned to the ransacked dhaba. In the third incident, burglars struck at Imperial Welding Works from where they decamped with welding machines and other material. The affected persons said the police had been informed about the thefts. — TNS
	Residents a harassed lot in Chheharta area Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The key road in the Chheharta area, which leads to over three dozen villages, has been closed for the past two months as the work on sewerage is going on at a snail’s pace. The condition of nearby alternative roads is deplorable. The recent rain has turned the nearby tracks muddy. Karanveer Singh, a resident of the area, said the work should be completed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, commuters are using the alternative tracks passing through Guru Ki Wadalli and Bhaini villages. The route passing through Guru Ki Wadali has a kilometre of “kucha road”, which has turned muddy following showers. Even the road near the Chheharta police station is in a deplorable condition. A considerable part of the roadpassing through Bhaini village is unmattled. A resident of Bhaini village, Lakhwinder Singh said, “The road was a street but hundreds of small and heavy vehicles have started plying on it since the main road has been blocked by the contractor.”He said the residents were facing trouble as the road has turned muddy following showers. “Now people cannot walk on it and even two-wheelers can skid. The administration should have paved the road before blocking the main road,” said Lakhwinder Singh. The residents of the area said workers of the contractor were working haphazardly. “They have occupied a two- kilometer stretch of the road and have put blockades on both the sides. We even cannot even use our vehicles,” said Lakhbir Singh, a resident of the area.
	Four school principals to oversee Gyan Ashram School exams Neerah Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat has deputed principals of four government school as observers to conduct the final exams of Classes VI to IX and XI of Gyan Ashram Higher Secondary School, a government-aided private school. The management and teachers of the school are at loggerheads for sometime. The examinations began as per schedule on March 10. A section of the schoolteachers alleged that it was for the first time that four observers were appointed for an internal examination and they were not allowed to set the question papers. Infighting in the management committee has drastically brought down the strength of students in the school. A section of the teachers alleged that a ruling party leader was stoking the trouble as the lease of about four acres of land of the school had expired in 1989. The administration of the school, which was earlier named Gyan Ashram Senior Secondary School, is being run by two separate managements. Being a higher secondary school, from Class VI to XI, the affairs of the school are being managed by the Deputy Commissioner, who is the administrator of the school and disburses salary among the employees. On the other hand, the affairs of Class XII are being managed by the previous management committee. Meanwhile, the teachers regretted that 40 per cent reduction in the salary of 12 Class XII teachers was enforced from March, 2013, to September, 2013. They alleged that a high fee of Rs 250 per student per month for Class XII had brought down the strength of students from 362 in 2011-2012 session to 122. Government schools charge Rs 95 from every students per month for the same class. Sources said the trouble started in 2010 when the then school management hiked the admission fee. This was brought to the notice of the then DC KS Pannu, who had initiated an inquiry under the then DEO Surjit Singh, Gumanpura, to amicably settle the dispute. However, the suggestions made in the inquiry remained unimplemented. Gumanpura then again appointed a five-member committee comprising senior teachers of the school to assist the principal in the smooth functioning of the school. But, the five-member internal school committee was challenged. The High Court handed over the administration of the school to the then DC KS Pannu.The Deputy Commissioner gave additional charge of principal to Harbhagwant Singh, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Jhitte Kalan. Harbhagwant Singh confirmed that four principals have been appointed as observers. Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat said the decision was taken in view of allegations of copying in previous examinations. About the salary cut, he said it was done as per the attendance of the students recorded during that period. Meanwhile, Gyan Ashram Higher Secondary School president Inder Puri alleged that some of the teachers had politicised the issue and were using it as a plea for not discharging their duties. Various attempts to solve the issue failed due to the teachers, he alleged. “This has spoiled the teaching environment in the school and people were reluctant to send their wards to the schools,” Puri said. He said last year only 10 per cent students passed the matriculation examination. Puri said there were more teachers than the actual requirement , which brought disrepute to the school and the management.
	State govt fails to pay enhanced DA Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 The Punjab Employees’ Rights Protection and Welfare Association has stated that the pensioner has still not got the enhanced Dearness Allowance announced earlier by the state government. Association general secretary BR Preenja said the state government had issued a letter on February 19, raising the dearness allowance of its employees and pensioners from 80 per cent to 90 per cent with effect from July 1, 2013. Preenja said according to the letter, the payment of the enhanced dearness allowance was to be made from February 1, 2014. He said the Punjab Government had not paid the enhanced DA to its employees and pensioners even on March 1, 2014. Preenja said they were sceptical about the endorsement of the said letter to the banks. The union has demanded that the pensioners should be paid the enhanced dearness allowance as they have no other sources of income and managing expenses due to inflation has become difficult for them.
	Sports competitions mark Holla Mohalla celebrations Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 International Fateh Academy celebrated Hola Mohalla today. Many sports competitions were held on the occasion. Chairman of the institute Jagbir Singh and vice-chairperson Ravinder Kaur hoisted the games flag and inaugurated the sports meet. The dragon dance was one of the main attractions of the day. Display of martial arts like karate, taekwondo and gatka enthralled everyone. Medals were also awarded to the students who performed well in different sports activities during the year. Various dance items were also presented on the occasion. Fun games were organised for parents and teachers. Bhangra and gidha were the most entertaining events of the day. Davinderpal Singh, runners-up of Indian Idol, entertained the crowd with his mesmerising voice.
	Three women among four arrested on charge of theft Tribune News service Amritsar, March 12 The city police have nabbed four persons, including three women, in two separate instances for their alleged involvement in pick-pocketing and stealing valuables of devotees at the Golden Temple. The police recovered cash, mobile phones and stolen purses from them. The accused have been identified as Mahinder Singh of Chowk Karori, Rani, alias Dani, of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Lakhbir Kaur of Gujjarpura and Rajwinder Kaur of Jhetekalan village. Sarabjit Singh, SHO, Kotwali police station, said the police had recovered Rs 80,000 in cash, nine mobile phones and eight empty purses from Mahinder Singh and Rani. They have been booked under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC. In another instance, the police nabbed Lakhbir Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur for theft. The police have seized Rs 700 in cash, a driving licence besides other important documents from their possession. They have been booked under Section 379 of the IPC. As per information, Capt Ankit Mishra, who originally hails from Mumbai and at present is living in Chandigarh, had come to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple when he was robbed by the two. He immediately lodged a complaint with the police, which identified the accused through a CCTV footage.
	DAV College students excel in exams Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 Students of DAV College bagged various positions in the university examinations held in November-December 2013. In the results declared recently by the university of classes BCA-III semester and BSC (IT)-I semester, Ankur Popli of BCA semester-III secured the fifth position in university and the second in district. Shekhar Vihal of BCA-III semester stood 11th in the university and third in the district. Mridul Sharma of BSc (IT) semester-I bagged the ninth position in the university and fourth in the district. Arti Patharia of the PGDCA got the 13th position in the university with 312 marks out of a total of 400, Manveet Singh and Jasmine Kaur of BMM, fifth semester, stood seventh and 10th, respectively, in the university. College Principal Dr KN Kaul congratulated the merit holders.
	Munjral nominated chairman of CII Amritsar Council Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 12 Gurpreet Singh Munjral has been nominated as the new chairman of the CII Amritsar Zonal Council while Satish Bansal has been nominated as the vice-chairman of the body for 2014-15. A pass-out of Delhi Public School, Delhi, Munjral thereafter shifted to his ancestral place, Amritsar, to join his grandfather in their family business of liquor. He did his graduation from Guru Nanak Dev University. He diversified and started an electronics business in 1991 in power equipment. He is also into import and export business with various countries like Pakistan, Turkey, China, Iran and Europe. As an avid sportsperson, he was captain of his school hockey team and also played for Delhi. Now, he is a keen golfer. Satish Bansal is a chartered accountant with over 37 years of experience in auditing, direct taxation, including appellate litigation and restructuring of business.