Ludhiana May 20
Students broke into celebrations as soon as the result of CBSE Class X was declared this evening. A large number of students scored Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) 10.

Academicians said the students had fared well, this time. "The number of students scoring CGPA 10 has seen a rise, with the pass percentage of most of the schools being 100," they said.

Mona Singh, principal, Guru Nanak Public School, said: "This year, the number of students with CGPA 10 had gone up."

This year, the students preferred staying home as the result could be accessed on mobile phones.

Students, who will have to reappear, will get only one chance as the CBSE has amended the rules. earlier, a student used to get three-five chances.

As many as 65 students of Green Land Senior Secondary Public School scored CGPA 10. Around 264 students appeared for the exams and all of them performed well.

At Spring Dale Senior Secondary Public School, 26 students scored CGPA 10 while at MGM Public School, out of 88 students, 20 got CGPA 10.

At Green Land Convent School, out of 134 students, 46 scored CGPA 10. Of the total 355 students of Guru Nanak Public School, 45 students got CGPA 10.

At Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, 26 students got CGPA 10. At Green Land Convent School, New Subhash Nagar, of 21 students, nine got CGPA 10. Of 291 students of BVM, Kitchlu Nagar, eight got CGPA 10.

Ludhiana, May 20
It was the jilted paramour who had killed 35-year-old Rakesh Kumar at his house near Cheema Park in the Model Gram area on May 16.

Rakesh was found dead around 8 pm. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

The accused in police custody in Ludhiana on Tuesday. Photo: Inderjeet Verma

The victim’s wife, Rekha, claimed that she did not see anyone entering or fleeing the house.

But during investigations, Rekha confessed that her paramour Sartinder Singh, alias Sunny, a resident of Amritsar, killed her husband Rakesh Kumar.

Rekha reportedly told the police that initially she gave a false statement to the police as she feared that her relations with the killer would cause embarrassment.

After getting to know about the relations, the police swung into action and arrested the accused.

The accused confessed to have killed Rakesh. Dharampal, SHO, Division No. 5, said both Sunny and Rekha were in love with each other, but could not stay together as Rekah was married to Rakesh Kumar in 2005.

Sunny said in 2011, he had met Rakesh and told the latter about his affair and intention to marry Rekha.

Rekha had turned down the proposal and told Sunny that she was already married and had three children. Sunny went to Dubai. He returned in 2013 and started planning to eliminate Rakesh.

Before Sunny could do that, the victim, who was a drug addict and drug peddler, was arrested by the police in a drug peddling case and sent to the jail.

Rakesh was recently released on bail. Sunny got to know about Rakesh’s release. On May 16, Sunny entered Rakesh’s house and killed the victim by slitting his neck.

The incident took place in front of Rekha. However, Rekha tried to conceal Sunny’s identity, but she broke during the questioning of police.

Ludhiana, May 20
As part of the ongoing demolition drive, as many as 50 houses at Barewal Road, were to be demolished today, but the drive was "cancelled" at the last minute.

After serving notices on owners of the houses, civic officials held meetings with them and decided to raze the structures. When asked why the drive was "cancelled", the officials said they were told about the change of plan in the morning.

It was learnt that police personnel were preoccupied and which was why the drive was "cancelled".

Ludhiana, May 20
Rail travellers can breathe easy, for the time being, as the proposed hike in railway fares which was to take effect from today has been put on the hold till the further orders.

The railway board took a logical decision and left the matter to the next government that is to assume office in the next couple of days.

On May 16, when the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections was in progress, the zonal railway headquarters received a circular from the board for hiking railway fares of all classes by 10 per cent from May 20 (today). With the addition of fuel adjustment cost (FAC) and service tax, the overall hike would have been a little more than 14 per cent.

With the process already in motion for change of guard at the Centre, utter confusion prevailed at the zonal headquarters of the Railways at the timing of increase in railway fares by the outgoing government. Through the day, the railway administration was busy preparing new fare charts which would have become applicable from the stipulated date (May 20).

However, the Union Railway Ministry intervened and all zonal railway headquarters were directed to hold back the proposed hike in fares till the further orders. "Now, the new government will take the call on the issue in due course," said railway officials.

A senior railway official at the divisional headquarters of the Northern Railways at Ferozepur wondered as to how a proposal for increase in railway fares was mooted and approved at the time when the incumbent government, having completed its tenure, was about to hand over the baton to the new government.

"We had put several persons on the job to work out the new fares and prepare new fare charts as the revised fares were supposed to take effect from May 20. The entire staff and officials heaved a sigh of relief when later in the day a message was received from the ministry that the proposal had been put off for the time being,? said the official.

Ludhiana May 20
The pensioners at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) are quite upset from the attitude of state government as they did not receive the pension of month of April till today. A meeting of PAU Retirees Welfare Association was held at the PAU campus. The pensioners expressed dissatisfaction over the role of PAU authorities. The pensioners asked to the Punjab Government and University authorities to take up the issue seriously.

According to the office-bearers of PAU Retirees Welfare Association the most of retirees are depended on the monthly pension. “The delay in pension has become a routine affair at the PAU. Whenever the government delays the pensions, retirees face sheer inconvenience. They are helpless to buy medicine and other items of daily needs,” said DP Maur, chairman, PAU Retirees Welfare Association.

Zilla Ram Bansal, president, PAU Retirees Welfare Association, stated that the university doesn’t release the pensions. Dr Surjit Singh Gill, president, PAU Pensioner Confederation, asked to all the bodies of retirees to start fight. He advised to hold a collective meeting of all the associations of pensioners.

Ludhiana, May 20
Rakesh achieved rank I in national merit list of the Agriculture and Allied Subjects (AIEEA-PG) exam conducted by ICAR, New Delhi. He was very happy and excited to initiate his career in higher studies in dairy microbiology at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. Three B. Tech (Dairy Technology) final year students of College of Dairy Science and Technology of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, had qualified for the All India Entrance Examination for master's programme in Agriculture and Allied Subjects (AIEEA-PG) conducted by ICAR, New Delhi. 

The result of the examination was declared on Monday. Two other students Mukesh Kumar and Manpinder Kaur secured sixth and twentieth rank respectively are interested to pursue their masters' programme in dairy technology and dairy chemistry, respectively. Dr VK Taneja, vice- chancellor, GADVASU congratulated the successful students and expressed his happiness about the quality of education and exposure students get at the GADVASU.

He also congratulated the faculty of the college. Dairy and food processing is considered as the sunrise sector in India having lots of untapped potential.

Jagraon, May 20
GHG Harparkash College of Education for Women, Sidhwan Khurd, Jagraon, organised its annual prize distribution function on the college campus today. A farewell party to bid adieu to the outgoing students of MEd and BEd classes was also organised during the occasion.

Dr Baljeet Kaur Gill, Principal of the college was chief guest. Prizes were given to the students for their performance in academics and achieving glories in co-curricular activities. While congratulating the winners, principal Dr Baljeet Kaur Gill said zest to participate in the activities is rather more important than winning.

She said these functions are wonderful platform for motivating the students and crystallizing their talents with the collaborative efforts of teachers. She wished the students success. A farewell party was also hosted on the college premises to mark the occasion. —OC

Ludhiana, May 20
The city witnessed a dust storm following a cloudy weather here today. However, the maximum temperature has been recorded at 36.6°C, the cloudy weather provided relief to residents from the scorching heat. Meteorology experts said the summers were quite relaxing this year due to regular western disturbances.

The residents not faced extreme summer conditions so far.

The temperature was recorded below normal today. The minimum temperature of the day was recorded at 22.6°C.

Experts said the temperature might increase in the next few days.

Dr LK Dhaliwal, HoD, Agro Meteorology Department at Punjab Agricultural University, said: "As per the forecast, the weather is expected to remain cloudy at isolated places in Ludhiana and its adjoining areas during the next 24 hours. We predict that the temperature would rise in the next two days and a rainfall is expected after May 23."

Rajiv Kumar, a local resident said: "However, the weather is pleasant but the dust storm has become a regular feature. The residents are at risk of contracting infectious diseases due to the uncertain weather."

Khushal Singh, another resident, said, "The weather conditions this year are comparatively better from the previous years."

Ludhiana, May 20
Ludhiana has become a home to people from different cultures and backgrounds, hailing from various parts of the country.

Punjabi hospitality, apart from the city being an industrial city, has been attracting people to the city with open arms and the people, in turn, are proudly calling it their home.

They celebrate their festivals like Onam with the local residents, have their own organisations, and have assimilated into the Punjabi culture and are spreading the fragrance of their own cultures in the city.

"People of Kerala have made Ludhiana their home for the past 30 years, and about 3 lakh Keralites are living in various parts of the city. They are living happily here than in Kerala," said K Babu from Kerala Kalavedi, an organisation formed by Keralites in the city.

The city had not only given livelihood to them, but many have also set up their own businesses. In terms of education, Punjab was a much better place, he said.

Many of the students, doctors and professionals were coming to the city. Keralites have also constructed their temples and churches and other structures here, he said.

Bangiya Samsad, an association of Bengalis, was set up in 1962 in the city. Thousands of Bengali families were living here, says Sumantra Dhole from Bangiya Samsad.

He said besides the birth anniversaries of Bengali luminaries Rabindra Nath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, the community celebrates the Bengali New Year and Durga Pooja here.

The community was encouraging the Bengali culture among people here and also taking part in celebration of local festivals. A programme was organised where only Bengalis performed the Giddha dance, said Dhole.

A resident said this was the place where dal makhni and dosa served together. People and the government must work together to make it a cosmopolitan city.

Ludhiana, May 20
Traders who want to upload their VAT 20 returns for the financial year 2013-14 are facing inconvenience as the department's website is not accepting the returns.

Though the last date for filing returns is in November, those who wish to upload their return in advance or those who have surrendered their VAT number and want to file the returns are facing a tough time.

"I have surrendered my VAT number and wanted to file my VAT 20 returns to get over all formalities. Surprisingly, I was unable to do so. I filled the entire form but it was not uploaded and now, I have to wait for few months for uploading the same," said Ravneet Singh, a trader.

Another problem being faced by the traders is passwords, issued by the department, which are not getting generated.

"The department has given provided me a new password, but it is not being accepted when I try to file my returns," he said.

Vijay Bajaj, a taxation lawyer, said there was a problem in uploading the VAT 20 forms.

"Though there is time, some people who think its wise to file returns before time are facing inconvenience in doing the same," he said.

Jatinder Khurana, president of the Young Taxation Lawyers' Association, said many of his clients who have surrendered their VAT numbers want to upload their returns but were unable to do so.

Ludhiana, May 20
With a new government at the Centre the ongoing 7th National Buyer-Seller Meet got a major boost. The meet has been organised by the Knitwear and Apparel Manufacturers' Association Ludhiana (KAMAL).

It witnessed more footfall as compared to previous years. Office-bearers of KAMAL said a large number of traders across the country attended the meet and they seemed enthusiastic while doing business.

Sudarshan Jain, president, KAMAL, said: "We got a little response previous year and we were expecting that this year also it would be a low-key affair."

"In the past three days, we got an overwhelming response. The number of traders have increased. Now, they seems more enthusiastic. We expect that it is an impact of change in the government at the Centre," he said.

Ludhiana is the first preference for knitwear traders in the country.

Local manufacturers said with the change in weather conditions and fashion trends, people from coastal areas were also demanding woollens. The NRI population at cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad also buy hosiery items.

Several state governments have tried to establish the hosiery industry in their respective states but the industry in Ludhiana is still a major hub of hosiery products. Traders prefer to buy the hosiery products from Ludhiana instead of Mumbai.

The ongoing buyer-seller meet would be concluded on May 21 at all four locations in the city. The office-bearers of KAMAL have been expecting that the meet would bring a good business to local manufacturers.

Ludhiana, May 20
On the request made by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Ludhiana chapter, the Municipal Corporation has started the sewerage cleaning project at the Focal Point.

The project was inaugurated by Senior Deputy Mayor Sunita Aggarwal in the presence of CII members and other industrialists at the Focal Point today.

Convener of CII Punjab Rahul Ahuja said it was a long-pending demand of industrialists that before making new roads the sewerage of the Focal Point, which were badly choked, should be cleaned.

"Today a super suction machine has been installed which will first clean 1.5 kilometer line at one point. It will take about a month to clean the line and afterwards, other choked lines will be cleaned", said Ahuja.

The MC had also agreed to construct new roads in the Focal Point but before that the sewerage lines are to be cleaned by the civic body.

A model - 'Weeds For Noble Deeds' made by Karan Puri and Chirag Gupta of Class XII-Medical of KVM school had been selected for the CBSE National Level Science Exhibition to be held in New Delhi. It was selected from among 130 exhibits from Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K at a regional level exhibition held at Jalandhar. Karan also has many research findings to his credit. One of his works on the effect of UV radiations on the genetic makeup of different generations of cockroach is now a patented under his name. He has also developed a modified technique to preserve dead organisms. Besides many other achievements, he has also mastered the technique of making microscopic slides.

Poem recitation contest

An inter-house English and Hindi poem recitation contest was held at Kundan Vidya Mandir. The themes were politics and social evils and poems related to 'hasaya and vyang'. The young poets beautifully exalted the social evils such as child labour, female foeticide and gender bias. Poems such as 'Gandhi Matt Aana', 'Rajneeti', 'Iss Desh Ki Hai Bimari' gave the audience an insight to the world of politics. Principal Navita Puri applauded the efforts of all the students. Judges Vibha Sharma and Brij Bala had a tough time selecting winners.

Story writing competition

Green Land Convent School, Civil City, organised an inter-house story writing and cartoon making competitions for the students of classes VI to VIII. The theme for the competitions was 'Say no to tobacco'. The stories and the cartoons made by the students highlighted the health risks associated with tobacco and advocated for effective policies to reduce its consumption. Students focussed on discouraging the users, especially the youth. Inter-house essay writing and poster-making competitions were also organised for the students of IX and X. The students prepared beautiful posters with slogans. Principal Devendera Mahal applauded the efforts of the students and told them that this issue needs global attention as the use of tobacco is widely spread. Speaking on the occasion, she also highlighted the negative effects of tobacco on health and announced the winners of the competitions. In story writing competition, Abdul of Jyoti House got the first prize, Pravneet of Kirti House bagged the second prize and third prize was won by Jasmine of Kirti House. In cartoon making competition, Divya and Janvi of Shakti House stood first, Nandini of Shakti House stood second, Vanshika of Kirti House and Aashima of Jagriti House stood third.

Milk Day celebrated

LKG students of Blossoms Convent School observed milk day. Importance of milk in the life of children was explained to them by the teachers. They were told that they should take milk at least twice in a day to have strong bones and sharp brain. Milk was provided by the school and the children enjoyed a glass of milk in the school. Principal Amarjit Kaur Naaz said the activity was organised to encourage the students to have milk daily.

Red Day celebrated

Nursery students of Blossoms Convent School celebrated Red Day today to learn the importance of colours. Students came in the school in red attires and they brought their red dolls and toys. Some students entered the classes with red flowers which they handed over to their teachers. Principal Amarjit Kaur Naaz said the colours bring joy to our life and the students should know the importance of colours.

Practice session

3 Punjab Battalion NCC organised a shooting practice session in Government College. NCC cadets of Green Land, KVM, SDP Schools and DM College, Moga; Government College, Ludhiana, GGN Khalsa College, Ludhiana participated in the practice. Commanding officer of 3 Punjab Battalion, NCC, Ludhiana, Colonel Mohan Singh announced that the cadets demonstrating better performance will be selected for Ludhiana Group Shooting Contest. The practice was conducted under the supervision of SM Gurdev Singh and Subedar Sukhwinder Singh. All the cadets performed remarkably well.

Mango Day celebrated

BCM Kindergarten, Basant Vihar, organised mango mania. The students brought various mango drinks, shakes and mango. The children were told about importance of fruits. Dr Vandana Shahi remarked that such activities motivate the students to eat healthy food instead of junk food.

First aid training

Ryan International School, Dugri, organised a workshop of first-aid conducted by Ashish Mitter, a well-known activist of first aid group. Mitter described students about the first aid. He said we should never leave any injured person alone at the road side or at the accident site. We should always be ready to help them and if the situation is critical then we must call 108 for help. He also added that we should never panic at sight of accident and only by being calm we can handle the situation. Students of Class I-II had a fancy dress competition on the theme — political leaders. Students came dressed as Jawaharlal Nehru, Narendra Modi, Rani Jhansi, Sonia Gandhi and many more. Headmistress Ritu Syal congratulated all the winners.

Meeting held

The Navkiran Women Welfare Association formed the ‘Belan Brigade’ during the Lok Sabha elections to keep a check on the distribution of liquor and drugs during election campaigning. During a meeting organised today, Anita Sharma, president, Belan Brigade, said, "If the things continue to be the same, the youth of our country will be ruined completely. During the elections the distribution of drugs and liquor is an open secret and during these elections we have tried to keep a check over it,"

Amarnath Yatra on cycle

Rajinder Gupta is all set to go on Amarnath Yatra riding on his bicycle. It is the eleventh time that he is going on cycle to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. "I am an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. God gives me strength to visit every year by riding a bicycle", he said. He has also gone to Mata Vaishno Devi on cycle.

New unit formed

Meeting of Dr Ambedkar Dalit Vikas Manch was held here today during which the Gandhi nagar unit was formed. "More units are being formed to strengthen the Dalit Vikas Manch. We will be working for the welfare of dalits and will be raising the issues concerning them," said Sanhjeev, president of the Punjab unit.

Bittu honoured

Ravneet singh Bittu, the newly elected Congress Member Parliament from Ludhiana Lok Sabha constituency was honoured today by the committee of Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh, Model Town Extension.

Protest against liquor vend

Residents of Guru Arjun Dev Nagar, near Samrala Chowk, today protested against the opening of liquor vend near religious place and school. President of Women Congress, Leena Taparia headed the protest in which not only women but men also participated. People said the liquor vend near the school puts bad effect on students. The unscrupulous elements keep moving around near the place and people find it uncomfortable to go to the gurdwara located nearby. The vend was finally shut down after the intervention of police. — TNS

Water-borne diseases: Admn issues helpline numbers

To provide clean potable water and curb the possibilities of breakout of any disease, Municipal Corporation and Civil Surgeon Office, Ludhiana, started a joint campaign on Tuesday. Joint Commissioner MC issued the mobile numbers of officials of all four MC Zones to register complaint regarding leakage of water, contamination of water, breakage of pipe line. Contact numbers of the designated persons are: Pardeep Kumar Additional Commissioner (Technical) Zone-A: 97800-39461; Ekjot Singh Chawala, SDO, Zone-A : 97800-13004; Rajinder Singh, Additional Commissioner (Technical) Zone-B: 97809-00123; Ranbir Singh, SDO Zone-B 97800-39477; Balwinder Singh, Additional Commissioner (Technical) Zone-C: 97800-39469; Avtar Singh, SDO, Zone-C: 97800-39471; Ravinder Garg, Additional Commissioner (Technical) Zone-D: 99880-20840; Amrik Singh SDO Zone-D: 99886-69988.

CRIME

Robbers’ gang busted; four held
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, May 20
The police have arrested four alleged members of a robbers' gang. They were arrested during a joint operation conducted by police teams from the Jagraon City police station and Raikot Adda police post during the past 24 hours. The police have also recovered looted material from the accused.

The accused have been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Raju, Avtar Singh alias Nikka, Sikander Singh and Ajmer Singh, all residents of Jagraon.

As per information, two of the accused had robbed a mobile phone from Sunil Kumar, a resident of a slum area near Nanaksar two days ago. Following this, Sunil reported the matter to the police after which they arrested two accused from Jagraon yesterday.

ASI Kuldeep Singh said two of the accused were arrested by a police party from Jagraon during a routine checking last evening.

"The police have also recovered two stolen mobile phones and one gas cylinder from the accused. We are questioning the accused and further recoveries are expected in the coming days," the ASI added.

Later, the police produced all accused in a local court that sent them to one-day police remand.

Ludhiana, May 20
Daughter of former Congress MLA Malkit Singh Birmi, who had recently joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), had got a dowry harassment case registered against her Amritsar-based husband and in-laws.

Besides dowry harassment charge, Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating and thereby dishonestly inducing delivery of any property) of the IPC have also been slapped on the accused persons, including husband Gagandeep Singh Heera, father-in-law Maninder Singh Heera, Maninder's wife Vajinder Kaur Heera and his younger son Bikramdeep Singh Heera.

The case has been registered at the Sarabha Nagar police station today.

While the police party has left for Amritsar, as per information none of the accused has been arrested so far.

Sonia, daughter of Malkit Singh Birmi, has stated in her complaint that she was married to Gagandeep Singh Heera on March 31, 2012.

She alleged that over Rs 1 crore was spent on her wedding.

She said soon after the wedding, her husband Gagandeep started torturing her for not bringing enough dowry.

She said she was subjected to physical and mental agony by her husband and in-laws.

He was pressing her to bring a car worth over Rs 80 lakh.

She said that when she refused she was pestered again.

She alleged that as Gagandeep's demands for dowry were not met, he allegedly thrashed her and left her in the city.

Initially the family tried to resolve the issue, but the families failed to reach a compromise.

Finally, she approached the police and got a case registered against them.