Ludhiana, June 20
Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal today conducted a random checking of different government offices. It was around 9:15 am when the Chief Secretary reached the Mini-Secretariat and started inspection. Everyone present there was taken by surprise.

Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal (second from left) checks some records on a computer at the Suvidha Centre, Mini-Secretariat, in Ludhiana on Friday. Tribune Photo: Himanshu mahajan

The chief secretary checked all the record of the Suvidha Centre and got to know about the problems faced by visitors.

Touts, who were carrying forms of learner’s licence, fled the spot as soon as they saw the Chief Secretary. One of them left behind 62 forms. Taking a serious view of this practice, the Chief Secretary instructed Anil Garg, District Transport Officer, Ludhiana, to stop this menace of agents.

Meanwhile, he handed the forms left behind by one of the agents to vigilance officials and asked them to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The Chief Secretary said all work related to learner’s licences should be completed on time and all windows should work continuously from 9 am to 5 pm.

One of the applicants complained that revenue stamps were not available while these are easily available on the “black” market. Kaushal ordered to charge sheet the in charge, accounts, and instructed the officials provide the stamps to visitors within half an hour. He instructed Isha kalia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), and the DTO to daily make a round of the Suvidha Centre and remove the obstacles being faced by visitors.

After a woman doctor complained of overcharging by the contractor at the multistory parking of the Mini-Secretariat, the Chief Secretary ordered Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Baldev Singh to blacklist the contractor.

Ludhiana, June 20
Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal today paid a surprise visit to the drug de-addiction camp going on at the Civil Hospital, Sanhewal.

Speaking on the occasion, Kaushal said the state government was committed to eradicating drugs from the state. Special teams, which had been sent to each district, will submit their reports on drug abuse to the government.

He also enquired after the patients undergoing treatment at the camp and expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements.

He also visited the Civil Surgeon’s office in Ludhiana and asked Dr Subhash Batta for a list with all details of the de-addiction centres in the city. He also asked the Civil Surgeon if these drug de-addiction centres had all the required staff like counsellors, psychologists and trained medical staff.

In addition to this, it was announced that the government would be providing free de-addiction medicines to all 150 government hospitals.

In the wake of the 14.2% Railway fare hike, The Tribune visited the local railway station to get the reaction of passengers. Most of them pointed out the pre-election slogan of the BJP, “Acche din aane wale hai” while condemning the fare hike. 

"We did not expect this from the new government as we were waiting for “Acche din” (good days). But there are no signs of good days. This is too much. The government has to roll back the fare hike." — Jagdeesh Loona, a daily passenger

"A few days ago, the Transport Department increased the bus fare. The railway was the only cheap means for the common man to commute. With this 14.2% hike in the fare, commuting by train will not be easy for the common man." — Karam Singh

"We were not expecting this by the Modi government as he used to target the UPA government on the issue of inflation. Not only the fare, the prices of other commodities are also going up. This hike has exposed the intention of the new government." — Rajesh, a passenger

"None of the government is in favour of the common man. I commute 10 days in a month. The hike will disrupt my budget." — Roshan Singh, a passenger

Jagraon, June 20
Bathinda MP and Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal today paid obeisance at Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib near here today. She also met the head priest and sewadars and sought their blessings so that she could perform her duties towards the public with dedication. She was presented a siropa by the priests.

While praising the Nanaksar sect for its social work, Harsimrat Badal said the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) being run by the sect are playing an important role in the uplift of the underprivileged.

She is a regular visitor to the gurdwara, the headquarters of the Nanaksar sect. However, this was Harsimrat’s first visit to this religious place after becoming the Union Minister.

She prayed to the Almighty for the safe return of Punjabi youngsters stranded in Iraq.

Ludhiana, June 20
Civil war in Iraq has become a cause of concern for the local firms exporting goods to this Gulf country. Whenever there is an international crisis, many other countries get affected. The local firms export pipes used at fuel stations and as well as for supplying oil are exported to many construction companies setting up projects in Iraq. Although the exports between the two countries are not huge, many other countries, with which the local industry has trade links, have trade ties with Iraq.

“The whole business circle gets affected whenever there is a crisis in a country,” said Badish Jindal, president of the Federation of Small Scale Industries of India.

Puneet Ahuja, who exports pipes to Iraq, said the exports had come to a standstill. “No transaction is taking place right now. We hope the crisis is over soon,” he said.

Another exporter from the city said the civil war in Iraq had pushed oil prices up in the world market. India imports crude oil from the Gulf countries and Iraq is one of the major suppliers.

“The crisis in Iraq will definitely hamper Indian economy. If oil prices go up, then the current account deficit will automatically go up. A rise in the cost of oil will lead to inflation. It will lead to a hike in interest rates and economy will be under severe pressure,” he said.

“We are already witnessing food inflation and a hike in crude oil prices will push it further. We have to check the usage of crude oil such as petrol and diesel,” said Jitesh Lamba, a city-based small-scale manufacturer.

Ludhiana, June 20
In a crackdown, the police arrested six persons for their involvement in thefts and snatchings. The police have recovered more than 21 mobile phones and two stolen motorcycles from their possession.

While the Dugri police nabbed three persons and recovered 14 mobile phones from their possession, the Division No. 3 police arrested three persons and recovered seven mobile phones and two stolen motorcycles from their possession.

The accused, identified as Naresh Kumar, Jeeta and Mohd Rehman, were arrested in the Dugri area yesterday. The police also recovered Rs 56,000 from the possession of the accused.

Meanwhile, Ravi, Varinder and Suraj were arrested near Gaushala Chowk. The police recovered seven mobile phones and impounded two stolen motorcycles which they were riding.

It was learnt that the accused were involved in many cases of snatching and robbery. The police got a tip-off that the accused were planning to commit another crime in the area. Soon after receiving the information, the police nabbed the accused.

Two booked for snatching and stabbing a man

The police have booked two persons for snatching and stabbing a man on the Noorwala road. The accused have been identified as Nonni and Laddi. The vitctim’s brother, Sanjiv told the police that the duo accosted his brother Raju and stabbed him. Noni snatched the vitctim’s chain while Laddi snatched the ring.

The police have registered a case and started investigation.

Ludhiana, June 20
An MP from Sangrur, Bhagwant Mann, and MP (Ludhiana) Ravneet Singh Bittu visited the striking students of the Fishery Department of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

The students have been protesting from past 20 days.

Baghwant Mann tried to pacify the students and asked girl students to stay in the hostel instead of staying outside during night.

But students refused to obey both the MPs and decided to stay outside.

Kushwinder Singh, student leader, said, “We cannot leave the strike venue till the Minister of Fishery or senior officials of the government assure us proper placements.”

Baghwant Mann urged SDM Ajay Sood to assure students that the girl students will not be asked to vacate the hostel. He asked the SDM to ensure safety of the students at the strike venue.

Ravneet Singh Bittu reached the spot first while Bagwant Mann reached afterwards and met the students after waiting for half-an-hour.

Bittu said, “I am surprised to see that girls have been sitting on the road in this scorching heat. The temperature is 47 degree Celsius. Instead of addressing their issue, the minister of the concerned department has refused to listen to their grievances. I have asked the District Administration and Gulzar Singh Ranike, concerned minister, that if they will do not assure jobs to them, then Ferozepur Road will be blocked soon.”

Ludhiana, June 20
No admission in science and commerce streams is a matter of concern for students in Ludhiana. Only a few government schools are offering these streams in the city.

Students who have passed out from high schools in Ludhiana north and east constituencies have very limited options for further studies in government schools, as the number of government schools is very less.

Students who passed out Class X from Government High School, Ladhowal, Government High School, Chanan Devi, Government High School, Salem Tabri, Government High School, Brahmpuri, Government High School, Inderpuri, Government High School, Lakaar Bazaar, Government High School, Madhopuri, Government High School, Kasabaad, Government High School, Chawani Mohalla, Government High School, Kamran Road, Government High School, Sekhewal, and Government High School, Mangat, can only get admission in nearby three government schools where they can opt for the science and commerce streams. The remaining schools have only arts stream. A large number of students of these schools have also been applying in Multipurpose Government Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Sekhewal, and Government Senior Secondary School, Jodhewal.

According to a non-government organisation (NGO), all these senior secondary schools prefer to give admission to their students and deny admission to other students by declaring a cutoff list.

The president, Nav Chetna Bal Bhali Committee, Sukhdir Singh, said, “When students do not get admission in nearby schools they often stop going to schools. In case of girl students, parents often avoid to send their daughters to schools which are far off. The government should upgrade all the senior secondary schools with science and commerce streams.”

Jagjit Singh Mann, general secretary of the committee, said, “The government should send clear direction to all the senior secondary schools that they must not deny admissions to students on the name of cutoff list.”

“We met the MLA of the area, Ranjit Singh Dhillon and apprised him of the problems being faced by students,” said Sukhdeer. 

Khanna, June 20
An auto driver died today due to heatwave near the Khanna bus stand. The deceased has been identified as Jasdev Singh (38), a resident of Mandiala village. According to information, Jasdev was standing near the new bus stand when suddenly he fell unconscious. Some passersby took him to the Civil Hospital, Khanna, where he was declared brought dead.

Sources said he was running auto from past several years. He is survived by his four daughters and wife.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to his guardians after postmortem. Meanwhile, Auto Union, Khanna, has demanded compensation for the family.

Ludhiana, June 20
Politicians and shopkeepers’ proposal to convert a park near Gol Market, Model Town, into a parking lot has not gone down well with residents.

The residents said owners of the buildings had illegally converted their shop-cum-flats into multi-storeyed buildings, putting commuters to inconvenience.

Amarjit Singh Tikka, a Congress leader, said he had been familiar with the place for the past several decades. The park was developed in 1992 and the residents and shopkeepers had appreciated the authorities’ initiative. “Children play in the park and elderly persons sit and chat there. The police and the MC should find a solution to ease traffic congestion,” said Tikka. An RTI activist, Rohit Sabharwal, said multi-storeyed shops had been constructed in the area and the civic authorities had turned a blind eye to it. “The shopkeepers do not want to lose their customers and which is why they want a parking lot in place of the park. Converting a park into a parking lot is not a solution to the traffic problem,” said Sabharwal.

An MC official said: “For easing congestion, efforts need to be put in the police and the MC. Temporary encroachments outside shops should be removed. Green belts should not be replaced with buildings.”

Ludhiana, June 20
High drama was witnessed at a local hospital after an injection’s needle broke. A patient, who is undergoing treatment at the PGI, Chandigarh, came to the hospital for getting the injection worth Rs 30,000 administered. It is learnt that he comes to the hospital every month. When the patient raised a hue and cry, the hospital authorities replaced the injection, but refused to administer it. Medical Superintendent of the hospital said he was not aware of the fact that the Emergency staff was administering injections prescribed by some other hospital.

“I have issued strict instructions to the staff not to administer injections prescribed by some other doctor. I have asked the patient to see our doctors,” he said. — TNS

Ludhiana, June 20
Upset over police raids, chemists today met Police Commissioner RK Jaiswal. Amandeep, president of the Ludhiana Retail Chemists Association, said, “Even we want an end to the drug menace. No chemist is selling banned drugs in the city.

The police should avoid raiding medical stores every day as it results in harassment and we suffer losses.”

Jaiswal assured them of doing the needful. He urged them not to sell banned drugs.

Amandeep said the association would blacklist those found guilty.

“No retail chemist in the city will sell medicines without a doctor’s prescription,” assured the chemists’ body.

The chemists said they would cooperate with the police. 

Ludhiana, June 20
As the rainy season is about to set in, it’s time to take measures to prevent vector-borne diseases. Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation Pardeep Aggarwal and Civil Surgeon Dr Subhash Batta held a meeting with officials.

Dr Anil Verma, district epidemiologist, presented data of the past four years. From the next week, 18 joint teams of the Health Department and Municipal Corporation will check coolers and containers. Tyre markets will be checked every week. Construction sites and other places where water can accumulate will be supervised on a regular basis.

The Civil Surgeon appealed to the public not to let water accumulate near houses. “Every week, we should dry our coolers and change water. All discarded containers/tyres should be covered. Water of flower pots should be changed weekly. For any query or problem, one can contact the control room of the Civil Surgeon’s office at 0161-2444193

Ludhiana, June 20
Cases of companies indulging in bogus exports to Nepal and Bhutan have come to light. Most of the companies indulging in bogus billing are cycle and cycle part units.

The companies have delivered consignments in Bihar, but on paper, they have shown exports to Nepal and Bhutan. They have not even paid taxes to the Punjab and Bihar governments.

Sources said 200 companies had indulged in bogus billing.

The companies had caused losses to the exchequers of both Punjab and Bihar.

Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner Darbara Singh said a probe into the matter was on and it was too early to comment on it. “We have asked the companies to submit their export licences. Some of them have submitted licences issued by the Nepal government,” he added.

Ludhiana, June 20
An 11-year-old girl, Sharanpreet, admitted at Christian Medical College and Hospital needs financial help. She has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, sepsis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. She has an outstanding bill of Rs 4 lakhs and needs further treatment. 

Ludhiana, June 20
A delegation of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation (FICO) met Ravinder Singh, chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and kept their problems before him.

“If the Punjab Pollution Control Board notices any violations, it disconnects power supply,” they lamented. The members said the industry should be apprised of norms and if it failed to follow those, the board should seal washing areas.

FICO have more than 400 members and is in the process of installing a common effluent treatment plant. The members appealed to the board authorities to give a green signal to the project.Te chairman said nickel, chrome and heavy metals were being discharged in the sewerage system.

He directed the industry to set up sub-committees.

The industrialists assured the chairman that effluents containing chrome, nickel and other heavy metals would not be discharged in the sewerage system.

Ludhiana, June 20
Bhawna Yadowanshi from Sangrur clocked 2.56:73 seconds to create a new record in the 200m back stroke event in the girls (Group I) on the opening day of the 39th Junior Punjab State Swimming and Water Polo Championship which began at Punjab Agricultural University Swimming Pool today.

She improved upon the existing record of 2.58:60 second set by Arjal Preet Kaur also of Sangrur in 2008. Sargam Bansal of Patiala and Jasman Grewal of Ludhiana secured second and third positions, respectively.

Hosts Ludhiana along with swimmers from Amritsar and Jalandhar shared honours, bagging two titles each on the first day of this three-day championship in which more than 250 boys and girls in different age groups are taking part.

In water polo (boys), Jalandhar, Patiala and Amritsar won their respective matches to move into the second round. Jalandhar trounced Faridkot 10-1 while Patiala overpowered Hoshiarpur 4-1 and Amritsar outnumbered Ludhiana 7-1.

First day’s results

Boys: 400m free style (Group I): Naseeb Dhillon of Amritsar 1, Munish Kumar of Jalandhar 2 and Manveer Singh of Sangrur 3; 400m free style (Group II): Dhanjay of Jalandhar 1, Ayush of Ferozepur 2 and Arbaz Khan of Patiala 3; 200m back stroke (Group I) Manik Soni of Jalandhar 1, Heman of Patiala 2 and Abhiraj Mehra of Amritsar 3; 200m back stroke (Group II) Anmol Jindal of Ludhiana 1, Rahul Kaushik of Sangrur 2 and Rajvinder Singh of Sangrur 3.

Girls: 400m free style (Group I) Ishpreet Kaur of Ludhiana 1, Ishanpreet of Sangrur 2 and Salina Dhaliwal of Patiala 3; 400m free style (Group II) Ayushi Saluja of Patiala 1, Mansi of Jalandhar 2 and Pavit Sofat of Ludhiana 3; 200m back stroke (Group I) Bhawna Yadowanshi of Sangrur 1, Sargam Bansal of Patiala 2 and Jasman Grewal of Ludhiana 3; 200m back stroke (Group II) Darishti Mahindra of Amritsar 1, Simrandeep Kaur of Sangrur 2 and Sunidhi of Patiala 3.