Amritsar, June 23
The Health Department along with a police team rescued 32 drug addicts from an illegal drug de-addiction centre, New Hope Rehabilitation and Counselling Centre, located on Bhai Manjh Road here late last evening.

During checking, it was found that the centre had a licence for rehabilitation and counselling drug addicts after detoxification. However, the centre owner was admitting the drug addicts directly against the norm while it also lacked qualified staff, including an MBBS doctor specialising in drug de-addiction, a psychiatrist, a counsellor, a physiotherapist and pharmacist, etc. They were bundled in two rooms with a shabby kitchen and a solitary toilet.

The incident has once again highlighted the illegal drug de-addiction centres being run in the city without catching the eye of the authorities concerned.

The same centre was raided by the district administration in 2011. At that time, it had rescued around 30 inmates. Similar conditions were prevailing at that time also. The police had lodged a criminal case against its owner, PS Sandhu, at that time also. But, how he managed to continue his business as usual without caching the eye of the law poses a serious question.

Sources in the Health Department said the department’s team had visited the centre in the past also. But why they had not pointed out the irregularities existing at the centre was not known.

Yesterday, a team of the department raided the centre after a tip-off provided by the DIG, Narcotic Cell, Neelabh Kishore. The team headed by Dr RS Butar, district health and family welfare officer, recommended cancellation of the licence of the centre. It was found that the centre had the licence of running a rehabilitation centre from September 2011 to September 2014.

The raiding team found that the centre was using banned drugs while it had no facilities for the rehabilitation and counselling of the drug addicts. The centre had a list of 25 drug addicts while it had a total of 32 patients. Out of these, six were admitted directly to the centre. A patient said that no doctor had conducted his check-up and test during his stay at the centre. Inmates themselves cooked their food and washed their clothes. The team found no facility of indoor or outdoor games.

“The patients were kept in inhuman conditions and it is strongly recommended to cancel the registration and licence of the centre,” the raiding team said.

Dr Rajeev Bhalla, Civil Surgeon, said that he was going to write to the Director, Health Services, to cancel the licence of the centre besides recommending further action. He said a team would be formed to check the illegal de-addiction centres running in the holy city. The patients were later admitted to Swami Vivekanand De-addiction Centre at Government Medical College for treatment, he said.

Amritsar, June 23
The Focal Point Industrial Welfare Association (FPIWA) has shot off a letter to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, demanding banking reforms ahead of the Union Budget.

It said that the rate of interest (ROI) being slapped on by banks was very high for small, medium-scale entrepreneurs. The ROI must be compared with other countries to provide a level playing field to domestic industry competing at the international level. All banks must have same parameters for determining the financial health of borrowers and the same ROI for small and medium-scale units.

It demanded introduction of right to service act in the banking sector. Business interests of organisations suffered to a great extent for example during sanctioning and renewing working capital limits.

It suggests that the employees of banks up to the general manager level must be posted in the region near their native place to optimise their working. Besides, statutory audit of the banks must be given to chartered accountants near branches of the banks to avoid huge expenses.

The association demanded strict action against those bank employees, committing mistakes and exploiting needs of the borrowers.

It seeks that foreign exchange rates must be made stable to avoid loss on account of foreign exchange fluctuations to importers and exporters.

Amritsar, June 23
Amritsar Foundation Day (AFD) celebrations began today with the launch of two projects for the city's sustainability. Early this morning, Green Avenue main park (Verka Booth) became the first community park of the city to harvest fertile manure from its vermi-compost pits started under the EcoAmritsar programme.

Said Dr Harvinder Sandhu, president of the park committee, "We are happy to have harvested black gold from our gaden waste within a few months of filling the pit. We are now a model park for the EcoAmritsar programme of Zero Disposal Parks, and would welcome other parks of the city to see, and join the programme."

EcoAmritsar also initiated its "Waste to Vegetable" project by creating a responsible household that converts all its green waste to manure and grows organic, toxic-pesticide and fertiliser-free vegetables for the family. The process involves simple segregation of waste in two dustbins and using a garbage cmpost to treat green trash. Twice a week, liquid manure becomes available for use to nurture plants and trees. At the end of six weeks, compost is ready. "The responsible home model has not thrown out 80 per cent of its waste for the past two months. It has generated pesticide and fertiliser vegetables such as cucumbers, mint, coriander, tomatoes and ladyfingers. The added advantage is that the home, and the neighbourhood, is free of stink, flies, maggots and cockroaches which are the caused by putrefying garbage," informed Gunbir Singh, chairman, EcoAmritsar.

Inaugurating the project, Pradeep Sehgal, Convenor, CII Amritsar Core Committee, expressed his delight about the concept and stated, "The Waste to Vegetable programme for Responsible Home" contributes positively to the family health and home economy. I intend to take it up at my home and office, and reach out to businesses and citizens to adopt the same."

"The holy city generates over 700 tonnes of waste each day which the municipal systems are ill equipped to handle. Above 70 per cent of trash from households is green trash. A little effort using composts ensures a home free of pests, gives us liquid manure every three days that keeps all houseplants happy, and converts trash to fresh organic vegetable on extra land or terrace spaces," said Gunbir.

EcoAmritsar shall continue to run programmes from 23-29 June as a part of the Amritsar Foundation Day 2014 celebrations.

Amritsar, June 23
Workers of the district unit of the CPM today held a demonstration against the hike in rail fares and burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides raising slogans against the BJP-led NDA government.

Various leaders of the party while addressing the gathering said that a 14.2 per cent increase in passenger fares and a 6.5 per cent increase in freight charges was uncalled for. They alleged that this had burnt a hole in the pocket of the common man. Amrik Singh, district secretary of the party, said the people were already reeling under high inflation and the rail fare hike would further affect them. They said that the NDA government was toeing the line of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.

Amritsar, June 23
An unidentified youth between the age group of 35-40 was found murdered outside Gyan Ashram School falling under Division C-police station here late last night. There were injury marks on his body.

Surinder Singh, SHO, C-division police station, said that the body was spotted by a police patrolling party headed by an ASI, Sukhbir Singh, near the main gate of the school. The body had several injury marks inflicted by sharp-edged weapons on his head, face and arms. He said it appeared that he was killed and later his body was dumped at the spot.

The SHO said the deceased was wearing a blue jean and white shirt. A tattoo, "SK" , was scribbled on the wrist of his right hand while a mark of "Om" was written on this right hand. The left hand contained a tattoo of "Ek Onkar", he said. The deceased appeared to be a Punjabi youth.

A case under Sections 302, 201 and 34, IPC, has been registered in this regard. The SHO said further investigations were under progress and efforts were also afoot to ascertain his identity. — TNS

Amritsar, June 23
Getting inked has become a popular status symbol, not to mention the glamour and attention you get. And like all other art forms, the tattoo art has also improvised and innovated itself at various stages.

So, if you want the Cyborg-look to impress your friends or if you are a fan of the Terminator-insipired futuristic world, then this art is a perfect solution.

Providing some thrill and surrealistic experience through this popular body art form, city-based tattoo artist Ashu Singh has inked some creative strokes on enthusiasts in the city.

Singh's Kabir Park tattoo studio called We Tat2 U is a haven for anybody who is a game for unique body canvassing.

Ashu says, "Amritsar has a lot of tattoo lovers, a trend for getting body inked with the latest techniques. People love flaunting tattoos, elaborate ones done on arms, chest and neck."

The artist has been working professionally for the last four years. He shifted his base to Amritsar from Delhi a year ago. Having studied the art for years, he developed a fetish for tattoos when he got his first while he was in Australia.

He spells out the latest trends for city youth. Not having any constraints of price or any other thing, the latest biomechanical tattoos are the next big thing in this market. "Biomechanical tattoos combine the elements of machines and organics. They are the most creative form of tattoos, intricate and using graphic effects," explains Ashu.

The most popular designs include tribal art forms, New Zealand's Naori tribal art form and religious symbols are in demand.

These tattoos are marked on the skin in such a way that they appear to give 3D effects.

"I already have a few clients who got these tattoos done. One is from Manawala, also an artist working in this art form. A lot of NRI clients from Australia and Germany also go in for boimechanical tattoos."

Their fantasy world appeal is not the only highlight. The biomech tattoos pinch the pocket a bit hard costing between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.

"It requires several sittings, anything between two to three sessions of eight hours each as they are quite elaborate. One session costs anything between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. The number of sessions also depends upon a person’s strenght to endure pain," says Singh.

While getting inked is a popular trend, there are a number of health issues related to permanent tattoos.

Ask Singh about the safety quotient of these tattoos and he rates them fairly. "I believe that the Amritsar market has been spoiled by several unprofessional tattoo artists. Since most people don’t have much knowledge about it, they suffer skin problems. I make sure to counsel and educate my clients before inking them. Trust is an important factor here."

Amritsar, June 23
City residents are alarmed at the high rate of road accidents. They are of the view that city roads are in dire need of traffic light points so as to smoothen the flow of traffic and minimise the chances of road accidents.

Amritsar, June 23
Noted Punjabi scholar Dr Mehal Singh today joined as the new principal of Khalsa College.

He took charge from the outgoing principal Dr Daljit Singh in the presence of the college management, including Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and vice president Charanjit Singh Chadha.

He was appointed following a rigorous interview by a panel of experts from Guru Nanak Dev University and DPI, Punjab Government that met here on June 14 under the chairmanship of KCGC president Satyajit Singh Majithia.

Dr Mehal Singh has a 16-year working experience as principal of various colleges. To date, he was serving as principal of Guru Nanak Dev University College, Verka. He has also served as the principal of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Sarhali.

Chhina, Chadha and other members congratulated him on getting the new responsibility and expect that he will work for the betterment of the college administration and its academic environment.

Dr Mehal vowed to work hard to take the 122-year-old institution to new heights. He said he would work as a team and strive to live up to the ideals of its founding fathers.

He thanked the management and said he was feeling proud to head the premium educational institution.

The college would introduce new courses from the current academic year, he added.

Amritsar, June 23
Students of Government Medical College (GMC) today resented the increase in the annual AC usage fee. The earlier charges were Rs 7,500 per annum, which have now been increased and range between Rs 18,000 and Rs 31,000 per annum, depending upon the capacity of the air-conditioner.

“Previously, we used to pay Rs 7,500 per annum for using air-conditioner in the hostel rooms. Now, the GMC authorities have raised the amount to Rs 18,000 for AC with 1 ton capacity and Rs 31,000 for AC with 1.5 ton capacity,” said a student.

Students have urged the authorities to review their decision.

Hostel superintendent Dr RS Sidhu pointed out that the rates had been revised as per the instructions of the Powercom authorities as the usage of ACs in the hostel had increased the power load manifold.

He said the GMC authorities were charging minimum possible fee from the students. Similar charges were implemented at GMC Patiala, a couple of years ago, he added.

The Medical Students Union also rued the non-payment of the stipend given to interns despite the assurance given by Medical Education and Research Minister Anil Joshi.

The union has now decided to meet him and apprise him about the problems being faced by them.

It must be mention here that the students had launched a protest over the non-payment of their monthly stipend. The protest was withdrawn after the assurance by the Cabinet Minister that the state government would release their payments within a week.

However, even after two weeks, the government has not initiated any action regarding the payment of their dues.

Fact file The earlier charges were Rs 7,500 per annum, which have now been increased and range between to Rs 18,000 and Rs 31,000 per annum, depending upon the capacity of the air-conditioner Students have urged the authorities to review their decision

Amritsar, June 23
The district administration's ambitious Rain Basera project in collaboration with the District Red Cross society, being operated through Old Karam Singh ward, has failed to deliver desired results.

Apart from other lacunae, a major flaw is the total lack of residents' cooperation. It poses a hindrance in the implementation of the rehabilitation programme of the administration.

The end result is that discarding the administration's facilities, the destitute prefer to risk their lives in adverse weather conditions. The rising toll of deaths has reached around 10 here, this time.

Acting swiftly after the number of deaths reported in the media, a Red Cross team, with the help of the Police Department, carried out its operation of arresting the homeless and today arrested 26 persons from Shivala Temple, Durgiana Temple, Gol Bagh and other key traffic light points.

They were brought to the Rain Basera. At present, 65 persons are being accommodated here.

The newly renovated rooms, the cupboards, new beds and even a colour television set installed in the Karam Singh ward cannot charm them and they would go back to their old routine, interestingly, chalked out according to the religious calendar.

Their destinations on Mondays and Tuesdays are fixed for places around Shivala Temple, Thursdays and Fridays for Peer-gah and rest of the days for the Golden Temple and the Durgiana Mandir.

Being the holy city, there is no dearth of donors who provide them readymade food with a variety of delicacies including halwa puri, bhatura channa and sweet dishes. Besides, they also claim to earn between Rs 300-Rs 400 daily by asking for alms. Above all, they enjoy total freedom to spend the money in whatever way they like to.

Here at the Rain Basera, they are restricted to a humble menu comprising daal and roti (chapattis) only. This is arranged through managements of the Golden Temple, Gurdwara Borhiwala and other NGOs.

It has been observed that the administration's "hospitality", apparently, could not transform their basic nature. They are always inclined to go back to the streets and traffic signals, thereby creating chaos and bluffing people in every possible way.

Most of them with their tender children have come here from other states like UP, Bihar or Haryana. Ironically, the police showed helplessness stating that no action could be taken against them until and unless somebody filed a complaint against them.

Dharampal, a Red Cross official, said even as they had a reasonably good scheme for the destitute, no move could be successful until unless the residents cooperated with them. Instead of feeding the beggars with sumptuous food at religious places, they could show their magnanimity through Rain Basera premises. "We repeatedly appeal to them to refrain from feeding the beggars or donating them articles on the streets or at religious places," he added.

Amritsar, June 23
Panic gripped the JC Motors showroom located on the main GT Road here today after the owner of the showroom received a hoax call telling him that a bomb had been placed in the washroom, which was going to explode soon.

When Suresh Grover, the owner, and his employees found a bomb like thing in the washroom, they immediately rushed out of the building and informed the police.

Senior police officials lead by DCP Babu Lal Meena reached the spot.

A bomb disposal squad was pressed into service, which later found that it was a fake bomb containing a watch and a couple of small boxes with fuse and electric wires.

Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh, confirming the incident, said somebody had played a mischievous trick and investigations were being carried out in this regard.

Police officials are tracing the phone calls of the owner to reach the miscreant.