Ludhiana, June 25
Three days after the body of Abhishek (22), a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, was found in his black Honda City near SCD Government College, his father, Dr AK Banerjee, has said he suspects foul play behind his son’s death.

Banerjee, who runs the Sadbhavna Group of Institutes in Raikot and a de-addiction centre, said according to the autopsy report, his son died at around 11:48 pm on the night of June 21.

“But Abhishek was not sitting alone in the car. There was another person who was sitting on the passenger’s seat. The car in which my son was found dead has a central locking system. While all the doors, including the door of the driver’s seat, were locked (where my son was sitting), the door on the co- passenger’s side was open, which indicates that someone else was also sitting in the car at that time,” said Dr Banerjee.

There were no signs of intoxicants, snorting, ingestion and cigarette inside the car. “If my son had died due drug overdose, then an injection should have been found inside the car,” said Dr Banerjee, who met the Commissioner of Police and brought these facts to his notice.

Interestingly, the call details of Abhishek’s mobile no. 9872544066 from 6.14 pm to 9.14 pm were deleted.

“The police were requested to get the call details of Abhishek’s mobile number and also to check the tower location of mobile numbers active close to Abhishek, but nothing has been done in this regard so far,” said Dr Banerjee.

Under ordinary circumstances, the police should have shifted the body to some other vehicle for post-mortem and cordoned off the area. Then a thorough forensic investigation should have been done, including searching for direct evidence by fingerprint experts.

“But in my son’s case, the police bundled the body in the back seat, asked me to put my dead son on my shoulder, told Dr Madhu, Abhishek’s mother, to sit on the front seat. One of the policemen drove them to the Civil Hospital. Shifting body in this manner destroyed all the evidence that could have led to the criminals,” said Dr Banerjee.

Ludhiana, June 25
Even as leaders from various political parties have been expressing their solidarity with the protesting students of the College of Fisheries at GADVASU, the students’ strike entered its 25th day today.

With the sole exception of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the leaders of other political parties have made a pitch for supporting the students’ demands. Last week, two MPs, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, met the students and assured them of their support.

The BJP, the alliance partner of the SAD, also extended its support to the students. The BJP district chief, Parveen Bansal promised the students an audience with Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Parkash Singh Badal. However, the leaders’ support to the students has, so far, remained a sheer political exercise.

Earlier this week, Aam Aadmi Party leader and senior advocate HS Phoolka filed an application for registering an FIR against the CM for “fraud with the students of the College of Fisheries”. Alleging that the state government is playing with the career of the students, he claimed that the government has not fulfilled the promise of providing jobs to the students. Phoolka said if the students were not provided jobs within 15 days, he would move the court.

Last week, Ludhiana MP and Congress leader Bittu had claimed that he had asked the district administration and the minister concerned to assure the students of jobs. The MP went to the extent of saying that if jobs continue to elude the students, the Ferozepur Road may be blocked. Sangrur MP Mann, while expressing his concern over the safety of the protesting girl students, visited the venue of protest last week at 1.30 am to check the safety measures at the site.

“It seems that the politicians want to cash in on the students’ misery. Instead of trying to score brownie points over the issue, the political leaders should work out a plausible solution to the problem,” said an educationist.

Meanwhile, the protesting students today told The Tribune that they do not want to politicise the issue. “We’re thankful to Phoolka for his support, but we do not want to be directly involved in registering the FIR against any leader,” said a girl student. The students have given this in writing to the PAU police.

Ludhiana, June 25
The city police registered a case of abduction against three persons for abducting a schoolgirl at Bajara Colony here yesterday. The accused have been identified as Arif, his maternal uncle Munish and his aunt.

The parents of the abducted girl complained to the police that their daughter left home for her computer class two weeks ago but never returned. They suspected their neighbour’s family abducted her. The Mehrban police had registered a case and started a search for the accused.

According to the girl’s father, her daughter used to study in class XII at a nearby school. After school, she used to attend a computer class. On June 9, she left the home for her computer class but never returned.

He said the main accused, Arif and his maternal uncle and aunt had left the house the same day when their daughter went missing.

Jatinderpal Singh, Station House Officer of the Mehrban police station, said: “We have registered a case against the three accused for abducting the girl. The search for the accused is going on. The police raided on several locations. We will arrest them soon and rescue the girl.

Ludhiana, June 25
Three children, who were working as domestic help at Kitchlu Nagar, were rescued by a task force, which include officials of the police and Labour Department and members of an NGO, here today.

Aged between 10 and 15 years, they had been working as domestic help for the past some time.

Dinesh, from NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, said all three girls belonged to Jharkhand.

“While the parents of these girls are in their hometown, they work here as domestic help. One of the girls does not even know the name of his father,” he said.

Dinesh said: “We have been following the case for quite some time but the sad part is that we were not informed about the raid by the task force today. We came to know about the raid and reached the spot on our own”.

Krishna Gopal, Inspector, who was a member of the task force, said: “We will prepare a report and send it to the Deputy Commissioner, who will take action accordingly,” he said.

Paramjeet Kaur, Inspector of the Labour Department, said a medical examination of the girls was done and they were sent to the child care home in Jalandhar.

The task force has rescued 52 child labourers and issued penalty notices to 29 employers in the past few days.

Ludhiana, June 25
The Education Department has extended the date for submission of applications for admission to the meritorious schools. The District Education Officer has said that the last date has been extended till June 30.

The district meritorious school has got a poor response as only 130 applications were received till last date, i.e. June 21.

The students of government schools securing more than 80% marks can apply for admission in these meritorious schools. As Ludhiana district got maximum positions on the state merit list of class X Punjab School Education Board examination, the department was expecting a good response to the school in Ludhiana. The first batch of plus one at the district meritorious schools will start with 500 students.

Earlier, the district administration and the Education Department claimed the academic session at the meritorious school would start on July 1. However, it is expected to be delayed by more than two weeks.

The Education Department received around 4,700 applications against 3,000 seats in all six meritorious schools in the state.

The government will provide free education, board and lodging to students of plus one and two at these schools.

Meanwhile, Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, along with Gurjot Singh, District Education Officer, visited the meritorious school to check the ongoing construction work. Rajat Aggarwal said 98% construction of the academic block was completed.

“The construction of the hostel building of the meritorious school will also be completed within one month. The renovated building of the boys’ hostel of SCD Government College will accommodate 216 boy students of the meritorious school while the newly constructed hostel building will provide rooms to 180 girls of the school,” said Aggarwal.

“New furniture for classrooms and offices will be procured within a few days,” the DEO said. Process to recruit teachers for the meritorious schools is going on.

Ludhiana, June 25
The election of Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Union (PAUTA) is scheduled to be held on July 22. Returning officers announced the date here today.

Dr Sukhpal Singh, (Head of Department at Economics and Sociology), returning officer for PAUTA Election, stated that the nomination for elections could be filed till July 18.

“One can get his nomination papers back on July 19. The general body meeting and election will be conducted on July 22,” he informed.

Earlier, the general body meeting held in May decided to conduct the election in the first week of June.

There are two groups i.e. Kingra group led by Dr Harmeet Singh Kingra and Siag group led by Dr Mukesh Siag, to contest the elections.

According to Harmeet Singh Kingra, incumbent president, Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Union, elections were delayed due to non-availability of human resources and infrastructure.

“The election was scheduled for the first week of June but varsity had its semester examinations from June 2 to 12. Then there were a few holidays. Now, the entrance tests and counselling for UG and PG classes are going on. So, the examination hall and auditorium are not vacant to conduct the elections,” Kingra said.

“Not only the infrastructure, the teachers were also engaged with examinations and entrance tests. Moreover, due to holidays in schools, some of the teachers are on vacation with their families,” he added.

As per the PAUTA constitution, the elections should be announced at least 15 days before their conduct. Both the groups should get enough time for election campaign.

The PAUTA executive body had elected Dr Sukhpal Singh, librarian Dr Jarnil Singh and professor (Entomology) Dr Ranjit Singh Gill as returning officers to conduct the elections.

The returning officers will constitute a team to conduct the election. There are around 775 teachers in PAU, including 204 teachers, from out stations across the Punjab. 

Jagraon, June 25
To check the problem of traffic congestion in the town, the Jagraon Municipal Council authorities today removed several illegal encroachments from roadsides in various areas of the town.

A drive was launched by the MC authorities to remove the illegal encroachments from the roadsides following the instructions issued by Executive Officer (EO) Davinder Singh Toor.

The Municipal Council authorities were accompanied by police personnel.

During the drive, the authorities removed illegal encroachments from Tehsil Road and Railway Road. The authorities also confiscated a large number of vends put up on roadsides by vendors illegally during the drive.

Instructions were issued to shopkeepers to not put up their goods outside their shops.

Jagraon Municipal Council Executive Officer Davinder Singh Toor said the drive was launched to remove the illegal encroachments from the roadside to resolve the traffic issue in the town.

“We would continue this drive against illegal encroachments in the coming days too till all roads are cleared from encroachments. We have also instructed the shopkeepers to not put up stalls in front of their shops and if any shopkeeper is found doing so, strict action would be taken against them,” Toor said.

Ludhiana, June 25
There is no check on the plastic pollution. Polythene bags are seen strewn in and around the city. In many localities, sweepers burn the bags, unmindful of the pollutants that are released into the air.

Arvind Gupta, director, fashion institute, said: “There should be a blanket ban on the use of plastic bags. A layman cannot distinguish between high-quality plastic and its recycled variety. Plastic bags choke the sewerage system. I see no reason why the use of plastic bags should be continued when better and environment-friendly alternatives are available.”

Dr Sunil Lakhotra, city-based medical expert, said: “Creating public awareness is the first step. Media and government agencies can play a big role. Residents need to be educated about the hazards of using plastic. One should not burn plastic.”

Janmeja Johl, artist and writer, said: “The problem is about the non-judicious use and management of plastics. A concerted effort by people and the government can help address the issue.”

Gurbhajan Gill, writer and former chief of Punjabi Sahit Akademi, said: “The development model that we follow has to be changed. The throw-away culture needs to be changed. Even mobile phones are finding their way into garbage. No one knows how to dispose them of. Segregation of household garbage is required. Besides, the packaging industry should be educated. The use of plastic should be regulated.”

Dr Ranjit Singh, former Dean, PAU, said: “We need to educate the public about the issue. Besides, the use of paper bags needs to be promoted. Regular checks on the use of plastic bags is a must.” 

Khanna, June 25
Alleging poor functioning and misbehaviour with patients by its doctors several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers, led by Amit Bansal and Pal Singh Mundi, sit on a dharna in front of the hospital. They protested for about one hour and raised slogans against the doctors of the hospital.

The protesters alleged that the doctors of the hospital often misbehave with patients. Though the hospital had several facilities, the doctors used to tell patients to get their tests conducted from outside.

Later, the party workers submitted a memorandum to the SDM, Khanna, Harjot Kaur.

She assured them that she would look into the matter.

Manohar Lal, SMO, Civil Hospital, claimed that though the hospital functioning was going smoothly, some persons with vested interests were disturbing its routine work.

He said if the things did not change, the doctors would be forced to meet the SDM, Khanna, and would also hold a dharna against such elements.

Though protests against the hospital functioning are held regularly after a gap of fortnight or a month, the doctors often flay charges levelled by protesters.

Malaudh, June 25
Residents of Bhikhi village in Payal sub-division and surrounding localities were apprised of causes and consequences of malaria and dengue and water-borne diseases during the rainy season.

Besides organising workshops and seminars, the health authorities at the local Civil Hospital launched a door-to-door campaign to spread awareness among residents of the nearby areas. They told them to take preventive measures before the onset of the rainy season.

As a part of the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, health officials, led by Renu Baweja, Lakhveer Singh and Kiran Rani, organised awareness lectures to educate the masses about the causes and consequences of malaria, dengue and water-borne diseases which spreads during the rainy season.

Giving details about the programme, the speakers said stagnant water was the root cause of proliferation of vectors communicating pathogens among human beings.

Besides eliminating the breeding places of mosquitos and other insects acting as vectors, people should try to protect their body parts. Care should also be taken while consuming water and people should consume clean water.

Expectant mothers were advised to avail safe prenatal and postnatal medical services at government hospitals and community health services.

With an intent to reach the maximum number of persons within the short period, the officials of the Health Department provided training to the paramedical staff. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, June 25
Guards providing security to financial organisations, including nationalised and cooperative banks, seems to have learnt no lessons from past incidents.

While guards employed by banks are rarely equipped with sophisticated weapons and ammunition, those hired from private agencies do not care much about the instructions given by managers of such banks. With reports of snatchings and robberies pouring in from various banks, it seems that nothing concrete has been done so far to check such incidents.

Helping customers to fill their forms and performing other duties are part of the normal activities being undertaken by security guards on duty.

They probably feel pride in entertaining guests and responding to queries of customers visiting banks.

The situation was worse at various branches situated in rural parts of the region.

Sources said security personnel had a casual attitude towards safety and most of them did not even bother to frisk visitors.

In the absence of proper checks, passers-by have started sheltering themselves from scorching heat and showers in banks.

Referring to observations made after conducting checks at banks falling under their jurisdiction, beat officers of the area regretted that officials of certain bank branches instead of reprimanding security personnel for dereliction of duty order them to do miscellaneous jobs.

The police said a majority of guards deployed on main gates of banks were found using mobile phones on duty.

“These guards are unprepared to tackle any untoward incident in the absence of weapons. Fearing accidental fire, a majority of guards keep their guns unloaded,” the police said.

In a recent incident, a security guard of Khadial branch of Gramin Bank had lost his life due to unpreparedness during the working hours.

The video clip showed the alleged negligence of the guard and staff of the bank.

The guard, who was performing a non-security duty after keeping his weapon in a room during the working hours, was shot dead by one of the three intruders, when he (guard) tried to confront them empty handed.

Another clipping highlighted the negligence of a guard of another national bank who did not notice the entry of robbers with masked faces till they overpowered him and looted the cash.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Gill Gurpreet Singh Sikand said he had directed all SHOs and beat officers to coordinate with managers of various banks and advise them accordingly.

Sahnewal, June 25
Residents of Sahnewal are facing hardships due to the non-stoppage of trains at the local railway station. Fifteen years ago every train used to halt at Sahnewal. Now, despite an increase in population, only a few trains stop here.

The residents have urged that trains must be halted at Sahnewal as it has been converted into a sub-tehsil and it has more than 40 villages under it.

The passengers face a tough time due to the non-stoppage of trains at Sahnewal as they first reach Ludhiana and then board train from there. More and more professionals, businessmen and students working or studying in Ludhiana or surrounding areas have now chosen this town as their permanent place or are staying on rental basis in the town.

Harbans Singh Sains, a social worker of the area said: “The trains plying to Chandigarh and Delhi should definitely halt at Sahnewal for at least three times in the morning and equal number of times in the evening.”

In a letter to the General Manager, Northern Railways, New Delhi, and MP Harinder Singh Khalsa, office- bearers of the Young Citizens Association and local residents have stated that the up-direction trains - 14681 (NDLS –JUC), 12459 (NDLS-Asr), 15707 (Katihar-Asr), 18237 (Bilaspur-Asr), no-13307 (Dhanbad-Fzr), 2421 (Chd-Asr),12241 (Chd-Asr) and down-direction trains 14682 (JUC–NDLS), 12460 (Asr–NDLS), 15708 (Asr–Katihar), 13050 (Asr –Hwr), 13006 (Asr-Hwr), 13008 (Fzr-Dhanbad), 12242 (Asr-Chd) and 12422 (Asr-Chd) should be given a brief halt at the Sahnewal station.

In addition to it, the DMU/EMU service should be introduced between Ludhiana and Chandigarh, which should leave Ludhiana in the morning and return back in the evening, so that passengers may be able to get benefits from this new rail link.

Kuljit Singh, another social worker, said: “The town has almost become a part of Ludhiana city. The chaos on roads of Ludhiana is difficult for them to tackle. As most of them have settled at Sahnewal, they have to leave for their jobs and they prefer trains than the bus services.”

Ludhiana, June 25
Government College for Girls (GCG) has been waiting for approval for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) final year, MSc (IT) and PGDCA
from Panjab University to start the classes in this academic year.

The college got approval for BBA-I in 2012 and for BBA-II in 2013. This time the PU team visited the campus and asked the college authorities to depute one more teacher to get approval.

According to the college authorities, they have arranged the teacher as per the recommendation of the committee and wrote to the PU authorities for approval. But the university has still not granted the approval.

According to the college principal Gurminder Kaur, due to this delay by the university, the college has to compromise with the cut list.

“Now, all other colleges have started admissions of BBA. But due to delay in approval we can’t give admission to students. Though, we have received a large number of applications for BBA but still we can’t carry on wid the admission process till PU grants approval for BBA final year,” she added.

Moreover, the college had also applied for MSc IT and PGDCA from past few years but the approval committee constituted by PU visited the college campus and denied to give the approval. The committee reported that the college does not have proper and sufficient infrastructure. The college again applied for both the classes.

Requesting anonymity, one of the teachers at GCG informed that these courses had been running in several private colleges which don’t even have basic infrastructure. He alleged that the criteria for approving any course to college was not fair and private colleges use their personal contacts to get the approval.

“The private colleges pay less salary to the teachers to what they actually claim in papers. We pay more than private colleges but can’t claim more than we pay. But private colleges still get the approval and we are either made to wait or are refused,” said a teacher.

Principal Gurminder Kaur said, “The university should give the approval to BBA final year soon, so we can start the classes on time.”

Ludhiana, June 25
The organisers of Mrs India Beauty Queen announced the launch of this year’s pageant at a press conference held here today. This year the pageant is being organised by Bir Kaur Dhillon, Mrs India Globe 2013.

Hotel Hyatt Regency, Ludhiana, is the venue partner for the 2014 pageant. Interested contestants need to log onto mrsindiabeautyqueen.com for further details.

Winner of the ‘Mrs India Beauty Queen’ pageant will compete internationally at the Mrs Globe 2014, which will be held later this year in China.

“We empower women and girls to lead a life of dignity and respect. Women on Women Welfare (WOWW) is a new initiative to empower girls and women through education and vocational training to achieve economic independence,” Dhillon said.

“Our firm belief is that financial independence brings economic and social independence. For this, we have been working for over a decade in Patiala district, whereby we are providing education to the girl child and vocational training to aged women. Sewing machines have also been provided to make women self-sustained. Our motto is – it’s the small, small things that make a big difference,” she added.

Dhillon further stated that, “Mrs India Beauty Queen pageant will provide a platform where married women will have the opportunity to make a difference in the world. This platform hopes to empower women and enrich opportunities for personal growth. It will also inspire women of diverse backgrounds
and cultures to come together nationally and internationally, support lifelong commitment to uplifting those in need and develop a sense of global responsibility.” 

The winner of the pageant will compete internationally at the Mrs Globe 2014, which will be held later this year in China.

Ludhiana, June 25
Dr Peter Marty, a scientist from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland, visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today.

He held discussions with director of research Dr SS Gosal and other scientists of the university to explore the possible areas of collaborations and student exchange programme between PAU and Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZUAS).

Dr Marty who is the head of the Rural Regional Development Group and lecturer at the Institute of National Resource Sciences, ZUAS, gave a detailed presentation about his institute. He shared that his university had strong ties with the industry and a major portion of the funding for research comes from the corporate sector. He also elaborated upon the mutual areas of interest for PAU and ZUAS. Also, Dr Gosal explained the visitor about the research system of PAU. He also apprised the visiting scientist of the research being conducted on various crops. Dr PK Chunneja, professor of Entomology briefed the visitor about the various teaching programmes of the university.

Dr Marty was presented a set of university publications and a souvenir of PAU. He was also shown the Museum of Social History of Punjab and Dr MS Randhawa Library at PAU. 

Ludhiana, June 25
While there is a long waiting list (going up to some 25 years) for new tubewell connections, and these command a very high premium, a case has come to light in which a new connection was given to a third party, obviously for a consideration, after the bona fide applicant had died many years ago.

In a complaint lodged with the chairman-cum-managing director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Manohar Singh, a resident of Ghungrana village alleged that the pending tubewell connection in the name of one Mohinder Singh (son of Hira Singh) was released in 2012, but it was installed at the farm of the third party even as the applicant had died in 2006.

In view of the fact that new tubewell connections come at a very high premium, the complainant stated that it was with the connivance of some officials and employees of the Suburban Sub Division No. 2, Ahmedgarh, of the PSPCL, that the connection, which ought to have gone to legal heirs of the applicant, or in case there was no claimant, to the next person in the waiting list, was given to the third party.

That certain employees and officials had a vested interest in the installation of the tubewell connection (waiting list no GN-888) at the farm of a person who was not on the waiting list, is obvious from the claim of the complainant that a junior engineer, an upper division clerk of the PSPCL and a resident of Ghungrana village, had come to his residence to put pressure on him for withdrawing the complaint.

“When I had lodged a complaint about the bungling in the release of the said tubewell connection with the Additional Superintending Engineer, Distribution Division, Ahmedgarh, of the PSPCL, then how could the guilty employees know about the allegations levelled against them unless somebody in the divisional or sub-divisional office was also in league with them,” Manohar Singh wondered.

Chief Engineer (Central Zone) of the PSPCL Rachpal Singh, when contacted, said the complaint was marked for an inquiry to a sub-divisional engineer of the suburban sub-division number 1, Ahmedgarh. He said on the face of it, the release of a tubewell connection to the third party after the death of the bona fide applicant seemed highly irregular.

“Senior officials have been directed to dig out the truth and take stern action against the guilty persons,” he added.

Chief Engineer (Central Zone) of the PSPCL Rachpal Singh said he had marked an inquiry to a sub-divisional engineer. 

Ludhiana, June 25
Senior police officer Yurinder Singh Hayer, a 1999 batch IPS officer, joined as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Ludhiana range, today.

Hayer replaced Nilabh Kishore (IPS) who is now posted as the DIG, State Narcotics Control Bureau.

Hayer, an MBA (marketing) from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, was recruited as the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the 1990 batch of the Punjab Police. He was later elevated to the IPS.

Hayer, who was earlier posted as the DIG, Bathinda Range, has remained as the DIG, Ferozepur range, and the Mansa SSP from 1997 to 2001.

When the commissionerate was established in Punjab, Hayer served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Ludhiana and Jalandhar. Besides, he has served as the Senior Superintendent of Police in Mansa from 1997 to 2001, and the SSP, Jalandhar (Rural), for more than two years. An outstanding tennis player and a keen golfer, he is also the senior vice-president of the Punjab Basketball Association.

He served as the SSP, Chief Minister security, following the assassination of the then Chief Minister Beant Singh. He was also the Deputy Director, Police Academy.

After becoming an IPS officer, Hayar served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ludhiana and Jalandhar, wherein he played a key role in setting up of the police commissionerates. While addressing mediapersons, Hayer said the malignant seed of crime should be uprooted well before it popped its head above the ground. After having a meeting with all the SSPs of the district falling under Ludhiana Range, Hayer said stress would be on prevention of crime and as well as tackling social problems. Youngsters susceptible of straying, will discipline society.

Having studied the police system and working in the USA, Hayer was also decorated with President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services (2013) and Director General of Police Commendation Disc for conducting peaceful Lok Sabha 
elections.

Ludhiana, June 25
Independent legislator Simarjit Singh Bains, who finished fourth in the Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana, is all set to float a new political party, as was announced by him during the elections. Talking to The Tribune today, he said a political platform to counter the “anti-people policies of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)” was the need of the hour.

“The Badal Government is bent on fleecing the public. Its anti-people agenda is now an open secret,” alleged Bains.

Bains, along with his MLA brother Balwinder Bains, was earlier the associate member of the Akali Dal in the Vidhan Sabha. In the 2012 Assembly poll, Bains brothers contested as Independents only to rejoin the party later as associate members. Simarjit had declared at that time that he had no differences with the senior Akali Dal leadership; the differences were only with the local leaders of the party.

Earlier this year, when Simarjit contested as an Independent in Parliamentary elections, Bains brothers said their parting ways with the Shiromani Akali Dal was irrevocable. Simarjit openly accused the Akali Dal supremo, Parkash Singh Badal, of promoting “anti-people policies”.

Giving details about the yet-to-be-formed new political party, Simarjit today claimed that some former legislators from theShiromani Akali Dal and the Congress were in talks with him. “We’re working with like-minded individuals and groups that can come together to form a political party. Our objective is to form a party that will offer a strong resistance to the anti-people policies of the ruling alliance in Punjab.”

Terming the Congress as a “weak Opposition” playing a friendly match with the ruling alliance, Simarjit said the Congress had failed in its duty as the Opposition.

“With a fairly good strength (of the party) in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Congress, if it wanted, could have played the role of an effective Opposition. But it deliberately chose to ignore the most important issues in the state Legislative Assembly,” 
he said. 

Earlier this year, when Simarjit contested as an Independent in Parliamentary elections, Bains brothers said their parting ways with the Shiromani Akali Dal was irrevocable.

Ludhiana, June 25
Not only the crème of society, but labourers too are falling prey to drug addiction. This has affected the industrial production which has seen a decrease by 20 to 25 per cent. Most of the workers are on tobacco products, opium, cough syrups, blood pressure tablets and fluids while those who shift their base to rural areas get addicted to smack.

Trends show that workers in large numbers are getting hooked on drugs. The industry, which is already facing labour crunch, is finding it difficult to deal with the situation.

Sikander Singh, a dyeing unit owner said,” Workers take advance from us on the pretext of going home and squander the money on drugs. They usually don’t return. The situation is going out of control.”

Vinod Thapar, chairman of the Knitwear Club, said he had pasted warning posters on the premises of his industrial unit.

“I have put up banners highlighting the ills of tobacco. I do not allow the workers to consume tobacco or other products during the working hours. If we deal with them sternly, they will not return to work,” said Thapar.

The workers have started going to the rural areas as drugs are easily available there.

Badish Jindal, national president of the Federation of Associations of Small Industries of India (FASII), said the matter was of grave concern.

“Drug addicts also indulge in criminal activities for money. The situation needs to be monitored closely. A solution should be worked out at the earliest. The government should ensure that drugs are not sold. We cannot do anything until the drugs are easily available,” he said.

“Workers are also spending their savings on drugs. One of my workers took all his savings saying his sister was getting married. He returned after four months and asked for advance. When I learnt that he had started doing drugs, I decided not to keep him,” added Dheeraj Kumar, a garment manufacturer.

Ludhiana, June 25
Harshveer Singh Sekhon, a Class XI student of DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, has been selected for the Asian Roller Skating Championship (Junior) to be held in China in September and World Roller Skating Championship to be held in Argentina later this year.

Harshveer has won accolades by winning two gold medals and a bronze medal in the School Nationals conducted by the School Games Federation of India in Virar, Mumbai, in January 2014. In the Open Nationals organised by the Roller Skating Federation of India, he won two silver medals.

His recent selection for Asian as well as World Roller Skating Championships has come after securing the second position in the selection trials held in Mysore, Karnatka, from May 24 to June 12, 2014. It is after 20 years that a skater from Punjab has made it to an international tournament. Harshveer and his parents gave the credit to DAV Public School and principal JK Sidhu for supporting him. His parents said such talented players should be recognised by the state government.

The principal congratulated Harshveer on his selection.