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While the state police defend almost similarly worded FIRs registered under the NDPS Act, The Tribune reports more lacunae in the state government’s anti-drug drive launched in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha results on May 20
International racket busted; 8 held,
Rs 1.6 cr seized
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Frail security has indoor patients on a high
Bootleggers attack cops in Jalalabad, 18 booked
Cannabis growth in Muktsar goes unchecked
Little help, suicide by farmers unabated
Election of alliance MPs challenged in HC
Farming getting capital intensive
Batala faces flood scare as main drain choked
Riverbeds yet to be cleared of encroachments, weeds in Patiala
4 docs found missing from duty
Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani during a raid at Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala on Tuesday. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar
IAS officer under scanner for graft
Selection of 312 medical officers
Note-for-vote scam
denial of PostGraduate quota
A doctor (wearing black badge) examines a patient in Hoshiarpur on Tuesday. A Tribune Photograph
8 chlorination plants sanctioned for Sriganganagar
Rain brings waterlogging woes to Phagwara
Dalits object to Punjabi novel, demand action
After quitting PPP, Chahal visits Talwandi Sabo
Rs 20,000 pm for kin of Punjabis stuck in Iraq
Blood donors hold protest
plea on bullock cart race
21 yrs after Army man got life term, High Court sets aside trial
SAD leader held for assault
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While the state police defend almost similarly worded FIRs registered under the NDPS Act, The Tribune reports more lacunae in the state government’s anti-drug drive launched in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha results on May 20
Chandigarh, July 1 Director General of Police (DGP) Sumedh Saini has called a meeting of IG, Zonals, on the special drug drive tomorrow wherein the issue of similar FIRs may be discussed, say sources. The police have so far not ordered any inquiry on the matter. The police insist that a new category in the form of peddler-cum-consumer has emerged due to which many who claim to be addicts have also been booked as they possessed any banned drug. Dinkar Gupta, ADGP, Law and Order, told The Tribune that too much was being read into the FIRs registered under the NDPS Act. "FIRs about murders also usually include that one of the involved persons challenged the other but that does not mean that the police keep a ready form of the different crime." He said no complaint had been made to the police about illegal framing of a person under the NDPS Act so far. "There is greater onus on the investigating officials to follow the copy book style which lead to similarities in FIRs. We have to fulfill the legal requirements. But we are always open to reinvestigation if any wrongdoing is reported." Ishwar Singh, IG, who heads the newly constituted Narcotics Control Bureau of the Punjab Police, said those analysing the FIRs should read previous cases under the NDPS Act. "There is a pattern and a procedure which is followed. We are open to look into specific complaints, but for that the person concerned or his family has to make a complaint to the police official concerned." He did not agree that most of those booked during the drive were addicts. "We have found that most of the consumers are also working as suppliers as it helps them make money to pay for drugs for their own consumption. We aim to rehabilitate the addicts, separate them from the smugglers and bring them back to the mainstream." Under the NDPS Act, the possession of 2 kg of a drug is considered commercial and attracts imprisonment up to 10 years with upto Rs 2 lakh fine. The possession less than 1 kg of a drug is considered small quantity and non-commercial and attracts imprisonment of up to six months and Rs 10,000 fine. Reports reveal funny to bizarre sequence of events under which the accused were booked. It has been revealed that since the launch of the drive on May 20, 4,108 FIRs were registered till June 16, averaging 152 FIRs per day. In a majority of cases, the accused simply walked into a police barricade with a substantial quantity of drug in his right pocket. A report has claimed that more than 95 per cent of 4,402 persons arrested since May 20 had kept the drug in their right pocket. The FIRs also say that the suspect when called ran towards the left direction. A senior police official here said the drug was found in the right pocket unusually as most of people are right-handed. FIRs lodged in Bathinda and Sangrur had a common element that the suspect was carrying a home-stitched bag in which he had kept the drug. Police officials say it is actually a common way of smuggling drugs. Similar FIRs also mention that the suspect willingly agreed to get himself frisked without the presence of a gazetted officer and there was rarely a resistance by the accused. Another common element in the FIRs was mass booking of suspects based on secret information. Ishwar Singh said the presence of a gazetted officer was not required during chance recovery of drugs and if the person allowed policemen to frisk him. He said the police conducted raids along with a GO after lodging an FIR on secret information. It was also noted that many similar FIRs claimed that an SHO spotted a suspect during a routine patrolling who ran at the sight of the police, but immediately stopped when he was intercepted. Later, some quantity of the drug was found from his possession. The reports also said the SHOs were traveling in private vehicles. Police officials have no specific explanation other than to claim that the SHOs were alert 24x7 for proper execution of the drive against drugs.
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International racket busted; 8 held,
Rs 1.6 cr seized
Patiala, July 1 Inspector General of Police, Patiala Zone, Paramjit Singh Gill said it had come to light that an international synthetic drug trafficking network was operating from Tamil Nadu and was spread out in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. “R Shiva Kumar and V Venkatesh of Chennai, M Prabhu of Tamil Naidu, S Mani of Chennai, Sachin Sardana of Delhi and Cerboih, a Burmese national (also carrying Indian passport by the name Zam Zan Iang, were arrested from New Delhi and Devinder Kant Sharma of Haryana was arrested from Gagret, HP,” he said. The police have seized Rs 1.6 crore, 615 kg pseudoephedrine, 6.5 kg narcotic powder, fake bills showing delivery of pharmaceutical medicines, a .32-bore pistol with eight cartridges, a car and other material from them.Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police HS Mann said preliminary investigations had revealed that this group used to procure pseudoephedrine, ICE and other narcotic substances from HP and transport it by rail to Chennai, where it was shipped to Burma and Malaysia and from there to European countries. “Three Malaysians namely Ibrahim, Rehman and Akbar have been identified as the end recipients of these narcotics”, he said. “The operational control of this group was in Chennai, from where computerised weighing machines and packing material have been seized,” said Mann. The state Director General of Police has promoted three police officials who were part of the team which played a role in the arrest of these drug smugglers. An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Patiala has been awarded the Director General’s Commendation Disc.
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Frail security has indoor patients on a high
Jalandhar, July 1 Besides, those who have given information about drug peddlers in their area have alleged threat to their lives. Manjeet Kaur (name changed) whose son is getting treated at a de-addiction centre at the ESI hospital here said: "I am a single mother. My son is addicted to drugs. Though I have managed to convince him to get treated, his friends who visit him regularly are trying to push him back into the world of drugs." She alleged due to the relaxed approach of the police staff, many addicts managed to get drugs when taken to the Civil Hospital for medical examination. Kunwar Vijap Pratap Singh, Police Commissioner, Jalandhar, has ordered inquiry into the allegations made by the families. Some families resented that the government was charging Rs 4,000 each from indoor patients - Rs 2500 for meal for 10 days, Rs 300 file charges, Rs 720 for medical examination and Rs 350 daily expenses. They say no receipt was being issued to them. They alleged the authorities even refused to refund the charges in case the patient left the centre early. Hussan Lal, Managing Director, Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC), said the camps were being run on self-sustained basis and the expenses had to be borne by the patients. "We have received a huge response for this special de-addiction drive. The number of OPD patients has increased manifold. We are providing them free treatment and medication at these camps, but other expenses will have to be borne by them," he said. He directed the Health Department to give receipts for the money charged from the patients. The special drive that started on June 19 will end on July 3.
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Bootleggers attack cops in Jalalabad, 18 booked
Fazilka: Bootleggers in Chack Balocha village of Fazilka district reportedly attacked Excise Department and police officials on Monday night. They were returning to their headquarters after seizing 10,000 litres of illicit countrymade liquor. Two employees working with wine contractors at Jalalabad town were injured in the attack. Sources said on a tip-off, the police along with the employees of Jalalabad wine contractors raided two places in Chack Balocha village. The team seized 10,000 litres of illicit countrymade liquor from the house of Kulwant Singh and the fields of brothers, Sandeep Singh and Kaka Singh. Excise Inspector Harjit Singh said when the teams were returning in the evening on Monday, some of the villagers reportedly pelted them with stones. Mangal Singh and Jaspal Singh were injured. The police have booked 18 persons, including Sandeep Singh, Kakka Singh, Gurcharan Singh alias Nagar and Jaswant Singh.
Kin pushing women into drug trade, say police Ferozepur: A woman was arrested on Tuesday on charges of drug smuggling. The police recovered contraband and 13 smart phones, 22 lighters, hi-tech cameras and syringes. Senior Superintendent of Police Gurpreet Singh Toor said the police had arrested the accused, Kulwinder Kaur. Toor said the large quantity of mobiles were recovered as the youth were bartering these for drugs nowadays. He said most women had been pushed into the drug trade by their family members. “In this case also, Kulwinder’s husband Sukhdev Singh had forced her to enter the trade. Sukhdev too was a drug peddler,” the SSP said. Last month, a woman of Phagwara was arrested on charges of drug peddling. In another incident, a couple belonging to Sunra Rajputan village was booked for allegedly selling drugs. Kaustubh Sharma, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), said the trend of using women as couriers was not uncommon these days. — Anirudh Gupta
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Cannabis growth in Muktsar goes unchecked
Muktsar, July 1 For instance, cannabis can be found in abundance on the Bura Gujjar road (within the municipal limits). Addicts pluck the cannabis leaves and use these in dried form in cigarettes to get a high. Gurmeet Singh, a local resident, said: "Cannabis grows at a fast pace during the rainy season. The authorities concerned must keep a check on its growth or else the outskirts of the town will turn into a safe haven for drug addicts." Some locals said cannabis had even grown up to 3 ft high along the canals and distributaries across the district. A senior police officer said all the departments concerned would be directed to destroy cannabis. Municipal council officials said they would soon launch a drive soon to destroy the cannabis plants.
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Little help, suicide by farmers unabated
Lale (Sangrur), July 1 Nirmal’s widow Jasbir Kaur, sister-in law Paramjit Kaur and his mother are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The family owns four acres of land, barely enough for subsistence. The family owes lakhs of rupees to private moneylenders as well as banks. A short distance from Lale village, lives Amarjit Kaur. A resident of Balre village, she has seen untold misery. Her betrothed, Darshan Singh, committed suicide months before their wedding. His brother Nachhatar Singh took his life a month later. Amarjit was then married to the third brother, Kaka Singh. The latter committed suicide four years after the marriage. Another male member of the family, Mewa Singh, committed suicide two years ago after his wife passed away. Now Amarjit Kaur is nurturing not only her two children but also those of her brother-in-law. The family owes a debt of Rs 5 lakh. “Our family has little more than 3 acres of land, which is barren without any irrigation facilities. We took a loan of Rs 2 lakh that kept mounting as we had no means to return it,” said Amarjit Kaur, who now weaves durries for a living. The family has found support in Baba Nanak Educational Society which is run by Inderjit Singh Jaijee, leader of the Movement Against State Repression (MASR). Though Amarjit Kaur gets widow’s pension, it is too meagre. Her neighbours have been helpful too. Rani Kaur of Balre village has a similar story to tell. She has lost four male members of her family. Rani gets up early morning to work at the homes of some farmers. After that, she leaves for the fields to transplant paddy. Another Rani and Raj Kaur have lost their husbands too. They now work as daily labourers to nurture their kids. The authorities have yet to check suicide by farmers caught in the debt trap.The number of suicides mounts between May and June (after the sale of wheat) and in October-November (after the sale of paddy) as moneylenders and bankers begin insisting on the repayment of loans. A survey conducted by PAU, Ludhiana, Punjabi University, Patiala, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, shows that 6,926 farmers in Punjab committed suicide between 2000 to 2010. At least 4,686 persons - 2,943 farmers and 1,743 labourers - took the extreme step because of rising debts. More than 2 lakh suicides in the farm sector have been recorded throughout the country so far. The incidence of suicide is higher in the cotton belt of Bathinda than in other parts of the state. The PAU has estimated the outstanding loans against farmers and landless labourers at Rs 35,000 crore. A study conducted by Prof HS Shergill, put the debt burden between 1997-98 at Rs 5,700 crore Another study (in 2007-08) put the figure at Rs 31,000 crore. The study found that the bank loans and private loans taken were in the ratio of 50:50. Prof Shergill says there is little doubt that farming has become non-viable for small and marginal farmers owning land up to 2 hectares. Their number is nearly 32 per cent. In all, 65 per cent farmers own land measuring less than 10 acres and cannot survive on farming alone. They need a secondary source of income. Dr Sukhpal, head of PAU’s Economic Department, has piloted several studies on suicide by farmers. He says the cost of inputs such as fertilisers, seed, farm implements and installation of tube wells has gone up manifold. But landholdings have become smaller because of the dying joint family system. Jaijee, who is funding the education of the wards of more than 300 families through Guru Nanak Society, was the first to bring the issue of suicide by farmers to the centre stage. He says the number of suicides is much higher than recorded by the authorities. Most have been reported from villages at the tail-end of canals where water is scarce, he says. He has the names of 2,300 farmers and landless persons who, he says, committted suicide. All of them were from villages in Sangrur and Mansa districts. His claim is backed by the village
panchayats.
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Election of alliance MPs challenged in HC
Chandigarh, July 1 In separate petitions, directions have been sought for setting aside the election of Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Vinod Khanna, SS Ghubaya, Vijay Sampla, RS Brahmpura and PS Chandumajra for corrupt poll practices. The petitions have been filed before the election branch, which will place these before the appropriate Bench. Challenging Harsimrat's election from Bathinda, Navjot Singh of Dabwali Dhab in Muktsar argued that she was liable to be disqualified under the People's Representation Act. He said: "PTC News and Fastway Cable TV Network ran the election campaign of the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP candidates in Punjab in general and that of Harsimrat Kaur Badal in particular. “Right from the day of filing nomination papers, the returned candidate-respondent was projected as a messiah for the Bathinda parliamentary constituency… The programmes and even news were specially designed and telecast to further the election prospects of the returned candidate”. He alleged that Harsimrat had “got” election advertisements telecast on TV channels “using the sacred religious symbols of the Sikh religion”. The “symbol” of the national flag too was used to woo the voters. Citing examples, the petitioner said that in the advertisement that claimed “kare kamm lok bhalai de Akali-BJP sarkar” (The SAD-BJP Government works for the people's good), pictures of the Golden Temple and Nihangs holding the Nishan Sahib were shown. "As such, the respondent used religious symbols to appeal to the Sikh voters," he argued. He said Harsimrat had spent more than Rs 1.05 crore on her election, which was beyond the EC limit.
Vijay Sampla Seeking the setting aside of his election from the Hoshiarpur (SC) constituency on the BJP ticket, voter Inderpal Singh claimed he too had got election advertisements telecast on TV channels “using sacred religious symbols of the Sikh religion." He argued that the prescribed expenditure limit was Rs 70 lakh. “However, the returned candidate had spent Rs 74, 07,193. Therefore, his election is liable to be set aside". Ranjit Singh Brahmpura Voter Harminder Singh challenged his election from Khadoor Sahib on the SAD ticket on similar grounds. “The returned candidate has committed the corrupt practice of not filing the true and correct account of the election expenses,” he argued. Sher Singh Ghubaya Challenging his election from Ferozepur on the SAD ticket, voter Bhupinder Singh alleged: “The respondent has shown a total amount of Rs. 45, 99, 995 as his election expenditure, but has not shown/ included an amount of Rs 17,60,000.” Prem Singh Chandumajra Challenging his election as the SAD candidate from Anandpur Sahib, Harbhag Singh said: "The returned candidate has committed a corrupt practice by failing to lodge a true and correct account of his election expenditure. He has shown a total amount of Rs 58, 69,469 as his election expenditure. But he has not shown/ included another Rs 8 lakh." Vinod Khanna His election from Gurdaspur has been challenged by Neeraj Salhotra . “He has shown only Rs 3, 03,063 as election expenses on a rally and deliberately concealed the remaining amount of Rs 20, 16,137 spent by him," he has alleged.
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Farming getting capital intensive
Lale (Sangrur), July 1 Dr Sukhpal of PAU says that between 2000 - 2005, the minimum support price of wheat and paddy had increased by a mere 2 per cent whereas the input costs has gone up by 8 per cent. According to PAU, the net return from paddy is Rs 25,000 per acre. This means that a farmer owning 2-3 acres will have an annual net return of Rs 50,000 — Rs 75,000 per annum. For wheat, the net return is Rs 18,000 per acre (Rs 36,000 to Rs 54,000 per annum). But a family of four can hardly survive on this income. Hence, to meet social obligations, buy equipment, install tube well etc, the farmers are forced to borrow money from banks and moneylenders. And soon he finds himself in a debt trap. Experts say there is a need to cut the cultivation cost, increase investment in the farm sector, lay greater stress on cooperative farming, give credit at cheap rates and exercise control over the interest rates charged by money lenders.
Dwindling returns * The net return from paddy is Rs 25,000 per acre *
This means that a farmer owning 2-3 acres will have an annual net return of Rs 50,000 - Rs 75,000 per annum *
For wheat, the net return is Rs 18,000 per acre (Rs 36,000 to Rs 54,000 per annum) *
A family of four can hardly survive on this income Remedial steps * Cut the cultivation cost *
Increase investment in the farm sector * Lay greater stress on cooperative farming *
Give credit at cheap rates * Exercise control over interest rates charged by moneylenders *
Help farmers to augment income from non-farming ventures
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Batala faces flood scare as main drain choked
Batala, July 1 The state government had asked the district administration to clean the drains by June 30. However, the authorities have not started the process of cleaning the most important Hansli drain, which over the years has become a lifeline for the locals every time the town is flooded with rain water, due to its huge capacity. The drain was constructed in 1958 due to the initiative of Pandit Mohan Lal, the then Batala MLA. It starts from Upar Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) and flows towards Pakistan. Even during the 1988 deluge, the drain had come to the rescue of the town. “So heavy were the rains in 1988 that had Hansli not been there, there would have been a tremendous loss of life and limb in the city,” recalled local septuagenarian Surinder Kumar. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Abhinav Trikha said, "An amount of Rs 16 lakh was sanctioned for the cleaning process. However, the amount is stuck in the treasury and once we get the money, the work (to clean the Hansli drain) will begin." However, by the time the money is released, it may be too late as the monsoon is around the corner. “It was cleaned a few years ago but now again, there are heavy deposits of silt. A similar condition was witnessed in 1992 when thousands of people were forced to spend three days and nights on their roof tops as the town was inundated with rain water. The situation was even worse for people living in Urban Estate, Shastri Nagar, Issa Nagar, Bank colony, Khajuri gate, Dharampura colony, Murgi Mohalla, Dera Road and City Road. Residents had to bear with unbearable stench emanating from carcasses of animals floating in flood water,” said a resident. Batala halqa in charge and former MLA LS Lodhinangal claimed that the drainage department officials were sitting on a plan to brick line the drain for years. “I took up the issue of brick lining with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal recently and he assured me that things will get moving soon,” he said. To make matters worse, the Municipal Committee has been regularly dumping garbage into the drain, choking it to the brim.
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Riverbeds yet to be cleared of encroachments, weeds in Patiala
Patiala, July 1 In the 2010 monsoons, damage caused by the floods in numerous villages in and around Patiala could have been partially prevented if the department had shown some timely caution. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had in 2010 asked all the DCs to get land near choes and seasonal choes cleared of encroachments following heavy floods. However, nothing much has changed and there are many encroachments on river beds and their surroundings. Sources said the Irrigation Department was yet to carry out cleaning and lining work in any of the seasonal choes and the Ghaggar due to paucity of funds. Wild growth can be seen in the tributaries and there are breaches in the river banks at many places in Rajpura, Ghanaur and Patiala. The Ghaggar is a seasonal river which provides water for irrigation and is full in the monsoons. “The lives of lakhs of people residing in villages near the Ghaggar are at risk. One can see trees growing inside the choes and illegal structures blocking the water flow,” said a villager of Ghanaur. Patiala DC Varun Roojam said the Irrigation Department’s drainage wing was assigned the task of completing the cleaning works by June 30 and submitting a report. “I have received a report on how they have utilised funds to the tune of Rs 3.26 crore in Patiala and adjoining areas. I will now hold a meeting with them and personally inspect the spots,” he stated. When contacted, state Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Dhillon said he had already instructed his officials to ensure proper cleaning work under proper supervision and had warned to take strict action in case of any lapse. “Though there are certain problems in belts near Haryana, we will complete all the pending work on a priority basis,” he said.
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4 docs found missing from duty
Patiala, July 1 The minister reached the hospital at 9.20 am. Even as more than an hour had elapsed after the beginning of the official timing at 8 am, Medical Superintendent Dr Amarjeet Kaur, Dr Gurman, Dr Ranjana and Dr Kewal Kishan Pawan were absent from duty. Jyani said a departmental inquiry would be initiated against the absentee doctors. He directed all the doctors to be present in the hospital during the official timings (8 am to 2 pm). He said people visited the hospital from far-off places and it was important that the doctors be in their seats to attend them. He also pulled up the authorities over cleanliness issues. Some patients complained to the minister that they were being charged “badhia” by the staff members, following which the minister asked the Patiala Civil Surgeon to carry out an inquiry into the matter and immediately suspend staff members responsible for it.
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IAS officer under scanner for graft
Chandigarh, July 1 Sources in the government said Roul had been asked to submit the report to the Chief Minister. It had been alleged that the 1998-batch IAS officer, who is currently without a posting and has applied to be sent on deputation to Rajasthan, did not clear bills without taking a bribe. He had been accused of harassing companies, including Tata, Ashok Leyland, Bosch and Mico, which supplied goods to the Transport Department, for clearing their bills. The complaint against Gurjar was first sent to the state Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar, who later referred it to the Chief Minister. This complaint was forwarded by Kohar to Chief Secretary in April but when no action was taken against Gurjar, the minister sent a reminder in May. Gurjar has all along refuted these allegations.
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Selection of 312 medical officers
Chandigarh, July 1 Appearing before a Division Bench of the High Court, Additional Advocate-General of state submitted: “As far as the state is concerned, the report of the SIT is acceptable in toto and they would take necessary action in pursuance thereof”. In response, senior counsel appearing for the commission asked for “some time” to place on record “certain objections” to the SIT report. He argued that “the findings were contrary to the procedure and norms of the commission”. The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Ajay Tewari fixed July 31 as the next date of hearing. The developments took place during the hearing on a petition filed in public interest by Punjab’s former Director-General of Police KPS Gill. The PIL was filed on the basis of a series of investigative reports carried out by The Tribune. The vigilance had earlier probed the selection process; and had also indicted several members. But it was not made a part of the judicial record by the High Court. In its damning report submitted to the High Court on May 26, the SIT had indicted then chairman SK Sinha and some members for coming out with “tailor-made” result. The SIT had categorically asserted that prima-facie a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant sections of the IPC was made out against then chairman and members DS Grewal, Dr Satwant Singh Mohi, DS Mahal, Ravinder Kaur, Anil Sarin and others “for their acts of commission and omission in connection with the selection”. The report said: “Evidence shows that the members of the PPSC with the connivance of SK Sinha, chairman, had subverted the entire selection process. The report comes nearly three years after Sinha died at the age of 62. The observations * The SIT stated a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was made out against then chairman and members for their acts of commission and omission in connection with the selection *
The report said that evidence showed the members of the PPSC with the active and aggressive connivance of SK Sinha, chairman, had subverted the entire selection process for PCMS selections 2008-09
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Note-for-vote scam
Muktsar, July 1 In the wake of the tardy pace of investigation, the complainants have now alleged that the authorities concerned are trying to hush up the matter as the names of some bigwigs were involved in this scam. However, Harpal Singh, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, said, “The Muktsar district administration was asked to record the statements of all those seen in the videos but the Deputy Commissioner replied that the police had refused to identify the man wearing uniform. Now, we have told them to ask the complainants if they can identify him.” According to the complaint, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Navtej Singh Kauni had allegedly distributed money among voters on the polling day. Slow pace of probe * The complainants have now alleged that the authorities concerned are trying to hush up the matter as the names of some bigwigs were involved in this scam *
A delegation of AAP and two other complainants had handed over two videos of about 11.30 minutes allegedly showing some Akalis buying votes on April 30
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denial of PostGraduate quota
Jalandhar, July 1 The RMOs wore black badges during the OPD hours and announced that if the government failed to resolve their issues, they would launch an agitation. “From tomorrow, we will put up a black flag on the rooftops of all rural dispensaries in the state as a mark of protest against the state government,” said Dr Aslam Parvez, RMSA president. The RMOs have expressed resentment over the denial of the state government to accommodate them in the postgraduate (PG) quota in all state medical colleges. “We are being denied the PG quota due to the faulty and half-hearted approach of the authorities,” said Dr Anand Malhotra, RMSA general secretary. The rural doctors rued that the Punjab Civil Medical Service (PCMS) doctors were getting the benefit of the PG quota, whereas RMOs, who were serving in the rural areas, were deprived of it. Meanwhile, Dr Poonam Syal, an RMO, strongly condemned the decision taken by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats authorising the Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPO) to monitor the functioning of the RMOs. “Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats Sikander Singh Maluka has been misguided on the issue. BDPOs are junior to RMOs in rank. We request Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to intervene in the matter, so that the decision is withdrawn at the earliest,” she added.
Why the discontent * The RMOs have expressed resentment over the denial of the state government to accommodate them in the PG quota in all state medical colleges *
They said the Punjab Civil Medical Service doctors were getting the benefit of the PG quota, whereas RMOs were deprived of it *
They also condemned the decision taken by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats authorising the Block Development and Panchayat Officers to monitor the functioning of the RMOs
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8 chlorination plants sanctioned for Sriganganagar
Abohar, July 1 Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajinder Rathore said Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje had visited Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts last week and got a feedback from six ministers who had been camping here along with secretaries of different departments. He said five railway under-bridges had also been approved at a cost of Rs 5 crore. Funds for the widening of the Sriganganagar-Hanumangarh road, development of stadium and trauma centre at Suratgarh, and lining of water courses within the radius of 5 km of international border would also be made available. The state cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Vasundhra Raje at Bikaner last evening, also decided to build mini-secretariat at Sriganganagar to streamline the administrative work of the area. A scheme has also been approved to deal with the problem of waterlogging. Rathore said camel had been declared state animal. The government has also decided to constitute a state highway authority to strengthen road network in the next five years. In the first phase, 20,000-km state highway roads would be designed as mega highways.
Approved projects * Five railway under-bridges *
Widening of the
Sriganganagar-Hanumangarh road * Development of stadium and trauma centre at Suratgarh *
Mini-secretariat at
Sriganganagar
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Rain brings waterlogging woes to Phagwara
Following heavy rain last night, virtual puddles could be spotted in many areas here, exposing the failure of the Phagwara Municipal Corporation to improve the drainage system before the onset of monsoon. The ill-equipped drainage system and choked sewerage are the main reasons that lead to waterlogging in most of the city areas. City areas, including Gaushala Bazaar, Sarai Road, Old Post Office Road, Subhash Nagar, Onkar Nagar, New Model Town, Hargobind Nagar, Khaira Road, Palahai Gate etc were inundated within minutes of excessive rain, affecting vehicular movement. Talking to The Tribune, residents expressed deep resentment over the civic body’s failure to find a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging during monsoon. Bhupinderjit Singh Bambha, in charge, Punjab Technical University unit in Arya Senior Secondary School stressed the need for improving the drainage system in the city. “Waterlogging creates a lot of difficulties, particularly for the commuters. Despite tall claims of politicians and bureaucrats, nothing has been done in this direction,” he said. Raju Jhikka, a resident of Hargiobind Nagar, said, “The MC must find a solution to the problem. During monsoon, rainwater enters our houses and most of us have raised the ground level of our houses up to 4 ft to combat the situation.” Besides posing a huge problem for commuters, waterlogging causes inconvenience to shopkeepers and residents also, especially in the low-lying areas such as Gaushala Bazaar. Water enters several schools and colleges also. Despite tall claims of politicians and bureaucrats, nothing has been initiated by them.
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Dalits object to Punjabi novel, demand action
Mansa, July 1 They filed a complaint with the Senior Superintendent of Police against the writer, publisher and the education authorities. They alleged that in his novel, the writer had insulted the women of the community by using offensive words for them. They alleged that students of Girls High School Khyala Kalan in Mansa district were given the book by the teachers to read during the summer holiday but some of the parents found the material objectionable and obscene. They said it presented the community in bad picture. “Books were distributed free of cost to the students to read at home. Teacher claimed that the District Education Officer had instructed its distribution. It is responsibility of the teachers and the DEO to know what they are giving to the students to read. “Girls of class VII girls were given these books having sexual and obscene matter on the Dalit women,” Said, Darshan Raathi, BSP, Mansa unit president. “The writer has presented the Dalit women in a derogatory manner. Objectionable and obscene language has been used in the book. The writer has violated the law by using such words. It has hurt the community and we will file a complaint with the SSP and IG to arrest the writer, publisher and the DEO,” he said. Speaking to The Tribune, writer Harchand Gill Mayani said, “My novel is too old and I hardly remember it, but I had no intention to hurt any community or the Dalits. It is a biography of Surjit Singh, characterised as Bhola Singh, who had entered into a relationship with his brother’s wife, a Dalit woman. Songs on the Dalits are being released with a pride. It should not be taken as objectionable as everything is from mouth of the characters.” Sanjiv Mitwa, publisher of Udaan Publications in Mansa, said, “We published the book in 2012 and we go through all the books before publishing it. I would check if there is any objectionable material in the book and how we missed it. We will look into the matter.” Harbans Singh Sandhu, DEO (Secondary), Mansa, said, “The books were selected and purchased by principals of schools during a book fair at Mata Sundari College in Muktsar. We are looking into how any objectionable content, if any, could be given to students.”
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After quitting PPP, Chahal visits Talwandi Sabo
Bathinda, July 1 He visited Jeewan Singh Wala, Sheikhpura, Fallan, Sekhu and Ramsran villages where he consulted his confidantes, sources said. Chahal had earlier quit the Congress to join the Manpreet Badal-led PPP. He had fought the Talwandi Sabo Assembly election in 2012 on the PPP ticket against Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu of the Congress. While in Congress, Chahal
was seen close to former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. Chahal may be allotted the party ticket
if he returns to the Congress fold. Chahal claimed that it was not him but Manpreet who had deserted the PPP by contesting the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat on the Congress symbol. He said he would have quit the PPP much before the Lok Sabha elections, but for the fear that he would have been accused of being "bought over" by the SAD.
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Rs 20,000 pm for kin of Punjabis stuck in Iraq
Chandigarh, July 1 A spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said Badal had also directed his cabinet colleagues to keep close in touch with the aggrieved families whose kin had either arrived or were still trapped in the strife torn country.
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Chandigarh: Apropos the news item that appeared in these columns on July 1 regarding a raid conducted by the Chief Minister at the mini Civil Secretariat on Monday, it was inadvertently mentioned that 14 officers were found present in their offices. These officers were, in fact, found absent. Among them were Principal Secretary Defence Services, SR Ladhar; Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, A Venu Prasad; Principal Secretary, Surplus Pool, Dharamvir; Principal Secretary, Jails & General Administration, Sanjay Kumar; Secretary, Transport, Anurag Aggarwal; Secretary, Freedom Fighters, VK Janjua; Secretary, Finance, JM Balamurgam; Special Secretary, PWD (B&R), HS Kandhola; Special Secretary, Transport, Dr Amarpal Singh; Special Secretary, Higher Education, Chander Gaind; Special Secretary, Civil Aviation, APS Virk; Secretary, School Education, Rahul Bhandari; Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Avtar Chand Sharma; and OSD, litigation (Health), RL Mehta.
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plea on bullock cart race
New Delhi, July 1 A bench headed by Justice HL Dattu issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Punjab government and Malwa Doaba Bulls Welfare Association on a plea filed by Maneka Gandhi's NGO People for Animals. The plea, filed by advocate Ajay Majithia, sought permission to file a Special Leave Petition to challenge the validity of the July 4, 2012 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Earlier, the apex court had asked the petitioner to wait for the outcome of the judgement in which the court was examining the issue of rights of animals, vis-a-vis, the sport of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu in which bullock cart races were organised during harvesting festival in January. The apex court had on May 7 banned using bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country and hoped Parliament would elevate the rights of animals to that of constitutional rights. In the petition, the petitioner said the bulls welfare association and other organisations were carrying on and perpetuating an illegal activity by using the bulls in races which is a "pure and simple act of cruelty". "...The interested parties from their own averments have disclosed that bullock cart races are in effect for commercial purposes, therefore, bulls are performing animals, which the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act does not permit. "In view of the above, the petitioner has a strong facie case with the balance of convenience leaning in its favour and public injury will be caused if the operation of the impugned judgement and orders... passed by the High Court is not stayed," it said. It said that prior to the races, the animal is put to a tough training schedule, involving hours of running on a given day. The plea said that to make the bull run is against its physical characteristics as the nature has not endowed it with the features to run in races and any form of speed is a great strain on the heart of the animal, which could lead to sudden death owing to a strain on the animal and is an act of cruelty.— PTI Case history * The SC issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Punjab government and Malwa Doaba Bulls Welfare Association on a plea filed by Maneka Gandhi's NGO People for Animals *
The plea sought permission to file a Special Leave Petition to challenge the validity of the July 4, 2012 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court *
The plea said that to make the bull run is against its physical characteristics as the nature has not endowed it with the features to run in races
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21 yrs after Army man got life term, High Court sets aside trial
Chandigarh, July 1 In November 1993, a GCM convened by Western Command had convicted Capt Parbinder Singh Gill for allegedly abducting and killing Varjinder Kumar of Yamunanagar while manning a mobile military check post in Sangrur-Jagraon as part of Operation Rakshak-II in March 1993. Gill had been granted bail by the High Court in 2000. A Division Bench comprising Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Fateh Deep Singh observed, “The rights of the petitioner have been substantially prejudiced. There has been abundant stifling of the procedural safeguards contemplated under the Army Act and Rules and having regard to the consequences that are likely to visit a person subject to the jurisdiction of such a Tribunal by each and every material defect in the procedure renders such a verdict invalid and to a nullity in the eyes of law.” Gill had claimed that there were gross procedural irregularities during the course of the proceedings against him. He had alleged that he was not given copies of the court of inquiry and other relevant documents and there was an inherent bias on the part of the authorities against him.
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SAD leader held for assault
Ropar, July 1 The victims include a differently abled man and three women. Bhaini allegedly attacked them along with 24 supporters at Bhaini village near here today. The victims had recently complained against the SAD leader accusing him of bungling MGNREGA funds. The injured have been identified as Babuji, Rajni Devi, her daughters Deeksha (15) and Simran (8), Harbansi Devi and her granddaughter Gurpreet Kaur. Earlier on June 9, the SGPC had lodged a complaint with the police alleging that Bhaini had fraudulently sold 2 kanal 4 marla land belonging to the SGPC. Balraj Singh, DSP, said Bhaini and his aide Paramjit Singh had been arrested. Others booked in the case include Jagtar’s son Manbinder Singh, nephews Sukhdeep and Sukhvinder, and Jasbir, Balbir, Dhanvir and Kuldeep.
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State Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani today held a surprise check at Mata Kaushalya Hospital,
Patiala, and found four doctors, including the Medical Superintendent, absent from duty.
The minister reached the hospital at 9.20 am. Even as more than an hour had elapsed after the beginning of the official timing at 8 am, Medical Superintendent Dr Amarjeet
Kaur, Dr Gurman, Dr Ranjana and Dr Kewal Kishan Pawan were absent from duty.
Rural Medical Officers (RMOs) working in rural dispensaries across the state today observed ‘black day’ protesting the Punjab Government’s attitude towards rural healthcare. The protest call was given by the Rural Medical Service Association
(RMSA), Punjab. The RMOs wore black badges during the OPD hours and announced that if the government failed to resolve their issues, they would launch an agitation.
A police personnel posted at the centre said he had found many used syringes and cigarette butts from washrooms. "The patients get drugs from their friends and even family members. We frisk every visitor thoroughly. But when patients are taken outside for some lab test, they managed to get their dose," he said.
Phagwara, July 1