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Man immolates himself
Ludhiana, August 17 The victim, identified as Ajay Kumar, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, succumbed to burns at the hospital last night. Soon after his death, the police registered a case under section 306 of the IPC for abetment to suicide against Ajay Kumar’s wife and father-in-law. Both of them have absconded. The incident took place last night when Ajay had a quarrel with his wife. He took up the matter with his father-in-law, who reportedly threatened Ajay with implication in a dowry case. Ajay then reportedly doused himself with kerosene and set himself on fire. He was rushed to the hospital with over 80 per cent burns. Before breathing his last, Ajay told the police that he got married to a girl named Neha last year. But soon after the wedding, their relation got strained. Ajay accused his wife Neha of fighting with him on petty issues. He said instead of resolving the issue, Neha’s father Tirath Ram used to threaten him. Fed up with pestering at the hands of his wife and father-in-law, Ajay set himself on fire. Thieves target yet another school at Jagraon
Jagraon: There seems to be no end to thefts in government schools in the Jagraon area. Thieves continue to strike at the government schools, particularly those located in the rural areas. During the past one month only, more than 12 thefts had taken place in the government schools located in villages falling under the Jagraon police district. Thefts are reported at village schools every other day. In yet another such incident, thieves broke into Government Primary School at Cheemna village, near Jagraon, last night and decamped with goods worth thousands of rupees. The incident came to light this morning when a class four employee of the school reached there to cleaning the premises. He informed the village Panchayat, which further informed the school authorities about the theft. According to Ranjit Singh, Headmaster of the school, the thieves decamped with an LPG cylinder, a gas stove, a pressure cooker, 5 litres of refined oil and a large number of steel utensils, which were kept in the school kitchen. The police have registered a case against unidentified thieves at the Jagraon Sadar police station and started investigation. In the last week of July, thieves decamped with two LPG cylinders from Government High School, Mallha. In another theft, grain meant for mid-day meal was stolen from a school at Gidarwindi village, near Sidhwan Bet, in the first week of August. Theft of LPG cylinders and the food grain meant for mid-day meal have become very common in this area. The increasing number of thefts in the government schools has put a question mark over the ability of the police to check such petty crime. Jagraon DSP Surinder Kumar said the police had increased vigil near the schools. “We have also formed special police teams to keep a check on thefts in schools. Besides, policemen have been instructed to increase vigil near the schools,” said the DSP. — OC
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Barkat Sidhu — a living legend in Sufi singing
Änupam Bhagria Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 17 Wadali seemed to be very upset after getting to know about the demise of Barkat Sidhu. He said: “He was a saintly figure who never sang for commercial purposes. He was a great soul who always maintained sanctity of Sufi singing.” Barkat Sidhu hailed from Moga district. He was born at Kaniya village of Jalandhar district in 1946 and was a cousin of Pooran Shad Koti. He had been suffering from cancer for some time and under treatment at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. Punjab government also helped him financially when he was under treatment at the DMCH. Describing his whole life in one sentence, Jagdev Singh Jassowal, an art and culture lover, said: “Kulli vich jameya te kulli vich mareya”. He said he was a class apart in Sufi singing and was a living legend. It will take centuries to fill the void created by his death.” Dedicating his Sufi singing to Sidhu, famous Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans said: “Ïf I äm a singer, it is only because of Barkat Sidhu and his cousin Puran Shah Koti with whom I had stayed for years on dargahs learning Sufi singing. Indeed, he was a living legend.” Showing his deep concern over the death of Barkat Sidhu, Gurbhajan Gill, former president of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi and a litterateur, said: “He was a legendary protagonist. He always sang for enriching Punjabi culture. The state government helped him once financially in his treatment. The government should go for medical insurance of all personalities of art, culture, literature and journalism.” Recalling his last audio CD, Gill said about six months ago, Barkat Sidhu recorded his last audio CD named “Barkat”. He sang gazals of Dr Surjit Patar, Tarlochan Lochi, Balwinder Dhanoa and my own.” Barkat Sidhu sang Sufi songs written by Bulle Shah, Sultan Bahu, Shah Hussain, Waris Shah, and Punjabi tappe.
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No action against erring hospital
Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 17 Monica Anand, ATP of Zone D, said she had received a complaint against the hospital authorities that some construction was being done by them illegally. “I have sent the complaint to the official concerned, who will assess how much area under construction is compoundable. It will take at least a week’s time and action will be taken against the violation accordingly,” said Anand. An RTI activist had filed a complaint to the Principal Secretary, Department of Local Government, Punjab, that a construction was being done at Model Town, adjoining Deep Hospital. It is mandatory that each building/structure is constructed according to the building bylaws. The building in question was not being constructed as per the sanctioned plan.
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Confusion prevails among teachers
Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 17 District Education Officer Paramjit Kaur issued directions to teachers to start sending SMSes to mark their attendance. In a letter issued to principals, heads and persons in charge of all government senior secondary schools, government high schools and government middle schools, the District Education Officer stated that it was mandatory to mark attendance through mobile. The district administration has got a new software installed to ensure the arrival of teachers at schools on time. The teachers have to send the SMSes within 10 minutes of the opening of the school. According to information, for an effective monitoring of schools, Additional Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia had initiated this system. However, she was transferred before it was put in force. Paramjeet Kaur, District Education Officer, said teachers had to send SMSes to mark their attendance otherwise the Deputy Commissioner could take action against them. The teachers would be responsible for their negligence. “The attendance through mobile is an impractical method and it is just a waste of time and money. The purpose of checking attendance can be served by a single SMS sent by the school head or the principal,” said a teacher. Teachers said no clear guidelines had been issued regarding the teachers who take half-day leave.
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Online registration for Class XI
Ludhiana, August 17 The PSEB will allow schools to access online accounts from August 21 to 25. The schools can recheck the registrations and correct the errors. The last date for the submission of registrations for Class XI was August 5. During online registrations, school authorities complained of several errors on the PSEB website. The school authorities maintained that the Punjabi font did not work properly on the website and as a result they had to go ahead with wrong spellings. A meeting of authorities of Associated Schools was held with the PSEB chairperson and officials in this regard on August 11. “One of our students has a unique name. So when we submitted the name on the website, it was not spelt correctly in Punjabi. I called at the helpline to fix the error but they were helpless. It is good that the board has given time to rectify details,” said a school principal. The spokesperson of Associated Schools in district, Anand Singh, said, “It was a major issue, so we discussed this in the meeting with the PSEB officials. The secretary, PSEB, Gurinderpal Singh Bath, had assured that time will be given for corrections. Now the board has given four days to rectify details.” Schools welcome the decisionA meeting of authorities of Associated Schools was held with the PSEB chairperson and officials in this regard on August 11. The spokesperson of Associated Schools in district, Anand Singh, said, “It was a major issue, so we discussed this in the meeting with the PSEB officials. The secretary, PSEB, Gurinderpal Singh Bath, had assured that time will be given for corrections. Now the board has given four days to rectify the details.” The school authorites have welcomed the decision of the board.
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OMR answer sheets for TET takers
Ludhiana, August 17 With this initiative of the State Council of Education Research and Training, Punjab, the applicant can get a print of answer sheet at their homes. The council will provide three OMR sheets to applicant. Applicants have to submit two sheets at the examination centre, and can get another along with them. The applicants will match the answers with the answer key which would be uploaded on the website of the State Council of Education Research and Training, Punjab, after the test. The Education Department has constituted 36 examination centres in the city. The department has sent a report to the National Council for Teacher Education regarding arrangements of examination centres. The centres have been constituted at government and private schools, including Shaheed Rajguru Government Senior Secondary School for Girls, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Government Model Senior Secondary School PAU, Government Senior Secondary School Multipurpose, Government Senior Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, Government Senior Secondary School, Cemetery Road, RS Model Senior Secondary School, Greenland Senior Secondary School and BVM School, Udham Singh Nagar. According to the information, the examination centres would accommodate 300 to 500 applicants.
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Religious fervour grips schools at Mandi Ahmedgarh
Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 17 Devotional songs, plays and lectures were presented at various schools that were appreciated by all including teachers and parents. Varandawan Bihari, Lord Krishna’s birthday song, dance performances and plays on Mirabai were appreciated by one and all. Victoria Public Senior Secondary School, Lehra, Green Valley Public Senior Secondary School, Sanatan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Maya Devi Goyal Senior Secondary School, Pohir, and Anand Isher Senior Secondary School were among those which celebrated Janamashtami.
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NGO Samkalp honours Civil Services entrants
Ludhiana, August 17 According to the office-bearers of Samkalp, there are 21 students across the state, who passed the exams with the support of the NGO. As many as 13 achievers and their parents were present on the occasion. Narinder Mittal, coordinator, Ludhiana chapter of Samkalp, said their NGO supported 1,122 students across India this year and as many as 585 students passed the examination. Samkalp helps those meritorious students who find financial huddles in their dreams. The NGO provide food, hostel and tuition to aspirants. While sharing his experience, father of a student said he never thought that his son could pass the civil services examination. Some parents also offered services to Samkalp after retirement.Santosh Taneja, PN Parbakar from Samkalp Delhi, Mahinderpal Gupta, Acharya Tulsi Kalyan Trust, were also present on the occasion.
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Education Department to hold painting competition on energy conservation
Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 17 Authorities at government and private-aided schools will be helping students on the subject on canvass during a national-level competition to be held in a phased manner. The movement has been launched in collaboration with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India. Authorities at government and private-aided schools have started preparations for the first phase of the national-level painting competition for students of Classes IV to VI and Classes VII to IX in two categories. Preparations have started in response to directions of the Director General, School Education, GK Singh, who said all students of these categories should be sensitised about causes and consequences of energy crisis being faced by the nation. The Director General, School Education, has advised all district education officers and district science supervisors to ensure that teachers of classes concerned should persuade their students to reflect their ideas about energy conservation during painting competition to be held at school-level. Two paintings from each category will be sent to director, BBMB, Balbir Singh Sinhmar, for evaluation at the state-level. The heads have been asked to arrange school-level competition between August 27 and September 29. Participants will be transforming their concepts to visuals on specific topics given for two categories. While junior category students have been asked to focus on topics such as ‘Save energy secure your future’, ‘Conserve energy for better future’ and ‘Bijli bachao parkash badhayo’, seniors will emphasise on ‘Global warming is global warning’, ‘Make it right change your light’ and ‘Urja bachat kee sanskriti ka karen vikas, ujwal hoga bhavishya aur ghar ghar parkash’. National winners and runnersup will be felicitated with cash prize worth Rs 1 lakh and Rs 55,000, respectively. The state winner and runner-up will get Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000. Schools showing full participation will also be recognised through a publication. Meanwhile, organisers of private unaided schools have also announced to participate in the competition. Dev Raj Sofat, chairman of Victoria Public Senior Secondary School, Lehra, said he has advised principal of the institute to coordinate with authorities in the Education Department so that their students are not deprived of their right to participate. “Though we have not received any formal information about the competition we have asked teachers of our school to motivate maximum number of students to remain prepared for the event,” said Sofat.
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SGG college shines in PU exams
Students of the Post-Graduate Department of Political Science, SGG Janta Girls College, Raekot, secured top positions in the university exams held in May 2014. Principal Dr Savita Uppal said Manpreet Kaur bagged first position in Panjab University, Chandigarh, by securing 77 per cent in MA-II in political science. She has followed the footsteps of gold medalist Amandeep Joshi (2008-09), Hardeep Kaur (2010-11), Rupinder Kaur (2012-13) and Amandeep Khangura, who clinched silver in 2010-11. Manpreet Kaur secured 81 per cent and stood first in MA-I (Semster II) in political science, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Ramesh Kaura, president, Managing Committee, and Rajinder Kaur, general secretary, applauded the feats of the students and congratulated the Political Science Department HOD, Anju Sharma, Amandeep Joshi, Aman and Rupinder Kaur. Placement drive at RIMT
As many as six students got selected by Electrotherm (India) Pvt Ltd with a package of Rs 2.4 lakh per annum, during a campus placement drive at RIMT Group. According to the company officials, it is a trusted name in Foundry and Steel Industry. It has been providing unmatched technological leadership for almost three decades with total manpower strength of more than 6,000 employees. They claimed that Electrotherm is distinguished by its innovative capability, strong domestic and international presence, competent leadership and experienced team. — TNS
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‘Dahi Handi’ competition
Janmashtmi was celebrated with great fervour at Drishti Dr RC Jain Innovative Senior Secondary Public School, Narangwal, Ludhiana. The programme began with a prayer. Students of Class III and Kindergarten brought alive various episodes of Lord Krishna’s life. They enacted his various avatars and highlighted the values to be learnt from his life. The helping staff of the school enthusiastically participated in Dahi Handi Breaking Competition and won a prize of Rs 1,000, which they contributed to Udaan – A Community Project, being run in the school for the underprivileged children. Green Land school celebrates Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the Saviour of Dharma, was celebrated with religious fervour at Green Land Convent School, Civil City, Ludhiana. The chairman of the chain of Green Land Schools, Rajesh Rudhra, was the chief guest on the occasion. Students of Kindergarten Wing came dressed as Radha, Krishna and devotees. The school was decorated with flowers, bells, buntings, ‘Maakhan Matkis’ and rangoli. The celebrations began with Lord Krishna Abhishek followed by bhajans and aarti that created the religious aura in the school. The students presented vibrant dance items on the life of Lord Krishna. Radha and Krishna on the traditional swing adorned with flowers attracted one and all. Students enact ‘Rasleela’
Birthday of Lord Krishna was celebrated with religious fervor at Everest Play Way and Nursery School, Ludhiana. The tiny-tots presented a show relating to the different aspects of the life of Lord Krishna. Children dressed as Radha and Krishan presented ‘Rasleela’. Students also cut a cake on the occasion. Students sing hymns
Green Land Convent School, New Subhash Nagar, Ludhiana, celebrated Janmashtami-the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The chief guest of the ceremony was Rajesh Rudhra, chairman of the chain of Green Land Schools. The function commenced with the incarnation ceremony of Lord Krishna by the chief guest, amidst the chanting of mantras by the school choir. Melodious hymns were sung by students which enthralled one and all. Inter-school shabad gayan competition held
The 14th Baba Gurmukh Singh Memorial Inter-School Shabad Gayan Competition was organised by Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar. This annual event was held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Baba Gurmukh Singh, a renowned philanthropist and the founder of GNPS. As many as 20 teams from Ludhiana and Jalandhar schools participated in the competition. Professor Kartar Singh, a legend in Gurmat Sangeet and Akademi Award recipient, adjudged the competition based on ‘Nirdharit Ragas’. Guru Gobind Public School, Daad, bagged the first position. BCM Shastri Nagar and GNIPS, Model Town, bagged the second and third positions, respectively. BCM-32 and Guru Amar Das Public School, Jalandhar, bagged the consolation awards. — TNS
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Wrestlers felicitated
Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 17 Sukhdev Singh Walia presided over the felicitation function held on the school premises today. Convener of the function Prof Gurmat Pal Singh said Hasrat, Gurjap Kaur, Harman Preet Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur have been felicitated by the Management Committee for their outstanding performances and victory in the championship held at Cheema recently. The winners have been chosen to participate in the state-level competition scheduled to commence at Taran Taran on August 22.
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Till now it was the social network site Facebook, through which scores of people were connected to each other. The pictures and statuses were regularly updated. But WhatsApp has made things easier for people and that too by paying nothing. It is a free platform through which a lot of information can be shared. A boutique owner said, “Whatever I buy for boutique, I click pictures and send on WhatsApp groups. My friends then ask me about price and place orders immediately. I deliver the product on their doorsteps and they hand-over the payment to the delivery boy.” Even reporters are making the most of WhatsApp, as sending and receiving information on the app is not just convenient but safe too, added the boutique owner. Take care of those
who take care of you!
Independence Day is also one of the testing times for the cadets and cops participating in the parade as they have to stand in the scorching heat for long hours. During this year’s Independence Day function, one of the woman cops fainted which indirectly pointed towards the testing conditions and poor diet that these cops are being provided with. They need to be taken care of properly. Their working conditions should be improved too. An onlooker had appropriately remarked, “How will they (the cops) be able to carry the burden of the nation on their shoulder, when they are not able to carry themselves.” It was not like any other routine speeches made at the Independence Day of the nation which is packed with sermons on unity, nationalism, patriotism and development. A local political leader, after unfurling the National Flag at the Independence Day function at Civil Lines, made an altogether different speech. “I will not ask the people to give up the habit of drinking or stop consuming mutton because no one is going to listen to me. What I want every one of you to do is, do not hurt anybody’s feelings (kise da dil na dukhao), treat your fellow human beings with love (har kise nal pyar da vartao karo).” Now whether it was a coincidence or not, the venue had a liquor vend on one side and a meat shop on the other. Patriotism does not cost a penny
On Independence day, a young boy was selling tricolour flags at the Bharat Nagar Chowk. Two children, who were on a bicycle, asked him the price. The seller said, Rs 10 for one. One of the boys on bicycle said, “We have only Rs 5 with us. Give us the one as we want to decorate it on the handles of our cycle.” Listening to this, the seller immediately gave them two in Rs 5 and said, “Decorate one from my side too.” The gesture did not surprise them but, brought smiles on their faces which was enough to understand their feelings for patriotism Tailpiece
Loose language: Read on a hoarding put up by a company for weight loss, “Pay less and loose more, lose weight in 10 days.....”
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Artificial limbs distributed
Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitabke Trust organised a free-of-cost artificial limbs distribution camp at Viklang Sahayta Kender, Rishi Nagar, Ludhiana. As many as 52 persons were given artificial limbs, tricycle, wheelchairs, calipers, crutches and hearing aids. The camp was sponsored by Balraj Chopra, Rajesh Chopra and family in the memory of their parents, Jagdish Chopra and Sheel Chopra. They appreciated the work of the Bharat Vikas Parishad and assured to extend their support to the trust in future also. I-Day celebrated
Independence Day was celebrated at Central Excise Commissionerate. Joint Commissioner Dr Hardeep Singh unfurled the National Flag in presence of officers and staff. Deputy Commissioner Sukhchain Singh, Assistant Commissioner Jagdish Kalra, and AK Sharma, Superintendent (STSTF), were also present at the event. A cultural programme was also organised by staff members. Eye check-up camp
A free eye check-up camp was organised by Dr Sunil Lakhotra, MD, Rishi Harmilap Nursing Home, Jalandhar bypass chowk, in association with Lion Club (Samrat) and doctors of DMCH, Ludhiana. As many as 150 patients were checked by Dr Sumeet Chopra, associate professor, DMCH. Free-of-cost medicines were also given to needy patients. Youth Cong celebrates I-Day
A programme was held on the occasion of Independence Day by the Nationalist Youth Congress. District president Parminder Singh Maan was the chief guest on the occasion. National secretary Sachin Tandon hoisted the National Flag. Tandon asked masses to maintain brotherhood for taking the nation to greater heights. Dignitaries honoured
Arora Mahasabha honoured senior citizens at Guru Nanak Bhawan on Sunday. The awardees included those, who were born before the Independence and created a niche for themselves in Ludhiana. Besides, many other dignitaries including Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Surinder Dabar, Madan Lal Bagga, Pritpal Singh Pali, Swaran Singh, Kultar Singh Jogi, Jagdish Bajaj and many others were also honoured on the occasion. The members of the sabha gave details about the programmes conducted by them for the welfare of the mankind. Martyrdom day
Martyr Madan Lal Dhingra was paid rich tributes at his Martyrdom Day on Sunday. A programme was held at Talab Bazar in the memory of the great martyr. The organisers, Vinod Jain and Kunwar Ranjan Singh, said Dhingra played important role in the freedom struggle. Dental check-up camp
A free eye and dental check-up camp was held at Dr Bansals Aarti Laser Centre. Nearly 600 patients were examined and given medicines. Camp coordinator Dr Indu Bansal said the main benefit from the camp was availed by the elderly of the society who underwent cataract operation at extremely less and affordable costs. Eye specialist Dr Nikhil Bansal said eye ailments due to sugar and blood pressure was one of the main causes of diminishing vision. FICO delegation to visit Europe
After successful Industrial visits to Taipie International Cycle Show in Taiwan and China International Cycle Show at Shanghai, a 56-member delegation of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation (FICO) will visit Europe to attend Eurobike 2014 from August 27 to 30 at Friedrichshafen in Germany. India being the second largest manufacturer of bicycle and its parts, the members will study the European bicycle market and explore the business opportunities, learn the trade of high-end cycle. Workshop held
Suman Hospital, Ludhiana, organised a two-day live hands on hysteroscopy and endotraining workshop. The workshop was organised by expert endoscopic surgeon from Delhi, Dr Prabha Manchanda and Dr Rahul Manchanda, along with Dr Suman Sarda, Dr Vanie Thapar and Dr Vidhu. Fifteen doctors from cities such Jallandhar, Gurdaspur, Sonepat and Patiala saw live hysteroscopic surgeries and also had a first- hand experience of working with sophisticated instruments (dummies) and pig bladders. The workshop is one of its first kinds to be organised in Punjab. 339 attend health camp
Lions Club Greater and Lok Sewa Club (NGOs) organised a free eye camp at Civil Hospital, Khanna, in which 339 patients availed the facility of free eye check up and 69 patients were selected for non-stitch lens surgery. Following general check-up, required lab tests were completed on the spot and surgery dates were given to the patients. Groupwise surgery will be done and four patients in each group will be operated for lens surgery. The OPD patients were provided free-of-cost medicines. The lens surgery will also be performed free-of-cost on every patient. PD Bansal, Lok Sewa Club president, said, Dr Harleen, eye specialist, and Jaswinder Kaur, ophthalmic officer, examined the OPD patients and lens surgery will also be done by the same team. Project chairman, Lions Club Greater, Sudesh Cham, said refreshments were also given to all the OPD patients. Tej Parkash Singh Kotli, former minister, inaugurated the eye camp and said such free eye camps are the need of the hour, especially for those patients who are unable to avail the facility of paid eye surgery. Dr Manjit Singh from Civil Surgeon office, Ludhiana, senior medial officer Dr Manohar Lal and Sushil Malhotra, secretary, PPCC, and member of the Central Board of Film Certification were also present on the occasion. — TNS
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His photographs depict nature at best
Ludhiana, August 17 Än amateur photographer, Jatin has learnt the art of photography by self-learning techniques and on U-Tube. He said: “This photo exhibition was sponsored by Aadhar Foundation, a non-government organisation.” “He said when people asked me as what equipment I used to click photographs, I would say: ‘My eyes’”. Many visitors visited the 3-day exhibition, which concluded today.
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No end in sight to these eyesores
Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 17 The authorities have spent crores of rupees in laying sewers in the city about a decade ago. However, the failure to complete the work in a planned manner has aggravated the problem. A few hours of rain in the city exposes the preparedness of the Municipal Corporation. Rainwater gets accumulated everywhere making the lives of residents miserable. Residents, be in the posh areas of the city or in slums, can be seen draining out rainwater that entered their houses or business establishments. All city roads get deluge with rainwater, leaving residents with no other option but to blame authorities for pitiable conditions. Starting from posh areas such as Rani Jhansi Road, Civil Lines, BRS Nagar, Model Town, Sarabha Nagar to the interior city, including Mata Rani Chowk, Talab Bazaar, Books Market, Chaura Bazaar and areas like Sunder Nagar, Miller Ganj, Vishkarma Chowk, Focal Point, Haibowal, Chander Nagar, Industrial Area, Janakpuri, Daba Road, Dhandari, Field Ganj, Islam Ganj, etc, waterlogging is witnessed in almost each part of the city during the monsoons. Perturbed over waterlogging, Sushma Mehta, Congress councillor from Ward Number 35, said she was witness to the problem for the past several decades. “The problem arises during the monsoon season every year. Till date, there has been no solution in sight. Storm sewer was laid about a decade ago in some areas of the city by spending crores. But that too was done in such a faulty manner that the problem aggravated further. Road “jalis” (nets) are never cleaned. Garbage and polythene bags get stuck into these ‘jalis’. The situation in the low-lying areas worsens in the rainy season. The state government claims to be carrying out a lot of development works in the city, but there has been no solution to waterlogging till date,” said Mehta. Storm-sewer system too far
Though World Bank teams have visited the city twice to find a solution to waterlogging here, there is no concrete outcome till date. Zonal Commissioner Operations and Maintenance Kamlesh Bansal said laying storm sewer system in the city is not viable for the MC alone. A lot of funding is needed from banks. Approximately over Rs 70 crore were spent on laying 10 per cent storm sewer in the city about a decade ago. But in the absence of a separate drainage system for storm sewer, the problem still persists. Experts say the cash-starved MC would require a few hundred crore rupees to lay storm sewer system in a proper manner. Residents, too, bear the brunt
Due to waterlogging, residents have to bear huge losses every year with rainwater entering their business premises/shops/houses. Jatinder Kumar, a shopkeeper at the Janakpuri area, said the problem of waterlogging was regular in the area. “With the onset of rains, we remove everything kept on the ground floor as water enters our houses/shops every year. There seems to be no respite from this problem in near future,” he said. Industrialists worst hit
Industrialists in the city rue that due to waterlogging and pathetic condition of roads in the industrial areas and focal points, their business gets affected. A businessman in the Focal Point, Phase IV, said it becomes embarrassing for them to bring buyers on the factory premises due to poor sanitation conditions. “At times, buyers refuse to visit factories/units due to bumpy rides and stagnant water. They feel the industry was the main source of income for lakhs,” said the businessman on condition of anonymity. digging of roads adds to the problem
The problem becomes miserable due to digging of roads in an illegal manner. For laying cables, roads are dug during night hours without seeking permission from the civic body. These roads are never levelled again. The activity continues due to the “connivance” of officials/field staff and lack of strict action taken against violators. Crores spent on carpeting roads go down the drain due to illegal digging of roads.
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Pollution control measures discussed
Ludhiana, August 17 “We are approaching the Punjab Government to grant permission for the formation of electroplating cluster and are hopeful that this new cluster will be developed soon in the periphery of Ludhiana,” he said. Upkar Singh Ahuja, general secretary, CICU, said the objective of the seminar was to create awareness in industry regarding pollution-control measures. He said the need of the hour was to conserve water. He laid emphasis on preserving water through water management, rain harvesting and recycling of water. “CICU is persuading owners of the red category industrial units, particularly operating in the mix land use areas, to scrupulously follow the PPCB guidelines and avoid dumping of industrial waste,” he said. Padam Aul, convener, CICU Pollution Control Committee, showed a video starting from ‘buddha nala’ till merging of water in the Sutlej. He also showed the techniques of minimising water for use in electroplating industry and use of latest equipment for the same. Javed, DGM, Small Industries Development Bank of India, said: “Our bank is willing to finance all types of pollution-control equipment on a priority basis. SIDBI is also finding ways and means to provide subsidy on these pollution-control equipment”.
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Heart institute joins hands with school
Ludhiana, August 17 The Hero DMC Heart Institute has already initiated this health awareness campaign and has registered more than 20,000 people in which a health tip alert is send to them through SMS. Paramjit Kaur, principal of the school, said: “We will bring our efforts in registering all staff and parents of their students so that they can also receive health alert tips via SMS. Technology, especially cellphones, is the best means to spread health awareness”. Cardiologist Dr Bishav Mohan gave a lecture on hypertension and diabetes in the school auditorium. — TNS
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Vegetable prices go through the roof, hit household budget
Ludhiana, August 17 Terming it a cruel joke with the common man, homemakers and even working women are finding it difficult to run households. Vegetable vendors say the prices of vegetables may not come down in near future. “The prices are so unpredictable. Yesterday, tomatoes were sold between Rs 50 and Rs 60 per kg. We were hopeful that prices will be slashed further. But today again, the prices have reached to Rs 80 per kg. We do not know the exact reason behind the exorbitant prices of vegetables. But we feel that the supply must have been hit due to rains. But certainly, for the common man, it is difficult to run households,” said Mahinder Singh, a vegetable dealer on the Rani Jhansi Road. Suman, a homemaker, said: “There is no respite from rising inflation. Today just to get potatoes, tomatoes and onions (each per kg), we have to shell out Rs 140-Rs 150, which is very pinching. It is not just these three basic veggies, which are too expensive but all other vegetables are being sold at hefty prices”. The cost of all vegetables is touching new heights these days. Poor supply from the hilly areas is cited to be the reason behind the price hike. Apart from onions, tomatoes, potatoes, French beans are being sold for Rs 70-Rs 80 per kg, capsicum for Rs 60 per kg, ladyfinger for Rs 40 per kg, bitter-gourd between Rs 60 and Rs 70 per kg, tinda Rs 120 per kg, cauliflower up to Rs 60 per kg, radish at Rs 40 per kg, a small bunch of mint of 250 grams is available for Rs 20, and carrot is available for Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg. Monica, a working woman, said the skyrocketing prices of vegetables had disturbed the budget. “I have started using tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes. We purchase veggies at such high prices with a pinch of salt. But imagine, how difficult it is for a poor family to survive,” asked Monica. The prices
Apart from onions, tomatoes, potatoes, French beans are being sold for Rs 70-Rs 80 per kg, capsicum for Rs 60 per kg, lady’s-finger for Rs 40 per kg, bitter gourd between Rs 60 and Rs 70 per kg, “tinda” Rs 120 per kg, cauliflower up to Rs 60 per kg, radish at Rs 40 per kg, a small bunch of mint of 250 grams is available for Rs 20, and carrot is available for Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg.
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‘Kaum De Heere’ star cast comes calling
Ludhiana, August 17 While interacting with the media, along with the star cast, producer Satish Katyal said a first among the genre of cinema highlighting the pain of 1984 Sikh genocide, “Kaum De Heere” is based on the biographical accounts of Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. “Based on true events, as per the findings of the Justice Thakkar Commission, the movie does not aim at creating any controversy. Our motive is to tell the audience the actual chain of events. We can’t change the history, but we can learn lessons from it for a safer future,” said Katyal. Satish Katyal was flanked by Punjabi lyricist and singer-turned-actor Raj Kakra, who plays the role of Beant Singh in the movie, renowned model-turned-actor Sukhdeep Sukh, who plays the role of Satwant Singh, Sardar Sohi and Isha Sharma. “The movie is an outcome of thorough research of legal records, published books and other material available in public domain. There is nothing fictitious in it,” said Katyal. The director, story, screenplay and dialogue writer of “Kaum De Heere” is Ravinder Ravi. Shivtar Shiv has lent cinematography, while Beat Minister has crafted its music. Actor Raj Kakra has written lyrics of the songs.
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Grasim Suiting launches Festive Collection 2014
Ludhiana, August 17 Pooja Chopra, Miss India World 2009, launched the collection here today. The launch showcased Grasim’s new product offerings of “Velino” (a range of international fabric that is extra smooth and light), “Jute” (an unique selection of fabrics perfected for latest Modi jacket trend in a wide range of vibrant colours), “His Majesty Line” (John Abraham’s line of extra fine fabric with excellent drape), “Caffaro” (lustrous and luxurious Rayon rich fabric that is ideal for ceremonial dressing) and “Vintagio” (fine wool blended all-weather suiting). The brand also showcased exclusive collections - Orlando, Palladium and North Waves - especially designed and developed for the consumer in Northern India basis regional consumer preferences. Grasim’s new collections launched today as part of the Festive Collection 2014 is the outcome of an innovation driven-culture, diligent research and development and a dedication to live up to consumer expectations. — TNS
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Ludhiana, August 17 The protest took a political colour today when Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Ramanjit Lalli shared the stage with the action committee members. Lalli blamed the ruling SAD/BJP combine’s political motive for dividing Namdharies in two groups. He said it was due to the unsympathetic attitude of the administration that the hunger strike entered the 17 day. Suba Darshan Singh, president of the action committee, said Namdhari Bachhitar Singh decided to sit on fast-unto-death for exerting pressure on the faction of priests at Namdhari Darbar who have huge amassed wealth donated by Namdhari devotees. — TNS
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