“The mayor of the Ludhian MC, not Commissioner, should be held responsible for the slow pace of development works in the city. The mayor should have called the general house by now, so that the councillors could put forth their queries. But the general house is not being called deliberately as the authorities have no answers to our problems. The Sangat Darshan is held for the public and it must not be disturbed for vested interests and dirty politics,” said Mehta.

Ludhiana, August 19
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has received tremendous response to the demand survey for freehold premium apartments proposed to be constructed in Sector 40 on Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road here. The demand survey, which was launched on July 10, 2014, will close on August 25, 2014.

According to GLADA officials, the proposed housing complex would be a 14-storey building having nearly 350 flats with option of 2BHK plus a servant quarter and 3BHK plus a service quarter.

The 2BHK flats with a covered area of 1,300 square feet is being offered at a tentative cost of Rs 50 lakh up to seven storey and Rs 40 lakh above seven storey. Similarly, the tentative price of 3BHK flat will be Rs 60 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for up to seven storey and above seven storey respectively.

The GLADA officials said the exact number of 2BHK and 3BHK flats in the housing complex would be determined on the basis of the demand survey, depending on the applications received for the two categories of flats. As per the conceptual plan, the construction of the flats would be RCC frame structure with provision of high-speed lifts, firefighting system, solar water heating system and 24-hour power backup.

The flats in the proposed complex were being offered under self-financing scheme to be allotted through a draw of lots. After submitting an application with a nominal earnest money (Rs 50,000 for 2BHK and Rs 75,000 for 3 BHK), the successful applicants will have to make payment towards cost of the flat in six half yearly instalments, with the first instalment becoming payable in 60 days from the date of issue of letter of intent.

As per the offer document, 50 per cent of the total number of flats will be reserved for the demand survey applicants while for the remaining flats, applications will be invited afresh.

Ludhiana, August 19
High drama was witnessed today when members of the Punjab Medical Representatives Association (PMRA) staged a dharna and tried to submit a memorandum to the officials of a pharmaceutical company who were staying in the local hotels. More than 200 medical representatives raised slogans outside a hotel in the morning.

The situation went out of control and the police had to intervene when bodyguards of the company officials tried to control the mob. With the intervention of the police, the situation was brought under control. The PMRA members were assured that the bodyguards would not accompany the company officials in the field.

The police arranged a meeting between the company management and the PMRA representatives for 25 August to negotiate and resolve their pending issue. An official accepted the memorandum of the association on behalf of the company.

“The company officials have come to the city with their goon and they tried to threaten us. They are asking us to work more than 8 hours without any break. There are clear-cut provisions under the Act which state 8 hours of working included 1 hour of preparatory work and 1 hour for lunch. If anybody works beyond the mandatory hours, the company has to pay him overtime. But in India, all pharma company are breaking the rules, which must be stopped as it is illegal and anti-labour,” said Ashish Molri, Ludhiana secretary of the PMRA.

Through this demonstration, the PMRA wanted to open a dialogue with the company officials to resolve such issues and work according to the labour laws. It has requested the administration to effectively implement the labour laws in the state to support the legal right of the employees engaged in sales promotion. They said if the administration didn’t do this, these companies would continue to harass/terminate the services of their filed workers, said Sandeep Singh Sohi, a member of PMRA.

Members of the PMRA units from Bathinda, Abohar, Moga, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Patiala participated in the protest. 

Ludhiana, August 19
Eight cases of diarrhoea were reported from a labour colony, near the Omax site, at Thakkarwal today. Of eight patients, two were referred to the Civil Hospital.

People living in different localities continue to suffer while none of the department is ready to take the responsibility. The Health Department puts the blame on the Municipal Corporation while the MC accuses the former of not making adequate arrangements to check the outbreak of diarrhoea. The Health Department washes it hands of the matter, saying that the cause of the diarrhoea outbreak is contaminated water supply, which is the responsibility of the civic body.

As the department and the civic body continue to pass the buck, cases of diarrhoea continue to be reported.

Vinod, a resident of Parkash Nagar, where diarrhoea broke out last month, said he regularly paid water supply bills but still the water he had been receiving at home during the past month was not fit for drinking.

A labourer living near the construction site said his wife fell sick and he had to get her admitted to the hospital. “She had loose motions and vomiting and was admitted to the hospital. It is probably due to the contaminated water supply that she fell sick,” he added.

Dr Parwinderpal Singh Sidhu, SMO, Community Health Centre, Sanhewal, said the situation was now under control and the medical camp was still on in the area.

“There is no proper water supply as it is a temporary colony set up by the construction workers. They are using stored water supplied to them through water tankers. It was learnt that the labourers had taken some food at a gathering on August 15 after which they fell sick,” added Dr Sidhu.

Jagraon, August 19
At a time when medical science has been advancing at a rapid pace and the scientists have achieved major breakthroughs in treating various kinds of diseases which were not possible in earlier times, it is surprising to see huge presence of quacks and people doing unauthorised medical practices in Jagraon. More surprising is the number of people visiting these quacks for the treatment of various kinds of diseases.

In spite of a strict ban on quacks and instructions issued by the government to the authorities concerned to check the menace of quackery, the evil is going unchecked in Jagraon and surrounding areas.

There are a large number of quacks who are operating their makeshift ‘clinics’ in Jagraon and surrounding areas and these quacks are doing a brisk business. With the passage of time, the number of quacks is also increasing and their business is also flourishing. The hoardings put on by these quacks outside their makeshift ‘clinics’ claim to treat almost every disease including orthopedic diseases, dentistry, impotency, skin ailments and many others.

The business of quacks is booming as there are still a large number of people from rural backgrounds visiting these quacks for treatment of various ailments. Most of the people who fall prey to such quacks are villagers and majority of them are uneducated.

Such quacks exploit the innocent rural people suffering from different ailments. There are several people who still prefer quacks for treatment as compared to qualified and expert doctors and one can often see people visiting these quacks for getting treated various kind of diseases.

The local administration too seems to have turned a blind eye towards this illegal trade and the practice is going unchecked at various places in and around the town despite various awareness drives being organised by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Though several people have fallen victims to such quacks in the past and their ailments reached a critical stage.

According to experts, apart from lack of awareness, fee charged by these quacks is one of the several reasons behind people preferring these quacks over qualified doctors for treatment. Besides this, the people prefer to go to quacks for quick relief and to avoid any major surgery. Men suffering from impotency also prefer to visit these quacks to avoid embarrassment as they hesitate to share their problem with qualified doctors.

Dr Sukhjiwan Kakkar, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Civil Hospital, Jagraon, said the health department carries out drives to check these quacks. “We keep on conducting checks on regularly and whenever we get any complaint, action is taken against the quack. Still some uneducated and innocent people visit such quacks for treatment. There is need to create more awareness among the people about the risks of treatment by quacks,” said Dr Kakkar. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 19
Residents of the area wish that cavalcade of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries should pass through the local town, while they visit Mela Chhapar, which is scheduled to commence on September 7, at Chhapar village. They want the authorities to know about their potholed roads and streets besides defunct drains.

Condition of approach roads connecting the town with venue of the mega event and nearby localities including Ludhiana, Malerkotla and Sandaur is also stated to be pitiable.

Temporary filling of pits with garbage and earth has also not gone down well with the residents as that would compound their problem due to frequent rains and winds.

A visit to this town by road from Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Sandaur, Pakhowal and Raikot has revealed that none of the roads is in motorable condition. Condition of approach roads including Jandali road, Dhulkote, Chhapar and Dehli road is in worst shape.

Similar is the condition of link roads. The railway road, Jandali bye pass, bank road and bajrang akhara road have almost become non-motorable.

The road along the banks of the Bathinda branch of the Sirhind Canal is also in pitiable condition. Only the local residents know how to reach their destination by using link roads. The journey on approach roads from Mullanpur, Sandaur and Raikot is also bumpy. The situation becomes worse during the rainy season.

While the Chhapar Mela, which has been witnessing huge gatherings from all over Punjab and the surrounding states for decades, commences on September 7, authorities have not taken any notice of the bad condition of the roads so far.

Residents said since the VIPs have started coming to mela by air, the authorities aren’t bothered about the woes of the common man.

Naresh Sharma, a social activist, said the civic body was not bothered about the proper upkeep of these roads. The onus of maintaining a particular stretch of these roads is on the local bodies department, PWD and various market committees. And this confusion had resulted in the present condition of the approach roads.

People from surrounding villages have started going to other towns for purchasing various goods due to pitiable condition of roads.

Residents of the area wish that the cavalcades of the Punjab Chief Minister and his colleagues in the cabinet should reach the mela venue by road so that they get the feel of the poor upkeep of all roads. They say two decades ago, these roads used to be repaired at least once a year as dignitaries, including Chief Minister, used to visit this place by road.

Ludhiana, August 19
The Municipal Corporation has miserably failed to keep a check on the illegal connections of water and sewerage, due to which there is an outbreak of deadly diseases during the monsoon every year.

This could be attributed to rampant staff shortage, political ‘interference’ and no proper procedure to keep a check on illegal water connections.

An executive engineer with the Operations and Maintenance Department not wishing to be named, said, “It is the Corporation’s duty to ensure that there are no illegal water and sewerage connections in the city. But we are helpless as we don’t have adequate staff to keep an eye on every ward.”

Besides, all illegal activities are carried out late in the night. Also, connections cut by us are again restored due to political pressure. Under these circumstances, how can we keep a check on illegal connections of water and sewerage?”, asked the official.

Ironically, no survey has been carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana till date to ascertain the exact number of illegal connections in the city.

Though the officials claimed to be carrying out one through the Remote Sensing Department, it seems to be a distant dream.

The department swings into action only when a disease takes its toll over human lives or regular complaints about contaminated water are received by the civic body.

It was only in the recent past that illegal connections were cut by the department and 8-10 FIRs were lodged against violators when cases of diarrhoea were reported from the Jawaddi area.

Commenting on the issue of illegal water and sewerage connections, Additional Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said, “No extensive survey has been carried out on illegal connections by the Municipal Corporation so far. If any illegal connection is brought to our notice, we can recover dues of the last three years failing which, the connection can be terminated immediately.”

Ludhiana, August 19
The Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertaking (CICU), has condemned the proposal of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), seeking a 5 per cent hike in the power tariff submitted to the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

CICU has stated that the move will have a negative impact on the industry, as the cost of production will go up subsequently, and render the industry uncompetitive.

CICU President Avtar Singh in a statement released today said, “Besides causing inconvenience to the power consumers, the hike in power tariff will burden the industrial and domestic sectors at the cost of providing free electricity to the agriculturists.”

“Increasing the power tariff almost every half yearly, to provide free electricity to farmers, cannot be justified as MSMEs are also reeling under adverse economic conditions. All policies framed by the PSPCL are anti-industry. The industrialists in Punjab are being supplied power at exorbitant rates compared to the other northern states. One can’t hope that any new industry will be set up in the state,” said Singh.

Upkar Singh Ahuja, General Secretary, said, “The losses of PSPCL are mainly attributable to deficiencies in the financial management, planning, implementation of projects, running their operations and monitoring.”

Ahuja said he had urged the Chairman of the Punjab State Energy Regulatory Commission, not to grant permission to the PSPCL to hike power tariff, which will fuel inflation and prices northward, so as to save the industry in Punjab from disaster and further exodus to the adjoining states having pro-industrial policies.

Ludhiana, August 19
The release of former Punjab Police “cat”, Gurmeet Singh, alias Pinki, on compassionate grounds has rattled the sexagenarian couple of Amrik Singh and Charanjit Kaur, whose 21-year-old son was shot by him in 2001.

The couple has blamed the government for “sheltering” Pinki. “Would they have done the same if Pinki had killed a politician?” asked Charanjit Kaur before breaking into tears.

While showing the copy of an RTI report, Amrik said: “Pinki made a mockery of the law. He had remained out of jail for six times since December 2012 till June 2014 (four time of parole ad two times on “furlough”). We were not even aware when Pinki’s jail term was scrapped on compassionate grounds. The RTI information shows that his jail term of four years, four months and six days was waved of.”

At first, the couple could not believe that Pinki’s remaining jail term has been waived of. “We filed an application under the RTI and were shocked to find out that Pinki was actually released,” said Amrik Singh.

“First he got the case transferred from the city to Chandigarh. From there it was transferred to four judges from time to time. I could not record my statement before about 80 hearings. The case was further transferred to Kurukshetra from where it was further shifted to Jagadhari. Even after being convicted, Pinki remained out of jail on parole. What is the logic of sentencing him to jail?” asked Amrik Singh.

Amrik said seeking justice was not easy for the family. They had to sell off all their valuables to arrange money for contesting the case. “We spend around Rs 10 lakh while fighting the case even though the advocates contested the case free of cost,” he said.

The couple was left alone after the killing of their only son. They run a grocery shop in New Prem Nagar in the Civil Lines area.

“Look at my plight. Pinki shot my son at point-blank range in front of my eyes. I was also shot at by Pinki’s accomplices but I survived. Pinki offered me Rs 2 crore to settle the matter but I refused to accept the money as it couldn’t bring my son to life,” said Amrik

Kulwant Kaur, the eldest among the three sisters of the victim, said: “Our only brother was killed. We ran from pillar to post to get justice. But the killer, in connivance with the government, has made a mockery of the law. He is again allowed to roam free, so he can killer more people.”

Mandi Ahmedgarh/ Dehlon / Payal, August 19
Office-bearers and activists of an organisation have vowed to grow Moringa oleifera, commonly known as drumstick tree, on their premises. The plant besides contributing in environment preservation and fight against malnutrition, will help youths to shun drugs through natural homemade herbal preparations.

Responding to a clarion call given by management committee of Prachin Shiv Mandir, Payal, office-bearers and activists of religious, social and constitutional organisations announced to plant saplings of the Moringa oleifera in their residences, workplaces and utilise various parts of the plants according to advice given by experts.

Oath was taken during concluding session of Shiv Murti Sathapna function, where saplings of the tree were distributed as parsad among devotees.

Varinder Khara presided over the function and Harvinder Singh Phoolka, AAP leader, was the chief guest.

Social activists led by chairman of Radhey Krishan Gaushala Bimal Sharma and president of Rotary Club Lalit Kaura said they had decided to plant saplings of the Moringa tree provided by Phoolka at vacant places and near premises owned and managed by them.

Earlier addressing the gathering Phoolka had announced to provide free saplings of the palnt which according to him was vanishing fast from the border state.

Highlighting benefits of growing the Moringa plants, Phoolka claimed that various parts of the plants including leaves, pods, seeds and roots had been used as staple food, energizer and medicine by our ancestors.

“Though we had almost forgotten importance of the ‘miracle tree’ recent researches by American universities has reiterated findings of our forefathers,” said Phoolka claiming that the Moringa was among few plants, all parts of which were consumed by humans in one or the other form. He said leaves, pods, seeds and roots of the tree contained maximum number of essential components of diet including vitamins, mineral and source of energy. 

Ludhiana, August 19
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the burning of an effigy of IMA and stated that it was an insult to the whole doctors’ community. Yesterday, some self-styled leaders, professional activists of Hindu Sikh Jagriti Sena, burnt the effigy of IMA at BRS Nagar.

IMA members said culprits should be booked under the Punjab Medicare Protection Act without any delay, otherwise they will be compelled to take further steps not only in Ludhiana but in whole of Punjab. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 19
The Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Specialist Doctors’ Association will observe a one-hour strike across the state from 11am to noon on August 20.

Dr Avinash Jindal, president of the Ludhiana Chapter of the PCMS Specialist Doctors’ Association, said, “The government is not providing allowance to PG doctors with higher education despite repeated representations to the state government.”

“In June 2012, the government gave only 15 per cent PG allowance on the starting scale and that, too, was applicable to only those doctors who did their PG after 23 May, 2001,” said Jindal.

“We demand 50 per cent of the basic pay as PG allowance on every increment for all PG doctors. The allowance should come into force as soon as a specialist doctor joins the duty,” added another member of the Ludhiana Chapter of the PCMS Specialist Doctors’ Association. 

Ludhiana, August 19
Playwin Foundation, social wing of Playwin, a lottery and gaming brand of Pan India Network Ltd, is going to organise the biggest blood donation camp in Ludhiana of Punjab on August 20. The Blood donation camp will be held in association with Red Cross, Dayanand Medical College and Christian Medical College and Hospital, at Hotel Takson.

Many employees of Playwin, distributors, retailers and local persons will donate blood. It is expected that about 400 donors will donate blood.

Rahul Tangri, president, Playwin said, “We at Playwin Foundation have always been keen to render community services. Blood donation is such a noble cause which cannot be compared with any other service and in future also we shall continue do these types of social work.”

Ludhiana, August 19
Dr Balwant Singh Hunjan was felicitated by HS Gohalwaria, Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana and Prof Frederic Picard, Golden Jublee National Hospital, UK, for successfully completing 1,200 computerised navigation knee replacement surgeries using the latest generation computer navigation orthopilot machine.

Dr Hunjan said, “The use of computer-assisted joint replacement technology has brought about a revolution in joint replacement surgery. The most common complication of joint replacement with manual procedure was mal-alignment in most of the patients.”

“The new technology of computer-based navigation system has totally eliminated the mal-alignment and has made joint replacement surgery more accurate. As the accuracy level is high with computer navigation, it helps in increasing the life of the implants,” added Dr Hunjan.

Ludhiana, August 19
Failing to provide better facilities to commuters and charging a hefty amount at the toll plaza, the missionary workers of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), have decided to block the National Highway on August 21 at 9 am.

This was stated by Ramanjit Lali, a missionary worker of the BSP.

Lali said, “At the Ladowal toll plaza, the Sutlej bridge is in a pitiable condition. Roads are in a bad shape and despite incomplete flyovers, commuters were paying hefty amount as toll tax on the NH.”

“Lakhs of rupees are being minted by the company. We need facilities that are missing. The entire stretch is in a shambles for the past two years. We will block the highway and the government will be held responsible if people face inconvenience,” said Lali.

Ludhiana, August 19
Government Schools including, middle, high and senior secondary, which were awaiting construction of toilets in schools, now see a ray of hope with the announcement by Bharti Foundation that it would construct separate toilets for girl students, where the facility does not exist at present.

According to the data available at district office of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) more than 250 toilets are required in senior secondary, high and middle school of the district. As per the information 48 Government high schools, 42 government senior secondary schools and 15 middle schools in district need toilets.

There are total 526 upper primary schools in the district. The schools receive funds for construction of toilets or rooms only under centre sponsored scheme Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. RMSA used to pay Rs 75,000 for a single toilet including one toilet seat and two urinal pots. The RMSA construct the building of toilet carpeted with tiles and arrange the fitting of water connection.

This year district authorities did not received any fund under the RMSA. The district office had sent several proposals, including a recent proposal of Rs 3.75 lakh for construction of toilets in rural schools.

Jagroop Singh, in-charge, RMSA, said, “We need around 300 toilets in the district. Some NRIs showed concern in this regard but nothing happened.

It is worth mentioning here that Bharti Foundation has decided to adopt Ludhiana District, the home district of its founders, for a rural sanitation programme, ‘Satya Bharti Abhiyan’. 

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Ludhiana, August 19
A tipsy ambulance driver lost control over his vehicle and ran over pedestrians in the Janakpuri area here last night. Husain Ali (62) was killed while Kishori Lal, Nirbhay Singh, Lotan Ram and Ghan Shyam suffered critical injuries.

The ambulance driver has been identified as Prem. He has been arrested by the Division No. 6 police.

The incident took place late last night when Prem lost control over his vehicle. The ambulance first hit Nirbhay and went on to crush the other pedestrians.

Husain Ali, who was critically injured, was rushed to the Civil Hospital along with the other injured.

The doctors at the Civil Hospital referred Husain to the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC&H). The police has registered a case against Prem under section 304 of the IPC for reckless driving resulting in the death of a commuter.

The police are also probing that whether Prem was having any permission to install a blue beacon atop his vehicle.

According to sources in the Health Department, there is no regulatory body for private ambulances running in every nook and corner of the city.

A senior citizen, Harvinder Singh, said it was a very serious matter and there should be some regulatory body for private ambulances. “Had there been any patient in the ambulance, he would not have survived,” he added.

Ludhiana, August 19
A frustrated youth attacked two women employees of an employment agency in Salem Tabri with pepper spray here today. The two women suffered rashes in their eyes and skin while the third woman employee escaped unhurt.

The accused has been identified as Jatin from Nawanshahr. The Salem Tabri police has formed teams to nab the accused at the earliest.

During preliminary investigation, it was found that Jatin had filed an application and desposited money with the private employment agency to find a job for him.

Sources said the agency authorities were allegedly delaying response to his application. Jatin reached the office of the agency in the morning. He engaged in a heated argument with the women employees. In the evening, he came again with a pepper spray and attacked Neha and Rinkle. The third employee, Anshu, saved herself by running out of the office.

Khanna, August 19
The mutilated body of a 7-year-old child, who had been missing for the last two days, was today recovered from a deserted plot on the GT Road, Khanna.

The deceased child has been identified as Dilkhush Giri, a resident of the Focal Point area in Khanna.

As per information, passersby informed the police that a pack of stray dogs was mauling a child’s body, which emitted foul stench.

“The child went missing on Janamashthami and his parents informed us about his disappearance,” said the police.

The Khanna Police have registered a case under Section 302, IPC, against unidentified persons in this regard.

Rajvinder Singh, SP (D) Khanna, said, “The child’s leg and half arm were eaten by the dogs. We are probing the incident.”

Ludhiana, August 19
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre, Ludhiana, organised a competition-cum-trials session to select the middle and long-distance runners at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

This exercise was conducted under SAI’s scheme to select elite athletes (16-23 years) for the Academy for Athletics.

Athletes (boys and girls), who have secured the first three positions in the state, North Zone, school or national games, besides those who finished among the top three position holders in the All India Inter-University Championships were eligible for the trials and competition. As many as 27 athletes attended the trials and competition in disciplines of 3,000m, 5,000m and 10,000m races.

Results: Boys - 3,000m race: Rajat Negi I, Abhay Puri II and Vishal III. 5,000m race: Gurmeet Singh I, Preetpal Singh II and Harjit Singh III. 10,000m race: Rahul I and Jatinder II.

Girls – 3,000m race: Priyanka Kasana I, Aarti II and Lakhsmi Chaudhary III. 5,000m race: Sanju Karwasra I, Parminder Kaur II and Anjali III.

Rakesh Singh, in charge, SAI Training Centre (STC), Ludhiana, said, “These athletes will now complete in the half marathon to be held in New Delhi next month after which, 20 elite athletes will be short-listed for further training, which will be provided at special centres run by the SAI.”

Ludhiana, August 19
The annual Ludhiana District School Games for girls commenced here today.

Competitions in over one dozen disciplines in the age groups of under-14, under-17 and under-19 categories are being organised by the District Education Department.

Matches in basketball commenced at Guru Nanak Stadium. Sahnewal faced stiff challenge from Khanna before emerging victorious with a narrow margin of two points (14-12) in the under-19 category. In another match, Ludhiana II defeated Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University, by 15-12.

In the under-17 group, Ludhiana II overpowered Jagraon 12-8, while PAU proved good for Khanna whom they drubbed 22-4.

In basketball (U-14), Sahnewal got the better of PAU 14-12, Ludhiana II trounced Khanna 10-2 and Jagraon routed Raikot 16-0.

Other results: Hockey (U-14): Sahnewal beat Rara Sahib 2-1; Kila Raipur beat Dakha 3-0; (U-17): Raikot beat Dakha 3-0 and Rara Sahib beat Jagraon 2-0.

Kabaddi (U-17): Sahnewal beat Samrala 47-27; Rara Sahib beat PAU 21-2; Raikot beat Khanna 24-1; Sahnewal beat Ludhiana II 42-2 and Rara Sahib beat Jagraon 29-18: (U-19): Samrala beat Khanna 41-16, Jagraon beat Dakha 48-12, Raikot beat Ludhiana II 21-3 and Rara Sahib beat Samrala 28-11.

Handball (U-14): Dakha beat Raikot 4-2, Ludhiana II beat Jagraon 9-0 and PAU beat Khanna 8-1; (U-17): Jagraon beat Sahnewal 9-0, Ludhiana II beat PAU 5-4, Jagraon beat Kila Raipur 6-3, PAU beat Sahnewal 10-1 and Ludhiana II beat Raikot 14-3; (U-19): Samrala beat PAU 9-0, Dakha beat Ludhiana II 2-0, Dakha beat Jagraon 8-4 and Sahnewal bt Kila Raipur 6-1.

Ludhiana, August 19
Unmindful of the risk involved and little concern about the safety of sportspersons, the organisers of the Ludhiana District School Games ferried them packed like sardines.

The District Education Department — which is holding the school games for girls at different venues across the district —has not made adequate transportation arrangements for the participants.

As many as 3,000 girls drawn from various government and private schools from across the district are participating in over one dozen sports disciplines being held at six venues.

Today, a large number of participants from different parts of the district were seen travelling in mini trucks. The girls were found sitting on the rear portion of the trucks.

A teacher accompanying the participants stated, “We are unable to arrange comfortable transportation for the students as schools pay as per the bus fare. It is difficult to carry the students in a bus as they will alight at the general bus stand from where they will make their own arrangements to reach the venue.”

“We can’t arrange a cab or mini bus for the students due to the high charges. As the goods carriers are comparatively cheaper, we hire them”, said another teacher.