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Won’t pay paddy charges, FCI tells state
Golden Temple plaza evokes mixed response
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HC grants bail to IG Gautam Cheema
CM pursuing personal agenda, not serious about govt: Capt
Rahul to meet Cong factions on Oct 16
Post offices to launch e-payment service
for PU students
Centre releases Rs 127cr under RKVY
22 Indians stuck in Libya set to return
13 schoolchildren injured, 7 critically, as vehicle overturns
Nod to amend Tenancy Act: Farmers to benefit
Clean-up: Govt officials told to dispose old files
Now, video shows Jamalpur brothers in bad light
CPI for end to ‘rhetoric war’ between India, Pak
The breached canal in Sriganganagar. Tribune photo
Won't pay rent for chambers:
Ropar lawyers
Govt staff told to provide
details of assets by Oct 30
Nawanshahr to have mini secretariat
2 IAS among 4 transferred
Fire services: HC seeks fund utilisation details
BSNL fined Rs 5,000 for failing to activate SIM
Rashly driven bus claims woman’s life
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Won’t pay paddy charges, FCI tells state
The expenses incurred by the state can be reimbursed only after the government submits documentary proof of the expenses incurred by its agencies, it has said. The national food grain procurement agency has also said that it can clear Punjab's demand for transportation charges (incurred by the state government agencies) of Rs 406 crore, only after the state responds to the objections raised by the CAG, which maintains that excess payment has already been made to the state agencies by the FCI. The state has not responded to the objections so far. The Punjab Government claims it has dues worth Rs 25,000 crore pending with the FCI (including Rs 7,500 crore as principal amount and remaining as interest), as custody and maintenance charges, transportation charges, charges for distribution under the TDPS, on non-supply of levy; arrears and administration cost on gunny bags, refund on infrastructure development cess etc. These dues have been pending since 1998-99, when some of the procured wheat was damaged. Most of the dues from the FCI are pending since 2002-03. The state has demanded arrears worth Rs 1,822 crore, due since 2002-03. The rejection of most of its claims has not gone down well with the state government, which says the issue has to be resolved between the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Finance, rather than the FCI. The state government has also demanded that a high-powered committee be set up to look into its claims. Secretary, Food and Supplies, DS Grewal said a meeting to resolve the issue and get claims settled was scheduled between the two ministries on October 17. In a letter to the state government, a copy of which is with The Tribune, the FCI has said that the CAG has raised objections on the ground that storage of paddy by the state government agencies is done with private millers, thus no custody and maintenance charges are payable. On the other hand, Punjab maintains its agencies incurred expenditure on maintenance of stock on millers' premises, dunnage material, hiring watch and ward staff etc. The FCI has demanded documentary proof of these expenses. The state has also sent a district-wise claim of transportation charges incurred for taking foodgrain from mandis to storage points-which the FCI claims it is now looking into. The agency is also looking into the state's claim of expenditure incurred by state agencies on distribution under the Targeted Public Distribution System, on account of delay in submission of bills. The FCI has also demanded refund of infrastructure development cess deducted on above poverty line wheat (Rs 5.17
crore).
Agency to construct eight silos in state The Food Corporation of India (FCI) proposes to modernise its storage facilities in
the food bowl of the country. The corporation intends to construct eight new state-of-the-art silos in the state. It also proposes to raze its godowns at six places and construct silos there. This was stated by FCI General Manager, Punjab region, Kumar Rahul, while talking to mediapersons here on Monday. He said eight silos, each having a capacity of 50,000 tonnes, would be constructed under the public-private partnership mode. The godowns to be reconstructed at six places would have a capacity of anything between 25,000 and 50,000
tonnes. What FCI owes to Punjab
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Golden Temple plaza evokes mixed response
Amritsar, October 13 Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, SGPC member, said: "The plaza is not in consonance with the heritage feel of the walled city. It is contrary to the architectural heritage of the shrine." She felt though pilgrims should be facilitated, it would have been better had there been more of green area instead of marble flooring. She said the white marble was an eyesore as it would generate a lot of heat in summer, besides emitting sharp reflection. She said the green belt would have provided the much-needed relief to the devotees. She also hit out at the facilities being planned at the plaza like a VIP lounge while stating that there was no place for VIP culture in Sikhism. "It is against the concept of the Golden Temple which has four doors opening in all four directions, indicating that it is open to all without any discrimination," she argued. The SGPC had stalled the move to get the World Heritage Status for the holy shrine a decade ago, contending that they would themselves maintain its heritage character, but now they seemed to have forgotten it, she added. Bibi Kiranjot Kaur was then the SGPC executive member and had played a key role in preparing the dossier for the World Heritage Status from UNESCO. Sikh scholar Ashok Singh Bagrian said the plaza was against the concept of Amritsar founded by Sri Guru Ram Das. He opined that the heritage character of the shrine and its surroundings should be maintained. "What they are doing in the name of development is tantamount to undoing what Sri Guru Ram Das had done," he claimed. Dr Balvinder Singh, conservation spatial planner, Guru Nanak Dev University, said: "From the layman's perspective, the plaza is a welcome move as he gets a sprawling space to move around, but technically speaking it has disturbed a heritage zone. It has left a negative impact on the holy shrine's grandeur as well as ambience." He said the plaza had ended the "feeling of surprise" which one used to have on reaching the sprawling premises of the shrine after crisscrossing the narrow bylanes of the walled city. "Now, one will see a far more spacious plaza before stepping into the Golden Temple complex," he added. There is also a section of intellectuals who see it a positive development. SP Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, said the plaza would add to the beauty of the entrance area. "It was the need of the hour keeping in view the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine. But, it remains to be seen how the SGPC maintains the plaza," he said.
About the plaza
Voices for "The plaza has added to the beauty of the entrance area. It was the need of the hour keeping in view the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine. But it remains to be seen how SGPC maintains the
plaza" SP Singh, former vice chancellor, GND varsity Voices against "The plaza is not in consonance with the heritage character of the city. It is contrary to the architectural heritage of the shrine. There should have been more green area. The white marble is an eyesore. It will generate a lot of heat in
summer" Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, SGPC member "It (plaza) has disturbed a heritage zone, leaving a negative impact on the shrine's grandeur. The plaza has ended the feeling of surprise that one used to have on reaching the sprawling premises of the shrine after crisscrossing narrow lanes of the
city" Dr Balvinder Singh, conservation spatial planner
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Mystery shrouds SP’s death in Patiala
The incident occurred around 2 pm, but the police were informed an hour later. The police claimed the family’s maid spotted the body first. Till the filing of this report, the police could not ascertain whether it was a case of accidental firing or suicide. They have also not ruled out any foul play in the case. Sources said as two shots were fired, it prima facie ruled out the accidental firing theory. They said one of the bullets pierced through the victim’s neck. The police officials remained tightlipped and appeared downplaying the incident. The victim’s relatives are at significant posts in the bureaucracy and the police, it has been learnt. Sources also said that it appeared to be a case of suicide. They said otherwise, there appeared to be no reason why the police officer would carry the AK-47 to his room even as his guard was stayed downstairs. Dhillon's wife was away to school to get their children when the incident happened," said Deputy Inspector General (Patiala Range) Shiv Kumar. The parents of the victim also reached Patiala late evening from their village in Barnala. Asked whether nobody heard the gun shots, Kumar said the matter was being investigated. "We are not ruling out it to be a case of suicide or accidental firing," he said. Kumar refused to comment when asked whether the SP was suffering from depression.
Murder or suicide?
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HC grants bail to IG Gautam Cheema
Taking cogniszance of the footage, Justice Jitendra Chauhan ordered stay on his arrest and directed him to join investigation. The footage is significant as the FIR in the case alleges Cheema went to a police station accompanied by co-accused Chaudhary and allegedly abducted Sumedh Gulati before taking him to the hospital. The FIR also alleges he was accompanied by Chaudhary and two unknown persons. As the case came up for resumed hearing, the CCTV footage procured by the prosecution from Max Hospital was played in the court with the investigating officer's assistance. "From the CCTV footage, it appears that the petitioner did not accompany the alleged proclaimed offender, Sumedh Gulati, to the hospital in a private vehicle nor Chaudhary is seen in the footage," Justice Chauhan observed. Referring to the daily diary report, Cheema's counsel KS Khehar said two persons were stated to have accompanied the petitioner. But the FIR mentioned three persons. He also referred to photographs taken from Karnal and Panipat toll plazas, showing Chaudhary to be present at the relevant time. He added the occurrence took place on August 26, but the FIR was registered after a delay of four days. After hearing the arguments and going through the footage, Justice Chauhan asserted: "From the video clipping furnished by the prosecution, it emerges that petitioner and alleged proclaimed offender (the kidnapped person) were not in the same car. In fact the petitioner was already at Max Hospital prior to the arrival of Gulati. "Neither the number of vehicle, nor the colour or make of the vehicle is reflected in the FIR. Under these circumstances, this court cannot shut its eyes to the admitted video clipping which would unambiguously demonstrate that the petitioner was present at Max Hospital, prior to the arrival of the proclaimed offender Sumedh Gulati and photographs of the footage of Panipat and Karnal toll plaza would unerringly indicate that, the co-accused Ajay Chaudhary was seen at or about the relevant time at the above toll plaza….. "In the above circumstances, this court is of the considered view that the applicant has made out a case for stay of arrest. Consequently, in the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on interim bail…" Cheema has been asked to appear before the Investigating Officer on October 17 at 10 am in the police station concerned and make himself available for interrogation by a police officer as and when required.
Footage offers relief
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CM pursuing personal agenda, not serious about govt: Capt
The Congress leader said before beginning campaigning there, it would have been beneficial to both Punjab and Haryana if Badal had committed to ensure resolution of all pending issues between the two states, if his alliance partner (INLD) came to power. “But I know state interest is the least and the last in your mind. You have always given preference and precedence to personal interests over the state interests and you are doing it now also,” he told the Badals. “There is no government worth its name in Punjab now as everything has moved to Haryana in pursuit of illusive greener pastures,” he said, adding there was not even the symbolic presence of anyone from the government in the Punjab Civil Secretariat and the brunt was being borne by the common man. Amarinder claimed the Badals’ only purpose in aligning with Chautalas (INLD supremo Om Parkash Chautala and his family) in Haryana was “personal and pecuniary, since they now feel that they have exhausted all resources in Punjab”. “Now they want to extend their empire to Haryana so that they can expand their business like transport, hotels, mining, liquor, cable network there also,” he said.
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Rahul to meet Cong factions on Oct 16
Chandigarh, October 13 Different factions within the party would have to attend Rahul's function. This would be probably first time when the warring Partap Singh Bajwa and Capt Amarinder Singh groups would come on a single platform. Sources said the meeting said both Capt Amarinder Singh, Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha and Partap Singh Bajwa, Punjab Congress president, had already aired their grievances to Rahul in separate meetings. Both have gone on record saying they have highlighted their issues before the party vice-president. Rahul would be visiting the state the first time after the party suffered a debacle in the Lok Sabha elections and immediately after the Haryana Lok Sabha elections. Congress sources said Rahul would address student leaders of National Students Union of India at Panjab University. Sources said Rahul was pleased at the success of the party’s student wing.
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Basmati fetches low price in Fazilka
Fazilka, October 13 Around 400 quintal of fine basmati variety of export quality arrived at the mandi that is one of the biggest markets of basmati crop in the country. “Farmers are left at the mercy of private traders who are the bulk buyers of this variety,” alleged Lakhvinder Singh of Theh Kalandar village. He demanded that the Centre should have declared a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for basmati variety on the pattern of primal variety. On the other hand, five government agencies procured 27,800 quintals of primal variety of paddy in Fazilka grain market and its 22 rural purchase centres. The primal variety which was popular in grain markets in the state is now considered obsolete. The comparatively lower basmati 1509 variety of paddy has taken over primal variety as 1509 variety ripens in just 90 days and consumes less water. About 84,000 quintals of the 1509 variety of basmati arrived at the local grain market and rural purchase
centres.
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Post offices to launch e-payment service
for PU students
Chandigarh, October 13 Kulbir Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Punjab Circle, confirmed about the development. At these special counters, the students can avail themselves of any service related to university free of cost. These services include online fee deposit, downloading documents, roll number and submission of various forms. This will help rural students, who had to travel to the university to deposit their fee during exam days. Parvinder Singh, PU Controller of Examination said for the students’ benefit, the university had decided to bear the service charges of all the facilities. He said there were 188 affiliated colleges across the state. The Panjab University has also decided to adopt a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for semester system students of the colleges. Vice Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover in a recent meeting of the chairpersons said the CGPA be implemented in all departments and colleges affiliated with the university.
Beneficial move
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Realtor sets up colony without approvals
Malout/Muktsar, October 13 However, the colonisers reportedly backed by SAD leaders, have installed huge hoardings outside the colony, claiming it has been approved by the state government. Malout Executive Officer Jagsir Singh said, “The Star City Colony area falls within the municipal limits, but it is neither approved by the MC nor by PUDA. Ever since the new notification with regard to the unapproved colonies was issued, we have not issued a single no objection certificate (NOC) for the registration of any land deed in the colony.” Legal experts said if the colony had not been approved by the authorities concerned and its owners were claiming it had been approved, they were inviting legal action. Hardev Singh of Malout, who has procured some documents in this regard under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, alleged the colonisers had violated the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPR) Act. He further alleged that those living in the colony did not have separate residential power connections and the colonisers were supplying them with electricity through their commercial connection. Two years ago, when The Tribune had published a news article in this regard, Uma Shankar Gupta, the then Chief Administrator, Bathinda Development Authority (BDA), had said, “The colonisers have submitted their documents, but we have not yet given them the licence. They can’t claim it as PUDA approved as of now.”
However, hardly any action has been taken against the politically-backed colonisers. Lovely Chuchra and Gaurav Saluja, senior representatives of the Star City Developers, said, “We have deposited the fee to the municipal committee authorities, but we are yet to receive the approval.” On their claim that the colony had been approved by the state government, the colonisers said some people were trying to defame them.
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Centre releases Rs 127cr under RKVY
Abohar, October 13 Vinay Kumar Srivastava, Under Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation, in his letter (copy of which is with The Tribune) had told the state government that RKVY project funds should not be spent on recurring expenditure like hiring manpower, TA/DA, transport, etc. He had warned that without a detailed account of the physical and financial progress of the RKVY projects, the remaining funds wouldn’t be released. Srivastava had also said the entries in the RKVY Database & Management Information System (RDMIS) during 2013-14 needed to be updated and the accounts for years 2007-08 to 2012-13 should be audited. New Delhi had earlier withheld the release of balance funds earmarked under the RKVY, which aims at achieving 4 per cent annual growth in the agriculture sector during the XI Plan period. The scheme is set up to ensure a holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader Sunil Jakhar said the SAD BJP alliance leaders had been criticising the former UPA Government for lack of financial assistance to the agricultural sector, whereas it had not utilised central funds meant for boosting diversification. Jakhar said the funds had not been utilised since 2007. There had been an inordinate delay in submitting utilisation certificates since the funds received from New Delhi were reportedly misused to benefit political workers, Jakhar said.
The matter at hand
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22 Indians stuck in Libya set to return
Hoshiarpur, October 13 Their plight was brought to the fore by The Tribune in its editions dated September 5 and September 15. After that, the Indian Embassy got in touch with them and they have been now sent to Tunisia. A safe passage for them was arranged to Yarba in Iran through sea and then by bus to Tunis, capital of Tunisia. Eight Indians were stuck in a factory in Tripoli while others were stuck elsewhere. The factory closed down due to violence and the worsening situation in that country caused unrest among them. They were desperate to return to India. However, the company for which they were working was not ready to let them go. Company officials told them that they could go back only after their work contract was over. They were on the verge of starvation with no medical or emergency services available to them. After their plight was highlighted by The Tribune in its September 5 edition, the matter was taken up by Rajya Sabha member Avinash Rai Khanna with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indian Embassy then contacted them and arranged for their evacuation via Tunisia. Initially, it was planned that they would be sent to Tunisia by road. The road, however, remained blocked for many days. Embassy officials then took them to Yarba via ship and from there they boarded a bus to Tunis. Gurpreet said, "We are thankful to the Indian Government and the Indian Embassy. We could never pay off for what they have done for us. Embassy officials arranged for us entry visa for Iran and Tunisia. Soon, we will board a flight to India."
The effort
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Poor governance hit state economy: Experts
Chandigarh, October 13 Economists, including Rashpal Malhotra, Executive Vice-Chairman, Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Professor Sucha Singh Gill, Director General, CRRID, Dr Inderjeet Singh, Dr Sukhwinder Singh and Dr Lakhwinder Singh of Punjabi University, Patiala, and others, spoke on the occasion. They had come here for the release of "Punjab's Economic Development in the Era of Globalisation", a collection of essays by leading economists, to honour the commitment of economist Dr Ranjit Singh Ghuman. Releasing the book, Dr Rashpal Malhotra said, "The economic growth of the state has slowed down. It has also brought out many degenerative processes in the socio-economic and cultural lives of hard working and enterprising Punjabis. Drug abuse, female foeticide and unemployment are major issues." Ghuman said the state's financial position was not at all encouraging. It had lost Rs 10,000-crore investments over the past two decades. Prof Sucha Singh Gill said, "The book gives a vivid account of Punjab's economic situation with facts and figures. It is unfortunate that state's economic progress is still dependent on agriculture. Excessive use of water, fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides has pushed the state into an ecological crisis. The political leadership is still indulging in populism. Freebie culture has a negative effect on state’s economy." Prof Inderjeet Singh, one of the editors of the book and Department of Economics head, raised a number of questions regarding Punjab model of development like how did the freebie culture come into existence and how the state economy could be rejuvenated. Prof Sukhwinder Singh highlighted various aspects of Prof Ghuman's life.
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13 schoolchildren injured, 7 critically, as vehicle overturns
Batala, October 13 The students of Government Senior Secondary School, Jaito Sarja, were going to Naushera Majha Singh to participate in a district-level football tournament when the vehicle overturned as its rear tyre burst. The injured students were sent to Naushera Majha Singh Civil Hospital. Seven of the students were seriously injured. They were referred to Batala Civil Hospital. They were identified as Sukhraj Singh, Harjeet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Harwinder Singh and Youngsher Singh. A police officer said the school administration erred by overloading the vehicle. He said, “They should have hired a mini bus to ferry the students.” Village sarpanch Iqbal Singh blamed the school authorities for acting negligently. District Education Officer (DEO) Amardeep Singh Saini said he had sent a Deputy DEO to the spot and added that he had marked a departmental inquiry into the matter. District Transport Officer JS Grewal said the school authorities had violated the Motor Vehicle Act by ferrying students in a goods carrier. “I will definitely take action in the matter,” he said. Jasbir Kaur, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Jaito Sarja, said school authorities usually ferried children in goods carriers.
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Nod to amend Tenancy Act: Farmers to benefit
Chandigarh, October 13 This move will come as major reprieve for farmers, particularly tenants tilling the land as they will get remunerative minimum support price (MSP). The Chief Minister had already taken up this issue with the Union Ministry of Agriculture, emphasising the need to evolve a methodological procedure to determine MSP, a spokesman said. He had apprised the Centre that the provision in the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, to limit the land rent up to one-third of value of the produce was made to protect the rights of the tenants and was no more relevant in view of abolition of tenancy. In the light of this, the CM had given the nod to amend the said Act to provide for market-based land rent on actual basis keeping in view the recommendations of state Agriculture Department.
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Clean-up: Govt officials told to dispose old files
Chandigarh, October 13 He directed officials to do away with all obsolete records gathering dust in almirahs of record sections of various departments in the Secretariat, a spokesman said. The meeting was organised to implement ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ in all offices of Punjab Civil Secretariat and send the message to all government offices in the state, the spokesman said. Kaushal issued instructions to all departments for weeding out old records as per the existing manual of instructions and introduce a scientific method of record keeping. Dangling and loose electric wires despite renovation of various floors still exist as an eyesore, he noted while directing the General Administration Department to take corrective measures immediately, the spokesman said. He said loose electric wires were the main cause of fire and it was imperative for all offices to get their electrical switches and fittings repaired at the earliest. Old obsolete files, broken furniture and dumps of waste building materials in various corners should be taken care of immediately, he said. Kaushal also directed the General Administration Department to clear all entry and exit routes blocked by broken furniture and clean up window panes and record shelves, the spokesman said.
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Ex-servicemen await promised grants
Jalandhar, October 13 The government is also yet to disburse the promised Rs 1 lakh among the candidates who joined the armed forces recently as commissioned officers. There are 337 newly commissioned officers, 3,251 war veterans and 779 pre-Independence and 2,897 post-Independence war heroes in the state who have been awaiting their dues. Jalandhar-based Sudarshan Khandaria, father of late Lt Sachin Khandaria who received Sena Medal posthumously, said it had been eight months since his family had not received the monthly allowance of Rs 3,100 from Punjab. “Though the amount is meagre, the sentiments attached to it are priceless. The allowance was started after my son sacrificed his life while fighting for the nation,” he said. The 22-year-old Army officer had died in a militant attack at Siachen in 1998. Khandaria said the families of war heroes were solely dependent on such allowances to meet their monthly expenses. He said the needs increased when a festival was round the corner. “Its ironic that the government has funds to raise war memorials but none to pay to those in whose memories these are built,” said Ajit Singh, father of Gurvinder Singh, Sena Medal awardee from Jalandhar. On being contacted, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Punjab Minister for Defence Welfare, feigned ignorance on the pendency of the allowances. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Defence Services Welfare, confirmed the grants had been delayed: “The model code of conduct in view of the Lok Sabha elections is to be blamed. The funds will be released soon.” Sources, however, said that due to financial crunch, the government could not allocated adequate funds for schemes related to the welfare of ex-servicemen. “The government allocated Rs 20 lakh for the incentive scheme benefiting newly commissioned officers who are to get Rs 1 lakh each. But the amount is quite less as 337 officers were commissioned in the last financial year. The amount required is Rs 3.37 crore,” an official said.
Pending allowances Commissioned officers (2013-14)
World War-II veterans
Gallantry Awardees
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Now, video shows Jamalpur brothers in bad light
Ludhiana, October 13 A group backing Gurjeet Singh is making full use of social networking websites and micro-blogging application WhatsApp to do so. A video of Harmanbhinder Singh of Takhran village is being circulated to give an impression that Harinder and Jatinder were notorious criminals. In the video, Harmanbhinder Singh shows the wounds allegedly inflicted by Harinder, Jatinder and their accomplices Rajvir, Harmanjot and Baljit Mann, alias Bunny. Harmanbhinder alleged his rival Rajvir, who was also from Takhran village, attacked him while he was coming out of a gurdwara. Harinder, Jatinder, Harmanjot and Bunny also attacked him with blunt weapons. The accused inflicted injuries on his ankle and wrist, he alleged. The video seems to have been made after the killing of the two brothers as Harmanbhinder Singh is shown expressing grief over their killing at the end of the video. Two days after the killings, on September 29, residents of 15 villages blocked the highway in support of Gurjeet near Neelon. Later on, pictures of Harinder and Jatinder holding weapons were pasted in Samrala and Machhiwara. Facebook posts of Harinder and Jatinder’s friends were also being circulated to garner support for Gurjeet. Friends of the two brothers have declared to seek revenge for the killings. Victims’ father Satpal Singh said it was not the first attempt to show his sons in bad light. “Their only fault was that they were born Dalits and had locked horns with a powerful lobby of landlords by jumping into politics,” he said.
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CPI for end to ‘rhetoric war’ between India, Pak
Ludhiana, October 13 Amarjit Kaur was in the city to take part in a rally to deliberate on the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize upon Kailash Satyarthi of India and Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan. She said it was an opportunity for both nations to move forward for a meaningful dialogue for lasting peace in the region. The CPI leader said it was unfortunate that the tension between the two countries was being used for petty electoral gains in both countries. "We have nothing to gain by teaching a lesson to each other," she said, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "irresponsible statement that India has taught Pakistan a lesson". A similar statement by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was made, saying India should not take Pakistan lightly. "Such rhetoric has already dented the peace process. The only alternative for the two countries is to live in peace," she said.
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Desilted canal breaches bank
Abohar, October 13 Chak 12GB village sarpanch Devinderpal Singh and Consumer Forum president Lakhwinder Singh said the breach was spotted early in the morning. By the time Water Resources Executive Engineer (XEN) RS Bhakar along with other officials reached the site in the
afternoon, the area had been flooded. Preliminary inquiries indicated that 300 cusecs of water was released in the canal on Saturday night after it was desilted. It seems that some bricks got damaged in the process. This led to the canal breaching its bank near the Jaitsar-Srivijaynagar road. Several farmers helped officials plug the breach.
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Won't pay rent for chambers:
Ropar lawyers
Ropar, October 13 The protesting lawyers said as per a government notification issued in 2002, it was decided that the lawyers would pay Rs 50 per month as licence fee and the district administration would not charge any rent for chambers allotted to them. The lawyers took out a protest march in the mini secretariat and court complex. They then organised a rally in front of the DC's office. Advocate Paramjeet Singh Pamma said they were paying rent between Rs 64 and Rs 1,330 per month. Ropar Deputy Commissioner had proposed to remove their temporary structures and fix the rent of chambers at Rs 650 per month. The proposal was unjustified, he said, adding the Bar had decided to continue the strike. Rana KP Singh, senior Congress leader and a member of the District Bar Association, said the district administration had no right to charge rent from them. He claimed he had got a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the Ropar Bar Association from then Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to construct 27 chambers.
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Experts spray pesticide on ‘ber’ trees
Amritsar, October 13 The experts sprayed pesticides on Dukhbhanjani Beri, Ber Baba Budha Sahib, and Lachi Ber, besides pruning them. The experts said they had noticed pest attack on Ber Baba Budha Sahib, following which they had sprayed pesticides to control the attack. They claimed the condition of ancient "ber" trees had improved with the passage of time. The PAU experts have been looking after these ancient trees since 1992-93. They visit the Golden Temple complex twice a year to prune the trees and spray pesticides on them. They also succeeded in reviving Ber Baba Budha Sahib which was in a bad shape a few years ago.
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Govt staff told to provide
details of assets by Oct 30
Faridkot, October 13 The information will be uploaded on the government's website. A communiqué in this regard has been sent to department heads by the Principal Secretary concerned. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary, School Education, directed the district education officers and circle education officers to ensure that all Group A and B officers of the department submitted the information on time. The format to make the disclosure has been provided to the employees. Sources said the government would take action against those failing to submit the details. The Chief Secretary is supervising the process. A nodal officer in every department will give a certificate that all Group A and B officers of his department have furnished the details of their assets.
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Nawanshahr to have mini secretariat
Jalandhar, October 13 Anindita Mitra, Deputy Commissioner, said a high-level committee headed by Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Navreet Singh Kang had given its consent to expand the existing complex to set up the mini secretariat. She said the mini secretariat would come up in two phases. An amount of Rs 10 crore would be spent in the first phase. In the second phase, the existing court complex would be merged. For the construction of a new judicial complex, around 13 acres of land had been acquired at a cost of Rs 5.91 crore. The construction would start after finalising of drawings by the building committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court following an allocation of the budget by the state government. The DC said the district would also have a state-of-the-art guesthouse on the Zila Parishad land.
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2 IAS among 4 transferred
Chandigarh, October 13 Sirra Karuna Raju has been posted Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, in addition to Commissioner, Ropar Division. Bakhtawar Singh (PCS) has been posted Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Tarn Taran, in addition to Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Patti. Amandeep Singh Bhatti’s services have been placed at the disposal of the Department of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for posting as General Manager, Public Distribution System.
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Fire services: HC seeks fund utilisation details
Chandigarh, October 13 The directions by Justice Augustine George Masih came after Jakhar's counsel Surinder Pal Singh Tinna told the court that a sum of Rs 300 crore (Rs 200 crore for 2013-14 and Rs 100 crore this year) was received by the state over the past two years under the response fund. The Secretary, Local Bodies, and the Financial Commissioner (Revenue and Disaster management) will now have to file affidavits giving details on the issue. In April, the court had disposed of a petition on inadequate fire-fighting services with directions to the authorities concerned to deal with the matter in a month. In his petition for initiating contempt proceedings against Punjab Principal Secretary, Department of Local Government, Ashok Gupta and six other official respondents, Jakhar had alleged: "In spite of the orders passed by the high court, the authorities have not moved further and they have done nothing to provide necessary infrastructure in the Fire Services Department." Tinna added: "The authorities have, thus, wilfully disobeyed the orders passed by the high court and thereby the authorities are endangering human lives." Taking up the matter, the court had asked the Principal Secretary to respond to the issue. Claiming that the situation in Punjab had worsened to the extent that even bare minimum necessities were not being provided, Jakhar had earlier sought directions to the government to provide fire-fighting equipment in the state, including his constituency - Abohar. In his previous petition filed in public interest, Jakhar had contended that Abohar residents were "victims of political vendetta".
The case
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BSNL fined Rs 5,000 for failing to activate SIM
Fatehgarh Sahib, October 13 Paramjit, in his complaint, had stated that he had applied for a SIM card on December 10, 2013 and deposited Rs 893. He was allotted a SIM card no. 9463600502. He alleged the mobile phone connection was not activated despite his repeated requests. He said he also submitted a written request to the authorities concerned on January 1 this year, but in vain. He claimed he learnt that the same number had already been allotted to an Amritsar resident. The counsel for the respondents (BSNL) stated that the SIM card was allotted to Harjinder Singh of Amritsar on May 2013. He said due to some technical error in the network, the SIM with same number was allotted to Parmjit Singh, but the department on December 16, 2013, realising the mistake had directed the complainant to book another number of his choice. The PLA in its order stated that the complainant had every right to ask the respondents to activate the SIM card and the respondents cannot compel the complainant to book another number of his choice. The respondents have also failed to prove that there was some technical snag in the network.
Allots same no. twice The BSNL maintained that the SIM card could not be activated as it was already allotted to a subscriber belonging to Amritsar. Due to some technical error, the SIM with the same number was allotted to Parmjit Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib
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Ex-minister, 23 Cong men booked for blocking road
Ferozepur, October 13 Zira, 23 Congress workers and 60 unidentified persons have been under section 8(B) of the National Highways Act, 1956. Zira is chairman of the Majdoor and Kisan Cell of the Congress. He had led hundreds of Congress workers to sit on a dharna on the Amritsar-Bhatinda highway yesterday. They were protesting hardships caused to farmers during the procurement of their paddy crop. Zira alleged the farmers were being hoodwinked by commission agents in connivance with procurement officials. Though the dharna was lifted after the intervention of district officials, it had put commuters to trouble as vehicles remained stranded on the national highway for hours. Sukhwant Singh Gill, Senior Superintendent of Police, said they had told Zira not to block the traffic on national highway, but he refused to listen. "We cannot allow anyone to take law in their hands like this," he said. Besides Zira, those who have been booked included Gurmej Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Baldev Singh, Hardeep Singh, Sucha Singh, Bohar Singh, Daljit Singh, Mohinder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Gurdip Singh, Dr. Rashpal Singh, Ajaib Singh, Sadhu Singh, Jagir Singh, Santokh Singh, Rubbal, Kuldeep Singh, Milkha Singh, Bhola Singh, Angrej Singh, Jasbir Singh and Nishan Singh.
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Rashly driven bus claims woman’s life
Fatehgarh Sahib, October 13 Victim's brother-in-law Inderjeet Kumar, a resident of Bassi Pathana, complained to the police, that the victims were going to Ludhiana on a motorcycle to meet their relatives. He said when they reached the canal bridge near Adampur village, a recklessly driven bus hit their motorcycle from the rear. They were rushed to the Civil Hospital where the doctors declared Kanta dead and referred Sanjeev to GMCH. The police have registered a case under Sections 279, 304A, 337, and 427 of the IPC against the unidentified driver of the bus belonging to New Patiala Bus Company.
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Chandigarh, October 13
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Chandigarh, October 13