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Badal okays Rs 3.30 crore for ROB
Patiala traffic police station fined for ‘power theft’
Agencies resume procurement
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We don’t want to part ways with BJP: Badal
BJP unlikely to break alliance in near future
Modi govt punishing farmers for SAD-BJP differences: Bir Devinder
After training, govt to register matriculates as health workers
Health Minister SK Jyani
Soon, societies for sheltering animals
Govt releases Rs
250 cr for cancer patients
Exports to Pakistan resumes via Attari
Stubble burning fuels breathing problems
Preparing women prisoners for life after jail
Year on, no travel agent applies for licence in Muktsar
Delay in promotions: Doctors step up stir
Anti-Sikh riots: Dal Khalsa seeks UN intervention
Gurpurb celebrated amid tight security in Pakistan
Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial to display paintings on Sikhs
Kerry sends greetings
Need for autonomy in education: Experts
Book on Bhai Kahan Singh released
No recovery from retd staff, SC told
HC grants interim stay on plea by Pune-based breeding firm
Robbery at gunhouse: 2 of gang arrested in Faridkot
6 wanted for murder, burglary arrested
Four of Tarn Taran family shot at
Two held in Malerkotla murder case
Extortion case: CIA raids Abohar house
Cops taken to Jhalawar in kidnapping case
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Badal okays Rs 3.30 crore for ROB
Abohar, November 6 Jakhar slammed Ghubaya at a press conference held at his residence. He said SAD MP had cost the state exchequer Rs 3.30 crore more for delaying the project. He said Ghubaya wanted to claim credit for the project. Jakhar claimed he would recover the money from Ghubaya. He also criticised the local BJP leaders who had met the CM. On December 23, 2013, Chief Engineer, PWD, informed the Senior Divisional Engineer, Northern Railway, Ambala, that the state government would provide funds to the tune of Rs 4 crore for the light iron overbridge that would be constructed by the Railways in Abohar. The Chief Minister in a separate letter had clearly stated that he had approved the project on Jakhar’s request. The Railways had decided that the stone would be laid by Sunil Jakhar on February 7, 2014. When the stone with Jakhar’s name engraved on it was laid, the district administration advised Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Anil Kumar Kathpal to cancel the inauguration. In an email to Jakhar, Kathpal said he was told that the names of SAD MP Sher Singh Ghubaya and Gurtej Singh, SAD legislator, Balluana, also needed to be engraved on the stone. Thereafter, the project was delayed due to the Lok Sabha elections. Last month, Senior Divisional Engineer, Northern Railway, Ambala, informed the Punjab PWD Chief Engineer that the Railways had revised the budgeted cost. He said the state would have to deposit Rs 3.30 crore more so that the land for the ROB could be leased. Jakhar urged the ruling politicians to exert influence in New Delhi to get the construction work started. The UPA Government had in principle approved the project. The controversy *
The Railways had decided that the stone would be laid by Sunil Jakhar on February 7, 2014 * When the stone with Jakhar's name engraved on it was laid, the district administration advised Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kumar Kathpal to cancel the inauguration *
In an email to Jakhar, Kathpal said he was told that the names of SAD MP Sher Singh Ghubaya and Gurtej Singh, SAD legislator, Balluana, also needed to be engraved on the stone *
Thereafter, the project was delayed due to Lok Sabha elections
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Patiala traffic police station fined for ‘power theft’
Patiala, November 6 Sources said the action came a few days after the Patiala traffic police issued challans for 12 government vehicles, including some belonging to the PSPCL. Some police officials were of the view that the PSPCL authorities raided the police station in retaliation to challans of their vehicles. Chief Engineer Paramjeet Singh Khaira, however, said, "Our team conducted a raid at the Patiala traffic police station and found that the power load there was 6 kW more than the sanctioned load. A fine was imposed on the police authorities for that violation. I don't understand why the two issues are being related. They issued a challan, we paid the fine and the matter was over." He said the PSPCL also had a complaint-handling procedure. If the police department had any apprehensions, it could submit an explanation within 15 days and the issue could be reviewed, he added. Though SP Traffic Pushpa Devi confirmed that she issued 12 challans for government vehicles a few days back. Patiala SSP HS Mann said he was unaware of any fine being slapped on the department for power theft. 'Tit for tat' *
A few days ago, the traffic police challaned 12 government vehicles, including some belonging to the
PSPCL * Now, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited conducted a surprise raid at the traffic police station and slapped a fine of Rs 75,000 for alleged power theft *
Though the PSPCL authorities deny that the two incidents have any link, some police officials are of the view that it was a retaliatory action by the power supplier.
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Agencies resume procurement
Abohar, November 6 Punjab Mandi Board district manager Manjit Singh along with District Food and Supplies Officer Sukhjit Singh and Assistant Food and Supplies Officer Vikas Batra reached the grain market afternoon and reprimanded the officials for suspending paddy purchase four days ago. The team also met Pramil Kalani, president, Arhtiya Association. Manjit Singh told the purchase officers to ensure that all the paddy in the grain market be purchased till December 15. He directed them to submit a report online at 11 am each day. He rubbished claims that parmal variety of paddy stacked here had high moisture. Manjit Singh told the media that Markfed had so far purchased 40,010 quintals, Pungrain 39,860 quintals, Punsup 27,990 quintals, Warehousing Corporation 15,830 quintals and private traders 48,070 quintals. He asked Jagdish Beniwal, secretary, Market Committee to coordinate with the government agencies and ensure basic facilities to farmers.
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More leaders write to Sonia against Bajwa
Ludhiana, November 6 The previous day, around 40 individuals claiming to be the District Congress Committee (DCC) office-bearers tendered their resignation. They also shot off a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, urging her to replace Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Partap Singh Bajwa. Today, the “Doctors’ Cell” of the DCC, including its president Dr Banarasi Dass Malhotra, resigned in protest against the removal and expulsion of former Ludhiana DCC (Urban) president Pawan Dewan. However, new DCC (Urban) Chief Gurpreet Bassi Gogi has claimed that those who had quit the party were not Congress workers. Bassi alleged that Dewan had stage-managed the resignations of ‘fake’ Congress workers. Bassi claimed there was no Doctors’ Cell in the DCC. More than 20 office-bearers of the Congress from Ludhiana, including former PPCC secretary Ahmed Ali Guddu, today wrote another letter to Sonia Gandhi, protesting against the removal and expulsion of Dewan and four block presidents. They alleged that Bajwa had harmed the interests of the party in Punjab. Loyal and hardworking Congressmen are finding it difficult to work in the party, they claimed. The DCC (Ludhiana), however, is projecting a united front. Gogi claimed that there were no divisions in the Congress. “Barring the four block presidents who were misled by the former DCC chief, the Congress stands united,” he told mediapersons today. Gogi said: “The doors (of the party) will remain open for all committed workers. The ignored Congress workers will be brought back to the mainstream. But those indulging in anti-party activities will not be spared.” Bajwa, during his recent Ludhiana visit, had categorically said that dissidence will be quelled and that all (party leaders and workers) will fall in line. Unending dissent *
More than 20 office-bearers of the Congress from Ludhiana on Thursday protested the removal and expulsion of five leaders from the district *
On Wednesday, around 40 individuals claiming to be the District Congress Committee office-bearers tendered their resignation *
But, the DCC (Ludhiana) claimed that there were no divisions in the Congress Taking a cue from Modi The press statement issued by one of the expelled block presidents, Baljinder Bunty, reads: “Apparently taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, several Congress office-bearers today demanded removal of the Punjab Congress Committee president for what they called ‘Swachh Congress Abhiyaan’.”
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We don’t want to part ways with
BJP: Badal
Sultanpur Lodhi, November 6 Badal had earlier rubbished reports on SAD’s strained ties with the BJP, calling these a media creation. The Chief Minister was in Sultanpur Lodhi for Gurpurab celebrations and a sports event organised by former minister Upinderjit Kaur. Asked if the SAD planned to turn to the BSP in case the BJP decided to go it alone in 2017, the Chief Minister said: “There is nothing of the sort as of now. How can I say anything at this juncture?” He said the SAD was the oldest party in the country after the Congress. “It is a strong party. We have had revolutionary leaders like Master Tara Singh.” Badal said what mattered most to him and his party was communal harmony in the state. “I appeal to the BJP to stay with us as it will be in the interest of the people of the country and Punjab,” he said. On his adviser Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal’s statement that the SAD had the ability to win any election on its own, the Chief Minister said: “He did not discuss it with me.”
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BJP unlikely to break alliance in near future
Chandigarh, November 6 Only two leaders, one from Pathankot and the other from Hoshiarpur, reportedly spoke in favour of the SAD-BJP alliance during their meeting with Katheria. They argued that the alliance was necessary to ensure communal harmony in the state. Reliable sources said Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal held a closed-door meeting with these two leaders yesterday. The latter wield considerable influence in their areas and are invariably consulted by the SAD leadership on postings, transfers and projects in their areas. Katheria, during his two-day visit to Punjab, met core committee members, district presidents and MLAs separately. He was reportedly told by a number of party leaders that elections in the state should be held before 2017 so that the party could take advantage of the “Modi wave.” Katheria, who has prepared a report card on the functioning of the BJP ministers, did not hint at any reshuffle at this juncture when the party is preparing for the Delhi Assembly elections. Kamal Sharma admits strain in ties
Amritsar: Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma today admitted that the SAD-BJP ties had turned sour after the Haryana elections. He said the SAD should not have reached a poll pact with the INLD. “Our stakes in Haryana were high. We wanted Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to campaign for us.” On BJP leader Ram Shankar Katheria’s statement that the party was preparing to go it alone in 2017, Sharma claimed that it had been misinterpreted. “Katheria simply said that the party was trying to expand its base. He also said that the BJP would continue to follow the coalition dharma.” On Capt Amarinder Singh’s apprehension that the RSS presence in rural areas could create communal tension, Sharma said: “Everybody knows the kind of communal politics Capt Amarinder Singh practises. We know why he had quit the Congress (after Operation Bluestar) and also the functions he attended while in Canada. We don’t need a certificate from him.” Conflicting voices *
Only two BJP leaders spoke in favour of the SAD-BJP alliance at their meeting with BJP’s Punjab affairs in charge Ram Shanker Katheria, said sources *
They argued that the alliance was necessary to ensure communal harmony in the state *
The Deputy Chief Minister held a closed-door meeting with these two leaders on Wednesday *
Some BJP leaders spoke in favour of holding elections to the state Assembly before 2017 *
They said this would work to the party’s advantage in view of the ‘Modi wave’
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Modi govt punishing farmers for SAD-BJP differences: Bir Devinder
Chandigarh, November 6 It was preposterous that the Centre was cynically withholding the release of second instalment of cash credit limit (CCL) worth Rs 10,000 crores, which was urgently needed to clear payments of paddy growers and commission agents in the state, he said. It was deplorable that no payment had been made to the farmers in Punjab for the past two weeks, thus putting the farmers in hardship. Paradoxically, the infighting between the SAD and the BJP had reached a crescendo. "Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal owes an explanation and apology to the people for misleading them on the leadership of Narendra Modi, whose government is now hell bent on victimising Punjab farmers for no fault of theirs," Bir Devinder said. The UPA government at the Centre had never shown such callousness towards Punjab farmers over the past 10 years. Dr Manmohan Singh had been gracious in accommodating Punjab. Despite that, Parkash Singh Badal had been rhetorically accusing him (Manmohan Singh) of bias against Punjab. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley seemed hell bent on avenging his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar by freezing all legitimate fiscal assistance to Punjab. It's a sinister conspiracy of the BJP hatched by Modi-Jaitley-Amit Shah trio to starve Punjab by all means, despite the fact that Punjab alone had been contributing more than 50 per cent to the food basket of the country, thus making the nation self-sufficient in its requirement of food grains, said the Congress leader.
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After training, govt to register matriculates as health workers
Chandigarh, November 6 “Their role will be limited to providing first-aid to people in case of medical emergencies,” Jyani told The Tribune. It is mandatory for registered ayurvedic doctors to get their registration updated with the Board of Ayurvedic and Unani Systems of Medicine every five years. But 6,000 registerted ayurvedic medical practioners in the state have not bothered to do so. The board, that lacks the manpower to verify if the ayurvedic doctors have updated their registration, had in 1999 sent 24,000 registered letters to the defaulters. Only 6,500 of them responded. As many as 17,500 letters came back undelivered. Later, the board decided to maintain the registration record of 13,000 ayurvedic doctors, most of them holding the BAMS or GAMS degree. “We are in the process of updating our register and creating a database of medical practitioners,” said board registrar Dr Sanjiv Goyal. Highly placed sources in the Health Department said there were at least two quacks in each of the 1,200 villages in Punjab. Most of them were under-matriculates who had assisted qualified doctors for a short period of six months to two years.
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Soon, societies for sheltering animals
Nawanshahr, November 6 The minister, who was at Balachaur town to inaugurate a charitable hospital, said an amount of Rs 67 crore was being spent on the project, of which Rs 50 crore would come from the Centre. He said to end shortage of specialists, medical students admitted against state quota seats would have to serve 10 years in government hospitals or else they would have to deposit Rs 50 lakh as bond money. Anandpur Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Prem Singh Chandumajra said that to resolve the issue of stray cattle in kandi areas, district-level animal welfare societies were being set up. These would acquire 25 acres each to provide shelter to 2,000 animals. Rajya Sabha MP and BJP in charge of J&K affairs Avinash Rai Khanna announced a Rs 2 lakh grant from his discretionary funds.
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Govt releases Rs 250 cr for cancer patients
Chandigarh, November 6 In a message on the eve of the Cancer Awareness Day, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal reiterated the government’s resolve to make Punjab cancer-free in the coming years. He appealed to the people to shun tobacco and liquor. He urged farmers and agriculture experts to check the excessive use of pesticides and other chemicals. The government has started a cashless scheme to provide treatment to cancer patients. A 200- bed cancer hospital will be coming up at Medi-city in SAS Nagar soon. — TNS
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Exports to Pakistan resumes via Attari
Amritsar, November 6 Sources at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari said 82 trucks crossed over to the other side of the border today. Most of them were loaded with soyabean and tomatoes. A total of 35 trucks arrived from Pakistan. The ICP officials said though the trade had resumed, it would take some time to gain momentum and return to normal. Incidentally, the traders didn’t suffer any major losses during this period as they were already expecting the trade to shut for a couple of days on account of Moharram holidays in Pakistan. The BSF has urged the tourists visiting the Attari border for the Retreat ceremony not to bring any sort of luggage or handbags with them. Though tourists already are not allowed to enter the Retreat area with handbags, many of them carry these and have to deposit them outside the venue. The BSF has already tightened security in and around the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post in the aftermath of Sunday’s suicide bomb attack on Pakistani side at
Wagah.
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Stubble burning fuels breathing problems
Sangrur, November 6 Despite a ban on burning paddy stubble, around 75 per cent of the paddy straw produced in the area is burnt openly in the fields by farmers taking the plea that they have no alternative to dispose it of. The district administration every year issues order banning the burning of paddy stubble, but farmers hardly pay any heed to such directives. A doctor says the police immediately challan a biker if his vehicle is producing smoke beyond permissible limits, but they play mute spectators in cases of stubble burning. The police have registered some FIRs in this connection over the past one week at Longowal, Moonak, Sunam and Chhajli police stations. Some persons were also arrested, but they were released on bail. Doctor AS Mann said cases of throat infections, acute cough, asthma, burning in eyes etc. at his clinic had gone up by at least 30 per cent over the past one week. Chest and TB specialist Dr Parveen Paul Jindal, who is also the District TB Officer at the Civil Hospital here, said cases of allergic bronchitis and bronchial asthma had increased at the OPD due to burning of paddy stubble. Dr Gaurav Mittal, medical specialist at the Civil Hospital, said he daily examined 25 to 30 patients having breathing problems and throat infections. Besides him, two other doctors were also examining such patients in the Civil Hospital, he added. Social activists maintain that burning of paddy stubble can be check only if the state government creates a market to sell paddy stubble. Once the farmers start getting money for paddy stubble, they will stop burning it, they say. The problem The cases of throat infections, acute cough, asthma, burning in eyes etc. at my clinic have gone up by at least 30 per cent over the past one week. — Dr AS Mann I daily examine 25 to 30 patients having breathing problems and throat infections. Besides me, two other doctors also examine such patients in the Civil Hospital. — Dr Gaurav Mittal Social activists' take * The state government should create a market to sell paddy stubble * Once farmers start getting money for it, it will act as an incentive and they will stop burning the stubble in their fields * This is the only way the state government can tackle the problem that has led to several health and ecological problems
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Preparing women prisoners for life after jail
Patiala, November 6 Twenty-eight-year-oldSunita (name changed) gets regular facial and spa, eyebrows shaped and nails painted, all for a little more than Rs 200. As part of an initiative to help jail inmates eke out a living, tailoring and beautician courses have been started for women prisoners under a pilot project at the Central Jail here. The project is a brainchild of Additional DGP (Prisons) Rajpal Meena. All district jails will soon have a beauty parlour for women inmates where they can groom themselves and simultaneously get training to earn livelihood when released from jail. Ranjeet Kaur, an inmate, said: "I am undergoing imprisonment for murdering my husband. I had lost the reason to live. But now, I think I must take care of myself as I have many more years ahead of me. I am getting training to become a professional beautician." Additional Superintendent Rajan Kapoor said: "We have converted a barrack into a beauty parlour. Trainers from the ITI, Patiala, and members of an NGO come here to train jail inmates. The idea is to give them an opportunity to earn a livelihood." Meena says the concept will be replicated in all jails across the state. "The aim is to help women prisoners look good and ensure that they are busy with something constructive," Meena says. Several jails in Faridkot, Patiala and Ludhiana have already started tailoring, towel making and bakery courses for inmates.
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Year on, no travel agent applies for licence in Muktsar
Muktsar, November 6 Sources in the district administration said all the three Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Executive Officers (EOs) of the municipal committees were told to submit the lists. But apart from Muktsar EO, none has submitted the details. Further, he has only listed 11 agents. The state government under the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation Act (earlier known as the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act) had made it mandatory to obtain the licence. The exercise was started in November last year in order to tighten the noose around fake travel agents, who exploit youths aspiring to go abroad. But due to poor response from agents and the authorities’ shoddy work, the deadline has been extended five times. The latest deadline of November 3 has been extended till November 12. Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Jaskiran Singh today re-directed all the officials concerned to identify the agents and instruct them to register before November 12. Lax authorities *
The state government recently made it mandatory for travel agents to obtain a licence *
The registration drive began in November last * But due to admn's shoddy work, the deadline has been extended five times.
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Delay in promotions: Doctors step up stir
Patiala, November 6 Currently, there are over 150 serving doctors in Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot who have been awaiting promotion for the past many years. Moreover, there have been some who have resigned in protest. Dr Dinesh Sharma, Assistant Professor, took a premature retirement after waiting for a promotion for 17 years. Dr Paras Pandove, one of the seniormost professors of Government Medical College, Patiala, worked as Senior Resident for 11 years before he was promoted to Assistant Professor. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor. Similarly, many PCMS doctors too are frustrated, facing few promotion avenues. Dr Harshinder Kaur, president of the Action Committee, said the Medical Council of India (MCI) had already denied permission to government medical colleges in Patiala and Amritsar to increase the number of postgraduate seats for year 2014-15 due to shortage of staff members. “If people are promoted in time, the number of PG seats would also increase,” she added. Endless wait *
Currently, there are over 150 serving doctors in Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot who have been awaiting promotion for the past many years
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‘Deserted’ by husband, India ex-cager files FIR
Patiala, November 6 Harjeet Kaur, who represented India in many international tournaments till 2014, alleged the police are moving at a snail’s pace in the case. She further alleged that her husband’s family was threatening her with dire consequences if she didn’t withdraw the complaint. She has shot off letters to the Sports Minister and the state Deputy Chief minister, seeking justice. “I want justice as my husband has cheated me financially, emotionally and physically,” says Harjit, an Assistant Sub-Inspector’s daughter. The FIR is registered under Sections 406 (Criminal Breach of Trust) and 498-A (for cruelty and harassment) of the IPC against Harjeet’s husband Harjinder Singh, his father Parminder Singh, his wife Satwinder Kaur and Harjinder’s aunt Jasbir Kaur. “Ever since the case was registered, my husband fled to Dubai,” she said in the FIR. Harjeet joined the Railways and got married in April 2014. “Soon, my husband began demanding money from me. He took Rs 3 lakh and left for Dubai earlier this year,” she alleged. Bindu Bala, in charge, women police station, said they had served notice on Satwinder Kaur and Jasbir Kaur. She said they had sought permission to issue a look-out circular against Harjinder and his father Parminder Singh.
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Anti-Sikh riots: Dal Khalsa seeks UN intervention
Hoshiarpur, November 6 Dal Khalsa along with hardliner groups of Kashmir, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu has sought a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that give rise to “genocidal pogroms” against the minorities like the one in Delhi in November 1984. Dal Khalsa head HS Dhami said a copy of the memorandum had been sent to the permanent member of UN Security Council with a hope that they would help the Sikhs get justice. The memorandum stated that the minorities were entitled to their regional, religious and nationalist aspirations by virtue of their birth, history and legacy. As per the United Nations charter, it was the duty of the UN to ensure that this right was not denied to them by their respective state. Seeking regular and systematic intervention of the international body, the memorandum addressed to Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was signed by Kanwar Pal Singh (Punjab), Prof SAR Geelani (Jammu & Kashmir), Harpal Singh Cheema (Punjab), Dr N Venu (Nagaland) and Mr Seeman (Tamil Nadu). It was submitted to Principal Information Officer at UN headquarters in Delhi.
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Gurpurb celebrated amid tight security in Pakistan
Amritsar, November 6 Talking to The Tribune on phone from Pakistan, former Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Mastan Singh said the programme started with the Akhand Path at Nankana Sahib, followed by Gurbani recital. A ‘nagar kirtan’ was also taken out from Gurdwara Nankana Sahib to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib with a tight security blanket thrown around it. He said the chairman and members of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, which looks after gurdwara affairs in Pakistan, were also present. Legislators from Pakistan’s Punjab Province, including Ramesh Singh Arora, too participated in the celebrations. He said around 25,000 Sikhs had gathered for celebrating the event at the holy shrine. Prof Kalyan Singh, a resident of Nankana Sahib, said thousands of Sikhs from different parts of Pakistan had already converged at the holy town as there were a couple of Muharram holidays prior to the Gurpurb. He said around 1,000 pilgrims had arrived from Australia, USA, Canada and Norway. Besides, the Sikh jathas led by the SGPC, DSGMC and American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) had also reached. He said the Pakistan government had made “unprecedented” security arrangements, leaving nothing to chance, as policemen from the special branch as well as elite force were deployed during the ‘nagar kirtan’ and other programmes. He said the Sikh Sangat from the UK, Peshawar, and other places also put up ‘langars’ at different points around Nankana Sahib. Prof Kalyan said while the programmes scheduled for the day had completed smoothly, ‘Gurbani Kirtan’ would be organised at the holy shrine in the evening, which would continue past midnight. The Gurpurb was celebrated with religious fervour in Amritsar with a large number of pilgrims paying obeisance at the Golden Temple and taking a holy dip in the ‘sarovar’. Long queues of devotees were witnessed at the holy shrine since morning. The ‘bhog’ ceremony of the Akhand Path took place at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall. The SGPC also put up ‘jalau’ (show of splendour) inside the sanctum sanctorum in which rare artifacts presented to the holy shrine were displayed. ‘Langars’ were organised in different parts of the city to mark the occasion. The evening witnessed ‘Gurbani Kirtan’ at the holy shrine with spectacular fireworks culminating the celebrations.
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Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial to display paintings on Sikhs
Kolkata, November 6 The miniature by W Kapoor Singh, a non-celebrity, shows Guru Nanak flanked by two others, one playing a musical instrument, in the shade of a tree. It was acquired by the Victoria Memorial Hall in 1911. Not too much is known about it, conceded its curator and secretary Jayanta Sengupta. "It is not a Mughal miniature. We do not have a lot of details about it in our accession records. My hunch is it was painted in the middle of the 19th century. So it is a comparatively a modern miniature painted in old style. "It is a very stunning painting. W Kapoor Singh was not one of the celebrity artists but very skilled," Sengupta said. The painting, 2.5 ft by 1.5 ft, will be on display throughout November. Sengupta said they intended to hold an exhibition showcasing the substantial number of paintings it had on the Sikhs. "We have paintings on Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Nanak and also paintings by British artists on Sikh commoners. We are planning an exhibition of Sikh paintings next year," the official said. — IANS
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Washington, November 6 "Now on the anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji's birth, as friends and family gather to celebrate this special day, know that the US people stand with you in recognition of our shared values and with a mutual commitment to human dignity," he said in a statement. "Guru Nanak's timeless teachings and principles—the equality of all people, pluralism within diverse societies and compassion towards one another—are shared not only by the Sikhs, but also by people of all faiths," Kerry said. "We recently celebrated these values as Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and members of other faiths came together to celebrate Diwali at the Department of State," he added. — PTI
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Need for autonomy in education: Experts
Hoshiarpur, November 6 He pondered over various issues regarding autonomy in education in India. Various challenges and prospects regarding autonomy were touched upon by him. Principal Dr Desh Raj Sharma, convener, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Punjab, emphasised the need for autonomy in the present scenario. During the technical session, various scholars presented papers. Atul Kothari replied to the queries of the audience. Prior to this, Principal Dr Gurdip Kumar Sharma welcomed the guests. Later, the participants were presented mementos and certificates. Guru Dutt thanked the participants and also stressed the role of autonomy in education. Other dignitaries who attended the seminar were Guru Dutt Sharma, Principal Anil Handa, Prof KK Handa, SP Joshi (retd Deputy Commissioner, Police), Sukhdev Maini, Sanjiv Kumar, Anurag Sood, Suresh Tandon and teachers from various schools and colleges of Hariana and
Hoshiarpur.
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No recovery from retd staff, SC told
New Delhi, November 6 Appearing for the state, advocate Nikhil Nayyar told a Bench headed by Justice JS Khehar that the government also did not intend to recover such payments from retired employees, irrespective of the position (class I to IV) they had held at the time of their superannuation, and those who were close to retirement — left with a service of one year or less. However, the exemption from recovery would be allowed only if the excess payments had been made for less than five years. The apex court was hearing about 250 appeals filed by the state government against Rafiq Masih and others, challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s January 17, 2011, ruling that had gone in their favour. The Bench reserved its judgment after noting down the state government’s proposal to resolve the case without putting burden on those who would find it difficult to repay the excess payment. The Bench said it would see whether it could use its powers under Article 142 for accepting the government’s proposal. It, however, clarified that no relief would be given to those who had deliberately made false claims and representations that had resulted in excess payment to them. It also detached three cases from the batch of appeals as these employees had agreed to repay the excess payment or made other commitments. These cases would be heard further and would not be covered under the judgment to be delivered on other appeals.
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HC grants interim stay on plea by Pune-based breeding firm
Chandigarh, November 6 A Pune-based company, Genus Breeding India Private Limited, has filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court for quashing the notice issued on March 10 on the ground of being illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional. In the petition through senior advocate Anand Chhibbar, the company contended that the notice claimed the use of semen straw procured from non-governmental sources may be harmful due to poor quality. It further stated that the use and sale of semen from sources other than semen stations run by Punjab Government at Nabha and Ropar would invite legal action. Throwing a challenge to the notice, Chhibbar contended that the semen station operated by petitioner-company has been awarded Grade “B”. It implied that the station being operated by the company was consistently maintaining minimum standard protocols and producing high-quality semen for artificial insemination and pedigree improvement. Elaborating on the procedure, Chhibbar contended that the Central Monitoring Unit, established under the aegis of the Union of India, was involved in grading semen produced in the semen stations. Only the semen stations awarded Grade “A” or “B” by the CMU were eligible for funding under the National Dairy Program. Taking up the matter, Justice K. Kannan ordered interim stay. Justice Kannan asserted: “There shall be an interim stay of the operation of the impugned order. It also applies to registered semen stations evaluated by CMU and whose grades are “A” and “B”. It is clarified that there shall be no suspension of its operation in respect of its applicability to unregistered semen stations and whose stocks is in the grade of “C” and below”. Referring to the impugned notice, Chhibbar said the advertisement stated that every year approximately 40 lakh “best pedigree of standard semen straw” would be available at Rs 50 per straw through veterinary hospitals and dispensaries managed by Punjab Department of Animal Husbandry. But he also made an incorrect and baseless statement that it may be harmful to use semen straw produced by non-governmental sources. He added that the impugned notice was absolutely baseless and malafide. “It has been issued with the intention of wiping out all non-government semen production organisations in one single sweep, without any rationale or reasoning”. Chhibbar also claimed that Punjab Livestock Development Board and Progressive Dairy Farmers Association in Punjab have been using bovine semen imported by the petitioner-company. But the present action of the state government was monopolistic trade practice. Artificial insemination *
The Punjab Government's notice had asked the general public against procuring "semen straw" from non-governmental sources *
The notice claimed the use of semen straw procured from such sources may be harmful due to poor quality *
A Pune-based company filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court for quashing the notice issued *
It had contended that the notice was illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional.
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Robbery at gunhouse: 2 of gang arrested in Faridkot
Faridkot, November 6 Preliminary investigations revealed that this gang had stolen 34 weapons and 1,243 live cartridges from a gun house in Kotkapura last month. Members of this gang are facing many criminal cases, including those of murder, loot and snatching, at various police stations in the state. Paramraj Singh Umranangal, Inspector General (IG), said the gangsters had run out of weapons following which they broke into a gun house in Kotkapura on October 5 through an adjoining shop. In a clash with five members of this gang last evening, the police arrested two while the remaining fled. The police recovered stolen weapons, including three rifles, three revolvers and four guns, besides a stolen car from them. One the accused, Jagroop Singh, is a notorious gangster of Amritsar who is involved in seven cases of murder and attempt to murder, said the IG. Three other members of the gang are Gurbax Singh, Kamaljit Singh and Jaspreet Singh of Faridkot district and Bikramjit of Amritsar. They had killed Sukhpal Singh (45) of Sewewala village and his nephew Maninder Singh (23) on March 30 to avenge the killing of Gurbax Singh’s brother, he said. During the investigation of Kotkapura gun house robbery, the police exposed an arms smuggling and fake licences racket by arresting five persons and seizing 10 smuggled weapons, the IG said. Ferozepur, Moga hub of illegal arms trade
Faridkot: Police investigations into the arms smuggling racket have indicated that Ferozepur and Moga are fast becoming a hub of illegal weapons trade. Pointing towards a nexus between arms dealers and smugglers, the probe found that the suppliers of smuggled weapons legitimised these weapons using forged documents to sell these to influential persons and gangsters in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and UP. The weapons were being sold at a price varying between Rs 25 lakh and to Rs 30 lakh. Police sources said some fake licences were of the nature that only the State Secretary was empowered to issue. Such licences were issued for prohibited weapons, they said. Sukhev Singh Kahlon, Senior Superintendent of Police, Faridkot, said they had asked the civil administration of the neighbouring districts to verify the records to identify fake licences. Police investigation found that one of the arrested gun dealers, Ranjit Singh, was involved in a firearms scandal in Mansa in 2011. The police had recovered around 200 fake licences and several local fire weapons. Despite this, he again managed to get renewed his gun house dealership . Earlier in 2002, a CBI investigation had found that over 27,000 fake arms licences had been issued by the Ferozepur arms licensing authority without verifying the antecedents of the applicants. Most of the beneficiaries were issued licences between 1997 and 2000. They were said to be criminals from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, who had got arms licences using fake identity. In July 2010, some persons were found preparing fake arms licences by forging signatures and using official stamps of the ADC. Case file *
The gang members had stolen 34 weapons and 1,243 cartridges from a gun house in Kotkapura on October 5 *
They are facing many criminal cases, including those of murder, loot and snatching *
The police arrested two of the gang on Wednesday and recovered three rifles, three revolvers and four guns *
The police say the accused robbed the gun house as they had run out of weapons.
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6 wanted for murder, burglary arrested
Hoshiarpur, November 6 The accused had allegedly robbed a jeweller and murdered a migrant labourer, besides indulging in other criminal activities. Raj Jit Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, said a naka was set up under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Rajinder Singh at Randhawa Adda, near Dasuya. Acting on a tip-off, the police team raided a site near a closed petrol pump and arrested six persons who were allegedly planning to commit a robbery in the district. The accused were identified as Gurdev Singh alias Rimpa of Khun Khun Kalan, Narinder Singh alias Neeta of Bhogpur, Manvir Singh alias Gaggi and Pardeep Singh alias Chirhu of Jahura, Rupinder pal Singh alias Baba of Moonak and Dilroop Singh alias Roop. The SSP said the police had seized illegal firearms from their possession. These include three pistols of .32 bore, two .315 bore country made pistols and live bullets. Sources said the police also seized a car and 300 gm of narcotic powder from their possession. Raj Jit Singh said the accused had confessed to have robbed a jeweller of Miani and killing a migrant labourer a few days ago. A case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against the accused. They would be produced before a local court tomorrow. Further investigations are on.
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Four of Tarn Taran family shot at
Tarn Taran , November 6 The Patti police have registered a case under Sections 307, 323, 324, 452, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. The injured have been identified as Dalbir Singh, his son Amanpreet Singh, nephew Gurdev Singh and Sarabjit Singh. Patti Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devinder Singh said the victims had been admitted to the Civil Hospital Patti. One of them, Amanpreet Singh, had been referred to Amritsar. He said old enmity had led to the clash. The DSP said they would record the statements of the victims and add relevant charges in the FIR, if needed.
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Two held in Malerkotla murder case
Sangrur, November 6 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mandeep Singh Sidhu said following a tip-off, Mohammad Shahid, alias Kadoo, and Mohammad Irshad, alias Babbu, residents of Malerkotla, were arrested at Adamwal T-point in Ratolan village. He said the police also recovered the motorcycle and mobile phone of the deceased from their possession. The SSP said on October 29, Sameer went on his motorcycle for an electrical job at Mohammad Shahid’s house. He said the victim went missing thereafter and his body was found three days later. A brother of the deceased lodged a complaint at Amargarh police station.
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Extortion case: CIA raids Abohar house
Abohar, November 6 A team of the Chandigarh police, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagbir Singh and Inspector Ranjodh Singh had arrested Head Constable Balwinder Singh of Abohar, Assistant Sub-Inspector Sukhwinder Singh, Head Constable Raghubir Singh and Ajaypal Singh of the UT police in Chandigarh on Tuesday. They caught the accused as Satpal and Ashok had lodged a complaint in this regard. Satpal had alleged that four policemen along with Rinku and Nagpal of Abohar had accused them of being bookies. They alleged that after taking Rs 13 lakh, laptops, mobile phones, etc, the policemen did not imprison them. The duo alleged the accused agreed to release them if they paid Rs 17 lakh. The investigation reportedly indicated that Satpal had been earlier operating in Ludhiana and Rinku and Nagpal were his conduits in Abohar. Sources said Rinku and Nagpal conspired with Balwinder Singh and his friends in Chandigarh to extort money from the duo. Abohar was once a hub of cricket betting, but most of the bookies reportedly shifted to Mohali and Zirakpur. They continued to be in touch with people in
Abohar. The case *
Rinku and Nagpal and four policemen had allegedly extorted Rs 13 lakh from Satpal Aggarwal and his friend Ashok Kumar at Satpal's house in Mohali on November 2 *
Though the four accused policemen have been nabbed, Rinku and Nagpal are still at large.
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Cops taken to Jhalawar in kidnapping case
Abohar, November 6 The other accused are Constable Jasbir Singh Jassi of Allahuddinpura, Tarn Taran; Sukha Singh of Baggupura (Patti), Mangal Singh aka Manga of Burji-Ke-Nathu village (Sarhali) and Gurmej Singh Geja of Kediya village (Patti). The Rajasthan Police nabbed them on Tuesday night and rescued Naresh Kumar Meena from Jawar in Jhalawar district. They had demanded Rs 3 lakh ransom from the boy’s parents. About the crime *
ASI Surinder of Patti; Constable Jasbir Jassi of Tarn Taran; Sukha Singh of Patti, Mangal Singh of Sarhali and Gurmej Singh Geja of Patti had kidnapped Naresh Kumar Meena (10) *
They had demanded Rs 3 lakh ransom from the boy's parents.
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Parkash Singh Badal has released Rs 3.30 crore more for the construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) through the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB). 
The state government agencies today once again began purchasing the parmal variety of paddy in the grain market here. It recently come under fire for suspending paddy purchase.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said he did not want to part ways with the
BJP. But if the latter was adamant on doing so, the SAD had no other alternative but to accept the decision.
Some BJP ministers have complained to BJP’s Punjab affairs in charge Ram Shanker Katheria that they have not been given “complete” charge of their ministries. Katheria reportedly told them that the BJP did not want to walk out of the
SAD-BJP government in the immediate future as this would amount to “murder of democracy.”
Chandigarh, November 6
The number of patients facing respiratory problems has gone up in the area these days. The trend is being attributed to burning of paddy stubble in the fields by farmers. Doctors say the number of patients suffering from throat infections, allergic bronchitis, productive cough, asthma, itching and burning in eyes has doubled these days.
That all women want to look beautiful is no secret and murder convict 42-year-old Ranjeet Kaur (name changed) is no exception. She rushes to the newly opened beauty parlour behind the high-security walls of the Central Jail here on special occasions and whenever her relatives come to meet her.
To celebrate Gurpurb, the Victoria Memorial Hall here has put on display a relatively modern miniature painting of the first Sikh Guru and plans to hold an exhibition of old paintings centred on the community next year.
The miniature by W Kapoor Singh, a non-celebrity, shows Guru Nanak flanked by two others, one playing a musical instrument, in the shade of a tree.
Group spokesman Kanwarpal Singh said a representation to the UN Secretary General submitted at the office of the UN Information Centre stated that the UN had “indicted” the Sinhalese armed forces and the political establishment in Sri Lanka for committing gross human right violations. The UN should probe the mass killings of Sikhs in 1984, he said.