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Snag in server trips trade across state
Khaira complains against Badal to Governor
BJP should walk out of alliance with Akalis, says CPS Sidhu
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Take everybody along, Rahul tells PPCC chief
SAD core panel to meet tomorrow
Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal greets people at Arniwala village in Jalalabad on Wednesday. Tribune photo
Joshi biased, alleges Bolaria
Gurdaspur firing:
Rs 5 lakh given to kin of deceased
Govt may not give in to BJP’s demand for VAT cut on diesel
VB begins probe into equipment scam at Amritsar hospital
Vigilance Bureau officials at Government Medical College in Amritsar on
Wednesday. PHOTO:RK SONI
Bank staff strike work, demand wage revision
Members of the United Forum of Bank Unions protest in Patiala on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Rajesh Sachar
Govt to sponsor students for fishery courses in China
Rising crime in Patiala puts residents on edge
Ensure speedy disposal of cases: HC to Chief Secy
Activists protest, demand fee refund for SC students
Norms for nursing courses eased
State govt to preserve martyr’s ancestral house
Rural job scheme fails to serve purpose in Moga dist
SC students end protest
6 months on, Faridkot MP holds thanksgiving tour
2 drug peddlers get 10-yr jail
Police book accused in PPSC scam for kidnapping brother
EO among five booked for fraud
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Snag in server trips trade across state
Rajpura/Patiala, November 12 Traders and drivers of these vehicles were up in arms against the taxation department for the poor functioning of e-trip facility barriers in the state. The server remained out of order from 11 am on Tuesday to 4.50 pm today.This was the sixth failure of the server in the past around one year. The department claims that it has been trying to find analternative to deal with such
situations. The server failed around 11 am on Tuesday and movement of goods came to a halt at various taxation barriers across the state. Traders kept making enquiries about the delay in transportation of goods, but it was only this morning that the department informed them about the server failure through its website. The problem was rectified around 4.50 pm today. "By that time, business transactions worth crores had been delayed or had to be done manually," said a taxation
official. By Tuesday evening, hundreds of vehicles could be seen parked alongside the national highway near the ICC barrier at Shambhu, even as anxious truck drivers kept pleading with taxation officials to clear their vehicles. "Instead of solving our problem,
the barrier staff started charging between Rs 200 and Rs 500 per vehicle to clear the vehicles on priority. This is becoming an everyday harassment," said over 100 drivers that launched a dharna at Shambhu and raised anti-government slogans."The server was down and the whole system was disturbed," said Director (Investigation) Gurtej Singh. "We rushed a team of 12 inspectors to various barriers to clear traffic bottlenecks there," he said.The department server gets around 80,000 entries everyday. These entries are mandatory for the transportation of goods within and outside the state. "If the department website cannot process these many entries, the e-trip scheme should be postponed. Otherwise, such problems will continue to cause losses to our business," traders said.
What is e-trip *
Since August 2012, those doing intra-state trade above a certain amount (fixed by the excise and taxation department) have to make available online all information pertaining to the transported goods *
The traders are given passwords and user names by local excise department offices, so that they can make use of the facility on the website www.pextax.com *
The scheme was launched to check tax evasion by traders by destroying the bills after the goods reached the destination
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Khaira complains against Badal to Governor
Chandigarh, November 12 Presenting a letter dated April 17, 2012, purportedly written by DGSE-cum-State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority (SSA), to the SSP Gurdaspur, Khaira said Rs 4,89,57,600 was e-transferred into SSA account No. 30143114647 under the DEO(S), Gurdaspur."The DEO(S) was to ensure purchase and distribution of school uniforms to 1,22,394 girls, SC and BPL students aged between 6 and 14 years at the rate of Rs 400 per child. The beneficiaries were to be provided stitched uniforms through PUSWAK committees of schools. The then DEO(S), Shindo Sahni, apparently under directions from the then Education Minister SS Sekhwan, flouted guidelines and directed Block Primary Education Officers, vide letter SSA/Uniforms/2010-11/15082-16001 dated April 7, 2011, to make direct payment to two firms—Elite Tube Private Limited and Karan Enterprises of Jalandhar," Khaira said.Similarly, the grant received under the RMSA for the purchase of furniture for schools was also embezzled and payments were made directly to two firms—Gobind Impex of Jalandhar and Naresh Steel Furniture of Dera Bassi." The said official letter categorically held the then DEO(S), a clerk and two other SSA officials responsible for the embezzlement of the government grant. The DGSE-cum-State Project Director recommended the registration of an FIR against the said culprits. The State Education Department has since then terminated the services of Shindo Sahni DEO(S) and has suspended other guilty officials," Khaira said.He said following no response from the SSP, Gurdaspur, and non-registration of FIR against the guilty, Principal Secretary-cum-DGSE Anjali Bhawra sent three reminders to him last year and the last one on May 9 this year, but to no avail. The allegation * A sum of Rs 4.89 crore meant for uniforms of SC and BPL school students was embezzled * The then DEO(S) Shindo Sahni, apparently under directions from the then Education Minister SS Sekhwan, flouted guidelines and directed officers to make payment directly to two firms * An FIR was registered in the case and action taken against some officials, but now the matter is being hushed up to shield the former minister Bid to quell rebellion * The central leadership has decided to back PPCC chief Partap Bajwa for now, lest it is seen to be succumbing to pressure * In private, central leaders say that Rahul has in his own way told Bajwa the need to work as a team 8 Party veterans say the rebellion against Bajwa's leadership can't be ignored
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BJP should walk out of alliance with Akalis, says CPS Sidhu
Chandigarh, November 12 “It is the right time to do so. The BJP must fight the 2017 Assembly elections on its own. In fact, the time is ripe for the party to walk out of the alliance,” she said.She was speaking on the sidelines of a function here to felicitate Hoshiarpur MP Vijay Sampla on his elevation as Minister of State in the Modi Cabinet. “My husband must have certain qualities because of which he is loved by the masses. Often God speaks through the masses,” she said when questioned on the buzz in political circles that former Amritsar MP Navjot Sidhu may soon be made state unit chief. “We are both humble party workers. My husband will take up any responsibility assigned to him by the party high command,” she said.
Questioned by the media on the matter, Sampla evaded a reply. He said he was not authorised to give his opinion on the matter. “Please put the question to Amit Shah (BJP national president),” he said. Playing down differences with the SAD, he said while there could be difference of opinion on certain issues, there was no bitterness between them.Asked to comment on Dr Navjot Sidhu’s remarks on a greater role for her husband in Punjab politics, the state BJP chief, Kamal Sharma, simply smiled. He did not give any answer. However, Phagwara MLA Som Parkash, who was seated next to him, observed: “To see Sidhu as the future state leader seems more the desire of the celebrity couple than that of the masses.”
Dr Sidhu accused the Akalis of not honouring their promise to bring about development in
Amritsar.
Won’t attend luncheon meetings: Sharma Chandigarh: The state BJP chief, Kamal Sharma, said on Wednesday that the party’s district leaders would not attend luncheon/dinner meetings called by the Deputy CM. Talking to The Tribune at the BJP headquarters here, he claimed the Akali leadership had planned the meetings on its own without consulting the state BJP. “We do not see any reason for organising such meetings,” he said. Amritsar MLA Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu said despite an invite, she had skipped the luncheon meeting as her party leaders had decided to keep away. — TNS On the sidelines of Vijay Sampla’s felicitation ceremony * Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Welfare Vijay Sampla said he would act as Punjab’s advocate in the Modi government * On the SYL canal and transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, he said dialogue was the best solution * On dynastic politics, Sampla said the times had changed but a deserving person should not be barred from holding office * Sampla claimed his party had always supported the cause of the reserved categories * The minister met Social Welfare Department officials of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh later in the day * He said he would be touring the state besides holding meetings in Hoshiarpur where he had bought a house
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Take everybody along, Rahul tells PPCC chief
New Delhi, November 12 Veterans Ashwani Kumar and Preneet Kaur were among those present at the meeting.
Rahul reportedly met Bajwa here on Monday. He told the Punjab Congress chief to talk to all senior leaders of the state before taking a decision on the suspension or removal of party members or new appointments. Shakeel Ahmed, AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab affairs, was also present at the meeting.
State Congress presidents have the power to appoint and remove block-level office-bearers. For action against district-level leaders, the approval of the central high command is required.
Though the meeting was called to discuss modalities of the "Save Punjab" campaign, which the Punjab Congress plans to launch on November 14, the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul is learnt to have used the occasion to instruct Bajwa to reach out to the party elders and take them into confidence on crucial matters. The meeting assumes significance in the wake of tensions in Punjab over Bajwa's leadership. "Never have block presidents come out on the streets against the state leadership, showing the state president black flags, as happened in Ludhiana recently," said a senior party leader from Punjab.
Rahul's meeting with Ashwani Kumar and Preneet Kaur today was the 10th in a series of meetings with party veterans for the revival of Punjab Congress. Bajwa has expelled rebel block presidents of Ludhiana. Sources say the central leadership has decided to back Bajwa for now lest it is seen to be succumbing to pressure. Speaking to The Tribune, Ahmed said: "Indiscipline and aggression against the state leadership cannot be condoned. You cannot show black flags to the state party president. This will not be tolerated."
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SAD core panel to meet tomorrow
Chandigarh, November 12 The 14-member committee will discuss the issue of BJP taking credit for all the good things in the government and blaming the SAD for any flip-flop. The committee will also discuss a strategy to deal with state BJP leaders who have been criticising the SAD.
Sources said the CM had already told his party workers that the alliance would not be snapped. However, the core committee has received an “overwhelming” feedback from the party cadres expressing their resentment against the BJP leaders for refusing to take on the responsibility of governance and blaming the SAD for any unpopular decision. The committee will discuss seat-sharing with the BJP for local bodies elections scheduled for next month. The BJP wants the seat-sharing formula to be revised.
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Alliance will win Delhi poll: Sukhbir
Fazilka, November 12 He laid the foundations stones of concrete streets in about a dozen villages of his constituency. As part of the project, concrete flooring at a cost of Rs 47 crore will be laid in these villages.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the SAD-BJP alliance had “strengthened” communal harmony in the state and people’s confidence in development-oriented policies of the alliance would
keep it in power for the next 25 years. He said the Congress was creating a “misunderstanding” among people that the alliance was going through tough times. The Deputy Chief Minister said the state
government would sign a memorandum of understanding with cement companies to get cement
on “controlled rates” for public works. He announced to grant Market Committee status to Mandi Arniwala in Jalalabad constituency.Member of Parliament from Ferozepur Sher Singh Ghubaya, SAD district president Ashok Aneja, Deputy Inspector General, Ferozepur range, Manish Chawla and Fazilka Deputy Commissioner Manjit Singh Brar accompanied
Badal.
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Joshi biased, alleges Bolaria
Amritsar, November 12 Bolaria released the statement on SAD’s e-mail ID, hinting that he had the backing of the SAD top brass. In his hard-hitting statement, Bolaria said: “It is unacceptable to tolerate discrimination in development. The people will take the first corrective step tomorrow by preventing garbage from being dumped at Bhagtanwala.The minister must remember that he swore on oath that he would not mislead the people in the discharge of his duties. But he issued a highly misleading statement yesterday which has hurt me as well as the people,” he said. He accused Joshi of making lame excuses to hide his failures. The Akali leader chided Joshi for politicising the issue. He accused Joshi of discriminating against his Assembly constituency while carrying out development works. “The minister knows there are areas where tiles have been laid on tiles and streetlights every few metres. In contrast, there is lack of development in areas around Bhagtanwala where people are suffering from various respiratory ailments. “The Local Bodies Department and the MC could have bought land outside the city to relocate the Bhagtanwala dump yard,” he said.
Bolaria said the decision to set up a solid waste management plant was taken during the last tenure of the SAD-BJP regime, but the project could not take off due to “ego clashes, rivalry and allegations of wrongdoing between then BJP’s Amritsar MP and the Local Bodies Minister.”
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Gurdaspur firing:
Rs 5 lakh given to kin of deceased
Chandigarh, November 12 Disposing of the petition filed by NGO Lawyers for Human Rights International, a Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Mohunta and Justice Harinder Singh Sidhu refused to express opinion on the status report submitted in the matter, which said bullets were fired in the
air. The development took place after Navkiran Singh disputed the conclusions made in the status report "that no bullet was fired by targeting anybody and bullets were fired only in the air".Speaking for the Bench, Justice Sidhu said: "It is not for this court to opine on the merits of the conclusion reached in the status report. It has been settled by the Supreme Court in a large number of cases that once the final report under Section 173 of the CrPC is submitted in a competent court, the matter is to proceed further as per the procedure laid down in the
CrPC." The mob was protesting against the impending execution of Balwant Singh
Rajoana, assassin of Punjab's former CM Beant Singh.The Bench asserted: "As per the procedure mandated by the SC, if the court of
CJM, Gurdaspur, the competent court where the final report has been submitted, decides not to take cognisance of the offence and drop the proceedings, the concerned court must give notice to the informant and provide him an opportunity to be heard."
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Govt may not give in to BJP’s demand for VAT cut on diesel
Chandigarh, November 12
The BJP has been demanding that the VAT rate on diesel be rolled back to 8.75 per cent plus 10 per cent surcharge — the rate that existed till October 2. The government had hiked VAT to compensate for loss it would suffer because of the recent diesel price cuts. During this financial year, the price of diesel has come down by Rs 5 per litre (on different occasions). With this, VAT on the sale of diesel too comes down, forcing the government to increase the tax. With every Re 1 per litre fall in the price of diesel, the loss in VAT is 10 paisa per litre. An average 2.77 lakh kilolitres of diesel is sold in Punjab each month. The state earns Rs 3,000 crore as VAT on petrol and diesel. Though the VAT rate on diesel is almost similar to other states, VAT charged on petrol is among the highest in the country at 28 per cent plus 10 per cent surcharge. The fall in petrol price thus does not impact the total tax collected on its sale. The sources say VAT on diesel in Punjab is lower than the rate in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, but diesel is expensive in the state as compared Haryana. While Punjab charges 9.75 per cent VAT plus 10 per cent surcharge, Chandigarh 9.68 per cent and Himachal 9.6 per cent. As a result, diesel price in Punjab is Rs 52.37 per litre, Chandigarh Rs 52.94 per litre and Himachal Rs 52.94 per litre. In Haryana, which charges 9.68 per cent as VAT, the diesel price is Rs 52.09 per litre. Who charges what * The state earns Rs 3,000 crore as VAT on petrol and diesel * Though the VAT rate on diesel is almost similar to other states, VAT charged on petrol in the state is among the highest in the country at 28 per cent plus 10 per cent surcharge * The sources say VAT on diesel in Punjab is lower than the rate in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh
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VB begins probe into equipment scam at Amritsar hospital
Amritsar, November 12 A team, led by Deputy Parveen Kanda, Superintendent of Police (DSP), Vigilance, visited the college today and examined the records pertaining to the purchase. The Vigilance also recorded the statements of various serving and retired officials. The college had purchased 13 examination tables (emergency and patient trolley) in 2012 at the cost of Rs 4.5 lakh each, thus paying a total sum of Rs 61.42 lakh. However, an RTI activist found from the German company, which supplied the tables to the GMC, that the table was available at
Rs 95,000 each. Sources in the college said since 2009, the college had purchased at least 88 tables of the same specification and make. Even a few former officials of the college said they were astonished to see such costly beds. Surprisingly, though the college bought the tables at an exorbitant price, most of these are still stacked inside store rooms and have never been used. “There was no need for examination tables costing Rs 4.5 lakh each. The workable tables which we see in hospitals are available for much less cost,” said a senior doctor.
ncidentally, the college is also facing another inquiry into the purchase of dialysis kits at three times the market price. The college had purchased 1,000 dialysis kits at a price of Rs 1,750 per kit even as these were available in the market for
Rs 606 each.
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Bank staff strike work, demand wage revision
Sangrur, November 12 Addressing the rally, Sunil Jain, regional secretary, SBoP Employees Union, said 10 lakh officers and workmen throughout the country went on strike as the Indian Banks Association (IBA) had failed to revise their wages. He said the bank employees would also hold relay zonal strikes from December 2 to December 5, 2014. Davinder Gupta, an SBoP officer, said the wages of bank employees were to be revised on November 1, 2012, but the IBA delayed the process. He demanded that their salary be hiked substantially on account of high inflation that Among others present on the occasion were Parmod Sharma, General Secretary, AIBOU, and Pali Ram Bansal, secretary of All India Gramin Bank Officers Association.
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Govt to sponsor students for fishery courses in China
Chandigarh, November 12 The Chief Minister announced that Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) would soon ink an MoU with the FFRC to promote fisheries in the state on scientific lines in a big way.Stressing the need to adopt advanced practices in fisheries, Badal said this could only be achieved through imbibing scientific temperament among fish farmers in the state by students trained from the FFRC. He announced that the fish farmers from Punjab would also be sent in batches for training in fisheries from the FFRC so as to enable them to enhance fish
production. The FFRC is a premiere institute in China undertaking extensive research in fresh water fisheries with specialised research in carps and other fresh water species such as crabs, crawfish, catfish, soft shell turtles, shrimps etc.The delegation of fish farmers and experts, led by the Chief Minister, visited experimental fish ponds in the FFRC to get a first-hand account on the rare species of fish. Badal also visited a fish farm in Wuxi spread over 19 hectares where the average production was 25 tonnes per hectare as compared to six tonnes per hectare in Punjab.
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Rising crime in Patiala puts residents on edge
Patiala, November 12 Over 54 theft cases, wherein goods worth Rs 50 lakh were stolen, have been registered at a police station in Tripuri. Similarly, 49 theft and snatching cases have been registered at Civil Lines police station. The scenario is no different in the inner part of the city with 27 and 23 theft cases registered at police stations of Lahori Gate and Kotwali. “The number of cases registered paint a grim picture as there are hundreds of thefts that are not reported. Moreover, sometimes many theft cases are clubbed into one FIR. The situation has gotten worse as the police department is functioning poorly,” said a senior police officer. YS Matta, Divisional Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Bathinda, alleged despite lodging a complaint with the police about a theft at his farmhouse in Banur, the local police failed to prevent another theft at his property. He alleged thieves decamped with solar panel worth several lakh. “I have to come to Patiala everyday to raise the matter with the police, but to no avail. If an officer like me is harassed so much, one can only imagine the plight of the common man,” said Matta.Residents of Urban Estate also go through a similar ordeal. About 25 cases of theft and snatching incidents have been registered here with thieves having stolen valuables worth Rs 28 lakh. The police have only recovered goods worth Rs 2.90 lakh so far. “Night patrolling has not begun in our locality even though we have asked the local SHO to do so several times,” said a senior citizen.Pritpal Thind, Superintendent of Police (SP), city, said the police alone can’t check theft, the people too need to be more cautious. He said people should hire private guards at every locality. He further said the police were regularly patrolling the streets at night.
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Ensure speedy disposal of cases: HC to Chief Secy
Chandigarh, November 12 The Bench observed: “We are constrained to point out that in many cases it has come to our notice that District Magistrates are taking their time to pass an order in terms of Section 14 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Asset and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.
“In certain cases the period taken by the District Magistrates is over one year. Therefore, we deem it appropriate to direct the Chief Secretary of the state to issue direction to the District Magistrates that any application by the secured creditor filed in terms of Section 14 of the Act needs to be decided in a time-bound manner so that the purpose of the Act is
not defeated”. Referring to the case in hand, the Bench observed the writ petition had been rendered infructuous, as the District Magistrate has passed an order in the matter. Section 14 in the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, deals with the issue of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or District Magistrate assisting secured creditor in taking possession of secured asset. The Section says the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or District Magistrate are to assist secured creditor in taking possession of secured asset, where the possession of any secured assets is required to be taken by the secured creditor; or if any of the secured assets is required to be sold or transferred by the secured creditor under the provisions of the Act.
It says that “the secured creditor may, for the purpose of taking possession or control of any such secured assets, request, in writing, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or the District Magistrate within whose jurisdiction any such secured asset or other documents relating thereto may be situated or found, to take possession thereof…”
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Activists protest, demand fee refund for SC students
Sangrur, November 12 They warned the administration that they would stage an indefinite dharna in front of the DC office and boycott classes in colleges and schools if the fee was not refunded.
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Norms for nursing courses eased
Chandigarh, November 12 The candidates will now be given admission on the basis of inter-se merit in the respective qualifying exam i.e. post-basic B.Sc. nursing and M.Sc. nursing courses.
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State govt to preserve martyr’s ancestral house
Chandigarh, November 12 Sohan Singh Thandal, Cultural Affairs Minister, said the ground floor of the house of Shaheed Sukhdev located at Mohalla Nou Ghara had already been declared as a preserved historical monument by the state government through its notification issued on May 20, 2008. He said Sukhdev Thapar sacrificed his life at a very young age for liberating the nation from the British rule. He said his sacrifice was exemplary and acted as an inspiration for the younger generations. He said the government had decided to preserve the whole structure of his ancestral home in Ludhiana under the Act. Thandal said the first and second floor of this house would be preserved. He said any person having any proximity with this house and who had any objection for declaring this house as historical monument could file his objection with the Tourism Department within two months.
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Rural job scheme fails to serve purpose in Moga dist
Moga, November 12 In Moga-1 and Moga-II blocks, not even a single household has been given 100 days of work. Till November 12, the district administration has provided jobs from 1 to 10 days to 6,008 households, 10 to 20 days to 7,754 households, 20 to 30 days to 4,428 households, 30 to 40 days to 1,762 households, 40 to 50 days to 1,077 households, 50 to 60 days to 468 households, 60 to 70 days to 214 households, 70 to 80 days to 122 households, 80 to 90 days to 139 households, 90 to 100 days to 4 households and 100 to 110 days to 34 households.
A survey conducted by The Tribune has revealed that due to the “apathetic attitude” of the Union Government and the state government, the impact of rural jobs in raising the standard of living of families was very “disappointing”. Similarly, in Nathuwala-II village, 145 households got themselves enrolled but got work for only 1,094 days. The picture of villages in the district has been very disappointing.The district administration is yet to pay a sum of Rs 72.32 lakh as wages to the rural workers. Besides, Rs 1.33 crore as the material component for the last financial year has brought up the amount to Rs 1.78 crore. During the current financial year, a sum of Rs 8.23 crore is also pending against wages as well as the material component.As per The Tribune survey, the basic problem in the villages is that poor families are not getting the work they want under the scheme and they often do not get full wages in time.
Villagers yet to get their dues * As many as 57,473 households have been issued job cards this financial year. Out of these, 25,737 households sought jobs. Although 22,010 families have been offered jobs, only 38 have been given 100 days of work till now * Payments worth ~10 crore as part of wages and material component are pending for the last two years
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SC students end protest
Faridkot, November 12 They had been demanding reimbursement of their tuition fees and exemption from examination fee under the post-matric scholarship scheme.The Education Department has agreed to accept their examination forms without any fee. The district administration also assured the students that tuition fee would be reimbursed in the coming days.The 23 students, who had been sitting on the day-night dharna in
front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, submitted their examination forms today, the last day of filing examination forms.
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6 months on, Faridkot MP holds thanksgiving tour
Muktsar, November 12 During his public address, he promised to fulfill their demands by giving money from the MPLAD fund.However, when some mediapersons asked him the reason of holding the thanksgiving tour after such a long period, the MP cited his ill health.
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2 drug peddlers get 10-yr jail
Ropar, November 12 The two were held with 22,800 tablets of phenotil and 390 bottles of cough syrup at a police naka on March 31, 2012.— TNS
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Police book accused in PPSC scam for kidnapping brother
Faridkot, November 12 The police have also booked five unidentified persons on the complaint of Pardeep Sachdeva, Sagar's elder brother. In a complaint to the police, Sachdeva alleged while he was returning home on November 4, five unidentified persons stopped his scooter. The accused, who were in a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle, posed as CIA staff. They bundled him into the SUV, he alleged. "They thrashed me severely for pursuing legal fight over the ownership of a petrol pump and other properties against my brother Prem Sagar of Kotisekhan in Moga," Sachdeva alleged. They later dumped him near a hotel, 20 km from Kotkapura, and threatened him to stop pursuing cases against Sagar, he alleged. No arrest has been made in the case so far.
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EO among five booked for fraud
Hoshiarpur, November 12 Investigating officer Kulwant Singh said contractors Jatinder Kumar Lally and Rajiv Kumar had also been booked. Those booked are accused of bungling government funds and using substandard material in the construction of a nullah, streets and a drain in the area.
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Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Amritsar (East) legislator Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu today created a flutter, declaring that political alliances always posed problems and the BJP should walk out of its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as the latter did not show due respect to BJP leaders and workers.
She said the BJP and the RSS were right in strengthening their base in Punjab.
The Vigilance Department has begun probing the matter wherein Government Medical College purchased patient examination tables allegedly at inflated rates.
A team, led by Deputy Parveen Kanda, Superintendent of Police (DSP), Vigilance, visited the college today and examined the records pertaining to the purchase. The Vigilance also recorded the statements of various serving and retired officials.
Local employees of the nationalised banks today held a protest outside the main branch of the State Bank of Patiala
(SBoP) here. They were demanding revision of wages. Addressing the rally, Sunil
Jain, regional secretary, SBoP Employees Union, said 10 lakh officers and workmen throughout the country went on strike as the Indian Banks Association
(IBA) had failed to revise their wages.
Members and activists of the Punjab Student Union (PSU) protested the delay in the reimbursement of fee to Scheduled Caste (SC) students. Students held a dharna outside the district administrative complex here. Earlier, they took out a march from Banasar Garden to the DC office.
Six months after securing victory with the second highest margin in the state, Faridkot
(AAP) MP Prof Sadhu Singh began his thanksgiving tour in villages of the Gidderbaha Assembly segment today.Sadhu Singh had defeated SAD’s sitting MP Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan with over 1.72 lakh votes in May this year.
Instead, with the recent price cut on diesel and news of prices being slashed further at the end of this week, the state Excise Department was mulling increasing VAT on diesel. The proposal is almost shelved, considering the BJP’s demand for a reduction in VAT. Sources in the Excise Department say they would not be able to reduce VAT from the existing rate of 9.75 per cent plus 10 per cent surcharge.