 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Dhanda not keen on Mayor’s post
Ludhiana, August 30 Dhanda, however, is not too keen on taking up the job, as he feels it would be a step down in his political career that saw him rising to state level from local politics. Moreover, not many councillors want a MLA for the post meant for the municipal councillors. “MLAs have been chosen to represent an area in the state Vidhan Sabha and councillors are elected to represent an area in the MC. The government should maintain this difference instead of creating confusion and defeating the mandate of the masses” said a senior councillor, who holds influence among the newly elected MCs. Sources revealed that Dhanda had not given a positive response to the move after deliberating the offer as it would have restricted him at the level of local politics. Dhanda’s name had cropped for Mayor’s post following the failure of the SAD-BJP leadership in finding a consensus candidate for the post. Jails minister and Akali leader, Hira Singh Gabria has openly opposed the selection of councillor, Simarjit Singh Bains for the post. The BJP has not come out openly against Akali candidates but it would prefer to have one of their seasoned councillors as Mayor of the city. MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, reportedly, was in favour of Dhanda and even said that no one would have any objection to his candidature. There seems to be a stalemate on the issue as over two weeks have elapsed since the citizens chose councillors for the management and development of the city. The political big wigs seem to be taking too much time to settle the issue.
|
|
SAD still undecided
Ludhiana, August 30 It is learnt that the House is being convened on September 7 when the new councillors will be administered the oath of office by the commissioner, Patiala division, S.K. Ahluwalia. The official sources, however, declined to confirm the final date. It is learnt that the formal notification is being issued in a day or two in this regard. Since the SAD has the maximum number of councillors in the SAD-BJP alliance, the Mayor is going to be from that party only. However, the party has so far failed to reach any consensus about the mayoral candidate. There are two groups in the party, one supporting Simarjit Singh Bains and another strongly opposed to him. Bains recently managed to make eight independent councillors join the party to strengthen his claim to the post. However, his opponents led by Hira Singh Gabria are arguing that the party must not set a wrong precedent by encouraging those who have fought against the official party candidates. In fact Gabria has made it a prestige point to ensure that Bains is not appointed the Mayor and he will be prepared to accept anybody else. The party leadership is in a dilemma as it will be difficult to overlook the claims of Bains given the support of the maximum number of councillors he is enjoying in the new House. At the same time the party is finding it difficult to convince Gabria about Bains’ candidature. In fact it is not just the difference between Bains and Gabria, but the regimentation within the local unit of the SAD that is represented by different sections. Both Gabria and Bains are being supported by the warring factions who have found in the appointment of the Mayor a reason to score points over one another. This rivalry between the two factions is likely to continue further even after the appointment of the Mayor. In fact that might complicate the matter for the party since one group will necessarily be antagonised afterwards. And this might reflect badly in the parliamentary elections.
|
|
Now, focus on mob
control techniques
Phillaur, August 30 After starting counter-insurgency training capsules, handling bio-medical warfare and busting cyber crimes, in previous years the police academy is back to the basics by imparting mob control training. After all, the way in which the police had ruthlessly handled students agitation in Ludhiana, or demonstrations in Patiala and Chandigarh, this area had proved to be the most sensitive one for the image of the cops. Many demonstrations take a violent turn only because the cops prefer to use the baton or the trigger rather than persuasion. Introduced by the DGP-cum-director, R.S Gill, the training has been made an important feature of the courses in the academy. While passing out from the academy today, the cadets, including women constables for Punjab and Chandigarh, gave a clinical display of managing an unruly mob. The scene was set of a demonstration by students. The police official heading the force first hold parleys with the leaders but when the mob goes unruly, the cops adopt step-by-step moves using all restraint to make them flee. One only hopes that the training method is translated in letter and spirit in real life situations.
|
|
Industrial units surrender 2.7 cr
Our Correspondent
Ludhiana, August 30 Several teams, comprising some three dozen IT officials, led by K.J Singh, joint commissioner Range I, had launched simultaneous surveys on these units which continued till late in the night. The IT sleuths had carried out thorough inspection of books of account, computer data, bank accounts, sale and purchase records, stocks of raw material and finished goods, as also of previous IT returns of these firms. Sources in the department disclosed that Lovely Processors had volunteered a surrender of Rs 1.5 crore, followed by GRS Silk Mills, who had agreed to addition of Rs 1 crore in their returned income whereas Ashoka Dyeing had surrendered an amount of Rs 55 lakh. These firms had made a commitment to fulfil the tax liability for the undisclosed income as per provisions of the IT Act.
|
|
Mahal group sweeps PAUTA poll
Ludhiana, August 30 It was a surprise victory for the group since the contest was claimed to be between traditional rivals-the Joshi group and the Batra group. The Joshi group was led by S.K. Singla and the Batra group by K.N. Sharma. Mahal is professor in entomology and an international cricket
umpire. The group projected a neutral stance, which seems to have gone well with the teaching community. While the Batra group was considered totally anti-establishment, the Joshi group was understood to be too close to the establishment. Both were seen having prejudices. The winners
are: vice-president-Baldev Singh; secretary-Mukesh Siag; joint secretary-J.S. Kang; and treasurer-R.C.
Sharma.
|
|
|
15 SCOs fetch Rs 22.6 crore
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 30 S.R Kaler, ACA, PUDA informed that the response from the bidders was overwhelming and the maximum bid has been recorded of Rs 1,12,500 per sq. yard and the minimum of Rs 84,500 per sq yard against the reserve price of Rs 31,000 per sq yard. Jeet Singh, EO, PUDA and Balraj Singh, Superintending Engineer, were also present on the occasion.
|
|
CMC Road Vimal Sumbly Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 30 During the devastating fire in Khud Mohalla in 2002 that claimed several lives, the district administration had swung into action and acted tough against the encroachers and roadside vendors to clear the road lading to one of the oldest hospitals in the region. But over the years the encroachments have resurfaced with vendors setting up shops aslong the entire stretch. The worst “choke-point” along the road is near Subhani Building. Since it forms the intersection of several roads and lanes, the congestion and road blockades are severe. It is a nightmare for those rushing the patients to the CMC. To ensure hassle-free traffic, people take the longer route through Field Ganj, but even that is not free from traffic congestion. Many a life is put in danger due to these traffic bottleneck as precious time is lost in reaching the hospital. The CMC authorities said though it would be difficult to ascertain the exact number of lives lost just because the patients could not reach the hospital in time, it has been found that most of the patients complain about traffic problem. They said the issue is already in the notice of the local administration but they could do little themselves. On its part, the hospital has ensured that the road outside the campus remains clear of encroachments. No vendor or vehicle is allowed outside the campus. But on rest of the road, the CMC has no control and people set up their shops on the roads, thus leading to harassment to general public. From the railway station onwards, the road is not only narrow, but remains congested with vehicles outside the shops that line the entire stretch. A CMC official pointed out that it is no longer a road, but has turned into a market where people come to shop. He suggested regular patrolling by traffic cops in the area, particularly during the peak hours so that the road remains clear for ambulances.
|
||
|
Milk plant working to be revamped
Ludhiana, August 30 He was addressing a largely attended conference of dairy farmers organised by the Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) to announce their liaison with cooperative milk plants here today. The GMs of all milk plants have been directed to keep performance charts and administer strict monitoring of the functioning of field staff in order to enhance interaction with the dairy farmers. Expressing serious concern over the poor performance of the milk plants, he said the performance of all plants would be regularly monitored during monthly meetings and the officers showing results rewarded. Capt Singh said the coverage area of the plants was required to be substantially enhanced as these were collecting milk from 45 per cent villages with an average of 1.3 quintal milk per day per society, which was the main reason for the huge losses to the plants. He said he had directed the GMs to reduce overhead charges so that milk products could be sold to the consumers at reasonable rates. Milk unions would launch a special awareness drive to educate consumers on consuming low-fat cow milk instead of buffalo milk.
|
||
|
Dr Ishwar Singh’s birth anniversary today A renowned physician, a dedicated social worker, an active politician and a reputed personality, Singh was the jack of all trades and most dexterously the master of all. Born in August, 1921 at the house of Dr Randhir Singh, Singh accomplished his initial study at Delhi, Nasrali and Kartarpur. He did his B.Sc. from Khalsa College, Amritsar and M.B.B.S. from Government Medical College, Amritsar in the year 1945. He fought for the cause of education in the capacity of the president of the Non- Government Affiliated Colleges Management Federation of Punjab and Chandigarh and the chairman of the joint action committee of the management. He was also a staunch Akali, who worked for the welfare of the masses and courted arrest several times for his pro-people and anti-government agitations. Singh was a dedicated social worker. He had been the president of the Rotary Club, Doraha. He had also been the president and vice-president of the Municipal Council, Doraha for several years. He was also the member of the MC, Doraha for a period of 45 years. He was also a renowned philanthropist. No hurdle could deter him from performing his eminently multifaceted role. He lived in struggle and strife but at no point relented to yield.
|
|
Study circle annual function in October
Ludhiana, August 30 He said the motto of the function would be ‘Gur Ki Sewa Shabad Vichar’ and priority for year 2007-08 had been decided as ‘Guru Manyo Granth’. Circle’s chief organiser Ram Singh said Dr Hari Singh Jachak (deputy chief secretary and a renowned poet) had been appointed as convener for the function and Satnam Singh Saihopuri (director, Youth Services) had been named the organising convener. Ajinderpal Singh state secretary, Haryana, would be the co-convener, he added.
— OC
|
|
Mazdoor union takes out rally
Jagraon, August 30
|
|
Man gets 18-month jail in cheque-bounce case
Ludhiana, August 30 The orders were pronounced while deciding the complaint filed by Ramanjit Singh, manager of Zamindara Investment and Consultancy Private Limited. It was submitted by the complainant that their company was involved in financing business and Jaminder Singh had taken a loan from the company. In order to discharge his legally enforceable liability the accused had issued two cheques amounting to Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.03 lakh, both dated November 2,2004 as part payment of the loan. However, when the company presented the cheques in the bank, these were dishonoured by the banker of the accused, on November 5, 2004, with the remarks 'insufficient funds'. Thereafter legal notice was sent to the accused but he failed to make the payment. The company then filed a criminal case against the accused under the provisions of section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. During the arguments, the accused denied having issued the cheques. After hearing the arguments of both the parties, the judge held that the accused had failed to discharge his legal liability and is liable to be punished. Mobile, cash snatched: Dehlon police has booked two unidentified persons on the charge of committing theft. According to information, the two came on a motor cycle (PB-28C-8005) to Brahampur village and snatched Rs 1,200 cash and a mobile (Motorola C-139) from Jaspreet Singh on pistol point. Dehlon police has registered a case under Sections 382 and 34 of the IPC. No arrests have been made so far. Mandi Ahmedgarh
Gang busted: The Dehlon police yesterday claimed to have foiled a robbery attempt by arresting four armed robbers who were planning to strike at a commercial organisation. The suspects were arrested on Tuesday. They admitted to their involvement in many burglaries and snatchings in the town and surrounding villages. Kuldeep Singh, son of Jagan Singh of Ghungrana village; Balwinder Singh, son of Pritam Singh; Gurmukh Singh, son of Rattan Singh Saini of Guru Nanak Mohalla, Ahmedgarh; and Niranjan Singh, son of Raj Krishan of Bhukhraha (Bihar), were arrested by a police party, led by Dehlon SHO Prem Singh, from a deserted house near Sayan village, near
here, on Tuesday. The police recovered one .303 bore pistol, one 12 bore pistol, five live cartridges and two spring knives from their possession. Ludhiana (Rural) SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the gang had been active in the area for more than six months. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused used to steal goods from houses and commercial organisations only. They admitted having taken away valuables, electrical equipment and household goods from the town, Ghungrana, Dehlon Bank, and a gurdwara at Ghungrana.
|
|
PAU girl students caught stealing petrol
Ludhiana, August 30 The girls - Ramandeep Kaur and Sharanjit Kaur - are students of a post-graduate course at the university. On searching their room, the police found several stolen items belonging to other students along with a bunch of keys, reportedly of two-wheelers. The hostellers, who caught the two last night, had been keeping a watch at the parking area after many incidents of theft of fuel were reported lately. Senior police officials said they were shocked at the activities of the two students.
|
|
‘UK offers immense trade opportunities’
Ludhiana, August 30 The seminar was conducted by the UK Trade and Investment in collaboration with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Paul Grey, deputy director of the UK Trade and Investment, listed advantages an Indian entrepreneur would get by choosing the UK as destination for investment away from Indian shores. The benefits, he said, included a single window system for taking care of all aspects of setting up an industrial unit or a trading office, highly skilled manpower, a comparatively cheaper property (for outright purchase or renting), and an overall helpful attitude of the British government. He added that some of the notable companies of Indian origin, including HCL, ICICI, One Source, Chennai-based Polaris and Tech Mohindra, were doing successful operations in the UK. N.S. Aulakh of the PHD Chamber spoke about Indian economy and said sectors, including agriculture, auto, engineering, IT and education, were doing extremely well. Chris Feist, entry clearance manager, handling UK visas in the British High Commission in New Delhi, informed the participants about the formalities required for obtaining visa. Others who addressed the participants included Amitav Arora of the regional development agency “Think London”, Chandrikas Shah, country head of the “British Midlands”, a regional development agency.
|
|
Industry resents move to hike power tariff
Ludhiana, August 30 Gurpargat Singh Kahlon, president of the association, said: “Any hike in electricity tariffs would hit the industry, particularly auto parts manufacturers, as they are already facing hardships.” He said the industry here had already become uncompetitive and an additional burden would only worsen its condition. The association said instead of burdening electricity consumers the PSEB should set its own house in order. “Distribution losses here are 23 per cent, which is five per cent higher than the national average. The board should take measures to reduce losses and improve its management instead of focusing only on hiking tariffs and putting the entire burden on consumers.” The association also demanded that weekly off on the industry should be withdrawn for its smooth functioning. “Paddy season is about to be over and the electricity board should withdraw the weekly off that is imposed on industry.”
|
|
ICICI launches new fund
Ludhiana, August 30 The fund would invest 65 per cent or more directly into Indian equities and would initially invest up to 35 per cent in Asian Equity Fund (an open-ended equity fund managed by Prudential Asset Management, Singapore) that invests in equity markets across the Asia-pacific region, ex-Japan. Subsequently, it may choose to make investment in listed securities in this region. While international investing could be very complex for individuals, Such funds were an effective way for individual investors to participate in varied markets, he added.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Doraha, August 30