Ludhiana, April 14
Wheat arrival has soared to 1.64 lakh metric tonnes (MT) in the grain markets here till last evening as against 8.43 lakh MT in the corresponding period last year.

According to district mandi officers, the wheat arrival is expected to increase in the coming 2-3 days as 70,000 MT of wheat was expected to arrive in mandis each day.

Giving details of arrival schedule, District Mandi Officer Rajpal Singh Dhaliwal said the district was receiving 60,000 MT of wheat every day at 13 market committees and 101 purchase centres. He said 1.64 lakh MT of wheat had arrived from several places out of which 1.5 lakh MT had already been sold. The remaining 14,000 MT of unsold wheat had been lifted, he said.

“Maximum wheat has arrived from the Khanna/Macchiwara belt - 38 per cent from Khanna, 26 per cent from Macchiwara, 29 per cent from Doraha and 35 per cent from Samrala. As per the trend, wheat arrival from Jagraon and Moga belt is little late. We have received 20 per cent of wheat from Jagraon but in the next 2-3 days, arrival will be at its peak from all areas,” said Rajpal Singh.

It is expected that maximum produce will arrive in the mandis till April 25. “We expect 60-70,000 MT of wheat each day and 90 per cent of produce will arrive in mandis in the next 10 days,” he said, adding the farmers were being paid their dues within 48 hours through commission agents.

Ajmer Singh, a farmer from Pakhowal village near here said that Baisakhi was an auspicious day for the farmers. "My produce was ready but I have brought it in mandi today. The weather is bright and sunny and we expect that in the next few days, there will be maximum arrival of wheat in mandis,” he said.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 14
Wheat crop on 35 bighas, belonging to three farmers of Butahri village in Ludhiana district near here, was reduced to ashes today.

Sparking in high-tension power wires passing over the fields was reported to be the cause of the fire.

Accusing PSEB employees of ignoring their requests to shift the low-lying wires, the affected farmers have demanded action against the erring officials. They have also demanded compensation for their loss.

Wheat crop, worth lakhs, in the fields of Deepak (15 bighas) , Ranjit Singh (15 bighas) and Dalip Singh (7 bighas ) of Butahri village was charred.

However, timely and coordinated action by residents of Butahri and surrounding villages saved the crops standing in hundreds of acres in the vicinity of the affected fields. Around a dozen tractors were pressed into service to stop the spreading of fire by ploughing the crops around the fields under fire.

A team of revenue officials, headed by naib tehsildar, Dehlon Hari Lal Nafri, supervised the rescue operation. In a report submitted to his seniors, Nafri said the fire was caused due to sparking in high-tension power wires passing over the fields.

Ludhiana, April 14
In an action that could land the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in trouble, MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon today sought votes for the party candidate from Ludhiana Parlimentary seat at a religious function.

The function was organised at Gurdwara Singh Sabha near Master Tara Singh College. Dhillon and other leaders, including SAD candidate Gurcharan Singh Galib, were present during the function organised to lay the foundation of a new building for the gurdwara. While Galib did not even refer to the elections in his address, Dhillon said the workers should go to every nook and corner of the city make Galib victorious and strengthen the hands of the SAD-BJP combine. “The workers should not leave any corner of the city without motivating the people to support Galib,” he said.

None of the political leaders tried to draw political mileage from the religious function except Dhillon.

Later, Galib said gurdwara was a common religious place. Any sort of canvassing should not be done here. He had made it sure that he did not speak a word to garner votes while adhering to the directions of the Election Commission. But party leaders do get excited during such functions, he said.

He added he was already apprehensive that such a problem would arise. ‘‘But he has not asked the people directly to vote for me,” said Galib.

Other prominent leaders who were present on the occasion included Jails Minister, Hira Singh Gabria, SGPC member Balwinder Singh Bains, Congressman-turned-Akali, Prem Mittal and trade board chairman, Madal Lal Bagga.

Ludhiana, April 14
Even as the Election Commission has set a deadline of 24 hours to resolve complaints regarding election code violation, the police is finding it hard to crack routine cases.

According to sources, the police is flooded with poll code violation complaints these days. The habitual complainants, however, have made things worse for the cops. Sources say that as the mini-secretariat is turning into a political battleground for party supports, the complaints, which need urgent attention, are getting a backseat. Moreover, the habitual complainants are using the EC's direction to settle their score with their rivals groups, they added.

Requesting anonymity, a police officer said people are giving political colour to their complaints to get them addressed.

“Due to the 24-hour deadline, the cops are also feeling the heat of being pulled up by the EC. In such a scenario, the police is bound to act quickly on such complaints,” said a police officer. As the police is not getting enough time to investigate the matter, it is often accused of being bias, he added.

“As we are already flooded with complaints of poll code violation, it is difficult for us to address crime cases,” said the police officer.

Another police officer said that recently some people filed a complaint that the construction work at a gurdwara was being done at the behest of a political leader who wants to get mileage in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. However, the complaint turned out to be hoax.

Ludhiana, April 14
Director General, Schools Education, Punjab, Krishan Kumar said action would be taken against government schools found charging extra money from parents under the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) fund.

Krishan Kumar said he had received complaints that some government schools were charging more money under the PTA fund and for computer training and no receipts were being issued against the same.

He has directed the district education officers to check fleecing under the garb of PTA fund. He also advised the parents to get the receipts from the school heads.

The PTA charges for classes VIII to X are Rs 80 per month and for classes XI and XII are Rs 100 per month. The computer fee for classes VI to VIII is Rs 22, IX to X Rs 30 and XI to XII Rs 35 per month, respectively.

Ludhiana, April 14
Sukhwant Singh, alias Sukha, a key witness in the Shingar Cinema bomb blast case, has threatened the city police that he would not appear in the court for evidence if necessary action was not taken against the Sahnewal SHO.

Sukhwant alleged that he and his gunman Gurdas were abused by Sahnewal SHO Inderjeet Singh.

The incident took place on Friday, when he visited the Sahnewal police station to meet a resident of his area, who was arrested on the charges of jumping a parole in a murder case.

"The SHO saw me standing in the police station and called me and my gunman Gurdas in his office, where he asked me on whose permission I had been given a gunman," said Sukhwant.

He alleged that the inspector went on to abuse him and his gunman.

He said, "Inderjeet Singh told me that I must have taken the security guard by making false statement in the bomb blast case."

He said he had put his life in danger and identified Gurpreet Singh and Sandeep Singh, the two key accused in the bomb blast case, only to get humiliated by the cop.

He would not appear in the court on April 19 for the hearing of the bomb blast case if necessary action was not taken, he added. He further said he would meet the DGP tomorrow and apprise him of the incident.

Sukhwant had also alleged that the SHO must have been hand in glove with the accused of the bomb blast that is why he threatened and abused him. On the other hand, SHO Inderjeet Singh refuted the allegation made by Sukhwant. He said as he did not know Sukhwant, he only asked how Sukhwant was given a gunman.

It may be mentioned here that Sukhwant had not made any formal complaint against the cop.

Ludhiana, April 14
In what could be termed as “lack of concern” towards the needy and hapless section of the society, the district health authorities have ignored the complaint of a 75-year-old widow, Balwant Kaur, against Dr Rajesh Batra, a leading eye surgeon of the city. Dr Batra runs the Batra Eye Hospital in Sahnewal and Model Town, Ludhiana.

The health authorities had also ignored the dubious track record of Dr Rajesh Batra, who was found guilty in an inquiry conducted by the panel of doctors for operating upon Gomti Devi (70), who was suffering from glaucoma without getting his diploma in ophthalmology and medicine surgery registered with the Punjab Medical Council. Now, the authorities have failed to take note of the second complaint against the doctor in past six months.

Dr Batra had operated upon Gomti Devi in August whereas he got his certificate of additional medical qualification registered under the Punjab Medical Council on December 1, 2008.

Balwant Kaur had submitted a written complaint with the Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, in December 2008, accusing the eye surgeon of having replaced her better quality lenses given to her at the military hospital at Gwalior with the poor quality lenses. The complainant alleged that Dr Batra had charged money from her despite having treated her at a free eye camp organised by Bhagat Parkash Ashram, a charitable trust.

The lens was fitted in Balwant Kaur’s left eye on June 21, 2008.

Interestingly, Dr G.K. Bansal and Dr Manjit Singh of Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, deputed by Civil Surgeon Dr S.P. Sharma to conduct an inquiry into the case, called the complainant twice but failed to call the accused even once.

The complainant accused the committee members of siding with Dr Batra. In her reply to the panel, she said: “It is me who is being subjected to inquiry and not Dr Batra.”

She also pointed out that the doctors, despite knowing that she was illiterate, asked questions pertaining to the quality of her lenses, company name, manufacturing and other technical details.

Dr Batra, on the other hand, denied charges saying that the complainant was trying to blackmail him to extract money. “Looking at the plight of the elderly woman and considering her status of a helpless widow, I even gave her medicines free of cost," he claimed.

Ludhiana, April 14
Baisakhi was celebrated with fervour in the city. All the city gurdwaras were decorated with lights and flowers. Kirtan was held throughout the day and langar was served from the community kitchen.

In some of the gurdwaras, ragi jathas had specially come to the city from various places.

Youngsters celebrated the day in their own way.

A mall celebrated the festival last evening. The entire mall was decorated with a village look, having games and fun activities for the children. Kids enjoyed the stilt walker, magic show, bioscope, balloon shooting etc.

A cultural programme was organised, in which bhangra and giddha were performed by dance troupes. Many gift vouchers were distributed among the people, who participated in various games and dance performances.

The residents celebrated the occasion in a luxurious fashion. The occasion also marks citizens’ 71-year heritage of watch-making all over the world, with feature-packed watches such as diamond chronograph studded with 24 genuine diamonds and fusion of space and time to check the time as well as the position of the sun, the moon and the earth. Residents have a perfect way to enhance the festivity of Baisakhi this time with its recently launched watches, Calendrier and Daimond Chronograph.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 14
Tributes were paid to the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 118th birth anniversary, by various organisations at different places in the town and surrounding villages.

At the function organised by the Ambedkar Welfare Society in Amarpura, Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha, Charanjit Singh Atwal, president, municipal council, Usha Rani Sood, block president, Vijay Goyal and councillors Dilshad Khan, Bhag Singh Bhagga and Ravinder Puri, said Dr Ambedkar had envisioned one of the greatest constitutions of the world. They regretted that under present circumstances, communal and divisive forces were threatening his sacred ideals.

Councillor Jiwan Lal called upon the Dalits to rise above politics and unite to safeguard their interests.

The speakers said the greatest tribute to Dr Ambedkar would be to defeat the intentions of communal forces that were bent upon dividing members of different communities.

Other functions were organised at Jagera road, Jandali road, Kanganwal, Barundi and Chhanna villages.

Ludhiana, April 14
Despite the Election Commission’s (EC) directions to SHO, Sadar, and DSP (Traffic) to stop illegal plying of auto-rickshaws on the Ludhiana-Alamgir road, the autos ferried passengers on this route right under the nose of cops today.

The EC had directed the police a few days back to check illegal plying of auto-rickshaws on this route following a complaint by the Small Scale Bus Operators’ Association, Punjab.

They had claimed that since the District Transport Officer was busy in election duty, it was the responsibility of the Sadar police to ensure that illegal vehicles do not run on this road. They urged the EC to direct the officials to check the illegal vehicles on the plea that these had a permit to carry passengers within the MC limits.

Since it was Baisakhi today, the auto-rickshaw drivers had a field day as a number of devotees visited the Alamgir Gurdwara today. They started their operation in the morning in the absence of police action.

“When the EC directed the police, they challaned a number of vehicles on the first day. Later, the menace started again and there was no action. We had sent a video footage to the EC also about the violation. Again the next day, there was an action.

The officials concerned, however, remained silent today,” said J.S. Grewal, president of the association.

When contacted, SHO, Sadar, Mandeep Singh said that ensuring law and order was the priority of the police on Baisakhi. “Since most of the auto-rickshaws were plying with religious processions, it was difficult for us to take action against them. Otherwise, such vehicles are challaned on a regular basis,” he added.

Ludhiana, April 14
A peaceful procession organised to mark the 118th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar turned bloody when two groups clashed at Mata Rani Chowk near Bhadaur House here today.

According to the police four persons were injured in the clash. A youth, identified as Satyajeet, received serious injuries on head and chest. He was allegedly attacked by two youths with sharp-edged weapons, said the police.

According to sources, around 500 members of the Bhawadas had gathered outside the MC Employees’ Union office to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. During the motorcycle rally, two groups had an altercation over the loss of a mobile phone belonging to one group. They alleged that the members of other group had played a mischief and taken away the mobile phone. Bhawadas leader Naresh Dhingan alleged that when motorcycle rally reached the Mata Rani Chowk, some unidentified person pelted the rally with glass bottles.

An eyewitness said that some youths, carrying sharp-edged weapons, attacked Satyajeet, his friend Fauja, while two other who tried to intervene also sustained injuries.

Satyajeet was rushed to the DMCH where his condition is stated to be serious. The police had detained two youths in the case. Sub-inspector Lakhbir Singh said that two groups clashed at the employees’ union office but the matter was settled there. He said the case would be registered only after receiving complaint.

Ludhiana, April 14
The state has achieved the distinction of being leader in the honey production and beekeeping. With only 1.5 per cent of India’s geographic area has the honour of contributing more than 25 per cent of the national apiary-honey production, and also in supplying Apis mellifera colonies and apicultural equipment to other states, and the state has emerged as the hub of commercial beekeeping in the country.

Within about 30 years of the release of Apis Mellifera colonies by the PAU, the state has achieved the distinction of currently having more than 25,000 beekeepers, maintaining more than 2.5 lakh colonies, with annual production of about 8,500 tonnes of honey, out of which more than 90 per cent is being exported. According to an estimate, the total export from the country is to the tune of about 23,000 tonnes annually. The major chunk by the state exporters is being sent to Germany, the USA, Middle East countries and South Africa.

According to Dr (Mrs) CK Gill, head, department of entomology and Dr Pardeep Kumar Chhuneja, senior entomologist (honey bees), department of entomology, PAU, the successful introduction and establishment of Italian honey bee (Apis mellifera) by the PAU had been the advent of commercial beekeeping in the country in general and in the state in particular. Prior to 1976, Punjab was not on the beekeeping map of the country. However, just after three decades of the release of the exotic honey bee, Apis mellifera, the beekeeping in the state has made such strides that now it has about 25,000 beekeepers maintaining over 2.5 lakh colonies with an annual production of around 8,500 tonnes of apiary honey, which is estimated to be more than 25 per cent of the country’s production. Thus, there has been a spectacular development in beekeeping and the state witnessed a “honey revolution”. The state, under the guidance of PAU, had also been instrumental in organising the beekeepers to supply the nucleus colonies of Apis mellifera to the other states and the sale of bee colonies emerged as an important and highly profitable enterprise for state farmers/ beekeepers, who gave further boost to the beekeeping of the state.

The state, presently, is the hub of apicultural activities because of being the largest manufacturer of quality hives, other apicultural equipment as the supplier of apiary honey and Italian honey bees in the country. Besides, by 1996, the state has brought the country forward as the honey-exporting country. All these entrepreneurs, in the field of apiculture, were trained and guided by the PAU. In addition, now the state is also exporting beeswax and honey processing plants. Research efforts of the PAU have been helpful for bringing about commercialisation and diversification in apiculture. The state has played a pivotal role, not only in supplying of Apis mellifera colonies but also by extending the technologies for its successful management. Presently, this exotic honey-bee is being hived in almost whole of the country and the country can find a niche on the world map of beekeeping and honey-exporting countries.

Claiming that the beekeeping will help in diversification of agriculture, Dr Chhuneja said the technologies for the production of various products, royal jelly, beeswax, pollen, propolis, bee venom, queen bees, package bees etc are available. During initial years of diversification, there will be some problems for marketing of these non-conventional hive products. However, after a couple of years, the marketing channels will get streamlined and as such, all the products will present a great scope for increasing colony productivity viz-a-viz beekeepers’ income. For the time being, in addition to honey, production of beeswax, propolis, pollen, pedigree queen bees, package bees and renting out honey bee colonies for crop pollination service are very potential areas of apicultural diversification in the state.

Jagraon, April 14
A youth has accused the Jagraon police for third degree torture inflicted upon him.

In his affidavit given to the senior police authorities today, Gurmail Singh (24) of Sidhwan Kalan, a photographer by profession, has alleged that last evening around 9 pm, when he was going towards Manuke to pick his clothing from Aman studio there, he was intercepted by the police party, lead by Jagraon SHO Gurmeet Singh.

He enquired about his identification. He accused that the police party started beating him unprovoked and even plucked his two nails. Thereafter, they took him to the civil hospital for bandage. He said when the doctor on duty enquired about the cause of wounds, he told the doctor the truth.

Irritated on his telling the truth, they again took him to the police station and beat him. He said the police let him off today morning at 10 am but his scooter (PB 10 N) 8901) and mobile phone (99146-46395).

On the other hand, SHO Gurmeet Singh said they picked him injured in an exorbitant state under the influence of liquor. They kept him with them after providing first aid at civil hospital and when he regained conscious this morning, they let him go.

In his application to the senior police authorities, the youth has asked for strict action against the guilty police officers.

Ludhiana, April 14
“It is a virtual hell out here,” said Manish Tewari, the Indian National Congress candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, while walking through the tight corridors of Chaura Bazaar and the entire neighbourhood of the old city during his ongoing campaign.

“I am walking in these narrow lanes for the past one week and every new day opens my eyes to new realities. Nothing seems to be at the right place. Neither the shops nor the traffic. Undoubtedly, changing the face of the old city is on top of my agenda. Assimilating data, working out possibilities and contacting correct people and agencies is already underway to work out a plan,” he said.

The story was the same on the Gujjarmal road, Saaban Bazaar, Talaab Bazaar, Books Market, Pratap Bazaar, Meena Bazaar, Bijjli Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Gokal Bazaar, Gur Mandi and Brown Road.

Peeved at the sight of inhuman conditions of living, working and travelling, he said a rough figure of Rs 2000 crore had been calculated for the total revamp of the area.

“This amount is based on the calculation of my team members and different experts. We will submit the plan to the Centre,” he added.

Tewari said, “A large number of voters think no change was possible in the tight corridors of the city. I don't agree with them because a sincere effort, backed with professional inputs, can change many impossible things.”

“Forced by the difficult living conditions, a large section of the population has moved outside the city, which is quite fair going by their needs. At the same time, we cannot wash our hands off the inhabitation in the old city,” he added.

He further said, “I am impressed with the improving traffic flow in the area. One of our moves would be getting the roads cleared from encroachments and the other would be making traffic one way after working out a workable plan.”

Ludhiana, April 14
The semester system of education has been introduced by the Punjab School Education Board for Classes IX and XI in the schools affiliated with it from April.

Dr Dalbir Singh Dhillon, chairman, PSEB, said the syllabus and time-table for semester had been sent to the schools and district education officers.

He said 40 per cent of the course would be taught in the first semester and the examination would be held in September. The remaining 60 per cent would be completed in the second semester examination, which would be held in March.

He further said the vocational courses for the secondary classes were also being revamped and new trades were being introduced from this year in order to provide more employment opportunities. The new vocational courses were being provided in consultation with representatives of industry.

Ludhiana, April 14
Punjab National Bank celebrated its 115th foundation day here today.

Established in 1895, the bank has emerged as one of the premier banking institutions, with business figures crossing Rs 3,60,000 crore.

The bank is presently serving its 38 million customers at over 4,600 branches spread across 2,560 centres in the country and abroad.

The bank has lent over Rs 5,0000 crore under the Priority Sector Segment.

The bank is focusing on growth by covering excluded sections of society throughout the country, especially the Indo-Gangetic plains.

CL Mahajan, assistant general manager, said in order to provide immediate banking and financial services to customers, the bank had networked 100 per cent of its branches under the core banking solutions.

Mahajan further said that though there had been general slowdown in the economy because of adverse global developments, the PNB had enough opportunities for expansion within and outside the country.

He added that the bank continued its foray in international markets with four overseas branches, one in Kabul, two in Hong Kong, offshore banking unit (OBU), Mumbai.

The PNBIL had recently opened a branch at Leicester.

Ludhiana, April 14
It seems that the desire to look stunning and beautiful has kept the beauty business unaffected even during the global meltdown.

While major business companies may be into losses and laying off their staff due to financial crunch, the beauty business is impervious to recession.

Sunita, director of a salon here, said people did not mind spending extra money on their skin nourishment and haircuts.

She said, “Nowadays people have become more conscious about their looks. One cannot afford to ignore regular beauty treatments”.

Tina Chatwal, former Miss India, said, “ Be it a man or a woman, everybody wants to look good.”

Sanobar Kabir, an actor, dancer and singer, said beauty was one business which would never go into losses.

She added, “Do you think a girl can ever live without having her monthly beauty package? In fact, she will save money to avail the beauty services. Not only girls, but also boys go in for facials, manicure and pedicure. Beauty treatments today have become a necessity.”

Skin expert and corporate beauty head of a beauty company Ravila Sharma said nobody wanted to haggle over the looks in scorching heat and the facial was a unique blend of herbal ingredients and scientific approach.

Ludhiana, April 14
Dr PS Nain and Dr Ashish Ahuja, assistant professors of surgery at the DMCH, recently attended the seventh national conference of the Obesity and Metabolic Society of India at Hyderabad.

The theme of the conference was “Bariatric to metabolic surgery”. The two surgeons presented their papers at the conference wherein they stated that about 50 million people were suffering from obesity in India. They also pointed towards the growing rate of obesity.

The surgeons said well known obesity surgeons, including Dr Lilian Kow, Dr Luc Lemmens and Dr Francisco Papadia, too, presented their views on the growing obesity pandemic.

The DMCH will conduct a patient-support group meeting on obesity under the leadership of Dr PS Nain and Dr Ashish Ahuja on the hospital premises on April 18 from 11am to 1 pm.