Thursday, December 30, 1999
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P U N J A B | |
Thursday, December 30, 1999 |
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Limited
Punjab option on subsidies Uniform ST to be enforced strictly |
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Cabinet expansion soon: Badal 12 more to join Punjab ministry
tomorrow Call country Bharat, pleads sangh Plea to implement new calendar Sonia Gandhi’s visit a
‘political stunt’
Manch cautions govt on reforms IAF objections put on back burner ‘Political will must to end
fiscal crisis’ One arrested in robbery case |
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Limited Punjab option on
subsidies CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — The Punjab Government seems to have limited option on continuation of subsidies available to the agriculture sector. Primarily these subsidies are on fertilisers, irrigation water and electricity. Though the state faces a dire financial crisis subsidies to the agriculture sector have crossed Rs 2000 crore. While supply of electricity is free, recovery of water charges "abiana" has been abolished as well as land revenue. The subsidies on fertilizer, though borne by the Union Government are paid to the industry and are mainly for it. Any hike in fertilizer price adversely affects small farmers, who constitute the majority. Withdrawal of the subsidy on fertilisers is not easy given the industries organisational strength, amply demonstrated after submission of the Hanumantha Rao Committee report, whose recommendations still remain to the implemented. The Punjab Government took some decisions in respect of the farm sector. Despite majority opinion for an end to all subsidies, the SAD-BJP government, divided as it is on the issue, is seemingly dithering on whether to rollback the subsidies or not. Those who favour discontinuation of subsidies emphasise that the government should improve the efficiency of the supply system for desired results if "reforms" in agriculture are to succeed. The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has explicitly told the government that all agricultural subsidies would have to be "contained, if not completely eliminated". A gradual and planned withdrawal is suggested since it is more acceptable than any sudden jump attempt which may distort the cost structure and resource use efficiency, making agriculture production costlier in the long run. The state must also understand there is no escape in the long run to cost-pricing the supplies of the services sector, keeping subsidies selective, limited and specifically targeted for weaker sections only rather than an masse per se. These suggestions are contained in an 11-page special report prepared by Dr Karam Singh of PAU’s Department of Economics and Sociology. The report is titled "Agricultural inputs costs, prices and subsidies". The Financial Commissioner, (Development) Mr Y.S. Ratra, told TNS that the report was being examined. The report presents a depressing scenario. It says that agriculture has reached the cross-roads, where farmers are burned with high capital investment costs, high cash costs and high cost of production. During the last 14 years, in 50 per cent of the cases, the incremental cost of production was much higher than the rise in the minimum support price for wheat, paddy and cotton. Even the terms of trade were at present against the interests of farmers. This only calls of a "second push" to the farm sector in terms of massive public investment in infrastructure. This has to be done even though the state is starved of funds. The PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr G.S. Kalkat, has already writtten to the government that there was acute paucity of funds which has adversely affected research activities in the university. Unless money was made available research would come to a halt. The report refers in some detail to Punjab being criticised for electricity subsidy, which, in fact, has been totally free since 1997-98. Out of some Rs 1200 crore worth of power to farmers, about Rs 1000 crore is subsidy with recovery being only about Rs 200 crore. Even the figure of Rs 1200 crore is grossly oversubscribed, the actual estimate being 70 per cent of the attributed figure. Therefore, the farmer is expected to pay for what he does not get and if he does not pay, it is subsidy. Going by the propensity to save and invest, a major portion of Rs 200 crore (or Rs 1200 crore) must have been invested in (private) capital formation by farmers to sustain agricultural growth even in the wake of declining public investment in agriculture. Other states too supply subsidise power. There is also a national consensus on the minimum price for agriculture. The minimum support price is calculated on many factors not just one-to-one relationship. Except in respect of paddy, power cost is only a small fraction of the total cost of production. In paddy the impact of power has been worked out to be Rs 76 per quintal for supply at cost (inflated) — Rs 1.97 per kwh; Rs 19 per quintal for supply at 50 paise per kwh and Rs 15 per quintal for pricing the power at the previous supply rate (Rs 0.394 kwh). Thus to raise the financial resources for improving the infrastructure and efficiency, the report has suggested the three steps: firstly power should be charged at the rate of Rs 50 per kwh. This will generate Rs 300 crore, annually. Second, operational and maintenance expenses of the canal water supply cost the state Rs 90 crore, per year. This too should be recovered while at the same time operational inefficiencies that escalate these costs should be effectively contained. Lastly, land revenue, which is very nominal tax, should be recovered since it gave a sense of belonging to the farmer. It should be levied in a progressive manner. A formula suggested says the state could fetch Rs 10 to 15 crore; a small sun but carrying a large social value. These three measures
would mean generating Rs 400 crore annually. It will be
accounted for in the cost of cultivation and hence will
be partially offset by the increase in the minimum
support and market prices. |
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Uniform ST to be enforced
strictly CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — The Central Government is determined to enforce the uniform floor rates of sales tax countrywide from January 1, 2000, notwithstanding the reluctance on the part of certain states and union territories. The Union Finance Ministry today effectively intervened for getting the decisions in this connection implemented. The implementation committee, which was constituted at meeting of the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of various states on November 16, had urged the Finance Ministry yesterday to intervene for getting the floor rates enforced on the due date. Union Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha today took up the issue with the Home Ministry for getting the decision of floor rates implemented in all union territories. Informed sources said here today that the Home Ministry has assured the Finance Ministry that tomorrow it would convey to all union territories for doing the needful. At its meeting held at Delhi on December 20, the implementation committee had shortlisted about 600 commodities for uniformity in the floor rates of sales tax. According to informed sources Delhi, Haryana and union territory Chandigarh are bit reluctant to enforce the floor rates on due date. As the committee came to know about the reluctance, it immediately approached the Finance Ministry for intervention. The implementation committee has told the Finance Ministry to make it clear to all states and union territories that penalty clause would become operative in case of failure to enforce the floor rates. Under the penalty clause, the finance ministry can stop central assistance and grants to the defaulting states. Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Punjab Finance Minister, had a detailed talk over phone today with his counterpart Mr Asim Dasgupta of West Bengal. Mr Dasgupta told Capt Kanwaljit Singh that he had taken up the issue with the centre and needful was being done at that level to ensure the implementation of the decisions of the committee. Already, the Punjab Government authorities have prepared the drafts of the notifications to be issued regarding floor rates. The committee has recommended floor rates of 0,4,8,12 per cent for various commodities. Capt Kanwaljit Singh said decisions taken by the implementation committee would stop all kinds of harassment of traders and business communities in various states. Moreover, from April 1,2001, there is a proposal for free trade among SAARC countries. Punjab Haryana and UP
will be among major beneficiary states if floor rates
were implemented on the due date. As sales tax rates are
low in Chandigarh various manufacturers have stocked
their goods in Chandigarh and billing is done here. It
affects Punjab and Haryana as far as the revenue from
sales tax is concerned. From Zirakpur to Chandigarh one
can see huge godowns of big companies where stocks are
stacked. It is all due to low sales tax rates in the
union territory. |
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Punjab’s economy ‘showing
upturn’ CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — For the Punjab Government the "crowning" achievement of 1999 was the tercentenary celebrations to mark the birth of the Khalsa. Launching of several projects and undertaking infrastructural development in and around Anandpur Sahib is listed as an achievement in the six-page press note issued by the state Department of Information and Public Relations here today. It does not refer to proposed Anandgarh town to be built. The press note quotes the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, while describing the achievements, which are mostly in the nature of proposed infrastructural development and projects for which foundations stones were laid during the year. It reads like a progress review report. Seen against the backdrop of the severe financial crunch faced by the government it is anybody’s guess on when these ongoing projects would be completed. Nevertheless, the note boldly claims that state’s "economy has staged a sure and definite upward trend", made possible by "curtailing frivolous expenditure, improving tax administration, reduction in non-productive subsidies and utilisation of state’s assets in a productive manner". As proof of the claimed reforms, it expresses satisfaction that the state has not taken any over draft for the last five months while at the same time it had been "conveniently possible to release hundreds of crores of rupees for development works besides paying the salaries regularly". The press note is silent on why treasuries were instructed to be selective in releasing payments and why the Centre had not responded to the state’s request to bail it out of the financial crisis, at least when it came to payment of relief to the farmers for crop losses. The press note is along predicted lines. It refers to the oil refinery at Phulo Kheri in Bathinda, Guru Ram Das international airport (Amritsar), science city in Jalandhar, infotech park, etc which are still in the embryonic stage. But the press note only states at which stage a particular project has reached. There is a detailed mention about proposed four-laning of key roads, repair of village link roads, construction of overbridges, pavement of market yards, World Bank funds for the Kandi development project (stage II), railway line between Chandigarh and Ludhiana, the setting up of technical and health science universities, the existence of infrastructure development board, proposed "modern" bus stands, record wheat and paddy production, the response to Orissa cyclone victims’ relief requirements, plugging revenue leakages, tackling corruption and revamping of the vigilance administrative structure. In this way, communal
harmony, peace and tranquility that pervades in the state
while people pursued their vocations fearlessly, has also
been prominently mentioned while giving a government
recap of 1999. |
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Cabinet expansion soon: Badal MIDDA (MUKTSAR), Dec 29 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal said today that the Cabinet expansion would be done shortly. Mr Badal, who was here to inaugurate the focal point with all essential facilities, however, did not disclose the date of the expansion. He said the number of new entrants in the existing Cabinet would be decided whenever it would be expanded. The Chief Minister said the portfolios of the ministers might be changed and a decision in this regard would also be taken on the day of the expansion. While addressing a gathering here, he said the sate government was making efforts to open up new employment centres at each village as the present pattern of agriculture had become non-profitable. He said self-employment was the only solution to check unemployment in the state. He added that the government would create infrastructure at every village for enabling youths to generate income by adopting different vocations. Stressing on the fact that better education for children was the need of the hour, Mr Badal appealed to the panchayats to contribute financially to open up new schools with all modern facilities in their areas. He advised the farmers to grow vegetables and set up agriculture-allied units to earn handsome income. He advised the farmers to take benefits of various schemes launched by the cooperative sector. Later, while addressing a press conference, he said the proposal to merge some areas of Abohar with Muktsar district was under consideration. He said that no announcement regarding this would be made on the occasion of Maghi Mela to be held in January. To another question, Mr
Badal said no minister was indicted by the intelligence
wing of Punjab for his involvement in the drainage scam. |
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Monumental neglect of Attari fort ATTARI (Amritsar): The fort of Sham Singh Attari, who was a General in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is now in a pathetic condition, despite efforts being made by family members to keep the monument alive. Nothing much can be done due to the indifferent attitude of the government which could have been turned into a tourist attraction. The fort is in a deteriorating condition, and the future of this historical place, where Maharaja Ranjit Singh stayed, seems to be dismal. Slowly and steadily the structure is coming down because no repair is being done to preserve the fort. Only a portion, where the descendants of Sham Singh are staying, has been repaired. Since they have an emotional attachment to this place they are making all out efforts to preserve the building, though most of them are now settled abroad. The original have in the fort where Sham Singh used to stay does not exist now because no efforts were made to preserve it and only its remains can be seen. Seeing the ruins of this structure one is filled with emotion. The portion of the fort, where the General’s family members stay, is in a deplorable condition. If no efforts are made to preserve this portion, this will soon be in ruins and there will be nothing for future generations to see. The government had announced Rs 50 lakh grant for the fort’s repairs and maintenance but due to financial problems faced by the state, no funds have been released till date. The promise made by Chief Minister Badal to preserve this fort remains follow and nothing has been done so far. Owing to the indifferent attitude of the government this place, which has great historical importance, has not been made a tourist spot as it is situated on the main road connecting Amritsar and Lahore, and is just situated 1 km from the Wagah border. At present a modern structure has been raised in the fort, built by the descendants of Sham Singh but a portion of it is still in the old style. A sword, "khanda", "nagara" and binoculars of the general are still with family members who want to display them only if museum is set up here and steps are taken by government to make it a tourist spot. This fort was constructed in 1830 when Sham Singh came from Kaonke. The family originally belonged to Jaisalmer. After coming here Sham Singh developed rapport with Maharaja Ranjit Singh and went on to become a General in his army. After the Maharaja’s death, Sham Singh left the army and came to Attari, where he stayed till his death. Jasjit Singh, who is a grandson of Sham Singh, said this fort was used by the Army during the 1965-1971 war as it was at a height. "We feel very bad seeing the present condition of this historic fort but are unable to do much due to lack of funds," he stated. It could be preserved only if the government extended a hand. He says the family of Sham Singh had been ignored in his homeland. Harpreet Sidhu, a great grandson of Sham Singh, who stays in the fort, said he was emotionally attached to his place and therefore stayed here but the government had done nothing to preserve it. The samadhis of Sham
Singh, his father Nihal Singh, a family elder Mai Dasi,
also stands and are looked after by the family. The
government had announced grants for them and promised to
erect a statue of Sham Singh, but nothing has been done
yet. |
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12 more to join Punjab
ministry tomorrow CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — The countdown to expansion of the existing council of ministers in Punjab has begun. The formal ceremony is slated for December 31 next . While details of who from among the SAD and BJP coalition partners would be sworn in or in what ratio are not known, it is almost clear that the number is not likely to be less than a dozen. It is reliably learnt that at least 13 Contessa cars are being readied for the occasion. The Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal does not disclose his mind to anyone. It is difficult to hazard a guess on how many will be Cabinet or state ministers or if there will be promotions from among the present incumbents. The present strength is
26, including the Chief Minister. The number of ministers
of state is 10. |
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Call country Bharat, pleads
sangh LUDHIANA, Dec 29 — A meeting of the Atam Raksha Sangh chaired by the Punjab state coordinator, Col H.S. Kahlon, here today resolved to ensure that the country was known as Bharat only and names like India and Hindustan were done away with. It was also decided to
fight corruption. The organisation would also fight for
rights and welfare of soldiers, pensioners and senior
citizens. It would also campaign against social evils and
seek cooperation of various welfare associations for
this. Colonel Kahlon nominated Mr B.R. Kaushal,
president, Punjab State Pensioners Confederation, Mr H.K.
Sood, joint secretary, Railway Pensioners Association, Mr
S.N. Vanaik, working president, Railway Pensioner
Association, Mr Jarnail Singh Dhillon, president, Govt
Pensioners, Punjab, Mr Surjit Singh, president FASPA, Maj
Harcharan Singh Neloon, president, All-India
Ex-Servicemen Action Committee, Punjab, Colonel S.S.
Bajwa, Col D.S. Grewal, Capt Mukhtiar Singh, Maj Dyal
Singh, Brig G.S. Toor, Col G.S. Grewal as members of
state executive committee. |
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Sonia Gandhi’s visit a
‘political stunt’ LUDHIANA, Dec 29 — Mr Amarjit Singh Chawla, general secretary of the Sikh Students Federation, today described Mrs Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Harmandar Sahib as a "political stunt". Addressing a press conference here, Mr Chawala said the Gandhi family was "responsible" for Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. The Sikh community could never forget the traumatic experience. JALANDHAR: Hailing the visit of Mrs Sonia Gandhi to the Golden Temple and the expression of regret over the events of 1984, Mr Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, has said the act of the Congress leader would be a turning point in Punjab politics and would facilitate the beginning of relations of the Congress with the Sikhs. Describing the visit of the Congress President as a "genuine" effort to pacify the hurt feelings of the vibrant Sikh community all over the world, Mr Khaira in a press note issued here on Wednesday said her visit was laudable as it was a good gesture towards the minority community which would strengthen the foundation of secularism in the country. In the same breath Mr Khaira said the SGPC should have shown magnanimity according to the traditions by honouring her like other political figures. Meanwhile, Mr Jasdeep
Singh Malhotra, Secretary of the district unit of the
Congress, said the act of the SGPC was not in accordance
with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. He said the SGPC
had been converted into a "dera" by certain
vested interests. |
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University needs Sumo, VC buys
Contessa PATIALA, Dec 29 — The manner in which Punjabi University has purchased a Contessa car for use by the Vice-Chancellor out of the funds allocated for the purchase of a Tata Sumo for institutional use has created a flutter on the university campus. While the money kept in the university’s Transport Department budget for the year 1999-2000 for the purchase of a Tata Sumo was used to buy the Contessa, the Vice-Chancellor also directed the purchase of the car independent of auditors’ permission. The auditors had objected to the purchase citing government regulations barring the purchase of vehicles. Sanction for the purchase of the car was taken in retrospect on December 10 nearly one month after payment for the car was made. The finance committee approved the orders of the Vice-Chancellor during which the latter explained that the purchase had been made independent of auditors’ permission who had cited a state government bar on the purchase of vehicles. As the car being purchased was a replacement for the old one, the committee asked the auditors to regularise its purchase. During the meeting, it was explained to members of the finance committee which included two government representatives that the old car was in poor shape and had met with an accident in February, 1997, when its engine and chassis had been damaged. While Vice-Chancellor Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia said all norms had been followed and the decision approved by the finance committee, university Finance Officer Remal Das said the university was not barred from purchasing any new car and a circular in this context concerned only government departments. However, a Business Management Department teacher disclosed that the university had turned down its plea for the purchase of a bus for conduct of industrial visits by the students, citing the same clause. Permission was refused despite the fact that the Business Management Department had a personal account containing Rs 22 lakh collected from NRIs. The Forum for Educational Action and Research has highlighted the matter saying that the Vice-Chancellor could take a decision independent of audit only in cases of emergency. It has cited Rule 9 (A), subsection eight, in this regard saying that the purchase of new car was not an emergency as the old one was still functioning. Forum chairman Amarjit Singh Dhillon in a statement alleged the finance committee of the university had only acted as a rubber stamp to legalise an act which amounted to misappropriation of funds as well as violation of the government instructions. He said it was also tragic that personal interests were put above institutional interests as the Tata Sumo would have fulfilled institutional needs of the university. The forum has urged the
state government to prove the "serious lapse"
and take appropriate action so that its instructions were
not violated in future. It said funds should also be
spent for the purpose they were meant for. |
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Manch cautions govt on reforms AMRITSAR, Dec 29 — The three-day national convention of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch concluded here today cautioning the government not to show any haste in introducing the second generation reforms which were being pushed through by vested interests. The convention passed three resolutions which was critical of the passing of the insurance Bill without providing the safeguards. It urged the government not to be enamoured by the call of globalisation. It added that the government should show restraint in permitting foreign entry into the print media, housing and also the retail trade. The manch expressed its dismay over the proposal to allow foreign law firms and chartered accountants to practice in India. In another resolution the manch suggested that India should lead the developing nations in safeguarding their common interests. It also called for efforts to resist the inclusion of non-trade issues like health and medicines in the WTO. It decreed the threat of the USA to impose against the nations not adhering to the labour laws and other standards. The manch was critical of the Punjab Government in granting permission to Cargill, to purchase wheat in the state. It also sought details of the leasing of land to the multinational companies by the state government and alleged that corporations like Monsanto, Cargill and Pepsi had already taken thousands of acres on lease in Punjab. In another resolution,
the manch urged the government to stop the production of
genetically engineered seeds and foods. |
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IAF objections put on back
burner AMRITSAR, Dec 29 — The IAF objections regarding the defence enclave here were put on the back burner at a recent joint meeting between Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Minister for Local Bodies, Mr S.S. Rajput, Municipal Commissioner, and plot holders of the enclave. Mr Tandon, however, gave an assurance at the meeting that the defence enclave issue would be taken up by the state government with the Union Defence Ministry. New issues have left the 465 plot holders in the enclave a divided lot. The Punjab local government had asked the plot holders to concede 35 per cent of their individual holdings for parks, roads, etc. Another condition laid down is that no residential construction should be allowed within 100 metres of the national highway, according to the national highway Act. Those plot holders whose plots fall in the 100-metre highway zone have been left to negotiate with other plot holders to chart out a plan. The Local Government Ministry has, however, conceded that it can adjust parks and other open spaces in the objectionable 100-metre zone, but it can not allow any residential construction in that area. While the local Municipal Corporation has placed the ball firmly in the plot holders’ court the latter are divided over the highway zone issue. Another objection that has cropped up is that the Wakf Board whose land in the plan has been shown as an open space. Maj G.S. Virk (retd), President of the Defence Enclave Plot Holders Association, claimed that the Wakf Board has now agreed to give its land on lease to the colony. Without a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the IAF, no construction would be allowed in the 900-metre security zone, according to a Defence Ministry communication. There are several colonies, including Labh Nagar, Kiran Colony and Amar Colony with about 300 houses, in the IAF objectionable zone. Mr Rajput claims that the said colonies are unauthorised and the particular area was not in the municipal limits when the construction took place. The builders have not
procured an NOC from the IAF or the Municipal Corporation
so far. |
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‘Political will must to end fiscal
crisis’ AMRITSAR, Dec 29 — The speakers at the concluding session of the annual conference of the Indian Economic Association here today felt that the state should show political will in tackling the deteriorating fiscal situation in Punjab. The distinguished economists who gathered here were of the unanimous view that Punjab was lagging behind in industrial development and whatever industrial development had taken place in the state was lop-sided. There was dire need for the diversification of agriculture in the state and the development of Punjab largely depended upon the integration of agriculture with secondary and tertiary sectors, they felt. The participants felt that there was a need to improve the fiscal health of the state government and need to shift from administration orientation to development orientation. This conference was hosted by the Punjab School of Economics of Guru Nanak Dev University on the eve of its silver jubilee. The valedictory function was presided over by Dr H.S. Soch, Vice-Chancellor. A special session was devoted to the Punjab economy. Prof Ashok Mathur, an eminent economist, chaired this session, which was broadly divided into agriculture, industry and finances of the state. In the agricultural section, Dr R.S. Bawa, a noted economist of Punjab, dwelt on the impact of the green revolution on social balance. He pointed out that the gains went to big farmers and the marginal and small farmers were at the receiving end. The other speakers in this session included Prof P.S. Raikhy, Dr Parminder Singh and Dr Joginder Singh. Dr J.S. Maini stressed upon the social cost of development in Punjab. He pointed out that for raising agricultural and industrial production the economic balance of the state had been disturbed. He added that the state must impress upon the Central Government to sit up a nuclear power project. Even during liberalisation, the role of the state as a promotional agency was of crucial importance. Prof M.R. Aggarwal of Chandigarh in his paper new economic policies, growth and reforms at the state level highlighted that the liberalisation may have an adverse impact on environment, thus development must be eco-friendly. Prof J.R. Gupta from Patiala said the long-term solution to the Punjab financial crisis lies in strengthening local self-government. Prof Om Parkash of the Punjab School of Economics pointed out that the state government might introduce zero-base budgeting in some selected departments so that those programmes which had outlived their utility were closed or allocation of funds to them was restricted. Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman
from Patiala said the present fiscal crisis in Punjab was
man-made and could be resolved provided by proper tax
collection, among other things. |
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One arrested in robbery case MOGA, Dec 29 — The district police today achieved a breakthrough when it solved a case of robbery in which three scooter-borne armed men had robbed five employees of the Punjab State Electricity Board of Rs 4.6 lakh when they were going to Samdhbhai village in a car to disburse salaries of board employees. The incident had taken place near Phulewala canal bridge on Baghapurana-Nihalsinghwala road yesterday. Senior Superintendent of Police Shard S. Chohan said here today that a police party at a naka near Samdhbhai village signalled a scooterist to stop. He tried to escape but was overpowered. While searching the scooterist the police recovered a polythene bag containing Rs 4.40 lakh. The accused was later identified Jagdev Singh of Manuke village. He disclosed the name of his accomplices as Darshan Singh and Kinda. Jagdev also confessed the involvement of one PSEB employee, Jagsir Singh, who had given information to them that he along with other employees were going to Samdhbhai village to disburse salaries. The two other accused
have absconded. Cases under Sections 392, IPC, and 25, 27
and 54 Arms Act have been registered. |
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‘Probe’ tenders for completed
work PATIALA, Dec 29 — A number of contractors and political leaders of Samana have demanded a high-level probe into the floating of tenders by the Municipal Council for a construction project which had already been executed. In a signed letter addressed to the local Deputy Commissioner, Mr Teja Singh Kheri, secretary of the CPM, Mr Gopal Sharma, a Janata Dal leader and Mr Subhash Sharma and other contractors said the Municipal Council had invited tenders on December 20 for certain works like sitting arrangements, drinking water supply and toilet facilities around the bus stand. However, most of these works were already complete or were near completion, the letter claimed. In view of the above,
the Deputy Commissioner has been urged to order a probe
into the matter. |
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Plea to regularise employees JALANDHAR, Dec 29 — Government and semi-government employees associated with the Punjab State Karamchari Dal staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here today. Mr Hari Singh, President
of the dal, said the state government had adopted an
"anti-employee" attitude. He demanded that
employees working on 89 days basis should be regularised
and last year’s bonus should be released without any
further delay. He said the first instalment of the
dearness allowance which had already been announced by
the government should be released. |
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Plea to implement new
calendar CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — The Institute of Sikh Studies President, Dr Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, today described as unfortunate the controversy sparked off by certain "vested interests" over the new Nanakshahi Calendar, prepared by a Canada-based Sikh, Mr Pal Singh Purewal. The calendar is based on universally accepted solar year while the old calendar followed the lunar system of fixing dates, based on Bikarami Samvat, according to which the dates of Gurpurbs and historic occasions are decided afresh every year. The Bikarami year being longer than a solar year by about twenty minute creates a difference of almost one full day over a period of seventy years. Over the centuries the accumulative difference has led to many problems, often certain occasions being observed thrice in a year. The new calendar was more scientific and accurate and it would clear all confusion, he added. In 1994, Dr Dhillon said the institute had convened a meeting of representatives of leading Panthic organisations, including the SGPC, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the Chief Khalsa Diwan, Damdami Taksal, universities in Punjab, Sikh Missionary Colleges, where all pros and cons were discussed and accepted as per the new calendar. These were to be implemented from 1999. The SGPC was to circulate the calendar. Now the matter needed to
be taken up in all earnestness and controversy should be
resolved once for all. The SGPC should take a firm
decision to implement the new calendar with immediate
effect, he added. |
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Safai karamchari suspended LUDHIANA, Dec 29 — The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, has suspended Ram Lal, a safai karamchari, for remaining absent from duty without informing the seniors. The Commissioner has
warned the employees of the corporation to perform their
duty punctually and regularly, otherwise action would be
taken against them. |
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Sena threatens to block bus
to Lahore PHILLAUR, Dec 29 — The Punjab Hindu Shiv Sena (Dogra group) has threatened to block bus to Lahore if hijackers did not release all passengers in the next 24 hours. This was announced by Mr
Surinder Dogra and Mr Pawan Prabhakar, president and
general secretary, respectively, of the sena, here today.
They appealed to the political parties to cooperate with
the Centre on this issue. |
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