Tuesday, November 30, 1999
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P U N J A B | |
Tuesday, November 30, 1999 |
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PGPC
chief ready to visit India Baba Farid University V-C resigns |
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BSF steps up vigil on border Murder case solved: 4 held Row over ex-Governor's
accommodation
Trade unions protest against IRA
bill 2 held for putting acid in ballot
boxes Patient’s attendants beat up
doctors ‘Transfer’ Abohar to
Muktsar district
Poppy seed bags ‘not
part’ of consignment Hakims’ interests to be
‘protected’ FCI official held for taking bribe Move to privatise insurance flayed |
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PGPC chief ready to visit
India ATTARI, Nov 29 — The co-Chairman of the controversial Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PGPC), Mr Sham Singh, has offered to meet office-bearers of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Amritsar to end the deadlock between both the religious bodies. This was revealed by certain members of the jathas from Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir who reached here by a special train after paying obeisance at Sikh shrines in Pakistan here today. Since the SGPC had stopped sending jathas to Pakistan in protest against the formation of the PGPC, Sikhs from Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir went to Pakistan on their own. The member of the jatha were given a warm welcome at the Wagah railway station in Pakistan by members of the PGPC, including its Chairman Jawed Nasir, a former chief of the ISI. The jatha members revealed that office-bearers of the PGPC said there was "significance" in the formation of the gurdwara parbandhak committee in Pakistan. They claimed that Pakistan was the only Muslim country which formed the committee to maintain Sikh shrines in Pakistan. The co-Chairman of the PGPC said the SGPC should withdraw its decision to stop jathas to Pakistan in protest against the formation of the PGPC. He had reportedly conveyed feelings of the Pakistani Sikhs to the SGPC through members of the jatha. The jatha members who returned after paying obeisance at Pakistani gurdwaras said the Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Devji could not be celebrated with great religious fervour as the SGPC did not send its jatha of 3000 Sikhs to Pakistan. Talking to The Tribune, Mr Surjit Singh and Mr Narinderpal Kaur confirmed the jatha was received by the office-bearers of the PGPC at Wagah. The jatha leaders said they had taken up the matter of maintenance of Sikh shrines in Pakistan with the PGPC. They said everybody who met members of the jatha asked them as to why the SGPC did not send a jatha to Pakistan this time. This was for the third time this year that the SGPC did not send a jatha to Pakistan after the formation of the PGPC in April to mark the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa Panth. The special train which
reached Attari at 4.30 p.m. was late by more than two and
a half hours. |
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Baba Farid University V-C
resigns CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 — Dr I.S. Chawla, Vice-Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, has resigned. Dr Chawla’s resignation was accepted today, according to informed sources. Dr Chawla is reported to have resigned for personal reasons. But it is a fact that all is not well with the university, which is still in a nascent stage. The government had made Dr J.S. Bajaj Chairman of the Board of Management of the university rather than allowing Dr Chawla shoulder this responsibility as Vice-Chancellor. Paucity of funds and staff has also impeded the functioning of the university. The government will shortly take a decision as to who will hold the charge as Vice-Chancellor till a new person is appointed, said sources. The resignation of Dr Chawla has come at a time when the faculty in the state’s medical and dental colleges is in turmoil. Due to stagnation and frustration as many as 20-odd senior Professors have quit their jobs during the past one-and-a-half years or so. The last to join the list of those who have quit are the Principals of the two dental colleges. The Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers’ Association general secretary, Dr B.S. Dhillon, told TNS that a deputation of the association, with representatives from its Amritsar, Faridkot and Patiala units, today met the Principal Secretary Medical Education and Research and the Director, Research and Medical Education, and submitted a memorandum in connection with the non-payment of "arrears" to 450-odd doctors serving in the government medical/dental institutions. Dr Dhillon said the Director had been informed that the faculty would "boycott" teaching and examination work from December 1 in protest against the non-fulfilment of the promise made in 1998. Informed sources said the Chief Secretary had called the association members for a meeting on the payments issue here on December 7, with doctors having been advised not to carry out their threat till then. It may be recalled that
it was on November 6, 1998, when Chief Minister Parkash
Singh Badal accepted the association’s demands
regarding pay scales. The new pay scales were notified on
April 7, 1999, but the arrears despite supplementary
budget having been sanctioned had not been paid. The
association wants improvement in service conditions. |
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Punjab has to be model state:
CM CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today called for adopting a revolutionary, action-oriented and visionary approach for bringing about total transformation in society as Punjab marches into 21st century. ‘‘It has to be a model and an advanced state of the country’’. Addressing a brain-storming session of intellectuals and writers on ‘‘Punjab of 21st Century — Challenges and Responsibilities’’, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department, the Chief Minister said with the advent of age of information technology the whole world had become a ‘‘global village.’’ The flow of information was so fast that within seconds information from one corner of the world reached the other end. The need of the hour, therefore, was to update technology and skills to compete with the world through computer education, said a government press note. The Chief Minister said ‘action plan’, incorporating the vision of 21st century, was being prepared. The plan to be announced in the next few days envisaged for bringing about aptitudinal change in individuals and equipping them to face the future challenges at the global level. Mr Badal pleaded that equal opportunities of education should be given to rural and urban students so that all can compete with others. He lamented that the poor boys from rural areas were not getting admission in any professional colleges as they could not get good marks in entrance test competitions. He promised to take up the issue with the Centre for enhancing import duty on wheat to ensure the supply of Punjab wheat in the national market and other states. The Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, called for setting up an ‘open university’ in the state to enable more avenues of education to the people, who could not avail the opportunity in colleges and universities. He stressed the need for advanced centre of bio-technology and information Technology to meet the futuristic needs of society. Dr Mahip Singh, an eminent writer, called for the need of corresponding cultural and mental uplift along with the material progress for making Punjab as a model of heritage for the country. He said libraries should be opened in the rural areas. Mr Darbara Singh Kahlon stressed for right decisions by the government keeping in mind the aspirations of the people and implement those under time-bound programme. The MLAs should act as agents of change and make the public aware about various schemes of the government, he suggested. Mr Piara Singh Bhogal, an eminent writer, called for introducing ‘rural market concept’ in villages for opening employment avenues to rural youth. Mr B.K. Chum, a journalist, while speaking about the future of agriculture in 21st century said there was still scope of increasing agricultural production by adopting latest techniques. He apprised about the fall out of world trade organisation’s recommendations in India’s agriculture economy and called for taking immediate steps to check the move of lowering import tariff on wheat. Dr Jodh Singh, an eminent educationist, emphasised that ‘‘we should make ourself more competent and contribute maximum for making 21st century as ‘growth-oriented’ taking along the precious legacy of our great Gurus.’’ Mr Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Minister, Information and Public Relations, while concluding the discussion said that leading figures in different fields of life must act as ‘model’ for others to follow. Mr Sarvesh Kaushal, Secretary, Information and Public Relations, listed achievements of the present government. Assuring of a ‘‘follow-up’’ action on the thoughtful discussion, Mr Kaushal said the points that had emerged in the meeting would be referred to the ministers concerned for taking immediate steps and a booklet would also be printed for future use. Among others present on
the occasion were Mr P.S. Aujla, Director, Information
and Public Relations, and Dr S.S. Dosanjh, a literary
figure, and an adviser to the SAD. |
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Expansion move not discussed: BJP LUDHIANA, Nov 29 — The issue of Cabinet expansion of the SAD-BJP government in the state has not been discussed between the state leadership of the coalition partners so far. This was stated by the Punjab Minister for Food and Supplies, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal while addressing a press conference here today. He said the issue would be discussed between the two parties soon. Answering a question about the share in the new Cabinet to be demanded by the BJP Mr Mittal said it would be decided by the party forum after the number of seats to be increased is known. Reaching to the comments made by Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, MP, regarding the only Sikh member in the Vajpayee cabinet, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, not being given a better portfolio, Mr Mittal said Mr Mann should refrain from raking up issues which are likely to cause unrest and dissent among people. He said Mr Mann did not represent the majority of the Sikhs and Mr Badal, who represented the majority, felt satisfied with the representation given to the Sikhs in the Union Ministry. Answering queries about the findings of the two high-powered committee set up by the state government to look into the Lok Sabha poll debacle, the minister, without divulging much, said work on this front was in progress and informed that a meeting of the committee was scheduled for tomorrow. On withdrawal of amendments in the sales tax which called for imprisonment for tax evaders, the BJP Minister said it was not a populist measure. He said a sub-committee
had been formed with the Chief Minister, the Local Bodies
Minister and himself to hold discussions with traders to
find out other means to check tax evasion and increase
revenue thus collected. |
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BSF steps up vigil on border NEW MOHAMADIWALA (Ferozepore), Nov 29 — BSF troops deployed in the Ferozepore sector have been put on high alert to check border crossing by smugglers and ISI agents. This observation was made by a team of Ferozepore-based mediapersons who accompanied by the Ferozepore DIG, BSF, Mr Balbir Singh, visited border yesterday and talked to jawans of the BSF. "BSF has beefed up security arrangements on the border to counter any possible threat from anti-national elements during winter", said the DIG. At New Mohamadiwala the DIG said the gaps where the Sutlej flowed into the Indian territory had been effectively plugged by putting improvised fencing and electric "cobra wires". The frequency of patrolling had been stepped up and the number of nakas increased in the area. Elephant grass ahead of border security fence had been removed to have better observation and vigilance all along the border. BSF jawans had nabbed three Pakistan nationals, one Bangladesh, Tazak and Nepal national each and nine Indian nationals while trying to cross the border in the Ferozepore sector since January. Meanwhile, it is stated that about a week ago it was reported in a section of the Press that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) expected more intrusion bids from across the border against backdrop of military coup in Pakistan. The report also mentioned that a gap between Mohamadiwala and Kasoke was another cause for worry. The report further said Charanjit Singh, alias Sukha, a terrorist associated with the KCF had sneaked into India along with 5 kg of RDX and weapons in August from a gap between Mohamadiwala and Kasoke. In that particular case, the commandant concerned was transferred and the BSF took measures to prevent such a recurrence. The mediapersons during their visit found that two motorboats were ready to check border crossing. They were told that six jawans of the BSF performed duty on each motorboat in rotation during night in the gaps where fencing was not viable. Regarding civic amenities in the area the BSF, organises medical camps to provide medicare to people living in border villages. Students are provided with stationery and sports items. At Muthianwala (Khemkaran) BSF runs the village primary school from its own resources. The BSF also promotes
sports activities among youth and had developed good
rapport with villagers. The BSF recently organised
inter-panchayat games in the battalion areas namely
Mamdot, Ferozepore and Amarkot in the Ferozepore sector.
It plans to organise cultural programmes in the border
villages and select a clean village each from the
Battalion areas. This village will be rewarded with a
cash prize of Rs 5,000. |
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Murder case solved: 4 held LUDHIANA, Nov 29 — The CIA staff has solved a blind murder case committed in the Model Town area on November 9 with the arrest of four accused in the case. According to a press note issued by the SSP, Mr Kuldeep Singh, a body with stab wounds was found in the Model Town (extension). Police investigations revealed that the four accused — Harinder Singh, alias Kaka, Kuldeep Singh, Surinder Kumar and Pardeep Singh, had a scuffle with the deceased on November 8 when he went to them asking for money as Divali gift. The accused, who were under the influence of liquor, thought that he was a tout working for their opponents and in a fit of rage, stabbed him with kirpans. They later killed him and threw his body at a short distance from the place of the crime. The accused, who were
produced before the Ilaaqa Magistrate have been remanded
in police custody for two days. |
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Govt-aided schools face
crisis AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — Government-aided schools in Punjab and Haryana are likely to face a crisis with erratic and inadequate government grants. Principals of DAV managed schools of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi have expressed concern over the government’s apathetic attitude in this regard. The General Secretary of the DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, Mr M.L. Khanna, talking to this correspondent here yesterday expressed concern over the freezing of government grants since 1976 by the Punjab Government. Also the erratic and irregular payment had made the task of management even more difficult. Mr Khanna pointed out that the situation in Haryana was even worse as the government had been reducing the grant which was now a paltry 6 per cent, forcing institutions to look for other avenues to meet the expenses. No scope was left for expansion or improvement in the infrastructure. The implementation of the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission from January 1, 1996, had increased the salary bill by 75 per cent. With practically no aid, the government-aided schools would be able to pay salaries only from the reduced grants, thus threatening their very existence. These schools were catering to more than 65 per cent of the total students strength in the states, he said. Another major problem facing these schools was the filling of posts of teacher who had either retired or resigned which was affecting the education as the managements were unable to recruit new teachers without getting the requisite government grants, he pointed out. The secretary of the Arya Vidya Sabha, New Delhi, Mr Mohan Lal said. The government would have to come out with a new policy for which it must consult various school managements and senior educationists to formulate a long-term plan in this regard. The DAV Managing Committee, which has been pioneer in spreading education in the country, felt that it would had talks with the government on the matter of finance. Mr Mohan Lal said the Principals had been directed to introduce job oriented and vocational courses in the evening to cover up their expenses and seek donations and financial help from the business community to tide over the crisis. He lambasted the government for not implementing its often repeated policy of primary education for all as enshrined in the Constitution. He said the government had constituted the Government Council for District Primary Education under the United Nation project four months ago. But it had yet to hold a meeting. The convenor of the
conference, Mr J.P.Shoor, however, said over 50
Principals from DAV institutions participated in the
meeting. |
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Trade unions protest against
IRA bill AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — In response to a call by sponsoring committee of various trade unions and employees federations, a rally and procession was organised here today to protest against the proposed Insurance Regulatory Bill. The protest procession started from the local railway station and culminated at the Pink Plaza market. Among those who spoke on
the occasion were Mr Amarjit Singh Asal, secretary,
Punjab State Committee AITUC, Mr Des Raj, General
Secretary of the Textile Mazdoor Ekta Union, Mr Swarn
Dass Kapoor, General Secretary of the Punjab Hind Mazdoor
Sabha, Mr Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Railway Men’
Union, Mr S.C Sood (CITU) Mr Ashok Kumar, leader Railway
Workers Union and leaders of Banks, LIC, GIC roadways,
teachers and postal, telecom employees. They demanded
immediate withdrawal of the IRA bill and acceptance of
other demands of the employees. They also demanded
scrapping of Verma Committee recommendations on banks and
fixing of the minimum wages of workers at the earliest. |
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2 held for putting acid in
ballot boxes AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — The polling and counting process for by-election for five sarpanches and 10 panches was completed peacefully. Stating this here today, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development)-cum-District Electoral Officer, Mr Anurag Verma, said that Mr Baljit Singh (Shekh Bhatti), Mr Charan Singh (Wara Telian), Mr Ajit Singh (Chahal), Mrs Nirmaljit Kaur (Muhawa) and Mr Gurnam Singh (Mehmoodpura) were elected sarpanches of the gram panchayats given in brackets Mrs Piari (Bhindi Saidan), Mr Pal Singh (Fatehabad), Mr Joginder Singh (Khan Chhabri), Mr Balwinder Singh (Thathgarh), Mr Kishan Singh (Rai Pur Kalan), Mr Amrik Singh (Mullan Behram), Mr Sukhdev Singh (Muchhal), Mr Ashwinder Singh (Muchhal Sardaran), Mr Chanan Singh (Berianwala) and Mrs Ajit Kaur (Sarja) were elected panches. Mr Verma said three sarpanches and 62 panches had already been elected unanimously. Mr Verma said during the by-election in Sahura village of the Chogawan block, two persons tried to disrupt the poll process by putting acid in the ballot boxes. Both these persons were handed over to the police and strict action was being taken against them, Mr Verma added. He said polling in the
village was adjourned and the next date of polling would
be fixed shortly. |
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Patient’s attendants beat up
doctors AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — An emergency medical officer on duty, Dr Navdeep Singh, and a resident doctor (surgery), Dr Hardeep Singh, were allegedly manhandled by three persons who came in a Cielo car as attendants of a patient in the Casualty Ward of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) here. According to a joint statement issued by Dr Bhanu Partap Singh and Dr Baljeet Singh Saluja, Vice-President and General Secretary of the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA), respectively, the alleged miscreants fled after the incidents. However, they were identified from the entry register maintained in the Emergency Ward of the hospital. Members of the JDA gathered immediately at the scene and brought the matter to the notice of the higher authorities and the police. The suspects were identified as Chattar Singh Randhawa, a local property dealer, Gurdev Singh, Sarpanch of Saidonwali village and Fatehbir Singh, a resident of Lopoke. They were arrested later and brought to the Emergency Ward by the police the next day. They were made to apologise in writing to the doctors concerned. Members of the JDA, the
PCMS Association and the hospital staff, including the
Vice-President of the JDA, Dr Bhanu Pratap Singh,
demanded that there should be a proper security
arrangement for the staff on duty in the Emergency Ward
in the GNDH in future. |
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‘Transfer’ Abohar to Muktsar
district ABOHAR, Nov 29 — The Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, during his visit here on Sunday was given resolutions passed by about 36 gram panchayats of the subdivision regarding the demand of the merger of the subdivision with Muktsar district. The Yuva Beopar Mandal submitted a memorandum on Sunday favouring this demand and argued that Ferozepore was about 115 km from here whereas Muktsar was about 60 km via Malout and 45 km via Panniwala. They said this merger would facilitate the residents of the area, who have to visit Ferozepore even for resolving small matters. The local unit of the SAD and its youth wing handed over the copies of the resolutions passed at meeting urging Mr Badal to transfer this area to Muktsar district. The meeting endorsed the transfer of Dharamkot to Moga district. Regarding the abduction of a teen-aged daughter of a Jat farmer of Ramgarh village allegedly by a son of an SGPC member on Friday, representatives of different political, religious and social organisations demanded that the SGPC member should also be booked under Section 120-B for allegedly conspiring to grab property worth crores by abducting the girl who is the only legal heir of the farmer now. The representatives
maintained that the SGPC member’s contention that
his son had married the girl on February, 28, as per
Vedic rites at Arya Samaj Mandir, Faridkot, and Mr
Jaidev, president of the temple had issued a certificate
confirming the marriage, were fabricated. |
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Ludhiana doctors honoured LUDHIANA, Nov 29 — The Indian Medical Association and the Academy of Medical Specialists honoured three city doctors at here on Saturday. Dr Iqbal Singh Ahuja, Chairman, Iqbal Nursing Home and Hospital, Dr L.S. Chawla, Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and Dr S.B. Khurana, former Director, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital were given the Millennium Super Excellence Award by the Madhya Pradesh Governor Dr Bhai Mahavir. While Dr Iqbal Singh Ahuja was given award for his service and research in the field of sterility, Dr S.B. Khurana and Dr L.S. Chawla were given the award for their services in the field of medicine. Dr Bhai Mahavir lauded the role of the people of Ludhiana for bringing it on the forefront in the field of medicine. Fifty persons donated their eyes on the occasion. Mrs Raj Mahajan, who had initiated this campaign was also presented the award. Others who were
presented this award were Dr Ramesh Gupta, Mr M.S.
Chawla, Dr Naresh Bassi, Dr K.P. Singh, Dr J.P. Sharma,
Dr J.C. Saha, Dr B.R. Mittal and Dr V.P. Takkar. |
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Hakims’ interests to be
‘protected’ HOSHIARPUR, Nov 29 — The Punjab government is fully aware of the problems faced by hakims and vaids having private practice in the state and will solve these by complying with instructions of the Supreme Court so that they may not become jobless. This was stated by Mr Sewa Singh Shekhwan, Public Relations and Revenue Minister, Punjab while addressing the gathering at a state-level function, organised by the District Vaids Mandal, Hoshiarpur, in connection with the birthday celebration of Vaid Dhanvantri, founder of ayurvedic and unani systems of medicine here last evening. Mr H.S. Bedi, President
of the Private Medical Association, Punjab highlighted
the problems being faced by the non-registered medical
practitioners in the state. |
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FCI official held for taking
bribe BATHINDA, Nov 29 — Mr Raj Kumar Gupta, Assistant Manager (Depot), FCI, Rampuraphul, was today arrested by a team of vigilance bureau while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 from Mr Bhola Singh, a labour contractor of Kararwala village. Official sources said Mr Gupta had demanded bribe from Mr Bhola Singh for issuing to him a bag-lifting clearance certificate to Mr Bhola Singh today after taking the bribe from him. However, he was caught red-handed when a team of vigilance bureau led by Mr Vinod Kumar, DSP, raided his office at Rampuraphul while he was accepting the bribe. A case under the
Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against
Mr Gupta. |
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Move to privatise insurance
flayed BATHINDA, Nov 29 — Mr Chander Shekhar, General Secretary, CITU, Punjab, today alleged that the BJP-led coalition government at the centre had endangered the economic sovereignty of the country by initiating a move to privatise the insurance and the banking sector. Addressing a rally, organised here by Punjab and Chandigarh Medical and Sales Representatives’ Union (PCMSRU), Mr Shekhar alleged that the action of the BJP-led coalition government regarding the privatisation of the insurance and the banking sector was "anti-national" and "anti-people". He warned that any attempt by the Union Government to change the existing labour laws in favour of the employers would be resisted at all costs by the working class of the country. He added that the Union Government had already announced a national commission on labour unilaterally on the "diktats of the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank. He said the minimum
wages for the workers in Punjab should be fixed at Rs
3,500. He demanded that the labour laws should be
implemented and exploitation of workers by contractors
should be stopped. |
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Row over ex-Governor's accommodation CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 (PTI) — A controversy has arisen following allotment of an official accommodation to a former Punjab Governor Lieut-Gen B.K.N. Chhibber (retd), by the state government with another former Governor saying "it would set a wrong precedent". "It will set a wrong precedent and would raise doubts over his impartiality during his tenure,’’ former Goa Governor Col Partap Singh Gill (retd) said. However, General Chhibber, when contacted by PTI, said he had been allotted the "temporary" accommodation by the Punjab Government because of his being in ‘Z’ category security and would shift to Delhi as soon as the authorities provide him a house with "adequate" security. Punjab Government’s
Principal Secretary Daljit Jaiji confirmed that it was a
temporary arrangement. |
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Dental care fortnight ends JALANDHAR, Nov 29 — The eighth dental health care fortnight organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department concluded here today. Presiding over a function in this connection, Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, said Punjab was leading in the field of oral health. "It is the only state in the country where 17 fully equipped mobile dental clinics have been functioning and providing on-the-spot dental treatment to people, particularly school children of rural areas." Dr G.S. Preet, Director, Health Services, Punjab, said nearly two lakh patients had been treated for various dental ailments in the state during the past fortnight. He claimed that 71 mass dental camps were held during this period. Dr N.C. Mann, Additional Director of the department, said the aim of the fortnight was to create awareness among the masses about various dental diseases. As many as 264 poor
patients were provided free dentures during the
fortnight, he added. |
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Attempt to rob bank LUDHIANA, Nov 29 — Robbers made an unsuccessful attempt to loot the Motinagar branch of Punjab and Sind Bank here on the intervening night of November 27 and 28, but fled after burning a few records of the bank. According to an FIR
registered at the Focal Point police station under
Sections 457, 380, 436 and 511 of the IPC, the locks on
the grill door and the shutter had been broken by the
culprits. After entering the bank, they tried
unsuccessfully to tamper with the lock of the safe where
cash was kept, failing which, they broke open an almirah
where records were kept and burnt some of these. |
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Pensioners to stage rally CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 — Members of the Punjab State Pensioners Confederation will stage a rally in support of their demands on December 1 near the Sector 22 mandir. According to Mr A.S. Bagri, General Secretary of the association, 250 delegates from various pensioners’ associations of the region will participate and discuss their problems and the inaction of the government in solving their grievances. Mr Pawan Bansal, local MP, and Mr Satya Pal Jain, a former MP, will address delegates and members on the occasion. The demands to be
discussed include merger of 97 per cent DA on January 1,
1993, with basic pension, 50 per cent concession in bus
fare to pensioners above 65 years, travel concession to
widow pensioners and DA for re-employed pensioners. |
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Prof I.S. Grover dead AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — Prof I.S. Grover, an eminent botanist and recipient of many awards and fellowships, expired yesterday evening. He was working in the Department of Botanical Sciences of Guru Nanak Dev University. He made valuable contributions in the field of genetic toxicology and mutagenesis. He reported about some natural products from plants which can help in the prevention of cancer. A condolence meeting in
his memory was held at the university and two
minutes’ silence was observed to pay respect to the
departed soul. |
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Union welcomes pension plan NAWANSHAHR, Nov 29 — A meeting of Panchayat Secretary and Samiti Karamchari Union, Punjab was held here today under the presidentship of Mr Nirmal Singh Lodhi Majra. Mr Gurmeet Singh
Bhankarpur, general secretary of the samiti, stated in a
press release here today that the samiti was thankful to
the Badal Government for its decision to implement the
pension scheme for the secretaries, employees of
Panchayat samitis, and zila boards of the state. |
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Poppy seed bags ‘not
part’ of consignment AMRITSAR, Nov 29 — The chance recovery of 1600 bags of poppy seeds by the customs cargo authorities at Attari railway station had raised quite a storm. Senior Customs officers claimed that these extra bags of poppy seed were not part of the consignment brought into India by Vikrant Overseas from Pakistan. Although, the preventive department of the Customs has already begun investigations into the alleged excess goods entering India without valid documents, a spokesperson for Vikrant Overseas told TNS today that they had contracted to import 22,300 bags of poppy seeds popularly known as "khas-khas". Mr Davinder Singh of Vikrant Overseas said they had been dealing in spices and other items with Pakistan for the past over 15 years and denied any involvement in the despatch of these 1600-odd bags from Pakistan. However, the Customs Deputy Commissioner, Mr Amrish Jain said they are unable to pin point the culprits for bringing in these bags beyond the challaned quantity they were verifying how the Pakistan Railways was able to send them across to India without proper papers. M/s Vikrant Overseas had
been exclusively importing huge quantity of poppy seeds
this season. Earlier the Indian authorities had stopped
its import from Pakistan terming it as illegitimate but
this firm had got permission from the Punjab and Haryana
High Court to import the same. |
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CPI backs farmers' gherao
plan CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 — The Punjab unit of the CPI has extended its full support to five farmer bodies' plan to gherao the offices of sub-divisional magistrates all over the state in protest against the alleged anti-farmer policies of the Badal Government. Dr Joginder Dayal,
secretary of the unit said a resolution to this effect
was passed at a meeting of the party today. |
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