The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Probe ordered into Markfed affairs
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The Punjab Minister of Cooperation, Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, has asked the Financial Commissioner, Cooperation, Mr K.S. Janjua, to hold an enquiry into the affairs of Markfed. He is reported to be ‘’unhappy’’ over the manner in which Markfed is being handled by its Managing Director, Mr D.S. Bains.

Informed sources say that the Minister has sent a note to Mr Janjua, seeking to know how Mr Bains left on yet another foreign tour on May 20 without it being approved by the Board of Directors that had met on May 18. In fact, that meeting never took place following a strong ‘’protest’’ by board members, including the Chairman, Mr Jagdish Singh Walia, over the ‘’high-handed attitude’’ of Mr Bains.

The sources say what has shocked the Minister is the wrong recording of the minutes of that meeting.

Mr Bains returned to India today. The Chairman, Mr Walia, too, had proceeded abroad visiting Israel and Belgium, where he was joined by Mr Bains. His tour programme was also not approved by the appropriate authority.

In fact, the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, had refused permission to Mr Bains to go abroad. This is clearly stated on the file. But Mr Bains contacted the Chief Minister in New Delhi and claimed to have been given ‘’verbal permission’’ by Mr Badal. It was conveyed to the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister on the telephone and fax.

But the strong note by the Minister on Mr Bains cannot be ignored since he feels that the Managing Director has failed to run Markfed.

Enquiries by Tribune News Service at the highest level in the government reveal that a ‘’total mess’’ exists in Markfed where functioning is marred by a ‘’personality clash’’ and ‘’ego problems’’. Once the enquiry report of the Financial Commissioner, Cooperation, is submitted to the Minister, the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, action would begin.

Incidentally, this is the 12th foreign jaunt of Mr Bains between February 18, 2000, and till date. Almost every other month he is abroad mostly for ‘’food festivals’’.

As per official information, Markfed has incurred an expenditure of over Rs 71,83,912 on foreign visits by its officials since April 1, 1997. This statement is signed by the senior accounts officer and is dated February 22 last.

Sikh priests ‘to get’ Pak visas
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 4
Mr Parmjit Singh Sarna, a former president of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC), has claimed that the Pakistan Government was ready to issue visas to 200 Sikh priests and “sevadars” for imparting religious training to Pakistani Sikhs.

Talking to The Tribune, on the phone, Mr Sarna said the SGPC and the Indian Government should avail of the opportunity so that gurdwara could be maintained as per the Sikh maryada.

Mr Sarna, who is a close confidant of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, President of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal, suggested that both Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Tohra alongwith him should meet Gen Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive Pakistan, during his proposed visit to India.

He said the leaders of different Akali factions should rise above party lines to present the “Sikh agenda” before General Musharraf. He said earlier too, Pakistan had offered to give visas to Baba Harbans Singh and 20 other Indian Sikhs for carrying out “karseva” as per Sikh traditions. However, this opportunity could not be availed of for the reasons best known to the SGPC.

In a significant statement, Mr Sarna said he would demand the cancellation of an agreement signed in 1955 between the then Union Home Minister, Mr Gobind Valabh Pant, and his Pakistan counterpart Sikander Mirza. Under this agreement the maintenance of Sikh shrines in Pakistan was handed over to the Aukaf Board. “This agreement was “anti Sikh” and Indian and Pakistan governments must hand over gurdwara to Sikhs for their maintenance,” he added.

Mr Sarna said a deputation of Delhi Sikhs would hold a meeting with General Musharraf and demand a “corridor” from Wagha to Pakistan so that Sikh could have a direct access to the birth place of Guru Nanak without having to fulfil visa formalities. Sikhs all over the world were ready to bear the entire cost of the proposed corridor and Pakistan had already offered to construct such a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian border to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, he added.

Bhindranwale’s brother seeks end to row
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 4
Capt Harcharan Singh Rode (retd), brother of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had recognised his “dead body” on June 7, 1984, during the “Operation Bluestar” today shared startling information on the controversial issue, first time 17 years after the operation.

Capt Rode admitted that he had gone to Golden Temple on June after hearing the news about the “death of Sant Bhindranwale” after taking permissions from his commanding officer, Col A.B. Shetty. He said the senior Army officers had asked him that how he could reach Golden Temple. Capt Rode who was posted as Sub Major at Jalandhar told them that he had come under military cover with due permission. He said when he was asked to recognise the body he insisted that being a real brother of the “deceased” the body should be handed over to him. However, the request was turned down.

Capt Rode said despite the fact that he had gone to Golden Temple on hearing “martyrdom” of Sant Bhindranwale, yet he could not challenge the version of Baba Thakur Singh, acting Chief of Damdami Taksal.

He said before “Operation Bluestar”, Sant Bhindranwale had directed that everybody should take directions from Baba Thakur Singh in his absence. On the other hand, Capt Rode said he would not contradict the statement of Mr Apar Singh Bajwa, the then DSP (City) who had recognised the body of the Sant unofficially. He however, said that Damdami Taksal, the SGPC and Akal Takht should come forward to end the controversy. He said he had already requested Baba Thakur Singh to form a 15-member fact finding committee on the death controversy. He said representatives should be taken from different countries for ending the controversy for once and all.

He, however, questioned the raising of death controversy by 15 radical Sikhs after a gap of 17 years. “Where were they in the last 17 years?” he asked. He said there was need to probe this latest move. Capt Rode said no one from the 15 radical Sikh organisations was eyewitness to the death of Sant. He said, it was feared that Sant Bhindranwale was attacked on June 5 or June 6. He said the Sant was officially declared dead on June 7 after seeking permission from Delhi.

Radical Sikhs go underground
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 4
Radical Sikhs have reportedly gone underground, fearing a crackdown by the police on the eve of “ghallughara divas” (genocide day).

Radical Sikh organisations, including the Dal Khalsa, the Human Rights Organisation, the Khalra Mission Committee and the Akal Federation are determined to hold the “antim ardas” of Sant Bhindranwale on June 6 at Akal Takht.

Meanwhile, akhand paths in memory of those killed during Operation Bluestar have been organised at Akal Takht, Gurdwara Shaheedan, Chowk Mehta, headquarters of the Damdami Taksal and Gurdwara Kabir Park.

Galiara oustees feel let down
Rashmi Talwar

Amritsar, June 4
Even as the one-upmanship continues between radical factions of Hindu and Sikhs to observe June 6 as anniversary of those killed during Operation Bluestar in June 1984, those uprooted from the area surrounding the Golden Temple following the operation find themselves a neglected lot. Most of the promises made by the successive governments to the uprooted remain unfulfilled even after 17 years of the incident.

The Rs 119 crore corridor scheme to beautify the 30-metre area surrounding the Golden Temple has been gathering dust in files even as after alleged failure of follow-up actions on the sufferers’ rehabilitation has put most of these persons in a no-win situation, still who are fighting to set up shop while once they had thriving business in the area around the temple.

The ambitious galiara plan which was aimed at decongesting the locality, improving sanitary conditions and providing safe and free access to the complex, has little to show in the name of any such grandeur even though the green cover is visible, sanitation is the worst-hit.

The government may have “suitably” compensated property holders, however the tenants are left to fend for themselves. Bureaucratic wrangling, embezzlement and other frauds in the proposition for tenants have added to their sufferings.

Out of the 850 shopkeepers displaced under the scheme majority of them are the worst hit. Alternative sites offered to them have failed to catch up.

Out of the 13 markets allotted to them, including Green Plaza on Court Road, Goal Bagh Market, Dashmesh Market on the Sultanwind Road, Ghee Mandi Market business there has not been able to pick up even now. City Centre Market at the Court Road is one of the worst-hit with only one galiara oustee holding on to an embroidery shop out of the 173 shops in the complex, even as the Green Plaza Market has become a vehicle repair area.

Most of the original allottees have sold their shops due to failure in businesses. The government had promised 747 houses and 1162 shops for the 50000 displaced persons from the affected locality of Bazaar Kathian, Bazaar Munarian, Bazaar Darbar Sahib, Baba Sahib, Dhobiyan Bazaar, Gali Bagh Wali etc.

Majority of the 850 shopkeepers ousted under the galiara scheme are still without basic comforts. Many of them consumed compensations on day to day expenses and eventually had to sell off their allotted shops.

Even as vested interests today play the communal card for petty gains the woes of galiara oustees continue to haunt them.

Sharanjit’s brother to call on Vedanti
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

Talwandi Sabo, June 4
Mr Amarjit Singh, brother of deceased Sharanjit Kaur, daughter-in-law of Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Damdama Sahib, has decided to approach Akal Takht for his (Giani Kewal Singh) removal from the Jathedarship of the Takht for his alleged involvement in abnormal death of his (Mr Amarjit Singh) sister.

Mr Amarjit Singh talking to The Tribune today said that he along with other persons would approach the Akal Takht and urge Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti for considering the removal of Giani Kewal Singh from Takht Damdama Sahib as the court had asked Giani Kewal Singh and his two close kin to stand trial in connection with the dowry death of his sister Sharanjit Kaur.

He added that he along with other prominent Sikhs would approach the Akal Takht before June 8 on which a crucial meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee was scheduled to be held.

He said that after the rejection of application moved by the Bathinda district police authorities in connection with the cancellation of the FIR registered against Giani Kewal Singh, his son Barjinder Singh another kin Joginder Kaur under Sections 304-B and 34 of the IPC by judicial magistrate, Mr Jatinder Singh Behiniwal, on June 2, he (Giani Kewal Singh) had no moral right to continue as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib.

He claimed that continuation of Giani Kewal Singh as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib after the registration of a criminal case against him on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court had brought a bad name to the Sikh community.

Giani Kewal Singh, his son Barjinder Singh and other kin Joginder Kaur were booked in a criminal case relating to the dowry death on the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court when it was approached by Mr Amarjit Singh after he failed to get any positive response from the Bathinda district police.

Sharanjit Kaur, a brilliant student, who married Barjinder Singh in 1996, was found dead in the sarovar of Likhansar Gurdwara located in front of the house of Giani Kewal Singh on May 18, 1997.

After the registration of criminal case against Giani Kewal Singh and his two kin, they were never arrested by police authorities. Instead, police authorities moved an application in the court of judicial magistrate here for the cancellation of the FIR registered against them on the pretext that in the investigations, all three were found innocent.

Giani Kewal Singh, a confidant of former SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra, shifted loyality towards Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal after Mr Tohra and Mr Badal parted company.

Meanwhile, police authorities were silent on the fact that whether it would approach the higher court against the order of judicial magistrate, Talwandi Sabo, who had rejected its application for the cancellation of the FIR.

Giani Kewal Singh could not be contacted for comments.

Debt-trapped, they embrace death
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 4
Finding themselves neck-deep in the vicious cycle of debt and having faced the subsequent humiliation at he hands of moneylenders after their inability to repay loans, marginal farmers of some pockets of the Doaba region and other people doing petty jobs are preferring death.

Though the district administration has expressed ignorance about the matter, information collected by The Tribune paints a gloomy picture of debt-ridden farmers and other people doing small-time business, particularly the ones who had taken loans for running their business establishments from moneylenders and finance companies, known for their alleged high-handedness.

A number of cases have been reported during the past two months, wherein, those who had taken loans and had been unable to repay the loans along with compound interest, have allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison after being humiliated by the moneylenders.

Nirmal Singh, a 50-year-old marginal farmer, who had settled in Singhpura village near Nakodar after purchasing eight acres about 28 years ago, got the shock of his life when he had to hand over five acres last month to an arhtiya in lieu of a loan of Rs 2 lakh. A frustrated Nirmal Singh chose to embrace death by consuming celphos tablets.

Not much different was the plight of Sadhu Singh of the same village who could not see himself working as a labourer after he had to give his small piece of land to a commission agent from whom he had taken some loan and allegedly committed suicide in the first week of April.

For 27-year-old Sarjivan Singh, alias Raja, of Mehatpur township, the acquisition of a station wagon and using it as a taxi for ferrying NRI passengers was a dream come true as it helped him earn money. For this, he had persuaded his father to sell his four acres. His dream got partly shattered when the entry of non-CNG transport vehicles was banned in Delhi recently. However, forced him to take his life was the humiliation which he suffered after officials of the company which had financed his vehicle took it away on May 16. The vehicle is said to be still in the possession of the company.

According to the Pendu Mazdoor Union general secretary, Mr Tarsem Peter, such cases involving the “high-handedness” of financiers have been on the rise in the area and the administration is “sleeping” over the matter. The people do not prefer to report such cases to the police for one reason or the other.

“We have been observing that on an average one such person commits suicide every week.” He alleged that Surinder Singh of Tahlianan village and Kabul Chand of Udhowal village, who had to “sell” their small land holdings for the repayment of their loans, had also committed suicide during the past two months after having undergone a great deal of depression and frustration.

Unemployment was said to be reason behind the death of 18-year-old Balraj Singh of Sangowal village about two weeks ago. Son of a cobbler, Balraj was said to be frustrated since he could not find any worthwhile job and finally tried to get rid of his tensions by consuming celphos tablets.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr K. Shiva Prasad, said though he was not aware about the issue, yet a probe would be conducted into each individual case to determine whether highhandedness of moneylenders was behind the death of these people and assured that the guilty would not be spared.

POLITICS

‘Cong raising bogey of terrorism to get power’
Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The stand of the Bharatiya Janata Party on terrorists joining the mainstream notwithstanding, the Punjab Local Bodies Minister, Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, today defended the policy of the SAD-BJP government on dealing with militants. He maintained that during the past more than four years, not even a single case of “terrorist violence” had been reported from anywhere in the State.

“I am shocked at the utterances of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Capt Amarinder Singh, that the SAD-BJP government was trying to revive terrorism in the state. His criticism is absolutely wrong and misplaced.

“I must remind him that between 1992 and 1997 during the last Congress government in Punjab , terrorists targeted not only the common man but also members of the State Council of Ministers. Unfortunately, even the Congress Chief Minister fell to terrorist violence. But now things have changed. There is complete normalcy in the state,” said Mr Tandon.

“It is because of strong policies pursued by the Punjab Government that even dreaded terrorists and militants wanted to surrender. There is a complete demoralisation in the camps of terrorists and militants. The present government has created such a congenial atmosphere of Hindu-Sikh unity that the faith of the common man has been restored in the government. Everyone is feeling secure. This feeling is there among Punjabis in the rest of the country and abroad also,” said Mr Tandon. He said that investment in industry, commerce and agriculture since 1997 reflected this faith in the state.

He said that the government would not allow anyone to disturb the present atmosphere of universal brotherhood, communal harmony and peace in the state. “Instead of strengthening the peace process, the Congress is not indulging in sabotaging or disrupting this process by making mischievous or baseless allegations. By raising the bogey of terrorism, the sole purpose of the Congress is to wrest back the power,” he added.

The outburst of Mr Tandon against the Congress chief is significant. The BJP has been maintaining throughout that “any militant or terrorist could surrender and the law would take its own course while dealing with him”.

The BJP has also been opposing any political rehabilitation of any erstwhile militant. But with the state Assembly elections only some months away, the Congress has started raising the issue of surrender or return of some militants maintaining that all this was done at the instance of the SAD-BJP government.

Both the SAD and BJP leadership have denied their role in the recent cases of surrender of militants, including that of Wassan Singh Zaffarwal, and the recent order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in giving travel documents to England-based Jagjit Singh Chauhan.

But most of the political parties, including the Samajwadi Janata Party, have pleaded for ending the blacklist of Sikhs settled abroad. Even Mr Raj Babbar took up the case of some of theblacklisted Sikhs with the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Lok Bhalai Party and others, too, have been pleading for the abolition of the black list.

While the dal leadership holds that taking up of the Sikh agenda with the Prime Minister has taken the wind out of the sails of both the Congress and Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal, the former has now decided to raise its apprehension about “revival of terrorism” in the state.

Grewal has edge in Ludhiana West
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 4
With hectic political activity already having started within most of the parties, in view of the forthcoming assembly elections, in Ludhiana, all eyes are on the all-important Ludhiana West Assembly segment. Currently represented by Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, the high profile constituency has a mixed population of Hindus and Sikhs, among whom Mr Grewal holds considerable influence and clout.

Although Mr Grewal is no longer with the Shiromani Akli Dal (Badal), on whose ticket he had won, yet he continues to hold sway over voters, given his non-controversial image. Moreover, he has remained in the forefront of the campaign against corruption and other malpractices.

Having served as a minister for about two years, he nourished his constituency, winning friends among all sections be it traders, industrialists or the working class. He did not lose rapport with the public, even after quitting the government.

Unmindful of the turn the situation would take, in view of the continued efforts of the SAD(B) to woo the Tohra faction, Mr Grewal has been concentrating on the constituency more than ever. Obviously feeling free after relinquishing the ministry, he has found more time to listen to people’s grievances. Being in the opposition has provided him an edge. He can criticise the government for its ‘misdeeds’.

Besides, he may be among a few exceptions among the ministers, against whom there are no charges of corruption or other misdeeds, usually levelled against by the opponents.

COMMUNITY

Khanpur land case: CPM favours CBI probe
Our Correspondent

Kharar, June 4
Mr Balwant Singh, secretary CPM, Punjab had demanded a CBI inquiry into the alleged scam of crores of rupees in Punjab in which the common land of many villages was allotted to certain persons illegally during the past decades by the Rehabilitation Department by “fictitious” allotments. He has demanded that the Punjab government should seal all records of these allotments. He alleged that the common land of Khanpur village was also allotted illegally many years ago.

Mr Balwant Singh was addressing a press conference here today when he visited Kharar to know facts about the land in the village.

He alleged that it was a very big scam in Punjab when the land was allotted by the Rehabilitation Department and even bogus allotments were made and land in many cases was shown as evacuee property.

He alleged that the same thing has happened in Khanpur in the beginning when certain prominent Congressmen purchased some land from such allottees and an attempt was made to take forcible possession of this land in 1982 and at that time he was MLA and he along with other MLAs stalled proceeding of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for one day over this issue. He said that even now a portion of this land has been sold by a leader of the Punjab Mahila Congress and hence the Congress Party had no moral right to shed tears for residents of Khanpur. He said that first of all the Congress should tell its leaders to vacate this land.

Mr Balwant Singh alleged that now the Congress and other political parties were raising the issue of police excesses on dalits of village on May 21 for political gains but were forgetting the real issue of an inquiry by the CBI. He declared the CPM would become a party in the Punjab and Haryana High Court when the case of Khanpur village land would be taken up for hearing on the next date of hearing. He declared that the issue of land of Khanpur village would be raised in both houses of Parliament by his party in the coming session.

He declared that his party would fight the case of Khanpur villagers and work for the return of this land to the residents of Khanpur village who were actual owners of this land.

Anti-police repression rally
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The Punjab State Council of the CPI will hold on June 4 an “anti-police repression rally” at Khanpur (Kharar).

A press note issued by the party said the decision to hold the rally was taken in view of the sentiments of the people because June 6 falls on the jayanti of Saint Kabir. The Saint Kabir jayanti was celebrated by those who believed in his teachings of humanism, oneness and equal rights to all people. This was the day when the oppressed people like Dalits raised their voice against all types of oppression. The social oppression, the press note said, committed against the oppressed. The aim of the rally was to highlight to rouse the conscience of the people to fight it back so that everybody had equal rights of living.

The Khanpur episode was neither the beginning nor the end of the growing police atrocities in the state. The stark reality was that the SAD-BJP government was encouraging those who were indulging in heinous crimes against Dalits.

All the right-thinking people, the press note added, had to come together to end such a shameful situation so that the law of jungle did not replace the law of land.

Among those who attended the meeting of the CPI were former Minister and senior state Congress leader, Jagmohan Singh Kang, Dr Joginder Dayal state Secretary, CPI, Prof Balwant Singh, state Secretary, CPM, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary, SHSAD, Mr Darshan Lal Jethumajra of the BSP and leaders of the PSEB, roadways and PSSF employees and the Istri Sabha.

Panel on holy book’s printing opposed
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, June 4
The Sant Samaj has opposed the formation of a committee by the SGPC to scrutinise the printing of Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Sarbjot Singh Bedi, president, Sant Samaj, alleged that glaring distortions had been made in the Guru Granth Sahib “Bir” and the committee set up for this purpose would not be able to serve any purpose.

Baba Bedi said the SGPC should set up a committee comprising religious persons, including Sikh scholars, which could safeguard the Damdami “Bir” accepted by the Sikh panth.

Baba Bedi, however, thanked SGPC President Jagdev Singh Talwandi for allowing the Damdami Taksal to organise Jap Bodh samagam at Damdama Sahib for making grammatical corrections and correct pronunciation as laid down by the Gurus over the years. The samagam would continue till June 28.

Baba Bedi also urged the Punjab Government to change the uniform of the Punjab Police constables as directed by the Akal Takht as the turban worn by the Sikh constables allegedly looks like a cap.

Book proscribed in Punjab
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The Punjab Governor has proscribed a book, “Satgur Nanak Deviji (Sampuran Jeevan) ateh Mukti Marg”, written by Satnam Singh and published in Amritsar, since it contains derogatory and malicious remarks against Jesus Christ and Christianity that have hurt the sentiments of those believing in the religion.

The Governor, as per a press note, has declared that every copy of the book, its translation in any language and its reprints be forfeited to the government in the territory of Punjab.

The order was issued by the Principal Secretary, Home Affairs and Justice, Mr Bikramjit Singh, today.

Sangat darshan: CM “reckless” with funds
Our Correspondent

Pathankot, June 4
Mr Ashok Sharma, former in-charge, Congress Legal Cell, Punjab, criticised Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab, for disbursing government money recklessly at sangat darshan programmes.

Talking to reporters today, Mr Sharma said this money actually was meant for improving agriculture and relief for loss and damage to crops due to natural calamities.

Mr Sharma further added that sangat darshan programmes were being conducted earlier by bureaucrats in their respective areas, but these could not produce good results due to non-performance of the SAD-BJP government.

Mr Sharma questioned what Mr Badal had been doing for four years. He said Mr Badal started sangat darshans only men elections were not for away.

Mr Sharma disclosed that due to sangat darshans many government properties had been sold and loans from various agencies and banks obtained to raise funds for personal ends.

Sikhya panels: eyebrows raised over grants
Our Correspondent

Ropar, June 4
The Punjab Government has started a campaign of distributing grants in the rural and urban areas. The cheques usually meant for development works are being doled out by the ministers directly to the panchayats and other registered organisations. However, apprehensions are being raised about the proper utility of these funds, due to the manner in which these funds are being used.

In this district Rs 1 crore has reportedly been distributed by the elected representatives for the construction, renovation and repair of schools in their respective areas. The grants for these works have been given to the Sikhya committees formed in the rural areas. These committees consist of principals of the schools which have to be renovated, sarpanches of the respective villages, ex-servicemen and a panch as its members. They responsible for the utilisation of the grant given for the school.

However, the critics of the scheme allege that it was not only affecting the quality of construction work being carried out in school, but also adversely affecting studies.

Earlier any construction in the rural areas was carried out under the supervision of the engineers of the Panchayati Department. There were at least three engineers of the department in each block. They used to supervise the development works and later give the utility certificate for the work done.

However, now the Sikhya committees themselves utilise the funds without any technical advice from the expert of the Panchayati Department. The committees just submit bills to the concerned authorities and are not responsible for submitting any utility certificate for the construction works undertaken.

This has led to altercations at many places between the principals of the schools and the sarpanches, who are main active members of the Sikhya committees. Moreover, many schools, especially primary schools, have just one teachers. Even these teachers are now getting preoccupied with the construction works of the schools, rather than teaching students. This has adversely affected studies in many schools.

The engineers of the Panchayati Department, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told this correspondent that the government was deliberately ignoring the misuse of funds given directly to people to influence the prospective vote banks. The government based its decision to give funds directly, on the logic that the panchayats and newly formed committees get the works done at lesser costs than the estimates of the Panchayati Department.

However, the estimates of the engineers are based on the CSR of the government, whereas the Sikhya committees do not observe any norm while carrying out the development works. At many places even schoolchildren are being made to work to get the work done at lesser costs, engineers allege. Similarly, funds for the development or the repairs of the veterinary dispensaries are being to veterinary doctors. This has hit the regular duties of the doctors.

Badal inaugurates two bridges
Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, June 4
“The success of the sangat darshan programmes has created frustration among leaders of opposition particularly of the Congress, and that’s why they were criticising these programmes”, Mr Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister, Punjab said while addressing a gathering at a function held to remember late Sant Prem Singh Murala at Miani Lakhwinder, about 42 km from here last evening. He claimed that sangat darshan programmes had directly linked the administration and people.

Mr Badal inaugurated two bridges constructed with a cost of Rs 4.12 crore near Kali Bein. He said that the construction of the Tanda-Rara road was being done with a cost of Rs 4.2 crore. He announced Rs 10 lakh grant for the disposal of sullage water in Miami Town.

Bad drains make rain unwelcome
Our Correspondent

Bathinda, June 4
Rain is always welcome in summers but not in this town, where residents dread the rainy season. Even a short downpour is sufficient to create days of trouble for the residents, thanks to the “efficient” drainage system and the “planned” digging up of the city roads.

In the absence of proper drainage works some parts of city especially the Ganesha Basti, Power House road, Guru Nanak Pura, Sirki Bazar, Veer Colony and Ajit Road looks like flood-affected areas. The unique topography of the town also adds to the gravity of the problem. The Mall Road was reconstructed a few years back.

Although the expected date for the onset of the monsoon for the region is from mid July, residents have started preparing for the monsoon season in advance.

Most of the residents have started buying drainage pipes, motor and some of them have even got repaired the drains and built temporary structures, to prevent the entry of rain water into their dwellings.

Not only the residential areas of the common men, but even the VIP areas of the city, where the official residences’ of the Deputy Commissioner, the SSP, and other senior officials are situated get flooded with the rain water. During the last few years the situation has worsened in some of the areas, due to the growth of slums.

However, some areas of the city , like Mohalla Moulvian and Mohalla Pujan Wala which are situated on a higher level are free from this problem.

Many of the roads of the city have been dug up for various “development works”. Some of the roads dug up by a private telecom company, months ago, have not been recarpeted by the department concerned. A few days ago a scooterist was seriously hurt when he fell down in one of the pits, dug up by a government department, on the Bathinda-Goniana road.

Mr S.K. Mittal, Executive Officer, municipal council, said a new disposal pump of 90 horse power capacity would be set up in addition to the existing disposal capacity of 290 horse powers. A meeting of officers was held this evening to discuss the strategy for the coming rainy season. The new sewerage laid on the Bathinda-Goniana road would be checked for any deficiencies and blockades. No disruption would be allowed in the water supply system of the city, asserted Mr Mittal.

Harassment by rly employee alleged
Our Correspondent

Bathinda, June 4
Mr Krishan Kumar, a city resident, has alleged that a railway coach attendant misbehaved with him when he demanded a receipt for the money he had given to him in lieu of seat reservation while travelling in Dainik Express from Delhi to Bathinda on Friday.

In an application written to the General Manager, Northern Railway, Delhi, Mr Krishan Kumar said that though he was travelling in a coach for which no advance reservation was required, a coach attendant entered the coach when the train neared Rohtak and demanded Rs 15 from each passenger for getting the seats reserved. He alleged that the attendant was not giving receipts for the money he was taking. He alleged that the attendant was giving permission to four passengers to sit on the seat meant for three.

Mr Krishan Kumar also alleged that the attendant refused to issue any receipt when he was asked to do so. He said that as he was the in charge of the coach, there was no need to give the receipt.

Mr Kumar alleged that when he told the attendant that he would lodge a complaint with the railway authorities at Bathinda, the attendant said that he could do the same even at the next stop.

Mr Kumar further said in the application that when he enquired from co-passengers, some of whom were commuters, they said that it happened every day. Other passengers told him that the employees concerned of the Railways earned a huge amount of money from this practice.

The complainant has urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter and start an inquiry to bring the culprits to book. He alleged that the coach attendant was not bearing the plate on his shirt displaying his name. He said the attendant also refused to reveal his name when he was asked to do so by him.

Mr Krishan Kumar has urged the authorities to curb the malpractice going on in the railway department.

	Forum orders PSEB to refund bill Our Correspondent Mansa, June 4 The local District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum has ordered the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) to refund Rs 21,905 with 12 per cent interest per annum and Rs 500 towards costs to M/s Mansa Cold Storage Private Ltd. The PSEB had issued a bill demanding Rs 21,905 on account of slow running of the power meter for the past six months. According to the bill, the meter was checked on September 18, 2000. The complainant produced records that the meter was checked by the Subdivisional officer of the PSEB on September 7, 2000 and was found in order. The forum observed that the dispute was not referred to the Electrical Inspector for inspection under Section 26 (6) of the Electricity Act, 1910. It, therefore, adjudged the demand for Rs 21,905 as illegal. Over-head bridge project Tribune News Service Patiala, June 4 In spite of the assurances by the district administration regarding the construction of a overhead bridge at the Railway Crossing No. 22, nothing has been done in this regard, said the Patiala Colonies Welfare Federation president, Mr Avtar Singh Brar, at a meeting of the federation held today. The federation claimed that the authorities had promised to undertake the task of the construction of the bridge at the earliest but the administration has done nothing so far. It is pertinent to note that not only the paper work, regarding the construction, was done but a grant was also sanctioned to accomplish the project. The members felt that some vested interests of the concerned officials are creating hurdles. After some deliberations, it was unanimously passed that Mr H.S. Sood be requested to act as the convener of a sub-committee on behest of the federation to pursue the matter for some early results.
	Making village girls self-reliant Romesh Gupta Faridkot The local Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in collaboration with the ICAR, New Delhi, and Punjab Agricultural University, has launched various job-oriented courses for farm women, village girls and school dropouts. The courses, aimed at making the trainees self-reliant, relate to cutting and sewing, fabric printing, flower and rakhi making, embroidery, preparation of detergents, fruit and vegetable preservation and child care. The trainees learn by doing and through demonstrations. The duration of the courses varies from seven days to three months. The syllabi have been drawn up as per the needs of the area. Under the training plan, groups of 15 to 20 trainees are formed, though the strength can be raised, if required. According to Dr J.S. Brar, Deputy Director of the kendra, more than 1,000 persons have been imparted training during the past five years. Dr Brar said the kendra, which was set up in 1995, had organised 224 training camps. Training in dairy farming, bee keeping, poultry farming, agronomy and agricultural engineering had been provided to 6,575 rural youth, including farmers. As many as 4,082 of them effected improvements in their work and 41 started new projects. Demonstrations were being organised by the kendra in villages. New production techniques were explained to farmers by a team of scientists and supporting staff working at the centre. The Deputy Director said the centre had also played a key role in the production of quality seed of crops like wheat, paddy, barley, cotton and sugarcane.
	Sukhbir to launch drive against drugs Tribune News Service Bathinda, June 4 Former Union Minister and General Secretary of the SAD (Badal), Mr Sukhbir Badal, today said he would launch a campaign against drug addiction with the help of party workers. Expressing concern over the rising trend of drug addiction among the youths, he said the need of the hour was that the people should join hands and launch a war against drugs. Talking to The Tribune, Mr Sukhbir said he had urged the youth workers of the party to take personal interest in the campaign to eradicate the evil of drug addiction. He said sports clubs would be set up at villages and the rural folks would be provided all types of sports equipments to channelise their energy in a constructive way. He added that village-level sports competitions would be held to generate a spirit of healthy competition among the youths.
	Pharmacists to hold dharna Our Correspondent Patiala, June 4 Members of the Punjab State Pharmacists Association will hold a dharna at Lambi, the constituency of the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, on June 10. Mr Sham Lal Sharma, President of the association, said today that the pharmacists would urge the authorities to implement their demands. The demands included pay anomalies, change of designations of pharmacy officer, senior pharmacy officer and chief pharmacy officer, posting of district pharmacy officers at district headquarters and creation of a post of deputy director pharmacy at state headquarters. Mr Sharma said that the pay scale of pharmacist was lower than that of the junior engineer even though the pharmacist was more qualified. He urged the government to take initiative, failing which the association would be forced to adopt agitational means.

Kisan unions hold rally in front of PSEB office
Our Correspondent

Patiala, June 4
Various kisan unions today held a rally outside the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) head office here and blocked traffic on the Mall Road for a few hours demanding 24-hour power supply in villages besides compensation for paddy destroyed in fires.

The rally was staged by various organisations, including the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta), the Punjab Kisan Union and the Kirti Kisan Union (AIKMS).

Speaking on the occasion, various union leaders criticised the attitude adopted by the government towards the employees. They stated that the board was just wasting time rather than implementing the long-pending demands of the employees.

The other demands of the unions included issuing of pending connections of general category, withdrawal of hike and restoration of previous amount of Rs 800 as service charges, compensation of Rs 15,000 per acre of land for the paddy destroyed under fire and the under-load of over-load field grid.

The leaders said that as per the meeting held on March 19 with the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, the orders were given for the immediate allotment of connections to those farmers who had submitted the attested reports with the authorities. However, the unions asserted that more than 20,000 farmers had spent about Rs 40,000 for getting connections but nothing fruitful had been done by the board in this regard.

They claimed that though the board had made the power for agricultural motors free but the nominal rates of houses were increased which made the commoners as sufferers. However, according to the unions, the board appeared insatiate claiming that it was still running in loss.

The kisan unions said that if their necessary demands were not met with immediately by the board, the unions may be forced to adopt agitational means against the board.

Mr Gurmeet Singh Dittupur, Mr Balwinder Singh Bajwa, Mr Lahiber Singh Taghar and Mr Bhupinder Sambar also addressed the rally.

ADMINISTRATION

POSTINGS/ TRANSFERS
4 DCs, 3 police chiefs shifted
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The Punjab Government shifted four Deputy Commissioners and three district police chiefs in a major administrative reshuffle ordered today. Fresh posting orders for three of the replaced Deputy Commissioners — Mr B. Vikram (Gurdaspur), Mr Jaspal Singh (Bathinda), and Mr V.K. Singh (Kapurthala) — will be issued later.

The state government also appointed Mr R.S. Chalia, Inspector-General, India Reserve Battalion, the new Inspector-General of Prisons.

The new district police chiefs of Mansa and Faridkot will be appointed later.

Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepore, has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur.

Mr R. Venkataratnam , Joint Development Commissioner, will be the new Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda. Mr S.R. Ladhar, Special Secretary, Planning, goes as Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepore.

Mr Vivek Aggarwal, ADC (Development), Bathinda, on elevation becomes Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala.

Mr R.S. Brar, Executive Magistrate, Ferozepore, has been appointed Assistant Commissioner (Grievances), Mansa. Mr C.S.R. Reddy, Deputy Inspector-General, Economic Offences Wing in the Vigilance Bureau, will be the new Deputy Inspector-General, Jalandhar Range.

Mr Jaskaran Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jagraon, has been shifted as Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Bureau, Jalandhar. Mr Yurinder Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mansa, will replace him at Jagraon.

Mr Arun K. Oraon, Senior Superintendent of Police, Faridkot, becomes Commandant, 7th Battalion, Punjab Armed Police, Jalandhar, in place of Mr S.K. Asthana, who has been posted as Superintendent of Police, Computers, at the headquarters here.

M. Surinderpal Singh, Superintendent of Police, Security, becomes Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Bureau, Bathinda.

Meanwhile, Mr Gurpreet Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police (City), Patiala, has been appointed Senior Superintendent of Police, Faridkot.

By another order, the government appointed Mr Mohinder Pal Arora, Secretary, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib.

Rs 152 cr projects approved
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4
The Punjab Infrastructure Development Board at its meeting held today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, gave its approval to the construction of various roads and bridges at a cost of Rs 152 crore. The board also gave its clearance to start construction work on a war-footing on these projects.

The projects include the widening of the road from Zirakpur to Patiala, construction of the Morinda bypass on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, widening and strengthening of the Khanna-Machhiwara road upto the Sutlej bridge, construction of a bridge over the Beas on the Gurdaspur-Mukerian road and the construction of a bridge over the Sutlej on the Jagraon-Nakodar road.

The board has released Rs 30 crore to PUDA for the development and strengthening of urban infrastructure in the state. The amount will be utilised for the improvement of roads, water supply, sewerage and streetlights in different cities. It was also decided that a Ludhiana ring road should be constructed, the cost of which would be borne by the Municipal Corporation of that city.

The board has “prioritised” 26 projects under the integrated infrastructure development plan which is being implemented in the state at a cost of Rs 2215 crore. The projects which have been taken up in the first phase include the widening of the Zirakpur-Rajpura road, widening of the Rajpura-Patiala road, the Morinda bypass, improvement of the Khanna-Machhiwara road up to the Sutlej, improvement of the Nawanshahr-Rahon road up to the Sutlej, the Ropar-Phagwara road, the bypass at Phagwara, the Zirakpur-Ambala highway, the Ludhiana-Moga highway, four-laning of the SAS Nagar-Desu Majra and Kharar-Khamano roads, the Khamano-Ludhiana road, a bridge over the Sutlej on the Machhiwara-Rahon road and four minor bridges — over the Sutlej on the Jagraon-Nakodar road, over the Beas on the Gurdaspur road, over the Suan and over Patiala ki Rao — and railway overbridges at Khanna, Sunam, Rajpura city, Bathinda, Phagwara-Kurali and the second Morinda bypass. Besides this, the board has given clearance for undertaking need-based irrigation projects.

The board also discussed steps for the speedy construction of railway overbridges in Sunam, Rajpura city, Bathinda, Khanna, Phagwara, on the two Morinda bypasses. It was stated that work on three ROBs at Sunam, Rajpura city and Bathinda was already in progress. The ROB at Khanna (Rs 6.94 crore) had also been approved by sharing the cost with the Railways. The arrangement of funds for the remaining overbridges is being pursued with the Railways. A sum of Rs 3.5 crore has also been released for land acquisition and construction of an approach road to the Bathinda refinery.

The Chief Minister said the board had already taken up woks costing Rs 712 crore. He said strengthening and upgradation of 15,00 km of roads, costing Rs 550 crore, had also been undertaken.

CRIME

9 narcotics smugglers held
Our Correspondent

Bathinda, June 4
The police has arrested nine narcotics smugglers and has recovered 2.5 kg of opium and 52 kg of poppy husk from them. It has also taken into possession a car, two scooters, a .315 bore pistol and two cartridges allegedly used for committing the crime.

Dr Jatinder Kumar Jain, SSP, in a press note issued here today said Chand Singh, resident of Harraipur village, was arrested for carrying 1.5 kg of opium. He was arrested from near the village Chak Ruldu Singhwala and a case was registered against him at Sangat police station under Sections 18, 61 and 85.

Dr Jain said two sons of Chand Singh were also arrested under the NDPS Act for allegedly possessing two kg of opium in December 2000. They were facing the trial in the case and were presently in the district jail. Sukhdev Singh of Ratta Balhi was arrested for carrying 500 kg opium, the police said.

The SSP said Guriqbal Singh of Ghumankalan and Dara Singh of Kalianwali were arrested for allegedly carrying 500 gram of opium in their car. A .315 pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from Guriqbal Singh.

The police has registered a case against Guriqbal Singh and Dara Singh and another case under the Arms Act has been registered against Guriqbal Singh, at the Kotwali police station.

Dr Jain said that Sukha Singh father-in-law of Luar Singh was also arrested on June last year for carrying 10 kg of poppy husk and was presently lodged in jail and was undergoing trial in the case.

The police has arrested Jagdish Singh of Chotian village for possessing 30 kg of poppy husk, and a case has been registered against him at thermal police station.

Babu Singh of Raiya has been booked for possessing 7 kg of poppy husk and a case registered against him at Phul police station.

The police has also arrested Nirmal Singh of Natheana and Karnail Singh of Laggeana for carrying 15 kg poppy husk and a case was registered against them at Nathana police station.

Twelve persons have been arrested and cases were registered under the Excise Act and 68 litres of illicit liquor and 45 kg of lahan have been recovered from them. The culprits have been identified as Mohammad of Jangirana, Jangir Singh of Bir Talab, Baljinder Singh of Jodhpur Romana, Jagjit Singh of Lalleana, Sarabjit Singh of Shekhpura, Gulzar Singh of Gill Kalan, Balkaran Singh and Darshan Singh of Bambiha, Kaka Singh of Dhankhana village, Roop Singh of Khokhar, Bharta Singh of Behman Kaursingh and Jagsir Singh of Sarja Mehma.

Under the Gambling Act nine persons have been arrested and four cases registered. The police has also impounded Rs 5800 from them. The culprits have been identified as Teja Singh, Ashok Kumar, Om Prakash and Ashok Kumar of Raman, Ramesh Kumar of Bhucho Mandi, Chand Singh, Ashok Kumar, Surinder Kumar and Pappu Kumar all of the city.