Board politics at Badal village

Muktsar: The result of change in government in the state is visible at Government Primary School, Badal village, too. The SAD-BJP, during its rule, reportedly didn’t bother to mention the names of the Prime Minister and the President on the school wall here and the space was kept blank, but after the Congress formed the government in the state, the local opposition leaders were quick to add their names. Notably, this school serves as the polling booth of a majority of members of the Badal clan. In 2014 and even later on some occasions, the names of both the then dignitaries were not found displayed here. During the recently concluded panchayat polls, the names were found mentioned on the board at the entrance of the school, which caught the attention of almost every visitor.

Engaging with NGOs to aid the needy

Fatehgarh Sahib: Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon is a man with a mission. He has been motivating NGOs to help the deprived sections of society by regularly meeting their representatives. Due to his efforts, Citizen Welfare Trust, Bassi Pathana, started the construction of an old-age home for women; Rotary Club, Sirhind, donated hearing aids, wheelchairs and tricycles to special children; and Nishkam Sewa Society solemnised mass marriages of poor girls. Various other NGOs too took up several projects. “The government alone cannot help the underprivileged. The participation of NGOs is a must. I am just acting as a motivating force,” said DC.

Who’ll head water regulatory body?

Chandigarh: As the ministers representing urban areas are opposing the proposed water regulatory body tooth and nail, fearing annual increase in water bills, all eyes are on the qualification criteria to appoint the chairman of the proposed body. Political representatives are already apprehensive that a retired bureaucrat would fit in the slot. As of now, the government is trying hard to convince its MLAs on the need to bring in the regulation on water wastage.

Reward instituted for eco warriors

Chandigarh: Drishti Punjab, a Canada-based NGO, has announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for an individual or organisation engaged in environmental awareness, conservation and sustainable development. The award has been instituted in the memory of Rajpal Sidhu, who devoted his life to the study of birds. Those interested can apply at [email protected]. 

Motorists throw rules to the wind

Abohar: Abohar and its neighbouring segments are among the worst-hit areas in terms of fog-related accidents. In the past fortnight, more than 12 mishaps have taken place. Despite this, motorists continue to violate traffic rules. The district police, besides organising seminars on traffic awareness, had launched traffic education van that passes through main roads, but it failed to yield desired results. Now, NGOs have initiated a campaign to affix reflectors/radium tapes on vehicles for easy visibility. Activists have reportedly noticed gross violation of traffic rules, mainly by milk vendors riding motorcycles and drivers of tractor-trailers. They say there has been no check on heavy vehicles overloaded with wheat straw. They allege that the drive by the traffic police and the transport authorities was a mere cosmetic exercise. 

Praise amid brickbats pleases Mayor

Amritsar: The last meeting of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation of 2018 saw dramatic scenes with members raising issues of their wards with Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu and MC Commissioner Sonali Giri. For a change, Neetu Tangri, councillor from ward no. 53, showered praises on Mayor Rintu and the MC commissioner during the proceedings for fulfilling the requirements of her ward, to which Rintu promptly replied: “Bahut meharbani, kade sanu vi koi changge shabad sunan nu mile ne (Thank you, we are grateful to hear some good words about us).”