New Delhi, July 31, 2013: The Union Ministry of Steel has become the first Central Ministry to be awarded ISO 9001:2008, Quality Management System certification.

As per the available information, the Bureau of Indian Standards has conferred the Ministry with the certification for three years, with effect from June 25, 2013 to June 24, 2016.

Sunil Soni, DG-BIS (Directorate General, Bureau of Indian Standards) presented the certificate to the Union Steel Minister, Beni Prasad Verma here today.

The certificate was handed over in the presence of the Secretary, Ministry of Steel DRS Chaudhary and other officials of the ministry.

The Minister lauded the efforts of the officials of the Ministry of Steel in accomplishing the feat and expressed happiness over the Ministry being the first amongst Central Government Ministries to have received the certificate.

The Ministry of Steel has been conferred with the coveted certification under the able leadership of Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma. The Minister has been laying emphasis on streamlining systems and procedures in the Ministry to improve its working and bring about transparency. Verma has been the guiding force behind the effort and has taken special interest in the matter.

ISO 9001 is quality management system which codifies quality standards in every area of organization’s functioning. Many Governments around the World have made ISO 9001 a mandatory requirement. Even developing countries, like Malaysia and Kenya have made it a mandatory requirement in their government organizations. In India, Ministry of Steel being first to get the certification has covered all its sections under ISO 9001:2008. The certification will help in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and will aid in streamlining and improving the quality of services provided by the Ministry. It will help in benchmarking of SOPs and improve quality consciousness by focusing on strategic issues and bring about transparency.

The certification involves laying down the work processes, manage and control them with the aim of continuous improvement. ISO certification will result in transparent performance of the Ministry and quick delivery of results to the beneficiaries.

Ferozepur, August 1, 2013: In the fields owned by Jagir Singh in Sahan Ke Hitar village, an old live bomb was found, while he was digging a piece of the land for irrigation purposes.

Immediately on getting this information, a police team rushed to the village and cordoned off and Army officials were asked to send a bomb disposal squad to defuse it.

While working in the field, Jagir Singh stumbled across a hard bomb like object and informed the village Sarpanch KirshanLal Narang.

SHO Gurbinder Singh said the bomb might be lying underneath the fields since the two Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971 as the firing pin and the outer shell of the bomb was affected with rust.  However, only the ballistic experts would be able to reveal about the technical specifications of the bomb.

In the past also on a number of occasions earlier, such bombs have been found in the villages along the Indo-Pakistan Border.

AVTAR SINGH MAKKAR ALSO MOURNS DEATH

Sri Anandpur Sahib, July 31, 2013: The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Jathedar Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, who passed away late last night here at his residence following a massive heart attack.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that Badal dashed  to Sri Anandpur Sahib and visited Diwan Hall of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib  this afternoon where the body of Jathedar Giani Tarlochan Singh was kept for the  ‘darshan’ of  sangat to enable them to pay their last respects to the great religious personality. On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the wreath on the body of Giani Tarlochan Singh as a mark of respect and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief.

Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the family members especially the Giani Ji’s  wife Avtar Kaur and his son Advocate Hardev Singh, Badal recalled the supreme services rendered by  Giani Tarlochan Singh for the ‘Chardhi Kala’ (well-being) of the Sikh Panth. The Chief Minister described Giani Tarlochan Singh as a great Sikh Scholar who propagated the tenets of Sikhism in every nook and corner of the world through his religious discourses, adding Badal said the void caused due to the death of Giani Tarlochan Singh in the arena of Sikh religious affairs was difficult to be filled.

Badal said, “Giani Ji’s death is a personal loss to him as he often consulted him on several religious matters he was well read and had vast knowledge of Sikh religion and history”.

Meanwhile, General Secretary SGPC Sukhdev Singh Bhaur announced that the cremation of Giani Tarlochan Singh would be held tomorrow at Sri Anandpur Sahib at 10 am and Bhog and Antim Ardas would be held at Diwan Hall of Takht Sri Keshgarh sahib on August 10 from 12 noon to 2 pm.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary KJS Cheema. Prominent amongst other who were present included Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, President SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh, General Secretary SGPC Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, MLA Ropar Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Manager Gurdwara  Quila Anangarh Sahib Bhai Jarnail Singh besides Amarjit Singh Chawla, Principal Surinder Singh, Paramjit Singh Lakhowal, Daljit Singh Bhindar (all members of SGPC). Deputy Commissioner Ropar Pardeep Kumar Agarwal and SSP Indermohan Singh were also present on the occasion.

RELATED COPY:

Amritsar/Jalandhar: Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed deep grief on the sudden death of Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Giani Tarlochan Singh, who passed away today morning following a cardiac arrest.

To express solidarity towards the departed soul, the SGPC offices were closed today for a day and prayers were also organised.

Makkar in a message said that with the untimely sudden death of Giani Ji had given major setback thus they lost the most valuable person who has deep knowledge of the religious matters.

As per the information received here today, the cremation of the departed soul will be held on August 1 at 11 am at Charan-Ganga cremation ground.

Jathedar Giani Tarlochan Singh had also served as head Granthi of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib.

Jathedar Tarlochan Singh, when he felt uneasiness, was at once rushed to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Multispecialty Hospital where the attending doctors declared him brought dead.

Jalandhar/Ludhiana, July 31, 2013: BJP national executive member Manoranjan Kalia has strongly condemned the recent hike in petrol price by 70 paisa per litre and diesel by 50 paisa per litre from midnight tonight. This will be the fifth increase in rates of petrol in the last two months. The new rates are excluding local sales tax or VAT.
In a statement here today, Kalia feared that the hike will boost further inflation and common man will be the most affected one. He said people have witnessed hike in the price of petrol by Rs 6/82 paisa per liter and taxes extra.
Kalia also consoled the death of innocent bus passengers travelling in an ill-fated PUNBUS from Delhi to Amritsar, which plunged into the Bhakra Main Canal near Sarhind in Fathegarh Sahib. He termed the incident as “unfortunate”.

Ludhiana, August 1, 2013: On the occasion of 65th Raising Day of 103 Air Defence Regiment, a Trekking Expedition named `RAKSHAK TREK 13’ was flagged off at the Dholewal Military Complex here on Thursday.

The expedition  was flagged off by Brigadier Jagdeep Dahiya, Commander, 715 (Independent) Air Defence Brigade.

According to an official information, the team comprising of Capt NS Sandhu, Sub (AIG) PR Gomase and 10 other ranaks of 103 Air Defence Regiment will reach Bir on August 2 and cover a distance of 136 km in 11 days on Bir- Bada Bhangal- Sanghor trek axis scaling some of the highest peaks in the region like Marthu (4052 m), Sanghor (4029 m) via two major passes ie the Thamsar Pass (4747 m) and the Kaliheni Pass (4644 m). The team will be self-contained for the entire period experiencing the chills and thrills of trekking in the Himalayas.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, August 1, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Ambala (Haryana) has sentenced Balraj, then Head Constable & Silak Ram, then Constable to undergo ten years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.40,000 each and other three then Head Constable i.e. Ramphal, Randhir Singh & Ram Dhari to undergo one year Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.5,000 each in a case related to rape of a woman resident of Rohtak (Haryana).

A case was registered in CBI on July 24, 2008, on the order dated July 18, 2008 of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, Chandigarh to investigate the offences relating to rape and suicide of a woman resident of Anandpura, Near Police Line, Rohtak (Haryana). Earlier, FIR No.341 dated May 31, 2008 U/s 376-B/34 IPC was registered in Police Station City, Rohtak on the complaint of the rape victim. In the complaint, the woman had alleged that her husband was arrested by CIA-1, Rohtak on April 9, 2008 from Village Singhpura Khurd in connection with a motorcycle theft case and was produced in the Court on April 10, 2008. The rape victim was called to CIA Staff, Rohtak on April 10, 2008 by then Head Constable Balraj. Balraj and one other person committed rape with her in the room adjacent to the main gate in CIA, Rohtak. Being aggrieved with the investigation of Haryana Police, the rapists being police officials and no action being taken by the local Police. The victim committed suicide on June 9, 2008 in Police Headquarters, Sector-6, Panchkula. The High Court of Punjab & Haryana directed CBI to investigate the offences relating to rape and suicide in this case.

CBI completed the investigation related to the rape of said woman in 47 days and filed the charge sheet in the court on September 8, 2008 against then EHC Balraj & Constable Silak Ram, posted in CIA, Rohtak u/s 376 (2) (a) & (g), 506/34 of Indian Penal Code in the Court of Special Judicial Magistrate, CBI, Ambala (Haryana). CBI also filed supplementary charge sheet on April 15, 2009 in the court against then HC Ramphal @ Chandi, then HC Balraj; then Constable Silak Ram & EHC Ram Dhari, all posted in CIA-1, Rohtak u/s 120-B r/w 342 IPC and U/s 120-B r/w 218 of Indian Penal Code against HC Ramphal @ Chandi, EHC Balraj, Constable Silak Ram and EHC Randhir Singh.

After completion of trial, the Special Judge, CBI Cases, Panchkula(Haryana) held all the 05 accused persons namely Balraj, Silak Ram, Ram Phal, Randhir Singh and Ram Dhari guilty.

Another case, related to suicide by the victim is pending trial in the court of Special Judge, CBI, Haryana, Panchkula.

Jalandhar, August 1, 2013: The Special Judge, CBI, cases Guwahati (Assam) has convicted  Jitendra Khakhlari, the then Office Superintendent (Personnel), N.F. Railway, Guwahati & Krishna Kumar Das, the then Head Clerk N.F. Railway, Maligaon (Guwahati) and ten private persons i.e. Rampati Das;Sunil Malakar;  Tithiram Rajbanshi; Shri Swapan Kumar Das;  Siba Prasad Rajbanshi; Ratan Rajbanshi; Shri Sankar Gowala; Shri Ramesh Ali; Rabindra Ch. Biswas and  Sunil Sarkar. They were sentenced them to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment in a case related to recruitment of Khalasi on fake & forged documents.

Ludhiana, August 1, 2013: Rajeev Rishi has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director, Central Bank of India with effect from today.

Prior to his appointment as CMD of Central Bank of India Rishi was the Executive Director of Indian Bank since October, 2010. 

Before joining Indian Bank, he was the General Manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce with rich experience in banking having worked in various parts of the country such as Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Dehradun, Pune, Mumbai, Ludhiana etc. He belongs to Chandigarh (UT) and holds degree in BA, LLB. He has served as a Director of Ind Bank Housing Ltd. from June 13, 2011 to June 27, 2013.

Dharamsala, August 1, 2013: During this year, rainfall   recorded in the state of Himachal for the month of July is 222 mm which is 29% less than from  the normal precipitation during this month. According to the press release of the Metrological office of Himachal ,in the  last 10 years except two years i.e. 2005 & 2010 rainfall recorded was    less than normal in HP. (Detail of the R/F is given in the table below) .

It said that Five districts viz. Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu & Mandi of the state received normal rainfall. District Una received the highest rainfall i.e. 27% more rainfall than the normal. Whereas Amount wise, district Kangra received the highest rainfall i.e. 666 mm which is 14% more than the normal rainfall.

Seven districts received rainfall below normal i.e. deficient or scanty.  District L & Spiti received least rainfall i.e. 95% less rainfall from the normal rainfall.  Individual’s station also received less precipitation in the m/o July. Rainfall at   important station is mentioned in the table below.

Probably the less rainfall in the state especially over the northern part of the state is because of Monsoon trough line not shifted northern side from its normal position. The normal position of Monsoon trough line generally passes from Ganganager to Kolkata via Agra, Allahabad etc.  

New Delhi/Jalandhar, August 1, 2013: BJP’s Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) has prepared an occasional paper `Communal Riots in India’ with some facts and figures, a copy of which is in possession of City Air News.
Introduction of this paper reads; “India has a long history of communal strife between various communities. Before Independence, the country had witnessed worst communal violence. One of the first major communal riots took place in August 1893 in Mumbai in which about a hundred people were killed and 800 injured. The period between 1921 and 1940 marked a particularly difficult phase.
Independent India witnessed its worst communal riots in 1948 after the partition. Post-Partition the scale of communal violence had come down considerably in the first decade. But during the 1960s, the politics of vote bank and appeasement changed this relative peace into a violent phase. A long-term study of communal violence in independent India would show that they became a permanent phenomenon after the 1960s. The graph remained high since the Jabalpur Riots, 1961. In 1964, there were 1,070 incidents — in 1960 there were only 26.
This short note is a compilation of some hard facts related to major riots in India. It has been observed that the entire focus of left oriented intellectuals, Congress party propaganda machinery & so called human right activists is, almost exclusively and singularly, focussed on demonizing 2002 riots in Gujarat. This is while ignoring any call for justice to the victims of other major riots such as 1983 Nellie massacre, 1984 Delhi Sikh pogrom, 1985 Ahmedabad riot, 1989 Bhagalpur riot and the recent Kokrajhar violence.
Riot After Riot
• About 58 major communal riots in 47 places since 1967.
• Ten in South India, 12 in East, 16 in West, 20 in North India
• Ahmedabad has seen five major riots; Hyderabad, four; Calcutta, none since ’64*
• The 1990s saw the most riots in the last five decades: 23
• The 1970s saw seven riots, the 1980s, 14; the 2000s have seen 13
• Total toll: 12,828 (South 597, West 3,426, East 3,581, North 5,224).

* In ’64, a wave of rioting in Calcutta, Jamshedpur and Rourkela killed 2,500. Note: Only riots with a toll of five or more included; deaths due to bomb blasts not included Data: Alka Gupta, Outlook (March 5, 2012)
Riots & Politics:
Who ruled the state when more than 100 people died in riots -1967 onwards

 Of the 18 riots mentioned,
o 10 took place under Congress/Allies rule
o 3 under President’s Rule,
o 4 under other parties and
o 1 under BJP rule.
President’s rule includes Kanpur and Bhopal, after BJP ruled Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh state governments were dismissed aftermath of the events of 6 December 1992.
 During JL Nehru’s rule (From 1950 to 19 64) - 243 communal violence incidences were documented in 16 states. (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)

 During Indira Gandhi’s rule (1966-77 & 1980-84) - 337 communal violence incidences were documented in 15 states, including the Nielli Massacre of 1983. (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)
 Indira by far takes the shield for being the worst administrator of India when it comes to domestic security of its citizens
 During Rajiv Gandhi’s rule (1984-89) - 291 communal violence incidences documented in 16 states, including the barbaric Sikh Pogrom of 1984. (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)
 There were 1,194 communal communal violence incidences documented in India from 1950-1995. Out of these 871 or 72.95% were during Nehru, Indira & Rajiv’s PM-ship! (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)
Communal incidents during UPA rule

 The Sonia – Manmohan led UPA regime witnessed 5,921 Communal Incidents casing 943 deaths.
 The Congress ruled Assam witnessed bloodiest violence in Bodoland territorial districts in July-August 2012. The local bodos clashed with illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. An estimated 97 people have lost their lives; nearly 500,000 people were being forced to take shelter in 273 temporary refugee camps around 500 villages were burnt down in less than a month.
 The Congress' alliance partner Samajwadi Party ruled Uttar Pradesh witnessed 27 incidents of communal violence since the Samajwadi Party (SP) formed government in the state. Among them three incidents were big — which occurred at Mathura, Bareilly and Faizabad.

GUJARAT
 Gujarat reported 244 communal violence incidences since 1950 till 1995 with a casualty of 1601. (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)
 The city of Ahmedabad, reported 71 Communal Violence incidences with a total casualty of 1071 since 1950 till 1995. (Varshney-Wilkinson Dataset on Hindu-Muslim Violence in India, 1950-1995, Version 2)
 Some of Major Riots:
o Sept-Oct 1969 Ahmedabad - More than 512 Killed in the city. 3000 to 15000 range in the entire state, Riots for 6 months, Ruling party happened to be Congress
o April 1985 Ahmedabad - At least 300 Killed, Ruling party Congress
o July 1986 Ahmedabad - 59 Killed, Ruling party Congress
o Dec 1992 Surat - At least 175 killed, Ruling party Congress.
 The above facts and figures show that communal riots were also happened before 2002. On the background of such communal history, Sabarmati Express was torched by miscreants near Godhra railway station on the morning of 27 February 2002, in which 59 people including 25 women and 15 children were burnt to death.
 The news spread instantly through television channels and telephones.
 The first incidents of retaliatory mob violence were reported on February 28. They continued in full intensity on 1st and 2nd March. By 3rd March situation was brought under control firmly.
 The entire police force of 6000 is deployed in sensitive areas of Gujarat on the very first day, Feb 27, 2002.
 Army is called and the first aircraft carrying army personnel lands at Ahmedabad by midnight of 28th February. 13 Columns of Army deployed to assist the State Civil administration.
 Curfew was imposed in Godhra and other potential trouble spots from Feb 27, 2012. Shoot- at- Sight order was issued on 1stMarch, that is, within a day after the riots broke out on 28th February.
 The Defence Minister personally supervised the deployment of the army which commenced on the morning of 1st.
 During the riots, police fired 103,559 rounds of bullets. More than half fired in the first 72 hours;
 Through the period of disturbances, in all 66,268 Hindus and 10,861 Muslims were taken into custody under preventive detention laws.

Statements by Shri Narendra Modi just after the incidents.
 Feb 27, 2002: …This government will not allow anyone involved to go scot-free and is taking fool-proof steps… The Government will not be lacking in discharging duty...No efforts will be spared in ensuring law and order.
 Feb 28, 2002: …Come, let us serve Gujarat through peace and self-control,and let us strengthen the arms of law … It is our responsibility that the lives of innocent are not put at stake…Ver verthi shamtu nathi (Hatred is never won over by hatred)…
 Mar 1, 2002: Kriya pratikriya ki chain chal rahi hai. Hum chhahate hain ki na kriya ho aur na pratikriya (A chain of action-reaction has set in. We wish to see an end to both action and reaction) (Zee TV Interview with Sudhir Chowdhary, Gandhinagar. SIT Investigation established that Zee TV deleted the last line to give the impression that Modi was justifying “reaction” by way of mob violence to avenge the killings of Godhra.)
 Mar 2, 2002: State Government is committed to pacify the wide spread anger amongst the people and restore law and order with strong political will.
 Mar 3, 2002: Government cannot shy away from its moral duty of maintaining law and order in the state…all sections of the society too have a role to play in restoring peace quickly… I appeal to people to cooperate with the security staff in order to maintain law and order and in performance of their duties…
(Source: Madhu Kishwar’s Modinama at www.manushi.in)

2002 Riot & Others

To Sum up
The defining qualities of Indian ‘secularism’ in the last 10 years has been holier-than-thou drum beating in the name minority rights and safeguarding Muslim rights in Gujarat. The Gujarat riots of 2002 were discussed, debated and named like it was the first such incidence. The discourse takes only one side view, ignoring the fact that the curfew was declared instantly, army airlifted on second day and riots were controlled in 4 days! Also ignored the subsequent enquiries conducted by Supreme Court monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT), the convictions made thereafter! The demonizing of Gujarat goes on by conveniently avoiding even the mention of such incidents happened under the Congress’ rule.
Gujarat riots were India’s first ‘Televised Riot’! Had there been news channels in 1980s, the fact that around 6,000 people lost their lives in 3 worst riots of Nellie, Delhi and Bhagalpur, couldn’t have gone unnoticed from our ‘vibrant’ media, human right activists and civil society!"

Dharamsala, August 2, 2013: The Governor of Nagaland and Governor (Designated) of Manipur Dr Ashwani Kumar interacted with the newly admitted students in the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in an orientation programme for students of the PG Programmes for the academic year 2013-14, at the conference hall of the Temporary Academic Block of the University at Shahpur on Thursday.

Interacting with the students and faculty members of CUHP during the orientation programme, the Governor said that there is no short cut to success. It can only be achieved through hard work, honesty and obedience, he said. “Working hard without being honest will not help to achieve success in life”, he said. Urging the students to be adaptable to changing situations, he said that adaptability is also important in achieving success. “But we should not change from our basic characteristics”, he said. 

Emphasising on the importance of good education institutions, he said that schools are the temples of learning.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Furqan Qamar said that this is the time to move towards innovative student centric, multi-disciplinary approach in higher education. “While developing the curriculum and academic structure of the university we have focused on this approach”, he said.

During the orientation programme, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Yoginder S Verma, welcomed the Chief Guest Dr Ashwani Kumar and his lady wife and other dignitaries. Dean and Proctor, Dr. Roshan Lal Sharma gave a brief introduction of the university to the guests and new students. Dean Student Welfare and Provost, Prof. H R Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr Ashwani Kumar and his wife later planted saplings in the campus as part of the programme.

Registrar, Dr. Gautam Mukherjee, Finance Officer Dr. B R Dhiman, Deans of different Schools, Heads and faculties of the departments of the university were present.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, August 2, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bangalore has convicted M. Ravindranath, the then Field Officer, State Bank of India, Jalahalli Branch, Bangalore to undergo one year rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs.30,000 for causing loss of Rs. 2.30 lakh to bank.

The CBI, had filed a charge sheet against  M.Ravindranath U/s.420, 468, 471, 477-A IPC and 13(2) r/w 13(1) (d) of the PC Act-1988. The allegation as per the charge sheet were that M. Ravindranath, the then Field Officer had made false entries, prepared bogus credit / debit vouchers, passed the same and thereby caused a wrongful loss of Rs. 2.30 lakh to State Bank of India & wrongful gain to himself.

The charge sheet in this case was filed on 10.07.1992. and  M. Ravindranath was absconding since August, 1998.  He was apprehended in December, 2012 after 14-years of search which enabled the court to continue with the trial and convicting the accused person.

Ludhiana, August 2, 2013: Members of Sri Guru Gobind Singh (Trust) Netrheen Sangeet Vidyala went to meet to Governor of Punjab.

 As per the available information here today, they wanted to give letter and convey their grievance regarding the alleged illegal possession of Vidyala.

Member received  a favouable response from Governor to solve this matter at the earliest.

The Netrheen Sangeet Vidyala at Anandpur Sahib has been allegedly forcibly occupied by few miscreants in September, 2012, they alleged.

The delegation included Bhai Gurmej Singh, Bhai Joginder Singh, Bhai Sajan Singh, Bhai Ranjodh Singh, Bhai Savinder Singh, Bhai Paramjit Singh and Bhai Anokh Singh.

CM hands over appointment letter to Swapandeep Kaur
Jalandhar, August 2, 2013: Fulfilling the promise made to the family of Shaheed Sarabjit Singh who had succumbed to a deadly attack in Pakistan jail, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today handed over appointment letter to his daughter Swapandeep Kaur, who has been appointed as Naib Tehsildar in the state.
Handing over the letter to Swapandeep Kaur, the Chief Minister said that late Sarabjit Singh was a national martyr as he had suffered endless agonies in the Pakistani jail for being an Indian. He said that the appointment of late Sarabjit’s daughter as Naib Tehsildar was a humble tribute from the state government in recognition to his supreme sacrifice for the national cause. “We have fulfilled our moral duty as it was a basic responsibility of every government to respect the heroes who had laid down there life for the national cause”, he added.
Extending his best wishes to Swapandeep Kaur, the Chief Minister hoped that she would perform her duty with utmost sincerity and dedication.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had announced to offer government job to Swapandeep Kaur at the Bhog of late Sarabjit Singh and subsequently the Cabinet had given approval for it on May 28 this year.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary  Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Deputy Commissioner  Shruti Singh.

Ludhiana, August 3, 2013: Live interactive workshop conducted by renowned Cardiovasvular Thoracic Surgeon (CVTS) Dr. Sudhansu Bhattacharyya from Mumbai at Hero DMC Heart Institute.

Dr. Sudhansu Bhattacharyya's record is impeccable. At 65 yrs of age, he has performed over 15,000 surgeries with near perfect result. He takes great pride in the fact that he rarely needs to check on his patient post- surgery because of the perfect job done.

Dr. Bhattacharyya is credited for pioneering the technique of Total arterial revascularisation with LIMA-RIMA “Y” grafting in a beating heart in the world and has performed over 5,000 cases by this technique since 1998. It is a procedure in which arterial graft are harvested from chest bilaterally. There is no need to harvest extra graft from any other part of body. The graft harvested from Chest can revascularize entire heart with a optimisium that it has got highest patency & best long term results, Dr. Bhattacharyya performed live surgery by using this technique on two patients at Hero Heart Institute, one was male patient (patient name- Jagdish Rai), a 76 yr old patient & other was a female patient (patient name- Veena) age 50 yrs suffering from 90% blocakge in coronary artery. Dr.Bhattacharyya - said it is the best treatment option available for such patients undergoing CABG (Total arterial revascularization) – by using LIMA – RIMA Y Graft.

Cases have been referred to him requiring Re-operation (Redo CABG) and very high risk cases not only from India, but other countries, Since he has proved his expertise in handling such complicated cases with a success rate of more than 99%. He was invited to many centres in India to demonstrate the surgical technique and was invited twice to china to demonstrate this technique. Dr. Bhattacharyya is held in high esteem by his colleagues and his numerous patients. Because of the good wishes and blessings received from patients, he continues to render his services to the people at large.

Delhi, August 4, 2013: The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan activist Nikhil Dey and Social activist Aruna Roy, have decided to register their protest on August 6 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the proposed amendment of the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit.

They have demanded that all parties spell out their stand in public on the proposed amendment before the commencement of monsoon session on August 6. It is most surprising that none of the political parties have showed interest or hinted at a public discussion on this move. Neither have they officially announced in public their move to bring an amendment.

It is not understood as to why the political parties have apprehensions in disclosing their wealth and financial transactions to the Election Commission and IT Department, over bringing them under RTI when they country needs transparency which only strengthen people’s faith in governance and they too talk about the same.

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, August 3, 2013: In a clear firm and pro-Punjabi decision, Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today made the cause of Gujarat farmers facing displacement from their lands his own by announcing that he would personally lead a delegation of Punjab MPs to Chief Minister Narendra Modi to plead their case. In another landmark decision he also announced that the state government would bear the full cost of their legal battle to retain their lands in the Supreme Court.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who met a delegation of farmers from the Kutch region of Gujarat who called on him at his residence in Delhi, assured them that the SAD was convinced about the justness of their cause and would do its utmost to ensure relief to them both on the political and legal front

To ensure quick relief to the farmers, who are paying lakhs of rupees as legal fee for every hearing in the apex court, the Deputy CM directed the State Advocate General to hire the best and most senior lawyers to represent them in the Supreme Court. He also appointed party senior vice president Balwant Singh Ramoowalia to coordinate the SAD’s efforts to win relief for the farmers on the occasion.

Thousands of Punjabi farmers of the Kutch area are fighting a legal battle in the apex court to escape eviction from their lands at the hands of the Gujarat government which has frozen their land holdings by invoking various tenancy and agriculture land acts. Earlier the farmers had won relief against eviction from the Gujarat high court but the Gujarat government chose to appeal against the high court order in the apex court.

Media Adviser to the Deputy chief minister – Jangveer Singh while giving details of the meeting, disclosed that the delegation led by Surinder Singh Bhullar, Satpal Giri, Rajpal Sandhu Pirthi Singh, Atma Ram and others laid bare the conspiracy of the Punjab Congress leaders to use the plight of the Gujarat farmers to hit out at the SAD-BJP regime even though they had done nothing for them. Bhullar disclosed at the meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister that forget helping them in their case in the apex court, the Punjab Congress had not even extended any humanitarian help to them.

Jangveer Singh disclosed that the Deputy CM consoled the delegation members and assured them that he understood their plight and that their sacrifices in transforming the Kutch landscape from desert fields to verdant, fertile and highly productive land would not be allowed to go waste. Sukhbir Badal assured the delegation that he believed in firm affirmative action once he was satisfied about the justness of a cause in direct contrast to “the paper tigers of the Punjab Congress who were competing against each other to get their names printed in newspapers even though they had never met any of the most affected farmers of the Kutch region in Gujarat”.

The delegation members on their part assured Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal that they did not subscribe to the statements being made by Punjab Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa on their behalf. Expressing faith in the Deputy CM’s capability to resolve the trickiest of problems due to his steely will power, Surinder Bhullar said “now our minds are at rest as we know a solution is in sight”.

Meanwhile, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, who brought the plight of the Gujarat farmers to the notice of the Deputy CM, thanked him for rising to the occasion and taking a firm stand that Punjabis who had given their life for the country and the progress of various States should be allowed to breathe freely in those States. “This is the sign of a true statesman”, he added.

Jalandhar/New Delhi, August 4, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that his Government has always given respectable representation to Brahman Samaj and in future also they will be given adequate representation.

This assurance was given by  Hooda to the delegation of Brahman Samaj from Haryana led by Haryana Assembly Speaker, Kuldeep Sharma and senior Congress leader and MLA, Venod Sharma, which called or Hooda in New Delhi today. The delegation had come to thank Hooda on appointing Dr Radhey Shyam Sharma as Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. The members of delegation expressed their full faith in the leadership of  Hooda.

Hooda said that his Government has been implementing progressive policies for the development of the State and for the welfare of all sections of the society. Our effort has been to take all sections of the society alongwith and encouragement has been given to the capable persons from all communities.

Kuldeep Sharma said that Hooda’s Government had always given due respect to the Brahman Samaj, which had never been given by earlier governments.

Venod Sharma also said that  Hooda has always encouraged capable people from different communities and his progressive policies have made Haryana one of the leading States of the country. 

Besides Kuldeep Sharma and Venod Sharma, the delegation included Vice Chancellor of Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, Dr M.L. Ranga, President of All India Brahman Sabha Dr Suresh Sharma, President of Brahman Samaj Hisar,  Sushil Kaushik, President of Brahman Samaj Jind, Dr Yash Pal and a number of office bearers of different Brahman Samaj organizations.

Ludhiana, August 4, 2013: Veteran marathon athlete Fauja Singh has said if the youths of Punjab stop indulging into drug menace then they could win any race or competition what to speak of marathon.

During his visit here, he said even today he has the power to beat the youths of Punjab in race.

On the occasion, he was honoured by a local Congress leader.

He regretted that there was a time when the youths of Punjab were known for power in them but he regretted that

now the drug menace has changed the overall scenario.

He said had he been indulged into drug menace it would not have been possible for him to win marathon at an older age. He made an appeal to the youths of Punjab to drink “lassi” and milk and eat curd, if they wanted to live long life like him.

Ludhiana, August 4, 2013: Gurudas Das Gupta, Member Parliament and General Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) while addressing the 19th State Conference of AITUC at Punjabi Bhawan here on Sunday, has alleged the UPA-II Government is increasingly working in the interest of big corporate business houses of India and the international cartels undermining the national interest.
He added latest decisions of the Government are enough indicators of the rightist shift in the policies detrimental to Indian growth and progress based on justice and equality. These are against the basic spirit of the Indian constitution which speaks of justice and equality as its mainstay.  The government is more inclined to respond to the demands of the international finance capital and the MNCs while hitting the common man hard, even denying them basic amenities like food, shelter, health and education.  
“Therefore there is an urgent need for the working people to unite in strength to lead the struggle against these policies so as to meet the goal of sustainable development in the interest of all the people of the country”, he asserted. He said on that score, the job insecurity and the job losses on the one hand and increased trends of contractorisation and outsourcing, contractualisation and casualisation of labour on the other hand is norm of the day.
Further, he said there is attack on unionisation itself and pressure on existing unions to suppress and intimidate them to contain their activities. Bringing in FDI in retail trade is a virtual sale out of small business to the foreign companies. It will be big blow to more than 4 crore small traders, shopkeepers, marginal and poor farmers, other small producers of goods in home based and small scale industries etc.
He said recent announcement of 100% FDI in Telecom and raising of FDI limit in oil sector would further lead to perpetuate the economic crisis.  The government has been responsible for unprecedented rise in corruption at higher places with loss to national revenue and denial of rightful share of common people in the wealth being produced in the country.
He further deplored that accumulation of wealth in the hands of few, whereas the vast majority is suffering under acute poverty and unemployment. The latest reports have indicated that 100 top rich families own assets to the tune of 16 lakh crores of rupees whereas 70% Indians are forced to live on meager spending of Rs.16.60 paise per day. With the policies being pursued will further hasten these gaps.  
He said, the government continues to act in ruthless manner against the common people and the response to people’s agitations by the Prime minister and some of his ministers are arrogant to the core.  The government’s announcement that only 21.9% of the population lives below poverty line is a shear mockery. How can anyone earning Rs.33 per day is above poverty line he asked.
He said in this background he said, the trade unions have come out with their strategies to fight the attacks of government on working people. The successful two days strike by all the Central Trade Unions on 20-21 February, in which independent federations, associations and other independent trade unions also participated, first ever such action in the independent India have shown the unity among the working class and is a big challenge before the government.
Amarjeet Kaur, National  Secretary, AITUC in her speech said that the workers charter of demands includes seeking check on price rise of essential commodities, end to labour law violations, for social security and pension to all workers, abolition of any ceiling on Provident Fund, gratuity and bonus, abolition of contract labour, steady regularisation of them and equal pay for equal work, no disinvestment of public sector/ government sector enterprises and resources, national minimum wage to be raised to not less that Rs. 10,000, universal entitlement of maternity benefit to working women etc.
 
Comrade DL Sachdev in his greetings called upon the unions to prepare for the next round of proposed joint agitations which includes campaign on demands at grass root level to be followed by massive rallies in the state capitals on September 25 and then a march to parliament on December 12 to be adopted in a joint national convention of Trade Unions to be held on August 6 at New Delhi.
Addressing the conference Bant Singh Brar, President and Nirmal Dhaliwal, General Secretary of Punjab unit of AITUC said that the state govt. of Punjab is not following a different course as regards the economic policies in general are concerned. Rather it has been taking anti labour and anti farmer measures more aggressively.  There is increase in the unemployment and due to contractualisation of jobs the real wages of the workers in the state have come down. The workers protests are being crushed by using the police force. AITUC will resist all this.
The conference began with hoisting of AITUC flag by veteran trade unionist OP Mehta.
The conference was attended by over 250 delegates from various sections from different parts of the state. The conference elected Bant Singh Brar as president and Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal  as general secretary. It also elected a working committee to run the affairs for the coming period.
Earlier, Dr. Arun Mitra, Chairman. Reception Committee welcomed the delegates.  
Today’s conference was attended by the elected delegates of various organisations of workers and employees from all over the Punjab. These included workers from different industries, Hosiery, Textile, Construction, Roadways, PRTC, Corporations, BSNL, Banks, Power sector, FCI Palledar, University, PSSF, Govt. Class 4 employees, Khet Mazdoor, MANREGA Workers, ASHA workers Anganwadi workers and other unorganised sector.