MTSM college: Sonia selected for Republic Day Parade

Reena won gold medal in Firing           Wed, Oct 30, 2013 at 3:20 PM

Ludhiana: 30 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): 41 N.C.C. Cadets of Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana attended the Ten Day 3rd Pb. Bn. Camp at Malaut. Not only this, Sonia is selected for the Republic Day Parade. Reena won gold medal in Firing whereas Jyoti and Nidhi got gold medals in Tug of War and Manu got gold medal in Poster Making Competition whereas Sonia got gold medal in Table-Tennis. Daljit Kaur got gold medal and Tanu got silver medal in Senior Cadet Competition.

College Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla congratulated the students as well as N.C.C. Incharge, Mrs. Harpreet Kaur for the achievement and inspired them to keep up the same spirit in future too. S. Swarn Singh, President, College Managing Committee too congratulated the students as well the teacher incharge.

INDIA : The Politics of Special Legislations in India

Tue, Oct 29, 2013 at 2:21 PM

An Article from the Asian Human Rights Commission                          Asha Kowtal

I was not yet in my first standard of school when the strategies of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) (earlier known as Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes) were put into force. Way back in 1979-80, the SCSP mandated every State/Ministry to earmark funds from the Plan outlay, atleast in proportion to the population of SCs in the State/Country i.e 16.62\% as per the Census records. It meant that 16.62 \% of the budget of every Ministry was meant exclusively for the development of Scheduled Castes in India.

Context

The logic behind this idea was to essentially, 'bridge' the developmental gaps experienced by the Scheduled Caste people as compared to the population belonging to socially advanced groups. The idea was to allocate funds at individual, family and community level in order to ensure growth within the SC community and bring them at par with the other general population.

As is the case with several legislations meant for SCs, this one too failed miserably. Now in the year 2013, more than 34 years later, the Government of India recognizes the inadequate implementation of the SCSP and therefore considered it appropriate to provide a legislative backing to the SCSP strategy through a Central legislation. It is rather interesting to note that some 30 odd years after Independence, the idea of SCSP was conceived and then more than 30 years later, it is being legislated.

A few months ago, in a very welcome step, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment uploaded the Draft Scheduled Caste Sub Plan Bill 2013 on its website, inviting suggestions and comments. Through this, the SCSP strategy and the idea to bridge the development gaps would finally be legislated in India. It sounded hopeful. Several activists across the country, including Dalit activists working on the economic rights for Dalits began to hold series of consultations to deliberate on the draft Bill and its contents.

Less than two months later, in record time, the Bill was expected to be introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. However, it did not happen. Now, several groups and individuals across the country are keeping their fingers crossed with the hope that the Bill will be introduced in the Winter Session 2013.

Major Concerns

The Draft SCSP Bill 2013 aims to bridge the gaps without sufficient analysis of the gaps in the first place.

In rural areas, poverty rates are 9\% higher for Dalits; similarly in urban areas, poverty rates for Dalits exceed those of socially advanced groups by 14\%.1 Further, trends in poverty reduction suggest that these inequalities are growing wider, with an average annual poverty reduction of 2.4 \% amongst Dalits against 2.7\% for other groups in rural areas; in urban areas, the annual pace of poverty reduction was a meager 2.1 \% for Dalits against 2.7\% for other groups2.

With scientific data like these available for the policy makers, it is rather baffling to understand how/why it is believed that the magic figure of 16.62\% allocations for Dalits will bridge the gaps and address this growing poverty amongst Dalits as a social group. It is not rocket science to understand the simple fact that with high disparity in the poverty reduction rates, this gap is only going to remain unaddressed.

In the much-needed exercise of gap analysis, the need for creation of wealth for Dalits is stark and visible. The entire wealth and resources of this country is controlled by a miniscule number of people from socially advanced classes; one cannot dream of any long-term structural change unless some serious steps towards re-distribution and creation of wealth are taken up. Access to land and autonomous resources along with special schemes for education, employment, and entrepreneurship for Dalits is crucial.

The SCSP Bill 2013 perhaps has the right intentions but without an accurate analysis of the gaps that it aims to address, it will seem like mere charity done for the poor and marginalized SCs of India. Well meaning legislations like the SCSP should aim at bringing in structural changes. On the contrary the nasty truth is that the 'benevolence' of the budgets provided by the Indian state for development of Scheduled Castes in India has suffered from massive diversion and pilferage both at the stage of allocations and implementation3.

Further, there is no dearth of statistical evidence to show that the situation of SC girls and women is worse off as compared to general caste women and SC men. One of the biggest drawbacks of the Draft SCSP Bill 2013 is that it does not take into the account the multiple forms of exclusion faced by SC women. The Bill does not acknowledge this visible gap and hence it is further baffling to the extent that Dalit women activists begin to wonder if this Bill is intended to maintain this gap forever.

The Bill in its current form does not set aside exclusive resources for development programmes for Dalit girls and women. Without this focus, the Bill will lack meaning and purpose in addressing the gender and caste inequities faced by Dalit women in India.

Just like the institutions where the Draft Bill originated, it too reeks of caste and patriarchy. It not only lacks a focus on Dalit women, but also fails to even acknowledge the fact that women within the SC community need an extra push to come up to a level playing field. The farcical nature of this story is best understood by the fact that the word 'woman' appears only once in the Bill and even here it only refers to nomination of three women social workers from organisations working for development of Scheduled Castes as members of the National Scheduled Caste Development Council which will oversee the implementation of this Act.

Why the hurry?

The strategy proposed through the SCSP has been around for over three decades now. It has been infested with problems of notional allocations, diversions of funds and mis/under/non-utilization of funds. What was the plan of the GOI and political parties in power to address the issues of failure of accountability? Nobody knows how the new legislation will set right the institutions that are corrupt and completely biased along caste and gender lines.

A special legislation like the SCSP Bill should be well-grounded, scientific, visionary and path breaking. It should aim at breaking centuries of exploitation and oppression faced by Scheduled Castes in the country. Without a thorough planning and impact analysis of the SCSP, the legislation will remain a feather in the cap of policy makers and a failure at the level of implementation itself.

A decade or two later, the impact of a special legislation like the SCSP may turn out to be an unfathomable exercise, since it is unclear what it initially set out to achieve. For example – without an inbuilt mechanism to review the impact on SC women, how can schemes and programmes be developed, approved and implemented by the ministries? The SCSP Bill does not include a gender audit or mandatory annual report on development indicators for SC women. How then will the schemes be evaluated and corrected? What will be basis of allocation of funds?

Every public policy including special legislations like SCSP should be based on the needs and requirements of the community. In its current form the SCSP has been drafted without any inputs from the beneficiaries. While the world over, bottom-up participatory planning processes are being encouraged, here the need to dialogue with SC men and women beneficiaries is not even thought of.

The discourse on the SCSP bill and economic rights for Dalit women is extremely relevant for the autonomous Dalit women's movement in India. The time is right to stake the claim on resources meant for development and social change. There is a growing awareness that by lobbying for policy changes and monitoring implementation of schemes, we should not lose sight of the demand for structural changes. Opportunities such as these provide tangible ways to work towards demanding the Indian state to usher in some radical changes. For example: the SCSP Legislation could envisage a body which can mandate revenue departments of every State to work towards establishment of a Dalit land bank in each state to identify and acquire available lands. The SCSP funds can easily be allocated for purchase of these lands for Dalits. In this way the land distribution process can acquire some administrative teeth. The reality is that the SCSP legislation has the potential to bring in path breaking, long-term changes in the lives of a community that has been violated and excluded for centuries.

The question is whether our policy makers share the same farsighted vision?

Dalit women have the power to be the game changer. It is time to do just that.

"..turn in any direction you like, caste is the monster that crosses your path. You cannot have political reform; you cannot have economic reform, unless you kill this monster."

~ Dr. B.R Ambedkar.

~

[1] These group disaggregated figures date back to the 2009-2010 NSS but based on the calculation in line with Planning Commission's new poverty line. GOI (2012),'Press note on Poverty Estimates 2012' at:  http://planningcommission.nic.in/press\_pov1903.pdf

[2] S. Thorat, A. Dubey(2012), 'Has Growth been socially inclusive during 1993-94 and 2009-2010?' EPW XLVII(10), pp.43-54.

[3] Please see 'Loot of SC/ST funds in last year's Union Budget' by Karthik Navayan on Round Table India (published on 23rd February, 2012), for figures pertaining to the massive diversion of funds in just two years (in the Union Budgets for 2010-11 and 2011-12).

~~~

Asha Kowtal is General Secretary of the All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM).

Published on SAVARI on 10/27/13 : http://www.dalitweb.org/?p=2320

This article is also published on Round Table India

# # #

About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

A Call for the Green Diwali

Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:36 PM

Function held at a school of Ludhiana

Dr. Arun Mitra explaining the facts of healthy and happy Diwali

Ludhiana: 28 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen):In a function to create awareness about the  Dengue fever and promotion of healthy environment organized by the Nav Chetna Bal Bhalai Committee at  Channan Devi Memorial Govt. High School, Salem Tabri,  Dr Arun Mitra, ENT Surgeon and General Secretary of the Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) informed the students about means to prevent themselves from Dengue fever. He asked them to wear full sleeve shirts and socks so as to prevent from mosquito bite. He also asked them to identify any source of mosquito breeding in their house or locality, use the mosquito repellents and mosquitocidal sprays and also mosquito nets. The event was organized under the instructions of Deputy Commissioner and guidance of the Civil Surgeon Ludhiana under the leadership of S. Sukhbir Singh Sekhon, President of the committee.

 Further he called upon the students to celebrate Diwali 2013 as Green Diwali. The crackers emit hazardous smoke which is detrimental to our health. More over there is already dense smoke around due to burning of paddy straw. Cracker’s smoke will add to the smoke density. Those suffering from chest diseases especially Asthma are at grave risk in such conditions. Nasal allergies increase causing stuffiness of the nose and other respiratory problems. He reminded of high density smoke throughout the state on 12^th October 1998 which caused serious health problems. Similarly London smog in 1950 killed 3500 people. Sound of cracker blast is some times as high as 120 Decibel which can cause even total deafness, elderly and the children are more vulnerable, he added.

Shri Sukhbir Singh President and Shri Jagjit Singh Maan  General Secretary of the committee said that their purpose is to spread awareness about different health problems and means to prevent them. We also create awareness against the child labour and protection of children’s rights. 

Others who addressed include Shri Manoj Kumar, BPEO-3 Sh.Bhushan Lal Khanna, BPEO Mangat-2  Mrs  Asha Rani and Mukesh Kumar, S. Paramjit Singh, S. Sukhvinder Singh , S. Gurpreet Singh and Sh.Kewal Singh.

Walk-a-thon for cancer awareness: a success

Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 2:03 PM

Ludhiana, 26^th October, 2013: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): The festival season has set in the city in a completely different manner this year. The morning walkers in Rakh Bagh and Rose Garden area were up for a surprise when there were more than 300 people to give them company. Can Fight Cancer (CFC)- a society formed with the objective of raising awareness against cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle, had organized a walk-a-thon in this area of the city. There is no doubt about the fact that the city, the general public and our society need more and more of such events. A brief introduction about the society was given by Mr Jagjit Sood and Mrs Meetu Nayyar who are the founder members.

Flagged off by Mr. Bharat Bhushan Ashu, MLA and Dr Abraham G Thomas, Director CMCH, the walkathon was felicitated by the presence of Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Mrs Deepika Bhalla and Mr Narinder Sharma. The walk was attended by cancer survivors, their families, families of those unfortunate patients who succumbed to cancer, political leaders, administrative leaders, health care professionals from CMC Ludhiana, senior citizens, KVM students/staff, members of Freemasons Club, members Himalayan Yoga Foundation and other healthy volunteers at 6:30 A.M. The convoy reached the Rose Garden at 7:15 A.M. Once at Rose Garden, a small quiz and interactive session was organized by Dr Kunal Jain with the objective of raising awareness and spreading the message of “Early Detection”. KVM students and general public actively participated in the discussion. Mr Anil Sood, a cancer survivor himself, emphasized the need to carry this momentum forward and continue such campaigns on a larger scale.

The environment seemed to be fully charged with the spirit of young and old alike to take cancer head on despite the losses most of the participants or their loved ones had suffered, either physically, emotionally or financially. It was a tribute to all the efforts of the medical fraternity, the survivors to thwart and overcome this condition and a salute to their bravery, determination and willpower. People from all walks of life expressed solidarity with the cause by marching along the scheduled route which ended at the Rose Garden.

Mr. Bharat Bhushan Ashu applauded the efforts of the society and expressed the need to hold such events more often. A healthy population is important for building a healthy nation. The message that the event is giving is not only awareness against the disease and importance of early detection but also encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.’

The event was organized with help from CMCH who had the biggest contribution in numbers for this event to express solidarity. Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director of CMC gave a brief overview of history of CMC and cancer facilities available at the hospital. Dr Kanwal Masih, Medical Superintendent CMCH said, “when our efforts are complemented by the efforts of society at large, no disease seems unbeatable”. Mr HS Gohalwaria added that the incidence of cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and the action that we take today can make all the difference in future.

Cancer Survivorship was highlighted by Mrs Veena Mittal who fought a victorious battle with the disease almost 20 yrs back. She said “cancer is such a disease about which we think that it cannot touch me. While having this attitude we forget that the disease is not going to seek permission before coming. It will just come. Support from family and community is vital for victory.” Mr Sikander Lal Jain also praised the efforts of the society and CMC. Dr N K Chaudhary, Head of Surgery department at CMC Ludhiana also emphasized on the fact that knowledge is empowerment and so is early detection. Dr M Joseph John from CMCH emphasized about a united effort for success in fight against cancer.

Mr Varun, a member of CAN FIGHT CANCER, has seen his mother battling the disease very closely to emerge victorous. He says, ‘To say that cancer is challenging is just an understatement. The challenges are manifold – physical, emotional, social and financial. Fighting the disease is only one part of the battle. More resources, research, and increased public awareness are needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors”. Transport back to the starting point and Ambulance facilities were made available by CMC Ludhiana.

Finally the walkathon was put to a close with a declaration by the society President Dr. R.P.Jain with a vote of thanks and to have such events frequently not only in the city but also to spread the geographical coverage and expand the work of the society beyond the local limits of Ludhiana into all the nooks and corners of the country and even globally over time. The society motivated and united by a common feeling that “knowing it exists is not enough, get informed and pass it on”aims at collaborating with volunteers in different regions as well as through the use of the online platform (www.canfightcancer.com) in order to utilize the immense power inherent in cyberspace for this noble cause.

Seminar on rising crime given clear hints

Causes and Solutions were also discussed in detail 

Citizens decry political patronage to the criminals

Sh. Shashi Kant IPS

Ludhiana 19 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen)The participants in the SEMINAR ON RISING CRIME RATE-CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS  organized by SOCIAL THINKERS FORUM and LOK SAHIT MANCH decried the rise in all sorts of crime in the state which has made the life of common peace loving citizens unsafe. Women, children and elderly have become highly vulnerable. All sorts of crime is on the rise, right from petty crimes like road rage, chain snatchings, petty thefts to bigger crimes like burglaries, dacoities and heinous ones like  kidnapping, rape and murder. Patronage by a section of politicians, police and the bureaucracy has given ground to the mafia to strengthen itself. Speaking on the occasion Sh. Shashi Kant IPS, former DGP Prisons Punjab, warned that the drug mafia in particular has become very powerful and is responsible for ruining life of innumerable number of youth and has become one of the major causes of rise in the crime rate in the state. Such sort of mafia cannot flourish without political patronage, he affirmed. It is apathetic that he has given in writing to the government about involvement of several influential and other high-ups in drug paddling, but no cognizance has been taken about it, he said. That maximum drug trade is through Punjab – has been admitted by several US and European agencies.   With the entry of criminals in politics, use of muscle & money power, use of communal, cast and parochial slogans to win the elections, the democratic institutions have been weakened. This is shaking the faith of people in democracy which can prove to be unhealthy for society and dangerous for the nation.

Mr Vijay Simha

Mr Vijay Simha, New Delhi-based Sobriety Campaigner & Counselor, and former executive editor of Tehelka.com, said the youth of Punjab are taking to drugs because of five principal reasons: poor role models, tolerant society, poor money skills, high sense of victimhood in the state and low thinking skills. This is the result, he said, of state policy that targets and even eliminates those who speak and act against the drug mafia, and tolerates drug dealers. Mr Simha said a six-point action plan would help Punjab. The six points are: i) treat peddlers as public enemies, ii) have a chapter on addiction in textbooks, iii) educate the 6-10 age group, iv) have marks for not smoking, drinking or using drugs in schools, colleges and offices, v) reward performance in sport, art and music, vi) focus on behaviour awareness of parents. The state, he added, must go after drug dealers and their network, whoever it may include.

Mr. Mitter Sain Meet

Mr. Mitter Sain former District Attorney Ludhiana, in his address said that several lacuna in legal system help the criminals to go scot free in the absence of evidence. On the ‘role of criminal justice system in curbing the menace of drug peddling’ he pointed out that the first agency of this system i.e. Police, due to lack of knowledge of basic law and of procedure of investigation is not filing leak-proof charge-sheets in the Courts. Due to defective investigation, accused take benefit and procure acquittals.  Second agency i.e. Court is giving undue weightage to the principal of ‘Benefit of Doubt’ and liberally acquit accused even in heinous crimes merely on technical grounds. It encourages the professional criminals to repeat the offences with immunity. The third agency i.e. Jail is also not performing its duty properly. Jail manual is full of pro-accused facilities. Rich, professional and influential criminals are given VIP treatment. It defeats the purpose of confinement. He further stressed that drastic changes in the whole system is the need of the hour.

Dr. Arun Mitra

Dr. Arun Mitra in his address said that the introduction of neoliberal economic policies have added to the already existing economic gaps. There is job freeze, underemployment and insecurity of jobs. The socio economic environment affects society at various levels and in its various dimensions - social, political, economic and cultural. Economic crimes and other crimes as an after effect of the economic crimes are on the rise. In this free market driven society driving of profits is glorified. A very small section has become super rich. The super rich in this socio economic environment has developed extreme greed and lust for money. The middle income group is made to live in illusions and dream like the super rich. The rich commit crime for greed, the poor are forced to commit crime for needs as well as in desperation when their issues are not heard.

Dr L S Chawla former Founder Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Health Sciences presided over the function.    

Shri M S Bhatia compeered the session and initiated discussion where in several people participated.

The seminar made recommendations which include some immediate tasks and some long term steps.  

1. Change in Police Law - Police law has to be amended to make them accountable and behave in a manner that fits the present day society. The medieval methods used by the police have to be shed. The lower rung policemen have to be made sensitive towards the common man.
2. VIP Security - The security forces deployed to the service of the VIPs have to be taken off. Only the Governor and the Chief Minister should be given the security cover.
3. No Arms to Civilians - Arms licenses should not be issued to the civilians. Arms in the hands of the civilians are generally used to show the muscle power. It should be the duty of state to provide security to its people.
4. Change in Legal System - Active steps should be taken to bring about changes in the legal system to provide speedy justice. Free/cost effective legal aid should be ensured to the common citizens.
5. Economic Policies for Inclusive Growth - Equality of opportunity and accessibility to all for education, health and basic civic services etc. should be ensured through inclusive growth. An employed person is likely to fall prey to criminal activities as compared to the unemployed ones. More job opportunities have to be created. There is need for inclusive growth. Worldwide data shows that when the economic gaps are minimized, the crime rate comes down.  
6. Electoral Reforms - Electoral reforms to minimize the use of money should be taken up.

Among others who participated in the discussion include Dr.Ajit Singh, Randhir Singh Dheera,  Harpreet Singh Advocate, Dr.Gulzar Singh Pandher, Ranjit Singh, Maj Retd. S S Aulakh, Sunil Prabhakar, Dalbir Singh Ludhianvi, Col. Retd. Brar, Satish Sood, Commiker Singh, Dr Amarjit Singh, Com Bharpoor Singh, N K Chhibber Advocate, D P Maur, Dr.Rajinder Pal Singh Aulakh, Gurcharan Kaur Kocher, Ramesh Rattan, Davinder Singh Wahi, Avtar Chhibber, Kuldeep Singh Binder, Gurnam Singh Sidhu, Rajvinder Singh, Inderjit Singh Sodhi, Gurwant Singh, Er.Kuldeep Singh, Dr Narjit Kaur, Baldev Singh Walia, Manjeet Singh Buta.        

                                                                                 

CMC organizes another event

Sat, Oct 19, 2013 at 10:45 AM

The 1st International Symposium and Workshop on Spectral Imaging

Ludhiana: 19 October 2013: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):Betty Cowan Research and Innovation Centre (BCRIC), Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), Ludhiana commenced day-1 of the 3-day (October 18-20) First International Symposium and Workshop on Spectral

Imaging at Majestic Park Plaza in Ludhiana today. This is the first time such an event on spectral imaging is being organized in India.

The Director of CMCH, Dr. Abraham G Thomas, inaugurated the event. He appreciated that such an event has brought in such eminent scientists from diverse disciplines from around the world on a single platform. He said spectral imaging can play a major role in diagnostics in the medical field.

Hyperspectral Imaging is a geo-spatial (earth sciences) and military technology that has entered the field of biomedical research and applications. It couples the power of spectrometry (how materials distinctively absorb and emit light at disparate wavelengths on the basis of their molecular composition) and imaging. Thus it is not just an imaging system; it is a technique for analyzing the entire spectrum from the ultraviolet to visible to infrared for every single pixel of

an image.

In the western world, this technology is being exploited in many different disciplines such as cytogenetics, forensic sciences, pharmacology, agriculture, neutraceuticals, gemology, pathology, nano-bioresearch. It may also be used in surgical procedures for tissue differential imaging. Dr. Yuval Garini,  an eminent speaker from Bar-Ilan University in Israel, covered topics on spectral karyotyping and genome organization in the nucleus. Mr. Bhushan Dhakras from Pixelteq, Dr. Manjeet Kaur Sangha from Punjab Agricultural University and Dr. Neeta D Kang from BCRIC, CMCH, were among the speakers for day-1. The hyperspectral imaging system at BCRIC was supported by a grant from Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust.

Dr (Mrs) Rebecca Thomas, Dr. Kim Mammen (Associate Director, CMCH), Dr. SM Bhatti (Principal, CMC), Mr. Amit Aggarwal (Finance Officer, CMCH) and Dr. MS Kang (Former VC PAU) were also present during the inauguration.

Parveen Kaur Chawla visited the University of Mauritius

She was the only nominee from the Punjab

Ludhiana: 15 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen Bureau): It’s a matter of immense pride for Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana as the College Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla, who is also presently the Member of Senate (Panjab University, Chandigarh) was ‘Nominated by the 5th TEC/UGC Consortium Agreement for the year 2012-2013 for a period of one weak’ for a professional Visit to the University of Mauritius, Mauritius from 6th Oct to 13th Oct, 2013. She was the only nominee from the region of Punjab.
  She was invited to interact with the students of the University on certain current topics of Nutrition. She spoke out her mind on the following topics:-
• Importance of Balanced diet in Adolescent girls and occurrence of Nutritional Deficiency disease due to excessive use of Junk Food.
• Importance of dietary pattern and physical activity of the growth pattern and health related fitness in Children.
• Management of Obesity
• Role of Fiber in Diet.
      Her main stress was on the excessive use of Junk Food by adolescents which has a very adverse effect on the nutritional status of our teenagers and youth. She told that the students raised many queries which she answered to her best. 
   The whole schedule of the lectures was planned and organized by Dr. Prity Pugo Gunsam (Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius) to whom Dr. Chawla owes her thank. This visit has set a benchmark in the history of the College. Dr. Satish Ramachurn, Dean (faculty of Science, University of Mauritius) thanked Dr. Chawla for her successful visit to Mauritius and also told her to be in touch with them for further research and teaching in the field of nutrition in coordination with Dr. Prity so that the nutritional status of the people of both the countries can be improved by their joint efforts.
College President S. Swarn Singh and other Member of Management Committee congratulated Principal Dr. Parveen Kaur Chawla on her nomination and her entire effort to make this program successful.

Burning of paddy straw is detrimental-Dr. Manoj Sobti

Sat, Oct 12, 2013 at 5:01 PM
We all have to realize our duty

Ludhiana 12 October 2013:(Rector Kathuria//Punjab Sacreen): The Indian Medical Association  (IMA) and Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) have cautioned farmers against burning of paddy straw, which is detrimental both to our health and fertility of the soil.Addressing a press conference on the subject at the IMA House today Dr Manoj Sobti, President IMA Punjab said that as doctors we are much concerned about the issue as buring of paddy straw and wheat straw release smoke which is highly detrimental to our health. Both administration and the farmers have to realize their duty.  Speaking on the occasion Dr Karamveer Goyal, President IMA Ludhiana and Medical Specialist, cautioned the farmers that the smoke emitted as a result of burning of paddy straw or wheat straw could affect our respiratory system and thereby other systems of our body. Lung diseases and diseases of nose and throat get aggravated thus incapacitating the person. He reminded them of when on 12th October in 1998 smoke had engulfed almost whole of state of Punjab causing panic among the people.

Dr Arun Mitra – general Secretary of the BJGVJ said that the water vapours collect around the smoke particles suspended in the air which then forms smog. He reminded of the London Smog in 1950 in which 3500 people were killed.  Maximum permissible limit of the Respirable Suspended Particles (RSPM) in the atmosphere is 60ig/m3. But on Jagraon Bridge in Ludhiana it is invariably at 300 ig/m3. This further increases when  smoke from the paddy straw burning mixes with the air of the city.
Similarly the GM Crops which are being promoted in the name of High Yield Resistant to infections have to be seen with skepticism. Worldwide experience and researches have shown that the GM foods have detrimental effect on the health of the mice. It will be unwise to promote the GM crops without studying the impact on human health.  It has also been observed that if the GM food catches infection then they do not respond to ordinary drugs. Thus special drugs will have to be used by the farmers which would cost them heavily. This would only benefit the companies like Monsanto. 

Dr Rajinder Pal Singh Auluck Agriculture Development Officer warned the farmers that by burning paddy straw we destroy useful elements in the soil. Over one lac tones of nitrogen gets destroyed as a result. This causes loss of nitrogen over 100 Crores of rupees just in  Punjab. On the other hand if we dump the Parali in the soil  it turns in to healthy manure and adds to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potash and other elements.  The concept of destroying crops residue has to change to that these are no more waste products but some thing that can be utilized for the better of productivity.

Major (Retd) Sher Singh Aulukh – President of the Jatha said that they would carry forward this message to people by holding such gatherings time to time in different parts of the district. He also appealed to the people to come forward against  increasing intoxication which is affecting the potential of our youth.

Sh.Maninder Singh Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJGVJ said that the organization has completed 21 years on 2nd October and we have been creating awareness on several issues related to environment since 1992.

Those who attended the press conference on behalf of the IMA included Kulwant Singh,  Dr Subhash Singla-Secretary,  Dr R K Sharma – President Elect. Those who attended the event on behalf of the Jatha include DR Gurpreet Rattan, Mrs Gurcharn Kocher, Shri I S Sodhi, Shri Krishan Lal Malik.

BSNL employees held a massive demonstration

Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 5:26 PM
Demonstration held in front of office of GMTD

Ludhiana:11 October 2013:(*Com. Harjinder Singh//Punjab Screen Bureau): Activists of the Forum of BSNL Executives & Non-Executives Unions/Associations comprising of BSNL Employees Union, Sanchar Nigam Executives Association, All India BSNL Executives Association, AIGETOA, National Federation of Telecom BSNL Employees, National Federation of Telecom Employees, and SC/ST Welfare Association of BSNL held a massive demonstration in front of office of GMTD, BSNL Bharat Nagar Ludhiana against the threatenings of BSNL contractor. The entire workforce of BSNL Ludhiana gathered at Bharat Nagar Chowk. A massive march was carried out to the offices of Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police Ludhiana and handed over memorandum demanding lodging of FIR against the contractor immediately.
        Addressing the gathering Com. Balbir Singh Circle Secretary BSNL Employees Union and Com. Gurpreet Singh , Circle president , SNEA(I) told that the contractors are looting BSNL in the name of House keeping to the tune of Lacs of Rupees. Unions and associations are fighting against these malpractices. The contractor is threatening the union leaders over phone. On 09-10-2013 he threatened Com. Harjinder Singh, District Secretary SNEA (I) Ludhiana as he has called upon all the Executive officers not to sign bogus bills of the contractor. The matter was reported to Sr. General Manager Telecom, Ludhiana but the GMT has not taken any action against the contractor. 
Addressing the gathering Com. Jasbir Singh , CWC member, Punjab Circle said that he has taken up the issue with the Circle Union and the entire Executive/ Non Executive are united on this issue. He demanded immediate cancellation of all the contracts. Com. Harjinder Singh, District Secretary SNEA (I), declared that their agitation will continue till the action against the contractor is not taken and loot of the BSNL is not stopped.  After holding the demonstration the workers gathered at Bharat Nagar Chowk and burnt the effigy of the Contractor at the Bharat Nagar Chowk.  Mass demonstrations were also held in front of the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner Ludhiana.  Later on memorandum demanding immediate arrest of the contractor were also given to the Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner Ludhiana.
Com. Paramjit Singh. Distt. President, BSNLEU Ludhiana, Com. Kamaljit Singh Shanker, District President, SNEA (I), Com. Pritam Chand Distt. Secy, NFT BSNL Employees, Com. Baljinder Singh Khalsa, Distt Secy AIBSNLEA, Com. Vijender Singh, Distt, Secy AIGETOA,  Com. Surjit Singh Distt Secy NFTE BSNL, Sh. Navin Kumar Asstt. Distt. Secy SEWA of BSNL and Avtar Singh Jhande, Asstt. Distt. Secretary, BSNLEU also addressed the gathering.

*Com. Harjinder Singh is the Chairman: FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS/ASSOCIATIONS,Ludhiana and his mobile contact number is:: 9417000806

However, when contacted, Mr. Rohit Sabbharwal said that he has detected two-three big scams in BSNL in which top office- bearers of BSNL are involved. This is the reason for their protest against me. They had rather threatened me, what to talk of me giving them any threats. I am surprised to hear about their allegations of corruption by contractor when all bills have been signed by officers. They should rather contact the ones who sign the bills. Now wait and watch for the final truth.

Regularisation Fee and Property Tax

Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 3:34 PM
Sanjha Morcha Demands Roll Back

Ludhiana:10 October 2013: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen): The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) and Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP) organized a joint dharna today at the mini secretariat to protest against the levying of fees on the residents for regularization of their property in the un licensed colonies and property tax on all categories of property. Addressing the Dharna various speakers pointed out  that successive governments in the past nearly three decades have not launched any housing scheme in major towns and cities, which has led to the proliferation of unauthorized colonies in every part of the state. People had to buy land at exorbitant prices at the mercy of real estate business and private builders. The ruling parties have formed clique with the private business and therefore intentionally did not carve out any housing projects. Even the GLADA has been selling land through auctions thus doing business instead of service to the people. The present government has crossed all the limits and has done nothing even for the very low economic groups. They have done their best to promote the regular revenue sources of earning of the state for their personal gains. Roadways is a glaring example where the busses belonging to the CM and his kins are being given the prime routes at the prime time. This has substantially reduce earning of the state through the state roadways transport services. Government is selling its land to generate money. This is a mockery with the people of the state. The parties demanded immediate roll back of the regularization fees. Where was the government when the unauthorized colonies were mushrooming and people were shelving out their hard earned income to buy place for living, the speakers questioned? The speakers warned that they will continue the stir till the above mentioned taxes are rolled back.

The speakers include Com Kartar Singh Bowani-Distrtict Secretary CPI, Com Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon – Member State Committee CPI (M), Com Amarjeet Mattu – Distt. Sec. CPI M, Dr Arun Mitra & Com D P Maur- Asstt. Secretaries CPI Ludhiana, Com Ramesh Rattan– City Secretary CPI, S.Jaskirat Singh Sargodha and Sh.Rajesh Gandhi from PPP, Com Sukhminder Lotey – City Secretary CPI (M), Com Gulzar Gorea, Com Jagdish Chand, Com Raghbir Benipal, Com O P Mehta, Com. Vijay Kumar, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com  Gurnam Gill and Com Kewal Singh Banwait, Com Randhir Singh, Com Jatinder Singh, Com Devraj, Com Surinder, Com Manjit Singh Boota.

Mental Health Day celebrated at CMC Nursing college

Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:49 PM
Poster exhibition was inaugurated by the chief guest 

Ludhiana, 10th October, 2013:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): M.Sc.(N) 2nd  year, students of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, organised an exhibition on Mental Health Day i.e. on 10th  October 2013 on the theme “Mental Health and Older Adults in Medicine OPD of CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana. The programme was started with welcoming of gathering followed by prayer.

Prof. (Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh welcomed and introduced the chief guest for the programme, Dr.Kim J. Mammen, Associate Director CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana. Unfolding of the theme was done by Dr.Triza Jiwan Head of Mental Health (Psychiatric) nursing department.

Guest speaker Dr. Deswal, Head of Psychiatric department spoke on the theme and emphasized on the importance of Mental Health in elderly. All the dignitaries in their speech emphasized on promotion of Mental Health in older adults. An educative role play was enacted by the students depicting the care of Mental Health in older adults. Poster exhibition was inaugurated by the chief guest followed by distribution of pamphlets about promotion of Mental Health. A good response was seen by the audience.

Dussehra celebration at Mother's Pride Ludhiana

Celebrating Togetherness, Celebrating the Traditions

Ludhiana:9 October 2013: (Punjab Screen Bureau): Festivals are special occasions at Mother’s Pride as the school believes that children need to be aware of our rich culture & need to respect them. And celebrating one such occasion, today we had the Dussehra Celebrations in our School.

The school was beautifully decorated with different scenes from the epic of Ramayana. Children also came dressed up as Ram Ji, Laxman Ji, Sita Ji, Hanuman Ji, Raavan and other characters of Ram Leela.

The celebration began with the Tilak Ceremony at the entrance to get the children into the festival mood. Children also created the Effigy of Raavan using paper & sticks. Music and Bhajans in the praise of almighty Shri Ram Ji was enchanting in the whole school campus. Children enjoyed praying and dancing on prayer songs and visited the magnificent temple set up in the school. They also enjoyed watching Ramayana through a presentation with the voice narration of a teacher. The effigy of ravan was also burned with crackers, to demonstrate the custom of the day. Children learned the lesson of “Victory of Good over Evil.” It was a day to remember. Children and staff wished Dussehra greetings to each other & shared sweets.

The Director of the school, Mr. Shobhan Soi congratulated the staff, children and parents on the occasion of Dussehra.

 Dussehra celebration at Mother's Pride Ludhiana

A case of Rape of Women Prisoners in Nimika Jail , Haryana

 Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 12:10 PM

DG (Prison) Report's Loopholes Highlighted by NHRC

After a complaint filed by Ravi Nitesh of Mission Bhartiyam (a youth organization), regarding 'rape of two women prisoners in Nimika Jail of Haryana by Dy. Superintendent of Jail' and where the National Human Rights Commission registered a case on his appeal vide case no 3396/7/3/2013, a report was asked by commission from DG (Prison), Haryana. The complainant Ravi Nitesh reported to commission about sexual exploitation of women prisoners and after their complaints with a judicial magistrate who was on an official visit to jail, women were later beaten by jail officials. 

In his report to commission, DG (Prison) , Haryana sent a report on 09th July 2013 informed that inquiry by Addl. IG Prison, Haryana was conducted and found that allegations are false, however the report doesn't rule out the possibility of beating of women prisoner by women warden. The report says that all allegation regarding sexual abuse or social and physical exploitation were found false. DG Prison also informed in their report that a FIR was also registered vide FIR no 139 dated 14.05.2013 at PS Ballabhgarh. NHRC received the copy of FIR and report and found serious loopholes such as:

1. Report does not show that statements of alleged victims were recorded during inquiry of Addl. IG Prison, Haryana and no copy of any such statement is enclosed with report.

2. Medical examination report , if any, is not enclosed in report. 

Commission again sent notice and directed to DG (Prison), Haryana to file their reply with availability of these documents within four weeks. Complainant will also receive a copy of report for the comments. In his complaint, complainant sought for legal action by commission against the Dy Superintendent Prison and Legal, Medical and Psychological assistance to victims. 

Link to NHRC Action : http://nhrc.nic.in/display.asp?fno=3396/7/3/2013-AR 

Sincerely:

Ravi Nitesh, New Delhi (INDIA)

www.twitter.com/ravinitesh | www.ravinitesh.blogspot.com | +91-995-890-7799

G M S Kahlon added on Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 12:47 AM

In Enquiry Report of this case it is mentioned that Mobile Charger was found from one of victim. Where I am surprised that there were no mobile phones in year 1991 as the date of incident. please note this blunder

Residents Oppose Regularization Fee and Property Tax

Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 3:52 PM

The ruling parties have formed clique with the private business 

Ludhiana 9 October 2013: (Punjab Screen Bureau): The  residents Chand Colony, Mehar Singh Nagar, Haibowal Khurd and colonies around strongly opposed the above mentioned taxes for regularization of their property in the un licensed colonies and property tax on all categories of property.  Addressing the Dharna various speakers pointed out  that successive governments in the past nearly three decades have not launched any housing scheme in major towns and cities, which has led to the proliferation of unauthorised colonies in every part of the state. People had to buy land at exorbitant prices at the mercy of real estate business and private builders. The ruling parties have formed clique with the private business and therefore intentionally did not carve out any housing projects. Even the GLADA has been selling land through auctions thus doing business instead of service to the people. The present government has crossed all the limits and has done nothing even for the very low economic groups. They have done their best to promote the regular revenue sources of earning of the state for their personal gains. Roadways is a glaring example where the busses belonging to the CM and his kins are being given the prime routes at the prime time. This has substantially reduce earning of the state through the state roadways transport services. Government is selling its land to generate money. Now the government has come up with the theory of colonies before 1995. This is a mockery with the people of the state.

 Those who addressed the gathering include Dr Arun Mitra, Com Randhir Singh, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com Muni Lal, Sh.Satish Kumar, Sh.Dulare Lal, Sh.Rajinder Kumar, Sh.J.R.Sharma, Sh.Bhopal Singh and others.   

Burning of paddy straw is dangerous

Mon, Oct 7, 2013 at 4:12 PM
Detrimental to both human health and fertility of soil Promotion of GM Crops without proper trials on human health harmful 

Ludhiana 7 October 2013: (Punjab Screen Bureau): The Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) has cautioned farmers against burning of paddy straw, which is detrimental both to our health and fertility of the soil. These views were expressed at a gathering organized by the BJGVJ in association with Gram Panchayat village Baranhara Talwara, on Hambran Road, Ludhiana.The subject was  “Effect of GM Crops and Paddy Straw Burning”.  Speaking on the occasion Dr Arun Mitra - General Secretary BJGVJ cautioned the farmers that the smoke emitted as a result of burning of paddy straw or wheat straw could affect our respiratory system and thereby other systems of our body. Lung diseases and diseases of nose and throat get aggravated thus incapacitating the person. He reminded them of when on 12th October in 1998 smoke had engulfed almost whole of state of Punjab causing panic among the people. Similarly the GM Crops which are being promoted in the name of High Yield Resistant to infections have to be seen with skepticism. Worldwide experience and researches have shown that the GM foods have detrimental effect on the health of the mice. It will be unwise to promote the GM crops without studying the impact on human health.  It has also been observed that if the GM food catches infection then they do not respond to ordinary drugs. Thus special drugs will have to be used by the farmers which would cost them heavily. This would only benefit the companies like Monsanto. 
Dr Rajinder Pal Singh Aulakh- an agriculture expert warned the farmers that by burning paddy straw we destroy useful elements in the soil. Over one and half lac tones of nitrogen and sulpher get destroyed as a result. This causes loss of nitrogen and sulpher over 200 Crores of rupees just in  Punjab. On the other hand if we dump the Parali in the soil  it turns into healthy manure and adds to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potash and other elements.  The concept of destroying crops residue has to change to that these are no more waste products but some thing that can be utilized for the better of productivity.  
Major (Retd) Sher Singh Aulakh – President of the Jatha said that they would carry forward this message to people by holding such gatherings time to time in different parts of the district. He also appealed to the people to come forward against  increasing intoxication which is affecting the potential of our youth.
Sh.Maninder Singh Bhatia – Organising Secretary BJGVJ said that the organization has completed 21 years on 2nd October and we have been creating awareness on several issues related to environment since 1992.

S.Kuldeep Singh Khangoora progressive farmer lauded the role of the Jatha on for organizing the event at in their village. The information provided will definitely make the farmers shun the practice of burning paddy straw. Mrs. Satwant Kaur Sarpanch Baranhara, Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur Sarpanch Talwara, Manmohan Singh Gill Former member, Narinder Singh Chanchal, Rajwinder singh,  Jagtar singh, Jaswinder Singh Rajpreet Kaur, Mukhtiar singh participated on behalf of the village and                                                        
those who attended the event on behalf of the Jatha  Mrs Kusum Lata-Secretary,Sh.Gurnam Singh Sidhu,Sh.Avtar Chhiber,Sh.Randhir Singh Dheera, Sh.Rajwinder Singh Khangoora.