In Muktsar, schools double up as community centres

Violation of rules

• The bhog ceremony at a school in Sukhna Abluvillage in Gidderbaha sub-division on Wednesday was held with the consent of its management
• A majority of the Sangat Darshan programmes of the Chief Minister, too, are held in schools
• On July 2, YAD workers had held a membership drive at Government Primary Schoolin Fattanwala village

A ‘bhog’ ceremony under way in Government Primary School at Sukhna Ablu village in Muktsar district on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Gidderbaha, August 26

It’s a free-for-all in government schools of Muktsar district – the home district of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

After Sangat Darshan (public meeting) programmes of the Chief Minister and membership drive of the Youth Akali Dal (YAD), bhog (last rites) ceremonies are being held at government schools here, and that too, during school timings in clear violation of rules.

One such bhog ceremony was held at Government Primary School, Sukhna Ablu village in Gidderbaha sub-division today. Tents were pitched in the school ground to observe the ceremony from 11 am to 1.30 pm. During this time, loud speakers were also used, much to the inconvenience of students.

A large number of people had come to attend the ceremony. They were later offered eatables in a separate tent there.

Interestingly, the school management committee (SMC) had given the approval for the event on the request of the village panchayat, without bothering about the disturbance that would be caused to students.

When contacted, Davinder Kumar Rajoria, District Education Officer (DEO), Muktsar, said, “The holding of any such programme on the school premises is in violation of the rules. I have sought a reply from the school management committee and head teacher on why they allowed the bhog ceremony on the school premises.”

Notably, there is open space available for such programmes at the focal point in the village.

A majority of Sangat Darshan programmes of the Chief Minister are held in schools. Even during his recent visit on August 18 and 19, the programmes were held at schools in Dhaula, Tharajwala, Kheowali, Killianwali and Phulukhera villages.

On July 2, YAD workers had held a membership drive at Government Primary School, Fattanwala village.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Non-institutional deliveries still in practice in Muktsar district; Lambi tops the chart with 49 such births recorded this year

Non-institutional deliveries still in practice in Muktsar district

Lambi tops the chart with 49 such births recorded this year

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 30

Even though the health department is taking a number of steps to promote institutional deliveries (births), non-institutional ones are still taking place in Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s home district Muktsar.

Data procured from the district administration revealed that till July end this year, 193 non-institutional deliveries took place across the district. Of these, the maximum (49) were reported in the Chief Minister’s home turf Lambi. This is followed by Alamwala with 43 non-institutional deliveries, Chak Sherewala with 40, Malout 25, Doda 20, Muktsar with nine and Gidderbaha with seven.

Even if one looks at figures of July, then too Lambi tops the chart with 12 non-institutional deliveries. This is followed by Chak Sherewala and Muktsar each with nine non-institutional deliveries, Alamwala with eight, Doda seven, Malout six and Gidderbaha with two. In July, a total of 53 non-institutional deliveries have come to the notice of the health department.

Sources said the district health authorities were also running behind the target of institutional deliveries. Of the total 2,160 institutional deliveries fixed as the target, only 1,749 could be done till July this year in the district.

Surprisingly, the state government provides financial assistance to below poverty line (BPL) families for non-institutional deliveries, which is a major reason behind this trend. For the non-institutional delivery in rural areas, the family is given Rs 500 and in urban areas, the family is given Rs 600 under the direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme.

A senior doctor, preferring anonymity, said on the one hand the state government was taking steps to promote institutional deliveries, on the other, it was providing monetary assistance to families for non-institutional deliveries. “This practice must be stopped. Only then can institutional deliveries be promoted. For institutional deliveries, the state government provides free transportation to hospitals and return to their houses. Further, medicines and institutional deliveries are free of cost,” said the doctor.

When contacted, Dr Jagjivan Lal, Civil Surgeon, Muktsar, said, “We are spreading awareness among people about the benefits of institutional deliveries. It is safe for both the mother and the baby. Efforts are being made to promote institutional deliveries.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

Harsimrat fails to give insurance policies to women in her adopted village

Harsimrat fails to give insurance policies to women

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lambi, August 31

Bathinda MP-cum-Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal didn’t keep her promise of gifting free personal insurance policies to Mann village women ahead of Rakhi. She had adopted the village under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) to transform it into a model village.

During her last visit to the village on August 8, Harsimrat announced she would personally hand over free insurance policies for 10 years to all women between the age of 18 and 70 on August 27. However, neither did she and nor did any administrative official turn up at the village to hand over the policies.

Teja Singh, Sarpanch, Mann village, said, “No one in the village has received the insurance policy. I fail to understand why Harsimrat didn’t visit the village.”

Some villagers seeking anonymity said the administration had even opened bank accounts for nearly 600 women in the village so they could get free personal insurance for 10 years.

“Harsimrat presented the same insurance policies to women in Bathinda and Mansa districts this week. But it is a mystery why she didn’t turn up at the village,” they said.

During Harsimrat’s last visit to the village, some unidentified miscreants had torn her hoarding. This village falls in Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s Lambi assembly segment and located next to Badal village.

The village had also witnessed poll violence during the Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti polls in 2013. Nearly 150 Congress men were booked by the Lambi police.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Cops yet to arrest accused in PU student leader’s killing

A long friendship turned sour

• Relations between victim Amritpal Bawa and Bhanwar Brar Rocky, the accused, had turned sour about six months ago. Rocky had threatened Bawa's family over the phone on Saturday.
• Victim's uncle Gurinderjit Singh said: "Bawa was the only son in the family. Ironically, his sister lost him on the day of Raksha Bandhan."

FB flooded with mourning posts

• Bawa's friends and well-wishers have flooded his Facebook page with mourning posts, condemning his alleged killing by Bhanwar and his parents

Amritpal Bawa

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 31

The Muktsar police have failed to make any arrest in the murder of Amritpal Bawa Pency (25), former president, Gandhi Group Student’s Union, Panjab University campus.

Bawa was allegedly shot by his friend-turned-foe Bhanwar Brar Rocky and his parents on Saturday night at their residence at Rupana village.

Bhanwar’s father Navdeep Singh is admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana, but he has not been arrested.

The police have tracked Bhanwar’s mobile phone location to Chandigarh.

Police sources said Bhanwar’s mother Simarjit Kaur was in Ludhiana, but her exact location could not be tracked. Sources close to the victim’s family told The Tribune that relations between Bawa and Rocky had turned sour about six months ago. The accused had even warned Bawa’s family over the phone on Saturday.

“Bawa’s family took the matter lightly, which resulted into his killing. The family was under impression that they would sort out their differences,” said a source.

The sources said a mutual friend of Bawa and Rocky, who studied with them in Chandigarh, had played a key role in creating differences among them. There was no role of any girl or money in the incident, they added.

GGSU named after gangster

Gandhi Group Student's Union was formed after Rupinder Singh alias Gandhi, former sarpanch of Rasulra village near Khanna. Gandhi operated a gang in Ludhiana and was murdered by a rival gang in 2003.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Former PU student union leader shot in Muktsar

Killer a close friend

• Amritpal Bawa Pency (25), a former president of Gandhi Group Student's Union, Panjab University campus, was allegedly shot by his close friend Bhanwar Brar Rocky
• Rocky, his father Navdeep Singh and mother Simarjit Kaur have been booked
• The police are suspecting it a result of a love affair, although they are probing the case from several angles

Victim Amritpal Bawa (in turban) with accused Bhanwar Brar, during a visit to Chandigarh. A file photograph

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 30

Amritpal Bawa Pency (25), a former president of Gandhi Group Student’s Union, Panjab University campus, was allegedly shot by his close friend Bhanwar Brar Rocky. The incident took place at Rocky’s residence at Rupana village, 8 km from here.

The police have booked Rocky, his father Navdeep Singh and mother Simarjit Kaur. The reason behind the murder was not known yet. The police were suspecting some love affair and investigating the case from various angles.

Police sources said Amritpal Singh went to Rocky’s house last night after having some arguments with him over the phone.

Gurinderjit Singh, Superintendent of Police (Detective), Muktsar, said: “A brawl took place at Rocky’s house. Roky and his father Navdeep shot some bullets from a pistol and .12 bore gun. The bullets hit Amritpal and he died on the spot. A bullet also hit Navdeep in the leg.”

“The injured were taken to hospital. Amritpal was declared brought dead at the Civil Hospital. Navdeep was referred to Ludhiana where doctors stated that his leg would be amputated,” SP said.

Gurinderjit Singh Bawa ‘Koki’, former president, Municipal Council, Muktsar, an uncle of the deceased, in his complaint to the police said Amritpal had come to Muktsar a few days ago from Chandigarh. “Last night when he did not return, I went for his search. His friends told me that Amritpal had left for Rupana village. When we reached there, we saw Rocky and his father firing bullets. We somehow managed to escape,” he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Labour shortage hits toilet project

A World Bank-funded project

• The state government has to build 4,400 toilets in Lambi block; 7,100 in Gidderbaha block; 8,200 in Malout block and 24,064 in Muktsar block
• Nearly Rs 61 crore will be spent on the project
• Construction in Gidderbaha, Malout and Muktsar blocks is yet to begin
• These toilets are to be built in those houses that do not have one

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service 

Muktsar, August 23

The construction of 44,000 toilets under the World Bank funded Open Defecation Free (ODF) project has been hit as the district administration faces a shortage of skilled labourers. To resolve the issue, the administration has now started training labourers. For instance, a batch of 30 labourers is being trained at the Construction Skill Training Institute (CSTI), Abul Khurana village, here.

The state government has to build 4,400 toilets in Lambi block; 7,100 in Gidderbaha block; 8,200 in Malout block and 24,064 in Muktsar block. Nearly Rs 61 crore will be spent on this project.

Ramvir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Muktsar, said, “We have to construct the toilets in the given time frame, but we are facing a shortage of skilled labourers. So, we are training labourers for free at the CSTI in Abul Khurana village. It will help us overcome the shortage of skilled labourers.”

At present, the work is undergoing in Lambi block only. Construction in the other three blocks, where about 40,000 toilets are to be built, is yet to begin. These toilets are to be built in those houses that do not have one.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Muktsar fails to bring back dropouts to school; Despite spending Rs 3.48 cr annually, only 87 of total 437 join schools

Muktsar fails to bring back dropouts to school

Despite spending Rs 3.48 cr annually, only 87 of total 437 join schools

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 12

Despite the fact that the state government is every year paying Rs 3.48 crore to 601 education volunteers in Muktsar district, who have been given the task to educate school dropouts, the purpose is still not achieved.

For instance, the Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS), Alternative Innovative Education (AIE) and Special Training (STR) volunteers have brought just 87 of total 437 school dropouts (7-14 years) identified in Muktsar district to the mainstream of schooling this academic session.

A senior official in the district education office said the state government had not assigned teaching job to these volunteers and they were told to bring dropout children to the mainstream of schooling. “Due to political pressure, these volunteers have been given their preference postings. Thus the purpose is not being achieved. There are some government schools where these volunteers are not even required, but posted without any reason,” said the official.

Jaspal Monga, deputy District Education Officer, Muktsar, said, “Education volunteers have been given the task to bring dropout children to schools. As per records, 350 schoolchildren are yet to be brought to the mainstream of schooling in the district. The seniors are well aware of the facts as we have sent the report to them.” Another senior official said the salary of these education volunteers was coming direct from the state government and not under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) or any other scheme. “These volunteers are academically not qualified for teaching jobs as they have not cleared the Teacher Eligibility Test,” he added.

On the other hand, an EGS volunteer said they were doing the same duty as of the teachers. They alleged that the Education Department was exploiting them and not showing their work in records.

“There are some schools, which are being run by volunteers only as not even a single teacher is deployed there. The department doesn’t want to show us working like teachers because they fear that we will claim permanent job and salary hike,” he added.

Another education volunteer said, “We are unable to bring all dropout children to schools because the department is getting other works done from us as well.”

Repeated attempts to contact Pritpal Singh and Kulwant Kumari, who spearheaded the movement of EGS volunteers in the past, proved futile.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Waterlogging-hit villages fast turning self-reliant

Fiscal push

• The Chief Minister adopted Rattakhera Vadda and Rattakhera Chhota villages last year to ensure their development
• The state government is spending nearly Rs 20 crore to develop these villages
• Farmers are turning to dairying and women tailoring

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lambi, August 16

The residents of Rattakhera Vadda and Rattakhera Chhota villages – worst affected by waterlogging – are fast becoming self-reliant. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal adopted the villages in October, last year, to ensure their development. The state government is spending nearly Rs 20 crore to develop these villages with a population of nearly 2,500.

Loans were sanctioned to farmers so they could set up dairy units under the new schemes launched by the state government. So far, no one has been declared defaulter. Barring a few landlords, no one in the village could grow crops on their land for the last two decades. Now, with the efforts of the Agriculture Department, a large chunk of waterlogging-hit land has been reclaimed.

Similarly, 110 small dairy units set up are becoming a good source of income for the residents. “The milk that the villages supplied to Milkfed daily has increased from 45 litres to 400 litres. The farmers are also selling milk to private companies,” said Ramvir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Muktsar.

He said, “The progress report of these villages has shown that not even a single person has defaulted on his loan. Everyone is repaying their monthly instalments to the banks in time.”

Another senior officer in the district administration said some women, who were recently trained as tailors, have started their business in neighbouring Malout town.

He said only 20 per cent of the land hit by waterlogging could not be reclaimed, but the government was continuing with its efforts. To reclaim land, its hard crust is broken using sub-soilers and then irrigated with canal water.

As per a recently conducted socio-economic survey, 18 per cent boys and 15 per cent girls of marriageable age here were reportedly unmarried.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Work shoddy, probe govt projects, demand villagers

Allege substandard material used in construction

Their complaints

• Residents of Mann and Raniwala villages complained about leaking water pipes
• Residents of Gaggar village complained about the pathetic condition of the community hall that was recently built
• In 2012, the then Muktsar DC Paramjit Singh found substandard material being used to construct toilets under the Sulabh toilet project

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lambi, August 17

Residents of several villages here have approached the district administration, demanding that the development works in the region be probed. Though a lot of money has been spent on development works, the construction material used has been reportedly substandard.

For instance, the recently built waterworks in a number of villages are leaking. Villagers have accused the contractors of using inferior material and sought a probe.

Recently, residents of Panniwala Fatta village demanded that all development works carried out since 2003, be investigated. Similarly, residents of Mann and Raniwala villages complained about leaking water pipes.

The pathetic condition of the community hall at Gaggar village that was constructed a few years ago has also raised doubts about the utilisation of funds. Earlier, the road leading to the CM’s residence in Badal village caved in within a month after the project was finished.

Residents of Sham Khera village alleged the concrete streets in their village had developed cracks within a year of their construction.

In 2012, the then Deputy Commissioner Muktsar Paramjit Singh found substandard material being used to construct toilets under the Sulabh toilet project.

Sources said the departments concerned were yet to submit the utilisation certificates of a number of development works. The issue has been brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner.

Ramvir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Muktsar, said, “If the panchayat or residents of any village have any complaints regarding development works, they can approach the district administration. I promise to look into each complaint and punish the guilty.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

State will flourish under NDA: Badal; Expresses gratitude for inclusion of Punjab in Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojna

State will flourish under NDA: Badal

Expresses gratitude for inclusion of Punjab in Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojna

SWAT thrust to Chief Minister’s security

• The Israel-trained Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the state police has now been added to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s security.
• The Chief Minister already has Z plus security cover that comprises National Security Guard (NSG) commandos.
• A SWAT commando told The Tribune during the CM’s Sangat Darshan in Lambi today that their 12-member unit had been deployed with Badal.
• “This is our first day with the Chief Minister. We are happy that the CM has posed faith on us and made us part of his security cover,” said a SWAT commando.

• Also in this section

• State offers liberal sops to rev up investments

• CM meets Union Ministers, returns ‘empty-handed’

• Mishap involving Badal bus ends in compromise yet again

• In Muktsar, schools double up as community centres

• Cong seeks probe into ‘insecticides scam’

Previous ImageNext Image

SWAT commandos stand guard during the Chief Minister's Sangat Darshan programme in the Lambi assembly segment in Muktsar on Tuesday. Tribune photo

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Lambi, August 18

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today thanked the NDA government for inclusion of Punjab in the Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojna which aims at transforming the fortunes of SC population in the state. He alleged in contrast, the Congress-led UPA government had deliberately excluded the state from this scheme despite it having the largest concentration of SC population.

Interacting with the mediapersons on the sidelines of his Sangat Darshan in Lambi, the Chief Minister said he had raised this matter with the UPA government a number of times, but to no avail.

He said the states with far lesser SC population were reaping the benefits of this scheme during the UPA regime even as Punjab was denied the benefit.

“The NDA government has now given its consent to cover the state. Punjab has the highest SC population (32 per cent) in the country as per census 2011. Of 12,168 villages, 2,800 (23.01 per cent) have 50 per cent or more SC population,” he claimed.

He said the scheme would go a long way in providing basic infrastructural facilities such pavement of streets and “firnis”, solar streetlights, hand pumps, toilets, water supply and sewerage in villages across the state.

On CPS Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s allegations, Badal said he had already sanctioned Rs 10 crore as demanded by her for the constituency. “Even if she (Sidhu) seeks more funds for her constituency, her demand will be considered,” he said. He refuted the allegations regarding preferential treatment to any particular city or constituency, saying that the SAD-BJP alliance government was working to ensure overall development of the state without any prejudice or regional disparity.

Empty chairs greet CM 

Arniwala Wazira (Lambi)

Empty chairs at the CM's Sangat Darshan in Muktsar on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had to face a major embarrassment in his own assembly constituency, Lambi, when empty chairs greeted him at  his Sangat Darshan programme at Arniwala Wazira village on Tuesday. A number of chairs installed at the venue remained unoccupied. Later, when the CM reached the venue, security guards were directed to stand before the empty chairs, so that the CM could not see them.

However, a senior SAD leader accompanying the CM said, “A majority of the people were busy in getting subsidised ration being distributed by the Food and Civil Supplies Department in the village, so they could not come to the Sangat Darshan programme.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

Lambi gyms remain shut, Badal seeks info

What the villagers allege

• The issue came to light when some youths demanded that a gymnasium hall be built in the area
• Then the CM got suspicious as he had sanctioned a gym during his last visit
• There are some villages in Lambi which have got more than two gyms
• Some villagers said the gymnasiums were rarely found open. The equipment is lying unused and rotting away, they say
• Others even alleged that influential people in the villages had taken the machines to their houses for personal use

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lambi (Muktsar), August 21

Even though Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has granted a lot of funds for the setting up of gymnasium halls in villages, most of these are never found open.

The CM on Wednesday got suspicious and asked the District Sports Officer (DSO) to prepare a list of villages where gyms had been set up and the pending demands of the residents.

The issue came to light when some youths demanded that a gymnasium hall be built in the area. Then Badal got suspicious as he had sanctioned a gym during his last visit.

There are some villages in Lambi which have got more than two gyms. Some villagers said the gymnasiums were rarely found open. “The equipment is lying unused and rotting away,” they said.

Some villagers even alleged that influential people in the villages had taken the machines to their houses for personal use. A senior officer in the district administration also confirmed this. A youth from Gurusar Jodha village said their village had four gyms, but all of these were never open the same day.

Sunil Kumar, District Sports Officer (DSO), Muktsar, said, “I assumed the additional charge of Muktsar district just a few days ago and so I am unaware of the condition of gymnasiums here. I will visit the area to get a firsthand report of the situation.”

147 inmates died in Jalandhar Central Jail in 15 years: RTI; Sangrur District Jail witnessed 44 deaths in same period

147 inmates died in Jalandhar Central Jail in 15 years: RTI

Sangrur District Jail witnessed 44 deaths in same period

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 24

An alarming number of 147 prisoners died in Jalandhar Central Jail at Kapurthala in the past 15 years, revealed the information procured under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The figures procured from 2001 to 2015 (till mid of July) revealed that maximum number of 45 deaths occurred in jail in 2014. Before this, 32 prisoners died in 2013, 11 each in 2011 and 2012, seven each in 2009 and 2010, four in 2008, five in 2007, one each in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In the current year, as many as 21 prisoners have died in this jail alone. An inmate had even died during the riots in jail in 2011.

Similarly, 28 prisoners sustained injuries in fights that took place inside the jail premises between 2011 and mid of July this year.

The medical officer of the jail has, however, termed drug addiction as the main cause behind the deaths. “Most of the prisoners who died following illness were those who were addicted to drugs and refused to take treatment to get rid of this abuse,” the medical officer said.

Perusal of the records procured of other jails from 2001 to 2015 revealed that 44 deaths took place in the Sangrur district jail; 17 in the Ropar district jail; 16 in the Barnala district jail; 14 in the Nabha district jail; nine in the New District Jail, Nabha; eight in Central Jail, Ferozepur; four in Sub-Jail, Malerkotla; three in Sub-Jail, Fazilka; and one in Sub-Jail, Muktsar. A woman prisoner too died in Women Jail, Ludhiana, during the corresponding period.

About the steps being taken by the jail authorities to keep a check on the number of deaths, the jail authorities said the barracks were searched everyday randomly for prohibited articles such as ropes and sharp objects for the safety and well being of the inmates.

“Besides, some good record convicts (nigraans) are placed inside every barrack for the security and safety of inmates. The jail warders, assistant superintendents, deputy superintendents and superintendents patrol the jail premises asking every nigraan in the barrack if there was any problem at night,” he said.

“Doctors and pharmacists have been deputed for the well being of inmates in all jails. The inmates are also allowed to participate in yoga sessions and play games such as volleyball, cricket, badminton and chess. The NGOs too visit the jails and volunteers talk to the inmates,” stated the jail authorities.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Harsimrat’s Rakhi gift plan may fizzle out

In her adopted village, only 625 of 1,012 women to get free insurance policies

Visit unconfirmed

• The district administration is still waiting for the confirmation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s visit to Mann village on Thursday

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 26

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s Rakhi gift to all women residents of Mann village adopted by her under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) — free personal insurance policies — may prove to be a damp squib tomorrow.

The eligible residents are not ready to get the free personal insurance.

Sources in the district administration said that a total of 1,012 women residents between 18 and 70 years of age were found eligible for the insurance scheme, but only 625 agreed to get the policy.

“The rest are unwilling either because they fear that they may be cheated later or they do not have all the documents required,” said a senior official in the district administration.

Till the filing of this report, the district administration was not even sure about the visit of the Union Minister and was waiting for her confirmation.

The official said that each beneficiary would get health insurance cover through the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) at Rs 12 per year.

This means Rs 120 will be paid by the MP from her MPLAD funds in 10 years. For 625 beneficiaries, it will amount to Rs 75,000.

The PMSBY covers accidental death, full disability and partial disability.

Meanwhile, the district administration has sought approval from Harsimrat to give lifetime insurance cover to all beneficiaries, which will cost a little more than Rs 200. However, the approval in this regard was awaited till the filing of this report.

Surinder Singh, Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Lambi, said, “We have so far opened the bank accounts of nearly 600 beneficiaries in Mann village to give them free personal insurance.”

Repeated attempts to contact Nawal Kumar, District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) who has been deputed as nodal officer for Mann village, proved futile.

Courtesy: The Tribune

In Muktsar, schools double up as community centres

Violation of rules

• The bhog ceremony at a school in Sukhna Abluvillage in Gidderbaha sub-division on Wednesday was held with the consent of its management
• A majority of the Sangat Darshan programmes of the Chief Minister, too, are held in schools
• On July 2, YAD workers had held a membership drive at Government Primary Schoolin Fattanwala village

A ‘bhog’ ceremony under way in Government Primary School at Sukhna Ablu village in Muktsar district on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Gidderbaha, August 26

It’s a free-for-all in government schools of Muktsar district – the home district of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

After Sangat Darshan (public meeting) programmes of the Chief Minister and membership drive of the Youth Akali Dal (YAD), bhog (last rites) ceremonies are being held at government schools here, and that too, during school timings in clear violation of rules.

One such bhog ceremony was held at Government Primary School, Sukhna Ablu village in Gidderbaha sub-division today. Tents were pitched in the school ground to observe the ceremony from 11 am to 1.30 pm. During this time, loud speakers were also used, much to the inconvenience of students.

A large number of people had come to attend the ceremony. They were later offered eatables in a separate tent there.

Interestingly, the school management committee (SMC) had given the approval for the event on the request of the village panchayat, without bothering about the disturbance that would be caused to students.

When contacted, Davinder Kumar Rajoria, District Education Officer (DEO), Muktsar, said, “The holding of any such programme on the school premises is in violation of the rules. I have sought a reply from the school management committee and head teacher on why they allowed the bhog ceremony on the school premises.”

Notably, there is open space available for such programmes at the focal point in the village.

A majority of Sangat Darshan programmes of the Chief Minister are held in schools. Even during his recent visit on August 18 and 19, the programmes were held at schools in Dhaula, Tharajwala, Kheowali, Killianwali and Phulukhera villages.

On July 2, YAD workers had held a membership drive at Government Primary School, Fattanwala village.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Dy CM’s helpline flooded with transfer requests

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 11

The “1905” toll-free helpline number launched by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on May 13 is flooded with transfer requests. An executive of the helpline told The Tribune that they were receiving five to six calls daily pertaining to transfer requests. “The Deputy CM had started the helpline to redress the grievances of public, but government employees are requesting us to register their transfer requests through the helpline. Some of them not only argue but also give logic behind their request,” said another executive. A senior government officer said they had advised the government employees not to make calls regarding their transfers, but they refuse to listen.

A government employee who had recently requested for his transfer through the helpline said: “The helpline is started to redress the grievances of all citizens. There is nothing wrong in it if any government employee has requested for the transfer.”

Meanwhile, executives of the helpline did not reveal the number of total calls being received daily. This number functions from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm.

Sukhbir has also shared an official email id sukhbirsinghbadal@punjab.gov.in to public to lodge their grievances. Besides, “181” helpline of the state police or WhatsApp number “7696181181”, Excise Department helpline number “18002582580” for business community to register their grievances and suggestions has been launched. The power department has also launched “1912” toll-free helpline number for power complaints. The local bodies department has recently started “180018000172” helpline for municipality related complaints.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Muktsar fails to bring back dropouts to school; Despite spending Rs 3.48 cr annually, only 87 of total 437 join schools

Muktsar fails to bring back dropouts to school

Despite spending Rs 3.48 cr annually, only 87 of total 437 join schools

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 12

Despite the fact that the state government is every year paying Rs 3.48 crore to 601 education volunteers in Muktsar district, who have been given the task to educate school dropouts, the purpose is still not achieved.

For instance, the Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS), Alternative Innovative Education (AIE) and Special Training (STR) volunteers have brought just 87 of total 437 school dropouts (7-14 years) identified in Muktsar district to the mainstream of schooling this academic session.

A senior official in the district education office said the state government had not assigned teaching job to these volunteers and they were told to bring dropout children to the mainstream of schooling. “Due to political pressure, these volunteers have been given their preference postings. Thus the purpose is not being achieved. There are some government schools where these volunteers are not even required, but posted without any reason,” said the official.

Jaspal Monga, deputy District Education Officer, Muktsar, said, “Education volunteers have been given the task to bring dropout children to schools. As per records, 350 schoolchildren are yet to be brought to the mainstream of schooling in the district. The seniors are well aware of the facts as we have sent the report to them.” Another senior official said the salary of these education volunteers was coming direct from the state government and not under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) or any other scheme. “These volunteers are academically not qualified for teaching jobs as they have not cleared the Teacher Eligibility Test,” he added.

On the other hand, an EGS volunteer said they were doing the same duty as of the teachers. They alleged that the Education Department was exploiting them and not showing their work in records.

“There are some schools, which are being run by volunteers only as not even a single teacher is deployed there. The department doesn’t want to show us working like teachers because they fear that we will claim permanent job and salary hike,” he added.

Another education volunteer said, “We are unable to bring all dropout children to schools because the department is getting other works done from us as well.”

Repeated attempts to contact Pritpal Singh and Kulwant Kumari, who spearheaded the movement of EGS volunteers in the past, proved futile.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Harsimrat’s hoardings torn in village adopted by her

The torn poster at Mann village in Muktsar. Tribune photo

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Mann (Lambi), August 8

Unidentified persons tore up hoardings greeting Union Minister for Food Processing Industries-cum-Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal at Mann village today. Harsimrat has adopted this village under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). It is located near to Badal village in the Lambi Assembly segment.

The village witnessed major violence during zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in 2013. Around 150 Congress activists were booked in a criminal case and they had to leave the village for almost a month to evade arrest.

The SAD is also facing factionalism in the village. On January 2 this year, two factions of the party entered into a scuffle just after the CM’s sangat darshan, alleging that some influential persons did not allow them to meet the CM.

Even during Harsimrat’s last visit to the village on July 3 this year, some residents had decided to lodge a protest demanding better civic amenities. The administration had, however, stopped them and also changed the travel route of Harsimrat.

The Union Minister today announced free health insurance for all women of the village for 10 years.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Badal village shows the way; First to get rooftop solar power projects of 125 kW

Badal village shows the way

First to get rooftop solar power projects of 125 kW

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Badal (Muktsar), August 6

Badal, the native village of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, is all set to become a guiding force in rooftop solar power generation in the state.

With four rooftop solar power projects of 125 kW being installed under the net metering policy in the village, it will become the first village in the state having such projects of this much capacity.

The solar power generation will start in the next couple of days as all five projects are in the final stage of installation. The maximum 70-kW rooftop solar power project is being installed at Dasmesh Girls’ College, which is followed by Dasmesh Girls’ School having a rooftop solar power project of 30 kW. Besides, Mata Jaswant Kaur Memorial School has been installing a 15-kW project.

A 10-KW project is being installed at the Badal Kinnow Waxing Plant.

Speaking over the phone, Amarpal Singh, CEO, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), said: “Badal village is leading in the state in rooftop solar power projects covered under the net metering policy. Earlier, the largest rooftop solar project of 76 kW under the net metering policy is installed at a cold store in Jalandhar.”

The CEO said the solar power project was installed on the roof and walls of the building to generate electricity. The generated power was first used in the building as per requirement and the surplus power was fed into the grid to the PSPCL. A bi-directional meter was installed in the supply line to register import and export of power.

He said the solar system was most environment friendly method of power generation. The rooftop solar power project of 1 kW needs about 120 sq ft space. Its cost is estimated nearly Rs 1 lakh and the state government provides subsidy of Rs 12,000 per kW.

The CEO hoped that the rooftop solar power generation under net metering policy would cross the mark of 2 MW in the next 2-3 months in the state.

“As of now, 500-kW power is being generated in the state through rooftop solar power projects coming under the net metering policy,” said Amarpal.

Courtesy: The Tribune