Stunning blow to Sikh Aspirations -Sikh Marriage Act

The Sikhs had long been fighting for amendments to the Anand Karaj (Marriage) Act to convert it into a legislation governing their marriages. But the Centre’s decision to drop the proposal has dealt a blow to their aspirations. Perneet Singh takes an in-depth look into the issue 

Sikh leaders and scholars have reacted strongly to the Centre’s decision to drop the proposal for a Sikh Marriage Act, a major demand of the Sikhs since decades. Law Minister Salman Khursheed had yesterday informed Parliament that after receiving several representations for amendment to the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, the government had decided to drop the proposal. He was answering a query by Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (SAD).
The Sikhs have been fighting for amendments in the Anand Karaj (Marriage) Act, 1909, passed by Viceroy and Governor-General on October 22, 1909. The Act reads: “This Act would be extended to the whole of British India.” While introducing the Anand Marriage Act, the British Government had made it clear that it was being introduced to remove doubts as to the validity of the marriage ceremony of the Sikhs called “Anand”. Post-Independence, the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, was extended to the new provinces and states merged under the the Merged States (Laws) Act, 1949, and to the Union Territories in 1950 and Manipur and Tripura in 1956. The Act was brought into force in Meghalaya on January 21, 1972. However, Sikh marriages are not registered under it till date. The Sikh marriages performed under Sikh rites are registered either under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.

Anand Marriage Act, 1909
The Act’s salient features are:

All marriages which may be or may have been duly solemnised according to the Sikh marriage ceremony called “Anand” shall be deemed to have been with effect from the date of the solemnisation of each respectively, good and valid in law; nothing in this Act shall apply to: (a) any marriage between persons not professing the Sikh religion, or (b) any marriage which has been judicially declared null and void


Nothing in this Act shall affect the validity of any marriage duly solemnised according to any other marriage ceremony customary among the Sikhs.
Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to validate any marriage between persons related to each other in any degree of consanguinity or affinity which would, according to the customary law of the Sikhs, render a marriage between them illegal.


HINDU MARRIAGE ACT, 1955
The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, extends to the whole of India, except Jammu and Kashmir, and applies also to Hindus domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who are outside the said territories. This Act applies to:
Any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj
Any person who is a Buddhist, Jain or Sikh by religion; Any other person domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion, unless it is proved that any such person would not have been governed by the Hindu law or by any custom or usage as part of that law in respect of any of the matters dealt with herein if this Act had not been passed. The Act also states that the expression “Hindu” in any portion of this Act shall be construed to include a person who, though not a Hindu by religion, is, nevertheless, a person to whom this Act applies by virtue of the provisions contained in this section. As a result, the Anand Marriage Act 1909, which was the only piece of legislation applicable exclusively to Sikhs, has become redundant.


DIFFERENT CUSTOMS
So far, there is no provision for the registration of a marriage under the Anand Marriage Act, despite the fact that it has been on the statute books since 1909. As such, the Sikhs have to get their marriages registered either under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. This is the reason why Sikhs have had reservations on getting their marriages registered under the Hindu Marriage Act. The Sikhs contend that they are a separate religion with a different set of customs and there are several differences in the way marriage ceremonies are solemnised by followers of the two religions.
Guru Granth Sahib strictly prohibits idol or element worship, but in the Hindu marriage ceremony, the worship of nine constellations of stars is necessary and the Agni (fire) is a witness to the holy union. In case of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the witness.
A Sikh couple walks around the Holy Granth to the recitation of four hymns, known as "lawaan". A Hindu couple takes seven “pheras” around the Agni.
POST-INDEPENDENCE SCENARIO
Sikh scholars feel that the process of distinct laws for the Sikhs was undone by the policy adopted under Explanation II to Article 25 (2) of the Indian Constitution.This provision ensured that the Sikhs were included in the definition of Hindu. As a result, Sikhs come under the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, and the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.


AN EVENTFUL YEAR
The year 2008 turned out to be a momentous year for the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, with the Punjab Assembly passing the Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Bill:2008 on March 12, 2008, paving the way for registration of marriages under the Anand Marriage Act: 1909. The Pakistan Govt, too, passed the draft of the Anand Marriage Act on January 23, 2008, to allow Sikhs to register marriages under a separate marriage Act.


WHAT IS ANAND KARAJ
Anand Karaj was introduced by third Sikh guru, Guru Amar Das. The four “lawaan” (hymns recited during the marriage ceremony) were composed by his successor Guru Ram Das
The Anand Karaj is governed by the Sikh “rehat maryada” (Sikh code of conduct) determined by the SGPC, according to which only those who follow the Sikh religion may marry under the ceremony
It also states that child marriage is invalid and that no account should be taken of the prospective spouse’s caste
The Anand Karaj usually takes place in a gurdwara, though it may also be conducted at the residence of bride or groom or any other place where Guru Granth Sahib has been installed
However, it must be ensured that the Holy Granth is installed following the proper procedure
According to an edict by Akal Takht, Anand Karaj is to take place only in a gurdwara and Guru Granth Sahib cannot be taken to a marriage hall for the purpose


read more:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110831/punjab.htm#3

Athletes honoured with sports awards

Shooter Gagan Narang was bestowed with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest sports award in the country, by President of India Pratibha Patil at an investiture ceremony to honour the National sports award winners at the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan here today.

The current double world-record holder in the 10-metre air rifle event, Narang had won four gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, two silver medals in the Asian Games in China and a clutch of other medals in international meets to emerge as the sole candidate for the Khel Ratna Award.

The president also presented the Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay awards. Though the invitation card had mentioned the Maulana Abul Kalam Award (MAKA) Trophy as well, it was not presented this year, though no reason was given for not awarding the trophy to the university with best sporting achievements.

A source said the MAKA Trophy was withheld due to the fight between Punjabi University, Patiala and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and consequently the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) did not go through the process of selecting the best university. Compared to other years, the award function was rather subdued.

Barring Sports Minister Ajay Maken and Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi, no other union minister was present. There were also four absentees among the Arjuna Award winners — cricketer Zaheer Khan, tennis star Somdev Devvarman, discus thrower Vikas Gowda and gymnast Ashish Kumar.

Read more:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110830/sports.htm#1

Centre drops proposal for separate Sikh Marriage Act

The government has decided to drop the proposal for a separate law covering marriages solemnised within the Sikh community. Dealing a major blow to the aspirations of Sikhs, who have long been fighting for amendments to the existing Anand Karaj (Marriage) Act of 1909 to convert it into a comprehensive legislation governing Sikh marriages, the Ministry of Law and Justice today said there was no justification for a separate law and it had decided to abandon the proposal for any such amendment.

The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab has been on the forefront of the demand for changes in the Anand Karaj Act and the party’s core committee on political affairs had last year called upon the Centre for expeditious enactment of the Anand Marriage Act for Sikhs along the lines of similar acts for other religions (covering Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Jews).

Speaking to The Tribune today, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, leader of the Akali Dal in the Rajya Sabha, said he was given to understand by former Law Minister Veerappa Moily that a draft Bill for Sikh Marriage Act was ready and would be sent for the Cabinet approval soon before being placed in the Parliament.

“I am surprised at today’s decision of the government. We will take up the matter with the Prime Minister again,” Dhindsa said.

It was on Dhindsa’s query about the status of the said law that Law Minister Salman Khursheed today informed the Parliament that after receiving several representations for amendment to the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 to provide for compulsory registration of Sikh marriages, the government had decided to drop the proposal.

n The Sikh community has long been seeking their own law for registration of marriagesn At present, marriages amongst the Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and other communities except Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Jews, are covered by the Hindu Marriage Act 1955

n The government justified the rejection of community's demand saying such seclusion would invite similar demands from others.

Read more:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110830/main6.htm

Ash-spewing Bathinda thermal plant to be shut down

•  A PSPCL functionary says all four units have outlived their life


•  Townsmen had approached the High Court and the Human Rights Commission against the pollution being caused by the plant


•  The plant has been running without electrostatic precipitators that arrest the flow of ash from the chimneys


•  The plant burns 6,500 tonnes of coal everyday, generating a high quantity of ash


•  It has resulted in rise in eye and respiratory ailments

The announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on the shutting down of the ash-spilling 440 MW thermal power station of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) in the heart of the town here has come as music to the ears of local residents who were suffering because of the high level of pollution caused by the plant.

The thermal plant set up 37 years ago is to be dismantled as it has outlived its utility. Townsmen had approached the High Court and the Human Rights Commission to protect them from the pollution being caused by the plant.

Several social organisations have welcomed the closure announcement but PSPCL engineers are against the move.

The power corporation had already closed one of the units for renovation and this expenditure on repairs will go down the drain when the plant is dismantled. The thermal plant has been running without electrostatic precipitators that arrest the flow of ash from the chimneys, resulting in a thick layer of ash in houses.

The plant everyday burns two train-loads of about 6,500 tonnes of coal, generating a high quantity of ash. The coal is brought from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

MM Behal, convener of the action committee against the pollution caused by the thermal plant, said the decision was in the right direction and the action committee had approached the High Court for ordering the closure of the plant in case the government had no plans to modernise it.

He said the state government had failed to meet its commitment of taking steps towards controlling air pollution by June last.

Dr Amrit Sethi, an eye specialist, said that eye ailments had increased due to the air pollution caused by the thermal plant.

Read More:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110823/main7.htm

Harsimrat spent more in urban Bathinda

Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has so far released a grant of Rs 1.32 crore for the district, as per the information procured by a city resident under the Right to Information Act.

It reveals that the MP gave funds to 12 villages of Bathinda out of over 280 from the MPLAD (Member of Parliament-Local Area Development) fund. And the amount of funds released for urban areas is more than the rural areas. The funds were released between May 2009 and 2011.

The information reveals that the highest amount, Rs 20 lakh, was issued to Goniana water works in July last year for uninterrupted power supply. The MP released Rs 48.5 lakh for the construction or repairs of ‘dharamshalas’. The information also reveals that Rs 37.8 lakh was issued in 2009-10, Rs 50.4 lakh in 2010-11 and Rs 44 lakh for various developmental works for the current year.

It reveals that more funds were given for urban area (Rs 82 lakh) as compared to rural areas.

Bathinda city got Rs 24 lakh, Goniana Mandi Rs 20.15 lakh, Talwandi Sabo Rs 15 lakh, Maur Mandi got Rs 9 lakh, Raman Mandi got Rs 8.75 lakh and Sangat Mandi got Rs 5 lakh.

The information reveals that most of the funds were for the construction or repair works of dharamshalas, besides installation of tube wells, drainage of rain water, health clubs, construction of panchayat house and drains.

The villages falling under assembly area Bhucho Mandi got most of these funds while other villages remained bereft of the money for development from this fund.

Last funds allocated by Harsimrat in Bathinda were during a Sangat Darshan programme wherein she released a grant of Rs 8.5 crore from the coffers of Punjab Government.

Money matters Rs 1.32 crore released by Harsimrat Kaur in Bathinda district from the MPLAD fund Rs 82 lakh released for urban areas, rest for rural areas Rs 20 lakh is the highest amount granted for Goniana waterworks Rs 48.5 lakh for the construction and repair of 'dharamshalas' 12 villages, out of over 280 in Bathinda, benefitted

Dasmeshians win top positions in UK -Folk Dance, Music Competition

Dasmesh Girls College of Education, Badal, has won two top positions in the folk dance and music competitions held in the UK, bringing laurels to the nation and Punjab.

The competition was the world famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod of North Wales in the UK. The prestigious festival has Prince Charles as its chief patron and over 50 countries participate in it every year.

The festival was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for working toward harmony among the nations which was the dream of its founders in 1947, when they started it after seeing the havoc wreaked by the Second World War. In folk dance, artists from Punjab won the first position while France and South Africa came second and third, respectively.

In the cultural showcase competition, the Indian team got the second position after North Korea. The heritage team was led by its creative director Prof. Rajpal Singh, while Dr SS Sangha, Principal of Dasmesh Girls College of Education, played the role of manager of the team. Famous 'sarangi' player Randhir Singh, veteran folk singer SS Baath, Prof. Vanita, Prof Lakhbir Dhillon, Sunny Kumar drummer and Prof. Harpreet Kaur Randhawa played supporting roles.

Eminent dancers included Rajbir Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Amritpal Kaur, Ripneet Kaur, Rimplejit Kaur, Veerpal Kaur, Raminderjit Kaur, Deepanjot Kaur, Sushpinder Kaur, Sharanveer Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Ramandeep Kaur.

Punjab Chief Minister honoured Prof Rajpal Singh, Dr SS Sangha and Randhir Singh by presenting ‘siropas’ and Sri Sahib to them. The Department of Higher Education, Punjab, awarded commendation certificates and trophies to all the members of the Team.

Artical source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110822/bathinda.htm#11

All entry roads to Mansa sealed

Authorities prepare for protest over acquisition by 17 farmers’ unions today

The district headquarters and areas in its vicinity have been turned into police cantonments in preparation for the indefinite dharna by 17 farmers’ unions tomorrow against the “forcible” acqauisition of land in Gobindpura village for setting up a thermal power plant in the private sector.

The farmers will stage dharnas outside the offices of DCs at Mansa, Jalandhar and Amritsar. All entry routes to Mansa have been virtually sealed to prevent the march of farmers to Gobindpura. Inspector-General of Police NS Dhillon and other senior officers tried to persuade the farmers to put off their agitation but in vain.

Police contingents have been rushed here from other districts of the state to maintain law and order. Owners of the disputed 171 acres of land warned that they would defy the prohibitory orders and enter their fields.

The Congress is trying to keep the pot boiling and PPCC chief Captain Amarinder Singh has announced that the Congress would launch a morcha from September 2 against the acquisition. The Congress has announced that the acquisition would be scrapped and the property returned to the owners if the Congress comes to power after the assembly elections.

Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal has denied that the land was acquired forcibly for the thermal plant. “Most farmers had volunteered to offer their land as against the market value of about Rs 5 lakh per acre, they were paid around Rs 24 lakh per acre”, he said.

Sukhbir accused the Congress of playing politics and creating hurdles in the path of development of Punjab by harping on the Gobindpura issue.

Sukhdev Singh, general secretary of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), said the acquisition of fertile land was a matter of life and death for the farmers. He accused Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal of trying to mislead the people on the issue.

Gurdeep Singh Mann adds from Bathinda: Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Ugraha, have decided to support the family members of those whose land was "forcibly" acquired by the government to build the Urban Estate, Phases IV and V. Various farmer unions, including the Ugraha group, are already protesting against the land acquisition at Gobindpura village in Mansa district.

Another showdown on cards

Farmers to stage dharnas outside the offices of DCs at Mansa, Jalandhar and Amritsar

Police contingents rushed to Mansa from other districts of the state

Sukhbir accuses Congress of playing politics, denies land was forcibly acquired

PPCC chief Amarinder has announced that the Congress would launch a morcha from Sept 2 against the acquisition

The Cong has also announced the acquisition would be scrapped and the property returned to the owners if the Congress comes to power

Flag march at Gobindpura

MANSA: Flag march by a contingent of police officials using sirens on Sunday panicked the villagers of Gobindpura where a piece of agricultural land is being acquired by the Punjab Government for Indiabulls to setup a thermal power plant. “The vehicles were fitted with ear piercing sirens and villagers, especially the children and elderly, got panicked,” said village resident Gurmeet Singh Moni. 

Read More:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110822/punjab.htm#1

A first in 120 years: Mumbai dabbawalas on strike today

Mumbai's famed dabbawalas who deliver thousands of lunch boxes to the city’s offices every day with clockwork precision will go on a one-day strike tomorrow for the first time in their 120-year history -- in support of Anna Hazare.

“For the first time in 120 years, we have decided to strike work for a day in support of Anna Hazare,” Sopan More, president, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association, told reporters here today. “We will be joining the rest of the country in support of Anna Hazare,” More added.

As part of their one-day strike, more than 5,000 dabbawalas will congregate at Churchgate and hold a march to Azad Maidan, where they will be addressed by their leaders and social workers, More said. The dabbawalas will join thousands of other people from all walks of life who have held protest marches in Mumbai's streets in support of Hazare. For the past two days, people have carried out torchlight processions in different parts of the city in support of Hazare.

read more :http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110819/nation.htm#2

Despite orders, phone calls go unattended Principal Secy to the Chief Minister had ordered that all phones were to be attended by officials

In the hometown of Health and Family Welfare Minister Satpal Gosain, officials and employees of the health department do not seem to attend phone calls. All this despite the fact that on August 13 (after heavy rainfall in the city on the night of August 11 in which some people were killed), DS Guru, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, had made an announcement at a press conference that officials of all departments were supposed to attend the calls and any laxity would not be tolerated.

All this was revealed when this correspondent started contacting different officials of the health department yesterday, but none attended the phone. Today, when Dr Amit Verma, district epidemiologist, was contacted, he said,"I am on leave, please contact Dr Balwinder Singh. You can also contact Gurmel Singh at 9988473476 or Bhag Singh at 9876179400 for information on spray in dengue-affected areas."

ReadMore:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110819/ldh1.htm#1

The wonder that was Bathinda’s Gobindgarh Fort City’s historical monument in danger of losing its sheen as renovation plans yet to see the light of the day

Racing ahead of time, the fast pace of urbanization in the city is making Bathinda's Gobindgarh fort lose its sheen, albeit brick-by-brick.

In dire need of immediate funds for complete restoration of this magnificent structure, the fort has remained the epicentre of inhabitation in the city.

It has always been restored in phases. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) mended its one wall, another collapsed. Such is the state of affairs that the portion of wall in the fort that collapsed anyear ago during the monsoons was closed for a fortnight.

Now, over a year has passed and the portion still remains mired in debris. Following the collapse, access to the boundary walls of the fort has been denied. The wide wall is known as being the favourite haunt for recreation for the city dwellers and the only open space known to those living in the walled city.

“In the absence of spacious houses, the greenery in the fort served as our extended playgrounds. Our children have grown up here. It is painful to see this giant structure crumbling in a state of neglect. I wish the closed portions are soon made accessible to the public,” said Varinder Kumar Sharma, a resident of Pujan Wala Mohalla.

The crumbling wall of the Bathinda Fort has not yet been renovated and threatens to eclipse its historical grandeur. Tribune photograph: Pawan Sharma

ReadMore:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110818/bathinda.htm#4

SKEWED SEX RATIO -Here, 2 or more brothers share common wife

It may sound shocking but it is true. In this part of Haryana, known for its people’s loathing of female children, there are several cases of two or more brothers sharing a common wife.

In some other cases, the woman came as a bride for one brother, but has now been living with another.

Dr Atul Mariya, Subdivisional Judicial Magistrate, Dabwali, stated these appalling facts while addressing a seminar on female foeticide in the Bar Room of the local courts today.

The seminar was organised by the Sub-Division Legal Services Committee, Dabwali, and among those who addressed it were the District and Sessions Judge, Subhash Goyal, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Naresh Singhal, and the SDM, Dr Munish Nagpal.

Mariya revealed that at least 10 cases of such nature were at present pending before him in his courts and if the present trend of choice for a male child continued, the day was not far when the number might increase manifold.

“When I joined here as Judge, I noticed that there were cases of marital discord, where the women had filed suit for maintenance under section 125 of the CrPC with proof of her marriage, but the husband denied her claims and said she lived with his other brothers now,” Mariya said about the new social trends.

The husbands also came with proofs like ration cards and the photo identity card substantiating their claims that the woman lived with his brother.

In some cases, the woman lived with two or more real brothers at the same time or at different times during her lifetime.

“Shadi ta isse naal hoi si, jinne theek rakhiya ohde naal rah gayi (I was married to this person only, but then started living with whoever maintained me decently),” the women would explain their position in most of the cases.

The trend reflects how the skewed sex ratio has been affecting the social milieu in Haryana.

Sirsa has a sex ratio of 852 girls against 1,000 boys in the age group of 0 to 6 years.

read more:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110815/haryana.htm#8

There cannot be a second Shammi Kapoor

He kept company with his irrepressible boisterousness long after bidding adieu to the strapping lover- boy image of the silver screen, people knew as Shammi Kapoor . The boy- who could dance his way to the most beautiful damsels’ hearts of his times (Junglee –Saira Bano, Tumsa Nahin dekha- Ameeta, Dil Deke dekho- Asha Parekh, Kashmir Ki Kali- Sharmila Tagore ), was just a fraction of his persona. The handsome, restless, romantic young hero had to struggle and persevere patiently to create a place for himself in the film industry dominated by stalwarts like his older brother Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand in the 50s and 60s.

Major films

n Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)

n Dil Deke Dekho (1959)

n Junglee (1961)

n Teesri Manzil (1966)

n Professor (1962)

n Brahmchari (1968)

n Dil Tera Diwana (1962)

n China Town (1962)

n Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

n An evening in Paris (1967)

n Janwar (1965)

n Rajkumar (1964)

n Andaz (1971)

Bollywood Pays Tribute

"Shammi Kapoorji passed away this morning at 5:15 am. Rushing there now. The flamboyance and 'joie de vivre' of the Industry lost!. An entire life full of optimism and happy spirit, caring loving to all. Now suddenly silent." — Amitabh Bachchan

"Courageous and lively person. I am saddened
by the demise of Shammi Kapoorji. He was very lively and courageous. He was a great singer too and used to call me as his sister. May his soul rest in peace" — Lata Mangeshkar

“Shammi will always remain in this heart. I am a great admirer and a huge fan of his. His energy on screen is a treat to watch and I have loved every bit of it. His demise is a huge loss to the film industry and fraternity and mainly to his millions of fans. I convey my heart felt condolences to all in his family. O mere sona... you will always live in our hearts” — Rajinikanth

"It is certainly an end of an era. He was one of a kind, completely unique” — Sharmila Tagore
“I am in shock. He was an institution in himself” —Yash Chopra

“My father lived life to fullest. He was a very happy and lively person. He was unwell for sometime...he was on dialysis. He died of kidney failure,please pray that his soul rests in peace. I miss him and I know so will you. We are his fans, so are you. I just hope to see him more and more on Television” — Aditya Raj Kapoor

"More than the industry's loss, this is my bigger personal loss. I was very close to him and we used to meet often. I used to go and see him. I was to make a documentary on him. But I didn't expect that he will leave us like this. Even at the age of 79, he was the representative of youth. His spirit was so young and youthful, He even told me about his shooting for (grandnephew) Ranbir Kapoor's film 'Rockstar', for which he shot sometime back. He was so excited, he explained each and everything to me. He was looking forward to the movie" — Subhash Ghai

READ MORE :

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110815/main5.htm#1

Dr Gurnek Singh is acting VC of Sikh varsity

A major decision before SGPC poll, Dr Gurnek Singh, a former head of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, was appointed acting Vice- Chancellor of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, today.

Dr Gurnek Singh is the author of “Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Interpretations, Meaning and Nature” and has written five more books on various religious aspects of Sikh history. In an interview, Dr Gurnek Singh said his immediate priority would be to streamline the functioning of the university and boost the morale of his staff.

He refused to comment on his predecessor Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia’s style of functioning, maintaining that he would rather focus on his own job. Sources confirmed that his name for the top university post was proposed by SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar during his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal yesterday.

read more :http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110810/punjab.htm

907 NEW POLLING STATIONS IN PUNJAB

The number of polling stations in Punjab for the forthcoming Assembly elections has been increased to 19,724, from the earlier 18,817.

The Election Commission of India has accepted the recommendations of Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab for rationalisation of polling stations in the state ahead of Vidhan Sabha polls, CEO Kusumjit Sidhu said here today.

The increase in the number of polling stations has come due to rationalisation of the polling stations in the state for the forthcoming Assembly elections, CEO said. She said that all political parties are advised to contact concerned district electoral officers for details of polling stations in each district.

src.http://www.punjabmailonline.com/Punjab%20News_news2.aspx#51980

Recruitment of coaches hits roadblock

The recruitment of 225 coaches by the Punjab Sports Department has hit a roadblock. Acting on a petition filed by 37 coaches working under the Punjab Sports Department, Justice Surya Kant of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today ruled the selection process would not be initiated till the issues raised are resolved.

Disposing of the petition filed through counsel HC Arora, Justice Surya Kant observed the petitioners have raised a “serious issue” that the selection criteria mentioned in the advertisement issued by the Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab is in violation of the provisions contained in “Punjab Sports (Group-C) Service Rules, 2001”.

Justice Surya Kant directed the Secretary, Sports, to treat the civil writ petition as a representation by the petitioners, and decide all the issues raised in it by passing a speaking order, and till then selection process shall not be started.

Justice Surya Kant also directed that in case Secretary, Sports, came to the decision that petitioners have raised valid point, a corrigendum to the already released advertisement shall have to be issued for changing the selection criteria.

In case the points raised by petitioners are not found acceptable, the speaking order passed shall have to be communicated to the petitioners.

The coaches, engaged by the sports department through a private agency in 2008, had stated that during the previous two-and-a-half years, they played a vital role in several international matches, including the four-nation hockey league, and the word kabaddi cup in addition to the inter-state matches and sports meets. — TNS

src.http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110802/punjab.htm#5

Special police stations to check fake currency soon

Aiming to check the menace of counterfeit currency, the Punjab Government has decided to set up one police station in each district that would be dedicated solely for this job. A notification in this regard is likely to be issued soon.

And all these police stations would be equipped with modern gadgets to check the smuggling and circulation of fake currency.

Sources in the Police Department said the decision was taken following a recent meeting between of the “state-level committee against fake currency”. The top brass of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the crime and intelligence wings, too, was present.

A senior police official said 68 ultra-violet lamps had already been given to the district police wings and the intelligence officials to check the growing menace of fake currency. The racket is being run in an organised manner in the border districts of Amritsar, Ajnala and Ferozepur, the official said.

According to official record, the police seized fake currency of Rs 1.17 crore face value in 2008. The count stood at Rs 1.10 crore in 2009 and almost doubled to Rs 2.12 crore in 2010. And until April this year, the seizures stood at Rs 58 lakh.

COUNTER STEPS

• 68 ultra-violet lamps distributed among district police and intelligence wings to identify fake notes

• The racket is being run in an organised manner in the border districts of Amritsar, Ajnala and Ferozepur
• Police to tie up with the officials of the BSF, Customs and other Central intelligence agencies

read more :http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110802/punjab.htm#5

CURFEW-LIKE SITUATION PREVAILS IN GOBINDPURA

Normal life is being completely thrown out of gear in this tiny village situated about 40 km from Mansa, as all roads leading to it are sealed and no vehicles, except those of the police, are allowed entry.

The village has been cordoned off to thwart the entry of members belonging to the 17 farmer labour unions which announced the decision to reach the village in large numbers to uproot the pillars and barbed wire fencing on the controversial 166 acres of land being “forcibly” acquired by the administration for setting up of a private thermal plant, on Tuesday.

No one was allowed to enter Gobindpura except the residents of the village. They too were allowed entry after proving their identity. During a visit to the village, The Tribune observed all religious places and educational institutes were wearing a deserted look. Fear was quite visible on the faces of the villagers, who feared a clash between the police and the activists of farmer unions to take place on Tuesday.

“Police force to such an extent has never been deployed in the history of this village. The heavy deployment of police is indicative of the apprehension of an untoward incident taking place tomorrow. We are praying that the day passes off peacefully,” said Harditt Singh, an octogenarian, while pointing towards the cops who have made a camp office at the village health centre. Fearing the imposition of curfew, many residents preferred to leave the village this morning, after locking up their establishments. “Our school is closed tomorrow since there is a curfew in the village,” said a student, who said his teacher had announced it in the classroom.

read more:http://www.punjabmailonline.com/#51961