Education department to get serious about students' health

The state education department plans to get serious about the health of students in government schools as, come December, it will team up with a non-government organisation (NGOs) to hold special camps aimed at diagnosing poor vision and hearing in students. 

An official on Monday said  the department, with the assistance of Sight Savers, the NGO, would organise camps at Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Faridkot districts, from December 11 to 20. The decision, director general of school education (DGSE) Kahan Singh Pannu said, was taken after 597 students were diagnosed with poor vision in a recent state-wide survey conducted by the education department.

"Following the camps in December, the children with poor vision will be provided with medical aid and the required instruments for free," Pannu said, adding that the department wanted to ensure that poor vision amd hearing were not a hindrance in the studies of the students.

During the recent survey, government schools in Ludhiana district had most number of students with poor vision - 111 were diagnosed with the condition. It was followed by Gurdaspur district (68), Fazilka district (57) and Faridkot district (51). The districts that fared better were Patiala (45 students), Mansa (25 students) and Sangrur (15 students). No such cases were detected in Bathinda district.

On how the department plans to help students with poor hearing, the DGSE said special audiometry camps would be organised at the block and district levels. "At the camps, students will be provided with cordless hearing aids on subsidised rates," he said.

In a communiqué to principals and heads of government schools, the DGSE said though the department had a list of students with poor vision, it wanted to ensure that no student was left out. "At the end of the day, these conditions have a bearing on studies. And we don't want any student to suffer because of ill health," he said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Patiala/Education-department-to-get-serious-about-students-health/SP-Article1-965157.aspx

Fazilka burns least paddy straw

Hindustan Times, Page 2, Chandigarh Edition

FEROZEPUR: Fazilka has recorded least straw-burning incidents in the state. It earned a round of applause on Tuesday. Karan Avtar Singh, Punjab principal secretary for science and technology and environment (pointing), during his special visit to a field in Fazilka district on Tuesday.

Karan Avtar Singh, principal secretary of science, technology and environment, shared the figures with a gathering of progressive farmers and horticulture experts during his special visit to Farmers' Training Centre at Zamindara Farm Solutions. The principal secretary applauded Zamindara Farm Solutions for its contribution in making farmers aware of the consequences of burning crop stubble after harvest. The venture won praise for promoting better agricultural tools such as Happy seeder and roller to straightway sow wheat without burning up the residue of paddy to clear the field.

The Jawala Bhai Nathu Ram Charitable Trust, led by Vikram Ahuja, won accolades for its campaign of administering oath to farmers about not burning paddy stubble in the interest of the environment. It educated farmers about the demerits of unsustainable methods of preparing new fields. Farmers of Fazilka, Mamdot, Ferozepur, Gidderbaha, Zira, and surrounding areas joined the campaign.

"Fazilka's Zamindara Farm Solutions is a blended value business based on technical knowledge coming from the Cereal System Initiative for South Asia (CSISA)," said Vikram Ahuja. "Farmers realise at last that by not burning the wheat or paddy straw, they save a huge amount of water because the fields, after days of burning, require hours of watering for the soil to recover the moisture for the sowing of paddy or wheat."

Many farmers who had stopped burning of s t raw shared their experiences with the principal secretary. "Four years ago, I tried sowing wheat with the help of Happy seeder," said Raj Krishan, a progressive farmer from Rana village. "Better results got me to prepare more than 22 acres of field without burning up any straw." Ferozepur's deputy commissioner, Basant Garg was present.

PUDA Colony Over Wetland in Fazilka : Apex court panel’s second notice to CS

23 Nov 2012 :: Hindustan Times (Chandigarh), Bathinda Edition, Page 3

FEROZEPUR: The Supreme Court central empowered committee dealing with forest and wildlife matters has sent its second notice to the state chief secretary about the sale of prime government property for a proposed residential colony. Navdeep Asija, a social activist who took the matter to the committee, also submitted that the district forest officer and state forest and wildlife preservation department reports had ignored the threat to the environment and biodiversity of the Badha lake in Fazilka region, if 400 old trees on its banks were cut to clear the space for 56 residential plots.

On the proposed colony of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA), the committee already has sent a notice to the CS on the various legalisation and environmental norms. The government property that was part of the wetland was sold under the non-legislative Optimum Use of Vacant Government Land scheme. No reply to the earlier notice was filed; hence, another notice has now been issued.

The Punjab and Haryana high court had disposed of the case based on an affidavit by the chief conservator officer, state forest and wild life preservation department, that the department had nothing to do with the land in question. This in spite of the fact that a 400 feet by 60 feet reserved forest along the Alam Shah minor would pass right thorough the middle of the colony. The project is not approved by the state pollution control board, which should ask for compensatory forestation. The green belt in Fazilka city is less than 1% and there's no provision to increase it. The existing green cover is under threat to facilitate unplanned development.

"It's clear PUDA is doing it to favor the land mafia," said complainant Navdeep Asija. "The colony project will jack up the price of the agricultural land nearby."

The local body responsible for the development of the city had proposed restoration of Badha lake under a master plan through resolution but PUDA took no approval from it before coming out with the colony project. "The government seems to be acting like property dealer but I have faith in the judiciary," said Asija.

The Supreme Court committee had sent its last notice to the CS more than a year ago, on August 9, 2011. The committee's role is to check the unsustainable cutting of forests and the threat of massive destruction of wildlife habitats.

Fazilka colony: SC panel directs state to guard area’s biodiversity

 
Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, November 22
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court of India, has asked the Chief Secretary, Punjab, to initiate necessary action for allegedly compromising on environmental norms for the proposed PUDA Colony on the bank of the extinct Badha Lake wetland area in Fazilka.

Reacting on the complaint of Navdeep Asija, general secretary, Graduate Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF), on the issue of damage to environment and biodiversity in the wetland area near the Deputy Commissioner's residence, where PUDA proposes to sell 56 residential plots by carving out a colony, the CEC has sent a letter to the Chief Secretary asking him to intervene.

Notably, the Central Empowered Committee is constituted by the Supreme Court to check pressure on the forests, the unsustainable removal and the real threat of massive destruction to wildlife. The Supreme Court intervened and played a pioneering role in its efforts to save India's forest and wildlife.

The petitioner, Navdeep Asija, has alleged that the authorities had ignored the report of the District Forest Officer (DFO), Ferozepur, in which he stated that there are 355 trees on different khasra numbers of the land where PUDA wants to carve out the colony.

The DFO has also admitted that with the felling of the trees, there could be an adverse affect on biodiversity in the area.

It is pertinent to mention here that the green belt in Fazilka city is alarmingly less than one per cent. "No sincere efforts to enhance the area under green cover are being made but contrary to it, the authorities have been sacrificing the existing green cover to facilitate unplanned development," regretted Asija.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121123/bathinda.htm#3

Red Ribbon Express to halt at eights stations for aids awareness

The Red Ribbon Express, an exhibition train on HIV/AIDS, has been scheduled to halt at eight districts of the state in order to create AIDS awareness. Dr Harinder Bir, main streaming consultant, Punjab Aids Control Society (PACS), said the train focusing on the youth would halt at eight stations -- Nangal, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Rupnagar.

"The train, decked up with banners, posters, audio-visual clips and volunteer talks will start from Nangal on December 15 and will culminate in Amritsar on January 1. The multimedia-equipped train will halt at every station for two days except at Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Fazilka, where it will halt for three days," she said.

The train is on the move across the country to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS for the third year under the ministry of health and family welfare and National Rural Health Mission (NHRM). The state health authorities will launch awareness campaigns to encourage people to visit the train.

She said, "Mass campaigns through nukad naatak, especially in rural areas, will be conducted on five days in every region, asking people to visit the train. Workshops, Doordarshan, radio, cinema slides, railways station announcements, mobilised information, and education and communication vans will promote the campaign and encourage people to visit the train."

She said the volunteers in vans would also inform people about the symptoms and prevention of HIV/AIDS. She said district education officers had been asked to take senior secondary school students to see the train.

Dr Harinder said the train had four exhibition coaches with exhibits on HIV/AIDS and NHRM.

"The eight-coach train would comprise first three coaches containing information on HIV/AIDS, while the fourth coach would give information on NHRM exhibits on tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive and child health services and general diseases."

She said the fifth coach would provide training to people in batches of 60 and five batches would be covered in a day. The training session would be held even with stakeholders, including Asha workers, ANMs, Nehru Youth Kendra workers, self-help groups and other health workers.

To provide training to the people, special teams of volunteers including doctors, NSS officials, NGOs had been prepared.

"Coach No 6 will have counselling sessions and HIV testing services wherein two doctors, counsellors and lab technicians would be there, who would inform people about sexually-transmitted diseases. Coaches No 7 and 8 will be for officials."

She said the other attraction would be taped versions ongoing inside the train disseminating information on HIV/AIDS and other diseases. The train timing will be from 9.30am to 5pm.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/Red-Ribbon-Express-to-halt-at-eights-stations-for-aids-awareness/SP-Article1-962416.aspx

Punjab steps up drive against illegal mining; 24 more FIRs

Chandigarh: Stepping up its drive against illegal mining, the Punjab government has registered 24 more FIRs during the last three days. 

Over 30 vehicles were also impounded, a spokesman said, adding that total number of FIRs in last one week has touched to 53. 

The industry department was continuing with stringent action against illegal miners, the spokesman said. 

District-wise details of FIRs registered are Pathankot (8) Amritsar (2), Ferozpur (2), Jalandhar (2), Kapurthala (2), Ludhiana (2) Moga (2) and Fazilka (1), Batala (1), Bathinda (1), Hoshiarpur (1). 

Pathankot district has turned out to be the worst affected area with 8 FIR's in the last three days and in total 12 FIR's have been lodged in this district in the last one week. 

PTI 

http://zeenews.india.com/news/punjab/punjab-steps-up-drive-against-illegal-mining-24-more-firs_808422.html

Punjab's Sukhbir bats for Indo-Pak border trade

Deputy chief minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday said Pakistan and India must make an initiative to increase the volume of trade through the Attari-Wagah land route.

Sukhbir said he favoured the use of land routes on Hussaniwala and Fazilka border to boost trade between the two nations. 

Sukhbir was speaking in Lahore at the Pakistan- India Business Round Table organised by Pakistan Board of Investment and Trade.

Sukhbir is leading a delegation of traders from India in Pakistan. Sukhbir said better economic exchange could help strengthen the relationship between the two countries. 

He added that the trade through the integrated check post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah international border boosts the traders in both countries. He also hoped that the negative list of items, which are not importable from India, would be scrapped or shrunk by December 31.

"It would open new opportunities for trade and development in Punjab in India and Pakistan. We have to prepare for a quantum leap in trade by strengthening infrastructure and logistics at the checkposts on both sides. 

There should be no delay or bottlenecks in import and export of goods," Sukhbir said. Vikas Kahol in Chandigah

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2228846/Punjabs-Sukhbir-bats-Indo-Pak-border-trade.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Differently-abled Fazilka lad shines in cricket

Praful Chander Nagpal

Physically-challenged Neeraj Kumar of Fazilka in action at Navrangpur Stadium of Ahmedabad.

Fazilka, November 5
He is like any another teenaged fast bowler, determined to send the batsman back to the pavilion. But the difference between him and the other bowlers is that Neeraj Kumar, 19, had lost his left hand in an accident six years back.

But the youth from Fazilka displayed courage and determination in the Indian Premier Cricket League (IPCL) that concluded today at Ahmedabad.

The son of a vegetable vendor, Neeraj Kumar, represented the India Blue team. The matches were telecast live on the DD sports channel. Neeraj took two wickets while conceding 33 runs in his four over quota against the South Eagles at Navrangpur Stadium.

Neeraj uses his other arm to bowl. The only limitation it imposes on him is that he can't bowl with a high arm action.

"Initially, I faced difficulties and was uncertain about my future in cricket but thanks to the unflinching support of my family, I was back on the fields," he said.

"My dream has come true. I cannot describe the feeling in words. I now want to prove myself in big tournaments," said the fast bowler. His parents, Hem Raj and Moolan Devi, said they were proud of their son's achievement.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121106/bathinda.htm#3

Fire at Fazilka tehsil office, arson suspected

The records room in the old office of the Fazilka tehsildar caught fire early on Tuesday, gutting all documents stored there. The security staff at the local crime investigation agency (CIA) located opposite the records room noticed the fire in one portion of the old tehsil complex, but  before it could be controlled, documents, including revenue records like mutations and jamabandi, were destroyed.

 

The police station is 25 metres away and the sub-jail 30 metres from the records room. It took the fire tenders more than an hour to control the blaze.

The police have started an investigation and registered a case against unidentified persons. An official said on condition of anonymity that it was a case of arson.

Captain (retired) MS Bedi questioned how the arsonists could dare to set the records room on fire when it was in the proximity of the CIA and the police station.

Deputy commissioner Basant Garg said the staff of the tehsil office had shifted to a new administrative complex. "We are trying to find out what kind of records were gutted in the fire," he added.

On February 27, 2011, the records room of the court had caught fire. Later, the persons involved in the incident were traced and they confessed that they did so to destroy evidence pertaining to a case that was being heard at that time.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Arson-suspected-in-fire-at-Fazilka-tehsil-records-room/SP-Article1-949144.aspx

सेमिनार :इको कैब के नाम जुड़ी एक और उपलब्धि : रिक्शा चालक खुद को सिपाही समङो : एसएसपी

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के तत्वाधान में काम कर रही ईको कैब सोसायटी फाजिल्का के नाम एक और उपलब्धि जुड़ गई है।

मंगलवार को जिला पुलिस प्रमुख अमर सिंह चहल की अध्यक्षता में ईको कैब (फाजिल्का में ईजाद आधुनिक रिक्शा) की खूबियों, उपलब्धियों बारे एक सेमिनार का आयोजन किया गया। सेमिनार के मुख्य वक्ता एसोसिएशन के सचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा थे। जिसमें जिले के सभी आला पुलिस अधिकारी और सभी थानों के प्रभारी शामिल हुए। सेमिनार को संबोधित करते हुए इंजीनियर असीजा ने प्रदूषण कम करने, बुजुर्गो, महिलाओं व हर शहरवासी को फोन कॉल पर उपलब्ध ईको कैब के फायदों की जानकारी दी। उन्होंने बताया कि कार्बन उत्सर्जन को वैश्विक स्तर पर हुए समझौते के तहत देश के रिक्शा चालक जितनी कार्बन पैदा होने से बचाते हैं, उसकी एवज में उन्हें लाखों रुपये की प्रतिमाह कमाई हो सकती है। इसके अलावा नई रिक्शा इसे चलाने वालों की सेहत के लिए भी फिट है। इंजीनियर असीजा ने सोसायटी द्वारा रिक्शा चालकों के बच्चों की शिक्षा, उनकी नशामुक्ति, परिवार को दी जा रही स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं के बारे में भी बताया। सोसायटी के कार्यो व नेटवर्क से प्रभावित एसएसपी चहल ने रिक्शा चालक से कहा कि वह खुद को रिक्शा पुलर नहीं बल्कि एक सिपाही समङों। वह अपराध रोकने में पुलिस के इंफार्मर बनकर पूरी मदद कर सकते हैं। साथ ही उन्होंने जिले के हर शहर में ईको कैब सोसायटी की तरह ईको कैब चलाने और रिक्शा चालकों का जीवन स्तर ऊंचा उठाने के लिए उनकी रजिस्ट्रेशन का ऐलान भी किया। इस मौके पर उनके साथ डीएसपी रामप्रकाश, अबोहर के एसपी वरिंद्र सिंह बराड़, जिला यातायात पुलिस प्रभारी हरप्रीत सिंह, फाजिल्का नगर थाना प्रभारी एसएस बराड़, यातायात प्रभारी नरेंद्र सिंह सहित अन्य अधिकारी मौजूद थे।

Dainik Jagran, 17 October 2012

Jyani announces opening of eye bank at Fazilka

Harish K. Monga

Fazilka, October 15, 2012: It was the third function organised by Social Welfare Society, Fazilka to honour families of eye donors.

So far, the SWC has arranged the eye donations of 177 persons after their death and Fazilka is now known as Eye Donors City.

Padamshree Vijay Kumar Chopra, chief editor, Hind Samachar Group of Papers was the chief guest and Surjeet Kumar Jyani, MLA and Forest and Labour Minister, Punjab, presided over the function.

On this occasion, Nirmla Jyani, Charandev Singh Maan, ADC, Sudesh Nagpal, patron Istri Arya Samaj, Surinder Ahuja, businessman, Dr. S. P. Garg, SMO, civil hospital, Dina Nath Sachdeva, president, Pacca Arthia Association and social worker and various prominent persons of the city and NGOs were present.

The members of the family, who have contributed for donating the eyes on the death of their nearest relatives were honoured by Vijay Kumar Chopra and Surjeet Kumar Jyani and Nirmla Jyani.

Surjeet Kumar Jyani, in his address said, Fazilka is now known as the city of eye donors and announced the opening of Eye Bank at Fazilka.  He further said that it is easy to say for eye donation but this service is not that easy as the people now shirk taking care of their parents even.

Charandev Singh, ADC said, eye donation is a big service to the society.  A man can donate his eyes before his next birth.  He thinks that the life is for him only but the real life is that if you are helpful to others.

Dr. Asha Goomber on this occasion said, the beautiful eyes are those, which are donate to give light to others after death.

 Raj Kishore Kalra, president, Kanwal Kishore Grover, secretary and Shashi Kant, chairman said, as on date, the society has managed the eye donation of 177 persons on their deaths besides arranging artificial limbs to 198 persons with the help of Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Samiti, Ambala, Lala Durga Charan Charitable Artificial Limb Centre and Parvati Devi Trust, Ambala.

They further said that the society has also arranged number of social service camps like sugar check-up, education to poor students, regular medicines to poor families, woolen sweaters and organised seminars on social evils.

Padamshree Vijay Chopra in his address said, earlier there was a shortage of eyes but it not now.  The initiative of Social Welfare Society for managing eye donations is appreciable and motivational.  He said, "A man will live even after his death by donation one of his organ".

He further said, most of the social welfare works to be done by the government are being managed by the social organisations.  The government should arrange sufficient power supply, pure drinking water and cheap education. By providing these essential services, the society will prosper and economists of the country must think it over.  The youths should come forward by moving on the footsteps of elders and with the joint working of elders and youths, the society will be benefited.

Date:
Monday, October 15, 2012

http://cityairnews.com/content/jyani-announces-opening-eye-bank-fazilka

नशा न करेंगे तो सड़क पर सुरक्षित रहेंगे : Safe Rickshaw Drive Campaign at Fazilka by Traffic Police, Punjab

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का : अतिरिक्त पुलिस महानिदेशक आरपी सिंह के आदेशानुसार रिक्शा चालकों को भी ट्रैफिक नियमों के दायरे में शामिल कर लिया गया है। जिसका आगाज मंगलवार को फाजिल्का से किया गया। ट्रैफिक पुलिस की ओर से नवगठित फाजिल्का ईको कैब वेलफेयर सोसायटी के रिक्शा चालकों को रोड सेफ्टी की ट्रेनिंग दी गई। जिसमें 120 रिक्शा चालकों ने भाग लिया। इस मौके पर रिक्शा चालकों को नशे से दूर रहने की अपील की गई। पुलिस के सेमिनार के उपरांत दैनिक जागरण के मिस्टर नशामुक्तएडवोकेट संजीव बांसल ने भी रिक्शा चालकों को नशे के दुष्प्रभावों के बारे में बताया। ट्रैफिक पुलिस के एएसआइ नरिंद्र सिंह ने बताया कि नशा करके वाहन चलाने से करीब 60 प्रतिशत हादसे होते हैं। जिनमें कई मौत हो जाती है और कई घायल हो जाते हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि नशामुक्त नागरिक ही स्वस्थ समाज का निर्माण कर सकता है। रिक्शा चलाते समय चालक तंबाकू का सेवन न करें। सवारी इसे पसंद नहीं करती और चालक को इससे नुकसान होता है। नशेड़ी रिक्शा चालकों का प्रभाव स्कूल जा रहे बच्चों पर भी पड़ता है। उन्हांेने कहा कि रिक्शा चलाते समय मोबाइल फोन पर बात करने की बजाय थोड़ी देर रुकना बेहतर रहता है। ट्रैफिक पुलिस के हवालदार जसवंत सिंह व पवन कुमार ने कहा कि चौक को पार करते समय शॉर्टकट की बजाय नियमानुसार चलें। इस मौके पर सोसायटी के मनजिंद्र सिंह, गुरदीप सिंह और राज कुमार आदि मौजूद थे।

Dainik Jagran, Ludhiana Edition, Ferozpur-Fazilka Page 3, 11 October 2012

आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता को जान से मारने की धमकी

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का : आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता और अग्रदूत सोशल वेलफेयर सोसायटी के महासचिव अमर चेतीवाल ने एक भाजपा नेता पर उन्हें जान से मारने की धमकी देने का आरोप लगाया है।

चेतीवाल ने कहा कि उन्होंने विभिन्न विभागों में हो रहे भ्रष्टाचार के बारे में आरटीआइ के तहत सूचना मांगी है। इसी की खुन्नस में सात अक्टूबर को उनके मोबाइल फोन पर किसी ने फोन किया। उक्त व्यक्ति ने अपना नाम राकेश सहगल बताया और उन्हें जान से मारने की धमकी दी और आरटीआइ के तहत सूचनाएं मांगना बंद करने को कहा। चेतीवाल का आरोप है कि उक्त व्यक्ति भाजपा का नेता है। उन्होंने पुलिस से इस मामले में कार्रवाई की मांग की है।

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नहीं दी धमकी : सहगल

भाजपा नेता राकेश सहगल ने कहा कि उन्होंने फोन जरूर किया था, लेकिन कोई धमकी नहीं दी। उन्होंने कहा कि चेतीवाल भाजपा के जिला महासचिव रहे हैं। एक जिम्मेवार पद पर रहने के बावजूद वह आरटीआइ की आड़ में पार्टी की छवि खराब कर रहे हैं। फोन पर हुई बात में उन्होंने चेतीवाल से आरटीआइ की बजाय सीधे पदाधिकारियों से जवाब मांगने की सलाह दी थी। यहां तक कि उन्होंने चेतीवाल को सूचना मांगने से भी नहीं रोका।

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शिकायत मिलते ही कार्रवाई : एसएसपी

अमर चेतीवाल ने खुद को मिली धमकी की शिकायत रजिस्टर्ड डाक से एसएसपी व नगर थाना पुलिस को भेजी है। इस बारे में एसएसपी अमर सिंह ने कहा कि अभी तक उन्हें ऐसी कोई शिकायत नहीं मिली। शिकायत मिलते ही बनती कार्रवाई की जाएगी।

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सूचना न देने पर ईओ सहित तीन चार्जशीट

फाजिल्का : आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता अमर चेतीवाल ने नगर परिषद की ओर से खरीदे गए सीवरेज मेनहोल के ढक्कनों, सलेमशाह बाजार में बनाए गए डिवाइडर सहित विभिन्न विकास कार्यो सहित दो दर्जन सूचनाएं मांगी थीं। लेकिन समय पर न दी गई, आधी-अधूरी व गुमराह करने वाली सूचनाओं के आधार पर चेतीवाल ने प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त से शिकायत की थीं। उसी के आधार पर प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त ने नगर परिषद के कार्यकारी अधिकारी, एसओ व क्लर्क को चार्जशीट कर दिया है।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-9741852.html

Term "Act of God" or "Natural Disaster"

This term "Act of God" used by Insurance companies or Authorities needs to be looked upon. In 2001 during Bhuj, Gujrat earthquake in India, more than 20,000 people died and its magnitude at Richter scale was 7.6, now almost at the same time, there was an earthquake in El Salvador (Latin America) with richer scale intensity 7.7 and in that 852 people died, further the one in California with same intensity and in the year 2001 only caused death of about 50 people. So, if I go by the definition of insurance companies by saying these incidents as "Act of God" or "Natural Disaster" , statistically it is proved that God love Latin American people 25 to 100 times more than we Indians. Important here to understand  is that there is nothing called 'Act of God" and everything is man made. With the Development of Science, we understand the behavior of nature very well, but we are not prepared enough to handle that and for that reason we end up blaming god for it. The way we safeguard our houses from Rain, also can be protected for earthquake or tsunamis but dear human beings stop blaming god and act fast. Thanks to the movie "OMG" for starting this though proving debate

Civil Hospital ailing in Fazilka : Health services at the 103-year-old hospital crippled due to shortage of doctors

 Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, October 2
Medical services at the 103-year-old Civil Hospital, formerly known as Dane Hospital, Fazilka, which was established by the British, has been crippled following an acute shortage of specialised doctors and the paramedical staff.

Following the promotion and transfer of specialist doctors two years back, the office of the Civil Surgeon here fell vacant and has not been filled up yet despite Fazilka being a district headquarters.

As per the Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Civil Hospital, Fazilka, Dr SP Garg, out of the total 13 sanctioned posts, eight have been lying vacant for long and a pathologist, Dr Renu Dhuria, has proceeded on long leave.

The sanctioned posts of surgeon, gynaecologist, paediatrician, medical specialist, dermatologist and MBBS doctors are also vacant.

For the last few months, the doctors have been braving all odds to run the emergency services and OPD besides attending to duties like conducting the postmortem, attending the courts and sending the reports on a regular basis to the higher authorities.

The schemes run by the Centre and the state government for the poor sections of society have also been hit adversely due to the shortage of doctors. The aim of the state government-- to perform maximum deliveries at the Civil Hospital-- has also been affected in the absence of a gynaecologist.

It has become difficult for the staff to run the blood bank for want of a Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO).

The operation theatre and the ultrasound machine are virtually lying defunct. The ambitious DOTS project, for treating the tuberculosis patients, has been hit due to the non-availability of a physician. The hospital staff has to refer the seriously ill patients to the medical college at Faridkot for specialised treatment.

As per official sources, the number of patients at the OPD has declined to 200-250 on a working day. Earlier, the figure used to be around 400.

The number of indoor patients has also come down as the physicians, surgeons, heart specialists and the gynaecologists, who used to admit the patients, are presently not serving the hospital, thanks to the indifferent attitude of the state health department.

The patients hover around the OPD which often wears a deserted look even during the working hours. The posts of paramedical staff have also been lying vacant. Out of the total 24 sanctioned posts of nurses, 15 are lying vacant, which in turn, has affected the indoor services also.

"We have sent the report to the higher authorities but the vacant posts are yet to be filled up," said the SMO Dr Garg. 

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121003/bathinda.htm#1