Phillaur (Jalandhar - Ludhiana GT Road Toll- Increased Again )

In a move which adds insult to injury the road toll tax at Sutlej bridge at GT Road Phillaur has , again been hiked from 31-08-09.

This is the second increase this year. Already the rates were very high. Instead of decreasing the toll has been increased.

Politicians and bureaucrats do not pay any toll . Entire burden of this toll falls on common non-VIP public.

Special Government Cell For Abandoned NRI Brides

A large number of Non Resident ( NRI ) Marriages ( many in Jalandhar- Doaba region ) lead to the abandonment of the Indian bride mostly after the NRI husband has returned abroad. Promises of calling the bride abroad turn out be false.The bride and her parents are unable to take any meaningful action because of a lack of a proper legal forum.

Now, Government of India ( Ministry of Overseas Affairs ) has redressed this lacuna by appointing a nodal Governmental agency , National Commission For Women ( NCM )which has established a special NRI cell for helping NRI wives. This cell was inaugurated by NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas.

Punjab Kesari Group Chief Vijay Kumar Chopra - Director Press Trust of India

Chief of Hind Samachar / Punjab Kesari group, Padamshi Vijay Kumar Chopra has been appointed Director of the prestigious Press Trust of India ( PTI ) .

Vijay Kumar Chopra is one of the most respected personalities in Jalandhar not only in the field of journalism but , also ,social work. He is a father like figure for Jalandhar citizens

Mercedes Benz Showroom in Jalandhar

World's most respected car Mercedes is opening its dealership showroom JOSHI AUTOZONE in Jalandhar,

Both the car Mercedes and its manufacturer Mercedes Benz are status symbols and it is a matter of great pride for Jalandhar to have their dealership in Jalandhar.

Contact :

Joshi Autozone Pvt Limited ,
Narang Square
GT Road ,NH-1,
Jalandhar
98722-33441
97799-44444

email : ifo@joshiautozone.com

Email Users in Jalandhar Duped by " Damsels in Distress "

Well with advancement in technology fraudsters have , also , become hi tech.

Some email users in Jalandhar have received emails from young, beautiful girls ,( photo attached )from a foreign country.

The girls' story mostly is that their real father has left a huge sum ( in millions ) in a foreign bank which the girl cannot access. The girl would like that money to be transferred to the fraud victim's name as some sort of guardian / trustee . A sum is asked for as advance for some processing charges etc. Once the amount is received by the " damsel in distress " no further message / email from them .

Internet- Email ' Lottery ' Frauds - Modus Operandi

Internet users in Jalandhar and elsewhere receive many emails about fraud lottery winning messages. This is the fraudsters ' procedure to cheat email users :-

We are grateful to ICICI Bank which is running a campaign to educate public

HOW THE FRAUD WORKS

1 ) Fraudsters send e-mails informing that the email user has won a massive amount in some high sounding international lottery.

2 ) To claim this prize , they may ask for scanned copies of personal documents like passport etc so that it seems a genuine lottery scheme.

3 ) Soon , the fraudsters ask for an " advance " fee ( supposedly for customs , bank fees etc .)

4) Once the fees are deposited the fraudsters pocket the money and stop further communication.

For suggestions and feedback on this topic contact :-

www.icicibank.com

( Credit : ICICI BANK )

Ludhiana Railway Station Shootout- Honour the Brave Vendor ( Martyred )

The arrest of the dreaded terrorist Balbir Singh ( of village Bhootna- Ferozepur district ) after a 4 hour encounter at the Ludhiana Railway Station is the main topic of discussion , to-day , in Jalandhar.

Every body is commending the bravery of the vendor Santosh who at the risk of his life caught hold of the escaping terrorist's feet. Santosh lost his life in his this exemplary act of bravery.

Santosh has left behind a wife, 3 daughters , 1 son and other dependants. He was a humble worker from Bihar.

WE SALUTE SANTOSH's BRAVERY.

It is supreme duty of all concerned Government and Public that Santosh's family his adequately compensated and are looked after till a reasonable time.

CLEOPATRA-- Jalandhar's Elite Beauty & Makeup Studio

For premium beauty / makeup and related services contact ;-

Cleopatra
121 , New Jawahar Nagar,
Jalandhar City
Tel : 0181- 5057727 ; 5059727 ; 4606061 /63

website :-www.cleopatraspaindia.in

Prices of Foodstuffs Soar-Sugar - Rs.35/Kg- Officially Zero Inflation !

There is a very big difference between what the official Government data on inflation and the reality at the local kirayana stores.


Officially weekly numbers on inflation tell us of near zero inflation. But retail prices of essential commodities like sugar, pulses ( Daal ) , eggs etc. is sky rocketing .

Effective measures to address the supply side should be taken by the Government on an emergency basis.

NRI -Construction of Grand Houses in Jalandhar District- Hit by World Recession

The world wide recession has affected foreign countries much more than India. This has affected NRIs adversely. Doaba _ Jalandhar belt has the largest number of NRIs.Trades serving NRIs have been badly hit.

NRIs love to construct majestic houses in their villages. Many times such houses are kept locked for long periods. Still NRIs would take pride in building these villas . These houses dot the entire rural areas of Jalandhar. They can be easily identified by the grandeur and a special water tank at the top mostly in the shape of an aeroplane.

Such construction activity has been very adversely affected. Contractors, workers, sanitary goods suppliers are reporting very low business.

Very few NRIs are visiting their ancestral villages. As a result taxi drivers are , also , affected.

MANN MEDICITI- Jalandhar ( Super Specialities Hospital ) Inaugurated

Promoted by the dynamic Dr. JS Mann ( Mann Scan ), Jalandhar's first ultra modern Hi-Tech Hospital, MANN MEDICITY ( Near TV Tower , Nakodar Road , ) was inaugurated today.

The hospital offers super specialities like :-

Cardiac Sciences
Critical Care
Neuro Sciences
Orthopaedics
Renal Sciences
Trauma & Emergency
Gastroenterology

Some of the pioneering unique services are :-

Webcam based ICU for NRIs to watch from any where in the world their relatives 's treatment .

Mann Medicity would soon have a Self Owned Air Ambulance for far fling areas to render fasted medical help.

24 Helpline No. : 0181-5032000,
98151-57000

Mohit Tiwari - IAS Probationary Officer- Chief Guest at BD Arya Girls College Jalandhar Cantt

A seminar was conducted at BD Arya Girls College Jalandhar Cantt on the subject of boosting self confidence among students so that they are able to face competition.

Chief guest speaker was Mohit Tiwari who had a very high rank in the list of successful IAS candidates of 2009 batch.

Mohit Tiwari is from DAV College Jalandhar. His father Dr. VK Tiwari is , presently , Principal of DAV College. His mother Prof Sarita Tiwari is with English faculty , Lyallpur Khasla College , Jalandhar.

Book on Bawa Shri Lal Dyal Released in Jalandhar

Gaddi Nashin of Shri Bawa Lal Dyal Maharaj Darbar , Shri 108 Mahant Sh. Ram Sunder Dass released a book " Shri Lal Praksh " on Bawa Lal Dyal. Yhe book is written by Dr. Meenakshi Mohan of Delhi

Census of Non Resident Indians Underway in Punjab

NRI Commissioner Vikas Pratap is compiling information and census of Non Resident Indians ( NRI ). This is being done under instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Pubjab Sukhbir Singh Badal.


Chairman NRI Sabha Kamaljit Singh Hayer has welcomed this Government initiative and has assured full co-operation.

Kamaljit Hayer has also demeaned voting rights for NRIS.

Jaswant Singh's Book on Jinnah Breaks Records in Sales- Six Reprints Already

Gujarat government's Talibani move in banning Jaswant Singh's book ( in Gujarat ) seems to have been counter productive. Its sales are breaking all records. With in 4 days of its release it has gone into sixth reprint.

Publishers Rupa & Co. are working overtime to meet the unexpected demand . Buyers in Jalandhar are , also , having difficulty in getting a copy.

Gita Mandir Urban Estate Phase One Jalandhar

Municipal Corporation Jalandhar in Overdrive to collect Water Bill Arrears

If any one in Jalandhar has unpaid water bills he should settle the same.

Under instructions from SE VP Singh , Inspector Harjit Singh , Jeet Pal Joshi , Gurvinder Singh and others visited the sites , including those in posh colonies like Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar of water tax defaulters . Some paid ob the spot. The water connection of many defaulters was disconnected.

Jaswant Singh's Book on Qaid-e-Azam Jinnah

Former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh's recent book on Jinnah is an active topic of discussion in Jalandhar.

Intellectuals agree that Jaswant Singh's book has raised many pertinent points , on which there should an open and unbiased debate.

In his younger days Jinnah had defended Tilak in a sedition case. Later what happened which alienated Jinnah completely from the mainstream nationalist movement ?

As an able lawyer Jinnah put up the demand for creation of Pakistan as a bargaining point. It was Congress which fulfilled it (probably , also , to Jinnah's surprise. ) The outgoing Britishers were more than happy to act as midwife for India's this self destructive act.

Whether Pakistan was creation of Jinnah or the Congress may be debatable. But what is certain is that in 1947 ,common people on both sides of the hastily created borders had to face history 's worst and bloodiest migration and dislocation crisis.

12 Year Old Akarshan Gupta ( MGN Public School )- Jalandhar's Chess Sensation

Akarshan Gupta ( 12 years old ) of MGN Public School , Adarsh Nagar , is Jalandhar's Vishwanathan Anand in the making.

Akarshan has won the State level ,under 19 Chess championship held in DAV college Jalandhar. With this he stands qualified for the national level under 19 championship to be held in Chennai.

Vice President of All India Chess Federation , Narinder Singh ; Secretary Punjab State Chess Association Dr. GS Cheema and Principal MGN Public School , Adarsh Nagar Jalandhar , Satwant Gakhal congratulated Akarshan Gupta.

MA Hindi-Part I & II Toppers ( Guru Nanak Dev University ) from HMV College Jalandhar

Hans Raj Mahila Mahavidyala ( HMV College ) Jalandhar has bagged top position in MA- Hindi Part I & II

MA- Hindi Part I

Sarina Khanna - Marks-309 - Second in University

MA Hindi Part II

Beena Sharma ( aggregate marks 623 )- First in University

Balwinder Kaur (aggregate marks 595 ) - Second in University

Neha Kundal - Sixth in University

Principal J. Kackaria congratulated the meritorious students and their parents.

Legend of Baba Sodal ( Jalandhar )- Mela on 03-09-09

Baba Sodal Mela is the most popular local event of Jalandhar. It is only of this day that an official local holiday is declared in Jalandhar. Devotees not only from Jalandhar but from all over come to prey and participate in the Mela.

Baba Sodal is also the family deity of the Chadda clan.

India is a holy land of fairs and festivals. Thousands of such events are celebrated in form of sacred gatherings and with different rituals. Such is a fair celebrated on Anant Chaudas in Jalandhar, state Punjab. More than one and half million devotees mark their presence for paying obeisance to an immortal legend named Baba Sodal. People from all religion creed and cast attend the festivities with full and show in pursuit of justifying the fulfilled blessings at this holy place.

It is assumed that woman used a pond of water for meeting domestic requirements like washing cloths and so on. The holy mother of legendary Baba Sodal (in his early childhood) accompanied her son to pound. The child started playing mischiefs by making clay balls and throwing at her mother. When utterly disturbed, mother cursed the son badly. Baba Sodal made her mother repeat the rebuking words and then in pursuit of obeying her he jumped into the pound and never reappeared. By hearing hue and cry of mother people gathered. After Relentless search there was no sign of the boy.

It is said that the child appeared in the form of holy snake and declared his farewell from this mortal world.

He also demanded his reincarnation should be accepted by Chadha and Anand families and should be offered Mathi (local flour made snake) called “Topa”. Baba ji declared that he is descendants from Chadha clan. So his part of “Topa” weighing two and quarter ‘Ser’(an old measurement unit) and for each Chadha boy half ‘Ser’. He further said “topa” should be weight against each member of bachelor brahmin’s family. It can be consumed only by members of Chadha clan, even their son in laws not allowed to have the share of “Topa”. On Amawasya ( no moon night) before Sodal fair head of Chadha clan visits the pond and extracts clay fourteen times for his each son. This means to make Baba Ji appear on the day of Tryodashi (13th of local month). Every member pays his obeisance to Sodal Baba , Kasar (kneading of simple flour) is made and offered fourteen times gradually in parts. On Chaturdashi (14th of local month) all members of Chadha clan eat only fried food especially made from a traditional fry pan. Eight days ahead of this festival all members of Chadha clan sow ‘Kheti’ on the name of Baba Ji which means the more prosper the sow, happier and richer will be the family.

( Credit : official site www.sodalmandir.com )

Bereavement in Dadyala Family ( Mother of JD Sir Passes Away )

It is with a heavy heart that we inform the death on Monday 17-08-09 of mother of Jitender Dadyala ( JD Sir, Principal MGN Public School, Urban Estate Phase II, Jalandhar ) after a brief illness. She was admitted in New Ruby Hospital. Dadyalas are residents of Urban Estate , Phase One Jalandhar and are our neighbours.

Cremation would be at Model Town Cremation Grounds , Jalandhar at 3 PM on Tuesday, 18-08-09.

Sodal Mela , Jalandhar on 03-09-09

Jalandhar's famous Shri Sidh Baba Sodal Mela will be held on 03-09-09.
Mayor of Jalandhar Rakesh Rathore and Commissioner , Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Vinay Bublani , KD Bhandari MLA and other dignitaries visited the temple and discussed various plans to make the Mela a success.

Ae Watan Ae Watan Tujh Ko Meri Kasam

Phool Kya Cheej Hai- Tere Kadamo Mein Hum - Bhent Apney Siron Ki Hum Chadah Jayenge

India's Indepedence ( 1947 )-Pay Homage to Partition Victims Also

Pakistan celebrates its independence day on 14 th . India celebrates on 15 th. Truly, it is a matter of great pride for both countries to have got free of the colonial yolk. Great freedom fighters from both countries jointly took on the might of the British.

Independence Day truly calls for gala celebrations , undoubtedly.

But , simultaneously , let us spare a thought for those thousands of partition victims who, for no fault of theirs, found that they were on the wrong side of the hastily created new borders. Worst possible carnage accompanied Independence. There was utter lawlessness. The worst diabolic side possible in a human being came forth and all acts of madness got pardoned by mass hysteria. The outgoing Britishers behaved as bad losers . They not only overlooked the carnage but derived some sadistic pleasure of feeling the anarchy under non British rule. ( " SEE THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE LEFT. DID NOT WE TELL YOU THAT ONLY BRITISH RULE CAN MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER " )

No UNO peacekeeping force was put in to place.

Let us , also,pay homage to the victims of 1947. Let us , jointly , put up a memorial dedicated to the victims of 1947.

Best Wishes For Pakistan's Independence Day

We wish Pakistan our best wishes for their Independence Day ( 14 th August ) .

We pray for very cordial and friendly relations between Pakistan and India.

Janamashtami ( Lord Krishna ) Being Celebrated

Gita Mandir , Urban Estate, Phase One Jalandhar




Janamashtami , the birth day of Lord Krishna is being celebrated in Jalandhar and elsewhere.

Temples have been tastefully decorated." Jhankis " depicting scenes from Lord Krishna's childhood have been put up. Devout are fasting which they will break at midnight.

Sarb Multiplex Jalandhar Launches Banquet Halls

Jalandhar's famous Sarb Multiplex has added one more facility- Banquet Halls.

It is ideal for holding parties , celebrations kitty parties get-togethers 'and similar functions.Corporates and Business Houses and Associations can hold conferences ' Meetings ' Presentations , Display Zones ;Exhibitions ' Product Launches .

Contact Sarb Multiples, Jalandhar- Amritsar Bypass Jalandhar

Tel : 0181- 2299300 2299400 2296146

Demostrations in Jalandhar Against Massive Urban Power Cuts to Paid Consumers

People of various localities in Jalandhar have taken to streets to protest against the massive electricity cuts which have been imposed on paid urban consumers . Electricity supply has been diverted to free agriculturist consumers.

Punjab seems to be getting a new division Paid Electricity Consumers and Free Consumers. Paid consumers feel that they are paying through their noses for the electricity they consume and , hence , they have aright to get value for their hard earned money.

Many have proposed the bifurcation of Electricity Board in to two . One for Paid Consumers and Second for Free Consumers. Some feel that Govt. should treat every body equally and supply electricity free of cost to all segments of society. Why should Govt differentiate , they argue.

Chinese Plans To Break up ( Balkanise ) India ?

It was reported to-day that a prominent Chinese think tank member has proposed that India be broken into 26 different states . The report proposed that the help of India's neighbours should be taken in this" India Dismemberment Campaign ". In a totalitarian state like China such reports have covert Govt. support.

China is surely in a state of paranoia. The unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang is well known . What is not well known is that there is an acute social unrest in China with widespread unemployment due to the current global recession. Situation is very explosive in China. It may indulge in military adventure to divert attention from utter mess it finds it self in .

China is still shrouded in " bamboo curtain ". There is no independent reporting. So much so that even Internet access is controlled. Simple people doing spiritual ( Falun Gong worshippers ) exercises with trees are prosecuted in China.

An independent Tibet is not only in India's interest as a buffer state but it is in the interest of the entire world peace. Every effort should be made to free Tibet from Chinese clutches.

India should begin this process by recognising His Holiness the Dalai Lama led Government as the Tibetan Government in Exile.

Old GT Road- Two Ludhiana Landmarks- in Present Times

On the Amritsar- Jalandhar - Ambala GT Road at Ludhiana these days there is a bypass. Before the bypass was constructed , the old GT Road passed through Ludhiana city. Two old landmarks on that road are :-

Clock Tower ( Now , in the photograph as seen from the Elevated Road )

Jagraon Bridge

Exremely High Toll at Phillaur ( Jalandhar )GT Road Barrier

Charging Rs.76 a car per crossing ( same amount for a Maruti 800 / Nano and Skoda Octavia) at the Jalandhar - Ludhiana GT Road Toll Tax Collection Point at Phillaur is extremely high and unreasonable.

Whereas this large sum is collected for travelling on the GT Road up till the next barrier ( Delhi side ) at Shambhu ( Rajpura ), there do not seem to be any ambulance or recovery van stationed at convenient intervals.

This is clear case of extorting toll tax without giving any thought to providing service.

GT Road has become extremely congested and , hence , accident prone. Trauma care vans and recovery vehicles should be provided at every 15 KM interval.

Till such facilities are provided the toll tax amount should not be more Rs. 15 for premium cars and Rs 10 for cars in the category of Maruti 800 / Nano

GT Road- 100 Years Ago & Now

GT Road between Ludhiana and Jalandhar is the busiest road ( traffic wise ) in the entire country. Presently, it is being upgraded to six lanes.

B.Ed Entrance Exams Result ( Combined Universities of Punjab ) Declared

Result of the combined B.Ed Entrance Examination conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University for Guru Nanak Dev University ; Punjabi University ; Panjab University & Lovely Professional University ( Exam conducted on 02-08-09 ) has been declared and is available on the official website of Guru Nanak Dev University.

Please click :-

gndu.ac.in

Tallest Shiv Ling ( Near Budda Nallah, Old GT Road , Ludhiana _

About 60 km from Jalandhar ( in Ludhiana- Near Chand Cinema )

Steam Road Roller- GT Road- Early 20 th Century

GT Road - Early 20 th Century

Movement of Troops ( British Indian Army ) on the GT Road ( Jalandhar Cantt was an important military station for defence of British India from Afghanistan ( Russo Phobia )

Message From Senior Congress Leader Jassi Khangura MLA

Message from Jassi Khangura MLA
Friends, the last month has been quite eventful as for as our mission to serve people and raise the issues of public importance is concerned. The beginning of the month was marked with the Vidhan Sabha (Punjab assembly) session, which certainly is a forum of good discussion and the best platform for raising important issues. Unfortunately the session was short and most of the questions were rejected. Even those accepted could not come up for the discussion and did not get satisfactory answers.



Vidhan Sabha
NRI Problems in Vidhan SabhaThe Vidhan Sabha session provided me a good opportunity to raise the issue of Non Resident Indian brethren on the floor of the house. I tried to put up a strong case for bringing to the centre-stage the main problems of the NRIs particularly those related to grabbing of their properties and matrimonial disputes.I brought to the notice of the house that 75 per cent of the NRIs who I meet faced the problem of their property in Punjab being forcibly seized with due patronage from the government and the ruling politicians.
I also reminded the government about the measures it had promised for the welfare of the NRIs and that it had done virtually nothing so far on the ground. I also questioned the government whether the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, (although he had to resign later) had any plans to visit the NRI Punjabi Diaspora -UK, Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand in this calendar year, but to no avail. I was frequently interrupted but I persisted in making my key points to defend NRI interests in Punjab. We hope to publish my house speech on NRI issues separately.

Budget speechAs expected, this government once again presented a disappointing and hopeless budget. It was quite surprising how the Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal despite claiming so much about financial efficiency, disappointed everyone. The budget seemed more to be a formal exercise in accounting manipulations than any real time financial planning.I made it clear to the Finance Minister in the house that had he taken strong and corrective measures in the beginning of his tenure, the situation would not have been as bad as it is now. Tough measures were required to be taken.
A good guy in the wrong company
In fact Manpreet Badal had himself been saying it. But when it came to taking decisions he succumbed to the populist pressure of his party and that of his uncle and Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal. In my reply I commented on how this government had resorted to back door taxation with a 200% increase in the PIDB levy and VAT increases on market agricultural purchases, all by executive order. The government has a right to tax but all large proposals need to be part of the budget and not just addressed by executive order. I hope to publish a full text of my speech soon.




Grilling Sukhbir Badal
From day one of my joining politics I have critically evaluated the performance of the government. I have been regularly criticising the wrong and inefficient policies of this government which is run more by Sukhbir Badal than his Chief Minister father, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. That is why I have been critical of Sukhbir Badal. My consistent grilling has generated much response and people have generally been appreciative.Particularly on the issues like negative campaigning by Sukhbir, seeking review of all the decisions taken by Sukhbir Badal as Deputy Chief Minister after he resigned (as he could not become an MLA

Someone who regularly turns logic on its head!
within six months of taking the oath), demand for action against SAD for unduly influencing voters in three assembly constituencies where bye-elections were being held, my letter to the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force about the possibility of black money being flown out of the upcoming Chandigarh International Airport, and my question as to whether we really need a ‘Deputy Chief Minister’, all got phenomenal press coverage followed by an overwhelming response from public. I do not have any fixation with Sukhbir but I do find his workings abhorrent. He is not really CM material, so I guess we'll have to suffer him for a short while.
Click to read1. Khangura wonders how come Punjab is poor while Badals are richer! (29.07.09)2. Khangura to Sukhbir Badal: Stop criticising the centre and present your policies (28.07.09)3. Khangura to Sukhbir Badal: "Come clean on power" (23.07.09)4. Is there a critical administrative need for a Deputy Chief Minister? (4.07.09)5. Khangura seeks review of all Sukhbir decisions as Dy CM, HM (2.07.09)



My Suggestion on Efficiency Audit Generates Significant Comment
My suggestion to the Finance Minister to introduce Efficiency Audit in the government departments led to a half page humorous article in the Hindustan Times (Click to view JPG / Click to view PDF)on July 5, 2009. Ms. Dona Suri writes a weekly column in the Magazine Section of the Hindustan Times every Sunday which is full of satire. We all know that Government departments in India are inefficient and unresponsive. I have called for statistical measures to assess the efficacy of these services.
Read my letter here.Rest assured that my advice and suggestions will not end here. I will carry on my mission to ensure that the government works efficiently and to minimize all wastage.



My Forthcoming North America Visit
I am planning to visit North America at the end of September, reaching New York on September 29 from where I will visit New Jersey and Detroit. From there I am scheduled to reach Vancouver on October 6. On October 11, I will depart for Calgary before moving on to Edmonton and Winnipeg. Much as I would love to celebrate Diwali in North America, my love and affection for my family will pull me to London. These dates are as yet tentative but I am committed to visiting those cities that I have so far missed since my election. The final programme may not be confirmed till 21 September. Except for a visit to Ludhiana by the PM accompanied by Mrs.Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi I would hope to stick with the above dates. We shall publish the final city-wise itinerary by 21 September.




Students' Visit to the Vidhan Sabha
Continuing with the mission of providing maximum exposure at all levels to the students and younger generation of my Halqa I arranged a visit of the students aged between 14 to 16 years of the Partap Public School Ludhiana to the Vidhan Sabha. The students were excited and thrilled to watch the budget session from the visitors’ gallery, and to hear the Finance Minister, S. Manpreet Singh Badal, present his budget. This year there was, quite rightly, no walkout by Congress members, thus enabling the school kids to appreciate the proceedings in full. The school children appeared to be quite enthralled, as were some of the school staff including Principal Jagpal Singh. Afterwards, all were hosted for lunch.

Jassi Khangura with Partap Public School Students at Vidhan Sabha Chandigarh
Most said that it had been quite an enlightening experience. I intend to introduce more school kids from my Halqa to the workings of the Vidhan Sabha.



Leading delegation of NRIs to visit Mrs Preneet Kaur, Union Minister of State for External Affairs
In pursuance of my efforts to provide as much relief as possible to the NRIs living in different parts of the world, I led a delegation of NRIs from the Philippines to the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Mrs Preneet Kaur.The Philippines delegation comprised of Surjit Singh, President and Chairman of the Board Of Khalsa Diwan Inc., Gurbinder Singh, General Secretary, Jagdev Singh Grewal, Member and President of the Bicol Indian Sikh Temple, Nagacity, and Jagtar Singh Bassi, Executive Member.The delegation presented a Memorandum to the Hon. Minister which listed many issues including the need for direct international
Jassi Khangura with Punjabi NRIs from Philippines and Mrs Preneet Kaur

flights between the countries, the failure of the Philippines government to grant residency to those Indians already in the country and the harsh attitude of the Indian Embassy to persons of Indian origin in the Philippines.The delegation also invited the Hon’ble Minister to Manila to visit the Philippines on 12 September for a function and to have an on the spot assessment of their problems. The delegation sought the total revamp of the embassy and also wanted that the next ambassador be a Punjabi, since out of about a lakh Indians living in the Phiilipines, about eighty per cent are Punjabis.



Facilitating Legal Migration
Punjabis have for decades been keen to move abroad. Those not able to get a visa are often tempted to use other means, which often lands them in trouble. I get numerous cases of persons defrauded by "kabutarbaazi". Many never get to leave India even after having handed over large sums of money. Others sweat it out in prisons. Many are deported. Some, horrifically, even die en-route.To address this issue I have been facilitating a programme called ‘Migration; the legal way’. Last year I worked closely with the British High Commission to communicate to my young constituents that the best way to migrate is the legal way.
Jassi Khangura with Harpreet Singh successful WHM Visa applicant from village Mohi
The British High Commission held road shows in several of our villages and I held meetings in many more, just to explain that there is an alternative to "kabutarbaazi". We recommended that the youngsters apply for UK Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visas. We counseled them, helped them with documentation and explained to them that if their visa was rejected, we would assist with the appeal in the UK. The whole process takes time, so we are just beginning to receive some determinations. Of the 22 applications submitted, two youngsters are already in the United Kingdom, while three others have been sanctioned visas. Seven more cases are in the pipeline. We are confident of more successes. I will continue with this work to ensure that more people interested in immigration do it in a legal manner.



Jalalabad Bye-Election Campaign
Recently I was campaigning for Congress candidate Hans Raj Joshan who is fighting against the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal. Despite the misuse of government and official machinery by the ruling party, the Congress candidate was getting a reasonably good response from the people.I highlighted the mis-governance 0f the Akalis particularly the aborted ‘Deputy Chief Minister stint’ of Sukhbir Badal.Although the media has placed Sukhbir at an advantageous position, given the fact that he is in power and is the son of the Chief Minister, the Congress candidate, Joshan, was resolute and mounting a good campaign. Ravneet Bitu, MP, was also active in the constituency.
Jassi Khangura campaigning in the main bazaar on 29.07.09 at Jalalabad.

People have been asking me why the anti-incumbency feelings are not stronger at this stage. My answer is that with all the confrontation in recent times, people’s voting intentions have changed. True votes are mostly cast only in the Assembly and Parliamentary elections. In all other elections what most voters wish for is an easy life and peace and harmony.



Anti Narcotics Campaign
A large section of our youth is afflicted with the curse of drug addiction. Various non government and social organizations are involved in creating greater awareness against drug addiction.We all know that drug dependency makes a person unemployable and unsociable. It wrecks life - breaking families, affecting health and studies. I have also been trying to contribute my own bit to this social cause. In the first week of this month I attended a Drugs Communication programme organized by the Block Youth Congress at village Sahauli. I suggested that the youth should be involved in more constructive activities so that their energy is channeled to a better end result. I am planning to take this mission to its logical conclusion because anti drug campaign and de-addiction are part of my mission. We must all encourage the youth to participate in sports without stimulants.
Jassi Khangura at village Sahauli, attending programe "Hoka", on removing social ailments of our society accompanied by Malkiat Singh, Gurnam Singh Sewak , Lakhbir Singh, Deepak Khandoor, Ranjit Singh Ruby, Sanjeev Jain, Ranjit S. Magat, Harveer Singh Lohgarh,Simranjeet Singh and Gagneet Singh.

The real problem is that youngsters are unemployed and bored. I am happy that the employment opportunities that I am generating in my target area will reduce unemployment and drug use. We need lesser youngsters on drugs and more on the factory floor. It is a BIG problem, particularly in rural Punjab. Better education and a better understanding about the effects of drug dependency are critical to reducing addiction.



Helping Deaf Cricketers
The whole world knows that Indians are crazy about cricket. It was heartening to learn that an organization like - The Deaf Cricket Federation, Punjab, actually existed. These youngsters hold regular events and continue to surprise people that in spite of their handicap they can actually play excellent cricket. I was delighted to learn that they will be sending a team of the hearing impaired (deaf) for a ten day T20 tournament in Singapore from September 23 to October 2. The federation had solicited my support for the cricketers and also organised a function at Jalandhar.
Mr. Harbans Kanwal giving a cheque of Rs One lakh to the Federation
Although I could not make it to the function myself, but my worthy uncle, Mr Harbans Kanwal, former Mayor of Hounslow, London and "Mayor Sahib" to all that know him, went there on my behalf to handover a cheque of Rs One lakh as my humble contribution to the federation. I wish the cricketers all the success since they have worked very hard to come up to the level of this international competition. Moreover, we need to encourage more physically and mentally challenged persons to participate in sports to improve their health and to boost their morale.




My Work Schedule
I have always maintained a strict work schedule. Barring unexpected emergencies or engagements, I try to stick to a regular weekly schedule.On Monday, I am in the halqa office all day from 9am till 5pm, typically, I meet 200 to 300 people. Then I get 3 hours for business.. On Tuesday, I am in Chandigarh in connection with various official engagements including the Vidhan Sabha committee meetings. On Wednesday and Thursday, I am usually in Delhi visiting government departments and Congress Party functionaries. I try to squeeze in about 3 hours per day on these 2 days attending to my business interests. On Friday, I return to Ludhiana via Chandigarh to review or complete the pending work. If lucky, I get 3 hours for business on a Friday. On Saturday and Sunday I am in the constituency attending numerous social functions, including Akand paths, bhogs and weddings. I also try to catch up on events I missed out during the weekdays.
This strict schedule is publicised, and so are any last minute changes. This gives my constituents, and anybody else who wishes to meet me, a good idea of where I should be on a particular day. As is obvious, almost my entire time is committed to serving my constituents directly or indirectly. At the most I get 12 hours a week for business.
Jassi Khangura in his office darbar with constituency people


Constituency people at Halqa office



Best regards,Jassi Khangura MLAPunjab's Most Responsive MLARead my CV Read My Communications
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Jalandhar Based Share Holders of Binani Metals Limited Want Face Value Reduced to Re. 1

Jalandhar based shareholders of Binani Metal Limited ( an asset laden investment company of Braj Binani - Binani Cement Group ) want the face value of one share of Binani Metal Limited be reduced to Re. 1. This would improve liquidity. Further , at present , the share is listed only at Calcutta Stock Exchange. The shareholders of Binani Metal Limited want the shares to be listed on National Stock Exchange ( NSE ) and Bombay Sock Exchange ( BSE ),


The shareholders of Binani Metals Limited expressed great regret at Binani Metals Limited 's contention that the face value of the share has been increased from Rs. 100 to Rs.1000 " TO IMPROVE LIQUIDITY . ". At present no other listed share has a face value of Rs.1000 . In this ingenious exercise many shareholders got a very small percentage of the true intrinsic vale ( NAV ) of the share in the compulsory sale of resultant fractional shares. Further, compulsory sale of a shareholder's shares is violative of the shareholder's fundamental right .

It is very unethical that public money is invited when the company has just started functioning. Once over a period of time , that Company becomes financially strong small shareholders are compulsorily bought out and that too , at ridiculously low rates.

Shareholders of Binani Metal Limited felt that had this share been listed on National Stock Exchange ( NSE ) and Bombay Stock Exchange ( BSE ) such an anti small shareholder move could never have been put through by Binani Metal Limited.

Municipal Corporation Jalandhar's Emloyees Want Octroi ( Chungi ) Back

Octroi is a feudal remnant. It worked when there were numerous principalities. Studies have found that there is colossal loss of time when trucks etc have to stop for Octroi and Rahdari ( passage). Also,Octroi is a very corruption prone levy.

It seems that Municipal workers are missing out on some thing very lucrative. That is why they want Octroi back. That too not on Contractor ship basis but departmental basis where these Municipal workers would be calling all the shots.. The municipal workers do not find attractive other means of revenue like Property Tax or a share in VAT.

Vested interests can find merit even in feudal systems .

Baba Kashmira Singh- Happy Birthday

Baba Kashmira Singh is great social worker. The SGL Charitable Hospital , Garha Jalandhar headed by Baba Kashmira Singh is doing great service to general public.

On Baba Kashmira Singh Ji 's birthday we wish him all the very best.

Rakhi Festival Celebrated in Jalandhar And Elsewhere

Rakhi-the festival marking love between brothers and sisters was celebrated in Jalandhar and rest of India. Sweet Shops in Jalandhar had heavy rush.

Aggrieved Shareholders of Binani Metals Limited Plan to Appeal to Calcutta Stock Exchange

Binani Metal Limited , an asset laden investment holding company of Braj Binani ( Binani Cement ) had increased the face value of its share from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1000 by consolidating 10 shares of Rs.100 into one share of Rs. 1000. This had rendered share holdings of many small share holders into fractional holding. This fractional holding was , then , compulsorily sold at a very low rate of Rs. 450 per one full share ( much much below the intrinsic value -or NAV of one share .)

Aggrieved share holders , in Jalandhar and around , of Binani Metals limited have called upon regulatory bodies like Calcutta Stock Exchange , SEBI and Company Law Board to look into this anti small shareholder move by Binani Metal Limited.

The aggrieved shareholders have , also , appealed to Investor Protection bodies , Associations and like minded individuals , and have sought their valuable help and guidance in pursuing this matter.

Bank Strike on Thursday & Friday ( 06-07 August 2009 )

On Wednesday ( 05-08-09 ) is Rakhi. For the next two days there is Bank strike.

Bank customers of Jalandhar and around should plan their transactions accordingly.

" Easy Day " Departmental Store Near District Courts ( Police Lines Road ) Jalandhar

Ritika Aggarwal wins Medal in Chess Champioship of DAV College Jalandhar

Ritika Aggarwal , a student of B.Com ( Professional ) First won First Prize in the Chess Championship held in DAV College Jalandhar.

Excellent Real Estate Opportunity-PUDA Auction of Commercial Property in Jalandhar

PUDA Jalandhar would be holding an auction on Wednesday 12 August 2009 at 11 an at Its office : Puda Complex , SCO 41 , Ladowali Road , ( Opp DC Complex ) , Jalandhar of SCS at the site of erstwhile Police Division No. (Opp Punjab Kesari , Pucca Bagh and near Govt. Senior Sec School , Nehru Garden , Jalandhar ). The reserve price , generally , is Rs. 1,20,000 per square yard.

For further details contact :
PUDA , Jalandhar
Tel. 0181-2235867 ; 2224108

Click :
puda.nic.in

Pedestrian Overbridge Near BMC Chowk- Narinder Cinema Jalandhar

Sugar Miil-Phagwara- A Prominent Landmark

Started in Princely State of Kapurthala's time, this prominent factory of Phagwara was at one time with Narangs ; then Abhey Oswal and , now , with Wahid- Sangars.

Raga Motors Jalandhar To Hold Free "Mega Monsoon Check Up Camp "

Jalandhar's top vehicle service centre Raga Motors is holding FREE " MEGA MONSOON CHECK-UP CAMP" from 02-08-09 to09-08-09 for MARUTI cars.

It would provide the following :-

Free Suspension Check Up
Free Wheel Alignment
Free Washing

For further information contact Mr. Satish : 98770 06688

( Raga Motors is 3 KM from Rama Mandi Chowk, towards Phagwara - Right Side, GT Road, Jalandhar- Opp Prestige Honda Showroom )
Phones 0181-5010220 ; 5010221 )

Sub MR Lohi ( Retd ) Sewadar-Mazar Baba Tukki Shah Rama Mandi Jalandhar

Su. Mehnga Ram Lohi ( Retd. ) and his family members have been looking after the shrine for the last 22 years.

Sunday ( 02-08-09 ) Friendship Day

First Sunday of August month is celebrated the world over as " Friendship Day " .

This year it falls on 02-08-09.

Bank Strike Likely on 06-07 August 2009

There is likelihood of Banks in Jalandhar going on strike on 06-08-09 and 07-08-09 . Customers should check with their Banks and take suitable actions.