28062022-ATR-01.qxd 6/27/2022 11:42 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar TRIBUNE 18-YEAR-OLD DIES OF DRUG OVERDOSE IN FATEHABAD An 18-yr-old youngster died of drug overdose in Fatehabad village, which is notorious for drug consumption. FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY SKY PAGE 2 KK’S DAUGHTER REACTS TO HATE MESSAGES AIMED AT HIS TEAM PAGE 3 After shocking death of the singer, his team has been receiving a lot of hate messages on social media platforms. MAX 39°C | MIN 30°C | YESTERDAY MAX 39°C | MIN 31°C SUNSET TUESDAY 7:39 PM ARADHANA SHARMA SHARES THE EXPERIENCE OF SHOOTING IN ASR Aradhana has been a part of numerous TV shows and now, she is all set to be seen in Star Bharat’s Channa Mereya. SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5:28 AM TUESDAY | 28 JUNE 2022 | AMRITSAR AAP’s maiden Budget gets mixed reaction Opposition points out ‘missed’ poll promises | Says agri sector neglected, women at receiving end AUJLA REMINDS MANN OF HIS ADVOCACY OF LONG ASSEMBLY SESSION Amritsar: MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla reminded CM Bhagwant Singh Mann of his strong views about holding long sessions for the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which as a colleague he had shared with him in the parliament. In a tweet, the Amritsar Lok Sabha MP expressed his astonishment that keeping in view the limited days of the session “you no longer seem to be a supporter of long sessions of the Vidhan Sabha”. Talking to The Tribune, he said: “The government tabled the entire Budget and white paper indicating that the Budget session will be concluded in a couple of days.” Once a colleague of CM Mann in the Parliament, Aujla reminded him of being a strong votary of long sessions of the Vidhan Sabha, which is currently under progress to table the Budget. He reminded Mann of his views which he had shared with him during the sidelines of the Lok Sabha sessions they had jointly attended. He recalled that Mann used to accuse bureaucracy of fixing short sessions. “Now, however, you have also been influenced by the bureaucracy as you confined the session to just a couple of days,” he said. Aujla concluded in his tweet with a one liner “the longer session would increase the answerability of bureaucracy”. Notably, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, last month, had announced to hold at least a 10-day-long first Budget session of the newly-elected 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, saying that proper time will be given to discuss all its aspects. The new government had presented its interim Budget of ~37,120 crore for the first quarter of the fiscal (2022-23) in March. TNS Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 27 As the Aam Aadmi Party presented its first Budget, BJP hit out at the ruling party’s maiden attempt calling it ‘directionless’, with no provision made for the party’s flagship poll promise of ~1,000 monthly stipend for women. Senior BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina said all sectors have been ignored and no concrete steps had been taken to correct the ailing fiscal health of the state. He said the agriculture sector, which is witnessing the worst ever growth crisis, has been neglected as no provision has been made to make agriculture a lucrative and profitable practice. Chhina said no attempt has been made to check the rising prices and the Budget will further cause inflation. He slammed the Bhagwant Mann government for ‘unfulfilled’ promise to women. The AAP Budget also received flak for missing out on its poll promises of providing social security to women, unemployed youth and senior citizens. Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, president, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, said the Budget fell INBRIEF ROTTING BODY OF MAN FOUND Tarn Taran: Jhabal police found a decomposed body of an unidentified man in a canal at Ram Rauni village here on Monday. SHO Inspector Prabhjit Singh said the bearded man, who seemed in his 60s, was wearing a T-shirt. The body seemed to be rotting for the last five to 10 days. The body has been kept in the mortuary of the local Civil Hospital for identification, said the SHO. OC 4 HELD WITH 14 STOLEN BIKES Tarn Taran: Khalra police arrested two members of a gang of vehicle lifters and seized 11 stolen bikes from them here on Sunday. Meanwhile, a local CIA staff party arrested two members of another gang and recovered three stolen bikes on Monday. SSP Ranjit Singh Dhillon said the vehicle lifters arrested by Khalra police had been identified as Major Singh of Amishah village and Vijay Singh of Khalra village. Both were arrested with two stolen bicycles from Marimegha village. He said nine more bikes were seized following their preliminary probe. The accused had stolen the bikes from urban areas and busy markets. Khalra police had registered a case under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC against them. Meanwhile, a team of local CIA staff led by Inspector Prabhjit Singh while on patrol in Sarhali area arrested Mangaljit Singh Manga of Sarhali and his brother-in-law Gurpreet Singh Gopi of Usman village with two stolen bikes. The police seized one more stolen bike on their information. A case under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC was registered against them by Sarhali police in this regard. OC The government has announced opening of more government medical colleges in the state. ❝ AAP came to power riding on popular slogans and the promises made to voters have not been fulfilled now. The women folk are at the receiving end. The deteriorating law and order situation in the state has impacted every citizen but no measure and budgetary provision was made to strengthen law enforcing agencies. The budgetary allocations for education, health and infrastructure were dismal and not enough to bring respite to the common man. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, SENIOR BJP LEADER ❞ short of addressing the agriculture revenue related issues. “Agriculture contributes 28 per cent of the Punjab’s GDP but the Bud, get sanction for the same comes to approximately 7.4 per cent, which is very less. The Budget of this session is no different from the last one and is not even near the promises made by AAP while contesting the poll. Social security for women, senior citizens, unemployment allowance, which were big promises of AAP remain unfulfilled even this day. City residents annoyed at MC vehicles leaving a trail of garbage Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 27 Even as the government schemes such as the Swachh Bharat and Smart City project are in place, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation is yet to find a smart way to transport garbage, packed securely in them, to the dumping sites. The garbage collected from different areas of the city is still being transported in uncovered and open vehicles. Most of the garbage collection trolleys and trucks do not even have the lids at their tail ends. As a result, dried leaves and envelopes, part of the garbage being transported, came flying off the MC vehicles and settling on the roads. Besides, the foul smell emanating from the waste too makes it difficult for the following commuters to drive their vehicles. As per the norms, garbage from the collection points has to be shifted to the dumping site in closed vehicles. At least the open trucks and trolleys are required to be covered with tarpaulin sheets. The open garbage collection vehicles have become a nuisance for both commuters and residents. Residents complain that no change in the system has been witnessed even after the change of guard in the state. “The city now has five new MLAs and the Mayor from the same party. None of the new elected representatives has so far took note of the problem being faced by the residents due to open garbage collection vehicles,” said Sewak Ram, a local resident. The residents say while the garbage is collected from dustbins, a portion of it is scattered on roads while the vehicles are on their way to the dumping sites. “If the waste is handled properly, the MC would not have to waste its resources and its workers would not have to waste energy again to clean the roads,” said another resident. An uncovered tractor-trailer laden with garbage. VISHAL KUMAR There is no roadmap for increasing the revenue of the state,” he said. There were some who have appreciated the attempt of AAP to accomplish much with limited resources. “The state Budget of ~1.55 lakh crore reflect an attempt to prioritise development within the constraints of limited resources. Focus on industrial points and acquiring unused industrial plots for new entrepreneurs will trigger generation of new employment. To continue with subsidy of industrial electricity will encourage entrepreneurs. The enhancement of expenses for medical and technical education, too, was the need of the hour. To install solar plants in schools to explore the potential of energy is a welcome step,” said Dr SS Chhi- na, Secretary (Education), Chief Khalsa Diwan. Meanwhile, the trading fraternity in the city seems to be satisfied with the provision of ~3,163 crore for the promotion of industry and business in the Budget. President of Punjab Pradesh Board of Trade, Pyare Lal Seth, said the Board welcomes the establishment of merchant commission, calling it a meaningful step for the uplift of traders. “Our demands included abolition of Punjab State Development Tax (Professional Tax), announcement of economic package for the border districts of Punjab, speeding up the Patti Makhu Rail Link Project among others,” Seth said. Amritsar West MLA Dr Jasbir Singh Sandhu called the Budget pro-people and said people got a glimpse of the change that was promised. He said by presenting the first paperless Budget in the history of Punjab, the government has saved ~21 lakh per annum. “The Budget prioritised health, education and tourism, which will help in raising the standard of living of the common man. As many as 75 mohalla clinics will be opened on August 15 on the 75th Independence Day and the ‘Farishtey’ scheme, under which the victim would be given free treatment in case of a road accident at any nearby government or private hospital, are some of the highlights that prove our government’s commitment towards people’s welfare,” he said. VOXPOPULI people. ❝The Budget has a mixed bag forpeople inThe mohalla clinics will definitely help getting access to low-cost treatment, which is the need of the hour. Several projects announced such as the opening of medical colleges and controlling stubble burning are welcome decisions. But overall, the Budget lacks any perk or respite from inflation for the common man.❞ Sanjeev Behal, A VETERINARY MEDICINE BUSINESS OWNER FROM HALL BAZAAR ❝I felt disappointed that the ~1,000 social in security for women has not been considered the Budget. The government had advertised the Budget as a ‘people’s budget’ by taking in suggestions. But there is nothing in it for the janta. No social security for women, no mention of inflation. It needs to be seen whether they really implement the talk on mohalla clinics and other promises.❞ Rita Sharma, A HOMEMAKER FROM THE CITY ❝The Budget fell short of addressing the agriculture revenue-related issues. Agriculture contributes 28% of the Punjab’s GDP, but the Budget sanction for it comes to 7.4% (approx), which is very less. This Budget is no different from the last one and is not even near the promises made by AAP, which it made while contesting the poll.❞ Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, PRESIDENT, JAMHOORI KISAN SABHA ❝The Budget of ~1.55L crore reflect an the attempt to prioritise development within constraints of limited resources. Focus on industrial points and acquiring unused industrial plots for new entrepreneurs will trigger generation of new employment. Continuing with subsidy of industrial electricity will encourage entrepreneurs. The enhancement of expenses for medical and technical education, too, was the need of the hour. To install solar plants in schools to explore the potential of energy is a welcome step.❞ Dr SS Chhina, SECRETARY (EDUCATION), CHIEF KHALSA DIWAN the establishment of ❝The Board welcomeswhich is a meaningful merchant commission, step to uplift traders. In the Budget of ~1,55,859.78 crore, where the government made a provision of ~95,378.28 crore from tax collection, the provisions for promotion of trade and industry will encourage traders in Punjab.❞ Pyare Lal Seth, PRESIDENT, PUNJAB PRADESH BOARD OF TRADE Pit bull attacks boy, mother; owner booked Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 27 A boy and his mother were attacked and bitten by a pet pit bull in the Guru Nanak Avenue area on Majitha Road here on Thursday. The victims were identified as Yasin (12) and his mother Naveen Goyal. The police have booked Vipin Kumar, owner of the dog, for the negligence that led to the incident. Lalit Goyal, a resident of Jalandhar, told the police that he along with his family and in-laws’ family had come to Guru Nanak Avenue to meet their relative Bhushan Gupta. The accused was his neighbour living opposite Gupta’s house. He said as they reached outside Bhushan’s residence, a pit bull came out of Goyal’s house and bit his son Yasin on his stomach. He said he hit the dog with the bag, following which he left his son and bit his wife on her face. The police on Sunday booked Vipan Kumar under Section 289 and 290 of the Indian Penal Code. Amritsar, June 27 The preliminary investigation of the recent increase in the Covid-19 cases by the district Health Department has established that most of the infected patients had a travel history from outside the state. The district has reported a total of 79 cases and two deaths due to the disease since June 1. The number of cases reported in the current month are more than those reported in the last three months — March, April and May. As the second wave of Covid infections started receding in February, the district reported 42 cases in March, 20 cases in April and 59 in May. The district had not reported a single death in these three months. Regarding the recent increase in the number of cases, especially the two deaths reported due to the disease in the last one week, the health officials said a summary of all cases has already been prepared. The officials said death cases c m y b Man ends life, wife among three booked Tribune News Service 12-year-old Yasin Goyal and his mother Naveen Goyal, who were bitten by a pet pit bull dog in Amritsar. TRIBUNE PHOTO Spurt in Covid-19 cases: Most patients had a travel history Tribune News Service PAGE 4 Amritsar, June 27 Perturbed over marital dispute, a man identified as Jatinder Singh, alias Captain, committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance. Following a complaint by his mother Gurdeep Kaur of Fateh Singh Colony, the police have booked his wife Sonia of Ludhiana and other members of in-laws’ family, including Veena, Sunny and Bao. No arrest has been made so far. Victim's mother Gurdeep Kaur said her son went to Ludhiana to bring his wife back. On Friday, he returned and said Sonia did not come. This left him devastated and he got very upset. She said on Sunday, he consumed some poisonous substance and committed suicide. He succumbed at the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital DON'T LOWER THE GUARD: DR CHARANJIT SINGH, CIVIL SURGEON ❝ Though a slight increase has been witnessed, no cluster formation has been seen so far. Geographical location of the cases is scattered and they are evenly distributed in rural and urban areas. The only noticeable factor is that most of these patients had a travel history. The situation in the district is being keenly monitored. There is no need to panic. Taking precautions always help and residents should not lower their guard. ❞ were more in high risk patients, as they have other multiple ailments. The officials said a summary reported regarding the vaccine status of patients who tested positive during the recent days is also being prepared. When contacted, Civil Surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh said: “Though a slight increase has been witnessed, no cluster formation has been seen so far.” He said geographical location of the cases is scattered and they are evenly dis- tributed in rural and urban areas. “The only noticeable factor is that most of these patients had a travel history,” he said. He said the situation in the district was being keenly monitored. While adding that there was no need for panic, Dr Charanjit said taking precautions always help and residents should not lower their guard. Meanwhile, no positive case from the district was reported on Monday. She alleged that her son took the extreme step three days ago and he succumbed at the hospital on Sunday. She said Jatinder was married to Sonia around two-and-a-half years ago. However, the couple did not enjoy a cordial relationship. She said around a week ago, they had a quarrel, after which she went to her parents’ house in Ludhiana. She said her son went to Ludhiana to bring her back. On Friday, he returned and said Sonia did not come. This left him devastated and he got very upset. She said on Sunday, he consumed some poisonous substance and committed suicide. He succumbed at the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. Gate Hakima police have registered a case under Section 306 of the IPC against Soni and others.