19052025-JTR-01.qxd 18-05-2025 22:57 Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune USE POWER WISELY, PAY BILLS TIMELY TO ENSURE SUPPLY GGPS STUDENT TOPS DISTRICT IN CBSE CLASS X WHEN BOLLYWOOD STARS ALIGN WITH FANDOM FRENZY Frequent and prolonged power cuts become a major nuisance for the public during the summers. P2 Snehjit Kaur Saini emerges as the district topper in board examinations, securing an outstanding 99.4 pc marks. P2 The Zee Cine Awards didn’t just honour cinematic excellence. They turned the spotlight on the fans too. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 42°C | MIN 29°C YESTERDAY MAX 42°C | MIN 28°C SUNSET TUESDAY 7.19 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5:28 AM MONDAY | 19 MAY 2025 | JALANDHAR Exam cleared but no appointments as govt withdraws school vacancies Ashok Kaura Phagwara, May 18 Hundreds of deserving candidates, who have cleared the rigorous examination process, now stand disillusioned and betrayed by the Department of School Education. In March 2020, the Department of School Education took a bold step to promote young, dynamic talent to leadership roles in Punjab’s government schools by advertising vacancies for Principals, Headmasters and Block Primary Education Officers through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Patiala. A challenging exam, on par with the PCS examination, was conducted on December 6, 2020, aimed at selecting the finest talent from various teaching cadres across the state. However, just before the exam was held, a Civil Writ Petition (CWP) was filed against the recruitment, resulting in an order that stalled the announcement of results and halted further action post-examination. Yet, despite the clear implications for those waiting eagerly for their rightful opportunity, the government demonstrated a startling indifference. Legal counsels representing the government failed to offer any substantive defence during hearings, routinely evading the core issues at hand. Even THE 4.5 -YEAR WAIT ■ In The exam was conducted by the PPSC, Patiala. FILE when urged by the Bench to present their arguments, they perpetually sought more time — a time they never once utilised effectively. Eventually, the PPSC was directed by the court to submit the results in a sealed envelope. However, the envelope was never opened, left as a stark reminder of the government’s lack of resolve to defend the case properly and its commitment to meritocracy. The hopes of meritorious candidates — candidates who had persevered through an agonising wait of nearly fourand-a-half years — were finally shattered. The silent blow came when, without any prior warning or explanation, the Department of School Education sent a letter to the PPSC, instructing the withdrawal of these posts. The justification given was the AG Punjab’s vague remarks about “genuine resentment among the cadre” regarding the recruitment, a thinly veiled excuse to appease those within the department resistant to change. At the heart of this controversy lies the 2018 and 2020 service rules, which mandate 50 per cent promotion from feeder cadres and 50 per cent direct recruitment via competitive examination. These rules, though the source of some discontent, have effectively identified and empowered individuals who have since delivered transformative results in the department. Names like Preetinder Ghai, Arun Kumar Garg and many others stand as a testament to the success of these recruitment processes. Harpreet Singh, who headed the department’s recruitment cell, is another prime example — having proven his excellence not only through his role in recruitment but March 2020, the Department of School Education, Punjab, advertised vacancies for principals, headmasters and Block Primary Education Officers via PPSC, which conducted an exam, comparable to the PCS examination, on December 6, 2020. ■ However, a writ petition stalled the process and the government repeatedly delayed responses in court. ■ After 4.5 years of wait, candidates were blindsided by a letter from the Department to PPSC withdrawing the advertised posts, citing vague concerns from the AG Punjab about cadre resentment. ■ The move contradicts the 2018 and 2020 service rules which mandate 50 per cent promotion from feeder cadres and 50 per cent direct recruitment via competitive examination. also by clearing the PCS examination. This robust recruitment framework, designed to harness the best talent, has already delivered exemplary leadership, and its ability to cultivate future leaders is undeniable. Yet, despite these undeniable successes, the decision to withdraw the vacancies appears to have been made under the influence of powerful vested interests within the department. This is evident from the ill-advised phrasing of the AG’s comments, which suggest motivations far removed from the spirit of meritocracy. In a move that can only be described as anti-meritocratic, the government’s actions reflect a disturbing disregard for the principles of fairness and transparency. Candidates like Harinder Singh, Nitin Sodhi, jaskaran Singh, Uttam Manhas, Poo- ja, Iqbal Singh, Navneet Kumar, Sheetal Chand, Ajay Kumar, Lovepreet Singh and Kuldeep Singh lambasted this regressive step as a blatant betrayal of merit and justice. “This is not just a recruitment issue — this is a question of meritocracy,” said one of the affected candidates. “We cleared a tough competitive exam. We waited patiently for over four years. Now, all we are left with is betrayal,” another candidate added. When this correspondent contacted the District Education Officer (Secondary) Bhupinder Kaur, she stated that the government and the Education Department have not received any directions in this regard. She added that the matter is currently under consideration at the higher administrative level and the district administration has no involvement in it for now Pistols and eight rounds were seized during a raid by the Jalandhar police. Three nabbed with 150gm heroin, 4 illegal firearms Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 18 As part of the ongoing initiative “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, the CIA staff of Commissionerate Jalandhar apprehended three persons and seized four illegal pistols (.32 bore), eight rounds and 150 gram of heroin. Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said on May 17, a CIA team was conducting routine patrols in the area from Maqsudan Chowk to Bidhipur, Jalandhar. During this patrol, near Phatak Suranusi, the team observed two suspicious individuals and proceeded to search them. The first suspect, identified as Harjinder Singh, alias Mani Valiya, resident of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, was found in possession of 100 gram of heroin, one .32 bore pistol and two rounds. The second accused, Mohit, alias Lovely, resident of Shiv Nagar Sodal Road, was carrying 50 gram of heroin, one .32 bore pistol and two rounds. An FIR was registered under Sections 21, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act and Sections 25-1(B), 54 and 59 of the Arms Act at Police Station Division No.1, Jalandhar. In a separate operation, another CIA team, while patrolling near Chugitti, received information regarding an individual allegedly carrying illegal weapons in a garden behind Union Bank. The team promptly acted and arrested Aakashdeep, alias Kalu, resident of Lamba Pind Chowk. A search led to the recovery of two .32 bore pistols along with four rounds. An FIR was registered under Sections 25-1(B), 54, and 59 of the Arms Act at Police Station Rama Mandi, Jalandhar. She further mentioned that all three accused are habitual offenders with a history of criminal activities. A total of seven previous FIRs have been registered against them under the NDPS Act, Arms Act, and various other criminal provisions. “These arrests are the testament to the unwavering commitment of the Jalandhar police to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens,” stated CP Jalandhar. “The CIA staff have again demonstrated their effectiveness in tackling drug trafficking and illegal arms possession.” The police reiterate its zero-tolerance policy towards crime and assures the public that strong and sustained efforts will continue against anti-social elements in the city. Shopkeepers protest closure of C8 rly crossing Industry seeks OTS scheme for first quarter of 2017-18 Tribune News Service Akanksha S Nair B-Tech student jumps off 7th floor of hostel in Phagwara, dies Our Correspondent Phagwara, May 18 A B-Tech (Aero space engineer) girl student reportedly ended her life by jumping down from the seventh floor of the hostel in a private university near here on Saturday evening.The deceased was identified as Akanksha S Nair, a resident of Karnataka. The news of suicide came to light only when the body of the deceased could brought to the local Civil Hospital for the post-morterm examination on late Saturday evening. The reports received here said the critically injured girl was brought to Johal Hospital but was declared brought dead. Later in the evening, her body was brought to Phagwara. The reports said she called up her father at 11am and informed about her arrival at the college but after a few hours, her father received a call from Chaheru Police Post in-charge about her suicide. Subsequently, her father tried to contact over her number, but no response at other end. The cause of the suicide could not be known yet. Jalandhar, May 18 More than 150 shopkeepers and residents from Punjab Avenue, Urban Estate, Phase I, held a protest against the railway authorities over the closure of the C-8 railway crossing. The crossing was shut on April 25 following the opening of the new Subana railway underbridge, a move that shopkeepers say has severely impacted their businesses and daily lives. Residents say that this C-8 railway crossing served as a vital artery linking Mithapur to Jalandhar Cantt Road. This route, with more than a century of significance, was once a busy thoroughfare frequented by customers visiting shops along Punjab Avenue. However, since its closure, the road has turned into a dead end, severing essential access and leaving businesses isolated from their clientele. Shopkeepers claim the railway authorities have ignored their plight and accuse them of “snatching away their livelihoods.” Many have taken loans to sustain their businesses and the sharp decline in customers has left them struggling to repay debts. “We used to get steady customer traffic from Mithapur Cantt Road through this crossing. Now, with the road blocking, it’s like a ghost street,” said one shop owner. “If this continues, many of us will be forced to shut down. How will we return our loans without customers?” Another pressing issue highlighted by the protesters is the limited width of the Subana underbridge. Measuring only about 13.5 feet wide, it is too narrow to accommodate large trucks, which are essential for transporting goods to the market. As a result, trucks are forced to take a 5-km detour, increasing transport and logistics costs significantly. “This is a huge burden on small businesses that rely on timely delivery of materials,” said one shopkeeper Gurmej Singh. “The detour adds to expenses and delays, making our operations unsustainable,” he said. Furthermore, shopkeepers have raised safety and accessibility concerns regarding the design of the underbridge. They allege there are steep height gradients and engineering flaws that make it difficult for vulnerable groups such as rag pickers, Tribune News Service Shopkeepers and residents of Punjab Avenue, Urban Estate, Phase I, hold a protest against the railway authorities over the closure of the C8 railway crossing. A TRIBUNE PHOTO street hawkers and manual cart-pushers (locally known as “rehri” operators) to cross. The steep inclines reportedly prevent easy passage, risking injuries and further marginalising these groups. “Imagine a street hawker trying to push his cart up such steep slopes,” said a protester. “Who will help him? The design seems to have overlooked the needs of everyday people who depend on this route.” Members of the local business community, including Gurmej Singh, Prince Arora, Dr Bharadwaj and Poonish Bharadwaj, have voiced concerns on the issue, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The protesting shopkeepers said they would continue their peaceful demonstration until railway officials address their grievances. They are demanding either the reopen- ing of the C-8 railway crossing or immediate improvements to the underbridge to ensure safe, convenient access for all users — trucks, pedestrians and hawkers alike. Meanwhile, district administration officials said they are actively engaging with the railway authorities, pressing for the reopening of both the C7 and C8 crossings until improvements to the railway underbridge are done. Jalandhar, May 18 The Khel Udyog Sangh has raised the issue of getting VAT recovery notices. Group members said the VAT assessment of 2017-18 had been done but the one-time settlement policy was not yet implemented. City industrialists have repeatedly flagged the nonimplementation of the onetime settlement (OTS) policy and raids by the GST Department. According to members of the group, the OTS was implemented a few years ago, but not for the first quarter of 2017-18 and they had been getting recovery notice for the same. Ravindra Dhir, one of the members of the sangh, said on the one hand, small industrialists are upset as the department had been given the power of conducting raids, and on top of it, due to the non-implementation of the one-time settlement scheme for assessments done after 2017-2018, VAT recovery notices have started coming. “In the current circumstances, small businesses are suffering further and the most surprising thing is that this scheme is for the first quarter of 2017-18 because the GST was implemented after that and the GST amnesty scheme was implemented several months ago under which traders had settled their disputes from 2017 to 2020 and were getting it done. In such circumstances, the absence of a one-time settlement scheme for the first quarter of 2017-18 is surprising. The state government should announce this scheme as soon as possible so that small traders can get their settlement done like in the past,” he stated. Anti-drug drivePolice reach out to 11 peddlers arrested with heroin NGO chiefs, activists at Shahkot Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 18 The Jalandhar Rural Police, under the leadership of SSP Harvinder Singh Virk and Sarabjit Rai, SP Investigation, are conducting several anti-drug operations in various police stations. A meeting was organised under the leadership of Onkar Singh Brar, DSP Shahkot. The , meeting was held at the DSP office in which the chief officers of Shahkot, Lohian, Mehatpur, munshi staff along with all block presidents and social leaders and activists were present. The strategies to eradicate the drug menace were discussed. Local leaders reviewed the efforts made by the police so far and highlighted other ways to bring drug addicts back to a healthy life. — TNS c m y b Nawanshahr, May 18 Nine cases under the NDPS Act were registered from various blocks of Nawanshahr today. The police arrested 11 drug peddlers with 64 gm heroin and intoxicating tablets and capsules. The accused have been arrested from Banga, Rahon, Bal- achaur and Kathgarh. The accused have been identified as Onkar Singh, Mayank Sharma, Jasvir Singh, Mukesh Bassi, Ankush Bassi, Tajvir Singh, Jasveer, Mohan Lal, Raj Kumar, Manish Kumar, and Ravinder Kumar. All of them have been arrested and intoxicating substances were recovered from their possession. In a step aimed at making Punjab completely drug-free, former Delhi Chief Minister and national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal had recently announced to wage a war against drugs at village and street level with active support of people. Addressing a gathering at Langroya, Nawanshahr, on Friday, the former Delhi Chief Minister had said the government had broken the backbone of drugs and now the day is not far when it will be eliminated soon. He said the Nasha Mukti Yatra will touch every village and town of the state to galvanize people in this war against drugs, so that Punjab can be made drug-free.