http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071126/region.htm
Abohar
Visit: Jagdish Singh Kahlon SP (D) today visited the house of Dimple Miglani, general secretary of the Land Grabbing Victims Association in the Radhasoami colony here to know her viewpoint on the ongoing tussle with a NRI over immovable property located on the college road here. DSP Parampal Singh also accompanied him. This was in line with the orders of the chief minister Parkash Singh Badal that women should not be summoned to the police stations for recording their statements.
20080708
Hillock razing threat to ecology
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030805/punjab1.htm
Hillock razing threat to ecology
Lalit Mohan
ROPAR: The trend of levelling small hillocks in the district is threatening the ecology of the area. Some colonisers allegedly in connivance with the authorities concerned are razing hillocks, especially those located on the roadside for commercial interests.
Most of the hillocks in the district are a part of the ecologically sensitive Shivalik range of the Himalayas. They form a part of the forest area of the Shivalik range protected by the government under Sections 4 and 5 of the Forest Act. In the areas protected under the said Acts, the owners of the land have to seek permission from the Forest Department before even cutting a tree. However, ignoring or manipulating the rules and regulations in many areas, the hillocks are being levelled to prepare the land for either agriculture or colonisation purposes.
Sources told this correspondent that though preparing the land for agriculture by razing a hillock was a costly process, many influential people were using black money for the purpose.
Certain IAS officers and politicians have purchased vast tracts of land in the form of hillocks near the Sirsa-Nangal area of the district at comparatively high prices. They are now allegedly using their black money to pull down the hillocks and convert them into agricultural land. In the process they would convert black money into white through agriculture produce.
Religious organisations and Babas are also among those involved in reducing hillocks to plains. Since followers of the Radha Swami sect recently pulled down a hillock on the main road in Bharatgarh. This has increased erosion in the surrounding areas, including along adjoining the national highway.
The garb of religion allegedly gives such defaulters immunity from the administrative authorities.
Environment lovers have expressed concern over the increasing trend of razing hillocks in the area. If it is not stopped, it would increase soil erosion in this ecologically sensitive area and create an environment catastrophe.
Hillock razing threat to ecology
Lalit Mohan
ROPAR: The trend of levelling small hillocks in the district is threatening the ecology of the area. Some colonisers allegedly in connivance with the authorities concerned are razing hillocks, especially those located on the roadside for commercial interests.
Most of the hillocks in the district are a part of the ecologically sensitive Shivalik range of the Himalayas. They form a part of the forest area of the Shivalik range protected by the government under Sections 4 and 5 of the Forest Act. In the areas protected under the said Acts, the owners of the land have to seek permission from the Forest Department before even cutting a tree. However, ignoring or manipulating the rules and regulations in many areas, the hillocks are being levelled to prepare the land for either agriculture or colonisation purposes.
Sources told this correspondent that though preparing the land for agriculture by razing a hillock was a costly process, many influential people were using black money for the purpose.
Certain IAS officers and politicians have purchased vast tracts of land in the form of hillocks near the Sirsa-Nangal area of the district at comparatively high prices. They are now allegedly using their black money to pull down the hillocks and convert them into agricultural land. In the process they would convert black money into white through agriculture produce.
Religious organisations and Babas are also among those involved in reducing hillocks to plains. Since followers of the Radha Swami sect recently pulled down a hillock on the main road in Bharatgarh. This has increased erosion in the surrounding areas, including along adjoining the national highway.
The garb of religion allegedly gives such defaulters immunity from the administrative authorities.
Environment lovers have expressed concern over the increasing trend of razing hillocks in the area. If it is not stopped, it would increase soil erosion in this ecologically sensitive area and create an environment catastrophe.
36 institutions owe Rs 34 crore to PUDA
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041207/cth1.htm
36 institutions owe Rs 34 cr to PUDA
Tribune News Service
Mohali, December 6
At least 36 institutions here owe a whopping Rs 34 crore to the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) here. According to PUDA officials, as many as 36 defaulting institutions have been issued notices to pay up the pending amounts failing which legal action would be initiated against them.
According to a review list of defaulting institutions, more that Rs 2.1 crore has to be paid by the Police Department, Punjab. While Rs 1 crore is pending towards the payment of land on which the Commando Complex has been built in Phase 11, another Rs 7 Lakh is pending in the name of police stations Sector 62 and Sector 57. A sum of Rs 1.3 crore is yet to be paid by PUDA on account of the land given to the Police Department for the construction of multistory flats in Sector 66.
A sum of Rs 3.6 crore has to be paid by the Department of Rural Development and Panchyats towards the cost of land bought by the department for the construction of the Rural Development and Panchayat Bhavan in Phase VIII.
Some of the other major defaulters include the Radha Swami Satsang Beas authorities who owe Rs 4 crore to PUDA towards the payment of external development charges of over 200 acres of land reallotted to them. While the Mohali Club, Phase 11, owed Rs 1.8 crore, the Department of Soil Conservation owed Rs 1.4 crore to PUDA.
A number of educational societies owe PUDA large amounts of money. The Multani Mal Modi College, Phase 11 had to pay PUDA Rs 1.7 crore.
While the Gem Educational Society, Sector 60, owes over Rs 1.4 crore to PUDA the Trinity Educational Society, Sector 69, and Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, owes over Rs 1 crore each. The International Christian Society in Sector 71 owes more than Rs 86 lakh and the Sherwood Convent Educational Society, Sector 59. owes over Rs 31 lakh.
A sum of Rs 81 lakh is to be paid by the Sanjay Educational Society, Sector 70, Rs 29 lakh by the Star Public School, Sector 69, Rs 32 lakh is to be paid by the Sher-e-Punjab Educational Society and Rs 18 lakh by the Green Field Educational Society, Sector 59. The Sir Macauliff School, Phase 11 Society owes Rs 59 lakh to PUDA while the Shaheed Udham Singh Educational Trust, Sector 53, owes Rs 31 lakh.
Some other educational institutions like the Aanchal Educational Society, Phase VI, Love Walk Educational Trust, Sector 70, Rattan Professional Educational Trust Sohana, owes less than Rs 10 lakh each to PUDA.
The Cooperative Housing Societies that owe large amounts to PUDA include the Defence Service Welfare Trust, Sector 70 (over Rs 1 crore), the Mohali Employees Society (Rs 26 lakh), Mundi Cooperative Society, Sector 70 (Rs 4.8 lakh), the United Cooperative Society, Sector 68 (Rs 3.8 crore) and the Danga Pirat Cooperative Society, Sector 67 (Rs 2.1 (crore)
When contacted, the Additional Chief Administrator, PUDA, Mr Yashvir Mahajan, stated that these institutions had been issued fresh notices for payment. “Some of these institutions have not paid for many years now. In case we are not able to recover these amounts from these institutions this time, we would have to take recourse to legal options,” he said.
36 institutions owe Rs 34 cr to PUDA
Tribune News Service
Mohali, December 6
At least 36 institutions here owe a whopping Rs 34 crore to the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) here. According to PUDA officials, as many as 36 defaulting institutions have been issued notices to pay up the pending amounts failing which legal action would be initiated against them.
According to a review list of defaulting institutions, more that Rs 2.1 crore has to be paid by the Police Department, Punjab. While Rs 1 crore is pending towards the payment of land on which the Commando Complex has been built in Phase 11, another Rs 7 Lakh is pending in the name of police stations Sector 62 and Sector 57. A sum of Rs 1.3 crore is yet to be paid by PUDA on account of the land given to the Police Department for the construction of multistory flats in Sector 66.
A sum of Rs 3.6 crore has to be paid by the Department of Rural Development and Panchyats towards the cost of land bought by the department for the construction of the Rural Development and Panchayat Bhavan in Phase VIII.
Some of the other major defaulters include the Radha Swami Satsang Beas authorities who owe Rs 4 crore to PUDA towards the payment of external development charges of over 200 acres of land reallotted to them. While the Mohali Club, Phase 11, owed Rs 1.8 crore, the Department of Soil Conservation owed Rs 1.4 crore to PUDA.
A number of educational societies owe PUDA large amounts of money. The Multani Mal Modi College, Phase 11 had to pay PUDA Rs 1.7 crore.
While the Gem Educational Society, Sector 60, owes over Rs 1.4 crore to PUDA the Trinity Educational Society, Sector 69, and Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, owes over Rs 1 crore each. The International Christian Society in Sector 71 owes more than Rs 86 lakh and the Sherwood Convent Educational Society, Sector 59. owes over Rs 31 lakh.
A sum of Rs 81 lakh is to be paid by the Sanjay Educational Society, Sector 70, Rs 29 lakh by the Star Public School, Sector 69, Rs 32 lakh is to be paid by the Sher-e-Punjab Educational Society and Rs 18 lakh by the Green Field Educational Society, Sector 59. The Sir Macauliff School, Phase 11 Society owes Rs 59 lakh to PUDA while the Shaheed Udham Singh Educational Trust, Sector 53, owes Rs 31 lakh.
Some other educational institutions like the Aanchal Educational Society, Phase VI, Love Walk Educational Trust, Sector 70, Rattan Professional Educational Trust Sohana, owes less than Rs 10 lakh each to PUDA.
The Cooperative Housing Societies that owe large amounts to PUDA include the Defence Service Welfare Trust, Sector 70 (over Rs 1 crore), the Mohali Employees Society (Rs 26 lakh), Mundi Cooperative Society, Sector 70 (Rs 4.8 lakh), the United Cooperative Society, Sector 68 (Rs 3.8 crore) and the Danga Pirat Cooperative Society, Sector 67 (Rs 2.1 (crore)
When contacted, the Additional Chief Administrator, PUDA, Mr Yashvir Mahajan, stated that these institutions had been issued fresh notices for payment. “Some of these institutions have not paid for many years now. In case we are not able to recover these amounts from these institutions this time, we would have to take recourse to legal options,” he said.
Delay in allotment of plot resented
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050119/cth1.htm
Delay in allotment of plots resented
Tribune News Service
Mohali, January 18
Members of the Allotment Sangharsh Committee met at the Phase 3B1 Rose Garden yesterday in protest against the delay in the allotment of plots in Sectors 76 to 80 in Mohali.
The committee had been formed from the 3900 allottees who had been given letters of intent by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) for the allotment of plots in these sectors in 2000, but have not been given the physical possession of plots.
According to a note issued by the press secretary of the committee, Mr Harbhajan Singh, 3950 plots of various sizes in the new sectors were approved and the draw of lots held in March, 2001. The successful allottees had also paid 25 per cent of the allotment price to PUDA and it was promised that physical possession of the plots would be given by the end of December, 2002, but so far the plots had still not been allotted. It was also pointed out during the meeting PUDA had in its free possession over 1200 acres in these sectors but it was not allotting the plots.
The members alleged that PUDA had granted a large chunk of land in these sectors to the Judges and Officers’ Enclave, the Radha Swami Satsang and the Housefed Punjab, but not to the allottees. Members warned that in case their demand was not met, they would gherao the PUDA Bhavan building and stage a dharna there.
Delay in allotment of plots resented
Tribune News Service
Mohali, January 18
Members of the Allotment Sangharsh Committee met at the Phase 3B1 Rose Garden yesterday in protest against the delay in the allotment of plots in Sectors 76 to 80 in Mohali.
The committee had been formed from the 3900 allottees who had been given letters of intent by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) for the allotment of plots in these sectors in 2000, but have not been given the physical possession of plots.
According to a note issued by the press secretary of the committee, Mr Harbhajan Singh, 3950 plots of various sizes in the new sectors were approved and the draw of lots held in March, 2001. The successful allottees had also paid 25 per cent of the allotment price to PUDA and it was promised that physical possession of the plots would be given by the end of December, 2002, but so far the plots had still not been allotted. It was also pointed out during the meeting PUDA had in its free possession over 1200 acres in these sectors but it was not allotting the plots.
The members alleged that PUDA had granted a large chunk of land in these sectors to the Judges and Officers’ Enclave, the Radha Swami Satsang and the Housefed Punjab, but not to the allottees. Members warned that in case their demand was not met, they would gherao the PUDA Bhavan building and stage a dharna there.
PUDA to get back 35 acres from Radhasoamis
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040921/cth3.htm
PUDA to get back 35 acres from Radhasoamis
Tribune News Service
Mohali, September 20
After remaining a bone of contention for years over 35 acres of prime land, reportedly in the unauthorised possession of the Radhasoami Satsang Beas Management here would be ‘returned’ to Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
It is learnt that an undertaking to this effect had been given by the management following a meeting with Minister of Urban Housing and Development Raghunath Sahai Puri to solve the issue amiably. The land would be in PUDA’s possession by October 31, and has already been planned for the construction of cooperative housing buildings and institutions.
Sources said Radhasoami Beas Management owned a large chunk of land near Sohana village before PUDA acquired the area. However as part of an internal adjustment done in 2001, PUDA granted 200 acres of land to the management at the same spot in exchange for the other pieces of land owned by the management elsewhere in Mohali.
In fact the deal was in PUDA’s favour. We exchanged 200 acres of consolidated land for almost 235 acres of unconsolidated land owned by the management in Mohali. Other than this, the management was asked to pay external development charges to the tune of over Rs 2 Crore, which they did,’’stated a source in PUDA.
However, while the management took possession of the 200 acres of land, it continued to hold on to over 35 acres of adjoining extra land that they had formally owned but did not form a part of the fresh allotment. This land fell within the boundary walls of the dera which was later constructed here and was subsequently declared encroached upon by PUDA. A number of notices were also issued to the management to shift its boundary wall and hand over the excess land to PUDA. However the management showed its inability to give the land back.
The management’s plea was also not baseless. They pointed out that almost eight acres of land out of the 200 acres allotted to them was under litigation by the original owners and following a stay order, they could not use it as planned. They also said this piece was to be used for the construction of an office complex within the dera, and since a new office complex could not be constructed, they continued to use the old office complex that fell within this 35 acres of land that they had erstwhile owned,’’explained a PUDA source.
PUDA to get back 35 acres from Radhasoamis
Tribune News Service
Mohali, September 20
After remaining a bone of contention for years over 35 acres of prime land, reportedly in the unauthorised possession of the Radhasoami Satsang Beas Management here would be ‘returned’ to Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
It is learnt that an undertaking to this effect had been given by the management following a meeting with Minister of Urban Housing and Development Raghunath Sahai Puri to solve the issue amiably. The land would be in PUDA’s possession by October 31, and has already been planned for the construction of cooperative housing buildings and institutions.
Sources said Radhasoami Beas Management owned a large chunk of land near Sohana village before PUDA acquired the area. However as part of an internal adjustment done in 2001, PUDA granted 200 acres of land to the management at the same spot in exchange for the other pieces of land owned by the management elsewhere in Mohali.
In fact the deal was in PUDA’s favour. We exchanged 200 acres of consolidated land for almost 235 acres of unconsolidated land owned by the management in Mohali. Other than this, the management was asked to pay external development charges to the tune of over Rs 2 Crore, which they did,’’stated a source in PUDA.
However, while the management took possession of the 200 acres of land, it continued to hold on to over 35 acres of adjoining extra land that they had formally owned but did not form a part of the fresh allotment. This land fell within the boundary walls of the dera which was later constructed here and was subsequently declared encroached upon by PUDA. A number of notices were also issued to the management to shift its boundary wall and hand over the excess land to PUDA. However the management showed its inability to give the land back.
The management’s plea was also not baseless. They pointed out that almost eight acres of land out of the 200 acres allotted to them was under litigation by the original owners and following a stay order, they could not use it as planned. They also said this piece was to be used for the construction of an office complex within the dera, and since a new office complex could not be constructed, they continued to use the old office complex that fell within this 35 acres of land that they had erstwhile owned,’’explained a PUDA source.
2 FIRs for violating periphery act
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061104/cth1.htm
2 FIRs for violating Periphery Act
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 3
The UT Administration today lodged two First Information Report (FIR) against unknown persons for violating the provision of the Periphery Act and encroaching upon public land.
Apart from taking legal action, the administration carried out demolition drive on a 13-kanal-chunk of land in Maloya village. An official disclosed that some people had raised temporary structure for a gurdwara. There was an alleged dispute over the land as one section was claiming it to be a graveyard site while the other section claimed land had been donated for gurdwara.
An official said those managing the gurdwara had been given adequate time to remove the temporary structure. After the deadline ended, the enforcement staff today removed the structure. A notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act had been issued for acquiring land.
However, residents of the area claimed that demolition was carried out as those managing the graveyard had an objection to the presence of a gurdwara there.
“Today they had to bury a dead member of their community so the administration was called to prevent any communal clash between the two groups. There is a dispute regarding the ownership of the land”, said those managing the gurdwara. The residents lament that the administration was adopting double yard stick in tackling violations. The structure of the Radha Soami Satsang had also been raised in violation of the Periphery Act. But no demolition had been carried out there.
Meanwhile, the enforcement staff also demolished the structure of a mandir which had come up on public land in the Industrial Area. The structure, adjoining the Needle Factory, had come up after being demolished.
2 FIRs for violating Periphery Act
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 3
The UT Administration today lodged two First Information Report (FIR) against unknown persons for violating the provision of the Periphery Act and encroaching upon public land.
Apart from taking legal action, the administration carried out demolition drive on a 13-kanal-chunk of land in Maloya village. An official disclosed that some people had raised temporary structure for a gurdwara. There was an alleged dispute over the land as one section was claiming it to be a graveyard site while the other section claimed land had been donated for gurdwara.
An official said those managing the gurdwara had been given adequate time to remove the temporary structure. After the deadline ended, the enforcement staff today removed the structure. A notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act had been issued for acquiring land.
However, residents of the area claimed that demolition was carried out as those managing the graveyard had an objection to the presence of a gurdwara there.
“Today they had to bury a dead member of their community so the administration was called to prevent any communal clash between the two groups. There is a dispute regarding the ownership of the land”, said those managing the gurdwara. The residents lament that the administration was adopting double yard stick in tackling violations. The structure of the Radha Soami Satsang had also been raised in violation of the Periphery Act. But no demolition had been carried out there.
Meanwhile, the enforcement staff also demolished the structure of a mandir which had come up on public land in the Industrial Area. The structure, adjoining the Needle Factory, had come up after being demolished.
Dial 100 to save deodar trees
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061227/himachal.htm#7
Dial 100 to save deodar trees, say officials
Tribune News Service
Shimla, December 26
The Forest Department has sought police help to stop the construction of a huge retaining wall around the Ram Chandra chowk by the Radha Swami Satsang, which will sound the death knell for several deodar trees.
The local forest authorities had last week directed the satsang staff to stop the construction of the wall as it would lead to the cutting of 13 deodar trees, whose roots would get buried in the concrete of the huge wall. Despite the directive, the construction activity is still on in full swing.
DFO R.K. Raj today wrote to SP A.P. Singh to extend help in stopping the work. Interestingly, the work is being carried on by the same people who were earlier exempted by the local Municipal Corporation allegedly for drying up 30 deodar trees due to constructing a retraining wall around their main property.
The forest officials have already prepared a damage report against the satsang for felling a green broad leaved miscellaneous tree while constructing the wall, which is being raised from the road between Raj Bhawan and Forest Road, leading to St Bede’s College.
“Despite being asked to stop work immediately the satsang staff is carrying on with the construction which could lead to drying up of at least 13 deodar trees,” confirmed Mr Raj, adding that the only option left was to seek police help.
According to a survey conducted by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, the deodars of the “Queen of Hills” were under grave threat as many of them were drying up due to ageing and unprecedented construction activity.
It had been observed that due to excessive construction activity, the roots of the trees were getting trapped in the concrete walls and drying up.
To save the depleting forest wealth, especially the century-old deodar trees there must be a distance of at least 2 m from a tree.
The government now intends to increase this distance to 5 m in view of the fact that deodar is a huge tree whose branches can go up to 10 m in length.
Dial 100 to save deodar trees, say officials
Tribune News Service
Shimla, December 26
The Forest Department has sought police help to stop the construction of a huge retaining wall around the Ram Chandra chowk by the Radha Swami Satsang, which will sound the death knell for several deodar trees.
The local forest authorities had last week directed the satsang staff to stop the construction of the wall as it would lead to the cutting of 13 deodar trees, whose roots would get buried in the concrete of the huge wall. Despite the directive, the construction activity is still on in full swing.
DFO R.K. Raj today wrote to SP A.P. Singh to extend help in stopping the work. Interestingly, the work is being carried on by the same people who were earlier exempted by the local Municipal Corporation allegedly for drying up 30 deodar trees due to constructing a retraining wall around their main property.
The forest officials have already prepared a damage report against the satsang for felling a green broad leaved miscellaneous tree while constructing the wall, which is being raised from the road between Raj Bhawan and Forest Road, leading to St Bede’s College.
“Despite being asked to stop work immediately the satsang staff is carrying on with the construction which could lead to drying up of at least 13 deodar trees,” confirmed Mr Raj, adding that the only option left was to seek police help.
According to a survey conducted by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, the deodars of the “Queen of Hills” were under grave threat as many of them were drying up due to ageing and unprecedented construction activity.
It had been observed that due to excessive construction activity, the roots of the trees were getting trapped in the concrete walls and drying up.
To save the depleting forest wealth, especially the century-old deodar trees there must be a distance of at least 2 m from a tree.
The government now intends to increase this distance to 5 m in view of the fact that deodar is a huge tree whose branches can go up to 10 m in length.
PUDA may restart land acquisition
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010913/cth1.htm
PUDA may restart land acquisition
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, September 12
In the light of the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowing the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) to carry on its proceedings in the extension of SAS Nagar case subject to the final decision of the writ petition, PUDA is likely to start the stalled process of land acquisition of Sohana, Mauli Baidwan and other villages in the coming days. The land of the villages falls under the five new sectors.
The land of the petitioners, around 120, allowed status quo by the court, is not being touched by the authority. A meeting of land acquisition officials has been called by the Chief Administrator of PUDA on September 14.
The Chief Administrator, Mr K.B.S. Sidhu, said around 90 per cent of land was free from the status quo. Against 3951 plots allotted in the new sectors, the 15 per cent amount had been deposited for 3712 plots. “We will request the remaining allottees to deposit the 15 per cent money so that development of the area can be carried out”, he said.
Sources in PUDA said in the light of the status quo for around 120 acres, the conceptual plan of the five sectors might have to be altered. The planning of Sectors 78 and 79 could be affected as the maximum number of petitioners had land near Sohana village. A 200 feet wide road between Sectors 78 and 79 had come in the land of the petitioners. Another road in Sectors 76 and 77 would also have to be altered, affecting the overall planning of the area.
Around 200 acres in Sector 76 was in possession of the Radha Soami Satsang. Minor changes would have to be made to keep the circulation area same. Sources said location of over 500 plots of varying size would have to be changed.
An official said in case of Sohana village, a compensation of around Rs 25 crore had been given against a total award of 120 crore. In case of Mauli Baidwan village, a compensation of around 11 crore had been given against a total compensation of around 15 crore.
In case of Lakhnour village, a compensation of around three crore was yet to be given. Officially the possession of land of Mauli Baidwan and Sohana villages had been taken on May 7 and 17, respectively.
PUDA may restart land acquisition
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, September 12
In the light of the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowing the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) to carry on its proceedings in the extension of SAS Nagar case subject to the final decision of the writ petition, PUDA is likely to start the stalled process of land acquisition of Sohana, Mauli Baidwan and other villages in the coming days. The land of the villages falls under the five new sectors.
The land of the petitioners, around 120, allowed status quo by the court, is not being touched by the authority. A meeting of land acquisition officials has been called by the Chief Administrator of PUDA on September 14.
The Chief Administrator, Mr K.B.S. Sidhu, said around 90 per cent of land was free from the status quo. Against 3951 plots allotted in the new sectors, the 15 per cent amount had been deposited for 3712 plots. “We will request the remaining allottees to deposit the 15 per cent money so that development of the area can be carried out”, he said.
Sources in PUDA said in the light of the status quo for around 120 acres, the conceptual plan of the five sectors might have to be altered. The planning of Sectors 78 and 79 could be affected as the maximum number of petitioners had land near Sohana village. A 200 feet wide road between Sectors 78 and 79 had come in the land of the petitioners. Another road in Sectors 76 and 77 would also have to be altered, affecting the overall planning of the area.
Around 200 acres in Sector 76 was in possession of the Radha Soami Satsang. Minor changes would have to be made to keep the circulation area same. Sources said location of over 500 plots of varying size would have to be changed.
An official said in case of Sohana village, a compensation of around Rs 25 crore had been given against a total award of 120 crore. In case of Mauli Baidwan village, a compensation of around 11 crore had been given against a total compensation of around 15 crore.
In case of Lakhnour village, a compensation of around three crore was yet to be given. Officially the possession of land of Mauli Baidwan and Sohana villages had been taken on May 7 and 17, respectively.
PUDA to go ahead with Sec 79,80 development
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021025/cth3.htm
PUDA to go ahead with Sec 79, 80 development
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, October 24
The Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) has decided to go ahead with infrastructural development of Sectors 79 and 80 and to give possession of plot in these sector to the allottees by March, 2003.
The Additional Chief Administrator, PUDA, today held a special meeting with planners and engineers concerned. It was decided in the meeting that laying of basic infrastructure in these two sectors would begin immediately as PUDA has clear possession of land that was to be developed in these two sectors.
However, in Sectors 77 and 78, 60 acres of land, in various scattered pockets, was still under litigation and no development work could be undertaken by PUDA there, sources said.
The ACA, PUDA, Mr Yashvir Mahajan, said, “We are facing difficulties in implementing development plans in some sectors, but we have got chunks of land which are free from litigation and these can be developed into plots.” And what about the people whose land falls in the areas under litigation? “PUDA stands by its commitment to provide these people with plots at the earliest,” he said.
“Sector 76, which has 200 acres of land, has been allotted to members of the Radha Soami sect in exchange for their 220 acres of scattered pieces of land in various places in SAS Nagar. The sect has been charged Rs 2 lakh per acre as external development charges by PUDA, sources said.
PUDA to go ahead with Sec 79, 80 development
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, October 24
The Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) has decided to go ahead with infrastructural development of Sectors 79 and 80 and to give possession of plot in these sector to the allottees by March, 2003.
The Additional Chief Administrator, PUDA, today held a special meeting with planners and engineers concerned. It was decided in the meeting that laying of basic infrastructure in these two sectors would begin immediately as PUDA has clear possession of land that was to be developed in these two sectors.
However, in Sectors 77 and 78, 60 acres of land, in various scattered pockets, was still under litigation and no development work could be undertaken by PUDA there, sources said.
The ACA, PUDA, Mr Yashvir Mahajan, said, “We are facing difficulties in implementing development plans in some sectors, but we have got chunks of land which are free from litigation and these can be developed into plots.” And what about the people whose land falls in the areas under litigation? “PUDA stands by its commitment to provide these people with plots at the earliest,” he said.
“Sector 76, which has 200 acres of land, has been allotted to members of the Radha Soami sect in exchange for their 220 acres of scattered pieces of land in various places in SAS Nagar. The sect has been charged Rs 2 lakh per acre as external development charges by PUDA, sources said.
Lengthy PU probes yield nothing
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030717/cth2.htm
Lengthy PU probes yield ‘nothing’
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 16
The fate of a majority of inquiries into ‘scandalous’ issues at Panjab University showed that months and in certain cases years were spent, but the results were ‘negligible’.
The decision on certain issues that ‘rocked’ the campus revealed that either the cases were very poorly drafted or the matter had been blown out of all proportion.
The ‘Fossil fraud’ or ‘Himalayan blunder’ had put the university on the international map of discussions. This involved a senior geology teacher using ‘fake’ fossil records in his study on the Himalayas. The issue rocked the university for a couple of years till the authorities thought it was fit to punish the teacher only by stopping his promotion.
This was followed by the ‘cement scandal’ in early 90s involving 25 cement bags. The bags were being smuggled out of the campus. Following years of probe and fiery House debates, it is learnt that the university had filed the case.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof K.N. Pathak, confirmed that the case had been filed during the tenure of the last VC.
Mr Ashok Goyal, a Fellow, had remarked that the bags had not cost as much the university had spent on the probe over ‘nothing’.
This was followed by another major scandal in the Sports Department. In this scandal the then Finance and Development Officer was accused of misappropriating lakhs. At least four probes were conducted, but nothing significant was found.
Another scandal pertained to a case where the marks of a candidate were increased from zero to 42 after re-evaluation. The candidate wrote Radha Soami on answersheets. The punishment for the teacher under probe was ‘only’ stoppage of his increments. In an interesting development on the front of sagging probes comes a recent recommendation by a committee where the university will put a time bar on the duration of all probes, both academic and professional. This has been done with an aim to streamline the work procedure involved.
The recommendation has been made in response to a resolution of Mr Satya Pal Dang, a Fellow. He had pointed out that a lot of effort was wasted in probes.
A senior Fellow pointed out that the fate of several probes was a telling comment over the division in the university governing body on the basis of group inclinations. In majority of the cases which gathered too much of heat there emerged equally strong voices in defence.
A research fellow said the entire issue needed a fair re-look and self-assessment and the university would have to take bold decisions to set good examples.
Lengthy PU probes yield ‘nothing’
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 16
The fate of a majority of inquiries into ‘scandalous’ issues at Panjab University showed that months and in certain cases years were spent, but the results were ‘negligible’.
The decision on certain issues that ‘rocked’ the campus revealed that either the cases were very poorly drafted or the matter had been blown out of all proportion.
The ‘Fossil fraud’ or ‘Himalayan blunder’ had put the university on the international map of discussions. This involved a senior geology teacher using ‘fake’ fossil records in his study on the Himalayas. The issue rocked the university for a couple of years till the authorities thought it was fit to punish the teacher only by stopping his promotion.
This was followed by the ‘cement scandal’ in early 90s involving 25 cement bags. The bags were being smuggled out of the campus. Following years of probe and fiery House debates, it is learnt that the university had filed the case.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof K.N. Pathak, confirmed that the case had been filed during the tenure of the last VC.
Mr Ashok Goyal, a Fellow, had remarked that the bags had not cost as much the university had spent on the probe over ‘nothing’.
This was followed by another major scandal in the Sports Department. In this scandal the then Finance and Development Officer was accused of misappropriating lakhs. At least four probes were conducted, but nothing significant was found.
Another scandal pertained to a case where the marks of a candidate were increased from zero to 42 after re-evaluation. The candidate wrote Radha Soami on answersheets. The punishment for the teacher under probe was ‘only’ stoppage of his increments. In an interesting development on the front of sagging probes comes a recent recommendation by a committee where the university will put a time bar on the duration of all probes, both academic and professional. This has been done with an aim to streamline the work procedure involved.
The recommendation has been made in response to a resolution of Mr Satya Pal Dang, a Fellow. He had pointed out that a lot of effort was wasted in probes.
A senior Fellow pointed out that the fate of several probes was a telling comment over the division in the university governing body on the basis of group inclinations. In majority of the cases which gathered too much of heat there emerged equally strong voices in defence.
A research fellow said the entire issue needed a fair re-look and self-assessment and the university would have to take bold decisions to set good examples.
Advani visits Radhasoami dera at Beas
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001104/punjab.htm#10
Advani visits Radhasoami dera at Beas
Tribune News Service
AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — The Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, and his wife visited the Radhasoami dera at Beas last evening where a nine-day eye camp is in progress. He was shown the arrangements made under the supervision of eye specialist Dr J.M. Pahwa, a Padmashri awardee from Aligarh.
Mr Advani, who visited the dera during his 65-minute stopover at Beas, had a special audience with Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, heads of dera.
Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Minister for Local Government, Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Minister of Cooperative, Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Minister of Medical Education, Dr Baldev Raj Chawla, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Dr Rattan Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development received Home Minister at the rest house of the dera along with the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Narinderjit Singh, the DIG (Border), Mr Jasminder Singh, the SSP of Majitha, Mr Lok Nath and other senior officials.
Top
Advani visits Radhasoami dera at Beas
Tribune News Service
AMRITSAR, Nov 3 — The Union Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, and his wife visited the Radhasoami dera at Beas last evening where a nine-day eye camp is in progress. He was shown the arrangements made under the supervision of eye specialist Dr J.M. Pahwa, a Padmashri awardee from Aligarh.
Mr Advani, who visited the dera during his 65-minute stopover at Beas, had a special audience with Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, heads of dera.
Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Minister for Local Government, Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Minister of Cooperative, Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Minister of Medical Education, Dr Baldev Raj Chawla, Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Dr Rattan Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development received Home Minister at the rest house of the dera along with the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Narinderjit Singh, the DIG (Border), Mr Jasminder Singh, the SSP of Majitha, Mr Lok Nath and other senior officials.
Top
Government Radha Soami imbroglio resolved
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080619/cth1.htm
Govt-Radha Swami mgmt imbroglio resolved
Dera to give 34 acres to GMADA
Chitleen K. Sethi
Tribune News Service
Mohali, June 18
The six-year-old imbroglio between the Punjab Government and the Radha Swami Satsang, Beas, management over encroachment of government land by the dera in Mohali has been resolved.
The management had been given 200 acres of land in Sector 76 more than six years ago. However, while constructing the boundary wall, the dera management included, within its limits, almost 34 acres of land towards its north earmarked as institutional land by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
The Punjab Government had been half-heartedly pursuing the matter with the dera’s management but the matter remained unresolved. Numerous notices were issued but nothing came out of it. The dera management had been seeking extension on one pretext or the other.
The matter was resolved during the meeting of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal yesterday.
“The dera’s management has agreed to give up 34 acres of land towards its south provided we allow them to keep the 34 acres they have encroached upon in the north,” said GMADA chief administrator Vivek Pratap Singh. The 34 acres to the dera’s south would be handed over to GMADA.
“The dera management has also agreed to hand over 1.78 acres of land in Phase VII to GMADA. The Chief Minister has also approved that this piece of land, opposite the main market in Mohali, be allowed to be used commercially,” said Vivek Pratap.
It was further decided that GMADA would hand over eight acres out of the 34 acres released by the dera to the 13 housing societies which had been recently promised land by the Chief Minister.
Another two acres would be given to the Semi Conductors Limited (SCL) in lieu of the land they gave up near the gate for the widening of the road.
“We will still be left with 24 acres of land which can be put to better use,” said Vivek Pratap.
Govt-Radha Swami mgmt imbroglio resolved
Dera to give 34 acres to GMADA
Chitleen K. Sethi
Tribune News Service
Mohali, June 18
The six-year-old imbroglio between the Punjab Government and the Radha Swami Satsang, Beas, management over encroachment of government land by the dera in Mohali has been resolved.
The management had been given 200 acres of land in Sector 76 more than six years ago. However, while constructing the boundary wall, the dera management included, within its limits, almost 34 acres of land towards its north earmarked as institutional land by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
The Punjab Government had been half-heartedly pursuing the matter with the dera’s management but the matter remained unresolved. Numerous notices were issued but nothing came out of it. The dera management had been seeking extension on one pretext or the other.
The matter was resolved during the meeting of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal yesterday.
“The dera’s management has agreed to give up 34 acres of land towards its south provided we allow them to keep the 34 acres they have encroached upon in the north,” said GMADA chief administrator Vivek Pratap Singh. The 34 acres to the dera’s south would be handed over to GMADA.
“The dera management has also agreed to hand over 1.78 acres of land in Phase VII to GMADA. The Chief Minister has also approved that this piece of land, opposite the main market in Mohali, be allowed to be used commercially,” said Vivek Pratap.
It was further decided that GMADA would hand over eight acres out of the 34 acres released by the dera to the 13 housing societies which had been recently promised land by the Chief Minister.
Another two acres would be given to the Semi Conductors Limited (SCL) in lieu of the land they gave up near the gate for the widening of the road.
“We will still be left with 24 acres of land which can be put to better use,” said Vivek Pratap.
PUDA notices to defaulters for recovery
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050914/cth1.htm
PUDA notices to defaulters for recovery of Rs 35 cr
Tribune News Service
Mohali, September 13
Stepping up enforcement measures, the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) today issued fresh notices to hundreds of defaulting allottees who owe almost Rs 35 crore to the authority.
According to a list of defaulters prepared by PUDA, the Pancham Cooperative Housing Society, Sector 68, is one of the biggest defaulters owing Rs 4.49 crore to PUDA. “Process has been set in to resume the properties of the persistent defaulters. The Pancham Housing Society and the United Cooperative Society, which also owes crores to PUDA, have been issued resumption notices,” said Mr Yashvir Mahajan, Additional Chief Administrator, Mohali PUDA. Although the Radha Soami Satsang (Beas) was listed as owing Rs 4 crore to PUDA towards payment of the external development charges of its land in Sector 76, sources in PUDA pointed out that since certain portion of their land was under litigation, they had chosen not to pay PUDA till the land was cleared of all encumbrances.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats owed Rs 3.64 crore for the land bought by the department in Sector 62. The Punjab Police was also one of the major defaulters. Other than Rs 1 crore it owed for the PAP complex in Phase XI, the police department had to pay PUDA Rs 1.3 crore for the multi-storey flats in Sector 66. Another Rs 6 lakh and Rs 1 lakh each was owed by the department for the police station in Sectors 57 and 62, respectively.
The Mohali Club, Sector 65, owed Rs 1.9 crore to PUDA. Among the educational societies which owe over a crore rupees to PUDA included the Gem Educational Society, Sector 60, Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, and the Trinity Educational Society, Sector 69. A host of other educational societies too had not paid their dues to PUDA. These included the International Christian Educational Society, Sector 61, Sherwood Convent Educational Society, Sector 59, Star Public School, Sector 69, National Educational Society, Sector 53, Sanjay Educational Society, Sector 70, Sher-e Punjab Educational Society, Sector 68, Aggarwal Educational Trust, Sector 69, Anchal Educational Society, Phase VI, Green Field Educational Society, Sector 59, Amandeep Educational Society, Sector 64, Global Educational Society, Sector 69 and Golden Bells School, Sector 77.
Sources added that some of these societies had not paid their dues following a stay by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These societies had approached the court against PUDA alleging discriminatory terms of allotments.
Other than the Rs 25.8 crore that these institutions owed PUDA, another Rs 9.7 crore was owed by various allottees of commercials and residential sites. “We are seriously monitoring and enforcing the recovery from defaulters and those who do not pay by the stipulated date would face evictions,” said Mr Mahajan.
PUDA notices to defaulters for recovery of Rs 35 cr
Tribune News Service
Mohali, September 13
Stepping up enforcement measures, the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) today issued fresh notices to hundreds of defaulting allottees who owe almost Rs 35 crore to the authority.
According to a list of defaulters prepared by PUDA, the Pancham Cooperative Housing Society, Sector 68, is one of the biggest defaulters owing Rs 4.49 crore to PUDA. “Process has been set in to resume the properties of the persistent defaulters. The Pancham Housing Society and the United Cooperative Society, which also owes crores to PUDA, have been issued resumption notices,” said Mr Yashvir Mahajan, Additional Chief Administrator, Mohali PUDA. Although the Radha Soami Satsang (Beas) was listed as owing Rs 4 crore to PUDA towards payment of the external development charges of its land in Sector 76, sources in PUDA pointed out that since certain portion of their land was under litigation, they had chosen not to pay PUDA till the land was cleared of all encumbrances.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats owed Rs 3.64 crore for the land bought by the department in Sector 62. The Punjab Police was also one of the major defaulters. Other than Rs 1 crore it owed for the PAP complex in Phase XI, the police department had to pay PUDA Rs 1.3 crore for the multi-storey flats in Sector 66. Another Rs 6 lakh and Rs 1 lakh each was owed by the department for the police station in Sectors 57 and 62, respectively.
The Mohali Club, Sector 65, owed Rs 1.9 crore to PUDA. Among the educational societies which owe over a crore rupees to PUDA included the Gem Educational Society, Sector 60, Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 69, and the Trinity Educational Society, Sector 69. A host of other educational societies too had not paid their dues to PUDA. These included the International Christian Educational Society, Sector 61, Sherwood Convent Educational Society, Sector 59, Star Public School, Sector 69, National Educational Society, Sector 53, Sanjay Educational Society, Sector 70, Sher-e Punjab Educational Society, Sector 68, Aggarwal Educational Trust, Sector 69, Anchal Educational Society, Phase VI, Green Field Educational Society, Sector 59, Amandeep Educational Society, Sector 64, Global Educational Society, Sector 69 and Golden Bells School, Sector 77.
Sources added that some of these societies had not paid their dues following a stay by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These societies had approached the court against PUDA alleging discriminatory terms of allotments.
Other than the Rs 25.8 crore that these institutions owed PUDA, another Rs 9.7 crore was owed by various allottees of commercials and residential sites. “We are seriously monitoring and enforcing the recovery from defaulters and those who do not pay by the stipulated date would face evictions,” said Mr Mahajan.
City Landran highway being realigned
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020302/cth1.htm
City-Landran highway being realigned
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, March 1
After reallotment of 200 acre of land to a religious sect out of the 1,272 acre of land acquired by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority for a new housing project, realignment of the busy Chandigarh — Landran highway is finally being done.
A 1.5 kilometre stretch of the realigned road between Sohana and Lakhnour villages is being freshly laid, said an official of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority. The realigned stretch of the road would run along the boundary of land allotted to the Radha Soami sect. Already the engineering wing has begun the work of raising the level of the proposed road.
The existing stretch was part of the land allotted to the sect after chunks of land owned by it in Sohana and Mauli Baidwan village were clubbed at one place by the PUDA. “There was no option but to reallot the 200 acres of land adjoining Sector 70 as it could affect the planning of the sectors”, said an official of PUDA.
Sources in the PUDA said volunteers of the sect began work of demarcating their land, attracting protest from residents of Sohana village, who said that their standing trees were damaged. The official said the volunteers of the sect , while constructing the boundary wall around the sect’s land, came very near to blocking the highway. Those in charge of the sect have been asked to leave a 100-feet wide road stretch till the alternative road was not constructed. However, an official at the sect’s Sector 76 office said they were not in a hurry for construction of the alternative road.
City-Landran highway being realigned
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, March 1
After reallotment of 200 acre of land to a religious sect out of the 1,272 acre of land acquired by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority for a new housing project, realignment of the busy Chandigarh — Landran highway is finally being done.
A 1.5 kilometre stretch of the realigned road between Sohana and Lakhnour villages is being freshly laid, said an official of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority. The realigned stretch of the road would run along the boundary of land allotted to the Radha Soami sect. Already the engineering wing has begun the work of raising the level of the proposed road.
The existing stretch was part of the land allotted to the sect after chunks of land owned by it in Sohana and Mauli Baidwan village were clubbed at one place by the PUDA. “There was no option but to reallot the 200 acres of land adjoining Sector 70 as it could affect the planning of the sectors”, said an official of PUDA.
Sources in the PUDA said volunteers of the sect began work of demarcating their land, attracting protest from residents of Sohana village, who said that their standing trees were damaged. The official said the volunteers of the sect , while constructing the boundary wall around the sect’s land, came very near to blocking the highway. Those in charge of the sect have been asked to leave a 100-feet wide road stretch till the alternative road was not constructed. However, an official at the sect’s Sector 76 office said they were not in a hurry for construction of the alternative road.
Allottees hold dharna, seek possession of plots
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050213/cth1.htm
Allottees hold dharna, seek possession of plots
Our Correspondent
Mohali, February 12
A dharna was organised by members of the Plot Allotment Sangharsh Committee, Sector 76-80, outside the office of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority here today in protest against the failure of the authorities concerned to give them possession of the plots allotted to them.
The protesters said PUDA had failed to give possession of the plots to 3,950 allottees, who had been issued letters of intent in 2001 even when Rs 56 crore had been deposited by them over the past four years as payment for the plots allotted to them.
They regretted that PUDA had allotted a part of the land in Sector 76 to the Radha Soami Trust. Apart from this, land had also been allotted to Golden Bells Public School, Officers and Judges Enclave and Sant Kirtan Convent School in Sector 77 and in Sectors 79 and 80 land had been allotted to the Housefed Society. But no step had been taken to give possession of the land to 3,950 allottees.
The allottees said PUDA had not carried out any development work in Sectors 77 and 78 and they fear that PUDA might hand over the land to colonisers and societies. Moreover, the area had not been developed as farmers, who had already taken compensation from the government, were cultivating the land allegedly in connivance with PUDA officials.
They said the possession of the plots to allottees could have been given by PUDA as only 102 acres of land in Sectors 79 and 80 were under dispute. They felt that allottees were being deliberately harassed by the PUDA authorities.
The allottees said they would meet the Punjab Governor and Chief Minister and appeal that they be given the possession of plots allotted to them.
Allottees hold dharna, seek possession of plots
Our Correspondent
Mohali, February 12
A dharna was organised by members of the Plot Allotment Sangharsh Committee, Sector 76-80, outside the office of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority here today in protest against the failure of the authorities concerned to give them possession of the plots allotted to them.
The protesters said PUDA had failed to give possession of the plots to 3,950 allottees, who had been issued letters of intent in 2001 even when Rs 56 crore had been deposited by them over the past four years as payment for the plots allotted to them.
They regretted that PUDA had allotted a part of the land in Sector 76 to the Radha Soami Trust. Apart from this, land had also been allotted to Golden Bells Public School, Officers and Judges Enclave and Sant Kirtan Convent School in Sector 77 and in Sectors 79 and 80 land had been allotted to the Housefed Society. But no step had been taken to give possession of the land to 3,950 allottees.
The allottees said PUDA had not carried out any development work in Sectors 77 and 78 and they fear that PUDA might hand over the land to colonisers and societies. Moreover, the area had not been developed as farmers, who had already taken compensation from the government, were cultivating the land allegedly in connivance with PUDA officials.
They said the possession of the plots to allottees could have been given by PUDA as only 102 acres of land in Sectors 79 and 80 were under dispute. They felt that allottees were being deliberately harassed by the PUDA authorities.
The allottees said they would meet the Punjab Governor and Chief Minister and appeal that they be given the possession of plots allotted to them.
Protesting villagers block Kalka Ambala highway
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/cth1.htm
Protesting villagers block Kalka-Ambala highway
Tribune News Service
Panchkula, July 21
Traffic on the Kalka-Ambala highway remained disrupted for nearly two hours here today as angry villagers of Bir Ghaggar in Chandimandir blocked traffic to vent their ire against yesterday’s demolition drive in the village.
The crowd dispersed after the villagers ‘extracted’ a commitment of table-talks on the matter with the district administration. The Deputy Commissioner, Ms Jyoti Arora, also assured the villagers that the demolished houses would be reconstructed under the Indira Aawas Yojana.
Earlier, in response to yesterday’s drive, lathi-wielding villagers came on to the highway in large numbers to lodge protest against the ‘treatment’ and seek a commitment from the administration against further use of force to dislodge them.
The blockade caused great inconvenience to students on their way to schools and colleges as also to the office-goers since it came at the rush hour, around 8:30 am when people were on their way to the offices. Till 10 am, all pleas of the public fell on deaf ears with the unrelenting villagers unwilling to step aside till an assurance from the administration.
The Sarpanch of the village, Mr Vinod Kumar, said that the Radha Soami satsang nearby had been given land at Rs 8 per square yard. ‘‘We are willing to pay Rs 16 for the same and yet they are bent on removing us,’’ he said.
The villagers also pointed out to the administration that bungling of revenue records had led to demolition of houses in the villages. ‘‘The land with khasra number 10/2 was in the name of three persons, Raghbir Singh, Balak Ram and Desh Mann. How this was changed to 14/2 remains a mystery. We want a thorough inquiry into this as well,’’ Mr Raghbir Singh said.
They claimed that Ms Arora had assured them that she would inquire into the matter and it would be taken up at the subsequent meeting with the villagers.
The INLD general secretary, Mr Pradeep Chaudhary, said that he had discussed the matter with the villagers and assured them that his party would mediate between them and the government to settle the dispute.
‘‘We have asked Ms Arora to shift the date of the meeting to July 25 instead of July 24 since a rally at Bhiwani will keep us busy on July 24. We want to be present when administration talks to the villagers on the issue of occupancy of the forest land. She has agreed to do so,’’ he added.
It maybe recalled that a demolition drive had been undertaken in Bir Ghaggar yesterday against encroachments on the forest land which was resented by the locals. Though the dispute was pending before a committee to decide the fate of the villagers, they were unwilling to leave the land.
Protesting villagers block Kalka-Ambala highway
Tribune News Service
Panchkula, July 21
Traffic on the Kalka-Ambala highway remained disrupted for nearly two hours here today as angry villagers of Bir Ghaggar in Chandimandir blocked traffic to vent their ire against yesterday’s demolition drive in the village.
The crowd dispersed after the villagers ‘extracted’ a commitment of table-talks on the matter with the district administration. The Deputy Commissioner, Ms Jyoti Arora, also assured the villagers that the demolished houses would be reconstructed under the Indira Aawas Yojana.
Earlier, in response to yesterday’s drive, lathi-wielding villagers came on to the highway in large numbers to lodge protest against the ‘treatment’ and seek a commitment from the administration against further use of force to dislodge them.
The blockade caused great inconvenience to students on their way to schools and colleges as also to the office-goers since it came at the rush hour, around 8:30 am when people were on their way to the offices. Till 10 am, all pleas of the public fell on deaf ears with the unrelenting villagers unwilling to step aside till an assurance from the administration.
The Sarpanch of the village, Mr Vinod Kumar, said that the Radha Soami satsang nearby had been given land at Rs 8 per square yard. ‘‘We are willing to pay Rs 16 for the same and yet they are bent on removing us,’’ he said.
The villagers also pointed out to the administration that bungling of revenue records had led to demolition of houses in the villages. ‘‘The land with khasra number 10/2 was in the name of three persons, Raghbir Singh, Balak Ram and Desh Mann. How this was changed to 14/2 remains a mystery. We want a thorough inquiry into this as well,’’ Mr Raghbir Singh said.
They claimed that Ms Arora had assured them that she would inquire into the matter and it would be taken up at the subsequent meeting with the villagers.
The INLD general secretary, Mr Pradeep Chaudhary, said that he had discussed the matter with the villagers and assured them that his party would mediate between them and the government to settle the dispute.
‘‘We have asked Ms Arora to shift the date of the meeting to July 25 instead of July 24 since a rally at Bhiwani will keep us busy on July 24. We want to be present when administration talks to the villagers on the issue of occupancy of the forest land. She has agreed to do so,’’ he added.
It maybe recalled that a demolition drive had been undertaken in Bir Ghaggar yesterday against encroachments on the forest land which was resented by the locals. Though the dispute was pending before a committee to decide the fate of the villagers, they were unwilling to leave the land.
Damdami Taksal theatening Radha Soami and other religious organisations
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060414/haryana.htm
Bitta for CBI inquiry into Meerut fire
Our Correspondent
Ambala, April 13
Mr Maninderjit Singh Bitta, president, All-India Anti Terrorist Front said that the fire incident in which 50 innocent persons were killed at a trade fair in Meerut was the administrative failure of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Talking to media persons here today, he said that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, should tender his resignation. He demanded that the Union Government should order a CBI investigation into the incident.
Referring to the situation in Punjab, he said extremists had again started their activities in Punjab. The Punjab and the Union Government should tackle the situation with “iron hands” otherwise the people of Punjab will have to face terrorism once again. He alleged that the Damdami Taksal had been threatening the Radha Soami and other religious organisations.
While praising the DGP, Haryana, he said the Haryana police was actively campaigning against anti-social elements in the state. He said that the front would organise Rajiv Gandhi Martyrdom Day as Anti Terrorism Day through out the country. Earlier, releasing a weekly newspaper here today, he said that print media had played an important role against terrorism.
Bitta for CBI inquiry into Meerut fire
Our Correspondent
Ambala, April 13
Mr Maninderjit Singh Bitta, president, All-India Anti Terrorist Front said that the fire incident in which 50 innocent persons were killed at a trade fair in Meerut was the administrative failure of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Talking to media persons here today, he said that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, should tender his resignation. He demanded that the Union Government should order a CBI investigation into the incident.
Referring to the situation in Punjab, he said extremists had again started their activities in Punjab. The Punjab and the Union Government should tackle the situation with “iron hands” otherwise the people of Punjab will have to face terrorism once again. He alleged that the Damdami Taksal had been threatening the Radha Soami and other religious organisations.
While praising the DGP, Haryana, he said the Haryana police was actively campaigning against anti-social elements in the state. He said that the front would organise Rajiv Gandhi Martyrdom Day as Anti Terrorism Day through out the country. Earlier, releasing a weekly newspaper here today, he said that print media had played an important role against terrorism.
Religious bodies not to be spared
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011018/cth1.htm
PUDA ultimatum to encroachers
Religious bodies not to be spared
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, October 17
With the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) making it clear that encroachments of “any nature” on public land would have to be removed by October 27, prime land under illegal possession of the various religious bodies has come under the spotlight.
At least 50 acres of land worth crores of rupees was reported to be under the control of at least 31 religious bodies in different sectors of the town. Citing it to be a sensitive politico-religious issue, the encroachments failed to attract any action from PUDA, admit officials. A number of such encroachments have come up along with Chandigarh border, apparently taking advantage of the overlapping of the inter-state border at certain points.
Sources in the authority said as part of order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, axe was likely to fall on the unauthorised structures raised by religious bodies. In Sector 55, pockets of land had been encroached upon by four different religious organisations. Around three acres of land in Sector 60 had been occupied by four different religious bodies. Another around two acres of prime land had been used to raise a gurdwara and a mandir in Sector 63. An official of PUDA said in a number of cases it had been seen that the religious bodies had extended their premises illegally.
The Additional Chief Administrator, SAS Nagar, Mr Dipinder Singh, when contacted, said the order of the high court would be implemented in the letter and spirit.
The sources in the authority said on the pattern of the case of Radha Soami Satsang land at Sohana, which had been regularised recently, the illegal possession of land by the religious bodies could also be regularised after the latter agreed to pay the cost of the acquisition of the land and the external development charges. But the religious bodies were unlikely to agree to the formula, if Mr Hardeep Singh, a member of the SGPC and an active member of the local Gurdwara Talmel Committee, was to be believed.
He urged PUDA for formulating a proper policy for the allotment of land to religious institutions. “A few religious organisations have been allotted land in the past. Only recently PUDA has come up with a scheme”, he said.
PUDA ultimatum to encroachers
Religious bodies not to be spared
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, October 17
With the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) making it clear that encroachments of “any nature” on public land would have to be removed by October 27, prime land under illegal possession of the various religious bodies has come under the spotlight.
At least 50 acres of land worth crores of rupees was reported to be under the control of at least 31 religious bodies in different sectors of the town. Citing it to be a sensitive politico-religious issue, the encroachments failed to attract any action from PUDA, admit officials. A number of such encroachments have come up along with Chandigarh border, apparently taking advantage of the overlapping of the inter-state border at certain points.
Sources in the authority said as part of order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, axe was likely to fall on the unauthorised structures raised by religious bodies. In Sector 55, pockets of land had been encroached upon by four different religious organisations. Around three acres of land in Sector 60 had been occupied by four different religious bodies. Another around two acres of prime land had been used to raise a gurdwara and a mandir in Sector 63. An official of PUDA said in a number of cases it had been seen that the religious bodies had extended their premises illegally.
The Additional Chief Administrator, SAS Nagar, Mr Dipinder Singh, when contacted, said the order of the high court would be implemented in the letter and spirit.
The sources in the authority said on the pattern of the case of Radha Soami Satsang land at Sohana, which had been regularised recently, the illegal possession of land by the religious bodies could also be regularised after the latter agreed to pay the cost of the acquisition of the land and the external development charges. But the religious bodies were unlikely to agree to the formula, if Mr Hardeep Singh, a member of the SGPC and an active member of the local Gurdwara Talmel Committee, was to be believed.
He urged PUDA for formulating a proper policy for the allotment of land to religious institutions. “A few religious organisations have been allotted land in the past. Only recently PUDA has come up with a scheme”, he said.
Dispute between radha soami and villagers end
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020710/region.htm
DISPUTE ENDS: The long- standing dispute between residents of Radha Soami Satsang Beas at Bir Ghaggar village near here and the Forest Department over 35 bighas of forest land, evacuated from the dera residents earlier, seems to be over. A wall was constructed around this land by the dera residents, under the police and forest officials’ vigilance on Monday. It may be noted that earlier the fencing of this land had been carried out, but encroachments did not stop.
DISPUTE ENDS: The long- standing dispute between residents of Radha Soami Satsang Beas at Bir Ghaggar village near here and the Forest Department over 35 bighas of forest land, evacuated from the dera residents earlier, seems to be over. A wall was constructed around this land by the dera residents, under the police and forest officials’ vigilance on Monday. It may be noted that earlier the fencing of this land had been carried out, but encroachments did not stop.
Tension between Radha Soami and villagers over land
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020117/region.htm
PANCHKULA
DRAW OF LOTS: The Haryana Urban Development Authority has announced to hold its draw of lots for 1015 EWS plots in Sector 20 here on Thursday. The plots of three marla and one marla have been distinguished in different categories. An official press release said the registration number cards have already been despatched.
FENCING: The fencing of area around the Radha Soami Ashram in Bir Ghaggar village went off smoothly despite tension between the villagers and members of the sect. Anticipating trouble, the administration had deployed a reserve of the police ( 24 cops) to ensure that there was no law and order problem. The total area of nine bighas and 12 biswas was fenced by the ashram followers without any trouble.
PANCHKULA
DRAW OF LOTS: The Haryana Urban Development Authority has announced to hold its draw of lots for 1015 EWS plots in Sector 20 here on Thursday. The plots of three marla and one marla have been distinguished in different categories. An official press release said the registration number cards have already been despatched.
FENCING: The fencing of area around the Radha Soami Ashram in Bir Ghaggar village went off smoothly despite tension between the villagers and members of the sect. Anticipating trouble, the administration had deployed a reserve of the police ( 24 cops) to ensure that there was no law and order problem. The total area of nine bighas and 12 biswas was fenced by the ashram followers without any trouble.
Radha Soami dera and farmers in land dispute
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060730/cth1.htm#9
Dera, farmers in land dispute
Our Correspondent
Mohali, July 29
Tension prevailed near the premises of the Radha Soami Satsang dera in Sector 76 here today following a dispute over the possession of a few acres of land.
The land under dispute was in the possession of certain farmers. Land around that stretch had been purchased by Radha Soamis but a kutcha approach road (gauhar) to that area existed. The farmers who were cultivating the piece of land were reportedly not allowed to enter it through the approach road.
It is alleged that some followers of the dera started the work of levelling that piece of land belonging to the farmers.
The farmers said that they had got a stay from a court on the acquisition of that piece of land and as such nobody could carry out any activity on it. However, the dera management reportedly told the farmers that the land in question had been allotted to it by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
Dera, farmers in land dispute
Our Correspondent
Mohali, July 29
Tension prevailed near the premises of the Radha Soami Satsang dera in Sector 76 here today following a dispute over the possession of a few acres of land.
The land under dispute was in the possession of certain farmers. Land around that stretch had been purchased by Radha Soamis but a kutcha approach road (gauhar) to that area existed. The farmers who were cultivating the piece of land were reportedly not allowed to enter it through the approach road.
It is alleged that some followers of the dera started the work of levelling that piece of land belonging to the farmers.
The farmers said that they had got a stay from a court on the acquisition of that piece of land and as such nobody could carry out any activity on it. However, the dera management reportedly told the farmers that the land in question had been allotted to it by the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).
Hardliners plan inroads into dera strongholds
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070612/jal.htm
Hardliners plan inroads into dera strongholds
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 11
To make inroads into dera Sacha Sauda strongholds, Sadhu Samaj on Monday constituted a special body which would preach Sikhism (Gurmat Parchar) and hold Khalsa marches to win back followers.
Shabad Guru Parcharak Sant Samaj (SGPSS) was formed in a meeting held under the leadership of Baba Ram Singh faction of Damdami Taksal in Amritsar.
The representatives of Damdami Taksal stated here that Baba Ram Singh was elected unanimously the chief of SGPSS. He would nominate other office-bearers.
“Dera Sacha Saudha, Dera Radha Soami, Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan and other such types of organisations have been formed to weaken Sikhs. We would never tolerate these activities,” said Baba Ram Singh.
Gurmat Prachar will motivate Sikhs to come back to us, he said, adding that the first such programme would be held in Mansa on Tuesday.
Replying to a question, he said,” His Taksal was real. Baba Harnam Singh faction is supported by government agencies. I was appointed chief of Damdami Taksal by then president Baba Thakur Singh.” Her added that ‘all the gurdwaras of Taksal were handed-over to him and he has Baba Thakur Singh’s will in this regard.’ But we don’t want to make this an issue so we are constructing our own gurdwara at Sangrawan Kalan in Gurdaspur district,” he said.
Regarding gurdwara Baba Shaheeda row he said a meeting would be soon held to discuss the issue.
Hardliners plan inroads into dera strongholds
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 11
To make inroads into dera Sacha Sauda strongholds, Sadhu Samaj on Monday constituted a special body which would preach Sikhism (Gurmat Parchar) and hold Khalsa marches to win back followers.
Shabad Guru Parcharak Sant Samaj (SGPSS) was formed in a meeting held under the leadership of Baba Ram Singh faction of Damdami Taksal in Amritsar.
The representatives of Damdami Taksal stated here that Baba Ram Singh was elected unanimously the chief of SGPSS. He would nominate other office-bearers.
“Dera Sacha Saudha, Dera Radha Soami, Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan and other such types of organisations have been formed to weaken Sikhs. We would never tolerate these activities,” said Baba Ram Singh.
Gurmat Prachar will motivate Sikhs to come back to us, he said, adding that the first such programme would be held in Mansa on Tuesday.
Replying to a question, he said,” His Taksal was real. Baba Harnam Singh faction is supported by government agencies. I was appointed chief of Damdami Taksal by then president Baba Thakur Singh.” Her added that ‘all the gurdwaras of Taksal were handed-over to him and he has Baba Thakur Singh’s will in this regard.’ But we don’t want to make this an issue so we are constructing our own gurdwara at Sangrawan Kalan in Gurdaspur district,” he said.
Regarding gurdwara Baba Shaheeda row he said a meeting would be soon held to discuss the issue.
16 special trains for Radha Soami
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050514/punjab1.htm#15
16 special trains for Radhasoami mela
Our Correspondent
Phillaur, May 13
The Northern Railway has introduced 16 Radhasoami-Beas mela special trains from different railway stations across the country for Beas to facilitate the Radhasoami pilgrims.
The railway sources said here today that one mela special train was introduced from Nizamudin to Beas, which started from Nizamudin at 7.20 pm yesterday and would reach at Beas at 4.30 am today. Another special train would also ply on same timings on May 26 from Nizamudin. The sources added that these mela special trains would return from Beas on May 15 and May 29.
Sources further added that one Radhasoami mela special train would depart from Fazilka on May 14 at 2 pm for Beas which will stop at Ferozepore and Jalandhar.
Sources said that mela special trains would depart from Saharanpur on May 13 and May 26 at 8.50 pm for Beas and these trains would ply their return journey from Beas on May 15 and May 29 at 9.20 p.m.
The sources added that one Radhasoami mela special train would depart from Ambala on May 27 at 7.30 pm for Beas and it would return from Beas on May 29 at 4.30 pm.
Sources said that one more pair of mela special trains would depart from Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, on May 17 and May 25 at 11.00 pm and would reach at Beas at 11.40 am on next days respectively, while for the return journey trains would leave Beas railway station on May 31 and June 6 at 3 pm and would reach Raipur at 3.20 am next days respectively.
16 special trains for Radhasoami mela
Our Correspondent
Phillaur, May 13
The Northern Railway has introduced 16 Radhasoami-Beas mela special trains from different railway stations across the country for Beas to facilitate the Radhasoami pilgrims.
The railway sources said here today that one mela special train was introduced from Nizamudin to Beas, which started from Nizamudin at 7.20 pm yesterday and would reach at Beas at 4.30 am today. Another special train would also ply on same timings on May 26 from Nizamudin. The sources added that these mela special trains would return from Beas on May 15 and May 29.
Sources further added that one Radhasoami mela special train would depart from Fazilka on May 14 at 2 pm for Beas which will stop at Ferozepore and Jalandhar.
Sources said that mela special trains would depart from Saharanpur on May 13 and May 26 at 8.50 pm for Beas and these trains would ply their return journey from Beas on May 15 and May 29 at 9.20 p.m.
The sources added that one Radhasoami mela special train would depart from Ambala on May 27 at 7.30 pm for Beas and it would return from Beas on May 29 at 4.30 pm.
Sources said that one more pair of mela special trains would depart from Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, on May 17 and May 25 at 11.00 pm and would reach at Beas at 11.40 am on next days respectively, while for the return journey trains would leave Beas railway station on May 31 and June 6 at 3 pm and would reach Raipur at 3.20 am next days respectively.
Morcha fires another salvo at SAD - claims Radha Soami appointed
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040707/punjab1.htm
Morcha fires another salvo at SAD
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, July 6
With the election scene for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) gathering momentum, the Panthic Morcha today came out with yet another missive against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for appointing a ‘non-Sikh’ to the managing trust of the Guru Ram Dass College of Medical Sciences run by the SGPC.
A senior Panthic Morcha leader and the chief of the Sant Samaj, Baba Sarbhjot Singh Bedi said that the SGPC had appointed Dr Balwant Sigh Tung, who belongs to the Radha Soami sect, as a member of the trust managing the college.
Baba Bedi asserted, “This proves our contention that the people running the SGPC right now, who belong to the SAD, have not been running the institution according to the Panthic maryada…otherwise how could they explain the appointment of a non-Sikh to the managing trust of a Sikh institution”.
Dr Balwant Singh Tung is said to be a follower of the Radha Soami sect.
Baba Bedi observed that the SAD owed an explanation to the Sikhs as how could they act in a way contradicting the Panth traditions. He claimed that there were several similar acts of omission and commission of the SAD while running the SGPC and this would have a definite bearing on the outcome of the SGPC elections.
Morcha fires another salvo at SAD
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, July 6
With the election scene for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) gathering momentum, the Panthic Morcha today came out with yet another missive against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for appointing a ‘non-Sikh’ to the managing trust of the Guru Ram Dass College of Medical Sciences run by the SGPC.
A senior Panthic Morcha leader and the chief of the Sant Samaj, Baba Sarbhjot Singh Bedi said that the SGPC had appointed Dr Balwant Sigh Tung, who belongs to the Radha Soami sect, as a member of the trust managing the college.
Baba Bedi asserted, “This proves our contention that the people running the SGPC right now, who belong to the SAD, have not been running the institution according to the Panthic maryada…otherwise how could they explain the appointment of a non-Sikh to the managing trust of a Sikh institution”.
Dr Balwant Singh Tung is said to be a follower of the Radha Soami sect.
Baba Bedi observed that the SAD owed an explanation to the Sikhs as how could they act in a way contradicting the Panth traditions. He claimed that there were several similar acts of omission and commission of the SAD while running the SGPC and this would have a definite bearing on the outcome of the SGPC elections.
Plan to sell Fortis to Radha Soami Satsang
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040202/biz.htm#6
Plan to sell Fortis to Radhasoami Satsang
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 1
Fortis Healthcare plans to sell the building and site of its Rs 150 crore state-of-the-art Fortis Heart and Multi-Speciality Hospital at Mohali to Beas-based Radhasoami Satsang.
"However, we will continue to run the healthcare segment of the hospital", said Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh, Joint Managing Director of Fortis Healthcare Ltd, in an interview here today.
"It is a well-thought-out move in accordance with the later business practices all over the world," he said. "We will not like our capital to be tied down in real estate. Our strength lies in our core business of health care. Hence, the move to divest ourselves of the real estate part. We have already approached the PUDA for a no objection certificate for the deal".
Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh said the capital thus freed would be utilised elsewhere to expand the healthcare business of the company. "You will a see a lot activity on the part of the Fortis Healthcare in 2004. We are already in the process of setting up two hospitals in Delhi and Noida. In Noida, we have acquired a 5.5 acre for setting up a Rs 80 crore hospital. Another piece of land measuring about Rs 7.5 acres has been acquired in west Delhi where another hospital costing about Rs 100 crore will be set up".
Punjab would continue to be the main focus of activities of Fortis Healthcare. In addition to the 200-bed hospital at Mohali, Fortis would soon be setting up hospitals in Bathinda and a few other towns.
Plan to sell Fortis to Radhasoami Satsang
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 1
Fortis Healthcare plans to sell the building and site of its Rs 150 crore state-of-the-art Fortis Heart and Multi-Speciality Hospital at Mohali to Beas-based Radhasoami Satsang.
"However, we will continue to run the healthcare segment of the hospital", said Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh, Joint Managing Director of Fortis Healthcare Ltd, in an interview here today.
"It is a well-thought-out move in accordance with the later business practices all over the world," he said. "We will not like our capital to be tied down in real estate. Our strength lies in our core business of health care. Hence, the move to divest ourselves of the real estate part. We have already approached the PUDA for a no objection certificate for the deal".
Mr Shivinder Mohan Singh said the capital thus freed would be utilised elsewhere to expand the healthcare business of the company. "You will a see a lot activity on the part of the Fortis Healthcare in 2004. We are already in the process of setting up two hospitals in Delhi and Noida. In Noida, we have acquired a 5.5 acre for setting up a Rs 80 crore hospital. Another piece of land measuring about Rs 7.5 acres has been acquired in west Delhi where another hospital costing about Rs 100 crore will be set up".
Punjab would continue to be the main focus of activities of Fortis Healthcare. In addition to the 200-bed hospital at Mohali, Fortis would soon be setting up hospitals in Bathinda and a few other towns.
Tension in Sohana village following overnight operation by Radha Soamis
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021124/cth1.htm
Tension in Sohana village
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, November 23
Tension prevailed among residents of Sohana village here today following differences with a group of Radha Soami sect followers regarding ownership of a piece of land in the village.
While the villagers led by the sarpanch alleged that the Radha Soami sect followers had, in a night-long operation, removed religious structures from the common (Khera) area of the village, the Radha Soami followers denied these allegations. Both the groups were claiming that the Khera area is theirs.
The villagers also alleged that even one of the sevadars was picked up by the Radha Soami followers last night and kept in captivity and released in this morning when the villagers contacted the police.
The sect followers however, said that out of the eight canal Khera land, only two canal was with the village, the rest was now theirs in accordance with the PUDA orders. The police is investigating the matter.
Tension in Sohana village
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, November 23
Tension prevailed among residents of Sohana village here today following differences with a group of Radha Soami sect followers regarding ownership of a piece of land in the village.
While the villagers led by the sarpanch alleged that the Radha Soami sect followers had, in a night-long operation, removed religious structures from the common (Khera) area of the village, the Radha Soami followers denied these allegations. Both the groups were claiming that the Khera area is theirs.
The villagers also alleged that even one of the sevadars was picked up by the Radha Soami followers last night and kept in captivity and released in this morning when the villagers contacted the police.
The sect followers however, said that out of the eight canal Khera land, only two canal was with the village, the rest was now theirs in accordance with the PUDA orders. The police is investigating the matter.
Bhota hospital to open soon: Radha Soami chief
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040204/himachal.htm
Bhota hospital to reopen on Feb 9
Our Correspondent
Hamirpur, February 3
Bhota Charitable Hospital, which was closed down indefinitely on December 23, 2003, following violent incidents due to the death of two persons on the Bhota chowk, will reopen on February 9. An announcement to this effect was made by Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, chief of Radha Soami Satsang (Beas), after his meeting with functionaries of various gram panchayats and panchayat samitis at Bhota today.
Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon also reportedly agreed to appoint a Patient Welfare Officer in the hospital for its smooth running and to enable interaction among patients, local people and the hospital authorities.
Earlier, the Baba took part in a religious congregation and exhorted his followers to adopt the path of spiritualism. About 10,000 devotees of Radha Soami Satsang were present on this occasion.
Bhota hospital to reopen on Feb 9
Our Correspondent
Hamirpur, February 3
Bhota Charitable Hospital, which was closed down indefinitely on December 23, 2003, following violent incidents due to the death of two persons on the Bhota chowk, will reopen on February 9. An announcement to this effect was made by Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, chief of Radha Soami Satsang (Beas), after his meeting with functionaries of various gram panchayats and panchayat samitis at Bhota today.
Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon also reportedly agreed to appoint a Patient Welfare Officer in the hospital for its smooth running and to enable interaction among patients, local people and the hospital authorities.
Earlier, the Baba took part in a religious congregation and exhorted his followers to adopt the path of spiritualism. About 10,000 devotees of Radha Soami Satsang were present on this occasion.
Ultra sound centre run under Radha Soami name sealed
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071123/jal.htm#5
Ultrasound centre sealed
Our Correspondent
Nawanshahr, November 22
A team of civil and medical officials, led by Balachaur SDM, Davinder Singh, conducted raid at Suri Hospital, Balachaur and detected discrepancies in the functioning of the ultra sound scan centre being run under the name of Radha Soami Scanning Centre.
The centre has been sealed for 14 days. Deputy commissioner Gurpal Singh Bhatti said the surprise checking of ultrasound centres, registered medical practitioners and trained midwives, would continue and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of using sex determination techniques.
Ultrasound centre sealed
Our Correspondent
Nawanshahr, November 22
A team of civil and medical officials, led by Balachaur SDM, Davinder Singh, conducted raid at Suri Hospital, Balachaur and detected discrepancies in the functioning of the ultra sound scan centre being run under the name of Radha Soami Scanning Centre.
The centre has been sealed for 14 days. Deputy commissioner Gurpal Singh Bhatti said the surprise checking of ultrasound centres, registered medical practitioners and trained midwives, would continue and strict action would be taken against those found guilty of using sex determination techniques.
Radha Soami followers cut trees on farmers land
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011120/cth1.htm
PUDA ‘violates’ stay order
Demarcates land for Sec 76
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, November 19
Confusion prevailed among certain land owners of Sohana village, who had got a stay from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding dispossession of their land, when officials of the engineering wing of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) went there to demarcate the land for the proposed Sector 76.
A land holder, who own pockets of land in the proposed five sectors, alleged that the PUDA officials had come to demarcate land for Radha Soami Satsang which had been allotted around 200 acres of land in the proposed sector. Brig Harcharan Singh Baidwan, who owns five kilas of land, said the followers of the religious sect, accompanying the PUDA officials, cut down three trees and some bushes on his land.
He showed a demarcation point left behind by the PUDA staff. He and other land holders apprehended that PUDA was reallotting land to the religious sect around their pockets.
No official of the Radha Soami Satsang could be contacted for comments. However, a senior PUDA official said the officials had just gone to demarcate the land for the planning of proposed Sector 76. A survey of the area was being conducted.
PUDA ‘violates’ stay order
Demarcates land for Sec 76
Tribune News Service
SAS Nagar, November 19
Confusion prevailed among certain land owners of Sohana village, who had got a stay from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding dispossession of their land, when officials of the engineering wing of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) went there to demarcate the land for the proposed Sector 76.
A land holder, who own pockets of land in the proposed five sectors, alleged that the PUDA officials had come to demarcate land for Radha Soami Satsang which had been allotted around 200 acres of land in the proposed sector. Brig Harcharan Singh Baidwan, who owns five kilas of land, said the followers of the religious sect, accompanying the PUDA officials, cut down three trees and some bushes on his land.
He showed a demarcation point left behind by the PUDA staff. He and other land holders apprehended that PUDA was reallotting land to the religious sect around their pockets.
No official of the Radha Soami Satsang could be contacted for comments. However, a senior PUDA official said the officials had just gone to demarcate the land for the planning of proposed Sector 76. A survey of the area was being conducted.
Farmers threaten protest on Radha Soami Dera road
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080128/punjab1.htm#12
Road to Radha Soami Dera
Farmers threaten protest
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 27
The Kisan Sangharsh Committee here today threatened to gherao the office of the SDM, Baba Bakala, on February 8 if the government “forcibly” acquired farmers’ land for 5 km road leading to the Radha Soami dera.
At a press conference, farmers’ leader Satnam Singh Pannu said there was no need to lay the road in question by depriving farmers of their source of livelihood. He said three farmers’ association -the Kisan Sangharsh Committee, the Jamhoori Kissan Sabha and the Kirti Kissan Union - were united in demanding the cancellation of the notification issued in this regard.
Jatinder Singh Chhina said the notification was in contradiction to the pool promise made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. He said the Radha Soami dera was already connected through three roads and there was no need to connect it to Mathiala by constructing another road.
The Badal government seems to have come under pressure from the dera and has gone back on its promise to cancel the notification in the interest of farmers. Our opposition is not to the Radha Soami dera, but to the construction of the road, said leaders of the three associations.
The farmers will launch an agitation in case the government goes ahead with the construction of the road, which will affect at least 30 families of farmers in the area, whose land is to be be acquired.
The previous Congress government had issued the notification to appease the dera on February 14, 2005, but could not go ahead with the plan because of resistance from farmers. The present SAD-BJP government was now following in the footsteps of the previous government, alleged the farmers.
Deputy commissioner Pannu said action was being taken for the construction following the notification as per the rule and compensation would be paid to farmers whose land was being acquired.@
Road to Radha Soami Dera
Farmers threaten protest
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 27
The Kisan Sangharsh Committee here today threatened to gherao the office of the SDM, Baba Bakala, on February 8 if the government “forcibly” acquired farmers’ land for 5 km road leading to the Radha Soami dera.
At a press conference, farmers’ leader Satnam Singh Pannu said there was no need to lay the road in question by depriving farmers of their source of livelihood. He said three farmers’ association -the Kisan Sangharsh Committee, the Jamhoori Kissan Sabha and the Kirti Kissan Union - were united in demanding the cancellation of the notification issued in this regard.
Jatinder Singh Chhina said the notification was in contradiction to the pool promise made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. He said the Radha Soami dera was already connected through three roads and there was no need to connect it to Mathiala by constructing another road.
The Badal government seems to have come under pressure from the dera and has gone back on its promise to cancel the notification in the interest of farmers. Our opposition is not to the Radha Soami dera, but to the construction of the road, said leaders of the three associations.
The farmers will launch an agitation in case the government goes ahead with the construction of the road, which will affect at least 30 families of farmers in the area, whose land is to be be acquired.
The previous Congress government had issued the notification to appease the dera on February 14, 2005, but could not go ahead with the plan because of resistance from farmers. The present SAD-BJP government was now following in the footsteps of the previous government, alleged the farmers.
Deputy commissioner Pannu said action was being taken for the construction following the notification as per the rule and compensation would be paid to farmers whose land was being acquired.@
Radha Soami deal lands GMADA in 119 crore loss
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Deal-lands-GMADA-in-Rs-119-crore-loss/330670/
Deal lands GMADA in Rs 119 crore loss
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Nitin Jain
Posted online: Thursday , July 03, 2008 at 12:53:12
Updated: Thursday , July 03, 2008 at 12:53:12
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Mohali, July 02 Heavy losses do not seem to perturb the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) when it comes to currying favour with certain influential institutions in Mohali.
And each time history repeats itself, the price goes up. GMADA’s latest loss amounts to Rs 118.91 crore — a result of exchanging 34 acres of prime land in Sector 76, Mohali, with the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). Earlier, GMADA had suffered a loss of Rs 3.05 crore by allotting 1.44 acres in Sector 69, Mohali, to the Army Institute of Law.
The history
Last month, the GMADA had decided in-principle to regularise the 34 acres of its land encroached by the RSSB on the northern side of Sector 76. In return, the RSSB was willing to surrender 34 acres from its allotted 200 acres on the southern side and hand over 1.72 acres in Phase VII to GMADA as well.
The RSSB had first come up with the land-exchange offer on September 13, 2007 and met Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The CM had forwarded the matter to the GMADA chief administrator, who had constituted a high-level committee to consider the offer. The committee comprised the additional chief administrator, land acquisition collector, estate officer, chief town planner, district town planner and divisional engineer (estate).
The calculations
In its report, the panel submitted that 34.2 acres of GMADA land on northern side of Sector 76, which was under the illegal possession of RSSB, was meant for residential use according to the Mohali Master Plan. An equal pocket of RSSB land on the southern side, included in the RSSB land-exchange offer, was meant for institutional use. The 1.72-acre RSSB land in Phase VII, also on offer, was meant for public buildings as defined in the Master Plan.
In view of the RSSB proposal, the GMADA committee worked out a cost-benefit analysis based on the existing land use of both these land pockets, the existing reserve price and the expected market price.
The hitch
The report pointed to a deficit of Rs 118.91 crore for GMADA. According to the committee’s calculations, the net worth of the GMADA land was estimated at Rs 227.6 crore, while the RSSB land worked out to be Rs 102.03 crore. The 1.72 acres in Phase VII were valued at Rs 6.66 crore.
To make the proposal viable, the committee recommended that RSSB pay the difference as compensation to GMADA.
Moreover, the chief town planner (in a note to GMADA chief administrator on September 20, 2007) pointed out that the RSSB land had a 220 KV high-tension electricity line passing through the site, making it unviable for optimal utilisation. Also, the GMADA land was more valuable as it was marked for residential use. He added that the RSSB land was located far away from the existing developed residential sectors and those proposed for institutional purposes as well.
The decision
Placing the matter before CM Badal, the GMADA administration made it clear that acceptance of the offer would entail change of land-use of the RSSB area for residential purposes. The Phase VII plot would also have to be converted for commercial purposes. For this, approval from the Punjab Regional Town Planning Board is necessary. GMADA also pointed out that the high-tension electricity lines would have to be shifted and the cost incurred should be borne by the RSSB.
Also, the RSSB land was low lying and required massive earth filling to make it useful for residential purposes. In this too, GMADA proposed that RSSB should bear the cost. However, the CM directed that the matter be discussed in the third meeting of GMADA, which he chaired last month. Accepting the RSSB offer with scant thought to the heavy losses, GMADA has just asked the RSSB to bear the cost of shifting of the high-tension electricity lines from the land.
Deal lands GMADA in Rs 119 crore loss
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Nitin Jain
Posted online: Thursday , July 03, 2008 at 12:53:12
Updated: Thursday , July 03, 2008 at 12:53:12
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Mohali, July 02 Heavy losses do not seem to perturb the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) when it comes to currying favour with certain influential institutions in Mohali.
And each time history repeats itself, the price goes up. GMADA’s latest loss amounts to Rs 118.91 crore — a result of exchanging 34 acres of prime land in Sector 76, Mohali, with the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). Earlier, GMADA had suffered a loss of Rs 3.05 crore by allotting 1.44 acres in Sector 69, Mohali, to the Army Institute of Law.
The history
Last month, the GMADA had decided in-principle to regularise the 34 acres of its land encroached by the RSSB on the northern side of Sector 76. In return, the RSSB was willing to surrender 34 acres from its allotted 200 acres on the southern side and hand over 1.72 acres in Phase VII to GMADA as well.
The RSSB had first come up with the land-exchange offer on September 13, 2007 and met Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The CM had forwarded the matter to the GMADA chief administrator, who had constituted a high-level committee to consider the offer. The committee comprised the additional chief administrator, land acquisition collector, estate officer, chief town planner, district town planner and divisional engineer (estate).
The calculations
In its report, the panel submitted that 34.2 acres of GMADA land on northern side of Sector 76, which was under the illegal possession of RSSB, was meant for residential use according to the Mohali Master Plan. An equal pocket of RSSB land on the southern side, included in the RSSB land-exchange offer, was meant for institutional use. The 1.72-acre RSSB land in Phase VII, also on offer, was meant for public buildings as defined in the Master Plan.
In view of the RSSB proposal, the GMADA committee worked out a cost-benefit analysis based on the existing land use of both these land pockets, the existing reserve price and the expected market price.
The hitch
The report pointed to a deficit of Rs 118.91 crore for GMADA. According to the committee’s calculations, the net worth of the GMADA land was estimated at Rs 227.6 crore, while the RSSB land worked out to be Rs 102.03 crore. The 1.72 acres in Phase VII were valued at Rs 6.66 crore.
To make the proposal viable, the committee recommended that RSSB pay the difference as compensation to GMADA.
Moreover, the chief town planner (in a note to GMADA chief administrator on September 20, 2007) pointed out that the RSSB land had a 220 KV high-tension electricity line passing through the site, making it unviable for optimal utilisation. Also, the GMADA land was more valuable as it was marked for residential use. He added that the RSSB land was located far away from the existing developed residential sectors and those proposed for institutional purposes as well.
The decision
Placing the matter before CM Badal, the GMADA administration made it clear that acceptance of the offer would entail change of land-use of the RSSB area for residential purposes. The Phase VII plot would also have to be converted for commercial purposes. For this, approval from the Punjab Regional Town Planning Board is necessary. GMADA also pointed out that the high-tension electricity lines would have to be shifted and the cost incurred should be borne by the RSSB.
Also, the RSSB land was low lying and required massive earth filling to make it useful for residential purposes. In this too, GMADA proposed that RSSB should bear the cost. However, the CM directed that the matter be discussed in the third meeting of GMADA, which he chaired last month. Accepting the RSSB offer with scant thought to the heavy losses, GMADA has just asked the RSSB to bear the cost of shifting of the high-tension electricity lines from the land.
It's a day of calm after the storm after radha soami members plough farmers land
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=6978
Violence at Lakhnour, Sohana: It’s a day of calm after the storm
Express News Service
S.A.S. Nagar, January 14: AFTER a day marked by flaring tempers and widespread discontent, the relative quietness in the two villages of Lakhnour and Sohana unveiled an altogether different story today. The same farmers who had been provoked to violence after the members of Radha Soami Satsang Beas ploughed some of the land in these villages on Sunday, seemed to be much subdued in their reaction to the incident.
‘‘Legally, the farmers had no right to raise a crop on the land when it had been already acquired by Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA),’’ said Bhagat Singh, sarpanch of Sohana. ‘‘However, we were not sure whether Radha Soami Satsang had been given possession of the land or not,’’ he added.
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‘‘For the past few months, the farmers were in regular touch with us over the issue,’’ said Gurbax Singh, the secretary of the managing committee of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. ‘‘We had even asked them to retrieve their crop before Saturday,’’ he added. ‘‘Whatever we have done is totally legal. It is our land, we have been officially given its possession,’’ he further said.
When contacted, Land Acquisition Collector Narender Sangha said,‘‘The land in question is PUDA’s and since it has been allotted to the Radha Soamis, they are within their rights to use it’’. ‘‘The farmers shouldn’t have raised the crop since they had received the compensation after the acquisition,’’ Sangha added.
The farmers, on the other hand, have been claiming that they had raised the crop after taking PUDA authorities into confidence. PUDA Chief Administrator K.B.S Sidhu, when contacted, denied this. ‘‘PUDA had never allowed them to raise the crop,’’ said Sidhu.
PUDA officials also said that once a land is acquired and the compensation for the same has been paid, the previous owner of the land has nothing to do with it.
Violence at Lakhnour, Sohana: It’s a day of calm after the storm
Express News Service
S.A.S. Nagar, January 14: AFTER a day marked by flaring tempers and widespread discontent, the relative quietness in the two villages of Lakhnour and Sohana unveiled an altogether different story today. The same farmers who had been provoked to violence after the members of Radha Soami Satsang Beas ploughed some of the land in these villages on Sunday, seemed to be much subdued in their reaction to the incident.
‘‘Legally, the farmers had no right to raise a crop on the land when it had been already acquired by Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA),’’ said Bhagat Singh, sarpanch of Sohana. ‘‘However, we were not sure whether Radha Soami Satsang had been given possession of the land or not,’’ he added.
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‘‘For the past few months, the farmers were in regular touch with us over the issue,’’ said Gurbax Singh, the secretary of the managing committee of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. ‘‘We had even asked them to retrieve their crop before Saturday,’’ he added. ‘‘Whatever we have done is totally legal. It is our land, we have been officially given its possession,’’ he further said.
When contacted, Land Acquisition Collector Narender Sangha said,‘‘The land in question is PUDA’s and since it has been allotted to the Radha Soamis, they are within their rights to use it’’. ‘‘The farmers shouldn’t have raised the crop since they had received the compensation after the acquisition,’’ Sangha added.
The farmers, on the other hand, have been claiming that they had raised the crop after taking PUDA authorities into confidence. PUDA Chief Administrator K.B.S Sidhu, when contacted, denied this. ‘‘PUDA had never allowed them to raise the crop,’’ said Sidhu.
PUDA officials also said that once a land is acquired and the compensation for the same has been paid, the previous owner of the land has nothing to do with it.
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Farmers-up-in-arms-against-Radha-Soami-dera/266012/
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
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Express news service
Posted online: Monday , January 28, 2008 at 11:08:32
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:25:10
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Amritsar, January 27 Various farmers’ unions, including Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha and Kirti Kisan Union, today announced an indefinite agitation against the state government and Dera Radha Soami at Beas for forcibly acquiring arable lands in various villages. They said the land, up to 80 acres, was being acquired from farmers for a road, which would benefit the dera but not the common man.
Talking to mediapersons here today, KSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that the SAD-BJP government was working under pressure from dera functionaries and was bent upon building an alternate road. The road will link Dera Beas from Sathiala. “This will provide another opportunity to the dera for illegally occupying farmers’ lands in future also,” said Pannu.
Farmer leaders threatened to launch an agitation if the state government did not take notice of this. “We will gherao the Baba Bakala SDM’s office,” said Rattan Singh Randhawa, head of the district unit of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha. He said an additional road from Sathiala to Dera Beas was not required. He said during elections, the SAD had promised to the farmers that notification in this regard would be cancelled after they assume power, but nothing has been done.
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
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Express news service
Posted online: Monday , January 28, 2008 at 11:08:32
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:25:10
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Amritsar, January 27 Various farmers’ unions, including Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha and Kirti Kisan Union, today announced an indefinite agitation against the state government and Dera Radha Soami at Beas for forcibly acquiring arable lands in various villages. They said the land, up to 80 acres, was being acquired from farmers for a road, which would benefit the dera but not the common man.
Talking to mediapersons here today, KSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that the SAD-BJP government was working under pressure from dera functionaries and was bent upon building an alternate road. The road will link Dera Beas from Sathiala. “This will provide another opportunity to the dera for illegally occupying farmers’ lands in future also,” said Pannu.
Farmer leaders threatened to launch an agitation if the state government did not take notice of this. “We will gherao the Baba Bakala SDM’s office,” said Rattan Singh Randhawa, head of the district unit of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha. He said an additional road from Sathiala to Dera Beas was not required. He said during elections, the SAD had promised to the farmers that notification in this regard would be cancelled after they assume power, but nothing has been done.
Advani visits Radha Soami dera, secretary
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Advani-visits-Radha-Soami-dera-secretly/290272/
Advani visits Radha Soami dera, secretly
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Dharmendra Rataul
Posted online: Monday , March 31, 2008 at 10:30:20
Updated: Monday , March 31, 2008 at 10:30:20
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Amritsar, March 30 Ahead of parliamentary elections, BJP top boss Lal Krishan Advani today paid a "secret religious visit" to Dera Radha Soami in Beas, about 40 kilometres from here.
Advani landed at dera's private airport on a special chartered plane last night and spent hours with dera head Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon and listened to satsang. His visit was kept a well-guarded secret.
Though political observers feel that the visit was a "strategic move" in the run-up to parliamentary polls, sources in the dera said the visit was a "private affair". "It was a religious visit and he wanted no disturbance. He spent 'valuable time' at dera before flying back to Delhi," said a source.
The dera that has a huge following in north Indian states usually attracts political leaders before polls. Senior Congress leaders, including UPA head Sonia Gandhi, are also frequent visitors. She had visited the dera ahead of 2002 state assembly elections, accompanied by Moti Lal Vora, who was then party's Punjab affairs in-charge, and Natwar Singh, who was at that time considered close to the Gandhi family. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, former CM Capt Amarinder Singh have also been visiting the dera for the blessings of the Baba.
No local BJP leader was aware about Advani's visit, but tight security arrangements were made in the area. "For long, he had a desire to spend a night at the dera in communion with God," said a dera functionary, requesting that no political colour be added to his visit.
"The deras also have political affiliations and Radha Soami is no exception.
Why do the frequency of leaders' visits increases before polls," said Dr Jagroop Singh Sekhon, former head of the Department of Political Science, Guru Nanak Dev University.
Advani visits Radha Soami dera, secretly
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Dharmendra Rataul
Posted online: Monday , March 31, 2008 at 10:30:20
Updated: Monday , March 31, 2008 at 10:30:20
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Amritsar, March 30 Ahead of parliamentary elections, BJP top boss Lal Krishan Advani today paid a "secret religious visit" to Dera Radha Soami in Beas, about 40 kilometres from here.
Advani landed at dera's private airport on a special chartered plane last night and spent hours with dera head Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon and listened to satsang. His visit was kept a well-guarded secret.
Though political observers feel that the visit was a "strategic move" in the run-up to parliamentary polls, sources in the dera said the visit was a "private affair". "It was a religious visit and he wanted no disturbance. He spent 'valuable time' at dera before flying back to Delhi," said a source.
The dera that has a huge following in north Indian states usually attracts political leaders before polls. Senior Congress leaders, including UPA head Sonia Gandhi, are also frequent visitors. She had visited the dera ahead of 2002 state assembly elections, accompanied by Moti Lal Vora, who was then party's Punjab affairs in-charge, and Natwar Singh, who was at that time considered close to the Gandhi family. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, former CM Capt Amarinder Singh have also been visiting the dera for the blessings of the Baba.
No local BJP leader was aware about Advani's visit, but tight security arrangements were made in the area. "For long, he had a desire to spend a night at the dera in communion with God," said a dera functionary, requesting that no political colour be added to his visit.
"The deras also have political affiliations and Radha Soami is no exception.
Why do the frequency of leaders' visits increases before polls," said Dr Jagroop Singh Sekhon, former head of the Department of Political Science, Guru Nanak Dev University.
Akalis flay land allotment top Radha Soami sectr
http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19980721/20251134.html
Akalis flay land allotment to Radha Soami sect
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
ROOPNAGAR, July 20: Local Akali leaders, including municipal council member A. S. Satyal, today, criticised the government for handing over a prime piece of government land to Radhasoami Satsang at a ``throwaway price.''
While talking to media persons here today, Satyal said, ``the administration remained inactive and did not stop unauthorised construction at the land allotted to the sect for political considerations''.
Satyal, who was accompanied by Sarabjit Singh Longia, another Akali leader and Jasbir Singh Kandhari, founder principal of the Gurmat Missionary College said, ``there were many other religious bodies, whose cases for the transfer of government land were still under consideration''. The leaders asserted that any government land should be allotted to the sect through auction and not at ``concessional rates.''
Longia further alleged that despite assurances by the party high command, a beer bar close to Sadavart Gurdwara near here has not been closed. He added that all their complaints made to the Excise Department had fallen on deaf ears.
The leaders also warned the administration that they would file a legal suit, if proper attention was not paid to the poor civic amenities in the city.
Akalis flay land allotment to Radha Soami sect
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
ROOPNAGAR, July 20: Local Akali leaders, including municipal council member A. S. Satyal, today, criticised the government for handing over a prime piece of government land to Radhasoami Satsang at a ``throwaway price.''
While talking to media persons here today, Satyal said, ``the administration remained inactive and did not stop unauthorised construction at the land allotted to the sect for political considerations''.
Satyal, who was accompanied by Sarabjit Singh Longia, another Akali leader and Jasbir Singh Kandhari, founder principal of the Gurmat Missionary College said, ``there were many other religious bodies, whose cases for the transfer of government land were still under consideration''. The leaders asserted that any government land should be allotted to the sect through auction and not at ``concessional rates.''
Longia further alleged that despite assurances by the party high command, a beer bar close to Sadavart Gurdwara near here has not been closed. He added that all their complaints made to the Excise Department had fallen on deaf ears.
The leaders also warned the administration that they would file a legal suit, if proper attention was not paid to the poor civic amenities in the city.
Radha Soami usurped land in Beas
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=185637
‘Radha Soami Dera usurped land in Beas’
The land was gifted by a devout Sikh to Guru Granth Sahib: ex-SGPC member
Express News Service
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 1: FORMER SGPC member Amarinder Singh today alleged that the Radha Soami satsang had usurped land in Beas which was originally donated to Sri Guru Granth Sahib by name.
Releasing documents to attest his claim, Amarinder Singh stated that land worth nine kanals was gifted by a devout Sikh to Guru Granth Sahib in 1932. ‘‘Under the revenue records, it continued to be in the name of Guru Granth Sahib till 1985, when the name of Guru Granth Sahib was removed from the column of ownership in the Punjab Government revenue records,’’ he alleged.
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The process began in 1983, when the Punjab Government suddenly issued a notification for consolidation of land. In 1985, the Radha Soami dera had effectively usurped the land.
Producing copies of the gift of land, Amarinder stated that the gift was made by Santa Singh of village Wraich, district Amritsar. It was during the tenure of A C Sen as Commissioner Jalandhar Dibvision, Patwari Teja Singh and Qanungo Hans Raj that the notification for consolidation was made.
Amarinder Singh demanded an inquiry by the Punjab Government into the transfer of land, and sought the immediate intervention of the Punjab DGP into the affair. ‘‘Government should appoint an inquiry into the embezzlement of the property of Guru Granth Sahib, which enjoys the status of Guru,’’ he said. He further sought a rectification of record and restoration of land to Guru Granth Sahib. The place, Jaimal Singh has historical importance for the Sikh community, since the last rites of Mata Ganga, the mother of the fifth Sikh Guru were performed at this place. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru also participated in the ceremony, Amarinder added.
‘Radha Soami Dera usurped land in Beas’
The land was gifted by a devout Sikh to Guru Granth Sahib: ex-SGPC member
Express News Service
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 1: FORMER SGPC member Amarinder Singh today alleged that the Radha Soami satsang had usurped land in Beas which was originally donated to Sri Guru Granth Sahib by name.
Releasing documents to attest his claim, Amarinder Singh stated that land worth nine kanals was gifted by a devout Sikh to Guru Granth Sahib in 1932. ‘‘Under the revenue records, it continued to be in the name of Guru Granth Sahib till 1985, when the name of Guru Granth Sahib was removed from the column of ownership in the Punjab Government revenue records,’’ he alleged.
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The process began in 1983, when the Punjab Government suddenly issued a notification for consolidation of land. In 1985, the Radha Soami dera had effectively usurped the land.
Producing copies of the gift of land, Amarinder stated that the gift was made by Santa Singh of village Wraich, district Amritsar. It was during the tenure of A C Sen as Commissioner Jalandhar Dibvision, Patwari Teja Singh and Qanungo Hans Raj that the notification for consolidation was made.
Amarinder Singh demanded an inquiry by the Punjab Government into the transfer of land, and sought the immediate intervention of the Punjab DGP into the affair. ‘‘Government should appoint an inquiry into the embezzlement of the property of Guru Granth Sahib, which enjoys the status of Guru,’’ he said. He further sought a rectification of record and restoration of land to Guru Granth Sahib. The place, Jaimal Singh has historical importance for the Sikh community, since the last rites of Mata Ganga, the mother of the fifth Sikh Guru were performed at this place. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru also participated in the ceremony, Amarinder added.
Punjab Irrigation wants to sell forest land to Radha Soami, Central government denies
Nod to allotment of land to Radha Soami denied
A fax message received from Delhi by Secretary Forests V. N. Ojha, directed the Punjab Government not to sell or lease out the land in question along the Sirhind canal in Roopnagar district to the Radha Soami sect. This would be viewed as a serious violation of the Forest Conservation Act, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest said in its message.
The Punjab Irrigation Department had decided to sell the land to the Radha Soamis at a throwaway price of Rs 100 per square yard. The land actually belonged to the Forest Department which had strongly objected to the construction of a boundary wall by the sect.
The deputy commissioner reportedly did not intervene in the matter despite repeated requests by forest officials on the ground that the Radha Soamis had a valid allotment letter in their favour.
The allotment of the land was also a violation of a Supreme Court verdict of December 12, 1996 which was aimed at preserving the forest cover in the country, besides, greening the environment.
Unauthorise construction by Radha Soami Satsang
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=255093
Cut a tree in Shimla, pay through your nose
Ashwani Sharma
Shimla, September 07: Cut a tree in Shimla and get fined a minimum of Rs 50,000 or face legal consequences like spending a year in jail. This is one of the deterrents that Himachal Pradesh proposes to introduce in Shimla to save its precious forest cover.
The town’s tall deodars are dwindling fast because of new constructions, with influential people illegally felling, damaging and chopping off trees. Others have also been found pouring acid and toxic chemicals to dry the trees and subjecting them to an unnatural death.
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To deal with the offenders, the government is getting ready to enact a new law - the Tree Preservation Act of Shimla, a draft for which has already been submitted by Shimla’s conservator of forests Vineet Kumar. Some states, including Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have already enacted similar laws.
“The draft of the Act will be put before the Cabinet in its next meeting. If approved, the government will promulgate an ordinance and enforce some stringent measures in the town to preserve its greenery,” Principal Secretary (Forests) Ashok Thakur told The Indian Express.
Anyone felling a standing forest tree to undertake construction or causing damage to trees by any act, including cutting, dumping or applying chemical, burning, burying, bulldozing, etc, will be booked by the forest department. The forest department officials and the police will have powers to make arrests without a warrant.
What has hastened the move was the recent detection of unauthorised construction activity by Radha Soami Satsang, which has raised a concrete highway for its landfill work, thus causing damaging to countless trees. Two other leading hoteliers, one barely a few metres away from the Chief Minister’s secretariat, also felled trees and went scot free.
Says Thakur, “We found several officials helpless to stop the construction or save the trees. The existing laws gives only limited powers and a meagre fine. Thus,the government feels the need to impose strict measures.”
Nevertheless, the new law also proposes steps to grant permission to cut down or remove trees if they pose danger to life, property, obstruct movement of traffic or are damaged by natural calamities. This task will be handled by a tree committee headed by the conservator of forest, Shimla, with at least five other members, including elected representatives of the Municipal Corporation.
There will be a regulatory body, to be known as tree authority, to keep a close eye on existing forest trees. Those cutting down or damaging trees will required to plant new trees at the site of the damage and residents who already have trees standing on their property shall be asked to effectively protect them from damage or loss.
Cut a tree in Shimla, pay through your nose
Ashwani Sharma
Shimla, September 07: Cut a tree in Shimla and get fined a minimum of Rs 50,000 or face legal consequences like spending a year in jail. This is one of the deterrents that Himachal Pradesh proposes to introduce in Shimla to save its precious forest cover.
The town’s tall deodars are dwindling fast because of new constructions, with influential people illegally felling, damaging and chopping off trees. Others have also been found pouring acid and toxic chemicals to dry the trees and subjecting them to an unnatural death.
Advertisement
To deal with the offenders, the government is getting ready to enact a new law - the Tree Preservation Act of Shimla, a draft for which has already been submitted by Shimla’s conservator of forests Vineet Kumar. Some states, including Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have already enacted similar laws.
“The draft of the Act will be put before the Cabinet in its next meeting. If approved, the government will promulgate an ordinance and enforce some stringent measures in the town to preserve its greenery,” Principal Secretary (Forests) Ashok Thakur told The Indian Express.
Anyone felling a standing forest tree to undertake construction or causing damage to trees by any act, including cutting, dumping or applying chemical, burning, burying, bulldozing, etc, will be booked by the forest department. The forest department officials and the police will have powers to make arrests without a warrant.
What has hastened the move was the recent detection of unauthorised construction activity by Radha Soami Satsang, which has raised a concrete highway for its landfill work, thus causing damaging to countless trees. Two other leading hoteliers, one barely a few metres away from the Chief Minister’s secretariat, also felled trees and went scot free.
Says Thakur, “We found several officials helpless to stop the construction or save the trees. The existing laws gives only limited powers and a meagre fine. Thus,the government feels the need to impose strict measures.”
Nevertheless, the new law also proposes steps to grant permission to cut down or remove trees if they pose danger to life, property, obstruct movement of traffic or are damaged by natural calamities. This task will be handled by a tree committee headed by the conservator of forest, Shimla, with at least five other members, including elected representatives of the Municipal Corporation.
There will be a regulatory body, to be known as tree authority, to keep a close eye on existing forest trees. Those cutting down or damaging trees will required to plant new trees at the site of the damage and residents who already have trees standing on their property shall be asked to effectively protect them from damage or loss.
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami derar
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Farmers-up-in-arms-against-Radha-Soami-dera/266012/
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
Express news service
Posted online: Monday , January 28, 2008 at 11:08:32
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:25:10
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Amritsar, January 27 Various farmers’ unions, including Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha and Kirti Kisan Union, today announced an indefinite agitation against the state government and Dera Radha Soami at Beas for forcibly acquiring arable lands in various villages. They said the land, up to 80 acres, was being acquired from farmers for a road, which would benefit the dera but not the common man.
Talking to mediapersons here today, KSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that the SAD-BJP government was working under pressure from dera functionaries and was bent upon building an alternate road. The road will link Dera Beas from Sathiala. “This will provide another opportunity to the dera for illegally occupying farmers’ lands in future also,” said Pannu.
Farmer leaders threatened to launch an agitation if the state government did not take notice of this. “We will gherao the Baba Bakala SDM’s office,” said Rattan Singh Randhawa, head of the district unit of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha. He said an additional road from Sathiala to Dera Beas was not required. He said during elections, the SAD had promised to the farmers that notification in this regard would be cancelled after they assume power, but nothing has been done.
Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
Express news service
Posted online: Monday , January 28, 2008 at 11:08:32
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:25:10
Print Email To Editor Post Comments
Amritsar, January 27 Various farmers’ unions, including Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha and Kirti Kisan Union, today announced an indefinite agitation against the state government and Dera Radha Soami at Beas for forcibly acquiring arable lands in various villages. They said the land, up to 80 acres, was being acquired from farmers for a road, which would benefit the dera but not the common man.
Talking to mediapersons here today, KSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that the SAD-BJP government was working under pressure from dera functionaries and was bent upon building an alternate road. The road will link Dera Beas from Sathiala. “This will provide another opportunity to the dera for illegally occupying farmers’ lands in future also,” said Pannu.
Farmer leaders threatened to launch an agitation if the state government did not take notice of this. “We will gherao the Baba Bakala SDM’s office,” said Rattan Singh Randhawa, head of the district unit of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha. He said an additional road from Sathiala to Dera Beas was not required. He said during elections, the SAD had promised to the farmers that notification in this regard would be cancelled after they assume power, but nothing has been done.
Radha Soami Dera in unholy messr
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=181512
Radha Soami Dera in unholy mess
Anju Agnihotri Chaba
Bhutala/Dhilwan (Kapurthala), May 8: Farmers of four villages of Kapurthala district have accused the Radha Soami Dera in Beas of encroaching upon 2,200 acres of their land by slowly changing the course of the Beas river with the help of illegal studs and bundhs.
The farmers of Bhutala, Mand Dhilawan, Bhaini and Chako-Ki villages allege that the bundhs have resulted in water flowing towards their land, because of which a large part of their land is now towards the Dera side. They further allege that the Dera people have banned their entry in their own land by constructing gates and now claim that the land belongs to the Dera. Bhutala is the worst-affected, as it has reportedly lost nearly 1,200 acres to the Dera, said the farmers. Talking to ENS, the farmers said they have approached the authorities several times, but in vain.
When contacted, the revenue department officials admitted that the land of four villages was now across the river owing to continuous flow of river water towards these villages. They also showed a map in which the village land is clearly marked as towards the Dera side. The officials said they have forwarded the case to the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) in Chandigarh.
Gurmail Singh, member of Zila Parishad, Dhilwan, alleged that the Dera people have been encroaching upon the land of the farmers for years now. Rattan Singh, former sarpanch of Bhutala village, said a stretch of nine km land belonging to the four villages has been encroached and now they were forced to sell their land at throwaway prices, while the government price of the same land was Rs 2 lakh per acre.
The farmers have also formed a “Jameen Bachao Committee”. President of the committee, Mohan Singh Bal, demanded that either the district administration should help them get their land back or give them adequate compensation. He also demanded that to protect the farmers’ land from further erosion, about 10 studs should be constructed along the Beas river so that the flow of water cannot be changed.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala Raminder Singh said he would have to check the records before giving any statement.
Radha Soami Dera in unholy mess
Anju Agnihotri Chaba
Bhutala/Dhilwan (Kapurthala), May 8: Farmers of four villages of Kapurthala district have accused the Radha Soami Dera in Beas of encroaching upon 2,200 acres of their land by slowly changing the course of the Beas river with the help of illegal studs and bundhs.
The farmers of Bhutala, Mand Dhilawan, Bhaini and Chako-Ki villages allege that the bundhs have resulted in water flowing towards their land, because of which a large part of their land is now towards the Dera side. They further allege that the Dera people have banned their entry in their own land by constructing gates and now claim that the land belongs to the Dera. Bhutala is the worst-affected, as it has reportedly lost nearly 1,200 acres to the Dera, said the farmers. Talking to ENS, the farmers said they have approached the authorities several times, but in vain.
When contacted, the revenue department officials admitted that the land of four villages was now across the river owing to continuous flow of river water towards these villages. They also showed a map in which the village land is clearly marked as towards the Dera side. The officials said they have forwarded the case to the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) in Chandigarh.
Gurmail Singh, member of Zila Parishad, Dhilwan, alleged that the Dera people have been encroaching upon the land of the farmers for years now. Rattan Singh, former sarpanch of Bhutala village, said a stretch of nine km land belonging to the four villages has been encroached and now they were forced to sell their land at throwaway prices, while the government price of the same land was Rs 2 lakh per acre.
The farmers have also formed a “Jameen Bachao Committee”. President of the committee, Mohan Singh Bal, demanded that either the district administration should help them get their land back or give them adequate compensation. He also demanded that to protect the farmers’ land from further erosion, about 10 studs should be constructed along the Beas river so that the flow of water cannot be changed.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala Raminder Singh said he would have to check the records before giving any statement.
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