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.
Showing posts with label beas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beas. Show all posts
20080708
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.
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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.
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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