PRI representatives’ help sought to fight drug addiction

Yamunanagar: ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil has exhorted  representatives of panchayati raj institutions (PRI) to play a role in keeping youths away from addiction. Addressing a sammelan of PRI representatives at Saubhagya Resort on Sunday, he said the police were taking steps to put a ban on illegal supply of narcotics. He asked the gathering to pass information on people involved in illegal business of narcotics. He also shared his mobile number with the gathering and assured them that the informer’s identity would be kept secret. “PRI representatives should adopt a positive approach to make society free from crime. If we want a better society, we shall have to infuse positive approach in youths,” said Akil.

Panels against open defecation 

Jind: The administration has set up vigilance committees for the elimination of open defecation in the district. These committees will move in villages, especially during early hours of the day, to prevent open defecation. Nearly 50 villages in the district were declared open defecation-free (ODF) but 43 more were yet to achieve this status . The government has set December, 2016, as the deadline for attaining ODF status in the state. The committees include sarpanches, panches, prominent persons and gram sachivs. Senior officials will accompany the committees . The open defecation-free programme runs under the supervision of the ADC. Sources said as the authorities were finding it difficult to achieve the target, the Jind DC took this initiative. Deputy Commissioner Vinay Singh said: “ We are motivating people against the menace. We will also take the support of anganwari workers for motivating women. Our motivational sessions against open defecation in villages are receiving an overwhelming response”.

Tributes to Bhagat Phool Singh 

Sonepat: Tributes were paid to Bhagat Phool Singh on his 64th martyrdom day and to his daughter late Padma Shri  Subhashni Devi on her 102nd birth anniversary at  BPS Women’s University at Khanpur Kalan in this district on Sunday. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Asha Kadiyan, said acknowledging his significant contribution in promotion of women’s education by starting a Kanya Gurukul with just three girls in the early thirties, the state government upgraded it as a women’s university named after him. Similarly, a government women’s medical college named after Bhagatji had also been opened at Khanpur Kalan. Bhagat Phool Singh, a staunch Arya Samaji , was a symbol of Indian culture rich in social values and equality, she said, adding that his teachings were still relevant.