Journalism of Courage
Despite directions by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC),the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation,Tehbazari branch,has failed to remove several unipoles installed on footpaths which are causing traffic obstructions. According to a complaint filed by Arvind Sharma,resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar,the commission had given a deadline of March 19 to the MC team to remove the unipoles,but hardly any work has been done. These poles still stand tall near the Jagraon Bridge,Durga Mata Mandir,Fountain Chowk,Bhaibala Chowk,Model Town,Feroze Gandhi market and other areas. Sharma said,PSHRC had even ordered that all sites be shown to me,and Superintendent Hartej Singh did take me on a visit,but no action has been taken till now.
Apart from this,the MC team had also identified around 18 illegal unipoles installed by companies without permission from the corporation,but even these have not been removed yet.
Brick kiln workers strike enters 6th day
Workers of more than 300 brick kilns in Ludhiana are on strike for the last six days due to which the owners claim to be suffering an average loss of Rs 2 crore per day. The owners of brick kilns today held a meeting and urged Tarsem Jodhan,former MLA and leader of Bhatha Mazdoor Union,to come for a dialogue so that work can be started.
Jagjit Sood,president of the Ludhiana Brick Kiln Association,said,Demand is at its peak and we cannot afford to shut down our factories. The union is not allowing workers to come to work.
