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CHAPTER-VIII
POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Political consciousness indicates to awareness of the people about their rights,
interests and duties. It also shows their attempts for the promotion of their interests
and their political participation.1 The Singh Sabha Movement had brought political
consciousness among the Sikh Lubanas.2 From 1947 to 2001; the Lubanas became
very conscious politically. A number of factors like their homogeneous settlement,
spread of education, role of their journal Lobana Sewak, their associations,
arrangement of diwans and conferences at their fairs and festivals were responsible
for political consciousness among them.3 The introduction of universal adult
franchise, panchayat system and cooperative societies also played an important role
for their political awakening.4 Their participation in the elections of Legislative
Assembly of Pepsu, Punjab Legislative Assembly and Shiromani Gurdwara
Parbandak Committee also increased their political consciousness.5 Their political
leaders played an important role.6
At the time of the partition, Sant Prem Singh was an important political leader
of the Lubanas. He was a member of Punjab Legislative Assembly.7 He took the oath
as a member of East Punjab Legislative Assembly on 6th March 1948. He was a very
1. Melvin M. Tumin, Social Stratification: The Forms and Functions, India, Private Ltd., New
Delhi 1978, p.5.
2. DG Hoshiarpur 1980, p.45.
3. The Tribune, 6 June 1950.
4. Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi
1977, 8th edition, p.42.
5. Mahant Prem Singh (Ex-member of the West Punjab Assembly representing Gujrat and
Shahpur Sikh Rural Constituency). East Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates 06-03-1948 and Table
of contents to the east Punjab Legislative Assembly Debates 6th march to 2nd April 1948. Vol.
II, No. 1, Official Report, printed by the controller of printing and stationary, Punjab, Shimla
1950, p.3. Shamsher Singh Ashok, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Da
Panjahsala Itihas 1926-76, pp.241-43, 275.
6. b[pkDk GkJhuko/ ~ u/szB eoB ftu nkg dh (;zs gq/w f;zx) Fy;hns dh G{fwek p/fw;kb ;h L Surinder Maksudpuri, Begowal: (Linguistic and Cultural Survey), p.38. Sant Prem Singh
enkindled light of unity and awakening among the Lubanas: Inder Singh, Observations of
Memorable meeting of Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Foundation, Chandigarh (Regd.) at
Maksudpur. Lobana Sewak, October-December 1983, p.10.
7. The Tribune, 6th June 1950, p.1. Prem Singh, Mahant (Ex-Member, west Punjab Assembly
representing Gujrat and Shahpur, Sikh Rural, Table of Contents to the East Punjab Legislative
Assembly Debates From 6th March to 2nd April 1948, Vol. I, Official Report, contents, Printed
by the controller of Printing and Stationery, Punjab, Simla 1950, p.3.
141
conscious gentleman.8 He along with his companions fully helped the refugee
Lubanas. An elite of the Lubanas planned to settle the displaced lubanas
homogeneously. In 1948. Sant Prem Singh was nominated as a member of
Rehabilitation Board.9 Due to his efforts, the higher authorities agreed to settle the
Lubanas according to their desire. So, a considerable portion of the Lubana
community displaced from the west Punjab settled in Bholath tahsil of Kaputhala
district and its adjoining Dasuya tahsil of Hoshiarpur district.10
The leadership of the Lubanas took the problem of partition of the Punjab as a
chance and tried to get maximum benefit of it. With the homogeneous settlement,
their scattered political power was consolidated. They were able to secure their vote
bank. It served the political purpose of the Lubanas.11 Therefore, they were able to
send their representatives in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Pepsu
Legislative Assembly and Punjab Legislative Assembly.12 Their leaders and activists
were associated with the Sikh organizations like the Singh Sabha, Chief Khalsa
Diwan, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee and Shiromani Akali Dal. Their
prominent leaders like Sant Prem Singh, Bawa Harnam Singh and Bibi Jagir Kaur
came from background of the Nirmalas, Mahants, Pujaries and Sants.13 They had
been heads of Dera Murala Sahib, the important Nirmala establishment of the
Lubanas. They had been the members of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak
Committee.14 Besides, they had rural background.
8. Mahant Prem Singh was a most conscientious gentleman: 'Speech of Shri Bhim Sen Sachar',
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 28 February 1951, Vol. III, No. 1, Berry Art Press, Shimla
1951, p.17.
9. Gulcharan Singh, Jiwni Sant Prem Singh (Murala), p.63 and M.S. Randhawa, Out of The
Ashes, p.17.
10. Tarlok Singh, Land Resettlement Manual For Displaced Persons in Punjab & Pepsu, p.98
11. fJeZm/ j'D Bkb f;nk;h skes th jk;b j' ;e/rh fi; pr?o e'Jh pokdoh soZeh BjhI eo ;edh L Gulcharan Singh, Jiwni Sant Prem Singh Ji (Murala), p.63. pokdoh d/ ;ko/ fgzvK d/ fJE/ (p/r'tkb B}dhe) p?mD Bkb fJjBK dh f;nk;h skes uzrh pD ikt/rh. eZb ~ i/eo fJb?eFB bVBh gJh sK th pokdoh d/ fJeZm/ p?mD Bkb ;cbsk fwb/rh L Giani Chet Singh, Gur Sagar De Suche Moti, Lacot Printers, Amritsar 1992, p.137.
12. Shamsher Singh Ashok, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Da Panjahsala Itihas
1926-1976, pp.234
13. Joginder Singh, Sikh Leadership, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 1999, p.77 and
Harihar Swarup, "She Raised Women's Status among Sikhs", The Tribune 28 March, 1999.
14. Shamsher Singh Ashok, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Da Panjahsala Itihas
1926-1976, pp.234, 242, 243, 275. ;zs pkpk À/w f;zx w[okb/ tkfbnK d/ w[Zy n;EkB p/r'tkb d/ w[Zy ;/tkdko ti'I ;/tk nkozG eoe/ BtK ehoshwkB ;Ekfgs ehsk. fJj gfjbh fJ;soh ;B fiBQK ~ fe;/ fBowb/ ;zgodk d/ w[y n;EkB dk w[yh j'D dk wkD Àkgs j'fJnk L Roop Singh, Panth Sewak: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee De Pardhan, Singh Brothers, Amritsar
2010, p.148; Hariher Swarup, "She Raised Women's Status among the Sikhs", The Tribune,
March 28 1999.
142
In order to bring political awakening, the Lubanas under the leadership of Sant
Prem Singh established a network of educational institutions for boys and girls.15 He
was greatly interested in the education of his followers. He commanded great
confidence and great influence over his followers.16 At the same time, the Lubanas
were feeling great urge for educational progress.17 So, Prem Khalsa High School,
Bhatnura Lubana district Jalandhar in 1946, Babakwal Sant Prem Singh Khalsa High
School, Mukerian 1950 and Guru Gobind Khalsa High School, Miani 1950 were
established in Dasuya tehsil of Hoshiarpur district. The spread of higher education in
the remote areas accelerated the process of political awakening among them.18
Sant Prem Singh rendered yeoman's service in uplifting the Lubana
community.19 He rended very valuable services in organizing the Lubana community.
In order to solve their problems and to present their demands, a diwan was arranged in
Begowal on 19th and 20
th June 1948. It was attended by very large gathering.
Prominent leaders of the Punjab like Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke, President,
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee, S. Ishar Singh Majhail Minister for
Relief and rehabilitation and S. Partap Singh Kairon especially attended the diwan.
All the leaders promised to solve the problems and to fullfill the demands of the
Lubanas.20 S. Ishar Singh Mujhail announced that the Punjab Government had
already decided to settle the Lubanas in their original home districts in East Punjab
and especially in Hoshiarpur district.21 Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke promised to
provide all possible help to refugee Lubanas.22
The second diwan was arranged in Begowal on 18th and 19
th June 1949 in
Kapurthala district. It was attended by Maharaja Yadvendra Singh of Patiala, the
15. The Tribune, 6
th June 1950, p.1.
16. S. Ujjal Singh, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, February 28, 1951 Vol. III, No. I, Official
Report, 28-02-1951 to 16-03-1951, Berry Art Press, Simla 1951, p.39.
17. M.S. Randhawa, Out of The Ashes, pp.60-61. 18. The Tribune, 6th June 1950. p.1 and Barkat Singh Anand, Chanan Munare, p.8.
19. Speech of S. Partap Singh Kairon, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, February 28, 1951. 20. Gulcharamn Singh, Jiwni Sant Prem Singh Ji (Murala), p.63. 21. The Honourable Sardar Ishar Singh Mujhail Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation in answer
to a Question No. 71 of Dr. Lehna Singh Sethi regarding to the allotment of districts to the
refugees gave the following statement in the Punjab Legislative Assembly on 18th March
1948.
Statement
From To
Labana Sikhs In their original district in East Punjab and Hoshiarpur district.
East Punjab Legislative Assembly Debates, 18th March, 1948, Vol. II, No. 10, Official Report,
p.429.
22. FoBkoEhnK dh ;jkfJsk L Roop Singh, Panth Sewak: Shiromani Committee De Pardhan,
Singh Brothers, Amritsar 2010, p.83.
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Rajparmukh of Patiala and East Punjab State Unions and S. Gian Singh of Rarewala,
Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke and S. Ishar Singh Majhail. The Kapurthala State had
no policy to look upon land abandoned by the evacuees.23 The Lubanas began to settle
on the evacuated areas of Bholath tahsil of Kapurthala state which surrounded by the
local Lubanas. The officials of Kapurthala state denied them to do so.24 So, Sant Prem
Singh made the main demand to Pepsu government to allow the refugees Lubanas to
settle in Kapurthala district of Pepsu. Maharaja Yadvendra Singh was greatly
impressed to see a very remarkable gathering. He assured to fulfil their demands.25
So, the Pepsu government approved Lubana Allocation Scheme for the allotment of
land to the Lubana Sikh refugees. It was decided to settle them in Kapurthala district.
The alternative accommodation was also provided in tahsil Rajpura where area was
available. The diwan showed the strength and political identity of the Lubana
community.
In the same way, a diwan was also organised on 21st September 1954 at Dera
Karam Singh in Maksudpur in Kapurthala district. It was attended by Jathedar S.
Udham Singh Nagoke and S. Harcharan Singh, Revenue Minister of PEPSU
government. In that diwan, four main resolutions were passed. Firstly, prayer was
made to God for the quick recovery of the health of the Honourable Col. Raghbir
Singh, the Chief Minister of Pepsu. Secondly, the construction of pucca road from
Nadala to Begowal via Saintpur, Dala, Khalil, Maksudpur, Talwandi, Nangal Lubana
and Miani Bhagupurian. Thirdly, to construct Dhusi bund to prevent floods of river
Beas. Fourthly, to start consolidation of land and to provide electricity to Bholath
area. The Revenue Minister promised to fulfill their demands.26 In order to fulfill their
demands, they approached the higher authorities from time to time. Sh. Sadhu Ram
Deputy Minister fully helped them in that connection.27 The Lubanas also propagated
their demands through their Journal Lobana Sewak.28 So, the consolidation of land in
Pepsu was started in 1954.29
23. Tarlok Singh, Land Resettlement Mannual For the Displaced Persons in Punjab & Pepsu, p.2.
24. Gulcharan Singh, Jiwni Sant Prem Singh Ji (Murala), p.61.
25. Pepsu Legislative Assembly Debates, Vol. No. IV, Serial No. 5, 14th July 1956, Official
Report, p.312. The Lubanas were approved for settlement in Kapurthala district in virtue of
preference expressed by them: Tarlok Singh, Land Resettlement Manual for Displaced
Persons in Punjab & Pepsu, 391.
26. "Diwan Jhangi Dareshah Maksudpur", Lobana Sewak, October-November 1954, p.12. 27. Randhir Singh, "Extention Block Kholan Di Nihan Dera Baba Karam Singh Jhangi Hall
Maksudpur Wikhe Rakhi Gai Si", Lobana Sewak, September 1955, p.14. 28. fJ; wzrK wzr wzr g?g;{ ftu
144
After the death of Sant Prem Singh, the barsi of Sant Prem Singh was
celebrated with devotion and reverence by the Lubanas in Begowal. On 2nd and 3
rd
June every year. The Lubanas of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, Jammu-
Kashmir and union territory Chandigarh attended that function. After the bhog of
akhandpath on 2nd June, a remarkable diwan has been arranged. On 3
rd June,
important political leaders like S. Partap Singh Kairon, S. Simranjit Singh Maan, S.
Gurcharan Singh Tohra and S. Parkash Singh Badal attended that diwan from time to
time. The diwan had been a very good platform for the Lubanas to present their
demands. In that diwan, the prominent leaders promised to fulfil their demands.30
The new constitution of India was implemented on 26th January 1950. The
granting of universal adult franchise to the people by the state has been one of the
most significant events. All adults of the Lubanas got right to vote.31 Thus, the entire
population of the Lubanas had been brought into the political whirlpool.32 The
Lubanas took keen interest in all the elections and voted for various political parties
especially for Shiromani Akali Dal.33 They showed inclination towards Shiromani
Akali Dal.34 Sant Prem Singh had a very prominent position in Shiromani Akali Dal.
At the time of partition of the Punjab, he was a member of Punjab Legislative
Assembly and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee. He contested both the
elections as a candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal.35
After Sant Prem Singh, his brother Bawa Harnam Singh became a prominent
leader of the Lubanas. He was a very awakened person and well-known journalist. He
was the editor of Prem Sandesh weekly since 1942.36 He was very active in the
j[D Bt/I pbke y[bk fdZs/. Nitharak, "Sewak Ne Sew Kumai e", Lobana Sewak, October- November 1955, p.4. 29. Giani Harcharan Singh, "Lok Sewa Lai Aduti Nazare", Lobana Sewak, October- November
1955, p.42. 30. Kapurthala District Census Report 1961, Table No. 51, p.88. p/r'tkb d/ e/b fJe sK doysK
dh tZvh Mzrh j? fiE/ pkp/ wjzs À/w f;zzx j[oK dh po;h jo ;kb wBkJh iKdh j? L Lobana Sewak, September 1954. p.13. ;qH gqekF f;zx pkdb B/ fejk fe ;zs gq/w f;zx B/ ;wkfie soZeh bJh jo y/so ftZu tZvk :'rdkB gkfJnk i' ni th ;k~ okj do;kT[Idk j? L "Sant Prem
Muralawalia Di Barsi Manai", Gurdwara Gazette, July, 2000, p.71. 31. The adoption of universal suffrage (Art. 326) without any qualification either of sex, property,
temptation or the like is a bold experiment in India, having regard to the vast extent of the
country and its population, with an overwhelming illiteracy: Durga Das Basu, Introduction to
the Constitution of India, Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi 1997, p.42. 32. A.R. Desai, Rural India in Transition, Popular Prakashan, Bombay 1961, p.168. 33. Kapurthala District Census 1961, p.32. 34. Ajit Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal: Religio- political Study, Arman Publications, Kapurthala
2005, p.99. 35. Surinder Maksudpuri, Begowal: (Linguistic and Cultural Survey), p.41. 36. Barkat Singh Anand, Chanan Munare, p.18.
145
communist movement against the Pepsu government. So many cases were registered
against him and he was sent to prison.37 Later on, he was declared the political
sufferer by the Pepsu government. Relief was also granted to him with life pension of
Rs. 50/- per month, exemption of his children from payment of school fees upto
matriculation standard, restoration of his confiscated property.38 He dominated the
Lubana community from 1950 to 1981. He took special interest for the development
of the Lubana community.39
Bawa Harnam Singh was elected to PEPSU Legislative Assembly from
Bholath constituency as a candidate of Akali Dal (Master Group) in the mid term
election of February 1954. He defeated S. Thakur Singh a candidate of Indian
National Congress by a margin of 6245 votes. He was very influential person and he
did a lot for the development of his constituency.40 In order to convert the arid area
into green belt, attempts were made by Bawa Harnam Singh to set up government
electric tubewells. Out of total 100 tubewells for Kapurthala, 44 tubewells were
sectioned only for Bholath sub-tehsil. It was a great achievement of Bawa Harnam
Singh. The scheme for drilling tubewells was sanctioned in 1954-55 and was
implemented in 1955-56. Thus, he did a very commendable work to promote
agriculture in his constituency.41 Moreover, supply of electricity brightened their
37. d;, d;, pkoK pkoK w[edw/ ;kv/ s/ ubd/ oj/ B/ T[jBK tesK ftZu pekfJdk w[eZdw/ uZb/ L
Speech of Bawa Harnam Singh, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, Vol. IX, Serial No. 9, 21st
March 1956, Official Report, Printed by Printing and Stationery, Punjab, Patiala, 1957, p.931.
38.
Sr. No. Name of a Person Relief Granted
28 Bawa Harnam Singh Life pension of Rs. 50/- per month, exemption of his children from
payment of school fees upto Matriculation standard, restoration of
his confiscated property if still in the possession of the Pepsu govt.
and failing that refund of the sole proceeds of the property after
deducing the actual expenses of sale.
"List of Political Sufferers to whom relief has been granted ."
The Pepsu Vidhan Sabha Debates, 28th March 1956, Vol.No. IX. Serial No. 12, p.1111.
39. Serial No. 290, Bawa Harnam Singh Punjab Vidhan Sabha Compendium Who's Who of
Members (1960-2002) Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat ,Chandigarh 2003, p.146.
40. DG Kapurthala 1984, p.306.
PEPSU - Mid term poll - 1954
Bholath constituency
Total votes - 32396
Polled votes - 19504
Harnam Singh - 12603
Thakur Singh - 6358
Margin - 6245
www.eci.mc.in/eci_main/electionstatistics.asp
41. fNT{pt?bL- G[bZE ;oeb ftu nwoheh tZv/ fNT{pt?b fpibh Bkb uZbD tkb/ bkJ/ ik oj/ jB. fJBQK dh p'fozr }'oK Bkb F[o{ j? L Major Sharam Singh, "Samachar" Lobana Sewak, Vol.12.
DG Kapurthala 1984, p.70.
146
villages in the rural areas.42 A good number of educational institutions were upgraded
during the period beginning from Ist April, 1954 to 10
th December 1954.
43 Besides,
Sant Prem Singh Khalsa High School, Begowal was approved by the Pepsu
government due to the efforts of Bawa Harnam Singh.44 The demand of main road,
direct from Nadala to Begowal was fulfilled. It was 15 kilometers long and 35 feet
wide. A good number of Lubana villages like Ibrahimwal, Tandi, Habibwal, Kuka,
Talwandi, Rawan, Dhakrha, Kamalpur, Nangal Lubana, Mandkula, Miani
Bhagupurian, Fatehgarh-Sikri, Dolowal, Firoze Sangowal and Begowal were linked.
The people of those villages were very happy. So, they divided the area of the road
among themselves and started to raise it. On 9th October 1955; the resident of Nangal
Lubana started throwing soil on half mile area of road assigned to them for raising by
the beat of drum. The people of that area were taking keen interest in social service.45
Bawa Harnam Singh demanded to survey the proposed Nadala Begowal Road for
construction of Pacca road.46
The Pepsu government was determined to uplift villages for the purpose a
network of National Extension Service Block. The community projects were
established. It was intended as peoples' programmes with government participation
for rural uplift.47 Due the efforts of Bawa Harnam Singh, on August 16, 1955,
National Extension Service Block at Bholath was inaugurated by Raja Surendra Singh
of Nalegarh, the Development Minister of Pepsu. Nearly 15,000 villages from the
42. Barkat Singh Anand, Chanan Munare, p.18. 43. Pepsu Vidhan Sabha Debates, Vol. V, Serial No. 10, 29
th December 1954, Pepsu Vidhan
Sabha, Secretariat 1954, p.1107.
44. wsk BzL- 11 fJj ;Gk (b[pkDk ;/te ;Gk) g?g;{ ;oeko dk XzBtkd eodh j? fi;B/ ;zs À/w f;zx ykb;k p/r'tkb dh wBi{oh d/ e/ fJbke/ dh fuoK dh wzr gPoh ehsh j?/. b[pkDk ;/te ;Gk d/ ;oG ;wsh Bkb gk; ehs/ rJ/ ws/ L Proceeding of the Lubana Sewak Sabha, p.2.
45. fwsh 09-10-1955 ~ Bzrb fBtk;hnK B/ Y'b tike/ fJeZm/ j' e/ 35 c[ZN u"Vh nZXk whb bzph ;Ve s/ fwZNh gkJh. Bzrb fBtk;h ;zrs B/ nkgD/ fjZ;/ nkJh ;Ve s/ fwZNh gk e/ dw fbnk L Giani Harcharan Singh, "Lok Sewa Lai Aduti Nazare", Lobana Sewak,, October-November
1955, p.42.
46. SURVEY OF PROPOSED NADALA - BEGOWAL ROAD
Q.No. 9. S. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the P.W.D. Minister be pleased to state:
a. Whether the government have issued any instructions to survey the road proposed to
be constructed from Nadala to Begowal in district Kapurthala;
b. By what time to road will be constructed.
The P.W.D. Minister (Genl. S. Shivdev Singh):
a. No.
b. Question does not arise.
pkpk joBkw f;zx L fJj ;Ve fe gb?B ftu oZyh ikt/rh, ed'I pBkT[D dh sithi j?< ioB?b ;H fFtd/t f;zx L fJ; dk sK w?I c/o g[ZS e/ gsk dZ; ;edk jK L Pepsu Vidhan Sabha Debates, Vol. No. VI, S. No. 4, 25th February 1955, pp.37-38.
47. "PEPSU Rajpramukh stresses at the Need for Mutual Understanding", The Tribune, April 18,
1955, p.3.
147
hundred villagers of the block area had flocked to the place and enthusiastically
participated in the function. The block covered a population of 60,000. The
government contributed Rupees 7-1/2 lac to the working of this block during the next
three years.48
It is interesting to note that from the very beginning, Shiromani Akali Dal was
very closely associated with the Indian National Congress.49 After the independence
of the country, the Akalis joined the Congress in the Punjab and got representation in
the ministry. That had its own impact on the politics of the Punjab.50 In 1954, after the
mid-term election of Pepsu, there was Congress ministry headed by Col. Raghbir
Singh. After his death, Shri Brish Bhan became the a Chief Minister of the Pepsu. S.
Gian Singh Rarewala was a former Chief Minister of Pepsu and leader of the Akali-
dominated opposition in the Pepsu Legislative Assembly. In June 1956, he started a
move to bring the Akalis within the Congress fold. Master Tara Singh the Supreme
leader of the Akali Dal opposed the move for the dissolution of the Akali Party as a
political body.51 On 17
th June 1956, Executive Committee of Shirmani Akali Dal also
criticised the move of S. Gian Singh Rarewala.52 On the other hand, the move was
welcomed by the Congress leaders Like Shri Brish Bhan, the Chief Minister of Pepsu
and Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India and Congress President U.N.
Dhapar. S. Gian Singh Rarewala stressed that it was a high time that it converted itself
into an institution dedicated to the social, economic and cultural uplift of the people.
He believed that Akali Dal should concentrate on social, educational and religious
activities. The move was also supported by the United Front Opposition Party in the
48. "BHOLATH NATIONAL EXTENSION BLOCK INAUGURATED", The Tribune, August
18, 1955, p.2.
49. fJfsjk; rtkj j? fe eJh tko nekbh s/ eKro;h fJeZm/ j'J/. ;KMhnK u"DK th bVhnK. fJe ;[o j' e/ gkfe;skB pDB s'I gfjbK bkj"o ftu nekbh ns/ eKro; gkoNhnK B/ fwb e/ rmi'V ;oeko pDkJh. fJ;d/ gfjb/ w[Zy wzsoh ;o f;ezdo fjnks yK pD/ ;B. fco ;o fy}o fjnks yK pD/. Fqh Ghw ;?B ;Zuo eKro; tZb'I s/ ;H pbd/t fz;zx s/ fco ;H ;toB f;zx nekbh e?fpB/N wzsoh ;B. d't/I gkoNhnK fJeZmhnK j' e/ w[;fbw bhr fto[ZX bVhnK ;B L Tarlochan Singh, "Jadon Akali Dal Te Congress Da Gathjorh Hunda si", Ajit Magazine, June 5, 2011.
p.1. 50. DG Kapurthala 1984, p.35. eKro; gkoNh B/ w[V ftuko eoe/ nekbhnK Bkb ;[bQk eoB dk
c?;bk ehsk. ;G s'I gfjbK @g?'g;{# ftu ;H frnkB f;zx okV/tkbk Bkb ;wM'sk ehsk, fi; nB[;ko okV/tkbk ro[Zg 1956 ftu eKro; ftu Fkfwb j' frnk. ;H G[fgzdo f;zx wkB, ;H eosko f;zx dhtkBk, pkpk joBkw fz;zx G[ZbE, ;H s/ik f;zx pfmzvk, ;H Àhsw f;zx w'co ¢BKQ d/ Bkb ;B. fJ; s'I s[ozs fgS'I ;koh nekbh gkoNh B/ th eKro; Bkb ;[bQk eo bJh L Tarlochan Singh,
"Jadon Akali Dal Te Congress Da Gathjorh Hunda si", Ajit Magazine, June 5, 2011. p.1. 51. The Tribune, June 9, 1956.
52. The Tribune, 18th June, 1956.
148
Pepsu Assembly and also the executive of the State Riyasti Akali Dal and Bhatinda
Akalis.53
Due to the efforts of S. Gian Singh Rarewala a group of Akalis including
Bawa Harnam Singh joined Congress party on 30th September 1956. On 1
st November
1956, PEPSU was emerged in the Punjab. So, there was an agreement between the
Congress and Akali Dal. Its announcement was made by U.N. Dhebar, the president
of Congress.54 It was appreciated by the Lubanas. A resolution was passed in a diwan
in Maksudpur district Kapurthala in its appreciation.55 So, all the Akalis contested the
election of Punjab Legislative Assembly and Parliament on the ticket of Congress in
1957.56 In the second general election, Bawa Harnam Singh was elected as a member
of Punjab Legislative Assembly from 90 Kapurthala constituency in 1957. He
defeated S. Jiwan Singh Umra Nangal, an independent candidate by the margin of
9587 votes.57
Bawa Harnam Singh did a lot for the development of area inhabited mainly by
the Lubanas. The areas between river Beas and Black Bein were riverain areas. Flood
was an annual feature. The flood of 1955, was very serious. There was a heavy loss of
lives, houses and crops. At that time, the most important demand of the people was to
check the floods. Bawa Harnam Singh did a lot to provide maximum relief to the
flood effected people. So, The government of India sent Rs. one crore 25 lack for
flood relief in Pepsu. There was a maximum loss of houses in the various Lubana
villages in tahsil and district Kapurthala. The amount was disbursed as house grant in
Kapurthala district.58 Due to attempts of Bawa Harnam Singh, a diwan was arranged
53. The Tribune, June 9, 1556.
54. Tarlochan Singh, "Jadon Akali Dal Te Congress Da Gath Jorh Hunda Si" Ajit Magazine, June
5, 2011. p.1. 55. wsk Bzpo 3, Fq'wDh nekbh db B/ f;nk;s ~ fsnkr e/ eKro; Bkb ob e/ ezw eoB dk
n?bkB eoe/ d/F dh T[̀Bsh ns/ gzE dh J/esk ~ ekfJw oZyD dk i' edw T[mkfJnk j?. fJ; dh Fbkxk eod/ jK L Major Sharm Singh, "Hoti Mardan Wali Santan De Yad", Lobana Sewak,
Vol. 3, No. 2-3, November-December, 1956, p.4.
56. Tarlochan Singh, "Jadon Akali Dal Te Congress Da Gath Jorh Hunda Si" Ajit Magazine, June
5, 2011. 57. Report on General Elections in Punjab 1957, Chandigarh, 1959, pp.121-23.
90 Kapurthala Constituency:
Total votes - 64513
Polled votes - 30436
Bawa Harnam Singh - 18274 (Inc)
Jiwan Singh Umra Nangal - 8687 (Independent)
Margin - 9587
www.eci.mc.in/eci_main/electionstatistics.asp and Punajb Vidhan Sabha Compendium of
Who's Who of Members (1960-2002) p.164.
58. Names of Lubana Villages showing house grants distributed in tahsil Kapurthala.
149
in Begowal on 25th December 1956. It was attended by the large gathering. Partap
Singh Kairon, the Chief Minister of Punjab was the chief guest. The important
demands of the area like construction of Dusi bund, roads, bridges on Black Bein in
Kapurthala district, opening of girl school and allotment of land to landless formers
were presented by Bawa Harnam Singh. The Chief Minister promised to fulfill their
demands.59
In order to avail the concessions of remission of fee, payment of stipends,
reservation in services, relaxation of age in jobs and speady development, their
leadership tried to include them among the backward classes. The constitution of
India does not define 'backward classes'. It was the best hope of securing education,
especially technological and medical education, for the prestigious and well-paid
employment and mobility in the community.60 The constitution provides for the
appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes
(Article 340). The commission was appointed in 1953 under the chairmanship of
Serial
No.
Name of Villages Amount of
House Grant
Serial
No.
Name of village Amount of
House Grant
178 Nurpur Lubana 4,520 249 Bassi 1,305
190 Dolowal 60 250 Bhatnura Khurd 1,220
191 Mand Kula 10,10 252 Lamme 760
193 Nangal Lubana 4,975 253 Jaid 1,910
194 Miani Bhagupurian 1,640 255 Raipur Pirbaxwala 2,230
195 Nadala 4,975 256 Ibrahimwal 2,310
196 Bholath Garbi 1,615 257 Talwandi Kuka 400
197 Bholath Sharki 1,107 258 Kamalpur 330
198 Dalla 1,330 259 Talwandi Kuka 400
211 Pandori Rajputan 400 260 Mubarkpur 400
231 Feroz Sangowal 200 261 Bhadas 2,410
232 Sarupwal 50 262 Rawan 540
233 Begowal 4,150 263 Dhakram 475
234 Norangpur 235 264 Dhakram 785
235 Innowal 165 265 Ramgarh 1,898
237 Barriar 490 268 Mehmadpur 1,060
238 Jabowal 135 269 Surkh 1,078
239 Isbucha 485 277 Habibwal 1,870
240 Akbarpur 1,190 281 Khalil 790
241 Awan 1,075 282 Bakarpur 1,165
242 Maqsudpur 1,875 294 Kamani 3265
243 Fatehgarh Sikri 360 297 Nadali 1570
244 Akala 350 299 Sikri 645
245 Karnal Ganj 900
Pepsu Vidhan Sabha Debates,Vol. No V, Serial No. 6, Friday, 16th March 1956, Official
Report, Controller, Printing and Stationery, Patiala 1957, pp.519-522.
59. Major Sharam Singh, "Begowal Wikhe Shahi Ikath", Lobana Sewak, Vol. III, No. 4-5,
January-February, 1957, p.5.
60. M.N. Srinivas, Social Change in Modern India, p.112.
150
Kaka Sahib Kalelkar.61 On July 4, 1954, it came to Kapurthala city. Three deputations
of the Lubanas met to the commission in Kapurthala. The first deputation consisted of
Bawa Harnam Singh, a member of Pepsu Legislative Assembly, Major Sharam Singh,
Lt. Durga Singh, Dr. Sampuran Singh, S. Dharam Singh and S. Rawel Singh. They
presented a memorandum to the commission. All the members were associated with
Lobanas Youngmen Association, Kapurthala. They highlighted the pitiable economic
condition of the Lubanas due to their small size of holdings. Second deputation
consisted of Giani Bhagat Singh, Prof. Waryam Singh, S. Avtar Singh and S. Baldev
Singh presented a memorandum of nine pages to the commission. They showed the
social backwardness of the Lubanas. Third memorandum was presented by S. Sant
Singh Samundri, a headmaster of Babakwal Sant Prem Singh Khalsa High School,
Mukerian, district Hoshiarpur.62
The commission submitted its report to the government in 1955.63 The state
government had been allowed to give assistance to the backward classes according to
the list prepared by the state governments themselves. The Punjab government
included the Lubanas among the backward classes on November 6, 1956.64 The
Lubanas of Pepsu had already been declared among the backward classes on 29th
September 1953.65 On 7
th December 1965, the Punjab government appointed
evaluation committee relating to the welfare of scheduled castes, backward classes
and vimukat jatis for the entire period commencing from 15th August 1947 under the
chairmanship of Shri Brish Bhan.66 S. Puran Singh Azad, member of Punjab
Legislative Council, belonging to Lubana community was also member of that
committee.67 So the Lubanas continued to avail all the concessions of backward class.
61. Durga Das Basu, Commentary on the Constitution of India, S.C. Sarkar & Sons, Calcutta.p.84.
Ibid, 778.
62. @@gZSVhnK Fq/DhnK d/ efwFB dk d"ok##Lobana Sewak, September 1954, p.18. 63. Durga Das Basu, Commentary on Constitution on India, p.469. 64. P.G. No. 28585-WG.56/6014 dated 6
th October, 1956: Manual of Reservation for Scheduled
Castes and Backward Classes in Services, Government of Punjab, Department of Welfare
(Reservation Cell) Chandigarh 1995, p.15. 65. Pepsu vide Govt. of Patiala & East Punjab States Union's Notification No.6 dated 29-09-1953. 66. Notification No. 11079-WGI-AS02-65/35291, dated 7
th December, 1965, the Punjab
Government appointed a Committee to be called Evaluation Committee on welfare to evaluate
the work in the state relating to the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and
vimukat Jatis for the entire period commencing from 15th August 1947: Report of Scheduled
Castes, Backward Classes and Denotified Tribes in Punjab states for the period commencing
from 15th August 1947 (December 1965-August 1966), Punjab welfare Department, p.2.
67. S. Puran Singh Azad became the member of Punjab Legislative Council on 27th April 1964,
Punjab Legislative Council Who's Who, Punjab Legislative Council Secretariat, Chandigarh
1964, p.7.
151
On Ist January 1979, the Backward Classes Commission was appointed by the
Union Government (Janta Party Govt.) under the chairmanship of Bindeshwari
Prashad Mandal. R.R. Bhole, Diwan Mehar Chand, L.R. Naik and K. Subramaniam
were its other members. Its purpose was to identify the socially and educationally
backward people. There were two co-opted members. S. Bhagat Singh Advocate and
S. Mehar Singh from the Punjab. S. Bhagat Singh belonged to Lubana community.
The members of commission a came to Circuit house Kapurthala during their visit to
Punjab. A deputation of the All India Lobana Sabha (Regd.) met to members of the
commission on October 6, 1980. The deputation consisted of Prof. Waryam Singh,
Prof. Rajinder Singh Sandles, S. Jagtar Singh Multani Advocate, S. Lakhbir Singh
Advocate all from Kapurthala, S. Gurmit Singh (Indian Postal Service) Raipur
Pirbuxwala, Bawa Naranjan Singh from Miani Afgana, S. Jarnail Singh and Girdawar
Mehar Singh from Nadala, Prof. Tarlok Singh and Giani Harcharan Singh from
Nangal Lubana, S. Surain Singh from Mukerian and Subedar Jaswant Singh from
Begowal submitted a five pages memorandum to the commission. Prof. Waryam
Singh, Col. Gurmit Singh, Prof. Rajinder Singh Sandles and Giani Harcharan Singh
stressed the different aspects of the Lubana community in memorandum. They told
about various names of the Lubana community in India, their traditional occupation,
low social status, lack of general educational advancement, inadequate representation
of the three lac of their population in Punjab in the state services, no political
representation in the state legislative assembly and parliament and economic
backwardness of the community.68
They placed their eight important demands before the commission. Firstly,
there should be proper representation to the backward classes in all local bodies,
public services commission, services selection board, government and public
undertakings such as Punjab State Electricity Board and State Corporation. Secondly,
to enhance the reservation of posts for these classes from 5 per cent to 30 per cent at
the time of recruitment and 2 per cent to 15 per cent for promotion. Thirdly, there
should be no income limit for the members of these classes for the reserved posts and
free education and stipends, etc. Fourthly, seats not filled in by scheduled castes and
tribes should be offered to backward classes and not merged in the general pool.
Fifthly, to arrange coaching centres for these classes for competitive examinations.
68. Waryam Singh, "Backward Classes Commission visits Kapurthala", Lobana Sewak, April
1981, pp. 40-41.
152
Sixthly, reservation of seats for these classes for professional, technical and higher
education should be enhanced from 5 per cent to 30 per cent and there should be no
income limit to complete for admission against these seats. Seventhly, seats in the
Punjab Vidhan Sabha and Parliament should be reserved for these classes. Eighthly,
priority to these classes for loans and other facilities should be provided.69 So, by the
recommendation of the Mandal Commission, the Lubanas in the Punjab remained in
the list of other backward classes.70
Most of their areas were relatively inaccessible, economically and
educationally backward. For the proper and planned development of those areas and
to avail the special concessions in matters of admissions in government or
government-aided institutions and of appointment to government jobs, their
leadership attempted to declare their areas as backward areas.71 The Punjab
Government declared those areas as backward areas from time to time. On 7th
September, 1956, the bet area in Ludhiana district, villages of police station Mukerian
district Hoshiarpur, and villages of police station of Kanuwan in Gurdaspur district
were brought under backward area.72 On 2
nd July 1957 A.D. the entire bet area of
Bholath circle district Kapurthala which was a principally inhabited by the Lubanas
was declared backward area.73 Bawa Harnam Singh also demanded the declaration of
bet area in tashil Dasuya district Hoshiarpur as backward area in the Punjab
Legislative Assembly on 12th March 1958.
74 In the same way on 18
th October 1960,
bet areas of Chamkaur Sahib and Ropar were brought under backward areas.75
69. Prof. Waryam Singh, "Backward Classes Commission visits Kapurthala", Lobana Sewak
April 1981, pp. 40-41.
70.
State Entry No. in
state list
Name of Castes/Communities Entry No. Mandal List
Punjab 18 Labana/ Lavana 54
Muthnswamy and Brinda, Swamy's Compilation on Reservation and Concession in
Government Services, Swamy Publishers Chennai 2005 (reprint-first published in 1989),
p.392.
71. Report on the Evaluation Committee on Welfare Regarding the welfare of Scheduled Castes,
Backward Classes and Denotified Tribes in Punjab States for the period commencing from
15th August 1947 to December 1965-August 1966, pp.145-147
72. Punjab Government Letter No. 15595-WGH-56/4174 dated, 07 September 1956.
73. Punjab Government Letter No. 10293-WGH-57/3139 dated 02 July, 1957.
74. DECLARATION OF 'RIVER BET AREA' IN TEHSIL DASUYA, DISTRICT
HOSHIARPUR AS BACKWARD AREA 1771. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state whether there is any
proposal under the consideration of state government to declare 'River Bet Area' in tehsil
Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur as a backward area if so, the time by which it is likely to be
declared as such?
153
Ex-servicemen also played an important role to awaken the Lubana
community. They had more exposure than the others. They became conscious about
the interests and identity of the Lubana community. They had time, energy and
economic resources.76 In order to promote their interests, various Lubana associations
were formed by them. After the partition of the Punjab, Lobana Sewak Sabha was
formed on 13 December 1953. Its headquarter was in Tanda. Its office bearers and
members were mainly ex-servicemen. The office bearers were elected unanimously.
Major Sharam Singh resident of village Zahura tashil Dasuya was its president. Its
vice-president was Major Sardar Singh of village Subhanpur tahsil and district
Kapurthala. Its joint secretary was Captain Jhanda Singh resident of village Talwandi
Salhan, tashil Dasuya. Its joints secretary was Jamadar Amar Singh of Raipur
Pirbaxwala tashil and district Kapurthala. Its treasurer was Captain Kehar Singh. It
had three auditors Chaudhary Sardar Singh, Chaudhari Lakhi Singh and Prof.
Waryam Singh. The branches of Lubana Sewak Sabha were in Gurdaspur, Ambala,
Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts. In Gurdaspur district, its president
was Major Sadhu Singh of Tanda Mari. Its secretary was Subedar Major Amar Singh
Balarwal. In Ambala district, its president was Captain Wasawa Singh, vice-president
was Subedar Mul Singh, its secretary was Subedar Binda Singh and treasurer was
Subedar Major Budh Singh. In Hoshiarpur district, its president was Lieutenant Durga
Singh of Village Miani Afgana tashil Dasuya. Its secretary was Subedar Shivdyal
Singh resident of a Salempur tashil Dasuya. In Jalandhar district its president was
Giani Gian Singh resident of village Bhatnura Lubana tashil and district Jalandhar.
The association mainly worked for the service and development of the Lubana
community. It chalked out various programmes for the social, economic and cultural
upliftment of the Lubana community.77 In order to organize the Lubanas in Punjab,
the Lobana Sewak Sabha started the programme of its monthly meetings in various
Sardar Partap Singh Kairon: No. The bet areas of Sutlej in the district of Hoshiarpur have,
already been declared as backward areas in the state.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates 12th March 1958, Vol. I, No. 17 (Official Report) Controller,
Printing and Stationery Punjab, Chandigarh 1959, p.(17)31.
75. Punjab Government Letter No. 9288-WGH-59/4076 dated 10th February, 1960.
76. Proceeding of the Lobana Sewak Sabha, p.1.
77. "Lobana Sewak Sabha", Lobana Sewak, September 1954, pp.7-8.
154
villages of the Lubanas. In those meetings, important affairs of the lubanas were
discussed. Attempts were made to protect and promote the interests of the Lubanas.78
The Lobana Sewak Sabha became an important, association. So, all the
members of the Lobana Sikh Youngmen Association unanimously decided to work
with Lobana Sewak Sabha.79 In 1959, All India Lobana Sabha was registered. Its
headquarter was in Kapurthala. Out of eleven members of its governing body four
were ex-servicemen. The objective of the Sabha was to promote welfare of the
Lubana community with special reference to its educational, economic and social
uplift.80
In 1975, Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Foundation was formed in Chandigarh.81
It mainly consisted of ex-servicemen. Lt. Col. Partap Singh played significant role in
its foundation, He was the patron of the foundation.82 A quarterly journal Lobana
Sewak was started by the Association under the editorship of Lt. Col. Gulcharan
Singh. Its manager was Lt. Harnam Singh.83 Under the enlightened editorship of Lt.
Col. Gurlcharan Singh, Lobana Sewak highlighted all the social, religious and cultural
programmes of Baba Makhan Shah Foundation for the betterment and upliftment of
the Lubana community.84
Sant Prem Singh Lubana Welfare Society was formed on 14 July 1994 in
Jalandhar. Brig. Daljitam Singh was its president, Senior vice president was Bawa
Sangat Singh, Vice president was Major Bishan Singh. Its general secretary was S.
Santokh Singh DSP. Its Secretary was S. Bhagwan Singh Lubana. Major General
Tarlok Singh Chaudhari was its patron.85 The ex-servicemen had a leading role in the
society. The aims of the society were to work for the socio-economic, cultural and
educational well being of the Lubana community.86 The society organised various
religious and social functions from time to time. The celebration of barsi of Sant
78. b[pkDk ;/te ;Gk dh wkjtkoh fJeZsqsk, ;b/wg[o**, Lobana Sewak, September 1954, p.9. ns/
b[pkDk ;/te ;Gk dh s/oQthI wkjtkoh fJeZsqsk dh w[ezwb ekotkJh L Lobana Sewak, February
1955, p.28.
79. "Lubana Sikh Youngmen Association", Lobana Sewak, September 1954, p.7.
80. "Constitution", All India Lobana Sabha, Registration No. 79/59-60 dated 11-12-1959.
81. Registration No. 218 of 1975-76, 6th June 1975 under Registration of Societies Act (XX)
1860.
82. List of Members of Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Foundation, Lobana Sewak, July-September
1978, pp.55-60.
83. Registration No. F/MA 78-78/9752 U.T., Chandigarh, dated 31 May 1978.
84. Amar Singh Dusanjh, "Lt. Col. Gulcharan Singh, "Akal Patarkar, Jalandhar 6-11-1979.
85. Registration No. 740 of 1994-95 dated 2nd September 1994, Certificate of Registration of
Societies Act of 1860; Lobana Sewak, March-April 1996, p.9.
86. "Constitution", Sant Prem Singh Lubana Welfare Society (Regd.) Jalandhar, Punjab, p.1.
155
Prem Singh was its annual feature. It also organised medical eye camps where free
meal, accommodation and medicines were provided to the patients. The society also
provided free eyeglasses to the needy patients.87 Besides Baba Lakhi Shah Labana
Welfare Trust Mukerian district Hoshiarpur was registered on January 3, 2001.88
Moreover, Naik Barkat Singh, the awardee of George Cross, became a member of
Victoria Cross Association, London in 1957. He attended the Victoria Cross and
George Cross gatherings held periodically in London. In 1972, he was one of the nine
such awardees including Lt. Gen. P.S. Bhagat Victoria Cross Major Parkash Singh
and Victoria Cross from India who attended the gathering.89
The associations were not of political nature. They awakened the Lubanas
about their interests from time to time. Besides, Lobana Sewak played an important
role to propagate against social evils and to highlight the programmes for the welfare
of the Lubana Community.90 The Lobana Sewak Sabha as its name indicated, played
very important role to bring unity and sense of brotherhood among the Lubanas. It
helped a lot to organize the Lubanas.91 They utilized the facilities of all the
developmental programmes launched by the government.92
Representative democracy was introduced through Panchayat system at the
grass root level for development of villages in the Punjab on 2 October, 1961.93 They
were given an opportunity to elect their representatives at village, block and district
87. Brig. Daljitam Singh, Documentary proofs of experience of Sant Prem Singh Lubana Welfare
Society (Regd.) Jalandhar, pp.1-3.
88. Registration No. Hosh/120/2000-2001 dated 03/01/2001 registered under Registration of
Societies Act XXI of 1860 by Additional Registrar of Societies Hoshiarpur.
89. Brig. K.S. Kang, "Life Sketch Ex-Subedar Barkat Singh George Cross", Sainik Welfare News
Bullenton, January 1992, p.3.
90. fJj i[r gqkg/ rzv/ dk ;kvh fJ; okjhI ;[BtkJh J/. ;/te B/ ;/t ewkJh j?. Nidharak, "Sewak Ne Sew Kamai e", Lobana Sewak, October-November 1955, p.4.
91. jo EK jo fgzv fJj iKd/ B/ s/ wk;e whfNzr bKd/ B/ s/ ;Zd nkgD/ ;G GoktK ~
jo pZ/u/¸pkbe p[ZY,/ ~ uzrk ihtB ;ybKd/ B/.
Nidharak, "Sewak Ne Sew Kamai e", Lobana Sewak, p.4. "Lobana Sewak Sabha Di Mahawari
Ikaterta, Salimpur", Lobana Sewak, September, 1954, p.9. 92. K.S. Singh, India's Communities, p.1976.
93. DG Kapurthala 1984, p.246. The Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads Act 1961, Punjab Act
3, 1961. and the Punjab Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishad Amendment Act, 1978, Punjab
Act No. V, of 1978, Govt. Press, Chandigarh.
156
level.94 Seats were reserved for women in village panchayats, block samities and zila
parishads.95 Besides, seats were also reserved for women of backward classes.
96 They
were elected the members and sarpanches of village panchayats and members of
block samities.97
In urban areas, they were elected municipal councillors of Nagar Panchayats,
Municipal committees and Municipal Corporations. In 1994, four Lubana women
were elected as municipal councillors of Nagar Panchayat, Begowal. Smt. Maya Kaur
was appointed as the vice-president of the Nagar Panchayat, Begowal.98 In the same
way, in the general election of 2001; four Lubana women were elected.99 Smt.
Harbans Kaur became the president.100
Besides, Smt. Nirmal Kaur Lubana was
elected as a municipal councillor from Ward No. 55 of Jalandhar Municipal
Corporation as candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal Badal. She was the first Lubana
women elected for the corporation. S. Gurnam Singh Multani was also a municipal
councillor from Ward No.50. Moreover, Smt. Dilraj Kaur was elected municipal
councillor from Word No. 4 of Kapurthala as a candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal
Badal.101
94. Part IX of the constitution envisages a three-tier system of Panchayat Namely (a) The village
level; (b) District panchayat at the district level; (c) The intermediate panchayat which stands
between the village and district panchayats in states where the population is above 20 lakhs:
Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, New Delhi 1997, p.269.
95. Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, p.269, The Punjab Panchayat
Samitis and Zila Parishad (Amendment) Act 1978, Punjab Act No. V of 1978, Govt. Press,
Chandigarh 1978, p.1.
96. Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, p.269.
97. List of Lubana Sarpanches upto 2001:
Sr. No. Name Husband's Name Village Tahsil Years
1. Bibi Shah Kaur S. Charan Singh Passibet Dasuya 1983
2. Smt. Satwant Kaur S. Karnail Singh Mauli Dasuya 1994
3. Smt. Surinder Kaur Ch. Balvir Singh Miani Afgana Dasuya 1998
4. Smt. Sukhdev Kaur S. Himat Singh Talwani Salhan Dasuya 1998
Block Samiti Members upto 2001
1. Mohinder Kaur Gurcharan Singh Miani Bhagnpurian Bholath 1972.
Lobana Sewak, October-December 1983, p.54; Lobana Sewak, May-June 1994, p.12 and
Kamaljit Singh, "The Role, Place, and Contribution of Lubana Women in Punjab History",
Proceedings Punjab History Conference, Patiala 2010, p.283 and Lobana Sewak, May 1997,
p.4.
98. Interviews with Smt. Maya Kaur on 03/02/2010, W.No.4, Begowal, District Kapurthala (Hand
written)
99. Punjab Government Gaz. (Extra) June 19, 2000.
100. Smt. Harbans Kaur W/o Amrik Singh member, Nagar Panchayat, Begowal, Distt. Kapurthala
appointed as president, Nagar Panchayat Begowal Vide Letter No. 3/53/2000/M/Chd/3187
dated 10/11/2000.
101. Kamaljit Singh, "The Role, Place, and Contribution of Lubana Women in Punjab History",
Proceedings Punjab History Conference, Patiala 2010, p.283 and Lobana Sewak, May 1997,
p.4.
157
Bawa Harnam Singh did a lot to provide relief to the flood affected people. He
questioned the minister for irrigation and power on 28th October 195 in the Punjab
Legislative Assembly about the total amount of grant given to Punjab the flood
affected areas since August 1957 and Pepsu since the formation of the Union.102
Bawa
Harnam Singh very strongly demanded to construct dhusi bund from village Tahli
district Hoshiarpur to village Alhi, tehsil Sultanpur district Kapurthala. In 1957, the
Punjab Government decided to construct dhushi bund. The amount of Rs. 20 lac was
sanctioned for it. The amount was advanced by the union government as loan
assistance and was expended by the state government. The work of construction of
dhushi bund in Kapurthala district was started in 1958. It was completed in 1959.103
The construction of Dushi Bund was started in Dausya tahsil of Hoshiarpur district in
1960.104
Seven hundred acres of land was acquired by the government for the
embankment. Bawa Harnam Singh demanded to allot land to the zimidars in lieu of
acquired land. He also demanded grant for two villages Talhi and Balla. They were
102. RELIEF TO FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS
Q.No. 1769 Bawa Harnam Singh
Will the Minister for Revenue be pleased to state that total amounts of grants given
to Punjab within the flood affected areas since August 1957 and Pepsu since the formation of
the union:
Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava: First Part Rs. 28,000/-
Second Part Rs. 62,50,000/-
Note: - The Minister for Revenue being away, Minister for planning replies to questions
studying in the name of the former: -
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 11th March 1958, Vol. I, No. 16 (Official Report) Printed by
Controller, Printing and Stationery, Punjab 1959, Chandigarh p (16) 46.
103. CONSTRUCTION OF DHUSI BUND
488 Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the Minister for Irrigation and Power be pleased to state-
(a) Whether there is any proposal under the consideration of government to construct
Dhusi Bund on the Beas from village Tahli, district Hoshiarpur to village Ahli, tehsil
Sultanpur district Kapurthala; if so, the time which the said Bund is likely to be
constructed;
(b) the amount sanctioned for the construction of the said Bund;
(c) Whether the said amount will be expended by the state Government or Union Govt.?
S. Gian Singh Rarewala:
(a) Yes. The construction of the Bund is likely to be taken in hand during this year and
will be completed during 1959 and its execution may continue till 1959.
(b) The amount sanctioned for the construction of Bund is Rs. 20 lac.
(c) The amount will be advanced by the Union Government as loan assistance and will
be expended by the State Government.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 28th October 1957, Vol. II, No. 4, Official Report, Printed by
Controller of Printing and Stationery Punjab Chandigarh 1958, p. (4) 65.
Kapurthala District Census 1961, p.86.
104. d;{j/ sfj;hb ftZu 700 J/eV }whB bJh rJh j? ns/ embankment pDkfJnk ik fojk j?. pktk joBkw f;zxL w?I d;{j/ pko/ no} eoBh j?. T[E/ embankment pD ojh j?. T[;d/ pdb/ ftu }whB fdZsh ikt/ s/ 2 fgzvK ~ rqKN fdZsh ikt/. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, I
st March 1960, Vol. I, No. 10, O.R. Contents, Tuesday, the I
st
March 1960, Controller of Printing Stationery, Punjab Chandigarh 1960, p (10) 70.
158
surrounded by the bund from all sides. The floods were checked. It gave a relief to the
people. It was also a remarkable achievement of the Lubana leadership. Due the
efforts of Bawa Harnam Singh, Rupees 26,628 was paid as a compensation to the
Zimidars of Kapurthala district for 322 acres of land under crop utilised for the
construction of bund on river Beas both under bund and borrow pits.105
For the convenience of the people and proper transportation, Bawa Harnam
Singh demanded the construction of Nadala-Begowal Road in Kapurthala district on
28th October 1957, he questioned Rao Birendara Singh, the minister for public works
in the Punjab Legislative Assembly. The concerned minister answered to construct
road in 2nd plan period subject to availability of funds.
106 Bawa Harnam Singh
questioned for the second time to minister for public works on 18th February 1959
about construction of Nadala-Begowal Pucca road in the Punjab Legislative
Assembly. Chaudhari Suraj Mal answered that the construction of road was under the
consideration of the government. Bawa Harnam Singh stressed not to prolong the
construction of road.107
105. DHUSI BUND
1363. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the minister for irrigation and power pleased to state-
(a) the area of land under crops so for utilized for construction of 'Dhusi Bund' on river
Beas in District Kapurthala;
(b) whether it is a fact that no compensation has been paid yet to zamidars for their
crops; if so, the time by which it is likely to be paid?
Sardar Gian Singh Rarewala : (a) 322.0 acres of land under crop was utilized for construction
of the bund on River Beas both under the bund and borrow pits.
(b) An amount of Rs. 26,628 has been placed at the disposal of the Deputy
Commissioners, Kapurthala, for payment of the crop compensation and will be paid
after all formalities have been gone through.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 16th February, 1959, Vol. I, No. I, Official Report, Controller
of Printing and Stationery, Punjab, Chandigarh.
106. CONSTRUCTION OF NADALA-BEGOWAL ROAD
487. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the minister public works be pleased to state-
(a) whether there is any proposal in the consideration of government to construct road
from Nadala to Begowal in Kapurthala district; if so, whether the survey there of has
been done;
(b) the time by which the said road is expected to be constructed?
Rao Birendara Singh: (a) Survey has not been done.
(b) During the 2nd plan period subject to availability of funds.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 28th October, 1957 vol. II, No. 4, Official Reports, Controller
of Printing and Stationery, Punjab, Chandigarh 1958, p. (4) 65.
107. CONSTRUCTION OF NADALA-BEGOWAL PUCCA ROAD
3348. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the minister for public works be pleased to state whether
there is any proposal under the consideration of government to construct pucca Road from
Nadala to Begowal in Kapurthala district if so, the time by when it is expected to be
constructed?
Chaudhri Suraj Mal : Yes
It is likely to be started in the 2nd five year plan subject to be availability of funds,
and will be completed by 3rd five year plan, as sufficient funds during 2
nd plan period are not
available.
159
Bawa Harnam Singh also demanded the construction of a road from the Miani
Afgana to Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district in 1957. The road was under construction.
Bawa Harnam Singh also demanded the compensation of area of land taken by the
government for the construction of the road.108
In order to provide the medical
facilities to the people, he got established health centres in Bholath and Begowal. He
tried to provide vehicle and health staff to those health centres. He asked the Chief
Minister in the Punjab Legislative Assembly about the actual number of staff
members in health centres of Begowal and Bholath.109
pktk joBkw f;zx L fejV/ ;kb eoBr/. pktk joBkw f;zx L fgSb/ ;kb efjzd/ ;B 1959-60 ftZu ehsh ikt/rh. j[D efjzd/ jB 1960-61 ftZu ehsh ikt/rh. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates 18
th February 1959, Vol. I, No. 3, Official Report, Printed by
the Controller Printing and Stationery Punjab, Chandigarh 1959, pp (3) 30-31.
108. CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD FROM MIANI AFGANA TO DASUYA IN
HOSHIARPUR DISTRICT 489. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the minister for public works be pleased to state -
(a) Whether there was any proposal under the consideration of government to construct a
road from Miani Afgana to Dasuya in district Hoshiarpur; if so, whether it has been
constructed;
(b) Whether any area of land was taken by government for construction of the road
referred to in part (a) above; if so whether any compensation there for has been paid
to the land owners concerned; if not, the reasons therefore together with the time by
which it is proposed to be paid?
Rao Birender Singh : (a) Yes. The road is under construction.
(b) No. The question of paying compensation does not arise.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 28th October, 1957, Vol. II, No. 4, Official Report, Controller
of Printing and Stationery Punjab, Chandigarh 1958, p. (4) 46.
109. NURSES, DOCTORS, ETC., IN CERTAIN HEALTH CENTRES IN KAPURTHALA
3317. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state: -
(a) The number of doctors, nurses, dispensers, lady health visitors, midwives sanitary
inspectors, vaccinator's, drives and class IV servants in health centres of Bholath and
Begowal in district Kapurthala;
(b) Whether it is a fact that jeeps are provided for the said health centres: if so, the
reasons why a deep has not been provided for the health centre, Begowal, district
Kapurthala?
Sardar Partap Singh: (a) Statement is enclosed.
(b) Yes. deeps are provided in health centres aided by UNICEF. A request for the Jeep
has been made for the health centres, Begowal, district Kapurthala.
Statement
Serial No. Employees Bholath Begowal Kapurthala
1. Doctors 2 1
2. Dispensers 3 2
3. Nurses
4. Leady Health Visitors 2 1
5. Midwives 1 1
6. Sanitary Inspectors 1 1
7. Vaccinators The Staff patterns of primary health centres does not provide
for vaccinators. They are district board employees.
8. Drivers 1
9. Class IV employees 4 5
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 16th February 1961, p.(2) 103.
160
During the floods of 1960, the crops of 73 villages in district Kapurthala were
damaged. Bawa Harnam Singh demanded to remit the land revenue of those villages.
The Punjab government after survey agreed to remit land revenue of those villages. In
that way, he did a commendable work to provide relief to the farmers.110
The third general election of Punjab Legislative Assembly was held in
February 1962. Chaudhari Lakhi Singh emerged as a prominent leader of the
Lubanas. He has remained Financial Adviser and Account Officer to the Custodian
and Rehabitation department. He was also the author of books of all India repute on
accounts and audit. Moreover, he had attended many official conferences while in
service. He contested the election from Kapurthala constituency as a candidate of
Akali Dal (Master Group). On the other hand, Bawa Harman Singh was a seating
M.L.A. from Kapurthala constituency. He contested the election as a candidate of
Indian National Congress. He was defeated by Chaudhary Lakhi Singh by a narrow
margin of 473 votes. The success of Chaudhari Lakhi Singh as Akali candidate from
another constituency made it clear that the Lubanas were mainly Akali- minded.111
110. REMISSION OF LAND REVENUE IN VILLAGES IN KAPURTHALA DISTRICT
6889. Bawa Harnam Singh: Will the Minister for Revenue be pleased to state whether it is a
fact that the Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala has recommended the remission of land
revenue in 65 villages in the district in pursuance of the announcement of the government to
remit land revenue in villages where crops were damaged due to the last floods in the state; if
so, the names of the villages and the action taken by government on the said recommendation?
Giani Kartar Singh: land revenue has been remitted in respect of 73 villages, in Kapurthala
district, as per list placed on the Table of the House. The deputy commissioner, being
competent, has sanctioned the remission himself.
Statement of remission of fixed land revenue proposed under paragraph 12, standing order No.
30 on account of loss by hail storms or other extraordinary calamity harvest Kharif of district
Kapurthala.
Serial
No.
Name of the Villages Serial
No.
Name of the Villages
1. Mand Nagal Lubana 38. Hajipur
2. Mand Aslampur 39. Hardo Huddan
3. Chak Som 40. Hussainpur Bhulle
4. Mandi Mand Kulla 41. Finam
5. Mand Hussainpur 42. Mandi Kabirpur Kadin
6. Mand Kulla 43. Ajarwal
7. Kamalpur 44. Kabirpur
8. Husainpur 45. Hussainpur Dullowal
9. Mand Kamalpur 46. Khurd
10. Mand Miani Bhagupurian 47. Miani Bahadar
11. Chak Dom 48. Mallankalan
12. Ballochak 49. Mirzapur
13. Mand Rawan 50. Doda Wazir
14. Mand Talwandi Kuka 51. Mahijitpur
15. Mand Sandhi Khan wala 52. Paramjitpur
16. Rawan 53. Ucha
17. Mand Ibrahimwal Tarf Arshad Khan 54. Kutbewal
161
Chaudhary Lakhi Singh tried to bring reforms at the grass root level system of
panchayat. He wanted to take action against the corrupt panches and sarpanches. So
he asked about the instructions to the deputy-commissioner not to initiate proceeding
against the corrupt sarpanches and panches in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, on
1st October, 1963.
112 He wanted the proper functioning of transport for convenience of
the public of the area. He asked the Chief Minister of the Punjab about the various
18. Mand Ibrahimwal Gulam Nabi 55. Amritpur
19. Mand Dhakran 56. Jabbosudhar
20. Dhakran 57. Hydrabad Bet
21. Talwani Kuka 58. Ladwal
22. Ibrahimwal Tarf Arshad Khan 59. Pandor Jagir
23. Ibrahimwal Tarf Gulam Nabi 60. Jhanduwal Kambo
24. Hussuwal 61. Jhanduwal Rajput
25. Habibwal 62. Nabipur
26. Chuganwala 63. Muddowal
27. Raipur Arian 64. Lakhanwaryah
28. Mand Raipur Arian 65. Chaladha
29. Butala 66. Alam Khan wala
30. Mand Butala 67. Khirarpur
31. Bussowal 68. Faridpur
32. Bagrian 69. Chuharpur
33. Shahwalal Andrisa 70. Sadulahpur
34. Wasuwali 71. Chugian Bandi
35. Sherpur Sidda 72. Bhim Kadim
36. Pani Bahu Bahadur 73. Fatehwal .
37. Lakhowal
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 22nd February 1961, Vol. I No.6, (Official Report), Contents,
Wednesday The 22nd February 1961, pp.(6) 31-32.
111. DG Kapurthala 1984, p.308.
Constituency Kapurthala
Total votes - 67080
Polled votes - 41296
Chaudhary Lakhi Singh (Akali Dal )- 19772
Bawa Harnam Singh (INC) - 19299
Margin - 473
www.eci.mc.in/eci_main/electionstatistics.asp Punjab Vidhan Sabha Compendium of Who's
Who of Members (1960-2002), p.211.
112. Instruction to DC not to initiate proceedings against Sarpanches and Panches:
4070. S. Lakhi Singh Chaudhari: will the minister of planning and development be pleased to
state:
(a) Whether government have recently issued any instructions to deputy commissioners
in the state not to initiate proceedings of Sarpanch and Panch even in the case of
embezzlement misappropriate when brought to the notice if so, the reasons there of
and a copy there of be placed on the table of the house;
(b) Whether only DC inviolation of the paid instruction initated proceedings against
panches and Sarpanches, if so, list showing such cases be placed on the table of the
house?
Sardar Darbara Singh (a) Instructions issued by the government in May 1959, on this behalf
have been reported to the DDPO and BDO and panchayat in the January 1963 on
account of the merger of Panchayat Department in the Development Department.
(b) There is no such case.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 1st October 1963, Annexure Vol. II, No.11, Official Report,
P.135.
162
routes and number of trips the buses of various transport companies were required to
undertake between Hoshiarpur and Miani Afgana, and Jalandhar and Miani Afgana.113
The Punjab Legislative Council was constituted under the provisions
contained in Article 168 of the Constitution of India, in the state of Punjab with effect
from 3rd May 1952 for the first time. The biennial election to the Legislative Council
were held under the Article 172 (2) of the Constitution of India, first in 1954 and
second in 1956.114
On the reorganization of the states, the strength of the Legislative Council of
the new state of Punjab was raised from 40 to 46 with effect from Ist November 1956,
under section 37 of the States Re-organization Act 1956. On the 21st March 1957, the
Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed a resolution to the effect that in view of the increase of
the area and population, in the number of graduates, teachers and local bodies in the
state and in the number of members of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The strength of the
Punjab Legislative Council were raised to 51. Biennial elections of the Legislative
Council were also held in 1958 and 1960.115
S. Puran Singh Azad became a member of Punjab Legislative Council on 27th
April 1964. He was an old dynamic Congress worker with rural background. He was
an accredited journalist duly registered with the Press and Information Bureau,
Government of India. He was special correspondent of daily Prabhat Jalandhar at
Delhi. He was a leader of international level. He was deputed as an Indian delegate to
various international youth congress as and had studied youth movements in foreign
countries. He visited U.S.S.R. and other countries. He was the general secretary of
Indian Youth Congress from 1959 to 16th May 1964 and thereafter elected its
113. HOSHIARPUR-MIANI AFGANA AND JULLUNDUR-MIANI AFGANA ROUTES
Q.No. 3060 S. Lakhi Singh Chaudhari: Will the Chief Minister be pleased to state: -
(a) the number of trips the buses of various transport companies are required to
undertake between Hoshiarpur and Miani Afgana and Jullundur and Miani Afgana in
Hoshiarpur district;
(b) Whether it is fact that none of the buses undertook only trips to Miani Afgana during
the period of Ist April 1962 to 28
th February 1963;
(c) Whether government is considering to take any action against the transport
companies concerned for the failure to comply with the conditions laid down for the
said route permit?
Sartar Partap Kairon (a) No permits are issued for Hoshiarpur-Miani Afgana and Jullundur-
Miani Afgana routes (b) and (c) in view of (d) Question does not arise.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates, 12th April 1963 Annexure Parti-II, Vol. I, No. 38, Official
Report, p.65.
114. Punjab Legislative Council Who's Who 1961, Printed by the Controller Printing and
Stationery, Punjab, Chandigarh 1961, p.(1)2.
115. Ibid, p (1).
163
president on the 17th May 1964.
116 In November 1966. S. Puran Singh Azad was
appointed the organising secretary of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. In 1967,
during the general elections of Punjab Legislative Assembly, he took keen interest
and organized a lot of meetings in favour of Congress nominees. In the same way, he
also played important role in bye elections of Haryana Legislative Assembly in
1968.117
He remained the member of Punjab Legislative Council upto 27th December
1969. On 27th December 1969, Punjab Legislative Council Abolition Act was passed
by the Punjab Legislative Assembly.118
He took keen interest in the welfare of the
Lubana community.
The mid-term election of the Punjab Legislative Assembly was held in
February 1969. Bawa Harnam Singh contested election as a candidate of Akali Dal
(Sant Group). He defeated his closest rival S. Kirpal Singh Dhillon, a candidate of
Congress by a margin of 5122 votes.119
Due to this attempts, two government aided
colleges; Sant Prem Singh Karmsar Khalsa College, Begowal and Guru Nanak Prem
Karamsar College, Nadala were established in his constituency. The establishment of
both institutions' for higher education in the main concentration of the Lubana
community was a remarkable achievement of Bawa Harnam Singh.120
The spread of
higher education brought political consciousness among the Lubanas. It was
indispensable mean for securing their participation in the new political process.121
He was appointed a minister of state, Agriculture and Forests in the Akali Ministry
116. Punjab Legislative Council Who's Who (As on 27th April 1964, Punjab Legislative Council
Secretariat, Chandigarh 1964, pp. 7-9.
117. Punjab Vidhar Parishad Who's Who (As on 27th April 1968) Punjab Vidhan Parishad
Secretariat, Chandigarh December 1968, Govt. p. 10.
118. Punjab Vidhan Pari8shad Who's Who (As on 27th April 1966).
Punjab Vidhan Parishad Secretariat, Chandigarh 1966, pp.9-10 and Punjab Vidhan Parishad
Who's Who (As on 27th April 1968) Punjab Vidhar Parishad Secretariat, Chandigarh 1968,
pp.10-11.
119. Voting result at the election
Electorates - 74,949
Valid Votes - 52,722
1. Bawa Harman Singh - 26, 921
(Akali)
2. Sh. Kirpal Singh (Congress ) - 21, 799
3. Sh. Jagjit Singh (Independent) - 3,382
4. Lakhi Singh (Independent) - 620
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1969, Government Press, Chandigarh 1979, p.40
120. DG Kapurthala 1984, pp.257-58; College Profiles, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar,
2002, p.95.
121. M.N. Srinivas, Social Change in Modern India, p.114.
164
headed by S. Parkash Singh Badal on June 5, 1970.122
He got planted trees on the both
sides of the roads. Due to his attempts, Bholath was made a sub tahsil in 1970.123
In 1977, a Bholath constituency was created in Kapurthala district. Sukhjinder
Singh emerged as a prominent leader of Shiromani Akali Dal. He contested the
election of Punjab Legislative Assembly from Bholath constituency. Inspite of a good
numbers of Lubana voters, he defeated Bawa Harnam Singh an independent candidate
supported by Congress party in 1977 by a margin 13122 votes.124
He was appointed
Education Minister in the ministry headed by S. Parkash Singh Badal. He remained
the Education Minister of Punjab from 23rd June 1977 to 12
th October 1978.
125 A good
number of schools were established and promoted by him in the Bholath
constituency.126
In 1980, in the mid-term election, he defeated Bawa Naranjan Singh a
congress candidate by a margin of 4784 votes from Bholath constituency.127
Due
Congress government, Jagtar Singh Multani, a Congress Leader, became very active
in the Bholath constituency. He worked hard for the development of constituency. He
122. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1969, Government Press, Chandigarh 1970, p.40.
123. DG Kapurthala, 1984, p.2.
124. Sukhjinder Singh Khaira Sardar
Akali
40 - Bholath - 1977
(Voting result at the election)
Electorate 66850
Valid Votes Polled 46,743
1. Shri Sukhjinder Singh Akali 29,312
2. Bawa Harnam Singh Independent 16,190
3. Shri Darshan Singh Independent 1,241
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1977, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 1977,
p.223.
125. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1980, Punjab Vidhan Sabha State Secretariat, Chandigarh
1982, p.241.
126. @@;kb 1977-78 ftZu ;oekoh fwvb ;e{bK ~ jkJh gZXo sZe ngro/v dh ;{uh L Punjab Vidhan Sabha Debates¸12
th January 1978, Morning Sitting, Vol. I, No.6, Punjab
Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 1978, p. (6) 37. 127. 40 - Bholath 1980
Voting result at the election
Electorates 74,306
Valid Votes polled 51,214
1. Sardar Sukhjinder Singh Akali 26,686
2. Shri Naranjan Singh Congress 21,902
3. Shri Jairnail Singh Independent 1,126
4. Shri Balwant Singh Independent 181
5. Shri Bachan Singh Independent 162
6. Shri Harjinder Singh Independent 142
Punjab Vidhar Sabha Who's Who 1980, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh. 1982,
p.241.
165
got grants of Rs. 6 lac for constituency from Congress government headed by Darbara
Singh.128
In 1985, Sukhjinder Singh was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly
for third successive terms. He defeated Jagtar Singh Multani Congress candidate, by a
margin of 8646 votes.129
He was appointed Education Minister on 29th September
1985 in the ministry headed by Surjit Singh Barnala. The establishment of
Government College, Bholath was his major contribution to the area.130
In 1985,
Rattan Singh Ajnala, resident of village Begowal was elected from Ajnala
constituency of Amritsar district as a candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal Badal.131
He
defeated Ajaib Singh of Congress with a margin of 18958 votes.132
He did a lot for the
development of the constituency. He was also in touch with the various affairs of the
Lubanas.
In 1987, Bibi Jagir Kaur became active in the politics of the Punjab. She got
constructed a very splendid building in the memory of Sant Prem Singh. She became
a mukhsewadar of Dera Sant Prem Singh Murala, Begowal.133
She joined Akali Dal
Mann. In 1991, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Jathedar Tara Singh were fielded as candidates of
128. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of Member of Punjab Vidhan Sabha 1992, pp. 102-103.
129. 40 - Bholath - 1985
Voting result at the Election
Electorates 80,369
Valid Votes Polled 52,903
1. S. Sukhjinder Singh Shiromani Akali Dal 29,693
2. S. Jagtar Singh Indian National Congress 21,047
3. Sh. Sohan Singh Independent 1,098
4. Sh. Subhash Chander Independent 1,065
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's who 1985, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 1986,
p.239.
130. "Government College Bholath" College Profile, p.93 Punjab Vidhan Sabha Compendium of
Who's Who Of Members (1960-2002), p.348.
131. vkH osB f;zx niBkbk Fq'wDh nekbh db dh fNeN s/ 35552 t'NK jk;b eoe/ nkgD/ fto'Xh eKro; nkJh d/ T[whdtko Bkb'I 18958 t'NK tZX b? e/ ;cb j'J/ L "Biradari Samachar"
Lobana Sewak, July-September 1985, p.26.
132. 20 - Ajanala - 1985
Voting result at the Election
Electorate 1,00,589
Valid Votes Polled 62,272
1. Dr. Rattan Singh Shiromani Akali Dal 35,552
2. Sh. Ajaib Sigh Indian National Congress 16,594
3. Sh. Mehnga Ram Independent 5,208
4. Sh. Hazara Singh (Communist Party of India) Marxist 3,952
5. Sh. Labya Independent 538
6. Sh. Balbir Singh Independent 428
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1985, p.202.
133. ;zB 1987 ftZu nkg B/ ;oekoh B"eoh SZv fdZsh s/ ;zs pkpk gq/w f;zx ih w[okb/ tkfbnK d/ p/r'tkb v/o/ dh wZ[y ;/tkdko pD/ s/ Bkb jh f;nk;h ;orowhnK ftu Gkr b??Dk F[o{ eo fdZsk Roop Singh, Panth Sewak: Shiromani Committee De Pardhan, p.149.
166
Shiromani Akali Dal Mann from Bholath constituency and Tanda constituency
respectively. The election was postponed a day before the election.134
In February, 1992, the election of Punjab Legislative Assembly was held. The
major groups of Shiromani Akali Dal and All India Sikh Student Federation (Manjit
Singh and Rajinder Singh Mehta) boycotted the election. Indian National Congress
fielded S. Jagtar Singh Multani as its candidate. Bibi Jagir Kaur and her supporters
actively propagated for the boycott by election. She was arrested with her 25
supporters.135
Only 4.26 per cent voters exercised their right to vote. S. Jagtar Singh
Multani defeated his closest rival Sh. Roop Singh of Bahujan Samaj Party by a
margin of 2216 votes.136
He remained a member of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha from
Bholath Constituency from March 16 1992 to February 11, 1997.137
He was appointed
Minister of State, Technical Education on January 10, 1996.138
At the same, he was
also member of the Indian Parliamentary Association and Commonwealth Party
Association.139
He did a lot for the development of his constituency. The status of
sub-division was given to Bholath; in 1994.140
The gram panchayats of Begowal,
Bholath and Dhilwan were promoted to Nagar Panchayat. The Subhanpur-Dasuya
134. 1991 JhH ftZu nekbh db (wkB) tb'I phph irho e"o yV/ ;B L Ajit, February 15, 1992. 135. fJ; ;w/I phph irho e"o ns/ nekbh toeo pkJhekN dh jwkfJs ;orow jB. fi; ekoB
jbe/ ftZu g'fbzr xZN j'D dhnK ;zGktBktK jB L Gurditta Mal, "Chon Akharhe Ch Garmi
Nahin" Ajit, February 15, 1992. phph irho e"o 25 frqcsko L Ajit, February 17, 1992. 136. Voting Results at the election
Electorates 1,02,656
Valid Votes 4,376
1. Shri Jagtar Singh INC 2,865
2. Shri Roop Singh BSP 649
3. Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ind. 406
4. Dr. Inder Singh Dutta Ind. 268
5. Smt. Mohni 188
:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of Members of Punjab Vidhan Sabha 1992, pp 102-03.
www.eci.mc.in/eci_main/electionstatistics.asp
137. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat Certificate to S. Jagtar Singh Multani 16-09-2008.
138. Department of General Administration
(Cabinet Affairs Branch)
Notification
The 10th January, 1996
No. 2/1/92 - Cabinet/303 The Governor of Punjab, On the advice of the Chief Minister,
Punjab, is pleased of appoint Shri Jagtar Singh Multani as Deputy Minister
He has subscribed to the oath of office and secrecy and has entered the duties of his office
with effect from the forenoon of the 10th January, 1996.
T.K. A. Nair
Chief Secretary to Government, Punjab.
Punjab Government Gazette Extraordinary, Published by Authority Chandigarh, Wednesday,
January 10, 1996.
139. Ved Parkash, Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chandigarh No. SPl. I, dated 26.11.2009.
140. The Ajit, 1994.
167
road, which was the main road in the Lubana concentration was named Baba Makhan
Shah Lubana Marg on April 10, 1995.141
He also established industrial training centre
in Maksudpur district Kapurthala. It was his major contribution to the constituency.142
In February 1997, three candidates of Lubana community contested the
election of Punjab Legislative Assembly on the tickets of Shiromani Akali Dal Badal.
All of them won their seats. The success of their candidates was a matter of pride for
the Lubana community. The members of Sant Prem Singh Welfare Society, Jalandhar
congratulated them for their success.143
A splendid function was arranged in Desh
Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar on 18th October 1997. In that function Bibi Jagir, Dr.
Rattan Singh Ajnala and Chaudhary Balvir Singh and two councillors Smt. Nirmal
Kaur and S. Gurnam Singh of Jalandhar city were honoured.144
Bibi Jagir Kaur was elected from Bholath constituency by defeating his closest
rival S. Sukhpal Singh Khaira, on candidate of Congress by a margin of 28027
votes.145
Bibi Jagir Kaur was appointed Cabinet Minister of Tourism & Cultural
Affairs, Social Security and Development of Women and Children. She resigned from
Ministry on 16th March 1999. She was elected the president of Shiromani Gurdwara
Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar.146
During her tenure as a legislature, she remained
the chairman of Library committee and committee of government assurances of
Punjab Vidhan Sabha. She did a lot of the development of her constituency. She got
the funds sanctioned for the construction of Technical Institute in Maksudpur. She got
constructed two bridges on Black Bein at Nadali and Bholath. She was also an
141. The approval to naming the road Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Marg in place of Subhanpur-
Dasuya Road was accorded. Copy of Memo No. 1987/R & T Dated 10.04.95 received from
the Chief Engineer, Punjab PWD B & R branch, Patiala to the superintending engineer,
Jalandhar circle, PWD B & R Branch. Jalandhar Cantt.
142. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of Punjab Vidhan Sabha 1992, pp.102-103.
143. Lobana Sewak, January-February 1997, p.32.
144. Lobana Sewak, May 1997, p.4.
145. Jagir Kaur Shrimati
Shromani Akai Dal
40 - Bholath 1997
Voting results at the election
Elections 1,12,970
Valid votes polled 79,449
1. Shrimati Jagir Kaur Shiromani Akali Dal 53,168
2. Sardar Sukhpal Singh Indian National Congress 25,141
3. Shri Amar Nath Bahujan Samaj Party 840
4. S. Baldev Singh Independent 300
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's who 1997, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 200,
pp. 124-25.
146. Punjab Vidhan Shabha Who's who 1997, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 2000,
124.
168
instrumental in establishing four focal points in her constituency.147
Due her efforts,
the inauguration of institute was done by S. Parkash Singh Badal on, September 11,
2001.148
S. Balbir Singh Chaudhary was elected from Tanda constituency district by a
margin of 20386 votes. He defeated his closest rival Smt. Surjit Kaur, a candidate of
Indian National Congress. He was appointed Minister of State for higher education
and Medical education.149
He also remained a member of the committee on
subordinate legislation and committee on government assurances. He did a
remarkable job for the peoples of his constituency. He organized many eye camps and
helped the poor people. He got constructed many roads.150
Dr. Rattan Singh was
elected from Ajnala constituency. It is important to note that all three MLA's were
appointed as ministers in the ministry headed by S. Parkash Singh Badal. Bibi Jagir
Kaur and Dr. Rattan Singh were the cabinet minister while Sardar Balbir Singh was a
Minister of State.151
147. "Jagir Kaur Smt" Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of members 2002, Punjab Vidhan Sabha
Secretariat, Chandigarh 2002, pp. 90-91.
148. we;{dg[o fJz;NhfuT{N nkc N?eBheb n?i{e/FB we;{dg[o (n?fcbhJ/fNv ftd gzikp N?eBheb :{Bhtof;Nh ibzXo) dk T[dxkNB wkB:'r ;qH gqekF f;zx pkdb w[Zy wzsoh gzikp ih dh ;[uZih nrtkJh j/m phph irho e"o ftXkfJe jbek, G[bZE ih B/ ;qh thHn?BHUMk, nkJhHJ/Hn?;H w[Zy ;eZso, seBheh f;Zfynk ns/ ;zBsh f;ybkJh, gzikp ns/ vkeNo n?uHn?;H r[ow, tkJh; uK;bo ghHNhH:{H dh ftF/F T[g-;fEsh ftu nZi fwsh 11-09-2001 ~ nkgD/ eo ewbk Bkb ehsk L Inscription in Maksudpur Institute of Technical Education, Maksudpur, District Kapurthala.
149. Tanda - 1997
Voting result at the election
Voting result at the election
Electorates 1,41,886
Valid votes polled 78,338
1. Sardar Balvir Singh (Shiromani Akali Dal) 41,745
2. Smt. Surjit Kaur (Indian National Congress) 21,559
3. Sh. Jagdish Lal (Bahujan Samaj party) 4,459
4. Sardar Tarsem Singh Independent 4,459
5. Sardar Gurmit Singh Janta Dal 1,423
6. Sardar Onkar Singh Independent 480
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1997, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Chandigarh 2000,
p.182
150. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of members 2002, pp.30-31.
151. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of Punjab Vidhan Sabha 1992, pp.102-103
169
Dr. Rattan Singh was elected from Ajnala constituency of Amritsar district for
the third time in 1997, on the ticket of Shiromani Akali Dal. He defeated S. Rajbir
Singh of Indian National Congress by a margin of 1711 votes. He was appointed a
cabinet minister of Animal Husbandary, Dairy Development and Fisheries.152
He was
the president of Shiromani Akali Dal of Amritsar district. He was a member of Indian
Medical Association. He was also a member of District Planning Board and District
Grievances Committee, Amritsar. He was Chairperson, Planning Board, Mansa. He
remained a member of committee is public accounts and of various committees of
Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He did a lot for the upliftment of the downtrodden and weaker
sections of the society. He also did a lot for the development of his constituency.153
To sum up, we may say that politically, the Lubanas became very conscious.
A number of factors like their homogeneous settlement, spread of education, role of
their journal Lobana Sewak, their associations, arrangement of diwans at their fairs
and festivals were responsible for it. At the time of partition of the Punjab, Sant Prem
Singh was the political leader of the Lubanas. He played an important role for the
homogeneous settlement of the displaced Lubanas. He got reestablished their
educational institutions of the west Punjab in the east Punjab. After Sant Prem Singh,
his brother Bawa Harnam Singh became a prominent leader of the Lubanas in 1950.
Many works of development like setting up of government electric tubewells,
construction of dhusi bund and roads, upgradation and establishment of educational
institutions for higher education were done under his dynamic leadership. The Lubana
were followers of Sikhism. They showed inclination towards Shiromani Akali Dal.
Their prominent leaders like Sant Prem Singh and Bawa Harnam Singh had important
positions in Shiromani Akali Dal. The Lubanas sent their representatives in Punjab
Legislative Assembly. The Lubana women also became conscious. They were elected
as members of local self-bodies. Among them Bibi Jagir Kaur emerged as the most
152. 20 - Ajnala - 1997
Voting result at the election
Electorates 1,34,221
Valid votes polled 1,00,419
1. Doctor Rattan Singh (Shiromani Akali Dal) 50,705
2. S. Rajbir Singh (Indian National Congress) 48,994
3. Shrimati Kartar Kaur Independent 496
4. Sardar Satnam Singh Independent 224
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who 1977, pp. 124-25.
153. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Who's Who of Member 2002, pp.178-79.
170
important leader of the Lubanas. By the end of 20th century, they occupied the peak
position in politics of the Punjab.