140

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.

143

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.