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H A R Y A N A |  |
 Thursday, August 20, 1998 |
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Release grant to college, govt told CHANDIGARH, Aug 19 — The Haryana Government has suffered a loss of face on the issue of unilateral stoppage of grants to the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Medical Research and Education, popularly known as the Agroha Medical College. Upgrading
MDU status HSEB
workers set to take on government |
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Raipur
Rani back in Ambala district |
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CHB chief's
post: Haryana sends a list of 3 names Chautala
to continue support to BJP government Panipat
refinery nearing completion |
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Release grant to college,
government told CHANDIGARH, Aug 19 — The Haryana Government has suffered a loss of face on the issue of unilateral stoppage of grants to the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Medical Research and Education, popularly known as the Agroha Medical College. Its orders stopping the grants in violation of the agreement signed between the Maharaja Agrasen Medical Education and Scientific Research Society, which runs the college, and the Haryana Government on June 1, 1990, have been quashed by a Hisar court. Deciding a civil suit filed by the society in favour of the latter, Mr S.K. Goyal, Civil Judge (Senior Division), directed the Government "to continue releasing the grants to the society as per the terms and conditions of the agreement of June 1, 1990, and the decree for mandatory injunction in this regard is passed in favour of the plaintiff and against the defendants." As per the 1990 agreement, which was duly registered, the Government was to give a grant for the construction of the college on 50:50 basis. At that time the cost of construction was estimated to be about Rs 25 crore. The Government was to also give 99 per cent of the recurring expenditure as grant per annum. However, in 1995 when Mr Bhajan Lal was the Chief Minister, the Government informed the society that after March 31, 1996, it would not give recurring grant to the institute. However, it would continue to give-non-recurring grant for the construction of the college. When Mr Bansi Lal replaced Mr Bhajan Lal, the Government decided to stop even the non-recurring grant. These decisions of the Government were challenged by the society before the Hisar court. The society contended that the Government could not change the terms and conditions of the agreement unilaterally. The Government's contention was that since the agreement did not provide any period for which the grant would be payable, the agreement was void. The Judge held that it was
well established principle of law that if the terms and
conditions of an agreement were reduced into writing and
were registered then the terms and conditions of the same
could not be unilaterally changed. |
Upgrading MDU status ROHTAK, Aug 19 — The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the Maharshi Dayanand University administration to submit a report of its activities in the field of education and other activities over the last two years with a view to considering upgradation of the university from its present "C" status to "B" status. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Lt Gen. (retd), O.P. Kaushik, in a letter to the UGC had sought upgradation of university in view of its achievements of the current academic year and the transfer of 20 colleges of technical and professional education from Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar to MDU. In the letter to UGC chairperson, Ms A. Desai the Vice-Chancellor said the condition of 180 teaching days as prescribed by the UGC had been completed for the first time in the past academic year. He said the examinations for undergraduate and postgraduate classes had been started on April 1 and May 1 last. As a result undergraduate and postgraduate classes were started from July 1 and July 21 respectively. Gen. Kaushik further stated that the university not only improved its academic standards but also encouraged sports and cultural activities. Several new schemes were introduced to apprise students with latest techniques in their respective fields. Consequently, the university which had been badly hit by party politics, groupism and indiscipline, slowly transformed into a 'well disciplined' university. It maybe recalled that the varsity enjoyed ‘b’ status before 1990. But after that, following various irregularities in academic and administrative standards, ‘gross’ indiscipline, repeated student agitations and lethargy in sports the UGC downgraded its status into ‘c’. Meanwhile, it is learnt that 70 vacant posts of teaching and non-teaching staff in various departments of the varsity have not been filled yet due to paucity of funds. According to university sources 9 posts of professors, 17 of readers and 18 of lecturers are lying vacant along with 36 posts of clerks, superintendents technician and security guards are vacant among non-teaching staff. This has adversely affected teaching and administrative functioning. The sources claim that if the university is upgraded financial assistance from the UGC would be increased which would enable the varsity to still better. In an unrelated
development the visit of All-India Federation of
University and College Teachers' Organisations (AIFUCTO)
general secretary, Mr M. Bhattacharya has created a rift
between university and college teachers. Later the action committee of Maharshi Dayanand University Teaching Departments Teachers Association (MDUTDTA) in a written statement deplored the 'unwarranted' utterances of Mr Bhattacharya. Dr S.S. Chahal, president
of MDUTDTA alleged that Mr Bhattacharya focused only on
the interests of college teachers while neglecting the
interest of university teachers although the latter
participated in the agitation with greater zeal. |
Raipur Rani back in Ambala
district RAIPUR RANI (Panchkula), Aug 19 — The Chief Minister, Bansi Lal, today conceded to the demand of the villagers of Raipur Rani block to transfer their villages back to the Ambala district. Over a dozen villages in Raipur Rani block were transferred to this district since its inception in 1995. An announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister at a public rally at Raipur Rani today. The Minister of State for Transport, Mr Raj Kumar Saini, was present. The affected residents had been demanding the transfer of their villages back to the old district. Their plea was that they had to travel a large distance to reach the Panchkula subdivision to get their work done. But earlier they had to travel a few km to reach the Naraingarh tehsil for the same job. Other sops announced by Mr Bansi Lal were upgradation of three government schools at Raiwali, Toda and Kehri villages and sanctioning a new transmission line between Barwala and Raipur Rani. A new road and a bridge was also sanctioned by him. The creation of a new block of Shahjadpur was announced by him. The MLA from Ambala cantonment Mr Anil Vij, was also present. Addressing the gathering he said that round-the-clock power supply would be made available to the people within one year. The Chief Minister reiterated that the power tariff would not be raised, and the subsidised power to the farm sector would continue to be made available at the rate of 50 paise per unit. In his tirade against Mr Om Parkash Chautala, he said the Leader of the Opposition with an intention to come to power was misleading the people. He described the claims of Mr Chautala to supply free power and water as "hollow". He said that as a result
of efforts being made by his government the state would
attain an additional power generation capacity of 1279 MW
in the next two years. A total of 15,500 km long new
transmission lines would be laid in the next one and a
half years. |
HSEB workers set to take on
government ROHTAK, Aug 19 — The HSEB Workers' Union appears to be heading towards a major confrontation with the government as it has announced to paralyse power and water supply and vehicular traffic in the state on September 16 in protest against the privatisation of the power sector and non-acceptance of the demands of government employees. This is for the first time since the Bansi Lal government assumed charge two years ago that the employees unions have threatened to come onto the roads for the achievement of their demands. Normally, these unions have been striking work in their respective departments only. Addressing newsmen here today, Mr S.D. Kapoor, President of the Haryana Karamchari Mahasangh, and Mr Dhara Singh, General Secretary of the HSEB Workers' Union charged the government with manipulating the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission to the disadvantage of the employees. The employees, including those working in various boards and corporations had been left with no other alternative but to adopt agitational path and observe token strike on September 16, they said. The union leaders described the agitation as "final bout with the government" and alleged that the Chief Minister had gone back on the pre-election promises made to the employees. The first action of Mr Bansi Lal after taking over as Chief Minister was to scrap the wage board set up for the government employees for implementing the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission, they alleged. Deploring the privatisation of the power sector, the union leaders alleged that neither the government nor the HSEB had taken the employees into confidence. The government had failed to specify the service conditions of the employees after the creation of separate companies in place of the HSEB. All the operations are being carried out behind the curtain, they charged. Mr Kapoor and Mr Dhara Singh held the politicisation of the state electricity board responsible for the financial losses suffered by it in the past years. Quoting figures, they said more than Rs 600 crore was due towards consumers, including the VIPs and government departments. Among the VIP defaulters, they said the Public Health Minister Mr Jagan Nath owed Rs 31216.50 and his ministerial colleague Mr O.P. Mahajan Rs 13488. Mr Vasudev Sharma, a former Speaker, owed Rs 26950 to the HSEB. Various government departments also owed lakhs to the HSEB. In Bhiwani district the Sports Department had to pay Rs 8.39 lakh, the Deputy Commissioner Rs 2,59,833, the police department Rs 2.76 lakh and the Youth Hostel Rs 2.48 lakh. This, they said, was a tip of the ice-berg. They blamed the politicians for the theft of energy. In March, 1998, the HSEB supplied 101 crore units but it issued bills for 67.30 crore units only. In March last year, the power supply was 99 crore units and billing was for 58.18 crore units. Similarly in March, 1996, the billing was for 62.92 crore units against a supply of 99 crore units. Mr Kapoor and Mr Dhara Singh alleged that power supply was disconnected to the consumers of Badhra segment on charges of non-payment of the electricity bills. But suddenly these power connections were restored due to political reasons, they alleged. The union leaders denied
that the employees were not performing duties properly. |
"Gitpit Gitpit" released CHANDIGARH, Aug 19 — A pop album in Haryanavi, "Gitpit Gitpit" was released by the Governor, Mr Mahabir Prasad, here today. Conceived and directed by Harvinder Malik, the album features Udit Narayan, Aditya Narayan, Poornima and Babul Supriyo. The music has been composed by Lalit Sen. The lyricists of the collection include Ram Niwas, Ram Mehar, Manphool Dangi, Harsha, Triloki and H. Malik. Addressing a press conference later in the evening, Malik said the collection reflected the fast changing living trends due to influence of urbanisation. Rural areas were also showing signs of changes due to changing times. The album was an attempt to mitigate the growing divide between the rural and the urban population, particularly in terms of culture, he added. Songs of the album are already featuring on popular satellite channels these days. Malik is a postgraduate in history from MDU, Rohtak, and also holds a postgraduate degree from the Department of Indian Theatres, PU. He has worked with well-known directors like Mahesh Bhatt. He has also directed serials like "Yeh Hai Bombay", "Meri Jaan Kya Scene Hai", and "Philips Top 10". He has three painting
exhibitions to his credit in Chandigarh and Delhi. |
Haryana Congress to organise
seminar CHANDIGARH, Aug 19 — The Haryana Congress will organise a seminar on "Rajiv Gandhi — his Vision of 21st century and the world", at the party headquarters here tomorrow at 11 a.m. The seminar is being
organised as part of celebrations of the 54th birth
anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi. Among those who will speak
at the seminar will be Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda,
President, Haryana Congress. |
CHB chief's post: Haryana CHANDIGARH, Aug 19 — The Haryana Government has sent a panel of three names to the Chandigarh Administration for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Chandigarh Housing Board. Mr Ashok Khemka, Mr Lal Singh, and Mr R.K. Jowell's names figure in the list. Earlier, the post was held by Mrs Asha Nayyar, an IAS officer of the UT cadre. Her repatriation to her parent cadre has been already ordered by the Home Ministry. The Administration is still awaiting a panel of names from the Punjab Government for the post of Commissioner, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The earlier panel sent by the Punjab Government and containing the names of Mr C. Raul, Mr B. Sarkar, Mr S.P. Singh and Mr S.S. Gill, was sent back by the Administration last week. At present the post is held by Mr Satish Gathwal, an IAS officer of the UT cadre. Meanwhile, Mr Ajay
Kashyap, an IPS officer of the UT cadre, who was posted
here last month, is yet to join duty. |
Chautala to continue support YAMUNANAGAR, Aug 19 — Mr Om Parkash Chautala, a former Chief Minister of Haryana and leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (Rashtriya), today announced that his party would continue its support to the Atal Behari Vajpayee government. Talking to reporters here today he said the four MPs belonging to his party would extend support to the BJP led government at the Centre. Mr Chautala criticised the Bansi Lal government for the privatisation of the power sector. He informed that his party was examining the matter and might move the court. As per an agreement with the World Bank there would be 30 per cent increase in the power tariff every year. He anticipated that there would be retrenchment of the HSEB staff. Mr Chautala said if his party came to power, it would provide electricity and water free of cost to farmers on the pattern of Punjab. He announced that even members belonging to the weaker sections would be provided electricity and water free of charge. He alleged that there was power theft in Haryana . He said that his party was
prepared for a mid-term poll in the state and declared
that it would not enter into any alliance |
Panipat refinery nearing
completion PANIPAT, Aug 19 — The Panipat refinery of Indian Oil has earmarked Rs 150 crore for the environment, said Mr L.K. Raina, Executive Director, Panipat refinery at a press conference here yesterday. He said the refinery was nearing completion and a trial run of the major units had been done. On the concept of environment, he said a vast expanse of land around the refinery was being developed, as a green belt and a state-of-the-art waste water-treatment plant was being installed. Part of the refinery effluent will be reused to minimise use of fresh water. Nearly 1.30 lakh saplings
have been planted in and around the refinery he said. |
Work on power plant to start
soon YAMUNANAGAR, Aug 19 — Work on the much awaited Super Thermal Plant here will start very soon. Mr Krishan Pal Gujjar, the Transport Minister, Haryana told mediapersons, that the government will call global tenders very soon. He added that initially two units of 250 MW each would be installed and the government was determined to bring improvement in the electricity board. He overruled any possibility of retrenchment of employees of the HSEB. Mr Gujjar further informed that by October 1999 Haryana would start generating 1200 MW of power. The first instalment of Rs 240 crore from the World Bank has already been received. Mr Gujjar also said that
699 bus permits would be provided to unemployed youth in
Haryana. |
Judicial remand extended ROHTAK, Aug 19 — The local court has extended the Judicial remand of five accused in the murder of Devender Coach up to September 9. The suspects identified as Rajesh, Rajiv, Rakesh, Yashpal and Pawan were produced in the court here yesterday. The suspects had been arrested on July 4 and sent to police custody on July 5. In another incident, the
police has recovered as many as 110 bottles of illegal
liquor from three persons at different places in the
district. A case under the Excise Act has been registered
against them. |
Undertrial escapes ROHTAK, Aug 19 — An undertrial prisoner escaped from police custody here last night. According to police sources, the undertrial identified as Ajay, a resident of Kulasi village of Jhajjar district, fled at about 9 p.m. when he along with a policeman had come to Sonepat bus stand from Delhi after a hearing in Tees Hazari court yesterday. It is reported that one of the two policemen who had been accompanying the undertrial had alighted from the bus at Bahadurgarh. The police has registered
a case under Sections 223, 224 of the IPC. |
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