Rising trend in Haryana crime
CHANDIGARH, Nov 6 — When prohibition was introduced in Haryana, social scientists and various political parties had expressed fears that the underground liquor trade would ultimately lead to criminalisation of youth, particularly unemployed youth, with virtually little family or social control over them.

Crops on 10.53 lakh hectares hit
CHANDIGARH, Nov 6 — Damage to crops due to untimely rains and winds in October had risen up to 75 per cent in certain areas in Haryana, according to the report submitted by the State government in its memorandum to the Central government.

Jhajjar projects on anvil
ROHTAK: The construction of a mini-secretariat and augmentation of the Jhajjar distributary are among the various projects that have been launched in Jhajjar district which came into existence nearly an year ago.

CT scan machine out of order
ROHTAK, Nov 6 — With the CT scan machine of Pt BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences out of order, the private institutes offering this facility are taking advantage of the situation. A large number of patients earlier handled by the PGIMS now have to go to these private institutes as no other option is left to them.

Municipal staff to protest on Nov 30
YAMUNANGAR, Nov 6 — Haryana Municipal employees will demonstrate throughout the state on November 30 against the non-acceptance of their genuine demands.

Four die in road mishaps
ROHTAK, Nov 6 — Four persons, including two women and a minor, were killed and 12 injured, some of them seriously, in three separate road mishaps in the district during the past 24 hours.

Mahila Samiti's plea to PM on Nasreen's life
ROHTAK, Nov 6 — The Janvadi Mahila Samiti, Haryana, has, in a telegram, urged the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to ensure protection of Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen who was visiting her country to meet her ailing mother.

Rising trend in Haryana crime
By Yoginder Gupta
Tribune News Service  

CHANDIGARH, Nov 6 — When prohibition was introduced in Haryana, social scientists and various political parties had expressed fears that the underground liquor trade would ultimately lead to criminalisation of youth, particularly unemployed youth, with virtually little family or social control over them.

The social scientists had apprehended that since the underground liquor trade provided these sections of society with convenient access to easy money, they would ultimately graduate to more heinous crime. However, before their apprehensions about the growth of an organised crime mafia could come true, prohibition was withdrawn after 21 months.

Soon after the withdrawal of prohibition, Haryana witnessed a sudden spurt in crime against life and property. An analysis of crime figures for the first three months of the year (when prohibition was there) and the next six months (when prohibition was lifted on April 1, 1998) gives credence to the theory that elements earlier involved in the underground liquor trade had shifted to the other crimes after tasting blood.

While 128 murders were reported in January (35), February (47) and March (128), 455 murder cases were registered in the next six months — April (68), May (80), June (90), July (70), August (84) and September (63). Thus against the monthly average murder cases of 42.66 for the prohibition era, the average rose to 75.83 in the post-prohibition months — an increase of 77.75 per cent.

The attempt to murder cases were 69 in the first three months of the year, which rose to 221 in the next six months. The monthwise breakup is January-19, February-25, March-25, April-25, May-43, June-31, July-32, August-42 and September-48. The monthly average rose from 23 (for the first three months) to 36.83 for the post-prohibition period registering an increase of 60.13 per cent.

The monthly average of robberies increased from 17 for the three prohibition months to 32.33 for the post-prohibition months. While 51 robberies were reported in the State in the first three months of 1998, their number was 194 for the next six months. The police recorded 15 robberies in January, 19 in February, 17 in March, 23 in April, 35 in May, 30 in June, 37 in July, 40 in August and 29 in September.

Under the Arms Act while the police lodged 216 cases for the period of January to March, it reported 755 cases for the next six months. The monthly average of the Arms Act cases rose from 72 to 125.83 showing an increase of 74.76 per cent.

The monthly average of theft cases rose from 423.33 (for first three months) to 527.16 in the next six months — an increase of 24.53 per cent. The monthly average of burglaries and dacoities increased from 258.33 and 2.66 for the first three months to 293.66 and 8.33 for the next six months, respectively, with the percentage increase coming to 13.67 and a whopping 213, respectively.

Kidnapping and abduction cases too registered a very heavy increase in the post-prohibition period. The monthly average of these category of crimes increased from 34 to 53.66 with July recording the highest number of 66 kidnapping and abduction cases. While 102 kidnapping and abduction cases were reported in the first three months of the year, the number rose to 322 in the next six months.

What is the most disturbing aspect of the abnormal rise in crime statistics of the State in the post-prohibition period is the emergence of gun wielding mafia groups. This is proved from the fact that along with an increase in other crimes, there have been a spurt in the cases registered under the Arms Act.

Sources in the State police say that undesirable elements who took to the underground liquor trade during prohibition have been able to develop a nexus with the lower level police officials, whom, these elements have learnt how to corrupt.

To break this nexus the Haryana police has taken a policy decision not to post lower level police officials in their home ranges. The rational behind this policy decision is that since with the creation of new districts, the State has now much smaller districts. The earlier policy of not posting an official in his home district has lost substance because by managing his posting in the neighbouring district, a policeman could easily visit his native village even during his duty hours.

The DGP, Mr S.K. Sethi, recently visited various districts and advised the SPs where loopholes existed in policing and how to plug them. This has shown some effect in the sense that for the past few weeks the rising trend in the crime has been checked to an extent.

Crops on 10.53 lakh hectares hit
By U.K. Bhanot
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 6 — Damage to crops due to untimely rains and winds in October had risen up to 75 per cent in certain areas in Haryana, according to the report submitted by the State government in its memorandum to the Central government. A total of 10.53 lakh hectares of cultivated area had been adversely affected, leading to an economic and human disaster for farmers and other people of the state.

According to revenue officials damage to crops in Bhiwani, Bawanikhera and Dadri in Bhiwani district, Tohana, Fatehabad, Ratia, Bhuna, Bhattukalan in Fatehabad district and Karnal, Assandh, Gharaunda, Indri and Nissing in Karnal district varied between 25 per cent and 75 per cent during these rains. While crops in Jind, Julana, Uchana, Narwana and Pilukhera in Jind district were damaged from 60 per cent to 70 per cent, crops in Jhajjar, Beri and Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district were damaged between 43 per cent and 62 per cent. Again crops in Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal and Hodal were damaged between 25 per cent and 50 per cent, in Gurgaon from 43 per cent to 50 per cent, while in Hisar, Hansi, Narnaund, Adampur, Barwala, Uklana, Kaithal, Kalayat, Pundri and Rajaund the loss was also from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. In Panipat and Samalkha the loss was from 30 per cent to 60 per cent and in Sonepat, Ganaur and Gohana from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. Also crops in Ambala, Naraingarh, Barara, Yamunanagar and Jagadhari suffered damage up to 40 per cent.

Nearly 60,000 acres of land was under rain water in Jind district, 52,000 acres in Hisar district, 33,000 acres each in Fatehabad and Kaithal districts, 10,000 acres in Faridabad district, 9049 acres in Bhiwani district, 15,000 acres in Panipat district, 20,000 acres in Rohtak district and 11,000 acres of land in Sonepat district. Also, 2500 acres of land in Yamunanagar district,3000 acres in Kurukshetra district, 6375 acres in Karnal district, 6865 acres in Gurgaon district and 750 acres of land in Ambala district were under rain water. All these areas have been rendered uncultivable for the next crop.

While the annual rainfall in the state varies from 300 mm to 1100 mm which is mostly received between July and August, this year there were heavy rains in September and October. An average rainfall of 70.4 mm and 134.0 mm was recorded during June and July last. October which is generally a dry month in Haryana saw excessive rains in the first week, causing extensive lodging in paddy crop resulting loss in its productivity from 5 per cent to 8 per cent. Earlier there were heavy rains throughout the state from September 19 to 24. Shedding of cotton bolls was caused in desi cotton which was in full bloom. The process of flowering and pod formation in American cotton was also affected adversely. The loss to cotton crop was estimated from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. Continuous rains for five days led to sprouting of grains in bajra, rendering the damage up to 20 per cent. The lost caused to fodder was estimated to be as high as 60 per cent.

In the case of paddy about 40 per cent loss has been estimated in Grade-A (superfine varieties) and common varieties of paddy. The loss in basmati is estimated to be higher — up to 60 per cent. Rains in the third week of September which had caused damage to desi cotton and October rains which has caused severe damage to American cotton pushed up the overall damage to cotton crop between 40 per cent and 45 per cent. The entire bajra crop which have been harvested and 50 per cent of which had been thrashed but lying in the open suffered a damage of up to 40 per cent.

There were also significant losses in kharif pulses, especially moong and urad, which suffered losses up to 70 per cent. Heavy rains followed by strong winds also caused lodging in the sugarcane crops. The loss is estimated to be about 10 per cent.

The heavy rains have completely damaged the sowing of potato crop which has further resulted in deterioration of crop worth about 9,000 tonnes. There have also been losses in peas, root crops like carrot, radish and turnip besides nursery losses of vegetables like onions, cauliflower, cabbage and brinjals worth about Rs 3 crore.

Jhajjar projects on anvil
From Jatinder Sharma
Tribune News Service

ROHTAK: The construction of a mini-secretariat and augmentation of the Jhajjar distributary are among the various projects that have been launched in Jhajjar district which came into existence nearly an year ago.

Among the other projects in progress include the construction of bypass at the cost of Rs 2 crore to save Jhajjar town from heavy traffic passing through it for destinations in Punjab and other areas in the northern region. An outfall drain is also being constructed to clear rain and flood waters.

The mini secretariat, costing over Rs 4 crore, will house all major offices, including that of the Deputy Commissioner. The bypass project would cost about Rs 2 crore and would be ready by the end of the next year.

The expansion and augmentation of the Jhajjar distributary has enthused the residents who have been facing the problem of brackish water. While inaugurating the new district, the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, had announced that sweet drinking water would be provided as in the neighbouring towns also provide much needed relief to residents of most villages in the district.

Mr Bansi Lal will visit Jhajjar again on November 8 to lay the foundation stone of the Red-Cross shopping complex, Bal Bhavan, Vikas Bhavan and Officers' Colony.

The Red Cross shopping complex, costing nearly Rs 12 lakh would be constructed on an acre plot transferred by the government in its name. The shopping complex is proposed to provide sustained income to the Red-Cross Society and minimise its dependence on the government says Mr Arun Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, who heads the district Red-Cross Society.

A double-storeyed building, Vikas Bhavan, would be constructed over an acre of land at a cost of Rs 22 lakh. Land for this project has been donated by the government. Funds for this project are being generated locally by the district administration. Besides, the office of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer, the building will house some other offices now located in rented buildings.

Vikas Bhavan will also be used for multi-purpose activities like holding seminars, meetings and marriages, etc. Mr Arun Kumar says that over Rs 18 lakh will be contributed for its construction by gram panchayats out of auction money and the balance would be in the shape of grants.

Similarly, funds would be generated locally for Bal Bhavan, likely to cost Rs 30 lakh. This building would be used to run a school by the district Child Welfare Council.

However, the money required for the construction of the Officers Colony would be provided by the state government. Till now officers posted at Jhajjar had no house to live — the Deputy Commissioner, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police have turned government rest houses into their residence. This project, costing over Rs 70 lakh would provide residential accommodation to judicial officers as well.

CT scan machine out of order
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, Nov 6 — With the CT scan machine of Pt BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) out of order, the private institutes offering this facility are taking advantage of the situation. A large number of patients earlier handled by the PGIMS now have to go to these private institutes as no other option is left to them.

According to PGIMS sources, the CT scan machine of the institute, which is about 16 years old, stopped functioning about 10 days ago. The X-Ray tube of the machine has reportedly gone out of order and it is not possible for any Indian company to repair it. The machine was imported from foreign company based in South-East Asia.

The Director of the PGIMS, Dr D S Dubey, said it may take some months to replace the defective X-Ray tube of the scan machine. In the meantime, efforts were also being made to procure a new CT scan machine. The new CT scan machine will reportedly cost around Rs 4.5 to Rs 5 crore and it may take three to four months to procure it. The cost of the machine’s x-ray tube is stated to be about Rs 15 lakh, he added.

While in the PGIMS, the CT scan costs between Rs 250 to and Rs 500 for indoor and outdoor patients, respectively, private institutes are reportedly charging between Rs 1000 and Rs 1500 per case. With the CT scan facility not likely to be available at the PGIMS for few months more, the private institutes are likely to make a lot of money at the cost of the patients.

Action against MC secretary sought
From Our Correspondent

SONEPAT, Nov 6 — The Sarv Karamchari Sangh Haryana, Sonepat units yesterday urged the state government and the district administration to take stern action against the Secretary Municipal Committee, Ganaur, for allegedly "misbehaving" with a woman safai worker and threatening her if she raised her voice against him.

A resolution to this effect was passed at a meeting of the Sangh held here. Representatives of all Government Employee Unions affiliated to the Sangh participated in it.

The sangh threatened a stir if no action was taken in the matter.

The sangh also resolved to participate in the state-level rally being organised by the Rashtriya Manch of the Jan Sangathans on November 29 at Bhiwani to express solidarity with the Manch.

Mr Jai Bhagwan Dahiya, Mr Prabhu Dayal, Mr Subhash Rathi, Mr Sumandar Dahiya, Mr Rajinder Rathi, Mr Ranbir Dahiya and Mr Rajinder Vats addressed the meeting.

They criticised the BJP-led coalition Government at the Centre and the HVP-BJP Government in Haryana blaming them for the price rice, and worsening law and order.

Municipal staff to protest on Nov 30
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANGAR, Nov 6 — Haryana Municipal employees will demonstrate throughout the state on November 30 against the non-acceptance of their genuine demands.

Mr Jarnail Singh Chanalia, President Nagarpalika Karamchari Sangh, Yamunanagar branch, addressing the municipal employees here today said from November 9 to November 13 all municipal employees will wear black badges.

Mr Chanalia reminded that on March 4, 1997, there was an agreement between the state government and the Nagarpalika Karamchari Sangh in which it was agreed that their demands would be accepted.

He said that no case has been withdrawn against municipal staff. It has been decided that municipal employees will participate in the November 29 rally at Bhiwani.

Mr Chanalia informed that these decisions were taken unanimously at a meeting of the Haryana Nagarpalika Karamchari Sangh held at Kaithal.

Four die in road mishaps
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, Nov 6 — Four persons, including two women and a minor, were killed and 12 injured, some of them seriously, in three separate road mishaps in the district during the past 24 hours.

According to the police reports, in an accident early this morning, there was a collision between a Rohtak-bound jeep and a truck near the Industrial Area, on the Hisar road, about 8 km from here. Bedo Devi and her minor son, kaka. who were travelling in the jeep, died on the spot. They were residents of Khokrakhot locality here. Another woman Darshana of Bharan village in the district succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The three injured are Babli (7), Krishana and Ramesh.

One person died and three persons were injured in another accident which took place between a truck and tempo near Jassia village on the Gohana road.

The third accident took place near Bhaproda village, a few km from Sampla town, last evening.

Mahila Samiti's plea to PM on Nasreen's life
Tribune News Service

ROHTAK, Nov 6 — The Janvadi Mahila Samiti, Haryana, has, in a telegram, urged the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to ensure protection of Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen who was visiting her country to meet her ailing mother.

The Samiti, at a meeting held here yesterday expressed serious concern over the rise in prices of essential commodities and vegetables. The samiti charged the government with 'hobnobbing' with hoarders and adulterators and decided to hold rallies on November 20 in the state at district headquarters.

The meeting urged the government to provide potatoes, tomatoes, onions and cooking oil to consumers through the Public Distribution Outlets. It said that all shopkeepers should be directed to display prices of essential commodities and other articles at their shops.