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Saturday,
April 14, 2001, Chandigarh, India  
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ZPs, MCs to oversee
primary teachers UTUC seeks end to workers’ exploitation POWER SECTOR Sonepat rocked Devi Lal’s ashes reach Hisar Cabinet to meet today KU students, staff pay tributes to Tau |
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Sympathy factor worries Hooda Jhuggis on HUDA land demolished Body found in PWD
well MC to build shops to raise
funds MC, DoT row over bills’ payment Auto-rickshaw sangh
threatens stir Docs to probe child’s death ZP member booked on rape charge Trader robbed of Rs 1.23 lakh Eight students
caught copying Trying to grab toffee, he lost his life 9 more ayurvedic dispensaries
Haryana sets up cell on WTO
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ZPs, MCs to oversee
primary teachers Rohtak, April 13 Reversing the clock backwards the government has from April 1, 2001 transferred the control of its primary schools to the Zila Parishads and Urban Local Bodies. Prior to the provincialisation of schools on October 1, 1957, the District Boards (now Zila Parishads) and Municipal Committees had been maintaining a number of primary, middle and high schools. These had been contributing to the spread of education in the districts according to their resources and educational needs of the area, particularly in the field of elementary education which was primarily their responsibility. Since the income of the Zila Parishads (then District Boards) accrued from the funds allotted to it by the state and the Union Government and grants from all India institutions and bodies, these schools were provincialised in 1957. The notification issued by the government on March 30 now says that only the primary schools are transferred at the first stage and transfer of other schools will be considered in the second phase.” The arrangement appears to be temporary as is evident from the clause in the notification that the immovable and movable assets and liabilities of these schools would vest in Zila Parishads and Municipalities for a period of five years in the first instance and thereafter can be considered for regular transfer to these authorities. The government will have inherent right to resume the property without awarding any compensation for additions/value added to property during possession with Zila Parishads/Municipal Committees”, the government notification said. The property so vested will be used only for educational purposes and will not be put for any other use, the government has warned. The Zila Parishads and Municipal Committees would not be allowed to open new schools without the approval of the government. The government has assured that the terms and conditions of service of the existing staff would be protected. They would continue to receive salary and other allowances as admissible to the government servants from time to time. However, the existing cadre of teachers, on such transfer to Zila Parishads and Municipalities would become diminishing cadre. The government would not make any appointment after the transfer of institutions to Zila Parishads and Municipalities. The vacancies arising following retirement, promotions and other eventualities such as creation of posts etc would be filled in by the Zila Parishads and Municipal Committees as per the guidelines to be issued by the government from time to time. The strength of such new teachers would form a new Zila Parishad/Municipal cadre for which they would frame their own rules with approval of the government. The transfer of existing teachers in rural areas within the district would be done by the Zila Parishad. The Municipalities would be competent to effect transfers of teachers within their respective jurisdiction. The transfer of teachers from one Municipal Committee to another within the district would be done by the Deputy Commissioner. Hundred per cent funding for disbursement of salary to the teachers to be appointed by Zila Parishads and Municipal Committees would be done by government in the form of grant-in-aid. Matters pertaining to loans, pensions etc of existing teachers would remain with the government. |
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UTUC seeks end to workers’ exploitation Sonepat, April 13 The memorandum says that workers were being forced to work 10 to 12 hours a day and not paid wages in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act. Majority of the employers were giving wages between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 per month and not maintaining attendance registers in units. Workers are denied attendance cards, wage slips and identity cards, it alleged. Workers are assaulted by 3 anti-social elements and the police sides with the employers when workers raise voice against them. Workers are forced to resign and sign blank papers in the custody of the police, it alleged. Memorandum too highlighted problems of farm labourers, brick-kiln workers and labourers of other states employed on contract in the state. Workers were allegedly being exploited, harassed and roughed up when they demanded wages. At several places, they were allegedly being kept in illegal confinement for months together. The memorandum alleged that the district administration, the police and the Labour Department had failed to take action against employers despite complaints. The memorandum alleged that women workers were also exploited and denied wages according to the Minimum Wages Act. Harassment, molestation and rape of women workers were on the increase in units they were employed with, it alleged. Memorandum demanded the abolition of the Wages Disbursement Act, 1936, which had fixed Rs 1,600 per month as the wages of a worker. As the state government had already fixed Rs 1,915 as the wages of unskilled workers, the Act was against the interests of the workers, the memorandum said. It also opposed the contract system under which workers were shunted out after completion of their 89-day service. The memorandum demanded steps to check child labour and action against the employers who forced children to work for 10 to 12 hours instead of eight hours. It demanded a ban on lockouts, lay-offs and retrenchments. It demanded withdrawal of false cases against the workers and settlement of disputes. Memorandum also urged the government to provide medical facilities under the ESI scheme enforced by it. It also demanded that all facilities should be given under the single-window system to workers. The memorandum also demanded amendments to the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1948, and stern action against employers violating these acts. |
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POWER SECTOR Chandigarh, April 13 There would be greater need for financial support to the power sector over the years and it would be impossible for the state government to bear the burden. Therefore, an alternative to government support should be found so that the power sector became self-reliant, the Finance Department stated at the meeting. A senior official of the Power Utilities reportedly raised various objections at the meeting regarding the privatisation of the power sector. The official reportedly said that considering the experience in Orissa and Noida, the private companies might not pay their electricity bills. This would result into accumulated arrears. In Orissa, the distribution companies owed over Rs 700 crore to Gridco, while the Noida Power Company owed Rs 200 crore to the UPSEB. The official reportedly also felt that while formulating the annual revenue requirement (ARR) there was a lot of scope for manipulating results by the private companies. While in the government sector, the ARR was designed to minimise the gap between income and expenditure, a private party would “definitely exaggerate the gap”. Moreover, a private party would make full provision for permissible profit while the government distribution companies might not insist on profit in the ARR. It was also pointed out by the official that in case of privatisation, government control on the power sector would be relatively diluted and the state would not be able to give emergency directions regarding the regulation of power supply to any specific area. The official added that there would be a negative reaction from employees as well as political parties to privatisation. The low evaluation of the assets of the two distribution companies might invite a lot of public criticism, the official said. The official further pointed out that considering the prevailing tariff for the agricultural sector, the government contribution to this sector would continue to be of the order of Rs 1,000 crore every year. However, the arguments put forward by the Power Utilities official were contested by representatives of the Finance Department. They said public criticism on low cost recovery would not materialise once a transparent process was adopted for the evaluation of assets and bids were invited internationally. As for the fear of any delay in the payment of electricity bills by private distribution companies, this was linked with the actual performance of the companies in Orissa. There the companies could not perform first because of the cyclone and secondly because the actual line losses were much higher than estimated. Moreover, once the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) provided the full recovery of revenue expenses, there was no reason why the companies would not pay the bills. They also pointed out that even the distribution companies in the government sector owed large amounts to the HVPN (about Rs 1,800 crore). Regarding inflated ARR, the Finance Department representatives reportedly said the ARR was subject to scrutiny by the SERC and even the public, and the state government could appear as a party and object to any exaggeration in the ARR. The private distribution companies would have to show their performance at the end of the year. Large claims in the ARR could be reviewed by the SERC next year also, they said. They added that it was the SERC which was to decide whether any profit would be allowed to a distribution company. In case a company was not performing well, the SERC could direct it to plough back the profits in the business. On the issue of supporting the agricultural sector, the Finance Department said there was no doubt that government subsidy could not be eliminated in one year. The target was to reduce the dependence on such subsidy over the years. With improvement in efficiency, the need for subsidy would reduce. They also said that the dilution of government control was one of the prime purposes of the power sector reforms. One of the main objectives of the reforms was to distance the power sector from government control and allow it to operate as a commercial organisation, said the Finance Department officials. The employees and the Opposition political parties had already seen the restructuring of the power sector. They were also aware that the privatisation of distribution was an essential component of the reforms and, therefore , the fear of any adverse reaction from them was misplaced, it was pointed out by the Finance Department. The meeting remained inconclusive and it was decided to hold another meeting to discuss the issue in greater depth. However, sources here said that the views expressed by the Finance Department officials in favour of privatisation should not be underestimated. Even during the last financial year (2000-2001), the state government reportedly provided only Rs 300 crore to the power sector as subsidy and equity despite its budget promise of giving Rs 1,000 crore. |
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Sonepat rocked Sonepat, April 13 According to a report, it lasted a few seconds. No loss of life or property has been reported from any part of the city. |
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Sirsa The grandson of Mr Devi Lal performed pooja and rural people paid their floral tributes to the departed soul. This yatra is being accompanied by the Haryana Swatantrata Senani Samman Samiti Chairman, Mr Pat Ram Verma, among others, including the Haryana ministers, Mr Sampat Singh, Mr Dhirpal Singh, Mr Jaswinder Sandhu, Mr Subhash Goyal and the Chairman of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission, Mr Amir Chawla, the Haryana Land Reclamation Nigam Chairman, Mr Ashok Verma, local MP, Dr Sushil Indora, Dr Sita Ram, Mr Bhagi Ram. Cabinet to meet today Chandigarh, April 13 The Cabinet meeting, which will be presided over by the Chief Minister and eldest son of the veteran leader, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, is also likely to take a decision to build a memorial to Devi Lal. Mr Chautala has already announced that a memorial would be constructed at Teja Khera, the birthplace of Devi
Lal.
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KU students, staff pay tributes to Tau Kurukshetra, April 13 Among those who paid tributes to the departed leader were the Registrar of the university, Dr Hawa Singh, the president of the Kurukshetra University Teachers Association (KUTA), Dr Hari Singh, the Controller of Examination, Mr Ramesh Sharma, KUSA president Gurdeep Singh Tanwar and president Chhatra Sabha Krishan Sheokand. A two-minute silence was observed to mourn the demise of the veteran leader. Some resolution unanimously passed on the occasion, asking the State and Central Government to confer Bharat Ratna on Devi Lal, setting up a new university in Haryana after his name and setting up Devi Lal Chair in the university. Speaking on the occasion Dr Hawa Singh appealed the students to follow the values, principles and philosophy of Devi Lal. He said Devi Lal, during his visit to
the university, had directed to start Punjabi Department in the university. He also contributed a lot in the field of education, especially in rural sector by introducing reservation to the rural students, the Registrar said. Sympathy factor worries Hooda Bhiwani, April 13 Sure of its complete success Mr Hooda was virtually hopeful of proving his popularity before the Congress high command. However, the sudden death of Chaudhary Devi Lal changed the situation and he had to postpone the rally. Now, fixing the date of May 21 he has again put spokes in the wheel of Bhajan Lal as the latter would be bound to attend the rally in the name of late Rajiv Gandhi. Though, Mr Bhajan Lal has announced that he would attend the rally yet. Quite obviously, Mr Hooda knew that the people would have harvested their crops by at time. Hooda is worried that sympathy wave after the death of Devi Lal in favour of the Chautala family could spoil his strategy and it could rise more during the “asthi kalash” yatra. Mr Hooda is now trying enough to secure the presence of Mrs Sonia Gandhi in the rally in the name of Rajiv Gandhi and if he fails, possibilities of participation by some central leaders could not be ruled out. |
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Jhuggis on HUDA land demolished Faridabad, April 13 According to HUDA officials, a large number of jhuggis which had come up illegally on the five acre belonging to the HUDA Employees Welfare Organisation were demolished at the Shyamnagar locality of Ankhir village. A leader of the Bandhua Mukti Morcha claimed that the demolition was illegal as the matter had been pending in court. He alleged that no notice was served on residents in this regard and as a result, hundreds of labourers had been rendered homeless. An encroachment on “phirni”of Piyala village in this district was also removed. The municipal corporation authorities are planning to remove some illegal structures at A.C. Nagar. The demolition squad had to go back without doing its job on Tuesday following a protest by some residents and intervention by a local INLD leader. Some plots in Ballabgarh have reportedly been allotted to owners of the houses to be demolished here. It is developing a market and these houses are built on the proposed parking area.
Body found in PWD well Kalka, April 13 An employee of the Public Health Department, Mast Ram, first noticed the body and rushed to informed the officers. The tehsildar-cum-Executive Magistrate of the subdivision, Mr
M. L. Maria, immediately rushed to the spot and directed police personnel to fish out body. Mr
S. K. Singla, executive engineer of the Public Health Department also reached there. Water from this well is supplied to the town for drinking in case of an emergency. Surinder Kumar, supervisor of the Department, said that since April 5, water from this well was being supplied to the town and even on April 12, supply was made to Railway Road, SDM Court area and to some other areas. Water from this well is uplifted daily for 50 minutes. From the bloated condition of the body, it appeared that the deceased, in the age group of 28-32 years may have fallen in the well at least three days ago. Incidentally, Mast Ram had come to the well to check the level of the water before releasing the supply, when he noticed the body floating in the well. There is great resentment among residents of the town who fear they have been drinking water from this well. The squarely blame the Public Health Department, for the gross negligence.
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MC to build shops to raise
funds Hisar, April 13 This decision was taken at a meeting of the council held here last evening. Most of the councillors were of the view that the council should generate its own resources to develop the town. According to the resolution passed in the meeting the council will construct 25 shops near Bala Ji dharamshala at Sainian Mohalla and four shops in the Model Town green belt. Other shops will be constructed on the first floor of the shopping complex at the Old Parishad complex. The council also decided to sell plots at Dhobi Ghat situated near the bus stand by open auction to raise funds. The council also passed the revised layout plan of this land for the purpose. The council nominated three councillors to the District Planning and Development Committee. They are: Mr Hanuman Prasad, president of the council, Mr Bihari Lal Rada, former president of the council and Mr Jogi Ram Sihag. The state government had asked the council to submit three names for the committee last month. The council members mourned the death of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader. |
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MC, DoT row over bills’ payment Bhiwani, April 13 The Telecom Department has been paying Rs 11.95 per square feet for metalled roads and Rs 35 for RCC roads whereas the council wants to realise the payment at previous year rates of Rs 24.30 for metalled roads. When contacted Mr Jeet Ram told that the council sent the bill of February very late which had been paid. He said there is no controversy about rates which had been fixed as per norms. “How could we charge less than previous rates” objected Mr Raghunath Singh, Executive Officer, Municipal Council. This all is being done.The Department of Telecom had been paying at the rate of Rs 24.30 for metalled roads for the last three years but this year it was at the rate of Rs 11.95 which is unjustified, Mr Singh said.
Auto-rickshaw sangh
threatens stir Rohtak, April 13 Mr Tank on Wednesday said the passenger tax which was Rs 272 per year before the enforcement of prohibition and had now been enhanced to Rs 1800 per year, registering an increase of over 500 per cent. Besides, he alleged the government was imposing heavy fines up to Rs 500 on them over minor offences. He said a state level meeting of the members of the sangh would be held at Ambala on April 29. |
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Docs to probe child’s death Faridabad, April 13 According to reports,
Ashik, son of Jayanti Prasad of Baagpur Chhainsa village in the district, died yesterday. The boy had gone to play in the evening, but when he came back, he had vomiting of blood and died soon after. The parents of the child suspect that someone gave poison to him and want the police to investigate. Following an application, the authorities have set up a three-member board of doctors of
B.K. Hospital (Civil) here to find the cause of the death. Meanwhile, three residents of the nearby Tilpat village have been arrested for beating up and threatening two women of the same village. One of the accused is the brother-in-law of a woman who lodged the report. |
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ZP member booked on rape charge Panipat, April 13 According to a complaint lodged with the police, Joginder Swami allegedly under the influence of liquor entered the house of the woman of Arjun Nagar and raped her. A case under Section 376 of the IPC has been registered and victim sent for medical examination in civil hospital today. |
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Trader robbed of Rs 1.23 lakh Sonepat, April 13 According to a report, Mr Alam, along with his associates was travelling in a truck. When they reached the village to buy buffaloes, a Tata Sumo overtook the truck and blocked the way. Thereupon, four armed youths got down from it and snatched a bag containing Rs 1.23 lakh in cash from Mr Alam at gun point. The Rai police has registered a case.
Eight students
caught copying Sonepat, April 13 According to report, the members of the flying squad had already detected 55 examinees using unfair means in one of the above-mentioned centres recently and recommended the abolition of this centre. But the university authorities ignored the recommendations. |
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Trying to grab toffee, he lost his life Panipat, April 13 According to information, Naveen (25) of the local Kachha Camp was going on a scooter along with his three friends to Sodapur village when he lost control over his scooter and he fell down. He died on the spot. His friends escaped unhurt and they brought Naveen’s body to the Civil Hospital. All of them were reportedly were in an inebriated state. A five-year-old boy of the local Rajeev Colony was drowned in a water tank constructed in his house. The boy’s mother had given him a toffee and went out for some work. While playing the toffee fell down in the water tank and the boy in an attempt to recover it fell into the water tank. The incident came to the notice when his mother started washing clothes and while taking out water from the tank found the body. In another accident a naib tehsildar serving at Ferozepore Jhirka was seriously injured when his car collided with a Canter coming from the opposite direction near Babarpur on the
G.T. Road last evening. |
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9 more ayurvedic dispensaries Chandigarh, April 13 While stating this here today, the Minister of State for Health, Mr M.L. Ranga, said in view of the popularity of ayurveda in the rural areas, these dispensaries would be opened in Bappa, Mangla, Shekhpuria (Sirsa), Jandli Kalan, Sanyana, Moohiwali (Fatehabad), Kari Mod, Bilaawl (Bhiwani) and Pyoda (Kaithal). Ambala, April 13 Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Mr Ashwani Kapoor,
said that on Baisakhi, the existing service of 10 coaches running
between Jodhpur and Kalka would be split at Ambala by running five
coaches between Ambala and Hardwar as an independent train. The train
will now have two sleepers, two unreserved coaches and one SLR coach. Chandigarh, April 13 The Punjab and Haryana Governments have already formed a committee under the chairmanship of Dr Y.K. Alag to study the impact of the WTO on the agriculture sector. |
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