Panchkula, December 13
Indiscriminate spending in the coffer-rich Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan project seems to remain unabated in Haryana.

Even the refusal of education minister Mange Ram Gupta of attaching himself with this mega education project, registering his resentment over the irregularities, has failed to wake up the officials concerned as well as his own government.

There was a sum of Rs 450 crore at the disposal of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in the state during this fiscal.

During the past few years, officials of the project remained in news for all wrong reasons. This time, they have ordered to buy colour pencils of Camlin worth over Rs 5.7 crore at a price of Rs 35 for each box.

The project officials, however, did not bother to mention any specification about the size of the colour pencil box in the letter dispatched to all district coordinators in the state on December 2 asking “to incur expenditure of Rs 35 per pencil box (Camlin brand)”.

Moreover, they did not take pains to make purchases through rate contract despite specific directions of Haryana Chief Minister, which were circulated by the Haryana Prathmik Shiksha Pariyojana Parishad headquarters in all districts of the state after a large number of irregularities were reported in the purchases made during 2006-07. As many as 14,50,340 pencil boxes are to be procured.

State project director P.K. Das said he had received a request from the department of elementary education to supply these colour pencils in the schools to enable the students to complete exercises in the workbooks. The procurement procedure through rate contract takes at least four months and by March the current school session would be over, he said. That was the reason that after a market survey it was decided to purchase colour pencils of Camlin at maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 35 at local levels, he added.

However, education commissioner Rajan Gupta had some other reasons for advocating the purchases directly.

The splurging of a few crores of public money in the name of “quality control” was not a big issue, said Gupta. “In fact, we have to face complaints from root level that material being supplied to them from headquarters was of inferior quality,” he added. “Now, there would be no scope of complaint in the quality when the purchases are made at local levels,” said Gupta.

Gupta, however, suggested TNS to contact the state project director on the issue when he was asked that where was the scope of choice at the root level when a particular brand had already been prescribed to be purchased.

Interestingly, there was no such colour pencil box manufactured by Camlin with an MRP of Rs 35 available in the market.

A survey of the market by TNS revealed that there were three boxes with a maximum retail of Rs 17, Rs 30 and Rs 60 and one can negotiate for discount up to 25 per cent on purchase order for a few hundred boxes.

However, this was not only a single instance of irregularities in the project this year.

A few months ago, the department released an instalment of Rs 43 lakh to an NGO in March to conduct “shiksha adhikar yatra” in the state ignoring the adverse reports filed against the NGO’s working by district project coordinators (DPCs).

Gurgaon, December 13
A 24-year-old youth, who was shot at and injured outside his house by youths on Friday evening, is struggling for his life at a private hospital here.

Although after surgery the doctors managed to remove the bullets from his body,his condition is still critical.

Parteek Phalswal of Dayanand Colony left his house to go to his office when two youths on a motorcycle, just 100 steps away from his house, fired at him and fled. They fired five times out of which four shots injured Parteek.

He is employed as an aircraft engineer with Air France at IGI Airport.

A case of attempt to murder has been registered against the two at the sector 5 police station. The police has recovered four bullets from the car.

Rani Devi, SHO, said the reason for the attack was not clear as Parteek's father had told the police that his son had no enmity with anyone.

Sirsa, December 13
Chaudhary Devi Lal University,Sirsa, has inducted several new teaching faculty members and some non-teaching staff members.

Seven new teachers of the rank of professor and some others were inducted by the university authorities during the interviews held in the Haryana Guest House, Delhi, last week.

The appointments have invited flak from some applicants, who alleged they had not been called for the interviews although they were qualified for the posts.

The university authorities, however, maintained that only those who were found fit for the posts were called for the interviews.

Those who have been appointed professors are Dr Vikram Singh (Computer Science), Dr Parveen Aghamkar (Physics), Dr Aseem Miglani (Mathematics), Dr Shamsher Singh (Physical Education), Dr Harbans (Law), Dr Ashok Kumar (Chemistry) and Suraj Kumar Gehlot (Biotechnology).

Out of these, the first five have already joined.

Besides these a law officer, a medical officer and two programmers have been appointed. The university authorities had convened an interview for the post of deputy registrar, too, but none was appointed.

"We did not find a suitable candidate for the post of deputy registrar and hence no one was appointed," said Dr K.C. Bhardwaj, vice-chancellor of the university, when contacted by The Tribune.

Interestingly, Rajesh Jindal, a resident of the local Barnala road area, had sent a telegram to the interview committee in Delhi on December 6.

Claiming to be an applicant for the post of deputy registrar, he had accused the university authorities of ignoring to call him for the interview, though he was eligible for the post.

He had also sought information from the university authorities under the Right to Information Act in this regard, seeking a list of the candidates who had applied for the post and also of those who were actually called for the interview.

Des Raj Mehta, advocate, also alleged that he was not called for the interview for the post of law officer though he was eligible for the post.

"It was my last opportunity to appear for the post and that, too, has been denied by the university authorities by not calling me for the interview," Mehta alleged.

Dr Bhardwaj said, when contacted, that only those who were found suitable for the post had been called for the interview.

"The interviews have been conducted fairly by an interview committee comprising experts from various fields," Dr Bhardwaj maintained.

The university, meanwhile, has not got adequate number of faculty members and departments to apply for affiliation with the University Grants Commission.

"We are in the process of getting affiliation for the university so that the teachers working here can get benefits under various schemes of the UGC," Dr Bhardwaj added.

Sonepat, December 13
In order to meet the increasing demand of industrialists, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) will develop as many as 11 industrial sectors in Rai and Kundli areas of the district.

Divisional town planner of the HSIIDC S.S. Chauhan said the state government had approved the plan and the process for land acquisition was likely to commence next month.

Industrial sectors 28, 29, 30, 31, 38, 39, 46, 47, 49, 50 and 52 are proposed to be developed in 5,000 acres, including 3,000 acres in Kundli area and 2,000 acres in Rai area.

Notices under Section 4 and Section-6 of the Land Acquisition Act would be issued next month before announcing the awards of the payments, he said.

In reply to a question, he clarified that the farmers would be paid the compensation on the basis of the land acquisition policy of the state government, which had been widely welcomed by farmers in the state.

Meanwhile, residents of villages in Rai and Kundli areas have planned to oppose the government move for acquisition of their land for industrialists at the rates far below the rates prevailing in the open market. They have also formed a Sangharsh Samiti to launch agitation against the government move. They have already aired their grievances by submitting a memorandum to the district administration.

People take part in a marathon organised in Gurgaon on Saturday. Tribune photo: Rajesh Kumar Yadav

Gurgaon, December 13
More than 75 school children and 150 parents of different nationalities ran a distance of 4 km from Excelsior American School to DLF Golf Club in a marathon organised by Lilliput Kidswear Ltd and Excelsior American School today.

The global unity marathon was arranged to spread the message of global peace. In the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, the children joined hands to show solidarity towards the victims and appealed for global peace.

Vice-president of Lilliput Kidswear Ltd Kamal Gupta said: “The marathon is a conscious effort towards bringing peace and unity in society. We want our little Indians, who are the future of country, to realise the importance of brotherhood to make this earth a better place to live in.”

Chandigarh, December 12
Haryana will soon find it tough to release from acquisition process the land belonging to the high and the mighty even after the announcement of the award.

Finding faults with 2007 policy instructions issued by the government on de-notification of land from the process, a Division Bench has ruled: “It is impregnated with illegality in as much as it arms the government with the power to release the land from the acquisition within one year after the award”. A clause in the policy too has been declared illegal.

With this, the residents, influential included, will not be able to seek release of their land by carrying out construction after the issuance of a notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act.

Laying down the law to end controversies and allegations of pick and choose policy, the Bench headed by Justice M.M. Kumar also directed the undertaking of a survey before forwarding proposal to the government for issuance of notification under Section 4 of the Act. For the purpose, the Bench directed the state to issue comprehensive instructions to all land acquisition collectors, town and country planning department officials and other agencies like the HSIDC and HUDA.

“The officers concerned are to ensure that clause two of the policy, dated October 26, 2007, for releasing the structures which have been built up prior to the issuance of the notification under Section 4 of the Act, are not included in the proposal of acquisition”.

The Bench was of the view that the instructions “would bring proximity between the law, life and justice, which look to be distant neighbours in the present scenario.

“It would also discourage the construction activity after the issuance of the notification under Section 4 of the Act or the tendency of some unscrupulous elements to claim that the building was constructed prior to the issuance of the notification under Section 4 of the Act”.

The directions follow allegations of pick and choose policy leveled by a Panchkula district resident. The petitioner had added she had learnt about the release of land belonging to influential persons. As such, the respondents were acting in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner. They were selectively releasing the land to people at their own whims and fancies.

Fatehabad, December 13
Additional district and sessions judge N.P. Dewet today sentenced two persons to imprisonment for life for counterfeiting, using, possessing and making fake currency notes.

The accused, Vinod Kumar (22) from Chuli Bagrian village and Surender Kumar (24) from Manawali village, were arrested on January 24, 2004, with fake currency notes.

Later, the police found during the investigations that the duo was involved in the making of fake currency notes.

The police recovered a computer processor, printer, scanner, mouse, copier and compact discs used for making fake currency notes from the possession of the two youths.

The police charged Vinod under section 489-B (using as genuine fake or counterfeit currency note) and 489-C (possession of forged or counterfeit currency note) and Surender under section 489-A (counterfeiting currency notes) and 489-D (making or in possession of instruments for making fake currency notes).

The judge sentenced Vinod to seven years’ imprisonment under section 489-C and to life imprisonment under section 489-B, while Surender was sentenced to life imprisonment under both sections.

"It has often been seen that there is a nexus between those who fake currency and dreaded criminals, including those involved in terrorist activities; it will not be in the interest of justice to take a lenient view in such cases," Dewet observed, while awarding the maximum punishment prescribed under the law.

Karnal, December 13
Speakers stressed upon the need for religious tolerance and respect for other faiths at a one-day seminar on “Guru Granth Sahib ki bani”.

All faiths and religions preached love, compassion, brotherhood and harmony and followers of every faith should abide by this cardinal principle to establish peace in the country, religious leaders participating in the seminar said.

Regretting that politicians were dividing society on the basis of caste, creed, religion and language for votes, chief jathedar of the Akal Takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh exhorted Sikhs to take the message of Gurbani to every house for peace and harmony.

The spokesperson of Delhi Catholic Church, Father Dominic Emmanuel, said Gurbani was a symbol of universal brotherhood. He said the concept of community kitchen, which offered free of cost food to devotees, saw no caste or religion.

Urging people to imbibe the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, Swami Parmanand said all gurus exhorted human beings to rise above caste, religion and region and unite against all odds. He said Gurbani was universal and the only solution to the problems faced by the world today. Maintaining that those who struggle were better than those who never attempt to face the challenges, he said Gurbani taught us to give and not to take.

Muslim saint Maulana Tassavur Hussain said Gurbani included preachings of all religions and was a guide to reach the God and serve the humanity.

He urged people to practise the preachings of Gurbani and raise their level of spirituality.

Expressing concern over attacks on non-Maharashtrians in Maharashtra, noted scholar Prof Harbans Kaur of Kurukshetra said similar trends were prevalent in some other areas also.

The Gurbani contained the preachings of contemporary saints like Bhagat Parmanand (Maharashtra), Jaidev (West Bengal), Kabir and Ravidas (Uttar Pradesh) and Dhanna (Rajasthan) and it was a complete philosophy of love, harmony, peace and religious tolerance, she added.

Sirsa, December 13
A follower of the Dera Sacha Sauda allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself from his licensed revolver in Shah Satnam Colony situated in the vicinity of the dera here today.

The police recovered a suicide note from the room, where his body was found. The note, purported to have written by the victim, accused the CBI, a senior political leader from Haryana and another senior politician from Punjab of levelling false allegations against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The note said charges against the dera chief were totally false. It further that he was sacrificing his life so that these people could be booked.

The police, however, said that it was investigating the circumstances that led to the follower’s death. Senior officers of the police and forensic teams reached here to collect evidence.

The deceased has been identified as Sat Pal Arora Insan. He belonged to Malaut in Punjab, but had been living in Shah Satnam Colony for the past 12 years. Sat Pal had a pesticide shop in the vicinity of the dera. His wife is a teacher in a school belonging to the dera.

His wife and the elder son noticed him lying unconscious on the bed when they came back from the school in the afternoon today. The victim was rushed to a hospital, but was declared brought dead.

He had allegedly shot himself from point blank range with his licensed revolver, which was found lying near the body.

A postmortem would be conducted tomorrow.

The police would proceed with the case after the autopsy report and a report by the forensic team, said SP Amitabh Dhillon.

Gurgaon, December 13
The district police has cracked the case in which a hoax call was made to Spice Jet’s office on November 25.

It has identified the mobile number from which the call was made. The number belongs to Jasbir from Yamunanagar. Though the number and name has been identified, the police is yet to arrest the alleged accused. A team has been sent to Yamunanagar to search for the accused.

Spice Jet had received a call at its toll free number on November 25 from an unidentified mobile number. The security officer of the airlines had complained about it. SHO Satinder Kumar said: “The police has identified the name and number of the accused.”

Gurgaon, December 13
Two Malayali girls alleged that they were molested and beaten up by their landlord’s son here today.

Daisy (22) and Marry were admitted to Sree Ram Hospital, as their condition was serious. Marry was still in the hospital, while Daisy was discharged after treatment.

Marry used to work in a call centre in Chandigarh and had recently shifted here to look for another job. The girls had taken an accommodation on rent of Rs 3,500 from Krishan Kumar. They had to shift on December 11, but they didn’t turn up on that day. However, they came yesterday.

They told the police that as the room was in a bad condition, they came a day late so that they could clean up the room.

They also claimed that they went to pay the rent to the landlord, where they met Vibhu, landlord’s son, who told them that he would take the rent later and they could go to their room.

They alleged that Vibhu came to their room late night and asked for the rent and when they told him that they would pay the rent in the morning, Vibhu tried to misbehave with Daisy. They pushed him out of the room and called their friends staying nearby. Later, Vibhu came with his two cousins and all of them had a fight. The friends of the girls ran away to call the police. Meanwhile, the trio entered the room and locked it from inside and beat up the girls with sticks.

When Vibhu’s parents came there, he told them that he saw some boys in the girls’ room and when he objected to it, the girls started fighting with him.

SHO Gulam Mohamad said they had registered a case on the girls’ version. He affirmed that fighting between them had been confirmed but molestation was yet to be clarified.