Cops exhorted to keep discipline

Teachers forgo autumn break

Man murdered

Steps to overhaul power sector
From Bijendra Ahlawat

ROHTAK, Sept 30 — With view to overhauling the power sector and improving availability of power in the state the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN) has reportedly started work on the schemes financed by the World Bank. The nigam has identified main areas of work where the first instalment of Rs 240 crore is to be spent within the next one year.

According to sources of the nigam as many as 5500 new transformers are to be set up in various parts of the state by March 1999 which will cost Rs 41 crore. The new transformers will not only better supply but they are likely to improve the overall voltage at the consumer end. The state is reported to be having about 50 feeders of 440 KV at present which suffers from various problems including the poor voltage. The nigam proposes to bifurcate the capacity of these feeders at a cost of Rs 36 crore to achieve desired results. Besides replacing about two lakh old meters with new ones costing Rs 32 crore the nigam has started work on laying new 220KV supply lines in Faridabad, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts. It involves a budget of Rs 24 crore and are to be spent by the end of 1999.

The restructuring process also involve augmentation of the capacity of the existing 24 substations at a cost of Rs 10 crore. This nigam plans to establish a new substation of 220 KV level at Palla in Faridabad district to transmit power to be generated at the 432 MW power project of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) also located in the same district. The new substation is likely to cost Rs 18 crore to be allocated from the first instalment of the World Bank loan.

As per the nigam sources the details of the plans for restructuring and reformation programmes to be implemented after the release of the second instalment of Rs 1000 crore from the World Bank have also been finalised. According to these proposals Rs 290 crore is likely to be spent on laying of new transmission distribution lines having a length of 15500 km. With a view to helping release of new connections without delay the nigam has decided to set up about 12000 new transformers of various capacities in the state with a cost of Rs 120 crore during the second phase of the programme.

While the date of the release of the second instalment is not known but the nigam has reportedly prepared various plans as part of the reform programme. These proposed schemes include purchasing of about 3.71 lakh meters worth Rs 40 crore, buying 5000 new capacitors for improving voltage, setting up of four new substations of 220KV capacity, augmentation of capacity of existing five substations of same capacity, establishing another 11 new substations of 132 KV capacity and improvement of the capacity of the existing three substations at Gohana, Ismailabad and Uklana in Sonepat, Kurukshetra and Hisar districts respectively.

The nigam has prepared a plan of setting up as many as six new 66 KV substations at various sites already identified at a cost of Rs 250 crore.

It is learnt that at present the nigam has been supplying 425 lakh units of power daily in the state while target of availability of 540 lakh units is likely to be achieved by July next year. The nigam has reportedly signed as many as 21 agreements (MoU) with private sector for setting up 17 diesel-based generating units of 25 MW capacity. These units have the capacity of supplying five lakh units of power daily after they start functioning.

The work on the construction of the sixth unit of 210 MW at Panipat thermal plant is likely to get going by the next year.

The project which has been hanging in the balance for the past 10 years is likely to require at least Rs 634 crore as against the estimated cost of Rs 238 crore in 1989. As there are four units of 110 MW and one unit of 210 MW at Panipat already. But the plant load factor of the 110 MW units is not reported to be satisfactory and the experts have learnt to have suggested for 210 MW units as the PLF of bigger unit is reported to be better.

Of crime and disowning of sons
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, Sept 30 — A definite correlation appears to exist between rising crime and disowning & youths by their families. There has been considerable increase in the number of disowning cases with spurt in crime.

According to a survey conducted by the Tribune, nearly 200 heads of families at various places in the region disowned their grown-up sons in August and September this year. The families have notified that they would not be held responsible for any 'act' of their sons. In most cases these type of heads the families have taken the step with a view to avoiding frequent interrogation and harassment by the police in connection with the acts of their sons. They think that they can evade the police harassment by showing the cutting of the concerned advertisement to the officials.

When contacted Mr Ram Swaroop who disowned his 21-year-old son, he said that this son was out of his control and indulged in anti-social activities. To avoid the embarrassment caused by repeated visits of the police to their house he took the aforesaid step.

Such youths who were disowned by the heads of their respective families were aged from 17 to 35 years. The astonishing fact in this regard is that nearly 4-5 months ago only one or two persons would submit the affidavits of disowning their "out of control" sons in the news paper offices in a month but now the number has raised to 10-12 per month, this is also a strong indication that rise in such cases has some relation with the Spurt in crimes.

Nearly 90 advertisements of disowning were published in "Dainik Tribune" only in August last while the number has reached 100 this month.

Meanwhile, the SSP, Rohtak has summoned a list of village youths between 17 to 35 years who had criminal background.

The Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal on Monday convened a meeting of the SSPs of Rohtak and Jhajjar districts, DIG and Commissioner and discussed the law and order situation and the latest arrangements for nabbing the culprits. It is learnt that he directed the police administration to expedite the search for the criminals who recently looted the Maruti, cash and jewellery from a Grandson of the Urban Development Minister, Mr Sri Kishan Dass.

Dowry death: 10 years' RI for husband
From Our Correspondent

GURGAON, Sept 30 — The District and Sessions Judge Mr R.C. Kathuria has convicted Kuldeep Singh 27 a resident of Bhim Garh Kheri in a case of dowry death of his wife Darshana, two years ago. However Jai Singh (father-in-law) and Hoshiari (mother-in-law) accused in the case were acquitted of the charge by the court. Kuldeep has been sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.

Darshana (22) daughter of Om Parkash of Madanpur Dabbas village in Delhi married Kuldeep on April 13, '92. Her husband and in-laws allegedly started harassing and maltreating her for not bringing adequate dowry including a scooter. It was alleged, Kuldeep visited his in-laws house on November 3, '96 and demanded a sum of Rs 50,000 . When his father-in-law showed his inability, Kuldeep threatened to kill Darshana. Darshana died of burning on November 9, '96 in mysterious circumstances. Kuldeep stated that Darshana was upset after delivery of her second child and she committed suicide out of frustration pouring kerosene on her.

The court acquitted Jai Singh and Hoshiari as no specific allegations were made against her. Kuldeep was awarded 10 years' rigorous imprisonment u/s 304B, of the IPC.

In another case Suresh Kumar, a dismissed constable of Haryana police, has won back his service after seven years' legal battle. A sessions court, setting aside the judgement of a lower court against the cop, has awarded decree with cost in favour of the ex-constable ordering his reinstatement with all other benefits.

Suresh Kumar was posted in Faridabad district when he was dismissed from service on November 24, 1991, by the order of the Superintendent of Police. He unsuccessfully challenged the dismissal order before the DIG (Gurgaon) and the DGP Haryana. Suresh Kumar filed a suit before the civil court claiming that the impugned orders have been made in derogation to his legal right and without affording any opportunity of personal hearing. It was also inter alia pleaded that the punishment was also disproportionate to the gravity of the delinquency. The suit was dismissed by the Civil Judge (Jr Div), Ajay Tewatia on August 22, '96.

In the appeal, he claimed that he was not on any signed duty and had taken cough syrup which was mistaken to be liquor and he was charge- sheeted for misconduct and later dismissed. He was posted at Suraj Kund barrier where checking was made by Sub-Inspector Lekh Ram. He was found to be slightly under the influence of liquor in medical examination.

Counsel for the appellant pleaded that dismissal shall be awarded only for the gravest act of misconduct. A single act of being under the influence of liquor and that too when he was not on actual duty, does not constitute the gravest act of misconduct. The appellant had spent about eight years of unblemished service as per record. In earlier cases, the High Court had already opined that consumption of liquor while not on duty, does not amount to misconduct. As per record at the time of checking, constable Suresh was not on duty.

The Additional Sessions Judge, Dr Bharat Bhushan Prasoon, observed that the impugned orders passed by the respondents against the appellant are bad in law and cannot be sustained. The court decided in favour of appellant with all benefits of being in continuous service of salary, increment, promotion, seniority and all consequent benefits with cost.

Flood-hit farmers seek relief
From Our Correspondent

SONEPAT, Sept 30 — Water level in the West Juan Drain near village Juan in this district has receded considerably, according to official reports.

However, officials of the Water Service Division No. 1 of the irrigation department have initiated pumping out of rain water from the nearby fields to the overflowing of this drain, which damaged standing kharif crop particularly, bajra and paddy.

Meanwhile, villagers have demanded a high-level probe into the alleged misappropriation of public funds of the construction division.

According to many residents, the non-completion of the work for the desilting and deweeding last year, resulted in silting up the drain and this caused the overflowing and damage to crops on hundred of acres of land of the Juan village.

Inhabitants also demanded transfer of the officials of the Construction Division found responsible for the loss to the crops.

Representatives of various farmer organisations held a meeting here yesterday and resolved to urge the government to order a special girdawri in the rain-hit villages of the district, to assess losses.

The meeting also demanded payment of compensation to the rain-hit farmers whose crop had been damaged.

By another resolution, the meeting urged the government to direct the authorities of the Irrigation Department for taking steps to drain out water which had submerged the standing kharif crop.

Haryana civic staff put off stir
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANAGAR, Sept 30 — Municipal employees of Haryana has deferred their agitation due to festivals.

Mr Surinder Sharma, Senior Vice-President of the Nagar Palika Karamchari Sangh, Haryana, in a press release said here today that Municipal employees of Haryana were to go on mass casual leave on October 6, '98 in protest against step- motherly treatment towards their demands.

Mr Sharma said that due to Balmiki Jyanti "and other festivals including Dashera the programme of mass casual leave had been deferred. He stated that now on the same day there would be demonstrations throughout the state in front of all Municipal Council/Committee offices.

Mr Sharma stated that on October 8, '98 a deputation of the Nagar Palika Karamchari Sangh will meet the Education Minister Haryana Mr Ram Bilas Sharma on their genuine demands. He said that not a single demand had been accepted.

He alleged that certain municipal council employees had not been paid for the two/three months.

Bahuguna's advice to students
Tribune News Service

YAMUNANAGAR, Sept 30 — Eradicate evils from society with the power of head, heart and hands, said Padam Shree Sunder Lal Bahuguna. He exhorted the youth to stand up to the need of the time. He was addressing blood donors of Guru Nanak Khalsa College, here yesterday. Mr Bahuguna (72) wanted the youth to do something creative and constructive. He confessed that older generation, typified fear, hunger and corruption. Mr Bahuguna for efforts to create environment awareness, was welcomed by the management, staff and students of the college. Mr Bahuguna advised that a movement should be started on afforestation to redeem mankind.

He forewarned that the next World war will bring total devastation of water, air and the soil. He said the use of pesticides, weedicides, and fungicides was damaging soil flora and fauna.

Dr Amrik Singh, Principal of the college welcome Mr Bahuguna.

More than 400 blood donors and motivators were honoured on the occasion.

Teachers forgo autumn break
From Our Correspondent

KURUKSHETRA, Sept 30 — Teachers of Markanda National College, Sahahabad Markanda, have decided to forgo the autumn break scheduled from October 1 to 20.

Stating this here today, Dr. K.L. Miglani, Principal of the college and general secretary, Haryana College Principals Association, said this decision had been taken to compensate the loss of studies due to the teachers' strike recently.

Manch wants road named after Guru
From Our Correspondent

PANCHKULA, Sept 30 — The Shivalik Vikas Manch, Haryana, has urged the state government to name the Panchkula-Kala Amb road, which passes through Manak Tabra-Khangesra-Toka-Raipur Rani, as Guru Gobind Singh Marg.

Mr Sadhu Ram Saini, a former MLA and president of the manch, said gurudwaras at Nadha, Toka, Laha and Manak Tabra villages had historical importance as Guru Gobind Singh took the route on his way to Anandpur Sahib. By naming the road as Guru Gobind Singh Marg the religious places enroute could become important centres of pilgrimage.

Besides, the manch has sought construction of a bridge on the Toka nadi, which it says would shorten the distance to Paonta Sahib by at least 12 km.

Cops exhorted to keep discipline
Tribune News Service

KARNAL, Sept 30 — Mr Vikas, Director of the state Crime Bureau, today exhorted the Haryana Police to maintain discipline.

He was addressing trainees at the 38th passing out parade at Police Training College, Madhuban, today.

He said policemen should be fair and polite while dealing with people.

He took the salute and gave away H.R.K. Talwar medals for upper school training, intermediate school and lower school training. Assistant Sub-Inspector Umesh Bala was given the medal for standing first in the upper school course.

The medals carry a cash award and a certificate and is awarded biannually. As many as 211 officials took part in the parade.

Man murdered
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, Sept 30 — In another murder here during the past 48 hours, Jaipal, a resident of Tilak Nagar Colony was allegedly killed by two youths of the same colony on Monday.

According to a complaint lodged with the police by relatives of the deceased, one of the suspects attacked the victim with a sword while the other shot him with a revolver.

Old enmity is stated to be the reason behind the murder. No arrest has been made so far.

In another incident, a revolver has been stolen from the house of Hardatt Singh of Udhampur locality.

A case has been registered.