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H A R Y A N A |  |
 Wednesday, March 31, 1999 |
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Haryana imposes ban on transfers CHANDIGARH, March 30 — The Haryana Government has imposed a ban on transfers for a period of one year as an economy measure. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, here today. Congress bid to woo traders GURGAON, March 30 — The Congress will make concerted efforts to win over the trading community and consolidate its base in Haryana. Sources in the Congress said the party was in the process of preparing a tour schedule of the president of the state unit of the party, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with industrialist-turned-politician, Mr O.P. Jindal, to various mandis. |
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2000 farmers take part in
fair SONEPAT, March 30 — A farmers’ fair organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra concluded at Jagdishpur village, 8 km from here, yesterday. More than 2,000 farmers from all over the district who visited the fair acquainted themselves with the latest techniques and technologies in agriculture and allied fields. Women
unaware of rights: minister
Haryana to open 3 engg colleges Artificial
limbs, crutches for 3000 Doctor
suspended for dereliction of duty Khalsa
tercentenary function on April 10 |
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Haryana imposes ban on transfers CHANDIGARH, March 30 — The Haryana Government has imposed a ban on transfers for a period of one year as an economy measure. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, here today. The ban will apply to all departments, boards and corporations of the state government. The Cabinet also decided to withdraw the existing instructions regarding declaration of a woman candidate as "temporarily unfit" if she is found to be pregnant during medical examination before appointment against posts, which do not prescribe any elaborate training, and they can be appointed straightway on the job. With this decision, women candidates selected for appointment against government posts would be able to join their duties even during pregnancy. However, where pregnant women are to be appointed against posts carrying hazardous nature of duties like in police organisations and they have to complete a period of training as a condition of service, the existing instructions will continue to apply. The Cabinet also decided to renew for a period of five years the stage carriage permits of cooperative societies of unemployed youth whose validity was to expire after April. The Cabinet also decided to provide certain relaxations to make their routes more viable. The permits would be renewed after obtaining a clearance certificate regarding payment of road tax, passenger tax and loaning agency. They will be granted maximum extension up to 24km by the State Transport Authority under Section 80 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. According to the new scheme, routes would be allowed to be extended upto 24km at the time of renewal only up to the nearest town. These societies would also be given benefit of corridor service up to 16 km falling in the neighbouring states. At present, these societies are paying lump sum adda fee at the rate of Rs 250 a month, but now this fee would be charged trip-wise at the rate of Rs 10 a trip as in case of other state transport and private buses so as to monitor the activities of such societies. Thus the society concerned would have to obtain a slip regarding the payment of adda fee and the slip would indicate whether the society is actually operating on the specified route or not. In case of missing of any trip, the permit of the society would be cancelled for violating the permit condition as provided under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. With the grant of extension, these societies would be operating 200 km to 300 km every day. At present, the societies are paying lump sum passenger tax at 60 per cent worked out on the basis of 50 per cent occupancy of required seating capacity and a minimum of 200 km. As per the new scheme, the societies would pay a lump sum passenger tax to be worked out on 50 per cent occupancy as per actual km operation on a slab of 50 km, that is the society would pay passenger tax at 200 km, 250 km, 300 km or 350 km on actual operation. However, other terms and conditions remain the same. The Cabinet also decided to retain 2 per cent sales tax on mustard oilseeds for a further period of six months up to September 30. The rate of ST on footwear has been raised from 3 per cent to 5 per cent . At present, the rate is 7 per cent in Delhi, 6 per cent in Uttar Pradesh, 8 per cent in Punjab and 12 per cent in Rajasthan. The Cabinet also decided to increase ST on wooden and steel furniture from 8 per cent to 12 per cent as the reduction made earlier had not yielded positive results in realisation of tax. In fact with the reduction there was a considerable fall in a revenue. It may be noted that the new rate of 12 per cent sales tax on wooden and steel furniture in the floor rate has been recommended by the State Finance Minister's Committee. These rates will be
effective from April 1. |
Congress bid to woo traders GURGAON, March 30 — The Congress will make concerted efforts to win over the trading community and consolidate its base in Haryana. Sources in the Congress said the party was in the process of preparing a tour schedule of the president of the state unit of the party, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with industrialist-turned-politician, Mr O.P. Jindal, to various mandis. Mr Jindal had recently joined the Congress. Indications are that visits to the mandis by Congress leaders will begin after the first phase of Mr Hooda’s on-going public meetings in the assembly constituencies ends on April 10. So far, meetings have been held in the Gannaur, Bapoli, Gohana, Israna and Sampla assembly constituencies. The first phase will end with a meeting in the Asandh constituency. The visits to the mandis will continue till the harvesting season is over. The idea to make a dent in the trading community by the Congress leadership is reported to have got a momentum following Mr Jindal joining the Congress. Mr Jindal has a considerable clout among traders in the state. The sources say that the move of the state leadership of the party to win over the trading community comes in the matter of infighting in the party. The faction headed by Mr Hooda has decided to further silence its detractors in the party by focusing on the trading community. The detractors of Mr Hooda, especially the faction headed by the former Chief Minister, Mr Bhajan Lal, are reportedly trying to create an impression in the public that the state leadership is close to only one section of the society. In fact, at a meeting in Panipat, a couple of days ago, Mr Bhajan Lal, without taking names of former ministers of the party, had alleged that leaders with Lok Dal background were trying to weaken the party. The Hooda loyalists have stepped up their campaign against the Bhajan Lal faction that it is in league with the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). Insiders in the Congress say that senior leaders of the party are of the view that the party should step up its campaign against its opponents, especially the INLD. The INLD, too, has intensified its activities in the state. To boost its image, the Congress leadership has already decided to take up the completion of Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal project in a big way. With Akali leaders in Punjab having stepped up their campaign against the completion of the project in Punjab, the Congress leaders see it as a good opportunity to make a political capital out of it. At a public meeting in
Israna, a couple of days ago, Mr Hooda had cautioned that
in case the Akali leaders tried to scuttle the completion
of the construction works on SYL, the Congress in Haryana
would be compelled to protect the interests of the state. |
2000 farmers take part in fair SONEPAT, March 30 — A farmers’ fair organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) concluded at Jagdishpur village, 8 km from here, yesterday. More than 2,000 farmers from all over the district who visited the fair acquainted themselves with the latest techniques and technologies in agriculture and allied fields. As per the theme of the fair, the visiting farmers were apprised of the most effective and eco-friendly integrated farm technologies on poplar, organic fertilisers, wheat and vegetables. An agro-exhibition was also put up. The latest technologies of raising different crops, floriculture, mushroom production, vermiculture, bio-pesticide, fertilisers and agro-industries were depicted in 20 stalls. To encourage the farmers for raising good crops, a competition on wheat, vegetables and fruits was also organised. Rural sports, a baby show and a rural craft competition were the main attraction for farmers. Hundreds of farmers sought a solution to the problems being faced in farming and livestock rearing from experts of Haryana Agriculture University (HAU). They also sought advice about various diseases, soil, water and plants. Experts and scientists from the university also apprised the farmers of different farm enterprises like floriculture, seed production, agro-forestry, bee-keeping, dairy farming etc. Inaugurating the fair, Dr J.B. Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor of HAU, stressed the need for greater thrust on farm technology dissemination without any transmission loss. He called on the farmers to use the latest farm technologies and enhance the productivity of vegetables, flowers and mushrooms. He also advised the
farmers to get an opportunity of getting tested their
soil, water and diseased plants samples and seek the
advice of the experts. He disclosed that 700 farmers from each district of the state would be selected this year. They would be imparted training in various farm vocations. Their service would then be utilised by the KVK. He asked the farmers to adopt technologies suiting their own situation and develop farm innovations. Dr R.S. Waldia, Chief Scientist-cum-head of the KVK, highlighted the activities of the organisation in this district with regard to workers’ training, testing of farm technology and front-line demonstrations in the fields of the farmers. Dr B.L. Jalali also
presented the research highlights of HAU in agriculture
and allied fields. |
Forced to live like outcastes SIRSA: Thirty huts standing on 16.17 kanals of land on the fringes of Sirsa town have been the only property of a group of lepers since 1983 when the Ashram Samiti was set up here. This group of 60 has been compelled to set up their home adjacent to the town's cremation centre called Shiv Puri. In spite of the spread of education, these lepers live a secluded life away from the townsfolk both physically and emotionally. Their suffering is more psychological that social. So great is the feeling of despondency that their innocent, healthy children do not go to schools for fear of being branded as lepers offspring. In 1983 the Samiti had 70 people, of which only one, Davender (35), remains here. The rest of the 60 members, at present, are newcomers from states like Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, etc. But all abide by the rules according to which the comparatively healthy go out and earn for all through begging. In case of differences, the headmen settle matters. Though 16 years have passed since the samiti came up, there are hardly any essential facilities here. Electricity connections were given some time back. Though they receive Rs 100 as pension per month and have a vote too, the land has not been registered in the name of the samiti. There is a dispute over land with the Bishnoi Sabha and a case is pending in the High Court. For their basic needs they depend on begging. Their request to the Red Cross for regular rations to them as well as to Kusht Nivaran Nigam remain unheeded. For their children's education they prefer to send them to a school for lepers in Kota (Rajasthan). Five of their children study there at government expense. Though several schemes have been launched for the rehabilitation of such victims both at the national and international level, the inmates of the samiti face a lot of hardship. The living conditions of
the samiti members makes one painfully conscious of the
gulf between haves and have-nots in the modern human
society despite its medical advancements, philanthropic
claims and extension of education. |
Women unaware of rights:
minister HISAR, March 30 — The Minister for Education, Mr Ram Bilas Sharma, has regretted the "lack of awareness" among women about their rights. Delivering the valedictory address at the North-West Indian Sociological Association (NWISA) conference, Mr Sharma pointed out that women were much dependent on men, especially in rural areas. He said even women panches and sarpanches were dependent on male members of their family for decisions. Calling for an immediate end to this practice, he observed this was necessary for the upliftment of women or else providing reservation to them in different spheres would be of no help. Mr Sharma regretted the fall in values. He said India had never treated women as a commodity as was being done in the West. He said the women were not objects of exhibition but source of inspiration. He expressed his reservations on the holding of beauty contests, which, he said, was against Indian culture. Later talking to mediapersons, the minister suggested that all political parties in Haryana should find a solution to the SYL canal dispute. He pointed out if the Prime Minister could resolve the long-pending Cauvery dispute, why could the SYL issue not by resolved in a similar manner. Mr Sharma announced that sociology would be introduced as a compulsory subject at the plus two and college level in Haryana. He said this was being done in view of the importance of the subject in day-to-day progress of society. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof J.B. Chowdhury, listed various achievements of the university. He said the university had been instrumental in changing the economic profile of the state. Dr Raj Singh, Head,
Department of Sociology, said 70 sociologists from
various states in the north participated in the
conference. |
Haryana to open 3 engg colleges SONEPAT, March 30 — The Haryana Government has sanctioned the opening of three engineering colleges in Sonepat, Bhiwani and Jhajjar districts during the current year. Mr Rajiv Jain, Political Press Adviser to Chief Minister, Bansi Lal said here today. The Bhagwan Mahavir Education Trust had been created for the opening of an engineering college in Raipur village, near the 132 kv grid power sub-station, Fazilpur village, on the Sonepat-Bahalgarh road in this district. This college, spread over 11 acres, would be constructed at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The college building foundation stone of which would be laid on April 18 would be completed within four months. The admission of students for the current academic session scheduled to begin in August would be made after the completion of the building. The college would introduce three subjects i.e. computer science and technology, information technology and electronics and telecommunications. It would have 60 seats in each course. According to Mr Jain, the college has got recognition from the All-India Technical Education Council and would be affiliated to Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak.
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Beer cheaper than soft drink ROHTAK, March 30 — Tipplers in the town are engaged in collecting beer as it is being sold at liquor shops cheaper than soft drinks. A bottle containing 650 ml of beer is available for Rs 20 while a bottle containing 300 ml of soft drink costs Rs 10 in the market. With a view to clearing the stock before March 31, liquor vendors have displayed large banners announcing a heavy discount on the prices of various alcoholic drinks. However, good-quality beer
has disappeared from shops as "smart" tipplers
have bought it in bulk for various purposes. |
Artificial limbs, crutches for 3000 AMBALA, March 30 — More than 3000 handicapped persons were provided artificial limbs, crutches, wheelchairs and hearing aids free of cost during the 15-day Ambala limbs project, which concluded here yesterday. The project was jointly organised by the District Red Cross Society and the Rotary Club. Addressing the concluding function, a former chief of Rotary International, Mr R.K. Saboo, said that it was a great project and other social service organisations should learn a lesson from it. The handicapped were an essential part of society and it was everybody's duty to extend all help to them. The Deputy Commissioner, Mrs Navraj Sandhu, said that according to a survey conducted in the district, there were 10,000 handicapped persons, including those who were blind and mentally retarded. Out of these, 3700 had been provided with artificial limbs, crutches and other aids free of cost.
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Doctor suspended for dereliction
of duty CHANDIGARH, March 30 — The Haryana Health Minister, Mr Brij Mohan Singla, paid a surprise visit to General Hospital, Panipat, and Panchkula. He ordered the suspension of Dr H.S. Randhawa, Senior Medical Officer, General Hospital, Panipat, due to dereliction of his duty. He inspected the hospitals and also checked wards and enquired from patients about their welfare. He expressed concern over the insanitary conditions. The Minister directed the
civil surgeons concerned to improve the services and
facilities and provide the best available facilities to
the patients. |
Khalsa tercentenary function on
April 10 KURUKSHETRA, March 30 — The Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal will preside over the state-level Khalsa tercentenary celebrations, scheduled to be held at Dronacharya Stadium here on April 10. Stating this here today, a member and co-ordinator of the Khalsa tercentenary Celebrations Samiti, Mr Jitender Singh Khurdban, said preparations by the state government had already started to celebrate the Khalsa tercentenary. A big procession was taken out in this connection by Sikh organisations here today. Mr Khurdban said a nagar kirtan procession would start from Gurdwara Sixth Patshahi at 4 a.m, pass through the main bazaar and terminate at Dronacharya Stadium here at 8 a.m. A kirtan darban would be organised and a discussion by educationists on the Khalsa Panth would also he held. Mr Ram Bilas Sharma, Education Minister, Dr (Mrs) Kamla Verma Local Bodies Minister, and Vaid Kapoor Chand, State Minister for Industrial Training and Vocational Education, would also participate in the celebrations. Meanwhile, the Haryana
Public Relations Director, Mr Rajesh Khullar, and the
Deputy Commissioner Mr S.N. Roy, held a meeting here
today to discuss the celebrations. |
Hike in ST on steel flayed BHIWANI, March 30 — The spokesman of the district unit of the Congress, Mr Arun Agarwal, has criticised the enhancement of sales tax on stainless steel from 1 to 3 per cent by the Haryana Government. This enhancement was announced on March 26. Mr Agarwal said it appeared the government had taken this decision in view of industrialist-turned-politician O.P. Jindal joining the Congress on the same date. He said in fact 90 per cent industries of stainless steel depended on this steel king. He said the increased sales tax would directly hit the utensil industries in the state as the same taxes were lower in the neighbouring states. The state government had
informed under General Sales Tax Act 73 that sales tax on
hot rolled, cold rolled, stainless steel, ingots, blooms,
slabs, plates, rounds, pipes, strips, circles, shuts,
coils, scrap etc had been increased to 3 per cent. Mr
Agarwal has urged the government to review its decision. |
JD seeks all-party meeting on SYL BHIWANI, March 30 — The state Janata Dal has demanded that the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, convene an all-party meeting to chalk out a join strategy on the issue of SYL canal. The party has criticised the anti-Haryana statements of various Akali leaders and the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. Mr Ved Prakash Vidrohi, president of the party's state unit, said here that the construction of SYL canal and water sharing was a matter of survival for the people of Haryana. In view of the gravity of the matter, the Chief Minister should call a joint meeting of all parties to adopt unanimous stand on all bilateral issues, he said. Mr Vidrohi alleged that the ruling coalition at the Centre was making haste to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in assemblies and Parliament at the cost of neglecting Dalits and backward classes. This reservation should not be given without providing separate quota for Dalit women and those from other backward classes. Rohtak: The state unit of the Janata Dal, has demanded handing over the construction work of the SYL canal to the Army to ensure its speedy completion. The party has asked the Centre to get the work completed within six months. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, a party spokesman said the issue had been pending for several years and it needed immediate settlement. The Janata Dal has also
demanded filling of the posts reserved for SCs/STs and
backward classes in the universities at Hisar, Rohtak and
Kurukshetra. |
Board exams conclude BHIWANI, March 30 — The annual middle, matric and senior secondary examinations conducted by the Board of School Education, Haryana, concluded smoothly throughout the state today. Stating this, the Chairman of the board and an MLA, Mr R. Kashyap, told mediapersons here today that 3,65,000 candidates appeared for the middle examinations at 1475 centres. For the matric examinations, 2,59,000 candidates appeared at 1281 centres. The Senior Secondary (academic and vocational) examinations commenced on March 6 and concluded on March 27, and 1,31,797 candidates appeared for these at 576 centres. The Chairman claimed that
these examinations concluded smoothly throughout the
state barring a few centres. |
Industrial growth centre at Saha soon AMBALA, March 30 — The Cantonment MLA, Mr Anil Vij, said here yesterday that the industrial growth centre at Saha in the district would be started soon and the first instalment of Rs 50 lakh from the central government had already been received. Speaking at a function, Mr
Vij said that thousands of youths would get jobs with
development of the growth centre. The new bus stand in
the Cantonment would be ready by June this year. A 66KV
sub-station was being installed in the industrial area
for solving the power problem. |
Rail traffic disrupted SONEPAT, March 30 — Rail traffic on the Sonepat-Delhi section of Northern Railway disrupted for several hours following the derailment of some goods wagons near Gharaunda railway station, about 65 km from here, yesterday. According to a report
received here, the Delhi-bound Malwa Express and the
Dadar-Amritsar Express were held up at Gharaunda and
Karnal railway stations for a few hours, stranding
several passengers. Train services on this section were
restored after about two hours.
BKU rally SONEPAT, March 30 — The Haryana unit of the BKU is organising a state-level rally on April 6 at Boat Club in the Capital in protest against the "anti-farmer" policies of the Central and state governments. More than 1 lakh farmers from all over the state were expected to take part in the rally. The main demands, among
other things, include withdrawal of the hike in the
prices of wheat, sugar, rice, urea and LPG cylinders. |
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