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| Monday, August 28, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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CM’s plea to Mamata on overbridges PANIPAT, Aug 27 — As the shuttle service between nine points, started by the government last year, has come to a halt, distressed commuters perforce have to make use of Jeeps, “maxicabs” and buses plying unauthorisedly to reach their destination. Unity move: Bhajan a spoilsport Fitness norms violated in recruitment Efforts on to rehabilitate ‘kalandars’ Jail conditions improve |
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| MDU asked to
release arrears ROHTAK, Aug 27 — The Non-teaching Employees Association of Maharshi Dayanand University has given an ultimatum to the university administration to release arrears of the Fifth Pay Commission till September 10 or face an agitation. Chautala lays stone of
health centre Dhangali to have power substation Deserted by spouse Refresher course on economic reforms Lockout in unit renders
workers jobless NARNAUL, Aug 27 — Pankaj Kumar, a student of class X of the local ASD High School, died after taking potable water under mysterious circumstances. 18 depose before
Chahal panel
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CM’s plea to Mamata on overbridges CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, has urged the Union Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, to adopt a uniform policy of bearing 50 per cent of the cost of a road overbridge (ROB) regardless of the fact that the other 50 per cent of the cost is borne by either the state government concerned or by a private party on the basis of build, operate and transfer. In a letter to Ms Banerjee, Mr Chautala said the replacement of manned level-crossings by an ROB would result in the saving of recurring costs for the Railways and provide smooth traffic for the public. He pointed out that sometimes it was not possible for a state government to provide the budgetary provision for its share of the cost of construction. Therefore, it resorted to the construction of the bridges on a BOT basis. However, the Railways did not share the cost of construction of an ROB in case it was constructed on the BOT basis. He also pointed out that the Union Ministry of Surface Transport or the National Highways Authority of India gave a subsidy up to 40 per cent of the cost if it was found that the project was not viable on the BOT basis. But the Railways did not share even the cost of the project if it was executed as BOT work. Mr Chautala said the Ministry of Surface Transport had recently decided that out of the total cess levied on diesel and petrol by the Union Government, 12.5 per cent of the proceeds, after allocation to the Ministry of Rural Development, would be allocated to the Railways for ROBs and railway safety works in the states. Since the allocation to the Railway Ministry, out of the dedicated road fund, constituted additional allocation, it would, therefore, not put any additional burden on the Railways if it contributed 50 per cent of the cost of the ROB notwithstanding the fact that it might be constructed by either the state government or by a BOT operator. |
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Shuttle service comes to halt PANIPAT, Aug 27 — As the shuttle service between nine points, started by the government last year, has come to a halt, distressed commuters perforce have to make use of Jeeps, “maxicabs” and buses plying unauthorisedly to reach their destination. Buses from Gannaur to Pipli were started and instructions were given to drivers and conductors to halt at each station en route. With the shortage of buses on the Panipat-Karnal, Panipat-Gharonda, Samalkha-Karnal, Shamli-Karnal routes, commuters have no alternative but to walk long distances to board a bus. On the Panipat-Karnal route, the Kohand bus stand is 11 km from Panipat. Passengers have to come back to Panipat from Kohand in the absence of direct arrangement from Kohand to Karnal. Long route buses do not stop at Kohand. Even from this very point the passengers used to pick up buses for Gudha, Begampur, Harisinghpur, Dadlana, Alipur, Rerkala, Kamaala etc. Now they have to reach Panipat first to board the bus. Commuters from Ambala and Chandigarh have to come to Panipat to board a bus. The General Manager, Roadways, Mr Roop Singh, was not available for comment. The Traffic Manager, Mr Ram Kumar, when questioned, said the shuttle service was still continuing. On asked about details of the revenue, the number of passengers and other details, he later confirmed that only on the Jind, Rohtak and Kundli bypass routes six buses were operating. He further confirmed the Kundli bypass route had incurred losses as the recovery on this main GT Road route was around Rs 6 to Rs 7 per kilometre. Jeeps and unauthorised “maxicabs, and three-wheelers running ahead of buses were the real cause of loss of revenue to roadways, he alleged. The Traffic Manager said on the Panipat-Shamli route the average earnings was Rs 17 per kilometre whereas on the Jind and Rohtak route it was Rs 10 to Rs 11. The least profitable route was the Kundli bypass one which was earning Rs 6 to 7 per kilometre. On the other hand, stranded passengers on the bus stand complained the bus service in certain areas was extremely bad and commuters were suffering. The department did not appear very particular about taking the desired action in redressing grievances of commuters. Ram Singh, Ram Karan and Raj Beer from Ahar village told this correspondent that buses on village routes were cancelled often for want of drivers. Also, drivers of jeeps and three-wheelers were being obliged to pick up passengers first. Vishnu and Sanjay from Chichrana alleged the private bus route no 29 of Jaglan Express was offering stiff competition and was Rs 2 cheaper as compared to Haryana Roadways. They further complained the maximum number of daily commuters from Ahar, Seenkh, Pardhana, Chichrana and the nearby areas were at the mercy of the roadways staff. Most of the time the bus service was cancelled without any cogent reason. The bus service between 4.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. had been suspended for the past more than one month and no alternative arrangement had been made by the department. They alleged the drivers and conductors in their villages preferred to take the evening trips to their native village so that they could reach their houses. They were not concerned about the roadways earnings also. Ved Pal, a stenographer in the district courts, Panipat, said in comparison to Haryana Roadways buses, Jaglan Express of Kurana Cooperative Transport Society’s bus gets passengers from the bus stand. Both drivers and conductors of roadways’ buses are seen obliging this private bus by moving slowly behind so that it could earn maximum revenue. When this correspondent asked the Traffic Manager if it was feasible to initiate a cooperative movement by the people to provide shuttle service to commuters of the area, he did not answer. |
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Unity move: Bhajan a spoilsport CHANDIGARH, Aug 27 — Even as the Congress party’s central leadership is trying to enforce unity among the warring party leaders of Haryana, Mr Bhajan Lal, the leader of the CLP is reportedly playing a spoilsport. Mr Bhajan Lal’s alleged statement at Kurukhshetra that the AICC constituted coordination panel would take over the work of the PCC had the loyalists of PCC chief, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, fuming. The coordination committee, with Mr Motilal Vora, AICC General Secretary, and in charge of party affairs in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, as its convener, and all the major faction leaders of Haryana, including Mr Hooda, Mr Bhajan Lal, Mr Birender Singh and Mr Shamsher Singh Surjewala as its members, was apparently formed to bring the warring leaders together. Ironically, this unity move has triggered off the latest controversy related to Congress factionalism in Haryana. While Mr Bhajan Lal allegedly stated that the coordination panel would ease out the PCC, in reality the panel was reportedly asked to confine its activity to charting an action plan against the Om Prakash Chautala-led government. A letter written by Mr Hooda to Mr Motilal Vora on August 22 also stated to have made it clear that the Coordination panel had no conflict with the PCC. Mr Hooda’s letter started by saying that as per his discussion with Mr Vora, he was suggesting the agenda for the first meeting of the coordination panel, slated to take place at Chandigarh on August 30. Mr Hooda listed the hike in bus fares and increase in electricity and water tariffs, irregularities in police recruitments, imposition of ST 38 form on traders and law and order situation in the state for discussion and suggested chalking out a strategy to fight against the state government by highlighting its failure on these fronts. Mr Hooda’s supporters are also unhappy with the CLP leader for the periodic statements made by the latter. Last Thursday Mr Bhajan Lal was quoted as having said at Hisar that the day he would again become the Chief Minister was not far. Hooda loyalists argue that instead of focussing on chief minister’s office, Mr Bhajan Lal should concentrate on the drawbacks of the state government as he was the leader of the Opposition in the House. |
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Fitness norms violated in recruitment SONEPAT, Aug 27 — Mr Azad Singh Nehra, a member of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), today criticised the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) government for violating the mandatory physical fitness norms in the ongoing recruitment of police constables in the state. In a signed press statement issued here, he alleged that the candidates having higher academic qualifications were deliberately rejected under the pretext of not being able to fulfil the physical fitness norms in a bid to favour the candidates sponsored by the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, his Cabinet colleagues and other party legislators and MPs. He also alleged that police officers, particularly SPs and the SSPs, had become puppets in the hands of the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Mr Manjit Singh, Superintendent of Police, Narnaul, has said whoever helps in proving that someone had taken money in getting constable recruited in Mahendragarh district will be given a reward of Rs 5,000. |
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Efforts on to rehabilitate ‘kalandars’ FARIDABAD, Aug 27 — Efforts are on to rehabilitate the age-old tribe of the ‘kalandars’ or the ‘madaris’ who have, in recent past, become a target of the ire of various organisations for using and acting cruelly towards animals. The ‘madaris’ have been staging demonstrations in protest against a movement launched to seize their animals under the Wild Life Act designed to protect animals. They also have been raising the issue of their livelihood in case they give up their profession. The Haryana unit of the People For Animals (PFA) and the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms Maneka Gandhi, have been trying to find a long term and acceptable solution to the problem. It may be recalled that Ms Gandhi, who is the Head of the PFA, has been severely opposing any form of cruelty to all animals, including wild ones and has invited the ‘kalandars’ for a dialogue for finding a solution. She has reportedly deputed Mr Naresh Kumar Kadian, Chairman of the Haryana unit of the PFA, to organise and coordinate a meeting of the ‘kalandars’ with her and negotiate with the persons affected at the primary level. Ms Gandhi has agreed to provide the required financial help to these ‘kalandars’ who to have agreed to give up their profession and start other work for their livelihood. According to Mr Kadian, who recently held meetings with leaders of ‘kalandars’ and their families, presently settled at Rindakhera village, (Sector 25) in the district, the response has been quite positive. He says representatives of about 300 families of ‘madaris’ of this colony have shown interest in the proposal and have called a panchayat of the ‘kalandar’ community on September 5, to discuss the proposals. He says one of the leaders of ‘madaris’, Babu Khan, has visited several places in the region where ‘kalandars’ are located. Babu Khan says that they are ready to give up this profession forever, if their demands are met. These demands include allowing them to keep their present animals with them till the animals’ lifetime, providing them adequate financial help and jobs so that their livelihood is not affected. The ‘kalandar’ families want some written guarantee in this connection. But final decision in this connection will be taken after detailed consultations among their community and the process of changing their profession could be slow. The ‘madaris’ also admit that some persons have been trying to get political gain by associating themselves with their community. They, however, are worried over the alleged 'indifferent attitude' of the Union Government and other authorities regarding their main demands. The total population of the ‘kalandar’ community in the country is around one lakh and these families have been earning their livelihood from this profession since many generations. There are about 300 houses at Rindakhera (Sector 25) here and some families have settled near Hodal town in the district. Another concentration of about 40 to 50 house is at Idgah colony in Sonepat district in Haryana. There are about 80 monkeys and three bears at the colony here. They have also kept some birds like owls which are used in preparing ‘taveej’. Kanpur and Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Jaipur in Rajasthan are reported to be other places where such families have settled. Fear has gripped the ‘kalandars’ following the seizure of their animals by PFA activists in the past few years. The PFA claims that keeping and performing with these animals is illegal and has
been banned under the Wildlife Act. Atleast half a dozen monkeys and bears have been seized in the recent past which led the ‘madaris’ to stage protest demonstrations at Delhi at two occasions this year only. |
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Jail conditions improve SIRSA: The living conditions of inmates at the district jail are improving. The orders of the District and Sessions Judge to improve the basic facilities to prisoners are being carried out, according to a number of prisoners. The Judge, Mr M S Sullar, had paid a visit to the jail soon after assuming office and showed concern for the living conditions of inmates. Stressing the need to improve their lot, he initiated the process. Many social organisations came forward to contribute to this cause. Mr Sullar is making efforts to start job-oriented classes for prisoners to enable them to earn a living on their release. This correspondent talked to some prisoners at the inaugural function of library at the jail complex. One of the prisoners, Roobi, serving a life sentence, said since the jail had prisoners double its capacity, the facilities were not up to the mark. There was a regular complaint about the non-availability of medical aid and fans in the corridors. They also complained about unbaked chapatis and insufficient rations. As a result of the Judge’s orders, the prisoners pointed out that 25 fans had been installed in the corridors and steps taken to reduce the spacing during the meeting time with their kin. Besides, special care was being taken now to provide five properly baked chapatis instead of four given earlier. In addition, there was a doctor visiting the prisoners now and health camps had become a regular feature. Another prisoner, Bishan, serving a sentence under the NDPS Act, was happy at the Judge holding court in jail every month to dispose of petty offences, which saves many from unnecessary harassment and delayed justice. According to the jail authorities, as many as 90 cases so far have been disposed of in such courts. He also appreciated the judge’s gesture in approaching them every month to listen to their problems. On the other hand, the jail officials are also happy that attention is being paid to their problems too. Their plea for housing has been taken up and is being processed. The Jail Superintendent stated that yoga classes were being held in jail and “havan” performed every fortnight, which he thinks will help in the transformation of the prisoners, thinking. When this correspondent approached the Sessions Judge for his comments, he modestly replied that he was doing only what he could do for the prisoners as he felt that they deserved better facilities. he felt that their experiences in jail would ultimately affect their life when they leave. To make jails “sudhar ghars”, it was most important to provide all basic facilities of life to prisoners. Sirsa jail was one of the best in the state and he was trying to make it better with the help of voluntary social organisations. Mr Sullar’s move to eradicate corruption from the courts is common talk. He is said to have warned the corrupt. While the warning may affect a few who find less money going into their pockets, his positive attitude to root out corruption is evoking people’s appreciation. His sincere efforts bring a ray of hope that conditions prevailing in society can be improved in spite of rampant corruption. |
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MDU asked to
release arrears ROHTAK, Aug 27 — The Non-teaching Employees Association of Maharshi Dayanand University has given an ultimatum to the university administration to release arrears of the Fifth Pay Commission till September 10 or face an agitation. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the association held here recently under the presidentship of Mr Niranjan Kumar. Criticising the ‘dilly-dallying’ attitude of the administration towards releasing arrears, Mr Niranjan Kumar said the association would resort to an agitation if its demand was not accepted by the stipulated period. He claimed that almost all the departments in the state had released arrears to the employees nearly two years ago but M.D. University continued to delay the issue without any real reason. In another resolution the association demanded immediate payment of salaries to as many as 36 employees whose services were regularised under the government’s policy in February last. These employees have not reportedly been paid since the regularisation of their services. The association also demanded strict action against certain ‘erring’officials of the administration wing who had rendered some employees surplus in their branches by ‘overstepping’ their jurisdiction. The association claimed the rights of appointment, termination of services and rendering an employee surplus were vested with the executive council of the university alone. The association also demanded restoration of services of some employees recently suspended by the university administration. |
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Chautala lays
stone of health centre KURUKSHETRA, Aug 27 — The Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, has urged the Union Government to start paddy procurement with effect from September 15 in the larger interest of the farming community.
He was speaking to mediapersons after laying the foundation stones of a Community Health Centre in Mathana village and “sabji mandi” in Ladwa. He also inaugurated a shed in the “anaj mandi” at Ladwa in the district today. While replying to a question, Mr Chautala said there was no rift between BJP and the INLD as both were part of the National Democratic Alliance. He pointed out that some disgruntled elements were spreading baseless rumours in this regard. While replying to a question regarding Mr Bhajan Lal’s shadow Cabinet, he said this Cabinet in fact did not exist. He made it clear that there was no threat to his government and it would complete the five years term without any hurdle. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the health centre, the Chief Minister said all primary facilities such as power, roads, clean drinking water, canal water, health services and other infrastructure would be provided to each village in the state. The government was aware of the problems of the people residing in the rural areas and was committed to work for their welfare, he added. He said though the health centre being built on an area of seven acres at a cost of Rs 2 crore would take some time to be constructed and become functional, two doctors with their staff would be deputed in the village with immediate effect. He said the government was giving due priority to the health services in the state which was evident from the fact that 100 doctors had been appointed last week. The Chief Minister also announced that road from Krami village to Kheri Gadiyam village would be repaired immediately. |
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Dhangali to have
power substation SHAHABAD, Aug 27 — The Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam will set up a 66 kv power sub-station at Dhangali village of this block at a cost of Rs 4 crore. Giving this information, Mr S.S.Panwar, Executive Engineer (operation), of the Uttar Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam, Shahabad, said here yesterday that this would be the fourth 66 sub-station in this division. Three substations of the same capacity were already working at Shahabad, Babain and Nalvi. Two substations of 33 kv would shortly be set up at Naisi and Jhansa at a cost of Rs 2 crore each, he added. The authorities had checked 100 cases of power theft in past 55 days and imposed fines worth Rs 12.13 lakh out of which Rs 7.65 lakh had already been recovered, Mr Panwar added. The Executive Engineer further said that the department had started a special drive for the recovery of power bills and 100 general category connections had been disconnected for non-payment of the bills. |
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Deserted by spouse YAMUNANAGAR, Aug 27 — A woman from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with two children was duped by her husband at the Jagadhari railway station yesterday. The aggrieved woman told, Mr Rajiv Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Yamunanagar, that she was a resident of the Island and the whereabouts of her husband Shekh Singh, were not known. Her husband had taken her on a trip to Chennai and Delhi. On August 26 when they reached the Jagadhri railway station, he had disappeared leaving her in the lurch. She alleged that she was given a rough treatment by railway police officials. The local Red Cross Society and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s office collected Rs 4000 to help her return to her native
place.
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Refresher course on economic reforms KURUKSHETRA, Aug 27 — The Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Mr R.S. Chaudhry, has justified the treatment of poverty alleviation programme as an integral part of human resource development after inaugurating a three-week refresher course on “Economic reforms, development and poverty” in the Department of Economics here. The Vice-Chancellor said self-improvement, efficiency, productivity and a spirit of learning would help in tackling poverty. The Dean, Academic Affairs, and chairperson, of the Department of Economics, Dr R.K. Rana, said the most serious problem of the Indian economy was poverty. He, however, said the economic reforms in the long run would certainly improve the condition of the poor. Dr B.K. Vashist of the Economics Department said 50 teachers from various universities and colleges were taking part in the refresher course. |
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Lockout in
unit renders workers jobless FARIDABAD, Aug 27 — A large number of industrial workers became unemployed due to a lockout declared by a leading industrial unit — Hemla Hosiery Manufacturing Dyeing and Printing Mills Pvt Ltd — yesterday.
All efforts for a compromise made by the Deputy Labour Commissioner between the management and the workers’ union failed due to the non-cooperative attitude of the workers’ union. A spokesman of the union attached with CITU, in a letter written to the Haryana Labour Commissioner, demanded the lockout should be declared as illegal and opening the mill immediately to a save large number of workers from starvation. A CITU spokesman in a press statement said today more than 25 factories had already been closed in this industrial town, thereby rendering more than 25,000 workers jobless. If early steps to re-open these industrial units were not taken by the government there was every likelihood that the unemployed and hungry workers may take the law into their hands and the government would be responsible for all consequences. |
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Mysterious death
of a boy NARNAUL, Aug 27 — Pankaj Kumar, a student of class X of the local ASD High School, died after taking potable water under mysterious circumstances.
According to sources, the father of Pankaj died on August 9 this month. When the student went to school he was reminded of depositing the fees and other dues by his class in-charge. The student requested a little time should be given to him he was allegedly treated in a rough manner. The student could not bear the rude behaviour and the treatment meted out to him by the teacher. Pankaj was sent to his house where he took water and breathed his last. The
body of the student has been removed to the General Hospital here for an autopsy. |
18 depose before
Chahal panel FATEHABAD, Aug 27 — Mr Justice J.S. Chahal, who heads a commission of inquiry set up by the state government to look into irregularities committed during the imposition of prohibition in the state, collected evidence and recorded statements of 18 local residents today.
The 18 persons, who had earlier submitted affidavits to the commission, deposed before it. The commission was set up by the Haryana Government on July 12, 1999. Talking to mediapersons, Mr Justice Chahal said the commission had received affidavits against VVIPs, but it would not be proper for him to reveal their names at this juncture.
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