M A I L B A G

Raising of HCS age limit

THE decision of the Haryana Government to raise the maximum age limit for recruitment to the Haryana Civil Services (Executive Branch) is totally unwarranted, unwanted and uncalled for. Such an unwise step would further jeopardise the stature of an elite service like the HCS, which is considered as the subsidiary of the IAS.

It may be recalled that the present government had earlier raised the maximum age limit for entry into government service from 35 years to 40 years. The corresponding age limit in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Himachal is 35 years and 38 years respectively. No doubt, Haryana has surpassed both of them is this regard.

Now taking into account the fact that the age of retirement in Haryana stood at 58 years, and going by the new decision of raising the maximum age limit for recruitment to the HCS (EB) from 40 years to 45 years, one can imagine what would be the quantum of benefits available to a serving and retired HCS officer. For instance, if a general category person joins the HCS (EB) at the age of 45 years, an SC/ST candidate at 50 years (claiming five years relaxation) and that a widow/handicapped person at 55 years (claiming 10 years relaxation), then the length of service of the HCS (EB) rendered by them would be 13 years, eight years and three years respectively. Will this make the HCS officer eligible for availing himself/herself of even the selection grade during his/her career, if not promotion? Further, this will not even make an officer eligible for pension. Other retirement benefits such as GPF and gratuity will also be meagre.

It all appears as a cruel joke to the aspirants of the HCS, who hold this service in high esteem.

The state should follow the pattern of the central government in this regard where the maximum age limit for recruitment to the Civil Services in 30 years. This would indeed increase the morale of young civil services aspirants.

HEMANT KUMAR
Ambala City

Petroleum crisis

MR G.K. Pandey’s article, “Petroleum crisis: why get caught in trap”, is very revealing. It is more relevant in the current scenario when the international price of crude oil has gone abnormally high, having a serious adverse repercussion on our foreign exchange reserves and overall economy. An upward revision of the prices of individual petroleum products, which has become unavoidable now, will no doubt have a spiralling impact on the rate of inflation affecting the poor.

We have miserably failed in the past to implement oil conservation measures. Nor has our crude production kept pace with our growing requirements.

These two issues no doubt, need to be tackled on a war-footing. Let the Ministry of Petroleum concentrate whole-heartedly on achieving some noticeable gains in these two areas within a firm time-schedule to save the country from the impending disaster.

J.S. OBEROI
New Delhi

HP Congress elections

THE Congress that has rule and ruined the soldiers’ state of Himachal Pradesh created a confusion in the minds of common party workers during the organisational elections held recently. So much so, the groups were seen coming nearly to blows due to biased procedure adopted during the polls. At Nadaun some of the workers were seen clashing with the supporters of the other group, bringing disgrace to the party that once boasted of being the most disciplined and dedicated to the cause of the people of the state. The workers who have spent years of long service for making the party strong and stable were found frustrated and frightened due to the chaos and the contradictions during the election all over the state.

  In one of the blocks in Kangra district, to accommodate a frustrated and a failed BJP worker, a post of legal adviser was created to give him cheerful company. Such a post was never heard of in the history of the Congress party as if one who cannot be faithful to one party can ever be trusted by other.

The Congress was expected to play a role of constructive opposition and take a political mileage from the flaws of the BJP due to some black sheep who had infiltrated in its cadre but the charisma and the impeccable integrity of the soldier Chief Minister, Prof PK Dhumal coupled with dedication to the development work undertaken by him have made the soldiers and the downtrodden swear by him. In spite of the divide and rule policy adapted by some of the people in the BJP by making and breaking the Panchayats, which created a panic in their minds for the political survival, the Congress has miserably failed to cash in on it. It appears that many of its cadre would look towards the BJP leadership than to remain in the party that has lost its shine and stamina.

The BJP leadership also requires a telescopic talent to throw out the people who have proved to be unfit and unreliable to the promises made during the election. The Chief Minister must take a hard decision to protect the interest of the people rather than the politicians who have brought disgrace to the party and the people. The theory of Kissa Kursi Ka would harm the state and its people just as it had harmed the Congress in the past. 

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR
Jalari-Hamirpur

Monastery SOS

IN the string of ancient and well-known monasteries of Ladakh, the Phyang monastery located 25 km west of Ladakh does not feature high in class value like the Hemis monastery, but when it comes to wall frescos and old age, the Phyang monastery is rated higher than Hemis monastery. It is today nearly 500 years old.

When an earthquake had hit Chamoli town in Garhwal region in 1998, a freak high intensity earthquake also hit village Phyang at the same time. This second earthquake was not reported outside the local areas, as there was no press to pick up the news. The effect of this earthquake at Phyang split the foundation base of this ancient monastery, endangering the Gompa. The Head Lama of the monastery and its General Council of Lamas, fearing the collapse of the central temple area, decided to shift the ancient Buddha’s statue to an adjoining new site by creating a new Gompa. They, however, are short of funds to erect the new Gompa.

Engineering drawings have been prepared, which estimate the cost of the new structure to be in excess of Rs 1 crore. Any charitable society, organisation, or trust, or even individual, who wishes to help the Lamas of Phyang monastery in their endeavour may consider writing their intent to the Head Lama, Gaon: Gompa Phyang, Leh, Ladakh — 194101, Jammu & Kashmir (India).

For the collection of funds, the Head Lama has created the “Driking Kagya Cultural and Welfare Society”, which would receive contributions when made, by existing instruments of account.

Pt GAUTAM KAUL
New Delhi