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| Tuesday, May 1, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Neighbours
reap Haryana’s bounty Reduction
in area under paddy Crop
destroyed: BKU opposes DC’s stand Agencies
told to lift wheat Ranga in
custody till tomorrow |
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Probe
ordered into contractors’ scuffle Vigilance
probe against 2 IAS officers MDU to
hire consultancy firm Mob
attacks police post, frees suspect Books,
uniforms at exorbitant rates Ruchika
case adjourned CM
visits slain BSF jawan’s family SAD
members to meet Chautala 4
killed, 6 hurt in road mishaps Youth
beaten to death Rs 37
crore waste management project Recruitment
of constables Six
arrested
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Neighbours reap Haryana’s bounty Hisar, April
30 According to information gathered by The Tribune from various parts of the state in general and the districts bordering these States in particular, most of the districts had crossed their procurement targets by this morning, which is highly unusual. There are still four more weeks to go. At this rate the state could be burdened with double the amount of wheat it had hoped to procure. A tour of the countryside revealed that harvesting was in full swing and heavy arrivals could continue throughout the next
month. For instance, Hisar district was supposed to buy 2.90 lakh quintals this season compared to 2.54 lakh quintals procured last year. However, by this morning, the agencies had purchased over 3 lakh quintals. Officials said arrivals began in earnest only on April 23 and within a week, the district had met its target. They said over half the crop in the area remains to be
harvested. The wheat glut has caught the official agencies unawares. Despite their best efforts and round the clock functioning, the mandis are witnessing an acute shortage of gunny bags, storage space and cash for payment to farmers. The roads and open spaces around the mandis and godowns of procurement agencies are choked with thousands of trucks waiting to offload or load wheat
bags. Officials do not openly blame arrivals from the neighbouring states for the glut, but they throw enough hints of that when they admit that Haryana could in no way have produced this much wheat and that too after severe damage to standing crops due to hailstorms and rains. According to experts, they were expecting only a marginal increase in wheat production this year since the area under wheat had risen marginally. They expected that the increase in production would be offset by the damage by inclement
weather. They said the state agencies had accordingly made adequate arrangements for smooth procurement. However, the announcement by the Haryana Government that every grain of wheat lying in the state’s mandis would be lifted lured farmers from the neighbouring states to share the bounty causing much consternation among the local farmers who are facing several problems due to the glut. Payments are being delayed, stocks are lying in the open and lifting has been slow despite the best efforts of the authorities.
Some local farmers even complained that officials of the procurement agencies were giving preference to farmers from other states. They levelled charges of graft against the officials. However, officials denied these charges by saying that they were going by the first come first served principle since they had no way of knowing where the wheat had come from.
Farmers’ organisations are crying foul and demanding a ban on the import of wheat from the neighbouring states. A visit to a few border check-posts in this district showed that tractor trailers loaded with wheat were arriving from Rajasthan by the dozen. In many cases relatives of Rajasthan farmers living in Haryana’s villages escorted them.
Meanwhile, traffic conditions on most of the roads in the state have worsened because of palls of dust due to threshing operations. The roads have become unsafe for travel, especially at night when motorists suddenly run into a blinding haze. |
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Reduction
in area under paddy Chandigarh, April 30 The sources said during a recent survey, it was found that the area under summer paddy got reduced from 10,000 hectares last year to 3,000 hectares in the current year in Kurukshetra district. Similarly, in Karnal the area under summer paddy had come down to 25,000 hectares from last year’s 40,000 hectares, while in Panipat the area had decreased to 700 hectares from last year’s 1,500 hectares. “The report from Kaithal is awaited, but we are expecting a reduction in the area there, too”, the officials said. They said the paddy crop was being replaced by farmers with pulses such as arhar (pigeon pea), moong (green gram), urat (black gram), and maize. While paddy was cultivated on about 11 lakh hectares in Haryana, the state government drew up a modest plan earlier this year to reduce the area by 1.5 lakh hectares. It was decided to discourage farmers from going in for summer paddy cultivation, and paddy cultivation in non-traditional areas such as land falling in Sonepat, Rohtak, Hisar and Fatehabad districts where the underground water level was low. Paddy cultivation in such areas leads to irreparable soil and water degradation. The sources said while the status of diversification of crops in the non-traditional areas was yet to be examined by government personnel, there was feedback suggesting that paddy in those areas was being replaced by guar (used for the manufacture of glue) and even cotton. The sources said that while guar was considered profitable by farmers for its export potential, cotton was also gradually making a comeback in the state. While last year 5.55 lakh hectares of land was cultivated in the case of cotton, it was expected to go up to 6 lakh hectares in the next season. The officials said though earlier also attempts had been made by the Agriculture Department to move farmers away from the traditional wheat-paddy rotation, it was successful this year primarily because of two reasons. “First, we undertook an intensive campaign among the farmers to persuade them to go in for crops which had both domestic and international markets”, the officials said. They added that the shift from early paddy, known as sathi paddy, also took place because of the losses suffered by farmers during paddy procurement last year. Huge quantities of paddy were rejected by government agencies last year because of high moisture content. Farmers were not given any compensation as the Union Government cold-shouldered the Haryana Government’s demand for a package for the state to compensate the farmers. “The farmers are also aware of the WTO and there is a fear that the days of assured procurement by agencies are coming to an end”, the sources said. They added that another important change in the paddy scenario this time was that the farmers were increasingly shifting to basmati, which could be sold to private traders. While paddy production in the state was expected to come down with the reduction in the area under the crop, the production could be further affected by the farmers’ preference for basmati, which was a low-yield variety. |
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Crop destroyed: BKU opposes DC’s
stand Sonepat, April 30 Mr Braham Singh Dahiya, a leader of the BKU, told mediapersons here today that Mr Hari Singh Khokhar, President of the Haryana unit of the BKU, would lead the
demonstration. He said a five-member team of the BKU visited Jajal village yesterday and saw the destruction of standing wheat in 82 acres by a fire caused due to a short circuit. Members of the team were apprised of the situation and the alleged indifferent attitude of the Deputy Commissioner towards farmers whose crops had been
destroyed. Mr Dahiya also opposed the stand taken by the Deputy Commissioner in connection with the destruction of the crop and maintained that no farmer could set his crop on fire and then claim compensation for
it. He urged the state government to order a special survey of losses suffered by the farmers and grant compensation at the rate of Rs 10,000 per acre to the affected
farmers. Meanwhile, wheat crop was reduced to ashes when a fire broke out in the fields at Janti Kalan and Dubeta villages in this district
yesterday. According to a report, sparking in high-voltage wires passing over the fields was stated to be the reason for the fire. Fire tenders from Sonepat brought the fire under
control. Another report said a stock of wheat was also burnt at Ganaur mandi, about 16 km from here, yesterday. A large quantity of wheat was still lying in the open and the procurement agencies had failed to lift the wheat from the
market. |
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Agencies
told to lift wheat Bhiwani, April 30 Procurement agencies have been directed to start bidding in time and lift the entire foodgrain at the minimum support price. Sources claimed here today that the payments were being made within 72 hours of procurement and farmers were
satisfied. However, farmers have complained about the apathetic attitude of the procurement agencies. Mr Ram Chander from a nearby village said since he had less quantity of wheat, his produce was lifted late. It has been seen that the farmers with large produce are treated on a priority
basis. Meanwhile, official bid for mustard started at the Market Committee office here. A spokesman told that procurement of mustard would take place at Loharu tomorrow and arrangements had been made to store the produce in Bhiwani and
Loharu. |
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Ranga in custody till tomorrow Ambala, April 30 The bail applications moved by them today will be taken up on May 2 in the court of a Special Judge, Haryana, Mrs Anita Choudhary. The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed a charge sheet against Mr Ranga and Mr Tikku on April 18. It contains reference to 43 witnesses and is for offence under Section 120B, IPC read with Section 13 (1) (a) and 13 (I) (d) read with Section 13 (2) of PC Act 1988 vide RC No 6/98 dated January 1,
1998. Mr Ranga is alleged to have taken illegal gratification to the tune of lakhs of rupees for disbursement of wheat to mill owners in different districts in Haryana. Mr Tikku is claimed to be the go-between Mr Ranga and the mill owners. About 18, 200 tonnes of wheat was reportedly sold to seven roller
mills. Mr Ranga, who was then the Regional Manager, had held meetings with the flour mill owners in different hotels of Chandigarh and
Panchkula. The flour mill owners who find mention in the charge sheet include those from Panchkula, Ambala, Hisar, Karnal, Kurukshetra and
Rohtak. The application for bail under Section 439, CrPC, of Mr Surinder Kumar Tikku states, “The accused-petitioner has been falsely involved in the case on the allegations that he was instrumental in obtaining illegal gratification for R.K. Ranga co-accused by issuing release order of
wheat. “The allegations mentioned in the FIR are false and baseless. The release orders were never issued by Mr R.K. Ranga, co-accused, but always issued by the district manager, as per policy of the
government.” The application, further states, “The accused-petitioner is engaged in the business of construction of buildings in Haryana and Punjab and nothing to do with the allotment, distribution or release of any
quota of wheat to any mill owners.” |
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Probe ordered into contractors’
scuffle Gurgaon, April 30 The Additional Chief Engineer, HUDA, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mr R.C. Taneja told, said an inquiry had been ordered into the alleged incident. The local HUDA administrator, Mr A. Aggarwal, expressed his ignorance over the
incident. The contractor, who has procured exemption in the rules in his favour so that he could submit a tenders and compete with other contractors for the construction projects, allegedly snatched away the tender forms from some of his competitors while they were in the process of submitting them with the HUDA. The said contractor, who allegedly claims to be close to the family members of the Chief Minister allegedly challenged his competitors from submitting the tender forms. The day incident took place, was the last day for submitting the forms. As things stand today, the alleged contractor is the sole contender for the taking up the construction
projects. The development has once again brought to light unholy nexus between the officialdom and the vested interests. This clearly indicates how the authorities can bend the rules to benefit the chosen ones. Many point out that this case was example of the authorities using half truths as an excuse to use the plenary power vesting in them to misuse their
authority. The facts of the case are as follows: The HUDA had invited tenders for the construction of three RCC box
drains. The case pertained to the Division-3.The exercise was enacted thrice. Although there is nothing on record to prove and the officials are
tight-lipped. Unofficial sources said the office of the Superintending Engineer, HUDA, Gurgaon, Mr Pankaj Humra, wanted the Executive Engineer concerned to accommodate the said contractor, who is in the centre of the controversy. As things could not materialise in contractor’s favour the exercise of inviting tender took place for the fourth time. This time the jurisdiction and locus standi was shifted to
Division-2. Significantly, the contractor did not have the eligibility to respond to the tender notices with regard to construction of two RCC box drains as governmental cost offer, for each of them, was on the higher side. The contractor, according to the rule, was technically not qualified as he had experience of executing the specified nature of the projects of cost not more than Rs 10 lakh. However, the Executive Engineer of Division-2 prepared a case for exemption of rules in favour of the contractor and forwarded the same to the Superintending Engineer, which he
granted. However, Mr Humra justified his changing over the jurisdiction regarding the acceptance of tenders saying that he enlisted the Division-2 as he had doubt on some of the officials of Division-3. He also justified the exemption saying that a cartel of contractors had been operating for long and inflicting loss upon the state government by quoting less amount for projects. He said the new contractor had offered much higher prices for the projects.
However, there are many who do not agree with the rationale of Mr
Humra. Those who do not agree with him say that even if his contention that a cartel was operating at the expense of government exchequer was conceded, two wrongs do not make a right. The moot question is, why did the authorities give concession to only one contractor. If the exemption was to be made, this could have been made part of a policy and should have been brought to the public notice. In such a situation many more who were originally not eligible, could also avail the opportunity to respond to the tender notice and the government would have wider spectrum of volunteers to choose for the execution of the project. This could have possibly brought more profit to the state exchequer. There feeling that in case Mr Humra’s philosophy becomes the guiding norm, transparency would be the greatest
casualty, which is dangerous for democratic set of
governance. What has attracted the attention of many in the case is that the alleged violence took place on the very day Mr Chautala was in
town. The contractors who were subjected to the humiliation have intimated to the authorities concerned, including the Chief Minister. |
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Vigilance
probe against 2 IAS officers Chandigarh, April 30 The officers against whom the inquiry has been ordered are Mr Raj Kumar of the 1977 batch and Mr Ajit Mohan Sharan of the 1979 batch. While Mr Raj Kumar is at present posted as the Excise and Taxation Commissioner of Haryana, Mr Sharan is on deputation with the Union Government. He is posted as Joint Secretary (Insurance) in the Finance Ministry. According to informed sources, the Chief Minister last week ordered that the inquiry should be handed over to the Vigilance Bureau. The sources say the Prime Minister’s Office had received an anonymous complaint against Mr Raj Kumar about three years ago. The PMO had forwarded the complaint to the Haryana Chief Minister’s office, which has now been referred to the Vigilance Bureau. The allegation against Mr Sharan relates to irregularities allegedly committed by him when he was the Managing Director of the Haryana Financial Corporation under the Bhajan Lal government. |
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MDU to hire consultancy
firm Rohtak, April 30 The executive council of the university at a meeting held here today authorised the Vice-Chancellor, Major Gen Bhim Singh Suhag (retd), to constitute a sub-committee of council members to finalise the
firm. Reviewing the university functioning, the council decided that supervisory staff above the rank of Superintendent would not be a member of the Non-Teaching Employees Association.
It deferred till its next meeting a review of the university Act. The Vice-Chancellor has sought recommendations of the council in changing the Act and
statutes. The council members reportedly said that the matter required detailed examination at various levels, including that of the Academic Council, before taking a final decision on
it. The council has advised the Vice-Chancellor to take up the issue of granting increments to employees on extra-ordinary leave. While the university had been allowing this benefit to its employees, the government had not approved of
it. It was also decided to legally examine the government proposal to frame its gratuity rules according to the new rules framed by the government. The proposed rules would adversely affect the university employees, the Registrar, Dr
S.P.S. Dahiya, told The Tribune. He said the university had also decided to revise the qualifications for the post of Director, Distance
Education. The council advised the Vice-Chancellor to get the issue of redesignation of PA/PS examined and deferred a decision on it till the next meeting. This issue had been hanging fire for the past over five months. It was first discussed by the council at a meeting held in December and later in
March. The university has decided to deposit the arrears of teachers in the
GPF. The arrears have been due since 1996, when the government revised their pay scales. |
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Mob attacks police post, frees suspect Faridabad, April 30 According to information, about 12 to 14 persons armed with sharp-edged weapons attacked the police post located at Fafoonda village in Ballabgarh subdivision after the police had nabbed Kuldeep of the same village on charges of looting a motor cyclist near the village. It is learnt that the police had taken the action on a complaint filed by Vijay of Lahodali village that two persons had snatched some cash, a licence and registration papers of the motor cycle, which he had recently bought, when he was on his way to his village on
Saturday. According to a report, the mob assaulted constable Ram Kunwar and allegedly took him with them to their village. They also got the suspect freed from the police
post. A police party led by a DSP raided Fafoonda village and got freed the “kidnapped”
policeman. The SSP, Mr Ranbir Sharma, could not be contacted in this regard. |
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Books, uniforms at exorbitant
rates Sonepat, April 30 Such traders do brisk business during the peak admission season and there is little doubt that some of these schools have a nexus with these
traders. The modus operandi is simple. During the days when admissions are made the parents fall prey to the school authorities’ demands. When a child is admitted the school authorities provide a list of books to the parents, along with the name of a bookseller. A similar list is given for the uniform along with the name of a particular dealer. One has to make payment to the school or the dealer even for the winter uniform as the dealer continuous his services throughout the
year. Similarly, a selected bookseller is invited by the school management and parents are asked to buy the books from him. It is alleged that the parents have to buy books and stationery items at exorbitant rates, much more than the market
price. On an average, a student has to spend around Rs 5,000 every year on uniforms for summer and winter, besides another Rs 2,000 on shoes, books and stationery items.
The estimated turnover of this business is stated to be in lakhs even if half of the students are involved in this system. Some shops dealing in uniforms have been specified by a majority of
schools. A shopkeeper in the Mandi area said till the last minute, the list of books is kept a closely-guarded secret by the school authorities. Hence, the booksellers, except the chosen one, are not able to arrange the items. Many booksellers are planning to form their associations against this
exploitation. Meanwhile, the local Parents Welfare Association has urged the state government to order a high-level probe into the matter and take stern action against the managements of the schools allegedly involved in fleecing the students and their parents. |
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Ruchika
case adjourned Ambala, April
30 Former Director-General of Haryana Police S.P.S. Rathore, was present in the court. His counsel moved an application under Section 294 of the CrPC in the
court. The application pertained to, among other things, previous litigation between the parties, defamation cases, different statements and closing order to enquiry by the Home
Secretary. Mrs Madhu Prakash was present in the court. The CBI had filed a charge sheet in the case against Mr Rathore in this court in November last. It had also filed an application with the court for condoning the delay in filing the challan in the court. On December 5, the court condoned the delay in the chargesheeting and took cognisance of the charges against the then DGP. |
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CM visits slain BSF jawan’s
family Sonepat, April 30 While condemning the inhuman treatment meted out to BSF jawans by the BDR, he assured that the state government would give all possible assistance to the bereaved
family. Later, on his way to Sonepat city, Mr Chautala visited the foodgrain markets of Kharkhauda and Sonepat and took stock of the situation regarding procurement of wheat. He also listened to complaints of farmers and assured that he would redress all complaints in connection with the procurement of wheat.
Mr Chautala also visited the residence of Mr Suraj Mal Antil, MLA, at Murthal and condoled the death of his wife. |
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SAD members to meet
Chautala Yamunanagar, April 30 Mr Joginder Singh Chawla, the president of the district unit of the SAD, today said Mr Chautala had earlier assured that due representation would be given to the Sikhs in boards, corporations, improvement trusts and market
committees. Mr Chawla alleged that despite the promise, not a single Sikh had been inducted in any of these bodies as yet in the district. He said earlier also, the Sikhs were assured that they would be included in grievance committees, but that too had not been considered. |
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4 killed, 6 hurt in road mishaps Jind, April
30 In another accident two persons were killed on the spot when a tractor-trolley on which they were travelling overturned near Dhamtan village in the district. The deceased have been identified as Dalel Singh and Jasvinder Singh of Gular village. In the third accident near Chhaper village six persons were injured in a collision between two vehicles. |
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Youth beaten to death Faridabad, April
30 The incident took place near the Civil Hospital after a quarrel broke between the suspects and the victim, who were in an inebriated
state. The victim, Kunwar Pal (30) of Kondal village, was attacked with an iron rod, knife and broken glass bottle.
The accused fled away after the incident. A case has been registered. One of them, identified as Suresh, was arrested later. |
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Rs 37 crore waste management project Chandigarh, April 30 Mr Subhash Goyal, Minister of State for Urban Development, said the project would be implemented within three years and improve the solid waste management system in 16 municipal areas — Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, Sonepat, Palwal, Rewari, Rohtak, Panipat, Samalkha, Gohana, Gannaur, Sohna, Jhajjar, Nuh, Hodal, Meham and
Bewal. |
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Recruitment
of
constables Chandigarh, April
30 The Director-General of Police, Mr M.S. Malik, said recruitment would be held to fill 1,685 posts of constable, including 85 for women, and 114 reserved for sportsmen. |
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Six arrested Kaithal, April 30 Later, when people known to the injured went to the police station, the assailants reportedly hurled stones on them and damaged a Maruti car and two two-wheelers. They also set on fire a motor cycle following which a large crowd gathered at the police station and demanded action against the miscreants. |
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