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Thursday,
May 9, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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SC order on mining may cost 80,000 jobs Privatisation experiment has failed 2 MLAs for CBI probe into HCS selections CM refuses Mercedes for self Ex-magistrate denied
pre-arrest bail |
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Probe judges’ role in PPSC scam: Bar 5 herb varieties evolved SDM holds open darbar Cong hunger strike
till May 21 Survey causes rise in stamp duty
In-laws booked for woman’s death Wheat purchase
suspended Bus hits crossing barrier; trains delayed
Rs 20-cr power bills settled Beer
cost them dear Labourer killed as wall caves in Armed youths
loot cash
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SC order on mining may cost 80,000 jobs Faridabad, May 8 The administration has formed several patrol parties headed by an official of Magistrate’s rank to ensure the implementation of the court order. The teams will consist of a senior police and a Mining Department official. The authorities today visited all mining pits in the region and ensured that the work, including despatch of material already mined and pumping of water was stopped completely. The authorities said most of lease holders stopped the work from last night only and there was no activity today. While the state government has been asked to file reply on the implementation of the court order in four weeks, the district administration received a fax message here last evening which called for immediate action. The Supreme Court order may affect economy as well as employment in the state. The government is set to lose over Rs 100 crore in form of revenue generated from the mining activity which nearly had become an industry in Haryana. Nearly 80 to 85 per cent of the mining work in Faridabad and Gurgaon districts will stop rendering over 80,000 persons jobless, a majority of which are labourers, said Mining Department sources. The government earned about Rs 84 crore from these mines last year besides the Sales Tax Department collected Rs 35 crore which included royalty. Mines in areas of Anangpur, Mewla Maharajpur, Bhadkhal Pali, Dhauj, Manger and Mohabattabad villages will be closed down. The state government had auctioned nearly 10 mining areas for Rs 30 crore in the region a few months ago. The court order is seen as setback to resources of the fund-starved Municipal Corporation, which receives 12 per cent of the total royalty collected from the mines. Nearly 123 crushers working in the Pali crushing zone here will also be closed down as an after-effect. The Bandhua Mukti Morcha led by Swami Agnivesh has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. |
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Privatisation experiment has failed Chandigarh, May 8 About a year ago, the state government had handed over the canteen of Haryana Bhavan in Delhi to a private caterer and disbanded the unit of the Hospitality Department functioning there. Nearly 65 employees of the department were transferred to Chandigarh and other places. It has now been decided that the Haryana Bhavan canteen will now be run by the Haryana Tourism Corporation on a no-profit-no-loss basis. The corporation is likely to take over the canteen from June 1. The contract to the private party was awarded by officers after inviting open tenders. However, guests of Haryana Bhavan were not satisfied with the services of the private contractor. Complaints reached the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, also. The privatisation of the Haryana Bhavan canteen was the brainchild of Mr Chautala himself, who was convinced that the disbanding of the hospitality unit in the guest house would not only result in an improvement in the services but also reduce a considerable burden on the state exchequer as the food provided by the Hospitality Department was highly subsidised. When the complaints against the contractor reached Mr Chautala, initially he thought that vested interests might be behind these. He is believed to have also pulled up those officers who had awarded the contract. Informed sources say Mr Chautala told the officers that when they were given free hand in the selection of the contractor and there was no political interference, why was a person who could deliver the goods not selected.
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2 MLAs for CBI probe into HCS
selections Chandigarh, May 8 The RPI legislator, Mr Karan Singh Dalal, had earlier given a list of 10 names — including those of the wards and kin of certain important political and administrative functionaries in the state — who, he said, were lavished with marks in the written examination to assure their place in the list of successful candidates. He said that he would help the CBI in collecting evidence if a probe was instituted into the HCS examination conducted by the
HPSC. Mr Krishan Pal Gujjar, leader of the BJP in the Haryana Assembly, also demanded a CBI probe into the HCS results. Talking to TNS from Faridabad on the telephone, Mr Gujjar said that only a
UPSC-type format of examination could ensure a fair selection of candidates. “The list of names given by Mr Dalal in October has turned out to be partially correct. Therefore, it is important to bring out the truth behind the HCS results”, Mr Gujjar said. He added that youth organisations in particular, including those of the
BJP, should agitate against the HPSC in the wake of the HCS results. Mr
Dalal, who took part in a demonstration in front of the HPSC office here today, said that he and his supporters would visit various universities and colleges in the state and tell the students about the functioning of the
HPSC. Mr Dalal claimed if the postal addresses of the successful candidates were published, the “extent of manipulation” of the results would come to light. He also sought action against the Chief Minister, the HPSC Chairman, the HPSC Secretary and the DGP for the alleged malpractices. Mr Dalal also circulated copies of a letter written by him to the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the issue of the HCS results. In the letter, Mr Dalal alleged that apart from “near and dear ones” of the Chief Minister, other ministers, MLAs and top state government officers, the list included candidates who managed to give illegal gratification. The MLA further wrote that all candidates selected for the HCS were of the “same caste as that of the Chief Minister”. The letter, copies of which were also sent to the President of India, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Union Law Minister, stated that malpractices in selections to the HCS by the HPSC were in no way less than those committed in the PPSC under Mr Ravi Sidhu. Mr Dalal urged the court to have the records of the selection process sealed and get these verified by the CBI under the supervision of a sitting judge of the high court. Mr Dalal was joined in the demonstration by his supporters as well as Mr Partap Singh, estranged brother of the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, in a press release issued here, an HPSC spokesman claimed that the commission always remained oblivious of the family background of candidates and made its recommendations on merit. The release said that if anyone had any grievance regarding the selections, he could approach the court. |
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CM refuses Mercedes for self Chandigarh, May 8 Sources said the CID had prepared a proposal for the acquisition of a white Mercedes Benz for the Chief Minister. The car, assembled at Pune, would have cost over Rs 30 lakh. However, it was shot down by the Chief Minister in the purchase committee meeting as the local dealer was not ready to yield to the state government’s demand regarding service of the car. Mr Chautala, it is learnt, has two Mercedes cars already at his disposal. However, one of them, manufactured in 1989, is not in very good condition and is used by the Chief Minister for movement in Chandigarh. The other one, which was earlier attached to the Finance Minister, is used by Mr Chautala for travelling to longer distances. The CID had proposed the acquisition of a brand new Mercedes for the Chief Minister in view of the security requirements, sources here said. Earlier, all 10 Cabinet colleagues of Mr Chautala were made to abandon their official Limousines with a lot of fanfare. The ministers were asked to use Ambassadors but they started grumbling and demanded fancier cars. Subsequently, Balenos from the Maruti stable was purchased for them. Sixteen new Balenos were purchased and supplied to the 10 ministers, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary, the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Speaker of the Assembly, Deputy Speaker and the Chief Minister’s Political Adviser. Acquisition of the
Balenos, costing about Rs 7 lakh each, cost the state exchequer more than Rs 1 crore. Interestingly, Mr Sampat Singh, Finance Minister, who was earlier stripped off his official Mercedes, is not using the Baleno. The reason given by him for his preference for Ambassador is reportedly that the latter is better for travelling in rural areas. |
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Ex-magistrate denied
pre-arrest bail Sirsa, May 8 According to the information received today, a former City Magistrate of Sirsa and Estate Officer HUDA Deveshwar Dayal had filed a plea for anticipatory bail following the registration of a case against him on the complaints by the Deputy Commissioner on the basis of allegations levelled against him by Ram Kishan Dhahia and owner of Rama Electricals. Earlier too he had been removed from the post of Estate Officer, HUDA following the some indiscrepancies in land records. In his complaint to the police, the Deputy Commissioner is reported to have referred to the accusation by clerk Ram Kishan Dhahia of not depositing the donations worth Rs 67,000 received from the persons who applied for licence. According to the report the Deputy Commissioner allowed donation for the Red Cross Society and other social organisations. In another case the owner of Rama Electricals had complained to the Deputy Commissioner that articles worth Rs. 84,000 were purchased by Deveshwar Dayal from his shop and repeated phone calls and visits could get him only Rs. 70,000. Ramesh Arora of local Surkhab Tourist Complex had also complained to the Deputy Commissioner against Deveshwar Dayal for not clearing the bill of Rs. 22,000 for making arrangements for tea during the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee on the birth anniversary of Mr Devi Lal on September 25 celebrated in
Kilianwali. However, according to the sources this payment had been shown on papers. |
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Probe judges’ role in PPSC
scam: Bar Ambala, May 8 Members at the meeting, presided over by its newly-elected president Mr Sardara Singh, also requested the Chief Justice to enquire into the matter concerned and take necessary action as requested by the Bar Association of the High Court. A large number of advocates attended the meeting. It was also resolved that work would remain suspended in the local and district courts on May 9 to protest against the scam. The District Chairman of the Legal Cell of BJP, Mr Viresh Gupta, in a statement also supported the resolution of the High Court Bar Association. He said that The Tribune deserved to be appreciated for taking up the issue exclusively and boldly. |
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5 herb varieties evolved Hisar, May 8 The Vice-Chancellor, Mr Vinay Kumar, said these varieties would play a vital role in the diversification of agriculture. The farmers, he said, would earn a good profit by cultivating these varieties of herbs even under limited available natural resources. He said the university had given a renewed thrust to research on the development of technology for economically viable cultivation and utilisation of medicinal plants. A core group of 40 scientists from different disciplines had been formed which had prepared a patent
and target- oriented long-term technical programme. Besides the development of production technology for raw material, this group of scientists would also develop post-harvest technology and identify the important molecules present in different herbs. Dr B.S. Dahiya, Director of Research, said the varsity had also started receiving strategic projects on medicinal plants. The Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy under the Union Ministry of Health and Welfare had sanctioned a Rs 25-lakh project for promoting cultivation, conservation, processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants in Haryana. The government, he said had already released Rs 9 lakh for the current year. Besides, the Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperation had also enhanced the financial outlay from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 9.1 lakh to this university for its central sector scheme on medicinal plants, he added. Apart from evolving varieties of medicinal herbs, the varsity has also established a herbal garden on its main campus. The garden has a rich collection of over 300 species of different plants of medicinal utility.
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SDM holds open darbar Kalka, May 8 He further said that a proposal would be sent to the government to provide more safai karamcharis to the municipal committee. The district president of the INLD, Mr Dwarka Dass, complained to the SDM that power supply condition in the town, especially in Kurari Mohalla, was pathetic. He complained that on several occasions the administration had promised to provide a separate transformer for Kurari Mohalla, but till date nothing had been done. The SDM directed the SDO (electricity) to take immediate action in this regard. In a written complaint to the SDM, the district Congress vice-president, Mr Rajiv Chopra, alleged that there was no check on throwing of garbage near Ambedkar Bhavan, consequently heaps of garbage could be seen there. Ms Lakshmi, a resident of
Abadullapur, complained that drainage system in their mohalla had been lying chocked for a long time. A number of complaints were made in this regard to the authorities concerned, but of no use. “Foul smell emanating from stagnant water in the mohalla has made the life of the residents miserable”, she said. Residents of ward No. 4 complained that postman did not visit their mohalla regularly. Major complaint of the residents was regarding drinking water. About 30 complaints were registered in this regard during the darbar. The SDM said the departments concerned would be asked to file reply in all the complaints received during darbar.
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Cong hunger strike
till May 21 Yamunanagar May 8 He alleged that all Gujarat riots were planned. He also blamed Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, for not taking any preventive steps there. The hunger strike was being observed in all district headquarters and would continue till May 21, he added. Mr Lehari Singh district party president (rural)also spoke.
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Survey causes rise in
stamp duty Kurukshetra, May 8 Stating this here today, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Abhilaksh Likhi, said the stamp duty had increased from Rs 95,80, 079 in to Rs 1, 64, 73, 318 in 2002 during April, registering a rise of 42 per cent rise. The rise would continue during the coming months also, Mr Likhi added. He said in order to fix the collector rate for the sale and purchase of land in rural and urban areas for 2000-2003, a villagewise and wardwise survey had been conducted in the district since January, 2002. The land had been surveyed on the basis of Khasra number for fixing the collector rate so that the people might not face any hardship in the registration and mutation of their land. Mr Likhi further said besides that, the drawing plan of the Urban land had been prepared with Khasra number with the help of District Town and Country Planner, HUDA and officials of municipal council / and committees.
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HSMITC staff hold rally Ambala May 8 The employees took out the rally through different markets against the government’s decision to close down the
HSMITC. Traffic was affected in Ambala city when the rallyists passed through the main roads. Among others Mr Jai Bhagwan
Dalal, Mr Indra KumarSharma, Mr Basant Lal, Mr Krishan Lal Sharma, Mr Vijay Kumar, Mr Surinder Gupta and Mr Surindra Sharma addressed the employees. They criticised the MD of HSMITC and said that his report was primarily responsible for the government taking the decision to close down the
HSMITC. They said that the HSMITC had contributed towards development of the state and it has been working for the welfare of people.
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In-laws booked for woman’s death Jind, May 8 Attar Singh, father of the deceased and a resident of Ban village in Sonepat district, in a report to the police, alleged that his daughter Poonam was married to Ramesh of Rajpura village about three years ago. He alleged that since her marriage, the in-laws of his daughter had been harassing her for bringing inadequate dowry. He alleged that Poonam was mercilessly beaten up by her in-laws due to which she died. No arrest had been made so far. |
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Wheat purchase suspended Yamunanagar, May 8 Mr Sharma stated that there had been glut of wheat in the mandies and weather was also uncertain, so to move the procured stocks of wheat to safe places, the
purchase of wheat in the district had been suspended. The Deputy Commissioner has assured the farmers that their wheat would be purchased by the state agencies after May 9.
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Bus hits crossing
barrier; trains delayed Ambala, May 8 The incident took place at the railway crossing near Baldev Nagar this evening when Haryana Roadways bus hit the barrier. This led to a few trains, including the Himalayan Queen being delayed by a couple of minutes. The passenger train 1 UK, was delayed more since the Shatabadi from Kalka had to pass. A person sustained injuries after a scooterist lost control following the incident. The injured person was taken to the nearby hospital.
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Rs 20-cr power bills
settled Chandigarh, May 8 While
stating this here today, the Chairperson of the Power utilities, Mrs
Meenaxi Anand Chaudhary, said that this amount did not include the
bills of those consumers who had chosen to make a monthly payment of
50 per cent of the amount of their arrears.
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Beer cost
them dear Ambala May 8 The incident took place near Saha when Meher Singh and Surjit Singh, both residents of Holi village were returning from the bank after encashing a cheque for Rs 2 lakh. The money was a security deposit with the local sugar mill. When they reached near Saha, they decided to have chilled beer. They placed the money inside the dicky of the motor cycle and parked it some distance away from the liquor vend. When they returned, they found that the dicky had been opened and the money was missing.
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Labourer killed as wall caves in
Hisar, May 8 Two labourers were working near the wall when it collapsed due to storm killing Satpal (35) on the spot. Injured, Satbir, has been admitted to the Civil Hospital, Hansi, where his condition is stated to be critical. The body of the deceased has been handed over to his relatives after conducting a post-mortem examination. PTI
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Armed youths
loot cash
Hisar, May 8 The incident occurred when two employees of the Nigam, Shyam Sunder and Raj Singh, were counting the money and taking the electricity bills in a complaint centre of the nigam in the village. The robbers came on a motor cycle and one of them entered the centre and pointed a pistol at the employees and ordered them to hand over the cash.
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