Rising traffic takes its toll on NH-1
Lack of control makes things worse

Karnal, October 4 National Highway-1, which passes through Karnal, is one of the busiest roads in the country and it has its share of problems. Karnal city is growing at a rapid pace. No wonder it is witnessing ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads, especially on the NH-1. Overspeeding, jumping red lights, parking at prohibited areas and driving under the influence of liquor are some of the offences being committed by motorists with ever increasing traffic on this highway. Traffic moves at a snail’s pace on National Highway-1 in Panipat.—Tribune photo by Ravi Kumar

Wanted! Haryanavi grooms
Russian blondes on lookout

Jind, October 4 The skewed sex ratio in the state may be a cause of concern for sociologists and the efforts of the government may take a long time to correct this imbalance. But the marriageable youths in the state need not take it to the heart, as there is a good news from abroad. Russia-based Anna Pethakov (right) along with social activist Dev Raj (centre) and her brother Vitali.

‘Real freedom is yet to come’

Jind, October 4 While the country is celebrating the 150 years of the first war of Independence and remembering its heroes of the freedom movement, there are only a few freedom fighters who are alive and a source of inspiration for the younger generations.   Freedom fighter Bijender Singh (right) at his native village in JInd district

Inside Babudom
Biggest HCS cadre reshuffle
Chandigarh, October 4
The recent reshuffle of HCS officers in the state was the biggest reshuffle of this cadre undertaken in one go by the Hooda government. Almost 50 per cent of the cadre was shifted.

Govt to open 80 schools for child labourers
Panipat, October 4
Finally, there is a ray of hope for thousands of under privileged children who instead of attending schools are working in various hazardous industries of this district. The central government has approved the opening of 80 informal schools to tackle the problem of child labour.

Aged & lonely need more support
Jind, October 4
Changing social values and the emergence of nuclear family concept in the urban and semi-urban areas have highlighted the need of a well-developed infrastructure for providing help and support to elderly people in the district.

Adding value to rural development plans

Karnal, October 4 The Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), set up in 1990 in Nilokheri, is the apex training and research institute in the field of rural development in the state. The HIRD is an autonomous body under the department of development and panchayats. Surat Singh (centre), director of the HIRD, along with Prof Ranbir Singh (right) and Prof S. Kaushal.—Tribune photo by Ravi Kumar

Staff shortage puts roadways off track
Sonepat, October 4
The shortage of drivers, conductors and inspecting staff at Sonepat depot of the Haryana Roadways has created problems not only for the depot authorities but also for the public in general. It has also been resulting in revenue losses to the roadways, besides putting extra workload on the field staff.

Innocence lost: A ragpicker rummages through garbage in Panipat.—Tribune photo by Ravi Kumar

Bhindawas gears up to welcome migratory birds
Jhajjar, October 4
The arrival of large number of migratory birds at Bhindawas bird sanctuary during winter for the past couple of years has attracted the attention of the district administration as well as bird lovers. Anticipating that the winged visitors would flock the venue in good strength in the coming winter, the sanctuary has geared up for their welcome.

Fatehabad students have limited options
Fatehabad, October 4
Education is the major parameter to gauge the development of a particular area. But the district continues to remain backward so far as educational facilities are concerned.

Traffic chaos in Panipat
Work on new route to be stepped up
Panipat, October 4
Aimed at ensuring smooth movement of traffic on the GT Road, the district administration has finally instructed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the PWD to speed up the work on the proposed alternate route crossing through the township.

Jats, too, on the Gujjar path

Kaithal, October 4 After Gujjars of Rajasthan who have launched an agitation claiming ST status for reservation in government jobs, the Jats in Haryana have also raised their voice demanding reservation in Jobs. The tone of Jat leaders, who assembled here recently under the banner of the All India Jat Maha Sabha, was aggressive and they served an ultimatum to the government to accept their demand or be ready to face their agitation.

A Jat leader addresses the All India Jat Mahasabha held at Kaithal recently.—A Tribune photograph

Haryanavis just can’t stop smoking
Panipat, October 4
It seems that the ban on smoking has failed to curb the practice at public places in the district, including the judicial complex and civil hospital. Though visitors and women staff complain about the rampant smoking trends at various public offices, district officials remain mute spectators.  Even several government officials are accused of flouting the rules by smoking openly at their respective offices. The Anti-Smoking Act, passed by Parliament in 2003, forbids smoking at public places and any person caught breaking the law can be fined Rs 100 to 200.

‘Janhit divas’ on Bhajan’s birthday
Chandigarh, October 4
Supporters of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal has decided to celebrate his birthday on October 6 as “janhit divas” throughout the state.