Chandigarh, November 28
Notwithstanding the fact that the services sector remains the biggest source of employment in urban areas throughout the country, Haryana and Gujarat have managed to ensure that the industry too provides a major avenue for jobs, according to a study by the apex industry body, Assocham.

As many as 319 persons per 1,000 were employed in the industry in urban Haryana and 306 in Gujarat as against the national average of 242, as per the latest data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

The two states were the top in terms of the industry providing the maximum employment in the urban areas among the major states.

An analysis of the official data shows that these two states were less dependent on the services sector per 1,000 people for employment. As against the national average of 683 urban people per 1,000 finding jobs in the services sector, 641 found jobs in Gujarat and 627 in Haryana as per the latest figures of the NSSO. The dependence commensurately increased in the industrial sector.

The services sector contributes the maximum to the national economy, accounting for over 56 per cent of the GDP. However, overdependence on the services, mainly trade, hotels, restaurants, transport etc, is not considered the best option for a country which aspires for a growth combined with employment generation.

“The share of industry in the overall employment must grow so that more people can get jobs in the manufacturing sector,” said Rajkumar Dhoot, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

“Though the share of the industrial sector in the total employment is more than its contribution in the GDP, we need to increase its role in the overall economy,” he said.

As per the 2009-10 NSSO figures, the latest official data available so far, the share of the industry in the total employment in the country was about 22 per cent. The manufacturing sector contributes the maximum to the industrial sector and jobs as well, and it is in this area that the country should focus on, highlights the Assocham analysis.

The industry provides jobs to only 160 per 1,000 people in Jharkhand whereas it is just 121 in Bihar and 137 in Assam. States like Rajasthan, with an average employment of 186 (per 1,000) dependent on the industry in the urban areas, have also not done well in industrial progress. With tourism as the main source of jobs, the services sector in Rajasthan is overwhelmingly the biggest source of jobs.

Sirsa, November 28
Will Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) supremo Kuldeep Bishnoi be able to organise his Jan Samarthan Maha Rally in Sirsa on December 2 as per schedule?

The decision by the district authorities to continue with night curfew in the town and Section 144 of the CrPC in the entire district and closure of schools, colleges and educational institutions till November 30 has put a question mark on the possibility of the rally.

Senior BJP leaders, including Nitin Gadkari and Sushma Swaraj, are to address the rally being organised to mark the 5th foundation day of the HJC.

With prohibitory orders in force and flow of traffic to the town restricted, it may prove difficult for the HJC to hold a rally in Sirsa on the coming Sunday under these conditions.

When asked whether the permission granted to the HJC for its December 2 rally was still valid, City Magistrate Satish Kumar said still several days were left for the proposed rally.

Bishnoi said the rally would be held as per schedule and his party would not hesitate to violate the prohibitory orders for it.

Deputy commissioner J Ganesan said the situation was normal and business activity was witnessed in the markets today.

Local residents have already been demanding lifting of the curfew in this wedding season. “We have already booked a caterer to prepare food for nearly 1,500 guests,” said a resident, whose daughter’s marriage is fixed for November 30.

Faridabad, November 28
The Haryana Janhit Congress (BL) has initiated moves to wean away disgruntled elements in the Congress and the INLD to its fold before its much-hyped Sirsa rally on December 2.

HJC leader Dharampal Mallick today said a number of leaders of political parties are in touch with his party. He, however, declined to identify them. “Their names will be out in public at an appropriate time,” he said. He clarified that the leaders are not from the BJP, which is an ally of the HJC.

In a telephonic conversation, Mallick said the leaders from other political parties would continue to join the HJC even after the Sirsa rally.

When asked if any leader would join the HJC at the Sirsa rally, he said: “Wait and watch.”

The HJC’s move to win over leaders of political parties assumes significance with former minister and Congress leader Shanti Rathi joining the party today.

Meanwhile, local leaders of the HJC are organising village-level meetings to mobilise public support for the Sirsa rally. Faridabad president of the party Tejpal Sharma today addressed public meetings in Tigaon, Raipur, Landola and Palwali.

The vyapaar cell of the party organised a meeting of shopkeepers and trading community at the Malerna road market in the Ballabgarh area of Faridabad yesterday to solicit support for the rally.

The youth wing of the party here has also pitched in to galvanise support of the youths.

Chandigarh, November 28
Low margins of the printing cluster in Karnal could soon be a thing of the past, courtesy the Cluster Development Programme which promises to usher in newer technology, better machines and improved marketing at the Common Facility Centre (CFC) for use by individuals.

Sources in the Industry Department, Haryana, said with the cost of the entire project pegged at Rs 16 crore, of which the Centre will contribute Rs 11.6 crore, the Haryana Government will give Rs 1.5 crore and the rest of the cost will be shared by local entrepreneurs of the cluster. While land for the CFC has been identified, the process of floating of tenders for its construction and purchase of machinery is on.

Unlike other places where societies are running the show, the local entrepreneurs of the cluster have formed the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as a private limited company under the Companies Act. The SPV has representatives of the Government of India and the Haryana Government on board. Headed by president Vinay Taneja, a local with a printing and packaging unit, with a total of 25 members from the cluster, it is trying to fast track the operations.

Plagued with labour uncertainties, lack of aggressive marketing and unable to keep abreast with the latest technology for want of funds, most entrepreneurs are barely breaking even.

“There are about 400 printing and packaging units in Karnal, of which 300 are very small ones. Out of the remaining 100 units, 76 are printing units and 24 are packaging units. We came to know of this GoI scheme wherein the state government would also make some contribution. This came as a ray of hope as we needed to upgrade printing technology for our cluster to tap the growing market and establish marketing linkages,” Taneja says.

The consultant appointed by the state government to carry out a survey has submitted a study. “The main problem we are facing is that we are an unorganised sector and technically not earning anything given the obsolete machinery and the inability to adapt to newer available technology. The CFC will address all these issues and provide us the latest in technology and machinery to improve our processes and quality,” Taneja explains.

The SPV has taken possession of a piece of land in Sector 37 of Karnal, where the CFC will come up. “A detailed project report was prepared for the machinery required at the CFC. The facilities provide at the CFC comprises of the pre-press process which includes designing and plate-making, post-press which is about finishing and packaging of boxes to make sure they do not allow moisture-seepage and turn it into a quality product,” the president explained.

While the process has been set rolling, it will take a few months for the things to take shape since everything from purchase of machinery to the construction of the CFC is still at the tendering stage.

There are 40 such clusters all over the state where Chinese goods, lack of labour and linkages are proving to be bane of the clusters, forcing manufacturers to turn into traders instead. Ambala, once considered the hub of microscope and laboratory equipment production, has been reduced to a stamping and forwarding cluster over time. China-made microscopes, casting and optical lenses have established dominance primarily because running establishments is no more a paying proposition.

Similarly, Yamunanagar with its utensils cluster, Panipat known for its fabric and upholstery cluster, Kaithal’s rice mill cluster, Gurgaon’s cluster of low-cost clothing manufacturers, Rohtak’s precision tools cluster and many more are gradually falling out. As a result, business, product standards and employment have also fallen considerably over the last few years.

Chandigarh, November 28
Haryana IAS officer Ashok Khemka has invited the wrath of a Congress leader by criticising the posting of an HCS officer as Managing Director, Hartron.

In a letter to the Governor, former Haryana Congress secretary Satpal Kaushik has demanded that the Governor should immediately order disciplinary proceedings against Khemka for, what he described as, “gross indiscipline”.

Kaushik said in a democracy, it was the prerogative of an elected government to post and appoint civil servants. The actions of the government could be criticised by the opposition parties or social organisations or even citizens. However, the civil servants did not have this right. If the civil servants were allowed to criticise the government openly, anarchy would prevail, he said.

Kaushik also demanded an inquiry against Khemka.

Chandigarh, November 28
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev was celebrated with zeal and fervour in Haryana today. The day being “Kartik Purnima”, a large number of people thronged the holy sarovars at religious places, including Kapal Mochan in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra, to have a dip.

Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda extended their greetings to the people of the state on this occasion.

As many as11 lakh devotees took a holy dip at the stroke of midnight at the historical and religious Kapal Mochan Mela which concluded today at Bilaspur in Yamunanagar district. The pilgrims thronged all the sarovars to take the holy dip. They lit earthen lamps on the banks of the sarovars which mingled with the illumination decorating the gurdwaras and temples, presenting a very picturesque scene.

The historical Kapal Mochan fair has its roots in the belief that it relieves the sins of the three eras. As per the belief of the people, taking a bath in Kapal Mochan sarovars washes away sins which are even as grave as ‘Braham Hatya’. This dham is also known to have been the workplace of Maharshi Ved Vyas, son of Maharshi Prashar and the creator of the epic, Mahabharata. He also scripted the Vedas and Purans here. There are five tirthas in different directions in the nearby area of Kapal Mochan. In the north is the Tirthraj Kapal Mochan itself and on the other sides are the Som Sarovar, Rin Mochan, Surya Kund and Chandar Kund. These sarovars are known to provide fame and fortune to those who come to take the holy dip. Lakhs of pilgrims have been coming here for the past many years.

The holy place has a great following amongst the Sikh community too, as in 1687 Guru Gobind Singh had rested here for 52 days after the battle of Bangani. A large number of Sikhs along with Hindus and Muslims took a bath in the holy sarovars, presenting a picture of unity and amity. The pilgrims had started arriving at Kapal Mochan since November 23 to take the ‘panchsnan’. The crowd started departing soon after 2 am.

The mela administration had made sufficient arrangements for the benefit of the pilgrims. Deputy commissioner Ashok Sangwan conveyed best wishes to the pilgrims on Kartik Purnima and Parkash Parav.

Gurgaon, November 28
The district police has arrested two persons in connection with the double murder of a private ambulance owner and his driver.

The bodies of 40-year-old Bijender Singh, a resident of Firoz Gandhi colony, and his driver Rajender Singh, 25, resident of Sultanpur village, were found on Friday morning in a pool of blood inside their ambulance parked outside a private school here.

The police said they had arrested Rahul, a former driver of the ambulance. Bijender had fired Rahul for duping him in the name repair of the vehicle.

After firing Rahul, Bijender had hired Rajender and ever since Rahul had nursed a grudge against them, the police said.

“Rahul asked one of his accomplices to call Rajender to take a body to Bihar. Rajinder then called Bijender and reached his place along with two men who claimed to be the callers. They then took the duo to a secluded place where Rahul’s other accomplices were waiting. They killed both of them with iron rods on the spot,” said a police official.

The police nabbed Rahul on the information provided by his accomplice, who made the first call to Rajinder. The police first picked up Rahul’s accomplice on the basis of the call details of Rajender mobile phone. Bijender was the only earning member in the family.

Rewari, November 28
Three motorcycle-borne miscreants looted at gunpoint Rs 2 lakh from shop owner Raman Kumar in the Katla Bazaar here today.

One of the miscreants reportedly pushed a pistol into Raman’s mouth.

While some currency notes fell on the ground in haste, they fled with the booty. -- OC

Gurgaon, November 28
The police has arrested four persons, including a BTech student, in the murder case of Ravindra.

Ravindra was stabbed to death on Friday night after a brawl by Parikshit Saini, a resident of Shiv Vihar Colony, Old Gurgaon, Kavindra Kataria, Manish Kataria and Nishant, all residents of Gurgaon village.

The police said Kavindra was a student of BTech, while Manish and Nishant were unemployed.

Sources said Saini, after manhandling Ravindra when he urinated in public in a drunken state, left the place and returned with a sword and his friends and stabbed Ravindra to death.

The incident took place at Prajapati Dharmshala where one Kuldeep had arranged a ring ceremony. After the incident, the victim was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Jhajjar, November 28
The police has arrested a criminal carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head.

Yogesh of Nilothi village was arrested after a shootout near Dulhera village under the jurisdiction of Bahadurgarh subdivision in the district on Tuesday night.

The police seized a pistol of .32 bore, a gun of .12 bore and 14 live cartridges from the possession of the criminal.

Yogesh is accused of killing four persons at Dulhera village in August 2011 and a case of extortion was registered against him with the Line Par police station in Bahadurgarh town this year, said a police official.

“We received a tip-off that Yogesh would cross the Dahkaura-Jassaur Kheri road near the NCR canal on Tuesday evening. We laid a trap and managed to intercept Yogesh, but he tried to escape and fired at the policemen deputed there,” said Jhajjar Superintendent of Police.

The district police chief added that the policemen also exchanged fires with the criminal in their defence and managed to nab him.

Hisar, November 28
Students of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology today observed a hunger strike and staged a dharna in front of the office of the Vice-Chancellor in protest against the murder of a student on the campus on Monday.

They said it was the second incident of its kind on the campus within four months.

A spokesperson for the students alleged that the university administration had not fulfilled any of the promises made to them after the murder of a girl student on August 10. This lapse resulted in the murder of another girl under similar circumstances on Monday.

RS Jaglan, registrar, told newsmen that almost all demands of the students had been accepted and assured them that foolproof security would be ensured on the campus. — TNS

Chandigarh, November 28
As many as 5.5 lakh visitors thronged the Haryana Pavilion during the India International Trade Fare (IITF)-2012 which concluded last evening. Since its beginning on November 14, as many as 3,430 trade queries were received by 35 units displayed at the Haryana Pavilion.

As per the theme of the IITF-2012, Haryana showcased its development in ‘skilling’ at the international fair, in which 110 exhibitors, including government departments, boards, corporations, industries, institutes and artisans, participated.

The Trade Fair Authority of the state had renovated and remodelled the Haryana Pavilion as per the theme “Skilling India” of the fair to present the picture of “Skilling Haryana”. Industries and artisans showcased the skills developed by them.

Main attraction was the model of F-1 car and robots developed by students of an engineering college, symbolising the high level of technical education being provided in the state. A grand display of products by artisans of the state attracted visitors in large numbers. Natural ventilated poly house of the Horticulture Department, model of satellite of HARSAC and e-governance displays also attracted visitors. Visitors, particularly students, took keen interest in the display of 150 types of rocks, including floating stones and flexible stones, collected and displayed by M/s Amit Scientific Traders of Ambala Cantt.

The presentable items of jari jutti, fancy pots, surahi, lamps, artificial jewellery, suits and kurtas and a complete home furnishing display also made the visitors halt and make inquiries. Health products manufactured by various food processing industries in the state also attracted the attention of visitors.

Live demonstration by handloom and handicraft weavers showed the richness and diversity in the talent harnessed by the state. Impressive display of energy-saving lights by HPL Limited was also a big attraction.

Major units and institutes whose products attracted the visitors most included M/s Atlas Cycles, M/s Honda Motors and Scooter India Pvt Ltd, M/s HPL Ltd, Manav Rachna International University, Footwear Design and Development Institute, CIPET, HSIIDC, HAFED, HSAMB, Horticulture Department, Archaeology Department and Health Department.

Rewari, November 28
When a man could not withdraw currency notes of a lesser denomination of his choice from an ATM booth of the Punjab National Bank at the circular road here on Monday night, he along with his associate smashed the ATM’s screening glass in a fit of rage.

When the security guard challenged their wrongdoing, they immediately fled away.

The security guard filed a complaint with the police in this regard, following which the police registered a case of damaging government property.

Sirsa, November 28
Eight persons were injured when an autorickshaw overturned near Sahuwala village on the Dabwali road in Sirsa today.

The injured persons include two children.

The autorickshaw carrying seven passengers besides the driver was going towards Sirsa when it suddenly overturned as the driver tried to save a dog.

Due to the load of passengers being more than its normal capacity, the autorickshaw went out of control of the driver, Ram Kumar.

Chanan Ram, a resident of Panniwala Mota, his two daughters Shakila and Pooja, Brij Lal and Sukhwinder Kaur, both from Panniwala Mota, Chanan Ram and his wife Bala from Baruwali and the driver were injured in the accident.

All the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Sirsa, and their condition was stated to be out of danger.

Chandigarh, November 28
University of Sydney signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with OP Jindal Global University (JGU) for providing academic collaboration in teaching, training and research. Under the MoU, Sydney Law School and Jindal Global Law School will undertake student and faculty exchanges, joint conferences and research programmes.

The MoU was signed last evening at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi by Prof Vivienne Bath, Director, Centre for Asian and Pacific Law, Sydney Law School, and Prof Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global University. The two universities have also agreed to undertake exchange of scientific materials, publications and other information.

Raj Kumar said, “We are delighted at the prospect of meaningful learning, teaching and research collaborations across the whole intellectual spectrum of both universities which will benefit our students and faculty immensely.”

Prof John Hearn, Deputy Vice Chancellor International, University of Sydney, said, “The law schools of OP Jindal and Sydney will explore research and student exchange programmes.”The University of Sydney is marking the Australia-India Year of Friendship with a high-level academic delegation to India.