The probe should cover every CLU since Hooda first came to power in 2004. “Why limit it to the 3.7 acres for which Robert Vadra has sought a CLU. Let it include 21,000 acres for which CLUs have been issued”. If Vadra has done something wrong, he will be caught and if not, his name will be cleared. — Rao Inderjit Singh, Gurgaon MP

Chandigarh, August 16
Congress’ Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit Singh apparently has exit plans. He has lashed out at the state Congress leadership, accusing it of arbitrary change of land use (CLU) in connivance with a handful of builders. Demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into all CLU cases, the Rao said: “Let the air be cleared by a probe”. He said if the matter was not investigated now,the next government would do so.

Justifying his sharp criticism of the Hooda government in Haryana, he said the party in the state had been turned into a “private limited company” run at the behest of the Chief Minister and his cronies who were promoting a builders’ lobby in the NCR, affecting the people of his (Rao’s) constituency in the worst possible manner.

The Rao said the probe should cover every CLU since Hooda first came to power in 2004. “Why limit it to the 3.7 acres for which Robert Vadra has sought a CLU, let it include 21,000 acres for which CLUs have been issued”. If Vadra has done something wrong, he would be caught and if not, his name would be cleared. Why should the government shy from a probe? he asked

Out of 80,000 acres of available land in Gurgaon district, 54,000 acres was indicated to be brought under CLU, using it for purposes other than agriculture. The master plan of the region, he said, had been changed four times with projections for 2015, 2021, 2025 and 2031 at the behest of land mafia that “procures cheap land and makes huge profits” by seeking alteration in the district’s master plan.

Justifying his criticism of the government, the Rao said he was not speaking against anyone but was voicing the concerns of people of his constituency. He revealed that the formation of an “insaaf manch” by him was an initiative aimed at getting justice for the people who had voted him to power. Asked, if he would turn the manch into a party if “expelled’ from the Congress, he said: “My options are open. I hope the manch will be able to become a catalyst in ensuring a political change”.

Farmers, he said, were forced to sell their land for SEZs at Rs 22 lakh per acre while the market price was Rs 3 crore . But after the government decided to scrap the SEZs, the same land had been released to builders instead of returning it to the farmers from whom it had been “forcibly’ taken by introducing the fear of it being acquired. None of the promised 5 lakh jobs from the SEZs had materialised, the only people who have benefitted from the land deals in Haryana are the “people in power” or builders.

He not only took on Chief Minister Hooda , but also pointed out the 27 bureaucrats who had been given “extensions” or “re-employment” suggesting that the entire “machinery” was working like a “land mafia” whose only aim was to facilitate CLUs and “benefit” from it.

Terming himself to be the oldest Congress leader of the region, he said: “I have been a Congress worker much before most others. Today’s Congress is being run by a few people for mutual benefit.”

It is perhaps his intention to get expelled from the Congress so that he can go to the people, saying that “I fought for your rights and I was thrown out of the party for espousing your cause”. The Rao made it clear that he could contest the next parliamentary poll as an independent under the banner of the “Insaaf Manch” or on a “non-Congress” ticket.

Rohtak, August 16
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Birender Singh said here today that his Jind rally on August 20 was likely to usher drastic changes in the political scenario of the state.

In both veiled and direct attack on Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, he said he was more Rohtakite than Hooda himself as he (Singh) was born and brought up here. He had his education in this city. Hardly anybody had an idea about Hooda’s birth place, said Birender Singh. Claiming that Rohtak which had come up as CM’s city would remain so in future as well, he said it was up to the people to reach any conclusion in this connection.

About extending an invitation to Hooda for the rally, Birender Singh said he had sent an invitation to all MLAs and MPs of the party and Hooda was an MLA. Criticising the functioning of the government, he said too much centralisation of power had perhaps proved a hurdle in the development and overall performance of the state.

Governor Jagannath Pahadia honours a freedom fighter at the state-level Independence Day function in Kurukshetra on Thursday. Photo: DR Vij

Kurukshetra, August 16
"To remember sacrifices of our martyrs and to fulfil their dreams, we will have to take a pledge for practising patriotism, displaying courage and take a pledge our duty to our nation," said Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia after unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of the 67th Independence Day celebrated at the state level at Dronacharya Stadium here yesterday.

Pahadia said our martyrs not only laid down their lives, but also tolerated the high-handedness of the British rule to attain freedom from their clutches.

Highlighting the progress made by Haryana, Pahadia said a strong network of canals, roads and railway lines has been laid while the metro rail was being expanded. The electric production in the stage had risen up to 5,000 and 300 MW. Thirtyfive universities had been opened and two domestic airports had been sanctioned. Haryana had achieved the second position in grain production and attained the first position after Goa in terms of per capita income in the country. Four out of six Indian medal winners in London Olympic Games hailed from Haryana, he added.

He also laid a wreath on the Shaheed Samarak in front of the mini-secretariat here.

Pahadia announced a grant of Rs 1.5 lakh each for police jawans for holding the parade and school students for presenting a cultural programme and other activities. He also honoured the freedom fighters and their kin by offering them shawls. Besides, Haryana Armed Police, Second Platoon was declared first, NCC Gurukul second and Haryana Police Madhuban third.

Sonepat, August 16
Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called upon youth to shoulder the responsibilities for fulfilling the dreams of martyrs and freedom fighters to make the country socially and economically strong enough in this era of globalisation.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after unfurling the National Flag at the Independence Day function in Sonepat on Thursday.

"The Independence Day reminds us about our duty towards the nation and the youth can play a constructive role in the progress of the country," he said.

Hooda said during the past eight years, the Haryana Government had implemented welfare schemes for all sections of society, including freedom fighters, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, farmers, working class, women, businessmen, employees and others. There was an environment of peace in the state and the benefits of development were reaching the common man.

Hooda distributed certificates for issuing Rs 25,000 each to the beneficiaries of the Priyadarshini Awas Yojna, as the first instalment of the financial assistance to be given to them. After the Independence Day function, Hooda also inaugurated the mini-secretariat in Sonepat.

Ambala: Haryana Finance, Irrigation, Planning and Solar Energy Minister Harmohinder Singh Chattha unfurled the National Flag and took salute at a parade in Ambala City on Thursday and honoured 51 freedom fighters and 66 war widows. Chattha remembered known and unknown soldiers who had laid down their lives so that the following generations may enjoy the fruits of freedom. He said their sacrifices would be a source of inspiration for the new generations to come.

Talking about the contribution of people of Ambala in the freedom struggle, he said the Mutiny of 1857 started from Ambala, adding that historical data had proved that the revolt against the British empire started one hour before Merrut at Ambala on May 1,1857. He said state government had given prominence to Ambala and spent Rs 2,678 crore for the development of the district in the past nine years.

Faridabad: Haryana Public Health Minister Kiran Choudhary in her speech during the Independence Day celebration here said that the state had made rapid progress since its inception in 1966, and hailed former Chief Minister, late Bansi Lal, for having played a significant role in it. Choudhary, who was chief guest at the function, said the National Food Security ordinance, which is likely to be enacted into law by Parliament, would be launched in Haryana on August 20, the birth anniversary of former premier, late Rajiv Gandhi, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

As many as 131 lakh persons would be beneficiaries of the scheme, she added. On the occasion, she urged children to be mindful of water conservation. She asked each of them to plant at least one sapling.

Gurgaon, August 16
The CRPF again topped the list of gallantry medals, with the force officials winning one President's Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) and 33 Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) on the occasion of Independence Day-2013.

Apart from this, five CRPF officials won the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 58 officials were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

This, according to an official statement, is the highest number of gallantry medals won by any state police or Central forces in the country. Late Constable Mahadev Minj of 2nd Battalion of the CRPF won the PPMG posthumously for his conspicuous act of gallantry shown in the Naxal hotbed of Sukma, Chhattisgarh. A party of 67 personnel of 2nd Battalion left for search and sanitisation of a helipad for providing safe passage to helicopter carrying life-saving drugs and rations for Gorkha camp under PS - Bheji, district- Sukma, Chhattisgarh.

The party came under heavy fire of automatic weapons from all directions, followed by IED blasts. Around 150-200 Naxals, taking advantage of thick vegetation closed in from all directions. The troops held to their ground and effectively countered the onslaught by firing appropriate area weapons like AGL, UBGL, 51mm mortar and rifle grenade.

Constable Mahadev Minj, who was manning Mortar no. 2, was injured as a bullet pierced through his right lower chest. Without caring for his life, he continued to fire and prevented the Naxals to come any closer. With his grit and determination, he killed at least 3-4 Naxals. He attained martyrdom in the process.

Among the PMG winners, PR Mishra, the Deputy Commandant of 203 CoBRA, was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry for the fourth time. 

Chandigarh August 16
The Haryana Government has issued the transfer and posting orders of two IAS and 27 HCS officers.

Prabhjot Singh, IAS, SDM, Ellenabad, has been posted as ADC, Kaithal, vice Dinesh Singh Yadav, who goes as ADC, Palwal. Rajnarayan Kaushik, IAS, SDM, Jagadhari, will be ADC, Fatehabad.

Sultan Singh Ghoswal, ADC, Rewari, has been posted as such at Mahendragarh. Pushpender Singh, ADC, Jhajjar, has been posted as such at Gurgaon. Inder Pal Bishnoi, ADC,Palwal,has been posted as MC Joint Commissioner, Old Faridabad.

Girish Arora, MD, Cooperative Sugarmills, Karnal, has been posted as ADC, Karnal. MK Ahuja, SDM, Ambala, has been posted as ADC, Ambala.

Jagdish Sharma, SDM, Ganaur, SDM,Rohtak, has been posted as SDM, Gannur, vice Reagan Kumar, who has been posted as Secretary, RTA , Mahendragarh and Bhiwani, vice JK Abhir, who goes as SDM, Hisar. Aubind Sharma, SDM, Guhla, has been posted as SDM, Ambala.

Shakti Singh, Secretary, RTA, Ambala, Yamunanagar and Panchkula, has been posted as SDM, Rohtak. HC Bhatia, SDM, Ratia, has been posted as SDM, Pehowa, vice Kamal Preet Kaur, who goes as SDM, Guhla. Munish Nagpal, City Magistrate, Palwal, has been posted as SDM, Meham.

Jag Niwas, SDM, Hathin, has been posted as such at Palwal vice Manisha Sharma, who has been posted as MC Secretary, Faridabad, vice Mukesh Kumar, who goes as SDM, Loharu.

Hawa Singh, MD, Cooperative Sugarmills, Panipat, has been posted as City Magistrate, Panipat. Satbir Singh, SDM, Loharu has been posted as such at Ellenabad.

Subhash Sheoran, SDM, Dabwali, has been posted as Secretary, RTA, Jind and Kaithal.

Sushil Kumar-I, SDM, Shahbad, has been posted as Secretary, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation, Panchkula. DR Kairon, City Magistrate, Panipat, has been posted as Secretary, Haryana Housing Board, Panchkula. Manjeet Singh, Secretary, RTA, Sirsa and Fatehabad, has been posted as SDM, Ratia.

Amarjeet Singh, SDM, Hisar, has been posted as Secretary, RTA, Sirsa and Fatehabad. Rajesh Kumar, City Magistrate, Kaithal, has been posted as SDM, Shahbad.

Chandigarh, August 16
A Division Bench of the High Court has categorically ruled that the Haryana Government was propagating policies through media in an attempt to pretend that it was committed to the cause of women empowerment. But, it was dragging the beneficiaries into unwanted litigation, when the issue of actual disbursement of benefits arose.

The admonishment by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Surinder Gupta came on an appeal filed by Haryana against Nitu Rani. The state had challenged the order of a single Judge passed on May 31, 2012.

The Judge had directed the state to consider Nitu Rani’s claim for appointment as a clerk on compassionate grounds under the ex gratia policy. The order was passed after her father, working as a PTI teacher, died in July, 2002, leaving behind his widow and three minor children.

The Division Bench asserted: “The respondent is the eldest child - a brave girl who despite adversities completed her education and immediately on attaining majority sought her appointment on compassionate grounds. Her claim was rejected only on the ground that under the Haryana Compassionate Assistance to the Dependents of Deceased Government Employees Rules, 2003, there was no provision for appointment on compassionate grounds”.

Referring to the impugned order, the Bench asserted the single Judge rightly concluded that the 2003 policy could not be applied to her case. Rather, the previous policy of 1995, would be applicable as it was “in vogue at the time when the respondent lost her father”.

Dismissing the appeal, the Bench added: “We are constrained to take judicial notice of not one but many policies propagated by the Haryana Government in print media or otherwise pretending its commitment to the cause of women empowerment. When the question of actual disbursal of benefits comes, such hapless women are being dragged to unwanted litigation. The instant appeal is no exception. 

Ambala, August 16
As onion prices soared and its supply in the market dwindled, the Haryana Marketing Board conducted surveys at a number of warehouses owned by local traders in the district to check hoarding of the high-priced bulbs of the season.

Officials of the marketing board checked the stocks of the local traders in various vegetable markets to ensure that the onions were not being stored for illegal profiteering, which might further push the prices of onions in the local market.

One of the senior officials of the board, on condition of anonymity, said that these were routine surveys that were being carried out by the board in various vegetable markets across the district and so far no hoarding of the onions had been detected. He, however, affirmed that the board officials were keeping a close watch on the traders to make certain that onions were not been stocked. 

Chandigarh, August 16
The Haryana Government has centralised the procurement of medicines under its new drug policy and seven drug warehouses have been established at Ambala, Karnal, Kaithal, Gurgaon, Bhiwani, Rohtak and Hisar. Besides, there is a proposal to set up two drug warehouses at Sonepat and Faridabad.

Health Minister Rao Narender Singh said here today that the government had decided to form the Haryana Medical Service Corporation to streamline the process of procurement and supply of medicines and medical equipment in the state.

He said the corporation would ensure the procurement, storage, supply and distribution of medicines to government hospitals and medical institutes.The state government had implemented an online web-enabled drug software system for procurement and demand generation.

The Health Minister said 343 ambulances were being provided for speedy transportation of emergency patients to nearest hospitals. The Health Department had purchased 17 advanced life support (ALS) ambulances. The purchase of 81 more ambulances, including 21 ALS ones, was in the pipeline.

Rao Narender Singh said the NRHM had approved Rs 330 crore for setting up of 19 community health centres (CHCs), 79 primary health centres (PHCs) and 286 sub-centres. 

Sirsa, August 16
In a special day-long plantation drive carried out simultaneously in several states of the country and some other countries of the world as well, Dera Sacha Sauda, a Sirsa- based religious organisation, planted over 35 lakh saplings on August 15, the birth anniversary of its head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

“Followers of the dera planted a total of 3522081 saplings in India “ 907677 in Haryana, 1873526 in Punjab, 312130 in Uttar Pradesh, 267000 in Rajasthan, 66769 in Delhi, 35216 in Uttrakhand, 29896 in Himachal Pradesh, 9764 in Bihar, 6651 in Madhya Pradesh, 6201 in Maharashtra, 4500 in Chhatisgarh, 1400 in Orissa, 850 in Karnataka, 261 in Andhra Pradesh and 240 in Gujarat,” said Pawan Insan, a spokesperson of the dera.

He said besides these, 14182 saplings “ 9677 in Australia, 2350 in Nepal, 1480 in New Zealand, 512 in Kuwait, 113 in Canada and 50 in Qatar “ were planted in other countries.

Record for planting highest number of trees in a single day stands in the name of the dera, when on August 15, 2009, its followers planted 6873451 saplings in eight hours to bag a place in Guinness Book of Records. — TNS

Rewari, August 16
Following a complaint filed by a teenaged Dalit girl (15), the Khol police has registered a case of gang rape against two youths- Praveen Yadav and Mahender Yadav, residents of Basdooda village, about 30 km from Rewari.

The girl, who has been living at Ahrod village with her family belonging to Sikar district of Rajasthan, stated that since her mother, who is employed as a safai karamchari in a private school at Basdooda, was lying ill, she went there to do sanitation work on Wednesday.

When she was on her way to the school, two village youths, who were in a car, forcibly picked her and took her to an isolated place where they raped her, she alleged.