Chandigarh, April 24
The Haryana Government has issued a notification regarding the use of beacon vehicles while on duty.

An official of the Transport Department said here today that those who have been authorised to use red light with flasher included the Governor, Chief Minister, former governors, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Former Chief Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha and Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Similarly, those who have been authorised to use red light without the flasher included state election commissioner, Deputy Speaker, Ministers of State, Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Deputy Ministers and the Chairman, Haryana Public Service Commission.

He said those who had been allowed to use amber light with flasher included all MPs, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs, all IAS and IPS officers of the super time scale and above, all district and session judges and all Deputy Commissioners and SPs.

Likewise, those who have been authorised to use blue light with flasher included all ADCs, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrates and Chief Judicial Magistrates, officials of the Transport Department having challaning powers, Executive Magistrates, police officer in the field not below the rank of SHO, Class-I and II officers, while on the election duty.

He said blinker-type red light with purple glass would be used on an ambulance van used for carrying patients and multi-coloured red, blue and white light would be used on vehicle specially designated for emergency duties that is fire fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles and emergency maintenance. In case the vehicle fitted with beacon on top front is not carrying dignitaries or officers, then such beacon would not be used and be covered by a black cover, he said.

However, MPs and MLAs would be authorised to use the beacon on his or her personal vehicle if he or she has not been provided a government vehicle.

Chandigarh, April 24
In a first, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has worked out the mechanism for ensuring sustenance of industrialists whose land is acquired due to “rapid urbanisation”.

Taking up the issue, a Division Bench has made it clear that mere compensation for land acquired is not enough. They need to be rehabilitated by releasing a portion of the land to be used as commercial sites.

The directions by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Amol Rattan Singh came on a bunch of petitions by Rajiv Malhotra and other petitioners. The land was in an area being acquired for the development of Sector 17, Urban Estate, Jagadhri. Predominantly to be developed as a residential Sector, commercial belts adjoining main roads were also planned . The land where the factory stood was proposed to be utilised for construction of roads, besides commercial and residential sites.

The Bench observed the petitioners’ factory site was released from acquisition in 1980-82. “It is, however, equally pertinent that the entire area has now been developed essentially as a residential sector, though with ancillary commercial activities as well.

“In such a situation, the decision taken by the respondents to acquire the factory site or to develop the land in a regulated manner for the notified public purpose cannot be faulted with…..We are also conscious of the fact that right to sustenance requires a dispassionate, equitable and sympathetic consideration. In a situation like this where due to rapid urbanisation the residential areas have expanded and engulfed the isolated or scattered industrial units and not a reverse case where industry is installed in a residential area, this court feels that the payment of compensation alone may not provide any solace."

The national or state policies on rehabilitation and resettlement also voice such concerns. It thus becomes imperative for a constitutional court to find an effective modicum which may minimise the hardship of the affected landowner and/or his family….”

Before parting with the order, the Bench asserted: “It appears to be just, fair and equitable to direct the respondent authorities to release the land of the petitioners equivalent to the size of two commercial sites, subject to their depositing the proportionate development charges.

“The two commercial sites shall be released out of the petitioners' acquired land. After excluding the land to the extent it stands released for two commercial sites, the petitioners shall be entitled to compensation for the remaining acquired land. We have issued these directions with a view to providing the petitioners with an alternative source of livelihood in conformity with the zoning of Sector 17, Jagadhri.

Hisar, April 24
The Satrol khap has set up a women's wing to play a proactive role in resolving women-related issues like female foeticide and honour killings in villages under its influence. This is the first time any khap has formed a women's wing. The sarv khap panchayat has a women's body headed by Kurukshtra University teacher Santosh Dahiya.

During its meeting in Narnaund village today, khap leaders said they stood by the relaxations in restrictions on matrimonial ties in its 42 villages.

“There is no question of backtracking. We have received an overwhelming response from every section of society,” said subedar Inder Singh, pradhan of the Satrol khap.

“We are hopeful that leaders of the Petwar tapa will relent on the issue and join the agenda of social reform being undertaken by the khap,” he said.

He said the women and youth wings of the khap had been set up so that different sections get representation in initiatives of the khap panchayat.

“We are not confined to taking decision in panchayats. We hope to address issues like female foeticide, honour killings, atrocities on women, dowry harassment and drug and liquor addiction among the youth,” he said.

The khap pradhan maintained that the women's wing would look into complaints of harassment and take appropriate steps to check such incidents.

“Women will be roped into to inquire if there is any report of female foeticide or harassment of women. The khap will play a proactive role,” he said.

Sudesh Chaudhary, social and political activist of the Petwar tapa, was elected the pradhan of the women's wing. Ajay Lohan of the Narnaund tapa was elected the pradhan of the youth wing.

Chaudhary said she endorsed the decision of the khap and hoped that it would help curb social evils. “I will expand the women's wing by inducting women from across villages,” she said.

Sarv khap panchayat convener Kuldeep Dhanda said the Satrol khap might have realised the need for a women's arm and it was good to have woman representation.

Social and women's rights activist Krishan Swaroop Gorakhpuria welcomed the decision. She stated that it would be a big step towards social empowerment of women if implemented in the true spirit.

Jind, April 24
The panchayat and residents of Khatkar Kalan village, around 10 km from here, have decided to permanently ban DJs in the village and refused to lift the ban during the forthcoming wedding functions.

The reason is that animals suffer various diseases due to the loud music of DJs and milk production falls during weddings and other functions.

"We are not against celebrations, but noise pollution has caused miscarriage and fall in milk production among many buffaloes and cows. We have decided to continue the ban," said Rajinder Singh (45), village sarpanch.

Around two months back, the village panchayat had temporary banned DJs in the village after heart problems and miscarriage of animals increased.

This time, the panchayat, with the support of residents of the village, has decided to permanently ban the use of DJs in the village.

Even though many residents approach the panchayat for permission, its members are always successful in convincing them against hiring the services of DJs.

"We have not imposed this ban on our own, but taken this decision with the support of the entire village. Weddings can be solemnised without DJs," said the sarpanch.

Experts of the Veterinary Department support the decision of the villagers and say such decisions should be implemented in other villages as well to save residents and animals from diseases arising from noise pollution.

Some seniors with the department say noise pollution frightens animals to the extent that they do not consume fodder the entire day, due to which milk production is reduced.

"We have seen many miscarriages and abortions caused by noise pollution. Such a decision should be implemented in other villages as well," said Dr Parveen Nain, veterinary surgeon.

"When an animal is frightened due to noise, its body starts releasing the adrenalin hormone, which causes problems in almost all parts of the body," he elaborated. He had recently been transferred from the village.

Even though some youngsters in the village wanted the ban to be scrapped as they wanted to enjoy the music of DJs in forthcoming weddings, a majority of the village elders were supporting the ban.

"Loud music causes enjoyment for a short time, but creates serious health problems in animals. Everybody should support the ban for the good health and long life of animals," said Raghuvir, village elder.

Kaithal, April 24
Haryana Co-operation Minister Satpal Sangwan paid a visit to Keroak Grain Market, 10 km from here, today. He reviewed the arrangements made for wheat procurement and interacted with the commission agents and the farmers present in the mandi.

Sangwan exhorted the officials concerned to ensure that the crop was purchased at the price fixed by the government and there was no inconvenience to the farmers. He also asked the farmers to bring clean and dry crop for sale in the mandi.

He exhorted the officials to ensure that the wheat packed in bags was lifted from the market in time and there was no pilferage or loss to the stocks. Mohan Lal Sharma, village sarpanch, Gian Chand Goel, president, Commission Agents Association, and other commission agents and farmers told the minister about their problems.

Elsewhere, in Kaithal Anaaj Mandi, from where reports of accumulation of wheat stock had been continuously pouring in, SDM Nar Hari Singh Banger served an ultimatum to the commission agents and the transporters to desist from committing irregularities during procurement and lifting of wheat. He said anyone found working against the rules would face stern action. He directed the transporters to increase their lifting capacity and employ more labour and vehicles to ensure speedy lifting of purchased stocks.

Surender Saini, DFSC, said steps were underway to ensure that about 1.50 lakh wheat bags are lifted from the mandi daily. He said if anyone, including traders, worked against the law, an FIR would be registered against them. Ravinder Tomar, DSP, Ram Niwas Mittal, MC chairman, market committee officials and representatives of traders were also present.

Jind, April 24
The strict direction of CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda to all DCs to ensure speedy purchase and lifting of wheat appears to have little impact in Jind as all process is yet to gain momentum.

Though the administration claimed that lack of trucks and canters to lift wheat were the main reasons for the delay, farmers said it was the responsibility of the administration to make all such arrangements in advance.

Though the administration has formed special teams under the supervision of various senior officials of the district, many farmers alleged that teams were busy getting their photos clicked in various grain markets while inspecting wheat.

The slow pace of lifting could be gauged from the fact that till date, the Food and Civil Supplies (FCSD) Department has purchased 1,28,797 MT wheat out of which it has only lifted 41,544 MT. HAFED has purchased 1,54,316 MT while it has lifted only 71,284 MT. The FCI has purchased 16,524 MT and lifted 8,528 MT.

The HWC has purchased 54,028 MT, lifted 22,611 MT. The Agro has purchased 74,205 MT and lifted 21,656 MT, while Confed has purchased 5,731 MT and lifted 2,200 MT. Jind DC Rajiv Rattan conducted a meeting of all officials concerned and directed them to take required steps to increase the pace of wheat purchase and lifting.

Sonepat, April 24
Virender Sehrawat, SDM, Kharkhoda, has suspended the licences of four commission agents for two weeks after finding irregularities in weighing of wheat stock at the Farmana purchase centre.

After receiving complaints of irregularities in weighing, the SDM carried out a surprise inspection and asked for reweighing of the bags which were allegedly filled with more wheat than the prescribed limit of 50.700 kg. During reweighing, it was found that many bags were filled with 600 to 800 gm more wheat.

Sehrawat said the licenses of the commission agents had been suspended for two weeks and during this period they would not be allowed to purchase wheat. A complaint has also been sent to the police for necessary action in the case. Food and Supplies Minister Mahender Pratap Singh also carried out special inspection of the purchase centre opened at the Rajiv Gandhi Education City, near Rai, last evening and asked the authorities to ensure immediate lifting of the wheat stock.

When he inquired about less arrival of wheat this time, District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) P K Sharma said there was no wheat arrival from Uttar Pradesh during this season.

New Delhi, April 24
The Haryana Government today pleaded in the Supreme Court to let the state use the 109-km Hansi-Butana canal under eight conditions, including a strict watch by a retired SC Judge/Chief Justice as well as the Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB), to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of its drought-prone areas.

Arguing for Haryana, senior advocate VA Bobde said his client was also ready to take its share of water only after Punjab and Rajasthan got their due from the Bhakra mainline (BML) and this would allay apprehensions over possible misuse of the Hansi-Butana canal for drawing excess water from the BML.

After going through Haryana’s draft undertaking containing the conditions and hearing its arguments, a Bench comprising Justices CK Prasad and Vikramajit Sen asked Punjab and Rajasthan if they still had any objection.

Senior advocates RS Suri said Haryana’s proposals were nothing but old wine in a new bottle and most of these had already been considered and rejected by various SC Benches. Punjab’s concern was not overdrawal by Haryana, but “certain flooding” of 75 of its villages as the canal had been constructed perpendicular to the BML.

Appearing for Rajasthan, senior counsel CS Vaidyanathan said Haryana was already not passing on the desert state’s share and letting it use the controversial canal would further dwindle the flow downstream.

Both Punjab and Rajasthan blamed Haryana for completing the canal at a cost of Rs 392 crore without taking their consent or of the Central Water Commission or the Planning Commission.

At this, the Bench said: “After all, public money has been spent for the construction of the canal. If there is some workable solution acceptable to every state, why can’t it be implemented?” It also noted that according to Haryana, the CWC had ruled out flooding of Punjab villages.

Suri and Vaidyanathan, however, contended that the CWC had made wrong assumptions to arrive at the conclusion. The Bench wanted to know as to why Rajasthan was worried about floods in Punjab. Vaidyanathan acknowledged that “flooding is not my concern. My concern is our share of water.”

Among the other conditions acceptable to Haryana are total control of the BML, including all 36 drawal points, and the flow of water into Hansi-Butana, by the BBMB and taking water from the BML through pumping and siphons instead of puncturing it and restoration of status quo ante in the event of the state losing the case. Bobde also noted that Punjab had punctured the BML at four places without asking anyone and as such had no right to come in the way of Haryana.

Hansi-Butana was meant for drought-hit areas from where people had already started migrating, having been denied their fundamental right to water and livelihood in the form of farming. The Centre’s alert on scanty rainfall this year due to the El Nino effect would only worsen their situation, Haryana argued, pleading for a decision on its plea before the summer peaked. The Bench posted further hearing for April 30.

Chandigarh, April 24
The Punjab and Haryana High Court was today informed that with over 75 more FIRs registered in the multiple-plot allocation case, the number of FIRs has gone up to 402. The Bench, on a previous date of hearing, was informed that the number of FIRs registered was 325.

The accused include 201 defence personnel, 19 ex-servicemen, five paramilitary personnel, one disabled soldier, two visually impaired, three physically impaired, 10 freedom fighters, five widows, 12 war widows, and one advocate

The case pertains to fraudulent allotment of more than one discretionary-quota plot in Haryana. Dubbing it as a multi-crore scam, the High Court had earlier directed HUDA to specify how many plots, under which category, had been allotted by it. Justice Daya Chaudhary had asserted: “The act of HUDA is no less than that of a property dealer, which has a collusion of lower to higher-level officers”.

As the case came up for resumed hearing, it became apparent that the number of FIRs is likely to go up further in the coming days as the petitioner in the case Colonel Dharam Singh Yadav told the court that they had names in addition to the HUDA list of multiple allottees; and they would furnish an affidavit on the issue before the next date of hearing. Taking note of the assertion, Justice Daya Chaudhary asked HUDA to respond to the same before the case came up for resumed hearing on May 29.

Justice Chaudhary orally observed that none, not even a Judge, political leader or policeman, was above law; and also made it clear that no stay had been ordered on investigationas only arrests had been stayed. The High Court also called for a progress report on investigations into the matter.

The Chief HUDA Administrator had earlier told the court that they have initiated the process of taking legal action against the defaulters. “We have registered 325 FIRs against the 379 complaints. There are 188 defence persons out of 379 who have been issued more than one plot”, he had told the court.

HUDA had, on a previous date of hearing, produce a list stating that Haryana’s former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal’s nephew and former MLA, Dura Ram, had been allotted four plots under the discretionary quota in the name of his daughters, son and wife in Panchkula, Hisar, Karnal and Faridabad.

The list also mentioned that the family of former President Shankar Dyal Sharma was also allotted more than one plot under the discretionary quota in HUDA developed sectors. As per HUDA record, one of the allottees under the discretionary quota had even mentioned his address as “C/O 10-Janpath Delhi,” which is the official residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Hisar, April 24
The police registered a case of molestation against the principal of DAV Police Public School, Hisar, today and also took him in custody for interrogation. The police spokesperson said Rajender Sachdeva, the principal, had been booked under various sections of the IPC on the complaint of a woman teacher of the school.

The teacher, who served at the school from July 2007 to February 2014, alleged that she was molested and mentally harassed by the principal of the school.

The police had also arrested three other staff members, including two teachers, yesterday on a similar complaint lodged by another woman teacher, which evoked violent protests by the students and staff who came out in support of the accused staff members.

The agitated staff locked the school today to demand sacking of principal and to press for the release of the three staff members arrested yesterday.

Women staff members of the school remained seated in front of the main gate of the institution after locking up the premises. They stated that they would not allow the school to function until their demands were addressed by the higher authorities.

Meanwhile, the police registered another case against a mob, comprising around 200 persons, for blocking the highway and resorting to violence during protests in the school yesterday. The police said investigation was going on into the incident.

Ambala, April 24
Deputy Commissioner Saket Kumar today inspected flood-control measures with officers of various departments of the district and instructed them to complete related work before the onset of the monsoon.

Assuring that the paucity of funds would not come in the way of completion of the work, he asked officials to ensure that all work was completed within the stipulated time.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected the drain and water disposable pump at Babyal on the request of Senior Deputy Mayor Durga Singh Attri and counsellor Jarnail Singh.

Attri informed the Deputy Commissioner that flood water entering the Babyal drain from Handersa village in Punjab during the monsoon affected inhabited areas in the district.

On his request, the Deputy Commissioner asked the Irrigation Department and municipal corporation employees looking after the drain to keep it clean on a regular basis.

He asked the officials to check the feasibility of and preparing a report on transporting the water to the Tangri river directly through pumps.

Prior to this, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the Gududia drain on the Ambala-Jagadhri road and directed municipal corporation officials to immediately get it cleaned.

He asked SDM Vinay Partap Singh to coordinate with officers of the Cantonment Board and the Railways and impress upon them to get the drain cleaned in their areas.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected the cleaning of the Maheshnagar drain and went to the Tangri. He asked officers to get obstacles in the river removed.

He asked the DRO to submit a report after going through the record of the municipal corporation whether or not the buildings on both sides of the river had been constructed after taking approval of the civic body.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected the pump house at Nanhera. He talked to Cantonment Board CEO Shalini Pandey about the Gudgudia drain and steps to drain water from other areas jointly.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected the office and store of the Public Health Department in Model Town. He said the drain should be cleaned well in time.

He inspected the Banudi naka and the Ambala drain and asked officers to get done timely repair of pumping sets so that there was no problem during the monsoon.

Ambala, April 24
In an attempt to get roads free from heaps of garbage, Deputy Commissioner Saket Kumar today issued a warning to employees of the local municipal corporation (MC) that strict action would be taken against them for dereliction of duty in maintaining cleanliness.

He said some employees of the MC were found absent from duty today during checking by MC officials and the employees were asked to explain within 24 hours why strict action should not be taken against them.

During the inspection, 10 employees were found absent. He said MC officials had been asked to conduct such checks regularly and take action against those found absent.

He said the MC had engaged more than 1,200 employees and an expenditure of Rs 1.5 crore was being incurred every month on cleanliness, but complaints were being received against many employees.

He said senior officers of the MC would check the working of 'safai karamcharis' on a regular basis and strict action would be taken against those found wanting.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to MC members to encourage people not to throw garbage in the open and cooperate cleanliness.

Fatehabad, April 24
Timely information from a person saved a minor girl of Bighar village in Fatehabad from entering her second wedlock at the age of 17.

Rekha Agarwal, Child Marriage Prohibition Officer at Fatehabad, received a tip-off that a minor girl was being married by her parents at Bighar. She reached there and learned that it was the girl’s second marriage.

Her parents earlier married her at the age of 14 to a boy from Rupana Bishnoian in Sirsa. However, the marriage did not work well and the two started living separately. On March 13, 2013, the two families had an out-of-the-court settlement to rescind the marriage.

Now, without getting any legal divorce, the girl’s family wanted to marry her again.

The girl told Rekha that she wanted to study and learn tailoring skills so that she could stand on her feet, but the family was in a hurry to marry her.

Rekha Agarwal told the girl’s parents that marrying her before she attained the age of 18 was illegal act and punishable under the laws.

She told The Tribune that she had obtained an affidavit from the girl’s family that they would not marry her till she attained marriageable age.

Karnal, April 24
The three -day 19th All India Inter-University Festival — Reverie Renaissance-2014 — began here today. The festival, organised by the Student Council of National Dairy Research Institution (NDRI), aimed at spreading harmony among students of various states.

Dr AK Srivastava, Director and Vice Chancellor of the NDRI, inaugurated the event. He emphasised the need for such events and activities for the overall personality development of the students.

He urged the students and teachers to help and contribute towards preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the country.

As many as 1,000 participants from nine institutions of universities are participating in the festival.

The director thanked various organisations for sending their teams to participate in events such as poetry, extempore, essay writing, dance, mime, skit, story writing, choreography, sketching, poster making, mono act, mimicry, debate, and quiz.

Ambala, April 24
Shyam Singh Rana has been elected president in the election of the Ambala District Bar Association here today. Out of 953 members, 763 polled. Rana defeated his nearest rival Rajbir Saini by a margin of 145 votes.

Amit Gupta was unanimously elected vice-president, while Manjit Singh secretary. Saurabh Ahuja was elected joint secretary and Pankaj Arora cashier.