Chandigarh, October 27
A day after they were inducted into the Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana Cabinet with much fanfare in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, the nine ministers — six of Cabinet rank and three Ministers of State — are waiting for their portfolios.

Khattar, it is learnt, rushed to Delhi today evening to get the portfolios cleared from the top brass. He is likely to return tomorrow afternoon with a “go-ahead” from the high command, a source said, even as ministers continued to be restless and anxious about their ministries.

If party insiders are to be believed, party chief Amit Shah will clear the ministers’ departments before the formal announcement. The BJP seems to be following in Congress footsteps where all decisions are taken in Delhi by party chief Sonia Gandhi.

Four of the six Cabinet ministers, including state unit chief Ram Bilas Sharma, were chief ministerial candidates. Smarting from being left behind in the race for the top post that was won by Khattar, the party — walking a tightrope — will try to placate bruised egos by allocating ministers departments of choice.

Though the ministers were hoping to take charge of their departments yesterday itself after being sworn in at a grand function in Panchkula, the allocation was put off till today. Today, they were expecting to be assigned their ministries before the Cabinet’s first meeting under Khattar. However, this, too, did not happen. The name plates in front of their seats at the Cabinet meeting simply read “Minister”, instead of their charge.

Earlier in the day, the ministers attended a havan at the CM’s official residence where Khattar has moved in. The Cabinet later bonded over lunch at the CM’s residence.

Manohar Lal drops ‘Khattar’ Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday changed the nameplate outside his office to ‘Manohar Lal’ The change sent out a positive signal to the Punjabi community, with the CM’s name written in Hindi, Punjabi and English (see pic) A source said the state’s first Punjabi CM dropped his last name as he does not want to seem to belong to a particular community “He is as much a CM for the Brahmins, the Jats as much as he is for the Punjabis. This is his way of embracing all castes,” a source said.

Chandigarh October 27
Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar described former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Mangel Sein as a nationalist who gave utmost importance to discipline in his life.

The CM paid floral tributes to Dr. Sein on his 88th birth anniversary here today and said that the young generation should take inspiration from the latter’s life and follow him as their role model.

Sein started his career as a RSS pracharak and he played a vital role in strengthening the BJP base in Haryana. When the politics of ‘Aaya Ram and Gaya Ram’ was dominating the state, Sein laid the groundwork for the party emerging as the largest democratic outfit in the country.

Dr Sein participated in various movements across the country and worked as a pracharak in Burma too. Khattar said that it was a matter of pride that he had worked with Dr Sein and said it been a learning experience for him.

BJP chief and minister Ram Bilas Sharma was among those who spoke on the occasion. While OP Dhankar presented the vote of thanks, ministers Rao Narbir Singh, Kavita Jain and Vikram Singh were also present. 

Rohtak, October 27
Rohtak, the home district of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and political capital of Haryana, has remained unrepresented in the state Cabinet.

This, despite the fact that Haryana BJP general secretary Manish Grover, who defeated Hooda’s confidant Bharat Bhushan Batra to win the Rohtak seat, is considered quite close to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

As per analysts, political compulsion to balance the caste factor in the composition of the state Cabinet is the main factor behind Grover’s non-inclusion therein.

On the other hand, party sources maintain that Rohtak is not unrepresented in the Cabinet as CM Khattar himself belongs to Baniyani village of the district. Moreover, Capt Abhimnayu, who has been made a minister, also resides in Rohtak.

Another Cabinet member, Om Prakash Dhankar, had also contested the recent Lok Sabha elections from the Rohtak parliamentary constituency.

The analysts further maintain that the non-inclusion of Grover in the Cabinet would ultimately project CM Khattar in good light as he has not insisted on getting a ministerial berth for his aide in view of the party’s political interest.

Meanwhile, Rohtak MLA Grover has exhorted the local municipal officials to work in close coordination to make Rohtak clean and beautiful. He assured that funds would not be a constraint in projects pertaining to development, cleanliness and beautification of the town.

Behind the scenes As per analysts, political compulsion to balance the caste factor in the Cabinet is the main factor behind non-inclusion of BJP general secretary Manish Grover They say Grover’s non-inclusion will project Khattar in good light, as he has not insisted on a ministerial berth for his aide in view of the party’s larger political interest

Chandigarh, October 27
The swearing-in ceremony of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has left many religious leaders from different sects fuming over what they called “ill-treatment’” at the venue of the ceremony and accused security personnel of “pushing them around” and not letting them carry even drinking water with them.

Staff of eminent Jainacharya and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Lokesh Muni, who had also arrived for the ceremony, sent a “note of displeasure” to Ram Lal, national general secretary of the BJP, who had invited the ascetic believed to be close to the Sangh Parivar.

Sanjoy Bhattacharya, adviser of the Jain Muni, told The Tribune that though most spiritual leaders had passes to enter from gate no 1, the security did not allow them to enter the venue causing a lot of harassment to them. Some of them have decided not to go to Maharashtra when a BJP Chief Minister will be installed there later this week.

An attendant of another spiritual leader considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Many VVIPs were allowed to enter the venue without frisking, whereas spiritual leaders were made to walk long distance despite having parking passes for their vehicles.”

A follower of Swami Chandgi Ram said the invitation extended to these “dharma gurus” was to share stage with the Prime Minister, but they were all made to sit on another stage away from the Prime Minister. There was no arrangement for drinking water and personal water bottles were taken away by security personnel. Those who faced difficulty included Swami Pragyanad Maharaj and Swami Mahamandaleshwar.

Bhattacharya said most spiritual leaders had felt offended at being frisked despite their identities being revealed, so many of them had decided not to accept the invitation to go to Mumbai for a similar function there. A formal protest has been sent to Prime Minister’s security adviser Ajit Doval and BJP’s organising secretary in Delhi.

Ambala, October 27
It was business as usual for Ambala Cantonment MLA Anil Vij on Monday, a day after he took oath as a minister in the state’s first BJP government.

He reached Sadar Bazaar Chowk, the city’s main market, around 8 am in his private car without security. Vij, who has been spending nearly three hours a day in the market reading newspapers over cups of tea for two decades, continued with his routine.

He – along with some supporters — sat on the outer platform of closed shops that open around 9.30 am and spent around an hour there over two cups of tea. Some agents sell newspapers at this chowk and it is common for the locals to gather here and read and discuss the day’s papers over rounds of tea. Politics and other city events feature in the discussions and the area is a political meeting point in the city.

Talking to mediapersons, Vij said he had become MLA five times from the city and Sadar Chowk had played a very important role in his success. He said he would now be spending time in Chandigarh, too, but promised to visit Sadar Chowk whenever in Ambala for tea with old friends.

“I dreamt of a BJP government in the state sitting here at this chowk and my dream has been fulfilled. I hope this place will be lucky for me in the future too,” he said.

Rewari, October 27
The district authorities will demolish 10 dilapidated and unsafe structures in the city within the next four days in order to prevent any loss of life.

Deputy Commissioner RC Verma has written to the Municipal Council (MC) in this context to ensure the demolition of these buildings by October 31.

Complying with the orders, the MC authorities have asked owners of these structures to raze them by October 30. Notices have also been served on the owners to initiate the process.

“These structures have been declared unsafe by us and though the owners were issued notices last month they did not comply. Now, we have decided to raze the buildings,” said Verma.

The DC maintained the action was being taken following directives of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Complying with the court orders, the MC had earmarked 21 dilapidated structures in the city. Owners of 11 buildings have either demolished or repaired their structures but 10 owners did not take any action, said Verma.

The structures to be bulldozed are in Muftiwada Mohalla, Gokal Bazar, Kewal Bazar, Jeewali Bazar, Kunj Gali, Vaidhvada Mohalla, Saray Balbhadra Mohalla and Gurjarwada Mohalla.

“A team of officials has been formed to ensure the demolition of these structures by October 31 if their owners do not raze them on their own before that, he added.

The High Court order The DC says the action is being taken following directives of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Complying with the court orders, the MC had earmarked 21 dilapidated structures in the city. Owners of 11 buildings have either demolished or repaired their structures but 10 owners did not take any action The MC authorities have asked owners of these structures to raze them by October 30 The structures to be bulldozed are in Muftiwada Mohalla, Gokal Bazar, Kewal Bazar, Jeewali Bazar, Kunj Gali, Vaidhvada Mohalla, Saray Balbhadra Mohalla and Gurjarwada Mohalla

Hisar, October 27
An Education Department team today started the investigation into alleged caste bias against some Dalit girls by the head teacher at the Rawalwas government school in Hisar.

The team, headed by a Block Education Officer, met the girls who had accused a woman teacher of caste bias. The teacher had reportedly asked the girls to clean the school toilets since they were getting scholarship under the Scheduled Caste category.

The girls’ parents complained to the district administration about the incident that occurred on October 18. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), too, served notice to the district administration seeking a detailed report.

The girls’ guardians said the head teacher had proceeded on leave, but Education Department officials promised that the teacher would be shifted from the school soon. Villagers demanded strict action against the teacher and said they would meet the Deputy Commissioner again tomorrow.

NCSC director at Chandigarh Raj Kumar Chhanena said the Deputy Commissioner had assigned the probe to the District Education Officer. “He will submit the inquiry report and action taken report within a couple of days. The commission will then analyse the report and act further,” he said.

Teacher proceeds on leave The head teacher at the Rawalwas government school in Hisar reportedly asked some Dalit girls to clean the school toilets as they were getting scholarship under the SC category The girls’ parents complained to the district administration about the incident that occurred on October 18 The girls’ guardians said the head teacher had proceeded on leave, but Education Department officials promised them the teacher would be shifted soon Villagers demanded strict action against the teacher and said they would meet the Deputy Commissioner again on Tuesday

Hisar, October 27
Soon after picking non-Jat leader Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister, the BJP seems to be cozying up to the Jat community with the induction of Capt Abhimanyu and Om Prakash Dhankar in the Cabinet.

Though non-Jat regions voted overwhelmingly for the BJP resulting in the party storming to power in the state for the first time, but Abhimanyu’s victory from the Chautala stronghold of Narnaund and Dhankar’s from Badli in the Hooda bastion of Rohtak indicated that Jats supported BJP nominees who enjoyed influence in the party.

Significantly, Dhankar, who also contested the Lok Sabha poll against Congress’ Deepender Hooda, had trailed by over 11,000 votes in Badli segment. But his Assembly victory over Independent Kuldeep Vats by 9,000 votes that pushed the Congress nominee to third spot indicated a major shift of votes in his favour.

Similarly, Abhimanyu too managed to win by 5,761 votes over INLD’s Raj Singh Mor in Narnaund segment that gave a whopping lead of 42,344 votes to Dushyant Chautala against BJP-HJC nominee Kuldeep Bishnoi in the Lok Sabha election.

However, the biggest win came in Jind’s Uchana segment where Birender Singh’s wife Prem Lata defeated Chautala scion Dushyant. He had secured a lead of around 51,000 votes over Bishnoi in the Lok Sabha poll in this segment.

Sources close to Birender claimed he was tipped to become a Rajya Sabha member after which he could be inducted into Modi’s Cabinet. With a long political experience and a pan-Haryana presence of loyal workers, Birender could emerge as the party’s Jat face in Haryana.

Political analysts said the BJP would not like to annoy the Jats given their political importance. “It’s a challenge for the BJP to wrest ground from Hooda and Chautala. The party has given enough indications by inducting Abhimanyu and Dhankar. Whether the Jats accept the BJP or stay loyal to their leaders depends on the performance of these leaders and the new policies for the farm sector,” they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Khattar himself have sent positive feelers to the community by praising khap panchayats and their works at public platforms in the past, an expert said.

Rohtak, October 27
MDU faculty has urged Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to eradicate the education mafia which had spread its tentacles across the state.

Addressing a meeting of university teachers and other prominent figures, All-India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (AIFUCTO) former vice-president Vazir Singh Nehra said the mafia had entered the institutions of higher learning, which was a cause of concern.

He alleged that there was large-scale corruption in the university examination system, which was playing havoc with the future of students.

MDU faculty leader Gulshan Taneja said the teachers were more than willing to set things right and would help the government machinery eliminate corrupt practices in the university system.

Prof JS Sikka, Prof Rajeev Kumar, Prof Sanjeev Verma, Prof Sanjeev Chachra, Dr Dalip Singh, Dr Kashyap Dube and Dr Yudhvir Singh also offered their full support in the establishment of a principled and transparent regime at the university.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s close associate and former government official, Narender Khattar, who was present on the occasion, assured the university teachers of conveying their concerns to the Chief Minister.

3 MDU alumni in Haryana Cabinet The Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has three former students of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) here Kavita Jain has done her MCom from MDU and BEd from Vaish College of Education affiliated to the varsity Capt Abhimanyu graduated from the erstwhile University College in 1985. Later, he also did his LLB from MDU Om Prakash Dhankar graduated from MDU-affiliated Government College and later did his masters’ degree from the university

Karnal, October 27
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will meet CM ML Khattar for securing no-objection certificate (NoC) for the educational institutes managed by it which has been withheld by the Congress regime for several years.

Accusing the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government for its bias against the Sikhs, RS Virk, senior vice-president of the committee, said the previous government has not issued a NOC for the Rs 200 crore Miri Piri Medical College in Shahbad.

An expenditure of Rs 19 crore has been incurred on the project but without a NOC the work has been stopped.

The delay in granting the permission had played havoc with the future of the students.

The SGPC has started the construction of two more educational institutes - Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa Public School, Dhamtan Sahib and the Guru Teg Bahadur Polytechnic College, Jind, for the welfare of the Sikh students in Haryana, he said.

In light of past, they had not applied for the no-objection certificates for both these institutions, but with the formation of a new government they were very hopeful, he added.

About opening other such institutes in Haryana, he said, “The SGPC plans to open two more schools in Karnal and Panchkula besides a college in Karnal. We have been providing free education to the needy and ‘Amritdhari’ Sikh students,’ he revealed.

Kurukshetra, October 27
The executive body of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) will seek an appointment with CM Manohar Lal Khattar to express its view over the separate gurdwara act.

Talking to TNS after a general body meeting at Dera Karsewa Kurukshetra, committee Chief Jagdish Singh Jhinda said “several issues regarding the committee were discussed. It has been decided that the executive will seek time to meet the CM. The committee will urge him to defend this act as the case is before the Supreme Court.”

Jhinda said “I hope that the BJP will not take any adverse action against the newly constituted committee and against interests of the Haryana Sikhs.”

The HSGMC would send its request letter within a couple of days, he added.

Committee senior vice president Didar Singh Nalvi said “It is a matter of survival for us. The SGPC and SAD had challenged the legality of the new committee in the SC.”

“We will ask the CM to defend it. The act was passed by the Haryana Assembly. Governments come and go but the rules and acts remain the same. Hence, it’s the duty of the incumbent government to protect the act,” he added.

Yamunanagar, October 27
The state President of Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), Bharat Garg has said that CM Manohar Lal Khattar should recognize the potential of the small scale industry to take Haryana on a growth trajectory.

“Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) form the backbone of the Indian economy since they contribute nearly 80 per cent of the country’s GDP, 45 percent of the manufacturing output and 40 percent of the exports,” he pointed out

MSME provides the largest share of employment after agriculture. They are the nurseries of entrepreneurship and innovation. The growth of this sector is directly proportional to the growth of the country. Only MSME that can ignite growth in the limping Indian economy and make PM Narendra Modi’s campaign of ‘Make in India’ a success, he added.

Hisar, October 27
Members of the municipal corporation have demanded that sweepers employed in the services of bureaucrats and judicial officials in Hisar should be called back so that they can embark on a cleanliness drive to make the town filth free.

A number of members today raised the issue in the general house meeting of the MC while pointing out that senior district and judicial officials have deployed several sweepers at their residences. “Each of these officials has 10 sweepers employed at their residences while a ward comprising 10-12 colonies and over 15,000 people has 20 sweepers to ensure cleanliness. Call back these sweepers from the houses of bureaucrats and deploy them in the town,” was the common choir at the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by MC chairperson Shakuntala Rajliwal. It was attended by Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala, local BJP MLA Kamal Gupta, INLD’s Barwala MLA Ved Narang besides MC members.

The meeting adopted two resolutions regarding making the town cattle free and to launch a cleanliness drive. “The MC decided to rope in cattle catchers to free the town from stray cattle and also decided to impose penalty on cattle owners who leave cows out in the open daily. We will tag each cattle in the town and if any cow is found roaming on streets, the owner will be fined Rs 3,100 on first violation, Rs 5,100 second time and Rs 11,000 third time. Besides, plot owners will also be asked to raise walls around their open spaces so that people could not throw waste at these places,” an official said.

Meanwhile, newly elected BJP MLA Kamal Gupta objected to the presence of the mediapersons at the meeting hall during the proceedings of the general body meeting. Attending his maiden meeting after becoming an MLA, Gupta said only MC members and officials should be allowed to enter the meeting hall. However, mediapersons opposed him arguing that when the sessions of Assembly and Parliament are covered, why there should be a ban on covering the live proceedings of the general house meeting of the MC. It led to a heated argument between Gupta and some mediapersons. Gupta maintained that the media should be briefed about the decisions after the meeting was over.

Kurukshetra, October 27
Green Earth, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has sought the status of ‘National Cultural Heritage’ for a 5,000-year-old banyan tree, located at Jyotisar. The tree is believed to be an offshoot of the one under which Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna during the Mahabharata.

The NGO has sent its request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Culture Shripad Yesso Naik, Director General, Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Naresh Bhardwaj, member of Green Earth, said “A team of experts of Green Earth visited the sacred tree and observed that it was dying a slow death.”

He said “The branches are being pruned unscientifically. The tree has a net on top, electric wires and nails in the middle and a marble pavement at the bottom. Due to this, the tree has neither been able grow proper branches, nor draw nutrients from the ground. About a dozen fancy lights and lamps are fitted with nails and wires on the tree for light and sound programme and big bells with iron chains are tied all over it.” The NGO accused the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) and said “The KDB is directly responsible for the slow death of this tree. As per the experts’ observation, the tree is not being periodically treated for pests and diseases.” Bhardwaj said “Pilgrims offer oil to the tree which accelerates the growth of bacteria and fungus, causing toxic effects to the roots.”

In the request letter, the NGO has appealed to declare the tree as ‘National Cultural Heritage’, to remove the marble pavement and net and erect a protective barrier around it, in supervision of subject experts and environmentalists. “A committee, comprising zoologists, botanists and environmentalists should be constituted to monitor the health of the tree on intervals of three or six months,” he added.

Chandigarh, October 27
In a major embarrassment for Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has deprecated it for entangling an employee in a legal web after observing that its action was nothing short of an attempt to over-reach court orders.

The rap along with a Rs 25,000 fine came on an appeal filed by Haryana against Ghasi Ram. In its appeal before the Division Bench of Justice Satish Kumar Mittal and Justice Deepak Sibal, the state had challenged the order dated February 12 passed by a single Judge whereby Ghasi Ram’s writ petition was allowed.

He was appointed as a language teacher in English in the Department of Industrial Training and Vocational Education, Haryana, on an ad hoc basis in November,1997, before his services were regularised in October, 2003.

The Haryana Staff Selection Commission issued an advertisement for inviting applications from eligible candidates for a post of Principal in the Education Department. Considering himself eligible, he applied for the post but his candidature was rejected through a letter dated February 18, 2008.

He along with other similarly situated persons who filed writ petitions before the High Court was later held eligible for being considered for the post. An appeal was preferred by the state against the orders passed by the High Court in one of the cases which was heard and dismissed by a Division Bench in November, 2009. The state then filed a special leave petition against the order before the apex court and the same was pending.

Dismissing the appeal, the Bench asserted: “It is clear that in the civil writ petition preferred by the respondent (Ghasi Ram) along with Shiv Kumar, the respondent had been held eligible for consideration for the post of Principal.

“Admittedly, against the order passed in favour of the respondent, no appeal was preferred by Haryana and thus, the order inter se the parties became final….Once this court had held the respondent to be eligible, it was not open to Haryana to pass any order contrary to such a decision, particularly when that order had not been appealed against and had become final inter se the parties….The order passed in the case bound the state. That being the position, it was not only illegal and arbitrary but rather contemptuous on the part of Haryana to again reject the candidature of the respondent on the ground of eligibility….

“The action of Haryana was nothing but an attempt to over-reach the orders passed by this court. We cannot and will not permit that….” 

Kurukshetra, October 27
The 29th Haryana Day state-level festival “Ratnawali” kicked off on the premises of Kurukshetra University here today. Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki inaugurated the four-day festival based on Haryanavi culture.

Kurukshetra MP Rajkumar Saini of the BJP, Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha and Kurukshetra University Vice Chancellor Dr DDS Sandhu were present at the inaugural function.

Delivering the inaugural speech, the Governor said, “At present, three terms are very famous: Digital India, Make in India and Young India and here I am watching the collaboration of all three. This stage is a “Rangmanch”, but you named it “Dhamal Manch” and in fact we need to make “Dhamal” in the whole world with our culture.”

After praising the performances given by girl students of various colleges, the Governor said, “Many big nations such as Rome, Italy and Egypt have lost their culture, but India has preserved it and it is still alive.”

Calling upon the students, Solanki said, “Study hard. Make your career and be the citizens this country needs in 21st century.”

He inaugurated a state-level exhibition and stalls promoting the cultural heritage of Haryana and also released a book named “Haryanvi Muhavra Kosh” written by the director of youth and culture affairs, KU, Dr Maha Singh Poonia.

KU Vice Chancellor Sandhu said, “The festival is getting bigger and better with every passing year. It started with 350 students participating in eight disciplines in 1985 and this year we have more than 3,000 students participating in 28 disciplines.”

He said, “KU is doing all efforts to preserve and promote the culture of Haryana. Ratnawali helps in preserving the age-old performing genres of ‘saang’ and folk music.”

Sandhu called upon the participants to give their best in the event and take memories from here. He honoured the Governor with a souvenir.

Haryanvi artist Harvinder Rana presented the Ratnawali title track. Later, the Governor visited the Dharohar museum.

Chandigarh, October 27
Acting on two petitions challenging the appointments to the Right to Service Commission and State Information Commission by the Hooda-led Congress government in Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today put the state and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on notice.

Taking up the matter, the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Mohunta and Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal also fixed December 22 as the next date of hearing in the case.

Hooda was the chairman of the statutory committee that cleared the appointments at the fag end of the government’s tenure. Former Additional Principal Secretary Shiv Raman Gaur, and Rekha Rani, wife of Hooda’s political adviser Virender Singh, were among those appointed as State Information Commissioners. Former Chief Secretary SC Chaudhary and former IAS officer Sarban Singh were among those appointed to the Right to Service Commission in July, 2014.

The matter was placed before the Bench after petitions were filed by MK Sehgal of Yamunanagar district and NGO Peoples Union for Civil Liberties. Seeking directions for quashing the appointments of SICs made on July 27, Sehgal argued that these were in violation of the statutory provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

The PUCL alleged that these appointments were made by the statutory committee chaired by Hooda and attended by then Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal. The third member of the committee, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Om Prakash Chautala did not attend the meeting. However, Chautala recorded his dissent in a note to Hooda. 

Faridabad, October 27
Responsibility must be fixed for officials who gave licences to 200 cracker stall that were gutted in a fire on October 21 and the compensation amount must be recovered from them.

Social activist K L Gera has written to the Prime Minister and the Haryana that the compensation from state coffers was unjust and unwarranted. Though Union Minister KP Gurjar had announced Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the victims on behalf of the state, no one could justify the move since the officials had failed to ensure that all safety measures were in place to check such an incident.

While the loss was in crores, the victims could not be content with such a meagre amount and that too from the state exchequer. The government had announced a magisterial probe into the incident, whose report was likely to be submitted in the next week.

Gera has appealed to the Prime Minister to issue directions to the authorities concerned to get the financial loss recovered from the salaries of the officials, whose complacency at work resulted in the massive fire. The blaze posed a risk to the lives of innocent persons present in market and caused a huge loss to several persons, including 250 cracker stall owners, he added.

Claiming that recovery of the financial loss from the pockets of officials will ensure proper measures and swift action on part of the authorities concerned in future, it would also ensure safety of material and human lives.

Gera has charged the officials for ignoring fire safety rules in while granting permission for constructing new buildings and has alleged rampant corruption for allowing commercial buildings in residential areas of the city in violation of the rules and regulations.

Sonepat, October 27
Protesting against steep decline in procurement prices of fine varieties of paddy in market, growers today blocked the Rohtak road near the new grain market.

On receiving information, district food and supplies controller PK Sharma reached the spot and listened to the grievances of the farmers. He also inquired about the purchase rates from stock registers of commission agents.

He explained to the farmers that the super fine varieties were being purchased in the market at the rates ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,100 per quintal which was being given in other markets in the state. The blockade was lifted after getting assurance that the stock would be purchased at the prevailing market rates.

He alleged that buyers had refused to purchase a stock of substandard paddy. — OC

Yamunanagar, October 27
A student of Class IV, Rohit Kumar of Radaur town, was killed after he came under a utility vehicle here today.

According to information, Rohit was a Class-4 student of Swaraj Public School, Radaur. The incident took place at 1pm near MLN College when Rohit was returning home on a bicycle after attending his school.

Staff members of the college rushed the boy to the Community Health Centre, Radaur, from where he was referred to the trauma centre, Yamunanagar. Later, he succumbed to his injuries there. The incident was captured in a CCTV camera installed at the gate of the college.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, general secretary of the management of MLN Institutes, said, “The CCTV footage shows that Rohit and another student, who were on the way to their homes on their bicycles, collided with each other, following which Rohit fell down and came under a utility vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction.”

He said the CCTV footage would be provided to the police to solve the case.

Virender Kumar, SHO, Radaur police, said the body of Rohit was handed over to his family after a postmortem. He said a case had been registered against the driver of the utility vehicle and the investigations were on. 

Faridabad, October 27
The police have arrested a youth for raping a minor Dalit girl here. This is second such incident in the city in the past three days.

According to reports, the incident took place at SGM Nagar here on October 25 when the victim was sleeping in her house. She told the police that the accused, residing in their neighbourhood, entered into her house and raped her.

The accused managed to flee after committing the crime. The police said the accused had been remanded into judicial custody. A case under Section 376, 452, Section 6 of the POSCO Act and Section 3 and 4 of the SC/ ST Act has been registered against the accused.

Karnal, October 27
Three persons on a bike attacked policemen when they were stopped for checking near Nirmal Kutiya here this morning. One of them fired at the police. The police have arrested one of them, while two managed to escape.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Garg said three persons, all residents of Panipat, were coming from Panipat to Karnal for appearing in a case in the court this morning.

When they reached near Nirmal Kutiya, the police stopped them. However, they tried to escape. The accused attacked the police and one of them fired at the police. However, the policemen had a narrow escape. “One of the accused named Sunil has been arrested. A case has been registered against them and investigation is going on,” the SP said.