M A I N   N E W S

Suspend Bhullar, says Punjab
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 8
The Punjab Government has recommended the suspension of Additional Director-General of Police Daljit Singh Bhullar to the Union Government after his conviction in a triple murder case.

Sources in the Home Department said that the recommendation, along with a copy of the judgment had been sent to the Union Government. The sources maintained that under the rules, the state government could only recommend the suspension of an official belonging to the Central civil service after his or her conviction. Further action, including termination of service, was to be initiated by the Union Government.

SGPC panel indicts Bibi’s ex-PA
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 8
A five-member inquiry committee comprising Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members has indicted Mr Harjit Singh, Assistant Secretary and former personal assistant to Bibi Jagir Kaur, for excess recruitment. The SGPC Executive Committee has directed Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, Secretary, to recover Rs 75,000 from him within 15 days.

The inquiry committee comprised Mr Onkar Singh Sharifpura, Mr Mohinder Singh Romana, Mr Alwinder Singh Pakhoke, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur and Mr Shangara Singh Lohian. According to Mr Sharifpura, Mr Harjit Singh was found guilty of giving appointment letters to about 40 persons on a temporary basis at the fag-end of the tenure of Bibi Jagir Kaur, a former SGPC chief. Though the services of the temporary employees were terminated on November 1 last year the salaries given to them for September and October had to be recovered.

The SGPC Executive has also confirmed the services of about 170 employees who have completed five years in the SGPC. Thirtytwo other employees, who were confirmed on April 1, 1999, during the presidentship of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra but whose services were made temporary after Bibi Jagir Kaur took over as President, have now been confirmed with effect from April, 1999.

Meanwhile, the SGPC, in a press note issued here today, denied that the Executive Committee had dissolved all SGPC-run educational trusts. Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan said the Executive had not taken any decision yesterday to disband the trusts.

He however, said a resolution, moved by Mr Mohinder Singh Romana, had said that the SGPC should be the owner of the entire land belonging to the trusts. Dr Bachan urged mediapersons not to publish any news which distorted the facts.

Mr Harjit Singh claimed that he had issued orders at the behest of the then SGPC chief (Bibi Jagir Kaur). The persons recruited were employed on daily wages and they had served in various gurdwaras, he said.