Residents block traffic
SIRSA, March 19 — Residents of Kirtinagar, Patel Basti and its adjoining areas, headed by Mrs Promila Sharma, district president of the women's cell of the Indian National Lok Dal blocked traffic on Begu road here today in protest against the faulty sewerage in the area.

R.S. Malik files another case against CM
CHANDIGARH, March 19 — A former IAS officer of Haryana, Mr R.S. Malik, yesterday filed another case against the Chief Minister Mr Bansi Lal.

Shopkeeper injured in looting attempt
YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — Three youths attacked a shopkeeper here and injured him yesterday.

Haryana transfers
CHANDIGARH, March 19 — In a major reshuffle, the Haryana Government today transferred 18 IAS and five HCS officers. Some were given additional charge.

Five arrested in fraud case
FATEHABAD, March 19 — The police, yesterday booked five persons for fraudulently trying to procure a bank loan on a buffalo belonging to some other person.

Left parties’plea on accord
ROHTAK, March 19 — The CPI and the CPM have demanded the implementation of the Rajiv-Longowal accord to resolve inter-state disputes between Punjab and Haryana.

Draft of electoral rolls by April 10
YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — As per the directions of the Election Commission of India the special revision of electoral rolls of all five Assembly constituencies falling in the district will be done from January 1, 1999, as the qualifying date.

• Handa Ambala Club president
• Life term for two
• Krishi Cards distributed
• Indefinite fast by students

Meeting of MDU panel put off
Tribune News Service

ROHTAK, March 19 — Meetings of the Finance Committee and the Executive Council of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) scheduled for March 22 have been postponed.

The meeting of the court of the university has, however, been fixed for March 31. No new date has yet fixed for the meetings of the Finance Committee and the Executive Council, which is mandatory to approve the university budget for 1999-2000.

The annual budget for the next financial year has been estimated at Rs 47.02 crore, including Rs 32 crore on the non-Plan side and Rs 12.71 crore on the Plan side . The university expects to get Rs 2.30 crore from the central funding agencies like the UGC and the CSIR.

The budget proposals for the next financial year indicate that the university has not made any effort to attain the status of a self-financing institute which has been stressed repeatedly by the UGC. The commission has been advising the universities to increase their internal resources and become self-financing, a hallmark for ushering university autonomy.

The budget proposals include grant-in-aid from state government of Rs 24 crore under the non-Plan and Rs 6.50 crore under the Plan income. Nearly 75 per cent of the budget allocations relate to salary, TA and remuneration, considered on a high side.

The university has made budgetary allocations of Rs 50 lakh for undertaking new development projects at its regional centre at Rewari. During the current year, it had made a provision of Rs 1.20 crore for initiating new projects, but in its revised budget for 1998-99, this allocation was withdrawn.

Residents block traffic
From Our Correspondent

SIRSA, March 19 — Residents of Kirtinagar, Patel Basti and its adjoining areas, headed by Mrs Promila Sharma, district president of the women's cell of the Indian National Lok Dal blocked traffic on Begu road here today in protest against the faulty sewerage in the area.

They said the sewerage in Maharaj Aggarsain Colony, Jiwan Singh Park area and the mela ground has collapsed and sullage was overflowing from manholes.

They alleged no steps had been taken by the Public Health authorities in this regard. They said they would gherao the local MLA, if nothing was done on this issue.

Governor's stress on women's education
Tribune News Service

HISAR, March 19 — The Governor, Mr Mahabir Prasad, today warned against population explosion in the country and exhorted the teachers and students to spread the message of population control. Speaking at a function organised to inaugurate a computer centre at Guru Jambeshwar University (GJU) here, Mr Prasad said the increasing population in the country was likely to pose serious problems.

The Governor emphasised that to ensure population control, it was necessary that the women in the country were literate. He regretted that even after 50 years of Independence the literacy rate among women was less than 40 per cent. He said for the social and economic development of the country it was necessary to control the population, and empowerment of women was an essential aspect of this.

Mr Prasad said he had reports that female feticide was on rise in Haryana. He sought detailed investigations into the matter and expressed concern that such practices were being adopted. He warned that this might lead to a disturbed male-female ratio and a social crisis. He called for an end to this practice.

Referring to the modernisation and computerisation at GJU, the Governor lauded the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Dharamveer. He, however, pointed out that the latest technology should be used for bringing about a total social revolution which emancipates and empowers women.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor referred to recent developments made by the university. He said the university was soon going to organise a cultural festival which would be a regular feature in future. He added that the university library, which had been recently shifted to Guru Jambeshwar Religious Centre, was undergoing computerisation and the UGC had provided special grants for it.

Mr Dharamveer stated that the university would soon have Internet facility for its students.

The Excise and Taxation Minister, Mr Om Prakash Mahajan, the Dean, academic affairs, Prof B.K. Kuthiala, and the Registrar of the university, Mr Abhilash Lekhi, also spoke on the occasion.

R.S. Malik files another case against CM
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 19 — A former IAS officer of Haryana, Mr R.S. Malik, yesterday filed another case against the Chief Minister Mr Bansi Lal, the Chief Secretary, Mr R.S. Varma, the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr L.M. Jain, a former Haryana State Vigilance Commissioner, Mr S.H. Mohan, and four others demanding damages of Rs 1 crore from each for allegedly harassing and defaming him by registering a "false" case regarding disproportionate assets against him on April 29,1998.

The Civil Judge, Mr R.S. Madan issued a notice for June 3.

Mr Malik alleged that the case against him was registered at the behest of the Chief Minister to harass him and to restrain him from pursuing the cases filed by his two sons against Mr Bansi Lal and his relatives.

The former IAS officer said the case was registered in complete disregard of guidelines and the law laid down by the Supreme Court in the case of P. Sirajuddin versus the State of Madras. He said he had a longstanding personal enmity with Mr Bansi Lal which dated back to 1977 when he was arrested by his (Mr Malik's) close relative, Mr Dharam Singh, the then DIG, on account of several criminal cases registered against him.

Mr Malik said the primary objective of his filing the case was to inform Mr Bansi Lal and his officials that they were not above the law. He said the amount of compensation, when recovered, would be donated to educational institutions for upgrading the standard of education and for promoting sports in Haryana.

Shopkeeper injured in looting attempt
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — Three youths attacked a shopkeeper here and injured him yesterday.

According to police sources, three youths with the intention of looting forcibly entered a confectionery shop owned by Mr Gulshan Grover at Sarni Chowk around 10.30 p.m.

Mr Grover was closing his shop when three youths, who were on foot, demanded some snacks. When he was serving them the snacks, they attacked him, resulting in a scuffle. One of the accused pulled down the shutter so that nobody could see them. They threatened him with dire consequences if he did not hand over the money.

Ultimately one of the youths fired and seriously injured him. Escaping from their clutches Mr Grover ran towards the place where a "Jagran" was being performed, and started shouting for help. He was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital by the people assembled there.

A case has been registered under Sections 393, 394, 397 and 452, IPC. The condition of the shopkeeper is stated to be out of danger.

Meanwhile, the police here has recovered a body of a youth.

According to the Jagadhri police, Jangahod of Tejli village who works in the Irrigation Department, informed the police today that during his morning walk at Sector 15, he found the body.

The body bore wounds of sharpedged weapons. The police reportedly recovered a knife and a cartridge from the pocket of the deceased.

A case under Section 302, IPC, has been registered.

Haryana transfers
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 19 — In a major reshuffle, the Haryana Government today transferred 18 IAS and five HCS officers. Some were given additional charge.

Mr M.K. Miglani, Financial Commissioner and Secretary, Local Government and Animal Husbandry, has been posted as Financial Commissioner and Secretary, Local Government and Technical Education, relieving Mr Prem Prashant of the charge of Commissioner and Secretary, Technical Education.

Mr Parshant will now look after the work of the Secretary, Animal Husbandry, and Commissioner for Inquiries.

Mr Naseem Ahmed, Commissioner and Secretary, Food and Supplies, and member, Sales Tax Tribunal-II, and Mr H.C. Disodia, Commissioner and Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture and Marketing, will swap places.

Mr Sajjan Singh, Special Secretary, Rehabilitation-cum-Chief Settlement Commissioner, has been given the additional charge of Director, Consolidation and Land Records, relieving Mr R.R. Banswal of the charge.

Mr Harbaksh Singh becomes Special Secretary (Rules). Mrs Surina Rajan, Joint Secretary, Home-I and Power, and Director and Joint Secretary, Non-Conventional Energy Sources, has been posted as Joint Secretary, Home-II and Joint Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections.

Mr Vijai Vardhan, Joint Secretary, Secretariat Establishment, and Inquiry Officer Vigilance and Joint Secretary, Home-II and Joint Commissioner, Gurudwara Elections, has been posted as Joint Secretary, Home-I and Inquiry Officer, Vigilance.

Mr Gulab Singh Sorot, Joint Secretary, Irrigation has been given the additional charge of Managing-Director, Haryana State Minor Irrigation Tubewell Corporation, relieving Mrs Jyoti Arora of the charge.

Mr Sanjeev Kaushal, Joint Secretary (Rules) attached with the OSD (Rules) has been posted as Project Director, Swaran Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana, relieving Mrs Jyoti Arora of the charge of Project Director, SJSRY and State Urban Development Society.

Mrs Jyoti Arora, Director, Local Bodies, MD, HSMITC and Project Director, SJSRY and State Urban Development Society, has been posted as Director, Local Bodies, and Managing-Director, Haryana Agro-Industries Corporation, against a vacant post.

Mr R.K. Khullar, Director and Joint Secretary, Public Relations, Grievances and Cultural Affairs and Hospitality has been given the additional charge of Project Director, Reproductive and Child Health and Project Director of the National AIDS Control Projects against a new post, relieving Mr R.K. Garg of the additional charge of Project Director of the National AIDS Control Projects.

Mr H.S. Rana, Joint Secretary, Local Government, has been posted as Joint Secretary, Wildlife Preservation, relieving Mr S.S. Ahlawat of the charge.

Mr Lal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chief Executive Officer, District Rural Development Agency, Kaithal goes as such to Rewari vice Mr Anil Malik, who has been posted to Yamunanagar against a vacant post.

Mr Vijayendra Kumar, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Kosli, has been posted as ADC-cum-CEO, DRDA, Kaithal. Mr Chander Singh, Commissioner and Secretary, Irrigation has been given the additional charge of Commissioner, Ambala Division, against a vacant post.

Mr S.C. Chaudhary, OSD, Manpower Planning has been posted as principal, Revenue Training Institute, Ambala Cantonment against a new post.

Mr S.P. Gupta, General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Delhi, has been posted as Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil)-cum-Additional Collector, Kosli.

Mr Surjit Singh, Joint Director, Hospitality and General Manager (Admn) Haryana Tourism Corporation, has been given the additional charge of Join Director, Tourism, against a vacant post. Mrs Sunita Verma, City Magistrate, Jind, and Estate Officer, Urban Estate, Jind, has been posted as such at Sirsa.

Mr Deveshwar Dayal, Under Secretary, Planning will now be Special Collector, Fatehabad, against a vacant post. Mr Kulwant Kumar Kalson, City Magistrate, Sirsa, and Estate Officer, Urban Estate, Sirsa, has been posted as such as at Jind.

200 units issued closure notices
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — The Haryana Pollution Control Board has issued closure notices to about 200 industrial units in the state.

According to highly placed sources, the notices have been served on dozen dyeing units of Faridabad, Panipat and Karnal.

The Board has also issued closure notices to close two stone crushers in Yamunanagar district.

According to Mr S.K. Sharma, Regional Officer of the Pollution Department, notices have been issued to about 400 rice shellers of Yamunanagar region.

Five arrested in fraud case
From Our Correspondent

FATEHABAD, March 19 — The police, yesterday booked five persons for fraudulently trying to procure a bank loan on a buffalo belonging to some other person.

According to the SP, Mr Rajbir Deswal, Lal Chand, a resident of Bhattu Kalan in this district yesterday lodged a complaint. He said that Pirthi, Maida Ram, Krishan and Subhash in league with an insurance employee had fraudulently procured a bank loan by earmarking his buffalo. Lal Chand had alleged that the officials of the bank, the insurance company and the Animal Husbandry Department were also involved in the conspiracy. The police has registered a case under Section 420 of the IPC.

Left parties’plea on accord
Tribune News Service

ROHTAK, March 19 — The CPI and the CPM have demanded the implementation of the Rajiv-Longowal accord to resolve inter-state disputes between Punjab and Haryana.

In a joint statement here today, the two parties criticised the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal for refusing to complete the Sutlej-Yamuna Link SYL Canal in Punjab territory and denying Haryana its legitimate share in the canal waters.

They alleged that the non-communist parties in Punjab and Haryana had been exploiting the SYL issue to garner votes wheras agriculture in large parts of Haryana, particularly South Haryana had been suffering for want of canal waters.

The two parties said although the SAD and the BJP were partners in the ruling alliance at the centre and in Punjab and Haryana, they had adopted an opportunistic attitude on resolving the inter-state disputes. The parties stressed the need for solving the disputes within the purview of the Rajiv-Longowal accord.

Reviewing the political situation, the two parties said the governments at the Centre and in Haryana had failed on all fronts as the problems confronting the common man were getting acute with every passing day.

Killed by fleeing thieves
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, March 19 — A person who chased thieves, who had entered his house in Sector 14 here yesterday, was killed when he was hit by a brick by one of them.

A report has been lodged with the police by Siddharth, son of the victim, Ramesh Malik. He told the police that the culprits, numbering about three to four, tried to break open a door when they were sleeping during night, but his father woke up and rushed to catch them. One of them picked up a brick lying on the road and hurled it at his father. It hit him on the head which led to his death. He was 49.

A case under Section 458, 34, IPC, has been registered.

Meanwhile, in another incident the police has registered a case against four persons of Chamarian village near here in connection with an alleged assault and for threatening to kill two persons of Sunderpur village near here.

Draft of electoral rolls by April 10
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — As per the directions of the Election Commission of India the special revision of electoral rolls of all five Assembly constituencies falling in the district will be done from January 1, 1999, as the qualifying date.

This was stated by the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Mr Rajiv Sharma, here today. He said the draft publication of electoral rolls would be made by April 10,1999. Filing of claims and objections could be submitted at the the Electoral Registration Offices from April 10 to May 10.

Designated officers will obtain the receipt of claims and objections at the polling stations from April 24 to 25 and from May 8 to 9. He further added that decisions on the claims and objections will be taken by the electoral registration officers by June 12. The final publication of electoral rolls will be done by July 12.

Handa Ambala Club president
Tribune News Service

AMBALA, March 19 — Mr A.K. Handa has been elected President of the Ambala Club defeating Lieut Col J.K. Patni (retd) by six votes in a keenly contested election.

Mr Lakshmi Sagar, an industrialist, and Mr Pyare Lal Sharma, former DSP, were elected Vice-Presidents Mr Narinder Bengali, former Municipal Commissioner, was elected Secretary, and Mr B.L. Bhatia Treasurer.

Life term for two
From Our Correspondent

FATEHABAD, March 19 — The Additional District and Session Judge here, has awarded a life sentence to Krishan and Risal in a murder case.

According to reports, Balwan Singh, a resident of Khajoori Jatti village had lodged a complaint with the police on June 18, 1996, stating that his brother, Narsi, was shot at in a group fight .

The police had registered a case under Sections 302, 148, 149 of the IPC and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

Krishi Cards distributed
From Our Correspondent

FATEHABAD, March 19 — Branches of Punjab National Bank in the district organised a kisan meeting here today. About 100 Krishi Cards were distributed to farmers. Mr V. Raja Shekhar, Deputy Commissioner, was the chief guest.

Mr Raja Shekhar described the newly launched scheme as one of the best schemes for the farmers which not only meet their credit requirements for agricultural and allied activities but also other requirements such as medical expenses, education etc.

Under the scheme, farmers owing 2.5 acre on more are eligible depending upon their income generation capacity from various agricultural and other activities. The maximum limit of the cards is Rs 1 lakh. The major advantage of the scheme for the farmers is that they can withdraw as well as repay the amount any number of times within the allowed limit.

The facility is allowed for three years after which the new cards can be issued on the request of the farmers.

Indefinite fast by students
From Our Correspondent

YAMUNANAGAR, March 19 — Students of DAV Dental College, Yamunanagar, have been on an indefinite fast since March 15 in protest against the injustice done to them by the management committee in the allocation of the boys' hostel.

The students told this reporter yesterday that on February 25, the hostel meant for the boys was illegally occupied by girl students of T.D.T.R. Physiotherapy Institute.

Mr SS Dua, Principal of the dental college, said that the demand of the students was genuine and the management was trying to resolve the issue at the earliest.