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H A R Y A N A |  |
 Monday, September 13, 1999 |
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ST evasion racket in
Sonepat |
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Haryana Cong flays attack
on Dalits ROHTAK, Sept 12 — The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has condemned the incident which took place at Kakroli-Sardara village in Bhiwani district where activists of the INLD allegedly attacked a basti of Dalits on Friday night. Chautala denies charges
of booth-capturing Surjewala's
"role" upsets Birender Singh Chautala
pleasing Badal: ex-minister Undertrial
commits suicide Rs
30 lakh plan for beautification "Happiness
lies in humanity's service" |
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ST evasion racket in Sonepat SONEPAT, Sept 12 — The Excise and Taxation Department has been suffering a huge loss of revenue due to a racket in which traders, shopkeepers and smugglers are evading sales tax at the cost of the department. According to informed sources, the racket is the result of alleged collusion between the staff of the department posted at the collection centres and some transport companies. This collusion has been exploited by the traders who are engaged in duping the government on one pretext or the other. These sources also revealed the traders in collusion with the transport companies were preparing fake "biltis'" showing non-taxable articles. Taxable articles are camouflaged as non-taxable articles while transporting goods from Delhi to this city and other towns in the state. In this way, they are alleged to have evaded sales tax. The officials of the enforcement wing of the department have failed to check the vehicles carrying such goods on the national highways and the state highways. Many a times, such cases are allegedly hushed up after getting some "nazrana" from the transporters. The wholesale traders have also reportedly adopted a new strategy to dupe sales tax officials by getting the bills of the goods less than the actual amount issued. They thus evade the tax by getting the commodities undervalued. Similarly, the daily commuters have found a new way to evade the sales tax. Sonepat, being nearer to Delhi, more than 20,000 persons daily go to Delhi by train for work. On their return journey, most of them bring electric goods, radio and TV parts, photo rolls, medicines and other goods in their bags or in small attache cases. These goods are brought for the small shopkeepers and traders on a small commission. Neither the goods are taken into account nor any sales tax is paid on their sales. According to trade circles here, more than 80 per cent amount of tax is being evaded by the shopkeepers and traders through this novel way. The authorities concerned have failed to check the heavy losses of public revenue. Meanwhile, the livestock dealers in connivance with the sales tax officials also reportedly evade considerable tax by showing less number of cattle exported from the state. It is stated that flat rates are charged for the livestock which results in heavy loss to the state exchequer. Owners of the rice
shellers also allegedly continue to dupe the government
by evading sales tax on a large scale. They are said to
be not showing the paddy in their stock which they had
been purchasing direct from the paddy growers. |
EVMs' use baffles people ROHTAK, Sept 12 — The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the election here in this parliamentary constituency has been a pleasant change for many but it has left several people baffled because of certain advantages and disadvantages experienced by them. They have raised doubts about whether the EVMs had been really helpful in making polling free and fair. For the first time in the state Rohtak and Karnal parliamentary constituencies were chosen this time for the use of electronic voting machines in place of the traditional ballot paper. More than 12 lakh voters exercised their right to vote by pressing the button of the EVMs instead of putting the stamp on the ballot paper. But some people, especially supporters and workers of certain candidates and parties have raised questions over the advantages and disadvantages. A worker of a political party claimed the allotment of the first button on the machine had been advantageous to the candidates who got it in comparison to the candidates who were given second, third or fourth button. Certain election agents and activists of the Congress candidates from here complained that workers and supporters of their main opponent had misled and misguided the voters about the use of the machines. They said the voters, especially the illiterate ones were being told that the voting machine would start functioning only after they pressed the first button and they were told that they could press the button of their choice the second time. They claimed several people who wanted to cast their votes for the candidates given second, third or fourth slots were made to cast their vote for the candidate placed at the first button due to "misguidance" by certain people. Some such persons were given away by policemen and activists of certain political parties at several polling stations in the constituency, according to report reaching here. In some other cases, supporters of the candidate allotted the topmost button felt the first button had been disadvantageous to them as several voters from rural areas pressed the first button from the button instead of the first button from the top due to their ignorance. They claimed the placement of the machine was not in the same direction at every booth. It was also noticed that some elderly voters who were helped by their kin to reach the polling stations could not enjoy their right to vote as the kin accompanying them pressed the button instead of elders. Although the
administration had set up centres to display the machines
to get the voters acquainted with them but it is reported
that not many people turned up there. As many as 1,368
polling booths had been set up in the nine Assembly
segments of this constituency. Some people are also
apprehensive that as the counting will be taken up
boothwise the candidates and their agents will be able to
know how much their tally had been in each of the booths.
It is claimed that the winning candidate may discriminate
against certain areas where he gets less number of votes. |
CM's assurance to Yamuna link
canal staff YAMUNANAGAR, Sept 12 — The Haryana Chief Minister, announced incentives to the Haryana Irrigation Department employees to complete the western Yamuna canal link channel off-taking form the newly constructed Hathini Kund barrage work before projected time. Mr Om Prakash Chautala on his first visit to the site (near Tajewala 40 km from here) today lauded the efforts of the department and the Larseon & Toubro (L&T) staff. He was informed by the officials of L & T company that the work would be completed by April 2000. He desired the work to the completed by March 2000 and they would be suitably rewarded. Mr Chautala later visited Hathini Kund barrage project where he was apprised by the engineers that Haryana would be getting water to the extent of 25,000 cusecs through its western canal head regulator, whereas Uttar Pradesh would be getting 7,350 cusecs through its eastern canal head regulator. He was also informed that the water fall between Hathni Kund barrage and Tajewala would be utilised for power generation of 16 MW by constructing a power house on the power channel off taking form the link channel. Land has already been acquired for the construction of the fourth power house and the machinery imported from Fuji Electrical Company, Japan. The Chief Minister announced the employment to be generated for the construction of fourth power house shall be given to the local area residents. He also promised employment to the affected farmers whose land has been acquired for the construction of the power house. Later, talking to reporters Mr Chautala asserted that his government would complete its tenure and election would be held on scheduled time. The Chief Minister announced that priority, would be given to the generation of power, drinking water,education and law and order in the state. He stated that he has been receiving complaints about officials at the district level, but because of Election Commission's directive he was unable to take any action till the election process was over in the first week of October. He, however, promised that administration would be streamlined at the earliest. Mr Chautala hoped that the Sutlej-Yamuna Link problem would be settled amicably with the intervention of the Prime Minster, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Chief Minister also
addressed a gathering at Khijri village of Mr Akram Khan,
State Home Minister. Mr Chautala appealed to the
gathering to join hands with secular forces for progress
and prosperity of the nation. |
Haryana Cong flays attack on
Dalits ROHTAK, Sept 12 — The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) has condemned the incident which took place at Kakroli-Sardara village in Bhiwani district where activists of the INLD allegedly attacked a basti of Dalits on Friday night. Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of atrocities on Dalits in Haryana, Mr Ram Mehar, Convener of the SC/ST cell of the HPCC, demanded immediate arrest of the accused. He said the matter was being referred to the Chairman, SC/ST Commission, Delhi, for an on-the-spot inquiry into the attack. Mr Mehar alleged that ever since Mr Om Prakash Chautala took oath as Chief Minister on July 24, the incidents of lawlessness and attack on the Dalits were on the rise. Citing incidents, he said on July 27, three days after Mr Chautala took over as Chief Minister, Dalit teenagers were beaten at Ghirae village (Hisar) and on August 2, the Deputy Commissioner, Rohtak, was abused and humiliated by an INLD legislator. The Executive Officer of he local municipal committee was ill-treated on August 4 by a Municipal Commissioner belonging to the ruling party, he alleged. The houses of Dalits were demolished and burnt at Pharal village (Kaithal) on August 21 and the SHO, Meham, and other policemen were beaten inside the police station on September 6. Jaivir, a Dalit youth, of Khokha village (Hisar) was murdered on September 10 following dispute over polling. He further alleged that
large-scale bogus voting on September 5 was also an
indication of lawlessness. Dalit voters were reportedly
beaten and humiliated on the polling day. The Bhiwani
police failed to take preventive action despite
information, was also a matter of concern, he added. |
Chautala denies charges of PANIPAT, Sept 12 — The Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala, has refuted the allegations of booth-capturing levelled by former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and said such allegations were being levelled merely out of frustration. Mr Chautala was talking to mediapersons at Samalkha last evening during his brief halt there on way to Yamunanagar from Delhi. He claimed that the entire election process in the state had been completed in a peaceful atmosphere and without any violence or untoward incident. He thanked the people and the administrative machinery for the free and fair poll. The Chief Minister reiterated that the Assembly elections would be held after the completion of the five-year term of the present Assembly. He claimed that the people of the state had fully supported the INLD-BJP alliance in the elections because of the three-year misrule of the Bansi Lal government. He added that the state
government had already started taking necessary steps to
improve and streamline the power supply in the state and
better results had been reported from many parts. |
Surjewala's "role" upsets
Birender Singh HISAR, Sept 12 — Having a dig at the senior Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala for not participating in his election campaign, former Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President and party candidate from Hisar Birender Singh today said the poll results in the state would also be a factor to determine change in the PCC leadership. Addressing a press conference here, Mr Birender Singh appeared very upset over the role of Mr Surjewala, another former PCC President and an aspirant for Hisar Parliamentary ticket during these elections. Mr Surjewala had complained, that he had not been involved or invited by Birender Singh for the campaigning. To this Mr Birender Singh restored, "Mr Surjewala was himself the Chairman of the Campaign Committee, how should he expect that he should be extended invitations for the job he is supposed to do". Mr Birender Singh said he would furnish every detail (about the role of such leaders) with adequate proof to the party high command for necessary action. Mr Birender Singh was not happy either with the role of a former legislator from Ghirai, Mr Chhaterpaul. The Congress candidate claimed that he was confident of victory. While admitting that low turnout in the urban areas will not to the benefit of the Congress he said, the equally low turnout in the rural areas would perform the balancing act. The former PCC president said, the poll outcome in the state would have definite impact on the possible change of guard in the PCC. He said, all these issues will be decided after the elections. Mr Birender Singh accused Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala of resorting to repressive measures against his political opponents. He alleged that the Congress and BSP workers were being implicated and harassed. He pointed out that in some villages Dalits were prevented from casting their vote by Mr Chautala's men, as they feared that these people would cast their votes in favour of the Congress. Another Congress leader
and former Union Minister Jai Prakash, who was also
present, asked the Chief Minister Mr Chautala to resign
on moral grounds following the Election Commission asking
him to keep away from the state on the day of election.
He pointed out, it was a strong structure against Mr
Chautala and he should resign on moral grounds. This is
for the first time that a Chief Minister has been
prevented from casting his vote due to apprehension of
violence, he pointed out. |
Chautala pleasing Badal:
ex-minister SIRSA, Sept 12 — Former Haryana Minister Jagdish Nehra said while talking to reporters here "Chautala is pleasing Badal keeping the interests of Haryana at stake". Mr Nehra accused Mr Chautala of giving 17.5 acres on the Delhi-Haryana border to one of the members of the Badal family. The land was initially allotted in 1990 but the allotment was later cancelled by the Congress government. Mr Nehra asked "why don’t Mr Badal and Mr Chautala resolve the controversial issues between the two states if they are such good friends?" Evading a direct reply to the question of the change of name of Kurukshetra University, Mr Nehra said it was regrettable to drag religion in a controversy like this. He said Mr Chautala had played with the sentiments of Sikhs as he could have founded another university to be named after the great Guru. Commenting on the law
and order, water and electricity issues Mr Nehra said the
situation had worsened in the state. He also alleged that
supporters of the Chief Minister had forced to vote for
them in Jodhkan, Gadli Narayan Khera, Darba and Bodiwala
villages in the district. |
Undertrial commits suicide JIND, Sept 12 — Seven deaths due to various reasons were reported from different parts of the district today. Shamsher Singh, an undertrial in the local District Jail allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in the bathroom of the jail. He was facing trial for abducting and raping a girl. Anita, a housewife, and her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Gurdeep, died after allegedly consuming poison at Hasanpur village. According to reports, Anita died on the spot while her son died in the local hospital. Family dispute is reported to be the cause of the incident. Rajpal of Dedraj Street here, and Ram Singh a resident of the local Ajmer Basti, allegedly died after consuming poison. The reason for taking poison by them is not known. Suresh, a resident of Khanda village, died in the local General Hospital after consuming poison. In another incident,
Kamla a resident of Mohangarh Chhapra village, died of
burn injuries at the local General Hospital. She
reportedly caught fire under mysterious circumstances. |
Rs 30 lakh plan for
beautification ROHTAK, Sept 12 — The district administration will spend about Rs 30 lakh on improving the traffic system and the beautification of the town under a comprehensive plan. Stating this here yesterday the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Arun Kumar, said the work would be completed in different phases. In the first phase, he said, traffic lights had been installed at the Sonepat stand while the same would be set up at the Vijay Chowk, Sukhpura Chowk, Ashoka Cinema and Shiela by pass to regulate traffic by the end of this month. Besides, direction boards and blinkers would be put up at various traffic points, he added. The Deputy Commissioner
said as many as 500 saplings of different species had
been planted in the town to keep it green and pollution
free. |
G.V.
Gupta
appointed HSIDC chief CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Haryana Government has appointed a retired IAS officer, Mr G.V. Gupta, as Chairman of the Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC). Mr Gupta had been a chairman of the Haryana State Electricity Board. He held various posts during his long bureaucratic career. It is for the first time that a non-official has been appointed Chairman of the HSIDC, which is considered to be a coveted post among Haryana bureaucrats. It is believed that by appointing Mr Gupta to the apex post the Chautala Government wants to send a message that it is committed to industrial development of the state, which was put on the back burner by the Bansi Lal Government. Mr Gupta will take a token salary of Re 1 a month. The government has also appointed another retired IAS officer, Mr B.P. Sehgal, as Adviser to the Chief Minister. Mr Sehgal, who retired
in 1984, is considered to be an authority on the revenue
law and the excise laws. |
Bid to loot petrol station,
1 held YAMUNANAGAR, Sept 12 — A bid was made to loot a petrol station here. It is reported that at 3.30 a.m., five car-borne miscreants reached the petrol station and demanded petrol. Later, they tried to take away the cash. A staff member hit one of the accused, who fainted and was admitted to the local Civil Hospital. The other four, however, managed to escape. A case has been
registered. |
Liquor contractor looted of
lakhs FARIDABAD, Sept 12 — Three miscreants last night robbed a liquor contractor of Rs 6 lakh at Sector 29, here. According to reports, the incident occurred when the contractor alongwith his son and driver was returning after collecting day’s proceeds from the shops. As soon as he reached outside his house in Sector 29 the miscreants threw chilli powder into their eyes and fled away with the cash bag. Meanwhile, the police has registered a case. In another incident,
five armed miscreants entered the house of Mr Sudesh
Chaturvedi, Senior Manager, Escorts, at Sector 9 last
night and escaped with jewellery, cash and costly items
after beating family members. |
"Happiness lies in humanity's
service" SIRSA, Sept 12 —Truth love, non-violence, dutifulness and peace are the five characteristics of a human being. "said Mr Abhimanyu Kaul, the state youth coordinator of the Sri Satya Sai Seva Sangathan. Mr Kaul was speaking at a seminar on spiritualism here in the local K.G.K. Conference Hall today. He said the problem today was that we were deviating from our 'natural' path. If we adopted any of these five, we would be able to handle many of the problems facing the society today. Ms Neerja Shekhar, ADC, Sirsa, in her presidential address said we should appraise our activities of the day and try to recognise our own worth. Supreme happiness could be achieved through supreme knowledge which was inherent in the service of humanity. We should respect our parents. The sacred parents child relationship was a unique quality of our culture. Chairman, Jind Consumer
Forum, Jagdish Chopra, who was the chief guest on this
occasion said he felt enlightened after hearing the
speakers. These were urgently needed in today's world. He
lauded efforts of the samiti for its effort to inspire
the youth to do good deeds. |
School, road to be named after
martyr AMBALA, Sept 12 — Mr Om Prakash Chautala, Chief Minister, today visited Gandholi (Naraingarh), the native village of martyr Pawan Saini, who laid down his life while fighting intruders in the Leh sector last month. The Chief Minister announced to rename the school and the road of the village after the name of the martyr. He also announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh on the behalf of Chaudhary Devi Lal, a member of the Rajya Sabha for his memorial to be built in the village. Later, addressing a workers' meeting at Kodva village he announced that Mr Ram Singh Kodva and Mr Raj Kumar (Mustfabad) would be appointed members of the Cane Control Board.
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M S Malik promoted as Addl DGP CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — The Haryana Government has promoted Mr M.S. Malik, IPS, Inspector-General of Police, as Additional Director-General of Police in the pay scale of Rs 22400-24500. On promotion Mr Malik has been appointed as Director, State Vigilance Bureau. A graduate of Government College, Jind, Mr Malik did his L.LM while in service. He is registered with the Law department, Panjab University, for doing his Ph.D. on "Human rights, the legal regime and the security forces." He is an ex-Army officer, who led counter-insurgency operations in Mizoram in 1969-70. He participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak war in the Jessore-Khullana sector. A recipient of
President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Mr
Malik is associated with various sports. He was selected
as manager of the Indian hockey team for the 13th Asian
Games held in Bangkok in December, 1998. |
INLD executive to meet on
Sept 15 CHANDIGARH, Sept 12 — An urgent meeting of the state executive of the ruling Indian national Lok Dal (INLD) has been convened here on September 15. The meeting will be held at Haryana Nivas. The INLD chief and Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, will preside. The meeting will be attended by party legislators, district unit presidents and state conveners of various cells of the party. The meeting will discuss
various organisational issues and formulate the programme
for celebrations of the birthday of Mr Devi Lal, former
Deputy Prime Minister. |
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