Slain PWD beldar’s family awaits promised salary

Ambika Sharma

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Tribune News Service

Solan, September 23

PWD beldar Gulab Singh’s sacrifice seems to have been forgotten and false empathy shown by political leaders has faded away.

The only earning member in the family, Gulab Singh had suffered a bullet injury during a demolition drive in the Kasauli Planning Area nearly four months ago. He was admitted to the PGI, Chandigarh, where he died.

The authorities had promised to pay his salary for the remaining years of his service to his family, but not even a single penny had been released so far. He is survived by his wife Kamla Devi and two daughters, Ranjana and Santosh.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had also honoured his family at Nurpur on the occasion of Independence Day.

Kamla Devi said the Chief Minister had called upon his husband at the PGI, Chandigarh, and promised job to his daughter and salary to the family.

She said although paper formalities were completed in July, there was no word from PWD officials and politicians who had promised early settlement of the case and job for the deceased’s elder daughter Ranjana.

Ranjana wanted to pursue BEd after completing her graduation this year, but was forced to join a correspondence course in MA due to the sudden death of her father. Her younger sister Santosh is pursuing her BCom second year.

Sources said although the government had handed over a cheque for Rs 5 lakh as compensation to his family, the sluggish approach adopted by officials in clearing his case has left much to be desired.

Superintending Engineer, PWD, SK Jagota said he would pursue the case for speedy clearance.