Haryana CMO set to withdraw award from controversial NGO head

Chandigarh: More than a fortnight after ordering a probe, the Haryana women and child development department (WCD) as well as the chief minister's office (CMO) have now initiated proceedings to withdraw the Indira Gandhi Award conferred on a controversial NGO head.
This comes along with departmental action against the officers and employees of the WCD department, as well as officers of the Jind district administration, the chief minister's office (CMO) confirmed on Saturday. "We got the preliminary investigations conducted, and it was found that the woman concealed certain facts. At the same time, the members of the committees involved in recommending the names failed to investigate the credentials. Hence, from Narwana sub-division to Jind district administration, as well as WCD department officials, are in the line of fire," said the CMO spokesperson.
As far as the award is concerned, withdrawal is imminent, and it has to be decided if any criminal action is to be initiated, the official added. The cause of action dates back to a state-level function organised to mark International Women's Day at Panchkula. During the function, the woman head of an NGO from Narwana was awarded the Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award, which carried a cheque of Rs 1.50 lakh, a meritorious certificate, and other honours. The award was given away by CM Nayab Saini in the presence of the WCD minister and other dignitaries. According to information, the woman and her NGO were awarded for their contribution in helping women engaged in prostitution. However, the same woman was found to be involved in cases of blackmail. In one of the cancelled FIRs, she even spent around 33 days in jail for misleading investigations.
According to the process followed for the selection of the awardee, the name has to be first recommended from the sub-division level committee to the district administration committee, formed on the directions of the deputy commissioner.
Chandigarh: More than a fortnight after ordering a probe, the Haryana women and child development department (WCD) as well as the chief minister's office (CMO) have now initiated proceedings to withdraw the Indira Gandhi Award conferred on a controversial NGO head.
This comes along with departmental action against the officers and employees of the WCD department, as well as officers of the Jind district administration, the chief minister's office (CMO) confirmed on Saturday. "We got the preliminary investigations conducted, and it was found that the woman concealed certain facts. At the same time, the members of the committees involved in recommending the names failed to investigate the credentials. Hence, from Narwana sub-division to Jind district administration, as well as WCD department officials, are in the line of fire," said the CMO spokesperson.
As far as the award is concerned, withdrawal is imminent, and it has to be decided if any criminal action is to be initiated, the official added. The cause of action dates back to a state-level function organised to mark International Women's Day at Panchkula. During the function, the woman head of an NGO from Narwana was awarded the Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award, which carried a cheque of Rs 1.50 lakh, a meritorious certificate, and other honours. The award was given away by CM Nayab Saini in the presence of the WCD minister and other dignitaries. According to information, the woman and her NGO were awarded for their contribution in helping women engaged in prostitution. However, the same woman was found to be involved in cases of blackmail. In one of the cancelled FIRs, she even spent around 33 days in jail for misleading investigations.
According to the process followed for the selection of the awardee, the name has to be first recommended from the sub-division level committee to the district administration committee, formed on the directions of the deputy commissioner.