For Haryana, which prides itself on being one of the most prosperous and progressive states in the country, the recent case of the killing of a newly married couple over their gotra serves as an eye-opener.

The couple was chased and killed despite the police protection granted to them by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In contrast to all this is the state?s position on the growth chart. It is being looked at by the Planning Commission as the number one in the next five years. Economic indicators point out how Haryana has outpaced Punjab in economic growth. Haryana Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is expected to increase by 10.67 per cent at constant prices. At current prices, the growth is going to be 15 per cent. Compared to this, the national GDP growth rate is 9.2 per cent.

Haryana?s per capita income increased from Rs 35,044 in 2004-5 to Rs 38,832 in 2005-6 at current prices. It now has the second highest per capita income in the country after Goa. Its fiscal management too is considered one of the best in the country; was the first state in the country to introduce Value Added Tax (VAT); and was also among the first to make an all out campaign for the use of CFLs.

Yet, cases like the one mentioned above, and the dominance of the Khap Panchayats and Mahapanchayats on the society tend to pull down the state from its high pedestal. Pramod Kumar, who is the Director of Institute of Development and Communication, says that Haryana cannot hope to achieve its full potential in the absence of social growth.

Surprisingly, despite such issues raising their head time and again, no political party?irrespective of whether they are in power or not?ever condemns or deplores them. Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has dismissed such issues as ?social norms? that take time to change.

Honour killings, which have occurred in the past in the state, are also on rise now. Panchayats, Khap Panchayats and Maha Panchayats of the state issue diktats which no one dares to defy. Such orders at times also overrule the democratic and secular law of the country.

The glaring example is the killing of the couple?Manoj and Babli?who married in the same gotra. While the girl?s family allegedly chased and killed the two, the village of Patti Karora village in Kaithal district stood by the accused.

The family of Manoj?his mother Chandrapati, sisters Seema and Rekha and younger brother Vinod?are facing social ostracism in the village.