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| Friday, June 2, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Sukh
Ram, Dhumal hold talks |
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| BJP allies growing restive: Sharma SHIMLA, June 1 — Mr Anand Sharma, spokesman of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), has accused the BJP government at the Centre of communalising the politics of the country and imposing its decisions on the allies with whose support it came into power. Over 4000 HIV positive cases in Himachal KANGRA, June 1 — There are between 4000 and 5000 HIV positive cases in Himachal and 13 persons have died of AIDS so far. Declare magic a performing art, urges Sankar SHIMLA, June 1 — World famous magician Sankar has urged the government to accord “magic” the status of a “performing art” to save this dying tradition. CM’s directive on economy SHIMLA, June 1 — The Chief Minister, today directed the General Administration Department to ensure that the instructions regarding effecting economy in expenditure were implemented by the departments in letter and spirit. Tibetans refute Chinese allegations DHARAMSALA, June 1 — The Tibetan Government-in-Exile today said that China, who had played up the Karmapa as a lama loyal to the communist regime”, was now feeling uncomfortable as it had been proved wrong. DYFI to intensify stir against police atrocities CHAMBA, May 31 — The Churah unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has decided to intensify its movement against the recent police atrocities against local youths who were protesting against the apathetic attitude of the state government towards the development of Churah subdivision in Chamba district on April 26 and the registration of a false case against them. Dhumal reviews Law Dept work SHIMLA, June 1 — The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, has stressed the need for the speedy disposal of pending legal cases. Bail granted in kidnapping case SHIMLA, June 1 — A single Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court consisting of Mr Justice R.L. Khurana has granted interim anticipatory bail to 11 persons in connection with the kidnapping of Dr Dev Yogi, who is said to be in underground samadhi of 111 days near Shogi here.
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Sukh Ram,
Dhumal hold talks SHIMLA, June 1 — The prospects of an amicable solution to the two-month-old crisis, which hit the coalition in the wake of the split in the Himachal Vikas Congress, brightened following the meeting between Mr P.K. Dhumal, Chief Minister, and the HVC supremo, Mr Sukh Ram, here today. The 90-minute meeting was a sequel to Mr Sukh Ram’s detailed talks with the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, over lunch at Manali on Tuesday on the situation arising out of the expulsion of Mr Mohinder Singh, Public Works Minister, from the party. According to highly placed sources, there was a discernible shift in the stand of the HVC supremo, who had earlier adopted a tough posture not only against Mr Mohinder Singh, but also the Chief Minister and accused the BJP of trying to split his party. During today’s meeting, he was at pains to explain that he did not hold any BJP leader responsible for the split in the HVC and that he had no complaints against Mr Dhumal whatsoever. However, he felt that the crisis could have been averted had the Chief Minister used his good offices to disuade Mr Mohinder Singh from holding a workers’ convention on March 1, eventually led to the split. While sticking to his demand for removal of Mr Mohinder Singh from the ministry, Mr Sukh Ram is learnt to have suggested a way out for an amicable solution. Mr Mohinder Singh could resign from the ministry to make amends for ‘indiscipline’ and regain the confidence of the party as a legislator. Thereafter, the party could request the Chief Minister to reinduct him in the Cabinet. Mr Dhumal advised the two HVC factions to stop fighting over party symbol and put an immediate end to the slanging match against each other. He asked Mr Sukh Ram to see through the Congress game, which would directly benefit from the weakening of the HVC, whereas the BJP would like its coalition partner to consolidate itself and gain strength. Mr Dhumal said the talks with Mr Sukh Ram were positive and that he went back satisfied. He said he had underlined the need for a rapprochement between the two factions and advised Mr Sukh Ram to settle the issue as a family affair. He gave the same advice to Mr Mohinder Singh and renewed his appeal to the two leaders to sink their differences and unite. Much importance is being attached to the two meetings and since Mr Vajpayee, who is holidaying at Manali, will be in the state for another week, a solution to the crisis may emerge with his intervention. Meanwhile, Mr Sukh Ram told reporters that he would not take any step which could create instability in the state. He said he could be marginalised amongst public representatives but not among the people, who held the lever of power in democracy. However, he expressed hope that the state BJP would not try to marginalise him amongst public representatives. Comparing the campaigns
launched by the two HVC factions to muster the support of
the people, Mr Sukh Ram said no political party had ever
flourished under government patronage. The foundations of
political outfits were laid in adversity. |
Virbhadra’s
plea: state asked to file reply SHIMLA, June 1 — On a petition moved by Mr Virbhadra Singh, a former Chief Minister, and Ms Asha Kumari, a sitting MLA, challenging the proceedings of the Kainthla Commission set up to inquire into the alleged lawlessness in and around Shimla between March 3 and March 12, 1998, a Division Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, consisting of Chief Justice C.K. Thakkar and Mr Justice L.S. Panta, today directed the state government and commission to file a reply within two weeks. Counsel for the petitioners, Mr Inder Singh, contended that after the decision of the high court on the incident of abduction of Mr Ramesh Chaudhary in a criminal writ petition, to proceed with the inquiry would amount to abuse of the process of court and contempt of court also. The petitioners have also targeted the procedures being followed by the inquiry commission. It was also stated that on April 24, 1998, Mr Deepak Sanan, then Divisional Commissioner, held a probe and in his report recommended the inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act to reach a meaningful conclusion. Thus on September 10, 1999, the government appointed Mr Hari Dutt Kainthla, a retired Sessions Judge, to inquire into the incidents of alleged lawlessness and the role of official machinery used on it. Earlier, in an interim order the high court directed the commission of enquiry to decide the application of Atul Sharma, one of the petitioners, wherein he has sought permission to cross-examine some of the witnesses. Atul Sharma has moved an application to cross-examine 12 persons, but the commission has allowed the cross-examination of only six persons — Ramesh Chaudhary, Kamal Kishor Sharma, Rajan Sushant, Rikhi Ram Kaundal, Ram Pal Saini and Narinder Bragta.
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Hospital
afflicted with staff shortage SHIMLA, June 1 — A severe shortage of staff is affecting the functioning of Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital here. While the number of patients has been swelling with each passing day, the authorities have not been able to provide requisite staff and infrastructural facilities to cope with the increasing workload. The records of the hospital reveal that the number of outdoor patients more than doubled from about one lakh in 1993 to 2.30 lakh in 1999. Similarly, the number of indoor patients also increased appreciably from 11,294 to over 16,000 during the period. The workload, particularly laboratory investigation however, increased multifold. For instance, as many as 6.90 lakh tests were conducted in various laboratories during 1999 as against 1.75 lakh in 1993. The number of X-ray examination increase from about 70,000 to over one lakh over the past six years. Despite the four-fold increased in workload no new posts of lab technicians were created all these years. At present, only 58 technicians are running the show. As per hospital sources their number needs to be doubled immediately to ensure efficient functioning of the labs. Patient care has been far from satisfactory as there are not enough nurses in the 661-bed hospital as against a requirement of 600 only about 200 were in position. Even all the existing posts have not been filled and at present 186 posts, including 55 class I, nine class II and 70 class III posts were vacant. While CT scan, ultrasound and other facilities were introduced, no new post were created. According to Dr Lalita Behl, Principal of the college hospital was seized of the situation and it recently brought the shortcomings in the institution to the notice of the government.
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Dist
hospital sans facilities KULU, June 1 — Though the local district hospital was rechristined the Government Zonal Hospital in 1998, the management, facilities, staff and equipment till date remain the same. The bed - capacity of the hospital, however, has been raised from 70 to 124, but new staff have not been recruited so far. Usually on an average about 250 indoor patients are admitted to various wards of the hospital. There is no casuality ward service available. The laboratory and X-ray technicians do not attend the emergency duties in protest against the failure of the government to pay them 10 per cent house rent or emergency allowances. The ECG technician has not been posted for the past two years. A Class IV employee has been deputed for taking the ECG. The hospital is also without the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the past three months. The administrative problems being faced by the hospital are numerous as it has failed to purchase life-saving drugs and medicines. The ambulance service is also reported to be miserable. The three drivers have been posted on shift duties, but usually two of them remain on furlough. The only driver on duty takes his own time for attending emergency calls. The Government Zonal Hospital here has not been supplied stationery for a long time and various things like the OPD slips, indoor patient charts, X-ray prescriptions are being sought on donations. The hospital laboratories too are in a sorry state. A new system has been introduced in the hospital for various tests. The days have been fixed to get a particular test done and that causes a lot of inconvenience to the patients coming from the town and other places. The most unfortunate thing that has come to light, is that a few doctors prescribe medicines of “non-standard companies” to patients. It disclosed by some doctors in the hospital that representatives of these companies are working in connivance with some doctors. The patients are not referred to the specialists through the OPDs. Rather, all specialists are working as general practioners in the hospital. The doctor himself has to regularise the entry of the patients as there is no Class IV employee to look after them.
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HPU to
enforce UGC
norms for minimum standard SHIMLA, June 1 — Himachal Pradesh University has decided to enforce the norms laid down by the University Grants Commission to ensure minimum standard of education for the grant of the first degree through formal education. The decision to implement the norms, as per which no student would be eligible for admission to first degree course in faculties of humanitus, fine arts, social sciences, commerce and science unless he or she had successfully completed 12 years of schooling through an examination conducted by a board or university, was taken at the meeting of the principals of colleges held here recently. Admission will be made on merit on the basis of criteria notified by the institution after taking into account the reservation order issued by the government from time to time. Enrolment will be in accordance with the number of teachers and available infrastructural facilities. In case these norms are not observed in letter and spirit, grants to defaulting colleges could be withheld.
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Army
School’s stress on concept learning DAGSHAI, June 1 — A colourful cultural programme and a prize distribution function marked the 14th founder’s day of Army Public School here to day. The General Officer Commanding, 11 Corps, Lt Gen Kamal Davar, was the chief guest. The programme presented by the students included plays, skits, songs and folk dances. An exhibition of science projects, which included some working models, was also put up by students besides an exhibition on art and craft. In her report, the school principal, Mrs Lakshmi Rajappa, said that with the aim being academic excellence the emphasis had shifted from “teaching” to “facilitating learning”, whereby there had been a switch from ‘’content assimilation’’ to ‘’concept learning’’. Listing the achievements of the school and other activities undertaken during the year, Mrs Rajappa pointed out that due to shortage of accommodation, the school was yet to attain its optimum strength of 630 students. The management of the school, which started in 1986 with a strength of 78 boys and 11 girls, was transferred recently from Headquarters Western Command to 11 Corps. Later, General Davar gave away the prizes and expressed happiness over the performance of students and the effort put in by the staff. Those who stood first in academics were Prasanna (Class V), Nakul Benival (Class Vi), Gaurav Kinha (Class VII), Jatinder Yadav (Class VIII), Priyanja Singh and Ruksana Sameer (Class IX), Mandeep Bhullar (Class XI Non-medical), Rashmi Tyagi (Class XI Medical), Gaurav Paul (Class XI Commerce) and Neetu Mehta (Class XI Humanities). Students who were awarded for topping in board examinations last year were Anuj Tandon (Class X), Amit Sood (Class XIII Non-medical), Jyotika Bhan (Class XII commerce) and Rajiv Pathania (Class XII Humanities). In dramatics, the best actor and best actress (English) awards went to Arjun Chauhan and Simran Singhota, while the best actor (Hindi) award went to Vijayender Yadav. The trophy for academics, dramatics and debate were lifted by Nehru House, while the trophy for co-curricular activities, athletics and cross- country were lifted by Patel House. The sports trophy was bagged by Tagore House, while the trophy for the best kept house was bagged by Indira House. The Cock House Trophy was bagged by Patel House. Besides, Vineet Sharma
(Class XI) stood fifth in 100 meters race at the national
level, while 15 student athletics team bagged three gold,
three silver and six bronze medals at the zonal level. At
the state level, the athletics team bagged six gold, five
silver and 10 bronze medals, while Aastha Kapoor (Class
XII) reached semi-finals in table tennis. She also bagged
the women’s singles Title at the district level. In
squash, Brijesh and Satish (both from Class XII) reached
semi finals. |
BJP allies
growing restive: Sharma SHIMLA, June 1 — Mr Anand Sharma, spokesman of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), has accused the BJP government at the Centre of communalising the politics of the country and imposing its decisions on the allies with whose support it came into power. Mr Sharma, who was talking to newsmen here today, said that the allies of the BJP who have started growing restive over certain controversial decisions of the government, should clear their stand whether they would resist such decisions or continue to be driven like sheep. The political decision of the BJP government headed by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, revealed a gameplan of foisting an untolerant agenda against the minorities with RSS doctrine. The BJP came into power because of the agenda of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and not its own. Their allies jumped into the BJP bandwagon to come to power. But the recent elections for some Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh has shaken them. The NDA has inherent contradictions which keep surfacing from time to time. All the allies were now screaming as they were not taken into confidence on the sensitive issues of withdrawing subsidies and increasing the prices of items under the public distribution system which has broken the back of the poor people. The prices of the items under the PDS have shot up by 68 per cent. He demanded that a national debate should be held before withdrawing subsidies. Subsidy on fertilisers and support price should continue. Instead of taxing the poor, the government should improve its revenue collection system where over Rs 8000 crore were lying unrecovered. Mr Sharma also demanded a debate on the contentious issue of disinvestment in the major public sector units. There was no transparency in disinvestment in certain bluechip companies. He accused the BJP government of going hurriedly on the issue of disinvestment in Air-India and the ITDC which possessed assets worth over several thousands crores of rupees. The assets of the ITDC were being undervalued. There was a hidden agenda of the BJP behind setting up the Constitution review commission. Mr Sharma alleged that the BJP government aimed at gagging the Press by introducing the Bill for making it mandatory for newsmen to disclose their source in reports related to terrorism. Replying to a question about re-entry of the HVC chief, Mr Sukh Ram, into the Congress, Mr Sharma said that realignments could not be ruled out in politics. It is for the PCC to take stock of the situation and make recommendations to the AICC where the working committee would accordingly decide. Commenting on the Fiji situation, Mr Sharma said that the Vajpayee government should adopt a pro-active approach on the issue of pulling down a duty elected government of Mr Mohinder Chaudhary. India should seek an immediate meeting of Foreign Ministers of Commonwealth countries and impose sanctions against the military rulers of Fiji. The Centre should not sit as a mute spectator to the development in Sri Lanka.
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Over 4000
HIV positive cases in Himachal KANGRA, June 1 — There are between 4000 and 5000 HIV positive cases in Himachal and 13 persons have died of AIDS so far. This was disclosed by the Agriculture Minister Mr Videya Sagar, while inaugurating a fortnight-long family welfare and AIDS awareness programme at Tondon Club here today. He said 80 per cent of these HIV positive cases were in the age group of 19 to 29 years. He stressed the involvement of NGOs and mahila mandals in creating awareness among people in checking the disease. Dr Yyom Bhardwaj, national AIDS control programme in charge, confirmed that 203 HIV positive patients had been detected in the state and the number of full blown AIDS cases had grown from 16 to 78. In February the number of HIV positive cases was 43, including 16 full blown AIDS cases. The increase in the number of HIV positive and AIDS cases in the state in the past three months was alarming. He said the maximum number of HIV positive cases — 68 was from Hamirpur district, Kangra district was next with 28. He said the first HIV positive case in the state was detected in Hamirpur in 1993. Dr Bhardwaj pointed out that the non-availability of the adequate medicines for the treatment of HIV cases and the non-availability of woman doctors in the hospitals was giving a setback to the AIDS control programme. He cited the example of the Kangra subdivisional hospital where there was no woman doctor for the past two years. He said during a sample
survey conducted by NACP in the state 400 blood samples
of the pregnant women from each civil hospital were taken
for the HIV testing and on the bases of the survey the
estimate of HIV positive cases in the state was put
between 4000 and 5000. |
Declare
magic a performing art, urges Sankar SHIMLA, June 1 — World famous magician Sankar has urged the government to accord “magic” the status of a “performing art” to save this dying tradition. Talking to newsmen here today, Sankar said that once granted official recognition as a performing art, magic could be promoted by the Lalit Kala Academy like other arts. Magic was one of the 64 traditional Indian arts. He said effective steps were essential to save the art of magic which was fast vanishing due to the ouslaught from the skies in the form of satellite television. Today, there were only about half-a-dozen accomplished magicians in the country. Besides exempting magic shows from entertainment tax in the entire country, there was need to set up institutions to propagate the art. Further, a lot of equipment was required to perform magic tricks and upcoming magicians did not have money to procure it. There was thus an urgent need to extend loan facility for the purpose. He himself carried three truckloads of equipment worth about Rs 20 lakh for his shows. Sankar said that he planned to set up an institute of his own for which he required 5000 yards of land. He was training some young boys, including his son, in the art. One of the world’s reigning top eight magicians, Sankar is in the town to perform charity magic shows to raise funds for the state Red Cross. During his long stint as a magician he has personally donated Rs 90 lakh and helped in raising crores through charity shows. He will start his
performance tomorrow by driving a motor cycle blindfolded
through the crowded ridge and The Mall. After holding two
charity shows in the evening at the Ritz theatre, he will
give regular performances from June 3 for the public. |
CM’s
directive on economy SHIMLA, June 1 — The Chief Minister, today directed the General Administration Department to ensure that the instructions regarding effecting economy in expenditure were implemented by the departments in letter and spirit. Reviewing the working of the General Administration Department and Secretariat Administration Department here, he said that the government had already put a ceiling on the telephone bills installed at the residence of officers and it should be examined whether economy was also being effected on official telephones. Mr Dhumal underlined the need for optimum use of government vehicles and added that the officers of the same department should pool the vehicle while on tour for the same station. He further directed to examine the categories of officers who essentially needed attached vehicle. Misuse of government vehicles should be taken strong notice of. The Chief Minister further directed that while declaring state guests it should be ensured that only eligible persons were extended this facility.
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Tibetans
refute Chinese allegations DHARAMSALA, June 1 — The Tibetan Government-in-Exile today said that China, who had played up the Karmapa as a lama loyal to the communist regime”, was now feeling uncomfortable as it had been proved wrong. Reacting to Chinese accusations against the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Government said there was no question of his exploiting the issue, as it was the 17th Karmapa’s decision to flee Tibet. as he felt there was no regligious freedom in the Chinese occupied Tibet. “The fact that the Karmapa decided to escape from Tsurphu monastery in Tibet, clearly indicates that conditions are not beneficial for practicing religion in their homeland for Tibetans,” Tibetan spokesman Thuvler Samphel said. He said raising of the Karmapa issue by the China President Jiang Zemin with his Indian counterpart clearly indicates Chinese is uncomfortable with the 14-year-old boy’s stay in India. What is causing even more embarrassment to China is the fact that its earlier statements of the Karmapa being loyal to the Chinese regime have been proved completely wrong. Mr Samphel, hoped that
the raising of the Karmapa issue by China with the Indian
President would not have any adverse affect on the
pending decision on the status of the Karmapa in India. |
DYFI to
intensify stir against police atrocities CHAMBA, May 31 — The Churah unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has decided to intensify its movement against the recent police atrocities against local youths who were protesting against the apathetic attitude of the state government towards the development of Churah subdivision in Chamba district on April 26 and the registration of a false case against them. In a press release issued here today, Mr Lal Chand, president and Mr Nand Lal secretary of the Churah unit the DYFI flayed the state government for turning a blind eye towards the development of the Churah area. The two leaders charged the local authorities with political interference levelling frivolous charges in the cases registered against 25 youths of the area. They flayed the government for its step-motherly treatment meted out to the area which was most backward in the state. They alleged that Mr Mohan Lal, state Ayurveda Minister had sabotaged their movement by various means. They said a massive rally had also been organised on May 29 at Bhanjraru in protest against the state government’s apathy towards the construction of roads. They sought an inquiry into the funds allocated for the construction of a road in the Tissa area which did not exist even on papers. Meanwhile, an official spokesman maintained that the agitating youths on April 26 had vandalised the water supply pipes and blocked traffic at Bhanjraru and Tissa thereby causing inconvenience to the government departments and the general public.
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Dhumal
reviews Law Dept work SHIMLA, June 1 — The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, has stressed the need for the speedy disposal of pending legal cases. He was reviewing the progress of the Law Department to ensure the speedy implementation of government’s directives and programmes started in the state during the past two years. The annual income ceiling for grant of free legal aid to the poor had been enhanced from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 with a view to cover more poor people and to ensure justice to them. As many as 262 persons were provided free legal aid during last year. At least 128 lok adalats were organised and 785 cases settled in these.
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Bail
granted in kidnapping case SHIMLA, June 1 — A single Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court consisting of Mr Justice R.L. Khurana has granted interim anticipatory bail to 11 persons in connection with the kidnapping of Dr Dev Yogi, who is said to be in underground samadhi of 111 days near Shogi here. Counsel for the petitioner contended that on February 6 Dr Yogi in the presence of 200 persons declared to go in the samadhi for 111 days, but he could be seen through a window pane. On May 28, he had to complete his 111 days and come out of the samadhi but when all seven locks were removed Dr Yogi was found missing. Consequently, the police registered a case of kidnapping against all functionaries of the Vishva Manav Sangthan run by Dr Yogi himself. The case will come up
before the Bench on June 2, 2000. |
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