H I M A C H A L   P R A D E S H

ST barriers to go online
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — In a major step to check tax evasion, the state Excise and Taxation Department has decided to link all major tax barriers in the state with online computers to the assessing authorities and the state headquarters by March 31.

Rao, Sharma shortlisted for NJPC top post
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The Public Enterprises Selection Board has recommended a panel of two officers for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation which is executing the prestigious 1,500 mw Nathpa Jhakri Project in the state.

Pong Dam major fish production centre
DHARAMSALA, Jan 19 — The Pong Dam reservoir has emerged as an important fish production centre with 14 fish cooperative societies, protecting the interests of the fishermen.

Factionalism comes to fore in BJP ranks
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The active involvement of the senior BJP leaders, particularly ministers, in the ongoing panchayat and local bodies elections in the state has taken factionalism in the party to the grassroots.

Cong win mandate against BJP: MLA
CHAMBA, Jan 19 — Mr Harsh Mahajan, a local MLA and the vice-president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, has claimed that the mandate for the Congress in the recent panchayat and municipal elections is against the ‘anti-people, ‘anti-farmer’ and ‘anti-employee’ policies of the BJP government in the state, which has brought development to a ‘standstill’ and the price rise to a point where it is crushing for the common man.

Winter surcharge on power opposed
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The state unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India and the Student Federation of India today organised a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in protest against the imposition of winter surcharge on power consumers.

Yuva Morcha claims credit for BJP win
MANDI, Jan 19 — The district unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha today claimed that the morcha’s vigorous efforts had resulted in a landslide victory for the BJP in the panchayat and local bodies elections in the district and among the winners about 33 per cent were members of the morcha.

Jobs only for favourites, says YC chief
HAMIRPUR, Jan 19 — Mr Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, HP Youth Congress chief, today blasted the HP Government for its dismal performance on all fronts.

Arm forest guards, says federation
MANDI, Jan 19 — Himachal Pradesh Non-Gazetted Forest Employees Federation has demanded that in view of the mounting assaults by timber smugglers on the forest guards working in the field, the government should provide arms to the guards in the field and on check-posts.

Security tightened for R-Day function
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — Security arrangements have been tightened throughout Himachal Pradesh following a general alert for the Republic Day to prevent terrorist strikes.

Delivers despite tubectomy twice
MANDI, Jan 19 — Mahindra Devi of Bharyal village of Balh valley in this district has delivered a child, despite having undergone tubectomy twice.

Khapra is Paonta MC chief
NAHAN, Jan 19 — BJP-supported candidates captured both seats of chairman and Vice-Chairman in the Paonta Municipal Council today.

HP police transfers
SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The Himachal Government today posted Mr J.R. Thakur, SP, Enforcement, as SP, Mandi. The transfer order of Mr O.C. Thakur, SP, Mandi, who was shifted as SP, CID (Crime), Shimla, has been modified.

ST barriers to go online
From Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — In a major step to check tax evasion, the state Excise and Taxation Department has decided to link all major tax barriers in the state with online computers to the assessing authorities and the state headquarters by March 31.

There are as many as 25 tax barriers in the state out which 12 major ones, including Parwanoo, Mehatpur, Kandwal, Damtal, Toki Swarghat, Kala Amb, Tanuhatti and Gagret are being put on line. A beginning in this direction was made yesterday when the process of filing of declaration regarding goods being carried by a vehicle into the state under form ST 26 (A), Himachal Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, was computerised at the Parwanoo barrier.

The software for the purpose has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under which the consignee, consigner goods and rates of tax and other relevant particulars have been codified for quick calculation of tax. The assessing authority and higher officers of the department will be able to instantly access the data.

Simultaneously, the sale tax returns of dealers and the daily collection register (DCR) are also being computerised. The DCR will be linked to the treasury database so that the department does not have to make tax entries all over again. The sale tax returns will be cross-checked with the purchases made as declared in from 26 (A) to correctly assess the sales.

Earlier, forms 26 (A) were manually filled and dumped in gunny bags. Thus, these were seldom used to ascertain the quantum of sales. Consequently, the dealers were able to undervalue the goods being purchased by them in the declaration.

A recent study conducted by the NIC for the Parwanoo barrier indicated that the value and quantity of goods were being grossly understated in the forms. On an average, goods worth only Rs 10,000 were being carried in a truck as per the declarations at the barriers. This was ridiculous as the freight alone from Delhi to the state came to around Rs 8,000. Obviously, the dealers have been suppressing sales in collusion with the barrier staff.

The computerisation of tax administration and online connectivity of barriers will lead to a quantum leap in tax collections, feels Mr Sanjeev Gupta, state Excise and Taxation Commissioner. Senior officers will be able to monitor declarations made at the barrier at a click of the mouse, rendering understatement of value and quantity of goods almost impossible.

The computerisation effort will be supplemented with extensive physical checking of trucks at the barriers. The department has entrusted the job of data entry at barriers on piece rate to local youths and the entire staff, which earlier remained busy in filling form 26 (A), will be free to undertake checking.

The plan to computerise the functioning of the department was prepared in 1990 but it has taken off only after a decade. The sale tax returns and daily collection registers have been computerised in Shimla and Solan district.

The department is preparing a master database of the registers available which will go a long way in ensuring tax compliance. The department will also activate its flying squads to ensure surprise checking of vehicles.

Rao, Sharma shortlisted for NJPC top post
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The Public Enterprises Selection Board has recommended a panel of two officers for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation (NJPC) which is executing the prestigious 1,500 mw Nathpa Jhakri Project in the state.

The board, which interviewed 22 candidates for the post in Delhi two days ago, shortlisted the names of Mr Appa Rao, Director, Civil (NJPC), and Mr G.C. Sharma, an Executive Director of the National Hydel Power Corporation.

The post will fall vacant on March 31, when Mr Arun Gupta, present incumbent, retires. The NJPC is a joint venture of the Himachal Government and the Centre. The state, which has 25 per cent equity in the corporation, had been demanding that an officer from Himachal Pradesh should be appointed to the post.

At present, the Chairman-cum-Managing Director and all directors of the corporation are non-Himachalis.

The government is of the view that such big projects cannot be executed through a remote control by officers sitting in Delhi. Himachali officers in these key posts, it maintains, will ensure that the corporation actually functions from Shimla and that the senior officers frequently visit the project site to monitor the progress of work.

The headquarters of the corporation was shifted from Delhi to Shimla in 1997 but the directors and other officers mostly remained away to Delhi on tours.

The project, which was slated to be completed in 1999, is far behind schedule, forcing the management to revise the deadline to March, 2002. However, the flash-floods in the Sutlej caused extensive damage to the project as a result of which it is not likely to be commissioned before March, 2004.

Pong Dam major fish production centre
From Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, Jan 19 — The Pong Dam reservoir has emerged as an important fish production centre with 14 fish cooperative societies, protecting the interests of the fishermen.

With fish production touching 285 metric tonnes, it has fetched an income of Rs 1.26 crore for the fishermen during the current financial year. The 14 cooperative societies operating in the Pong Dam have a total membership of 1920.

The Assistant Director, Fisheries, Pong Dam, Mr Gurcharan Singh, said that during July and August, fish seed, called fingerlings, is stocked in the reservoir for increasing fish production. During the current financial year alone, fingerlings worth Rs 13.93 lakh were stocked in the reservoir,” he disclosed. He added that the Fisheries Department had earned about Rs 23.45 lakh as licence fee and royalty from fishermen.

The Pong Dam, which came into existence during 1974, has been given top priority in view of the vast fishing potential it has. In the initial years, the reservoir had a fish fauna comprising cat fish, mirror carp and a few coarse fish, mainly residual and acclimatised in the river. However, over the years the reservoir has witnessed a sea change in the production of other varieties like mahaseer, singhara, katla and mirgal.

The Department of Fisheries at the Pong Dam maintains a strict vigil against unauthorised fishing and sale of fish in the black market. The office at the Pong Dam is well-staffed, having eight fisheries officers and 45 staff members. The fish from here is sent to Delhi, Jammu, Pathankot, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh. The average daily fish production at the Pong Dam is about 12 quintals, while the average monthly income of the fishermen is about Rs 3,000.

The fisheries’ cooperative societies here have been playing a pivotal role in minimising the troubles of fishermen. These societies are responsible for the regular payments of the fish caught here and the rates are decided through open auction by the societies. The cooperative societies also arrange loans for the fishermen for buying fishing equipment. All 14 fisheries’ cooperative societies at the Pong Dam are running in profit.

The government, too, has launched a number of welfare schemes for the fishermen. These include grant-in-aid to the weaker fisherman, accident insurance scheme, group insurance scheme, risk and fund scheme, close season relief fund scheme and construction of fish landing centres.

Factionalism comes to fore in BJP ranks
From Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The active involvement of the senior BJP leaders, particularly ministers, in the ongoing panchayat and local bodies elections in the state has taken factionalism in the party to the grassroots.

The scenario has turned worse in the final phase of the polls during which chairpersons of zila parishads and nagar parishads are being elected. Most of the ministers have been camping in their respective districts to install candidates of their choice on these coveted posts. Their presence may have helped in tilting the balance in favour of the party in zila parishads and nagar parishads where the contest was evenly poised but it had also fuelled factionalism in the rank and file.

It was largely because of the factional divide that the party did not have a smooth sailing in elections to the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson in the districts where it had swept the poll.

Much embarrassment was caused to the party when the infighting spilled over streets during the election to the Kulu nagar parishad. The rival factions led by Dinesh Sen, the district president, and Mr Karan Singh, the Primary Education Minister, clashed in the open outside the venue of election.

The party had a clear majority in both the zila parishad and the nagar parishad but it could win only two out of the four posts.

The faction opposed to Mr Maheshwar Singh, M.P. and a former state party chief, joined hands with Congress supported candidates to win the post of chairperson in both the zila parishad and the nagar parishad.

The election of Mr Ram Singh as chairperson of Kulu nagar parishad came as a big jolt to Mr Maheshwar Singh who had put his weight behind Mrs Sushila. He was so upset that he resigned from the chairmanship of the State Disciplinary Committee. His brother and Primary Education Minister, Mr Karan Singh, shot a letter to the party President, Mr Jaikrishan Sharma, demanding expulsion of Mr Dinesh Sen from the party.

These developments have added to the woes of the party which has not as yet recovered from the setback it received due to open revolt by Shanta loyalists.

In contrast the HVC has stood by he BJP and helped the alliance to capture the key posts in Mandi and Bilaspur districts.

The open involvement of ministers in the elections had tarnished the image of the party. Political observers feel that instead of indulging in such crude tactics, the ruling party should have held the elections on party symbol. The general impression that the party was misusing state power to win election, had belittled the impressive gains it made in districts like Shimla and Sirmaur, the strongholds of Congress.

Cong win mandate against BJP: MLA
From Our Correspondent

CHAMBA, Jan 19 — Mr Harsh Mahajan, a local MLA and the vice-president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), has claimed that the mandate for the Congress in the recent panchayat and municipal elections is against the ‘anti-people, ‘anti-farmer’ and ‘anti-employee’ policies of the BJP government in the state, which has brought development to a ‘standstill’ and the price rise to a point where it is crushing for the common man.

In a press note issued yesterday, Mr Mahajan alleged that corruption was rampant at all levels.

Thanking the people of Chamba for the faith they reposed in him and the Congress party in particular during the recent panchayat and municipal elections, Mr Mahajan claimed that the Congress had registered a higher voting percentage this time than in the previous elections.

Regarding the panchayat elections in Chamba constituency, he said that out of 39 panchayats, the Congress won in 34. In Chamba block, 14 seats of BDC members went to the Congress. In Mehla block, of the 20 BDC members, 15 were of the Congress.

Mr Mahajan pointed out that to encourage inner party democracy, a free and open contest between Congress members was allowed to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

Winter surcharge on power opposed
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The state unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India and the Student Federation of India today organised a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in protest against the imposition of winter surcharge on power consumers.

Activists of the two youth organisations later held a public meeting at which the government was asked to withdraw the surcharge which was putting an additional burden in the summer.

Mr Rakesh Singha, former legislator, said that the government’s effort to make Himachal the “powerhouse” of the country would have no meaning if the local people did not get adequate and cheap power.

The cost of production of electricity came to just around Re 1 per unit but the board was charging a flat rate of Rs 2.70 per unit for consumption of 300 units per month. The actual amount being paid by consumers was almost three hundred per cent more during the winter months.

The leaders announced that similar protests would be organised throughout the state to force the government to withdraw the surcharge.

Yuva Morcha claims credit for BJP win
From Our Correspondent

MANDI, Jan 19 — The district unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha today claimed that the morcha’s vigorous efforts had resulted in a landslide victory for the BJP in the panchayat and local bodies elections in the district and among the winners about 33 per cent were members of the morcha.

Talking to mediapersons, the district chief of the morcha, Mr Pratap Singh Thakur, said the opposition to the setting up of a cement plant in Sundernagar subdivision was not justified as it would generate employment.

Meanwhile, the Town and Country Planning Department has launched a drive in Mandi and its suburbs to educate people about the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1977, and regarding compliance of its provisions to make the town beautiful.

People were advised to get plots demarcated before purchasing these as provided under law.

Town Planner Jagdish Paul explained the provisions of the Act to the people at a workshop held at Mahila Mandal Bhavan, Talyar, near here, today.

Jobs only for favourites, says YC chief
From Our Correspondent

HAMIRPUR, Jan 19 — Mr Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, HP Youth Congress chief, today blasted the HP Government for its dismal performance on all fronts.

Talking to mediapersons here today, he gave the slogan of “Bhajpa hatao, pradesh bachao. He said the state could not progress under the BJP rule. “This government is misusing funds for it’s own benefit and harming the cause of poor and down-trodden,” he said. Mr Sunil Sharma, political secretary to Mr Sukhu, and Mr Rakesh Handa, the district Youth Congress chief, also attended the press conference.

Mr Sukhu said lawlessness and suicides were on the increase in the state and Hamirpur district in particular. This was the result of growing unemployment. The HP Government was giving jobs to only those who had links with ruling party leaders and their henchmen.

The Youth Congress leader blamed the BJP leaders for criminalizing politics in the state and creating a sense of terror among the masses. “The situation has come to such a pass that even ministers and MLA are not free of the wrath of the political mafia.”

He said the Youth Congress had decided to launch a ‘jan jagran’ campaign throughout the state. Rallies and processions would be held and the people told about the “anti-government policies.”

Arm forest guards, says federation
From Our Correspondent

MANDI, Jan 19 — Himachal Pradesh Non-Gazetted Forest Employees Federation has demanded that in view of the mounting assaults by timber smugglers on the forest guards working in the field, the government should provide arms to the guards in the field and on check-posts.

Mr Hem Raj Shashtri, president of the state unit of the federation, said today that attacks on forest officials in the Mandi, Bilaspur and Hamirpur circles by the members of forest mafia had increased. Gangsters were armed with modern weapons, he said.

Mr Shahstri also demanded the vacant posts in the department be filled and demands accepted by the Forest Minister be implemented.

Security tightened for R-Day function
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — Security arrangements have been tightened throughout Himachal Pradesh following a general alert for the Republic Day to prevent terrorist strikes.

The Director-General of Police, Mr A.K. Puri, said here today that elaborate security arrangements had been made to prevent any mischief that day anywhere in the state.

Replying to question Mr Puri said that the number of madarsas imparting religious training to the Muslim youth had come down in the state as there were very few students.

He said the ITBP and state armed police maintaining vigil in the areas of Chamba bordering the terrorist infested Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir where the terrorist activities had escalated. The DGP said that ITBP and armed police personnel had been deployed on the 216 km long border of Chamba to prevent infiltration of Kashmiri terrorists.

Additional police has also been deployed in the tribal area of Lahaul and Spiti district to meet any potential threat of terrorism from the Leh and Kargil sectors. 

Delivers despite tubectomy twice
From Our Correspondent

MANDI, Jan 19 — Mahindra Devi of Bharyal village of Balh valley in this district has delivered a child, despite having undergone tubectomy twice.

Kundan Lal, husband, says his wife underwent tubectomy first on December 12, 1994, at the Primary Health Centre, Ratti. But she conceived soonafter.

Already a father of four, an enraged Kundan Lal filed a case against the Health Department, which is still pending in court.

Mahindra Devi once again underwent tubectomy on July 20, 1997, at the Zonal Hospital here.

She has now delivered a child after four years of the operation. “She is heart-broken and is raising the child in the house of her parents in Thunag village, says Kundan Lal.

Khapra is Paonta MC chief
From Our Correspondent

NAHAN, Jan 19 — BJP-supported candidates captured both seats of chairman and Vice-Chairman in the Paonta Municipal Council today.

In a direct contest for the chairman’s post, Mr Naresh Kumar Khapra of the BJP defeated Congress-supported Ms Pramita Kumari by a margin of three votes. Ms Pramita secured four votes while Mr Khapra polled seven votes. A Congress member cross-voted. Mr Tapender Singh of the BJP was declared elected in the triangular contest for the post of vice-chairman. Mr Tapender Singh polled seven votes, Congress candidate Ms Sarla Sharma secured three votes while Mr Ishwar Chand Goyal could secure his own vote only.

HP police transfers
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 19 — The Himachal Government today posted Mr J.R. Thakur, SP, Enforcement, as SP, Mandi. The transfer order of Mr O.C. Thakur, SP, Mandi, who was shifted as SP, CID (Crime), Shimla, has been modified. He will now take over as SP, Security. The transfer order of Mr Z.H. Zaidi, SP, CID (Crime), has been cancelled. Mr Kulwant Rai, ASP (CID), has been posted as ASP, Shimla, vice Mr Daljeet Thakur, who on promotion goes as SP, Enforcement.