M A I N   N E W S

HP to take action against benami transactors
Our Correspondent

Solan, September 16
Expressing concern over the spurt in benami transactions in Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, today said the state would not only make laws more stringent, but also resume such properties, and convert these into public-utility buildings. Property dealers exploiting the gullible Himachalis would be dealt with strictly, he said at a gathering in Ochaghat near here inaugurating a two-day fair.

Lambasting the authorities of Himachal Pradesh University for opposing to government intervention, he said the institute which received crores of rupees from the government was liable to be rectified by the government. Expressing concern over political interference in the university affairs, he called for amending the university Acts to ensure that this did not happen. The Governor’s suggestions regarding the amendments would be suitably considered and a fresh ordinance on the issue be brought before the Cabinet. He rejected the demand for curbing the local audit departments in the universities.

The previous BJP government had left the state in Rs 15,000 crore of debt making it tough to balance development and financial stability.

Earlier at Solan, he said those dealing in spurious and substandard drugs would be punished. Some BJP politicians with own manufacturing units supplying ayurvedic drugs to the Animal Husbandry Department would be made accountable for their acts. He questioned the rationale of the former Health Minister J.P. Nadda recruiting 225 doctors from other states when 150 Himachali doctors were unemployed.

Regarding the hue and cry being raised by the BJP regarding lack of apple cartons, he said the earlier government had not even paid farmers Rs 13 crore of dues under the market intervention scheme. These were now being paid.