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Dhumal
fabricated papers, says Virbhadra government 35
feared killed as truck falls into khud VC
fears attack, gets security Vigilance
conducts raids to nab ex-VC |
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Violation
of laws to help timber smugglers alleged Floating forest laws and allegedly to help timber smugglers the forest check post at Jaach 70-km from here, was abolished in October 1998. It was set up again in January 2000 without orders of a competent authority. This post is on the borders of Sundernagar and Karsog Forest Divisions.
Broad-gauge
line in Kangra valley can boost tourism The Kangra valley narrow-gauge railway line, significant for the economy of Himachal Pradesh, is in bad shape. The Railways, for the past 70 years made no efforts to convert the 120-km track into broad gauge. Govt
apathy hits IT students, instructors The future of nearly 500 computer instructors and thousands of information technology students of government senior secondary schools in Himachal Pradesh hangs in the balance.
Campaign
to check illegal quarrying A special campaign has been launched by the local administration to check the illegal mining going on in different quarries and khuds of Palampur region. Windstorm
damages fruit crop Drive
against fake drugs: 50 samples seized 2 die
as vehicle falls into Beas
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Dhumal fabricated papers, says Virbhadra government Chandigarh, May 21 This claim was made during proceedings in a petition filed by the Himachal Pradesh government in the Himachal Pradesh High Court challenging the decision of the Union government to take on deputation Mr Parsad in March last year. The government is also challenging a decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Shimla branch at Chandigarh, in this regard. The government has questioned the validity of a letter said to have been written by Mr Dhumal to Union Home Minister Lal Krishan Advani. In his demi-official letter to Mr Advani on March 27, 2003, Mr Dhumal stated that the officer had been relieved. “But, technically, he was never relieved,” counsel for the Himachal government submitted. He also stated that the government did not have any record of the letter written by Mr Dhumal to the Deputy Prime Minister. The government is being represented by senior advocate Hardev Singh Mattewal. Incidentally, in a note to the Chief Secretary on March 4, 2003, Mr Dhumal had asked him to relieve Mr Parsad from his post of Director General (Enforcement and Vigilance). A handwritten note on the bottom of this note is also being questioned. The state government has told a Bench headed by Mr Chief Justice VK Gupta that the Union government had appointed Mr Parsad, a HP cadre officer, as Additional Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) without consulting the state government. The government has maintained that when the Union government asked for names for deputation, Mr Parsad’s name was neither sought nor sent. It may be recalled that just before the BJP government went out of office, on March 4, 2003, the Government of India communicated to the state that Mr Parsad had been appointed Additional Director of IB. Caretaker Chief Minister Dhumal asked the Chief Secretary to relieve Mr Parsad, but the latter did not do so. On March 10, 2003, the state government protested to the Union government and requested that the officer be sent back to his parent state. On April 8, 2003, the Congress government in the state had challaned the officer for violation of service rules. Mr Parsad then appealed to the Union government, which finally refused to repatriate him. The CAT, Shimla Branch at Chandigarh, has upheld the deputation of Mr Parsad to the IB. The case in the High Court will come up on May 25. |
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35 feared killed as truck falls into khud Shimla, May 21 According to initial reports, the truck (registration number HP-07-0755) went off the road and plunged about 500 ft into the khad. There were 35 to 40 persons on board when the mishap took place. Mr Jog Raj Thakur, Superintendent of Police, said there were no confirmed reports about the casualties but eyewitnesses said the truck was packed with PWD labourers. The accident took place in the interior, about 70 km from Nerwa, and it would take some time for the rescue teams to reach the spot. The Subdivisional Magistrate, Chopal, has rushed to the spot to supervise the relief and rescue operations. The Additional Superintendent of Police, Mr Virender Kanwar, has also left for the accident site from here. |
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VC fears attack, gets security Solan, May 21 Confirming this, the Superintendent of Police, Mr Abhishek Trivedi, said four policemen had been posted at the university after a requisition was received from the Registrar. The Registrar, while demanding security, said the VC apprehended an attack after he had an altercation with Students Central Association members yesterday at his office. He said they wanted him to reverse the decision regarding cancellation of their registration and had threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to do so. SCA’s dismissed president Munish Kumar said they had gone to meet the VC to prevail upon him that such a harsh decision was detrimental to their academic career. While urging him to reverse the decision, the SCA blamed the VC for having adopted a vindictive attitude towards them by not granting the 40-odd students relaxation whereas he had been doing so in the past. The SCA has given a call to boycott classes from tomorrow and observe a peaceful protest on the campus till the decision was rolled back. A notice has been given to the university administration in this regard by the SCA. Terming the administrative inquiry being conducted by Dr K.K. Jindal into an incident in which university students had clashed with visiting boxers in March as illegal, the SCA said when a magisterial inquiry was already under way there was no point in conducting another inquiry simultaneously. |
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Vigilance
conducts raids to nab ex-VC Shimla, May 21 The department had sent teams to Kurukshetra, Karnal and New Delhi two days ago anticipating rejection of his bail application. It had issued a 10-day notice to Dr Sharma and the Deputy Registrar, Mr P.N. Bhardwaj, for custodial interrogation as per the court order. The two filed bail applications in the High Court. After two days of arguments and scrutiny of the record placed before the court by the investigating agency, Mr Justice M.R. Verma rejected the application of Dr Sharma today. A printer, Mr L.R. Jindal, is already in custody in connection with the question paper scam in which Dr Sharma and Mr Bhardwaj are the main accused. The custodial interrogation is required to identify the beneficiaries of over Rs 50 lakh alleged to have been swindled in the printing of question papers during Dr Sharma’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor. Investigations revealed that in all Rs 87 lakh was paid to the printer, who got the job done on sub-contract from other parties. However, they were paid only about Rs 32 lakh. The university had been spending only about Rs 21 lakh annually on printing of question papers before Dr Sharma took over as Vice-Chancellor. |
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No ordinary wolf, this Shimla, May 21 The female animal was brought to the park about 14 years ago, after being rescued from the cold desert of Spiti along with a male wolf. Both were a few months old then. The male died after a few years and Julie remained there as a non-descript animal. Julie acquired the status of a “special animal” only recently after the scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, discovered its ancestral lineage while conducting the genetic study of the Indian wolves. Dr Yadvendradev Jhala and Dr Dinesh Kumar, the two scientists who carried out the study in collaboration with Dr R. Flelscher and Dr J. Maldonado of the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, compared over 700 DNA sequences of wolves and dogs from the world over with those of the Indian wolves and dogs. They were surprised to find that the wolves from the Himalayan region of eastern Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Tibet and eastern Nepal were genetically different and belonged to a very ancient, divergent and ancestral lineage of wolves — the Himalayan lineage. The molecular clock based on the rate of changes observed in the DNA sequences dated the time of divergence of this lineage back to about 8,00,000 years ago. Dr A.K. Gulati, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Wildlife, said the department would request the wildlife institute to prepare a project to ascertain the status of Himalayan wolf so that a conservation breeding programme could be started. He said a mate could be found for Julie as the state had earlier gifted a pair of wolves rescued from Spiti to the Sarojni Naidu Nation Zoological Park, Darjeeling. However, their DNA would have to analysed to ascertain whether they belonged to the same species. |
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Violation of laws to help timber smugglers alleged Sundernagar, May 21 Higher Forest officials came to know it recently as residents of Nihari, Jaach, Kelodhar and Sanarli made a complaint to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh that for the construction of the Nihari-Balag Road in Sundernagar Forest Division more than 350 “Deodar and Kail trees were felled without permission allegedly to oblige timber smugglers. Timber was brought to Sundernagar and Karsog. It was also alleged that smuggled timber was used for the construction of Hotel Mamleshwar run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation situated at Chindi in Karsog, later on the contractor procured fake documents. The Nihari-Balag road was constructed when BJP-HVC government was in power. Following the complaint an inquiry was ordered. It came to light that Jaach Forest Check Post was made non functional from October 1998 to January 2000 without orders of a competent authority. This post was established in 1996 following many complaints of timber smuggling were received by the Sundernagar D.F.O. after permission of higher officials. Later its control was transferred to Karsog Forest Division. Forest check posts are established under Section 13 of Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules 1978 by the Divisional Forest Officer after permission of the Conservator of Forests and for the abolition of a check post similar procedure is adopted and permission has to be taken from the Conservator of the Forest. Sources from Karsog Forest Division say during the period for which the check post was abolished no record of transportation of timber was maintained. According to official estimates forest wealth worth crores was smuggled in this period to help timber smugglers at the instance of BJP leaders. Conservator of Forests, Mandi Circle C.S. Singh it confirmed that an inquiry in the matter was going on, he said that record of the abolition of Jaach Forest Check post was not available either in Forest Division at Karsog or in the Circle office. He admitted something wrong went on during that period. He said that an inquiry was initiated by
CM’s Office. It will be completed soon and the guilty would be brought to book. He said he had ordered that if needed an FIR be registered in this case. |
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Broad-gauge line in Kangra valley can boost tourism Palampur, May 21 The British laid the line in 1932, linking towns of Kangra and parts of Mandi districts. The purpose behind the line was to carry heavy equipment for the Shanan Powerhouse at Jogindernagar. Several plans for converting it into broad gauge have remained in files. Increase in population and tourist traffic in the past 25 years to the valley, have changed the scenario. The Railways has failed to measure up to the expectations of the people. Outdated engines and coaches are still being plied. No regular first class compartment has been introduced. At present seven trains run on this section daily, covering 33 stations passing through Nurpur, Jwali, Jwalamukhi Road, Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan, Chamunda, Palampur, Baijnath and Jogindernagar, the major centres of tourism in the state. No proper booking window has been set up at Pathankot. Condition of the track between Pathankot and Jogindernagar has worsened in 10 years, as the Railway authorities have no funds to repair it. Bridges are in bad shape, the retaining walls on the tracks have developed major cracks. It could result in a mishap. Stations of Kangra valley also lack facilities like drinking water, cleanliness and waiting room. Patti, Chauntra, Paror and Chamunda railway stations have no waiting room for passengers. These stations have no temporary shed even. Quarters of the employees are in poor condition. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had also urged the Union Government to convert this line into broad gauge but NDA government at the Centre rejected the proposal this year. Kangra valley has the potential of attracting more tourists if the rail services are improved and amenities provided. |
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Govt apathy hits IT students, instructors Nurpur, May 21 The previous Dhumal government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private company ECIL, Hyderabad, for three years from April 1, 2001, to March 31, 2004. This company provided hardware in the schools. It also gave contractual employment to local unemployed trained youths as computer instructors. The present government has, however, awarded the tender to a Delhi-based company but the MoU is yet to be signed. As a result the contract with the IT instructors has not been renewed so far. Mr Upesh Dhiman, the state senior vice-president of the Computer Instructors Association, said a delegation of the association, led by its state president Amin Chand, had met the Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, in February, before the expiry of their contracts. He said the Chief Minister had assured the delegation that the government would take a decision keeping in view the interest of the
instructors. Govt apathy hits IT students, instructors Mr Dhiman said the association had demanded that either the government should take over the IT education in government schools or provide contractual appointments to the existing staff on the pattern of para teachers. |
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Blockade against water shortage Hamirpur, May 21 Irate residents blocked traffic at Jhaniari Devi on the Hamirpur-Dharamsala highway for hours today as a mark of protest. They raised slogans and demanded water supply. Hundreds of vehicles carrying passengers were stranded on the main road as a result of the blockade. The passengers also took part in the dharna for some time. The situation on the Hamirpur-Dharamsala road became tense following a road blockade by a group of women’ led by the local gram panchayat president, Naresh Darji. Women alleged that there was an acute water shortage in their area. According to them, although a water tanker had been pressed into service, it was supplying water on alternate days. However, Mr R.N. Sharma, Superintending Engineer, Irrigation-cum-Public Health, Hamirpur, said two water tankers were supplying water in these areas. The road blockade was lifted only when SDM, Hamirpur, Mr B.R. Kaundel, reached the spot and assured the people that three water tankers would be pressed into service from tomorrow. Meanwhile, water shortage is continuing in areas of the Bhoranj tehsil in the district. Almost all water sources have dried up. Water is being supplied through tankers. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Devesh Kumar, said the district administration was seized of the problem and adequate water would be supplied to people through tankers. |
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Campaign to check illegal quarrying Palampur, May 21 Informing this to mediapersons here today, Mr K.C. Chaman, SDM, and Mr Sanjiv Gandhi, DSP said in the past two days, six tractor-trailers had been impounded by the police in Palampur and Jaisinghpur subdivisions extracting sand and stones without any documents. Besides, more than 10 owners of tractor-trailers were left after warning as they had not loaded the material. They said no one would be allowed to disturb the eco balance in the region by way of extracting sand and stones from banned areas. The state government had issued directions in this regard to deal strictly with the offenders, but the illegal mining in the region could not be stopped completely without the active help of the Mining Department. No official of the Mining Department was coming forward to assist the police and revenue officials, they said. Meanwhile, residents of Thural, Jaisinghpur Lambagaon and Bundla have welcomed the steps taken by the police. |
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Windstorm damages fruit crop Shimla, May 21 According to reports reaching here, the windstorm caused a heavy falling of plum, apricot, almonds and other stone fruit from trees. The roofs of some houses were blown away. Mr Singhi Ram, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, has directed the administration to assess the damage caused by the storm and provide relief to the affected people. SOLAN: With the mercury continuing to rise, the region witnessed the hottest day yesterday with the temperature soaring as high 38°C here. Earlier, 37°C as was recorded on May 10 this year. Information from Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry revealed that while the average temperature of 32°C had been witnessed here in the third week of May, the preceding rains had led to a let-up in the high temperatures. Never had the temperatures soared up to 37°C except in May 1995 when 37.5°C was recorded. A similar temperature was witnessed on May 10, 2001. With no rainfall in sight for the next couple of days, the high temperatures would continue to prevail, said scientists. Temperatures had soared to 39°C elsewhere in the district, including Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh. The high temperatures have adversely affected 120 water supply schemes in the district. |
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Drive against fake drugs: 50 samples seized Palampur, May 21 The action followed a news item published in The Tribune on May 17 on the sales of spurious drugs in the town and adjoining areas. A Health Department spokesman said here today that the samples were being sent to laboratory for analysis. He said the name of the laboratories would be kept secret to avoid tampering of reports. He stated that the campaign would continue. Meanwhile, the government has directed the medical officers in hospitals not to prescribe brand names of drugs. |
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2 die as vehicle
falls into Beas Mandi, May 21 Before falling into Beas, the vehicle hit a Maruti car parked on the roadside, injuring seriously Mr Ramesh Kumar of Bali Chowki of this district. The vehicle was going towards Kulu around midnight when it met with the accident. Two persons were in the vehicle when fell into the Beas. While the body of the driver Tusi Ram of a village near Bhuntar has been recovered from the river in Shanidhar, 2 km downstream from the accident site, the body of the other person of Jalgran village, is yet to be found out. |
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Under Secy found guilty of contempt of court Shimla, May 21 The Bench took a serious view of the letter written by him to the High Court seeking its comments in connection with recruitment of clerks. The Bench observed that his action prima facie constituted a grave contempt of the court. Further, the relevant file was never shown to the Principal Secretary (Home) and handled at his own level by Mr Bakshi. He accepted this before the court. Mr Bakshi was later released after furnishing surety and a bond of Rs 10,000. The court also issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Secretary, (home). The next hearing has been fixed for May 25.
— TNS |
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Plus I exam results today Kangra, May 21 He said the results would be available on the board website http://hpeducationboard.nic.in besides through IVRS telephone for which 95177 2621642 should be
dialed. The results would also be available through the Lokmitra Information Centres, Hamirpur. |
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