Shimla, October 29
With the distribution utilities more keen on imposing power cuts than procuring adequate power to meet the demand, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes to make the procurement of 5 per cent surplus power mandatory.

Chairman of the commission Subhash Negi said the provision for 5 per cent contingent surplus would help in taking care of the events resulting in shortfall on the account of reasons beyond the control of the distribution licensee (state power board). The state was known to be a power surplus state and imposition of cuts for any reason would be paradoxical.

The commission had already published the draft amendments proposed in the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Wheeling Tariff and Retail Supply Tariff) Regulations for the purpose. It had also decided to switch over to a control period of five years for determination of tariff from the next financial year under the multi-year tariff framework. The amended regulations will also take care of shortcomings in the provisions experienced over the existing framework of a three-year control period.

The five-year control period was being introduced as per the recommendation of the National Tariff Policy. The second control period of three-year was ending on March 2014 and the commission had decided to determine the tariff for 2014-15 under the five-year framework. The regulations were being revamped as the commission felt that appropriate amendments at this stage would help a long way to arrive at tariffs, which were more objective, prudent and progressive, Negi said.

Under the existing regulations, the distribution targets are provided without any scope for revision even on account of uncontrollable parameters like change in consumer and sales mix at various voltage levels. A provision is being made for automatic adjustment of targets in such an eventuality.

A provision for fixation of circle-wise differential tariff by way of separate and distinct distribution loss surcharge is being incorporated in case the commission is not satisfied with the efforts undertaken by the licensee in reduction of losses in a few circles.

Similarly, at present there was no provision for specific treatment of arrears on account of pay revision and any other such non-recurring expenses related to employees. The new regulations will provide for an impact of pay revisions, including arrears, as a pass through, subject to a prudence check by the commission during the mid-term review and at the end of the control period.

Shimla, October 29
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has decided to give 8 per cent dearness allowance (DA) to its employees from January 2013.

Disclosing this here today, Transport Minister GS Bali said this decision would put an annual burden of Rs 10 crore on the Himachal Road Transport Corporation.

He added that the DA would be given in cash from January to September, 2013, whereas from October 2013 onwards it would be given with salary.

Praising the employees of the corporation, the minister said it was due to their hard work and dedication that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation 
had earned profit during last 10 months.

He blamed the previous BJP government for mismanagement which had led to financial losses of Rs 382 crore to the corporation.

He appealed to the employees to support the efforts of the state government for the betterment of the corporation and make it a profit-earning body.

Bali also extended Diwali greetings to the employees of the corporation and added that the government was always considerate towards their demands.

Mandi, October 29
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is yet to take a final decision on the construction of a Rs 2-crore multipurpose hotel-cum-business arcade on a 5-bigha piece of land in the town. The project hangs fire for the last two years.

Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal had laid the foundation stone here last year, but the HPTDC had neither funds nor could it complete the map that time. “The foundation stone is surrounded by weeds as the new Congress government is yet to take a final call on the project,” revealed sources.

The HPTDC has transferred the prime 5-bigha land located on the national highway on its name from the Horticulture Department for the construction of this multipurpose hotel-cum-banquet hall last year.

“We will not take any government fund for the hotel as the corporation can raise loans,” said a senior HPTDC manager. The HPTDC is proposing a 25-room hotel, a tourist information centre, a shopping arcade housing local artisans and a banquet hall. Mandi had no HPTDC hotel after Mandav Hotel was handed over to the IIT, Mandi, said the managers.

According to HPTDC sources, the Department of Tourism has now proposed a Rs 50-lakh tourism information centre in the complex for which funds have been provided.

The HPTDC has no major hotel in the Mandi-Barot-Prashar-Rewalsar-Janjheli-Shikari Devi-Kamrunag belt that can be promoted as a major tourist circuit in the district. It has closed its Pandoh café as it was not viable. The HPTDC has constructed a trekkers’ hut in Janjheli and runs a hotel in Rewalsar. However, these remained outside the ambit of tourist itinerary, said travel agents.

Paramjeet Katnoria, project officer, Tourism, said the maps and drawings for the hotel had been prepared a fortnight ago and the decision was to be taken by the government soon.

Subhashish Panda, Managing Director, HPTDC, and commissioner, Tourism, said efforts were afoot to promote offbeat destination like Barot-Parashar-Janjheli in the state. “The HPTDC hotel project in Mandi is being considered as the land has already been transferred to the corporation,” he added.

Dharamsala, October 29
The previous BJP government has burdened the state exchequer with Rs 1,370 crore by giving benefits to employees as per decisions of the Punjab Cabinet just with an eye on elections.

This was stated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while addressing a conference of veterinary pharmacists here today.

He said the state government was bound to give pay scales as decided by the Punjab Pay Commission. However, it was not bound to implement the decisions taken by the Punjab Cabinet with an eye on elections.

By taking such steps, the financial condition of Punjab had been reduced to such a state that they were being forced to sell government assets to pay salaries of employees, he said. "We don’t want the financial condition of Himachal to be in the same state by implementing political decisions of the Punjab Government," Virbhadra said.

The Chief Minister also snubbed veterinary pharmacists for raising certain “unreasonable” demands. He alleged that during the stint of the previous BJP government, many untrained veterinary pharmacists were appointed. Such untrained veterinary pharmacists had caused a loss to farmers by performing faulty artificial inseminations. Such pharmacists would be sent for one-year training. During this time period, jobs of veterinary pharmacists would be kept reserved.

The Chief Minister also presided over a state-level convention of the Himachal Pradesh ayurvedic medical officials at upper TCV School. While addressing the doctors, the Chief Minister assured them of fulfilling their demands, especially those doctors, who had been working on a contract basis. He said decisions where financial implication was involved would be cleared by the Cabinet.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a Rs 10.22-crore road from Gaggal to McLeodganj.

The Chief Minister also presided over a function of the Gorkha community at Dharamsala.

Virbhadra dedicated his entire day at the Dharamsala Assembly constituency represented by Minister for Urban Development and TCP Sudhir Sharma. Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Transport and Technical Education GS Bali also accompanied him.

Later in the evening, the Chief Minister presided over the closing ceremony of a state-level police games held at the Police Ground in Dharamsala.

Kangra, October 29
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed satisfaction over the pace of development and working of Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (DRPGMC) at Tanda and announced that more land would be acquired for the expansion of this medical college, which was figuring among the first 18 medical colleges of the country and the first amongst the state government-run medical colleges.

Virbhadra Singh was addressing the annual day celebration, Utopia-2013, of the DRPGMC Tanda in the college auditorium here last evening.

He said the overall ranking of this medical college in the country was 28, and amongst the Government Medical Colleges it ranked 18th, despite this being the only college situated in rural area. He said work on Rs 150-crore super-specialty wing was nearing completion.

He said the proposal was mooted 17 years back to set up this institute at Palampur, but due to the non-availability of land it was considered appropriate to set it up at Tanda. He said the state government had provided liberal funding to develop this institute and provided all basic health facilities.

The Chief Minister said to maintain and develop the vast infrastructure, PWD Division, which was shifted by the BJP government, would be brought back here again.

Besides, IPH and Electricity sub-divisions would also be reopened. He said hostel buildings of this college would be repaired by the government and adequate amount would be provided for it.

The Chief Minister conceded to the SCA demand and announced a round-the-clock library for the college. He said solar lights would be installed from Tanda to 53 Mile.

He announced the takeover of Baroh College of the Nagrota Bagwan constituency by the government and gave away prizes to the meritorious students on the occasion.

A colourful cultural programme depicting patriotism and rich cultural heritage of the state was organised by students of the institute.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 50,000 for the promotion of cultural activities of the college and Rs 50 lakh for the hospital building maintenance.

Transport Minister GS Bali said this institute had the best medical facilities and faculty.

College SCA president Shailen Guleria welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him about the academic laurels won by students.

Hamirpur, October 29
Former Education Minister ID Dhiman has criticised State Planning Board Chairman Ram Lal Thakur’s statement demanding an inquiry into BJP leaders’ alleged deposits in foreign banks.

In a press statement, Dhiman said BJP MPs and MLAs had already given affidavits for not having any deposits in foreign banks while Congress leaders were still dillydallying on this issue.

Ram Lal should ask the Central government to make the details of all deposits in foreign banks public and hold an inquiry, he added.

Shimla, October 29
The government today directed the Forest Department to submit a detailed report on the issue of alleged felling of trees undertaken to pave way for the high-end Pavilion Hotel of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) at Dharamsala.

The state government directed Principal Chief Conservator Forest (PCCF) RK Gupta to submit a detailed status report on the subject at the earliest. “I have asked the Conservator, Dharamsala, to conduct an inquiry and send the factual position about trees having been cut at the earliest,” confirmed Gupta.

The action was taken by the government after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau found inconsistency in the records of the Forest and Revenue Department. “What is intriguing is the fact that while the revenue records clearly indicate that there were several trees on the chunk of land where Hotel Pavilion was constructed, how did the Forest Department give a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the hotel,” said an official.

Sources said the government could involve certain individuals who were in possession of documentary evidence, including photographs and videos of the trees which were on the land. These persons could be involved in the investigation as government witness.

In case the inquiry confirms with evidence that there were trees standing at the site where the hotel has come up, forest officials responsible for issuing the NOC could be in trouble.

Solan, October 29
A state-level energy park has been established at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni by the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA).

The project, which has been funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, New Delhi, under the Special Area Development Programme, is the first such park to be set up in Himachal.

The MNRE has provided Rs 90 lakh, while the university is contributing Rs 5 lakh for the establishment of the park. The Department of Environmental Science, College of Forestry, is now looking after this project.

This park will help demonstrate the working and use of NRSE technologies through working models and help educate the masses and students regarding applications of renewable energy sources, energy conservation and their socio-environmental benefits, said Dr Satish Bhardwaj, who is looking after this project.

In a bid to create awareness of non-conventional and renewable energy system, informative pavilions have been set up and computer-based game for visitors has also been installed. The energy park has been divided into various segments, including learning through fun, children's corner, Solar Pavilion, Water Power Pavilion, Pavilion on Bio-Energy, Wind Pavilion and Demonstration Area.

The Department of Environmental Science with the help of the Centre for Wind Energy and Technology has also established the Solar Radiation Assessment System (SRRA) in this park. This system will provide important data on weather parameters and solar radiations to study various aspects of global warming affecting the region once the park is functional. 

Bilaspur, October 29
The Congress government, led by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, has always been sympathetic towards solution of all pending demands and problems of lakhs of Bhakra Dam oustees of Bilaspur. Now people of Bilaspur will honour him when he visits the town on October 31 on a day’s visit. This was stated by Ram Lal Thakur, Chairman, State Planning Development and 20-point Implementation Committee, in the Circuit House here yesterday.

He said Virbhadra Singh had first waived off the oustees’ rehabilitation loans with interest and penal interest. Then the Chief Minister got mini settlement of all oustees colonies done to ensure that several thousand encroachment cases in villages against them were withdrawn giving them relief.

Ram Lal said all big projects and buildings and facilities at Bilaspur like the Fisheries Directorate building, Judicial Complex building, Forest Circle Office, 300-bed Regional Hospital and also the Rs 3-crore Ali Khud bridge, etc had been Virbhadra Singh’s presents to oustees of Bilaspur.

He said even earlier the remaining 278 oustees were allotted rehabilitation plots in 1985-88 when Virbhadra Singh was Chief Minister. Now also, the CM was coming to allot 118 plots to oustees here on October 31. He said 250 remaining oustees families would also be allotted plots in near future for which land is being earmarked by the Revenue authorities.

He said the latest decision was a “Diwali gift” from him to them. Oustees had been clamouring for this benefit for the last three decades, but without any success.

Chamba, October 29
The World Bank has funded Rs 560 crore under the carbon credit plan for the environment conservation of the greenery and scenery in Himachal Pradesh.

This was stated by Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board Chairman and Congress spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Pathania here yesterday.

Pathania said the plan for the disposal of solid waste management in the municipal areas in the state was under the consideration.

He said the waste would be used for generating energy and gas to meet the requirement of electricity and cooking gas, adding that in the first phase four such units would be set up at different locations of the state.

Kangra, October 29
The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) in collaboration with the EduCARE India, Young Women’s International Institute and InGlobed, organised an international seminar-cum-workshop on the theme "Education for Gender Equality and Peace" to observe International Peace Day here today.

While addressing the gathering, chief guest Furqan Qamar, Vice-Chancellor, CUHP, pointed out the need of incorporating a sense of gender equity in various initiatives that was not limited to policy formulation alone but should go beyond in implementing and achieving the avowed goals therein.

Dr Asuthosh Pradhan, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work School of Social Sciences, CUHP, said the workshop was made vibrant with the active participation of 24 international interns of both EduCARE India, Young Women's International Institute and InGlobed, from various countries like France, Slovakia, US, UK, Germany, Argentina, Spain, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Brazil and Puerto Rico.

He said the workshop proved to be a platform for lively discussion and debate on issues of gender disparity and women education. Prof Arvind Agrawal, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Head of Department of Social Work, offered a warm welcome to all the delegates and participants.

The presentations and discussions were focused on the report of a study conducted at Naddi village of Upper Dharamsala, Dr Pradhan said.

Baljinder Bhullar, Director, EduCARE India, Rachel Donovan, assistant director, Young Women's Idea and EduCARE India, Alexandra Mietusch, programme manager, InGlobed, also spoke during the occasion, which was followed by three technical sessions which focused on presentations made by interns based on field studies undertaken in villages.

Deliberations and active participation were held in context of the presentations and a cross-cultural conflict resolution workshop respectively.

Dalhousie, October 29
Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal has alleged that the bomb blasts in Bihar was an attempt to murder Narendra Modi who is a BJP nominee to the post of the Prime Minister.

Addressing a news conference at Dalhousie today, Dhumal flayed the Bihar government for its laxity in making security arrangements during Modi’s rally in Patna. He said the country had been protesting against the Nitish government in Bihar and the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.

Speaking about Himachal politics, Dhumal regretted that certain Congress leaders were making statements without knowing the facts and acting with retaliation.

Prominent among the BJP leaders were Kripal Parmar, Vinod Mahajan, Renu Chadha were also present during the press conference.

Bilaspur, October 29
The District BJP Legal Cell has alleged police inaction in the incident where Vikas Thakur, son of Congress leader Ram Lal Thakur, “stormed” into the Luhnu Cricket Stadium here last night along with his supporters to take its “illegal possession”, which was in the possession of the Cricket Association of Bilaspur and HPCA president Anurag Thakur.

Led by district cell convener Vipul Handa, co-convener Munish Chandel, state co-conveners Narender Thakur, Pawan Chandel and state BJP executive members Shivpal Manhans, Hari Singh Thakur and Roshan Lal Thakur, a deputation of 21 advocates of the legal cell met Deputy Commissioner Ajay Sharma here today and submitted a memorandum to him for forwarding it to the Governor for action.

The memorandum said the stadium land does not belong to the government but it actually belonged to the BBMB, which had given this land to oustees for sports activities.

They alleged that Vikas Thakur had no locus standi to forcibly enter it and destroy a number of items after breaking locks in the presence of the police.

They alleged that when led by Cricket Association of Bilaspur general secretary Vishal Jagota, and executive members of the association went there, they were not allowed to enter the premises.

The deputation included advocates Manoj Thakur, Bhupender Singh, Vineet Kaundal, Abhishek Mishra, Ram Rattan Chauhan, Chandan Rana, Raj Kumar, Abhay Shukla, BR Thakur, BS Chandel, Satpal Minhas, Anupam Shandilya and Nitin Kaundal.

Mandi, October 29
The CPM said today that the party, along with its frontal organisations, would stage a state-level protest in Shimla on November 12 against price rise, unemployment, corruption and the economic policies of the UPA government at the Centre.

Addressing a press conference here today, CPM general secretary Bhupender Singh and Himachal Kisan Sabha leader Kushal Bhardwaj said CITU, SFI, DYFI and Janvadi Mahila Sabha would also address the protest.

They alleged that regular jobs in both the private and government sectors had been abolished and contract and outsourcing of public sector companies were ruining the economic fabric of the country. The state government had increased bus fare that had further broken the backbone of the common man, they added.

Bhupender said the Congress and the BJP represented both the sides of a same coin as their economic policies were “anti-common man and pro-rich”. They demanded that bus fare hike should be taken back and the minimum pay should be Rs 10,000 per month.

Kangra, October 29
All the four gold medals for the under-19 and under-14 categories for both boys and girls were snatched by Delhi schools defeating host GAV Public School, Kangra, Genius International School, Ropar, and Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir, Delhi, in the finals on the third day of the CBSE North Zone-1 Handball National Championship at the municipal stadium here today.

In the final match of the under-19 boys category, Apex Public School, Delhi, defeated host GAV Public School 28-20 and bagged gold with GAV getting silver and Sri Ram Shiksha Mandir, Delhi, bronze.

In the final match of the under-19 girls’ category, Saint Marxs, Delhi, defeated GAV Public School, Kangra, 11-9 and bagged gold, with GAV getting silver and Sri Ram Shiksha Mandir, Delhi, bronze.

In another final of the under-14 category for boys, Army Public School, Delhi, defeated Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir, Delhi, 26-10 and bagged gold with Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir securing a silver. In the quarterfinal of the same category, New Convent School, Delhi, defeated Genius International School, Ropar (Punjab), 18-11, bagging a silver.

In another final of the under-14 category for girls, Saint Marxs School, Delhi, defeated Genuine International School, Ropar (Punjab), 8-7 in a neck and neck match and got a gold medal and GIS, Ropar, got a silver. GAV Public School in this category got a bronze.

Lucky, goalkeeper of Apex Public School, Delhi, saved a number of goals with his swift actions.

Sheshwant Choudary of GAV Public School, Kangra, was the highest scorer of the championship. He scored 31 goals.

Twentytwo teams from six states participated in the championship.

Prof SK Bala Sidhartha, Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology, who was the chief guest, distributed the prizes among the winners.

Sukhvinder Singh, Principal, GAV Public School, Kangra, expressed satisfaction over the successful culmination of the programme.

Students presented a colourful cultural programme on the occasion.