Panel to study feasibility
SHIMLA, March 12 — The Centre will soon set up a committee to study, the techno-economic feasibility of constructing big airports in Himachal Pradesh to facilitate landing of larger aircraft.

Giving RSS tinge to teaching
SHIMLA, March 12 — Mr Kaul Singh, a Congress member of Himachal Vidhan Sabha today accused the ruling BJP of having introduced the "Vidya Upasak" scheme to induct RSS activists as teachers in the schools in Himachal.

Lawlessness in CM's home district
HAMIRPUR, March 12 — All is not well on the law and order front in Hamirpur district.

Agitating workers detained
SHIMLA, March 12 — Hundreds of agitating workers at the Nathpa-Jhakri Project were detained at Jhakri and Juri today.

Peace march by Tibetan women
DHARAMSALA, March 12 — On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, a peace march was organised from McLeodganj to Dharamsala, here today.

Panel to study feasibility
Big airports in Himachal
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, March 12 — The Centre will soon set up a committee to study, the techno-economic feasibility of constructing big airports in Himachal Pradesh to facilitate landing of larger aircraft.

Stating this here today, Mr Ananth Kumar, Union Civil Aviation Minister, said the government was keen on improving air connectivity to hill states like Himachal, which had a vast potential for tourism during the "explore India year".

He said at present the three airstrips at Shimla, Dharamsala and Kulu were inadequate for the operation of 50-seater aircraft.

A committee headed by Mr D.V. Gupta, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, would explore the possibility of extending at least one of these airstrips to 7000 feet as well as the feasibility of constructing an airport at Bilaspur. The development of bigger airstrips would enable the Indian Airlines to operate long-distance flights from places like Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai to Himachal.

The committee would also make recommendations for upgradation of Apron space navigational system and other terminal facilities. It would visit the state within a month and submit its report in 45 days.

Regarding the demand for subsidising air fares in Himachal on the pattern of North-East states, Mr Ananth Kumar said the problem was on account of the higher cost of aviation turbine fuel which was covered under the administered price mechanism (APM). The Civil Aviation Ministry had urged the government to dismantle the APM for turbine fuel to bring down it's cost which would enable the airlines to reduce fares.

Besides greater air connectivity, the government would also make a concerted effort to promote tourism in the state. The Indian Airlines would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation to promote Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination all over the world. The two would also organise package tours, adventure sports and other tourist-related activities.

Earlier, Mr P.K. Dhumal, Chief Minister, urged the Union Minister to give funds to the state for the expansion of the Gaggal airport at Dharamsala. He said Himachal was a special category state and, thus, deserved a subsidy in air fares on the pattern of North-East states. He also requested him to explore the possibility of making heli-services available at reasonable rates to boost tourism.

Mr Ananth Kumar reached here aboard the inaugural Delhi-Shimla-Kulu-Delhi flight of the Indian Airlines. He was accompanied by three members of Parliament from the state — Mr Shanta Kumar, Mr Suresh Chandel and Mr Maheshwar Singh.

Giving RSS tinge to teaching
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, March 12 — Mr Kaul Singh, a Congress member of Himachal Vidhan Sabha today accused the ruling BJP of having introduced the "Vidya Upasak" scheme to induct RSS activists as teachers in the schools in Himachal.

He made the allegation during the question hour on the issue of appointment of Vidya Upasaks which generated much heat in the House.

Mr Kaul Singh alleged that the scheme had been introduced with a view to expanding the activities of the RSS in the state. He criticised the government for scrapping the scheme of appointing voluntary teachers from within the radius of 5 km of the school and introducing the new scheme under which matriculates with third division would also be eligible to be appointed.

A number of supplementaries were asked from the Education Minister, Mr I.D. Dhiman, particularly by Congress members.

The Speaker, Thakur Gulab Singh, said that although the matter was of importance, but the limitation of the question hour was that unlimited supplementaries could not be asked. He asked the members to take help of the available rules if they wanted to have a detailed discussion on the issue.

Earlier, replying to the main question, Mr Dhiman said that 2100 Vidya Upasaks will be recruited sub-division-wise through the HP Service Selection Board.

Giving details, he said that during the current year the district-wise recruitment will be, Bilaspur 74, Chamba 77, Hamirpur 104, Kangra 140, Kulu 209, Kinnaur 70, Lahaul-Spiti 69 Mandi 720, Shimla 132, Sirmaur 81, Solan 400 and Una 34.

The question was tabled by Mr Kaul Singh, Mr Virender Gautam, Mr Gangu Ram Musafir, Mr Kuldip Kumar and Mr Raghu Raj (all Cong).

Mrs Asha Kumari said that norms had been flouted for fixing the criteria for the recruitment of vidya upasaks. The vacancies of teacher were high in the Chamba district.

The Education Minister said that the scheme had been approved by the National Council of Teachers Education (NCTE) and those upasaks who did not fulfil the qualifications within five years will be discharged. He clarified that matriculation was the basic qualification for their recruitment and others could also apply for the post.

Mr Kuldip Kumar alleged that Una district had been discriminated against in creation of posts of vidya upasak.

In a separate question Mr Harshwardhan Chauhan (Cong) said that candidates from other districts were appointed in the Sirmaur district on contract basis as junior basic teachers (JBT) although qualified persons were available there.

He alleged that the office of District Education Officer at Nahan has become a den of corruption. The district education officer and a clerk were recently suspended.

The Education Minister said that an FIR had been registered by the police in the matter.

Replying to the main question of Mr Chauhan, the Education Minister said that 419 JBT teachers were appointed in the Sirmaur district during the past one year.

Diesel ST hike will 'upset economy'
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, March 12 — The Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Mr Virbhadra Singh, today asked the BJP-HVC combine government to withdraw the proposal to hike sales tax on diesel to avoid increase in the rates of transportation. He also criticised the government for having "failed" to check rising prices.

Mr Virbhadra Singh, who initiated the debate on Budget proposals presented by the Chief Minister, Mr PK Dhumal, in Vidhan Sabha, said the hike in sales tax on diesel would upset the economy as almost the entire transportation in this hill state was dependent on road.

Keeping in view the geographical position of Himachal Pradesh there was no justification in increasing the price of diesel. This would increase prices of all commodity.

He said the BJP-HVC combine government should not make it a prestige issue and withdraw the proposed hike.

Mr Virbhadra Singh asked the Chief Minister to clarify position regarding the assistance of Rs 300 crore which he claimed to have received from the Centre because of his cordial relations with the Vajpayee government.

He said the state government should not try to hide facts and give details of the quantum of assistance as it was a public fund.

The Congress leader said there was no reference of the Rs 300 crore central assistance in the Budget speech delivered by Mr Dhumal in the House.

He said the factual position was that the Centre had granted Rs 100 crore to Himachal Pradesh as advance towards ways and means account which was being recovered in monthly instalments at an interest of Rs 10.5 per cent.

Another grant of Rs 100 crore was as untied special assistance. Besides, Rs 100 crore had been sanctioned for specific projects which were a part of the plan. Only about Rs 40 crore had been sanctioned towards this account so far.

Mr Virbhadra Singh accused the state government of having failed to control the rising prices which had put an additional financial burden on the poor.

He criticised the ruling BJP for blaming the previous Congress government for the problems which were currently being faced by the people. The BJP government should have the courage to own the responsibility for these problems, he said.

He said people had lost confidence in the police as it had failed to check atrocities on Dalits, incidents of rape, dacoits, and theft.

He said many schools and dispensaries in the interior areas of Shimla, Sirmour, Chamba and Kulu districts were without teachers and doctors since the present government came to power. Nothing but political will could make the staff to join duty in such areas.

Mr Virbhadra Singh grilled Mr Dhumal for diverting Rs 600 crore from the revenue account to the capital account.

He said Mr Dhumal had always criticised the previous Congress government for having raised loans from private institutions, but in his Budget speech he (Mr Dhumal) had himself indicated that the government might make market borrowings. The four new public sector undertakings proposed by him were being set up to raise loans for the government, he alleged.

Mr Jai Kishen Sharma (BJP) criticised the Congress for twisting facts to malign the BJP government.

He said the law and order situation was worst during the Congress regime when the culprits were left scot free.

Mr Sharma alleged the Congress government always discriminated against various areas in allocation of funds.

Mr JP Nadda, Health Minister, said the BJP government has fulfilled the dream of Mahatma Gandhi by giving more powers to the panchayats which the previous Congress government never did.

He justified the proposal to set up the health corporation which would strengthen the medical infrastructure.

Mr Nadda said the Congress government utilised the loans for unproductive purposes.

He said it was the achievement of the BJP government for getting the medical college at Tanda restarted by getting recognition from the Medical Council of India.

Many railway projects have also been got approved by the state government.

Among others who spoke were Mr Atma Ram (BJP, Mr BB Butail and Mr Lujja Ram (both Cong).

Lawlessness in CM's home district
From Chander Shekhar

HAMIRPUR, March 12 — All is not well on the law and order front in Hamirpur district. After a brawl among police officers, now a Head Constable has been beaten by a group of women at Khala village near here.

All women have since been released on bail by the Sessions Judge, Mr Vinod Kumar Sharma.

Sources said three policemen led by the Additional SHO, Hamirpur, went to the village to look into a clash between Gujjars on March 8 but were roughed up by the women. The party returned with an additional force led by the SHO, Hamirpur. However, the party was again roughed up and one of them, Head Constable, Om Parkash was hit on the head with a sharp weapon. Members of the police party had to flee.

The police arrested three women who were remanded by the CJM, Hamirpur, to police custody for three days. However, the male accused named in the FIR are still absconding. A case under Sections 147,148,186,307,353, and 392 of the IPC has been registered with the local police.

Hamirpur is the home district of Chief Minister P.K.Dhumal.

Insiders say shortage of police personnel, weapons and vehicles is the main hindrance in maintaining law and order. There are only 150 constables, 50 head constables and 20 officers in the lower ranks in the district which has five police stations and three police posts. The police stations are located at Hamirpur, Nadaun, Bhoranj, Barsar and Sujanpur. The police posts are at Jahoo, Awahdevi and Deotsidh.

No additional force has been given to the district since 1972 when Hamirpur was created a full-fledged district. Since then, a number of government offices, banks, educational institutes and other government and semi-government offices have been opened in various parts of the district, but there is no significant increase in the police force.

Police personnel say their strength in the district should be doubled. They say earlier the state government used to deploy three to four companies of central forces, but his practice has been discontinued . The reason for the same is not known.

The condition of department vehicles is deplorable. No new vehicles have been added for a round-the-clock vigil. The police force is without new weapons.

The HP Government is reported to have taken note of the growing lawlessness in the district. It has ordered senior police officers to identify sensitive areas and to ensure that effective steps are taken to maintain law and order.

Agitating workers detained
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, March 12 — Hundreds of agitating workers at the Nathpa-Jhakri Project were detained at Jhakri and Juri today.

While the administration claimed that the workers were detained to maintain law and order and prevent strikers from obstructing loyal workers. The local unit of the CITU alleged that the police crack down was aimed at crushing the agitation.

Mr Dharam Prakash, spokesman of the CPM, said that more than 1,000 workers were taken away by the police to unknown places. The police even hijacked the buses carrying students to school and a large number of them could not appear in the examination today.

He urged the government not to resort to terror tactics and trample upon the trade union rights of workers.

Peace march by Tibetan women
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, March 12 — On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, a peace march was organised from McLeodganj to Dharamsala, here today.

Tibetan women, including schoolgirls, participated in the peaceful procession. The women carrying placards and demanded China to quit Tibet and release Gedun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, held hostage by Chinese.

The President of the Tibetan Women's Association, Ms Jampa Choedon, said a candlelight vigil was also being organised to remember those who had sacrificed their lives for their nation.