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| Thursday,
November 9, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Stoppage of grant may force college’s
closure Dhumal for small hydro
projects Hydro projects allotted to pvt
firms Employment scheme
for disabled Off season variety of onion
developed |
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HP fixes foodgrain production
target Dhumal to meet
Pant today Modi’s retention a
boost for Dhumal Villagers seek
withdrawal of cases Integrated books for primary
students
Dhumal’s no to withdraw
power surcharge Sekhon memorial
lecture held
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Stoppage of grant may force college’s
closure KUMARHATTI, Nov 8 — The decision of the Dhumal government to discontinue the salary grant-in-aid to the Goswami Ganesh Dutt Sanatan Dharam (GGDSD) college Subathu, 19 km from here, has led to panic among the students and staff members. This college included in the list of other seven such privately run colleges of the state to whom the much hyped ‘‘Strength based’’ formula aid by the state government has been stopped from the last financial year. The situation has made the colleges start the process of closing down by dispensing away with the services of their ad hoc employees and very soon they might be forced to give notices on notice period salaries to the permanent staff members. The chances of enrolment of students for the next session seem to be very bleak if the government does not release last year’s grant soon. The grant which was started by the Shanta Kumar led BJP government in 1992 was very helpful to provide higher education to the youth specially of rural areas, rued Dr O.P. Dogra, the Director of GGDSD colleges. He said the aid was started on a regular basis so that the private colleges could continue to perform the public utility service of giving higher education more effectively. Due to sudden stoppage of the grant the careers of thousands of students and hundred of staff members have been jeopardised, alleged Mr Dogra. In the absence of this grant theses colleges were not in a position to pay to the staff members even the minimum of the basic salary as the tuition fees collected from students is just not sufficient to meet the salary liability, he lamented. He said that at present they were charging Rs 20/- per month as tuition fee from each student and with the total annual collection they were in a position to meet only 10 per cent of the salary liability and as they have no other sources of income and they were left with no other choice except to close down. In the absence of aid it would be very hard for us to carry on expenses, said Mrs Saroj Alluwalia, principal of school. She alleged that the decision of government would deprive the students of surrounding 21 panchayats of education in case the aid was not started soon. Mr Dogra said that all efforts to draw the attention of state government in this regard have failed as whenever the management of these colleges met the Chief Minister and the Education Minister the only reply they elicited was the often repeated excuses of shortage of funds. This was clearly a case of discrimination as in spite of the alleged shortage of funds the Himachal government has been meeting all financial liabilities of the salaries of its own employees as well as the employees of the seven 95 per cent grant colleges run by private managements, he pleaded. Then why should these nine colleges on salary grant based on strength formula be discriminated against, he questioned. Needless to add that the total grant, which these nine colleges used to receive was Rs 32 lakh which was just a fraction of the total salary bill of 95 per cent grant colleges. Mr Dogra further alleged that the grant was given after due deliberation by the then BJP government and was result of the a Cabinet decision and due to this grant the salary of colleges had increased nearly six-fold in the past eight years. If the government decides to withdraw these grants in the hush-hush manner this would surely be a breach of trust on its part, he added. |
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Dhumal for small hydro
projects SHIMLA, Nov 8 — Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, Himachal Chief Minister, has emphasised the need for popularising solar energy programme and setting up of small hydro projects in the state with a view to meeting local energy requirements and save the energy being produced in big projects for export. He said that this should be made people’s movement to achieve the desired results. He was presiding over the annual general meeting of Himurja, a meeting development agency of the state government here today. Mr Dhumal said that MoUs signed for the small projects by Himurja earlier should be started at the earliest so that more projects could be taken in hand in future. He said that efforts should also be made to set up projects based on wind energy by identifying the wind-prone areas in the state. It was informed at the meeting that three small hydro projects had been taken by the Himurja, three in the private sector and for 88 more projects MoUs had been signed. As many as 27203 solar cookers had been distributed. The Chief Minister directed that cluster of projects should be identified to attract entrepreneurs. He also directed wide publicity to educate the people regarding the use of non-conventional sources of energy which would also save precious forest wealth. The Chief Minister said that since the Government of India had decided to bring the hydel projects up to 25 MW under the category of small hydro projects, sincere efforts should be made to identify such projects so that maximum potential could be harnessed. Mr Ravinder Ravi, Minister of State also stressed on popularising the use of non-renewal sources of energy. Mr T.G. Negi, Secretary Power to the government detailed activities of the Himurja and steps taken to popularise solar energy. Mr Anil Khachi, Chief Executive Officer of Himurja said that the energy would come to the expectations of the people. Mr Jai Kishan and Mrs Nirmla Devi, MLAs, Mr A.K. Goswami, Chief Secretary, Mr Harsh Gupta, Chairman, State Electricity Board and other senior officers of the state government attended the meeting. |
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Hydro projects allotted to pvt
firms SHIMLA, Nov 8 — The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet today allotted 100 micro hydroelectric projects of up to 3 MWs to private parties for execution. The decision was taken in a suddenly convened meeting of the Cabinet which was held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal. Only four Cabinet ministers were present at the meeting. They were informed at about 1 p.m. about the Cabinet meeting which was held at 3 p.m. The only agenda was of allotting these projects. A spokesman of the government said these projects had a total capacity of 164.77 mw and had been allotted to 63 private companies. Twelve of these companies are Himachal based. Fortysix of these projects were self-identified by the entrepreneurs, while the others were offered by the government-owned Himurja. The spokesman said the projects were expected to generate an investment of about Rs 1000 crore in the next four to five years. Some of these would be utilised as captive units by industrial units. These would also open economic activity in the backward and remote areas. The government had offered 261 micro hydel projects to the private sector, but applications were received for 105 only. Thirtyone applications were received from Delhi-based companies and eight from Chandigarh. The highest number of 13 applications were received for the Balsio project in the Chamba district. These applications were scrutinised by a high power committee earlier this month and the issue was discussed in the meeting of the governing body of the Himurja here this morning when it was decided to formalise the allotment. Interestingly, most of the 46 self-identified projects with a total capacity of 89.17 mw are located in the Kulu district. |
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Employment scheme
for disabled SHIMLA, Nov 8 — The Himachal Pradesh Minorities Finance Development Corporation in collaboration with the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation today launched a handicapped self-employment programme under which the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, distributed loans amounting to Rs 19.64 lakh to 20 beneficiaries. Mr Dhumal said the government’s endeavour was to ensure that disabled and other vulnerable sections of society lived a dignified life. He reiterated his government’s resolve for their rehabilitation and said concerned efforts had been made in this direction during last two and-a-half years. He said during the past few years there had been increasing awareness to help the vulnerable sections rather than showing sympathy. The Chief Minister said disabled persons should form cooperative society for which loan upto Rs 25 lakh was being given by the government. Besides, loan up to Rs 25 lakh was being given for the setting up of unit of fabricating instruments for handicapped, Rs 5 lakh for agriculture activities and also loans for pursuing education on subsidies rates. He urged for the proper utilisation of loans and subsidy so that the objective of this programme could be achieved for which the loan were being given. Ms Harinder Hira, Secretary, Welfare, welcoming the Chief Minister said various schemes had been launched for the rehabilitation of the disabled in the state. Mr P.J.S. Kumar, Managing Director, H.P. Minorities Finance and Development Corporation, thanked the National Finance Development Corporation for its liberal attitude and said that the state government was also making efforts for their rehabilitation. |
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Off season variety of onion
developed HAMIRPUR, Nov 8 — By growing off season (kharif) onion in its farm at Ghalaun village of Hamirpur district, scientists of the HP University of Horticulture and Forestry are reported to have achieved a major milestone for providing a cash crop to farmers of the lower hill areas of Himachal Pradesh. These scientists have successfully grown N-53 variety of onion in its farm and that would be distributed among farmers of the districts of Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur and some parts of Mandi and Kangra districts to supplement their income, according to Dr S.D. Badyala, in charge of the Hamirpur station. The research stations of the university are located at two places — Ghalaun and Neri. While the Ghalaun centre is spread over an area of 155 kanals, the other centre has 615 kanals at its disposal. A sum of about Rs 5.80 crore is be spent for the setting up of a satellite research station at Hamirpur, according to Dr Shambhu Dutt Badyala, the project in charge. He said the main aim of the research station was to do research in various streams of horticulture forestry, agriculture and floriculture, and to supply its results to the farmers in shape of nursery plants and seeds so disease-free items being supplied by the university authorities. During a recent visit to the Ghalaun farm, a team of Hamirpur-based scribes found that the work of preparing infrastructure facilities for the proposed centre was going on speedily. The construction work of the training centre for the farmers was in final stage. Dr Badyala said nurseries of off season variety of onion was prepared in mid May and transplanted in fields in July end. It took three-and-a-half to four months to gain maturity. The new onion was comparatively big in size and qualitywise better than the onion being sold in the markets at present. He said the farm would distribute nursery plants and seeds of various varieties of crops prepared by them to farmers of the area on remunerative prices so that they could grow good cash crops. According to him, the new kharif variety of onion prepared in the farm was bound to help the people of those areas who lived on the banks of khuds and rivers and used to grow off season vegetables earlier. The farm has also taken up the work of developing suryamukhi variety of red chillies. It grows at the top of the plants and is of dwarf variety. Fruits are medium in size and tolerant to various viruses. He said after preparing nurseries of suryamukhi variety of chillies, it was planted in fields. It took three to four months to mature and the yield was excellent. The chillies are bright red in colour and bitter in taste. Dr Badyala is hopeful that the experiments being undertaken at the Ghalaun farm of the university were bound to help farmers in coming years. He said the nurseries of Harar, Oanla, Kathal, Kadamab, Sandal, Neem, Mahuwa and various varieties of flowers were also in final stages and their plants would also be distributed among farmers. |
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HP fixes
foodgrain production
target SHIMLA, Nov 8 — The Agriculture Department, Himachal Pradesh, has fixed the foodgrain production target at 7.33 lakh tonnes for the current rabi season. Dr J.C. Rana, Director of Agriculture, said here today that to achieve the target 51,000 quintals of seeds of high-yielding varieties of wheat, 3,050 quintals of pulses and 1,700 quintals of oil seeds would be distributed among the farmers of the state for which necessary arrangements had already been made. Dr Rana said 45,000 tonnes of chemical fertilizer had been stored at various focal points for the convenience of the farmers. Besides this 5 tonnes of bio-fertilizers would also be supplied to farmers to promote organic farming. While emphasising the role of soil testing in crop production, Dr Rana said about 30,000 soil samples would be analysed during the rabi season. Two mobile soil-testing laboratories had been pressed in to service to make the facility available in the interior and inaccessible areas. He said 3,76,000 hectares would be brought under high-yielding varieties of wheat. The production target for potato had been fixed at 1.60 lakh tonnes and for vegetables at 5.80 lakh tonnes. For promoting vegetable cultivation, 100 projects had been launched which would cover 1000 hectares. Small farmers would also be supplied 50 tonnes pesticides at 50 per cent subsidy. “The government had also approved the tea policy for the state and initially 2000 hectares would be brought under tea plantation in Chamba and Kangra districts. Old and abandoned tea plantations would be revived and made economically viable. Dr Rana said the state, at present, was supplying about 3 lakh tonnes of off-season vegetables and high-quality seeds worth Rs 3 crore to other states. For faster development of the agriculture sector a Rs 15-crore work plan had been approved by the Union Ministry of Agriculture. |
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Dhumal to meet
Pant today SHIMLA, Nov 8 — The Himachal Government will seek funds from the Planning Commission, outside the Plan, to strengthen the road network and power infrastructure in the state. Prof P.K. Dhumal, Chief Minister, will take up the state’s case for additional funds during his meeting with Mr K.C. Pant, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, at Delhi tomorrow. The state’s annual Plan for the current financial year, which was delayed due to the report of 11th Finance Commission, will be finalised during the meeting. The state government had formulated a Rs 1,720-crore Plan which was approved by the state Assembly. It is Rs 120 crore more than last year’s plan. The state will seek additional funds under the centrally-sponsored Accelerated Power Development Schemes for the modernisation and strengthening of transmission and distribution networks and completion of the ongoing power projects. It will also urge the commission for additional funds for the development of the information technology sector in which the state has set up a separate department. It will also seek funds for providing computer education in schools, colleges and polytechnics. |
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Modi’s retention a
boost for Dhumal SHIMLA, Nov 8 — Mr Narinder Modi’s retention as the in charge of party affairs in Himachal has firmed up the position of Mr P.K. Dhumal, Chief Minister, who has been facing dissidence from the Shanta Kumar loyalists for quite some time now. The Shanta loyalists had been pinning their hopes on the shifting of Mr Modi as state’s in charge and had, over the past two months, met several Central leaders to plead their case. However, the high command has not only retained Mr Modi as in charge but also assigned him further important responsibilities of party spokesperson, Secretary of the Central Parliamentary Board, Secretary of Central Election Committee, besides his main charge as organising secretary of the party. The elevation of Mr Modi is a clear indication that he enjoys the confidence of both the BJP and the Sangh Parivar. He will be a vital link between the party and the parivar and fill the vacuum created by the absence of Mr Gobindacharya. According to party sources, Mr Modi has been retained in view of the important role played by him in the formation of a BJP-led government in the state in wake of a hung Assembly. The party has been going from strength to strength winning all elections held over the past two-and-half years. Even as an in charge of the state affairs Mr Modi has much clout with the high command and he will prove to be an even greater asset for Mr Dhumal. Mr Modi, who has so far been engaged in a balancing act between rival factions has lately become a part of the decision-making machinery. As the next Assembly polls in the state will be under the present organisational set-up, Mr Modi will be a force to reckon with for partymen, both his adversaries and supporters alike. It remains to be seen what strategy the Shanta loyalists, who have been pressing for this removal as state in charge, adopt. After lying low for about two years they have suddenly adopted an aggressive posture. The dinner meetings organised by them has brought dissidence in the party into the open in the past few months. Mr Modi will have a quite task at hand in bridging the gulf between the rival factions and the partymen are fervently hoping that he will be able to unite the party to ensure smooth sailing for the government. |
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Villagers seek
withdrawal of cases DHARAMSALA, Nov 8 — Residents of Dhanotu village, have threatened to launch an agitation in case the government refuses to withdraw the cases registered against certain persons in connection with a function to be inaugurated by the Parliamentary Secretary, Ms Shraveen Chaudhary. In a statement, the villagers alleged that the cases had been registered for settling personal scores. They threatened that if the cases were not withdrawn within a week the villagers would give court arrest. The cases had been registered by the police against certain persons for preventing the Parliamentary Secretary from inaugurating a veterinary dispensary and Government Middle School at Dadhamb. |
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Integrated books for primary
students
SOLAN, Nov 8 — The Department of Education, Himachal Pradesh, has brought out an integrated course book for class I of primary schools, which had been designed to replace multiple volumes covering various subjects being taught at that level. The Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, who made the above announcement at a public meeting held at Baddi yesterday, said efforts were afoot to find ways and means to lighten the burden of children. Initially, integrated books for all primary classes from class I to V would be brought out. It would be followed by other measures currently being planned with the help of subject-matter specialists. Mr Dhumal also expressed concern at the menace of copying in examinations and made an appeal to eradicate it. He further said a modern stadium would soon be constructed at Baddi. The Industries Minister, Mr Kishori Lal Vaidya, while speaking on the occasion said the state budget for the construction of roads and bridges had been increased from Rs 90 crore to Rs 235 crore. The Minister for Town and Country Planning, Mr Hari Narain Singh, and president of the district BJP unit, Mr Lakhwinder Singh Rana, also spoke. Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a bridge over the Satiwala Khud on the Barotiwala-Shalaghat road, constructed at a cost of Rs 35
lakh. |
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Dhumal’s no to withdraw
power surcharge BADDI Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal was here to inaugurate an HOPS processing plant at a textile processing unit. Addressing the delegation, Mr Dhumal said the state government would like to bring an industrial culture in Himachal Pradesh where nobody — employer, employee and other agencies — would be allowed to exploit each other. He advised truck operators’ union to determine rates by collective bargaining. He categorically denied the withdrawal of winter power surcharge, which has been levied by the HPSEB. However, he agreed to consider the restoration of earlier load-based categorisation of units, which became effective from May 1, 2000, and has affected the SSI and medium scale industry. By changing the categorisation of the industrial units, the power bill of the industrial units between 100 to 500 kw load has gone up by 45%, including the winter surcharge, as compared to April 2000. The Chief Minister also agreed in principle that the supply to workers’ colonies within the industrial complex must be charged on domestic rates, instead of commercial. He agreed to provide a cremation ground and an ESI hospital at Baddi. He informed that steps have already been taken by the government for setting up a cremation
ground. The land for the project for common effluent and sewerage treatment plant has been identified and the project has been sent to the World Bank for financial aid. |
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Sekhon memorial
lecture held SHIMLA, Nov 8 — The third Sant Singh Sekhon Memorial Lecture was held at the Institute of Advanced studies, here today as a tribute to one of the eminent Punjabi writers of the 20th century. Delivering the lecture, Dr
H.S. Gill, Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, spoke on “Sekhon’s concept of history”. Basing his lecture on “Baba Bohar” (the antique oak), Sekhon’s celebrated poetic composition of the forties, he spoke about personal experiences, cultural concerns, philosophical categories and methodological concepts underlining the text. |
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