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| Friday, December 22, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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BJP achieves landslide
victory Ordinances on office-bearers’ election
flayed Uproar over Revenue Minister’s remark Rebels withdraw letter, no-trust move today |
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Researching medicinal plants 34-course buffet for Xmas, New
Year Nahan’s famed tanks now an
eyesore
BJP sweeps Parwanoo MC poll Three income tax payers
honoured Arson case against students registered
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BJP achieves landslide
victory SHIMLA, Dec 21 — The ruling BJP has claimed that it has created a history in Himachal Pradesh by getting a landslide victory in zila parishad, nagar parishad, nagar panchayat and gram panchayat elections. Mr Ganesh Dutt,
spokesman for the party, today stated that the party had captured 10 seats of chairperson of zila parishads out of 11. Out of 48 nagar parishads and nagar panchayats, it had won 34. Out of 236 zila parishad seats, the BJP had won 150 seats. In panchayat samitis, it had won 1,314 out of 1,645 seats, thereby registering about 80 per cent lead. Out of the 2,983 panchayats for which the elections were held in the state, over 2,350 presidents and almost equal number of vice-presidents having an allegiance to the BJP had won the
elections. Of the 18,259 members elected to the panchayats, over 14,000 owed allegiance to the BJP. The BJP has won in Sirmour, Solan, Shimla and Mandi, the strongholds of the Congress. DALHOUSIE: BJP has swept the local municipal council elections held yesterday. In Chamba Municipal Council elections, the Congress won eight seats out of 11 seats and got a majority over the BJP which won only three seats. SOLAN: The BJP candidates won an absolute majority in the Nalagarh municipal committee elections here. They won five out of a nine seats. In Arki nagar panchayat, they won five out of a total of seven seats. The Congress made a clean sweep in the Baddi municipal committee elections by winning all nine seats. The results of the Solan municipal council and Parwanoo municipal committee is a tie between the two parties. BJP-supported candidates won four seats each at Solan and Parwanoo. MANALI: BJP-supported candidates have won the seven-member house of the nagar panchayat here. Out of the seven wards, the BJP won five wards. SUNDERNAGAR: The ruling BJP clinched a majority of seats in the local municipal council election which were held here on Wednesday. Out of 13 wards, the BJP candidates won seven seats. HAMIRPUR: BJP and its rebel candidates won overall majority in the local civic body elections where polling was held on Wednesday. MANDI:
Six BJP-supported candidates, three Congress supported and three HVC supported, besides an Independent, have won the elections from the 13 wards of the town. DHARAMSALA: The ruling BJP retained its hold over the local municipal council by winning six out of 11 seats. The president of the council, Mr Kamal Kant Minocha, of the BJP, won the election. The other members belonging to the BJP include Mr Nirmal Pathania, Mr Dina Nath, Mr Raj Gopal, Ms Raj Kumari, and Ms Kamla Patiyal. The elected Congress candidates are Mr Randhir Shekhri, Mr Rajeev Pintoo, Ms Manju Rana, Ms Indira Devi and Mr Anurag Khanna. In Palampur, the Congress and the BJP have won three seats each. |
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Ordinances on office-bearers’ election
flayed SHIMLA, Dec 21 — The Congress today accused the ruling BJP of devising means for horse trading to capture the civic bodies by having promulgated two ordinances to amend the procedure for election of office-bearers of the newly-elected panchayats and municipal councils, even when the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha had been summoned. The BJP government was grilled in the Vidhan Sabha for “violating” the parliamentary conventions by having promulgated these ordinances when it was already decided to summon the session of the House. The Government came in for criticism when ministers concerned laid copies of these ordinances on the table of the House. These ordinances provided that the pradhans and other office-bearers of the panchayats and municipal councils would be elected within a month of the elections of the panchayati raj institutions and civic bodies. The CLP leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh, said the ordinance pertaining to the panchayati raj institutions was promulgated on November 13 and the one concerning amendment of the municipal Act was issued on December 11 when the House had been summoned. He pointed out that under the law prior to these amendments, the office-bearers of these bodies were to be elected at their first meeting. However, the amendment had been done to provide an opportunity to the BJP to do horse trading and capture the seats. Mr Virbhadra Singh said the BJP, which had done badly in the recent panchayat elections, was now trying to capture these institutions through foul means. A Senior parliamentarian, Mr J.B.L. Khachi, also took exception to these ordinances which would pave way for horse trading. The Chief Minister, Prof P.K.Dhumal, denied the allegations of the Congress, who, he alleged, was reacting because of its poor performance in the elections. He said the ordinances amending the rules were issued because the existing office-bearers of these institutions would remain in office till January 21 and election of the new office-bearers now would have created confusion. The Chief Minister said the Congress could file objections as the period for doing so was provided in the rules. Earlier, the House offered condolences to the next of kin of the 45 persons who were killed in a truck mishap in Chamba district recently. Discussion on the issue was moved in the House under Rule 62 by Mr Kaul Singh, Mrs Asha Kumari (both Cong) and Mr Tulsi Ram (BJP). The Congress members pointed out that the number of accidents in Chamba was increasing and people were forced to travel in trucks as there was a shortage of buses. The Transport Minister, Mr KK Kapoor, however, denied that there was a shortage of buses. During question hour, the Chief Minister informed the House that the government incurred an expenditure of over Rs 4 crore on flying the leased helicopter between March and November this year. An amount of Rs 4,32,000 was realised by utilising the helicopter for tourism purposes. In a written reply to Mrs Asha Kumari, the Chief Minister informed her that there was no intention of the government to issue a white paper on the appointments made by the state public service commission, Subordinate Services Selection Board, HP University and Kangra Central Cooperative Bank since April 1, 1998, when the BJP government came to power. |
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Uproar over Revenue Minister’s remark SHIMLA, Dec 21 — Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Vidhan Sabha on the opening of the winter session today as the opposition Congress members got provoked by certain remarks of the Revenue Minister, Mr Rajan Sushant, against Mr Chander Kumar (Cong), who had moved a privilege motion against an officer of the Revenue Department. The issue came up during discussion on a resolution on kisan pass books which was moved by Mr Chander Kumar. Mr Chander Kumar had in the morning submitted a privilege notice against the revenue official to the speaker, Thakur Gulab Singh, on the basis of a letter which the former had written, asking him to withdraw his statement against the kisan pass book system. The matter came up again during the discussion on the issue when in his reply Mr Sushant warned that he would not allow ‘browbeating’ of his department officials by the Congress leader. Provoked by these remarks, all Congress members were on their legs, shouting at the minister. However, nothing was audible in the din. The Congress members calmed down following the intervention of the Speaker, who said that the privilege notice was under his consideration and nobody should touch the matter during the discussion. However, tempers ran high again when the minister said that the MLA had no right to ‘browbeat’ the officials by raising the matter in the House. The CLP leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh and a senior legislator, Thakur Ram Lal, took exception to the minister’s remarks and said that he had no right to challenge the rights of a legislator. Order was restored only after the intervention of the Chief Minister, Mr P. K. Dhumal, who said that after the ruling of the speaker there was no occasion to discuss the matter. Earlier, initiating the discussion, Mr Chander Kumar said that the BJP government was trying to take political mileage out of the pass books, which had become a mockery as these were not being honoured by the banks and other institutions as a legal document. He pointed out that during the Congress regime such pass books were issued to the farmers free of cost, but now these were being supplied at a cost ranging between Rs 50 to Rs 350. He said that the government had committed contempt of house by issuing the pass books without getting the rules approved by the Vidhan Sabha. Mr Kaul Singh (Cong) alleged that the BJP government was misleading the people about the pass books. Quoting certain provisions of the Act, Mr Sushant claimed that the pass books were a legal document and the Congress member was trying to create apprehensions among innocent farmers. Mr Dhumal said that the government was always open to suggestions to improve the scheme and would welcome suggestions from the opposition benches. Earlier, the Congress members criticised the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state for having failed to check the increasing prices of essential commodities. They were speaking on a resolution on the issue which was moved by Mrs Vidya Stokes (Cong). They criticised the state government for imposing the winter surcharge on electricity which, they claimed, had badly hit the people who were already groaning under the price hike. Mrs Stokes said that the plight of farmers, daily wagers, labourers and unemployed youth was pitiable in view of the skyrocketting prices. Although the prices of oil have come down in the international market, this has not been reflected here. Mr Kaul Singh (Cong) alleged that the BJP was taking care of interests of only moneyed people, big industrialists and capitalists. The party has forgotten its election manifesto of increasing the daily wages of labourers to Rs 60. The Chief Minister said that the Congress members were trying to ‘mislead’ the people on the issue of winter surcharge on electricity. He clarified that the surcharge was applicable to the consumers with over 300 units. The HPSEB was purchasing electricity from other sources at the rate of Rs 4.60 per unit and supplying it to consumers by subsidising it. |
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Rebels withdraw letter, no-trust move today SHIMLA, Dec 21 — The Congress-sponsored no-confidence motion against the BJP-HVC combine government led by Prof
P.K. Dhumal is expected to come up in the Vidhan Sabha tomorrow. The notice for the motion was filed in the Vidhan Sabha today and will come up for admission tomorrow. The motion has been moved by the CLP leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh, and signed by 27 MLAs of the party. Meanwhile, in a bid to take the wind out of sails of the no-confidence motion, six ministers and legislators of the ruling BJP have withdrawn their controversial letter in which they had accused the Chief Minister Prof
Dhumal, of having failed to check corruption, nepotism and favouritism in the state. The decision of these “rebels” has come as a great relief for the Dhumal camp. These ministers and legislators have said their differences have been settled and they were withdrawing their letter. Their statement was released to mediapersons here today. The signatories include Mr K. K. Kapoor, Mr Ramesh Dhawala and Mr Harinarayan Singh, all ministers, and legislators Mrs Nirmala Devi, Mr Dulo Ram and Mr Des Raj. |
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Researching medicinal plants SALOONI (Chamba): — The Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (HPKV) Palampur and the Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (IHBT) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has, of late, undertaken research on important medicinal plants at its sub-station, Salooni in Chamba district. The rare medicinal plants, on which the research is to be concentrated are — Rosa damascena, Lavender, Melissa, Salvia and Glycyrhiza. The planting material of these plants will be provided by the IHBT in the initial stage, where the HPKV shall provide all infrastructural facilities like building, land and other agricultural inputs for crop-based field experiments at this Research Sub-Station. According to Dr P.K. Khosla, Vice-Chancellor of the HPKV, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in this connection, has already been signed between the IHBT and the HPKV, a few months ago. The chief objectives of the MoU are to promote dissemination of scientific information on economic medicinal and aromatic plants through training, extension, research and education to the growers and entrepreneurs in Chamba region. The MoU also envisages to establish a strong technological base and infrastructural facilities for cultivation and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants. It is also aimed at supporting the exchange of scientific and technical staff between two oganisations for the development of medicinal and aromatic plants. It would also manage financial resources from different funding agencies including the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the CSIR jointly for the collaborative programme for extension of medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation and processing. Under the programme, the HPKV and the IHBT shall organise training camps for the benefit of growers in the alpine Chamba region. Funds for the establishment of processing units shall be sought jointly by the two organisations. The Research Sub-Station at Salooni was established in 1987. It represents wet temperate areas of the state of Himachal Pradesh which comprises of more than 90 per cent area of Shimla and Kulu districts 10 to 20 per cent of Chamba, Kangra and Mandi and some parts of Solan and Sirmaur districts. At present, the Research Sub-Station has an area of 5 hectares, out of which 3.5 hectares is under cultivation and rest of the area is covered and surrounded by woody hillsides and a small apple orchard. The farm is situated on the northern aspect and characterised by narrow terraces having steep slopes. The research work is concentrated on maize, rajmah, off-season vegetables, wheat barley and grasses. Most of the soils of the station are acidic in nature and the ranges are highly
heterogeneous and shallow in depth. The average rainfall of the station is 1000 mm per annum. The station also receives
snowfall of 30 cms to 90 cms in the winter. Dr M.P. Narang, Director of Research, HPKV, says that some of the varieties of wheat, rajmah, potato, and off-season vegetables have significantly outyielded the local varieties as is revealed from the research findings of the Research Sub-Station. |
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34-course buffet for Xmas, New
Year SHIMLA, Dec 21 — Delicacies like roasted Turkey, French wine, 34-course buffet along with live orchestra and dances are being offered by various hotels for Christmas and New Year eve here. With Shimla, Manali and Parwanoo being the favourite destinations for these celebrations, many hotels have come out with special packages to attract the visitors, mostly the youth. Most of the hotels are charging exorbitant rates for the packages, making them out of reach for even middle-class families. The Clarkes Hotel here has priced the package for three nights at Rs 18,000 per couple. Mr Raman Khanna, General Manager of the hotel, said that the package included meals and buffet on New Year eve. A live band will enliven the dancing floor. Mr Atul, General Manager of the Cecil Hotel, said that the festivities would be open only to in house guests. There was no space to offer to evening revellers as all 79 rooms were booked from December 23 to January 2. The same is the position in Clarkes, where rooms are booked from December 29 to January 2. The Cecil Hotel has so far been the hub of New Year celebrations. The restriction on visitors this time is likely to disappoint many. Timber Trail at Parwanoo and Manali have offered separate packages for both places. Mr R.K. Garg, chairman of the hotel, said that the three nights and four days’ package at Manali will be available for Rs 15,900 per couple. A 30-course buffet with a fibre glass dance floor will be available. The package for their Parwanoo hotel has been pegged at Rs 10,900 per couple for two nights and three days. This will include a 34-course buffet, dance and other events. Mr Yogesh Behal, General Manager of Hotel Holiday Home of the HPTDC, has come out with different packages for the newly weds, senior citizens and youths. The just-married package of two nights and three days will cost Rs 3,100 with a de luxe room. The Rs 7,000 unlimited package allows one to eat and drink as much as possible. The package for youngsters has been fixed at Rs 700 each with three of them sharing a room. |
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Nahan’s famed tanks now an
eyesore NAHAN (HP): Residents of this erstwhile princely town are annoyed over the government’s neglect of the picturesque water tanks which have been allowed to dry one after another because of wild growth of weeds. With as many as four tanks, this small district town was till sometime back known for its water bodies. Unfortunately, three of these tanks have dried up and only the Rani Tal now survives. These tanks were built by Raja Karam Prakash who founded the town in 1621. However, successive governments and local bodies miserably failed to protect these tanks from wild weeds and misuse by some residents of the adjoining areas who have allegedly connected their pipes for discharging waste into these tanks. The local Nagrik Sabha under the leadership of Mr D.P. Joshi, a retired Director of the Public Relations Department, is spearheading, its demand for revival of these tanks to restore the town’s beauty. The “kachha” tank was filled by the authorities a few years ago for constructing a bus stand. The “pucca” tank, which was earlier the centre of activity, has now dried up and weeds have grown in it. Ironically, the Municipal Committee, which has its office on the side of the tank, failed to get it cleared of weeds and other waste material flowing into it. The district authorities have also failed to protect these tanks which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and stink during summers. The tank at Kalisthan, near the foundry, is now infested with weeds and the waste water and filth from the adjoining places was flowing into it. The president of the Municipal Committee, Mrs Nirmal Gaur, said she had organised a “kar seva” about two months ago for clearing the tank, but only five persons turned up and the task had to be dropped. She said the Municipal Committee does not have funds to undertake the massive job and the government should come forward to restore these tanks. Mr Joshi said the fight for restoration of these tanks has now reached the court where the Nagrik Sabha has pleaded for steps for reviving the glory of the town. The authorities have broken their promise for taking care of these tanks, he alleged. He said some prominent residents of the town recently met the Chief Minister, P.K. Dhumal, and sought his intervention to get these tanks cleaned and filled again. He alleged that the authorities were not taking any interest in the matter while the glory of the town was fading away. The authorities had sometime ago planned to construct a shopping complex on the dried-up pucca tank. However, the move was resisted by local residents. Not only the tanks, but the three lovely walks around the town are also getting destroyed because of haphazard constructions. These walks, Villa Round, Military Round and Hospital Round, were earlier known for their beauty and were a boon for morning and evening walkers. |
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BJP sweeps Parwanoo MC poll PARWANOO The post of president in the Nagar Parishad had been reserved for women. Out of nine wards, three wards were reserved for women candidates, 17 women were in the fray in nine wards. Out of 6,601 votes, 76 per cent votes were polled. Four former municipal councillors had to lose their seats. Ram Swroop, son of a sitting MLA from this area, also lost the election. Results of the elections: Ward No. 1: Smt Minakshi defeated her nearest rival Sneh Lata by a margin of 53 votes. Ward No. 2: Ram Swarup (sitting Municipal Councillor), who is son of Parwanoo’s MLA was defeated by Surinder Kumar, by a margin of 8 votes. Ward No. 3: Ravinder Garg, president of the Beopar Mandal, Parwanoo, defeated his nearest rival, Ram Dhyan Singh by a margin of 72 votes. Ward No. 4: Where there was a direct contest between Raja Ram and Joginder Kumar, Raja Ram has been elected by a margin of 278 votes. Ward No. 5: Smt Sudesh Matharu defeated Smt Kanta Kapoor by a margin of 93 votes. Ward No. 6: Ranjit Singh Thakur defeated Hari Narayan by a margin of 38 votes. Ward No. 7: Sitting president of Nagar Parishad, Mr Man Mohan defeated his nearest rival, Rajinder Paul, by a margin of 51 votes. Ward No. 8: Smt Rajni Mittal defeated Meena by a margin of 190 votes. Ward No. 9: Chuni Lal defeated Mool Raaj by a margin of 32 votes. Three income tax payers
honoured MANDI, Dec 21 — Additional Commissioner of Income Tax Buta Singh awarded “samman patras” to three highest income tax (IT) payers — Mr Kashmir Chand, Settlement Collector (Salaries), Mr Harjit Singh, contractor, and Dr D.R. Barwal at a function held here this evening. Mr Buta Singh said the functioning of the income tax department had undergone a change over the past 15 years. He said efforts were being made to create greater understanding between tax payers and tax collectors. Attributing abnormally high income tax rates to the then prevailing tax evasion, he said the income tax rate had been reduced to 30 per cent from over 90 per cent in the sixties. Assessment procedure had been simplified and the scrutiny had virtually been done away with. He said of the total 14,000 cases with the income tax officer here, only 30 cases were selected for scrutiny last year. The country’s revenue from income tax had gone up about three times, while the income tax revenue in Himachal Pradesh had gone up five times over the past five years, he said. Earlier, the income tax collection was barely Rs 42 lakh in 1996, but had now increased to over Rs 1.60 crore, in the state, he added. |
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Arson case against students registered NAHAN, Dec 21 — The Nahan police has registered a criminal case for arson on the complaint lodged by the management of Kala and Engineering college against the students of the college who have been on strike for the past three weeks. Last night, around 2.00 am, a fire broke out in the classrooms. It has been alleged in the report that the classroom furniture had been reduced to ashes and many parts of computers were found missing. |
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