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| Monday, January 8, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Himachal pradhans to get training BJP “kidnapping” elected members Mohinder Singh spells Dalit Sena role HP steps to reduce infant mortality Healthcare steps pay off |
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| Chamba awaits millennium bash YC: corruption taking roots in Himachal Irrigation to get priority: Dhumal LJP wants Mohinder back in Cabinet Fish farm awaits completion Help control traffic, IG urges public Fill posts of doctor: council Snag in Bhuntar phone exchange
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| Himachal pradhans to get training HAMIRPUR, Jan 7 — The Himachal Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, said here today that all newly elected pradhans, up-pradhans and other Panchayati Raj functionaries would be imparted training at various centres about their duties and role in society. This work would start shortly and completed in time so that new panchayats start functioning in time. He, however, said the new panchayats would come into force from January 23, 2001. The Chief Minister assured up-pradhans on this occasion that the government would try its best to define their role, as at present they had no role in the present Panchayati Raj system. Addressing a massive gathering here today, the Chief Minister said the state government was committed to strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state. He added that more powers would be given to them in order to fulfil the concept of a model state. This function was organised to give oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected pradhans and up-pradhans of Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur districts. The Chief Minister administered oath to the newly elected pradhans and up-pradhans. He said in future all village-level works would be undertaken by the gram panchayats. Cases of sanctioning of pension to widows, destitute and old persons as well as selection of families under the IRDP would be done by gram sabhas with the cooperation of gram panchayats. He said there would be meetings of the gram sabhas of each gram panchayat of the state on the first Sunday of January, April and July. The gram sabhas would meet and frame schemes for their own well-being. The Chief Minister said it was the primary duty of the newly elected functionaries of the Panchayati Raj institutions to dispense justice to people and work for the development of their respective areas. Mr Dhumal asked people to adopt the norm of small family. He said increasing population was the main cause of less development and various other problems being faced by the Indian people. He gave a clarion call to the people of the state to use water judiciously. He said the day was not far off when the next world war would be fought on the issue of water. He said water was a precious commodity and we should not misuse it. He asked gram panchayat functionaries to educate the people of their respective areas about water use and its shortage. He said if water was used properly the water table would also come up as it was going down sharply these days. Mr Dhumal told people that the literacy percentage in the state had risen to 90 as per a recent report of the central government. He said the state was spending Rs 1.03 per capita on education and its allied activities in the state and this was the highest in India. Mr Prakash Chaudhry, HP Minister of Rural Development and Panchayats, asked people to extend their helping hand in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system in the state. Mr Suresh Chandel, MP, Mrs Urmila Thakur, Parliamentary Secretary, and Mr Tarun Sridhar, Director, Panchayati Raj institutions, also addressed the people. |
| BJP “kidnapping” elected members DHARAMSALA, Jan 7 — The All-India Mahila Congress president, and Rajya Sabha member, Mrs Chandresh Kumari, today alleged that having failed to get majority in the BDC’s, Municipal Council’s and the Zila Parishad, the BJP was “kidnapping” elected members, to capture various panchayati raj institutions. Addressing a press conference here today, she said that the BJP had virtually made a mockery of the democratic procedure as the elected members were being kidnapped, pressurised and bribed to vote in favour of the party for the post of chairmen and vice chairmen. “Some of the BDC members from Nurpur block have been kept in Naddi in Dharamsala, so that the BJP is able to capture the body,” she alleged. Relatives and family members of government officials, who contested the elections were being pressurised to vote for the BJP, she added. She said that prior to this, the BDC elections were held immediately after the members were given the oath but this time no election schedule has been prepared. “The BJP has intentionally stretched the election schedule so that it can buy time to manipulate the elected members,” she alleged. Mrs Chandresh Kumari, said that you cannot win over people by using force, and this will be proved in the future elections. She added that on the one hand the BJP was making false claims of having got the majority while at the same time they were delaying the holding of the elections. The Congress leader said that the elected members who were being pressurised were unwilling to come out in the open as they fear that they would be harassed later by the government. She regretted that the BJP was setting a bad precedent in a peaceful state like Himachal known for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. When asked about the Zila Parishad elections she claimed that the Congress had clear majority and the chairperson would be elected by the members themselves. She denied that there were any differences among the senior leaders. Mrs Chandresh Kumari, today held a meeting of all newly elected Zila Parishad members, Municipal Councillors, BDC members and panchayat pradhans from the Dharamsala Assembly constituency. | |
Sundernagar samiti chief elected SUNDERNAGAR, Jan 7 — The BJP-supported candidates have been elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the local panchyat samiti. Mrs Gurbanti from the Doldhar panchyat and Mr Uttam Chand from the Chai ka Dohra panchyat were elected. Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively here today. Out of 27 members 26 attended the proceeding which was held in the office of BDO here. No second name was proposed so the elections were held unanimously. According to a office-bearer of the BJP, they were expecting contest.
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| Mohinder Singh spells Dalit Sena role SHIMLA, Jan 7 — The ousted PWD Minister Mr Mohinder Singh, has aimed at maintaining his image of a development oriented person by hijacking the popular telephone revolution slogan of his political guru and HVC leader Sukh Ram, by joining hands with Communications Minister, Ramvilas Paswan. Mr Mohinder Singh is planning to revive development of the telephone infrastructure at a bigger scale in Himachal Pradesh than that during the tenure when Mr Sukh Ram was the Communications Minister at the Centre. On his return from Delhi after having been appointed President of the Dalit Sena of Mr Paswan in the state, Mr Mohinder Singh told The Tribune that he would strive for laying a solid infrastructure for communications in the state. The works during Mr Sukh Ram’s tenure were marred with corrupt practices, he alleged. He said that in his capacity as a member of the Telecom Advisory Board at the national level, he has convened a meeting of the top brass of the Telecom Department here on January 11 to finalise further strategies for development of the telecom network. By doing so, Mr Mohinder Singh, who was the right hand man of Mr Sukh Ram when he was Communications Minister, was perhaps now trying to wear the mantle of being the telecom leader in the state. The Election Commission recently rejected his plea for his party being allotted the symbol of telephone which was with the HVC of Mr Sukh Ram. Mr Mohinder Singh claimed that his decision to merge the Himachal Vikas Party (HVP) with the Lok Janshakti of Mr Paswan was backed by a majority of his supporters. A handful of leaders were apparently against the decision. He said that Mr Sukh Ram will never succeed in getting him unseated from the Vidhan Sabha as he had not joined the political outfit of Mr Paswan. In fact, Mr Romel Singh Badyal has been appointed president of the Lok Janshakti in the state, he clarified. Mr Mohinder Singh was recently declared an unattached member in the Vidhan Sabha by the Speaker. He said that the Dalit Sena,which he was heading in the state, was a non-political organisation and as such could not be covered under the anti-defection law. Mr Mohinder Singh said that his decision to join hands with Mr Paswan was aimed at benefitting the state. Moreover, he could not have deserted the majority section of his supporters by having accepted the demand of a handful of persons to rejoin the Sukh Ram camp. He said that he would formally launch the new outfit by organising a rally at Chopal shortly. Meanwhile, it is learnt that some of the leaders of his the HVP were in contact with the state Congress leadership for their re-entry in the party as they have been left in the lurch with Mr Mohinder Singh joining Mr Paswan. Mr O.P. Rattan, president of the HVP, has claimed that Mr Mohinder Singh had merged into the Lok Janshakti against the wishes of the rank and file of the HVP. |
| HP steps to reduce infant mortality SHIMLA, Jan 7 (UNI) — The Himachal Pradesh government has envisaged to bring down infant mortality rate to 30 per 1000 by 2005 and to 15 per 1000 by 2020 in the state. The infant mortality rate which was 118 in 1971 had declined to 63 per 1000 in 1998 as compared to 72 per 1000 of the country, according to an official spokesman here. The government through its various health programmes has brought down the birth rate in the state from 37.3 in 1971 to 22.5 per 1000 in 1998. Similarly the death rate which was 15.6 in 1971 had come down to 7.7 in 1998. The declining trend in total fertility rate was also appreciable. It, which was 2.97 in 1992 and came down to 2.14 in 1998, meaning that an average woman in the state produced 2.14 children during her reproductive life span. This stands very close to the national goal of achieving 2.1 rate by 2010. The spokesman said there was a substantial increase in female and male sex ratio. There were 1019 females per 1000 males according to a national family health survey. Ratio stood at 976 females per 1000 males according to 1991 census. The state government has launched more broad based mother and child health programmes to lower the birth rate and infant mortality rate in the state. Various schemes have been formulated for encouraging institutional deliveries to reduce maternal mortality rate under the reproductive child health (RCH) programme. Under the programme protection is ensured to children from six major diseases. To ensure safe deliveries are carried out locally, training is being given to attendants and provided safe delivery kits. Mahila mandals are being involved to create awareness among women about precautions to be taken during pregnancy. Regular health check-ups during antenatal period have also been ensured at sub-centre level. Necessary infrastructure like Haemoglobin meters are provided under the RCH programme, the spokesman said. At present 40 hospitals, 54 community health centres, 323 primary health centres, 154 dispensaries and 2609 health sub-centres provided health care services to the people in the state, the spokesman added. |
| Healthcare steps pay off SHIMLA, Jan 7 — Efforts of the government to strengthen medical care delivery system in the state has started yielding results with various health indicators showing marked improvement. The achievements have been remarkable in child and maternal healthcare with birth rate declining from 37.3 in 1971 to 22.5 per 1000 in 1998 and the death rate from 15.6 to 7.7 per 1000 in the same period. Infant mortality rate (IMR) came down from 118 to 63 per 1000 which was laudable when compared to 72 per 1000 for the country. The government plans to bring down IMR to 30 per 1000 by 2005 and 15 per 1000 by 2020. The Health Department has also launched a campaign to motivate people in large number to adopt family planning in a big way. The declining trend in total fertility rate (TFR) from 2.97 in 1992 and to 2.14 in 1998 was also appreciable, which meant that on average woman in the state produced 2.14 children during her reproductive life span. This was very close to the national goal of achieving 2.1 by the year 2010 as laid down in the national population policy-2000. Further a substantial improvement in female and male sex ratio which now stood 1019 females per 1000 males according to national family health survey (NFHS-1999). It was 976 females per 1000 males as per census-1991. The females outnumbered males is a healthy trend for all-round development of the society. Under reproductive child health (RCH) programme the state government has launched a broad-based mother and child health scheme to achieve low birth rate and infant mortality rate in the state. Various schemes have been formulated for encouraging institutional deliveries. The RCH programme also protects the children from six major diseases. Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles besides prevention from tetanus of pregnant women. The state has also achieved almost 100 per cent target under children immunization programme. According to national family health survey, 1999 maternal and child health and family welfare programme has shown encouraging results in the state. Immunization for mother and children is being carried out in all health institutions and special camps are being organised to cover left out children. All pregnant mothers are immunized against tetanus, in addition to this. Special efforts are being made for eradication of poliomyalitis by observing various immunization programme. To ensure safe deliveries being carried out locally, training of local attendants and providing safe delivery kits to them have been introduced in the state. Mahila mandals are being involved to create awareness amongst women about the precautions to be taken during pregnancy. Regular health check ups during antenatal period have also been ensured up to sub-centre level. |
| Chamba awaits millennium bash CHAMBA: Chamba and Bharmaur towns are more than 1,000 years old, and the Chamba chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal to observe millennium year of these towns. The idea mooted by INTACH is being acclaimed by all in this hill state surrounded by snowy mountains. Charmed by the picturesque valley and a magnificent prospect of the landscape of a small hamlet on the right bank of the Ravi, King Sahil Verman (920-945 AD) of the Bharmaur kingdom changed his capital from Bharmaur, known for the ancient Chaurasi temples, to the present Chamba town founded in the middle of the 10th century. The erstwhile Chamba state has long-chequered history and prior to its merger in Himachal Pradesh, was one of the oldest states in northern India. The Chamba region is rich in distinct arts, culture and natural heritage of great antiquity and paramount importance. Both Chamba and Bharmaur had been capitals of the erstwhile Chamba state since third century and as such have many ancient buildings a part of the national heritage. The Chamba chapter of INTACH has also offered all help to the Himachal Pradesh government for organising the mega event in a befitting manner. For this, the INTACH has planned seminars, symposia, cultural events, performances of Pahari music, folk dances and dramas, exhibition of Pahari paintings, illustrated manuscripts, photographs (old and new), art and craft besides bringing out a few publications in Hindi, Sanskrit and English on these legendary towns in coordination with other socio-cultural organisations of the region. It is hoped that the proposed millennium celebrations in the near future under the patronage of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof P.K. Dhumal will go a long way in highlighting the history, arts, cultural heritage, glory and grandeur of the ancient hill towns of Chamba and Bharmaur. Meanwhile, the residents of this alpine region have also requested the Chief Minister to consider the proposed event. |
| YC: corruption taking roots in Himachal SHIMLA, Jan 7 — Mr Sukhwinder Singh, President of the state Youth Congress today launched a scathing attack on the Dhumal government for rampant corruption, deteriorating law and order situation and increasing unemployment in the state. Launching the “jan jagran abhiyan” of the Youth Congress here, he said corruption had taken so deep roots that even senior ministers and legislators of the ruling party had been forced to point it out through letters to the Chief Minister. He said the situation created by the “letter bomb” was defused with the resignation of a minister and an officer of Chief Minister’s Secretariat. But yet no probe was ordered into the allegation of corruption and irregularities in appointments. Not only that a series of anonymous letters exposing the alleged acts of corruption and nepotism indulged in by ministers had been in circulation. But the government had remained unaffected. Mr Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, president of the Shimla District Congress (Urban) lamented that no steps were being taken to tackle unemployment. | |
| Irrigation to get priority: Dhumal HAMIRPUR, Jan 7 — Irrigation would be given a priority this year, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Himachal Chief Minister told mediapersons here today. He said the government would concentrate on providing more irrigational facilities for the fields. He said if he succeeded in this mission, it would be most satisfying thing for him and his government. He said Cabinet expansion would be his last priority. The Chief Minister said he would ensure that all schemes and programmes were completed on time. He said he would accord priority for creating more districts as small districts were a big success in Himachal Pradesh. He would also try to create a development block in each Assembly segment of the state. LJP wants Mohinder back in Cabinet CHAMBA, Jan 7 — The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) has urged the Himachal Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, to reinduct Mr Mohinder Singh, a former Public Works Minister, into his Cabinet which would strengthen the BJP-led government in the state. Speaking to this reporter over the telephone, Mr Shadi Lal Sharma, the newly appointed in charge of the Chamba district unit of the Lok Janshakti Party, Mr Mohinder Singh joining the LJP. Mr Sharma stated that since Mr Mohinder Singh was a ‘messiah’ of the Dalits, his joining the LJP had been widely acclaimed. Mr Sharma asked people to come forward and join hands with the LJP in the fight against corruption. | |
| Fish farm awaits completion MANDI, Jan 7 — The Rs 4 crore Mahasheer Fish Farm to be set up at Sidhpur in Sarkaghat subdivision of the district has not been taken up for construction despite the Central government having already remitted Rs 1 crore for the farm about a year ago and the state government having provided Rs 6 lakh in the annual Budget. The project was approved last year by the Union Ministry of Agriculture. Of the total cost of Rs 4 crore, the Centre was to provide Rs 2 crore for the project. Of this, half the amount was immediately sent to the state by the Centre. The little amount provided by the state in the annual Budget only reflected how keen it was towards the project. No amount has been spent so far on the construction of the proposed project. All that has been done so far is that a committee, comprising Chief Architect, SE (PWD), Director of Fisheries and a representative of Government of India, has been formed. The Assistant Director, Fisheries, Mandi, is the member secretary of the committee. It is feared that the amount provided in the Budget may lapse in March. | |
| Help control traffic, IG urges public SHIMLA, Jan 7 — Mr O.S. Singh, Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police, Railways and Traffic, has urged the people, particularly voluntary organisations, to extend cooperation to the police in regulating traffic in congested areas. Presiding over a meeting regarding Road Safety Week here yesterday, Mr O.S. Singh underlined the importance of road safety campaigns to reduce the rate of accidents. He said the rate of accidents in Western countries was far less as traffic rules were strictly followed there. He said rash, drunken and underage driving should be discouraged. Besides, national and state highways should be marked properly, he said. He also called for preparing a traffic plan so that congestion and road blockades could be minimized. More buses should be plied in areas, he added. |
| Fill posts of doctor: council CHAMBA, Jan 7 — A deputation of the local Progressive Council, under the chairmanship of Mr D.N. Pardeshi, has met the Deputy Commissioner, Mr T.D. Negi, and appraised him of the long-pending demands of the council. It presented a memorandum to him for further submission to the state government. It has demanded the posting of doctors in the Zonal Hospital as there are only 12 doctors against the sanctioned strength of 47 and most of the cases in which operation is required are referred to Dharamsala in the absence of anaesthetist in the hospital. The council has expressed concern over the present system of sewerage and water supply in the town as Rs 6 crore have so far been spent on the sewerage scheme and Rs 2 crore incurred on the augmentation of the water supply scheme but none of the schemes is operative. It has demanded the installation of traffic lights at Bhattinala in Sultanpur and regulating of traffic through one-way from Sultanpur to the Baloo bridge besides, the repair of the Sitla bridge. |
| Snag in Bhuntar phone exchange KULU, Jan 7 — A snag developed in the Bhuntar telephone exchange yesterday, resulting in the failure of the 66 digit prefix in the exchange more than 1,000 telephone lines became non-functional with only the incoming calls, getting through off. Talking to the authorities at Bhuntar, it was confirmed that the telephone exchange broke down around 11.30. Sources said the snag would be rectified by Sunday evening if there was no equipment or material required. If need for material arose the repair work would be possible on Monday, as the office of the District Manager, Telecom, remained closed on Sunday. |
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