H I M A C H A L   P R A D E S H

Constitute panel to check drought: HP Speaker
Mandi, May 10
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Mr Gulab Singh Thakur, today directed the district officials to deal with the drought on a war-footing and ensure that timely relief was provided to the affected people. 

CM cautions against water shortage
Hamirpur, May 10
The Himachal Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, yesterday cautioned people on the issue of shortage of water during the current summer season. He said as per the predictions of scientists, this summer would be too hot and people should make the maximum use of the available water and preserve the traditional water resources.

Move to improve power board working
Shimla, May 10
The performance of the Malana Power Company, which is all set to complete the 86 mw Malana project three years ahead of the scheduled time has forced the state electricity board to review its functioning and evolve an effective strategy to ensure the speedy completion of projects.

Declare fiscal emergency: Bali
Kangra, May 10
The HPCC General-Secretary and sitting MLA from Nagrota Bagwan, Mr G.S. Bali, today demanded that the state government should declare financial emergency.

Virbhadra loyalists’ removal sought
Shimla, May 10
Supporters of the Himachal PCC chief, Mrs Vidya Stokes, yesterday demanded the removal of those Virbhadra Singh loyalists from their posts who had boycotted a meeting of the executive convened here to finalise the next phase of the Tehelka-related agitation.

Govt should quit, says Virbhadra
Bilaspur, May 10
Former Chief Minister and now Congress Legislature Party leader Virbhadra Singh said here yesterday that Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal did not have people’s mandate and he had come to power “through back door” with the support of the HVC.

Transfer seekers flock secretariat
Shimla, May 10
On the last day of the ban on transfer of government employees not being in operation today, transfer seekers made a beeline to the secretariat here and thronged the offices of the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues.

HP varsity staff seek promotion
Shimla, May 10
The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Association today submitted a memorandum to the Governor, Dr Suraj Bhan, seeking settlement of their long-standing demands.

Vacancies for blind
Shimla, May 10
Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, has ordered that the identified backlog of vacancies for blind persons should be filled on priority basis. 

Constitute panel to check drought: HP Speaker
Our Correspondent

Mandi, May 10
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Mr Gulab Singh Thakur, today directed the district officials to deal with the drought on a war-footing and ensure that timely relief was provided to the affected people. He said water tankers should be pressed into service wherever necessary and stressed on the need of coordinated efforts of all departments to deal with the problems arising out of the drought in the district. Addressing the first meeting of the District Grievances Committee in the current financial year, Mr Gulab Singh asked the SDMs to constitute special committees of the IPH officials at subdivisional-level to keep a regular watch on the drought situation and rush relief to the affected parts where fodder and water problem had assumed alarming proportions.

The Speaker expressed satisfaction over the existing arrangements made by the district authorities, but added that no complacency should be tolerated and the problems of the people should be redressed on priority basis.

Referring to the problem of silting by the open hydel channel of the BSL project, the Speaker said the government was vigorously pursuing the matter with the BBMB for the permanent solution of the problem. According to experts, the construction of a lined channel to eject the silt was the only solution which was turning the Balh valley into a veritable desert.

He cautioned the officials that no mining permits should be issued without the approval of the panchayats concerned. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr J.C. Sharma, assured that the directives of the Speaker would be fully carried out.

CM cautions against water shortage
Our Correspondent

Hamirpur, May 10
The Himachal Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, yesterday cautioned people on the issue of shortage of water during the current summer season. He said as per the predictions of scientists, this summer would be too hot and people should make the maximum use of the available water and preserve the traditional water resources. He was addressing public meetings at various places in the Bamsan Assembly segment yesterday. He said the pace of development in the state had been speeded up in the past three years and the priority had been given to the construction of roads and strengthening of educational institutions and health institutions with a view to delivering better services.

Mr Baldev Sharma, MLA and Mr Pyare Lal Sharma, chairperson of the Hamirpur Zila Parishad also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the water supply scheme Kaller Purohitaan.

Move to improve power board working
Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 10
The performance of the Malana Power Company, which is all set to complete the 86 mw Malana project three years ahead of the scheduled time has forced the state electricity board to review its functioning and evolve an effective strategy to ensure the speedy completion of projects.

With the public sector enjoying a monopoly all these years, the state and Central execution agencies had been taking a long time in completing small hydel projects. However, the entry of private sector has exposed the inefficiency of the public sector. The board, which is arguably one of the better-managed state electricity boards in the country, is gearing up to face the new challenge.

After carrying out a series of exercises to identify reasons for delay “in the execution of projects in the public sector, Mr Harsh Gupta, the Chairman of the board, has come out with a strategy to ensure the speedy execution of the hydel projects.

Henceforth, all major projects will be subjected to monthly on-the-site monitoring by the board. The Chairman and members of the board will inspect the project under construction and hold the progress review meetings on the site. In case of smaller projects, one of the members will carry out the site monitoring.

The step will not only improve the quality of work, but also enable the board to take decisions on spot, which, in turn, will increase the pace of work.

“It took a long time when decisions were taken at headquarters and this had been one of the reasons for delay”, said Mr Gupta.

Many of the past projects had been started without bothering for the finances and they lingered on for years for want of funds. Now, the board had decided to have proper financial arrangement before starting the work. Nodal officers of the level of Chief Engineer had been deputed for the purpose, he said. Similarly, inordinate delay in the finalisation of design and detailed drawings also hampered the pace of work. The Malana project could be executed ahead of schedule mainly because of the fact that its detailed design and drawings had been finalised before starting work. Now, the board would adopt the same policy and finalise the design before tenders were invited for various works, said Mr Gupta. Various mandatory clearances would also be obtained well in advance so that precious time is not lost in completing these formalities once the work get under way.

Mr Gupta expressed hope that these steps would enable the board in complete the 126 mw Larji project, work on which was started around 10 years ago, by March 2004.

The board has decided to take up the 176 mw Kashang project in Kinnaur district. Mr Gupta hoped to complete project, which is to be executed in three stages, in minimum possible time to demonstrate that the board was capable of competing with the private sector.

Meanwhile, the 3 mw Holi project is likely to be commissioned next month and the 3 mw Bhabha augmentation scheme by September.

Declare fiscal emergency: Bali
Our Correspondent

Kangra, May 10
The HPCC General-Secretary and sitting MLA from Nagrota Bagwan, Mr G.S. Bali, today demanded that the state government should declare financial emergency.

Addressing a Press conference here, he demanded a white paper on constituency-wise development work during the past three years, besides a white paper on board and corporation appointments.

He levelled charges of regional disparity by the government particularly in Kangra district. He said the government was encouraging non-Himachalis to set up industry at the cost of the local people. He said 50 bighas of prime land was allotted to a non-Himachali to set up an IT park.

Mr Bali alleged that the Panchayati Raj institutions had lost their utility due to political interference.

He was critical to Mr Sukh Ram, HVC supremo, for drifting away from the election manifesto and opposing the setting up of cement factories.

Mr Bali said disciplinary action would be taken against Congress workers and leaders if they indulged indiscipline.

He said there were differences between Mr Virbhadra Singh and PCC chief Vidya Stokes but these would be sorted out by the high command soon.

Virbhadra loyalists’ removal sought
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 10
Supporters of the Himachal PCC chief, Mrs Vidya Stokes, yesterday demanded the removal of those Virbhadra Singh loyalists from their posts who had boycotted a meeting of the executive convened here to finalise the next phase of the Tehelka-related agitation.

Neither the LCP leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh, and nor any of his loyalists participated in the meeting which was attended by the AICC observer, Mr Jatinder Singh.

The president of the All-India Women’s Congress, Mrs Chandresh Kumari, who was Bilaspur yesterday to take part in the public meeting of Mr Virbhadra Singh, was prominent absentee, besides Mr Anand Sharma, spokesman of the AICC. Both of them were recently nominated as members of the PCC by Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

The other office-bearers of the PCC considered to be Virbhadra Singh loyalists, including Mr B.B. Butail and Mrs Anita Verma, (both vice-presidents), Mr Gangu Ram Musafir, general secretary, Mr Kashmir Singh, Mr Harshwardhan Chauhan and Mr T.S. Bharmourie (all secretaries) boycotted the meeting.

Besides, Mrs Stokes, only three other MLAs, Mr J.B.L. Khachi, Mrs Viplove Thakur and Mr G.S. Bali, attended the meeting.

The supporters of Mrs Stokes were learnt to have pointed out that the party constitution provided the removal of such office-bearers who did not attend three consecutive meetings of the executive.

The Virbhadra Singh loyalists have been boycotting all meetings of the PCC eversince Mrs Stokes was nominated the party chief. They have been alleging that the organisational elections were “rigged” by the Stokes group.

Mr Khachi was learnt to have warned that no one was indispensable and discipline in the party should not be compromised.

Another senior leader and MLA, Thakur Ram Lal, was not present at the meeting as he had gone to the North-East as the AICC observer.

A Virbhadra Singh loyalist said that Mrs Stokes and her supporters should not grumble about the absence of leaders of their camp from the meetings as Mrs Stokes herself did not attend the meetings of the PCC when Mr Virbhadra Singh was the elected president of the party in 1992. He pointed out that Mr Virbhadra Singh had accepted an invitation of party workers of the Kasumpti area.

Mr Kuldeep Rathore, secretary of the PCC, said Mr Sukhwinder Singh, president of the state Youth Congress, Mr Kewal Singh Pathania, president, NSUI and Ms Krishna Mohini, president, Mahila Congress, also attended the meeting at which a detailed discussion was held for the second phase of the Tehelka-related agitation.

Govt should quit, says Virbhadra
Our Correspondent

Bilaspur, May 10
Former Chief Minister and now Congress Legislature Party leader Virbhadra Singh said here yesterday that Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal did not have people’s mandate and he had come to power “through back door” with the support of the HVC.

Addressing a Congress rally in main market here yesterday, Virbhadra Singh demanded resignation of the Chief Minister and his government. He demanded a CBI inquiry into charges of corruption against the Chief Minister.

Earlier, Mr Virbhadra Singh visited Rajghati where he was welcomed by hundreds of Congress leaders.

Transfer seekers flock secretariat
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 10
On the last day of the ban on transfer of government employees not being in operation today, transfer seekers made a beeline to the secretariat here and thronged the offices of the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues.

A large number of people from various parts of the state waited outside the office of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, who came to office today after about a week’s tour. Flocks of transfer seekers accompanied ministers and other leaders of their respective areas to get their transfers approved.

Ruling BJP and HVC activists also came with their lists of transfers and applications.

The government had lifted the ban on transfer of employees for 10 days with effect from May 1, but the transfer seekers remained disappointed because neither the Chief Minister and nor any his ministerial colleague was present in the secretariat for most of the days. Many of them came to their office only this morning.

HP varsity staff seek promotion
Our Correspondent

Shimla, May 10
The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Association (HPUTA) today submitted a memorandum to the Governor, Dr Suraj Bhan, seeking settlement of their long-standing demands.

The HPUTA alleged the neighbouring universities had promoted the readers to professors and lecturers to readers under the career advancement scheme (CAS). There were many teachers who had completed more than 20 years of service but had been continuing as lecturers and readers since 1998.

They alleged the university authorities had not released even selection grade to lecturers with Ph.D. degrees, imposing on them the condition of facing the selection committee to release the grade, which was contrary to the UGC guidelines. The university authorities had not also complied with the guidelines of granting the benefit of extra years of services.

They alleged the election to the executive council from the lecturers constituency had not been held for the past one year. The HPUTA opposed the illegal grant of voting right to the assistant director of physical education under Section 21(1)(XV) of the University Act.

The statutory posts such as the Controller of Examinations, the Registrar, the Dean of Studies, the Planning and Development Officer were being filled from the non-teaching incumbents without interview on ad-hoc basis. The HPUTA demanded that these posts be filled from among the teachers of the university.

The HPUTA alleged in the recent recruitment of teachers by the university authorities, the merit had been totally ignored. Even the UGC rules were not taken into consideration, they alleged.

HC notices on trust funds
Our Legal Correspondent

Shimla, May 10
A Division Bench of the Himachal High Court, comprising Chief Justice C.K. Thakkar and Justice K.C. Sood yesterday issued notices to the Secretary, Language Art and Culture; Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur, and the temple officer of Baba Balak Nath on the issue of misuse of the funds of the Baba Balak Nath Trust, appointment of the trustees in violation of the Trust Act and failure to calculate the share of the shareholders.

The petitioner had alleged that posts for those close to an MLA, an SDM and trustees were being created.

It was further alleged that the trustees were being appointed on the direction of the MLA and a worker of the ruling party had been appointed as a trustee in violation of the act. The petitioner alleged that there were a number of cases of embezzlement of trust money.

Tibetans meet Principal Secy
Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, May 10
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) leaders and organisers of the “homeward pilgrimage” being undertaken by 60 Tibetan youths from Delhi to Mt Kailash, today met the Principal Secretray, Home, Mr Deepak Chopra, in protest against the stopping of the pilgrimage by the police.

According to the joint secretary of the TYC, Ms Dolma Choephel, organisers of the pilgrimage and TYC office-bearers met the Principal Secretary, Home, in Delhi today in connection with the stopping of the youths from proceeding to Mt Kailash.

She said that the TYC representatives had given a written appeal to the Home Ministry, stating that there was no need to link a religious matter with the political issue of Tibet. She said the pilgrimage was being undertaken by the youths from 16 TYC regions all over the country to have a glimpse of their homeland.

Purthi ZP poll on June 5, 7
Our Correspondent

Chamba, May 10
Elections to the three-tier Panchayati Raj System in the Purthi Zila Parishad ward will be held on June 5 and June 7 in two phases. The elections to this ward could not be held in December last year due to inclement weather in the Pangi valley.

Giving this information here today, Mr R.D. Nazeem, Deputy Commissioner, of Chamba, said May 21, 22, and 23 had been fixed for the filing of nomination papers. The scrutiny of nomination papers would be conducted on May 24 and withdrawal of papers would take place on May 26.

Mr Nazeem said there are 22 panchayats for the Purthi Zila Parishad ward elections out of which six panchayats fall in Churah subdivision of the district.

He said residents would cast their votes in 16 panchayats of Pangi tribal subdivision for the three-tier Panchayati Raj System while in six panchayats of Churah subdivision, people would cast their votes for zila parishad candidates only.

As many as 41 polling stations had been set up for the panchayati raj elections in the Purthi Zila Parishad ward consisting of 116 wards, he said.

450 posts of forest guard lying vacant
Our Correspondent

Palampur, May 10
Over 450 posts of forest guard have been lying vacant in the Forest Department for the past three years.

Official sources reveal that in Shimla, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Kulu districts, a guard each has been looking after two to three beats, resulting in large-scale illicit felling.

Hundreds of posts of Ranger and Deputy Ranger are also lying vacant.

Officers belonging to the Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (HPFS) are also unhappy with policies of the state government. There is a sanctioned strength of 164 HPFS officers. However, 56 posts are still vacant.

In contrast to this, the department is top-heavy. There used to be only one Conservator of Forests at Chamba or Dharmsala before 1975. But now there are over 10 such officers. The government had also created the posts of Chief Conservator of Forests at Hamirpur and Mandi. The state government had also provided Rs 23 lakh for the construction of building of the office of Chief Conservator at Hamirpur, but the fund has been lying unutilised for the past one year.

Motor mechanics observe strike
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 10
Nearly 200 motor mechanics of Dhalli today observed a strike in protest against the decision of the administration to not allow them to repair vehicles by the roadside.

Mr N.L. Chaudhary, spokesperson of the mechanics, alleged the police had been for the past one week challaning vehicles parked in front of the shops for repair. Consequently, it had become impossible for them to work and the automobile workshops located in the area had been forced to put up shutters.

Vacancies for blind
Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 10
Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, has ordered that the identified backlog of vacancies for blind persons should be filled on priority basis. The Chief Minister, who held a meeting in this behalf with senior officers of the Finance and Welfare Department, said review of the position would be done shortly.

Rs 1.31 lakh looted
Our Correspondent

Solan, May 10
Two youths today waylaid and robbed an employee of the office of the Executive Engineer, I.P.H., Nalagarh, of more than Rs 1.31 lakh in front of the Government Degree College, situated in Nalagarh town. The incident occurred at about 12.30 p.m.

DYC executive panel dissolved
Our Correspondent

Mandi, May 10
The executive committee of the District Youth Congress (DYC) has been dissolved.

Disclosing this here today, the state secretary of the HP Youth Congress, Mr Sandeep Sharma, said the action had been taken on the directions of the state Youth Congress chief, Mr Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.