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Monday,
August 5, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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Sukh Ram to take Gachli issue to NDA Cong: tribal areas being neglected IRB cover for Himachal Pradesh MC for probe into waste management project |
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MIS bears fruit for growers Action plan sought for fruit growers Drug manufacturers seek
30 pc reservation Widespread rain in HP Minjar fair concludes Tibetans resent China’s interference Baner project to save temple Rs 11.52 cr for rural water scheme Raising NPA of veterinary teachers flayed
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Sukh Ram to take Gachli issue to NDA Shimla, August 4 The closed door meeting of the party’s top brass held here under the chairmanship of Mr Sukh Ram, decided to set up a five-member committee to apprise Mr A.B. Vajpayee, Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr Goerge Fernandes, convener of the NDA, of the “happenings” in the state. The committee will be headed by Mr Sukh Ram and have Mr Anil Sharma and Dr D.R. Shandil, both Members of Parliament, Mr Vijay Joshi, working president of the party, and Dr R.L. Markandy, Animal Husbandry Minister, as members. The issue will not be confined just to the removal of Mr Gachli. The committee would also bring to the notice of the BJP high command the “disastrous” policies being implemented by the Dhumal government in the state. It would include the proposed move to create a new district, which, the party felt, would spell doom for the fund-starved state. The main grouse of the party is that the Chief Minister had not consulted it at all on such an important issue. The party had earlier disassociated itself from such “anti-people” policies of the government as power tariff hike and imposition of hospital charges. The committee will take up all these issues with the central leadership of the party and take a decision regarding the continuation of alliance keeping in view its response. The committee members will go to Delhi later this week and submit their report to the party after meeting NDA leaders. The report will be put up before the state executive, to be held subsequently, to decide on the withdrawal of support of the Dhumal government. Although withdrawal of support will not have any impact on the BJP-led government, which has already secured a majority in the House, it would give shape to new political equations in the state on the eve of the Assembly poll. The party has decided to approach the NDA in view of the impending election of the Vice-President. As the Opposition has decided to support the Congress nominee, the NDA requires each and every vote to ensure the victory of its candidate, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. The HVC has two MPs and in a close contest, its votes matter. |
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Cong: tribal areas being neglected Kangra, August 4 Addressing a press conference here, he said during a 15-day tour to Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and the Pangi vally, he found that the condition of the roads from Bhawnagar to Kaza, and Kaza to Koksar via Kunjum pass, a state highway, was so bad that it was dangerous to travel on these roads, which had adversely affected tourism in the state. He expressed shock over the deteriorating condition of the Udiapur-Kalan road, connecting the state with Jammu and Kashmir via Kishtawar. He criticised the move of the government to create new districts in the state. He alleged that Mr Dhumal was running the government by raising loans to the tune of Rs 1300 crore. He said 40,000 daily wage earners which included 500 from the Pangi belt alone, were sacked during the past four years for want of funds and the government was thinking of creating new districts at this juncture. He lamented that despite drought in the tribal areas, neither subsidised fodder, nor subsidised food was distributed there to provide succour to the affected people. He alleged that the BJP was misleading Gaddis and Gujjars on the ST status issue. Mr Bharmourie said a herbal garden was to be developed at Kansar nullah in the Pangi valley, but to “derive political mileage” Mr Mohan Lal, Minister for Ayurveda, laid the foundation stone last month at Sural Batori, 7 km away from the site, which was surprising. He said Mr Tusli Ram, MLA Bharmour, was also present on the occasion. |
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IRB cover for Himachal Pradesh Chamba, August 4 The Chief Minister was speaking on the occasion of 87th
distribution function of the Shaheed Parivar Fund organised by the
Hind Samachar Group of Newspaper, Jalandhar, at the local Dayananda
Math. The Chief Minister said an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB)
comprising 625 jawans had been created with an assistance of the
Central Government and added that the Centre had already assured to
bear the expenditure of security cover to Himachal Pradesh. The Chief
Minister announced a cash reward of Rs 21,000 to Mr Sham Singh, the
youngest survivor of Kalaban Satrundi massacre which occurred in
August 1998. The Chief Minister said the people were inexorably
contributing to Shaheed Parivar Fund, which was providing succor to
needy and bereaved families. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Mr
Kishori Lal announced an assistance of Rs 25,000 from his
discretionary fund for the bereaved families of Kalaban Satrundi
carnage. Mr G.S. Bali, MLA from Nagrota Bagwan, also announced an
assistance of Rs 10,000 for these families. Mr Mohan Lal, Ayurvedic
Minister said the Chief Minister had already provided Rs 1.30 lakh to
each of the surviving families of the Kalaban-Satrundi massacre and Rs
25,000 to each of the families of six persons abducted by the ultras
as well as employment to the members of these families. The Shaheed
Parivar Fund distributed Rs 6 lakh among 40 families of the
massacre. Mr Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Editor, Hind Samachar Group of
Newspapers, a local MLA, Mr Harsh Mahajan, Mr Tulsi Ram, Bharmour MLA,
Mr Ganesh Dutt, Chairman, Housing Board, BJP leaders, Malvika Pathania
and Ms Renu Chadha, were also present on the occasion.
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MC for probe into waste management project Shimla, August 4 The move is significant in view of the visit of a NORAD team here later this week for reviewing the progress of various schemes funded by it. The corporation has also sought directions from the government to initiate action against Larson and Toubro limited, which executed the project, by invoking penal provisions incorporated in the agreement with the firm. In a letter to the Secretary, Urban Development, it pointed out that the company not only failed to implement the project as per the terms laid down in the agreement but also did not take the remedial measures suggested by it from time to time to overcome the problems being encountered because of faulty design and wrong site selection. As per the agreement, the corporation could recover the entire cost of the project in case of its failure. Further, it was the responsibility of the company to work out the feasibility and prepare a detailed project report, based on authentic date after carrying out proper scientific and engineering investigations. The project was assigned on a turnkey basis and the company was required to operate it for a period of five years after completion. The Municipal Corporation was to supply garbage for processing for which the company was required to pay royalty at the rate of Rs 22.50 lakh per annum for 100 tonnes of garbage per day. In case the quantity of garbage fell short, the amount of royalty would be reduced accordingly. The Rs 7-crore project was made operational by the company on a trial basis on December 12, last year, but the processing of garbage to produce manure could not be effectively started due to technical problems. Subsequently, the project suffered extensive damage due to faulty channelisation of the nullah on which it was set up. Data pertaining to the discharge in the nullah, like the highest flood level, had to be collected before finalising the design, but this exercise was not undertaken. The project was located over the nullah after diverting its flow through two narrow hume pipes, which were insufficient to carry its massive discharge during rains. The remedial measures suggested by the corporation to rectify this major flaw in the design were not taken up. As a result, the project suffered extensive damage even during the moderate pre-monsoon showers in June. The corporation has been regularly supplying garbage for the project since December. However, most of the 14,000 tonnes of garbage supplied still last month was dumped at the project site and only a fraction of it has been bio-converted to produce a meagre 50 tonnes of manure. As per the project design, the conversion rate into manure is 20 per cent and, as such, at least 800 tonnes of manure should have been produced. The total cost of the bio-conversion plant was Rs 3.35 crore and so far, the corporation has paid Rs 2.78 crore to the company and the remaining amount is to be adjusted against excise duty. Mr A.N. Sharma, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, said the corporation was still keen to make the project functional. It has suggested to the company to relocate the segregation unit and the processing plant at the same site along the approach road to the project. This would help allow the free flow of water in the nullah, which has been obstructed by the plant. Besides, the tonnes of garbage dumped at the project site has to be shifted to some other suitable site still the plant was made functional. |
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MIS bears fruit for growers Shimla, August 4 During the past four years as many as 1,44,751 tonnes of fruits have been procured, benefiting growers to the tune of Rs 60 crore. Almost all major fruits namely and other citrus fruits like orange, malta, kinnow and galgal and mango have been covered under the scheme. The support price for apple and mango has been enhanced from Rs 3.75 per kg to Rs 4 per kg this year. Fruit collection centres have already been set up in different mango and apple growing areas of the state. In all about 260 centres for the procurement of processing grade apples will be set up during the season. So far 55 centres have become functional and 92 more such centres will be opened in the mid-altitude apple growing areas from the second week of this month. The use of the alternative packaging materials like cartons and plastic crates is being promoted to wooden boxes. As against 36.41 lakh cartons distributed in 1997-98, 77.68 lakh cartons were supplied in 2000-2001. The subsidy on the cartons has been extended to flowers, mango and strawberry over the past three years. During the past four year 2.14 crore cartons have been supplied to the fruit growers and on which Rs 21.08 crore has been given as subsidy. A transport subsidy of Rs 76.54 lakh has been given for the import of 1.15 crore wooden boxes made of eucalyptus from the adjoining states. In addition, 1,90,439 plastic crates have also been supplied to the farmers on subsidised rates under a scheme sponsored by the National Horticulture Board Central Government. The state government has also decided to give subsidy on various types of cartons being manufactured by the state-owned factory, Agro-Industrial Packaging India Ltd. (AIPIL), as well as by private parties so that fruit growers could get quality cartons in adequate quantity at reasonable. Like previous years, the state government has also decided to give subsidy at source on telescopic apple and kinnow cartons and 10 kg apple Kulu carton, pear, peach and mango cartons by the AIPIL at the rate of Rs 10 and Rs 5 per carton, respectively. The subsidy on such cartons being manufactured by private corrugators is being given at the rate of Rs 8 and Rs 4 per carton, respectively. Besides, the subsidy on strawberry cartons, plum and almond cartons manufactured by the AIPIL and private corrugators is being given at the rate of Rs 3, Rs 1.50 and Re one per carton, respectively. The maximum limit of subsidy on the packing cases of fruits is Rs 12,000 per orchardist. The government has also decided to give transport subsidy on the import of eucalyptus and poplar from the neighbouring states. Under this scheme, a subsidy of Rs 10 per quintal on the import of geltus is being given. A maximum subsidy limit of Rs 1000 per truck has been fixed for Shimla, Mandi, Kulu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts whereas the rate is Rs 5 per quintal on the import of geltus with a maximum subsidy limit of Rs 500 per truck for Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Kangra districts. |
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Action
plan sought for fruit growers Shimla, August 4 Reviewing the drought situation at a meeting of field officers Mr Narender Bragtasaid drought had created extraordinary conditions which would not only, reduce production this year, but would also have an adverse impact on new as well as old fruit plantations which could affect the next year’s crop too. He directed the department to create special cells at the directorate and district levels for assessing and reviewing the losses due to drought and to serve as a helpline to the fruit growers for providing the necessary financial and technical assistance. Earlier, Dr R.P. Sharma, Director of Horticulture, informed about the progress achieved in the implementation of different horitculture programmes during the last year. He said in all 7,541 hectares of additional area was brought under fruits taking the total area under fruits to approximately 2.23 lakh hectares, over 22.35 lakh fruit plants were supplied to the farmers and 56,189 farmers were trained in various aspects of horticulture. Significant progress had been made in the diversification of horiticulture and 180 hectares had been brought under floriculture. Mushroom production in the state had reached an all-time light of 3,227 tonnes. Mr K.K. Gupta, Special Secretary Horticulture, emphasised the importance of the induction of the latest technology in the horticulture production programmes for improving the productivity and quality of the fruit crops.
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Drug manufacturers seek 30 pc reservation Solan, August 4 While the manufacturers of allopathic drugs with an annual turnover of less than Rs 1 crore were barred, according to the current drug purchase policy, from participating in government tenders, there existed a reservation of 50 per cent for ayurvedic drugs manufacturers. These facts were highlighted at a press conference jointly convened by the Vice-President and General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh. Small Scale Drugs Manufacturers Association, Mr H. S. Sethi, and Mr V. K. Gupta, respectively, here last evening. They urged for at least 30 per cent reservation in government purchases on the plea that small drug manufacturers were unable to compete with multinationals. They said the rationable behind the policy governing the purchase of allopathic drugs, which was introduced by the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Shanta Kumar, was that the small-scale drug manufacturers did not have the requisite wherewithal to maintain the desired standards. Unofficially, this class of drug manufacturers were also accused of securing a large chunk of government business and thus reaping in sizeable profits, by bribing the Chief Medical Officers who allegedly turned a blind eye towards the quality of drugs being supplied. The purchase of allopathic drugs had been handed over to the State Civil Supplies Corporation which floated open tenders but barred those having turnover of less than Rs 1 crore per
annum. It is alleged that certain powerful BJP functionaries had vested interests in some ayurvedic drug manufacturing concerns. |
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Dhumal urged to give 27 pc quota to BCs Chandigarh, August 4 Punjab, Haryana, UP and Chandigarh have already implemented this reservation policy, Mr Gian Chand Chowdhary, general secretary of the association, said. Mr Chowdhary, urged HP Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal to implement this reservation policy.
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Widespread
rain in HP Shimla, August 4 Shimla and the surrounding areas were pounded by rain since early this morning. The capital town was shrouded in a thick fog which reduced visibility to a few metres and forced vehicular traffic to move at a snail’s pace with headlights on. According to a report, the Kangra valley experienced heavy rain since last night, dropping the temperature considerably and bringing the long dry spell to an end. Dharamsala, Palampur, Mallan, Nagrota Bagwan, Dehra, Jwalaji and Nurpur also had rain. Rivers in some districts were in spate. However, no loss of life or property was reported. A report from Mandi said heavy rain broke the month-long dry spell in the region. Reports of rain were also received from Kumarhatti and Hamirpur.
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Minjar
fair concludes Chamba, August 4 About one lakh people hailing from different parts within and outside Himachal Pradesh, including tourists from neighbouring states, participated in the fair. The immersion of golden ‘minjars’ (top blossom of the maize plant) with coconuts in the Ravi by the Himachal Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, who was the chief guest, marked the end of the fair. The festival symbolises the blossoms of the maize crop, which is the main crop and staple diet in this alpine terrain. People pray to their Gods to seek blessings for a good harvest. Men, women and children adorn themselves with the sacred golden tassel of ‘minjars’ on their colourful costumes in the fair pray to the rain God Varuna for timely rain and a bumper crop. Earlier, a shobha yatra, starting from the Akhand Chandi Palace, passed through the main markets of the town and converged on the right bank of the Ravi for the immersion ceremony. The town’s deity, Lord Raghuvira, was carried in a palanquin accompanied by other local deities and the insignias of God Manimahesh, Lakshmi Narayan and Charpat Nath. Mr Kishori Lal, Industries Minister, Mr Mohan Lal, State Ayurveda Minister, Mr Harsh Mahajan, local MLA, Mr Tulsi Ram, MLA from Bharmour, Mr G.S. Bali, MLA Nagrota Bagwan, Mr Ganesh Dutt, Chairman, Housing Board, Mr Rahul Anand, Deputy Commissioner took part in the procession.
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Tibetans
resent China’s interference Kangra, August 4 In a statement issued here last evening a spokesman of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, Mr Thubten Samphel, said Beijing wrongly believed that its control over Tibet’s spiritual figures would ensure loyality of the Tibetan people. He said Beijing was trying to imprint the image of this boy in the mind of the world community by constantly parading him as the Panchan Lama. He said China’s
interference in Tibetan affairs and its rejection and the removal of their Panchan Lama Gedhun Chockyi Nyima had promoted an angry response from the Tibetans.
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Baner project to save temple Dharamsala, August 4 He said due to continuous erosion of its banks by the Baner river, the temple complex was facing danger. The project would not only help prevent further erosion but also provide pilgrims with space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the area, he added. Mr Bali said a similar work near the cremation ghats would be started soon and for this another Rs 10 lakh had been arranged from MPs belonging to other states.
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Rs 11.52
cr for rural water scheme Shimla, August 4 The state had to cover 693 “not covered” and 5,000 partially-covered habitations in addition to 350 schools. The Centre has so far released Rs 28.17 crore to the state during 2002-03 under the ARWSP. Besides, the state also gets the first instalment of Rs 1.68 crore for planning and development of 50 watershed projects for implementation under the Drought-Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) in Bilaspur, Solan and Una distrcts. Kinnaur district has been given Rs 1.58 crore for planning and development of the watershed projects. |
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Raising
NPA of veterinary teachers flayed Dharamsala, August 4 In a written statement issued by HPAUTA secretary, Dr
S.P. Sharma, the executive committee of the association took a serious view of “sluggish” attitude of university administration in respect of UGC arrears of the teachers of this university while teachers of other two universities of state had already been paid the arrears. It is alleged that the funds received for this purpose by the university were diverted to meet insignificant commitments. The HPAUTA has also condemned the Vice-Chancellor for granting increase in the NPA to some veterinary teachers when the same had been refused from all levels. |
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Rs 20 lakh to be
spent on hospital building Shimla, August 4 Stating this at a function of the club, here today, Mr Subhash Batra, district governor, said Rs 20 lakh would be spent on the project during the current year on building and construction equipment for the hospital would be supplied by the International Lions Club. He said the club had launched the “sight for blind” programme under which 3,000 intraocular operations were performed this year. Meanwhile, Mr Ravi Sud and Mr Ajit Kumar Nanda were installed as president and secretary of the club, respectively. |
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PPR is contagious Dharmasala, August 4 PPR is highly contagious disease in which most animals die within 5 to 10 days. High temperature, loss of appetite, profuse nasal discharge, signs of pneumonia and respiratory distress are the symptoms of this disease. Necrotic lesions appear in the lips, gums, dental pad, palate and tongue. Diarrhoea and dehydration are followed by death.
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Tributes
paid to Y.S. Parmar Shimla, August 4 Several functions were held to mark the occasion. Mr P.K.Dhumal, Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues, leader of the opposition, Virbhadra Singh, Mr Sohan Lal, Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation and other leaders garlanded the statue of Dr Parmar on the Ridge. The Chief Minister also released a book entitled “Speakers Also Speak”, compiled by the Vidhan Sabha secretariat. The book contains speeches of the Speakers of Himachal Vidhan Sabha on various occasions. |
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Head Constable shoots self Solan, August 4 According to the S.P., Mr S.H.Z. Zaidi, he appeared to be in a depressed state of mind. The Inspector-General Law and Order, Mr Kashmir Singh Rana, rushed from Shimla to the scene of the incident here upon receipt of information. The body has been sent for a post-mortem to the Zonal Hospital.
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