 |
|
|
Virbhadra ready to face CBI probe
High command nod awaited
Lending a royal push to woman empowerment
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
First unmanned water supply scheme
Kayakalp for tired souls
Affidavit on teacher’s transfer sought
A scene at the Ridge in Shimla after light showers on Thursday. — Tribune photo by S. Chandan
Cong gears up for assembly poll
26 hurt as bus falls into gorge
Brother of deceased arrested
Docs say no to 20 pc hike in stipend, strike work
Lightning damages telephone exchange
Photo voter rolls on June 5
Soft loans for farmers pleaded
26 hurt as bus falls into gorge
Nalwar fair begins
HPU poll today
|
|
Virbhadra ready to face CBI probe
Tapovan/Rajiana (Kangra), March 22 He was talking to mediapersons after monitoring the ongoing construction work on the Vidhan Sabha complex at Tapovan near Dharamsala, this morning. He said the state government had earlier sought an approval from the high court for establishing a full Bench of the apex court at Dharamasala but the high court had out-rightly rejected the state government's request. He said the government would again send a request to the high court in this connection, requesting to establish a Circuit Bench of the high court at Dharamsala and it all would depend on the approval from the state high court. The local lawyers had called on the Chief Minister last night, at Dharamsala, and requested him to consider their demand. He denied that he had ever opposed the setting up of the Bench. He said it was the high court that had to think on the requirement. The duty of the state government was just to provide infrastructure facilities for running the court, he added. Later, while addressing a public rally at Rajiana village of the Nagrota Bagwan constituency the CM lambasted BJP demanding to provide the people the details of the money collected for the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya. However, the CM said he wished from the core his heart that a Ram temple should be constructed at Ayodhya. He said "I am proud of being a Hindu and Hinduism is my religion and it is my personal matter." He further said, "I don't exploit religion for vested political interests." He said the BJP was feeling jubilant over the victory in Uttarakhand and Punjab, but the situation on the ground level in Himachal Pradesh was all together different. He claimed that the BJP was loosing ground in this hill state. He said while in opposition, the Congress had charge sheeted the then BJP government supported by documentary evidences but the BJP government had not initiated investigation into it. He said, "I am not afraid of the CBI but if the BJP has guts it should move the Lok Ayukta with affidavits and I am prepared to face the probe".
The transport and tourism minister G.S. Bali challenged the top brass of the BJP to come and contest the elections against him. He said the BJP had in fact lost its ground in Kangra district as the Congress government had done a lot of development works for this area. The BJP government during its tenure, had never addressed the demands of the local people, he alleged. It was for the first time in the recent history that the public rally was organised without any government function of laying the foundation stone or inauguration of some development work. It was purely a political rally that attracted a huge crowd, particularly women. The revenue minister Sat Mahajan also addressed the rally. The local people weighed the CM with coins and honoured him with a turban. |
|
High command nod awaited
Shimla, March 22 It is learnt that the list of names of the persons to be appointed on these posts has already been sent by chief minister Virbhadra Singh for the approval of the high command. With less than a year left for the assembly poll in the state, he is also keen that the legislators be given the posts. The list sent by the chief minister reportedly has the names of all 12 legislators who were holding these posts earlier. The matter is awaiting the approval of the high command as there is a possibility of another name being added to the list. The issue of filling the lone vacancy in the cabinet is also being discussed along with these appointments. A post of cabinet minister has been lying vacant since Asha Kumari, education minister, resigned. There has been a talk of giving due representation to Kangra after the issue of discrimination with the largest and politically the most significant district was brought to the notice of the high command. Although there is no certainty as to when appointment to the posts of CPS and PS will be made, speculations is rife that this can be done any time after the assembly session is over on April 5. |
|
Lending a royal push to woman empowerment
A pole apart from her political career, Malvika Pathania is a protagonist of “pahari” woman in the region, not being a politician but being a social activist. She explicitly acknowledged the problems of “pahari” women while being chairperson of the state’s social welfare board from 1997 to 1999 and the state women commission from 2002 to 2003. She has continued her crusade for the betterment of women even after stepping down from these political posts. She took the initiative of establishing women helplines in police stations with the help of the state government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) while she was the chairperson of the state women commission. She also took the initiative of establishing 80 vocational institutes exclusively for the rural women. At present, she is working for the revival of the cottage industry based on rural art and craft with the help of local NGOs. She is doing it by pioneering a project on the restoration of dying art and craft of Kangra and preserving the historical manuscripts of the region. She prepared a “craft map” of the state highlighting different artistic skills of the people of various regions before establishing 27 art and craft conservation centres for ensuring practical achievement of the goal. She feels that economic independence of women is utmost necessary for their empowerment. "It is not enough for the women to earn money; they must also have the right to spend it. Empowerment is not just the right to earn, but the right to spend as well,” she feels. She says the women living in lower hilly areas have the potential to earn money making use of their artistic skills. They only need to be provided with the right platform to sell their
products. Malvika has urged the state government to set up stores in major cities of Himachal and even in other states to sell the products prepared by these women so that they could earn more in the competitive market. Unfortunately, the successive governments in the state have not addressed the basic need of empowering the women and the society as a whole, she
says. Malvika has also organised hundreds of awareness camps for women to enable them know about their rights. She says empowerment has to flow from women themselves. The need is to help women articulate their needs, about which they are already very clear, she says. She is also engaged in writing a book on “pahari” cuisine. The book is nearing completion and is likely to be published by the mid of this year. As far as politics is concerned, she started her political career in 1983 by joining the Congress. However, she has never fought an electoral battle so far. She parted ways with the Congress in 2001 due to certain ideological differences and joined the BJP. At present, she is the district president of the women's wing of the BJP. Now, she is looking forward to entering the state assembly on the BJP ticket in the forthcoming assembly elections like her mother, Rani Padma Singh, who created history by getting elected as the first woman legislator of Himachal Pradesh in 1972. |
|
|
First unmanned water supply scheme
Shimla, March 22 The Rs 67-crore scheme will be a technological marvel in which human intervention will be completely eliminated by computer-controlled electronic devices It will be possible to operate the scheme through remote control from anywhere using mobile phone and the satellite-based GPS (geo-positioning system). The engineer in charge will be able to operate various components of the scheme using his mobile phone. All relevant data regarding the status of the scheme could be obtained on the mobile phone anytime once the scheme becomes operational in October 2007 as planned. Field devices will provide digital and analogue signals to a module which will be equipped with web data transfer system. The main commuter will be maintained in the IPH department The operation of pumping machinery at all four lift-stages from percolation wells on the banks of Beas at Jakhu at to the main storage tank at Awah Devi and the release of water from the main distribution tank will also not involve any human intervention. Laser-based devices on the roof of water tanks will automatically be switched on. Water level in tanks will be regulated through pressure censors for operation of the pumps at the lower stage. The release of water from the main tank will automatically operate the pumping machinery at all stages and it will continue to function till the tanks are filled.
|
|
|
Kayakalp for tired souls
Kangra, March 22 However, the state has now moved a step ahead in attracting a totally different section of people from within and outside the country under the health tourism
project. Kayakalp, an 86-bed health retreat, is one such attraction. It is playing an important role in promoting health tourism in the state. In the words of former Chief Minister and founder trustee of the Vivekananda Medical Research
(VMRT) Trust Shanta Kumar, “kaya” means the body and “kalp” means transformation. Kayakalp aims at providing just that. The facilities here aim to turn the clock around by arresting the ageing process, he says. Being run by the
VMRT, Kayakalp helps people arrest degeneration of the body by detoxifying,
immunising, rejuvenating and regenerating the body cells and tissues through a holistic transformation of the body, mind and soul. It is the only institute in the country providing practically all-holistic and drugless therapies under one roof with traditional and natural treatment, he claims. It also has a meditation centre. He claims that Kayaklap banishes chronic ailments relating to digestive system, joint pains, arthritis, rheumatism, paralysis, allergy, skin diseases, asthma, migraine and depression through holistic treatment. Experts trained in “panchkarma” help restore the balance of the body with mind through various techniques. The institute offers eight different types of herbal massages that help maintain proper blood circulation in the body. Steam therapy process that follows massage session helps body regenerate, replenish and revitalize, thus improving the immunity of the body. |
|
|
Affidavit on teacher’s transfer sought
Shimla, March 22 The directions passed by a Division Bench comprising justice Deepak Gupta and justice Surinder Singh Thakur on a petition filed by Sushila Sharma posted at
Dhalpur, Kullu, as the central head teacher in a government School. Wherein, she alleged that she had been transferred six times in a period of six months. Dissatisfied with the reply filed by the director of elementary education , the Bench observed that no reasons had been given as to why so many times transfers were made and what were the administrative exigencies involved in making six transfers with in a period of six months. The Bench further observed that with regard to each of these transfers, director of education had submitted that these orders were passed after being approved by the government, who in the government gave the directions, was not clear. |
|
|
Snow, rain, power cuts hit life
Shimla, March 22 Rohtang and higher reaches of Pangi and Bharmour experienced heavy snowfall. The Chamba-Bharmour and Beragarh roads were closed for traffic. Power supply to some parts of Lahaul-Spiti remained disrupted for the past three days due to avalanches. According to the Met office sources, Dhundi in Kullu district received 34 cm snow followed by 30 cm at Solang nullah, 13 cm at Kalpa in Kinnuar district, 8 cm at Patsio in Lahaul Spiti and 6 cm at Keylong. Light to moderate rain lashed mid and lower hills of the state accompanied by thundershowers. Bhang at tourist resort of Manali had 26.2 mm rain and 2 cm snowfall, while Shimla and its surrounding areas had moderate rain with thundershowers affecting power supply in most parts last night. Though it was sunny in the morning, the sky became overcast by the afternoon. According to Met office, Shimla recorded 8.9 mm rain, while Sundernagar received 26.6 mm, Bhuntar 29.4 mm and Dharamsala 13.6 mm rain last night. The minimum temperature at Shimla was 5.4°C, 8.8°C at Sundernagar, 5.6°C at Bhuntar and minus 6.5°C at Kalpa during the past 24 hours.
— UNI |
|
Cong gears up for assembly poll
Shimla, March 22 State party chief Viplove Thakur has started an exercise to review the performance of the office-bearers. They have been asked to submit monthly progress reports about the organisational activities. The reports will be discussed during the party meeting at Una on April 1. She has formed six teams comprising a vice-president, a general secretary and a secretary to oversee the organisational activities. Each team has been assigned two districts. The members have been told to rejuvenate the party machinery at the grassroots level and apprise the people about the policies, programmes and achievements of the government. In a letter to the officer-bearers, she has made it clear that it is their responsibility to propel the party programmes through regular activities and the failure to do so will attract appropriate action. A prescribed proforma for submitting reports has been provided to all office-bearers in which entire information about party activities has been sought since the constitution of the pradesh Congress committee. |
|
|
26 hurt as bus falls into gorge
Sundernagar, March 22 According to some of the victims, the driver of the bus could not negotiate a curve, leading to the accident Local resident helped remove victims to the hospital. Sundernagar SDM Pankaj Rai with police officials and a team of medical staff supervised the rescue operations. The police has registered a case against the driver. Forest minister Ram Lal Thakur and local MLA Sohan Lal visited the injured persons. Irrigation and public health minister Kaul Singh also visited the hospital and assured all help to the injured. The district administration has given Rs 3,000 each to the victims. |
|
|
Brother of deceased arrested
Nahan, March 22 According to Mr Narvir Rathour, SHO, Paonta, Sunil has reportedly confessed that a loaded gun went off while he was snatching it from his brother, Sanjeev Kumar, during a quarrel. The police said that Sunil Kumar ( 17), would be produced before the Bal Nayayalaya, Shimla, tomorrow. Sunil Kumar had revealed that the deceased, suffering from a psychiatric disorder, was habitual of creating unnecessary quarrels and fuss in the family. On March 19, the deceased turned violent and picked up a loaded gun after a brief quarrel. As he was trying to snatch the gun, it went off, killing Sanjeev Kumar (23), Sunil disclosed. Sanjeev Kumar is the son of Prem Chand of Bherewala village, a home guard posted at Nahan. Sanjeev Kumar is the son of Prem Chand of village Bherewala who is a Home Guard and is presently posted at Nahan. The police has registered a case. |
|
Docs say no to 20 pc hike in stipend, strike work
Shimla, March 7 They stayed away from OPDs from 9.30 am to 12.30 am causing inconvenience to the patients. They have been demanding enhancement in their stipend for the past some time. President of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) Rajesh Sood said they would not accept the 20 per cent increase announced by the government. “We want an enhancement that will make our stipend equal to our counterparts in Punjab,” he said. Like Punjab, the Himachal Government should also give stipend and DA that would automatically solve the problem, he said. The stipend would keep increasing as and when the DA went up, he added. |
|
|
Lightning damages telephone exchange
Kullu, March 22 No loss of life or damage to the art gallery building was, however, reported. The intercom exchange of the Roreich Memorial Trust was burnt in the incident. The tourists who were inside the gallery at that time said they had never had such an experience of the ear-shattering thunder. |
|
Photo voter rolls on June 5
Shimla, March 22 The traditional electoral rolls for the Lok Sabha and
Vidhan Sabha elections were now being converted into photo electoral rolls. Polling would be held on the basis of these rolls in the coming elections. These electoral rolls rule out the possibility of impersonation during polling.
— TNS |
|
Soft loans for farmers pleaded
Shimla, March 22 In a statement here he said there was no provision of soft loans for farmers.
"Keeping in view the fact that over 80 per cent of the state's population is engaged in agriculture or horticulture, there must be some provision for soft loans through the government banks for the farmers.
— TNS |
|
26 hurt as bus falls into gorge
Sundernagar, March 22 According to some of the victims, the driver of the bus could not negotiate a curve, leading to the accident Local resident helped remove victims to the hospital. Sundernagar SDM Pankaj Rai with police officials and a team of medical staff supervised the rescue operations. The police has registered a case against the driver. Forest minister Ram Lal Thakur and local MLA Sohan Lal visited the injured persons. The district administration has given Rs 3,000 each to the victims. |
|
Nalwar fair begins
Sundernagar, March 22 He said the Congress government was committed to improve the lot of the poor and had launched many schemes in that connection. He also spoke about the history of the fair. Sohan Lal and Tek Chand, MLAs from Sundernagar and Nachan, also spoke.
— OC |
|
HPU poll today
Shimla, March 22 Seven candidates supported by the Congress, the BJP and the CPM are in the fray. Elections are held every year to fill these posts. These elections are considered important as all important decisions pertaining to the institution are taken in by these two bodies. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh said the Circuit Bench of the high court at Dharamsala, for which local lawyers had been boycotting the court work for the past more than a fortnight, was to be approved by the high court and not the state government.
Dharamsala, March 22