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CD unreliable, says forensic expert
Stakes high for Congress, BJP
BJP wants CRPF in Hamirpur
Holiday train discontinued
Probe ordered into scam
Sundernagar doc penalised
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Goods worth lakhs destroyed in fire
Hill farming school stone laid
Farmers seek market price for land
Four factory workers hospitalised
RTI Act aims transparency
Landlord,
friend rape 21-year-old Welfare Scheme
Three-day convention from June 8
Re-employment order stayed
Applications sought for Haj pilgrimage
Girls bag top positions in B.Com final
CM mourns Prem Kumar’s death
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CD unreliable, says forensic expert
Hamirpur, June 1 It also lodged a complaint against top BJP leaders and Mankotia with the local police station for allegedly tarnishing the clean image of the Chief Minister. Giving copies of the forensic report to mediapersons here local MLA Anita Verma said the findings of the forensic expert were evidently clear that the CD was not only manipulated but also highly doubtful, which had actually been recorded on January 6. She said:” A lawyer from Bilaspur had submitted the said CD for chemical examination to New Delhi-based forensic expert V.N Sehgal, who is a former CBI director and ex-officio chemical expert to the Government of India”. In his findings Sehgal has opined “on the basis of above observations and scientific examination of the CD marked VNS, it is concluded that the recording of the CD is highly doubtful since the same appears to have been manipulated and tampering in the recording cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the authenticity of the recording of the said CD is highly doubtful”. Sehgal has divided the 24-minute recording of the CD into three files and found that “as the CD is recorded, its recording is highly unreliable since it can be tampered with easily or manipulated.” Sehgal says “a number of gaps in the conversation coupled with a number of abrupt starting and ending of conversation is sufficient ground to conclude that the said CD is not a genuine one, especially when easy tampering is possible in such type of CDs, namely recordable ones, and hence is completely unreliable”. Meanwhile, president of the district Congress committee Balak Ram Sharma and other Congress leaders registered a complaint with the local police station against the BJP.
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Stakes high for Congress, BJP
Hamirpur, June 1 The outcome would have a bearing on the next state Assembly elections due in February, 2008. This byelection has been caused as a result of the unseating of Hamirpur BJP MP Suresh Chandel, who was caught accepting money in the ' cash-for-query scam'. While BJP nominee Prem Kumar Dhumal , who is also the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, has contested the Hamirpur seat four times in the past wining and losing twice, Congress candidate Ram Lal Thakur lost the elections twice. Last time Thakur had lost with a margin of 1,628 votes only.The Congress, facing anti-incumbency in these elections, concentrated its campaign on the issue of involvement of BJP leaders in corruption, especially Suresh Chandel, and development carried out by the state government. The BJP, which was highlighting the issue of price rise, regional discrimination, local problems like monkey menace and sawmill closure, shifted its focus on the allegations of corruption against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh after the release of a CD by Major Vijay Singh Mankotia. Bilaspur: The stakes are high for both Congress and the BJP as the outcome of this byelection would decide the poltical fortunes of the bigwigs of both parties. BJP insiders reveal that if Dhumal wins and retains the Lok Sabha seat it will put the Congress on the defensive, but unleash a power struggle within the BJP with Dhumal and Shanta vying for the next CM's post. "In this case, the stage will be cleared for Shanta Kumar to play a more active role in state politics and in the state Assembly elections due in February, 2008", comments a senior BJP leader. The BJP wants to project a "clean image" in the state, reveal insiders close to Shanta Kumar. They argue that "Dhumal's image" has got a beating in the Kotwal case and when four ministers in the Dhumal Cabinet levelled charges of corruption against him, adding Shanta Kumar being non-controversial will keep the Congress on the defensive in the coming Assembly poll. Supporters of Dhumal reveal that regardless of whether Dhumal wins or not he will continue to hold fort in state politics and is a strong contender for the CM's post if the BJP manages a win in the coming elections in 2008. Poll pundits, however, say that if Congress candidate Ram Lal Thakur wins, the credit will go to Virbhadra Singh. "If he loses the defeat will be attributed to the damage done by Mankotia's controversial CD”.
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BJP wants CRPF in Hamirpur
Shimla, June 1 In a complaint sent to chief election commissioner (CEC) N. Gopalaswamy, state BJP secretary H.N. Kashyap said that even after the period for campaigning was over, Congress leaders, including ministers and legislators, could be seen campaigning. Kashyap pointed out that Deputy Speaker Dharam Pal Thakur today addressed a public meeting in Soldha panchayat in Kotkehloor. A complaint in this regard had been sent to the central election observer as well. The BJP expressed concern that it was not possible to hold free and fair elections till the CRPF is deployed. The party demanded that videography of all polling booths must be done, maximum possible number of sector magistrates must be deputed and the electronic voting machines must be guarded by central police forces.
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Holiday train discontinued
Kumarhatti, June 1 The train was usually run for two months during summer to counter heavy tourists’ influx. After remaining off the track on May 19, 25 and 26, the train was stopped midway. Though officially, the Railways had discontinued the train on the pretext of low traffic for a week, however, sources in the Railways said lack of engines had forced the permanent discontinuation of the train. The 257Up is started along with 255 Up (Himalayan Queen) every year. However, ‘Himalayan Queen’ runs regularly. This is for the first time that the train has been discontinued in midway of the season. The Railways has discontinued the train mainly to keep one engine as a reserve to tackle emergency. Meanwhile, discontinuation of the train has become a blessing in disguise for taxi operators at
Kalka. |
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Probe ordered into scam
Chamba, June 1 The company has decamped with lakhs of rupees collected in advance from a number of people in Chamba and its surrounding areas for supplying valuable consumer goods and other articles. IAS Officer Ritesh Chauhan, who had been appointed the inquiry officer, would submit the report within 10 days, the DM said. The DM said an FIR had been registered and police parties had been directed to rush to the neighbouring states to nab the swindlers. When the company started its operations in the town, the police had recorded the permanent addresses of its owners reportedly belonging to Tamil
Nadu. |
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Sundernagar doc penalised
Sundernagar, June 1 On March 5, Mast Ram Verma of Chowk Sundernagar went to Sanjay Dhiman, who advised him to undergo lipid profile and renal function tests, besides ECG. Verma was asked to pay Rs 1,050 (Rs 600 for lipid profile test, Rs 250 for renal function test, Rs 100 for ECG and Rs 100 as the consultation fee). When the complainant objected that Rs 600 was too much for the lipid profile test as other laboratories were charging between Rs 250 and 300, the doctor said his system was of a superior quality. The doctor delivered an unsigned report mentioning a high cholesterol level of 307, adding that the complainant could have a heart attack any time. The terrorised complainant paid the amount. On getting his blood tested at other laboratories the cholesterol level was found to be 189 on March 7, 2006, 210 on March 9, 2006, 196 on March 23, 2006 and 187 on August 11, 2006. The complainant alleged that his cholesterol level was normal on that day, ie on March 6, 2006 but since he demanded the receipt from the doctor he issued a wrong report, prompting him to approach the consumer panel. The court held that the variation in the cholesterol level in no case in one day could be 33 per cent to 40 per cent as was in the present case. The amount of Rs 600 was also exorbitant, it observed. The court held the doctor guilty of professional misconduct and awarded Rs 20,000 as compensation to the complainant along with Rs 2,000 as costs.
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Goods worth lakhs destroyed in fire
Indora (Nurpur), June 1 An alarm was raised as soon as the employees noticed flames emitting from a pile of tyres stored in a room of the industrial unit. Since rubber and rubber items were stored inside the unit, fire spread to the adjoining rooms rapidly. According to eyewitnesses, about 25 to 30 employees were on job when the incident occurred at around 12 noon. Some employees working inside the unit, however, had a narrow escape. Fire tenders were called upon from the Pathankot fire brigade besides, seeking help from the Army cantonment area (9AOD) Kandrori. Four tenders, two each from the civil administration and 9AOD Kandrori, were pressed into extinguishing the blaze that rose high in the sky. Within no time the smoke filled the space. Besides, firemen both from the Army and the civil administration, fire extinguishers had a tough time in controlling the blaze. Locals also swung into action in the operation. The Army used hundred litres of foam and other chemicals to control the flames, claimed Lt Col. Sanjiv Rana of 9AOD, Kandrori. Though the exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained, yet the authorities suspect an electric short circut as the reason.
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Sabzi mandi project at snail’s pace
Palampur, June 1 At that time, he had announced that the mandi would be ready in a year. He also announced the allocation of Rs 2 crore for the project. The BJP government remained in office till 2002, but neither funds reached the marketing board, nor construction was taken up. Later, the Congress came into power and MLA Brij Behari Lal Butail managed Rs 2.52 crore for the project. Butail laid the foundation stone for the project in 2005 again. He announced that it was a time-bound project and would be ready in a year. His announcement also remained confined to files of the state marketing board. Only site-levelling work has been completed in the past two years and a few pillar erected. Information gathered by The Tribune from the state marketing board revealed that funds amounting to Rs 2.52 crore had already been released and contract allotted to a contractor about six months ago. An official of the board from Shimla said it would look into the matter, why construction of the project was getting delayed. Since the present sabzi mandi is situated in the heart of the town and the garbage is not removed for days together, families residing in the forest and PWD colony are facing inconvenience. Heaps of garbage can be seen lying here. Stray animals and monkeys also create a lot of nuisance. The residences of the local SDM and the DFO are also situated nearby, but they are also not bothered to initiate any action against the erring officials. |
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Hill farming school stone laid
Palampur, June 1 Dr S.P.Tyagi, deputy director-general, Indian council of agricultural research (ICAR), after laying the foundation stone of the school, said to maintain relevance to needs and challenges of a new era, it was imperative to reorient teaching, research and extension education. He informed that ICAR had reserved 15 per cent seats in undergraduate and 25 per cent seats in postgraduate admissions through the all-India competitive examinations to bring quality, national integration and reduce inbreeding in agricultural universities of the country. Tiwari said the budget allocation for farm education had been enhanced from Rs 919 crore in the 10th plan to Rs 26,000 crore in the 11th five-year plan. He said effort of education should be for self-actualisation with holistic and comprehensive approach. He also discussed challenges for agriculture like utility enhancement, quality assurance, global competition, spending resources efficiently, etc. He advised that emphasis must be on vocational education and skill development to ensure greater employment. The hill farming school was an effort in the direction where need-based self supporting programmes and non-degree courses should be started. Dr D.S. Rathore, vice-chancellor, said the university was the first to make efforts in establishing hill farming school in the country. Dr O.P.Sharma, Dean, college of agriculture, expressed the hope that the Indian council of agricultural research will come forward to extend financial and other support to the new concept in the form of this school. Dr Pardeep Sharma, dean, postgraduate school, also expressed his views on various dimensions of hill education.
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Farmers seek market price for land
Nahan, June 1 They are demanding better compensation for 483 bighas of land across the Giri river acquired by the government which should be at par with the prevailing market price. A segment of farmers has resented against the unprecedented decision of the government of acquiring their arable land without holding any parley with their leaders. They had learnt only after the patwari had distributed copies of the government notification last month on April 21 said Shayam Lal of Amboya village. On the recommendation of the district Industries Department Amboya land had been included in the parameters of Central industrial package. The state government had accorded the notification on March 15 for acquiring the land for requisite necessary action to accelerate fast industrialisation process. The geographical area earmarked for industrialisation is set to open a new vista of fortune for the rural folks, nevertheless farmers are demanding coherent rates of their land which is fertile or may be given in lieu other land else where. A section of farmers vented their feelings by saying that they had supported the cause of industrialisation but they were losing their own arable land. After passing a unanimous resolution the farmers led by gram panchayat sarpanch Kala Sharma filed a letter of protest with Paonta SDM Amita Mahajan that they be given market prices for their acquired land. The SDM said she would forward the claims to the Himachal Government for favourable action.
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Four factory workers hospitalised
Nahan, June 1 Opposing the police action, four more employees immediately started a fast at the same place in Bangran village under Paonta subdivision. Reports said as the striking employees refused to take glucose drip in the Paonta hospital, they were immediately referred to the Nahan district hospital. The district administration is holding talks with the factory administration and representatives of the employees on the demand of workers for reemploying the retrenched
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RTI Act aims transparency
Nahan, June 1 While addressing public information officers of various departments in Sirmaur district today, state information commissioner P.S. Rana cautioned them not to ignore the rights of citizens as they were guaranteed to secure information they wanted under this act. He exhorted the heads of various departments to provide timely information within a period of 30 days after obtaining the necessary fee of Rs 10 in the shape of bank draft, IPO or treasury challan. Rana said since the district was economically poor, people would not be knowing about their right to information and hence they should be apprised about it. He said PIOs should maintain a requisite record and monitor progress on the information sought after by the applicants. He said the prepared information should be live, speaking and self explanatory and the officers concerned should not refuse to supply information as they were duty bound to furnish information as demanded. He said different type of NGO's, sansthas where government funds were spent for public works, catering of information would be obligatory to show transparency and accountability. In Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, more and more applications were pouring in with an intent to gain knowledge on the subject matter, however, this act would not apply to private institutions, added Rana.
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Landlord,
friend rape 21-year-old Nalagarh, June 1 In a compliant filed with DSP Nalagarh Sandeep Dhawal, the girl (21), who hailed from Bilaspur, alleged that her landlord Soni Dhiman and his friend raped her. The victim is employed with Polo Pharmaceutical at Jharmajri. She said Dhiman used to tease her quite often, besides offering her indecent proposals. However, Dhiman managed to convince her and took her to Manpura where he along with his friend allegedly raped the girl. The medical test of the girl has been done. The DSP has referred the case to Baddi police station. A case has been registered. The search was on to trace both accused.
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Public cooperation must: ZP chief Jagmeet Y. Ghuman Baddi, June 1 Kumar was addressing a gathering during the conclusion of a two-day fair at Chandi on Wednesday evening. He said the information flow could help in public welfare and development. If it was not possible individually the local social groups like the Yuva Mandal and the Mahila Mandal should come forward to become information links between departments and the public, he said. Citing example of the Youth Club, Chandi, he said due to its active functioning it had managed to send 12 various schemes to the government for approval. The need of the hour was to use available funds efficiently, he pointed out. “The state government has sufficient funds, but lack of information often proved as a hindrance in development. The public cooperated schemes were often proved a success.” Kumar said the development in Doon was attributed due to the efforts of Lajja Ram, sitting Congress MLA from Doon. Kumar also assured to provide financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh each for the construction of Chandi-Durgapur-Dhardi-Bhat Ki Hatti and Chandi-Patta roads. He also gave Rs 3,100 to the mela committee from his own funds.Kanwar Mehar Singh, superintendent engineer, IPH Shimla, R.K. Sharma, deputy director, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, and O.P. Gupta, superintendent engineer, Satluj Jal Nigam Limited, were honoured on the occasion.
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Priya wins Western Command Scholarship
Dagshai, June 1 He was addressing the students and staff of Army Public School, here, on the occasion of their 21st annual day. He said the cult of residential schools was different from other schools as the students here forged life-long associations. He inspired the students to introspect and then take decisions. He said stronger foundations would lead to a stronger institution. Earlier, while presenting the school report, principal Col A.K.Maini (retired) highlighted the achievements of the school. He said they endeavoured to inculcate modern values while conserving the traditional ideals. Being a member of Indian Public Schools’ Conference, two scholarships of Rs 25,000 each have been awarded to Kamlesh and Gaurav Guleria. Another student, Priya Shridhar, has been awarded the Western Command Scholarship for her performance in class X. Pankaj Sharma has got a scholarship of Rs 2,700 from the state education board. Another student, Ishan Tyagi has also won the Cadbury Bournvita Quiz Competition. Priya Chahal bagged the award for the best student of the year. The chief guest gave away the prizes to the winners. Patel House won the overall cock trophy.
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Three-day convention from June 8
Kangra, June 1 It will be organised by the World Environment Foundation, UK, in association with the World Council for Corporate Governance, Carbon disclosure project (UK), the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the European Business School. Disclosing this here today K.B. Ralhan, regional director, World Environment Foundation, said the convention would be preceded with the Eco- Investors Forum to attract investors for starting projects in the renewable sources of energy sector such as wind, solar power and small hydro-power projects in Himachal Pradesh. He said that top 50 investors had been invited to join the forum meeting. Among those who would attend the convention were Olla
Ulsten, former Prime Minister of Sweden and chairman World Commission on Forests, Dr Oliver Giscard D’estang of
INSEAD, and John English, Head of Canadian Center for innovation and Governance. |
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Re-employment order stayed
Shimla, June 1 Passing this interim order the court further directed the chief secretary and the horticulture director to file their reply within four weeks. The court passed this order on a PIL plea filed by Hari Dut, wherein he alleged that the re-employment had been given on the basis of a DO note issued by Chairman of NGO Federation Laxmi Singh Machan. The petitioner alleged that the order of the government was a clear-cut violation of norms. The action of the government is a glaring example of favouritism and has nothing to do with administrative exigency or public
interest. The court also issued notice to NGO leader Laxmi Singh Machan and Rajinder Singh Chauhan. |
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Applications sought for Haj pilgrimage
Shimla, June 1 The applications along with a bank draft of Rs. 10,700 in favour of the Haj Committee of India, Mumbai, should be submitted before June 30. The application forms were available free of cost from the state Haj Committee and the DC offices. |
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Girls bag top positions in B.Com final
Shimla, June 1 Incidentally, the first and second positions have been bagged by girls of the same college. While Surbhi scored 1,487 marks out of of 2000, Tanvi Rai scored 1,418 out of 2000. The third position was bagged by Tarun Jain from Government College, Nalagarh, with a score of 1,376. The overall pass percentage for the B.Com final year (pass course) examination is 97.50 per cent. Preeti Arora from Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Shimla, has bagged the fourth position with a score of 1,369. Pallavi Sharma from the same college has been placed fifth with a score of 1,361. Shikha Mohan from Government College, Poanta Sahib, has made it to the sixth position with a score of 1,359. Kamal Jeet from Government College, Palampur, has been placed at the seventh position with a score of 1,352. Vidushi Sharma from Government College, Chamba, has been placed eighth with a score of 1,339. Mamta Devi from J.D. College, Jwalamukhi, was placed ninth with a score of 1,332. Rashmi Arora from Government College, Dharamshala, with a score of 1,318 secured the 10th position. |
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CM mourns Prem Kumar’s death
Shimla, June 1 In his condolence message he said Prem Kumar was a committed and seasoned journalist who had dedicated his life to the cause of ethical journalism. He was an upright editor whose writings were known for precision, objectivity and provided insight into complicated political developments. Principal secretary (information and public relations T.G. Negi and director of information and public relations Dinesh Malhotra also mourned his death. |
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