Shimla, January 9
The Dhumal Cabinet was expanded today, with nine ministers being sworn in as Kangra got the lion’s share with four ministerial berths being given to legislators from the politically significant district.

Those who were administered the oath of office and secrecy today include former Speaker Gulab Singh (Jogindernagar), I.D. Dhiman (Mewa), J.P. Nadda (Bilaspur), Ravinder Ravi (Thural), Kishan Kapoor (Dharamsala), Narender Bragta (Jubbal-Kotkhai), Ramesh Dhawala (Jwalamukhi), Rajeev Bindal (Solan) and Shraveen Chaudhary (Shahpur). All nine of them will be Cabinet-rank ministers.

Governor V.S. Kokje administered the oath to the nine ministers in Hindi. As per the Constitution, the Chief Minister still has the discretion to induct two more ministers since the total strength of the Cabinet at present is 10, including Dhumal himself.

It was amidst a downpour that BJP supporters from all over the state made a beeline to Raj Bhawan which was resonating with slogans of “Jai Shri Ram”, as the ministers took oath. Neither former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh or any other Congress leader was present.

The BJP has decided to make Tulsi Ram, who won the tribal seat of Bharmaur, as Speaker. Khimi Ram, who has been elected from Banjar, has been chosen to hold the post of Deputy Speaker. After their election during the Assembly session in Dharamsala, Kullu and Chamba will also get representation.

Barring Rajeev Bindal, all other eight ministers inducted today have been ministers or chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS) in the previous Dhumal regime. Even though the list had been approved by the high command some last-minute changes were made with the names of I.D. Dhiman and Rajeev Bindal being added to the list. With Dhiman being made minister, Rikhi Ram Koundal has now been appointed as the pro-tem Speaker.

Some of the prominent leaders who were unable to make it to the Dhumal Cabinet despite their seniority both in the party and electoral politics include Suresh Bhardwaj, Roop Singh Thakur, Mohinder Singh and Rajan Sushant. However, only one minister, Gulab Singh, has been inducted from Mandi despite the BJP’s remarkable performance in the district where the party won seven of the 10 seats.

The districts of Una and Sirmaur have gone totally unrepresented despite three MLAs having won from Una. In Sirmaur, it was Sukhram Chaudhary alone who won as the Congress got the major chunk of four seats.

Shimla, January 9
All arrangements made at Raj Bhawan for the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers went for a toss as the BJP workers from all over the state forced their way inside the Durbar Hall and later into the secretariat.

The chaotic scene was not just confined to the Raj Bhawan but also at the state secretariat, where the newly inducted ministers too occupied the rooms of their choice, rather than the ones allotted by GAD.

The ministers paid no heed to the staff, who was supposed to guide them to their allotted rooms and chose to occupy rooms of their choice, making the situation awkward for GAD.

The incessant rain since last night further added to the woes of the Raj Bhawan staff, where the flower pots and the newly spread expensive carpets became victims of the enthused party workers.

The worst was when the wooden table on which the historic Shimla agreement was signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was used by the people to place dirty plates, cups and napkins.

Even though the formal orders of the office staff to be attached with the ministers was yet to be made, the staff members took charge on their own in the minister’s room. With the offices of the ministers being packed to capacity with jubilant supporters, even senior officers could not reach the political bosses to congratulate them on their induction.

Though none of the MLAs expressed their resentment but majority agreed that Kangra had got more than its share while Mandi had been un-represented.

No Congress leader, including Virbhadra Singh was present at the swearing-in-ceremony.

The security personnel had a tough time trying to prevent the public from barging into the secretariat and Raj Bhawan.

Similarly, the traffic cops had a tough time regulating traffic, as all roads leading to Raj Bhawan were choked with vehicles.

Shimla, January 9
Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal said today that no chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) or parliamentary secretary (PS) would be inducted during the entire term of the BJP government.

Talking to mediapersons here today after the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers, he said despite the constitutional restraint of having only 12 ministers, he would not appoint any CPS or PS.

It may be recalled that the BJP had moved the High Court against the appointment of CPS and PS during the Congress tenure, which were set aside by the court terming them as illegal and unconstitutional.

He said there was no pressure on him during Cabinet formation except for the fact that the restriction of 12 ministers had to be abided by. Dhumal said due representation had been given to women, OBCs, SCs and almost all districts while forming the Cabinet.

“All those who did not contest the elections and played a crucial role in ensuring the return of the party to power would be accommodated as Chairmen of boards and corporations and against other suitable posts in the organisation,” he assured.

Regarding the absence of any Congress leader at the ceremony, Dhumal said that extending invitation was the responsibility of Raj Bhawan and not the government. He added that he had personally invited Virbhadra Singh but he did not come.

The Chief Minister was categorical in stating that all decisions would be taken solely on merit and not on political considerations.

Shimla, January 9
In a major decision which will ensure total transparency in the allotment of hydroelectric projects, the Himachal government today decided to award all projects of more than 5 MW capacity through the competitive bidding route.

The decision will also help the fund-starved state earn revenue of over Rs 500 crore in the shape of upfront premium.

So far only projects having a generation capacity of 100 MW or more were assigned through competitive bidding and the projects of 5 MW to 99 MW were awarded through the MoU route which left room for manipulation.

The new BJP government in its very first Cabinet meeting decided to go for intentional competitive bidding route for all projects having a capacity 5 MW and more. The projects will be awarded on the basis of upfront money.

The decision will come into force with immediate effect and also apply to the projects already in the process of allotment.

At present there are 11 projects which are at various stages of allotment through the MoU route. These include Koksar (90 MW), Miar (90 MW), Tiget (81 MW), Lara (60 MW), Kuling-Lara (40 MW), Pattan (60 MW), Bharari (5.5 MW), Chhanju (17 MW) and Ropa (60 MW). These will now be awarded by inviting global bids.

Shimla, January 9
Normal life in the state was affected as heavy rainfall and snow continued to lash the region for the second consecutive day today.

About 200 workers were stranded after an avalanche blocked the Sangla-Karcham road in Kinnaur district. The district administration swung into action and rescued them by the evening.

The tribal Kinnaur in particular was experiencing heavy snowfall with the district headquarters Rackong Peo receiving 105 cm of snowfall for the past 36 hours. It was the heaviest since 1992 when 200 cm of snowfall was recorded in five days.

The district authorities have alerted the people living in avalanche-prone belts to be careful while moving out of their houses. Most of roads in district have been blocked bringing movement of vehicular traffic to a halt.

All communication links in district have been snapped due to heavy snowfall. Power supply and telecommunication have also been disrupted in many areas.

The upper areas of Shimla district were cut off as heavy snow blocked roads. Traffic on Hindustan-Tibet Highway was disrupted as long stretches of the road were covered by snow.

The major blockade was at Narkanda, which recorded 60 cm of snowfall. Rohru area was also cut-off from Shimla as heavy snow blocked the state highway at Kharapathar.

Dhundi in Kullu recorded the maximum 110 cm of snowfall, followed by Solang Nullah 80 cm, Hatu Peak 75 cm, Reckong Peo 50 cm and Keylong 45 cm. The Churdhar range and Chanshal slopes were having incessant heavy snowfall for the past 48 hours.

The state reeled under intense cold with Patsio recording the lowest temperature of - 7°C, followed by Keylong - 4.7°C and Kalpa - 2.5°C.

MANALI: Manali and its adjoining areas experienced fresh snowfall, while the lower parts were lashed by rain, renewing cold wave in the region. The entire upper Manali region has been covered with a thick blanket of snow.

The snowfall, which started last evening, was still continuing and about 25 cm of snowfall was recorded in the town.

The higher regions of Kullu valley, including Pir Panjal range, Hamta ski slopes, Bhrighu slopes, Chanderkhani pass and the 13,050 feet high Rohtang pass, gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, experienced heavy snowfall.

The world-famous ski slopes of Solang Valley also recorded about 2 feet of snowfall. The snow on the Solang ski slopes brought cheers and smiles on the faces of winter sports lovers who had come from different parts of the country to participate in the ski basic course, which was being conducted by the directorate of mountaineering and allied sports, Manali.

Normal life was partially affected by the snowfall as it was difficult for vehicles to run on the National Highway No. 21 between Patlikulh-Manali road, Manali-Naggar road and Manali-Rohtang road.

Power supply in many parts of the upper Manali region and the town was disrupted. Icy winds, which lashed the region throughout the day, further, intensified the cold wave. Tourists and local residents suffered due to severe cold and were forced to stay indoor.

KANGRA: Kangra valley experienced heavy rainfall for the second consecutive day today. The Dhauladhar mountain range and its foothills also experienced heavy snowfall dropping down the temperature considerably, leaving the life out of gear.

The rain left people in lurch and pilgrims visiting the town faced hard time following rain and chilly weather. Schoolchildren and old age people also suffered due to sever cold. Reports of rain were received from Palmapur, Mallan, Jawalamukhi, Shahpur Nagrota Bagwan, Dehra, Gaggal and Dharamshala. Reports of snowfall were received from Bara Bangal and Billing too. The minimum temperature at Kangra was recorded 1.5°C.

DALHOUSIE: The Dalhousie hills have been experiencing fresh snowfall today and the Kalatop and Dainkund peaks had recorded about 15 cm of snow. Famous hill resort Khajjiar has also been experiencing snowfall. The rain continued in the low-lying parts of Chamba district, including Pangi tribal valley. There is sharp downfall in the temperature also. As a sequel to this, the entire alpine region of Chamba is in the grip of intense cold waves.

According to official reports, Saach Pass, which links about 17,591 people residing in the snowbound mountainous tribal Pangi valley with the rest of the country, would remain closed for about seven months during this winter.

HAMIRPUR: The widespread rain for the past two days has cheered up farmers in this region as frequency and time of the rain is considered very suitable for the Rabi crops. Though different departments are still in the process of collecting the actual data of rainfall, but according to rough estimates 2 cm rainfall has been recorded till now.

Deputy director of agriculture G.S. Kaundal reacting to the good cycle of rain and its impact on the crops said “Timely and regular frequency of rain will definitely lead to good Rabi crops, and after the present spell of rain, the farmers should top dress the crops with the spray of nitrogen phosphate to control weeds for better results.”

Dharamsala, January 9
The state government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (General) Rules, 1997, empowering ‘the officer or employee of the gram panchayat appointed as the registrar of marriages to undertake registration of marriages in accordance with the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Registration of Marriages Act, 1996, and the Himachal Pradesh Registration of Marriages Rules, 2004’.

The power of the up-pradhans of panchayats to sign marriage certificates has also been withdrawn by amending the rule 127 of the said Act. A notification in this regard was issued by the state government, last evening.

Further, in a bid to clip the wings of up-pradhans of panchayats, the rules have been simplified to remove him from the post. Under Section 129 (1-A)-(1) A of the Act, as per the new amendment, the notice of intention to bring in a no-confidence motion against the up-pradhan could be moved by a resolution signed by a simple majority of the total elected members of the gram panchayat giving reasons for the same.

This could be delivered in person by any member of the gram panchayat to the BDO. On receipt of the notice of the no confidence to be brought against the up-pradhan, the BDO will serve him with a copy of the said notice.

He will also have to send a copy of the no-confidence notice to the pradhan of the gram panchayat with the direction to call a gram panchayat meeting under his chairmanship.

On receipt of the directions from the BDO, a meeting of the panchayat will be convened within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of such directions for the consideration of the motion at such a date and time as may be appointed by him.

In the event of casual vacancy in the office of the pradhan, the meeting for the consideration of the motion will be convened by the BDO within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice under sub-rule(1).

If the pradhan fails to call a meeting within the period specified in this sub-rule, all or any of the members of the gram panchayat, as the case may be, who has given the notice of the intention to move a resolution under sub-rule (1) will have to inform the BDO in writing requesting him to convene a meeting of the panchayat for consideration of the no-confidence motion.

The BDO within 15 days of the receipt of such a request will have to convene a meeting of the panchayat for the consideration of the motion at such a date and time as may be appointed by him.

At the meeting, the pradhan or the BDO, as the case may be, will have to ensure the quorum of three-fourth of the total elected members and read out the notice. If within two hours after the time appointed for the meeting, the quorum is not present, the meeting will stand dissolved and the motion will be deemed to have been defeated.

Interestingly, as per the new amendment, the chairman of the meeting (pradhan or the BDO) will not speak on the merits of the motion and the pradhan will not be entitled to vote.

However, the resolution needs to be passed by a majority of two-thirds of the members to remove the up-pradhan from the post.

Nurpur, January 9
The Himachal Pradesh Government Teachers Association, Kangra district, has urged Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal government to appoint a new chairman of the state board of school education. He should belong to the field of education and should be well acquainted with the education-related problems.

In a press note issued by Kangra association president Onkar Rana in which he said the government should give opportunity to an educationist to serve the education board.

He underlined the need to bring certain amendments in the existing education pattern in which every subject should be taught by at least one teacher in the middle and high schools and every class up to the primary level should have a teacher so that studies should not be suffered due to inadequate teaching staff.

He demanded that the board should provide text books free of cost to the pupils in government schools at the beginning of the academic session.

He also demanded changes in English text book of class VI to class VIII so that these could be in accordance to the I Q level of the rural background students.

Kumarhatti, January 9
A man was run over by an unidentified speeding vehicle near Baddi today. Mahesh Dass (57) hailed from Sulihaari village in Kangra district.

He was crossing the road when a vehicle hit him. He was employed as a security guard in a godown of Hindustan Lever Limited.

The driver of the vehicle fled away from the spot after hitting Mahesh. He sustained serious head injuries.

He was rushed to a hospital. He was declared brought dead at hospital. A case has been registered.

Chamba, January 9
Three heads of cattle alongwith a cowshed were perished in a fire at Kut village in Chamba district last night according to an official report reaching at the district headquarters today.

The official report said the livestock, including a buffalo, a jersey cow and its calf, which were tied in the cowshed could not be saved when the fire broke out abruptly despite best efforts of the villagers. But the adjoining vicinity was saved by the villagers with consistent efforts.

Revenue officials rushed to the incident site and provided immediate relief of Rs 10,000 to the two affected families whose livestock had been perished in the fire, the report confirmed.

Shimla, January 9
The government today decided to increase the support price for “B” and “C” grade of kinnow and sangtra and all grades of galgal by 50 paise per kg.

The “B” grade fruit will now be procured at the rate of Rs 5.35 per kg and the “C” grade fruit for Rs 4.75 per kg. Galgal will be procured for Rs 3.65 per kg. The decision was taken by the Cabinet here today.

It also approved the decision to increase the minimum daily wage from Rs 75 to Rs 100 per day and enhance the social security pension from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per month, announced earlier. It also decided to declare gazetted holidays for women on “Rakhi” and “Bhaiya Dooj”

In another important decision the government decided to make appointments against posts requiring professional qualifications on a seniority-cum-merit basis.

As per the decision 50 per cent of such vacant posts in various departments will be filled batchwise.

The Cabinet decided to adopt the BJP election manifesto as a policy document of the government. It also decided to hold the first session of the 11th Vidhan Sabha at Dharamsala from January 11.

There will be two sittings but the duration could be extended if required. The new Speaker and his deputy will be elected during the session. The draft of Governor’s Address to the House was also approved.

The Cabinet also reviewed the power situation and the measures being taken to meet the shortfall. The sharp fall in hydroelectric generation and decline availability from central generating agencies had reduced generation by over 3000 MW in the country.

As a result the daily availability in the state had gone down from 189 lakh units to 145 lakh units which forced the board to impose power cuts.

Dhumal appealed to the people not to waste energy and make optimum use of available power. He said the government had even purchased power at as high a rate as Rs 8.40 per unit during shortage and supplied it to people at 70 paise per unit.