Shimla, July 1
In an apparent hardening of the stand on the issue of PTA appointees Chief Minister P.K.Dhumal said here today that his government had a clear-cut policy not to appoint teachers through PTAs in future.

Talking to mediapersons he said PTA appointees were not government employees and their agitation was uncalled for. The government had adopted a liberal, democratic approach on the issue and the whole issue was discussed threadbare in the Vidhan Sabha. The opposition Congress had also agreed that cases where merit or seniority had been ignored should be looked into. The government had also released Rs 13.22 crore for paying their salaries.

As inquiry had not been completed even in a single case so far, Dhumal said he was at a loss to understand the reasons for the agitation started by PTA appointees. He said the PTAs concerned could terminate the services of those who were abstaining from duty. Even otherwise, the government would provide teachers to such schools either through transfers or fresh recruitment. The PTAs were free to appoint teachers to supplement the government effort but they would have to do it from their own resources.

Replying to a question regarding the controversy over the allotment of hydroelectric projects to the Brakel Corporation he said he was not in favour of giving a personal hearing to the company, it should discuses all matters with the department concerned. The final decision would be taken by the Cabinet after taking all aspects into consideration.

He said the proposal mooted by him regarding the construction of a rail broad gauge line from Pathankot to Leh via Manali as a strategic project from the defence point of view had evoked an encouraging response. The Centre held a meeting two days ago about carrying out a preliminary survey. The most encouraging feature was that the private sector had also shown interest in the proposal. 

Shimla, July 1
The firing incident that claimed the life of a worker and left several others injured at Virgo Metallic Appliances Private Limited at Shoghi yesterday could have been averted had the police and the administration taken necessary steps in view of the unrest prevailing for the past some time.

The Virgo Tigaksha Workers Union, Shoghi, had given a prior notice to the SP, the DC and the Labour Commissioner about holding a gate meeting on the factory premises. The intimation letter was signed by general secretary of the union Dinesh Sharma. The workers had conveyed through the letter that the management had not agreed to hold talks with them and hence they would hold a gate meeting on the factory premises.

Despite having prior information, only an additional SHO and five police personnel were sent to the factory around 2 pm. With more than 150 workers holding protest, a handful of policemen couldn’t handle the situation.

SP R.M. Sharma said six persons were sent there after the management expressed apprehension that there could be a trouble.

Since there were reports of pellets in soft tissues of the injured, the police was also probing into the fact whether any other weapon, besides five pistols and revolvers confiscated by the police, was also used in the incident.

The police is also investigating into the fact whether the five persons who opened fire were hired only for the security purpose or they were armed workers. It is learnt that the management has told the police that the five persons booked under Section 302 of the IPC are workers of the factory. “We will check the attendance record to check whether they were workers or hired goons,” said a senior police officer.

The police has arrested five persons and taken five licensed weapons in its possession. The management has also lodged a cross case under Sections 147 and 427 of the IPC. Those arrested yesterday have been remanded in police custody till July 5.

Meanwhile, the body of the youth killed in the firing was cremated at Khatnol village today. Hailing from an IRDP family, he had three sisters, a younger brother and a handicapped mother in the family.

Shimla, July 1
Various workers’ unions, including the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), CPM and CITU, today staged a dharna and held a condolence meeting outside Virgo Metallic Appliances Pvt Ltd, Shoghi, following the killing of a youth in a shooting incident.

CITU also took out a protest rally through the capital against the management of the company and handed over a memorandum to the DC. Demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident they said strict action should be taken against the management for gross violation of labour laws. CITU also demanded that private security guards in various companies should not be allowed to keep arms.

Condemning the incident local MLA Sohan Lal demanded action against the company and urged the administration to extend financial help to the family of the deceased and the injured.

State BMS president Surinder Thakur refuted the claim of the management that they were forced to open fire for their own safety

Hamirpur: The state unit of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has condemned firing incident that took place at Supermax blade unit at Shoghi yesterday.

CITU general secretary Kashmir Singh has accused the company of not implementing labour laws.

The general manger of the company hired persons who opened fire on peacefully protesting workers, he said.

NURPUR: The state unit of INTUC has condemned the incident of firing on peacefully agitating workers of Virgo Metallic Appliances Limited at Shoghi in Shimla district on Monday.

In a joint statement issued by state INTUC senior general secretary Sita Ram Saini, vice-president Ramesh Saini and general secretary Rajnesh Sharma have urged Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal to take such happenings seriously and order the authorities concerned to take stern action against the guilty.

Bilaspur, July 1
The Department of Information and Public Relations organised various competitions on prohibition for Bilaspur (Sadar) block at Government Senior Secondary School, Kallar, last evening.

School principal Gajjan Singh Thakur presided over the function and distributed prizes to the winners. District public relations officer (DPRO) Amar Singh Thakur was also present on the occasion.

In declamation, Shailja of Government Senior Secondary School, Bhaged, stood first, Veen Thakur of GSSS-Chhadole came second while Sureyya of GSSS-Kothipura was ranked third among juniors. Among seniors, Deepika of GSSS-Bassi, Rachna Kumari of GSSS-Kallar and Sonia of GSSS (girls)-Bilaspur stood first, second and third, respectively.

In on-the-spot painting contest, Jatinder Kumar of GSSS-Namhole, Manisha Rani GSSS (girls)-Bilaspur and Raksha Kumari GSSS-Kallar stood first, second and third, respectively, among juniors. Among seniors, the top three positions were grabbed by Kamani of GSSS-Ragunathpura, Suresh Kumar of GSSS-Barmana and Anu Maratha of GSSS-Namhole.

In slogan writing, Rajat Thakur of GSSS-Kallar, Shashi Kant of GSSS-Ghagus and Reena Kumari of GSSS-Chhadole got top three positions among juniors. Shyam Kumar of GSSS-Bassi, Sangeeta Kumari of GSSS-Barmana and Shivani Gautam of GSSS-Pajgain stood first, second and third, respectively, among seniors.

Amar Singh Thakur said contests for Jhanduttan block were held at Government Senior Secondary School, Gehadwin. The deputy director (information and public relations), Central Zone, Mandi, presided over the function there.

In declamation, Ankit Gauttam of GSS-Gehadwin, Sudeeksha Sharma of GSSS-Jhandutta, Rishav Soni of GSSS-Daslehada bagged top three positions among juniors, while Ankita of GSSS-Jejwin, Pooja Kumari of GSSS-Gehadwin, Rachana of GSSS-Gandhir bagged these positions among seniors.

In on-the-spot paining competition, Anisha of GSSS-Gehadwin, Anupam Sharma of GSSS-Jejwin and Rohit Kumar of GSSS-Kosariyan stood first, second and third, respectively, among juniors. Among seniors, these positions were bagged by Ramnish Chand of GSSS-Gehadwin, Anupama Rana of GSSS-Gandhir and Poonam Kumari of GSSS-Jhandutta.

In slogan writing, Anuradha (Jablu), Anjana Devi (Salwaad), Kartikeya Sharma (Bhadoli-Kalan) bagged top three positions among juniors, while Pooja (Jejwin), Soma Devi (Salwad ) and Nisha Sharma (Dhanathar) ranked at the top among seniors.

Shimla, July 1
Accusing the government of following a policy of minority appeasement, the VHP today demanded that the land leased out to the Amarnath Shrine Board be given back or else it would launch a countrywide agitation.

Addressing a press conference here today, state VHP general secretary Balram Sharma said that the sentiments of Hindus all over the country had been hurt by the decision of the government not to lease out land to the Amarnath Shrine Board.

“When the Cabinet had already approved the move what compelled the government to drop the proposal when it concerned the convenience of thousands of pilgrims who undertake the Amarnath yatra,” he quipped. It was clear that all this had been done by the government with an eye on the elections in Jammu and Kashmir in November.

He said when Haj houses had been made all over the country in areas having Hindu population then how can leasing out of land for the Amarnath yatra cause trouble in J&K,” he said. In case the government does not accept the demands of the VHP, a nationwide stir would be launched. He said when Muslims going on Haj could be given a Rs 150-crore subsidy why this discriminatory approach against the Hindus by the government. “The situation in J&K is very explosive as pro-Pakistan slogans are being raised and Pakistan flags fluttering atop houses and other buildings,” he said.

He said the government had succumbed to pressure from fundamentalist Muslim outfits with an eye on elections.

Shimla, July 1
The state government will come out with a policy for persons with disabilities within two months, minister for social justice and empowerment Sarveen Chaudhary said while presiding over a workshop on disability rights here today. The workshop was organised by the Society for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies. Over 90 disabled children from different schools of the town participated in the workshop.

“Welfare schemes have been implemented for the welfare of disabled and special children in the state and they are being given free education upto the university level,” she said.

She informed that 23,011 special children were getting education under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan wheras 2,465 such children were being provided education under the ‘education at doorstep’ programme. As many as 548 disabled persons had been given government jobs in a phased manner.

She appreciated the efforts of NGOs for facilitating the rehabilitation of disabled persons. She welcomed the suggestions given by participants and said these would be kept in mind while framing the policy for disabled persons.

Kangra, July 1
A man got the heads of his 21-year-old wife and two children tonsured following a quarrel between the two on the issue of dowry last evening.

Kangra district police chief Atul Fulzele today said that Sonia Kumari, mother of two and wife of Sanjeev Kumar of Donga Bazar locality, had lodged a complaint with the police that her husband got her head forcibly shaved following a quarrel on the issue of dowry. She alleged Sanjeev called barber Tek Chand and got her head shaved.

Police chief said Sanjeev Kumar and Tek Chand had been arrested and a case under Sections 498-A, 342, 355, 509, 323 and 120-B of the IPC registered. Bansoo Devi, aunt of Sanjeev Kumar, has also been arrested.

Shimla, July 1
Terming the legal notice served by the Dhumal government on PCC chief Viplove Thakur as a calculated move to stifle the voice of opposition, Congress general secretary Kuldeep Rathore said today that the party would not be cowed down by such attempts and continue to expose the shortcomings in the implementation of various schemes started by the UPA government for the welfare of people.

Addressing a press conference here today he said it was for the first time in the history of state that a government had threatened to institute defamation proceedings against the president of the main opposition party, who also happens to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, for highlighting irregularities in implementation of schemes. He said there were several complaints in the implementation of the centrally sponsored National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) and it was the duty of the party to highlight these in public interest.

He said the motive of the government behind the move was quite obvious as the notice had not reached Viplove Thakur, it had only been released to the Press. The party would decide further action to be taken in the matter only after its gets a copy of the notice. However, the party had decided to set up a committee to monitor the implementation of NREGA which would highlight irregularities being committed across the state.

Terming the six-month BJP regime as a saga of all-round failures Rathore said that the government had added to the woes of the people by increasing the bus fares by 25 per cent and effecting steep revision of electricity tariff. Not only that the Chief Minister had outrightly rejected the demand for reduction in VAT on diesel, cooking gas and petrol and instead asserted that the BJP would make price rise the main issue in the 2009 Lok Sabha poll.

He said it was amusing that Chief Minister P.K.Dhumal was blaming the UPA government for price rise but taking credit for all schemes sanctioned by the Centre to speed up development activities and strengthen the economy of the state. The state had been given a central university, an IIT and a Rs 3200-crore Asian Development Bank loan for hydroelectric projects. 

Shimla, July 1
Himachal has requested the Centre to sanction Rs 27 crore for the installation of a hail-control system in the fruit belt of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Chamba districts to save them from damage.

Horticulture minister Narender Bragta made this request to Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar at a meeting in New Delhi today. He also submitted a detailed report in this regard and said that the government proposed to install 40 anti-hail guns to save the fruit and crops from damage.

He added four radars would also have to be installed to provide protection to about 4,000 hectares of fruit and vegetable growing area. “By installing these anti-hail guns the state will save apple, other fruits and vegetables worth Rs 45.92 crore which are lost due to hailstorms,” he said.

He said hailstorms is a major cause for extensive qualitative and quantitative damage to farmers and fruit growers, particularly apple. “During 2007-08, fruit crop worth Rs 105.37 crore was destroyed due to hailstorms in the state while the loss suffered by the apple crop this season had already been quantified at Rs 228.1 crore,” he said.

Bragta said the growers at present were using anti -ail nets to protect their crop but they were very expensive and required a lot of labour for installation and removal. He also raised the issue of charging 8 per cent commission from Himachali fruit growers by Delhi commission agents.

Dharamsala, July 1
The state government has decided to lift water from Pong and Bhakra lakes to quench the thirst of drought-hit Dehra subdivision in the Kangra and Kutlehar constituencies of Una district.

Ministers start sitting in D’sala As per a promise made by the CM, ministers have started sitting at the Dharamsala secretariat on weekly basis to address problems of the local residents. Ministers from Kangra district will sit at the secretariat on a rotation basis.

Minister for public health and irrigation Ravinder Ravi said Dehra and Kutlehar areas faced drinking water shortage due to depleting water level in the reservoirs of various drinking water projects. The government had to spend huge money on supplying water through tankers in these areas, he added.

Officials of the Department of Public Health had been asked to finalise projects for lifting water from Gobind Sagar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh lakes so that perennial supply of drinking water could be ensured to these areas, he said.

Earlier, the government had not been lifting water from these lakes saying that Punjab and Haryana had the exclusive rights over the water collected in these reservoirs as per the agreements related to these projects.

The result: Even Bhakra village, the land of which was used to construct the Bhakra Dam, did not have a regular water supply. After the matter was highlighted in these columns, the BBMB ensured regular drinking water supply to the village. However, other villages along the said lakes were supplied water through tankers in summers. These villages also lacked permanent irrigation facilities. Around 80 per cent of the wheat crop was damaged in the Kutlehar area this year due lack of irrigation facilities.

Shimla, July 1
Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Santosh Chowdhary has said that the sanitation workers are overworked and underpaid, as a result of which their plight continues to be miserable.

Addressing a press conference here today, she said there were only about 400 sanitation workers in the Shimla Municipal Corporation while over 1,000 were needed. They were living in dilapidated old houses constructed during the British rule. They were also not provided with any masks and other equipment for carrying out their duties safely and as such were exposed to health hazards.

The state had not made much progress in the rehabilitation of 3,269 workers identified for the purpose. The government agencies informed the commission that training was provided to about 100 workers in various trades. The commission was not satisfied with the effort. The state had received Rs 8 crore in 2006 for taking various steps for their welfare, but Rs 3.22 crore had not been utilised so far.

Mandi, July 1
The issue of the appointment of over 20 chairpersons or vice-chairpersons of the state public sector undertakings (PSUs) might get into the reverse gear as the aspirants for the PSUs berths fear that the code of conduct may throw a spanner in this as soon as the Lok Sabha polls are announced by the chief election commissioner of India.

Sources in the BJP told The Tribune that the BJP’s “core group”, including Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and party affairs in charge Satyapal Jain, had “discussed the issue of appointment of chairpersons or vice-chairpersons of the PSUs on the sidelines of the Manali Manthan working committee meeting” held at Manali on June 21-22.

But nothing has turned out so far and a further delay may put the entire issue on the backburner, sources added.

What has complicated the problem for Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is the fact that the “party had decided well in advance before the last Assembly polls that the PSUs posts would go to the leaders who were denied the party tickets”. The party had also decided that the MLAs or candidates, who got the party tickets, but lost the elections, would not get the PSUs berths once the BJP comes to power, sources added.

The BJP “blue-eyed candidates” in the race for PSUs berths from both factions-one representing national vice-president Shanta Kumar and another CM Prem Kumar Dhumal-have been eyeing the posts. So far, the IAS officers are running the show in the PSUs, they added. They revealed that they deserve sharing of the “power cake” in the state as it is for the first time that the BJP had formed the government on its own in the state.

But the “BJP hopefuls” feared that they would not get the opportunity even after five months of the BJP rule in the state as the appointments might be delayed for months as soon as the election commissioner of India announce the general Lok Sabha polls in the country.

They pointed out that the Lok Sabha dates could be announced anytime considering the “turn of events” in J&K and Uttar Pradesh and UPA’s chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s statement sounding a recent “poll alert for Congress workers” in the country.

Satyapal Jain, when quizzed on this issue said, “The party stands by its commitment. But it is also aware as to who has to be assigned which responsibility and so far the party has not discussed it.”