Shimla, October 12
Five PTA teachers, who started a fast unto death near the state secretariat, were forcibly taken away by the police, while another 46 teachers courted arrest in support of their demands.

The arrested teachers were taken to the Chhota Shimla police station in a bus. There were eight women protesters among those arrested.

Vice-president of the PTA Teachers Association Pankaj Kumar alleged the police seized mobile phones and other belongings of the arrested teachers.

Members of the association were not being allowed to get in touch with them.

He said they would not be cowed down by such repressive measures and would continue with their stir till their demands were accepted.

He asserted that the “jail bharo andolan” would continue and around 100 persons would court arrest everyday.

The association alleged that the government was violating their democratic right of holding protest by going on a fast.

For the past one week, a batch of five members of the association had been
sitting on an indefinite fast everyday. However, they were forcibly bundled off
on every occasion.

The association is planning to approach the high court for preventing the police from forcibly removing those sitting on fast.

It also plans to make their stir a mass movement by involving common people.

Meanwhile, an Education Department spokesman said numerous irregularities had been found in the appointments made through parent-teacher associations (PTAs).

He said qualification and merit were ignored while favouritism played an important role in the appointments.

Candidates were given appointments without inviting applications and advertising the posts and in some cases the applicants did not even appear for the interview.

He said that the government had received 134 complaints from the Rohru area out of which 63 appointees were recommended for discontinuation of service.

It was unjustified and against government policy to show door to all PTA appointees.

The government should start a dialogue with the agitating PTA appointees so that students did not suffer.

Shimla, October 12
The government will examine the possibility of incorporating entry of the ‘Sikh’ community into revenue records after taking all related aspects into consideration.

This was stated by Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal while addressing the gathering on the concluding day of the two-day Guruta Gaddi Nashini 300 year celebrations at the historic Ridge Maidan, here today.

Shankracharya of Kanchipuram Jayendra Saraswati and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh were among those who addressed the congregation today.

The Chief Minister said the Guru Granth Sahib was a sacred scripture and the teachings of Sikhism it contained were more relevant in the present day context. The devotees could lead a successful life by following the teachings.

He congratulated all members of the community on the celebration of the Guruta
Gaddi Nashini.

Dhumal said the state government would consider the demand of the community to get ‘Sikh’ word entered in revenue records to help establish their identity.

The state government had also provided certificate of Dogra community to the oustees of various hydroelectric projects executed in the state during the earlier years of Independence.

The oustees had contributed significantly by giving their ancestral land for the projects and in recognition of the sacrifice they made the state government was committed to protect their interests at all level.

Dhumal said Sikh community had given a fair representation in different government organisations and all possible help would be extended to the community for setting up educational institution in periphery of the city.

Virbhadra Singh said Sikhs were an integral part of the society and the successive Congress regimes had strived to ensure that all communities developed economically to help build a prosperous hill state.

Shankracharya also gave a brief address eulogising the contribution of Sikh Gurus.

President of the local Shri Guru Singh Sabha Ravail Singh apprised the Chief Minister of the demands of the Sikh community particularly the difficulties the members faced in obtaining the minority certificate.

President of the state Congress committee Kaul Singh Thakur, Punjab Cultural Affairs Minister Hira Singh Bagriya, local MLA Suresh Bhardwaj, former minister Hari Narayan Singh Saini, state BJP general-secretary and chairman of the State Cooperative Bank Khushi Ram Balnatah were among those who attended the celebrations.

Shimla, October 12
Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal today snubbed member of the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from Paonta Sahib Kartar Singh Takkar for raising objection to the Shankaracharaya of Kanchipuram Jayendra Saraswati sitting on his “chowki” during the Guruta Gaddi Nashini celebrations.

Dhumal said Sikh gurus and Sikhism preached respect for all religions and Takkar should have refrained from raising such a matter during such an important religious function of the community.

More so because revered Jayendra Saraswati had been gracious enough to make it all the way from Kanchi to Shimla on a short notice just to attend the “sarva dharm” sammelan. The gesture reflected his respect for the Sikh gurus and Sikhism.

He said such celebrations helped in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and raising trivial matters to create ill will among communities was patently wrong.

The Shankaracharyas have been traditionally using the “chowki” made of sandalwood as the seat.

Takkar had said since the holy book of Sikhs said all human beings were equal, anyone’s sitting on a higher pedestal was against the tenets.

Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh did not fail to welcome the Shankaracharya, who cancelled all his scheduled engagements to attend the celebrations.

Dalhousie, October 12
Dalhousie Public School (DPS) celebrated founder’s day here today. Various dance, aerobics and other skills were performed by schoolchildren to mark the occasion.

In a sober gesture, the children released hundreds of balloons accompanied with a welcome dance. Dance performances by tiny tots were appreciated by the audience.

Reading out the progress report, director-principal G.S. Dhillon highlighted the performance of the students in different fields during the past two years.

Established in 1970, the school houses at least 1,250 students, out of which at least 1,000 are hostellers, from different parts of the country.

The school was awarded a certificate of excellence in computer education by the ministry of communication and information recently.

Dr Dhillon received the award for his outstanding contribution towards the cause of education by the CBSE in 2007.

The chief guest, Lt Gen Vinay Sharma, General Officer Commanding, 9 Corps, lauded the school for special interest shown by the school towards instilling a deep sense of pride in the institution, particularly in maintaining the general environs of the school.

Mr H.K. Dua, Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune group of publications, was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Dharamsala, October 12
Sonam Choedon, a Tibetan girl, who came into exile to India in December 2007, was today crowned Miss Tibet 2008 at the pageant that concluded here today.

She was given a cash award of Rs 1 lakh. Lots of yelling Tibetan girls egged the participants on as part of audience.

Just two participants marked controversial Miss Tibet 2008 contest. Interestingly, though none of the local Tibetan girls staying at McLeodganj or the surrounding area mustered the courage to participate in the contest, but they aired their pent up feeling for being a part of the event by applauding every move of the participants.

The 7th Miss Tibet contest that was organised at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) started with fire works around 7.30 pm.

The Tibetan showman and organiser of the contest Lobsang Wyangal made an impressive entry in shining violet designer suite and his trademark long hair flowing over his shoulders.

He spoke at length in Tibetan justifying the organisation of the show that has been facing opposition from the hard line advocates of Tibetan culture.

The participants in the show included Jamyang Chentso (22), born in Bir settlement of Tibetans in Himachal Pradesh. She has studied up to class X and works as a receptionist in a country club in Delhi.

The only other participant in the event was 25-year-old Sonam Choedon. She was born in Lithang area in Kham province of eastern Tibet.

She has studied up to class VII in Tibet. She came into exile in India in December 2007. She could only speak Tibetan fluently, but said she was in the process of learning Hindi and English.

Hamirpur, October 12
Health minister Rajiv Bindal has said that Himachal has attained top three positions in several fields as per the recent national family health survey report.

The state has reported the lowest number of cases of family atrocities (six in 1,000) in the country.

He said this while speaking after inaugurating a free health check-up camp organised by the Sarv Kalyankari Sabha at Chabutra here today.

“As per the survey, the child mortality rate in the state is 35 as against the national average of 55, contraceptive measures are being adopted by 76 per cent people, reproduction rate is 1.9 against the national average of two and the rate of anaemia cases is 54.6 per cent as against the national average of 80,” he said.

The state would soon have an ayurvedic university and 15 ayurvedic and medical colleges, he said.

MP Anurag Thakur lauded the role of the sabha in the field of social service and greeted the doctors organizing the camp.

MLA Urmil Thakur thanked the state pharmacist association for providing medicines worth Rs 8 lakh for free distribution during the camp.

President of the sabha Rajinder Rana also spoke on the occasion. Director of Chandigarh medical college and orthopaedist Raj Bahadur and cardiologist Yash Pal Sharma were among the team of specialists who examined patients at the camp.

Hamirpur, October 12
The three-day long 25th state-level sports meet for rural women began here today with a march past by participating teams from all 12 districts of the state which was inaugurated by education minister I.D. Dhiman.

Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Dhiman said, “Girls have taken lead in every sphere of life today. They are excelling in sports too which is a matter of pride for our society and it is our duty to encourage and provide them with all facilities.”’

Dhiman said, “The government is committed to uplift the standard of sports in state and crores are being spent to create better sports facilities and infrastructure.”

Speaking on the occasion MP Anuarg Thakur said, “Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association will provide Rs 2 crore for organising school games in the state and making efforts for over all development of sports.”

Local MLA Urmil Thakur, director of Sports K.R. Bharti and joint-director of sports Suman Rawat Mehta were also present on this occasion. Nerly 600 girls are participating in this sports meet.

Hamirpur, October 12
The 11th annual technical students’ national convention being organised by the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and hosted by the NIT, Hamirpur, jointly with the IIT, Delhi, concluded here today.

Prof N. Ramchandran, vice-chancellor of the PM University of Technical Education, Tamil Nadu, was the chief guest at the valedictory function while Prof A.Q. Ansari from Jamia Milia University, Delhi, was the guest of honour.

Students from technical institution from all over the country presented their research papers and participated in different activities.

This year’s theme for the convention was ‘Skill development and employability’.

Abhinav Pradhan of the electronics department from the NIT, Hamirpur, and
Sarbhajeet Sarkar from Kalinga Technical University, Orissa, were selected for
participating in the global collegium being organised in South Africa from October
17 to 24.

Development coordinator of the ISTE R. Hariharan said, “Twentyfive students have been selected to participate in the Asian meet of the ISTE to be held at Kalinga Technical University, Bhubaneswar.”

He said the ISTE would send a team of five students to the USA on the invitation of the American Society of Engineering Students next year. Thirty students were honoured during the convention.

The car was on way from Chandigarh to Kullu. Later, all three were released on bail.

Bilaspur, October 12
A deputation of HP Attorneys (Prosecutors) Association led by its chief patron and director HP prosecution H.S. Rana and association state president Vinod Chaudhry met Punjab Fifth Pay Commission chairman R.P. Tuteja and other members of the commission at Chandigarh last evening.

They presented a detailed memorandum, pressing their long pending demand of
better pay-scales, status and facilities at a par with other categories of their
counterpart officers.

Addressing mediapersons here today afternoon, association state press secretary Naresh Ghai said they stressed that all categories of the Prosecution Department should be given better pay-scales as they were getting earlier, before 1973, when the Prosecution Department was separated from the Police Department under provisions of the Central Act.

They said it was after this event that they were ignored in these matters.

The deputation suggested proper pay-scales for their various categories at par with other categories of officers, which were earlier equal to these categories.

Bilaspur, October 12
SP K.K. Indoria flagged off a 10-day sailing expedition of 1 (HP) Naval Unit NCC in Gobindsagar at Luhnu ghat here today.

Indoria said such expeditions not only train youths to boldly face any challenging situations, but also give them confidence to prove equal to any future emergency.

Commanding officer Commander T.R. Bashishtha said 40 senior cadets from Government Postgraduate College, Bilaspur, and Government College, Sarka ghat, are participating in this expedition in which they would be trained in sailing, boat pulling, life saving drills, swimming and semaphore.

He said this expedition would cover a water distance of 480 km and would travel
and touch stations like Rishikesh, Jyori Pattan, Nakrana, Malraon, Prohian, Raipur
maidan and Lathiani.

He said the main aim of this expedition is to enhance capability of cadets both physically and psychologically.

He said Gobindsagar was the best water body available here in this region for all kinds of water activities.

A team of experts and special instructors from Indian Navy Prikshit Kumar, Sanjeev Thakur, Ranbir Singh, Gurpartap Singh, Satish Kumar, Kiran Kant and Mahinder Kumar is accompanying this expedition.

Shimla, October 12
The Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank will now finance micro hydel projects up to 5-MW at the rate of Rs 6 crore per MW.

The decision to this effect was taken at the 330th meeting of the board of directors of the bank, held here on Saturday.

The chairman of the bank, Khushi Ram Balnatah informed that it had also been decided to open seven new subdivisional offices in four districts, besides the existing district offices for better monitoring and strengthening the control mechanism over various branches.

Among other decisions, the board approved the terms and conditions agreed to between the bank and the enforcement agencies for effective recovery from chronic defaulters of the bank.

A decision was also taken to sanction 20 per cent bonus and ex-gratia, equal
to two months salary to the bank employees who are not covered under the
Bonus Act for 2007-08.

This would be released on the Diwali within the provisioned amount of 10 per
cent of the net profit of the bank as per Rule 72 of the HP Cooperative Societies
Rules, 1971.

Shimla, October 12
The state government will provide all possible assistance to the Sood community for the construction of one more “serai” in the city.

This was stated by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while inaugurating one-day Sood mela here today.

The mela was organised by the local Sood Sabha. Dhumal asked members of the community to identify suitable land in consultation with the local revenue authorities so that necessary modalities could be completed to transfer the same to the sabha.

He said the government would construct a parking lot near crematorium. He said the Sood community had produced personalities of eminence and all major business establishments were created and nourished by members of the community.

He said the TB sanatorium at Tanda was also built by Rai Bahadur Jodha Mal Kuthiala, a member of the Sood community.

He gave away prizes to the winners of various events organised on the occasion.

President of the sabha Ramesh Chand Sood spoke about various activities of the sabha and also raised some demands of the community.

He presented a draft of Rs 1,11,111 to Dhumal as contribution towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Local MLA Suresh Bhardwaj and mayor Narinder Kataria were among those present on the occasion. A cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.

Nahan, October 12
Three occupants of a truck (PB-11J-5325) were killed on the spot as it rolled into a 500-metre deep gorge at Saintara on the Sangrah-Pallar road this morning.

All occupants belong to Punjab as per police sources. As per police sources, the truck loaded with iron plates was on way to Lana Pallar where a mini hydroelectric project is being constructed.

The driver of the truck failed to negotiate a sharp curve at Saintara and the truck rolled into the deep gorge.

An eyewitness, Yoginder Kapila, ex-chief of beopar mandal, was among the people who first reached the spot.

He said after the accident took place tehsildar J. C. Sharma, SHO Madan Thakur and local villagers immediately rushed to the spot.

He said the bodies were badly crushed and were hanging in the bushes on the dangerous steep slope of the gorge.

After an exercise of over five hours the bodies could be brought on the roadside.

The ill-fated truck had come from Samana (Punjab) and is owned by Ram Adhar, a local resident of Samana.

Driver of the truck Rajender Patil (36), who died on the spot, was the son of the owner of the truck.

Another person who died on the spot has been identified as Rinku (17), a resident of Samana, while the third body was not identified till this noon.

The police has registered a case and the bodies have been sent for postmortem examination. The police has informed the owner of the truck.