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Things getting tough for state on financial front
Central Varsity
Residents holding a demonstration against shifting of a proposed central university to Dehra at Dharamsala on Monday. Photo: Kamaljeet
Red Cross societies hiding info sought under RTI Act
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Policy to allot hydel projects draws flak
4 selected for Asian junior ski meet
RC Negi, president of the Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association, along with four selected skiers. Photo: MC Thakur
State to spend Rs 2,094 cr on education
Sports bodies’ appeal to Kaul Singh
Efforts on to deliver justice at lower level, says Dhumal
110 kg of charas seized, 4 held
CM presides over ITI function
Vivekananda’s teachings highlighted
Efforts on to help disabled, says minister
Panchayats get penal powers
Five held for wood smuggling
Notification on inspection of voters’ list
BJP poll panel to meet in New Delhi
Human error behind train derailment
34 evacuated from tribal areas
12 khair logs seized
Sharma new Shimla MC Commissioner
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Things getting tough for state on financial front
Shimla, January 12 The exercise to finalise the annual plan for the next year has been started and Chief Minister PK Dhumal will hold meetings with legislators for the purpose on January 15 and 16. However, a close look at the state’s financial health makes it obvious that the increase in plan size (Rs 2,400 crore for the current year) will be nominal compared to previous two years when the state saw plan spending jump by 15 per cent. The state did reasonably well in achieving the targets set under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act over the past three years mainly due to buoyancy in VAT collection and unusual increase in non-tax revenue on account of sale of power. However, the situation has changed this year due to economic slowdown with growth of revenue from VAT declining from 25 to 15 per cent this year and it may go down further next year. The revenue from the power sector, which increased to over Rs 1,100 crore over the past four years, is likely to increase only marginally. Further, the state had been banking on special plan assistance from the Centre, which is also under fiscal stress due to slowdown. The Centre’s contribution in the current year’s plan amounted to Rs 1,377 crore, including a special assistance of Rs 450 crore, and the remaining amount has been raised through borrowings. He Centre has allowed the state to raise Rs 1,931 crore in the current year and the figure will go up further next year as it may find it hard to maintain the level of special assistance at last year’s level. The annual expenditure on salaries will go up from Rs 3,000 crore in the current year to Rs 4,000 crore due to pay revision and the government will require another Rs 3,000 crore to pay the arrears on this account. The total burden of salaries and pension will increase from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,200 crore and the committed debt liability will increase from
Rs 2,900 crore to Rs 3,100 crore. The state is veering off the fiscal-correction path chalked out by the World Bank to improve its financial health and it will not be able to bring down the budget deficit down to 3 per cent of the gross state domestic product as targeted under the FRBM. However, things may improve from 2010-11 when the recommendations of the 13th finance commission will come into force and the devolutions from the Centre would increase
substantially. |
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Dharamsala residents take to streets
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, January 12 The protesters were led by members of the ‘sangharsh committee’ formed by them to take up their cause. They alleged the government was doing injustice to the Dharamsala area. Kangra Congress MP Chander Kumar also joined the protest. He said the Centre had approved the university for Dharamsala. The announcement in that regarding was made by P Chidambaram when he visited the state on behalf of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, the present government was trying to shift the university venue to Dehra. Chander Kumar said the Congress would take up the issue with the Union Ministry of Human Resources. If the CM wanted to cater to Dehra, he should get new projects approved for it. The CM has been stating that the venue of the proposed central university will be decided by the Centre, although the government has offered land for the project near Dehra. To assuage the feeling of residents of the Dharamsala area, the government recently announced to set up a food and craft institute at Khaniara village. The CM would lay the foundation stone of the project later this month.
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Red Cross societies hiding info sought under RTI Act
Mandi, January 12 The RTI Act has exposed the malfunctioning of the District Red Cross Societies in the state as they are hiding information sought by RTI activist Lawan Thakur. Thakur has field an appeal in the State Information Commission (SIC) charging that the Red Cross Societies are not supplying him exact information on expenditure, income and cash receipts. According to RTI information sought here by the RTI activist, the Shimla, Kullu and Chamba Red Cross Societies have given some misleading information on expenditure, income and cash receipts, but the Red Cross Societies in Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Una have come out with various ruses hiding the exact information. The RTI information has exposed that these district societies collect money in the name of helping the poor patients, but they hide information on as to how they spend the money, Lawan Thakur charged. Interestingly, Shimla Red Cross Society claimed that it has 10 vehicles in 2006 out of which three are out of order. In 2003-04 same society stated that it had no vehicle raising questions about the way society dillydally on its stand, questioned Thakur, demanding probe into the whole affair. The district Red Cross societies of Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur and Sirmaur have supplied no information stating that they were not bound under the RTI to supply such information to the applicant. Even Red Cross Societies not only misuse funds and vehicles, but also they were not maintaining the proper cash books and audits, the RTI activist charged. Their functioning is no transparent and hence they hide information, he rued. Besides, each district Red Cross society have different pay for the secretary of the society, exposing the ad hoc approach of the Red Cross to its employees, the RTI revealed. The SIC had assured the RTI activist that the commission would look into the appeal and direct the concerned officials to supply the exact information.
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Policy to allot hydel projects draws flak
Shimla, January 12 Noted environment scientist Sunita Narain, who was in the state recently, has disapproved of the policy under which such projects were being allotted to private companies for execution. She said commercialisation of small hydropower potential would only benefit the private companies and its exploitation would not benefit the local communities. Commercialisation would certainly have implications for the fragile hill environment. The initiative to make the hill state carbon neutral was laudable, but it must rectify such policy aberrations. It should be ensured that the small hydropower potential was harnessed in such a way that it brings economic prosperity to the local people and helps in environment protection,
she asserted. The changes effected by the BJP government in the policy recently have virtually commercialised the small hydro sector. The amendments are against the policy of the Centre in letter and spirit. While the Union Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources is giving over Rs 6 crore for 5 MW project and over Rs 17 crore for a 25 MW project, the state government has decided to charge an upfront premium at the rate of Rs 10 lakh per megawatt for projects up to 5 MW and Rs 20 lakh per megawatt for projects of 5 to 25 MW capacity. Similarly, the Centre grants financial assistance for preparation of detailed project reports and various other works and also gives interest subsidy to encourage the execution of projects through the involvement of local people. However, the state has withdrawn the concession under which 12 per cent free power charged as royalty for projects up to 5 MW from independent power producers (IPPs) was waived for the first 12 years. As per the amended policy IPPs will be required to give 6 per cent of the power generated to the government as royalty free of cost for the first 12 years. The state’s policy clearly indicates that small hydropower projects are commercially viable and in such a situation there will be no justification for the Centre to grant subsidy and other incentives for such projects. |
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4 selected for Asian junior ski meet
Manali, January 12 As many as nine junior skiers from all over the country
participated. R.C.Negi, president of the Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association, said only junior skiers who secured first, second and third positions in Narkanda in February, 2008, would be selected for trials.
Rajat Thakur, Rashael Kanwal, Satyam Kainthla and Anchal Thakur were selcted for junior Alpine Lebanon meet. All the four belong to Himachal
Pradesh, the president of the HPWGA, added. |
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State to spend Rs 2,094 cr on education
Dharamsala, January 12 He said it was a matter of pride for the people of the state that it had been adjudged first in the country for imparting qualitative elementary education. He said the literacy rate of the state had gone up to around 85 per cent from was just 8 per cent in 1948. The government had envisaged ambitious JALMANI plan of Rs 111 crore. Under the plan, water purifiers would be installed in all educational institutions of the state so as to provide potable water to schoolchildren. The minister said the government would soon bring an amendment to the Town & Country Planning Act after which the rural population would not need to get maps of their buildings approved. He dwelt on the role of parents and teachers in shaping the career of students. Later, he gave away prizes to the students who excelled in education, sports and cultural activities. He also announced a grant of Rs 10,000 from his discretionary fund for the promotion of cultural activities in the school. Headmaster of the school OC Rana read out the annual report. A cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
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Sports bodies’ appeal to Kaul Singh
Shimla, January 12 Taking exception to his reported statements that strict action would be taken against those supporting J.P.Nadda and Anurag Thakur, president and general secretary, respectively , of the state Olympic association, representatives of five
state sports bodies lamented that the Congress leader was unnecessarily politicising affairs pertaining
to sports. They appreciated the efforts of Anurag in promoting sports in the state and asserted that the young MP who was himself a Ranji player had proved himself as a good sports administrator as president of the state cricket association. Stadiums were being constructed in all
districts and the state Olympic association was preparing to host the national games in the state in near future. When the president of the Indian Olympic Associating Suresh Kalmadi, who himself belonged to the Congress, had approved the election of Anurag and Nadda ,there was no reason for the state leaders
of the party to raise a hue and cry. |
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Efforts on to deliver justice at lower level, says Dhumal
Solan, January 12 He was addressing a public meeting at Kandaghat after laying the foundation stone of the Civil Hospital building to be constructed at a cost of Rs 2.44
crore. He spoke about various development works and welfare schemes being implemented by the government. He said Rs 352.58-crore Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Samridhi Yojna Poly House project was being implemented from January 1. The project would boost diversified farming activities and strengthen the economic condition of about 30,000 farmers in the state. He also said they had enhanced the SC Special Component Plan from 11 per cent during 2007-08 to 25 per cent during the current financial year. This would help in rapid development of villages having majority of SC population, he added. He said a sum of Rs 6.8 crore was being spent on the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in every assembly segment of the state. He was presented a draft for Rs 1 lakh by Health Minister Rajeev Bindal and Rs 21,000 by BJP workers as contributions towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund. Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of the District Welfare Office (to be built at a cost Rs 2.35 crore) and the office building of the district attorney at Solan (to be built at a cost of Rs 71.90
lakh). |
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110 kg of charas seized, 4 held
Chamba, January 12 The police party was on its routine patrol, but on a tip-off it conducted a foray near Sahoo village around 1.30 am and intercepted four charas smugglers, who had been carrying charas packed in pouches. Additional Superintendent of Police of Chamba Dr DK Choudhary said here today that the accused in the case had been identified as Chain Lal, a resident of Gharot village; Nanak Chand, a resident of Jukhrad village; Prem Lal and Tek Ram, both residents of Bagori village. The case under Section 20 of the NDPS Act has been registered, the ASP informed. |
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CM presides over ITI function
Solan, January 12 He said the government was keen to make these operational at the earliest. The Mandi-based IIT would commence courses in four disciplines from the current academic session. The foundation stone of the NIFT would be laid on January 21. He was addressing students and staff of the local ITI centre of excellence on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebrations this evening. Technical Education Minister Narinder Bragta, Health Minister Rajiv Bindal, Special Secretary-cum-Director (Technical Education) SS Guleria and MLAs were also present on the occasion.
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Vivekananda’s teachings highlighted
Kangra, January 12 He said the character of Swami Vivekananda was an inspiration to the youth and added that his teachings were contemporary. Vivekananda generated spiritual awareness in society and added that young generation should take inspiration from his teachings. Swami Subhodanand, regional chief of the Chinmayanad Mission, stressed upon the need to bring about uniformity in principles and behaviour which would go a long way in reducing the complexities of life. Twelve meritorious students of different schools too were given prizes in connection with the Youth Day today.
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Efforts on to help disabled, says minister
Shimla, January 12 This was stated by Minister for Public Works Gulab Singh Thakur while addressing a delegation of the Himachal Disabled Welfare Association here today. He said the government was committed to improve the lot of weaker sections of society for which a number of welfare schemes were being implemented. The government had increased the social security pension from Rs 200 to Rs 330 per month and the daily wages from Rs 75 to Rs 100 to help the needy. |
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Panchayats get penal powers
Nurpur, January 12 Confirming this local block development officer NR Thakur said today that the director-cum-special secretary of the Panchayati Raj in its letter no. PCH-HBC (15)4/07 H-37580-91 had empowered the gram panchayats to ensure open defecate free (ODF) by issuing orders to build toilets within specified period.
— OC |
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Five held for wood smuggling
Chamba, January 12 According to sources, arrested persons include Karma, Dorja, Tapka, Tebla and Guru Bahadur. A case against these accused has been registered under the Forest Conservation Act, the sources revealed. |
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Notification on inspection of voters’ list
Bilaspur, January 12 The notification says that these voters’ lists can be inspected in all election offices, including offices of the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM), tehsildars and naib tehsildars and at respective polling booths. |
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BJP poll panel to meet in New Delhi
Shimla, January 12 While the candidature of Anurag Thakur, the sitting MP from Hamirpur, has already been cleared, the party is yet to decide its nominees from the remaining three constituencies. With former Union Minister Shanta Kumar not interested in contesting election the party is looking for a winning candidate from Kangra seat. While Shanta Kumar had been pushing the candidature of Rajeev Bhardwaj, Chief Minister PK Dhumal is keen to field a minister. The names of Sarveen Chaudhary, Ramesh Dhwala and Krishan Kapoor are being mentioned in the party circles. However, the choice could fall on Rajan Sushant, the legislator from Jwali seat, as the party may opt for a Brahmin to maintain the caste balance. The views of Shanta Kumar will matter in the final choice. |
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Human error behind train derailment
Chandigarh, January 12 “Based on the available facts, the commissioner has come to a tentative conclusion that the accident was caused due to the failure of the railway staff,” said an official statement of the Ministry of Railways issued today. The train (253 Up) was running between Sanawar and Dharampur stations on the Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge when three coaches went of the tracks around 8.30 am. The train hit the outer wall of tunnel No.27 between the two stations. The train had seven coaches and was carrying 30 persons on the 100-year-old track, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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34 evacuated from tribal areas
Chandigarh, January 12 As many as 34 people, including some employees, were evacuated from the snow-bound tribal areas of Sangri in Lahaul-Spiti district and Killar in Chamba district by two choppers, a report said. Himachal continued to be under the impact of cold wave conditions with extreme cold conditions prevailing in tribal areas despite clear and sunny weather today. Heavy snowfall during the past few days had cut off most of tribal areas from the country where about 1 to 6 feet of snowfall had accumulated. The night temperatures continued to hover below freezing point in tribal areas. Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district, recorded the minimum temperature at -11.8°C while Kalpa town in Kinnar district recorded -4.5°C. Bhuntar, Dharamsala and Una also recorded a fall in the night temperature registering 1.2°C, 4.7°C and 1.1°C, respectively.
— UNI |
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12 khair logs seized
Nurpur, January 12 The driver, Sushil Kumar, son Brahamdass of Chhatar village, failed to produce legal documents of the khair logs. The local police arrested the driver this evening and registered a case. The Forest Department has impounded the van along with khair logs. |
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Sharma new Shimla MC Commissioner
Shimla, January 12 Secretary of the board MP Sood takes over as the managing director of the Himachal Cooperative Federation (HIMFED) vice Dhruv Vashishth who takes over as the additional controller of stores. |
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Hundreds of residents of Dharamsala today took to the streets against the government decision to shift the venue of the proposed central university to
Dehra.
Selection trials for skiers for the Asian Junior Alpine Ski Championship to be held in Lebanon on February 14 and 15, 2009 were organised by the Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association
(HPWGA), in collaboration with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering and Allied Sports,
Manali, here today at Solang ski slopes, 13 km from Manali.
