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Power tariffs reduced
Shimla, Hamirpur as solar cities
Rural cancer services launched
Stringent law to check encroachments proposed
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More foodgrain quota for APL families sought
Revised pay scales for staff
Drought Loss
Waste Hazard
MLA ‘hurt’ at not being invited
Adulteration found in desi ghee samples
30 hurt in bus mishap
Oustees stage protest
Fingerlings of ‘rainbow trout’ dropped
BJP workers air grievances before party
NSUI activists hold protest
Panchayat chief booked
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Power tariffs reduced
Shimla, August 24 The demand charges for small and medium industry have been reduced by Rs 50 per KVA to offset the adverse impact of working only in one shift. It will mean a 15 paisa per unit reduction in tariff for the segment. Simultaneously, the commission has also reduced energy charges for large industry by 15 paise per unit, to effect a drop of 7 per cent of the basal tariff. The net impact of this reduction is estimated to be Rs 47.43 crore. Announcing the tariff order for 2009-10 here today, chairman of the commission, Yogesh Khanna, said the reduction in energy charges would help to circumvent the recessionary phase in the life cycle of industry in the state. It should go a long way in improving the bottom line of industry in a state which had locational disadvantage. The commission had watched with a degree of dismay the impact of recession, the economic downturn and degrades in capital formation in the national system, as well as for industry in the state. The tariff for all domestic consumers consuming power up to 150 units per month has been reduced from 90 to 70 paise per unit (after subsidy). The rates for 151 to 300 units ( Rs 1.70 paise per unit) and above 300 units ( Rs 2.45 per unit) will remain unchanged. The net impact of the reduction will be Rs 11.39 crore which will reduce the burden on the government which is providing a subsidy of Rs 140 to the domestic and agriculture categories. The tariffs for all the other categories like non-commercial non-domestic, commercial, street lighting and bulk supply remain unchanged. The commission lamented that much higher benefit could have been passed to consumers by way of reduced tariffs but for the slow pace of power sector reforms in the state which still remains a back-water and one of the few which have not been able to implement the major thrust of Electricity Act, 2003. The average cost of power supply has come down from Rs 3.68 to Rs 3.62 per unit. The aggregate revenue requirement of the board has been assessed at Rs 2341 crore whereas the revenue from sale of power has been assessed at Rs 2483.59 crore, leading to a surplus of Rs 142.65 crore, to be utilised by the commission to offset the impending revision in tariffs of central sector generating stations, the likely impact of the implementation of the pay commission recommendations and the variations in the projections made in the
tariff order. |
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Shimla, Hamirpur as solar cities
Shimla, August 24 The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held here today between Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah. Abdullah said the union ministry would be extending all possible assistance to the state to help execute mini and micro hydroelectric projects. He said he had been personally visiting every state to sensitise the administration about the lasting benefits of renewable energy and people in general needed to be motivated to incorporate solar energy system into their day-to-day activities to minimise energy bills. The Government of India would soon come out with the National Solar Policy, which was likely to be launched on November 14, 2009, offering vast incentives to the user of solar energy in the country. The ministry would also be training local youths in maintenance of the different solar systems. The state had many prominent religious shrines, which could avail the solar system for energy and kitchen purposes. The ministry had launched 'Griha' scheme aimed at creating quality solar infrastructure for domestic and commercial purposes. It would also be providing financial assistance for solar lighting of Raj Bhawan, Civil Secretariat and other important offices. Dhumal detailed the steps taken by the state for speedy exploitation of hydel power potential of 23,185-MW and future plans to achieve the objective. The state had set a target of commissioning 1,075-MW capacity projects by 2014. In all, 292 micro projects up to 5-MW had been allotted during the past one year of which 273 projects with aggregate capacity of 456-MW had been allotted to Himachali entrepreneurs. Deepak Gupta, secretary, Ministry of New Renewable Energy, detailed various provisions under various schemes of the Government of India and said Himachal Pradesh had the potential to execute large number of mini and micro hydel projects for which the union government would be extending all help. |
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Rural cancer services launched
Shimla, August 24 The president of the (CDSI) Dr Suraj Verma, an eminent medical specialist who has served in various capacities in major medical institutes in India and abroad, said the project would cover the entire Mashobra area. “Our main objective is to create awareness among the people so that the problem can be detected at an early stage, helping in its treatment and cure,” he informed. The chairman of the Indus Medical Institute, Dr Balak Ram Verma, while speaking on the occasion assured that his institute would extend all possible help and cooperation in the project in every possible way. He too highlighted the fact that in large number of cases cancer was curable provided it was detected at an early stage. Dr Suraj said advancements in the medical field had helped in curing cancer but the most important aspect was that it should be detected early. “Besides distributing literature about the disease, symptoms of cancer, its causes and certain lifestyle measures which could help in avoiding the problem, we intend screening the local population in the Mashobra area,” he said. The panchayat pradhan of Baldian, Vikram Singh, said that space would be provided at the Panchayat Bhawan for holding of free detection camps. A local resident, Nathu Ram Kashyap, has extended his cooperation by providing a room and a computer for launch of the facility immediately. His daughter Meera has volunteered to join the project and help in screening the population for cancer. Dr Suraj said free services would be provided and in case of detection of cancer, treatment facilities would be made available at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), the PGI, Chandigarh, AIIMS, Delhi, and the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute. Air Marshall S.S. Sikand (retd) and retired IAS officer V.K. Bhatnagar were also present on the occasion. |
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Stringent law to check encroachments proposed
Shimla, August 24 Bills to amend the two laws were introduced in the Vidhan Sabha to take care of the observation made by the state high court that encroachment cases should be dealt with strictly and in a time-bound manner. The amendment to the state land revenue Act provides for a period of six months for removal of encroachment, which could be extended by three months. Any appeal relating to encroachment on forest land will be disposed of within three months. The quantum of fine is proposed to be increased from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000 or the prevalent market value of the land, whichever is higher. Further, to reduce pendency of cases with the assistant collector (first grade), the assistant collector (second grade) will also be empowered to conduct proceedings in partition cases, except in those involving question of title. The amendments to the state public premises (eviction and rent recovery) Act also proposes a time limit of six months, extendable by three months, for deciding the cases of unauthorised occupation. The collector could impose a fine up to Rs 10,000 or the market value of the premises, whichever is higher. The time limit for deciding the appeals is proposed to be three months. In case any person, who has been evicted under the Act, again occupies the premises without authority, will be punished with imprisonment which could extend up to one year or a fine up to Rs 20,000 or twice the market value of the premises, whichever is higher. The Himachal Pradesh Courts Act (Amendment) Bill was also introduced to raise the jurisdiction of the district judge from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh so that all appeals from both the civil judge( junior division) and civil judge (senior division) may lie with the district judge. |
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More foodgrain quota for APL families sought
Shimla, August 24 Moving the resolution under Rule 117, Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Dhwala said the monthly quota for APL families had been fixed at 7,118 tonnes on the basis of 2001 census which was insufficient to meet the requirement. Population of the state had since increased to 72 lakh and as such people were not getting adequate quantity. There was a need to hike the quota to 21,000 tonnes, he added. Similarly, the monthly quota of levy sugar at 700 gm per head was also fixed on the basis of 2001 census at 4,704 tonnes and a large section was being denied subsidised sugar. The quota should be increased to 5,100 tonnes to meet the requirement. Besides, the resolution also urged the Centre to meet the entire expenditure on providing ration to APL families at BPL rates for the next eight months to provide relief to drought-hit people. Earlier, Health Minister Rajiv Bindal informed the House during the Question Hour that no accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were appointed under the national rural health mission during the previous regime. Only selections were made and that too without following the prescribed procedure. However, no appointments were made by the concerned panchayats. They were to be engaged on incentive basis and no honorarium was to be paid. He said the government had no plans to appoint ASHAs and instead it would implement the mahila gram swasthya sewika scheme under which qualified women health workers would be appointed in every panchayat and funds to pay their wages would be provided by the government. |
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Revised pay scales for staff
Shimla, August 24 The Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal gave the nod for revised payment of salaries from next month. No decision was taken regarding grant of enhanced pensions in view of the fact that the Punjab government had also not taken any view in the matter.
It also decided in principle to implement the UGC pay scales, the modalities for which will be finalised later.
The total arrears amount to Rs 3500 crore but the government has already paid Rs 1120 crore by way of 20 per cent interim relief. The Cabinet also decided to regularise daily wage workers who have completed eight years’ of service, subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions and availability of posts.
It decided to enhance the ‘samman rashi’ for freedom fighters from Rs 2000 to Rs 4,000 per month and for their wards to Rs 3,000 per month.
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Drought Loss
Dharamsala, August 24 While talking to The Tribune, SK Sharma, director, research, of PAU, said according to the data collected by them, 14 per cent of the paddy grown area had remained unsown due to drought this year. Paddy is sown in about 80,000 hectares in the state. However, this year farmers failed to sow paddy in about 12,000 hectares. Such farmers have been advised to sow toria, an oil-seed variety crop. They have been advised to sow DK-1 or Bhawani variety of toria crop. It was a fast growing crop and farmers could get yield before growing next kharif crops. Since prices of oil had skyrocketed in the country, farmers could make up to some extent for the loss of their rabi crop by growing recommended varieties of toria in the first fortnight of September, Sharma said. Due to deficient rainfall, maize crop also could not be sown in 9 per cent area in the state. Affected maize farmers have been advised to grow kent variety of oats in the first week of September by university experts. Dairy farmers in the state are also facing acute shortage of fodder due to drought and lesser production of wheat husk in plains due to mechanical harvesting of wheat crop. Farmers growing kent variety of oats can get two harvests of fodder crop before the sowing of kharif crops and make up for their losses, the experts opined. These recommendations are for farmers of lower and middle hills. No advisory has been issued to farmers of high altitude as condition there is quiet different. The experts also said till August 19, the state received 272.2 mm rainfall as against the normal of 551.1 mm which was below normal by 50 per cent. All districts of the state except Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur, are under the grip of drought-like condition. There is a likelihood of rabi crops to be affected. The rice crop has been severely affected in many districts and for maintaining desired depth of standing water in rice fields, the farmers have been advised to divert excess run-off water from upland crops to adjoining rice fields. |
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Traffic police gets recovery van
Dharamsala, August 24 Kangra SP Atul Fulzele said any vehicle parked in the no parking zone of the city would now be towed to the police ground. The police, besides the challan fee for parking in no parking zone, would also recover the charges for operating the recovery van for the violators. The police had already declared the busy Kotwali bazar area as a no parking zone and would soon declare some more areas as no parking zone in the city, he added. Though the Kotwali bazaar area has a private parking area, the lack of parking space is the biggest ordeal of many areas of Dharamsala. The people developing commercial building ideally should leave at least one floor for the parking area. However, none of hotels and restaurant owners in the city has left parking area according to the rules notified by the District and Town Planning Department. The result is that most tourists and locals have to park their vehicles on roadsides. |
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Waste Hazard
Solan, August 24 In a recent board meeting, the member secretary, while taking a serious view of the mere 15 per cent compliance rate whereby only 270 of about 1,500 units identified had sent their waste to the plant, has directed the regional officers to issue notices to the offenders. According to sources, a month’s time has been granted to either send their waste to the unit or else face disconnection of power connection as per provisions laid down in the Hazardous Waste (management and handling) Rules, 1989. Directions have also been issued to ensure that all units, which fell in this category but had failed to get themselves registered, complied with the directions. Figures furnished by the plant’s CEO Ashok Sharma revealed that as against an installed capacity of 4,000 MT waste per day, only 650 MT could be collected every month. Though nearly 1,500 units had been identified as hazardous, only 570 had come forward to seek registration. Though the plant was commissioned in November last year, it could barely manage 9,000 MT waste till today. Thus, the plant could only operate for 15 per cent of its installed capacity thereby making the venture unviable. The plant management had invested Rs 15 crore and if the present scenario failed to change, the plant could well be shut, opined the sources. Though efforts were afoot to secure a grant of Rs 2 crore from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, there was not much progress so far. The plant had been set up after directions of the apex court and all units were supposed to avail this facility. Interestingly, while Himachal has been trying to pursue its case for central grant, the neighbouring state of Punjab had managed to secure the entire funding of about Rs 13 crore from the ministry. Not only had their plant managed to process as much as 60,000 MT hazardous sludge, the compliance of the plant was more than 50 per cent though it had become functional nearly at the same time as the Dhabota-based plant. |
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MLA ‘hurt’ at not being invited
Palampur, August 24 Talking to mediapersons here today, Sharma said the authorities were well conversant with the fact that he was the local MLA of the ruling party and also a member of the university senate, even then the authorities did not invite him. Sharma, who is a supporter of Shanta Kumar, had defeated senior Congress leader BBL Butail in the last Assembly elections. It may be recalled that most of the MLAs from the Shanta Kumar camp were feeling ignored as the administration was not inviting them even for official functions. Sharma said he would also apprise Chief Minister PK Dhumal and party president Khimi Ram about this. Meanwhile, a senior officer of the HPAU admitted that no invitation was sent to Sharma. He said it was decided at the higher level not to invite Sharma for the function. However,
the officials decided to invite Rajgir MLA Atma Ram, he added. |
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Adulteration found in desi ghee samples
Mandi, August 24 The Health Department has decided to file a case against them under Section 2 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. However, this case is just the tip of the iceberg as food adulteration has become rampant as checking remains scanty in other parts of the state, sources revealed. According to report received from the Composite Testing Laboratory (CTL), Kandaghat, desi ghee samples were found to be made from “non-milk fat”, raising question on the food and healthy safety of the ghee being sold in the state, health officials revealed. The food inspector had seized 37 tins of desi ghee and a box of 12 kg unbranded desi ghee from the godown of the Kullu-Manali transport company here on July 6. After the seizure, the samples were sent for testing at the CTL, Kandaghat, but it failed the test. The CTL report said the ghee samples were found adulterated and one as them was not made of the milk-food fat. However, the laboratory had not clarified the stuff the ghee had been made off, revealed sources. “It could be animal fat or vegetable or other hazardous substances”. Food inspector LD Thakur said they would put the case in the court after getting sanction from the local health authority within seven days. The companies had not approached the court for release of the seized tins, he added. The state government had yet to check “food adulteration and non-branded” food products in other parts of the state, as the government had yet to implement the Food Safety and Health Regulation Act, 2006, although it had notified the Health Safety and Regulation Authority to implement it, sources added. Mandi CMO Dr DK Arora asserted that the department would give sanction for prosecution of the offender after the report is tabled. “We will not act on pick and choose basis and will spare none”. Director health services Dr Sulakshna Puri said they would not spare offenders who were playing with the health of the consumers. |
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30 hurt in bus mishap
Kangra, August 24 Kangra SP Atul Fulzele said the bus (HP-39-3930), which had reached near Boh, its last destination from Shahpur, rolled down leaving 30 persons injured which included a few women passengers too. According to an eyewitness, the bus, after rolling down, fortunately stopped on a plain field. The injured were rushed to Ridikmar hospital near the scene of the accident. Five of them were admitted there and the seriously injured ones were rushed to CHC Shahpur in private vehicles. Fifteen of the injured were taken to DRPGMC, Tanda. Ambulances were rushed from Kangra and Tanda to carry the injured to the hospital. Dr Bhano Awasthi, medical superintendent, DRPGMC, said two passengers were admitted to the hospital in serious condition. The SP said there was no report of any casualty as yet. |
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Oustees stage protest
Mandi, August 24 After lodging their protest supported by the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, an NGO, in front of the DC office, the BSL-hit villagers claimed that they had been left in the lurch by the BBMB as the then state government did not address their problems when the BSL project was implemented in 1960s. They also submitted a memorandum of demands to the DC. Body president Visthapit Sangh Balak Ram said surplus land of the project should be allotted to them as they had no other means to eke out their living. They had no jobs and no other source of livelihood, hence should be included in the new rehabilitation policy, they demanded.
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Fingerlings of ‘rainbow trout’ dropped
Chamba, August 24 According to official sources, in the first phase the Fisheries Department had recently dropped nearly 3,000 fingerlings of rainbow trout in three streams namely Sechu, Sural and Malu of the snow-bound valley. “It is hoped that fingerlings of rainbow trout will grow to about half-a-kg by the next two years,” the sources stated; adding that the local people of the tribal valley can get fishing licenses and earn their livelihood regularly at their doorstep.
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BJP workers air grievances before party
Hamirpur, August 24 While highlighting their concern on various issues, they also brought forth their problems before the MP to find a solution for them. Sources with in the party said, “The main grudge of the party workers is that many of them were not getting due recognition from the district administration for getting their work done.” Anurag Thakur, who heard the grievances raised by the party activists in the meeting, very patiently assured them that corrective steps would be taken to improve the working of the party. He said, “He would personally monitor the works of the party workers related to the district administration for 15 days in a month and efforts would be made to establish better coordination between the district administration and the party
workers.” |
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NSUI activists hold protest
Mandi, August 24 However, principal Kusum Bakshi did not accept the demand nor did she give verified details of the results, NSUI leaders charged. The leaders stated that they would not budge unless their demand of recounting is met with by the college authorities. NSUI leader Yogesh Patial said the party had demanded verified details of the results which was turned down. Over 500 votes were declared invalid on flimsy ground, he alleged. Meanwhile, the principal remained adamant on the issue, asserting that the elections were held in a transparent manner. |
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Panchayat chief booked
Dharamsala, August 24 A case under Sections 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC has been registered.
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