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HP security system not up to the mark
US envoy meets Dalai Lama
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BBMB to lease out land for fish seed farm
Hunt on to nab Kullu ex-SP
HC notice to state over school closure
Agri Fair
CoE’s Appointment
Shimla wrapped in white blanket again
Workshop on faculty development
Diamond State Award to CM
BJP chief flags off five ambulances
Census duty with school work resented
Absence of Parks
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HP security system not up to the mark
Bullet-proof car an
embarrassment The state police has a bullet-proof car but being almost 20-year-old, it is not in a good condition and is more of an embarrassment as it often breaks down while ferrying heads of various states and other
VVIPs. “In fact, security officials accompanying Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksa were very upset when the car failed to go effortlessly up the steep climb to Hotel Wild Flower Hall, which is nothing new as this has happened even in the past”, say police officials. Requests have been made to acquire a new bullet-proof car and latest jammers but the move is yet to come through as it can involve a few crores
Shimla, February 24 No doubt, Himachal has never been a hotbed of terrorism but having two militancy-infested states of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab as its neighbours, it cannot remain unconcerned about its own security preparedness. It is not only the major Army establishments, but also big power projects, shrines and airports, which can easily be targeted by militants. The belief that Himachal is a peaceful state no longer holds good as the increased activities of some outfits like Babbar Khalsa and Hizbul the Mujahideen has put the security agencies on alert. “We can no longer remain lackadaisical about our security as we are most vulnerable and unfortunately we still have not woken up to this reality,” admitted a senior police functionary. He added that the cult culture gaining ground in HP could worsen the situation, as these places could be ideal hideouts for militants and their sympathisers. Though a lot has been done to modernise the force and its weapons, even now Himachal remains dependent on Punjab when it requires the latest jammers and other equipment at the time of visit of VVIPs, especially during elections. Police officials feel that the security aspect at vital installations like power projects need to be strengthened as there are far too many gaps. A proper security audit should be undertaken by the police so as to ensure that these places do not become soft targets for militant attacks. Similarly, the security and management of crowds at shrines is also very poor, making them most vulnerable. |
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US envoy meets Dalai Lama
Dharamsala, February 24 After coming out of the meeting, the Ambassador described it positive as several important issues were discussed. When asked what transpired during the meeting, Roemer said the dialogue process between Beijing and Dalai Lama envoys, that had come to a standstill after the ninth round of talks held in January last year, were among many important issues that were discussed. He said President Obama, during the recent visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to the United States, had stressed that human rights in Tibet continue to be a very important issue for the United States. Obama had also asked Hu Jintao to continue the dialogue on longstanding issues with the representatives of the Dalai Lama, Roemer said. Sources said the US Ambassador, who described his visit as a rare visit by high-ranking US officials to Dharamsala, also discussed the environment of Tibet with the Dalai Lama. Sources in the Tibetan community here said the rehabilitation of Tibetan living in Nepal could also had figured in the discussions. The Bush administration had offered to resettle 5,000 Tibetans in the United States as part of its refugee admissions programme. The programme did not materialise after the Nepal government refused cooperation, allegedly under pressure from China. Roemer, who arrived in Dharamsala along with his wife, inaugurated the Tibetan Reception Centre located at Khaniyara village. Roemer said the US government has provided 60 to 65 per cent of the total cost of the reception centre as part of its efforts to support the Tibetan refugees. Earlier this morning, the US Ambassador and his wife Sally visited the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, which is the largest Tibetan residential school in India. The office of the Dalai Lama has described Roemer’s visit as being a part of periodic contacts between the US government and the Tibetan leaders and refrained from making any further comments. |
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Karmapa leaves for Bodhgaya, Varanasi
Dharamsala, February 24 Sources said the Karmapa left for a month-long tour after permission from security agencies. He would initially go to Delhi. Later, he would visit Bodhgaya and Varanasi and hold teaching sessions for his followers. The Karmapa’s office in a statement issued here today said they were grateful to the Indian government for showing confidence in the Karmapa. In the statement, Karmapa said Varanasi was the site of the very first ‘dharma’ teaching by Lord Buddha, and also an ancient cradle of Sanskrit culture and learning. This made it a particularly sacred place for Buddhists. “As a follower of Buddha’s teachings and of the Kagyu lineage that springs directly from the sacred ground of India, I feel that such opportunities to visit these sites give great meaning to my life. I am very much looking forward to sharing the ‘dharma’ with friends in Varanasi”, Karmapa said. During his stay in Varanasi, the Karmapa is scheduled to teach “dharma” for four days. He will also participate in several other religious ceremonies during his stay. The annual spring teachings will be held at Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath, UP, the statement said. |
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BBMB to lease out land for fish seed farm
Nurpur, February 24 According to information, the department had proposed this project two-year back and it had received Rs 5 crore under centrally sponsored National Agriculture Development Scheme for this purpose. But the department had no land for setting up this farm near the Pong reservoir and finally it moved the file for leasing out BBMB land for setting up this farm to the authorities. The deputy director of the department Hamir Chand said with commissioning of this farm, the department would meet its requirement of 1.5 crore fish seeds for the Pong reservoir and later it could meet the requirement of other water reservoirs in the state. He pointed out that soon the department would sign an MoU with the BBMB authorities in this connection. He also said 2,000 local fishermen had been engaged in fish catching in the reservoir. “After commissioning of the seed farm, they will certainly earn more money. The department will set up this farm at Bhatari on the bank of the Pong reservoir and produce seeds of rahu, katla, marigal and common crop species of fish,” he informed. |
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Hunt on to nab Kullu ex-SP
Mandi/Kullu, February 24 Ramesh Volga, a photo studio owner, who acted as an agent in the case today got bail on the assurance that he would cooperate with the police as and when it need him. ADGP, vigilance, KC Sadyal said the vigilance had gathered enough evidence now and could nab the culprit in the corruption case. “We can make arrest anytime. We are also probing involvement of other district officials in this case”, he added, without naming the IPS officer and others under the scanner. He added that there were more than one companies which were involved in the case. On bail of Volga, Sadyal said they had interrogated Volga and they did not need him. Vigilance had arrested Volga under Section 8, Prevention of Corruption Act, as he allegedly made money disproportion to his known sources of his income. He seemed acted as an agent between the favoured power project companies and the official beneficiaries, Sadyal added. Sadyal did not confirm whether the IPS officer got kickbacks in connection with the unprovoked lathicharge on Malana villagers protesting peacefully against the 100 mw Malana power project in which police booked 10 villagers under charges of rioting and breaching peace. |
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HC notice to state over school closure
Shimla, February 24 The petitioners alleged in the petition that the school was imparting studies up to 10+2 standard and running since 1977. Around 180 students were studying in it. The school management had already closed the boarding section in 2008. They further alleged that the management suddenly decided to close the school from this academic session (From March, 2011). They filed objections with the management and alleged that Sardar Kumir Singh Education Society under which the school was established, had taken a unilateral decision all of a sudden. They further alleged that the only motive of the management was to sell the property. The petitioners urged the court that directions be issued to the state government to ensure that the school would be run properly and continuously. The court listed the matter for further hearing on February, 28. |
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Agri Fair
Hamirpur, February 24 He said: “The state has won the Best State’s Award, besides being adjudged as the best state in agriculture and during the past three years the state has won 30 awards for which I congratulate the people and employees of the state.” Dhumal said, “The state government has accorded top priority to agriculture and I kept this department with me since 91 per cent population is dependent on this sector and forms basis of their economy.” Talking about soil-testing programme being launched in the state, Dhumal said: “I have made every effort during the past three years to raise the status of farmers by introducing various schemes. As many as 3,68,000 farmers have been issued soil- testing cards and every farmer would get this card by the next year.” He said: “To help farmers in getting loans from banks, the state government has waived stamp duty on loans up to Rs 10 lakh for farmers and our effort is to make farmers reap maximum benefits from the farming sector for their overall development.” Talking about a few other schemes, the CM said: “A Rs 432-crore project has been launched with the help of the Japan Government to develop organic fertiliser, apple rejuvenation programme has been started and fruit and vegetable markets are being established in the state to provide market to farmers.” He also appealed to farmers to draw maximum benefits from the agriculture fair and also gave awards to progressive farmers from other states. Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur and Vice-Chancellor of the university Dr KR Dhiman also spoke on the occasion. The Chief Minister has congratulated the people and government employees for winning the Best State’s Award and topping in education and poverty alleviation programmes at a function in New Delhi yesterday. |
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HRTC to go modern
Shimla, February 24 The main objective of the ITS is to provide safe, efficient and commuter-friendly services to the people travelling in state roadways buses. The system will help track and monitor the movement of buses on real-time basis to enable communication of the arrival timings of buses at bus stops and inform commuters about the bus routes. The ITS project has a number of core components such as satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) for vehicle tracking, real-time passenger information system using central control station, electronic ticketing machines and automatic fare collection system. The first instalment of funds will be released within the current financial year and the implementation of the project will be completed in 2011-12. In the first phase, Electronic Bus Ticketing Machines (EBTM) will be provided to all bus conductors. Initially, the corporation had earlier planned to provide a machine on every bus route and purchased about 2,100 EBTMs but it created problems as responsibility could not be fixed in case the electronic gadget developed a snag as many persons handled it. The corporation has decided to procure about 700 more machines to ensure that every conductor had a one for which he will responsible. In the second phase, global positioning system will be installed in over 750 buses plying on long routes which will enable real-time tracking of the vehicles. In the final phase, the entire fleet of 1,900 buses will be equipped with the gadget. Apart from a central control centre, monitoring centres will be set up in every depot. Besides, three service centres will be set up at Hamirpur, Mandi and Dharamsala, in addition to the one already functioning in Shimla. Facilitating real-time information to passengers will help discourage commuters from using personal vehicles improving occupancy in buses which in turn increase revenue of the corporation which has accumulated losses to the tune of Rs 540 crore. |
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CoE’s Appointment
Shimla, February 24 The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Association (HPUTA) today held an emergency meeting to discuss the issue of appointment of the CoE and the violations of rules in various matters. “We have decided to submit a memorandum to the Governor to stop the appointment as it is being done in violation of the rules and we will also start our protest against the irregularities in the HPU affairs,” said Prof Mahavir Singh, general secretary of the HPUTA. The protest by the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Teaching Employees Association is already continuing on the issue and they met the Governor and submitted a memorandum seeking a probe by a sitting High Court judge into all alleged irregularities in the HPU. Interviews for appointing a CoE are to be held on February 26 as the present incumbent is on the secondment basis. “Our main demand is repatriation of the deputationists and stopping the irregular appointment of the CoE which is against the interest of the institution,” said Waryan Singh Bains, member, Exceutive Concil of the HPU and employees leader. Bains warned that the adamant attitude of the authorities and acute shortage of the supporting staff could even cloud the annual examinations due to start from March 15 as well as the evaluation work. |
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Shimla wrapped in white blanket again
Shimla, February 24 According to a Met Department official, Shimla recorded 3.2 cm of snow early this morning. The minimum temperature fell by 4.2°C from yesterday’s temperature. Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda also experienced moderate spells of snowfall. Manali in Kullu district and Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced mild snow. “High-altitude areas of Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla districts have been experiencing moderate to heavy snow since yesterday," the official said. He added that there were chances of more rainfall and snowfall in the state till February 26 as western disturbances would remain active in the region.
— IANS |
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Workshop on faculty development
Solan, February 24 Giving this information, Jaswinder Dilawari, assistant director, (HIET), said Prof (Dr) RL Sharma, director, NIT, Hamirpur, would be one of the key speakers who would throw light on the role of the teacher. Other eminent speakers who were slated to participate in the workshop include Dr Lalit Awasthi, Dr Rakesh Sehgal, Dr Vinod Kapoor and Dr Pamita Awasthi from the NIT, Hamirpur. Besides, faculty members from various engineering, polytechnic as well as pharmacy colleges of the state would also participate in the workshop. Dilawari said the workshop would explore the issues and latest technological guidance available to help teaching. It would have an in-depth discussion on crucial issues affecting the educational sector and the challenges before academicians. |
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Diamond State Award to CM
Shimla, February 24 The state was given three awards for the best performance in education, poverty alleviation and overall performance. Speaking on the occasion, Dhumal said the state was the first to achieve zero dropout rate in schools and had made arrangements for providing education to the physically challenged at home. The state had achieved several milestones in the social sector and invested heavily in education and health infrastructure. He urged the Centre to view the threat perceptions from neighbouring China, which had extended its rail and road networks right up to the border. |
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BJP chief flags off five ambulances
Kullu, February 24 Now, the free ambulance services would be available at the community health centres at Jari, Manali, Ani and civil hospital, Banjar, besides the regional hospital here. Ani MLA Kishori Lal, chief medical officer KBL Srivastva, district health officer Sushil Chander and senior BJP leaders were among those who were present on the occasion.
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Census duty with school work resented
Kangra, February 24 Onkar Rana, Secretary General, Himachal Government Teachers’ Union, said today that the state government had decided that the teachers should attend schools for three hours and spend the remaining time for their census duty. He urged the government to withdraw this decision so that the census work could be completed till February 28. Rana demanded that the government should either withdraw the order and allow teachers to go with their census duty alone or the time limit for the completion of the census should be extended. — OC
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Absence of Parks
Shimla , February 24 It further directed her to file the action taken report in the court by way of her affidavit. The court passed this order on a PIL regarding the issue of lack of parks and playgrounds in the town. It directed the Chief Secretary to file her affidavit within a month and listed the matter for further hearing on April 4.
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