Shimla, January 31
Maintaining that the Annandale ground is of paramount strategic significance for the Army from the national security perspective, the defence authorities have rejected outright the demand for handing over the sprawling green ground to the state government for the construction of a cricket stadium.

Taking note of the campaign for the return of the ground that has been going on for the past few months, the authorities have in a detailed note released to the press observed that “the strategic significance of Annandale as a forward logistic and operational base for operations in the sector adjoining Himachal is being overlooked in preference for a cricket stadium”.

The open and large ground has been under the management of the Army since 1941. A portion of Annandale was being used by the Durand Football Tournament Society instituted in 1888. It was taken over by the Army during World War II to be used as a training camp. The land has been in the possession of the Army ever since and is used for numerous military operational and logistic activities.

Troops often conduct military manoeuvres and mock exercises at Annandale. Military helicopters too have been using the ground to practise air operations, helicopter dropping of troops and essential logistic replenishment operations. In the past the ground has been jointly used by the civil administration and the Army for conducting disaster relief and management exercises.

The Army further points out that Shimla and the adjoining areas are located in a high seismic zone and as such the significance of Annandale for disaster management cannot be overemphasised as became evident in Sikkim during the earthquake last year.

With such strategic importance, both during war and peace, the piece of land has needlessly become an issue. It will be prudent and will do well for all concerned to put a lid on the issue and let the serene and pristine environs of Annandale be left untouched for utilisation in the larger national interests as has been happening for almost three-fourths of a century now, the Army says.

Shimla, January 31
With election fervour in the hill state catching up, the BJP regime in Himachal today announced major financial benefits for its employees as it decided to release the Rs 825 crore arrears due to them on account of the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission.

The announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister at a meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) held here today under his chairmanship. He said half of the arrear amount, which worked out to be Rs 412.50 crore, would be released to the employees and pensioners immediately in cash while the remaining 50 per cent would be deposited in their GPF accounts.

He announced an increase in the capital allowance from Rs 175 to Rs 275 per month and a double increment to those adopting a permanent family planning mode after the birth of two girls. He announced to double the house rent allowance based upon the existing slab system to the employees in the state.

He said an employees’ welfare board would be constituted on priority. Referring to the demand of employees for higher medical allowance, he said the government would explore possibilities of it by taking it up with some insurance company so that employees got better options. He said the state government would also consider relaxing the mandatory conditions for promotions from Class IV to Class III under the limited direct recruitment policy.

The Chief Minister reiterated the resolve of his governemnt to protect the interests of its employees. He said the state government had been sympathetic towards the genuine demands of its employees and had provided them record financial benefits worth Rs 5,568.95 crore during the past four years.

He said the state was among the first ones in the country to implement the pay commission recommendations and had released 20 per cent as interim relief soon after taking over the reign of the administration whereas the previous government could not make the payment of 5 per cent interim relief for which provision existed in the budget.

He said the state government had increased the daily wages from Rs 75 to Rs 120 benefiting each labourer by Rs 16,425 per annum. He said regularisation of daily wage employees was also being ensured on the completion of eight years of service.

It was decided that the government would consider arranging soft loans for wards of state employees undertaking vocational courses in higher educational institutions. Functional posts in different departments would be filled on priority.

Dharamsala, January 31
After the intervention of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Furqan Qamar, the Central University, Himachal Pradesh, has changed the criteria for the selection of assistant professors in the institute. As per the changed criteria now, research has been given due weightage in the selection of candidates for the posts of assistant professor.

Earlier, in the criteria laid down by the academic council of the university, PhD and MPhil candidates were not given any preference for the posts of assistant professor despite their better qualification.

Due to the adoption of the new criteria, the applications will now be re-scrutinised.

The Vice-Chancellor admitted that the criteria for the selection of assistant professors had now been changed. He said now the criteria laid down by the UGC was being strictly adhered to.

He claimed that the Central University, HP, was adopting the most objective and transparent method for the selection of faculty for the institute. The process of the selection of associate professors and professors had already been started. The recruitment of assistant professors would be started once the applications were re-scrutinised as per the new criteria, he said.

The affected candidates had alleged that the criteria adopted by the Central University was against the UGC regulations adopted for the recruitment of teachers in universities across the country. They alleged that in Appendix-III table-II(C) of the UGC regulations for the recruitment of assistant professors, it had been stated that the academic and research performance should be given 50 per cent marks. MPhil and PhD degrees and research publications should be counted in the academic and research performance.

Certain aspirants seeking job in the Central University as assistant professors have acquired information regarding the criteria being adopted for their selection under the RTI, a copy of which is with The Tribune.

Under the earlier criteria, the academic council of the university gave 5 per cent marks for matriculation, 5 pc for 10 plus II, 15 pc for under-graduation degree and 25 pc for postgraduation degree. In the said 50 pc academic and research performance, no marks were allocated to PhD and MPhil degrees, affected candidates said speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Besides in the selection criteria, 30 pc weightage was being given to the assessment of domain knowledge and teaching skills. The candidate was to be given marks on the basis of presentation to be made on any topic selected from the programme of studies, in front of the selection committee, for 10 to 12 minutes. The remaining 20 pc marks were to be given on the basis of performance in the interview.

However, now under the new criteria, 20 pc marks have been given to academic performance from Class X to postgraduate, 20 pc for research-related qualification and 10 pc for postdoctoral work and research publications. The remaining criteria of interview and domain knowledge remains the same.

Dharamsala, January 31
New administrative maps of Kangra will be released very soon. Different maps varying from block, sub-divisional and panchayat levels shall also be made available on the official website of Kangra district.

Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, RS Gupta said the exercise of preparing the latest administrative map had been initiated by the Centre for Geo Informatics, HP Agricultural University, Palampur, under the district-level project.

He said the new administrative map now contained the administrative boundaries of new Jawalamukhi tehsil and Dharamsala block. The changes in the Assembly constituency within the districts were also being incorporated which would be depicted on the main map.

Besides the modified administrative units, the map would also contain the major road networks map of the district, the land-cover map showing the details of land cover, forest area, agricultural area, grass lands, water bodies and wetland and the major drainage network map containing the nomenclature of rivers and rivulets, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said the mapping for each sub-division in Kangra district was also being carried out which would be made available at each sub-division office. These maps would contain the mapping of various police stations, fire stations, hospitals and other important features.

Besides, panchayat-level maps of the district were also being prepared. The maps for 760 panchayats would be made available to all the panchayats of Kangra district. It was the first attempt of its kind and would be of great use at all the administrative levels.

The maps of panchayats contained the relief map of the each block, along with the major drainage network with nomenclature in local rivulets. These maps would not only connect rural areas with the latest technology, but also prove useful during the planning for the forthcoming development schemes, the Deputy Commissioner said.

Gupta further said an independent web-based GIS portal was also being developed by the centre where all these maps would be available on the Internet. The work was also being carried out to connect the MNREGA scheme with the Web Portal so that the information became more easily assessable.

Chamba, January 31
Far-flung terrains like Jassourgarh, Bagheigarh, Chanju and other areas falling in Churah subdivision of Chamba district continue to remain snow-bound due to the disruption in the transportation services. The roads are still blocked and inhabitants are facing problems as a sequel to the heavy snowfall on January 7, according to reports reaching here today.

The reports revealed that the supply of water in water pipes was frozen and inhabitants of these interior parts were compelled to melt the snow by fire to make it potable.

It was also difficult for officials to tread in the thick snow to ascertain the damages caused by the blizzard in the area so that restoration works could be carried out and the road cleared of snow for resuming vehicular traffic.

The officials, however, were on the job making all-out efforts to undertake restoration works on the roads, drinking water supply schemes and power supply network, besides other basic amenities of residents of this terrain, the reports added.

Shimla, January 31
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has stressed the need for the revival of traditional water bodies to make additional sources available in rural areas.

He was addressing a gathering after the screening of a documentary “Khatariyan” (traditional water bodies in water-scarce areas) produced, directed and written by Rajender Rajan, a noted litterateur, here today.

Dhumal said the government had launched a number of schemes to motivate villagers to revive and preserve their traditional water bodies and funds were also being made available under MNREGA. The state had also decided to provide liberal grant of Rs 58,000 to every household for the construction of water tanks to store roof-top rain water for multipurpose use. He said since the announcement of the scheme, over 30,000 applications had been received and hundreds were pouring in daily.

He said the check-dam scheme was launched successfully during his previous term of 1998-2003 and it had led to an increase in the water table. Hamirpur had recorded an increase of up to 2 m while the state as a whole between 2 to 3 feet. He said the government was motivating farmers to construct check dams to recharge adjoining traditional water bodies.

Dhumal said prior to the provision of piped water supply, the state had a number of traditional water bodies, including “Khatariyan”, village ponds, wells and springs, which were perennial sources of water. He said there was a dire need to revive the old system to beat the challenge being posed by climate change and global warming.

Minster for Irrigation and Public Health Ravinder Ravi said his department had constructed 201 check dams up to December last.

Shimla, January 31
The crucial issue of fee enhancement in Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has been put on hold for the time being as the executive council today decided to hold a special meeting in February to discuss the recommendations of the resource mobilisation committee (RMC).

The fee enhancement issue was the main item on the agenda of the council which met here today under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor ADN Bajpai. The Students Federation of India (SFI) held a massive protest against the proposed fee hike.

“Though the council agreed in principle to approve the recommendations of the RMC to rationalise the fee structure, it was decided to discuss the issue threadbare at a special council meeting, to be convened in February,” said a member. As such the contentious issue of fee enhancement has been deferred, at least for some more time.

Students outfits, including the SFI and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), have been opposing the proposed enhancement as per the recommendations of the RMC. The HPU authorities have been contesting that considering the increase in the cost of inputs, a hike was inevitable as enhancement had not been made even once since the HPU came into being in 1971.

On the other hand the student organisations, while opposing the proposed enhancement by about 40 per cent, had aired reservations about education becoming too costly for the common student. The SFI went to the extent of accusing the government of commercialising education and trying to help private universities which had mushroomed all over the state.

In another important decision aimed at avoiding duplicacy, it was decided that the HPU and HP Technical University would jointly conduct the MBA and BTech examinations. The council also approved the finance committee’s recommendations and approved enhancement of pension and gratuity contribution at the rate of 30 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

With regard to the UGC pay scale for administrative officers, the report of the committee constituted for this purpose by the council has been accepted. The report will now be sent to the state government for doing the needful. 

Shimla, January 31
Having failed to get a positive response from the party higher-ups with respect to their grievances, political circles are rife with speculation about floating of a political outfit by dissident BJP leaders who had formed the Bhrashtachar Mukti Morcha.

The core group of the morcha, including its state convener Maheshwar Singh, former Speaker Radha Raman Shastri, former ministers Mohinder Sofat and Shyama Sharma and Tikku Thakur, held a series of parleys here today to chalk out the future course of action. Their closed-door meeting has fuelled speculation about the possibility of their resignation from the party and formation of a political outfit.

They are learnt to have discussed all possibilities threadbare, including the formation of a political outfit, which could damage the BJP in a big way in the Assembly elections, due by the end of this year. They are likely to make an announcement in this regard soon so that they can part ways and start building a political base as a run-up to the Assembly poll.

Sources said since the party high command, including BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, had not taken any action on the issues raised by them nor re-inducted Maheshwar Singh into the BJP National Executive from where he was removed, the dissident leaders had made up their mind to harden their stand and part ways with the party by forming a political front.

The dissident leaders have been indulging in hectic political activity over the past few days with members of the morcha already being in touch with leaders from other political parties, including the BJP, the Congress and the CPM. The outfit is likely to emerge as an alternative to both the BJP and the Congress as a third front in the days to come.

The state convener of the BMM, Maheshwar Singh, a former MP and former state BJP chief, has been holding consultation with a large number of BJP dissident leaders who are keen that a political outfit is created to take on the BJP.

Even though some of these leaders have been removed from the national and state executive, and other party fora, technically they are still in the BJP. As part of their political strategy, they could even try to build pressure on the high command as they enjoy the tacit support of two ministers and four MLAs.

Solan, January 31
Industrial units are on an expansion spree with March 31 marking the end of all benefits available under the 2003 central industrial package.

After the lapse of the central excise benefit in March 31, 2010, the industrial units were in the process of expanding their operations so that they could avail the benefit of income tax available to them. The package had made available 100 per cent income tax benefit for the first five years and thereafter 30 per cent for a further period of five years.

Figures available from the Directorate of Industries revealed that almost 418 units had undertaken expansion ever since the grant of this central industrial package with the thrust period being the past three years.

“A sizeable number of pharmaceutical units, fast-moving consumer products-based units and even spinning mills have undertaken expansion of their premises. This is indicative of the confidence the investors have shown in business in Himachal,” said Rajinder Chauhan, Industry Adviser, Department of Industries.

Pharmaceutical units have undertaken the maximum expansion in the district with almost 16 units having expanded their premises. According to Drug Controller Navneet Marwaha, an investment of nearly Rs 500 crore has come forth by way of expansion where existing units have set up new units. He added that this would augur well for the state as it had reaffirmed the faith of the investors.

The major units which are coming up include Micor Labs with an investment of Rs 26 crore and Aishwarya Labs with an investment of Rs 100 crore. Others, including Glenmark, Aristo, Ebott Healthcare and Hetero Pharma, are among those who have expanded.

In the textile sector, among the prominent units who have expanded base are Sara Textiles, a weaving unit, coming up with a Rs 2.40-crore plant.

In the neighbouring Paonta Sahib too, the expansion scene is optimistic.

General Manager, District Industries Centre, GS Chauhan said nearly 40 projects were in the process of expanding base and they would bring in an investment of Rs 190 crore before March 31 this year.

Shimla, January 31
The public sector HIMFED has taken an initiative for the much-needed mechanisation of agriculture in the hill state to help farmers cope with the growing shortage of labour caused by the implementation of MNREGA and make small landholdings in the hill state economically viable.

It has decided to procure and supply a range of powered farm machines specially designed for the hills for which it has entered into an agreement with a leading Denmark-based company, Texas. Power tillers, cultivators, grass cutters and crop cutters will be imported on a large scale and made available to the farmers across the state.

While the normal power tillers weigh in excess of 1.20 quintals, the weight of light power tillers for hilly terrains ranges from 28 kg to 59 kg and accordingly the cost varies from Rs 36,000 to Rs 60,000. Similarly, the crop cutters to be imported for the hills with terraced fields weigh a meagre 7.5 kg and 8 kg and with four attachments they can also be used for grass cutting, fodder cutting and bush cutting.

Managing Director of HIMFED JM Pathania said the idea to introduce machines like power tillers and crop cutters struck him while he was in Holland for a one-year training. Such machines were being used on a large scale in Europe. With hardly any farm labour available, farmers were facing unending problems in carrying out agriculture operations. With the availability of suitable machines, which could be carried anywhere, even on steep slopes, the labour problem would be solved. Besides, the efficiency would be increased and the cost of production reduced, he said.

Though the powered machines were being widely used in over 25 countries in the developed world, the farming community of the state was not well conversant with the advanced technology. Keeping in view the keenness of the farmers of the state to adopt mechanisation, HIMFED had decided to conduct extensive demonstrations of this advanced technology all over the state. Subsidy to the extent of 50 per cent was already available on some of the machines under the National Horticulture Mission.

The first consignment of machines had been received and the demonstration drive would be formally launched by Chief Minister PK Dhumal on February 1.

Mandi, January 31
The state police today sounded an alert asking the public and banks and other financial institutions to keep a strict vigil and not to fall in the trap of “fake account holders, online lotteries and cash prizes” as these were traps to lure victims.

Following a direction received from the DGP, the district police has alerted the people in this regard.

The police has warned that there is an increasing trend of cheating by way of fake lotteries and cash prizes from undisclosed sources and unnamed fake chit fund companies.

Mandi ASP HS Thakur said all heads of financial institutions and banks in the district should keep vigil on their respective institutions to keep dubious account holders at bay.

The police has asked banks to display information regarding this on their notice boards and alert the public not to deposit money in unidentified accounts. 

Hamirpur, January 31
Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Hamirpur, Rajeshwar Goel has said the Health Department has been playing a significant role in providing health services to the public through government hospitals in Hamirpur district.

Interacting with mediapersons here to brief them about the activities of the Health Department in Hamirpur district, he also lauded the department for achieving high targets for several schemes.

He said, “The department has done a commendable job by ensuring 94 per cent institutional deliveries in various hospitals of the district.”

Under the Matriya Suraksha Shishu Karyakram, cash payment is given to expectant mothers from poor families for meeting the delivery expenses. Over Rs 35 lakh was given to 4,760 beneficiaries during the current financial year under this scheme.

Under the Atal Swasthya Yojna, 10,175 patients were taken to hospitals free of cost through the 108 ambulance service and 34 deliveries were conducted in ambulances by the staff.

Talking about the Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Swasthya Karyakram, CMO, Hamirpur, SK Soni, who was present on the occasion, said health check-up of school students was carried out in all government schools and Rs 12,36,816 was spent on this programme.

The ADM asked the health authorities to effectively implement the Food Safety Standard Act- 2011 in the district and ensure proper hygienic conditions and purity of eatables at all eating places.