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Centre to help revive tea gardens in state
What ails Kangra tea
Chinks in Cong exposed
Cong ready for Assembly poll: Anand
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BJP government inefficient: HLP
HLP hits out at BJP chief
Land Purchase by dhumal’s Sons
BJP refutes charges
Commission on Benami Land Deals
Women empowerment govt’s priority: CM
India to strengthen trade ties with Pak
Road rage: Victim succumbs to injuries
2 college students booked for using unfair means
Objectivity must for historians: VC
Woman succumbs to burn injuries
Man held with 1.6 kg ‘bhukki’
Shimla boys excel in Asian Ice Hockey
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Centre to help revive tea gardens in state
Palampur, April 10 He said the ministry was aware of the problems being faced by tea growers in the state. It had planned to extend full support to the tea industry. The minister was addressing tea growers here today. Sharma, who was on a one-day tour of the Kangra valley, said the tea industry in the entire country was in a crisis since in the past no efforts were made by tea growers to replace tea bushes which were around 100 years old. He disclosed that under a special programme launched by the tea board during the 11th Five-Year Plan, the board succeeded in the revival and reopening of 49 of the 53 major dead tea units in the country. In the 12th Five-Year Plan, more funds had been allocated for this purpose all over India and the remaining dead tea units would also be made functional. The minister said the Ministry of Commerce had also taken up this initiative in Himachal Pradesh. A base-line survey for this purpose was being conducted for the revival of all abandoned tea gardens in Kangra, Chamba and Mandi districts. He said the tea board would extend assistance to self-help groups in the Kangra valley so that their produce could be marketed at a remunerative price. Tea collection centres would also be set up. Besides, stress would be laid on the production of organic tea, which could fetch better prices to the growers. He said he had written to the state government to make land available for tea cultivation as big industrial houses had shown interest to make investment in this sector in Himachal Pradesh. He said the tea board had fixed a target to boost tea production from 9 lakh kg to 20 lakh kg in the next 10 years. This target could only be achieved if more areas were brought under tea cultivation in the state. The minister said Rs 1 crore would be spent on setting up a tea museum at Palampur. This museum would be set up by the Institute of Himalayan Bio-technology Centre, Palampur, with the help of the tea board. Earlier, Anand Sharma laid the foundation stone of a tea board complex in the town. This building will house the office of Assistant Director, Tea Board, a tea growers’ training centre and hostel, a trade centre, a tea testing lab and a guest house. Over Rs 2.5 crore will be spent on this complex. JL Butail, president, Kangra Valley Tea Growers Association, urged the minister that since Kangra tea was sold in the Kolkata market, the government should provide transport subsidy. He said the tea board should help growers switch over to the mechanisation of the tea industry. |
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What ails Kangra tea
With a production of just 8 lakh kg, tea cannot be promoted on a commercial scale. The area under tea in Kangra district has fallen to 2,000 hectares as compared 4,000 hectares at one time. The low yield and lack of initiative among local tea growers is primary responsible for the low production of Kangra tea, according to the experts. At present the average yield of tea in Kangra is 230 kg per hectare. However, at the average yield of tea in the country is 1,800 kg per hectare. The experts feel that small and scattered holdings, “absentee planters”, abandoned gardens, non-availability of skilled labour and tea auction centres at far-away places are affecting Kangra tea. |
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Chinks in Cong exposed
Dharamsala, April 10 Only six of the 23 Congress MLAs in the state - HPCC president Kaul Singh, Sukhwinder Sukhu, GS Bali, Rajesh Dhirmani, Rajesh Kalia and Lakhwinder Rana (newly elected MLA from Nalagrah) - attended Anand Sharma’s programme at Palampur today. Even Congress leaders from the district, including senior vice-president of the HPCC and former Kangra MP Chander Kumar and Sujjan Singh Pathania, Sudhir Sharma, Yog Raj and Neeraj Bharti (all Congress MLAs from Kangra district), were conspicuous by their absence. However, most senior Congress leaders from the state, including AICC secretary Asha Kumari, former MP Viplove Thakur, HPCC spokesperson OP Rattan and HPCC treasurer Brij Behari Butail were present at the function. The absence of leaders of the Virbhadra Singh faction at today’s function was on expected lines. Leaders of the faction, including Chander Kumar, had earlier openly stated that they had not been invited to the function. However, district Congress president Suman Verma said she had sent written invitations to all Congress leaders from the district for today’s function. Sources said most of the leaders of the Virbhadra Singh faction were in Shimla to attend a lunch hosted by the Union Minister for them. There deliberate absence from today’s function was aimed at displaying solidarity with Virbhadra Singh. Meanwhile, Anand Sharma was accorded a rousing welcome by Congress workers right from the Gaggal airport to Palampur. Once again GS Bali made his presence felt as his workers had erected
gates all along the route from the Gaggal airport to Nagrota Bagwan to welcome Anand Sharma. At a rally, Anand Sharma used his words carefully so as not to offend any faction in the state Congress. He, however, showered praise on HPCC president Kaul Singh by stating that he was doing hard work for the party. Vidya Stokes, CLP leader whose name figured on posters and banners erected for Anand Sharma’s welcome, was also absent from today’s programme. Her supporters, however, said that she failed to attend the function due to ill-health. |
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Cong ready for Assembly poll: Anand
He said the party was fully prepared for the elections, due later this year. Addressing a public meeting here this afternoon, Sharma made a scathing attack on the ruling BJP government and said it had failed on all fronts in the past four years. People were fed up with the “faulty planning and anti-people policies” of the BJP
government. He said the priority of the Congress was to oust the BJP government from power so that the state could usher in a new era of development, which had come to a standsill in the past four years. Sharma said the state government had failed to utilise the funds sanctioned by the Union Government. He said huge funds were available under different plans with the Centre, but because of its faulty planning, the BJP government could not avail of these, affecting development activities. Thakur Kaul Singh, PCC president, while addressing the gathering, said the condition of roads in the state had gone from bad to worse in the past four years. The tourist season had begun but despite this no efforts had been made to repair the damaged roads in the state. |
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BJP government inefficient: HLP
Nahan, April 10 HLP leader Shyama Sharma, while addressing mediapersons, said here today that the BJP government had put in place a “spineless Lokayukta” by overhauling the old one and merely enhancing the number of members in a bid to take false credit. She said it was neither unbiased nor had staff and was even bereft of absolute powers. Since the competent authority for allowing prosecution in case of the Chief Minister would be the Legislative Assembly, it would cease to solve any purpose as politicians were synonymous with corruption, she said. The HLP leader said it was surprising as to why NGOs, power projects, registered cooperative societies and universities had not been covered under the Lokayukta and only a cursory exercise had been done to frame the Bill. Blaming the BJP government for poor governance, she said the latest CAG reports had proved how funds had remained unutilised and HP State Electricity Board Ltd was reeling under losses by being forced to buy costly power though the state produced ample power. She cited various CAG reports to highlight how the state government had incurred loss worth crores and its debt had risen to Rs 36,000 crore from the about Rs 18,000 crore in 2007 when it had assumed power. She said the faulty planning had caused loss worth crores to the state exchequer. |
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HLP hits out at BJP chief
Bilaspur, April 10 Party spokesman Kesh Pathania said the meeting of the HLP under the chairmanship of district president DR Sharma here today said despite repeated denials of any talks whatsoever with the BJP of top HLP leaders, including state president Maheshwar Singh, vice-president and chief spokesman Mohender Sofat and state general secretary Dharma Chand
Guleria, Satti was still spreading this canard. The meeting said it was clear that Satti had got frightened by the fast-increasing strength and influence of the HLP and the BJP being driven to the margins. It said the HLP realised the difficulties of this newly appointed “president by circumstance” as he was having a trying time to keep his workers stuck to the BJP and not desert it for the
HLP. The HLP felt that Satti was trying to keep high the sagging morale of its workers, but even this trick did not seem to be working as a large number of them were still signing HLP membership forms for which the campaign was now on in the state. The meeting said Satti’s worry was clear as 75 per cent of HLP members were from BJP cadres and more and more of them were joining the
HLP. All the four constituency presidents - Uttam Sharma, Daulat Singh Thakur, Capt Mast Ram and Prakash Chand Guleria - district women wing president Shalina
Thakur, district youth wing president Raj Varma, district membership in charge Pyar Singh Pathania and district minority wing president Mohammed Afzal were among those from the district who attended the meeting. |
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Virbhadra’s get-together a show of strength
Shimla, April 10 The former Chief Minister asserted that it had nothing to do with the public rally being addressed by Union Minister Anand Sharma at Palampur, but virtually paraded the MLAs and other leaders before the media. He maintained that Anand Sharma was on an official visit in connection with a function of the Tea Board of India and it was not a party function. Moreover, his get-together had been planned much earlier and as such the two events should not be construed as an indication of a factional divide. Besides Congressmen, prominent persons from other walks of life were also present. The informal nature of the meeting notwithstanding, those present took an important decision to organise a public function to felicitate 50 years of Virbhadra Singh on June 23, coinciding with his birthday. The original plan was for May 5, but due to the impending municipal corporation poll, it was deferred to June. The meeting also resolved that Congress leaders should sink their personal differences and wage a united battle against the “corrupt and insensitive” BJP government. People were getting restive to vote Dhumal out of power and if the Congress failed in its duty, they would never forgive it. Virbhadra said the five decades of his political career were synonymous with the journey of the Congress in the state and Holly Lodge was the headquarters of the then Congress (I) after a split in the party. He was directly inducted into the party by the high command on January 23, 1962, without any application and remained in the party all through, unlike many other leaders who kept moving in and out of it, looking for greener pastures. He wanted the party to take a policy decision to declare a leader well in advance before the electioneering started as people wanted to know whom they were voting for and it could ultimately help the party to win the poll. Asked about the recent Punjab experience, he said announcing a leader just two days before the poll would be meaningless; it must be done much before. The MLAs present on the occasion were Mukesh Agnihotri, Kuldeep Pathania, Harsh Wardhan, Subhash Manglait, Sujan Singh Pathania, Sudhir Sharma, Gangu Ram Musafir, Nand Lal, Sohan Lal, Surinder Bhardwaj, Prakash Bhardwaj, Yog Raj and Nikhil
Rajour. |
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Land Purchase by dhumal’s Sons
Shimla, April 10 Releasing documents pertaining to the land deal, he said Premu was a landless villager who was allotted land by the government, but he again became landless after the deal. He said the poor villager fought against the politically powerful buyers for some time and subsequently died under mysterious circumstances. He said acquiring land allotted by the government to a landless villager was not only illegal but also immoral. He said the documents were very clear. The BJP was steeped in corruption and its ministers were facing serious charges of graft. However, instead of taking action against tainted ministers like Rajeev Bindal, the Chief Minister enacted a resignation drama just to allow him to continue in office. Party leaders and supporters were in the race for acquiring land by any means. Projects of favoured parties like Bamloe Builders were illegally given various clearances to construct apartments in Shimla overnight. They were not only allowed to fell trees but also provided road connectivity by diverting funds meant for rural areas. Says won’t allow Annandale to be turned into concrete jungle Virtually joining the campaign to save the Annandale ground form land sharks, Virbhadra Singh today said the majestic ground and its surroundings would not be allowed to be converted into a concrete jungle in the garb of developing a sports stadium. The very meaning of “dale” was a green patch surrounded by lush forests and it had remained in its pristine form under the defence authorities and it was being used for strategic purposes by the Army. He was not against its transfer to the state and fervently hoped that it would
come under the state’s control one day. The present government was pursing the matter with ulterior motives. This wonderful natural heritage must remain untouched and the land mafia should not be allowed to cast its shadow on it. He was all for building a stadium in Shimla and has as Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for one at Katasni on the outskirts of the city, which was a suitable site, but the present government had put the project in cold storage. The Congress would implement the project on coming to power. |
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BJP refutes charges
Shimla, April 10 “He has started behaving exactly in the same manner he did before the elections in 2003 but any such attempts to malign the reputation of the Chief Minister will be met with legal action,” he said. They dismissed allegations levelled against the Chief Minister’s sons with regard to land purchase in Dharamsala. “He has no moral right to speak about others as he has himself been found guilty of keeping excess land than the permissible limit,” he said. — TNS |
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Commission on Benami Land Deals
Shimla, April 10 Highly placed sources said the ATR would be ready by the end of this month so that it could be placed before the Cabinet. “We are acting on the administrative lapses pointed out by the commission as well as the case-wise action recommended by it,” said sources. The revenue authorities have already swung into action and have started acting on the issues raised in the report that was submitted by the one-man commission, headed by Justice DP Sood, a retired High Court judge, to the government last month. The sources said the ATR would be placed before the Cabinet even though some more issues could be raised as the tenure of the commission had been extended till May 31. “We will also seek the opinion of the Law Department,” said the sources. It is felt that in cases where there had been a violation of Section 118 by presenting wrong facts, the government will have to act sternly. The revenue authorities have already started examining each of the 42 cases individually, where projects are being set up by builders. In its inquiry report, the commission has recommended that in all 42 cases, strict action must be taken under Tenancy and Land Reforms Act - 1972 and the HP Apartment and Property Regulation Act - 2005 by vesting the land back in the government. The sources said action would be taken only after examining each case minutely to ensure that the action against them withstood the test of court scrutiny. The issuance of “essentiality certificates” under the Apartment Act since 2005 was also being looked into. As far as the 80 cases against Tibetans are concerned, the government feels that the cases are already being dealt with in the revenue courts. As far as the purchase of land by various Tibetan organisations for educational and charitable purposes is concerned, the land has already been given out on lease after the payment of 10 per cent of the market rate in the name of the Central Tibetan Relief Committee of the Dalai Lama. The terms of reference of the commission were to enquire into all cases of benami land transactions that have taken place in violation of norms between 2003 and March 31, 2011. |
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Women empowerment govt’s priority: CM
Bhota (Hamirpur), April 10 Talking about various schemes initiated by the state government for women of the state, he said: “We have launched several schemes like the Matrishakti Shashaktikaran Yojna, increase in widow pension to Rs 400 per month, the 108 free ambulance service, free delivery facilities, medicines and other reimbursements
for them in government hospitals and leave and free travel to women on festivals like Rakhi, Bhaiya Dooj and Eid.” Moved by the presence of women in strength in this programme, Dhumal thanked them for reposing faith in him and assured them to dedicate his life for the welfare of people. Later talking to mediapersons here he said: “The election for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) will
be held direct this time and the MC will have a total of 27 councillors in the new House.” The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of a lift water supply scheme to augment drinking water for 27 panchayats of four Assembly constituencies of Hamirpur district at Saloni. Education Minister ID Dhiman, IPH Minister Ravinder Ravi, BJP state president Sat Pal Singh Satti, Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur and several
MLAs and dignitaries were among those present in the programme. |
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India to strengthen trade ties with Pak
Palampur, April 10 He was addressing a press conference here this evening. He said his Pakistan counterpart was visiting Delhi on Thursday and more trade pacts would be inked. India was also taking initiatives as a new cargo terminal at the Wagah border would be made operational on April 13. He said he along with Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal and Commerce Minister of Pakistan would visit the Wagah border to declare the doors open. Referring to permission for setting up of FDI in retail in the country, Sharma said, the UPA government would make efforts to persuade its allies as it was in the interest of the nation. |
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Road rage: Victim succumbs to injuries
Mandi, April 10 The police arrested the three accused, father Mast Ram and his two sons Rakesh and Ramesh, residents of Bhairu Stain under Jogindernagar police station. They were produced before the judge who sent them in police remand till April 12. SP, Mandi, Abhishek Dular, who rushed to spot today, said they had picked up a fight after both parties asked for pass on April 6. Mast Ram and his
sons were travelling in a tractor while victims Anil Kumar and Daler Singh were on a motorbike. They refused to give pass, got off their vehicles and picked up a fight on the road. The accused allegedly picked up an iron rod from the tractor and hit the victims. One of the injured Anil Kumar succumbed to his injuries at the PGI yesterday. The police has registered FIR on the complaint of Dalair Singh, who sustained minor injury. He said investigation was on. |
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2 college students booked for using unfair means
Mandi, April 10 According to the complaint lodged with the police by Principal, Government Valabh College, Mandi, MS Jamval two students - Dhiraj Kumar of BCA I having Roll No. 6727 and Ghanshyam of BCA I having Roll No. 6728 - deliberately exchanged their seats and also forged their respective signatures. They were taking the examination at the government college here on November 29, 2011. After scrutiny, the committee told the Principal that it was not an UMC case, but a case of impersonation. The UMC sent back the case and asked the Principal to lodge the FIR in the case against the two students, the Principal stated. SP, Mandi, Abhishek Dular said the police had started investigation. |
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Objectivity must for historians: VC
Shimla, April 10 He said this while delivering a special lecture to students and research scholars in the Department of History on the theme “The Importance of History in the Modern World”. History writing has traditionally tended to accord excessive importance to political events, he added. Vice-Chancellor Bajpai asserted that there was a pressing need for historians to be objective
and truthful in the writing of history. Those present on the occasion included Laxman S Thakur, chairman of the History Department, Prof Chetan Singh, Prof NS Bisht, Prof Abha Malhotra, Dr Amrit Varsha Gandhi and Dr Arun K Singh. |
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Woman succumbs to burn injuries
Kangra, April 10 She had received more than 60 per cent burn injuries on April 1 last when she was working in the kitchen on a kerosene stove and her clothes caught fire. She was rushed to the Baijnath hospital, but was referred to the DRPGMC Tanda where she was fighting for her life for the past eight days. The police is investigating the case under Section 174, CrPC. |
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Man held with 1.6 kg ‘bhukki’
Bilaspur, April 10 Rashid, who was riding his scooter (HP-69-0955), finding the police at the naka, tried to flee. But the police chased him and caught him near Pulachhad. On search of his scooter, the police found 1.6 kg of “bhukki” hidden in the dicky. Rashid was arrested. |
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Shimla boys excel in Asian Ice Hockey
Shimla, April 10 While goalkeeper Gamandeep Singh was declared the best player of the tournament, Divyank Sood hogged the limelight by scoring three goals. The 14-member squad had six players from Shimla. It was for the first time that the country participated in this international event. |
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Dharamsala, April 10
Palampur, April 10