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BJP displays show of strength
Monsoon session ends on a bitter note
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Poll on mind, Dhumal woos employees
Kangra holds key to power
Virbhadra readies party workers against BJP
Virbhadra revokes suspension of 3 loyalists
Villagers raise pollution concern at hearing
Parents up in arms as wards
denied hostel facility
First batch of forest officers begin training
Need to strengthen HIV prevention steps
Emulate Dhyan Chand’s ideals: Rathore
Date for admissions extended
Heavy rain triggers landslides in Chamba
Relief sought for rain damage
Man alleges sister was murdered by in-laws
Range officer commits suicide
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BJP displays show of strength
Shimla, August 30 The BJP succeeded in sending a clear signal that it was fully geared to take on the Congress and was confident of victory in the Assembly poll during an impressive gathering in the Chaura Maidan here today. Having sunk their differences, both Shanta and Dhumal asked party cadres to whole-heartedly campaign to ensure the success of the “Mission Repeat”. “We are seeking votes in the name of development and having given good governance,” said Dhumal. He said there was no section of society, including youth, employees, farmers and women, who had not benefitted from welfare schemes launched by the BJP regime in the last four years. Speaking on the occasion, Shanta said the surging crowds at BJP rallies was a clear indication that the ruling party was all set to win the poll again. “Be prepared to face any onslaught from the Congress campaign as they are unnerved seeing the overwhelming response that the BJP is getting,” he said. The former Chief Minister also alerted party workers by stating that it was not just a question of winning the Assembly poll in the state in 2012, but indications of an early general election in 2013 should also keep them on their toes. “It is high time that the ‘most corrupt government’ in the political history of India be removed from power,” he said. Justifying the stalling of Parliament by his party, he said people and the media often criticise the BJP for this decision. But it was only by building pressure that the UPA regime was forced to act in the 2G Spectrum and Commonwealth scams. National BJP vice-president Kalraj Mishra said the Congress was doubting the credibility of even constitutional bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) when it had pointed out serious lapses in the allotment of coal blocks. The star attraction of the rally, Punjab BJP MP and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu regaled the audience with his power-punched speech laced
with humour. Taking a dig at HPCC chief Virbhadra Singh, he asked how a person who was himself facing serious charges in the court of law could lead the party to victory. JP Nadda, national BJP general secretary, and Anurag Thakur, MP and president, BJYM, were among others who addressed the rally. State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti, national organising secretary Ram Lal, ministers, legislators and party office-bearers were among those present. |
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Monsoon session ends on a bitter note
Shimla, August 30 The entire group of the Congress staged a walkout after Chief Minister PK Dhumal rejected the demand for a magisterial inquiry into the lathicharge and charged them with deliberately creating trouble to hog highlight in the media to cover up for the lack of numbers. The thin crowd revealed a tell-tale story of the Congress which was in tatters. The lack of coordination in the House was visible and the indiscipline the party indulged in outside the House was what it had been doing inside. He said the police did not even arrest protesters and allowed them to continue with the dharna but Congress leaders left the venues stating that they would consider themselves “deemed arrested” which was ridiculous. Condemning the action of the Opposition, he said the government would not order a magisterial inquiry to demoralise police officials who had done a good job in maintaining law and order. Over the past five years it staged as many as 27 walkouts in the Vidhan Sabha and people would hold its leaders accountable for their performance. The issue was raised by the leader of the Opposition, Vidya Stokes, who termed the unprovoked police action on the peacefully protesting Congress workers uncalled for. She alleged even women were not spared and some schoolchildren were also at the receiving end. Worst, there were no women police to deal with female protesters and the only objective was seemed to terrorise Congress workers. However, Dhumal dismissed the charge and maintained that he had issued instructions to deal with the protest, which were part of the democratic polity. The administration gave permission to the Congress at the open space near the Indian Institute of Advanced Study but subsequently, they were allowed to proceed to the Sher-e-Punjab hotel and march through the Lower Bazar, but no permission was granted for the AG Office where police barricades had been set up. But a section of protesters proceeded towards the AG Office from the CTO and tried to break past the police barrier. The police used minimum force to keep them at bay and the entire action was videographed. He said if any instance of high-handedness on the part of police came to light after going through the footage, appropriate action would be taken. However, the Congress members were not satisfied and insisted that a magisterial inquiry be ordered into the lathicharge. MANDI: Congress leaders from Mandi today demanded a judicial probe into the lathicharge on party workers led by state Congress president Virbhadra Singh during the protest in Shimla yesterday. In a press statement, Congress leaders from Mandi, including former minister Rangila Ram Rao, former MLAs Tek Chand Dogra and Surinder Pal and Dharampur Congress leader Chander Shekhar, condemned the incident. They demanded a probe into the incident and action against the erring police officials. |
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Poll on mind, Dhumal woos employees
Shimla, August 30 Dhumal used the occasion of the BJP rally held here today to make the big announcement as per the wishes of the employees, who have played a crucial role in state politics. Taking a cue from his Punjab counterpart Parkash Singh Badal, Dhumal announced the grade pay on the
Punjab pattern. With the possibility of the model code of conduct being announced soon, the matter is likely to be placed before the Cabinet at the earliest so that a notification can be issued. It is only after the modalities are worked out and the Cabinet puts its stamp of approval that one would know whether the grade pay would be given from next month onwards or retrospectively. With a total strength of 1.89 lakh regular employees in the state, it is 62,000 teachers in the Education Department and Class III and IV employees who will be the main beneficiaries of this announcement made with an eye on the poll. The ministerial staff and teachers would benefit up to Rs 1,400 per month with the announcement. “We still do not know how and from where we will get the resources for the same, but one thing is certain that it is the next regime that will have to bear the liability and manage resources to fulfill the sops doled out to employees,” admitted an official. The grant of grade pay was the biggest demand that employees were making. In fact employees had termed the grant of the long-pending demand of time scale of 4-9-14 as notional with no financial benefits. It is today’s announcement that will remove this grouse. Successive governments in Himachal had in the past tried to woo bureaucrats before elections. Employees also try to extract maximum benefits during elections. |
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Kangra holds key to power
Dharamsala, August 30 The election result history shows whichever party gets at least 10 seats in Kangra district was voted to power in the state. In 1993, when the Congress was voted to power in the state, it won 12 seats from Kangra, while the BJP got three and one seat went to an Independent candidate. In 1998, when the BJP was voted to power in the state with the help of the Himachal Vikas Party (HVP) floated by former Congress Union minister Sukh Ram, the party won 12 seats in Kangra district while four went to the Congress. In 2003, again the Congress was voted to power in the state. It won 10 seats in Kangra district while the BJP got six. In 2007, when the present BJP government was voted to power in the state, it won 10 seats while the Congress could manage to get only six seats from Kangra. The trend also illustrates that people of the district vote one way and each time the anti-establishment factor weighs heavy in the district. At present, both parties are weighing their options and are likely to concentrate on Kangra. The present government tried to break the anti-establishment factor in the district by trifurcating the district. A proposal was mooted to carve out three more districts, including Dehra, Palampur and Nurpur, out of Kangra. A section of BJP leaders was of the view that the move would help them win maximum seats in the district. However, even within the party, the move to trifurcate Kangra was opposed by BJP leaders owing loyalty to veteran BJP leader from the district Shanta Kumar. The Congress treaded cautiously on the issue by stating that it was not the right time to take the decision. It neither openly opposed the move to trifurcate the district not supported it. Now, the BJP is relying on Shanta to help them win Kangra. Though the veteran BJP leader has sunk differences with the Dhumal faction keeping in view the interests of the party, he is yet to start full-fledged campaigning for the party in the district. Sources here said there still might be interest of clash between the Dhumal and Shanta factions over distribution of certain party ticket in the district. Some of the leaders are of the view that Chief Minister PK Dhumal should concentrate personally on the district to muster maximum seats for the party. In the current scenario both parties would have to work out their strategies for Kangra to grab power after the Assembly poll. |
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Virbhadra readies party workers against BJP
Mandi, August 30 Soon after taking party command, Virbhadra has activated party workers in the state, sending a wake-up call for the BJP and other third front breakaway groups. Virbhadra dashed the hopes of third front groups, who were waiting to lap up “angry Virbhadra as their messiah to rake up their political fortunes in the poll”. He is now firmly footed and backed up by the party high command and is hailed by the rank and file across the state, comment party workers here. The BJP has to face not only the Virbhadra’s juggernaut and anti-incumbency factor, but also its detractors under Maheshwar Singh and belligerent BJP Kangra MP Rajan Sushant, though both have lately observed silence in public for the time being, said party workers. Much will depend on how the ticket is distributed by the Congress and the BJP. But factional fight will ease up in the state Congress as Virbhadra will get an upper hand, considering his stature and mass appeal. |
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Virbhadra revokes suspension of 3 loyalists
Shimla, August 30 The suspension of Dharm Pal Thakur, a youth Congress leader, was revoked on the recommendation of the Kusupmti Block Congress Committee and the District Congress Committee, Shimla (Rural). Akash Saini, president of the Shimla (Urban) Youth Congress, was reinstated on the recommendation of Monica Bharati, president of the state Youth Congress. Former spokesperson Sunil Sharma was also reinstated on the recommendation of Jagjivan Pal, ex MLA from Sullah constituency. |
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Cong workers gherao BDO office
Nurpur, August 30 The workers, led by committee president Baldev Pappi, raised slogans against the state government, Panchayati Raj Department, local SDM and the BDO. They later submitted a memorandum to the SDM demanding the immediate declaration of results for which interviews were conducted in April this year. As many as 595 candidates had appeared for the interview. The committee alleged there was political pressure behind the delay in results. The protesters said they would gherao the BDO in person if the results were not declared by September 3. Kangra Congress general secretary Sushil Mintu, zila parishad member Ashok Sharma, local Youth Congress president Sandesh Dadwal and Mahila Congress president Suman Sharma were among those who participated in the demonstration. BDO Sushil Chowdhary said the results of interviews for nine posts of panchayat sahayak were ready, but he had sought some technical clarification for the sanctioned posts from the Director, Panchayati Raj, Shimla. “As and when we receive the clarification, the results will be declared forthwith,” the BDO added. |
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Villagers raise pollution concern at hearing
Solan, August 30 The villagers expressed concern over the lack of parking facility for over 4,000 trucks that were already operating from the unit. They said there was a need for creating adequate parking space as more trucks would now be added or the situation would further worsen. In a public hearing conducted at Rouri, residents of Kashlog, Mangu, Sahghoi and Giana villages said the capacity enhancement to manufacture clinker from 1.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 2.6 MTPA and limestone mining at Kashlog from 5.5 MTPA to 7.6 MTPA would add to the number of trucks thus leading to more noise pollution in the area. With nearly 7,000 trucks of two cement plants already choking the roads, driving has become a nightmare here. Not only this, dust arising from roads is causing harm to residents of villages located in the vicinity of the ACL plant. Surender Shukla, pradhan of the Darlaghat panchayat, said the local residents were suffering due to the partisan attitude of the plant management. He said people had been denied due compensation when blasts caused cracks in their houses. People residing in the proximity of the second plant are seeking rehabilitation as they are the worst sufferers due to dust particles and noise pollution, Shukla added. The villagers also demanded free medical services at the hospital being run by the plant as was the practice earlier. Sanjay Awasthy, president, Block Congress Committee, said the government should address the grievances of people and should not allow plant expansion further till issues relating to pollution and compensation were settled. The plant management, Awasthy said, had failed to publicise information about the new plant and people could not file their objections on time. The villagers also raised concern over reduction in the fertility of arable land. Jagdish Thakur, president, Sudhar Sabha, Darlaghat panchayat, said dust controlling devices were not functional at night. He added that fuel emissions flowed into water bodies and land rendering it barren. Among those present on the occasion were Chetan Joshi, superintending engineer, State Pollution Control Board, Deepak Aggarwal, executive engineer, Prem Mahajan, DFO, JC Patial, SDM and Chanchal Kumar, plant head of Ambuja Cements. What are their concerns
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Youth festival on responsible choices for healthy life held
Kangra, August 30 Dr RK Sood, District AIDS Programme Officer, said as a step towards creating an environment of open discussion among youth, the Red Ribbon Club (RRC)- Dronacharya College of Education, Rait and the Rotary Club, Shahpur had organised a contest under the International Youth Day campaign. He said every day 2,400 young people in the age group of 15 to 24 years were infected with HIV around the globe, which represented 40 per cent of all new infections among adults. He said, “The RRC is an initiative which builds the capacities of youth as peer educators in spreading the message on positive health behaviour in a healthy environment, reduces new HIV infection among youth by raising their risk perception through awareness on sex, sexuality and HIV & AIDS and equips them with correct information on the subject.” He said the UNAIDS vision was “Zero new HIV infections among youth by 2015”. Sunil Mahajan, president, Rotary Club, said 10 colleges participated in the event. Yudhvir Singh Chauhan said “Ignorance equals fear” and “Silence equals death”, as in the absence of communication, young people would continue to be at risk of HIV. In the song competition, Shakuntla (Sahran College) bagged the first prize, Swati (Awasthi College) the second and Amit (Gyan Jyoti College) the third. In the dance competition, Sikrandra and Rohit (Dronacahrya College), Meenakshi and Seema (Sahran College) bagged the first and second prizes, respectively, and Madhuri and Swati (Awasthi College of Education) and Meenkashi and Kalpana (Gyan Jyoti College) shared the third prize. GS Pahania, MD Dronachaya College, added that access to HIV prevention was fundamental right for which youth peer educators of the RRC were acting as catalysts. |
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Parents up in arms as wards
denied hostel facility
Mandi, August 30 The students are yet to be provided hostel facility despite the fact that the course is due to begin from September 1. The hostel facility was ensured as per the prospectus. “The academic session is starting from September but we are not sure as where to keep our wards for the four-year course,” they said. In some cases, the college authorities are referring students to pay for guest house accommodation, which charges up to Rs 6,000 per month and the poor cannot afford it. The paying guest accommodation was not close to the college, the parents said. The parents and the students have also accused the IGMC of misleading them as its prospectus stated that students would stay in the hostel and not in private houses. The parents have come from far-flung areas of Sarkaghat, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba. “We have sought the intervention of Health Minister Narender Bragta to resolve the problem,” one of the parents said. Nursing College Principal Krishna Chauhan said the college had hostel facility for 150 students and it was packed. “We can accommodate not more than 25 students. But we are providing paying guest accommodation near the college as there is no other way out as of now,” she claims. |
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First batch of forest officers begin training
Sundernagar, August 30 Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had announced the start of a Rangers College at Sundernagar in October last year. Dr Goraya said, “It was a matter of pride that the Forest Department pursued the project with the Centre and got the course was started in less than a year since the announcement made by the Chief Minister. He credited the Chief Minister and Forest Minister Khimi Ram for starting the course. He also wished the trainee officers on behalf of RK Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who could not attend the inaugural session due to the Vidhan Sabha session. As per a statement here, the Director Forest Training Institute and Rangers College, Director, Forest Education,
Dehradun, has nominated 15 trainees from Jammu & Kashmir and 15 trainees from Kerala for the training
programme. The Forestry Training Centre, Sundernagar, was established in September, 1993, to train frontline staff of the Forest Department. |
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Need to strengthen HIV prevention steps
Kangra, August 30 Director, NIFT, Dinesh Rangra on the occasion stated that need was to renew our commitment to adapt and strengthen HIV prevention strategies. He appealed to all educational institutions to make this a mass movement of youth and use this platform to channelise their energy for a healthy future. SMO, Kangra, Gurdarshan Gupta stated the AIDS response had evolved in the past 30 years. Dr Praveen Vij added that an HIV-positive person lived a long healthy life with ART medicine, just like diabetes. Komal Bishnoi (NIFT) bagged the first prize in painting, Vallari Kaushik (NIFT) the second and Amritanshu Prajwal (NIFT) third. Anita (Government Polytechnic), Kangra, and Amik Kumar (ITI Icchi) won special appreciation award. Dr RK Sood, District AIDS Control Programme Officer, said the HIV response in Kangra had witnessed a scale-up in terms of testing facilities. |
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Emulate Dhyan Chand’s ideals: Rathore
Bilaspur, August 30 He said nothing was impossible for hard-working and disciplined youth and the very same had been proved by six of the centre’s sportspersons who earned laurels by winning six medals for the country in the recent Olympics. He said one should take lessons from India’s defeat in hockey during the recently concluded Olympic Games so the country might attain the lost glory once again. Among those present on the occasion were retired coaches Nand Lal Thakur, Khushi Ram Garga, Satish Kumar and Ashok Kumar. Coaches Yog Raj Sharma, Gyan Singh Chandel, Kehar Singh Patial, Kuldip Kumar, including men and women players, were also present. Earlier, competitions were held in athletics, boxing, kabaddi and volleyball. |
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Date for admissions extended
Shimla, August 30 As per notification issued by the commission in this regard, the date has been extended on the requests of private universities subject to the condition that the mandatory requirement of 90 days teaching in each semester will be ensured. The admissions will be done to the extent of approved intake for each approved course.
— TNS |
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Heavy rain triggers landslides in Chamba
Chamba, August 30 Zila Parishad Kidi ward member Raj Singh Thakur said several footpaths had been damaged due to the torrential rain in Luddu, Kemhamli, Dhulada, Agahar and Rakh villages of the area. While submitting a memorandum to the state government through the district administration, he also demanded to assess the losses caused due to rain and provide compensation to the affected families. The reports of landslides had also come from the Palyoor belt where some houses had been looming under the threat of further landslips.
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Relief sought for rain damage
Mandi, August 30 The villagers said they had lost portions of their houses and cowsheds due to the landslides triggered by the rains. Cracks had also appeared in their houses as well as lands in the villages, but no relief had been provided to the villagers so far, they rued. They said cultivable land was also washed away due to the rains and landsides. The road that ran below the villages had destabilised the slopes triggering landslides and cracks in the villages, they stated. The Congress has also demanded rehabilitation of the affected villagers. The SDM, Sarkaghat, visited the villages and took stock of the situation recently.
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Man alleges sister was murdered by in-laws
Hamirpur, August 30 Hitesh further said the day his sister died, her elder son had told his maternal grandmother (complainant’s mother) over phone that she was mercilessly being beaten up by her husband and in-laws, including her sister-in-law. “When my mother called them back, Shivani’s sister-in-law Promila threatened her with dire consequences and refused to hear her pleadings not to beat
Shivani,” he complained. “My mother had also informed the police about the incident and later the police informed my mother about the death of Shivani due to poisoning,” Hitesh said. The complainant has urged the Hamirpur SP to get the case properly investigated. Badsar Deputy Superintendant of Police
(DSP) Madan Kant Sharma said, “We have registered a case under Sections 306 and 498-A,
CrPC, on the basis of the statements of deceased’s children and arrested Jasbir Singh, Sundari Devi and Promila in this regard. Investigations in the case are on.” Hamirpur SP Madhusudan said, “I have received a complaint in this case and the police will investigate all points raised by the complainant on merit.”
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Range officer commits suicide
Mandi/Kullu, August 30 Sources said Verma was to visit Shimla in connection with a departmental inquiry pending against him. In the meantime, the staff present there found him hanging from the ceiling of his room when they tried to enquire about him. He was rushed to the primary health center in Nagwani but the doctors declared him brought dead. Sources said Verma was staying alone at his official residence. His family stays at Shamshi. The police sent his body for postmortem. Kullu SP Ashok Kumar said the investigations were on in the case.
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