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Jai Ram files papers, BJP shows strength
Virbhadra targets BJP on graft
Development main poll plank: Cong
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Revival plan to infuse life into ailing HPMC
Appoint administrator to look after BCCI affairs, Centre urged
SOS middle results out
Girl kidnapped, three arrested
Girl gang-raped, accused at large
ASI caught taking bribe
10-year-old girl raped at Palampur
2 teachers get bail in suicide case
Three held in dowry case
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Jai Ram files papers, BJP shows strength
Mandi, June 1 They criticised the Chief Minister for removing Atal Bihari Vajpayee's name from schemes launched by the previous PK Dhumal government. Addressing a gathering after Jai Ram filed his papers, Shanta Kumar and Dhumal attacked Virbhadra for closing the Rewalsar, Ladbharol, Nieri and Nankhari colleges and stopping development work started by the
BJP regime. They said the state government had renamed Atal Swasthya Seva Scheme and Atal School Uniform Scheme. They alleged that there were no pulses at ration depots and the oil available was substandard. Dhumal alleged that the UPA was a mute spectator to Chinese infiltration. He claimed that the UPA was sleeping over the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail proposal even though China had built a rail and road network along the border. Taking a cue from the Shanta Kumar's remark that Virbhadra Singh's birthday was on June 23, the day of polling, Dhumal said people should give a befitting gift to Virbhadra Singh by electing Jai Ram. Shanta Kumar alleged that the Congress-led UPA government was the most corrupt ever and too inept and incompetent to control prices and mitigate poverty, hunger and malnutrition. He claimed that the UPA government had failed to counter threats from China and Pakistan which had been boldly intruding into Indian territory. He alleged that everything at the Centre from the security of the country to railway posts was being sold by corrupt ministers. He predicted that the General Election next year would be historic. He said a former Air Force chief's name figured in the weapons deal, a former Railway Minister's nephew had been caught with a bribe of Rs 70 lakh, certain industrialists' names figured in scams and black money amounting to millions had been stashed in foreign banks. BJP national general secretary JP Nadda alleged that the Virbhadra government was a time-pass government being run by retired persons. He said Pratibha Singh was contesting, but Jai Ram was the stronger candidate. Jai Ram admitted that he was reluctant initially, but was upbeat after senior leaders pitched for him. He alleged that Pratibha Singh, who was the Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009, did little for Mandi. He claimed that the government had been misleading the youth and PTA teachers and there was
no funds in the state for the MGNREGA. State party president Satpal Singh Satti and state party affairs in charge Balbir Punj alleged that the Virbhadra government was acting with political vendetta by renaming old schemes launched by the BJP. Sattti warned the state government that the BJP would rename 3,000 schemes. He claimed that Congress leaders were not happy with Virbhadra Singh as GS Bali had resigned while others were waiting for the right time to do so. Anurag Thakur was conspicuous by his absence. Birender Kashyap, Gulab Singh Thakur, Col (retd) Inder Thakur, Govind Thakur, Suresh Bhardwaj, Mahender Thakur, Binod Kumar, Randhir Sharma, Jawahar Thakur, Rakesh Jamval, Ram Swarup Sharma, Ajay Rana, Narender Bragta, Khimi Ram, Ram Lal Markende, Vipin Parmar and Praveen Sharma were present. |
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Virbhadra targets BJP on graft
Mandi, June 1 Addressing public meetings at Gara Gushaini, Banjar, Sainj and Bajaura in support of Congress candidate Pratibha Singh, he claimed that corruption was rampant in the previous regime. He asserted that his government would bring wrong-doers to book. He said the government would focus on developing the tourism potential of Seraj. Taking on the BJP candidate in his home segment, he alleged that Seraj had been neglected by its legislator Jai Ram Thakur who was representing it for the fourth time. Virbhadra Singh made an emotional appeal to voters that June 23, the date of polling, was his birthday as well and he deserved a befitting gift that day. "I will shortly tour the area again once the model code of conduct is over. It has a lot of scope for development," he said at Gara Gushaini. He said roads, the Luhri-Banjar tunnel under the Jalori Pass and other development works were pending which would be taken up soon. He alleged that the BJP had divided the people to get votes, but the Congress had united them. He claimed that the BJP was adept at raising empty slogans and propaganda, but the Congress believed in development. Banjar legislator Karan Singh, state Congress vice-president Harsh Mahajan, Kullu district Congress president Budhi Singh Thakur, Kullu Zila Parishad Chairman Hari Chand Sharma, Prof Vir Singh Chauhan, Shiv Lal, Chet Ram Thakur, Tara Thakur and Daleep Singh also spoke. |
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Development main poll plank: Cong
Shimla, June 1 In a press note issued here today, Transport Minister GS Bali and Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said BJP leaders were resorting to a misinformation campaign seeing the certain victory of the Congress. "The Congress believes in development and not unleashing political vendetta at its political opponents," they remarked. They added that the Congress would not spare those found guilty while the innocent would not be harassed. The two ministers said the BJP had not been able to overcome the defeat it suffered in the Assembly elections in December last year. "The party will meet the same fate that it suffered in the Assembly elections when its dream of 'Mission Repeat' was shattered by the Congress," they said. The two leaders claimed that the Congress would win the byelection on the basis of the five-month performance of the Virbhadra Singh regime. "Within such a short span of time our government has made a provision of Rs 100 crore for a skill development allowance to the educated unemployed youth," they said. The ministers said the Congress had fielded a strong candidate while the BJP candidate had virtually been forced to contest as he was reluctant. "During the previous regime the BJP had not only tapped the telephones of its political opponents but also of its own party leaders," they alleged.
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Revival plan to infuse life into ailing HPMC
Shimla, June 1 The ambitious revival plan for the HPMC, which bagged several prestigious international awards in the mid-80s, has taken off well with two of its packaging units at Jarol-Tikkar and Gumma in Shimla district being outsourced at Rs 1.14 crore per annum. The HPMC with accumulative losses of over Rs 70 crore has lost its sheen over the years with most of its infrastructure being under-utilised or lying redundant. Next in line for outsourcing are four cold storages at Rohru, Odi, Patlikuhl and Jabli, which will rake in more money. Horticulture Minister Vidya Stokes is keen to make the HPMC a profitable organisation, considering the immense potential it has. She is keen that the vast variety of packaged foods made both from fruits as well as vegetables should be made and sold through aggressive marketing strategy. The HPMC has set a target of making 1,000 tonnes of apple concentrate this year, as compared to 418 tonnes in 2011 and 250 tonnes in 2012. “The apple concentrate is one of our most popular products and it is through huge apple purchase under the MIS that we will have an extended crushing season and produce 1,000 tonnes of concentrate,” said Jagdish Sharma, Managing Director, HPMC. He added that there was no dearth of buyers with big corporate names like Nestle and Britannia keen to buy the product. He said as per the revival plan, HPMC would aggressively market and enhance production of its juices (tetra packs) as there was demand from several big organisations like the Railways and most of the states, including West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. To meet this demand, a target of producing about 10 lakh trays of tetra-pack juices has been set. The production last year was a mere 2.15 lakh tetra-packs, far less than the capacity of the plant. As a beginning, the HPMC intends to level out its annual loss of Rs 7 crore incurred last year. The HPMC during the '80s was a brand name in the field of horticultural and agricultural produce marketing, processing, cold storing and export of fresh fruit and processed fruit products, apart from development and evolution of economy of small farmers in the state. Its wide range of products include apple juice concentrate, concentrate of orange, pear, plum, strawberry, apple and plum, wines, juices in tetra packs, natural and blended juices and baby corn. Renewal strategy
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Benefit scheme for LPG consumers launched
Hamirpur, June 1 Deputy Commissioner Ashish Singhmar, who was the chief guest, formally launched the scheme. Addressing the gathering, he said it was a golden day for Hamirpur district. He said 67 per cent of the 84,335 LPG consumers registered through Aadhaar cards would start getting the benefit immediately. He said 26 more schemes would be covered from July 1. Welcoming the guests, PK Thakur, Chief Consumer Manager, Indian Oil, said the scheme was being launched in select districts and Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur districts in Himachal Pradesh were being covered. The launch of the scheme in Mandi district had been deferred due to the byelection. ADC Himanshu Shekhar
Chaudhary, Indian Oil Area Manager Sunil Thakur and local Indane dealer Harish Nanda were present. Bilaspur: Bilaspur district on Saturday became one of the 18 districts in the country to be linked by the direct benefit transfer scheme for LPG subsidy. Consumers who had given their Aadhaar and
bank account numbers to the agency would get the government subsidy directly deposited in their bank accounts. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Sharma said this while inaugurating this scheme on Saturday. He said this was the 16th scheme in the district to be linked to this facility. He said this would help reduce the misuse of subsidy on cylinders and only genuine domestic consumers would get the advantage. He said 70 per cent consumers in the district had Aadhaar numbers. He said three more months had been allowed to get formalities completed for this scheme. He added that consumers who did not get this linkage would get all cylinders at market rates without subsidy from September 1. Indian Oil Senior Divisional Manager Nagender Singh and Aadhar numbers Chandigarh ADG Sanjiv Nagpal also addressed the gathering. |
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Research a systematic, scientific study: Scholar
Kangra, June 1 This was stated here yesterday by Prof Krishan Kumar, Padma Shri awardee and former Professor, University of Delhi, while addressing research scholars and faculty of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) during an interaction organised by the School of Education at the seminar hall of the temporary academic block at Shahpur. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Research is directed towards solution of a problem. Research is the result of advancing knowledge and is designed to solve problems of immediate concern. We must understand how research impacts our decision-making. The research you do and evidence you gather will impact your future.” He said the dissemination of knowledge was a big problem. “The language of the layman should be used while making different communication programmes,” he said. He suggested different ways to improve the quality of higher education and research. CUHP Vice-Chancellor Farqan Qamar welcomed Prof Krishan Kumar. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Yoginder Singh Verma and Dean for School of Education Arbind Kumar Jha were present. Associate Professor with Department of Teachers Education Manoj Kumar Saxena proposed the vote of thanks. |
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Appoint administrator to look after BCCI affairs, Centre urged
Palampur, June 1 Addressing a press conference here, Khushi Ram Balnatah, vice-president, HLP, said the Union Government should come out with a legislation to bring the BCCI in the purview of the government. He said the recent incident of spot-fixing in IPL matches had exposed the BCCI. The underworld connections with some cricket players had already been established by investigating agencies that paid them money for spot-fixing, he said. The Home Minister should order a probe into the affairs of the BCCI. He said the government should also amend the Income tax Act, 1961, and withdraw all concessions and deductions allowed under Section 11 of the Act to cricket associations across the country. He asserted that their total income should be taxed at par with other tax payers and these cricket bodies must contribute and pay taxes for development of the nation. Referring to the HPCA, he said the state government should take over its assets by amending the sports laws. |
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Magician to perform today
Shimla, June 1 He said he was keen to set up a magic academy in Himachal Pradesh provided the government gave him land. "I am pained to see conmen and godmen cheat and fool the people in the name of God," he said. He will perform here for the next few days along with a troupe of 60 persons. His show will begin here tomorrow. He has done over 28,000 shows the world over and has won many accolades and awards. Samrat Shankar contributes to noble causes as well. He has been associated with the Red Cross Society for the last three decades. He regularly contributes to earthquake relief funds and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. |
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SOS middle results out
Kangra, June 1 She said the pass percentage was 20.5. She said candidates could seek revaluation and rechecking till June 14. She said a merit list was not prepared and no position would be announced.
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Girl kidnapped, three arrested
Nurpur, June 1 The arrested persons have been identified as Divyanshu Sharma of Dakiara, Ravinder Singh of Jakhara and Rakesh Chowdhary from Paplah village. The police has also taken possession of the Swift car used in the crime. The trio were produced before the court today and remanded in police custody. DSP Rajiv Atre said the fourth accomplice was still at large. He said the accused after abducting the girl sped away the vehicle on the Jassur-Talwara highway. They allegedly molested her and tried to rape her on the way. He said a case had been registered. The abducted girl escaped when the kidnappers stopped the vehicle for drinking water at Kher, near Rehan. She raised an alarm and local villagers came to her rescue. Two of the kidnappers were nabbed by them and handed over to the police, whereas the other two fled from the scene. The police nabbed the third accused in the night. |
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Girl gang-raped, accused at large
Solan, June 1 Baddi Superintendent of Police (SP) S Arul Kumar said the incident took place on May 25 when the girl was followed by youths, including Nikhil, who stopped her near the Baddi bus stop and forced her into a vehicle. She was later taken to a secluded place and reportedly gang-raped by two of them, including Nikhil, while the other two youths tied her hands. A medical examination of the girl was conducted on Friday and a team constituted by the SP to nab the offenders who were at large. Nikhil hails from Kangra district and works at an industrial unit in Baddi. All police posts and police stations had been alerted about the absconding youths, the SP added.
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ASI caught taking bribe
Solan, June 1 ASI Krishan Chand, who was investigating a case of abetment to suicide, had been dilly-dallying over the issue of providing a copy of the First Information Report and the post-mortem report to the kin of the deceased. This case was registered about two months ago after a body was found near Malkhumajra village. DSP Ramesh Sharma said ASI Krishan Chand did not provide the two documents to the kin. He demanded a bribe of Rs 4,000 for providing them the papers. The kin, however, lodged a complaint with the bureau who nabbed the ASI red-handed accepting the bribe near the Baddi police station today at a time when the Superintendent of Police (SP) himself was taking a meeting of his staff in the same police station. SP, Baddi, S Arul Kumar said he had placed the ASI under suspension and transferred him to the police headquarters.
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10-year-old girl raped at Palampur
Palampur, June 1 When her parents came back from work, the girl narrated the incident to them. They immediately reported the matter to the police. The police immediately arrested Vinod Kumar and registered a case under Section 376, IPC, against him.
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2 teachers get bail in suicide case
Palampur, June 1 A third-year student of Basic Sciences College, Anchal committed suicide by jumping into the Neugal on May 27. She left a two-page suicide note holding the two teachers, Sharda Singh and Nageshwar, responsible for her death. The police had registered a case under Sections 306 and 34, IPC, against the two teachers.
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Three held in dowry case
Nurpur, June 1 Sheela had married to Khushdeep in November last year. Her in-laws allegedly started harassing her demanding more dowry. DSP Rajiv Atre said a case had been registered against the accused. They were produced in the court today and bailed out.
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