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HPCA chargesheet leaves babus fuming
Anurag Thakur assures jobs to youth
My performance, not Modi wave, will ensure my victory: Anurag
Independent India's first voter a hit online
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Negligible development in Mandi: Ram Swaroop
NGO seeks legal action against power companies
Suicide by industry worker: HC notice to Chief Secy, Baddi firm
Man dies in landslide
Man held for killing wife
Drug-resistant TB causing concern: Expert
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HPCA chargesheet leaves babus fuming
Shimla, March 29 The chargesheet which was submitted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to the Home Department earlier this week, has caused a major flutter among the babus. They are sore over their victimisation with a change of political power. The Himachal IAS Officers Association, which has already met Acting Chief Secretary P Mitra, has made up its mind to
convey its displeasure to the Chief Minister on the issue shortly. Even though the entire IAS fraternity is perturbed over the names of six serving and retired IAS officers and two Himachal Administrative Service (HAS) officers being included in the chargesheet, the general feeling is that kidgloves are being used to treat some who are close to the ruling party. The chargesheet is being vetted by the Law Department and it has also been sent to the Personnel Department for necessary clearances. “The names of some of the retired officers have been included in the chargesheet as mere suspects and not accused. Others who were perceived close to the previous BJP regime are being targeted, which is wrong,” points out a senior officer. He said it was unfair to apply different yardsticks while handling the same case to suit one’s convenience. They also point out that some of these names which have been included as suspects could even
be dropped, owing to their proximity to the ruling party. The IAS officers are also unhappy with their fellow IPS officers for targeting them and including their name in the chargesheet on flimsy grounds. “There are several instances where the police have developed cold feet when asked to act against their own men despite written orders by the Home department,” they point out. They cite several cases where many IPS officers were allowed to go scot-free despite serious allegations against them only because the investigation and registration of case was in the hands of
the cops. The manner in which the officers who when land was given to the HPCA were serving in the Revenue, Youth Services and Sports and Municipal Committee, Dharamsala are being targeted has left the bureaucracy demoralised. “If this is the manner in which we will be held liable for acts done on
the directives of political bosses, it will become well nigh impossible for us to work and do even genuine work,” say officers. Bureaucrats see red
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Anurag Thakur assures jobs to youth
He said corporate houses were shying away from conducting campus interviews and the quantum of jobs and remuneration had declined abysmally in the past 10 years. He said this had directly affected employment opportunities, adding that the much-hyped pro-youth policies of the Congress had been exposed, as they could barely give 27 lakh jobs to the youth in the first five years of their rule, whereas the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government had provided 6.25 crore jobs. He said the lack of institutes granting vocational education vis-à-vis demand of the industry was widening the chasm between the demand and supply and this had created a huge chunk of educated unemployed youth in the country. Anurag said the Congress-led UPA had belied the expectations of the youth, who despite availing education loans at an exorbitant rate of 14 per cent had failed to find jobs. He said at times, they could not even give guarantee for availing loans. He urged the youth to vote for their prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, who had promised to make education affordable and had granted loans to students in Gujarat. Anurag said an art and culture centre was being opened in the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, which would train youth in various aspects of film making. An institute for training the youth desirous of joining the defence services would soon become operational, which would also train youth to get at least 5,000 jobs in security agencies. Anurag said the Congress government in the state had registered an FIR against him for promoting sports and not for indulging in any corruption. |
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My performance, not Modi wave, will ensure my victory: Anurag
Una, March 29 Speaking at Beher Jaswan village of Chintpurni segment, he said his performance as an MP had been outstanding.
Anurag said India would witness development in all sectors if the people voted in favour of Narendra Modi. He said the people of the country have tested the Congress for several decades, including the past 10 years. “During this period, the Congress has only given corruption, inflation, unemployment and insecurity to the people,” he said. He said since the Congress leaders were sensing a defeat, its leaders, particularly Virbhadra Singh, were speaking un-parliamentary language and indulging in unnecessary mudslinging over their adversaries. Some youngsters owing allegiance to the Congress party also joined the BJP on the occasion. Thakur addressed 10 corner meetings in Chintpurni segment during his campaign. |
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Independent India's first voter a hit online
Negi's two-and-a-half minute video has registered a record 3,12,652 views in two days following March 24. Whereas, his cosmopolitan co-campaign glam stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dia Mirza, Arjun Rampal, Virender Sehwag, Swara Bhaskar, Sakshi Tanwar, Hrishita Bhatt and Raima Sen and even BJP's much-hyped prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, have netted only 6,407 views in the corresponding period. The video shows Negi walking amid snowflakes in Kinner Kailash. He picks up his cap, sips his herbal tea and comes out scaling a flight of snow-covered steps to Kalpa polling station. After The Tribune carried his interview in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, the then Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla had visited Negi's village to honour him as part of the Election Commission's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2010. His voice in the video clip says: “Aaj bhi utni hi khushi aur garv mahasoos hota hai”. The voice resounds the same pathos as it was when he had cast his vote in the 1951 Lok Sabha election. This has made him Independent India's first voter. The elections were held much in advance in Kinnaur, he recalled. Negi takes pride in being the first voter of Mandi, India's second largest parliamentary constituency after Barmar in Rajasthan. He voted for the first time on October 25, 1951, for the Assembly elections. On May 7, when Himachal goes to the polls, Negi is set to vote for a record 16th time for the Lok Sabha election. He has voted 11 times for the Vidhan Sabha elections. A staunch believer in democracy, Negi, ECI's brand ambassador urged youngsters in the country to exercise their franchise. “If you dislike party candidates, the ECI has given a new option this time. Press NOTA (None of The Above) button on the electronic voting machines (EVMs),” he said. Negi lives on the snowy heights of Chini village located at 2,759 m above sea level in Kalpa in Kinnaur. His disarming smile, half-shut eyes, rich voice and weather-beaten face makes him more spiritual than the Dalai Lama, claim his admirers. He has four sons and five daughters who live together. He urged citizens to vote for clean candidates who could take care of the welfare of people. “Politicians should be taught a lesson, as they forget their promises after they get votes,” he added. This correspondent met Negi in 2009 at his home, built by his father Naryandas in 1914, during the Lok Sabha elections. “With over 800 million voters, the ECI’s unique advertisement with the first voter of independent India who still believes in democracy is an inspiration for all,” commented a fan online. Yogesh Chauhan, a young voter said: "I am proud that I am also from Himachal." DD Sharma, District Election Officer, Kinnaur, said they had used Negi’s posters carrying his slogan to encourage voters in Reckong Peo, district headquarters. |
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Negligible development in Mandi: Ram Swaroop
Kullu, March 29 He said the corrupt Congress government would be toppled by the BJP, adding that the Modi wave would ensure victory of the party in all four seats of Himachal. Earlier, he was accorded a warm welcome in Bajaura by BJP workers of Banjar and Sainj and was greeted by party members at Bhuntar, Dhalpur and Akhara. Former state BJP chief Jai Ram Thakur, former minister Khimi Ram Sharma, national treasurer of BJP ST Morcha Yuvraj Bodh, Manali MLA and Kullu BJP president Gobind Singh Thakur, state BJP spokesperson Ajay Rana, Kargil war hero Brig Khushal Thakur (retd), former minister Ram Lal Markanday, president of the Kullu Municipal Committee Rishabh Kalia and district BJP media coordinator Joginder Shukla were present on the occasion. |
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NGO seeks legal action against power companies
Palampur, March 29 Addressing mediapersons here, Daleep Sharma and KB Rahlan, spokespersons of People's Voice, said these power companies had encroached on thousands of acres of government forest land, but had failed to deposit the lease money in the state exchequer so far. They said it was a matter of serious concern that most of the power projects had already been commissioned, generating power and also earning profits, but lease money and other funds like the catchment area development plan fund and local area development plan fund were not deposited with the
state exchequer. They alleged these companies had a nexus with officials of forest
and revenue departments who remained a silent spectator. People's Voice raised doubts about the way forest officials waived penalties and imposed compensation on the power companies for causing a huge loss to forest wealth and environment while dumping muck and debris in forest lands. They said in many cases, higher officers of the Forest Department overruled recommendations of the field staff for charging compensation at the rate of Rs 250 per cubic metre to just Rs 50 per cubic metre, which resulted in a huge loss to the state. People's Voice urged the state government to order a high-level inquiry and initiate action against erring officials of the
Forest and Revenue departments which remained silent spectators and allowed power
companies to occupy forest lands without paying any lease money. People's Voice said these power companies had taken nature for granted in the Dhauladhar hills, destroying numerous natural water sources, local water channels, drinking water supply and irrigation schemes. Despite hue and cry raised by several social bodies, local residents, panchayats and the state government failed to initiate action against these companies. |
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World art experts to restore Sobha Singh paintings
Dharamsala, March 29 Hirday Paul Singh, who is maintaining the art gallery, talking to The Tribune, said two England-based artists Ian Barrand, a restorer who works at a prestigious museum in Yorkshire, and well-known artist Bhajan Hunjan, have agreed to visit Andretta in the last week of March to have a look at the paintings. They had also come here two years ago to paint the museum and restore frames and paintings. The display at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery was improved as per standard practices. They had also suggested some architectural changes surrounding the main building which have since been implemented for requisite light and regular flow of air to avoid dampness, Hirday Paul Singh said. He further said during their two-week stay here, the experts would make an assessment and come up with advice on what is needed to be put in place for future longevity of saint-artist Sobha Singh's lifetime works. They would also advise the late artist's family members on the display and storage of invaluable paintings despite limited space and resources. At the same time, during their stay, they would carry out some restoration work, he said. Around 50 classic paintings on various themes like national heroes and freedom fighters, religious figures, romantic tales, portraits and local folk are on display at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery and thousands of connoisseurs, art lovers, tourists and other visitors from across the country and some foreign lands visit this place every year. Hirday said Andretta being a high-rainfall area, excessive moisture damaged the paintings. Similarly, light and dust were other enemies of art works and the family, without any support from any quarters, tried to maintain the works. Yet, some cracks have appeared in half a dozen works which include portraits of famous poetess late Amrita Pritam, a Gorkha soldier, paintings of Guru Teg Bahadur and Lord Krishna. The restorers will also make suggestions on care and upkeep of some sculptures by Sobha Singh and other artefacts in Sobha Singh Museum, opened almost a year back. The family has expressed gratitude to the experts as they have generated their own resources to visit the gallery and museum and will be providing expert services on conservation free of cost as they have high regard for the legendary artist Sobha Singh. |
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Suicide by industry worker: HC notice to Chief Secy, Baddi firm
Shimla, March 29 Issuing the notices, a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan directed them to file a reply in the matter within four weeks. The court passed these orders on a petition taken up suo motu by the court on a letter addressed to the Chief Justice by the office-bearer of the Ex-Servicemen Association, alleging that it had written to the state government many times on the need for an effective policy for the welfare of workmen working in the industries established in the state, but the government had not taken any action. It alleged that private companies and industries were employing educated youth, but paying them a pittance. The prevailing unemployment scenario in the state was driving depressed youth to suicide, it was stated. The condition of workmen is pitiable as they are made to work overtime with no leave, and no safety is provided to women workers. |
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Cycle rally held to promote Earth Hour
Shimla, March 29 The rally was flagged off by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra. The rally started from Central Telegraph Office near the DC office and did a loop of 5 km towards the Advanced Studies en route Railway Board Building, AG office, Vidhan Sabha, Oberio Cecil, Advance Studies Ambedkar Chowk and back. Cycling is a great initiative to combat climate change and reduce environmental pollution, said HASTPA member Ashish Sood. He said cycling could help in providing sustainable solutions to problems such as parking and traffic. “An ecologically sensitive region like Shimla must invest in inculcating cycling. It's a healthy initiative for the body as well as the environment. It gives children and adults alike, a chance to interact with nature,” he said. On returning, riders appealed to the general public to switch off their lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm in lieu of the Earth Hour. Arti Gupta, project coordinator of WWF Himachal Pradesh thanked the volunteers and riders. |
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Man dies in landslide
Kullu, March 29 Manager RK Bhargav was also caught in the slush and seriously injured. He is recovering at the Zonal Hospital, Kullu. The debris blocked the Manikaran-Barshaini road for over five hours. DSP Sanjay Sharma said the victim’s body had been handed over to the relatives after the postmortem. Project GM Rohit Sharma expressed grief over the incident and said the company received a major setback due to the calamity. Environmentalist Abhishek Rai expressed concern over two major landslides that occurred in the past four days in the Manikaran region. He said the government should check and regulate unplanned construction and mining by numerous hydel projects engaged in the valley.
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Man held for killing wife
Nurpur, March 29 According to the police, the accused had been married to Krishna Devi in 1999. They had strained relations as Subash suspected his wife's character. Yesterday morning they had a quarrel with his wife and in a fit of rage he allegedly attacked her with a sharp sickle. His sister Suresh Devi was also injured when she tried to save the victim. She was rushed to the Civil Hospital here and then shifted to a private hospital at Pathankot. The body of the deceased has been handed over to the family after postmortem. DSP Manoj Joshi said the police had registered a case under Section 302, IPC, following a statement of Ramesh Chand, brother of the deceased. He said the sickle used in the crime had been recovered.
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Drug-resistant TB causing concern: Expert
Kangra, March 29 Dr RK Sood, District Programme Officer, said this during a programme on Multi-drug-resistant Tuberculosis at the DRPGMC, Tanda. He said standard anti-TB drugs had been used for decades and resistance to medicines was growing. He said MDR TB was a form of TB caused by bacteria that did not respond to, at least, isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most powerful, first-line or standard anti-TB drugs.
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Solan, March 29
Shimla/Kalpa, March 29