Shimla, November 5
The state government says the team led by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh received a good response from industry giants on the first day of the investors meet in Mumbai today.

State government sources said the CM told the industry captains that the state had already announced a freeze on power tariff for five years till 2018. The power rates were already 20 to 30 per cent less than those in other states of North India.

Himachal will hold the meet in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bangalore during the next three days to attract the maximum investment.

This exercise is being held jointly with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). “We appreciate the role of private players in providing desired impetus to the economy of the state and we are here to invite you,” he said.

“We expect good participation and full cooperation from industrialists to make Himachal Pradesh a favourite industrial hub and for this we are willing to extend all possible help that we can,” Virbhadra told industrialists. He said he was confident that this meet would emerge as a successful platform and open avenues for the big industrial houses to in Himachal.

The Tata group has evinced keen interest to make huge investments in the hydro power sector as it proposes to set up six projects. Besides this, it has also shown interest in cable cars and ropeways.

Arun Nanda, chairman and director Mahindra and Mahindra, interacting in the one-to-one meet, proposed setting up of art and craft village and expanding resorts in the lower belt of the state for boosting tourism.

He also showed interest in educational institute of international repute. He said his group had already purchased land in Himachal and would be glad if the government could facilitate purchasing some more land near Dharamsala.

Apurva Parekh, executive director, Pidilite, which at present is a major investor in the state, expressed desire to expand its manufacturing unit with additional investment. The Chief Minister assured the firm help in whatever possible manner.

Manoj from Amarson Ltd and Meridian Group offered an investment of Rs Rs 700 crore in solar and bio-mass energy using lantana and pine needles for generating electricity. They showed interest in setting up a 10 mw solar energy project immediately and introducing house boats in the Pong reservoir, besides bird culture towers.

DY Patil Group, which is running 230 medical colleges in the country as well as abroad, also desired to have an institute in Himachal. Arti Sharma and Mohnish, managing director, representing Luminous Power Technology India also expressed desire to invest an additional Rs 100 crore.

Glenmark, Hindustan Levers, United Phosphorous, Hi-Tech India Private Ltd and many small and big business houses interacted with the Chief Minister and proposed to invest in the state.

Offers in the line The Tata group proposes to set up six projects. It has also shown interest in cable cars and ropeways Mahindra and Mahindra may set up an art and craft village and increase the number of resorts Also shows interest in educational institute of international repute Pidilite likely to expand its manufacturing unit Amarson Ltd and Meridian Group offered an investment of Rs 700 crore in solar and bio-mass energy using lantana and pine needles for generating electricity. They show interest in setting up a 10 mw solar energy projects and introducing house boats in the Pong reservoir

Shimla, November 5
The Wildlife Department has decided to seek the help of NGOs in confining monkeys to the outskirts of the town, use sound equipment to scare them and seek a ban on garbage disposal in the open.

The unfortunate incident of a woman dying after falling off the roof of her house as she tried to save herself from monkeys in Shimla yesterday has sparked off anger among the locals, who say immediate steps should be taken. There have been several instances in the past when schoolchildren and women have been bitten by simians while they are on their way to school or office.

Lalit Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator Forest (PCCF), Wildlife, said the sound equipment used abroad would be brought to the city. “We will modify the equipment used abroad to scare monkeys so that it can be used for slightly vast areas and see how effective it is in checking the menace in urban areas,” he said.

The monkeys have forced farmers is various parts of the state to give up cultivation of maize, vegetables and fruits. They are now becoming a nuisance in urban areas also.

“We are already in touch with a Jalandhar-based NGO who are keen to set up a Monkey Park on the outskirts of Shimla, where plants providing natural food for monkeys will be planted,” said P L Chauhan, Conservator, Wildlife.

He said the park would at least take care of monkeys who are old, injured or very ferocious as easy accessibility to food will confine them to one place. The NGO has offered its services free of cost and have past experience in dealing with stray cattle and monkeys.

“We are also in the process of identifying not just the more endemic areas like Jakhu, US Club and Scandal Point but also intend to block the fixed route taken by monkeys with the help of spiked or barbed wire to prevent their entry into inhabited areas,” said Chauhan.

Officials of the Wildlife Department said a major cause of monkey menace in urban areas is the open disposal of garbage and bins with no lids. “We will take it up with the Municipal Corporation to ensure there is no open disposal of garbage as it is the easy availability of food by rummaging the bins that attracts monkeys in hoards,” they said.

The Wildlife Department has so far sterilised over 70,000 monkeys at its sterilisation centres in Shimla, Hamirpur and Una and has directed its officials to set a target so that maximum possible animals can be sterilised.

Counter measures Sound equipment used abroad will be brought to the city to scare monkeys A Jalandhar-based NGO has offered to set up a monkey park on the outskirts of Shimla, where saplings providing natural food for monkeys will be planted Barbed wire will be used to prevent their entry into inhabited areas Open disposal of garbage will be banned

Chamba, November 5
Captain Atul Chandra, 28, from Chamba has succeeded in scaling the 5,895 m Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (Africa).

He climbed the peak in August with two other officers — one from the US and another from Africa.

Uhuru peak is Africa’s highest summit and world’s highest free standing mountain. It is also a world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of Africa.

Atul always wanted to join the Indian Army. He studied from Sainik School, Sujanpur Tihra, then went to Sacred Heart High School, Dharamsala, and then attended Post-Graduate College, Dharamsala.

His hard work, disciplined and focused approach towards his goal helped him in getting inducted into the Army. He joined the Officers’ Training Academy at Chennai in 2009 and passed out in March 2010.

As a Lieutenant he joined at Pathankot and then served at different places such as in Akhnoor (J&K) and UN Mission in Congo (Africa) for one-and-a-half years from February 2013, to August 2014, and is presently posted in Rajasthan.

He got training in counter insurgency and jungle warfare school from January to March 2012.

During his school and college days also he underwent various trekking expeditions in difficult mountainous terrains of Himachal Pradesh. His mother Urmila Chandra and late grandparents inspired him to join the Indian Army.

Shimla, November 5
In an interim relief to the state, the high court today stayed the order passed by it in which it had imposed a ban to organise any non-educational activities or fairs in government school playgrounds.

Passing this interim order, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan directed that the order passed on October 21 would not be given effect till November 11.

The court passed this order on an application filed by the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, for seeking modification of order on the ground that in view of this order, the state as well as the district administration are likely to face problems of holding traditional fairs.

It further stated in the application that cultural activities related to Lavi Fair are celebrated in the ground of Rampur school as there is no other place having sitting arrangements where cultural programme could be organised. It was urged that the permission may be granted to organise Lavi Fair in the school.

In its earlier order, a Bench comprising Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Sureshwar Thakur directed the Principal Secretary (Education), all Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates not to accord any permission to organise any function/fair directly not connected with educational/academic activities in the schools playgrounds even on holidays.

In its earlier order, the Bench, headed by Justice Rajiv Sharma, observed that “Holding of fairs in school grounds vitiates the academic atmosphere. The school grounds are dug up for raising temporary sheds. The school grounds, including premises, are strewn with garbage. It is not removed for days together. It degrades the environment. The endeavour of the school authorities should be to preserve the sanctity of school premises where the children go to learn.”

Aggrieved from this order, the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, filed an application for seeking modification in the order and after perusing it, the court has stayed the effect of its order till November 11 and listed the matter for further hearing on next Tuesday.

Shimla, November 5
The estimate of the government regarding production and procurement of apples has gone haywire this time.

Reason: The fruit dispatched to outside markets this season may not exceed 2.62 crore cartons, while procurement of the culled fruit may not surpass 14,000 metric tonne as apple season has almost come to a close in the state.

On the other hand, private players such as Adani Agrifresh had a field day as the company purchased 22,500 MT, out of which it stored 21,500 MT at its controlled atmospheric stores (CAS).

Official sources said Devbhoomi, Gem Tree, Railways and commission agents from Delhi came to the orchards to buy the fruit directly from farmers this time, but not exceeding 3 lakh cartons in all.

This benefited the farmers as it kept both local markets and city markets in Chandigarh and Delhi in check, a farmer said.

Another thing that kept markets busy this season was that importers in Mumbai bought fruit from Chile at Rs 2,300 per carton and stored it in CAS. But it got destroyed, which sent the prices of imported apple below Rs 1,300 that indirectly benefited farmers in July and August, when the imported fruit was being sold in the markets, traders said.

Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce, Processing and Marketing Corporation (HPMC) faced shortage of culled apple fruit for processing this time as the corporation had procured about 13,070 MT till October 31, the last date for procurement, which was 60 per cent less than last year’s figure of 34,225 MT.

Bureaucratic delay along with less number of procurement centres opened this year and inadequate support price under market intervention scheme(MIS), which forced farmers to sell C-grade apple in the markets is being cited as the reason behind it.

The HPMC had targeted to procure nearly 20,000 to 25,000 MT this year as compared to 34,229 MT culled fruit procured in 2013. Total apple production could be less than 2.65 crore cartons this year as only a lakh or two cartons is expected mainly from Kinnaur now, horticulture officials said.

But HPMC and HIMFED together would not be able to exceed 14,000 MT this year.

“The procurement is more or less over and the department is awaiting reports from a couple of high altitude orchards at Baghi, Maroag and Kinnaur, which can add a few more tonnes,” horticultural officials said.

The Horticulture Department announced the MIS price in mid-August, when the apple season was heading for a close in the lower belt and farmers dispatched consignments to the markets, which had hit prices of the apple then.

HPMC vice-chairperson Prakash Thakur said: “The corporation got less fruit this time as farmers got good prices for even B and C-grade fruit in the markets. The apple crop was on lesser side this year as compared with last year.”

“On the other, Adani faces a big challenge this time as more than 60 per cent of the apple stored at CAS is of small and extra small size,” said Sanjay Mahajan, general manager Adani Agrifresh.

“The quality of fruit was good but the size was small,” he added.

Shimla, November 5
The Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPM) today targeted the Congress for taking a U-turn on the Apartment Act.

It accused the Virbhadra Singh Government of opening flood gates for the land mafia by diluting the Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act, which debars non-agriculturists from purchasing land in the state.

Communist Party of India- Marxist secretariat member Tikender Panwar said the Congress took a U-turn on the whole issue and was indulging in “Himachal on Sale-Part II” after BJP executed its part I. Congress had then accused the Dhumal Government of putting “Himachal on sale” and had demanded scrapping of the Apartment Act. The issue had figured in its 50-point chargesheet against the BJP regime in which it had mentioned that the Act had not been repealed despite recommendations made by a committee of the Vidhan Sabha.

“But after coming to power, Congress has gone overboard to please the builder mafia, which had caused the downfall of the last BJP regime”, the CPM alleged.

Instead of scrapping the Act, Congress was facilitating the mafia through single window clearance for projects under the Apartment Act. On the other hand, bonafide Himachalis were running from pillar to post to get permission to purchase a small piece of land for building a house, Panwar added.

The Communist Party of India — Marxist accused Congress of patronising the land mafia, which had found roots during the Dhumal regime. “We demand that the Section 118 be scrapped as it is breeding corruption and denying the bonafide residents land in the state”, Panwar charged.

There is no condition on the builders to reserve quota for Himachalis in the projects, the party charged. The land mafia has jacked up prices and it is now beyond the reach of local people to build or purchase a house.

The Communist Party of India- Marxist demanded that at least 50 per cent of the houses be reserved for Himachalis in all the projects and no new project be sanctioned in Shimla and Solan districts, where the number of unoccupied houses had risen from 11 per cent in 2001 to 23 per cent in 2011, as per the census.

Instead of building colonies for outsiders, the government should focus on improving the civic infrastructure in existing townships reeling under water shortage, insanitation, having potholed roads, traffic jams and other deficiencies, the party said.

Una, November 5
The BJP today organised a training workshop for party membership in-charges at Bangana block headquarters in Una district. Newly appointed state party in-charge Srikant Sharma, presided over the workshop, while former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal was the chief guest. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti was also present. The workshop was part of the membership drive launched by the party today.

Dhumal said the party had decided to reach a membership of 10.5 crore, making the BJP the biggest political party in the world.

He said at present, China’s Communist Party has the maximum membership at 8.5 crore. He added that while the membership of the existing members would be renewed, new members be enrolled till December 31.

Srikant Sharma, who is also the party national secretary and media in-charge, said the membership drive would be celebrated as a national festival, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and able leadership would be an advantage to the party’s membership campaign.

Sharma said in a short span of five months, the Centre had initiated a number of schemes for the poor and also made a mention of the cleanliness drive and the Jan Dhan Yojna, which, he said, would contribute towards the party’s membership. He said people also had the option of taking the BJP membership through toll-free number 1800-2866-2020.

State party president Satpal Satti, state organising secretary Pawan Rana and parliamentary segment in-charge Randhir Sharma also spoke. 

Una, November 5
Traditional culture, cuisine and folk media besides a glimpse of the development ushered in the district would be highlighted during the three-day state-level Sombhadra Mahotsav.

The fair will be celebrated at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at the district headquarters from November 9 to 11. This was disclosed by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Jain while interacting with mediapersons here today.

He said besides cultural fiesta, food stalls, baby, show, flower exhibition, dog shows, games and developmental stalls by various government departments would be set up. The sale of local artifacts and industrial produce would also be done. The fair derives its name from the seasonal Swan river, which also finds mention in the ancient Indian scriptures as Sombhadra.

Jain said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh would lead a procession from the Circuit House on November 9. He said the CM would also be the chief guest at the first cultural night in which Punjabi singer Sarabjeet Cheema would perform.

The DC said Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri would be the chief guest during the second cultural night, during which Punjabi singer Master Saleem would perform. He said Governor Urmila Singh would be the chief guest on the final night, where Punjabi singer Miss Pooja would be a star attraction. 

Mandi, November 5
Members of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) said the state government was not serious about the welfare of the former soldiers and their wards.

During the monthly meeting of the IESM held today, district convener Capt Het Ram Sharma said the state had not appointed wards of ex-servicemen who had appeared in the interviews for TGT arts, medical and non-medical, in July and August. Despite 300 vacant posts, their wards were still waiting for appointment letters, he added.

The members present in the meeting took pledge to take forward the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and discussed other issues faced by the ex-servicemen.

Mandi, November 5
The local unit of the Himachal Pradesh Medical Representatives’ Association took out a victory rally today.

Local unit secretary Shamsher Thakur said the rally was taken out on a call given by the Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives’ Associations of India (FMRAI) after the Union Government decided to reconstitute the Industrial Tripartite Committee.

He said in the committee, the Central Government and organisations of the traders and labour unions would jointly redress the grievances of sales promotional employees. He said FMRAI was one of the members of the committee and they hoped that medical representatives would get a chance to raise their voice.

He said their main demands included issuance of employment letter on ‘Form A’, implementation of labour laws, implementation of minimum wages in the state, constitution of the labour welfare board, fixed working hours for medical representatives and increase in working hours of hospitals.

Dharamsala, November 5
The new residence of the Nurpur BDO, being brought up on the office premises, has courted controversy. Various sections, including the warring factions of contractors, have launched a campaign against the construction of the building.

They have complained to various government authorities as well as media. It has been alleged that no government sanction was procured for the building and no funds were earmarked. Also, the local municipal council had not approved the plan of the house and the ASI’s approval was not sought, as the house fell in the banned area of Nurpur fort, protected by the ASI.

In the complaints, it has been alleged that the tenders were invited for construction of the building, whereas, as per the rules, it is mandatory to call competitive bids for any work amounting from Rs 15 – 20 lakh.

Nurpur BDO Rakesh Prajapati, however, refuted the allegations. He said the work was being done as per rules and after due approval from the local panchayat samiti.

He said the construction was being done through labourers in contract with the department. So there was no need to call for tenders. The old residential building was in shambles and was facing the old burial ground for Muslims. The new residence and camp office would improve the efficiency of the BDO office, he claimed.

Sources said the controversy had been created by the local contractors. A group of contractors was peeved that the work was being carried out by the department on its own.

The notice issued by the ASI to the BDO office has also come under scanner.

The sources said as per rules, only an officer of the level of assistant commissioner was authorised to issue such a notice. However, in the present case, a low-ranking officer had signed the notice and that too in a “dubious manner”.The ASI officials have started an inquiry into the notice issued, sources added.

Kangra, November 5
The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) is exploring all possibility to create niche in the realm of higher education. In one such step in this direction, the CUHP and Karlstad University, Sweden, today issued a letter of intent for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two in near future.

The letter of intent was signed by Prof Yoginder Singh Verma, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, and Prof Asa Bergenheim, Vice-Chancellor, Karlstad University, Sweden, in the presence of faculty of both universities.

Professor Verma said, “The two institutions will work for building strong academic atmosphere by making academic visits, joint teaching programmes, joint research activities and publications, participation in seminars and academic meetings, exchange of academic materials and other information and exchange of students.”

Professor Verma and Professor Asa Bergenheim stressed that each institution should designate a liaison officer to develop and coordinate specific activities agreed upon. “This letter of intent for signing an MoU will convert into an MoU between these two universities as they get approval from the relevant authorities in both countries,” Professor Verma said.

They said the proposed MoU would remain effective for a period of five years.

On the sideline of this function, the prospectus for 2014-15 for admission to the research degree programmes offered by the university was released by Professor Verma.

The Department of Social Work organised a lecture on the theme “Women and peace building”. Professor Anjoo Sharan Upadhyaya, Professor of Political Science, BHU, Varanasi, delivered the lecture and called upon for more pivotal contribution of women in peace-building in the world.

Dalhousie, November 5
Kumar Kartikay and Saaya Dua, studying in Class X of Dalhousie Public School, became the first to receive the best students Balkan-ji-Bari award.

The award was given away by Naveen Kumar Jaggi, president of Balkan-ji-Bari, at the founders’ day function of the school held recently.

Vice-Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal was the chief guest on the occasion.

Balkan-ji-Bari, the oldest NGO of India established in 1925, has been accredited by the United Nations Organisation to recognise services in the field of education and social work.

Balkan-ji-Bari has instituted two awards, one for the best student- boy and one for best student- girl, in the memory of Charanjit Kaur, founder member of Dalhousie Public School.

Dharamsala, November 5
The Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP), is organising a three-day national workshop on “Status of natural hazards in Himachal Pradesh” from November 6 to 8 under the chairmanship of Prof Ambrish Kumar Mahajan, Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The workshop is being funded by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Mahajan, an expert in the field on earthquake hazard, seismic microzonation and landslide hazard, had planned this workshop about a few months ago after the Kedarnath tragedy to review the status of Himachal’s preparedness in the perspective of natural hazards.

Mahajan said, “Our memory is too short and we are constructing high-rise buildings in the region. The Chamba-Mandi belt is prone to earthquakes and falls in Zone –V and had suffered a number of major and moderate earthquakes since the 1905 Kangra earthquake.

The conference will focus on issues concentrating around five different themes, including earthquake hazard, landslides, glacial lake outburst flood, flash floods, remote sensing and disaster management. It will be inaugurated by Prof Harsh Gupta, Member, Atomic energy Regulation Board, and also presently president of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics. Dr BK Bansal, Head, Seismology Division, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, will be the guest of honour. Eminent personalities like Prof BR Arora, (ex-director, Wadia Institute), Dr VC Thakur, (ex-director, Wadia Institute), Prof SK Nath, (IIT Kahragpur), Prof Bhoominathan, (IIT Chennai), Prof ML Sharma, (IIT Roorkee), will be present.

Mandi, November 5
A two-day state-level athletics meet of DAV schools started at the Paddal Ground today. Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla inaugurated the meet being organised by DAV Centenary Public School, Mandi.

The SP gave away the prizes to the winners. KS Guleria, principal of DAV Centenary Public School, Mandi, his wife Vandana Guleria, GK Bhatnagar, principal of DAV Public School, Dehra, and Poonam Gupta, principal of DAV Public School, Nerchowk, were among others present.

Results:

1,500 m race (boys): Jaspreet Singh (Mandi); Akash (Una) and Parminder (Nagrota).

1,500 m race (girls): Rudransh (Bilaspur); Devanshi (Bilaspur) and Smriti (Barmana).

High jump (boys): Abhishek (Nagrota); Sandeep (Bhagni) and Karan (Una).

High jump (girls): Shivani (Barmana); Namita (Nagrota) and Anita (Nerchowk).

100m race (boys): Saurabh (Sundernagar); Mahesh (Manai) and Sahil (Barmana).

100m race (girls): Ritika (Nerchowk); Taruna (Dehra) and Pooja (Sundernagar).

Shot put (boys): Sidharth (Bagani), Gaurav (Sundernagar) and Subham (Manai).

Shot put (girls): Ankita (Sundernagar), Parul (Sundernagar) and Rhea (Nagrota).