Inspection of hospital, schools by agri marketing panel official draws flak

Residents of the remote and tribal Pangi valley have raised strong objections over what they describe as a flagrant misuse of power by an official the District Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) during a recent tour of the area. The official in question is the APMC Chairman Lalit Thakur, who was on tour in Pangi valley from November 10 to 14.

They alleged that Lalit Thakur, who was tasked with conducting awareness programmes for farmers, exceeded his authority by inspecting health institutions and schools, a move locals deem inappropriate and outside his jurisdiction.

“We welcome his tour to Pangi during which Lalit Thakur organised awareness camps for farmers at Killar, Sach and Dharwas,” said Trilok Thakur, chairman, Pangwal Ekta Manch, a local organisation representing the indigenous Pangwal community.

He said, “Our objection is to the official carrying out activities beyond his authority like inspecting health and educational institutions. Powers and functions of the APMC chairman are outlined under the HP Agricultural and Horticultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2005. The tasks he undertook are nowhere mentioned in the specific legislation.”

HL Rana, a prominent personality of the valley, alleged that the APMC Chairman reportedly visited the Civil Hospital in Killar, along with officials, who filmed indoor wards, infringing on patient privacy. Moreover, he alleged, that Lalit Thakur allegedly issued unwarranted warnings to officials of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) on unsubstantiated issues, “which compromises the dignity and authority of local officials and the people of Pangi”.

Outraged over what they describe as an “ultra vires” act — beyond the authority of the APMC Chairman, Pangi residents argued that his actions not only disrupted functioning of the local administration, but also humiliated the Pangwal people, who as a traditionally reserved community, had limited interaction with outsiders.

Rana said they had video proof of the APMC Chairman visiting schools and the hospital even making announcements on behalf of the Chief Minister. “Such behaviour undermines the local governance and highlights the lack of proper representation for Pangi in the state legislature,” said Jeet Singh Dharmani, another prominent local resident.

“Since Pangi was merged into the Bharmour Assembly constituency in 1967, it has lacked a distinct voice, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation,” he lamented. Trilok Thakur said on behalf of the Pangi people, the Pangi Ekta Manch, urges the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister to order and investigate the incident according to the rules of the APMC Act and to prevent similar incidents in the future. He said, “An inquiry must be held into that how the local administration allowed the APMC Chairman to carry out such activities.”

“This particular incident has also strengthened our resolve to push our demand for a separate constituency. The Pangwal community will not accept leadership of the APMC Chairman or any other person who try to bully us,” he said emphatically, while adding that, “The government must take note and act to preserve the dignity and autonomy of the people of Pangi.”

Meanwhile, Lalit Thakur could not be reached for his comments on the issue as his cellphone number was in no network zone.