Compensatory leave guidelines would be reviewed: G.S. Bali

Transport Minister G.S. Bali said that the guidelines of compensatory leave issued by the management of the corporation would soon be reviewed in favour of the employees.
Bali said that the employees were the backbone of the Corporation. He said that their dedication and efforts cannot be ignored. He informed that an increase of Rs. eight crore has been witnessed in the revenue of the Corporation in the month of August alone, for which he lauded the efforts of the employees of the corporation. Besides this, the mileage has also been increased from 3.65 KMPL to 3.71 KMPL, which has resulted in the increase of the revenue.

Transport Minister said that now the fleet of Corporation has expanded from 1600 buses to 2700 buses, due to which employment was also being provided and new staff was being appointed. He said that efforts were being made to provide luxury bus service to all the religious places of the State besides this, facility of super luxury buses was also being provided to other States from district headquarters, which has promoted the State Transportation to a large extent. Tenders for 25 new electric buses had already been invited and soon these buses would be included in the fleet, he added.
Bali said that the State Government was committed towards the welfare of the employees of the Corporation. He said that 343 appointments were made on compassionate grounds during last three and a half years.
Transport Minister appealed to the employees to work with honesty for the betterment of Corporation and said that a few of employees for their vested interests were causing hindrance in the work and the Government would deal with them strictly. He said that Corporation was committed to provide qualitative travel facility to the people of the State.

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G.S Bali stresses for effective road transport policy

Transport Minister G.S. Bali has stressed on formulating an effective policy by the Government of India in coordination with the State Governments to making road transport system so as to meet out the requirements of the rising concerns of the transport sector as per the aspirations of the commuters besides minimizing the risks of road accidents.

Bali was addressing during the meetings of National Road Safety Council and Transport Development Council organized today at New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The meeting was attended by the Transport Ministers, Transport Secretaries, Transport Commissioners and senior police officers of all the States.

Bali thanked the Union Transport Minister for approving a highway project for the State on NH-22 amounting to Rs. 887 crore. He said the national highways were the base of economic growth of the country and urged that the hilly and backward states should be given added priority in infrastructural development.

He requested the Union Minister to consider the tough topography and weather conditions of the hilly states like Himachal Pradesh while finalizing and approving the road projects as due to adverse conditions the cost of construction, maintenance and expansion of the roads was much higher in such states as compared to other areas.

Expressing his concern over the rising road accidents and pollution, G.S. Bali suggested for mutual efforts to tackle these problems.

He appreciated the efforts of the Union Government for giving special emphasis on road safety in the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill adding that the provisions in the Bill would go a long way in saving valuable human lives. He also suggested for launching special awareness campaign regarding the road safety Rules throughout the country.

State to purchase 316 new buses: G.S.Bali

Transport Minister G.S. Bali said that expansion of the transport fleet would be done to ensure the convenient and comfortable travelling of the commuters. He said that the State Government was making continuous efforts for the safe journey of the passengers. He said that Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) would soon purchase 300 new buses in addition to 16 modern luxury buses for which process had been initiated.

Transport Minister was presiding over a meeting of Bus Purchasing Committee of HRTC here today.

He said that the performance of the volvo luxury buses by HRTC was satisfactory. He said that these buses are comfortable and safe thereby demand of these buses was increasing day by day. He said that 16 new luxury would be plied between capitals of other States  and important religious places, which would encourage tourism  in the State.  He said that the fleet of volvo buses would be increased to 50.

Bali said that 300 new buses would be purchased of 30,37 and 40 seats and the small seated buses would be plied in the far flung and difficult terrain regions of the state. He said that the buses purchased under JNNURM would ensure comfortable and safe travel in the cities. He instructed the authorities to ensure comfortable seats and thickness of the frame  should be of 7 minimum.

Transport Minister instructed the members of the committee that the buses bought in wet lease should be provided with the HRTC drivers. He said that the safety of the passengers is the priority of the State Government which should be ensured at all cost.

Managing Director, HRTC Ashok Tiwari, Executive Director R. K. Gautam, General Manager H. K. Gupta and other senior officers along with Non official Members  were also present at the meeting.

Bali inaugurates online e-payment of taxes of commercial vehicles

Transport Minister Mr G.S. Bali today inaugurated online e-payment of commercial vehicles of Himachal Pradesh from Shimla.

 

Mr Bali on the occasion said that until today these taxes were used to be paid by the vehicles owners by coming personally in the office of RTO’s and R&LAs. With the launch of this service the vehicle owners can now make e-payment of their commercial vehicles (24x7) by logging in http://himachal.nic.in/transport.

 

He said the vehicle owners now can make payment at any time from anywhere through internet banking and Debit Card Services. For availing this facility, all the offices of RTOs and R&LAs have been connected by Transport Department through National Informatics Centre VPNOBB for safe transaction. The information relating to vehicle registration and driving license is available on respective State and National Register respectively. The same can be varied online.

 

Mr Ajay Mittal, Additional Chief Secretary, Transport, Dr. R.N. Batta, Commissioner, Transport, Mr Ajay Chahal, State Informatic Officer, NIC and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Nagrota Bagwan gets Civil Hospital

After laying foundation stones and performing inaugurations to the tune of around Rs 25 crore, in Nagrota Bagwan constituency, Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh said that “from last two and a half months, I am visiting every nook and corner of the State and particularly Kangra, Una, Kullu and Chamba regions to personally see the pace of development and take necessary action where the development works were not carried out due to some reasons or the other.”  

He said that education was the foremost need for growth and development of an individual and any society as well and understanding the need for providing qualitative education to youth, the present state Government had opened as many as 17 colleges in the State and that too in rural areas besides many schools. The motto was to educate the girl child he said, adding that we can have a healthy society only if girl child was given better education.

He said the Congress party was synonym of development as was evident from the fact that today all the district headquarters were having regional hospitals, many educational institutions, there were as many as 5 medical colleges, out of which three were soon coming up in the State. The road length as of today was more than 34,000 kilometers which had also given pace to development activities.

The Chief Minister announced up-gradation of CHC Nagrota Bagwan to Civil Hospital, PWD Sub-division at Baroh in Changar area of the Nagrota. He also announced up-gradation of veterinary dispensary at Balugloa, Rajiana and Sunhi, Ayurvedic dispensary at Saroot and starting  science classes in Senior Secondary School Kyarvaan.

He announced up-gradation of Ayurvedic dispensary at Upper Majhetli to Ayurvedic hospital, up-gradation of Sarotri school, Middle School Rounkher and Sunerh to High Schools and Kharath High school to Senior Secondary School. He announced installation of five tube-wells for water supply in different parts of Nagrota assembly segment. He also assured that adequate funds would be provided for developing college stadium at Nagrota besides starting PG classes in English and Commerce in the college.

He announced to developing of stadium which would come up at proposed amount of Rs. 1.5 crores and construction of Chowdhary Hardyal OBC Bhawan with estimated cost of Rs. 1.5 crores at Nagrota Bagwan. He also laid foundation stone o Congress Bhawan at Nagrota.

Earlier, the Chief Minister laid foundation stone of Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Gheen to cost Rs.43 lakhs, laid foundation stone of bridge over  Saroot rivulet on Saroot-Chaprer road to cost 2.12 crore,  inaugurated bridge over Bathu Khud connecting Kandi-Rihri dhar completed at a cost of Rs. 1.3 crore, laid foundation stone of improvement of water supply scheme at Bhatti to cost 1.95 crore, performed Bhumi Poojan of central road fund project from Chamunda Mata to Pathiar-Nagrota-Bhater to cost 5.40 crore, laid foundation stone of Mini Secretariat at Nagrota Bagwan to cost 9.64 crore, inaugurated Type III quarters for doctors at Dr Rajinder Prasad Government Medical College at Tanda completed at a cost of RS 4.02 crore. He also inspected the on-going work of Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College at Massal.

The Chief Minister assured that government would consider declaring Saroot as backward gram panchayat.

Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes while addressing the gathering the state government was committed for overall development of the State without any discrimination, adding that the development of the State was due to Congress party since independence. She said that the government was time and again persuading Government of India for funds and the States share under MNREGA.

Earlier, Transport and Food and Civil Supply Minister G.S. Bali thanked the Chief Minister for laying foundation stones and inaugurations of development projects worth Rs. 25 crore in his assembly segment particularly in the Changar area.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the works undertaken during past two years speaks of speedy and overall development of the state. He said Himachal was a special category State, but the flow of adequate financial assistance from the centre was not enough. He said that the facilities in RPMGC, Tanda were due to Chief Minister, who never hesitated in providing the funds for the same.

Bali exhorted the youth to follow Virbhadra Singh’s ideals of sincerity and hard work. He said that in his entire political career he had observed that Virbhadra Singh was an apostle of hard work and believes in overall and equal development of all regions of the State.

He said that the development which had taken place in the Nagrota Bagwan was not visible to the BJP leaders and during the period nearing elections they come to misguide the people. He also raised various demands of the area with the Chief Miniser.

President district Congress committee Suman Verma also spoke on the occasion. MLA Pawan Kajal, President Mahila Congress Manbhari Devi and other senior members of the congress party including representatives from over a dozen panchayats were present on the occasion amongst others.

Himachal to be included under Nirbhay Scheme

Transport Minister G.S. Bali called on Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi last evening and discussed various issues pertaining to road transport, highways and shipping in the State.

Bali urged the Union Minister to include Himachal Pradesh in the purview of Nirbhay Scheme and Union Minister agreed for reduction of norms under the Scheme to include the State and to undertake more specific projects under the road safety initiatives. He said that crash barriers, road signages,bus lay by-lanes should be made mandatory in all road projects. He also urged to consider funding, snow cutters, cranes and trauma centres under road safety besides providing financial assistance for setting up inspection and certification centres, drivers’ training schools and fixing VTS on all public transport vehicles.

Transport Minister requested the Union Minister for construction and upgradation of Nagrota town by-pass road in district Kangra. He also urged for constructing railway over bridge on Samloti-Sarotri road, Railway over bridge on NH-154 and Nagrota-Masal road on NH-154 and sanctioning multi-facility way side amenities for National Highway Kiratpur-Nerchowk four laning road near Bhaged.

He said that there were  four water bodies  in the State namely Govind Sagar  in Bilaspur district, Pong Dam in Kangra district, Chamera Lake in Chamba district and Pandoh Lake  in Mandi district  He urged the Minister to direct Inland Water Authorities to provide water transport facilities in these water bodies.

Transport Minister said that Government of India has agreed in principle to provide financial assistance for setting up crash barriers and other facilities on the National Highways in the State.  He said that  Nitin Gadkari committed to provide more funding for Himachal Pradesh and providing atleast one drivers’ training school and inspection and certification centre in each assembly segment of State. He said that he further agreed that Government of India will fund a dry port for Himachal Pradesh on any location suggested by the State Government and developing air landing facility on important water bodies in the State.  He said that Union Minister also agreed to provide funds for constructing way side amenities on important national highways for tourism point of view.

He said that on the request of State Government, Union Minister also agreed in principle to construct bridges at various points on National Highways in Nagrota Bagwan and Ghumarwin constituencies. He said that Union Government would also consider funding of ropeways from Kalka to Shimla and some locations in Kangra District to facilitate pollution free speedy movement between these places to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Rajesh Dharmani, MLA Ajay Mahajan, Commissioner, Transport Dr. R.N. Batta and other senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.

G.S.Bali demands 323 more buses for the State

Transport Minister G.S.Bali called on Union Minister of Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu at New Delhi and submitted new proposals for consideration of the State  transport under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM).

Bali apprised the Union Minister that the State Government had submitted a proposal of 1123 buses under JnNURM whereas only 800 buses have been sanctioned by the ministry. He requested him to sanction the remaining 323 buses for the State at the earliest. He said that 165 buses 0f 12 meter length had been sanctioned to the State and said that in view of the tough terrain of the State the plying of buses with 12 meter length was not viable. He requested the Union Minister to provide only   100 buses of 12 meter length and remaining 65 buses may be replaced with 100 mini buses.

Bali also emphasized that with the introduction of JnNURM fleet and the existing deployment of buses in public and private sector, passenger transportation system for providing efficient services to the public requires comprehensive route planning exercise based on sophisticated route planning software, akin to the one used by the Civil Aviation authorities for deployment and regulation of air-crafts. This will provide State-of-the-Art passenger information system to the travelling public to facilitate convenient departures. It will entail an expenditure of Rs. 10.00 crore.

Union Minister of Urban Development appreciated the concerns raised by Bali and expressed his willingness, in principle, to take this further for sanction after the same are examined by the ministry. He also assured that he will soon fix a meeting to consider these proposals in which officers from the ministry and the State Government would participate.

One crore sanctioned for ITI at Bharmour: G.S Bali

Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Shri G.S Bali, who is on two days visit to Chamba district, today said at Bharmour that Rs. one crore have been sanctioned for ITI building at Bharmour. He also announced modernization of Bharmour bus stand on the priority basis on the occasion.

Shri Bali said that appropriate steps would be taken up for establishing petrol pump at Kilar. He said that state government was giving special attention for uniform and speedy development of the tribal and hard areas of the State for which there was no paucity of funds.

The Minister also inspected the technical institutions, transport office and fair price shops and directed the authorities to ensure better facilities to the people. He also inspected the roads of the Bharmour area and directed to remove the black spots.

Chief Minister announces Sub-Tehsil for Panchrukhi

‘To better understand the aspirations and expectations of common man, I am personally touring every corner of the State so that the grievances of the people are redressed at their very door step’ said Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh while addressing a massive public meeting at Panchrukhi in district Kangra today.

He reiterated the resolve of the Government for uniform and equitable development of the State with special emphasis on development of the far flung and remote areas. He said that the successive Congress Governments ensured all-round development of the State whereas BJP Governments had always neglected the interests of the State and divided the people in the name of regionalism and casteism. He also expressed concern over the declining dignity of the State politics and said that people could not be misled for long by those in opposition.

He announced to open Sub Tehsil at Panchrukhi in Jaisinghpur assembly constituency of Kangra district and also announced to open Primary Health Centre at Majhera and taking over the Swami Vivekanand Gramodaya College, Shivnagar under government control.

The Chief Minister announced to upgrade GHS Andreta and Salyana to Government Senior Secondary Schools alongwith starting Science and Commerce classes in Andreta School and Science classes in Salyana School. He also announced to upgrade Government Middle School Bakhana. He said that the work on Nadli road would be completed on war footing besides starting science classes in GSSS Majhera and Makol.

Earlier, he inaugurated the bridge over Sukkar khad on Jalog-Arath-Pat-Tatrala-Nahalana road constructed at a cost of Rs. 88 lakh under NABARD. He also inaugurated another bridge over Sukkar (Danel) khad on Sandrola-Karanghat road constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.51 crore. He inaugurated additional accommodation of GSSS Makol constructed at a cost of Rs. 91 lakh and Science Block of GSSS Majhera constructed at a cost of Rs. 79 lakh. He also inaugurated Lift Water Supply Scheme Shantivan which has been completed by spending an amount of Rs. 55.49 lakh. This scheme would benefit around 2450 people of Lugat, Parman, Khajurnu and Kangri villages. Shri Virbhadra Singh was accorded rousing reception at various places on his visit to Jaisinghpur assembly segment.

Shri G.S. Bali, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, said that the present Government had initiated various innovative schemes to benefit the common man. He said that Government was providing subsidy worth crores of rupees for subsidized ration to all ration card holders besides power subsidy.

Shri Bali announced to start a new bus service between Palampur and Chandigarh via Panchrukhi-Tinbar-Jaisinghpur.

Shri Yadvinder Goma, local MLA welcomed the Chief Minister and said that the pace of development had been accelerated in the constituency after formulation of Congress Government in the State. He thanked the Chief Minister for announcing Sub Tehsil at Panchrukhi and upgradation of various schools in the area. Shri Chander Kumar, former Minister thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning various major developmental projects for Kangra district. Shri Jagdish Sipahiya, Chairman, Kangra Central Cooperative Bank also spoke on the occasion. Shri Jaswant Singh Dadwal, President, Jaisinghpur Block Congress welcomed the Chief Minister. Shri Jagjivan Pal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Pawan Kajal and Shri Kishori Lal, MLA’s, Shri Milkhi Ram Goma, Ex-MLA, Kumari Manbhari Devi, President, State Mahila Congress, Shri Balbir Tegta, Chairman, H.P. Board of School Education, Dharamshala and other prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Ration quota for January 2014 made available

Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Shri G.S. Bali disclosed that the ration quota for January, 2014 under Public Distribution System had been made available at all the Wholesale Centers of State Civil Supplies Corporation in the State. He asked all depot holders of the State to procure their ration quota for January 2014, well in time.

Shri Bali directed the Officers of the Department to take stern action against defaulter depot holders who do not procure ration quota well in-time and failed to distribute it to the consumers. He said that it has been decided that the availability of ration quota for the next month will be ensured at the end of current month, in future also so that all depot holders can get their allotted quota well in time and further distribute to the consumers.

21,000 quintal sugar available in godowns of Civil Supplies Corporation

Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.S. Bali said here today that 21,000 quintal sugar was available in different godowns of State Civil Supplies Corporation in the State. He said that the process of procuring sugar for all the ration card holders of the State for next three months had been completed and sugar would be made available in the fair price shops/depots soon.
Bali said that the process of procuring pulses and edible oil under Food Subsidy Scheme had also been completed and all these items were being sent to the different godowns in the State.
He said that the State Government was going to launch ‘Door Delivery Scheme’ for all the ration card holders of the State to provide them foodgrains. Under the scheme, Civil Supplies Corporation would make available the foodgrains to the depots so that consumers do not face any inconvenience for getting the food items. He said that this scheme would be launched from district Kangra on pilot basis. The scheme would be beneficial for providing ration in depots in time bound manner, he added.
Shri Bali appealed to the ration card holders to ask all the depot holders to procure sugar, pulses and edible oil from godowns of the Corporation at earliest so that they could get these items in time. He said that the depot holders who would not supply these items to the consumers in time would be dealt strictly and their depot license could be cancelled.

Transport Minister demands modern ambulances for the State

Transport Minister, Shri G.S.Bali has sought the financial assistance of Government of India in providing modern ambulances and small cranes to carry out relief work more effectively in the cases of road accidents. He has also suggested and demanded for setting up of high quality railings on sharp curves to minimise the accident risks. 

He was speaking in the 14th National Road Safety Council Meeting at ICAR, New Delhi today. He said that the State Government was taking effective steps to ensure road safety and check road accidents in the State. However, the GoI should consider about formulating a policy regarding the drivers coming to hilly areas who often met with accidents due to lack of driving experience on the hilly roads.

Shri Bali said that way-bridges would be constructed on barriers and major bridges of the State so as to check and control the over loading. The police personnel and RTO’s had been provided with Alcometres to keep check on over speeding. He also said that e-challan system soon would be started in the State. 

Himachal hikes bus fares by 30 percent

Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister G.S. Bali Saturday announced a hike in fares of state-run buses by 30 percent in view of the rise in petrol and diesel prices. The revised fares will be effective from Oct 1.

"Our fares were already on the lower side as compared to other hill states. To overcome the losses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), we have decided to increase the fares by 30 percent in categories of buses," he told reporters in Dharamsala.

He said even the private bus transporters in the state had been demanding the hike in fares.

The minimum fare for local buses would also increase to Rs.5 from Rs.2, the minister said.

The minister also assured that there would be no further hike in bus fares for the next two years.

"If the petroleum prices come down, then this hike would be reviewed," he added.

Official sources said the hike in fares would help HRTC reducing the operational losses by Rs.50 crore annually. The last hike was implemented by the HRTC in March 2010.

The private bus operators in the state earlier this month demanded hike in bus fare.

A delegation of Himachal Private Bus Operators Association, led by its president J.R. Sharma, called on Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh here and urged him to increase bus fares in view of the rise in price of diesel.

Private transport operators, under the banner of the State Private Bus Operators Union, went on statewide daylong strike Aug 26 over their demands, including increase in fare by 40 percent.

Nearly 3,000 private buses are plying in the state, besides state-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), which has a fleet over 2,100 buses.

The cabinet had already approved the bus fare hike in its last meeting but no announcement was made in this regard. 

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the bus fare hike and said it was totally "unjustified" at a time when the people are already reeling under price rise.

"Thirty per cent hike in bus fares and increase in the minimum fare of local buses from Rs.2 to Rs.5, which worked out to be 150 percent, is a cruel joke with the people," state BJP chief Satpal Satti said in a statement.

"The state government is following the footsteps of UPA government and putting burden on people by frequently hiking the prices of diesel, petrol and LPG but people of Himachal would not take it lying down and give a befitting reply", he added.

I) (Ordinary Bus Services including Mini Buses)  (Fare per passenger per kilometer in paise) (i) Roads in Plains 90 (ii) Roads in Hills 145 

 II) (Deluxe Bus Service)  (Fare per passenger per kilometer in paise) i) Roads in Plains 110 ii) Roads in Hills 180 

 III) (AC/Volvo Bus Service)  (Fare per passenger per Kilometer in paise) i) Roads in Plains 220 ii) Roads in Hills 300 

Destination

Previous Fare

New Fare

Shimla to New Delhi	347	451
Shimla to Chandigarh	128	165
Shimla to Dharamsala	272	353
Shimla to Chamba	432	560
Shimla to Hamirpur	170	221
Shimla to Rampur	155	201
Shimla to Rohru	135	175
Shimla to Rikong peo	265	344

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Decisions

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh decided to frame a special policy for regularization of encroachments by the oustees in the New Bilaspur Township in the public interest. The maximum extent of land which may be regularized shall be upto 150 sqm only and same shall be on free hold basis. 

The Cabinet decided to revise and enhance the norms of relief under Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management and Relief Manual 2012. This will enhance the relief assistance provided to the disaster affected persons in the State.

The Cabinet gave its approval to upgrade the Nagar Panchayat Santokhgarh, Dehra, Jawalamukhi and Sujanpur as Municipal Council and upgrade their posts of Secretaries as Executive Officers.

It decided to move the case for FCA clearance of land to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India (GoI) for the establishment of Central University in the State as per recommendation of the Site Selection Committee. 

The Site Selection Committee has recommended to develop both the campuses one at Dharamshala and other at Dehra in a phased manner. About 160 hectares of land at Dharamshala has been recommended for immediate development of the main campus of the University while 80 hectares at Dehra may be taken up in second phase.

The Cabinet gave its nod to upgrade Civil Hospital Nerva and Chopal in district Shimla to 50 bedded each with required staff.

It gave its approval to create 15 posts of various categories required for Police Station Sunni which was recently upgraded from Police Post Sunni to full-fledged Police Station in Shimla district. 

It approved to shift HPPWD Division No. II Shimla and HPPWD Sub Division Jutogh to Dhami.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of High Court of Himachal Pradesh for enhancement of pecuniary jurisdictions of all subordinate Courts in Himachal Pradesh by amending Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976. This will enable citizens to take up their cases at the district level Courts. 

The Cabinet gave its permission to lease out Government land measuring 1540.37 sqm. comprised in Khasra No. 1380/645 and 1381/645 in Mohal Khaliar, Tehsil Sadar, District Mandi to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan on token lease money of Rs. one per annum for 99 years in relaxation of rules. 

The Cabinet gave its nod to open a Tehsil Welfare Office at Haroli in district Una.

It approved construction of Irrigation and Public Health Department Rest House (Inspection Hut) at Sidhwari in district Kangra. 

The Cabinet also approved for the publication of amendments in Himachal Pradesh Forest (Timber Distribution to the Right Holders) Rules, 2010 in H.P. Rajpatra for inviting objections/suggestions from the general public. 

It approved to transfer back the control of 842.68 hectares of forests of Shimla Urban area from Municipal Corporation Shimla to Forest Department for its proper management.

The Cabinet approved to bring all statutory towns notified or likely to be notified under the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994 and Urban Growth Centres under the ambit of Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977 to meet the directives of the Government of India and fulfill the conditionalities of mandatory reforms of JNNURM for ensuring funding under said Centrally Sponsored Programme. 

The Cabinet decided to fill up 100 posts of Punjabi and 100 posts of Urdu language Teachers on contract basis. 

It was decided to fill up two posts of Station Fire Officer, four posts of Sub Fire Officer alongwith 30 posts of Firemen through recruitment of trained Firemen on contract basis. 

The Cabinet decided to fill up 15 posts of Assistant Engineer (Civil) in Irrigation and Public Health Department through direct recruitment on contract basis. 

It also approved to engage a Consultant for designing and setting up of Emergency Operation Centre at the State level and 12 Districts Emergency Operations Centres in each district headquarter in the Revenue department for Disaster Management. 

The Cabinet approved to fill up 19 vacant posts of Inspector, Grade-I in Food and Civil Supplies Department through direct recruitment on contract basis. 

Chief Minister launches Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojana in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has become the fifth State of the Country to launch Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojana under National Food Security Act-2013. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today launched ambitious Food Security Scheme by handing over ration bags to 104 year old Shri Mast Ram and 70 year old Smt. Vidya Devi of Sunni area in Shimla district, during an impressive function organized here at the Ridge. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that food security was a historic scheme of the Government of India envisaged by UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh which would ensure that nobody remained hungry any more in the country. He said that food, employment and housing were the basic needs of the common man and Congress lead UPA government had done revolutionary work by fulfilling their all three requirements. He said that every family was being provided 100 days employment under MNREGA.

Chief Minister said that under Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojana, 37 lakh people would get three kgs of wheat at Rs. 2 per kg and two kgs of rice at Rs. 3 per kg per month per person while Anntodya families would continued to get 20 kgs of wheat and 15 kgs of rice per month as per past practice. All the families identified under ‘Anntodya Ann Yojna’ in Gram Sabha meetings held on 7 April, 2013 would be brought under the ambit of ‘Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna’. Apart from it all families being covered under BPL, social security pensioners and Ann Purna Ann Yojna would also be covered it. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that it had been brought to his notice that few well-off persons had also been included in BPL list in certain Gram Panchayats of the State. He said that the elected representatives of Gram Panchayats should be fare to their duties and do justice to the poor and needy and should not resort to nepotism. He said that a special Gram Panchayat meeting would be convened in the State and two Government Observers would supervise the proceedings of each Gram Sabha to ensure that ineligible were deleted and eligible poor were included in the list. The State Government would ensure that only eligible persons get the benefits of various Government Schemes like Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna and housing schemes for poor. 

Chief Minister said that Indira Awas Yojna and Rajiv Awas Yojna were being implemented in the State to provide houses to the poor houseless people. The State Congress Government had enhanced the grant to Rs. 75,000 from Rs. 48,500 under the scheme and 10,000 families would be covered under it during this year. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that with a view to secure the future of educated unemployed youth, State Government had started Skill Development Allowance Scheme-2013. Under the scheme the matriculated youth aged between 18-35 years would be provided skill development allowance of Rs. 1000 while disabled youth would be getting Rs. 1500 per month. 

He said that providing ration at subsidized rates had always remained the priority of his Government and Food Subsidy Scheme was launched during his last tenure in the year 2007, under which every ration card holder was provided three pulses two edible oils and iodized salt. He said that consumers were being provided Moong Dal at Rs. 49.99, Kabli Channa at Rs. 35.99 and Udad Dal at the rate of Rs. 34.99 per kilogram. Likewise, edible oil was being provided at Rs. 49.99 and salt at Rs. 4 per kilogram to all families in the State. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State Government was bearing all financial expenses of subsidized food from its own resources. The State Government had made a budgetary provision of Rs. 175 crores for this scheme during current fiscal.

Speaking on the occasion, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shri G.S. Bali said that Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojana was being launched in the memory of former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi which was another ambitious scheme of the UPA Government after RTI, MNREGA and RTE. He said that Congress Party was determined to launch this scheme in the country and UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi remained present in the parliament until Food Security Act got clearance despite her illness. He said that over 70 percent beneficiaries had been identified under the scheme while rest would be covered soon. 

Shri Bali said under the scheme the ration card would be issued in the name of eldest woman member of the family whereas ration card would be issued in the name of male head of the family where the female member was less than 18 years of age. State Government was keen towards this scheme and vigilance committees had been constituted at fair price shops, block, district and state levels. He said that presently 16 lakh 99 thousand ration card holders were getting the subsidized ration including APL, BPL, Antodaya Yojna and Ann Purna Yojna. 

Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Shri K. Sanjay Murthi welcomed the Chief Minister while Director Food & Civil Supplies Shri Priyantu Mandal presented vote of thanks.

Irrigation & Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes, Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmori, Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development & Panchayati Minister Shri Anil Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Shri Jagjivan Pal, Shri Nand Lal, Shri Rajesh Dharmani and Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, State Congress President Shri Sukhvinder Singh Thakur, Chairman 20 Point Programme Shri Ram Lal Thakur, Deputy Chairman State Planning Board Shri G.R. Musafir, Chairman HP State Cooperative Bank Shri Harsh Mahajan, Chairman HP State Agriculture Marketing Board Shri Subhash Manglet, Vice-Chairman HP State Forest Corporation Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs, Councillors of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Chief Secretary Shri Sudripta Roy, DGP Shri Sanjay Kumar, other senior officers and prominent people of the town were also present on the occasion. 

2 kg sugar to be provided to consumers

Food & Civil Supplies and Transport Minister Shri G.S. Bali has directed the State Civil Supplies Corporation to provide 2 kg sugar per ration card to each ration card holder during the month of October through its godowns, retail and all fair price shops keeping in view the ensuing festival season. 

The decision of the Government would benefit about 16,99,000 ration card holders of the State.

Shri Bali said that the State Government was providing essential commodities, edible oil and iodised salt at subsidized rates to the consumers and the Government was committed to ensure its timely availability to the consumers. 

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister called on Prime Minister

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh called on Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi

Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Centre Government would immediately release the adequate funds from National Disaster Response Fund to Himachal Pradesh for undertaking relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction works in flood affected areas of the State.

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh called on Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at 7 Race Course, New Delhi and requested him to provide financial assistance from National Disaster Response Fund for relief and rehabilitation works in flood affected areas of the State.

Mrs. Ambika Soni, General Secretary All India Congress Committee also accompanied the delegation.

Chief Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh told the Prime Minister that State had suffered massive losses due to heavy rainfall and requested the Central assistance under NDRF and Prime Ministers Relief Fund. He told that first installment of SDRF amounting to Rs. 68.12 crore was released by the Central Government in July 2013 and State Government had released its share of Rs. 15.14 crore. He said that total 129.24 crores had been released to various departments and district administration for providing immediate relief to the affected areas. He told that the State as whole experienced heavy rainfall which was 576% to 1358% above the normal rainfall during the 15-17 June 2013 and Kinnaur and Sirmour district were the worst affected. He told that total 69 human lives had been lost and 2427 animals have perished in the flash floods. He told that 11157 houses, 4519 roads, 2763 water supply schemes had been badly damaged in the flash floods.

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh requested the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to restore the industrial package of the State till the year 2020 to remove regional disparity in the field of industrial development and create employment avenues to youths in the State. He told that Special Package to the industries was introduced in the year 2003 for the period of 10 years till March 2013. However the incentive of central excise duty was withdrawn in March 2010 and income tax incentive was withdrawn in March 2012. He told that the these incentives to Special Category States were not adversely affecting the industrial development of bigger States and told that about 16500 units in small, medium and large scale sector with the proposed investment of Rs. 48,830 crore having employment potential of 5,42,580 persons was approved between 6th January 2003 to 31st March 2013. However out of these approved units only 9,353 units with investment of Rs. 14,557 crore having employment potential of 1, 20,602 persons were actually set up in the State. He said that State Government had made massive investment to improve infrastructural facilities in industrial areas to facilitate the industrial investment.

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh requested the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to release the full amount of Rs. 2,100 crore Special Plan Assistance to the State for financing the Annual Plan of Rs. 4,100 crore to speed up the pace of the development in the State. He requested SPA/SCA of Rs. 2,100 crore for the annual plan 2013-14 as the State had suffered huge loss due to adverse recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission. He said that Himachal Pradesh had got only 50 percent increase in the total devolution of funds by 13th Finance Commission over 12th Finance Commission in comparison to 126 percent increase to all other States and the State was deprived of additional transfer of Rs.10,725 crore during the award period of 13th Finance Commission between the year 2010-15 and requested to provide SPA/SCA to fund the State plans to compensate the State. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh requested the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to provide uniform funding in the ratio of 90:10 in Centrally Sponsored Schemes for all Special Category States. He told that at present the funding under Sarv Shisha Abhiyan (65%), Mid Day Meal Scheme (75%), Indira Awas Yojna, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (75%), Swaran Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojna(75%), Nutrition Component of ICDS (50%) and the Ambulance Service Under NHM (20%) is less for the Himachal Pradesh compared to other Special Category States in North East. He requested that funding pattern for all Special Category States should be exactly at par with North Eastern States and requested to issue guidelines to all Central Ministries to modify the guidelines for the existing schemes and adopt uniform norms for all Special Category States. Dr. Manmohan Singh sympathised with the flood victims of the State and said that the State had badly suffered in recent flash floods and assured all possible central assistance. He appreciated the relief and rehabilitation works done by State Government in restoring the normalcy in the flood affected areas.

Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the delegation that all the demands of the State Government like extension of Industrial Package, Special Plan Assistance, strengthening of Rail Network will be positively considered by the Central Government in time bound manner to increase the pace of the development in the region and fulfill the aspirations of the people from present Congress Government.

The delegation comprised of Smt. Vidya Stokes, Irrigation & Public Health and Horticulture Minister, Shri Kaul Singh Thakur Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri G.S. Bali, Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Shri Sujan Singh Pathania, Agriculture Minister, Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Forest and Fisheries Minister, Shri Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries and Information & Public Relations Minister, Shri Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development Minister, Shri Prakash Chaudhary, Excise & Taxation Minister, Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Social Justice & Empowerment Minister, Shri Anil Sharma, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, President, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Thakur and Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Principal Secretary Finance.

Chief Minister to launch Food Security scheme in HP on September 11

Food and Civil Supplies minister G S Bali

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh will launch the Food Security Programme in the state on September 11, state Food and Civil Supplies minister G S Bali said.

"The Chief Minister will launch the programme from Shimla on September 11," Bali said here today.

"The state government, however, will continue providing selected food items to APL families, though rates might be increased marginally," he said adding, the Centre had agreed in principle to provide Rs 400 crore to meet the cost.

A Rs 19 crore project had also been sanctioned by the Centre to upgrade civil supplies in the state.

"To store more food items under the new programme, the government will set up storage facilities on Public-Private Partnership mode," he said.

The minister, who also holds the transport portfolio, said, "The Centre has agreed to contribute the balance cost of any project undertaken by the state government to improve road connectivity in rural areas."

During a recent meeting, the Union Transport Minister has agreed to set up a drivers' training school in the state at a cost of Rs 14 crore, he said.

The Centre has also agreed to provide funds for National Highway 20-A from Nagrota Bagwan to Mubarkpur in Himachal Pradesh, Bali said.

Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decisions

Cabinet meeting at Shimla

Himachal Pradesh cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh approved the draft of Himachal Pradesh Lease Rules, 2013. It will be notified in the official gazette for inviting objections and suggestions of general public. 

As per the draft policy, government land will be provided on lease basis only when no alternate private land was available. Provision has been made to lease out the government land for self-employment to Ex-servicemen, War Widows and BPL families. It has also been proposed to lease out government land for construction of residential house by landless Himachalis or for the rehabilitation for sufferers of natural calamities. 

It has been proposed that the encroached government land will not be leased to the encroacher but it could be leased out to any eligible person or institutions after ejecting the encroacher. The maximum area required for a specific purpose will be certified by the department concerned under which the activity for which lease of government land is sought, falls. Such maximum area will be subject to provisions of H.P Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972. 

Each department will have to fix their norms to ascertain the eligibility of lessee to undertake the proposed activity, the necessity of activity and the extent of area required for the purpose. Before granting government land on lease basis, no objections of estate right holders will be obtained and the state government will have the power to grant lease for a period as it deems fit. 

Under the policy, it has been proposed to calculate the lease amount per annum @ 10 percent of the current circle rates notified by the Collector of the district. However, in case of hydro-electric projects which are exclusively reserved for bonafide Himachalies, lease money will be charged @ 5 percent. Further, it has been proposed that after every five years, lease amount will be increased by 5 percent of the existing lease amount. 

The State government will have the powers to reduce the lease amount in the cases of persons affected by natural calamities and have lost their agricultural land and dwelling, landless/houseless persons, Ex-service man, war widow, B.P.L families and differentially abled persons. Instead of earlier provisions to sub lease, it has been proposed that the lessee may get into agreement to manage, operate and maintain the leased property. There will be restriction on lessee to utilize the land within a period of three years countable from the date of registration of lease deed.

The cabinet decided to upgrade Sub-Tehsil Kotli in Mandi district to Tehsil. An announcement to this respect was made by the Chief Minister during the State Level Independence Day function.

It also gave approval to open Tehsil at Ner Chowk in Mandi district which will have Three Kanungo Circles at Balh, Pairi and Rewalsar and 27 Patwar Circles benefiting 104420 people. 

Cabinet gave its nod to enhance the honorarium of freedom fighters from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 10,000 per month from 1st September, 2013 onwards. An announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister during Independence Day Function.

It decided to upgrade Sunni Police Post in Shimla district to a full-fledged Police Station and the required posts will be transferred from Battalions. 

Cabinet approved that all contract/regular teachers who have replaced PTA provided teachers at initial or at subsequent stage shall be posted against vacant posts available in condonation of short stay enabling joining of PTA provided teachers.

It was decided to amend the educational qualification for recruitment of Anganwari helpers. Now, the educational qualification will be Primary instead of Middle level in case of non-availability of applicant with Middle in feeder area. 

The cabinet decided that Himachal Pradesh Industrial Development Bank (HPIDB) will make equity contribution of Rs. 350 crore in H.P Power Corporation Limited for Shongtong-Karcham (450 MW), Sainj (100 MW), Sawara Kuddu (111 MW) and Kashang (234 MW) hydro electric projects during the year 2013-14. 

Approval was accorded for grant of special extension for a period of 10 months by levying an extension fee @ Rs. 20,000 per MW per month in favour of developer M/S Venture Energies Technologies Ltd for obtaining clearances and start construction work of Sai Kothi (15 MW) HEP. 

The Cabinet also approved to grant ex-post facto extension for a period of five months with an extension fee @ Rs. 20,000 per MW per month to Seltu Masarang (24 MW) HEP. 

It gave approval to initiate action for damages/penalty against M/S Brakel Corporation NV in the implementation of Jangi-Thopan-Powari (960MW) Hydro Project. 

Cabinet decided to cancel the construction of Palchan-Rohtang ropeway project in Kullu district. 

It decided to assign the subject of coffee cultivation and development to Agriculture department.

It was decided to include LPG connection number, electricity connection number and employment exchange registration number in Biometric Enrolment Form of National Population Register (NPR). 

Cabinet decided to transfer the subject relating to creation/up-gradation of Sub-Tehsils and Tehsils from GAD to Revenue department. 

It decided to upgrade 5 posts of Superintendent Grade-II in the pay scale of Rs. 10300-34800+4200 grade pay in Forest department. 

It was decided to give one time exemption to fill up vacant posts of Class-III in the office of Advocate General, H.P out of the purview of H.P Subordinate Services Selection Board in order to avoid unnecessary delay. 

Cabinet also granted approval for creation of 6 posts for the Litigation Cell at New Delhi. 

It also granted approval to purchase a Multimedia Van for the department of Information & Public Relations for publicity purpose in every nook and corner of the State. 

Approval was given to filling up of 20 posts of Assistant District Attorneys on contract basis through direct recruitment, in the department of Prosecution. 

Permission was accorded to fill 12 posts of clerks on contract basis through H.P Subordinate Services Selection Board, Hamirpur in Labour and Employment department.

It decided to fill up three vacant posts of clerks on contract basis in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute, Manali. 

Cabinet approved conversion of 19 posts of Junior contract Coaches, Class-III in the pay scale of 10300-34800+3600 (grade pay) and two posts each of cook and helper (of the cook), ground man and watch man, Class-IV in the pay scale of 4900-10680+1300 (grader pay) on regular posts in Youth Services and Sports department.

The approval was granted to create two posts of clerks and two posts of peon for Sub-Divisional Election Offices of Bangana in Una district and Sangrah in Sirmaur district.

Courtesy: http://himachalpr.gov.in/pressreleaseEng.asp?id=9756