CM participated in meeting of 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi and talked about progress path of the state

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Ji participated in the second Organising Committee meeting of 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi at New Delhi today. President Ram Nath Kovind presided over the meeting. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Union Home Minister Amit Shah were also present.

CM Made a suggestion to Make Statue of Gandhi Ji like statue of unity:

Chief Minister suggested the Committee that a magnificent statue of Mahatma Gandhi should be erected like the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He added that it should be made on the same analogy by collecting soil of every place associated with the memory of Gandhi ji. He said that all the things related to Gandhi ji at places he travelled should be preserved in a museum, he said. He further added that participation of youth should be ensured in this work which will also inspire them in a big way by making them aware about great Gandhian ideals.

Gandhian philosophy  campaigns  in educational institutions:

While apprising about the detailed plan of the celebrations in the state, Chief Minister said that state was focussing upon generating awareness about the philosophy and great ideals of Mahatma Gandhi who was admired by one and all in India as well as across the world. He said that his noble thoughts and ideals have inspired millions and added that it was very important to generate awareness among youth of our country who were born in independent India about Gandhi ji . He said that state government is organising mass awareness campaign especially in educational institutions through essay, painting contests, debates as well as nukkad nataks, screening of short films, yuva kavi sammelans and various other cultural activities to make people aware. He said that effort was being made to generate awareness about Gandhian philosophy in every nook and corner of state, especially in educational institutions.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas yojna  and Ayushmaan Bharat being implemented effectively in the state 

He said that state has also adopted Antyodaya mission on priority to ensure rural development with gram panchayats as focal points for all convergence activities. He said that various schemes like Awaas Yojna, HimCare Yojna, Skill Development, Ayush and Ujjwala Yojna were being implemented for upliftment of poor and needy persons.
He said that 30,593 person's were benefitted under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, 4.84 lakh beneficiaries were registered under Ayush Bharat Pradhan Mantri Yojna, 5,50,000 beneficiaries were registered under HimCare Yojna. He said that state government has provided about 3.50 lakh gas connections during last two years.Chief Minister said that State Language, Art and Culture department has organised various functions, exhibitions, screening of short films, printed publications, folders and also organised bhajan sandhyas as part of 150th birth anniversary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi ji.

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

CM Jai Ram Thakur Ji headed the Him Vikas Samiksha Meeting directed Departments to think out of the box.

 Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Ji while presiding over the “Him Vikas Smiksha’’ meeting held here today directed the officers of the State Government to adopt a proactive approach so that the targets fixed by the State Government could be achieved in a stipulated period. He said that all the departments must come forward with at least one new initiative and ensure its effective implementation. He said that for this the officers require out of the box thinking and initiatives.


KPI's already set for 21 Departments beside 4 Common KPI'S:

 Chief Minister said that the aim of reviewing of the progress of the ongoing developmental projects was to expedite the pace of work in the State so that fruits of schemes could be delivered to the people well in time. He said that 103 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) have been set for 21 departments of the State besides 4 common KPIs for 26 departments. He said that this is a holistic program to review the working of the Government departments as a whole instead of individual departmental reviews.Jai Ram Thakur Ji exhorted the officers to ensure proper implementation of policies and programs of the State Government so that the impact of these were percolated down to the people of the State at the earliest.


  We need to set a benchmark for other states:CM

Jai Ram Thakur Ji  said that the Public Works department should adopt a proactive approach to implement some innovative projects which become a benchmark for even other states. He said that special stress would be on expediting the cases of FRA and FCA so that the developmental projects do not suffer due to want of forest clearances. He said that the Work Management System should be implemented in the Department at the earliest for its effective functioning. He said that apart from ensuring time-bound completion of projects, major stress must be laid on quality construction. He said that there should be no compromise on quality construction and laxity on the part of constructors or officials would be viewed seriously.

Directed IPH to ensure Clean water supply in rural areas:CM

Jai Ram Thakur Ji said that the Irrigation and Public Health Department must ensure that the chlorinated water supply particularly in the rural areas to avoid the spread of water-borne diseases. He said that for this regular monitoring of water being supplied must be ensured. He said that the availability of irrigation facilities would go a long way in not only motivating the farmers to go for cultivation of alternative and cash crops, but also help in doubling the farm income by next two years. He said that stress must be laid on the development of Command areas and the installation of handpumps in the water scarcity area.

Natural Farming needs to be  Encouraged :CM

Chief Minister said that the Agriculture department should lay stress on post-harvesting management and food processing so as to ensure value addition to the produce of the farmers as this would go a long way in increasing the farmer's income. He said that natural farming must be encouraged so that the State could become a natural farming state of the country. He said that efforts should also be laid on creating employment and self-employment opportunities in the agriculture sector. He said that emphasis should also be laid on increasing milk production to supplement the income of farmers.
Chief Minister said that as many as 50,000 farmers have been trained for adopting natural farming and about 40000 farmers have actually started natural farming. He said that farmers should also be encouraged for adopting dairy activities to supplement their income. While showing concern over the functioning of MILKFED, he said that it must diversify its activities. He said that cow sanctuaries would be established in all the districts of the State so as to provide shelters to abandoned cattle. Panchayati Raj Institutions should come forward to ensure that all the abandoned cattle were shifted to these sanctuaries,

 Delayed assignments need to be completed on priority.:CM

Jai Ram Thakur Ji  said that target of attracting private investment worth Rs. 1000 crore was fixed in the education sector, against which, private investment worth Rs. 1716 crore have been attracted. While showing displeasure in the delay of providing uniforms, bags and laptops to the students, he directed the Education Department to ensure that during the next session, uniforms, bags, books and laptops be provided to the students well in time so that the students do not face any inconvenience. He said that emphasis should be laid on improving learning outputs particularly in Maths and English, adding that efforts should also be made on campus placements. He said that the increase in learning outcome must be ensured so that the State becomes the first state of the country in field of education.

Needs to Make more efforts t maintain the Cleanliness of the state:

 Chief Minister said that the State was known for its clean and salubrious environment, thus necessary steps be initiated to maintain the same. He said that the buy-back scheme for polythene should be effectively implemented.

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

Kangra residents seek expansion of MC limits

Ashok Raina

Kangra, December 17

Development eludes Kangra, one of the oldest towns of Himachal. For the past 135 years, its municipal limits have not been expanded.

The Bajreshwari temple in the town attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists every year, but still no steps have been taken to develop the town.

Hanging fire

• On January 17, Urban Development Minister Sarveen Chaudhary had okayed the expansion of the MC limits to provide better facilities to people living in the suburbs of the town.

• She had asked Kangra Municipal Council chief Ashok Sharma to get a resolution passed so that the Cabinet could approve it, but nothing happened.

On September 3, 1883, an ldquo;executive committeerdquo; was constituted to take care of the town, spread over 3.121 sq km. It was converted into a ldquo;small town committeerdquo; on May 26, 1923, and then to a municipal committee on January 25, 1955, to be headed by a local administrator.

It was in December 1994 that the municipal council came into being. The population of the town, as per the 2001 Census, was 9,156 and it has not even crossed 9,500, as per the 2011 Census.

The civic body covers the area from the Old Kangra Banner bridge to Chaker Kund and Gupt Ganga near the bus stand.

Multi-storeyed buildings are mushrooming in the absence of any check. Municipal Council chief Ashok Sharma said Jayanti Vihar, NIFT, Bala Ji Vihar, Ambika Vihar, Vivekananda Vihar, half of the polytechnic and the new general bus stand do not fall within the municipal limits. These localities are deprived of facilities and lack cleanliness.

The Urban Development Department has time and again requested the authorities to bring all these new colonies under the civic body. On January 17, Urban Development Minister Sarveen Chaudhary had okayed the expansion of the MC limits to provide better facilities to people living in the suburbs of the townShe had asked Kangra Municipal Council chief Ashok Sharma to get a resolution passed so that the Cabinet could approve it, but nothing happened.

The residents demand the intervention of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and order the expansion of the MC limits.

]]>Courtesy: Tribune News Service

Mega rally to celebrate BJP’s two years in office

ibune News Service

Shimla, December 17

The BJP regime will celebrate completion of its two years in office by orgainsing a mega rally here on the Ridge in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior party leaders.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presided over a review meeting to discuss the preparedness for the proposed rally on completion of two years tenure of the present state government on December 27, 2019. He said that the rally would be held at The Ridge, Shimla, in which thousands of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the state government and general public would participate.

Thakur said the party workers and general public from the state would attend the rally which would also be attended by national BJP leaders, ministers and other leaders of the state. He said that effective and foolproof security arrangements would be made during the visit of the Union Home Minister and other VVIPs, besides ensuring that general public does not face inconvenience due to traffic regulations.

The Chief Minister said a booklet and development documentary highlighting the achievements of the state government during two years tenure would also be released on the occasion.

While reviewing the preparations for the ground-breaking ceremony to be organized on the same day, the Chief Minister said MoUs worth Rs 13,790 crore were expected to be signed with 250 entrepreneurs.

Later, the Chief Minister visited proposed rally site at the Ridge and gave necessary directions to officers for making all out effort for success of the event.

]]>Courtesy: Tribune News Service

CM Jai Ram Thakur Ji presided over the meeting held to discuss the preparedness of 2 years function and groundbreaking ceremony

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Ji presided over the meeting here today to review the preparedness for proposed mega rally to be held at Shimla on completion of two years' tenure of the present State Government on 27th December,2019.

Chief Minister said that the proposed rally would be held at The Ridge Shimla. He said that thousands of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the State Government and general public would be participating in the rally which would be made an historic event.  Jai Ram ThakurJi said that party workers and general public throughout the State would be participating in this rally which would also be graced by National BJP leaders, Ministers and other leaders of the State
.
HM Minister Shri Amit Shah will also grace the occasion

He said that effective and foolproof security arrangements be made during the visit of the Union Home Minister and other VVIPs besides ensuring that general public do not face any inconvenience due to traffic regulations.

Jai Ram Thakur Ji said that booklet and developmental documentary film highlighting the achievements of the State Government during two years tenure would also be released on the occasion.

Ground breaking Ceremony of MoU's Signed

 While reviewing the ground breaking ceremony to be organized on the same day, Chief Minister said that ground breaking ceremony of MoUs worth Rs. 13790 crore were expected to be performed during the occasion in which over 250 entrepreneurs are expected.

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

CM inaugurates AG office building

Shimla, December 16

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated the building of office of the Advocate General near the HP High Court here today.

The Chief Minister said this Rs 8.5 crore seven-storey building would go a long way in providing best working environment to employees of the Advocate General office and thereby increase their efficiency in performing day to day activities.

Thakur said this office also represents the state government in the high court. He said that judiciary was playing a vital role in providing time-bound justice to the people, particularly those from the weaker and vulnerable sections of society.

Chief Justice HP High Court Justice L Narayana Swami said it was his first public function after assuming the office of Chief Justice of HP High Court. He said that Advocate General's office was a bridge between the government and the court.

Advocate General Ashok Sharma said this building would help the Office of Advocate General in effective functioning. He said that the Advocate General office would soon shift towards e-filing.

Education and Law Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Judges of HP High Court, Chief Whip Narender Bragta, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Trilok Jamwal, , Chief Secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi, Additional Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Engineer-in-Chief PWD R K Verma and Chief Engineer, PWD Lalit Bhushan Sharma, Additional Advocate Generals, Deputy Advocate Generals, Senior advocates were present.

Earlier, the Chief Minister while addressing the members of the HP Bar Association announced Rs 7 lakh from his discretionary fund towards the HP Bar Association Welfare Fund. — TNS

]]>Courtesy: Tribune News Service

Shimla gets a Circuit House

ibune News Service

Shimla, December 16

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated newly built Circuit House having 89 sets constructed at a cost of Rs 55.19 crore in Shimla.

The Chief Minister said that there was no Circuit House in Shimla earlier but now with the construction of this facility, people would have easy boarding and lodging services available in the government sector.

Thakur appreciated the efforts of the PWD for ensuring quality and time-bound construction of the Circuit House, which has modern facilities.

He said that the government had been extending all basic amenities to people so that they do not face inconvenience.

He added that Shimla is known as the Queen of Hills for its natural beauty and grandeur and the government was committed to maintaining its old glory by providing adequate facilities to visitors and tourists.

Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj thanked the Chief Minister for taking keen interest in the completion of the project. Chief Whip Narender Bragta, Mayor Kusum Sadret, Chief Secretary Shrikant Baldi, Principal Secretary (PWD) Jagdish Chander Sharma, Engineer-in-Chief (PWD) RK Verma, and Chief Engineer (PWD) Lalit Bhushan Sharma were also present on the occasion.

]]>Courtesy: Tribune News Service

Dhawala turns yoga teacher

BJP MLA Ramesh Dhawala (pic) gave some yoga lessons to other members of the house after the session was delayed on final day of winter session as the Congress MLAs got struck in snow. Some of the BJP MLAs arrived on time in house not being aware that the session has been postponed. After it was notified that the session has been delayed, Dhawala started giving yoga lessons to fellow members and some media persons present in the gallery. The 68-year-old BJP veteran impressed many with his flexibility in performing yoga exercises on the floor of the house but requested media persons to make him famous airing the lessons online.

MLAs trolled for dance performance

Dance performance of MLAs during a dinner hosted by the Chief Minister during the sessions proved costly as most of them were trolled on social media. As videos of frenzy dance of Ramesh Dhawala and later natti by other MLAs went viral on social media people started trolling the MLAs. The people questioned as to what the MLAs were celebrating during the session. CPM MLA Rakesh Singha was heard saying ldquo;I would never dance in futurerdquo;. Dhawala complained that he had been made famous in an infamous manner. However, the dance remained a topic of discussion throughout the session later.

Sukhu jibe had MLAs in splits

BJP MLA Rakesh Pathania was generally at the forefront during the session for saving the government from onslaught of the Opposition. During one such effort Pathania mentioned that the health department had recently purchased 20 ventilator systems which could be used if any member of the house needs in future. Sukhwinder Sukhu, Congress MLA, was quick to grab the point. Taking a jibe at Pathania he urged the Chief Minister that Pathania should be administrated oath to the office of minister at the earliest or he might need a newly installed ventilator system. The jibe made in lighter vein had members of house in guffaw.

Vying for CMrsquo;s attention

All the BJP legislators, considered strong contenders for the two vacant ministerial posts, were at their best defending the government and showering praise on Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur during the winter session at Dharamsala. In fact, there seemed to be a competition between the main contenders as to who would praise the Chief Minister more. Some of these contenders, including Rakesh Pathania and Narinder Bragta, remained butt of all jokes by Congress MLAs. They chided Pathania by saying that he was wearing new suits every day and praising the Chief Minister. However, it was Ramesh Dhwala who admitted that he too was in the race even though many others had their suits ready for the oath.

Govt blows its own trumpet

The governmentrsquo;s top priority seems to be blowing its own trumpet as it spent a whopping Rs 5.17 crore on its first anniversary while key issues like repair of roads has taken a backseat. Even as cursory announcements are made by the CM to repair roads from time to time, lack of funds acted as a deterrent. As less as one 10th of the desired funds are allocated to undo the rain damage, at least thatrsquo;s what a Vidhan Sabha reply to a MLAs query states, leaving a common man wondering what the governmentrsquo;s priorities are. With another such anniversary on the anvil will the government splurge once again or spare a thought for the deteriorating basic amenities.

]]>

Participate in the budget-making process, Send your suggestions

State govt. led by CM Jai Ram Thakur has taken yet another step where the govt is seeking public participation in the budget-making process. Earlier too many such incidents have come to the fore where state govt has asked for public opinion.

Following the footsteps of Central Govt. where  Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes the opinion of the general public before making the budget,  Jairam government of the state has also started the budget-making process for the year 2020-21  and have asked for the active public participation.

All citizens can send their suggestions by 24 December 2019 and can send their suggestions by writing to this given email address (budgetindia.hp@gmail.com) To make the Budget more public-centric, the involvement of various stakeholders of the society and ideas in the budget is necessary. Therefore, the government has invited suggestions for the budget from the general public, industries, business houses, farmers and from every section of the society.

Uproar in House over posting of suspended Una teacher

The issue of retaining an Una teacher, accused of molesting schoolgirls, once again rocked the House today.

Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri informed the House that despite an assurance from the Education Minister yesterday that the accused would be posted out of Una while under suspension, he had been posted in the office of Deputy Director, Education, Una.

Agnihotri asked under whose pressure the suspended teacher had been shifted from Jol, a remote area in Chintpurni, to the Deputy Directorrsquo;s office.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur assured the House that the orders would be amended and during his suspension period, the teacher would be shifted out of Una.

Yesterday, Agnihotri had drawn the attention of the House to the incident. As many as 12 girls had complained against the accused, who was booked under the POCSO Act.

The teacher was placed under suspension and his headquarters was fixed at Jol.

When the members expressed concern over the safety of girls, the Education Minister had assured them that the government would frame a policy dismissing such accused from service. He had also assured that during suspension, their headquarters would be shifted out of the district.

Mandi airport to be ready in 2 years: CM

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today assured the house that the Mandi airport would be constructed within next two years. He was replying to the resolution moved by BJP MLA Narinder Bragta to discuss the direction of tourism industry in the state.

The Chief Minister also said that the government had adopted a new tourism policy 2019 to promote tourism in the state. The new policy aims at exploiting the tourism potential of remote areas of the state. The government proposes to give capital subsidy up to Rs 3 crores for new tourism projects coming up in the state. The big projects coming up in the state would also be given 50 per cent concession on stamp duty.

The government was also improving infrastructure of the state. The Union government had announced 69 new national highways in the state and proposals have been mooted to improve the Gaggal airport. The heli taxi service was proposed to be started to link remote areas of the state, he said.

Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri asked the Chief Minister if he had in principal approval for the construction of Mandi airport.

To this the Chief Minister replied that the Minister for Civil Aviation had assured him that Mandi airport would be given approval. He said that government would soon sign agreement for bringing up the airport.

The Leader of Opposition asked about the status of 69 national highways and if the Union government had released any funds for these. He also asked about the status of expansion of railway network in the state.

Most of the members who participated in the debate expressed concern over poor connectivity and lack of infrastructure in the state.

Rakesh Pathania, BJP MLA, while lauding the government for bringing new tourism policy, said that it was not enough to attract tourists to the state. He said that the state had pristine tribal areas that can rival any tourist station in the world. However, there was no way the tourists can reach there. He said that government should start heli taxi service to connect these tribal areas with main stations. He said that the government should also promote Pathankot area as it can help develop tourism in Chamba district.

Pathania said that the government should consider organizing an international level meet for promotion of tourism in the state.

Narinder Bragta, BJP MLA, said that the Shimla airport remained generally closed throughout the year. Since Shimla was the capital of the state, the government should look for ways to expand the Shimla airport. Air connectivity was vital for promotion of tourism in the state, he said.

Sunder Singh Thakur, Congress MLA from Kullu, said that about Rs 500 crores were required for expansion of Kullu airport. He said that the biggest reason for low tourists coming to the state in the last two years was bad condition of national highways.

Various other MLAs, who participated in the debate, expressed concern over poor infrastructure in the state and urged government to work for improving roads and airports.

Narinder Bragta later withdrew his resolution stating that he was satisfied with the reply given by the government.

---

New tourism policynbsp;

• The Chief Minister said new tourism policy 2019 aims at exploiting tourism potential of remote areas of the state.nbsp;
• The government proposes to give capital subsidy up tonbsp; Rs 3 crore for new tourism projects coming up in the state.nbsp;
• The big projects coming up would also benbsp; given 50 per cent concession on stamp duty.
• Heli taxi service was proposed to be started to link remote areas of the state.

]]>

Ruckus after denial of debate on Dharamsala investors’ meet

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, December 10

The Congress again staged a walkout from the House today for not being allowed debate over expenditure on investors’ meet, increase in the price of onion and crime against women.

As Question Hour began, Harshvardhan Chauhan got up and objected to the inclusion of their names in the discussion on investors’ meet.

Chauhan alleged that they had given a notice under Rule 67 for debate on expenditure incurred on the meet and procedures being adopted to give land to investors through MoU. The notice was rejected by the Speaker yesterday. However, they found that their names were mentioned in debate under Rule 130 on the impact of investors’ meet.

He was supported by CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri.

The ruling party MLAs also got up from their seats and objected to the language used by Congress legislators while taking up the issue.

Speaker Rajiv Bindal said since topics of the debate were identical, he clubbed two notices and kept the debate on investors meet under Rule 130. He also said in the past two years, he had given equal chance to the ruling and Opposition to raise their issues.

The Speaker said Agnihotri accused him of campaigning in the Pachhad elections despite the fact that he was attending a conference in Uganda.

To this Chauhan said, “We had said the ruling party misused the office of Speaker during the byelections.”

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who generally remains cool, was also seen in an aggressive mode. Attacking the Opposition, he said let it be Himachal and don’t make it Punjab or Bihar.

Congress members got up from their seats, moved into the well of the House and started raising slogans against the government. They had garlands of onions and protested against price rise and also brought banners with slogans that investors’ meet was a scam and that the BJP government had failed to control the prices of essential commodities in the country.

Agnihotri, talking to newspersons, alleged that they were not being allowed to raise their issues. People wanted to know about the money spent on the meet. “We want the government should issue White Paper on it,” he said.

Ruling MLAs praise CM

With the Congress staging a walkout from the House, ruling party members were all praise for the efforts of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for the event.

The resolution was brought by five MLAs Balbir Singh, Narendra Bragta, Hoshiar Singh, Rakesh Jamwal and Kishori Lal.

Balbir Sinbh, MLA, Chintpurni, said the Congress had opposed when the Dhumal-led BJP government allowed private universities in the state but when the Congress came to power, the leaders attended the annual functions of these universities.

“I congratulate the CM on the success of Global Investors’ Meet. It was a historic step,” he said, as opposition benches had no occupants.

Sloganeering, Walkout 

• Congress members got up from their seats, moved into the well of the House and started raising slogans
• Wearing garlands of onions, they protested against price rise
• They raised banners with slogans that investors’ meet was a scam
• After half an hour, Cong MLAs staged a walkout

Two Bills tabled 

• CM tabled the HP Good and Service Tax (amendment Bill). Presently, every supplier making a taxable supply of more than Rs 20 lakh in the state is liable to be registered in HP. The amendment proposes to increase the limit to Rs 40 lakh
• Minister for Industries Bikram Thakur tabled the HP Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (facilitation of establishment and operation) Bill 2019 in the House. It proposes to exempt any person bringing a micro, small and medium enterprise in the state from taking approvals from government departments for three years. 

Courtesy: Tribune News Service

Lahaul-Spiti residents seek chopper service

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 10

Residents of Lahaul Spiti have urged the government to provide helicopter service for transportation purpose.

They said the journey between Manali and Keylong had become was full of risk because of icing on the road.

Officially, the Rohtang Pass is closed to traffic from November 15 every year. Residents ply their vehicles at their risk till mid-December, depending on the weather conditions in the region.

On the demand of the district administration, Kullu and Lahaul Spiti, the Border Roads Organisation restored the pass yesterday, which was blocked a few weeks ago because of heavy snowfall. Due to avalanche threat, the district administration did not allow traffic today.

Resident Dinesh Kumar said with the onset of the winter season, the life of the tribals had become harsh.

The District Congress Committee also submitted a memorandum to the state government through the SDM, Keylong, and urged Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to provide a helicopter to airlift tribals in and out of the district.

Anil Sehgal, spokesperson of the District Congress Committee, told The Tribune that the government should provide a helicopter for the convenience of the tribals. He said due to lack of road connectivity, the residents were facing difficulty to travel between Manali and Keylong. The state government should ask the BRO to allow bus via tunnel for the convenience of people.

Courtesy: Tribune News Service

State’s efforts in organising investors meet lauded

Shimla: UAE Ambassador to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna has appreciated the efforts of the state government in meticulously organising Global Investors Meet at Dharamsala. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, he said the meet had not only created an ideal platform for exchange of views and opportunities, but also opened newer channels of communication. Praising the efforts of the state, he said, “I firmly believe that under your steering and visionary leadership, the state is poised to grow like never before in terms of attracting and facilitating foreign investment”. Banna has expressed hope that there were synergies for cooperation between the UAE and Himachal, especially in the area of agro and food processing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, renewable energy, hospitality, health care and wellness, etc. — TNS

Courtesy: Tribune News Service

Pong oustees, ex-MP protest against govt

Dharamsala, December 10

Pong Dam oustees led by former MP Rajan Sushant today staged a protest outside the Vidhan Sabha.

The oustees were alleging that they used to grow crops on banks of Beas in Jawali, Fatehpur and Nagrota Surian areas of Kangra district when the water in Pong Dam lake receded.

However, this year the wildlife department authorities have issued notices prohibiting the farmers from growing crops on the river banks.

Rajan Sushant alleged the Pong Dam oustees had been growing crops in the area for past more than 35 years. It was the main source of income for the farmers who had lost most of their lands to Pong Dam reservoir.

Why is it now the wildlife authorities were stopping them from growing crops there. The protesters led by Rajan Sushant also submitted a memorandum of their demands to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Large tracts of Beas river banks are cultivated by farmers in Kangra district after the water recedes in Pong Dam lake during winter. However, the area on which the cultivation was carried out was part of Pong Dam wildlife sanctuary and an international wetland. The wildlife authorities have issued notices to the farmers after certain complaints that farmers who sow their crops near the wetland area sometimes resort of poisoning of visiting migratory birds and growing of crops in the area was illegal. — TNS

Courtesy: Tribune News Service

UAE Ambassador lauds efforts of Himachal in organizing Global Investor’s Meet

Ambassador of United Arab Emirates to India Dr. Ahmed Al Banna has appreciated the efforts of the State Government for meticulously organizing maiden Global Investor Meet at Dharamshala.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur ji, the Ambassador said that the meet has not only created an ideal platform for the exchange of views and opportunities but has also opened newer channels of communication.

While praising the efforts of the State for effectively organizing such a mega event said, “I firmly believe that under your steering and visionary leadership, the State of Himachal Pradesh is poised to grow like never before in terms of attracting and facilitating foreign investment.

Dr. Ahmed Al Banna has expressed hope that there were synergies for cooperation between UAE and Himachal Pradesh especially in the area of agro and food processing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, renewable energy, hospitality, health care, and wellness etc.

It is pertinent to mention here that UAE is India’s third largest trading partner- with trade of 60 million US dollars, after USA and China. In addition to it, UAE has an Indian diaspora of 30 lakh people. Therefore, the relationship between India and UAE has changed from “commercial trading to comprehensive strategic relationship.


                                       Global investors meet was a well thought out and planned event

                       

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

HIM Pragati portal an effective platform for project monitoring and resolving investor's concerns.

Taking inspiration from the initiative of the government of India of launching “PRAGATI” on-line monitoring system, the HIM Pragati portal launched by Himachal Pradesh government has come up as a big platform to monitoring various projects and resolving the issues and concerns of the entrepreneurs simultaneously.

 Announcement was made in last years budget:

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Ji has announced in his budget announcement last year that the state government will launch HIM Pragati online monitoring system where he would monitor power, industrial, tourism and other infrastructure projects to ensure faster clearance and approvals from all the concerned departments. To make budget announcements operational, the state government developed this portal with the help of NIC, Himachal Pradesh, which was launched in October 2018 in the State.

The project monitoring unit for projects has been established in H.P Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) for implementing this system which is responsible for securitizing the uploaded projects, send tasks and issues to the concerned departments and monitor the resolution thereafter. However, the need was felt to create a separate interface in the portal while organizing global investor's meet so that issues of those investors could be addressed and all clearances to them could be fast-tracked and monitored by the Chief Minister himself. As a result, the state government created a new interface in the HIM Pragati portal for the investors and project proponents who have signed the memorandum of understanding with the state government.


Objective is to settle investors issues online:

The main objective of these interfaces created in the HIM Pragati portal is online settlement of issues being faced by the investors, accelerate action on the concerns and queries of the project developers executing the projects and create coordination among various departments to settle the concerns of the project developers at one platform.

MoU's Details uploaded in Him Pragati:

As many as 700 MoUs amounting to around Rs. 93,000 crores signed by the state government so far with the investors in various sectors in the state have been uploaded in this interface. The project developers have raised 204 concerns through this interface out of which 154 concerns have been resolved by the concerned departments.  Besides, 147   on-going projects amounting to Rs. 18866.30 crore have been uploaded on the Him Pragati portal.  The project developers also raised 101 concerns out of which 55 have been resolved.

Tracking of issues done by CM office:

The resolution of issues and fast-tracking of clearances is discussed in meetings chaired by the Chief Minister.  The meetings are attended by the investors and the senior officers to discuss various issues. These meetings are helping in providing feedback for policy action and bringing reforms in the process and procedures.  The government has taken a lot of policy and procedural reforms taking feedback from these meetings.So far, two such meetings have been organized in which investors expressed happiness as their issues are being monitored at the highest level. The investors are of the view that this platform is a welcome state by the state government which is creating a very positive and investor-friendly environment in the state.

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

Una Bus Stand made with Modern Architecture and equipped with advanced facility.

Himachal government led by Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur ji has increased the intensity of developmental pace in the state. Historical development works have been done in the state in just two years. One of its hallmarks is in Una district. We are talking about the bus stand with modern facilities of North India established in Una. a point worth mentioning is many years ago the foundation stone of this bus stand was laid, but ironically, the construction work could not be increased beyond the foundation stone. It was noticed when a government headed by Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur Ji was formed in the state. then the state government decided that the work will be started soon
Completed in record time:
Achievement is that the government has built this grand bus stand within about two years and dedicated it to the public. Recently, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur Ji inaugurated this bus stand.  and the work is also being appreciated in the entire state. Appreciation is also necessary because high-level facilities will be available here and it was thought impossible to complete such big construction work in such a short time. Una's modern bus stand is built at a cost of about 30 crores rupees.

60 buses can be parked inside the Una bus stand. Along with this, visitors parking facility has been provided for 200 cars. The Ladies and Gents Waiting Areas have been set up separately for the convenience of the passengers. A common waiting area has also been constructed and good seating arrangements have been made here

Special facilities are being provided for Specially -abled persons at Una Bus Stand. This will be the cleanest bus stand in Himachal. Modern toilets have been built in the bus stand and 15 employees have been deployed for cleaning them and dustbins have also been kept in place.

Food courts,  markets and cinema halls will also be available to facilitate passengers at the bus stand. It also employed the youth of Himachal. There will also be arrangements for auto and taxi stands and proper arrangements have also been made for the officers and employees of HRTC. An extremely beautiful temple is also built in the southern style in the bus stand complex.

Modern equipment has been set up in the Una bus stand. CCTV cameras have been installed here. Along with this, strong arrangements have also been made to avoid an accident due to fire.


                                                              Glimpses of Una Bus Stand

                                                           
                                                             

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

CM Jai Ram Thakur Ji called upon to preserve indigenous species of livestock

The State Government is committed to conserve the indigenous species of cows in the State as it is immensely beneficial for human health and also useful in natural farming. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing Inaugural session of national Seminar on ‘Gau Mata Ka Manav Swasthya Par Prabhav’ organised by Aarog Bharti, Himachal Pradesh and Kalyani Pahari Gau Vigyan Kendra, Ram Kamal Charitable and Religious Trust, Shimla in auditorium of Portmore School here today.

  Soon after assuming office  Gau Sanrakshan Board was made:
  

 Jai Ram Thakur said that the among others the very first decision of the State Government soon after assuming office, was to constitute Gau Sanrakshan Board in the State and also to levy cess of Rs. 1 on sale per bottle of liquor, for the purpose of maintenance of Cow Sanctuaries and Gau Sadans in the State. He said that it would ensure that stray cattle get a shelter. He also urged people to not abandon their cattle.

  indigenous Cows best suited for the geo Climatic Conditions of the State:

 Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that in a bid to get more milk, the scientists and farmers opted hybrid and imported species of cattle. He said that now the people have started realising the importance of indigenous cows not only from health point of view but also that they could easily be reared and suited for geo-climatic conditions of the state

   Cow  Sanctuary to be made in Barog Sirmour Distt.

Jai Ram Thakur urged the NGOs and religious associations to come forward to help and preserve indigenous species of cattle. He said that the State Government was establishing a Cow Sanctuary at Kotla Barog in Sirmour district. He said that similar sanctuaries would be opened in other parts of the State to provide proper shelter to stray cattle.

Cow, a Symbol of Motherhood:

Chief Minister said Cow is a universal symbol of motherhood and an ideal animal in Hindu mythology. Cow is considered as adobe of 33 crore Hindu Deities. He said that Cow is treated as the most pious animal. The belief is that one can attain salvation (Moksha) by worshipping the Cow. He said that Lord Krishna and Balram accorded great importance to Cows and spearheaded the “Cow worship and preservation” culture in the society.
Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that Cow is not only a holy animal but also the backbone of rural economy. He said each and everything that cow produced is useful to human beings as well as to nature.

                                    glimpses from the auditorium of Portmore School today.

                                     

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh

CM Jai Ram Thakur Ji Chaired the cabinet Meeting,decided to fill up as many as 3636 posts of J.B.T, C&V and TGT categories in elementary

The state Cabinet in its meeting held here today, decided to fill up as many as 3636 posts of J.B.T, C&V and TGT categories in elementary education department. These posts would be filled up on contract basis as per the norms of Recruitment and Promotion Rules. These include 684 posts of TGT Arts, 359 TGT Non-Medical, 261 TGT Medical, 1049 Shastri, 590 Language Teacher and 693 post of JBT.

Cabinet approved the draft MoU for the development of the Airport at Nagchala(Mandi).

The cabinet approved the draft memorandum of understanding for the development of greenfield airport at Nagchala near Mandi between government of Himachal Pradesh and Airports Authority of India (AAI). The Director Tourism has been authorised to sign the MOU and agreements etc. for this purpose with AAI.


HP lok Tantra prahari Samman Rashi Approved:

The cabinet decided to provide Himachal Pradesh Lok Tantra Prahari Samman Rashi under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rule (DIR) to the people who took active participation for safeguarding the democracy and preserving the fundamental rights of the people from the period between 25 June,1975 to 21 March,1977. It also approved to implement Himachal Pradesh Lok Tantra Prahari Samman Rashi Yojna-2019.

Approval to implement Antodaya in the state:

It approved to implement mission Antodaya in the state to provide livelihood package through various schemes of the central and state government to those families which are facing financial hardship. For this purpose the Rural Development department survey by reaching to such one lakh families to find out whether these families are being benefited under various schemes in second part their economic condition would be assessed and in the third phase a convergence of various schemes would be prepared to benefit of all existing schemes.

Medical facilities to be modernized Cohlear implant centres to be established :  

The Cabinet approved to establish cochlear implant centers in IGMCH, Shimla, Dr. RPMC Tanda and Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri medical college, Ner Chowk .The cabinet approved to open new Ayurvedic Health Centre at village Jainshla in Seraj development block of district Mandi along with creation and filling up of three posts of different categories.

The Cabinet gave its consent for amendment in development plan for Manali agglomeration Kullu valley planning areaThe approval has been accorded to shifting the control of IPH Sub-Division Killar from PWD Division Killar to IPH Division Bhanjraru at Tissa in Chamba district along-with the existing posts. The decision would help in proper functioning of the IPH department in Killar-Pangi Sub-Division.

Yamuna water from State share to be sold would earn 21 crore PA:

The Cabinet gave its consent to sign the memorandum of understanding to sell the water of Yamuna river from the share of Himachal Pradesh on payment basis at Tajewala corridor. The state government would earn Rs. 21 crore per annum from this decision.

Sub Tehsil Haripur upgraded and few sections of HP building and other construction workers amended.

As per the announcement made by the Chief Minister, the decision was taken in the meeting to upgrade Sub-Tehsil Haripur to Tehsil in district Kangra.
It gave nod for construction of additional accommodation of rest house at Bagsaid in Thunag Tehsil of district Mandi and additional accommodation at PWD rest house Anni in district Kullu.
The decision has been taken to make amendments in few sections of H.P Building and other Construction Workers (regulation of employment and condition of service) Rules, 2014. This amendment has been made to encourage more construction workers for registration as beneficiary with the Board to avail benefit of various welfare schemes being run by the Board.

New Classes started in various Schools:

The Cabinet approved to start science classes in government senior secondary schools Boul, Piplu and Budhan and commerce classes in government senior secondary schools Basal, Kuriala and Raisari in Kutlehar Assembly constituency of Una district. It also approved to start non-medical classes in GSSS Kharsi and medical classes in GSSS Panjain in Seraj constituency of Mandi district.
The decision has been taken to include Shri Nabahi Mandi in Sarkaghat Tehsil of Mandi district under the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Endowment Act, 1984 with a view to bring the control of this temple with the state government.


Letter of intent given to M/S Damia Cement (Bharat)

The Cabinet approved letter of intent for three years in favour of M/S Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited for extraction of limestone and shale minerals for setting up of cement plant in Shimla district.

Posts to be filled in various Departments

The approval was accorded to fill up 10 posts of various categories in the Architect wing of Public Works Department by direct recruitment through batch wise on contract basis.
It decided to create and fill up 35 posts of Panchkarma Masseurs in Ayurveda department in daily wages basis.It was decided to fill up the vacant post of the District Employment Officer in Labour and employment department.The Cabinet decided to fill up three posts of Law Officers in Irrigation and Public Health department by direct recruitment through HP Public Service Commission on contract basis.It also agreed to create and fill up two posts of Peon on daily wages basis in the office of District Youth Services and Sports offices at Kaza and Keylong.

The cabinet approved for establishing Sericulture division at Sandhol in district Mandi along with filling up of additional posts.The cabinet approved for establishing Sericulture division at Sandhol in district Mandi along with filling up of additional posts.

                                                      

courtesy: CMO Himachal Pradesh