BJP’s Bhatt elected Mandi Mayor, Madhuri Dy Mayor

The BJP retained the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Mandi Municipal Corporation in the election held today. Virender Bhatt, BJP councillor from Ward No. 2 (Purani Mandi) and former Deputy Mayor, was elected Mayor while Madhuri Kapoor, councillor from Ward No. 12 (Thanehada), was elected Deputy Mayor.

Sanyardi Ward councillor Virender Arya proposed Bhatt's name for the post of Mayor while Behna Ward councillor Krishan Bhanu proposed Madhuri's name for the post of Deputy Mayor. Both proposals were unanimously accepted in the House.

Presiding Officer Nivedita Negi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma, Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi and Darang MLA Puran Chand Thakur, besides, Municipal Corporation Commissioner HS Rana and councillors were present on the occasion.

The BJP has 11 councillors in the house of 15 while the Congress has four councillors, who were elected two and a half years ago when the civic body was formed during the BJP regime in 2021. As the post of Mayor was reserved for women, Deepali Jaswal was elected Mayor while Virender Bhatt was elected Deputy Mayor for a tenure of two and a half years. This time, the post of Mayor was open.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who was camping here, congratulated the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He said, "I am hopeful that the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor will work for the development of Mandi, as per the expectations of people. I also thank Congress councillors, who did not file nominations for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor and supported the BJP candidates."

Former CM thanks Cong members for 'support'

I am hopeful that the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor will work for the development of Mandi, as per the expectations of people. I also thank Congress councillors, who did not file nominations for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor and supported the BJP candidates. — Jai Ram Thakur, leader of opposition

Governor urges farmers to adopt zero budget natural farming

Governor Acharya Devvrat urged the farmers to adopt zero budget natural farming so that Himachal Pradesh emerged as the organic state in near future like Sikkim State which was declared organic state of the country.
The Governor was speaking in a seminar on organic farming organized by CSK, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur at Karsog in Mandi district, today.
He said that it was the need of the hour to promote and adopt organic farming and said that it was possible only when every farmer rear domestic cow. He said that one cow could be helpful in farming 30 acres of land and added that it would improve the fertility of the soil, producing maximum yield by using minimum water and getting remunerative price of their product. He said that domestic cow was useful in every respect and with the help of traditional farming, revolution in agro sector could be generated.
He expressed concern that chemical fertilizers and pesticides had been introduced in the name of green revolution and in some extend it increased the production level but degrading the fertility of the soil and products so produced were harmful to the body. He added that some big companies were involved in exploiting the farmers.
The Governor said that number of diseases had increased due to excessive use of chemical farming. He said that best part of adopting natural system of farming was that it has no financial implication and the farmers would not have to outsource from the market as it was prepared naturally by the farmer himself.  He said that in natural farming, the farmers should be encouraged to rear domestic cow instead of hybrid one imported from abroad. He said that the cows found in hilly areas were significant in many ways. He said that to produce maximum or double agriculture crops in a limited area, process of natural farming should be adopted.
He appreciated the efforts of scientists of Agriculture University and members of Youth Sustainable Development for promoting organic farming in the state. He expressed happiness in visiting Karsog for the first time and said that people of the state were honest, hardworking, progressive and humble.
The Governor also appealed the farmers to adopt cashless economy.
The Governor also inaugurated exhibition put up by Agriculture University, Palampur and progressive Farmers of the State on organic farming. He took keen interest in organic products displayed in the exhibition.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Saryal, Vice Chancellor, CSK Agriculture University, Palampur honoured the Governor on the occasion and said that due to the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers and chemical products used in agriculture, organic farming was the only solution to improve the fertility of the soil and to produce of healthy agri products. He said that consistent efforts were being done by the University in this direction and said that it was among the few universities in the country who had established separate department of organic farming. He said that vast research work on organic farming was also being done in the university. Although, it was a challenging task, but our scientists were trying their best. He said that farmers camp were being organized throughout the state and every possible assistance and help was also provided to them. He thanked the Governor for sparing time in the seminar.
Dr. P.K. Mehta, Director, extension from Agriculture University also imparted knowledge of organic farming to the farmers. He also stressed upon local marketing and formation of self help groups. Dr. H.L. Sharma, senior scientist also briefed out the benefits, process and organic certification of organic farming and products.
Bihari Lal Sharma, Executive Director, Youth Sustainable Development also briefed out various activities being executed by YSD in the field of organic farming.
Dr. Pankaj Sood, Incharge, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sundernagar and J.P. Saini, Head of the Department, Organic Farming, Agriculture University, Palampur welcomed the Governor on the occasion. They also explained the merits of adopting organic farming and necessity of adopting organic farming in the present pretext.
Hiralal, former MLA, senior scientist from Agriculture University Palampur and Horticulture University, Nauni, progressive farmers of the Karsog area, senior officers and prominent people were also present on the occasion.

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Mock drill in 7 quake-prone districts

A mega mock drill to meet any eventuality in the wake of calamity like earthquake and raise the level of preparedness was held simultaneously in the headquarters of seven districts today.
The mega exercise was conducted in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra falling in seismic zones IV and V to find out strength and gaps in preparedness and mitigation.
The State Disaster Management Authority, the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SSB, Police, Civil Defence, Home Guards, Fire Brigade, Deputy Commissioners, Red Cross and line departments, including Revenue, Irrigation and Public Health, Education, Irrigation and PWD, state power board and BSNL, participated in the mock drill.
Briefing media-persons about the mock drill, Chief Secretary VC Pharka said the basic objective of the exercise was to gauge the level of preparedness in the wake of earthquake of 8 degree magnitude.
The exercise was held with six vulnerable spots in each district headquarters and different types of situations were created to test the disaster management preparedness.
Additional Chief Secretary and head of the disaster management Tarun Sridhar said the mock drill was organised as the major area of the state was in the seismic zone and 25 per cent area fell under seismic zone V.
Some gaps in communication came to light and the efforts would be made to remove these after proper assessment and the Army had suggested strengthening of trauma centre and mortuary, first-aid training and wireless network at the ground level.
The Army also pointed out that there were gaps in coordination at grassroot level which needed to be bridged. Sridhar said the relief and rescue operations were conducted presuming 582 casualties and 1,731 injuries.
In Shimla, mock drill was conducted at six places as per the international parameters of disaster management through multi-agency coordination.

Casualties to be in lakhs: IIT

As per a survey conducted by IIT Roorkie, about 1.8 lakh people will die and 14.5 lakh be injured if an earthquake of 8 degree magnitude rocked the state. An earthquake of 8 degree which rocked Kangra in 1905 had claimed 20,000 lives in spite of the fact that the population was very less at that time. Geologists have observed that such calamities normally occur after about 100 years.

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Employment Exchanges List

1. REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SHIMLA
2. EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, MASHOBRA
3. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KUMARSAIN
4. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, CHOPAL
5. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, JUBBAL
6. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, THEOG
7. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, RAMPUR BUSHAHAR
8. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, ROHRU
9. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SUNI
10. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, DODRA-KWAR
11. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KUPVI
12. SUB-OFFICE  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, CHIRGAON

13. REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, DHARAMSALA
14. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, PALAMPUR
15. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE,NURPUR
16. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, LAMBAGAON
17. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, JAWALI
18. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, DEHRA
19. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, INDORA
20. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, NAGROTA SURIAN
21. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BAIJNATH
22 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KASBA KOTLA
23 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BAROH
24 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE,FATEHPUR

25 REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, MANDI
26 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, GOHAR
27 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SUNDERNAGAR
28 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SARKAGHAT
29 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, JOGINDERNAGAR
30 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KARSOG

31 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BILASPUR
32 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, GHUMARWIN
33 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SRI NAINA DEVI JI


34 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE , CHAMBA
35 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, TISSA
36 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BHARMOUR
37 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SUNDLA
38. SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, CHUWARI
39 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, PANGI
40 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, DALHOUSIE

41 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, HAMIRPUR
42 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BHORANJ
43 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BARSAR
44 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, NADAUN
45 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SUJANPUR

46 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KINNAUR
47 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, NICHAR
48 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, POOH

49 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KULLU
50 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, BANJAR
51 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, ANNI

52 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE ,LAHAUL & SPITI
53 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, UDAIPUR
54 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KAZA


55 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE ,SIRMOUR
56 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, POANTA SAHIB
57 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SHILLAI
58 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SANGRAH
59 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SARAHAN
60 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KAMRAU
61 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, RAJGARH

62 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, SOLAN
63 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, KASAULI
64 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, ARKI
65 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, NALAGARH

66 DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, UNA
67 SUB-OFFICE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE, AMB

International Shivratri Fair Concludes

Governor Acharya Devvrat while presiding over the concluding ceremony of the week-long International Shivratri Fair today at Mandi said that fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh were unique in their own way and were means for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the State. He said that rich colours of tradition witnessed during these festivals should be preserved for posterity as they affirm our identity as a great State and Nation.

Acharya Devvrat said that culture and its heritage reflect and shape values, beliefs, and aspirations besides defining our national identity. He said that we should be aware of our culture and traditions and added that it was our responsibility to keep them alive for our coming generations, so that they can take pride in their glorious past and have the same opportunities to learn about their own roots as we have.

The Governor said that these fairs and festivals provide new energy to the mankind and we should actively participate in these festivals besides helping the suffering humanity with selflessness. He said that it was the responsibility of every individual to eradicate social evils from the society. He appealed the youth to respect our rich culture and take it forward.  He also urged them to refrain from drug abuses and contribute in nation rebuilding.  He asked them to participate in cleanliness drive to make the environment pollution free for better life.

Earlier, Acharya Devvrat paid obeisance at Madhorai Temple and also participated in the Jaleb Shobha Yatra. He also participated in ‘Bhoj’ organized for the ‘kardars’ of deities.
The Governor also visited the exhibition put up by different Government departments and other organizations. He evinced keen interests in the exhibits displayed.
Mr Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi and Chairman Mela Committee welcomed the Governor.
Present among others on the occasion were Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Mr Anil Sharma, MLAs Mr Mahender Singh, Mr Jai Ram Thakur and Mr Vinod Kumar, Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Champa Thakur, Vice Chairman, Nagar Parishad Mr Vishal Thakur, Divisoinal Commissioner Mr Devesh Kumar, Inspector General of Police Mr Ajay Yadav, Superintendent of Police Mr Prem Thakur, Councilors of Nagar Parishad Mandi, representatives of PRIs, senior district officers and other prominent persons of the town.

Governor appeals to save girl child

Governor Acharya Devvrat has taken a new initiative by visiting the families where female child was born and distributed gifts to the newly born. He visited Behna panchayat of Behl Constituency in District Mandi and Malori village in Bharon Panchayat near Mandi, today and congratulated the families of the girl child. The objective behind the initiative was to change the mindset of the people about the birth of girl child and sensitize them about the importance of women in the society.

On the occasion, he said the district administration had taken important initiative to check female foeticide and launched “Meri Ladli” campaign after the success of “ Beti Bachao, Beti Padao” programme in order to encourage the society to promote girl child. He honoured five girls of Bahna and two girls of Malori village during his visit.  He also announced Rs 2 lakh to the district administration for successful implementation of “ Meri Ladli” programme in the district. He said that this programme should be started throughout the state.

He also launched cleanliness drive jointly organised by Mahila Mandal and Gram panchayat Bahna at Bahna .

While addressing the gathering at Bahna panchayat, the Governor said women were the strongest power and female foeticide the biggest evil. He said that women show new direction to the society.

Acharya Devvrat urged the women to come forward and involve themselves in such social awareness programmes like Meri Ladli. He said that there were minimal cases of dowry in the State but to maintain gender ratio it was important to initiate such activities in the society. He also urged the women folk to contribute towards environment protection to make the ambiance clean.

He appreciated the efforts of district administration in this direction.

Earlier, the Governor also witnessed drama show-“ Akrosh”  at Gandhi Bhawan, Mandi which was inspired by “ Meri Ladli” programme.  He lauded the artists for their dramatic presentation and said that they were  contributing in spreading awareness in eradicating the social abuse from the society. He stressed the need for organizing such programmes in education institutions also.

The Governor also honoured Arusha Sharma of Mandi who was the winner of “Miss Himachal’, beauty contest- 2016.

CM launches Mandi Vikas Abhiyan

Chief Minister  Virbhadra Singh today launched 'Mandi Vikas Abhiyan' in Mandi which was a move towards strengthening and empowering women folks besides ensuring their participation in mass awareness campaigns against social evils and compulsory education, especially the girl child and making people aware about ill-effects of disasters.

The 'Mandi Vikas Abhiyan' is a campaign which will incorporate the components of other schemes as Meri Laadli, components of Disaster Management and financial literacy.

The Chief Minister presided over the awards distribution function at Vipasha Sadan at Bheuli in Mandi today, to celebrate International Rural Women Day where as many as 588 Mahila Mandals of district Mandi under  Rural Women Sanitation Programme participated.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that such type of campaigns as 'Meri Laadli' and ‘Total Sanitation campaigns' needs to be started all over the State. He said that success of such type of campaign rests on women folks and their participation was more important.

Lauding the efforts of the district administration, he said that the sex ratio in border area of Himachal Pradesh was quite less and such areas needs to be monitored which would be done effectively by women folks. He said that abortion was a crime under Pre-Natal Diagnostic Act and those found involved in illegal abortion of Girl Child would be punished and  those clinics  involved in illegal abortion of girl child,  their licenses would be cancelled and the defaulters would be put behind the bars.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the initiative of  ' Meri Laadli', conceptualised by the district administration to check the growing disparity in sex ratio in the district. He said that it aimed at 'saving the girl child' and to bring behavioral change in the mindset of the society towards the girl child. He hoped that the approach of Meri Laadli would bring a more positive thinking of about the notion of Baby Girl. He also honoured the parents of newly born girl child under the 'Meri Laadli' campaign. "Women can bring revolution in the society and I hope that a day would come when there won't be any illegal abortion of Girl Child in our State and the mindset regarding preference of male child, which is deeply engrained in minds of the people would be converted through community centric approach" he said.

The Chief Minister also distributed district and block level prizes to Mahila Mandals of the district.

The Chief Minister also performed the foundation stone for conservation and up-gradation of the historic precincts and building projects at Mandi. It includes Vijay Senior Secondary School, beautification of Chahota Bazzar, beautification of Tarna temple and its premises,  parking complex of Bhimakali temple, river banks (ghats) and heritage walks, renovation of Victoria bridge, roads, foot paths, convention hall and parking near Visco resorts Mandi including over half dozen temples as Shani dev temple, Neel Kanth temple, Shiv Rudra temple, Tamberpati temple, Bholenath temple by removing old paint and using anti-fungal wash with coats of ethyl silicate.

Health Minister  Kaul Singh Thakur said that the child sex ratio was far better in Himachal Pradesh which was at present 1000/916 and there were few areas where the sex ratio was declining and the child sex ratio in  Sandhol, Baldwada and Ladbhadol  and other few medical blocks needs to be improved. He said that the Panchayats having better sex ratio would be awarded with an amount of Rs. 50 thousand.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister,  Anil Sharma and Excise and Taxation Minister  Prakash Chaudhary also spoke on the occasion and lauded the role of district administration in making sanitation campaign a success. They also lauded the ' Meri Laadli' initiative and said that child sex ration was far better in Mandi.

Pratibha Singh former Member of Parliament and Chairperson of State Hospital Welfare Section said that it seems like a dream coming true to see the sanitation drive being the most successful and lauded the efforts of the district administration to spread this drive not only in urban areas but in rural areas too. She said that the efforts of the women folk of district Mandi had proved that 'where there is a will, there is a way'. She said that it was also a step towards 'women boldness' and women empowerment as when the woman becomes empowered, the whole society gets empowered. She also appreciated their efforts cleanliness. She said that such campaign should be launched throughout the State to maintain and protect the greenery and beauty of the State.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi,  Sandeep Kadam briefed about the sanitation drive undertaken in Mandi during last one year. He also detailed about the motive of the drive and said that 5,000 camps were organised besides maintaining and cleaning the natural rural water sources both in urban and rural areas. He said that the women folk contributed a lot thereby digging around 5,000 pot holes besides ensuring proper disposable of solid, liquid and bio- degradable waste to avoid littering. He said that of as many as 1,050 drinking water tanks and public toilets had been cleaned under the sanitation drive.

The Chief Minister and  Pratibha Singh were accorded warm welcome at Paddal ground by Health Minister  Kaul Singh Thakur and others earlier in the forenoon today on reaching Mandi.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Anil Sharma, Excise and Taxation Minister  Prakash Chaudhary, Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Sohan Lal, Political Advisor to Chief Minister  Rangila Ram Rao, OSD to Chief Minister  Amit Pal Singh, DCC President  Puran Chand, Chairman SC/ST,  Tek Chand Dogra, Chairman Milkfed,  Chet Ram Thakur, Chairman Khadi Board and Handloom,  Chandershekhar Thakur, Chairman, Zila Parishad,  Khiramani, Divisional Commissioner,  Devesh Kumar and  SP  Prem Singh Thakur were also present on the occasion amongst others.

IPH Minister directs to restore water supply schemes at the earliest

Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes said that State Government was making all out efforts to restore the water supply and irrigation schemes which were damaged due to heavy rains throughout the State. She said that 4156 schemes were affected which caused a loss of Rs. 172.22 crore.

Smt. Stokes was presiding over the review meeting of Irrigation and Public Health Department here today.

She said that water supply and irrigation schemes of Shimla,  Mandi, Kangra, Solan and Chamba districts  were highly affected due to heavy downpour   during current monsoon season in the State. She said that 21 urban water supply schemes amounting about Rs. 8.59 crore were affected whereas 3130 rural water supply schemes amounting Rs. 102.36 crore were damaged. She said that 958 irrigation schemes were also affected which caused a loss of Rs. 47.84 crore. She said that 20 schemes of flood control works were also affected which caused loss of Rs. 3.34 crore. She said that it also affected the sewerage schemes and as per the reports 27 were affected which caused a loss of Rs. 10.09 crore.

Smt. Stokes said that the most of the schemes were repaired and she appreciated the efforts of the department for ensuring the smooth working of most of the schemes immediately. She directed the officials of the department to repair rest of the affected schemes at the earliest so that people could not face any difficulties in getting safe and adequate drinking water. She also directed the field functionaries to send report daily to the headquarter about the status of the schemes so that appropriate action could also be taken from the State headquarter.

Additional Chief Secretary Shri P.C. Dhiman briefed about the steps taken by the department for restoration of the damaged drinking water supply and irrigation schemes in the State. He assured the Minister that all schemes would be made functional at the earliest.

Senior officers of the department and Municipal Corporation Shimla also attended the meeting.

CM announces Degree College for Panarsa in Mandi district

Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh while addressing a public meeting at Thalout in district Mandi  today announced a degree college for Panarsa thereby fulfilling a long pending demand of the people of the area. He also announced upgradation of Sub Tehsil Aut and Bali Chowki to Tehsils.

The Chief Minister announced electric sub division for Shiva Badar.

He also announced upgradation of Government High Schools Farsh, Bandhii, Chukoo and Lapas  to Government Senior Secondary Schools. He also announced upgradation of Middle Schools  Chaloti, Shala Nachyar, Halaghichami, Graman, Nalan and  Odidhar to High Schools and upgradation of Primary School at Tipri Sarai to Middle school. Besides, he also announced a Health sub Centre at Odidhar and Dhamchian.

He also announced an ITI at Paddar in Drang Block.

The Chief Minister credited the development of the area to the successive Congress Governments who ruled the State for most of the time and Thakur Kaul Singh for successfully representing the area for last over three decades. He said the people should support the candidates who had committedly worked for their welfare. He said that the people should also realise the developmental benefits and support such leaders heartily who had worked for their welfare.

Referring to his recent Rally at Kansa Chowk, the Chief Minister said that he never talked of particular person or referred to any religion or caste but unfortunately his statement was blown out of proportion by the BJP leaders which believed in dividing the people on the basis of caste, region and religion in a bid to achieve their political motives. He said that we should be aware of such persons who try to distort and twist the facts. He said that his remarks were not against a particular person as were flared up by few opportunists.

He said that at the formation of the State there were just few schools in the State and only 288 kilometre of roads. He said that due to the able leadership provided by the successive Congress Governments and active cooperation of the people of the State,  the State had made tremendous progress in all spheres of development. He said that now the State has over 15000 schools, 86 colleges and around 34000 kilometers of roads.

He said that the BJP, ever since it was known as Jansangh, had divided the people in the name of region and religion and did nothing for the welfare of the people of the State.  “Even a single penny spent on education leads to prosperous of Nation and well educated society and I  believe that expenditure on education was an income in the long run”, he said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated  Rs. 1.33 crore Nature Park at Jhiri near Nagwain  in Mandi district, Lift Irrigation  Supply Scheme Hansu, at Panarsa, completed with an outlay of Rs 1.90 crore, which would benefit the people of Sojha, Jori and Kigas in Kotadhar Panchayat, Police Station at Aut constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.10 crore. He also inaugurated new electrical division at Thalout. This would felicitate 1.50 lakh population of the Kullu, Banjar, Darang and Seraj area.

The Chief Minister performed foundation stone laying ceremony of Primary Health Centre at Thalout to cost Rs 1.50 crore.

Later the Chief Minister performed the foundation stone of Prashar-Kalang- Solang Water Supply Scheme to cost Rs 2.03 crore and also inaugurated newly upgraded GSSS, Baggi.

Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Smt. Vidya Stokes while speaking on the occasion said that the State Government was committed to fulfill drinking water needs of the left-out habitation and said that during the last two years, the State Government had provided drinking water facilities to as many as 4600 habitations by spending an amount of Rs 460 crore. Besides, 8183 hectares of land was provided with irrigational facilities by spending Rs. 269 crore.

Health and Revenue Minister, Mr Kaul Singh Thakur, earlier welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr Kaul Singh urged the Chief Minister for providing adequate land for the ITI, as the already existing land has come in the survey conducted by the  National Highway Authority of India for four-laning of the road from Kiratpur to Mandi.

He thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating projects worth crores of Rupees on his visit to the area and especially for the electric division at Thalout. He also thanked the Chief Minister for laying foundation stone of PHC at Thalout which was a long pending demand of the people of the area. He also listed the developments of the area.

Mr Kaul Singh Thakur lashed out at the opposition for neglecting the area and misguiding the people.

DCC President, Mr Puran Chand Thakur also welcomed and spoke on the occasion.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Sohan Lal, Chairman, Milk fed, Mr Chet Ram Thakur, Chairman SC/ST Corporation Mr Tek Chand Dogra, APMC, Chairman, Mr Harinder Sen, Chairman Bhoomi Vikas Bank, Mr Shivlal Sharma, OSD to Chief Minister, Mr Amit Pal Singh were also present on the occasion amongst panchayat representatives of nearby panchayats of the area.

Contractors to be blacklisted for delay: CM

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said contractors who will not complete the works within a given time-frame would be blacklisted. He was addressing a public meeting at Karsog in the district today.
Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Mini Secretariat at Karsog to be constructed at a cost of Rs 10 crore and also inaugurated an HRTC depot which will have 63 buses and staff of around 300.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to get the ongoing development works completed in a time-bound manner. Work on all ongoing link and main roads of the area would be completed within the next six months, he added.
He said there was no end for development activities as it was a continuous process. “I want equal development to be carried out throughout the state,” the Chief Minister said.
Singh said the Karsog valley was famous for its scenic beauty and besides promoting tourism, the government would take necessary measures to facilitate the farming community of the area which had great potential of growing both rabi and kharif crops. The government was implementing many schemes to strengthen agriculture sector and to facilitate the farmers, irrigation channels and kuhls were being constructed so that farmers could have enough water for their fields, he added.
The Chief Minister said the daily wages of labourers had been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 180, besides the daily wagers who had completed seven years of service as on March 2015, were being regularised. He said all those part-time workers who had completed eight years of service would be made daily wagers and the contractual employees completing five years of service as on March 31, 2015, were also being regularised.
He said the honorarium of part-time water carriers had been enhanced to Rs 1,700 per month whereas the maternity leave for contractual employees had also been increased to 135 days.
He said every household in Himachal Pradesh was having power connectivity and the power sector was being strengthened by ensuring electricity at affordable and subsidised rates to consumers. The government had started LED promotion programme in the state and the consumers would have to pay Rs 10 for LED bulb at initial stage and Rs 10 per bulb would be added to their monthly bill. The cost of LED would be half to that of market price, Virbhadra said.
He laid the foundation stones of Rs 11.55 crore lift water supply scheme Parlog Khad to Mahunag Behalidhar, remodeling of water supply scheme, Sorta Kalashan, which will cost Rs 5.50 crore, Rs 82.50 lakh lift irrigation scheme, Shakra, and water supply scheme, Chera Khad to Dhamun, in Shahout gram panchayat and Mehandi to be constructed at a cost of Rs 3.42 crore.
He also inaugurated Rs 1.06 crore science laboratory of the Government Senior Secondary School, Karsog.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes said to ensure that people of the state continue to get potable drinking water and farmers get irrigation facilities at an affordable cost, a sum of Rs 330 crore was being spent to meet the energy charges of water supply and irrigation schemes.
Excise and Taxation Minister Prakash Chaudhary thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating projects worth crores to the people of Mandi district. He said the Chief Minister was a ‘man of masses’ who had dedicated his entire life to serve the people of the state without discriminating between regions and political affiliations. He credited the Chief Minister for bringing revolution to the education and health sector.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mansa Ram welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for laying foundations and dedicating projects worth Rs 31 crore. He credited the development of the area to Singh and also demanded specialist doctors and staff for the Karsog Civil Hospital, besides starting MCom classes in Government Degree College, Karsog.
Transport Minister GS Bali, CPS Sohan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam, Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawala, senior MS, IGMC, Dr Ramesh Chand were also present on the occasion.

CM lays foundation stone of Mini Secretariat at Karsog

He also laid foundation stones of Rs. 11.55 crore of lift water supply scheme Parlog Khad to Mahunag Behalidhar, remodeling of water supply scheme Sorta Kalashan which will cost Rs. 5.50 crore, Rs. 82.50 lakh lift irrigation scheme Shakra and water supply scheme Chera Khad to Dhamun in Gram Panchayat Shahout and Mehandi to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.42 crore.

He also inaugurated Rs. 1.06 crore science Lab of Government Senior Secondary School, Karsog.

Addressing a public meeting at Karsog, he directed the government authorities to get the ongoing developmental works completed in time bound manner to benefit the people. Those contractors would be blacklisted who will not complete the works within given time frame, he said adding that work on all  ongoing link and main roads of the area should be completed within next six months.

He said there was no end for development activities as it was a continuous process. “I want equal development to be carried out throughout the State”, added the Chief Minister.

Mr Virbhadra Singh said that the Karsog valley was famous for its scenic beauty and apart from promoting tourism, the government would take necessary measures to facilitate the farming community of the area which had great potential of growing both Rabi and Kharif crops. The Government was implementing many schemes to strengthen agriculture sector and to facilitate the farmers, irrigation channels and Kuhls were being constructed so that the farmers could have enough water for their fields, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the daily wages of the labourers had been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 180, besides the daily wagers who had completed seven years of service as on March 2015, were being regularised. He said that all those part time workers who had completed eight years of service would be made daily wagers and the contractual employees completing five years of service as on 31 March, 2015 were also being regularised. He said that the honorarium of part time water carriers had been enhanced to Rs 1700 per month whereas the maternity leave for contractual female employees had also been increased to 135 days.

He said that today every household in Himachal Pradesh was having power connectivity and the power sector was being strengthened by ensuring electricity at affordable and subsidised rates to the consumers. The government    had started LED promotion programme in the State and the consumers would have to pay Rs 10 for LED bulb at initial stage and Rs 10 per bulb would be added to their monthly bill. The cost of LED would be half to that of market price, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister was presented a cheque of Rs. 18,000 by the establishment of Senior Secondary School towards CM Relief Fund. Mr Sanjay Mehta also gave a cheque of Rs.11,000 towards the CM Relief Fund.

Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Smt. Vidya Stokes said that to ensure that the people of Himachal Pradesh continue to get potable drinking water and farmers get irrigation facilities at affordable cost, a sum of rupees 330 crore was being spent to meet the energy charges of water supply and irrigation schemes.

Excise and Taxation Minister, Mr Prakash Chaudhary thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating projects worth crores of rupees to the people of Mandi district. He said that the Chief Minister was a ‘man of masses’ who had dedicated his entire life to serve the people of the State without discriminating between regions and political affiliations.  He credited the Chief Minister for bringing revolution in education and health sector.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Mansa Ram welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for laying foundations and dedicating projects worth  rupees 31 crore. He credited the development of the area to Mr Virbhadra Singh and also demanded specialist doctors and staff for civil hospital Karsog besides starting M. Com classes in government degree college, Karsog.

DCC President Mr Puran Chand, also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Prithi Singh Negi, President, BCC also thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating projects worth crores in Karsog area. He also placed local demands of the area before the Chief Minister.

Transport Minister Mr G. S Bali, CPS Mr Sohan Lal, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Sandeep Kadam, Superintendent of Police, Mr Mohit Chawala, senior MS, IGMC, Dr. Ramesh Chand were present on the occasion amongst other senior officers of the district and Panchayat representatives.

BJP blames govt for poor condition of Kiratpur-Mandi highway

In a statement, BJP spokesperson Ajay Rana said the state government and its officials always blamed the bad weather conditions for the poor condition of roads.
“The Border Roads Organisation is maintaining the nearly 400 km Manali-Leh highway under difficult circumstances,” he said and added that despite getting crores of rupees, the state government had failed to maintain the nearly 100 km stretch from Kiratpur to Mandi on the NH-21 for the past two years.
Potholes and ditches in the highway were filled with loose soil to fool the public, he alleged.
He said due to the poor condition of the highway, taxi operators and other business establishments were losing their business.
Appreciating the decision taken by the district administration to register a criminal case against officials of the National Highway Authority of India in case of a mishap, he said the BJP had already alerted the administration about the pathetic condition of the highway.
He said appreciated a campaign “hole-in-whole” on the social media about the condition of the highway.

Chief Minister inaugurates International Shivratri Fair at Mandi

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today inaugurated week long International Shivratri fair at Mandi.

He led the Shivratri procession from the DC office after paying obeisance to the presiding deity of the area Raj Madhav Rao to Paddal ground. The procession consisted hundreds of local deities decorated in palanquins and accompanied by their traditional music instruments, band squads, devotees, contingents of Himachal Police, Home Guards etc.

Earlier, he laid foundation stone of the Rs 82.19 crore drinking water supply scheme for Mandi town and its sub-urbs. The town which was fast expanding now is facing acute shortage of drinking water facility and apart from this it was a long pending demand of the people of the area which is nearing fulfilment. The water will be lifted from Uhl rivulet, a tributary of river Beas, and was likely to solve the drinking water problem of the town till 2046 and benefit more than one lakh 78 thousand people. Not only this, the people will have round the clock supply, once the scheme commences.

He also performed the foundation stone of a bridge near the old victoria bridge in Mandi to be completed at a cost of Rs. 20 crore. Besides, he also inaugurated 33/11KV electric sub-station at Samkhetar completed at a cost of rupees three crore and also inaugurated Women Police Station at Bhiuli. This is the third women Police Station of its kind in the State, the first two being at Shimla and Dharamsala.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated Rs 2.14 crore Zila Parishad office and office of district panchayats officer at Bhuili. He also laid foundation stone of Dev Sadan at Kangni to cost Rs 16.50 crore. This would facilitate the ‘Devlus’ who come in large numbers during the Shivratri fair and will contain enough space to accommodate them  besides providing other facilities.

CM announces 10 percent increase in Nazarana of deities

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today announced increase in the Nazarana (honorarioum) of the deities participating in the International Mandi Shivratri fair by ten percent from this year.

He made this announcement while addressing a mammoth gathering assembled to witness the inaugural ceremony of the Shivratri festival at Paddal ground in Mandi town. He greeted the people of the state, especially people of district Mandi on this occsion. He also welcomed the deities who have assembled from all corners of the district in numbers to participate in the fair.

"I am happy to see people participating in large numbers in the festival and hope they will keep up their traditions and preserve the customs and culture", said the Chief Minister adding that only those societies prosper which keep their values and customs alive.

He announced a sum of Rs 1.30 crore for improvement and beautification of the Paddal ground and Rs 1.25 crore for construction of Traffic Rotary near ITI, Mandi. He also announced a sum of Rs. 25 lakh for construction of approach road to Sain Mohalla.

Virbhadra Singh said that a sum of Rs. 600 crore had been spent on the construction of ESIC hospital building at Ner Chowk and if the Union Ministry of Labour was not able to start the hospital then it should be handed over to the State Government which would make an effort to run it from its own finances.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of district administration for getting the fair live telecast all over the world. He also released the souvenir of the historic Shivratri festival brought out by the Shivratri Mela Committe.

He also inaugurated the exhibitions put up by various state departments, public sector sndertakings, Government of India, self-help groups and commercial organisations etc.

Later, he inaugurated the Saras Mela organized at Seri Manch in which attractive handicraft and handloom items had been displayed by traders from different States.

 Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam who is also Chairman of the Shivratri Mela Committee welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister and detailed about the itinerary of the fair. He informed that as many as 164 dieties were participating in the fair this time and the festival was being telecast live across the globe on social media.

A colourful cultural programme was presented by children of various schools on the occasion.

Himachal Pradesh proposes annual plan of Rs. 4400 crore for 2014-15

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State is providing adequate funds for equal and balanced development of the State and to accelerate the pace of development, the State Government has proposed an Annual Plan of Rs. 4400 crore for the year 2014-15 which is Rs. 300 crore more than the previous Annual Plan.

Chief Minister was presiding over the meeting of MLAs convened for finalizing priorities for Annual Plan 2014-15 here today. MLAs from Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Mandi and Bilaspur districts participated in the meeting.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that to give fillip to the overall development of the State, Government has adopted Manifesto of Congress Party as its Policy Document and efforts have been made to fulfill most of the promises made in the Manifesto in the first year itself. He said that Manifesto is being implemented effectively.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that priorities of the MLAs are very important in planning process and State Government is giving priority to these so as to provide better facilities and services to the people of the State. He said that Government departments are preparing Detailed Project Reports of various developmental projects and efforts are being made to get them sanctioned from appropriate level at the earliest. He said that Government would try to fund the priorities of the MLAs first from Grant Based Schemes of Government of India. These include Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), CRF, Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) and Externally Aided Projects etc. He said that those priorities which are not covered under the grants provided by Government of India, would be sent to NABARD for funding through loans. He directed all Secretaries and Heads of Departments to give due consideration to priorities of MLAs and said that laxity in this regard would not be tolerated. He asked them to solve problems and grievances of public representatives on priority and said that immediate action should be ensured on their suggestions. Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh Government is consistently raising the issue of providing Himachal Pradesh equal share in all centrally sponsored schemes on the analogy of North Eastern States in 90:10 ratio. He had personally requested the Union Finance Minister to accede to this demand of Himachal Pradesh Government. He asked all Departments to take up the matter of amendment in guidelines of those programmes which are not in the State’s interest and all such matters should be raised with the Government of India. Every MLA has been informed about the status of all those schemes which were given by them under their priorities. He said that functional posts in all departments would be filled up so that detailed project reports of various developmental projects be prepared at the earliest. He asked the concerned officers to expedite the forest clearances cases which were creating hindrance in road construction.

Chief Minister advised the MLAs to provide details of developmental schemes in the meeting and send these to the Planning Department so as to incorporate them in the budget. He requested the MLAs to provide their suggestions on policy matters, financial resources, good governance etc. in the meeting.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that Government is striving hard to provide people with basic facilities nearer to their door steps and is endeavouring to fill vacant posts especially of doctors, paramedical staff and teachers. He said that connecting villages with roads and bridges is the top priority of the Government and assured that there will be no dearth of funds for the purpose. Chief Minister said that government educational institutions in the State would be provided with their own buildings in a phased manner. He said that Government was committed for equal development and no discrimination would be made in respect of development of any area of the State. He said that State’s performance in health and investment sectors in past one year was adjudged as the Best and Himachal Pradesh was ranked as Best State in the category of big States in State of States Conclave recently.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that a project would be prepared to channelize Pabbar river from Sandasali upto Hatkoti on the analogy of Swan River. He said that PWD and Forest Rest Houses at Khadrala are heritage of the State and will be maintained, repaired and renovated. He said that PHC Kupvi would be upgraded to 20 bedded Hospital. Chief Minister said that stray animals have become a social problem in the State and to check it a micro chip would be fitted in their bodies which would contain all the data of the owner of the animal. He stressed for the need of proper maintenance of all the link roads constructed by other agencies except PWD in the villages. He said that mid year appraisal meeting of Annual Plan would be held to review the progress.

Smt. Vidya Stokes, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Health Minister, Shri Prakash Chaudhary, Excise and Taxation Minister, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Shri Anil Sharma Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Shri Gangu Ram Musafir, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Shri Rajesh Dharmani, Shri Vinay Kumar, Shri Nand Lal, Shri Rohit Thakur, Shri Sohan Lal and Shri Mansa Ram, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries also participated in the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions.

Solan district Shri Gobind Ram Sharma, MLA from Arki assembly constituency requested that rain water harvesting structures should be constructed for irrigation purposes. He demanded that a Sub Treasury and Community Health Centre be opened in Darlaghat. He requested to fill up vacant posts of teachers and doctors in his constituency.

Shri Krishan Lal Thakur, MLA from Nalagarh assembly constituency requested that a consolidated detailed project report for flood management in Nalagarh constituency should be prepared and work of bridge on Chikani khad should be expedited. He urged that Nalagarh-Ramshahar-Kunihar-Shimla road be made National Highway and demanded that more roads should be sanctioned under PMGSY.

Dr. Rajiv Saijal, MLA from Kasauli assembly constituency urged for drinking water supply schemes for Parwanoo and Kausali cantonment area and requested that more posts of doctors should be sanctioned for Community Health Centre, Dharampur. He also demanded for extension of Dharampur Subzi Mandi.

Sirmaur district Shri Suresh Kashyap, MLA from Pachhad constituency requested that Chhaila-Neripul-Giripul-Ochhghat and Solan-Minas road should be repaired, maintained and adequate funds may be provided for the purpose. He also urged that old bridge in Yashwant Nagar should be replaced. He demanded that building should be constructed for ITI Sarahan besides adding more trades. He also requested for flower markets in Rajgarh and Sarahan.

Dr. Rajiv Bindal, MLA from Nahan assembly constituency urged that compensation for flood damages in his constituency should be provided at the earliest and various streams and khads in the constituency may be channelized. He demanded that 13 bridges in his segment should be constructed at the earliest. He also requested that status of Palhodi panchayat should be reverted to Backward Panchayat.

Shri Baldev Singh Tomar, MLA from Shillai assembly constituency requested for opening of SDM Office in his constituency and for two blocks in his assembly segment. He urged that Laldank-Hatkoti-Rohru road should be properly maintained. He demanded that one more Senior Secondary School for girls be opened in Shillai.

Shimla district Shri Balbir Singh Verma, MLA from Chopal constituency demanded that every panchayat in his constituency should be connected with roads and Sainj-Deha-Chopal-Nerwa road should be widened and maintained. He urged that a Divisional-level Committee should be formed for forest clearances of Detailed Project Reports. He urged that 13 Lift Irrigation Schemes in his constituency should be started at the earliest and a Civil Hospital be opened in Kupvi. He also urged for solving voltage problem in the area and for starting work of 66KV Electric Station in Lashtadhar.

Shri Anirudh Singh, MLA from Kasumpti assembly constituency demanded that Eversunny-Bhont road be made busable and inaugurated at the earliest. He urged that Primary Health Centres may be opened at Vikasnagar and New Shimla. He requested to take Tungish Sanskrit College in Cheog under government control and demanded that a government college should be opened in Koti area and Girls College in Bhattakuffar. He requested that parking may be constructed in Cemetery area of Sanjauli, Dhalli and Kasumpti on BOT basis.

Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA from Shimla Urban assembly constituency requested that pumping station at Ashwani khad may be replaced and Pabbar Gravity Water Scheme should be constructed at the earliest. He also demanded for adequate parking space in Shimla. He urged for alternative mode of transport, ropeway and tunnels in Shimla and PHC at Khalini.

Shri Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA from Rohru assembly constituency requested that Rohru Civil Hospital should be upgraded and foundation stone of Rohru Subzi Mandi may be laid at the earliest. He also demanded that a new bus stand should be constructed in Chirgaon and Rohru-Chirgaon-Dodra Kwar road be declared as State Highway. He requested for upgradation of Government Middle School, Badhal. He urged that trades in Government Polytechnics College, Rohru should be increased.

Mandi district Shri Vinod Kumar, MLA from Nachan assembly constituency requested for exploring the tourism potential in his assembly segment. He urged for upgrading CHC Gohar, filling up vacant posts of Doctors and providing more funds for the construction of roads. He also urged to open agriculture based industry in his area.

Shri Jai Ram Thakur, MLA from Seraj assembly constituency stressed the need for timely forest clearances for the construction of roads and making adequate budgetary provision of maintenance of roads. He requested for replacing the old wooden electricity poles with steel tubular poles and sorting out the low voltage problem in his area. He also urged to fill vacant posts of Doctors and Para Medical staff.

Shri Inder Singh, MLA from Sarkaghat assembly constituency said that many DPRs of roads were lying pending since 2007-08 and urged for expediting the same. He also urged to fill the vacant posts of Draughtsman, Surveyors and JCB operators and requested for setting up indoor block at Referral Hospital Sarkaghat besides deploying specialist doctors in the hospital. He also urged for strengthening the educational institutions in his area.

Bilaspur district Shri Bamber Thakur, MLA from Bilaspur assembly constituency thanked the Chief Minister for filling vacant posts of Doctors and providing plots to the Bhakra Dam Oustees and people belonging to Balmiki community in Bilaspur. He said that a post of Patwari should be created at circle level in the PWD department and requested for constructing artificial lake over Ali Khud near Kungarhatti bridge to boost the tourism activities in the area.

Shri Randhir Sharma, MLA from Sri Naina Devi Ji assembly constituency said that efforts should be done for early forest clearance for construction of various roads. He requested for proper maintenance of NH-21 from Swarghat to Bilaspur and urged that closed bus routes in his constituency should be restored and adequate buses should be plied.

Shri P. Mitra, Chief Secretary, proposed vote of thanks and assured that directions of Chief Minister would be implemented in letter and spirit. Earlier, Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Principal Secretary, Finance welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and thanked them for their valuable suggestions

86th Founder’s Day of Jogindra Gymkhana Club Celebrated

The 86th Founder’s Day of Jogindra Gymkhana Club Mandi was celebrated at Mandi yesterday evening with gaiety. Shri Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister, who is also Pattern of the Club, presided over the function.
Chief Minister on the occasion said that Jogindra Gymkhana Club was one of the oldest clubs of Himachal Pradesh which was still running smoothly and effectively with various activities by the elected members of the Managing Committee. He complemented all the members of Club on founder’s day and urged them to keep this healthy tradition alive.
Chief Minister honoured the members who had been associated with the club for over 50 years. On the demand of the club members, Chief Minister assured that boundary wall of the club would be constructed for which he asked the managing committee to prepare the estimate. He also assured that efforts would be made to solve the drinking water problem in the club premises. He said that assistance would also be provided for relaying the Lawn Tennis Court in club.
Shri Virbhadra Singh also released the souvenir of club on the occasion.
Shri R.P. Kapoor, President of Jogindra Gymkhana Club welcomed the Chief Minister and Shri Narender Kaushal presented vote of thanks.
President and members of the managing committee of Gymkhana Club honoured the Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Health Minister, who is also the pattern of the club and Shri Sohan Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary by presenting them mementoes.
Earlier, the President and members of managing committee presented a cheque of Rs. One lakh to Chief Minister towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Chief Minister thanked them for their contribution and said that the donated money would help in providing relief to the poor and needy persons.
Shri T.G.Negi, Advisor to Chief Minister, Shri Amit Pal Singh, OSD to Chief Minister, Shri Devesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Shri R.S.Negi, Superintendent of Police Mandi, other senior officers, members of the club and eminent persons of Mandi town were also present on the occasion among others.

Pratibha Singh urges Centre Government to start MBBS classes in ESI Medical College

Member of Parliament Mrs Pratibha Singh met Union Labour and Employment Minister Shri Sis Ram Ola in New Delhi and requested him to start MBBS classes at ESI Medical College and Hospital Ner Chowk from academic year 2014-15.

She requested him to provide liberal funds for infrastructure development of Rs. 1000 crore ESI Medical College and Hospital at Ner Chowk, Mandi. She requested him to start admissions for 100 seats of MBBS course from next academic year and offered attachment of 300 bedded Zonal Hospital Mandi for clinical facilities till the construction work on ESI Medical College and Hospital is not completed. She told that the State Government is willing to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Union Ministry on this issue under which the ESI Medical College and Hospital can utilize all the equipments, machinery, manpower and infrastructure of Zonal Hospital Mandi for academic purpose for facilitating the study of medical students till such facilities are not created in ESI Medical College and Hospital at Ner Chowk.

Link your Aadhaar number with your LPG Consumer ID

Preparations are underway to implement Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for LPG subsidy in 7 more districts of Himachal Pradesh. Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti are the seven districts of Himachal Pradesh where the scheme would be extended.

Before this, LPG subsidy through DBT scheme which began from 1st June includes Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts of Himachal Pradesh. The scheme began in the fourth district (Mandi) of Himachal Pradesh from August 1. Government has started Cash Transfer Compliance Customer (CTC) system for more than 70% LPG consumers in the said districts.

For CTC consumers have been given a time frame till 30th September to provide their bank account linked Aadhaar number to their gas agencies. Those consumers would be denied of LPG subsidy from October 1 who will fail to submit their bank account linked Aadhaar number to their gas distributors until the set deadline. Consumer will have to buy LPG cylinder at market price from October 1 while the subsidy amount of 9 LPG cylinders per year would be credited into their Aadhaar linked bank account.

Pratibha Singh takes Oath as Member of Parliament

Newly elected Member of Parliament from Mandi Constituency Mrs Pratibha Singh today took oath of office and secrecy as a Lok Sabha Member on the opening day of the Monsoon session of the Parliament.

She was accompanied by her son Sh Vikaramaditya Singh and daughter Miss Aprajita Kumari were seated in the special gallery on the occasion.

AAP to launch satyagrah on July 31

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it would launch satyagrah on July 31 in support of the victims of the ongoing demolition drive here today. Members of the party said they would continue the strike till the victims were rehabilitated and allotted two biswas of land in the town.

Party's national executive member and coordinator of the Mandi district Des Raj Sharma said the AAP would launch ‘satyagrah’ as a sign of protest against the Congress and BJP that had failed to provide shelter to the poor people.

In a press statement here today, Sharma said the residents who had built houses in the town should be provided water and electricity. The government must bring in one-time settlement policy to regularise houses in the towns. The retention polices benefited the big builders while the common man was bearing the brunt of the Town and Country Planning Act (TCP), he claimed.

The AAP would launch satyagrah in support of the one-time retention policy so that the common man gets justice. “The TCP Act should be amended to suit the needs of hill areas and the common man,” he demanded.

He said lakhs of bighas of land was made available to private universities and several projects from outside, but the public had to face the bulldozers.

GOI Sanctions Rs. 17.42 crore for Mandi-Kamand Road

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had sanctioned Rs. 17.42 crore
for the construction of Mandi-Kamand Road under Central Road
Fund(CRF). Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh had made an
announcement regarding provision of Rs. 10 crore for this road at the
inaugural function of IIT Mandi held on 9th March 2013.

An Official Spokesman told here today that the State Public Works
Department had prepared an estimate of 17 kms. Mandi-Kamand Road for
Rs. 17.42 crore to fulfill the announcement of Chief Minister and the
same was sent to Central Government for approval and funding.

He further said that apart from it an another sanction of Rs. 10 crore
had also been accorded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
under CRF for the construction of Gaggal- Chetru- Dharamshala-
Mcleodganj- Bhagsunag Road.