H I M A C H A L   P R A D E S H

Truckers call off strike
Solan, February 16
The four truckers societies finally called off their 17-day stir late last evening at Darlaghat after the management of Gujarat Ambuja Cement Limited gave a written acceptance to their demand of effecting a freight rate and disbursing pending arrears from July 2005.

Vaishali is winter queen
Manali, February 16
Vaishali Gupta of Shimla was crowned winter queen at the winter carnival-2006 here last evening. Nisha of Virasat, Punjab was the first runner-up and Bhupindra Kaur, Natraj Natya Kunj of Jammu second runner-up at the five-day carnival. In video (28k, 56k)

Power dept’s notices resented
Parwanoo, February 16
The local Town and Country Planning Department has questioned the Electricity Department why it has issued power connections to those whose constructions are not as per TCP norms.

Workshop begins today
Nahan, February 16
The State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Shimla, is organising a zonal-level workshop on “Capacity building of resource persons for disaster preparedness” at DIET, Nahan, on February 17 and 18.

Truckers call off strike
TNS and Agency

Solan, February 16
The four truckers societies finally called off their 17-day stir late last evening at Darlaghat after the management of Gujarat Ambuja Cement Limited (GACL) gave a written acceptance to their demand of effecting a freight rate and disbursing pending arrears from July 2005.

The decision was arrived late last evening after several rounds of talks with the GACL management, truckers and the district administration. The Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar, SP Gianeshwar Singh, SDM Arki Rohit Jamwal, were among those present during the talks.

The Deputy Commissioner visited the site today and ensured that the transportation work started smoothly. The police deployment, however, remained in the area to ensure maintenance of law and order.

The truck operators resumed transportation of cement, clinkers and raw material this morning.

Vaishali is winter queen
Our Correspondent

Manali, February 16
Vaishali Gupta of Shimla was crowned winter queen at the winter carnival-2006 here last evening. Nisha of Virasat, Punjab was the first runner-up and Bhupindra Kaur, Natraj Natya Kunj of Jammu second runner-up at the five-day carnival.

Results were: personality contest (men): Vijay Sharma, Mitali Dancing Institute, Jammu, 1; Romit Sawhney, Natraj Natya Kunj, Jammu, 2;and Dinesh Betab, Mudra Rakhas, Kulu, 3.

Group Songs: Karnadhar Musical Group, Kulu, 1; Government Degree College, Kulu, 2; and Akash Kala Sangam, Kulu, 3.

Folk Dance: Sharad-e- Panjab, 1; Government Degree College, Kulu, 2; and Karandhar Musical Group, Kulu, 3.

Fashion Show: Mudra Rakshas, Kulu, 1; Government Degree College, Kulu, 2; and Jagriti Kala Manch, Manali, 3.

Film Dance: Mudra Rakshas, Kulu, 1; Government Degree College, Kulu, 2; and Sharad-E-Panjab, 3.

Mimicry: Rhythm Entertainment Group, Jammu, 1; Sharad -E- Panjab, 2.

Rangoli: Mudra Rakshas, Kulu, 1; Akash Kala Sangam, 2; and Government Degree College, Kulu, 3.

Fancy Dress: Akash Kala Sangam, 1; Jagriti Kala Manch, 2; and Mudra Rakshas, 3.

Clasical Dance: Government Degree College, Kulu, 1; Karandhar Musical Group, 2.

Folk Dance (Junior): Senior Secondary School, Goshal, 1; Himalayan Buddhist School, Rangri, 2; and Senior Secondary School, Manali, 3.

Jhanki: Jagriti Kala Manch, Manali, 1; Aakash Kala Sangam, Bhuntar, 2; and Government Degree College, Kulu, 3.

Jhanki Mahila Mandal: Mahila Mandal, Manali, 1; Mahila Mandal, Jharag, 2; and Mahila Mandal, Badheta, 3.

The concluding function was presided over by Mr Raj Krishan Gaur, Agriculture, Labour & Employment Minister.

Power dept’s notices resented
Our Correspondent

Parwanoo, February 16
The local Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has questioned the Electricity Department why it has issued power connections to those whose constructions are not as per TCP norms.

About a fortnight ago, the TCP had issued notices to the Electricity Department has issued notices to violators, giving them 15 days to get approval of the TCP or face power disconnection.

This move has caused resentment, with the general public blaming the TCP for not taking action and causing harassment later.

Workshop begins today