P R A D E S H
Monday, February 22, 1999
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H I M A C H A L P R A D E S H |
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Monday, February 22, 1999 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Evacuation plan for Dalai
Lama Dhumal
rejects charge on ‘saffronisation’ |
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Dhumal promises facilities
for schools A
neglected, unkempt shrine Lack
of progress in palace theft flayed Exchanges
at DCC meeting Withdraw
benefits to plant : HVC |
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Evacuation plan for Dalai Lama DHARAMSALA, Feb 21 — Perceiving a grave threat to the life of the Dalai Lama, the government has drawn out an extensive plan for the evacuation of the Tibetan spiritual leader, in case of any emergency or a medical problem faced by him. A high-level meeting of officials of the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of External Affairs, the state police, army and doctors from the PGI, Chandigarh, was held here yesterday to discuss the issue. It is for the first time that the government has focussed on how to tackle the situation, in case of an emergency. So far, the government had been focussing only on the strengthening of security for the Dalai Lama, who faces threat not only from the Chinese elements, but also from various groups which have emerged within the Tibetan community. It was discussed how different agencies like security men of the Dalai Lama, his personal physician, the police, the health authorities and the district administration, would act, if an emergency arose. All this is being done in view of the increasing age of the Dalai Lama, who is now 63 years old. In case of any medical problem faced by him, effort would be to evacuate him immediately to the PGI in a helicopter. The personal doctor of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan security set-up would have to first intimate the liaison office, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Kangra. The Deputy Commissioner would then requisition the helicopter from the Western Command base at Udhampur. The nearest site selected for the landing of the chopper, is the police ground, located in the heart of Dharamsala. It was decided that trial flights would be undertaken to check the safety of the plan. According to sources, the Dalai Lama will be kept at the Zonal Hospital here, which is now part of Tanda Medical College, till the helicopter arrives. A VIP room will be specially made at the hospital, having all life saving drugs and equipment. This room can be put to use for other VVIP’s, whenever required. The help of Army doctors from Yol will be sought if needed. An ambulance, exclusively for the Dalai Lama, will be stationed at his place by the Ministry of External Affairs. The SP, Kangra, will be responsible for clearing traffic, when such an eventuality arose. It was pointed out that the Khada Danda road, a shorter route from Mcleodganj, would be kept in a good condition and a core team of doctors, including a surgeon, a physiologist, an anaesthetist, and an ENT specialist, would always be available at the hospital. The issue of providing a bullet proof Mercedes to the Dalai Lama had been hanging fire, but the officials of the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that it could provide a bullet proof Ambassador for the Tibetan leader. During the past some time, the security of the Dalai Lama had been beefed up by giving X-ray scanners, metal detectors, explosive detectors and wireless sets. The police had arrested
Chinese trained spies in Mcleodganj on a number of
occasions. Moreover, with the Shugden deity controversy
plaguing the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama had been receiving
threats from activists of this group. As such, all
efforts were being made to tighten the security and leave
no loopholes, which could pose a threat to his life. |
Dhumal rejects charge on
‘saffronisation’ MAHRE (Hamirpur), Feb 21 — The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, today rejected the allegation of Mr Virbhadra Singh about the "saffronisation" of educational institutions in the state. He said the charge was baseless, absurd and unwarranted. Addressing a public gathering at Deen Dayal Upadhaya Kanya Maha Vidyalaya here, Professor Dhumal said the government had not made even a single political appointment in educational institutions, especially universities, as alleged by the former Chief Minister. In fact, the appointment of the Chairman of the HP State Education Board by Mr Virbhadra Singh was purely a political one because the person had contested an election against the BJP candidate for the Arki seat. He claimed that this person had himself resigned and was not sacked. The Chief Minister said the state government had decided to implement the Saraswati Bal Vikas Yojana aimed at providing at least three pucca rooms in all primary schools. If Mr Virbhadra Singh thought that such schemes for the welfare of students amounted to an attempt to "saffornise" educational institutions, then he was ready to accept the charge levelled by him. Professor Dhumal had a dig at the present educational system in the country in general and the state in particular. He said in government-run institutions, teachers were getting hefty salaries but the results were poor and shocking, whereas in institutions run by individuals, staff members got low pay but the results were excellent. This proved that the staff in government institutions had become complacent. There was need to promote private institutions by giving them financial help and better facilities in the interest of education and the people. The Chief Minister said the state had the capacity to harness about 12,000 MW of power by the year 2010 which would bring prosperity. Mr Baldev Sharma, MLA, appealed to people to rally behind the BJP for development in the state. Mr Romesh Kumar Sharma, principal of the college, welcomed the guests and read out the annual report of the institution. The chief guest gave away prizes to students. He announced a grant of Rs 3 lakh for the construction of the college building. He also inaugurated the newly built complex of the college. Professor Dhumal, while talking to reporters at the local rest house, described the visit of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to Lahore by bus as historic. He said the visit would cement relations between the two countries. The Chief Minister said there was complete cohesion between the BJP and the HVC and all decisions were being taken jointly. He said the government would construct a stadium at Bihheri. The necessary funds would be provided by the state and central governments. The Chief Minister said
the government would hold an inquiry into the allegations
about the functioning of the Baba Balak Nath Temple
Trust. |
Probe ordered into shop
allotment JAWALAMUKHI, Feb 21 — The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Mr Ram Lal Markandey, yesterday ordered a high-level inquiry into the allotment of shops in a shopping complex here which was being constructed here by the Block Samithi, Dehra. Mr Markandey told newsmen at the rest house that he had asked the BDO to submit a report in this regard. The enquiry would be started within 15 days and culprits, whosoever he may be, punished without any hesitation, he added. He said the shops would be allotted to genuine persons of the area and the revenue accrued would be utilised for the development of the rural area. The minister's announcement was hailed by shopkeepers whose claims had been ignored during the allotment of shops. The shopping complex in the heart of the city would have more than 170 shops. The construction work was going on. At least 25 shops have been constructed in the first phase. Fifteen of these were allotted to certain persons on which the block authorities attracted flak from the traders here. Shops were allotted to persons who had their shops in the city. Shops were not allotted to those whose shops were demolished to raise the shopping complex. Relatives of vice-chairman
of the Block Samithi, have been allotted shops in the
complex. Certain allottees have let out their shops. |
A neglected, unkempt shrine DEVIKOTHI (Chamba): Since the famous ancient temple of Devikothi, located in the interiors of Churah subdivision of Chamba district, has not been protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the task of conservation and preservation of the temple has been assigned to the Department of Languages and Culture by the Himachal Pradesh Government. But, it has failed to save the glory and grandeur of the temple of archaeological and historical importance. Consequently, the temple stands desolate and unkempt. Of the numberless village temples of Himachal Pradesh, mostly dedicated to Devi or Naga, the only one which deserves a passing notice is that of Chamunda here, about 110 km from the district headquarters town of Chamba. Mughal influence can be seen in the attractive wood-carvings on the temple. The temple was built by Raja Umed Singh in 1754. The same Mughal influence can also be observed in some profane buildings of that period. The facade of the temple is beautifully carved on wood which represents the traditional architecture with arches, wooden brackets and columns. The miniatures of the ancient temple attract art-loving people, researchers and tourists. But, unfortunately, miniatures, wall paintings and wood carvings have fallen victim to the frequent interference of animals and human elements. Visitors have put their signatures on the miniatures and wall paintings. The work to construct a boundary wall around the temple has been hanging fire. Even the plan drawn by the department to renovate the walls of the temple appear to have been shelved. Consequently the works of art done on the temple are peeling off owing to the crumbling walls. According to official sources, the condition of the temple is so deplorable that the department has failed to post even a monument attendant for the protection of the temple for the past about 10 months. Considering the present state of affairs, it seems that the department merely fulfils the formality of conservation of temples and has virtually zero interest in this direction. There is an urgent need to
protect the temple and preserve the works of art on its
walls by chemical devices. The state government should
also post a monument attendant there. If a proper fencing
and a boundary wall are constructed, it can go a long way
in preserving the sanctity and beauty of the temple. |
Dhumal promises facilities for
schools UNA, Feb 21 — Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal has said that the Saraswati Bal Vidya Sankalp Yojna will be formally launched on April 15, which is also the establishment day of Himachal Pradesh, by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Mr Murli Manohar Joshi. He was addressing the BJP workers meeting at Una yesterday. Under this yojna, a minimum of three rooms would be constructed in each primary school of the state. The Chief Minister said the state government was going to complete one year in office on March 24 and a massive rally would be organised at Shimla on the occasion, which would be addressed by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Mr Dhumal said B.Ed
classes would be started at SVSD College, Bhatoli, from
the next academic session. He also said that the state
government would provide free land to any party willing
to set up a dental college in Una. |
Lack of progress in palace
theft flayed CHAMBA, Feb 21 — Raja Brijendra Singh of Chamba Palace a residential building of the princely family of the erstwhile Chamba state, has reproached the district police for its failure in apprehending the thieves who burgled the palace on January 30 night. In a press release issued here today, Mr Brijendra Singh expressed concern that even 22 days after the incident the police had no clue about the theft. Jewellery worth lakhs was burgled. He expressed astonishment at the way in which the police were working by arresting his household servants who he said were not guilty. He expressed unhappiness at the absence of police patrolling at night in the town. The crime situation in the
town was fairly grim he said because if such a theft
could take place at the palace "what could a common
house-holder hope for". Meanwhile, a police
spokesman said that the police were looking for clues. |
Exchanges at DCC meeting HAMIRPUR, Feb 21 — A meeting of the District Congress Committee was held here yesterday under the chairmanship of Mr Kaul Singh Thakur, the General Secretary of the state unit of the party. It was decided to launch an anti-price rise rally at all block headquarters of the district on March 5. Memorandums would be submitted to the state government through district administration on that day. The meeting was attended by 150 party workers and the four former MLAs from here participated. There were sharp exchanges among the participants over the nomination of Mr Suresh Kumar as the new DCC chief of Hamirpur. While those opposed to Mr Suresh Kumar termed this action of the high command as anti workers and wanted that action should be taken against those who worked against party candidates in the last Assembly elections, while others welcomed the decision of Mrs Sonia Gandhi. Pro-Suresh workers said they would abide by the decision of the party high command. Mr Bhagat Ram Karohta, DCC
chief, stated that he had offered resignation from the
post of the district President after the Assembly
elections, but he was allowed to continue. However, he
also lashed out at those who were taking up his cause
alleging that these very persons were going to press
against him time and again but now they were championing
his cause for their selfish ends. |
Withdraw benefits to plant : HVC UNA, Feb 21 — Mr O.P. Rattan, general secretary of the state unit of the HVC, urged the Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, to withdraw "illegal" benefits given to the Ambuja Cement plant in Himachal Pradesh by the previous Congress government in the form of free power and tax holiday. Addressing newspersons at his residence in Mehodpur today, he said power was given free of cost to the plant to manufacture cement but according to available information, the plant was using only 20 per cent of the lime stone to manufacture cement while 80 per cent of it was being used to convert lime stone to "clinker", which was being sent to Punjab. The tax holiday was
declared for the manufacture of cement and not
"clinker", adding that sales tax was being
charged on the sale of "clinker" to Punjab. |
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