Page 3 - Himachal Pradesh

Himachal to start bio-energy production from pine needles, bamboo: CM

Himachal Pradesh will start a pilot project for bio-energy production from pine needles and bamboo as the state is blessed with an enormous wealth of coniferous forest and has a high potential for bamboo production, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. The project would involve the local community and increase their income. The state government is all set to partner with the Indian School of Business (ISB) to provide policy inputs and research support for the emerging bio-energy sector, he said in a statement issued here on Saturday. "Many sectors like thermal power, cement and steel were exploring fossil fuel substitutes to reduce emissions. The scope can be expanded to include fuel briquettes made from pine needles as potential substitutes, which has the advantage of much higher calorific value and this would also pave the way for strengthening the rural economy," said Sukhu. ISB would provide the business model and technology to make this project a success and would also .

17 pacts signed for investments worth Rs 2,110 crore in Himachal: CM

The state government participated in the country's largest pharma expo and 17 agreements for an estimated investment of Rs 2,110 crore were signed on this occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday. Expressing pleasure over the intent shown by investors in the state, he assured full support and commitment by the state government to facilitate the investors in grounding the proposed projects in a time-bound manner, thereby ensuring that Himachal always remains the preferred investment destination, a statement issued here said. Himachal Pradesh showcased the pharma ecosystem of the state to invite potential pharma device players for investments in the upcoming Bulk Drug Park and Medical Devices Park in the state. Himachal Pradesh is the only state in the country that is developing a 1,405.41-acre Bulk Drug Park at Una and a 300-acre Medical Devices Park at Nalagarh.

Himachal cabinet nod to implementation of Old Pension Scheme from April 1

The Himachal Pradesh government on Friday decided to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) from April 1 in the state, according to an official statement issued here. The Himachal cabinet, which was presided by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, gave its nod to the implementation of the OPS which would put a burden of Rs 1,000-crore on the state exchequer, it said. The cabinet also approved the repealing of Himachal Pradesh Loktantra Prahari Samman Adhiniyam, 2021, and Himachal Pradesh Loktantra Prahari Samman Niyam, 2022, providing a monthly pension of Rs 11,000 per month to persons who were jailed during the Emergency, it said. The cabinet decided that the employees will also be brought under the ambit of General Provident fund (GPF), the statement said. The employees under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), who have retired after May 15, 2003, will be given OPS from the prospective date. The decision would put a burden of Rs 1,000-crore on the state exchequer during 2023-24 ...

Bus carrying DU students overturns in Himachal, one dead, 40 injured

A private bus carrying a group of Delhi University students on a trip to Manali overturned here on Friday, leaving a young woman dead and 40 others injured, officials said. There were 44 people in the bus, including 35 women students from Kamala Nehru College and six coordinators for the group, SDM Bilaspur, Abhishek Kumar Garg said. The accident took place on Chandigarh-Manali road. One student, hailing from Jaipur, was crushed to death while four others suffered fractures and rest minor injuries, the officials said. Passersby pulled out the injured from the bus and rushed them to the Bilaspur Regional Hospital. One passenger was referred to PGI Chandigarh and two to AIIMS Bilaspur. Police have registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the driver of the bus. The driver and the conductor fled the spot after the accident, Garg added.

Aggressive strategy to be adopted to corner Cong in Budget: Jai Ram Thakur

An aggressive strategy would be formulated to pin down the ruling Congress party during the upcoming Himachal Pradesh assembly budget session, leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur said on Thursday. Several important issues were discussed during a meeting of the BJP legislature party held here on Thursday, he said, adding the party would be in an aggressive mode in the budget session commencing March 14. The ongoing signature campaign of the BJP against the closing of health, education, revenue and other institutions opened during the previous BJP government was reviewed and discussions were also held in regard to organisational elections, Thakur said. Congress leaders are talking about the price rise but surprisingly it is the same Congress government that increased the VAT on diesel by Rs 3, he said.

Himachal CM launches UPI e-services for Kangra Central Cooperative Bank

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and 'Swadhan-e-pension-Gov' services for Kangra Central Cooperative Bank. He said that the introduction of these services would benefit thousands of account holders of the bank. The introduction of UPI service would make the bank transactions easier and quicker, especially for the elderly and those living in the remote areas. Sukhu lauded the efforts of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank for the initiative and assured them of all possible help from the State Government. The Chief Minister also released the annual calendar of the Bank on the occasion.

Himachal Cabinet brings HPPSC under law preventing exam malpractices

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday decided to bring the state's public service commission within the ambit of a law enacted to prevent malpractices at university, board and other examinations, according to a release. The decision to bring the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission under the Himachal Pradesh Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board or Other Specified Examinations Act, 1984, aims to ensure fair and transparent selection of candidates. On February 21, the government dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission after the paper for the Junior Office Assistant (IT) was leaked and transferred all ongoing recruitment to the public service commission. It was decided at the meet to fill nine posts of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services on a regular basis through the public service commission. The Cabinet also approved the creation of 45 posts of different categories for Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres in all 11 civil and sessions

Himachal Pradesh approves 34 industrial projects of Rs 1,754 cr investment

Himachal Pradesh's Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority approved 34 projects for setting up new industrial enterprises and the expansion of existing units in its 26th meeting held on February 28, an official release said on Wednesday. These projects involve a total proposed investment of Rs 1,754.44 crores (approximately) with employment avenues for about 3,635 persons. The meeting, held late on Tuesday, was chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the release said. The new proposals have been approved for manufacturing frozen snacks, bathroom fittings and accessories, LPG cylinder refilling, Bulletproof Ballistic Helmets and Jacket, bottles, containers and other items. The projects approved in the pharma sector included projects for manufacturing of dry syrups, tablet, capsule, ointment, dry and liquid injections, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye and ear drops and pre-filled syringes.

Severe cold wave conditions return in HP, 'yellow' warning issued

Severe cold wave conditions returned in the mid and higher hills of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday as icy winds swept through the region, causing a sharp fall in day temperatures. The local meteorological department has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places in the mid and high hills of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Lahul and Spiti districts on Wednesday, and thunderstorm and lightning in the low and middle hills on March 2 and 4. The department also cautioned to take adequate drainage measurers to avoid water stagnation in the fields. It asked people to take measures to protect saplings and standing crops. Light snow was witnessed in a few parts. Kalpa received 1.5 cm of snowfall, followed by Keylong and Kukumseri with 0.5 cm each while traces were reported in a few parts of the upper Shimla region. The maximum day temperatures plummeted, and Chamba and Dalhousie recorded a high of 17.1 degrees Celsius and 8.5 degrees Celsius, down by eight an

Himachal govt approves setting up of eight heliports in 2023: Officals

The Himachal Pradesh government has given clearance for setting up of eight heliports in different districts of the state this year and work for their construction will start soon, officials said on Monday. The decision of the state government is aimed at promoting tourism and giving a boost to its economy, officials said. Deputy Commissioners have selected land for the construction of heliports in six districts and Pawan Hans will start the consultancy work related to the heliport from March 1, an official spokesman said. He said the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were being sent to the Centre for getting funds. The Centre will allocate the budget to the state for the construction of the heliport as per prescribed parameters. Presently, out of five heliports in the state, three are being used commercially. There is a plan to build a heliport in each district, but considering the high potential of tourism in tribal areas, more than one heliport will be built in those areas. Heli

Sheep rearing important source of livelihood in Himachal Pradesh

Sheep rearing in Himachal Pradesh is an important source of livelihood for a large percentage of small and marginal farmers mainly settled in tribal areas, an official said on Sunday

HP govt issues order against posting of state employees in home districts

The Himachal Pradesh government on Friday asserted that officers of All India Services, excise, taxation and police department as well as those at district-level will not be posted in their home districts, adding that violation of the rules will attract strict punishment. The government has also called for a list of officers who are currently posted in violation of the rules in this regard. The government reiterated the Comprehensive Guiding Principles-2013 for regulating the transfer of state government employees. The latest order of the government pertains to para 3 of the guideline which deals with posting of officers in home districts or home subdivision. The directive clearly stated that transfer orders be issued very scrupulously and strictly as per the provisions laid down, and pointed out that the transfer proposals are still being considered in contravention of the settled provision and orders are being issued in a routine manner. In a letter issued here, the deputy secre

Himachal govt plans Rs 2,835-cr collaboration with JICA for health sector

Himachal Pradesh plans to collaborate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a financial assistance of Rs 2,835 crore to strengthen health infrastructure, a state government statement said on Friday. The Health department is working on a preliminary project report for detailed discussions with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), it added. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has placed the health sector as one of his flagship programmes. He is prioritising strengthening healthcare facilities to extend the best medical services to citizens. Of the total funding, the state government proposes to allocate Rs 1,620 crore towards tertiary care infrastructure. This includes strengthening new medical colleges in Hamirpur, Chamba and Nahan with a proposed outlay of Rs 1,010 crore, a state government spokesperson said. Additionally, Rs 400 crore is proposed to be spent on developing super-speciality services for cancer treatment at the medical college in Hamirpur.

Drivers under 40 responsible for more than 65% of road accidents in HP

Drivers below 40 years of age were involved in 65 per cent of all road accidents in the past 70 months, most of them caused by speeding and dangerous driving, police here said on Thursday. Over 6,250 people lost their lives while around 25,000 received injuries in over 15,600 road accidents in the past five years and ten months (from 2017 till Oct 2022), according to the police data. About 26 per cent of these accidents took place during 6 pm to 9 pm and the maximum cases of pedestrians being hit by vehicles were reported in the plain areas of Baddi, Una, and Poanta Sahib. The data was shared during a three-day-long training for Traffic, Tourist and Railways police held here in which 35 investigation officers participated, a release issued said. The participants were trained on several subjects including collection of digital evidence, knowledge about new electronic gadgets, the Motor Vehicle Act, and traffic rules.

Ensure digital connectivity in rural, remote areas: Himachal chief secy

Himachal Pradesh chief secretary Prabodh Saxena on Thursday asked the officers to take necessary steps to provide assured high speed and reliable digital connectivity in remote and rural areas of the state. Presiding over a meeting of the State Broadband Committee, under the National Broadband Mission (NBM) here, he asked for time bound efforts to strengthen fiber connectivity in rural areas and provide quality digital connectivity to ensure universal access of broadband facilities to the people. Directions were issued to expedite the cases of grant of clearances under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to achieve the targets under the 4G saturation project in a time bound manner. He also asked the officers to take necessary steps for the integration of additional data layers in PM Gatishakti State Master Plan Portal. He said that the role of digital connectivity is important for the inclusive development of all the sectors and facilitation of quality broadband connectivity in rural and .

Truck operators returned to work in Himachal after sixty-eight days

Truck operators at two Adani group-owned cement plants at Bilaspur and Solan districts returned to work after 68 days of strike following an agreement over the freight rates. Truckers were on strike after the closure of two cement plants in Bilaspur and Solan by Adani group-owned ACC and Ambuja Cements. The deadlock between the cement company management and truck operators ended on Monday after both the management of the Adani cement plants (Barmana in Bilaspur and Darlaghat in Solan) and the representatives of the truck unions agreed to the new freight rate of Rs 10.30 per kilometre per tonne for single axle and Rs 9.30 per kilometre per tonne for multi-axle during a meeting held here chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Truck operators on Tuesday called the General House in Darlaghat to discuss the CM's announcement regarding freight rates. In this, a proposal was made regarding the new rate, which has been accepted unanimously. Hundreds of people from eight societies

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Plantation on degraded land to be taken up on large scale: Himachal CM

The Himachal Pradesh government has started an initiative to restore degraded forest landscapes for which the forest department has identified more than 256 hectares of barren forest land in all 12 districts, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday. He was presiding over the first meeting of the governing body of the Himachal Pradesh State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (HP CAMPA). "Instead of raising plantations in a sporadic manner, it should be done in a planned manner on the barren hills and other large open patches in a phased manner in the entire state," he said in the meeting. Sukhu said the plantation should be done keeping in mind the suitable climatic conditions. The forest department has identified such areas in all the 12 districts of the state covering more than 256 hectares of barren forest land along with a five-year maintenance period with a proposed outlay of around Rs. 8.83 crores, he said. A dedicated staff would

Himachal Pradesh government dissolves state staff selection commission

The Congress government on Tuesday disbanded the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission whose functioning was suspended after a paper leak was detected in December last year. The reports of departmental inquiry and vigilance bureau pointed out irregularities and papers were being leaked and sold to selective people for the past three years following which the state government has decided to dissolve the commission with immediate effect, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He said complaints were also received regarding the papers held recently by the HPSSC, headquartered in Hamirpur. The ongoing recruitment process from HPSSC has been transferred to Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC), Shimla, for the convenience of candidates till further alternative arrangements are made or a testing agency is constituted, he said while interacting with media persons. All examinations would be conducted by HPPSC, he said and added that the employees of the Staff Select

Earthquake of 3.6 magnitude hits Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala: NCS

On the same day, an earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale also struck Madhya Pradesh