Teachers play important role for the society: Governor

Teachers play important role for the society: Governor

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA—Himachal Governor Acharya Devvrat said that teachers should play an important role to give right direction to the society besides educating the society and equip the future generation with knowledge and wisdom.

The Governor was presiding over the convocation function of DAV college, Pehowa of district Kurukshetra in Haryana, today.

He said that teachers were the role model for their students and it was their moral responsibility to dedicate their life for building the future generation. It was a patriotism too, in a real sense as they were contributing in building a strong nation.

Acharya Devvrat said that society was changing rapidly and development took place during past few years but it was unfortunate that humanity and values in the society were missing among young generation. He said that a person who feels the pain of others was a human in a true sense and compassion, pettiness and affection were the part of Indian rich culture and urged the young generation to follow our rich traditions.

He also urged the degree holders to involve themselves in social activities for the up-liftment of the society and sensitize the people about drug abuse and female feticide.

The Governor congratulated the students and wished them success in their life.

The Governor also awarded degrees to the students.

Earlier, Principal, DAV college Prof. Kamdev Jha welcomed the Governor and briefed about the activities and achievement of the college.

A cultural programme was also performed by the students on the occasion.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

CM urges for working with missionary zeal for welfare of target groups

CM urges for working with missionary zeal for welfare of target groups

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA—Various Commissions, Boards and organizations should work with a sense of belongingness for achieving the tasks they are entrusted with and to ensure the welfare of the targeted beneficiaries which comes under their purview.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said this while addressing the State level workshop on Right to Education (RTE) Act organized by Commission for Protection of Child Rights in collaboration with Social Justice and Empowerment Department here today.

The present State Government taking into consideration the welfare of children formed the Commission for Protection of Child Rights with a mandate to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes and administrative mechanisms were in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution.

He said that the welfare of weaker sections and underprivileged needs to be taken care of, adding that commissions and associations so formed needs to work dedicatedly with the right approach to ensure welfare of the people.

He said that the Children in juvenile homes and special schools needs special care and attention so that they may not feel abandoned or ignored. The person assigned with such task should be emotionally involved and take their job as a challenge for welfare of these children. He said that the Government was also extending financial support to these commissions involved with the welfare of the children and women, besides the old age homes in the State and one have to get emotionally involved in this task.

The Chief Minister launched a survey calendar containing the first National Report on safe and secure environment of schools in India, with district and State wide data on different indicators of safe school atmosphere.

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State Commission was doing a commendable job for protection and welfare of child rights. He said that the drawbacks if any in RTE Act would be pondered upon, though Himachal Pradesh was fast treading upon providing basic and higher education to the children. He said that the State recently was awarded the Best Big State award in the field of education, which was itself a proof of the strides made in education sector.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr. Col. Dhani Ram Shandil while addressing the gathering said the section 12 (1) (c) of the Act under which 25 percent admission to children from weaker section and disadvantage groups at entry level was being taken into consideration. He said that adequate care was being taken of such children juvenile homes in the state. “I have been directed by the Chief Minister that regular monitoring of such children as well as of old age homes was to be done, and his instructions were being adhered to strictly”, said the Minister. The government was in the process of lay down Early Childhood Care and Education Bill, he said, adding that at present the government was ensuring safe environment for the children in all the schools. Besides, School Management Committees have been formed to look after better management of schools and their upkeep.

Member, National Council for Protection of Child Rights, Sh.Priyank Kanungo also highlighted the role of the Commission and its extending support to State Commissions. He also gave presentation on Genesis of RTE, Act, 2009, which stresses on free and compulsory education to the children between 6-14 years of age. He appreciated the Mid day Meal scheme as being implemented by the State Government and specially for mobile schools for Gujjar communities.

He said that a policy needs to be formulated for not allowing the parents of children to contest any election on any platform, if they have deprived their children of basic education and if this was done, this would be an example for other states and a step for mass awareness. Though the enrolment of children between 6-14 age group was almost 100 percent in Himachal, but this initiative will set the trend rolling for other big states where children were deprived of right to education, he said.

Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Ms. Kiran Dhanta detailed various activities being undertaken by the Commission. She said that the aim of the Commission was to protect the children who have no one to look after and sometimes dragged into illegal activities such as trafficking, maltreatment, torture, pornography etc. She said the Commission was formed to protect, defend and promote child rights for their bright future, besides looking after their health and hygiene.

She said that it was the duty of the concerned departments as well as the police to take care of such children who counter juvenile conflicts with law. She said that the police personnel needs to be child friendly.

She stressed for adequate timings to be given to children in their juvenile stage. She also highlighted the parental children relationship in the true perspective.

Director, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Member Secretary of the Commission, Ms. Mansi Sahai Thakur, Member, National Council for Protection of Child Rights, Ms. Pooja Kapoor were also present on the occasion amongst official and non official members.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

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Traditional Indian medicinal system given boost in Himachal Pradesh

Traditional Indian medicinal system given boost in Himachal Pradesh

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA—Healthy mind dwells in healthy body. In view of this the State Government has accorded top priority to the health sector and special emphasis has been given to develop health infrastructure besides expansion of qualitative health services in the State. Initiatives have been taken to ensure modernized facilities, best infrastructural, research facilities and availability of adequate staff. Besides this, health institutions were being upgraded alongwith opening of new health institutions. Himachal Pradesh is one of the leading States in best health indicators in the country.
Endowed with enormous herbal wealth, the Himachal Government is committed to exploit the traditional Indian medicinal assets and is also taking necessary measures to conserve and promote the same. To add new dimension to the Indian system of medicine, the State government has given added priority to strengthen the Ayurveda infrastructure in the State, since Indian systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy have played historically a vital role in the Health care system of the State of Himachal Pradesh from times immemorial.
The Department of Ayurveda launched a programme for the promotion and conservation of the herbal wealth by setting up herbal gardens in the different Agro-climatic zones. Presently the many Herbal Gardens have been established in the different agro climatic zones in the State which includes Herbal Gardens at Jogindernagar, Neri (Hamirpur), Dhumrera (Rohroo) in Shimla district and Jungal Thalera in Bilaspur district.
With a view to indentify genuine species of the medicinal plants of the respective agro climatic zones, another objective of the State Government is to develop agro-techniques of medicinal plants for making cultivation of medicinal plants to supplement the income of the people of the State. Besides, awareness is being created among the people on the various aspects of the medicinal plants.
As a step towards strengthening the Ayurveda system, the State Government has increased admission strength of Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) seats from 50 to 60 in Rajiv Gandhi Government Post-Graduate, Ayurvedic College, Paprola. Besides, the PG seats in Kayachikitsa, Shalakya Tantra, Shalya Tantra, Prasuti Tantra, Samhita and Sidhant, Dravya Guna, Rog Nidan, Swasth Vritta, Panchkarm Balrogand Ras Shastra are also available. B- Pharmacy course has been started at Jogindernagar with intake capacity of 30 students.
. As of today, 33 Ayurvedic Hospitals, 1,204 Ayurvedic Health Centers, 14 HHC, 3 UHC, 4 Amchi Health Centers are providing healthcase facilities to the people in the State. Besides, three Herbal Gardens set up at Joginder Nagar (Mandi), Dhumrera (Rohru) and Jungal Thalera (Bilaspur).
The department of Ayurveda is also associated with National Health Programmes like Janani Suishu Yojna, Family welfare, Anaemia free, AIDS, immunization and pulse polio to cater the health need of maximum people in the State. The Government is also focused towards the strengthening of the Health Service in tribal and remote areas through multi speciality camps. Amachi Health Centers have been established through which the people residing in remote and rural areas of the State are served largely by the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) Institutions receptive to the indigenous system of medicine particularly for treatment of seasonal and chronic diseases.
The State government through the department of Ayurveda is also providing the specialised services by 17 Panchkarma and 9 Kasharsutra units which are established in different hospitals. Specialities of Ayurveda like Panchkarma, Ksharsutra, and therapeutic Yoga etc. are being provided in some Ayurvedic Hospitals working under the department. Trained Para-medical staff has been deployed in various Ayurvedic hospitals. Free Medical Check up/treatment camps are organised in the different parts of the state and health awareness campaigns has also been started in the state.
The State Government has setup four Amchi Health Centres, three Unani Health Centres and one Drug Testing Laboratory has been established at Jogindernagar in Mandi along with three departmental Ayurvedic Pharmacies in the State’s manufacturing Ayurvedic Drugs for free distribution within the State. The pharmacies are located at Majra in Sirmour, Jogindernagar in Mandi and Paprola in Kangra.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

Himachal CM opens International Shivratri fair

Himachal CM opens International Shivratri fair

Announced Medical University to be opened in Mandi

Enhances Nazarana of local deities.

Vijyender Sharma

MANDI—The famous International Shivratri fair of Mandi district began today as Himachal Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh formally announced the opening of the Mela at historical Paddal ground.

After paying obeisance at the famous Madho Rai temple the Chief Minister participated in the traditional ‘Jaleb’ (Shobha Yatra) of International Shivratri fair. He was accompanied by Health Minister, Thakur Kaul Singh, Excise and Taxation Minister, Prakash Chaudhary Rural development Minister, Anil Sharma and Ayurveda and co-operative Minister, Karan Singh and others. The Chief Minister wished prosperity to the people of the State on the occasion and particularly of Mandi district.

Thousands of people of the area dressed in their colourful attire thronged the procession carrying along the palanquins of the local deities and marched towards the Paddal Mela ground. A little less than two hundred Devtas participated in the ‘Jaleb’, the traditional Shobha Yatra, from almost all corners of the district.

The Chief Minister while addressing the gathering at Paddal stadium announced 10 percent increase in Nazarana of the local deities.

He said that it was for the first time that the Bajantaris (musicians) would also be given Nazarana separately, which was never given before.

He also announced setting up of medical university in Mandi district and the first of the State.

He said that the life of the people of the state revolves around the local god and goddesses and the local deities were inseparable part of the people and participate in almost all the activities. We should perform all the religious ceremonies as per the traditional practise.

He said that it was evident from the history that the civilizations who failed to preserve their culture and customs, had completely vanished. Our identity was our unique culture and traditions and needs to be preserved. He said that all the fairs of the State revolve around the local deities who were inseparable part of our life.

As far as our ancient temples are concerned, they would be conserved and renovated, keeping intact the ancient old hill architect, he said, adding that the government was serious to protect those temples which were on the verge of collapse. He also talked about his close association with the people of Mandi.

He said that the medical college at Ner Chowk would start functioning in this fiscal adding that a medical university would be opened in Mandi district to give push to health sector.

He said that the development of any nation depends upon an educated society and to take a step forward in this direction the government had stressed on providing higher and quality education to the youth of the State. He said that as of today there were 119 colleges in the State and during last four years our government had opened as many as 45 colleges and that too in remote and far flung areas. He also counted the eight degree colleges opened in Mandi district.

The Chief Minister also released the Shivratri souvenir on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Kadam, who is also the Chairman of Shivratri Mela committee, welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister on the occasion. He also briefed about the week long fair and the activities to be undertaken. The Deputy Commissioner said that efforts were to showcase the art, culture and traditional customs of the district. I

Later, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the exhibitions at ‘Seri Manch’ set up by various government departments and NGO’s and evinced keen interest in Saras Mela .

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sohan Lal, State Youth Congress President, Vikramaditya Singh, Chairman, SC/ST Welfare Corporation, Tek Chand Dogra, Chairman, MILKFED, Chet Ram Thakur, vice –Chairman, State Handloom and Handicraft, Chandershekhar Thakur, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad, Champa Thakur, Chairperson, Nagar Parishad, Mandi, Neelam Sharma, Divisional Commissioner, Devesh Kumar, SP, Prem Thakur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion amongst others.

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**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

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Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference organized

Vijyender Sharma
Dharmshala—-The Tibetan political leader, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay inaugurated the first ever CTA-organised ‘Tibetan Women’s Empowerment Conference’, at Dharmshala today.

The three-day Tibetan Women’s Empowerment conference–an undertaking of Women’s Empowerment Desk of Department of Home­–witnessed an awe-inspiring attendance of more than 340 participants, including Tibetan nuns, lay women and men, from across the social and political spectrum.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Commissioner Kargyu Dhondup, Justice Commissioners Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa and Dr Ngawang Rabgyal, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, members of the Kashag and officials at the helm of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Unveiling its premier Women’s Empowerment Conference, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said that the organisation of the conference is a step in the right direction to carry forward the shared vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration to promote leadership and compassionate qualities of women in social and political development of the Tibetan community.

Sikyong also lauded Tibetan women’s crucial role in safeguarding Tibet’s unique and rich religious, linguistic and cultural traditions beginning from the non-violent Tibetan women’s uprising against the repressive policies of the Chinese government on 12 March 1959.

Highlighting the consistent increase in representation of women in Tibetan administrative bodies, Sikyong said that the vision of the conference is aimed beyond gender equality and on furthering women’s role in all socio-economic and political activities.

“The Charter for Tibetans in exile and CTA rules and regulations provide for equal opportunity for men and women. Women parliamentarians were elected as early as 1964 when even some advanced economies still did not have women parliamentarians. In fact, today women constitute over 20% of the elected representatives in the Tibetan parliament. Women now make up forty-five percent of the overall workforce of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Forty-eight and sixty percent of the staff of Education and Health departments respectively are women. Over half of all new and incoming CTA staff are women,” Sikyong prided.

As part of its commitment on women empowerment, the Tibetan political leader also announced that 12 March on every year will formally be observed as Women’s day. “The observance of Tibetan Women’s Day on 12 March will reflect the collective will of the Tibetan leadership and people to accelerate the Women’s Empowerment Policy agenda. Also with the implementation of affirmative action through various upcoming initiatives, the departments of CTA will continue to prioritise Tibetan women’s empowerment initiatives as its flagship agenda,” he said.

Introducing the background and objective of the three-day conference, Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang of the Home Department said the conference aims to rake in intellectual and public discourse on the understanding of the revised ‘Women’s Empowerment Policy’ and to garner recommendations on the effective implementation of the clauses of the policy. He further highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s emphasis on promoting women’s leadership in the world, and quoted a recent remark made by His Holiness at a National Women’s Parliament that ‘In order to produce warm hearted and compassionate humanity, women should take more active role in promoting deeper human values. In all professions, we need promotion of values.’

The Home Kalon hoped that the vast participation of over 300 Tibetan women and women will bode well for further scope in empowering our community.

The revised seven-point women empowerment policy was drafted by a committee composed almost entirely of senior women officials of the CTA and was adopted by the Kashag following due consultations and comprehensive deliberations with women from all walks of life including ground level women leaders, students, teachers, nuns, homemakers, etc.

The revised women empowerment policy outlines seven key points in its stated objective of making Tibetan women equal partners in all aspects of Tibetan society. The points include Women and human rights, Education, Health, Economy, Governance and Leadership, Social, and Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV). On Sexual and Gender-based Violence, the Kashag has promised to adopt a zero tolerance policy. It further promised to sensitise community members on SGBV and establish a redressal mechanism for those who have experienced gender based harassment and discrimination.

Based on the WEP policy, the conference will feature four plenary sessions–Governance and Leadership, Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives into the Development Process, Achieving Social Empowerment of Women and Tackling Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Today’s plenary session on Governance and Leadership will be led by esteemed speakers including Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of Religion and Culture, Mr Lobsang Jinpa, Secretary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ms Lynda Lepcha, corporate trainer and author, Kalon Ngodup Tsering, Department of Education, Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Health Department, Ms Asha Ramesh, Gender and Development Activist.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

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CM lays foundation stone of 3.64 crore bridge over Khari-Ka-Khala

CM lays foundation stone of 3.64 crore bridge over Khari-Ka-Khala

· Demonetization put the country in trouble

· Bhedon gets Ayurveda dispensary

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA—-Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh laid foundation stone of bridge over Khari-Ka-Khala to cost Rs. 3.64 crore, in Nahan assembly constituency of district Sirmaur today. On this occasion while addressing a public meeting he said that the move of Prime Minister Shri Narendar Modi to demonetize the money completely halted the economic progress of the country and the State as well. He said that this was a black chapter in the history of the country where people were restricted to withdraw their own money from the Banks. Besides, it was a big jolt to economy, the farmers and horticulturist of the State were the worst sufferers, he added.

He said that necessary arrangements and steps before demonetization of big currency notes should have been ensured for the safeguard of interest of farmers, small traders, wagers and those who have hard-earned cash money in hand.

The Chief Minister announced Ayurveda dispensary for Bhedon, the remote corner of the district bordering Haryana state. Besides, he announced up-gradation of Government Middle School, Dhakwala-Khairwala to High School. The Chief Minister also announced three bore-wells (hand pumps). He announced metalling of road from Devni-Lal pipal for which an amount of Rs.16 lakh has been approved. He also announced foot bridges at Bikram Bag-Mandherva and at Dhaduwala.

He said that 21 Kilometres Khajurna–Bikram Bag- Kala Amb via Suketi-Trilokpur road had been approved by NABARD.

Chief Minister directed to complete the bridge over Markanda River within a year.

He also listed the development projects completed or implemented during the last four years.

Chairman HIMFED, Shri Ajay Bahadur Singh welcomed the Chief Minister. He said that the area was completely ignored by the sitting MLA and the BJP government’s. He urged the Chief Minister for announcing bore-wells for drinking water at Simbalwala and Khairwala in gram Panchayat Bikram Bag and also for village Khadi in GP Devin. He urged for extension of Nahan-Bikram Bag Bus service to Kala Amb via Suketi, and foot bridges at Bikram Bag-Mandherva and at Dhaduwala and a road to Dandipur of about one kilometre to be handed over to PWD. He also urged for drinking water facility at Konthra and Ayurveda dispensary at Bhedon.

DCC President Shri Ajay Solanki, while welcoming the Chief Minister thanked him for the unprecedented development of the State and exhorted the people to support and vote for Congress in ensuing Assembly elections. He also urged for up-gradation of Government Middle School, Dhakwala-Khairwala to High School besides bus services to few interior areas particularly to Devni-Lal Pipal and metalling of said road. He also urged for bore wells in few areas.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Shri Vinay Kumar, MLA Shri Kirnesh Jung, Chairman, Employment Generation and Resource Mobilisation, Shri Harshvardhan Chauhan, former MLA, Shri Kush Parmar, Chairperson HP State Social Welfare Board Smt. Satya Parmar, Chairman Zila Parishad Shri Dilip Chauhan were also present on the occasion amongst senior officers of the district.

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**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

Tibetan Trainees Express Uniform Opinion of Appreciation for Public Administration Training

Vijyender Sharma
SHIMLA—-The Public Service Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration on Saturday wrapped up the two-week public administration training to 25 Under Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries at the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Shimla.

Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Ms Madhu Bala Sharma, Director of HIPA and facilitators of the workshop attended a modest concluding ceremony held at the institute and handed certificates to the participants. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur, expressed appreciation for the director of HIPA and resource persons for the “successful completion of the training program” and later presented souvenir as a mark of gratitude. “The participants are from different departments of CTA and some also work in the capacity of settlement or welfare officer and such kind of training equips the staff to become more effective, efficient and productive in the domain of public administration,” he said.

The course, spread over twelve working days, covered a wide range of public administration topics such as overview of public administration, good governance, e-commerce, change management, performance management, ethics and values in governance, leadership development, communication skills, balancing professional and personal life, emotional intelligence, anger management, conflict management and problem solving skills, essence of auditing among others.

At an informal gathering chaired by Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur prior to the concluding ceremony, the participants collectively expressed the need for and significance of such in- service training and expressed gratitude to Public Service Commission. “The training helped me immensely in identifying some of the key areas where I need to improve and strategies in discharging my duties as a public servant,” said Mr Tsedup Tenphel, an Under Secretary, who works in the Dept. of Education.

“In fact, it could have made a huge difference had the training been provided in the formative years of my employment and it will certainly prove fruitful to all CTA staff in future,” Mr Tenphel, who has over a decade of service record as a civil servant, opined. “The Public Service Commission will make concerted effort to provide training,” Mr Sonam Choephel said in response to collective opinion of the participants regarding the need for such in-service training program.

Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) is a premier training institute of the Himachal state government located in a serene and picturesque surrounding about 10 km west of Shimla. Over 180 CTA staff had been trained in the institute so far. The current batch of trainee is the first is to be awarded the public administration training under the chairmanship of Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur who took the mantle of public service commission in September 2014.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

State to extend all support for completion of bulk petroleum terminal: CM

State to extend all support for completion of bulk petroleum terminal: CM

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA—Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation,(IOC) Shri Gurmeet Singh called on Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh here today and apprised him about the status of the bulk petroleum terminal coming up at Pukhebela in district Una. He said the project was expected to be completed by 2018.

The Chief Minister assured of all possible assistance for the completion of the project. The bulk terminal would cater to the need of petroleum products for the State and will also aid in advanced winter stocking.

Executive Director, Automation Shri PK Yadav, General Manager, HP, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir Shri Sandeep Jain, Chairman State Agriculture Board Shri Subhash Manglet were also present on the occasion amongst others.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

Interim report of the 5th Finance Commission submitted to Chief Minister

Interim report of the 5th Finance Commission submitted to Chief Minister

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA–Chairman of the 5th Finance Commission Shri Kuldeep Kumar today submitted the interim report of the Commission to Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh.

Shri Kuldeep Kumar apprised that the government of India had not released the funds under 14th Finance Commission to the Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis for the developmental works. Though Chief Minister and the department had raised this issue time and again with the Union government, but it was unfortunate that so far financial assistance had not been given.

He said that the 5th Finance Commission had recommended that appropriate financial assistance be provided to Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis for carrying out developmental works.

Shri Kuldeep Kumar said the Commission had clearly directed that the funds would be provided to the gram panchayats only, though requests had been made by the state government to provide funds for Panchayats Samitis and Zila Parishads as well. While analyzing other issues of the Panchayati Raj Institutions, the Commission had also recommended the government to consider the views of the members of the Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis to provide funds for developmental works.

Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Manisha Nanda, Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department Shri Onkar Sharma, who were the ex-officio members of the Commission, OSD Shri Abhay Pant and Deputy Director of the Commission Smt. Neeta Gautam were also present on the occasion.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile

CM directs to register ‘Gau Sadans’

CM directs to register ‘Gau Sadans’

Stresses evolving a technique for identifying cow owners

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA–A technology should be evolved for identification of the stray and abandoned cattle, which should be cost-effective, feasible and without causing much harm to the cattle, stated Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh while presiding over the first meeting of ‘Gau Vansh Samvardhan Board’ held here, today.

He said that there was a need of accurate census of the cattle and there should be a provision to catch hold of the person who abandons his cow or oxen. He said that the all the genuine ‘Gau Sadans’(Shelter home for cows) needs to be registered and the government had adequate funds for running them.

He stressed upon periodical inspection of Gau Sadans not only by the district level officers but by the officers from the state headquarter as well.

The Chief Minister said that only ‘Gau Sadan’ under the control of government at Khajjian in Nurpur of district Kangra needs to be expanded. More sheds were required to be constructed with adequate staff.

He said that it was unfortunate that the cows and oxen were abandoned after they stop giving milk or becomes unable for ploughing fields. The Board had been constituted for preservation, welfare and development of cow species in the State with an aim to exercise supervision over the established Gau Sadans.

At present there were around 130 Gau Sadans in the State and more 95 shelter homes for cows were being constructed, stated Shri Onkar Chand Sharma, Secretary, Rural development and Panchayati Raj. He said that all the Deputy Directors had been directed to personally inspect all the Gau Sadans running in their area of operation and motivate the owners of Gau Sadans to get them registered.

Suggestions poured in during the meeting to make the Gau Sadans self sustainable. The urine of local Pahari cows is used for preparation of medicine for cancer and could be utilized by constructing modern shelter homes for cows with special provision for storing the cow Urine. Even the dung mixed with the dry needles and leaves could be utilized for preparing the best of organic manure and can fetch a good amount. The un-official members suggested making provision for fodder, which was the basic need for running Gau- Sadans.

The unofficial members also suggested asking the government employees whether they were ready to voluntarily donate a little sum for the Gau Sadans out of their income. It was also suggested to ask the temple trusts to voluntarily run the Gau Sadans or voluntarily donate a certain percentage of their income to run them.

Smt. Sudha Stokes, daughter of IPH Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes also gave valuable suggestions and said that she would certainly find out from her Veterinarian in USA the latest and cost effective technique for identifying the owners of the abandoned cows and oxen.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Anil Sharma, Additional Chief Secretaries Dr. Srikant Baldi and Smt. Manisha Nanda, Principal Secretary, Forests Shri Tarun Kapoor, Director Animal Husbandry and other officers of the department were also present on the occasion amongst others.

**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*

Contact Number is 09736276343Mobile