In Brief

Power share from BBMB: HP resolution urges Centre to change stand in SC
A resolution to urge the Centre to review its stand on the issue of Himachal’s due share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects was unanimously adopted by the Assembly on Friday. The resolution moved by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal urges the Centre to file a supplementary affidavit in the Supreme Court for changing its stand on basis of the “actual facts” conveyed by the state on the issue of its share of 12 per cent free power royalty in the BBMB power projects in Himachal. “The stand taken by the Union government against the state’s demand for 12 per cent free power share is factually incorrect. It is not in consonance with the decisions taken since 1966. Accordingly,the Ministry of Power,Government of India,is requested to file a supplementary affidavit before the Supreme Court,” Dhumal said. The resolution was backed by the Congress Legislature Party.

Bill passed for protection of doctors on duty
The state Assembly passed a bill to prevent violence against doctors and other medical staff in government and semi-government medical institutions. The bill was introduced by Health Minister Rajeev Bindal who said the HP Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill-2009 was required to stop violence against medical staffers and to prevent damage to property in hospitals and medical institutions. The bill makes provisions for imprisonment up to one year and a fine up to Rs 5,000 to anybody resorting to violence against medical and paramedical staff. All offences under the bill are cognisable and bailable. The state assembly also passed HP Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers Health Protection (Repeal) Bill 2009.

RKS user charges to be rationalised
The government assured rationalisation of user charges of rogi kalyan samitis (RKS) at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital,Shimla,and Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College Hospital,Tanda. The Opposition questioned the difference in user charges at the two premier medical institutions. Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajiv Bindal denied the points raised by the Opposition like payment of salaries through RKS,and termed those “misconceptions about the RKS”. Frayed tempers were witnessed on the issue as the Opposition alleged that poor patients were being fleeced.

Central university can start from Jawalaji
Replying to a question,the CM said classes at the Central university in Himachal Pradesh would function temporarily from Jawalji in Kangra district. Furan Kumar has been recently appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the university. “The Kangra MP has taken up the matter afresh and the state is seeking another Central university in Sirmour or Shimla district,” he said.

Ration supply for APL families reduced
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Dhawala said the ration supplies for above poverty line (APL) families had been reduced. Replying to a question,he said there had not been any reduction in the supply for BPL families.