Himachal Pradesh Election Commissioner Anil Khachi Retires After Five-Year Term, Speculation Rises Over New Appointment
Anil Khachi, the Chief Election Commissioner of Himachal Pradesh, retired on Wednesday after a five-year term. He previously served as Chief Secretary and held various important roles during his central deputation. Speculation about his successor has increased, with former Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and two others considered potential candidates. Additionally, appointments for the Chief Information Commissioner, State Information Commissioner, and Chairman of the Water Commission are forthcoming, with the latter’s term ending on August 11.
Shirgul Maharaj Temple Reduced to Ashes in Fire Before Shikha Installation
The Shirgul Maharaj temple in Chiyuna Lingjar was destroyed by a fire shortly before its spire installation, scheduled for September 21. Made primarily of wood, the fire spread quickly, engulfing the entire structure. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Villagers struggled to extinguish the flames, and a police team arrived to investigate. The temple, built over six years by local residents, was nearly finished, with only minor work left. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and investigations are ongoing.
Committee Formed to Revise Textbooks for Classes Six to Eight in Himachal Pradesh, New Information to be Released in a Month
A committee has been formed in Himachal Pradesh to revise textbooks for classes six to eight, led by Education Minister Rohit Thakur. The revisions aim to include important topics related to the state’s geography, society, history, and culture. The updated textbooks will feature engaging content about Himachal’s past and present, including local dialects and notable figures. The finalized curriculum is expected within a month for publication, with the new textbooks to be used from the 2027-28 academic session.
Financial Hurdles in Himachal Pradesh’s Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri Rail Project, State Government Contributes Only 847 Crore of 2,910 Crore Commitment
The Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway project in Himachal Pradesh is delayed due to the state government’s insufficient financial contributions, having deposited only ₹847 crore of the required ₹2,910 crore. This has left ₹2,063 crore outstanding, affecting project implementation. While land acquisition for the Bilaspur-Beri section is incomplete, significant progress includes the completion of 15 tunnels and 39 minor bridges. Anurag Singh Thakur noted that with adequate support, the project has advanced rapidly under the central government’s commitment to railway infrastructure expansion.
Security heightened in Kasauli after threat email ahead of Independence Day; police launch investigation.
In Kasauli, Solan district, security has been intensified ahead of Independence Day following threatening emails to the SDM office and Army Public School. The emails, sent from an unknown source, threatened attacks on government offices and schools on August 15. The police launched an investigation, activating the cyber team and dog squad. SDM Mahendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the police registered a case and are analyzing digital evidence to trace the sender and ensure security.
Himachal High Court Orders Government to Decide on 15% Pending Dearness Allowance for Employees
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to decide on the pending 15 percent dearness allowance for government employees and related arrears. Justice Ajay Mohan Goyal instructed petitioners to submit representations within four weeks, with a clear order to be issued within 12 weeks. The petition highlights that the Himachal government’s dearness allowance is lower than the central government’s 60 percent, as state employees currently receive 45 percent. The state has not yet responded to the court’s notice.
Former Indian Army Chief General V.N. Sharma Passes Away at 96, Remembered for His Military Achievements
Former Indian Army Chief General V.N. Sharma passed away at 96 in Delhi. Born in 1930, he was commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry in 1950, becoming the first officer commissioned post-independence to later serve as Chief of Army Staff from 1988 to 1990. He led operations in the Lahore sector during the 1965 war and played a significant role in the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. His strategic leadership was also noted during the 1987 India-China standoff.
Supreme Court Directs Punjab to Present Clear Stance on BBMB Power Dues in Two Weeks
The Supreme Court has directed Punjab to clarify its position regarding outstanding electricity dues within two weeks, with the next hearing on August 12. Himachal Pradesh claims about 13,066 million units of electricity from BBMB projects, with a proposed settlement in electricity rather than cash. Punjab has objected to the proposed rate of 2.50 rupees per unit, fearing a loss of 2,000 crore rupees. The court emphasized the importance of Himachal’s rights over resources located on its land and will adjudicate if no agreement is reached.
HRTC Launches ‘Him Bus Plus Card’, Offering Passengers Up to 15% Fare Discount
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will launch the ‘Him Bus Plus Card’ to streamline services for passengers by consolidating the existing Green, Yellow, and Honor Cards into one. The card, available for an annual fee of ₹365, offers fare discounts of 5 to 15 percent. Production starts this week, with applications accepted at bus stations and online. HRTC aims to enhance public transport usage and promote environmental sustainability through this initiative, according to Managing Director Nipun Jindal.
Himachal Pradesh High Court Rejects Selection Based on Reserved Category Scores for Unreserved Positions
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that recruitment processes advertising positions solely for the unreserved category must apply eligibility criteria only to that category. Justice Ajay Mohan Goyal dismissed a petition challenging a revised selection list from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, which had initially included a Scheduled Caste candidate for an unreserved Upper Division Clerk position but later removed the candidate’s name. The court upheld the university’s administrative decision regarding the selection process.