Shimla, July 12 (IANS) The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh on Friday at a Cabinet meeting decided to withdraw the free electricity scheme benefitting all income-tax payers.
However, the 125-unit free power subsidy to domestic consumers will continue for all other categories, including BPL and IRDP families.
A decision in this regard was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu.
This achievement was made possible by importing 25 to 30 per cent of the region's power requirement from neighbouring regions. All utilities have been advised to maintain a high state of alert and minimise forced outages of equipment, the official statement explained.
Citing an incident where it rescued and provided immediate medical care to an elderly Indian Haji, the Indian Haj Mission said on Tuesday that it has provided necessary assistance to more than 100 pilgrims by reuniting them with their families during this year's pilgrimage.
Addressing a Kisan Samman Sammelan in Varanasi on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said, "We need zero defect products with a focus on millets and organic produce. Agriculture will be a major factor in making India the third biggest economy in the world.” This was PM Modi's first visit to his Lok Sabha constituency after becoming the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said his government has chalked out a multi-pronged strategy to wipe out the drug menace. Chairing a meeting with police officers here, the Chief Minister said the government is going to introduce several reforms for policing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a surprise visit to the under-construction Varanasi stadium and sports complex to review the work in progress there after attending a Kisan Samman Sammelan, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and praying at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Incessant monsoon rains during the past two days triggered landslides, flash floods and water logging in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, badly affecting normal life in several districts, officials said on Tuesday. Officials said that a portion of the National Highway 415, along with a culvert, was washed away at Karsingsa in Papum Pare District, snapping connectivity between Nirjuli and Banderdewa.