Himachal Pradesh is keen to get its 7.19 percent share of electricity from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and is pursuing its case at various dispute resolution forums, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said on Thursday.
Talking reporters in Hamirpur, Singh said that in November 2015, the Supreme Court’s verdict had protected the interest of the state by awarding 7.19 percent share in BBMB project and it was the outcome of the persistent efforts of the state government.
He said that the issue was effectively taken up by the government in the recently concluded North Zonal Council meeting held at Chandigarh. The chief minister added that a meeting of the state authorities was called and they had been asked to calculate claims of arrears, which the State of Himachal Pradesh is to get from State of Punjab and Haryana.
On the issue of appointment of a new Himachal Congress chief, Singh said that change was a constant phenomenon and no one is permanent. He said that whether it was a Chief Minister or HPCC Chief, anyone who held a high political post could not remain on it forever. "Democratic parties run on the principles of democracy and even the sitting public representatives could be removed at certain point of time," he added.
Responding to a query about accusation of the BJP that the Congress government had overlooked Hamirpur, as it was a stronghold of BJP, Virbhadra Singh said that it was Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, when Hamirpur was carved out as a district from the hill state during the reorganisation of Punjab.
He said Hamirpur had the biggest water supply schemes in the state beside other development works and Congress had never patronised regionalism or casteism in terms of development of the state. Counting the developmental projects initiated in Hamirpur during the present regime, Singh said that the Government had recently announced to open a Medical College in the district. lashing out at the criticism of BJP, CM Virbhadra Singh said those who speak of prejudice against Hamirpur, must have lost mental balance.
Answering a query on the pattern of interviews in Staff Services Selection Board, Singh said that the dates for interview had been extended up to July 31 to accommodate those who had been interviewed in 2015, but the interviews were later cancelled. He said that selections would be made on merit basis after clearing the backlog first.