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‘Toilet Tax’ In Himachal Pradesh Controversy Goes Viral

October 4, 2024, 3:20 pm

Amidst uproar over claims that residents of Himachal Pradesh would face taxation based on the number of toilet seats in their homes, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu clarified that no such “toilet tax” is being imposed. Reports circulating in various media outlets suggested that the state government planned to levy a ₹25 tax per toilet seat on urban residents. These claims were firmly dismissed by Sukhu as “baseless.”

Details on the Tax Controversy

According to the disputed reports, the proposed tax would constitute 25% of a ₹100 water charge imposed on households, leading to widespread concern among residents. However, Sukhu stated, “Before the assembly elections, the BJP held a rally in Himachal Pradesh where they promised free water meters, saying there would be no charge for water consumption.” He emphasized that the Congress government is only proposing a subsidy of ₹100 per family for water access, which would also apply to luxury establishments such as five-star hotels.

Political Reactions

The controversy escalated as multiple BJP leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, criticized the Congress government for the purported tax. Sitharaman expressed her disbelief, saying, “Unbelievable, if true! Whilst PM (Narendra) Modi ji builds Swachhata as a people’s movement, here is Congress taxing people for toilets! Shame that they didn’t provide good sanitation during their time, but this step will shame the country.”

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh echoed these sentiments, labeling the Congress government’s actions as indicative of “economic bankruptcy, policy bankruptcy, and mental bankruptcy.” He accused the Himachal government of continuously imposing new taxes and restrictions on the populace.

As the debate continues, Chief Minister Sukhu’s assertion that there is no “toilet tax” aims to quell the rising tension among residents. The incident highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress and BJP parties in the state, particularly regarding issues of taxation and public services.

Himachal Restructures Excise and GST Departments, Sukhu Announces Property Seizure for Illegal Liquor Trade

September 15, 2024, 9:55 pm

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the restructuring of the Excise and Taxation Department on Sunday, creating two distinct wings: the GST Wing and the Excise Wing. This change aims to streamline operations and enhance public services. The Chief Minister noted that this decision was overdue, especially after the implementation of the GST Act in July 2017.

He stated that the creation of separate wings is essential for improving the department’s efficiency and functioning. The different legal frameworks and regulatory requirements necessitate specialized training in technical, legal, and regulatory aspects, leading to better performance and more effective public service. This restructuring is expected to result in a more balanced workload and stronger field operations.

By having specialized personnel in each wing, the efficiency of the department is anticipated to improve. Officers in the GST Wing will focus on taxpayer services and revenue monitoring, while those in the Excise Wing will concentrate on regulatory tasks, particularly given the societal impact of its operations. Currently, officers are burdened with multiple responsibilities, which can affect accountability. The restructuring aims to address this by creating a clear division of responsibilities.

As part of this reorganization, 38 new posts have been created. Following the restructuring, the common pool will have 87 personnel, while the GST Wing and the Excise Wing will have 718 and 632 personnel, respectively. Chief Minister Sukhu mentioned that neighboring states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand have already restructured their Excise and Taxation departments into separate wings. This move is expected to ensure a more focused approach in each wing, leading to improved public services and regulatory functions across the state.

In a related development, Chief Minister Sukhu announced that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to legalize the seizure of properties in cases involving illegal and spurious liquor. The Chief Minister assured strict measures against those involved in this trade, following recent amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act 2011 during the monsoon session of the state assembly. The most significant amendment introduces a provision allowing for the seizure of property belonging to individuals involved in illegal activities, as well as their relatives and associates. This aspect was previously missing from the Act. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to implement this provision, and such offenses have now been made cognizable and non-bailable.

These new provisions are expected to be effective in controlling illegal liquor trade activities, as they include increased penalties and longer durations of punishment under various sections of the Act. The amendment also proposes the establishment of an excise police force to expedite the handling of excise cases and discourage illegal activities.

To combat the illegal sale of liquor to minors or their use as sales personnel, the new law includes provisions for penalties, such as up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. To ensure effective implementation, enforcement agencies are being empowered under these provisions.

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The Chief Minister referred to the hooch tragedy in Mandi district in 2022, where eight people lost their lives due to the consumption of spurious liquor. He assured that stringent provisions are being implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, the state government is actively working to combat drug abuse, with the recruitment process for over 1,200 constables underway, focusing on effectively tackling such issues.

Himachal Pradesh: Day After Rajya Sabha Election Result, BJP leaders meet Governor seeking trust vote

February 28, 2024, 9:01 am

The Leader of the Opposition and fellow BJP MLAs held a meeting with the Governor of Himachal Pradesh this morning, pressing for a strength test for the government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the state Assembly.

This development comes on the heels of the BJP’s recent triumph in securing a victory for its candidate in the lone Rajya Sabha seat. The success was attributed to cross-voting by Congress MLAs and a favorable draw of lots.

“We have achieved victory against the odds. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha elections. Presently, the Congress government has forfeited its moral authority to remain in power,” declared Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur after the meeting with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla.

Thakur accused marshals of mistreating and manhandling BJP members when they sought to communicate with Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania after he rejected a division of votes in cut motions related to the health department. “We have briefed the Governor about this,” Thakur stated.

There is speculation that the BJP plans to introduce a no-confidence motion in the Assembly today as the Budget Session commences.

Mr. Thakur, who served as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh until 2022 when the BJP lost to the Congress, insisted on a division of votes for passing the state Budget instead of relying on a voice vote.

If allowed, the division of votes would disclose the actual support of each party. The failure of the Congress government to secure Budget approval would automatically reveal its lack of majority in the House.

Despite having 40 MLAs in the Assembly, the Congress anticipated a comfortable victory for its candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. However, during the voting for the lone Rajya Sabha seat held on Tuesday, six Congress MLAs and three Independents supporting the government reportedly cast their votes for Harsh Mahajan.

In response to the results, Mr. Mahajan asserted that the Congress government is presently in the minority. “The state government lacks a majority at the moment. Those on the fence within the government are ready to join our side. They are dissatisfied with the government to the extent that they may take drastic measures. This government won’t endure; it will collapse under its own weight,” he conveyed to the news agency ANI.

Himachal rain update: At least 21 dead amid heavy downpour so far, says CM Sukhu

August 14, 2023, 12:34 pm

The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inspects the situation on the spot of landslide in summer Hill area of rain-hit Shimla on Monday.

In an interview with media, CM Sukhu revealed that the number of death toll has increased to 21 which earlier in the morning was believed to be 9. He also said that the teams of NDRF, SDRF and Army are at the collapsed Temple site, and they are rescuing the people stuck in the aftermath.

He also said that “I have cancelled my pre-scheduled event in Mandi. August 15 Independence Day program will go on as usual, but our priority is to save lives.”

Himachal Pradesh CM announces helpline numbers and urges people to stay inside for the next 24 hours

July 10, 2023, 11:40 am

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, urged residents to stay inside for the ensuing 24 hours due to the potential for extremely heavy rains. The Chief Minister said in a video that was posted on his Twitter account, “I urge people to unitedly face the difficulty and stay in their homes for the next 24 hours as there is a possibility of heavy rains.” He announced three helpline numbers for those who are in need of assistance: 1100, 1070, and 1077. The Chief Minister said he is available round-the-clock in the service of people and they can also reach him over the phone
He urged MLAs to stay in their constituencies to assist people in case of any difficulty and help them in compensation of any losses.
The Chief Minister said that the government is making all efforts to help people who are stuck due to heavy rains.
Sukhu said 14 people have lost their lives due to heavy rains in the state.
Indian Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh for heavy rains during the day.
The Weather Department also said that the rainfall can cause flooding and landslide.
Sukhu had said on Sunday said that all schools and colleges would remain closed on July 10 and 11.
IMD on Saturday issued a red alert for seven districts of the state and an orange alert for three districts for the next 48 hours as the state continued to receive heavy rainfall.
On Sunday, six people were stranded in the Nagwain village of Mandi due to the rise in the water level of the Beas river. Heavy rains in Mandi caused the Panchvaktra bridge to collapse. Due to the frequent showers, some areas of north India experienced a loss of life and property as well as disruptions in power and transportation.

Sukhu launches ‘Him Data Portal’ for better deliverance of services.

May 13, 2023, 1:46 am

SHIMLA : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said that the need of the hour is that all the state government agencies should collaborate, connect, and respond to the needs of the public more efficiently by accessing accurate and real-time data. He was addressing a conference organised by the Bharti Institute of Public Policy of the Indian School of Business (ISB) on governance and technology at Mohal.

Kangra to be developed as ‘Tourism Capital of State’: CM Sukhu

April 8, 2023, 7:55 pm

Tourism is the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh’s economy because the state is endowed with diverse tourist attractions and the state government is prioritising strengthening this sector in the state to encourage it in a big way, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Himachal CM said that apart from opening the entire state for all-season tourism activities, the government is putting its biggest thrust on developing Kangra as the ‘Tourism Capital of the State’. He said that Kangra district has immense tourism potential as it has the beautiful Dhauladhar Mountain, a historical temple, and a scope for adventure activities.

The government, with an aim to promote tourism in this district, is working on strengthening infrastructure, for which Rs 390 crores will be spent by the ADB. He said that the government has already devised blueprints for various projects in the Kangra district that will improve the tourists’ experience besides providing them with modern facilities.

The state government has proposed the construction of an international-standard golf course at Heritage Village Pragpur. There is a plan for beautification of the Palampur area besides constructing a high-end resort, a 24-hour tourism village, a modern roller skating rink, and a wellness centre for the tourists coming to visit Kangra, added the Chief Minister, who informed the government through a release.

Furthermore, the state government has identified 180 hectares of land at Bankhandi to build a modern zoo at a cost of Rs 300 crore, for which the DPR is under process. Efforts are under way to promote adventure tourism by introducing houseboats, cruises, yachts, and water sports activities at Pong Dam, said the Chief Minister.

HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to hold meeting regarding disaster

January 16, 2023, 12:45 pm

In light of the situation in Joshimath, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will convene a meeting of DCs on Monday. In the meeting, CM Sukhu will take stock of the situation in Himachal Pradesh regarding the disaster, and all DCs will join the meeting virtually. However, the meeting is entirely focused on the disaster situation in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal CM Receives Home & Finance Portfolio; Deputy CM Gets Jal Shakti

December 14, 2022, 1:13 pm

The Himachal Pradesh Governor performed portfolio allocations on Tuesday in Himachal Pradesh. The newly elected Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Suku will be in charge of Finance, general administration, home, planning, personnel, and other portfolios. Meanwhile, Agnihotri has been given Jal Shakti, transport, and language, arts, and culture departments.

Sukhvinder and all the other Congress MLAs will participate in the Bharat Jodo Yatra on Friday in Rajasthan, which may further postpone the formation of the state’s new cabinet. The CM revealed the cabinet will be enlarged after consulting Congress’s high command. It would be a mix of youth & professionals from various sectors.

The Congress won 40 out of 68 assembly seats, including 10 in Kangra, seven in Shimla, four each in Una, Solan, and Hamirpur, three in Sirmaur, two each in Chamba and Kullu, and one each in Mandi, Bilaspur, Kinnaur and Lahaul, and Spiti district. There must be sufficient representation for each region.

‘Cabinet formation will also be done soon’, says CM Sukhu

December 12, 2022, 1:41 pm

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu who took oath on Sunday assumed the charge of the office at the state civil secretariat in Shimla on Monday.

After taking charge Himachal Pradesh Sukhu said, Cabinet formation will be done as per high command guidelines.

“Today I am taking charge as the CM of the state. All MLAs, Deputy CM and senior members of the party will work for the welfare of the state,” CM Sukhu said.

After BJP’s Prem Kumar Dhumal Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the second chief minister from the Hamirpur district.

Earlier on 8 December, Congress won 40 seats in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls.

“Cabinet formation will also be done soon as per the guidelines of the Congress high command,” CM Sukhu said.

Meanwhile, on Sunday Sukhu took oath as the 15th Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh at Raj Bhavan, Shimla at 1:30 pm. Sukhu is a four-time MLA and former chief of Congress in the state and is a loyalist of the Gandhi family.

Moreover, Sukhu long years in the organization has a vast network in the hill state, and is an affable and approachable leader. From 2013 to 2019 Sukhu was the party’s state unit president and not in the liking of the party’s tallest leader Virbhadra Singh, a six-time Chief Minister.

However, Sukhu has always promoted and groomed younger Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh. Sukh is the first Congress leader from “lower Himachal” and has come to the top post.

Furthermore, belonging to a middle-class family Sukhu has come a long way in politics. In politics from his student days, Sukhu was active and also fought the election as an NSUI candidate. After this Sukhu also won elections for Shimla Municipal Corporation and in 2003 Sukhu won the assembly election from Nadaun.

Himachal CM’s nameplate installed at CM Secretariat in Shimla

December 11, 2022, 6:50 pm

The new Himachal Pradesh chief minister’s nameplate was installed at the Shimla CM Secretariat on Sunday.

On Sunday, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, a prominent member of the Congress, was sworn in as the next chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Sukhu was chosen by the party’s top leadership to lead the legislature party on Saturday, and he was then introduced as the party’s CM face.

At a ceremony in Shimla, Sukhu, who rose through the political ranks of Himachal Pradesh, was sworn in as the state’s fifteenth chief minister.

Former opposition leader Mukesh Agnihotri also took an oath to serve as deputy chief minister. At a solemn event held at Ridge Maidan in Shimla on Sunday, Governor RV Arlekar gave them the oath of office.

Leading members of the Congress party, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Party Chairman Rahul Gandhi, and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Priyanka Gandhi, were present for the swearing-in ceremony.

Sukhu (58), a steadfast supporter of the Gandhis, is a four-term MLA and a former leader of the state’s Congress.

Due to his extensive experience developing the party’s organisational strength in the hill-state, Sukhu is regarded as a personable and approachable leader who enjoys a strong following there. Due to his long-standing affiliation with the grand old party, he also has a wealth of organisational expertise in the state.

Sukhu was the chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee for this year’s Assembly elections in which the party focused on local issues and promised to restore the Old Pension Scheme, which, many felt, eventually tilted the electoral outcome in its favour.
Congress won the Assembly polls in the state, winning a total of 40 seats.

“Why won’t I attend his oath-taking ceremony?” Pratibha Singh after Sukhu’s invitation

December 11, 2022, 5:24 pm

Pratibha Virbhadra Singh, the leader of the Himachal Pradesh Congress and a strong candidate for the position of Chief Minister following the party’s victory in the state, announced on Sunday that she would be there for Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s oath taking ceremony.

The Congress high command chose Sukhu as the leader of the Himachal legislative assembly on Saturday, one day after the legislative party meeting held following a day-long political drama over the chief ministerial face passed a resolution authorising the high command to make the final decision on the chief minister. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the proposed chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, met Pratibha Virbhadra Singh, the state congress leader, at her residence.

Following the meeting, Pratibha said that it is her “prime duty” to take part in the oath-taking ceremony which will take place today afternoon.
“Why won’t I attend his oath-taking ceremony? Of course, I will go. It is my prime duty to be there with him as he takes oath as CM today,” she said.

The outgoing Assembly’s opposition leader, Mukesh Agnihotri, will take an oath to serve as the deputy chief minister.

According to Raj Bhavan sources, the oath-taking ceremony will take place on Sunday at 1.30 pm.

The Congressman expressed his gratitude to the Congress and the Gandhi family for providing him with this chance after being named Chief Minister.

Sukhu expressed his happiness at being chosen to serve as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh despite coming from an ordinary background.

I am happy that I am going to be CM despite being from an ordinary family. I am thankful to the Congress party and the Gandhi family for giving me this opportunity. My mother never stopped me from being in politics. I have reached here today because of her blessings,” said Sukhu.
Sukhu is a grassroots politician who has risen from the ranks and has wide organisational experience in the hill state.
Sukhu was chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee for the assembly elections in which the party focused on local issues and made lucrative promises including an old pension scheme.
He will be the second chief minister from Hamirpur district after BJP’s Prem Kumar Dhumal.
Congress won the Assembly polls in the state, winning 40 seats.

Himachal Pradesh: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take oath as CM today

December 11, 2022, 12:57 pm

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former Congress state chief, will take oath as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. The oath ceremony will take place at 1.30 pm on Sunday.
The Congressman expressed his gratitude to the Congress and the Gandhi family for providing him with this chance after being named Chief Minister.
Sukhu expressed his happiness at being chosen to serve as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh despite coming from an ordinary background.
“I am happy that I am going to be CM despite being from an ordinary family. I am thankful to the Congress party and the Gandhi family for giving me this opportunity. My mother never stopped me from being in politics. I have reached here today because of her blessings,” said Sukhu.
Sukhu is an up-and-coming grassroots politician with extensive organisational expertise in the hill state.
Sukhu, 58, a four-time MLA, is a former state Congress president, a member of the NSUI, and the Youth Congress. From 2013 to 2019, he served as the party’s state unit president. He was known for speaking his thoughts, even when the tall party leader and six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh did not agree.
In Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu has advocated for developing and elevating new Congress leaders.
Sukhu will fill the position of top Congress leader for the first time to come from “lower Himachal.”
The fact that Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who represents Hamirpur in parliament, is a factor in the Congress high command’s decision to support Sukhu.
Mukesh Agnihotri, another candidate for the top position, is a native of the state’s Una district and will now serve as deputy chief minister.
Sukhu, a Gandhi family supporter, hails from a middle-class household. He got involved in politics while still a student and ran for office as an NSUI candidate. He served as the state’s Indian Youth Congress and NSUI president. Elections for the Shimla Municipal Corporation were fought and won by him. Sukhu won the election for the assembly for the first time in 2003 from Nadaun.
Sukhu served as the chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee for the assembly elections, during which the party concentrated on regional concerns and made attractive promises, such as a pension plan from the past.
After Prem Kumar Dhumal of the BJP, he will be the second chief minister from the Hamirpur district.

40 seats in the state’s Assembly were won by Congress.