HPMC Gets 32,454 MT of Apples under MIS in Himachal in 2023

: Category: Latest; Published: 17 October 2023

HimbuMailNewsService

SHIMLA: HPMC successfully procured 32,454 metric tons of apples under the Market Intervention Scheme 2023 despite heavy rainfall.

They also achieved a record of 1,288 metric tons of Apple Juice Concentrate production at their three fruit processing plants.

In the 213th Board of Directors meeting of H.P. Horticultural Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation (HPMC), chaired by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, announced this among other things here on Tuesday.

The Minister launched HPMC's new web portal, offering online services for activities like booking CA/Cold Stores, Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and sale of horticulture inputs.

The newly established HPMC fruit processing plant in Parala successfully conducted trials and commissioning during the current apple season, with plans to produce various apple-related products.

HPMC reported a record turnover of Rs. 120 crore for the fiscal year 2022-23 and decided to change packaging designs for its products.

In the meeting, HPMC decided to provide quality horticulture inputs to apple growers at reasonable prices, use universal cartons for apple growers, and continue trading activities in specific market yards.

Online platforms will be used to sell HPMC products, and a distribution policy was approved to expand sales channels.

The Minister emphasized strengthening HPMC's efficiency, resource utilization, and exploring sustainable business ventures for farmers' benefit.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Horticulture C. Paulrasu, Director Horticulture Sandeep Kadam, Managing Director HPMC Sudesh Kumar Mokhta, and Managing Director HP Agro Industries Corporation Reema Kashyap, among other senior officers.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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