HRTC to Ply 1932 Electric Buses in Himachal: Agnihotri

: Category: Latest; Published: 18 January 2024

HimbuMailNewsService

Transport Minister AgnihotriAtBODMeetongInShimla

Shimla: Following the 155th Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced a fleet of 1932 electric buses for HRTC to make Himachal a green state.

Adressing press. Agnihotri said corporation is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and safe commuting experience for the public.

Agnihotri highlighted the proactive steps taken, including the launch of the Centralized Inventory Management System (CIMS) for efficient inventory control.

During the media briefing, Agnihotri announced the ambitious plan to purchase 1,932 electric buses over the next four years as part of the government's commitment to promoting green energy.

He detailed the allocation of funds, with Rs 11 crore 43 lakh released to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board for establishing electric charging stations at 11 locations in Shimla Local and Hamirpur/Nadaun.

The Deputy Chief Minister also shared updates on ongoing initiatives, such as the development of the Integrated Ticketing Management System, making Himachal Pradesh the first state to offer multiple digital payment options for bus tickets.

Agnihotri commended the corporation's efforts, unveiling the Pratham Darshan service information booklet and directing a rebranding of buses under this service.

Addressing concerns of transparency, Agnihotri urged the Finance Department's approval for the purchase of buses in the current fiscal year and emphasized the need for openness in global tender processes.

He stressed the importance of increased publicity to make information and services easily accessible online.

Furthermore, Agnihotri encouraged the creation of corporate merchandise, including calendars, diaries, and key chains, for distribution among employees.

The press conference showcased photos and videos highlighting HRTC's achievements obtained through a competition.

The Managing Director of HRTC, Rohan Chand Thakur, welcomed the Board of Directors, and non-official members, including Principal Secretary R.D. Najeem and Director Transport Anupam Kashyap, were present during the media interaction.

The Deputy Chief Minister said government is committed to a sustainable and passenger-friendly public transportation system in Himachal Pradesh.

0

Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Insta Email Print

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.

Bar and Bench

HP High Court Slams HIMUDA for Throwaway Prices, Quash Deal

Court Slams HIMUDA for ‘Throwaway’ Land Allotment at Parwanoo, Quashes Deal...

Bar and Bench

HP High Court Allows Running of Nine HPTDC hotels in Himachal Pradesh

HP High Court Greenlights 9 HPTDC Resorts, Offers a Lifeline to Tourism Sector

Latest

After Shahi Mahatma Gang Bust, More Intensive Anti-drug Crackdown Needed In Shimla Apple Belt

Shimla’s Drug Syndicate: 62 Arrests, But Ground Zero Need more work to smash organized and non-organized drug sellers, ruining lives and careers of the youth.

Top News

Motive

The mainstream media houses dominated by the city- centric editors have been indifferent to the problems and issues faced by the Himalayan people down the centuries. HimbuMail is born to fill this gap and seeks to become their real voice.

News Coverage

City Explore

💰 Donate TO Us !

Donate Now »

Why Donate ?

HimbuMail is new web newsepaper and is being run on no-profit basis by professionals, who need financial support for sustainable operation of the web news portal.

your support is Supreme!

Latest

HRTC to Ply 1932 Electric Buses in Himachal: Agnihotri

Latest Top 10 Hits

Latest Stories

Trending

Politics

Bar and Bench

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

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

Opposition’s Counterattacks

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Bar and Bench

Bar and Bench

Latest

Popular City News

Top News

Motive

News Coverage

City Explore

💰 Donate TO Us !

Why Donate ?

Subscribe to HimbuMail