Shimla
Question Hour in the proceedings of the last day of the winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly began at 11:00 without any deadlock. In the House, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that consideration will be given to changing the one-time settlement policy of cooperative banks for indebted poor people. Responding to the question of MLA Satpal Singh Satti, the Chief Minister said that one-time settlement cases would also be applicable for loans above Rs 10 lakh. When the previous government brought the policy, some took advantage and some did not. People whose loan went up to Rs 10 lakh or above. Poor people who are indebted will consider how to get relief. This policy will be applicable not only in cooperative banks but also in state agricultural cooperative banks. The government will make changes after considering the rules of Reserve Bank of India and NABARD. On the other hand, during Question Hour, BJP MLA Satpal Singh Satti raised the issue of one-time settlement of loans in Kangra Central Cooperative Bank. Satti asked whether the idea would be to provide relief to those who did not get employment and are in trouble and whose attachment orders have been issued.
Chief Minister Sukhu informed that a dearness allowance is being provided by the Himachal Pradesh government to its employees at the rate of 42 percent of the basic salary. So far, a 53 percent dearness allowance has been given by the central government. MLA Dr. Responding to the question of Janakraj and Randhir Sharma, the Chief Minister said that compared to the Central Government, an 11 percent dearness allowance is left to be given to the employees and pensioners in the state. Under this, arrears of Rs 8,623 crore are to be paid. 1,03,248 employees have been given the benefit of OPS in Vatarman. 2078 employees have retired without OPS. Liabilities of medical reimbursement amounting to Rs 57.92 crore remain.
Responding in writing to the question of BJP MLA Jeetram Katwal, the Chief Minister said that 19,594 outsourced personnel are employed in departments and undertakings. Under the State Financial Corporation 2009, there is a provision to avail services on an outsourced basis in government departments. The government issued guidelines in July 2017 for the protection of working conditions and service conditions of outsourced workers working in government departments. All departments have been instructed to release salaries to outsourced workers by the 7th of every month. The Chief Minister said that the proposal to establish any corporation or agency for these employees is not under consideration of the government.
5332 cases registered against drug addicts
The Chief Minister said that 5332 cases have been registered against drug addicts in the state in three years. There are 520 indictments under investigation and, 4627 pending in the Court. 185 cases have been settled on behalf of the Court. Of these cases, 111 cases have resulted in convictions and 74 cases in acquittal of the accused. Responding in writing to the question of Congress MLA Ajay Solanki, the Chief Minister said that, 8004 accused were arrested in total 5332 indictments. 2355 accused were released by the police after giving notice. 96 have been acquitted by the Court. 5554 accused have been sent to jail. Cooperation has been sought from the Central Government to make the state drug-free.