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Again, Himachal CM warns schools to refrain from caste-based discrimination with students or face stringent action
SHIMLA- Ahead of HP Assembly Polls in 2017, the CM presided over the 11th annual convention of Koli Kalyan Board, in Kullu on Thursday. The CM assured the people that stringent measures would be taken against those found guilty of racial discrimination and showing indifferent attitude towards children of low castes, particularly in schools by differentiating them with others.
Anyone found indulging in the crime and indifference towards such children would lose his job immediately. This applies to all government schools and other institutions of learning, he said.
All children will sit, study and eat together and anyone found discriminating the children on basis of caste, colour, region or religion would be fired from the job,
said the CM
The Deputy Commissioner was also given directions to ensure that any such incident does not take place in their respective districts. He said that if anyone reports any such incident, strict action would be taken against the defaulters by the government apart from the punishment under law.
Though, the government claims successful eradication of caste-based discrimination, it is true that such cases did come into light recently. In fact, the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had presided over the first ever meeting with H.P. Koli Welfare Board and H.P. Sant Ravidass Kalyan Board in February 2016 in which he had received serious complaints from the Koli Samaj and Ravidas community regarding discrimination with the students of Scheduled Caste communities in serving of mid-day-meal in some schools and Anganwadi Kendras in the State.
He had warned that it is a criminal offence and action will be initiated against those teachers or Anganbari Sahayikas/workers who were found guilty as per the law. He had even directed to serve the mid-day-meal to the students roll number wise so that no student feel humiliated.
The CM claimed that gone are the days when the people use to draw a line parallel between higher and lower castes, he said adding that the people belonging to low caste were not allowed to enter the religious places and participate in religious ceremonies of upper caste people. The temples are open to all in the State. People of any region and religion can pay their obeisance at any temple owned and controlled by the government, he said.
We do not discriminate and divide, but believe in taking everyone along. We do not believe in casteism and the government was working equally for welfare of all, he said.
It takes time to change the thinking which dominated our society in past and can only be changed through education and sociology-economic development of the society, which can be achieved through education only.
Congress believes in secularism and this was the basis of development of the country, the CM said.
The CM assured that the government would construct Raghunath Temple in Kullu, which would be open to all and not a private temple as being claimed by a royal scion of Kullu.
Virbhadra Takes a Jib at Kullu MLA
Taking a jibe at sitting Kullu MLA, the Chief Minister said, ‘Bhagwan Sabke hain, kisi ek Vyakati Ki sampati nahin’ (God is of everyone and not a private property of an Individual) especially when it is the presiding deity of the people of Kullu valley. The government would construct a huge temple of Lord Raghunath, he said giving direction to select a suitable place and land for the same.
He stated that the Koli samaj should provide a suitable piece of land for construction of Ambedkar Bhawan in Kullu and the government would provide adequate assistance.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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