News
IGMC Shimla Admin Alleged of Rs 1.10 Crores Scam in Nexus with Private Company
Shimla-The Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla, has become a den of corruption for the past few years. The IGMC administration, in nexus with the company named Rainbow security Enterprises, which was awarded the contract for delivering security facility at the institute, is involved in a scam worth Rs 1.10 crores in a total contract of Rs 3 crores.
This grave allegation was labelled by Vijender Mehra, the state president of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, in a complaint to the Chief Justice of State High Court. Mehra has requested the Chief Justice to conduct a judicial inquiry into this alleged scam. Mehra had also held a press conference to highlight the same allegations.
Mehra alleged that several eligible companies were deprived of the contract to favour the said company despite that fact that it lacked required experience and quality of services.
Mehra also alleged that a report submitted by the Director of ESI, Himachal Pradesh Zone, in a meeting headed by the Joint Commissioner, Laobour Department, HP, held on August 23, 2019, clearly mentioned that the said company was a defaulter. Despite being a defaulter, the IGMC administration continued with the contract with Rainbow Security Enterprises and did not order any probe, which is a matter of investigation.
Mehra also alleged that at the time when the contract was awarded, the said company did not possess a license. The company allegedly obtained its license and registration from the Labour Department in August 2019 – one year after it was awarded the contract, which was completely against the laws.
The company had also not deposited the required margin money to the tune of Rs 26 lakhs but still, the tender was awarded to it, he further alleged.
Mehra alleged that as per the contract, the company was supposed to deploy 187 security guards at the IGMC Shimla. However, only 137 guards were employed. Thus, against the condition of the contract, the company was short of 50 guards.
However, Mehra alleged, that the company received payment for 187 guards from the IGMC administration, which amounted to a scam of Rs 48 lakhs per year.
The company has also not deposited Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Medical Fund amounting to Rs 12.11 lakh in the accounts of its employees, Mehra alleged. Similarly, EPF of one year amounting to Rs 21. 54 lakhs was also not deposited. The company also devoured Rs 14.19 lakhs on account of the leaves of the employees. Further, Rs 14 lakhs were embezzled from the salaries of four supervisors in one year, Mehra alleged. As per the conditions laid out in the contract, there was a provision for the creation of four posts of supervisors at a salary of Rs 40 thousand. However, they were paid only 18 to 23 thousand as salary.
This total scam amounts to Rs 1.10 crores and was carried out under full patronage of the IGMC administration, Mehra alleged.
It implies, Mehra said, that 40 percent of the total contract cost was devoured by the IGMC administration in nexus with the said company.
He further alleged that the said company has encroached upon a space in the Red-Cross Building of the IGMC, which was declared unsafe. Despite being aware of the threat to lives, IGMC administration allowed the company to encroach upon and use space in the building.
Despite carrying out above-mentioned fraudulent practices and being awarded the contract in violation of laws, the company was given an extension, Mehra alleged. Mehra has requested the state High Court to conduct a judicial probe and bring the culprits to the justice.
The Medical Superintendent of IGMC, Dr Janak Raj, while talking to media, said the process of floating and awarding tenders is carried out by the office of the Joint Director and Principal. He said the MS office is only a service recipient. He refuted the allegations labelled against him for patronizing the said company.
However, so far, no probe has been ordered into the alleged scam and anomalies in awarding contract.
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020