CM demands quick action on Jogindernagar-Leh railway line

Shimla, Jul 1 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief minister PK Dhumal today urged the Centre to accord top priority to the proposed Joginder Nagar-Leh Railway line project in view of its strategic importance from defence point of view and development of Himalaya region.

Talking to media persons here after releasing a book on Eco-Tourism authored by Dr Kulwant Pathania and Dr Arun Sharma, he said "the fact that China had linked Lhasa with Railway Line and proposed to further extend the railway network to other Himalayan states could not be ignored and as such India must have equally good rail and road connectivity with border areas." Mr Dhumal said he was happy to learn that some initial work on the project had been started and a high level committee of the Union Government discussed the matter regarding survey of the vital rail link.

Referring to strike by PTA teachers, he said the strike was uncalled for and the government had laid down a clear policy not to appoint PTA teachers in future.

The Chief Minister said that in view of numerous complaints regarding irregularities in appointments of PTA teachers and directions issued by the High Court and Supreme Court, the government had decided to enquire into these allegations.

The government had also discussed the issue in the Assembly and categorically stated that the teachers having requisite qualification and merit would not be disturbed, he added.

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