Aizawl, July 3: Power tariff in Mizoram would be hiked from July 25, 2005, following the approval of a cabinet meeting of the state government.

According to power and electricity department officials, the average tariff would increase to about Rs 3 per unit from the existing Rs 2.10 per unit, which amounts to a hike of 90 paise.

?It is very difficult to assess the actual hike as calculations differ in the different categories of consumers. What we can inform the public is that the hike would on an average be 90 paise per unit as a whole. However, it would be different in the various categories such as domestic, industrial and bulk,? said F. Rualzakhuma, superintending engineer.

He said that while the department has a liability of around Rs 2 crore to power companies, many state departments, organisations and individuals have liabilities in unpaid bills with the power department.

Power and electricity department officials stressed that the hike was unavoidable. They said calculations were still underway, and assured that the hike would be implemented keeping the public?s convenience in mind.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army?s eastern India chapter celebrated its 140th anniversary in the Mizoram capital yesterday.

The eastern India chapter, which has its headquarters in Aizawl, covers all the northeastern states, Sikkim and North Bengal.

Founded by William Booth in London in 1865, the Salvation Army, through its charitable work and missionary zeal, spread rapidly throughout the world. General Booth?s motto, ?Soup, Soap, Salvation? ? aimed at taking food, cleanliness and Christian faith to the poor and the needy ? struck roots in people?s minds.

Before the turn of the 20th century, the organisation had already entered India.

In Mizoram, the Salvation Army?s first project was initiated by the late Lt Col Kawlkhuma, who came back from an officer?s training course in Shimla in April 1917.

The Salvation Army currently has a presence in 110 countries and a manpower strength of 15,729.

It is a Christian charitable organisation, based on the discipline of armies, where pastors are called officers with different ranks according to seniority. Members are called soldiers, while the organisation?s laymen hold the rank of sergeant.

Its presence was greatly appreciated on battlefields during the first and second world wars.