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Noisy protests outside Assembly
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State employees resume stir
Hockey: Gurukul, Kurukshetra enter final
Dehradun win TT championship
Cricket: CAU pip Garhwal Rifle
Scholars highlight Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings
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Assembly Day One
Dehradun, December 15 No sooner than the session got underway, Opposition legislators demanded a discussion on delay in announcement of MSP for sugarcane. But things got worse when sugarcane development minister Madan Kaushik announced the MSP, as the MLAs took the papers from Kaushik’s table and tore them. They also threw Kaushik’s mike on the floor before staging a walkout “Instead of accepting our demand to hold deliberations on the issue of sugarcane under rule 310, the Speaker allowed Kaushik to make an announcement under rule 315. This is totally unjust, following which we protested,” said leader of opposition and of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Harak Singh Rawat. Earlier, after the start of the question hour at 11 am, a group of BSP legislators led by their leader Shahzad rushed to the well of the house and started raising slogans - “Kisan virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi” and “Cheeni mantri murdabad”. They accused the government of being “insensitive” towards the problems of the sugarcane farmers. Within a few minutes, there was complete turmoil in the assembly following which Speaker Harbans Kapoor adjourned the house till 11.55 am. But even when the house resumed, BSP MLAs started demanding a discussion pertaining to the crucial issue of sugarcane price. The Speaker tried to pacify them but to no avail. In the meantime, state parliamentary minister Parkash Pant, while arguing that policy decisions taken by the government have to be announced in the house only, urged the Speaker to allow sugarcane minister Madan Kaushik to speak. Amidst heated exchanges, Kaushik announced that the MSP has been fixed at Rs 143 per quintal and Rs 148 per quintal, respectively, for general and ageti (early season) variety of sugarcane. Reacting sharply to this, the Congress MLAs also joined the protesting BSP leaders. BSP MLA Shahzad and Congress MLAs Tillak Raj Behad and Dinesh Aggarwal took Kaushik’s mike and threw it on the floor. Thereafter, opposition legislatures indulged in heavy sloganeering against the government and walked out. Following this, the Speaker had to adjourn the question hour. BSP MLA Shahzad said: “Sugarcane farmers in the state are suffering because of the ignorant attitude of the government. There were several aspects that we intended to deliberate upon, but the Speaker did not allow us.” The state parliamentary minister Parkash Pant has described the attitude of the Opposition as “unwarranted”. “When the Speaker had accepted their demand to allow discussion under rule 310, they unnecessarily created a ruckus.” Regarding the Dixit committee report, Pant said the document was currently being scrutinized. Meanwhile, legislators of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) flayed the government for not tabling the Justice Virender Dixit committee report about the selection of a site for the permanent capital of the state. |
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Noisy protests outside Assembly
Dehradun, December 15 Teachers, particularly “shiksha mitras”, took the centre stage of protests demanding their absorption as assistant teachers in state primary schools. The “shiksha mitras”, who had turned up in big numbers outside the Vidhan Sabha, tried to storm in but were prevented by a strong contingent of police. After few minutes of minor skirmishes, the security personnel managed to push the protesters to a corner. However, the teachers continued with their sloganeering against the state government, especially against education minister Madan Kaushik. Appointed by the first BJP government of Uttarakhand after the creation of the state as adhoc arrangement to make up for the vacancies of teachers at primary schools, the “shiksha mitras” have not been given regular service. Leading the protest, Gulab Chand Ramola, state president, Uttarakhand Shiksha Mitra Mahasangh, asserted that they would no longer suffer this injustice. “If the government wants, it can easily absorb us as assistant teachers in primary schools,” argued Ramola, who pledged to continue with the agitation till their demand was met. He also claimed that state BJP president Bachchi Singh Rawat has pledged his support to their cause. Another protester Kamlesh Pandey asserted that they would teach the state government a lesson in the parliamentary elections, if their demand was not met. They also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister which was accepted by the city magistrate. While “shiksha mitras” staged a demonstration, they were joined by “shiksha acharyas” and PTA teachers, who demanded better pay and perks. Members of Rajkiya Shikshak Samanvaya Samiti who alleged that teachers were yet to get the benefits, at par with central government employees, as envisaged by the Sixth Pay Commission. If teachers were at the forefront of the protests, there were several others who registered their opposition to the government over one issue or other. Unemployed diploma pharmacists staging dharna outside the Vidhan Sabha sought an immediate filling of vacancies of pharmacists at various hospitals, dispensaries and health centres across the state. Espousing the cause of state agitationists, Kaushaliya Dabral Sangarsh Vahini which demanded special status for state agitationists, too joined the protest outside the Assembly. The Vahini alleged that the state governments have shown little sensitivity towards the concerns of the agitationists. Uttarakhand Sanyukt Sangarsh Samiti activists, led by Dhirendra Pratap, began their dharna reiterating their demand for permanent capital status for Garsain. Uttarakhand Pradesh Dalit Shoshit Vikas Manch also staged a protest alleging large-scale atrocities on Dalits under the present BJP rule. Jaipal Jatav and Surendra Kumar were prominent participants at this dharna. Taking into account the large-scale protests organised by various organisations, the police was in full strength outside the Vidhan Sabha. For the first time, the protests were confined to the Defence Colony end of the road outside Vidhan Bhawan and, as a result, the flow of traffic on the main Haridwar road was not disturbed. But for Defence Colony residents, it was once again a day of woes as the traffic movement in the main defence colony was restricted due to road blockage. |
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Sidelights
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It’s a black day, says Rawat
Dehradun, December 15 A visibly perturbed Rawat said, “When the speaker agreed for discussions on various issues pertaining to sugarcane farmers under Rule 310, how was sugarcane development minister Madan Kaushik allowed to speak before the discussion and make an announcement under the Rule 315.” Rawat added that they did not create any disturbance in the house. “We were quietly watching the proceedings of the House but when deliberations related to minimum support price for sugarcane and pending dues of sugarcane farmers were not allowed, we were forced to stage a walkout,” he asserted. He said that due to the wrong attitude of the government, discussions could not be held on several important issues including that of deteriorating law and order and master plan. “We are sure that the ruling party has no interest in conducting discussions on the issues which are important to the state. They prefer that the opposition walks out so that they are free to continue with their whims and fancy,” he alleged. The Congress Legislative Party leader further said that they would hold a meeting of party legislators on Tuesday morning. “The decision about attending the rest of the assembly session will be taken after having discussions with party MLAs,” he said.
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State employees resume stir
Dehradun, December 15 A coordination committee formed by various employees’ associations had given an ultimatum to the government to accept their charter of five demands in this regard, failing which the employees would boycott work in their offices for three days beginning from today. Committee spokesperson Arun Pandey said employees refrained from work despite being present in offices, including those of the Director General of Health, Regional Transport Office, PWD and irrigation departments. A coordination committee of the employees had last week put-off their agitation and given the government more time for acceptance of their demands, after an assurance was given to the delegation of the committee by Subhash Kumar, principal secretary to Chief Minister, regarding issue of pay grade. It is one of the five-point charter of demands submitted to him by the delegation. “It turned out to be a hollow assurance. So we stuck to our ultimatum of strike. If no positive step is taken even after this, we will observe indefinite strike,” said Pandey, while lamenting the failure of the government to honour assurances given by the principal secretary, who had invited the committee’s delegation to his office last week. Notably, the delegation had termed the outcome of the meeting as satisfactory. Meanwhile, it is expected that the issue would be discussed in the cabinet meeting held this evening. Since the meeting was on till the filing of this report, no confirmation could be given but sources said some decision might be taken to prevent the employees’ resentment. On the other hand, the committee has threatened to intensify the stir by observing statewide indefinite strike if the government fails to address their demands by December 31. |
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CPI: Make Dikshit report public
Dehradun, December 15 Led by the state CPI secretary Samar Bhandari, the protesters submitted a memorandum to district magistrate after the dharna. They demanded that the government should immediately make public the report of Dikshit Commission on the issue of permanent capital. The report has already been submitted to the government. The protesters also said that even while people were being displaced due to various ongoing hydro-power projects in various parts of the state, there was no proper policy for their rehabilitation. They demanded that the government should draw a policy and also take the people into confidence before launching such projects. The protesters alleged that labour laws were being violated on a large scale by the units set up in industrial estates developed by SIDCUL. Their other demands related to inquiry into irregularities in distribution of BPL cards, streamlining the Public Distribution System and curbing black marketing of kerosene oil. |
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Little Master retain Banke Lal trophy
Dehradun, December 15 Sourav Dhaka of Little Master Club was declared Man of the Series, Sammadh from Little Master got the Man of the Match award, Mukesh of Diamond Club was adjusted the best fielder and Shiva of Little Master Cricket Club was declared the Best Batsman, as he scored highest 146 runs. Sammadh was the star performer for the Little Master Cricket Club in today’s match. He made a quick fiery 59 runs and displayed wide range of strokes in his inning that consisted of nine fours and one six. Little Master Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bat first. They were able to put up a modest total of 107 runs in their allotted 20 overs. It was a shaky start for the team as they lost quick 2 wickets with just 2 runs on board. But thereafter, Sammadh and Amit, stabilised the inning for Little Master Cricket Club. They added 56 runs for the third wicket partnership. Sunny also chipped in with useful 15 runs. It was not a day of Amritsar team as their batsmen fell like a pack of cards before some fine bowling display of Little Master Cricket Club. The team had a disastrous start as they lost their 5 wickets at the score of 13 runs. They never recovered from the earlier setbacks. None of their batsmen could manage to reach double figures. The highest score for their team was from lower-order batsmen Amrit pal who made 9 runs. For Little Master Cricket Club, Sourav Dhaka picked up 5 wickets and Sunny took two. |
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Hockey: Gurukul, Kurukshetra enter final
Dehradun, December 15 The first match of the final phase of the league was a one sided, though, both teams earned penalty corners, Kurukhshetra three while Amritsar four, but none of them could convert into goals. For winners, Jagbir striked twice while Lavinder scored the other and helped Kurukshtra to enter the finals. In the second match, which was full with spectators host Gurukul fought with enthusiasm and ousted the Panjab University, Chandigarh by 4-3. The match was a close one with Chandigarh players attacking the Gurukul defence from both the wings but Gurukul realised this and diverted the pressure with fierce counter attacks which left the opponents change their strategy. While Chandigarh earned eight penalty corners, Gurukul had only three but capitalised on them and emerged winners in the end. For Gurukul, Sanjay Pandey, Devendra, Abhishek, Rajendra netted goals while for Chandigarh, Ravindra and Madvendra and Amit Bhargava scored. The final will be played tomorrow at the Dayanand stadium. |
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Dehradun win TT championship
Dehradun, December 15 In Boy’s final, Dehradun beat Udham Singh Nagar 3-1: Akshya (Dehradun) beat Deepak (Udham Sigh Nagar) (11-6,11-2,11-3), Mohit (Udham Sigh Nagar) outclassed Aakash (Dehradun) (3-11, 11-5,11-9,11-9), Suja Rana (Dehradun) outshine Prem (Udham Singh Nagar) (11-5,11-8, 11-13, 11-5) and Akshay Uniyal (Dehradun) defeated Mohit (Udham Singh Nagar) (11-9,11-6,9-11,10-12,11-5). In Women final, Dehradun beat Udham Singh Nagar 3-1: Rachita Sharma (Dehradun) outclassed Monika (Udham Sigh Nagar) (11-2, 11-4,11-5). Bhavana (Dehardun) defeated Babita Singh (Udham Sigh Nagar) (11-3,11-9,11-3). Vineeta Dehradun) outshined Minakshi (Udham Sigh
Nagar) |
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Cricket: CAU pip Garhwal Rifle
Dehradun, December 15 Garhwal Rifle won the toss and decided to field. Their bowlers put up a good show and restricted CAU’s batsmen to a score of 154 runs. Shivam was the top scorer with 26 runs. Karanveer, who scored 25, supported him well at the other end. Chasing a modest target of 154 runs, Garhwal Rifle kept losing wickets at regular intervals and finally fell short of the target by one run. For CAU, Ravi picked up three wickets while Karanveer and Shivam took two wickets each. |
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Scholars highlight Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings
Dehradun, December 15 Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, was the chief guest for the occasion and Professor of Sikhism and Editor-in-Chief, Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Jodh Singh was the keynote speaker at the lecture. Besides Sikh scholars and others, the Honorary Director of the Balbir Singh Sahit Sadan, Mahinder Kaur, also attended the lecture. In his lecture, Dr. Jodh Singh spoke on “Shabad Guru Da Sankalp” and highlighted the importance of “Shabad Guru” in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He also said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib propagates the message of the universal brotherhood, leaves no space for caste based indiscrimination and rich-poor divide. In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Jaspal Singh said, “The society is facing challenges of communalism, terrorism and materialism. Guru Granth Sahib however, exhorts everyone to rise above such things.” On the occasion, the VC also inaugurated the newly constructed library hall at the Sahit Kendra. Others present at the lecture include Dr. Sharan Kaur, Aman Singh, Harjit Singh, Gurtej Singh and Arshbeer Singh. |
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CNI College celebrates 149th Founder’s Day
Dehradun, December 15 At a function held to mark the occasion, Uttarakhand Congress media-incharge, Suryakant Dhasmana recalled the contribution of CNI Girls Inter College Dehradun in the educational development of Uttarakhand and Dehradun in particular. “It is hard to imagine that what would have been the educational scenario of Dehradun nearly 150 years back when this institution started its services in the region. Certainly, the contribution of CNI to Dehradun’s education has been unparallelled and would be remembered for a long,” Suryakant Dhasmana said. He also appealed the Doonites to work for the betterment of CNI, which as an institution has served each and every section of society keeping apart any religious considerations. He also held that the ex-students of CNI today are excelling in every spare of life. |
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