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Kaushik, Chuphal among poor spenders of fund
Reality shows spoiling kids’ mind: Mukesh
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Drive to sensitise students on global warming
After five months, 3 held for killing youth
Emphasis laid on moral education
3 revenue officials suspended
Creating heaven on earth
on Uttarakhand farm
Stone sliding in Himatar
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Kaushik, Chuphal among poor spenders of fund
Dehradun, February 19 Out of the total of Rs 27,606.64 crore available under the MLA LAD fund for 71 MLAs, a total of Rs 15,085 crore was spent, taking the spending to 55 per cent for 2011-2012. The Urban Development Minister and sitting MLA from Haridwar Madan Kaushik spent 8 per cent of the MLA LAD fund in 2011-2012 and presented 90 proposals to the DRDA. A Cabinet Minister and sitting MLA from Pithoragarh Prakash Pant spent 18 per cent of the MLA LAD fund. He presented a total of 452 proposals to the implementing agency for which Rs 115.61 crore was allocated. State BJP chief Bishan Singh Chuphal, who is the sitting MLA from Didihat and spent 10 per cent of his MLA LAD fund during 2011-2012, presented 419 proposals to the DRDA. Sitting MLA from the Dhanolti Assembly seat and Sports Minister Khazan Das spent 45 per cent of the fund. Kishore Upadhyay, sitting MLA from Tehri, spent 28 per cent of the MLA LAD fund. Sitting MLA from Pratap Nagar Vijay Singh Panwar spent 21 per cent of the funds. Om Gopal Rawat, sitting MLA from Narender Nagar, spent 32 per cent of the funds. The second time sitting MLA Kishore Upadhyaya has created a record of sorts by consistently failing to utilise his MLA LAD fund. Gagan Singh, sitting MLA (Independent) from Dharchula, managed to spend only 6 per cent of the funds. He presented 165 proposals for which Rs 26 crore were sanctioned. Mayukh Mahar, sitting MLA from Kanalichinna of the Congress, spent 26 per cent of the MLA LAD fund and presented 396 proposals to the DRDA for which Rs 133 crore was sanctioned. In the Udham Singh Nagar Assembly seat, all seven MLAS managed to spend around 60 per cent of their MLA LAD fund. In Chamoli district, the four MLAs spent an average of 28 per cent of funds. In the state, the 71 MLAs received Rs 250 crore for 2011-2012 for undertaking development activities in their constituencies. The hike was brought last year; earlier the MLAs received Rs 2 crore. |
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Reality shows spoiling kids’ mind: Mukesh
Haridwar, February 19 This was observed by television artiste Mukesh Khanna while speaking to The Tribune at a quiz show “Kaun Banega Gyan Samrat” in Delhi Public School here today. Mukesh Khanna is still remembered for his stellar performance as “Bhishm Pitamah” in the BR Chopra directed Mahabharat in the 90s. Having worked with thespian Dileep Kumar and Raj Kumar in Subash Ghai’s multi-starrer blockbuster “Saudagar”, Khanna was all praise for both legendary actors who he termed learning institutions in film acting. He pointed out that the young actors were quite impressive and dedicated but still the aura, which was associated with Dileep saheb, Raj Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, was still missing as they had become brand stars more than common movie goers’ star. When questioned on another Mahabharata-like successful serial, Mukesh Khanna, who himself had rejected Ekta Kapoor’s offer in new version of the serial, remarked that BR Chopra’s “Mahabharat” had actors in it while new version had models in it. As soon as the news of their favourite serial actor coming to town spread, teenaged children as well as old people, who still visualise Khanna as Bhishm Pitamah, thronged the venue at Delhi Public School where the veteran actor gave away
certificates and prizes to top participants. |
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Auditorium in memory of Nirmal Pandey demanded
Nainital, February 19 The local lad, who had made a mark for himself in the world of theatre and films, was remembered for his simplicity and his commitment to make it big in Bollywood and in stage performances across the world. People from all walks of life gathered at the Nainital Club and voiced a grudge against leaders for not building an auditorium for theatre artistes despite the fact that a large number of them had gone on to prove their mettle in the National School of Drama (NSD) and Bollywood. Theatre artistes led by veteran Zahoor Alam, who had worked with Nirmal in several productions, underlined that the construction of an auditorium would be the only befitting homage to Nirmal. Mithilesh Pandey, who is Nirmal’s elder brother and also theatre artiste himself, recounted the plight of the theatre artistes of Nainital. “We do not even have a place to rehearse. During the course of our last production ‘Tughlaq’, we were even cleaning filth that was entering the room along with the rainwater where we rehearsed. We are committed to going ahead despite all shortcomings,” he said while announcing that a theatre festival would be held in the memory of Nirmal in April. A veteran artiste and close associate of Nirmal, Anil Ghildiyal said, ”Earlier, there used to be no resources, but now when the resources are available, these are not being put to use. Mere lip sympathy for Nirmal is not enough. We must take this issue forward for having an auditorium in the town.” Nainital has had a rich tradition in theatre which has waned considerably over the last few years. Theatre activists have been trying to revive the tradition but facing road blocks in the form of lack of finances and the failure of the government to do anything on this front. The town, which has the distinction of having sent at least 12 students to the NSD, does not have a single auditorium. The theatre artistes and activists have approached the state government time and again over the issue but all that they have been getting are empty assurances. Nirmal was known as the face of Kumaon in Bollywood. He is the best remembered for his portrayal of Phoolan Devi’s lover Vikram Mallah in Shekhar Kapoor directed “Bandit Queen”. His other popular performances were in the film “Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin”, “Train to Pakistan”, “Godmother” and “One two ka four”. He had won accolades, critics’ appreciation and a series of awards, including a French award for playing a female lead role in Amol Palekar directed “Daayra”. He had done the region proud by getting selected in the NSD in the first attempt in 1986 and then going on to come up with some wonderful theatrical performances, including some in English for Tara Arts in London. He had also played some roles in productions based on plays by Shakespeare. It was during one of these performances that he was spotted by Shekhar Kapoor who went on to offer the role of Vikram Mallah to him. Fondly known as Nanu, he had done a lot to revive theatre in Nainital and Almora districts of the Kumaon region. |
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Drive to sensitise students on global warming
Haridwar, February 19 Organised at Bhalla Intermediate College by Euro Kids playschool, the event was titled ‘Environmental Health is Wealth’ with not only students but also their parents too called on to make sure the drive gets the maximum impact. Addressing participants, school principal Neha Narang cited global warming, pollution in rivers and air, increase in green houses, lessening of forest cover as matters of serious concern which need to be addressed not only at the government level but also individually. “Everyone makes sure that the minimum impact should occur to the environment. It’s very much possible as if each one of us contributes in lessening environmental degradation then in coming years not only global warming, but increase in natural disasters can also be minimised” said Narang. Similar thoughts were echoed by school director Moham Goswami who cited small but effective efforts to be followed by children like prohibition on the use of polythene material, planting saplings on occasion of birthdays or marriages, putting garbage on dustbin only and making sure the unnecessary use of electricity items such as air conditioner, refrigerators, coolers as well as the use of CFL is made in the homes. Several events were also organised on the occasion for students and their parents in which Jaya, Mannat, Vishesh, Krishna, Aviral were adjudged winners. Snigdha Bisht, a parent, said till date she didn’t realise the harmful impact of using polythene bags and also greenhouse gases coming out of electronic appliances but now she would make sure not only her children but all family members keep this aspect in mind. |
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After five months, 3 held for killing youth
Nainital, February 19 A country-made pistol that was used in the crime had also been seized from their possession. Imran was involved in quarrying activities and used to deal in raw material used for construction. According to information, Naeem had allegedly hired killers to murder Imran and given them Rs 1.6 lakh for this. Naeem and his accomplice, Fayyaz, were also allegedly involved in the killing of Imran’s father Middu Khan in 1998. Investigations have revealed that Imran had allegedly threatened to take revenge for his father’s murder. Incidentally, Fayyaz was murdered in July last year and this had scared Naeem all the more. He asked Imran’s friend Afzal to kill him but the latter demanded Rs 5 lakh for doing the job. One Guddu allegedly got involved as an intermediary and the rate that was agreed upon was Rs 1.6 lakh. On September 24, Afzal allegedly called Imran from his house in the Vanbhoolpura area and opened fire at him near a railway track. Later, he threw his body on the railway track to present the murder as an accident or an attempted suicide. Despite Ranikhet Express having crossed over his body, there was no damage to it as it lay right between the two tracks. His body was first found the next day. |
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Emphasis laid on moral education
Haridwar, February 19 Wishing students a good future, a yajna was also performed where students of Class X and XII, who are set to appear in the respective board examinations, took part. School principal PC Purohit said the moral education was imperative as knowledge without tradition, culture and morality is half-baked one only. Purohit added that students were ready to sit in board examinations which held an important phase in students’ life the school management thought it better to make them relax and better prepared by holding “Aashirwad” ceremony where they were given training to use
yoga asanas to lessen tension as well as make them stronger. School teacher Archana recited verses of morale boosting poems. Students were also given tips on how to prepare better for the examinations which are round the corner. Meanwhile, under the National Service Scheme at Rishi Sanskrit Mahavidyalay, an awareness drive on blood donation was organised by students at the concluding day of the camp. Suresh Chand Tyagi was the chief guest at the function with Sunita Gulati, Swami Parmanand,Gagandeep also being accorded the guest of honours. Students went round Jagjeetpur village generating awareness among
villagers about the need to donate blood as well as about AIDS, polio vaccination, environment and cleanliness. While at Jai Bharat Sadhu Mahavidyalaya, with the help of the Red Ribbon Club, a blood donation awareness drive was organised on the final day of the NSS camp wherein Dr Navneet Singh of Gurukul Kangri University urged people to make it a habit to donate blood on a regular basis. |
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3 revenue officials suspended
Nainital, February 19 Those suspended by District Magistrate PS Jangpangi included Naib Tehsildar Bhuvan Chandra Pandey, kanungo Sharafat Hussain and patwari Anil Kumar. Meanwhile, action has been recommended against the then SDM BS Chalal to the state administration. The pattas had been fraudulently leased out on 36.107 hectares of land in Khetalsanda Kham. The beneficiaries included 20 persons from the SC and three from ST while the remaining were from the other sections of the population. A probe had been ordered into the matter after the issue was reported in the media.
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State technical varsity beat Media XI
Dehradun, February 19 In the first match, Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU) beat Media XI by 4 wickets. Batting first, Media XI scored a total of 87 runs losing all its wickets in the process. Himanshu of the UTU took 3 wickets. UTU batsmen achieved the target by winning the match by 4 wickets. Kamlesh scored the highest runs (21). In the second match, the Institute of Management and Technology (ITM) beat SIDCUL by 6 wickets. Batting first, SIDCUL scored 62 runs losing all its wickets in the process. Manish, with 13 runs, was the highest scorer for SIDCUL. Shahjad of the ITM took 5 wickets. The ITM reached the target score losing 4 wickets. Abhishek scored 20 runs for team. |
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Sachin is RIMC chess winner
Dehradun, February 19 A total of 128 cadets participated in this competition which was divided into three categories- Juniors, Middles and Seniors. The result of the competition are as follows- Juniors Winners: Cadet Sachin Kumar Runners-up: Cadet Arunabha Chakarborty Middles Winners: Cadet Vivek Boora Runners-up: Cadet Chitiz Panwar Seniors Winners: Cadet Akhil Negi Runners-up: Cadet Sonu Kumar The upcoming player: Cadet Shivam Negi Overall Best player: Cadet Vivek Boora Col Pankaj K Kumaria, Commandant, RIMC, was delighted to see the participation of the cadets for the competition. |
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Creating heaven on earth on Uttarakhand farm
Dehradun, February 19 The farm is an attempt to demonstrate that an elementary way of leading one's life could also give the happiness people search for in the materialistic world around them. Hari Pant and Richa, a father-daughter duo, call it the Himalayan Farm Project (HFP) in absence of a more appropriate name. Promoting organic farming, the HFP is a community farm in Raila village, some 200 km from this Uttarakhand capital, disconnected from cities and spread across five acres of land, isolated and situated at about 4,500 feet above the sea level and has absolutely no electricity. Still it is "heaven on earth' for Pant, a 70-year-old retired Brigadier, and those who visit it as volunteers from as far as Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland and the US. The idea is to live a simple life, where you recycle and harness natural sustainable resources to build a world, grow your own food, and thereby reduce the carbon footprint. Pant got the idea after returning from a six-month fellowship for studying agro-ecology and sustainable food systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz. So, he started looking for a farm near his family home in Bhimtal. In June 2011, the father-daughter duo acquired the farm with some financial help from friends who supported them. The farm had been abandoned by its earlier owner. "It took us a couple of months to restore what all was left there, like turmeric, ginger, potatoes, onions, garlic and mango and lychee trees," Richa told IANS. "People practised sustenance farming in mountains. They have small lands. So they grew a range of crops, i.e., from vegetables to pulses for family consumption. But, because people slowly began to find mixed farming insufficient to make ends meet, they shifted to mono agriculture." explained Pant, who has been attached with the local community through his association with some NGOs in the region. His experience had also formed the basis of why he decided to take up this project. "Mono-farming ruined our food cycles. Farmers began to use pesticides and chemicals to increase the crop yield to sell more and compromised their healthy food for money." Another reason he gave for the HFP is the increasing disconnect with nature among city dwellers. "They do not even know the source of their food. I want people to experience the joy growing one's own food could give," he says. It is this reason which makes this project globally appealing. Elliot Mercier, a student from France, who learned about this project last August, explained: "In the West where I grew up, people tend to forget their essence and what life is all about. They search for happiness in buying a new car, a new house, a new dog - only to get rid of them a year later. It is sad to see that people don't know what to do any more to be happy". So far, the volunteers (26 foreign and four Indian) who have visited the farm have successfully built up a walled compost toilet (which earlier had no wall) and a new and more spacious kitchen, apart from repairing and maintaining the existing shelter and farming area. All this despite being inexperienced in farming or building any structures. "I know organic farming is not a profitable proposition and it is difficult for people to leave their existing lifestyles. All we are trying to tell people is that there can be an alternative, yet healthy and happy life" Pant said.
— IANS |
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Stone sliding in Himatar
Pithoragarh, February 19 “Big boulders, which are in abundance at highways all over the district, can pose a threat to passengers,” said the District Magistrate after a review meeting of the district-level officials. He has also ordered that the widening work on the Pithoragarh- Tawaghat highway being conducted by the BRO should be taken under established security parameters and blasting on these roads be carried out according to proper planning keeping the safety of passengers crossing these roads in mind. “The District Magistrate has also constituted a panel to enquire into this indiscriminate blasting on the road and ordered the panel to report in 15 days,” said a district administration source. The District Magistrate also ordered to lodge an FIR against a contractor who, despite taking away the payment for the repairing work on Panar to Gangolihat road, did not complete the work in time. He also said if the department concerned did not act properly, the officials would also be sued for negligence,” said the source after the meeting. According to the proposal kept at the meeting, the starved villages of Gangoligat subdivision will be provided drinking water by March 15 as the work on installing pumps on some of these projects is in progress and likely be completed by March 15. The village of Sirkholi in Gangolihat subdivision was being electrified, said the DM. |
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Despite the hike in the Local Areas Development (LAD) fund, the MLAs in the state continue to be poor spenders of the fund and Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant, Congress leader Kishore Upadhayay, BJP chief Bishan Singh Chuphal and Gagan Singh Rawat (Independent) topped the list of poor spenders in 2011-2012.
Dance and singing competition-based reality shows are spoiling the mind of children as these are taking away children from morality and rich culture of the country.
