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RTI creates trouble for Sports Department
Capacity building programme at UPES
CM felicitated for appointing Bindra as Chairman of minorities panel
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Mussoorie gears up for second annual big gig
Book of proceedings on ‘First Indian Forestry Congress' released
Research papers presented at ethno-pharmacology seminar
dehradun Diary
State board exams begin today
Priest among 8 nabbed for ancient idol theft
3 leopards found dead in Kumaon
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RTI creates trouble for Sports Department
Dehradun, March 3 Right from the day the probe began in 2004, there were efforts to provide protection to the guilty sports officials. The inquiry into the misuse of Rs.15 lakh provided by the Uttarakhand government to the Uttarakhand Olympic Association for conducting the state games is going on since the past eight years. The probe looks into the charges of Uttarakhand Olympic Association president Rajeev Mehta transferring Rs 11 lakh of a total Rs 15 lakh provided by the state government in his and his wife Deepa Mehta’s personal accounts. When Deepak Azad, Editor of Watchdog magazine, approached the Uttarakhand Sports Department through an RTI application, he got a surprising reply that the probe is still under way. The RTI reply says: “The department had asked the State Treasury & Finance Committee for its special report on the details of expenses made by the state Olympic association in the state games. We have not received the report so far.” After receiving the information, Deepak went ahead and filed a connecting RTI in the Uttarakhand Treasury from where his application was forwarded to its audit wing. The seven-page report of audit provides a shocker for Rajeev Mehta, president of the Uttarakhand Olympic Association, and points at gross financial irregularities made in the state games. The audit report gives a clear indication that the Uttarakhand Olympic Association had furnished bogus bills on letterpads. The details were given without the signature of the concerned association or district sports officer. The balance sheet was also without signatures. The audit raises serious doubts about transparency adopted in making the payments during the state games. The issue was prominently raised by then BJP legislator Prakash Pant during the ND Tewari government. But the inquiry continued to moved at a snail’s pace. The audit assessment has raised serious doubts about the Uttarakhand Olympic Association taking cash loan from Deepa Mehta and also from Rajeev and distributing the money without depositing it in the UOA bank account. The State Olympic Association has not provided any document in support of the loan taken. The audit has also expressed surprise over the association taking cash for a record of 10 times from Deepa Mehta and 17 times from Rajeev Mehta on a single day on February 14, 2004. For issuing a cheque, the joint signatures of secretary, president and treasurer was mandatory. But for transferring Rs 11 lakh only the signature of president and treasurer were used in 2004. The audit report has also highlighted objections of the details about the players who took part in the state games, by pointing that the list bore signatures of none of the sports association's office-bearers and also did not have the signatures of the District Sports Officer. Letterpads were used to show bills for hotel, food, tent and sound system used during the games. The computerised balance sheet had no signatures and stamp of the association, and even on the stray bills produced, no sale tax number was printed. The constitution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) guideline clearly states there is no provision for any of its office-bearer transferring money from the Indian Olympic Association account to his/her personal bank account. |
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Capacity building programme at UPES
Dehradun, March 3 A total of 30 government and non-government officials from 18 different countries, representing regions of Latin America, Africa and Asia. Officials from Afghanistan, Nepal, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malawi, Myanmar, Nepal, Rwanda, Serbia, Tanzania and Vietnam were also present. The programme showcased the competence of India as a provider of technical knowhow and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies among various developing countries and also provided a platform to discuss various challenges faced by these countries. The 20-day training programme on ‘Renewable energy and energy efficiency' is being organised by The Energy Research Institute (TERI). During the programme, participants will be introduced to renewable energy efforts in the state and will also be informed about the existing potential of renewable energy in
the state. Utpal Ghosh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UPES, presented energy scenario in India and role of the UPES in the energy sector. The core of the event started with the presentation by Anurag Bajaj, Director, Green Tree Buildings Private Limited, and Yogesh Chandra Gupta, AVP, Energy Audit, Advance Metering Technology Ltd. Bajaj discussed various policies and practises that could be adopted in sustainable building while Gupta, discussed various practices in operations of energy management system. Later in the day, the delegates were taken to the IPCA Laboratories at Selaqui Industrial Area to understand various energy conservation measures adopted by them. This includes replacement of inefficient motors with energy efficient ones and electrically operated condensate recovery pump. This led to the energy conservation awareness among the workforce and improvement of power factor leading to financial benefits. On the second day, the delegates visited the Galogi Power Station, a 3MW small hydropower station of the UJVNL. Galogi Power Station, commissioned in 1907, is one of the oldest hydropower station of the country. It continues to feed power to the Mussoorie region and is connected to northern grid through the Anarwala sub-station of the Doon Valley. |
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CM felicitated for appointing Bindra as Chairman of minorities panel
Dehradun, March 3 In his address made on the occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna disclosed that Urdu Academy and Punjabi Academy will be set up shortly in the state. He also assured speedy appointment of the members of the State Minorities Commission. Bahuguna appealed to the minority community members to actively participate in the works of development in the state. He also announced beautification of religious places of minorities in the state. Reiterating his government's commitment to work for welfare of minorities, Vijay Bahuguna categorically held that there will be no dearth of funds when it comes to implementation of schemes meant for betterment of minorities. Uttarakhand Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal asserted that the state Congress government was committed to uphold the values of secularism. State Minorities Commission Chairman Narendra Singh Bindra referred to programmes undertaken by the state for welfare of minorities. Rajpur MLA Rajkumar and Raipur MLA Umesh Sharma were prominent among those present on the occasion. |
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Mussoorie gears up for second annual big gig
Mussoorie, March 3 The event, which is in its sophomore year, is co-sponsored by Rokeby Manor Hotel situated in the highlands, which are located at one of the highest points in the town thus making it a perfect setting for blending the environment and music. Similar to last year, there will be diverse acts representing different styles of music, including The Accidentals, American folk duo Abe and Bethany Okie, a blues outfit the Bootleg Browns, and an acappella group from Woodstock School. There are also plans of getting more musical acts involved to give the audience member a global music feel. The event was a big success last year and highlighted the musical talents of many performers from all over the world. This year, in addition to giving the attendants and artistes a great time, The Big Gig wanted to give back to the local community most of the proceeds towards providing meals for the children of the Garwhal English Medium School for one year. The school is committed to providing quality education to about 250 village children up to Grade 6. A limited number of passes are available at the moment for the show and can be obtained from the hotel itself on prior booking. The coordinators of the show said the people would attend the event and contribute towards the noble cause
generously. |
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Paricharak Karmchari Sangh expanded
Haridwar, March 3 He lamented that despite this, the revenue employees' problems had not been addressed which had created resentment among the employees. He urged Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and Revneue Minister Yashpal Arya to look into this aspect on a priority basis. The newly elected working executive body of the RSPKS includes district chief Satpal Singh, district general secretary Raj Kumar Singh, vice-chief Rakesh Kumar, joint secretary Nirdosh Kumar, working office-bearers Shakti Singh and Bhajan Singh Chauhan. "The faith reposed by members in all elected representatives will be repaid by doing work for the causes of the union. Our working will be unbiased and every action will be taken by taking every one in confidence" said newly elected district chief Satpal Singh. Election observers were Vinod Kumar and Dinesh Lakheda while Jagdeesh Prasad Uniyal, Padam Dutt Uniyal, Shakti Singh Chauhan, Rakesh Chandra, Ilam Chandra and Chand Singh addressed the union employees. |
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Book of proceedings on ‘First Indian Forestry Congress' released
Dehradun, March 3 Releasing the summary, Bahuguna said the volume reflects the proceedings of First Indian Forestry Congress held in Delhi some time back. He hoped that the proceedings will add value to the information that exists in forestry science and provide a road map for further research. "The information concerning issues relating to forest management in our country in the midst of the ever increasing pressure on the forests and climate change threat have been addressed in the IFC and has been widely appreciated," he said. He disclosed that the Congress covered the various aspects of forestry sector, namely forests in society, forestry in expending economy, expanding frontiers of forestry science, forest biodiversity and landscapes and forests and climate change. He said the book also reflects the views of dignitaries and subject specialists on these aspects. Later, interacting with the media, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Director General VK Bahuguna stressed on efforts to prevent forest fires in the country. He said forest fires effect adversely the soil, soil microbes and ground flora of the forest. "To prevent of forest fires, people residing near forests should be educated and motivated to take steps for prevention of forest fires. Forest Department should also cooperate with local people to make strategies for fire prevention. This may be made possible through joint forest management," he pointed out. He also stressed on providing technical knowledge to the local people. |
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Research papers presented at ethno-pharmacology seminar
Pithoragarh, March 3 But after the advent of foreign rulers and coming of their own medical systems, the Indian medical system started taking back seat, which could not be revived even after the Independence,” stated Prof JP Bhatt, head of the zoology department at HNB Garhwal University, delivering a valedictory speech on the conclusion of the three-day seminar on ethno-pharmacology here today. Dr Bhatt said the use of herbal medicines in India was as old as the country itself, which had occupied a significant position among the medical systems of the world prevalent at that time. “Today we are using these herbs as medicines because our sages not only hid these herbs from foreign destroyers but also themselves to protect these valuable treasures of the country.” said Dr Bhatt. The three-day seminar, which was organised by the botany department of a local PG college in the sequence of the programmes being organised in celebration of the golden jubilee year of the college establishment, was attended by botanists and ethno pharmacology experts from across the country. “The research papers on various topics of the subject were presented by the scientists from various universities of research institutes from Delhi, Lucknow, Karnataka, Assam, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Pant Nagar University, DRDO laboratories at New Delhi and from Kumaon and Garhwal universities,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar, convener and organising secretary of the seminar.
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dehradun Diary
The confusion being created by the Harsh Rawat faction of the state Congress on the politically sensitive issue of Gairsain has put the state Congress government led by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna in a bind.
The repeated pronouncements by Harish Rawat faction, particularly by state Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, to make Gairsain in Chamoli district as permanent capital of the state, has put the Chief Minister in an awkward situation. Despite annoyance shown by the Chief Minister over such statements, Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal continued to demand that the state government take a decision on the issue. Interestingly, Chief Minister Bahuguna, who had taken the initiative to hold a Cabinet meeting at Gairsain in November last year and then decided to construct an Assembly building at Gairsain was aiming to get rich political dividends in the hills. But the Harish Rawat faction by asserting itself to demand Gairsain as permanent capital has tried to pull the rug from under the feet of Chief Minister. The group by creating a controversy on the issue has been trying to put Chief Minister Bahuguna who was feeling elated over his move in a political quandary. The Harish Rawat faction tried to exploit the issue politically by giving the entire credit of the issue to state Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, who has been put in the forefront. A thanksgiving yatra was also taken out by the Harish Rawat faction led by Govind Singh Kunjwal and Almora Cong MP Pradeep Tamta in Kumaon. These leaders demanded that Gairsain be made permanent capital of the state, embarrassing the Chief Minister. Bahuguna responded by warning the senior Congress leaders not to cross the party line on the issue. The Congress basically wanted to placate the people living in plains as well as the hills by laying the foundation stones of two Assembly buildings at Gairsain and at Dehradun before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Harish Rawat faction wanted Chief Minister to commit himself on Gairsain. On the other hand, ruling Congress would not like to commit anything on the issue before the crucial Lok Sabha polls. In a fresh salvo, state Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal has stated that the state government should decide the issue before the Lok Sabha 2014 polls. He said that Gairsain should either be made summer capital or permanent capital of the state. Chief Minister Bahuguna has even complained to the party high command on the utterances of the senior party leaders on the issue. It seems that the Chief minister would be haunted by his rivals on this emotional issue. |
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Admirers recall contribution by writer Vidyasagar Nautiyal
Dehradun, March 3 At a function held yesterday at the Town Hall, Amarjeet Kaur, national general secretary of CPI, said:“If Nautiyal’s writings resonated with the trials and tribulations of the hill people, he ensured all these issues got further amplified on the streets and the Parliament.” Kaur recalled her association with Nautiyal whom she met in the 70s and continued to meet him whenever she visited Tehri. “He had a rare quality of spotting talent among the young and then encouraging them to the hilt. Nautiyal could have lived a comfortable life of a writer but whatever Nautiyal imagined it found expression in the causes he took up,” she added. Sanjay Kothiyal of Janvani also recalled the long association his family had with Vidya Sagar Nautiyal, “Instead of migrating to the plain areas, Nautiyal was among the few people who preferred to stay back and actively participated in the Praja Andolan,” said Kothiyal. On the occasion research scholar Rashmi Rawat dwelled at length on the writings of Nautiyal and the how he was able to bring out the inner and outer struggle of his female characters on whose shoulders responsibility of running the house and tending the fields fell, as the men were mostly employed in the plains. Vidyasagar has penned several novels, plays, three short stories and even edited a news paper. He passed away in February last year. |
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Students enthral audience in English poetry competition
Dehradun, March 3 The afternoon saw poets from different periods came alive on the Ecole stage. T.S. Eliot rubbed shoulders effortlessly and enthusiastically with Alfred Tennyson and Roald Dahl , much to the delight and amusement of the poetry lovers. Varnika Jaiswal of Team Ignis stood first in the seniors' category and Sakshi Lakhotia of Team Aer came second. Anusha Rathi of Team Aqua emerged the winner in the juniors' category while Heena Siddiqui of Team Terra came a close second. Brinda Ghosh , Principal, congratulated the participants and gave away the certificates to the
winners. |
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455 students take part in varsity quiz competition
Haridwar, March 3 The event is being organised by the history department of Gurukul Kangri University. Students were divided into groups and were given a questionnaire which
they had to finish in 50-minutes. After the written test, top five teams were selected, which have now been short listed for the mega quiz. Quiz coordinator Devendra Gupta said participation of girl students was overwhelming. He said the names of selected groups would be declared tomorrow. The mega quiz is being organised on the lines of popular television show ‘Kaun Banega
Crorepati’. |
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Governor: True religion helps the helpless
Dehradun, March 3 Speaking on the occasion, he said: "Religion has given us our heritage and culture, it has also caused a lot of bloodshed in the world. The Governor said true religion is helping the helpless and removing poverty and exploitation. All speakers at the sammelan stressed that all religions teach us to love others and protect humanity." Brahmakumari Premlata and several other religious leaders and social workers were present at the
sammelan. |
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State board exams begin today
Pithoragarh, March 3 "We have 18,939 students appearing for high school and intermediate examinations in the district for which 93 examination centres have been set up and divided in nine sectors. Out of these 93 examination centres, one centre at GIC Kanalichina has been declared as highly sensitive and 12 centres situated different parts of the district have been declared as sensitive," said Vinod Kumar Tamta, District Education Officer. |
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Priest among 8 nabbed for ancient idol theft
Pithoragarh, March 3 According to the police, the thieves had dismantled the archaeologically significant idol to hide it before getting the right contact to sell it, which the police has recovered. According to revenue police sources in Gangolihat, the main culprit is the temple priest who had hatched the conspiracy to steal the idol. “While the priest kept open the door of the temple to facilitate the thieves, the school teacher was involved in looking the clients for the idol,” said Anurag Arya, SDM of Gangolihat. The plan was busted when two accused were arrested on the route to Haldwani with the broken part of the statue three days back. Archeologists say that the real value of the idol cannot be determined at this moment as the metal idol in the Kumaon region have not been chemically treated. |
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3 leopards found dead in Kumaon
The Forest officers and volunteers of the People For Animals have found two dead bodies of animals at the Pavalgarh conservation reserve near Ramnagar in Nainital district. "Both carnivores might have died in fight with each other a week ago as both bodies have received wounds," said Narendra Sharma, a forest officer at Ramnagar. In another incident, forest employees have found the dead body of a leopard in Ligurani forest near Berinag town of Pithoragarh district last evening. "The leopard, which was of two years, died due to ailment four days ago," said Dr Manish Negi, veterinary surgeon, who performed the post-mortem on the body. |
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Pithoragarh, March 3