Red tape hampers expansion of Doon Medical College
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
The Department of Medical Education still has to contend with the big brotherly attitude of the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare in financial matters. This has slowed down the work on Doon Medical College.

The issue pertains to the release of Rs 40 crore allocated to the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare by the BJP government in the state for the construction and expansion of Doon Medical College. The amount was deposited in the Public Ledger Account (PLA) on March, 2012.

Now, as the state government plans to start the academic session of the medical college from next year, the work has to be carried out for the first inspection by the Medical Council of India (MCI) slated for January, 2014.

The Department of Medical Education has to get ready two lecture halls, a library and improve the existing Doon Hospital by way of expansion of the existing departments in advance for the inspection. But it does not have funds to start the work.

Worse still, the utilization of additional Rs 40 crore allocated by the state government for the medical college hinges on the release of the earlier allocated Rs 40 crore from the PLA account.

“Though the state government has allocated additional Rs 40 crore for Doon Hospital, it can only be used after submitting the utilization certificate for earlier allocated Rs 40 crore, which is now lying in the PLA account of the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare,” said Ravi Nath Raman, Additional Secretary, Medical Education.

Officials in the Department of Finance said the funds for Doon Medical College were allocated to the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare, as the Department of Medical Education had not taken shape by then.

“The funds should have been transferred to the Department of Medical Education soon after it came into existence. But the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare overlooked the matter,” said a senior official.

Food Security Scheme: First list of deserving persons set to be released
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam has instructed the nodal officers for Food Security Scheme to identify and release the first list of deserving persons by Friday. He said separate data would be prepared for those who fall under the BPL category so that they could avail the benefits of Antodaya schemes.

“The videography of the exterior of the houses of those persons who have been identified for the Food Security Scheme should be conducted on October 28. Persons, whose names have not been included in the list, could contact booth level officer and get their names registered in the voters list by filling form number 6,” he said.

Purushottam has directed officials of Dehradun Municipal Corporation to provide him the list of those living in slum colonies so that they could also be identified for the Food Security Scheme.

Purushottam has directed Chief Development Officer Jyoti Neeraj Kherwal to begin the process of data feeding for the BPL and Antodaya beneficiaries from Gram Panchayat level first. He assured her that she would be provided with as many computers as required for the task.

He also directed Additional District Magistrate Harak Singh Rawat to contact District Social Welfare Officer and facilitate preparation of the list of elderly, widows and disabled beneficiaries for the scheme. He said those who were not provided with forms and hence were left out should be included in the list of beneficiaries.

Irrigation Dept, UJVNL fight over flood safety works
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
The tussle between the Irrigation Department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) has intensified once again after the state government decided to hand over the flood safety works in Uttarkashi to the latter.

Last year, the flood safety works were allotted to the Irrigation Department, which it could not complete. Now, these works have been given to the UJVNL.

GD Patel, Managing Director, UJVNL, said Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna himself took the decision on the matter. He also emphasised that the Irrigation Department had also been given some additional works, besides in Uttarkashi and hence the employees should not complain about it.

The president of the Employees Association of Irrigation Department, Ramesh Ramola, said, “The state government is ignoring the fact that a makeshift bridge built by UJVNL engineers in Uttarkashi post-natural disaster had collapsed the very next day claiming two lives. It is unfortunate that while the Irrigation Department has all the expertise to undertake such works, the contract has been given to the UJVNL.”

Ramola flayed Vijay Pal Sajwan, MLA, Gangotri, for advocating for the UJVNL in the matter. Sajwan in his defence said, “The UJVNL was selected over the Irrigation Department for the quality of its designs. Besides, the Irrigation Department failed to accomplish the works related to flood safety allotted to it last year. Had it done its bit, Uttarkashi city would not have faced the disaster of this magnitude.”

On the issue of a faulty makeshift bridge built by the UJVNL, Patel said it was a makeshift and not a proper bridge. It could not sustain too much pressure and hence crumbled shortly after it was built.

However, to soothe the frayed nerves of the employees of the Irrigation Department, he said, “It is only in the most sensitive area of Uttarkashi that works relating to a safety wall and road connectivity have been given to the UJVNL. Since the barrage and the reservoir of the Maneri Bhalli-2 hydropower project too lie in the Joshiwada area of Uttarkashi and the adjoining populated areas like Indravati and Trilokpur are also in the vicinity, the works in these areas too have been entrusted to the UJVNL. The works in some areas in the hills like Pratap Nagar to Barahgadi Patti continue to be with the Irrigation Department.”

Share details of disaster relief funds, says UKD chief
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
President of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Panwar) Trivender Singh Panwar has demanded enforcement of the new Lokayukta Act in the state.

Panwar also demanded that the state government must share all details regarding the money received for disaster relief and its expenditure by issuing a White Paper. He said, “The state government must come clean on the matters regarding total funds received from the Central, state as well as independent agencies or volunteers and in which way these have been spent so far. There has been lack of transparency which signals that the money sent for relief and rehabilitation was being exchanged in wrong hands.”

Panwar told mediapersons today, “Earlier the BJP was restless to take credit of bringing Lokayukta Bill in the state. The Congress is now terming a few provisions of the Act as unconstitutional only to protect the corrupt. As per the bill formulated by the previous BJP government led by former Chief Minister BC Khanduri, Lokayukta will conduct an inquiry on a complaint forwarded by a committee of seven members. If one member registers his dissent then the inquiry will not be carried forward. Such provision, if it is implemented, will render the Lokayukta toothless”.

He said the government should also issue a government order with regard to demands of the employees who are on an indefinite strike.

M&M to donate Bolero jeeps for relief work
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited has come forward to provide support to Uttarakhand in the disaster relief work. As part of its corporate social responsibility, M&M proposes to provide Bolero jeeps with wireless sets to all districts of the state.

The company also proposes to provide a Scorpio jeep, a small van, a truck, an ambulance and solar lights and lamps. A proposal in this regard was submitted to Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar by CSR Head of the company Sheetal Mehta and vice-president Sushil Singh at the Secretariat here today.

The Chief Secretary welcomed the initiative of M&M and hoped that its contribution would facilitate the relief work in the state. He said after the relief and rescue operations, the state government would focus on permanent construction of the basic infrastructure in the affected areas for which the Central government, other states and non-government organisations had provided funds.

Sheetal Mehta said all employees of the Mahindra Group had earlier contributed one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Dehradun Fashion Week from Oct 25
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
Dehradun Fashion Week-2013 will be organised at the Pacific Mall from October 25 to 27. A number of designers from across the country will showcase their work of art during the event, organised by Sinmit Communications and Dream Works Entertainment, in association with Fashion Walk Management, Delhi. The event is being held for the second consecutive year.

The three-day event will display the work of designers coming from Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, Rajasthan and Dehradun.

BJP leaders arrested in Rudrapur for violation of Section 144
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
Tension prevailed in Rudrapur today after the police arrested BJP leaders and workers for violating Section 144 imposed in the city.

The situation turned serious in the city after BJP leaders and workers tried to hold a motor rally in protest against the registration of a case by the CB-CID against party legislator Rajkumar Thukral in a two years’ old riot case. A heated exchange ensued between the police and the BJP leaders. The police arrested the protesting BJP leaders, including Balraj Passi, and other workers. A heavy police force was deployed in the city to prevent any untoward incident. Angry party workers forced the market to close in protest against the incident.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, Ajay Bhatt, has condemned the police action. “The Congress government is terrorising the BJP leadership but we will not buckle under pressure and continue to fight against its misrule,” said Bhatt.

It may be mentioned that cases have been registered against seven persons, including Rajkumar Thukral, in connection with the Rudrapur riots.

Dharna by Ayurvedic pharmacists continues
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
The indefinite dharna being undertaken by Unemployed Diploma Ayurvedic Pharmacists Association at Parade Ground here entered the 38th day today. The agitators also started an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands.

The protesting unemployed pharmacists are demanding filling of over 150 vacant posts of Ayurvedic Pharmacists under the National Rural Health Scheme-aided projects in the state.

They are also urging the state government to ensure appointment of Ayurvedic Pharmacists in herbal companies starting operations in the state.

Guru Bhatt, Himanshu, Deepak Chauhan, Arun Ramola and Deepak Bhandari were prominent among those who took part in today’s dharna.

Anganwari workers continue protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
Anganwari workers, under the aegis of Anganwari Karyakarti, Sewika, Mini Karamchari Sangathan, continued their sit-in near the Hindi Bhavan in support of their demands today.

Rekhi Negi, president of the Sangthan, said when they had staged an indefinite hunger strike, an agreement was reached between the government and the union leaders and the members had withdrawn the hunger strike. "But, it seems the government has forgotten the agreement," Negi said.

The government had been exploiting the anganwari workers because they were perceived as weak and insignificant, she added. "Several programmes of the government are being conducted by the anganwaris but the government has never taken note of our contribution."

The demands of the workers include declaring the anganwari workers as government employees, revision of honorarium, applying the formula of equal pay for all the anganwaris working in mini anganwari centres, the post of supervisors be filled through promotion and holidays for anaganwaris during the winter and summer vacation.

Lokayukta Act weak, says anti-graft activist
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, Octobr 23
Former top bureaucrat and anti-corruption activist from Uttarakhand Surendra Singh Pangtey has termed the present Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act 2013 as weak and has sought necessary amendments.

Pangtey said it is clear that the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act promises only a weak Lokayukta which falls far short of the expectations of Gandhian and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare.

Pangtey said he had opposed the Lokayukta Bill when it was introduced by the then Khanduri government. He said there were a large number of anomalies in the Act that need to be rectified.

Another Anna anti-corruption movement leader from Uttarakhand PC Thapliyal also said the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act was misleading.

“The BJP then tried to call it a Jan Lokayukta Bill on the style of Jan Lokpal Bill demanded by Anna Hazare. Unfortunately, in their over enthusiasm to put pressure on the ruling party at the Centre, members of Team Anna blindly started appreciating the BJP government of Uttarakhand for having adopted what Anna had advocated for,” Thapliyal argued.

CII organises meet on agricultural linkages
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
Dr Ramesh Mittal, Deputy Director, National Institute for Agriculture Marketing (NIAM), has stressed on the need to empower progressive farmers by providing latest farm-based technology and training to inculcate in them entrepreneurial spirit.

He was addressing a gathering during an industry- farmer interface and a buyer- seller meet organised jointly by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM) at Rudrpur today. The meet was organised to provide a platform to connect farmer to industry.

Y K Jindal, Member CII and Director, Jindal Polymer Products Pvt Ltd, welcomed the participants and dignitaries to the inaugural session. He said that Uttarakhand with diverse agro-climatic zones has a great potential for cultivating wide variety of crops, fruits and floriculture.

He observed that farmers or primary producers face many challenges, key among those being market linkages. Jindal said the session was organised to address issues related to developing linkages with the buyers and help farmers.

Ashok Aggarwal, Member CII & Director, Param Exim Pvt Ltd, proposed a formal vote of thanks at the end of inaugural session.

A session on improving agriculture sector in the state was also organised. Dr T C Thakur, G B Pant University, shared innovations in farming techniques, while Paranjay Joshi, BPCL, elaborated on environment friendly bio pesticides. The session was moderated by J B Batra, member CII and MD, Uttaranchal Industries Pvt Ltd.

The buyer-seller meet showcased various requirements by the corporates involved in farm-related business. The session provided an opportunity to the progressive farmers to market their products in an organised manner to the industrial end users. ITC Agribusiness Division, Mother Dairy, Param Exim Pvt Ltd, and Agrich Foods shared detailed specifications of the agri produce required and their respective procurement processes.

More than 60 farmers and industry representatives were present during the programme. A theme paper highlighting the agro potential of Uttarakhand was also released.

Forest guard’s death exposes poor conditions in Corbett park
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
The death of forest guard Rakesh Kumar Sharma in a tiger attack at Jim Corbett National Park recently has once again exposed the vulnerability of these saviours of forests and their poor working conditions. Sharma, who was attacked by a tiger in the Kalagarh area of Jim Corbett National Park on October 18, died on Monday last.

Honorary warden of the Corbett park Brijendra Singh said the condition of the forest guards was pathetic. He added the forest guards were working in tough conditions and their commitment to duty was no less than the Army soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. The condition of daily wage forest guards was even worse.

Sharma, who was a daily wage worker, was carrying a stick while patrolling the Corbett forests when he was attacked by a tiger on October 18.

Brijendra argued that despite the fact that the forest guards were guarding the wildlife and were instrumental in environment protection their working conditions were far from satisfactory. “The dedication of these men goes beyond the call of their duty. Unlike others, the conditions under which these men work are pathetic and their emoluments at the same time are a pittance. They receive salaries after months,” said Brijendra.

The forest guards are on duty even during Dasehra, Diwali and New Year and it is particularly during these festivals that the wildlife is the most vulnerable to poaching. They have been agitating for more than a week in support of their demand for better salary and facilities. They are demanding one month’s extra salary every year taking into account the nature of their duties, which is 24 hours a day.

Publicise welfare schemes, Arya tells Cong workers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 23
The Uttarakhand Congress today held a meeting for the proposed November 10 Dehradun Abhaar Rally meant to highlight pro-public welfare schemes of the UPA government.

Presiding over the meeting, Uttarakhand Congress president Yashpal Arya asked the party’s state-level office-bearers to work to publicise the public welfare schemes like Food Security Bill, Land Acquisition Bill and others launched recently by the UPA government.

Arya said it should be the mission of party leaders in Uttarakhand to ensure that the Congress wins all the five Lok Sabha seats in the state. Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana, state Congress general secretary Vijay Saraswat, MLAs Vijay Saraswat and Umesh Sharma were present at the meeting.

Welham Girls School to celebrate Founders' Day

Dehradun, October 23
The 56th Founders’ Day of Welham Girls School will be celebrated on October 25 and 26. Union Minister Shashi Tharoor will be the chief guest on the occasion.

The first day will see the annual sports meet and the parent-teacher meeting. The parent-teacher meeting will include several talks for the parents, including a talk on ‘subject and career choices’ by Dr Amrita Dass, Director, Institute for Career Studies. — TNS