CM: Empathy with others helps protect human rights
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
It is important to empathise with others’ problems to have a better understanding of human rights. Our Constitution has granted our citizens several rights to live a dignified life. It is the duty of the government and the administration to implement these constitutional rights. The media, too, has an important role to play.

The Chief Minister said this while presiding over a workshop organised by the State Human Rights Commission here today.

He said the local administration and the police were the first rungs in the ladder that the people approached for help. These institutions would have to be more compassionate towards the needs of the people.

He added that information regarding human rights must be given in an easy manner to the police as well as administration officials. Prime importance should be given to protecting the rights of women, the elderly, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes as well as disabled persons.

Bahuguna added that the government was sensitive towards the issues of harassment of women were being judged in fast-track courts. The crime rate in the state was far less than that in other states. “The judiciary is like a light house when it came to protecting human rights,” he said.

In her keynote address, Supreme Court judge Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra said sensitivity was the essence of human rights. She added that the police ought not to avoid filing complaints. All aspects of the case ought to be objectively presented before the court. The police must only work as investigative agencies and whether the complaint was right or wrong ought to be left to the magistrate. For effective implementation of human rights, basic sensitivity and objectivity had to be maintained and the complainant had to be treated courteously.

She said it was not necessary that a registered complaint would be true. Obtaining a confession by any means was not the correct tendency. It was important to be impartial. It had to be ensured that the police and the administration work free of pressure and honest officers should be protected.

The Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission, Justice Vijendra Jain, said awareness of human rights was important. He added that the State Human Rights Commission was formed on May 13, 2013.

He said every individual hoped that the government would protect his or her life and dignity. The concept of human rights was linked to good governance. The violation of a citizen’s dignity was as bad as the violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Effective, transparent and sensitive governance was important for human rights, he added. DGP BS Sidhu also addressed the sessions.

Justice Rajesh Tandon (retd), a member of the State Human Rights Commission, welcomed the guests and IG Deepak Seth proposed a vote of thanks. Secretary Hemlata Dhaundiyal and other officers were present on the occasion.

Forest cover in hill dists on the decline: Study 
Over 3 lakh trees axed every year;12 lakh families depend on forests 
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 20
Biodiversity of eight hill districts of the state is in peril. Over 3 lakh trees are being cut every year in these districts as almost 12 lakh families depend on forests for fuel and fodder. A study by an NGO working for ecological conservation revealed it.

According to a recent study by the Syahi Devi Vikash Samiti, Almora, barren patches are being witnessed at every hill due to vanishing forests. Sixty lakh people of the eight districts need 3 to 7 lakh trees every year for fuel and other needs, said Girish Sharma, convener for the study.

According to the study, every family in these districts needs five to 10 kg of wood for cooking purposes every day, which amounts 150 to 300 kg of wood per month. If we add the daily fuel need of a family, the figure turns out to be 18 to 36 quintals of wood per family.

It reveals that despite the claims of planting over 20 crore saplings in the past 13 years, the forest area of the state, which was at 62.79 per cent at the time of the formation of the state, has come down to 45.80 per cent of the total area. “Until we give a strong alternative to the villagers , we will have to witness the harm being meted out to the biodiversity of the region,” said Prof DS Rawat, Himalayan Environment and Development Institute, Almora.

Reacting at the report, which was released last week, Forest Department officials said the department would soon implement a model, developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, in the hilly region and it would will help in reducing the dependence of people on forests. “We will have to switch over to other sources of fuel like cooking gas and solar energy to reduce villagers’ dependence on forests,” said Prem Kumar, DFO, Almora.

Depleting resources

Sixty lakh people of eight districts need 3 to 7 lakh trees every year for fuel and other needs. Every family in these districts needs five to 10 kg of wood for cooking purposes every day, which amounts 150 to 300 kg of wood per month. If we add the daily fuel need of a family, the figure turns out to be 18 to 36 quintals of wood per family.

Mussoorie gears up for Winterline Carnival
Leading musicians, singers, other artistes to perform 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 20
Leading musicians, singers and artistes from across India will converge in Mussoorie to perform in Winterline Carnival from December 27.

The event is being organised jointly by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttarakhand, and the Municipal Council, Mussoorie, with an objective to restore the confidence of the tourists and to boost the morale of the local business community, which has suffered economically due to the mid-June natural disaster in the state.

This was revealed during the press meet held at Brentwood jointly by the local administration and Mussoorie Hotels Association at a hotel today.The member of the Uttarakhand Tourism Board, Sandeep, outlining the details of the event, said that eminent singer Lucky Ali has consented to perform on December 27.

He further said that the aim of the carnival was to boost tourism and to create awareness about the unique natural phenomenon called Winterline, which is visible from Mussoorie in the month of winters.He further said: ''Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station and has the potential to develop as a unique winter destination as well. The uniqueness arises not just from the natural winterline phenomenon at Mussoorie, but also the bright sunshine that is typically the norm in Uttarakhand hilly regions throughout the winter months.”

The SDM, Mussoorie, Sonika, elaborating upon the itinerary for the event said that on December 27, the cultural extravaganza will begin with a formal inauguration as well as a cultural parade, followed by a play ''Ghalib'' performed by Tom Alter. The celebrated percussionist and a drummer, A Shivamani, sitarist Arvind Chary and the pianist Stephan Devassy, who has played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, will enthral the audience on the same day. On Saturday, December 28, the tourists will be able to enjoy a fashion show hosted by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.On Sunday, December 29, heritage walk, roller skating, treasure hunt, band competition, etc will be the highlight of the day.

One of the biggest events planned is a chance to have tea with Mussoorie based reclusive author Ruskin Bond.In the evening, Narender Singh Negi and Pritam Bharatwan, prominent folk singers of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, will showcase the culture of the region through their performance. This will be followed by a performance by Shibani Kashyap, Indian Bollywood singer. On December 30, a vintage car rally and a painting competition are also planned, which will be followed by a performance by Bobby Cash, the Indian cowboy and the country music singer. The finale to this exciting programme will be with a scintillating performance by Arijit Singh of ''Ashiqi 2'' fame. Finally, to herald in the New Year on 31st, there will be a display of fireworks at midnight at Gun Hill in Mussoorie.

Concurrent events during the carnival include an exhibition on the history and golden era of Mussoorie by Gopal Bhardwaj. In addition, there will be many prizes to be won by participants in the events planned, said SDM, Mussoorie.She also informed the media that the administration was also planning to introduce tickets for each event and the proceeds of which will go to the CM Disaster Relief Fund.

However, some hoteliers were not convinced with the idea and said that on the first year of the carnival the stress should be on attracting more tourists instead of charging for the event. Some also suggested that donor passes can be given out instead.

The Mussoorie Hotel Association president RN Mathur, secretary Ajay Bhargav, Regional Tourism Officer Yogendar Gangwar and others were present on the occasion. The Mussoorie Traders' Association also held a meeting in this regard and the president, Rajat Agarwal, solicited support from for the success of the carnival from each member.

When contacted BVRC Purushottam, District Magistrate, Dehradun, said: “We are trying to make the visit of tourists even more special by showcasing all that we have to offer in terms of beauty, culture and art.” The 4-day event will not just create awareness about the unique natural phenomenon of the Winterline but will also sensitise the tourists with the art and culture of the region.

The details of the carnival can be downloaded from the website www.mwlc.insaid DM Dehradun. 

Aiming Tourists

• The event is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Uttarakhand, and the Municipal Council, Mussoorie.
• The aim of the event is to restore the confidence of the tourists and to boost the morale of the local business community
• The carnival is aimed at boosting tourism and creating awareness about the unique natural phenomenon called Winterline, which is visible from Mussoorie in winter.

Stereotyping of Muslims by cinema unfortunate: VC
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Disturbed by the stereotyping of the Muslim community in the Indian cinema since its inception, Lt Gen (retd) Zameeruddin Shah, VC of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), said that the stereotyping of the Muslims by the Indian cinema and lately by the media has resulted in the widening of gap between the Muslim and the Hindus communities.

''The portrayal of the Muslims in a negative light has led to the demonisation of the Muslim community. Every community has black sheep, but certain things about the Muslim community as nurtured by the Indian cinema damages the perception and whatever views the members of the other communities may have about their Muslim brothers. The existence of Muslim ghettos is evidence of the widening gap between the two communities. The dehumanisation of the Muslim communities must stop,'' said Zameeruddin Shah while speaking with The Tribune.

Having been at the receiving end of the media that ''distorted my suggestion to the students of AMU to come appropriately dressed, in case they wanted to meet me,'' Shah says:''The television and the print media distorted my suggestion and even went to the extent saying that I had asked the women members to come in burqa when I had only said they should be modestly dressed,'' recalled the VC.

But his efforts, since taking over as the VC of the 93-year-old AMU, to instil discipline among students and staff has earned him kudos even from the die-hard critics who thought his Army background would come in the way of instilling academic discipline. ''I have an M.Phil degree in defence studies and even headed the Army Institute in Kolkatta,'' he says with a sudden glint in his eyes.

The university that witnessed long closures and feuds between different student groups is now well on the path of acquiring the tag of a ''green university.'' ''We have banned the use of motor cycles in the university and can you believe it, after I started using the bicycle, the students, too, decided to return to this old but environment friendly means of transportation,'' said Zameeruddin Shah. When asked if he was ever tempted to join the cinema like his famous brother Naseeruddin Shah, Zameeruddin Shah just brushes aside the discussion for another day.

The portrayal of the Muslims in a negative light has led to the demonisation of the Muslim community. Every community has black sheep, but certain things about the Muslim community as nurtured by the Indian cinema damages the perception and whatever views the members of the other communities may have about their 
Muslim brothers.
—Zameeruddin Shah, VC, Aligarh Muslim University 

Patricians college gets new building
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Bro Bosco, Provincial of Patrician Brothers, inaugurated a new majestic building of the Patricians College of Education during its fifth annual day celebrations last evening.

It was a proud moment for the college Director, Bro Sebastian, Principal Daljeet Kaur, the faculty and students.

Dehradun Distrate Magistrate BVRC Purushottam and many other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

The function began with a prayer dance that held the gathering spellbound. It wass followed by an entertainment programme. A Hindi skit, ‘Rehearsal’, was liked by all.

The programme concluded with traditional Christmas carol and a vote of thanks by the cultural secretary.

A man disguised as Santa Claus distributed goodies to students and guests. 

Car rally will also see bureaucrats’ participation
Four-day event begins today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
The Uttarakhand Adventure Car Rally being organised by the state Tourism Department in collaboration with Himalayan Motorsport from December 21 to 24 to promote tourism will also witness participation of top bureaucrats.

Dehradun DC-cum-District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam, along with his team mate Madhukar Naik, IAS, and Private Secretary to the Union Minister of Social Justice Balram Naik, will also be participating in the rally.

Purushottam said the rally route covered picturesque destinations in Uttarakhand, which included Shivpuri (famous for white water rafting, the ski resort at Auli and Garjiya situated on the periphery of the Jim Corbett National Park.

"The rally is part of efforts being taken to instil confidence in tourists, who are scared of visiting the state post the mid-June natural disaster. We want to convey to them that normalcy has returned to the state of Uttarkhand,” said Purushottam. DC, Customs and Central Excise, Raghvendra Pal Singh, Manish Aggarwal (IPS), Darpan Amrawanshi (IRS), Joint Commissioner, Income Tax, B. Sreenivas Kumar, Chief Pilot of the state government Capt Devendra Kumar Sachan and well-known industrialist Lokesh Lohia will also be participating in the rally.

Secretary (Tourism) UK Panwar said it was a matter of pride for the state that a section of the top bureaucrats had come forward to be part of the rally.

“The state Tourism Department is organising the rally to spread the word that roads in the state are good and our tourist hot spots are perfect holiday destinations," said Panwar.

Some of the champion teams of TSD (Time-Speed-Distance) rallying competing in the event include Satish Gopalkrishnan-Savera D’Souza of Bangalore, Jagmeet Gill of Chandigarh, Chandan Das of Kolkata, Ajgar Ali of Haldia, Mohammad Mustafa of Erode, Vishnu Singh of Jaipur and Adithya Anthony of Bangalore. Youths of the state have shown great enthusiasm in participating in the event. Himalayan Motorsport is a premier Shimla-based motorsport club which organises Raid De Himalaya. Vijay Parmar, president of Himalayan Motorsport, said, “We have fixed the total number of entries at 35 because of the limited daylight hours available."

Officials told to provide water supply to village
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 20
Bhatta village near Mussoorie, which had been reeling under acute drinking water crisis, got some respite as Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi, along with a team of the Jal Santhan, visited the village and directed the officials to make a temporary arrangement to provide water through pipelines from the nearby perennial source for the village.

The Jal Santhan officials, led by executive engineer GP Gairola, assured that the work on providing water supply to the village would begin soon and in the first phase a pipeline would be laid for the upper portion of the village. In the second phase, the lower area of the village would be able to receive the drinking water supply.

The MLA said it was merely a temporary arrangement and the town required a grand drinking water project. 

Nurses wear black badges in support of demands
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
After doctors, nurses in Uttarakhand, too, have started their stir in support of their demands. Nurses in Doon Hospital today tied black badges across their arms, which they will continue till December 22. Uttarakhand Nurses' Association president Archana Bhaumik disclosed that the nurses will further take leave en-masse on December 23 in support of their demands.

The demands of the nurses include the payment of arrears of the Sixth Pay Commission from January 2008 onwards, the appointment of nurses at Doon Hospital according to the norms prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council, conveyance allowance of Rs 500 per month, nurses serving in the government sector be designated as gazetted officers like chief pharmacists, and BSc (Nursing) degree holders be brought under the clinical stream to tide over the shortage of nurses.

BPEd trained teachers warn of intensifying agitation
Their strike enters 98th day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Members of the BPEd/MPEd Trained Unemployed Association continued their protest for the 98th consecutive day today.

Association president Sunder Dhauni said, “Deputy Secretary, Education Department, Garima Raikholi, had told me that two files related to our demands have reached the department."

However, despite their peaceful protest in support of their demands, the state government was yet to take any action.

He said if the government continued to ignore their concerns, they would intensify the agitation.

“According to right to education, every primary school must have one physical training teacher, but the state government has failed to do so," said Dhauni.

Among those present at the demonstration were Ramesh Padiyar, Harish Bhoj, Lokesh Nautiyal, Jagdish Pandey, Manohar Singh and Satendra Bisht. 

Information of ration card holders to go online soon
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 20
The information about all ration card holders under the public distribution system (PDS) will be available online in the coming months.

This step will ensure transparency in the distribution of ration and remove discrepancies like multiple ration cards in the name of a person and wrong or inadequate information to pave the way for better implementation of schemes like the Food Security Act. The selection of a firm for the purpose will be done by inviting tenders, which will be opened in all 13 district headquarters. All data related to ration card holders is expected to go online by next year.

Principal Secretary, Food and Supplies, Radha Raturi, stated this while speaking to The Tribune at the Damkoti guest house in Haridwar today.

Haridwar is the first district where the food security scheme is being successfully implemented and 1.76 lakh eligible families has been registered under it.

As many as 8.31 lakh unit cards (a card per person) have been prepared so far. Raturi termed it as a commendable effort and hoped that other 12 districts too would follow suit. She especially praised District Magistrate Nidhi Pandey for her efforts.

She said now the Kitchen Garden scheme had been initiated at all anganwadi centres spread across the state in which nutritious food, particularly locally grown, would be bought by the anganwadi centres and then cooked to be served to children aged 3 to 6 years and expectant mothers.

“Bank accounts of all anganwadi centres have been opened and Mata Shakti committees have been formed to procure ration from farmers. The aim of the Kitchen Garden scheme is not just to provide food but nutritious food,” she added.

“The kitchen garden concept will also provide employment and income opportunities to the local people, who will try to grow these nutritious crops, like in hills we have ‘jhangora, ‘kodha’ and fruits like malta,” said Raturi. “A pilot project has been launched at the Chandpur anganwadi centre at Pherupur in Haridwar where under the kitchen garden scheme locally grown vegetables and pulses will be procured and included in the nutritious food menu,” she added.

Kids celebrate Christmas
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Students of The Indian Academy School organised a Christmas party at their activity hall here today.

Creating a festive spirit, students sang carols and decorated a Christmas tree. Students were dressed as Santa Claus and white fairies. They also cut a plum cake and enjoyed chocolates, which were given to them by a little Santa Claus. As students will now come after winter vacations, they wished each other Merry Christmas.

8 move ahead in Miss India contest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Getting one step closer to the Femina Miss India 2014 contest, eight budding models from Dehradun made it to the next level of regional auditions in Delhi after outclassing other participants in the Dehradun region auditions that concluded at Hotel Solitaire here today.

The finalists from the regional auditions were chosen by a panel of judges, including Natasha Kapadia and Navreen Singh, after intense rounds of auditions and judging each contestant's confidence level, ability to communicate and overall personality traits.

After judging the auditions, even the judges acknowledged that the city had a great pool of talent to offer, making the selection process tougher. The shortlisted girls from over 100 aspirants presented a fine display of charm, poise and determination.

The event partner, Sinmit Communications, called the auditions a huge success with the ecstatic response from a vivacious city.

UKD prepares for LS, panchayat elections
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) has started preparations for the forthcoming panchayat and Lok Sabha elections due next year.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, UKD leader BD Raturi said they had formulated a plan for the panchayat and Lok Sabha elections.

“We have appointed Sunil Dhyani as coordinator for the Pauri parliamentary constituency and have asked him to constitute a district-level committee of workers. Similarly, we have also appointed the coordinators for various other districts. These coordinators are Pankaj Vyas (Tehri, Pratap Nagar), Lalit Bisht (Dhanaulti), Anand Silmana (Dehradun, Raipur), Jay Prakash Upadhyay (Mussoorie), Manish Kumar (Rajpur), Chandan Singh Negi (Dehradun Cantonment), Bahadur Singh Rawat (Dharampur), DK Pal ( Doiwala), Devendra Kandwal (Sahaspur), Shailesh Guleri (Vikas Nagar), Prem Singh Negi (Rishikesh), Sarita Purohit (Haridwar), Pradeep Dhiman (Mangalore), Rana Ranvir Singh (Lal Tappar), Mahek Singh Saini ( Piran Kaliyar), Sanjiv Valmiki (Bhagwan Pur), Virendra Dhiman (Laxar), Arvind Nautiyal (Pauri-Srinagar), Gangadhar Semwal (Kedarnath), Kishori Nandan Dhobal (Rudraprayag) and Rahul Chauhan (Chakrata)," Raturi said.

“We have also decided to bring together regional parties to form a united front against the BJP and the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections. Pressure will be mounted on the state government for making Gairsain the permanent capital of the state. The demand of giving pension to recognised state agitators will also be raised,” he added.

“It has also been decided to hold a rally on January 2 in protest against the failure of the state government to handle the situation arising out of the natural disaster and the relief and rehabilitation work thereafter. We will be submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister in this regard,” he said.

Those present at the meeting included Harish Pathak, Kishan Singh Mehta, Bahadur Singh Rawat, DD Sharma and Sunil Dhyani.

EC tells officials to gear up for panchayat poll
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
State Election Commissioner, Uttarakhand, Subardhan has directed district election officers and district election registration officers to make all necessary preparations for the panchayat elections.

He directed them to speed up the process of demarcation, delimitation and restriction of the panchayat constituencies on the basis of Census 2011.

Presiding over a meeting, Subardhan told officials that all important arrangements related to the elections should be over by March 29 next year.

He said rules and regulations for the newly formed gram panchayats should also be finalised. Subardhan added those attaining the age of 18 as on January 1 next year should also be included in the voters' list.

Subardhan said he would personally inspect all arrangements and hold videoconferencing with officials. Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Vinod Fonia said all DMs must put forth their suggestions during meetings.

DG, Education, Radhika Jha, election coordinator Madan Singh Kundra, Deputy Commissioner Ajeet Singh and Joint Secretary RS Pokhriya were present.

Rawat hails Hafed efforts towards growth of agriculture in Haryana
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat has appreciated the Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (Hafed) efforts towards growth of agriculture sector in Haryana and hoped for similar resolve on part of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat, a day back along with Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla, presented India Pride Award to Ashok Kumar Yadav, Managing Director Hafed, a function held in Delhi. Hafed had won India Pride Award for the best performing state PSU in agriculture and associate category for 2013-14.

Rawat said this for the third consecutive year when Hafed had bagged the India Pride Award under the similar category.

Purchase adequate power to avoid load shedding, says CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 20
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has directed for purchasing adequate power to avoid load shedding in the state.

Presiding over a review meeting of the Power and Forest Departments in Dehradun, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna also directed for bidding for 90 MW of small hydropower projects within a week in a transparent manner.

Power officials informed the Chief Minister that tie-ups till March had been done to buy extra electricity and bidding for April, May and June had also been done.

On being informed that environment impact assessment of 90 MW projects had been done, the Chief Minister directed that bidding should begin within a week. Bidding should be started as soon as EIA was completed on all projects, he added.

Reviewing the works of the Forest Department, the Chief Minister gave orders to complete all formalities regarding rehabilitation of Gujjars to Pathri and Patharchatta. He also asked for scholarships to be provided to students of Van Gujjar community by the forest corporation like the Social Welfare Department. Keeping in mind the recent disaster, he instructed that entry fees for mountaineers and trekkers be waived for an year.

He suggested that the forest rest houses be renovated and opened to tourists. He also ordered regularisation of contract and daily wage labourers of the Forest Department that qualified to be fast-tracked. 

Jat Mahasabha hails Centre's decision on reservation 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 20
With the Union Cabinet paving way for the inclusion of Jats in the Other Backward Classes (OBC?s) in Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttarakhand, representatives of the community have welcomed the initiative taken by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. The Jat Mahasabha, Panchpuri,a major body of Jats in Uttarakhand, termed the decision a step forward for the welfare of the community.

Chaudhary Dev Pal Singh Rathi, president of the Jat sabha, said that the community had pressed for the OBC status in all these states due to which the Union government had to accept their demand.Rathi lauded the role of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in paving way for the inclusion of Jats in the OBC category. Rajesh Baliyan, general secretary, Jat Maha Sabha, said now Jat students would be able to make a mark in higher education.

The sabha is also organising the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of former PM Chaudhari Charan Singh in Haridwar on December 22.

Dehradun: The Jat Mahasabha has hailed the decision of Central Government to put Jat reservation on fast track and celebrated by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets at Clock Tower here today. Members of the Jat Mahasabha raised slogans in support of Central Government The Cabinet had forwarded the reservation proposal for the recommendations of the National Commission for Backward Classes. 

Cable operators welcome ruling on set top box connections
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 20
As per a Bill passed in Parliament two years back that sets digitalisation of the cable-television sector by the end of 2014 to enable better visuals, a variety of channels and more revenue for broadcasters, city-based cable operators have already started for this to ensure adhering to the deadline.

Set top boxes already have been initiated in Tier-I and II cities but by September 2014 they will also be in Tier III and other cities that include Haridwar and Dehradun.

President of Shri Ganpati Cable Television Operators’Association Narendra Kumar Dhalla said they welcomed this step as via set top box cable connections, better visuals, more channels and more revenue for broadcasters get ensured.

He added that with LED and LCD television sets becoming popular, the very concept of set top boxes will be perfectly suiting as even via Direct to Home beaming picture quality is not as near perfect as is it with set top box as this gets beamed with cable wires.

While member of the Cable Operators' Union Captain(retd) Alok Kumar said that due to illegal cable connections and operations by some people in south Haridwar area of Khadkhadi, their interests are getting hurt.

In this regard Shri Ganpati Cable Association, which comprises more than 70 cable operators in the city, has also written to DM Nidhi Pandey and SSP Rajeev Swarup about the illegal working of cable operators in Khadkhadi ,who have not been granted permission by district entertainment officer.

Warning of taking to agitation route if legal action is not taken against illegal cable operators at Khadkhadi ,Dhalla said that their association is paying lakhs in revenue to the state. So it is administration's duty to prevent illegal cable operators from hampering the legal operators’ business.

Garhwali video album released
Tribune News Service

Dignatries at the release of a Garhwali video album in Dehradun on Friday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, December 20
A Garhwali video album, "Teri Meri Maya" was released at a function held here today. The album comprises songs, shot in Garhwal Himalayas, sung by famous singers Ram Bhatt and Meena Rana. It has been directed by Arvind Negi.

Speaking at the release function, Negi said burning issues like alcoholism had been raised through this album.

Many known faces from the Garhwal film industry, namely Baldev Rana, Gopal Thapa, Kanta Parshad, Mukesh Sharma, Abbu Rawat and Suraj Joshi, were also present.

Doon World School students have a field day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun December 20
The Doon World School organised its annual sports days today. Students from the both junior and senior sections took part in numerous sports activities with enthusiasm. Mandeep Dang, chairman of the school, inaugurated the event.

While the programme began with a PT and aerobics performance by the students of Classes I to V, the students of LKG and UKG enthralled everybody with their rhymes and dance performances.

Lemon and spoon race was organised for the students of Classes IV and V whereas the students of Class II and III took part in tomato race. Other events like eat the apple race, balance the orange race, pick up your potato race and peel and eat banana race were enjoyed by the school students. Veena Kalia, director of the school, distributed prizes among the winners.