AAP may field TPS Rawat from Haridwar
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 8
Former Pauri Garhwal MP and state Cabinet Minister Lt Gen Tej Pal Singh Rawat (retd) is assessing his chances of fighting the Lok Sabha elections from Haridwar on the ticket of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). TPS Rawat had recently joined the AAP and also held close-door meetings with the Haridwar district executive body of the party. With TPS Rawat likely to be the candidate from Haridwar, AAP activists are claiming that the party will win the seat if Rawat is given the ticket.

TPS Rawat told The Tribune during a meeting with party workers at the city office that he joined the AAP as it had the same objectives as that of his party, Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha. He said the AAP was a national party and he along with many morcha leaders decided to join it to defeat the communal and divisive forces like the Congress and the BJP.

Asked about his chances of getting the ticket from the Haridwar constituency, TPS Rawat said it was too early to arrive at a conclusion on the issue. Rawat had won the Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha byelections in 2008 defeating Congress candidate Satpal Maharaj.

“There are many factors to be considered. Haridwar has 15 lakh voters and hence one needs time to assess the mood of the people and make political calculations. Party workers want me to contest the Lok Sabha election from Haridwar but the decision depends on the screening committee headed by Arvind Kejriwal,” said Rawat, who had been Tourism and Excise Minister in Narayan Dutt Tiwari-led Congress government in the state during 2002 to 2007.

District coordinator of the party JP Baduni urged TPS Rawat to seriously consider contesting from Haridwar as people would be drawn towards the party if an honest, dedicated, disciplined and former Army officer like fought the election on the AAP ticket. Baduni referred to the presence of a large number of ex-servicemen in the constituency, particularly in Roorkee, Dharampur, Doiwala, Rishikesh and some pockets of Haridwar and Lakshar, as another reason for TPS Rawat to get people’s support.

Asked about TPS Rawat likely to be the AAP candidate, Congress city unit president OP Chauhan said the former General posed no major threat to the party in the election.

He said TPS Rawat had served as a Cabinet minister in the state government headed by Congress Chief Minister ND Tiwari. He had unsuccessfully contested against BJP candidate Major Gen BC Khanduri in the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. He had resigned from the Dhumakot Assembly seat to vacate it for the then Chief Minister BC Khanduri in 2007. He then joined the BJP and won the Lok Sabha byelection against Congress candidate Satpal Maharaj from Pauri Garhwal in 2008. However, he later left the BJP and formed the Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha. “He has again switched sides and joined the AAP. He should first prove his loyalty towards one party,” he added.

BJP district unit president Kuldeep Gupta said they did not fear anyone whether TPS Rawat or Harish Rawat as a Narendra Modi wave was blowing in the country. The AAP was a new party and barring the city segment it had little support in the Haridwar parliamentary constituency comprising 14 Assembly segments.

Qureshi felicitates women achievers on International Women’s Day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 8
Women from different walks of life were felicitated during a function organised by the Uttaranchal Mahila Association to mark the International Women’s Day. Those who were felicitated include: Shashwati Singh (social service), Ramindri Mandwal (social service), Dr Saroj Naithani (medical), Dr Asha Rawal (medical), Rajendra Kaur Arora (education), Geeta Soni (education), Shalini Joshi (media) and Kalpana Atre (communication).

Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi with the award winners at a function on the occasion of International Women’s Day at Raj Bhawan in Dehradun on Saturday; and (right) students look at a poster with a message on female foeticide at MKP PG College. Tribune photographs

Addressing the gathering, Governor Aziz Qureshi said, “A woman plays a competent role in the society in the form of a mother, sister, wife and daughter. More than 95 percent of women are still facing harassment and inequality in one form or another, which is shameful for society.”

Speaking about the women in Uttarakhand, the Governor said 90 per cent of the state was made up of hilly terrains where women lead a tough life. “Women should stand up against the ill-treatment, harassment and inequality, being faced by them,” he added.

Later in her address, the association’s president Sadhna Sharma said this day called for special focus on the condition of women across the globe.

“Despite being 49 per cent of the population, the women in India are given a mere 33 per cent reservation in politics. Until and unless the women are given 50 per cent reservation at every platform, they will be deprived of basic rights,” she said.

Later, a play based on female infanticide “O Re Chidiya Nanhi Si Guriya” was staged. The play was written by Ila Pant.

Women honoured for services in various fields

Women from different walks of life were felicitated at a function organised by the Uttaranchal Mahila Association to mark International Women’s Day.

Those felicitated were Shashwati Singh and Ramindri Mandwal (social service), Dr Saroj Naithani and Dr Asha Rawal (medical), Rajendra Kaur Arora and Geeta Soni (education), Shalini Joshi (media) and Kalpana Atre (communications).

Addressing the gathering, Governor Aziz Qureshi said women were playing an important role in society in the form of a mother, a sister, a wife and a daughter.

Association president Sadhna Sharma said this day called for a special focus on the condition of women across the globe. Despite being 49 per cent of the population, the women in India had a mere 33 per cent reservation in politics. “Until and unless the women are given 50 per cent reservation, they will continue to be deprived of their basic rights,” she said. Later, a play written by Ila Pant on female infanticide was staged.

Women’s Day celebrated at MKP PG College

A programme 'Inspirational Change' was organised in association with the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society to mark International Women's Day at MKP PG College here today.

14 women from the state were given awards for their outstanding contribution to different fields.

Experts from different fields addressed the gathering and spoke on various contemporary issues related to women. Secretary of the Uttarakhand Women Commission, Sujata, talked about violence against women.

Earlier, Dr Sudha Pandey, a former member of the Public Service Commission, inaugurated the programme by lighting a lamp. A cultural programme and a play were organised later in the day.

Discussions mark Women’s Day

A special programme was organised at Nalanda College of Education to mark International Women's Day here today. A number of women guest speakers from different fields addressed the college students.

Experts from the Bela Health Charitable Trust spoke on the issues related to women's health and answered queries of the students. Besides, a number of other women-related issues like dowry, female foeticide and crime against women were also discussed.

A play was organised on the occasion, which was followed by a cultural programme.

College principal Savita Rawat said the women across the world were taking up big challenges and it was the responsibility of everyone in society to promote them in every sector and empower them to make them self-sufficient.

Projects of MLAs from Kumaon being approved on priority
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 8
Legislators close to Chief Minister Harish Rawat and belonging to the Kumaon division are reportedly being given preference in the sanction of road and health projects. During the Vijay Bahuguna regime, Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal always hit a discordant note with the former Chief Minister for not sanctioning a health project in his constituency.

In the list of announcements made by Harish Rawat for giving impetus to the health sector, the demand for the upgrade of a primary health centre at Lamgadha figures at the top. It was in fact approved last month. Similarly, Kunjwal’s demand for a road at Jageshwar in Almora has also been accepted. Among the 39 announcements made by Harish Rawat, most of the projects were proposed by MLAs Narayan Ram Arya, Lalit Farswan, Manoj Tiwari, Prof Jeet Ram, Vikram Singh Negi, Harish Dhami and former MLA Karan Mahara.

Harish Dhami and Lalit Farswan had protested against Vijay Bahuguna by wearing black bands when the latter first appeared in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly as Chief Minister. But these MLAs are having a good going under Harish Rawat.

Lalit Farswan had demanded a community health centre and the 108 emergency ambulance services in his Kapkote constituency. He had also asked for the allocation of finances for the construction of an auxiliary nurses and midwives training college. Harish Dhami, MLA, Dharchula, had demanded another primary health centre at Tejam.

However, the allocation of portfolios, though delayed, is expected to restore some balance in the coming days. The ministers would be able to retain the schemes that were sanctioned during the Vijay Bahuguna regime. But with the model code of conduct in place, the ministers can only hope for a status quo.

Abhimanyu academy win Pepsi Cup
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 8
The Abhimanyu Cricket Academy (ACA) won the Pepsi Cricket Cup organised by the MS Dhoni Charitable Trust Foundation defeating the Cricket India Academy (CIA), Raiwala, in the final match played at Sela Qui International School here today. The CIA won the toss and elected to bat first. It made only 113 runs. Siddharth scored the highest 27 runs followed by Kailash’s 19 runs. For the ACA, Sunny, Ravi Bisht and Kaustaubh took 2 wickets each.

Meanwhile, the target proved to be quite easy for the strong batting line up of the ACA. Opener Abhimanyu scored the highest 47 runs and the ACA achieved the target for the loss of 2 wickets. Abhimanyu was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant innings.

Himalayan Academy win by 26 runs

The Himalayan Academy defeated Rising Star by 26 runs in the ongoing 62nd Dehradun District Cricket League played at the OFD cricket ground here today. Batting first, the Himalayan Academy scored 155 runs with Sohib scoring the highest 32 runs and Harjeet making 22 runs. Vihsal took 4 wickets for Rising Star.

In reply, Rising Star showcased a dismal batting performance and was all out for 129 runs. Manoj scored the highest 23 runs for Rising Star. Sagar and Vijay 3 and 2 wickets, respectively, for for the Himalayan Academy.

33 trainee officers join ITBP in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 8
As many as 33 officers joined the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in a colourful passing-out parade and attestation ceremony at the ITBP grounds here today. Harbhajan Singh, Director of the ITBP academy, was the chief guest of the function. He was presented with the ceremonial guard of honour. He also gave away citations and trophies to the trainees for their excellent performances during the 12-week rigorous training.

The parents of the passing-out officers, local people's representatives and serving and retired ITBP officers witnessed the ceremony.

The newly inducted officers were administered the oath of allegiance to the country on the occasion.

The passing-out officers included five each from Assam and Bihar, two each from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, eight from UP, four from Madhya Pradesh, three from Uttarakhand, and one each from Odisha and J&K.

Assistant Commandant Gitika Baushia was adjudged the best trainee, while Assistant Commandant Swati Gupta was declared the best indoor trainee. Assistant Commandant Brijesh Bhardwaj was adjudged the best outdoor trainee. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular display of karate by ITBP jawans.

Residents resent MC approval to hotelier to rebuild public toilet

Mussoorie, March 8
Local residents are unhappy with the Municipal Council of Mussoorie for giving the work of re-construction of a public toilet near Picture Palace to a private hotelier and allowing him to build a room above it.

The residents filed an objection at the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority office in this regard today. They alleged that the Municipal Council was not authorised to give the re-construction work of the public toilet and building of a room on it to the hotelier. They said, according to the rules, the council could not transfer, lease or sell the properties owned by it without inviting an auction bid.

Complainant Bhagwan Singh Chauhan, who resides adjacent to the hotel, said the Municipal Council had unlawfully granted the permission for the re-construction of the toilet to the hotelier.

Manmohan Singh Mall, president of Municipal Council, said the hotelier owned the land on which the public toilet was being built. — TNS

Marod villagers face water blues

Mussoorie, March 8
Residents of Marod village are facing an acute shortage of drinking water due to the damage done to water pipelines by contractors working on the road widening project near Nainbagh tehsil in Tehri district.

The agitated residents cornered the contractors to stop the road widening project and demanded to fix the water pipelines to restore the wate supply.

The ongoing road project on the Dehradun-Yamnotri highway for the past several months has resulted in a drinking water shortage due to frequent breakdown of the water pipelines and shoddy work being done by the PWD employees.

They lamented that the PWD workers instead of dumping the debris properly were throwing over nearby villages which could result in fatal consequences in case of incessant rain in near future.

Residents of Marod village Rajesh Nautiyal, Mohan Lal, Ramesh Dutt, Jaiprakash, Sanjay Nautiyal, and Layakram demanded to stop the work and begin it only after the drinking water pipeline to their village was restored. PWD officials said they had directed the contractor to work carefully without disrupting the drinking water supply to the village. — TNS

‘Enforcement officials to check drunken driving’
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 8
Circle Officer Jaya Baloni informed residents that more than 12 newly inducted enforcement officials would be assigned the task of controlling drunken driving in Mussoorie and the Doon valley from April 1.

Baloni was speaking during a meeting with local residents called to hear public grievances at Kotwali in Mussoorie yesterday.

President of the Senior Citizens Forum RS Sharma said, “In the past few years, over 12 cases of theft and murder have remained unsolved, instilling fear among senior citizens staying alone in Mussoorie. He demanded increased patrolling around the houses of senior citizens.”

Baloni said the police were working on the pending cases and in some cases it were close to catching the culprits. She added traffic barriers would be placed along busy roads and the police staff would be posted at various congestion points on Mall Road for the smooth flow of traffic.

Mahila samiti demand women empowerment
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 8
Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Janvadi Mahila Samiti held a rally on the occasion of International Women’s Day here today demanding women empowerment. The rally started from the local bus stand and covered the entire city.

Indu Naudiyal, president of the samiti, said despite assurances on several occasions the issues pertaining to women still remained unresolved.

“Nobody is thinking about uplifting the women of the country. Women should be provided with basic facilities, besides education and medical facilities,” she added.

The samiti members had also prepared a memorandum to be given to the candidates of various political parties for the forthcoming general elections. Nuresha Ansari, Jyoti Thakuri, Shakambri Rawat, Chandra Mamgain and Kala Paswan also participated in the protest rally.

Defence Watch organises award ceremony
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 8
Defence Watch, a monthly journal for ex-servicemen, organised its annual award ceremony at Defence Services Officers Institute, Garhi cantonement, here today. An essay titled ‘Whom We Serve', dealing with security challenges before the nation, was chosen as the best entry by the judges from the editorial advisory board. The essay was written by Brig RR Palsokar (retd).

Air Commodore N B Singh (retd), publisher and editor, welcomed the august gathering of senior serving and retired defence officers as well as civilians. He congratulated the winner. A cheque for Rs 20,000 as prize money was presented by Air Marshal Brijesh Jayal (retd).

Maj Gen Rajendra Prakash (retd); Brig S Sabharwal, officiating GOC Uttarakhand sub area; and Brig Surendra Mohan, commandant, Military Hospital were also present on the occasion.