Uttarkashi voters face a dilemma
OBC status, poor relief works to be deciding factors
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Whether former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna’s decision to grant the OBC status to all residents of Uttarkashi district will translate into votes in favour of his son Saket Bahuguna will be known when they go out to vote in the Tehri Garhwal parliamentary seat on May 7. The Congress has again given the ticket to Saket from the Tehri Garhwal parliamentary seat.

Against the backdrop of the tardy relief work carried in the aftermath of flash floods in 2012 and 2013, the voters in Uttarkashi, which is part of the Tehri parliamentary constituency, have to make a difficult choice. Should they vote enmass for the Congress, which granted the OBC status to them or punish it for failing to provide relief and rehabilitate them after floods devastated them for two consecutive years?

“The voters in Uttarkashi are angry as the state government has miserably failed to provide them much-needed relief following the floods in 2012 and 2013. Vijay Bahuguna himself had represented the Tehri Garhwal constituency once but his government failed to provide relief to the disaster-affected people. To divert the attention of the devastated people he brought all residents of the district under the OBC category,” said Teerath Singh Rawat, Uttarakahnd BJP president.

While the OBC status was aimed at boosting Saket Bahuguna’s election prospects, political analysts say the move also gave rise to strife in the district.

The ND Tiwari government had given the OBC status to the members of the Rawalta-Jaunpur communities for possessing a distinct culture though they were agitating for the Scheduled Tribes status.

“The residents of Mori, Purola, and Naugoan blocks in Uttarkashi and the Thatyud block in Tehri were accorded the OBC status by the state government and later by the Centre but the residents of some areas of Uttarkashi like Chinyalisaur, Dunda and Bhatwari were left out. The Vijay Bahuguna government issued a government order declaring that people of more areas were being granted the OBC status. The decision has been challenged in court. While there was jubilation in these areas, the people of Rawalta and Jaunpur were angry with the government for diluting their status,” said Virender Singh Rawat, a senior journalist from Uttarkashi.

The people of Uttarkashi will vote in the Lok Sabha elections on May 7 and the issues of poor relief works in the district and the OBC status are expected to dominate the mood of the voters.

BSP could be deciding factor from Almora seat
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
The BSP has again fielded Bahadur Ram Dhoni from the Almora-Pithoragarh (reserve) seat for the Lok Sabha elections. It is taking the elections in all seats of the state seriously and in Almora it could prove to be spoil sport for the BJP or the Congress.

Dhoni had polled nearly 45,000 in the Almora seat in the Lok Sabha elections in 2009. Congress candidate Pradeep Tamta (200,824 votes) had defeated BJP candidate Ajay Tamta (193,874 votes) by just 6950 votes in the seat amply revealing the damage the BSP could cause there. The BSP can spoil the elections for the Congress which considers the Almora constituency as its safest seat in Uttarakhand.

The BSP yesterday announced Dhoni as its candidate from Almora. It has now announced candidates for all five Lok Sabha seats. While it has fielded Haji Islam from Haridwar, Layik Ahmed from Nainital, and Dhir Singh Bisht from Pauri Garhwal, it has given the ticket to Sheeshpal Singh from Tehri Garhwal.

The BSP has been consolidating its position in the elections in Uttarakhand and after making inroads in the plains of the state it has now made its presence felt in hill areas as well. Its vote percentage has increased substantially in the Almora seat in the last two elections. The BSP got 1.49 per cent of the total votes in Almora in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and its vote share increased to 9.28 per cent in the general elections in 2009. Dhoni was the party candidate in 2009.

As the trends indicate, the BSP can give both BJP and Congress a tough fight in the seat this time. The Congress so far considers Almora as its safest seat in the state but the increasing clout of the BSP can be a challenge for sitting Congress MP Pradeep Tamta this time.

A voter turn out of 45.47 per cent was recorded in the Almora Lok Sabha seat in the 2009 elections. While Congress candidate Pradeep Tamta secured 41.77 per cent votes, Ajya Tamta of the BJP got 40.33 per cent votes. Thus, in case of a close contest between the BJP and the Congress as witnessed in 2009, the BSP could prove to be the game changer this time.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who had also represented the Almora constituency in Parliament before it was reserved for the Scheduled Castes, will definitely not like to take any chances. Pradeep Tamta is said to be close to Harish Rawat and the latter will do everything to ensure his victory. But the growing clout of the BSP in the seat is certainly a cause for concern for the sitting MP.

Govt committed to development of backward regions, says Harish Rawat
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, April 9
Chief Minister Harish Rawat today reiterated his government's committed towards the development of the backward regions in the state.

He said the government was committed to strengthening social welfare schemes in the state to empower weaker sections of society, including widows, elderly and physically challenged.

Addressing election meetings at Manch village in the Talla Desh area of Champawat, Gangolihat and Barechina in Almora, the Chief Minister said for the development of the backward areas, a border area development project had been launched.

Later, addressing a meeting at Gangolihat, the Chief Minister said his government had opened and strengthened several educational and technical institutions in the area. “Several other projects for the region are in the pipeline and will be launched after the elections are over.” he said.

Congress candidate from Almora Pradeep Tamta, Gangolihat MLA Narayan Ram, Pithoragarh MLA Mayukh Singh Mahar, Champawat MLA Hemesh Kharkwal and several other Congress leaders were present at the public meetings. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also addressed a public meeting in the Barechina area of Almora today.

Jantantra Party to contest all five LS seats
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Inviting the candidature from those who want to improve the deteriorating condition of the state, newly formed Jantantra Party has decided to contest from all the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Addressing a press conference here today, party's national president Ram Lakhan Gupta said that in 2007 the Jantantra Party was registered as a national party with the Election Commission of India.

''In the wake of the forthcoming general elections, we have decided to field the candidates in maximum number of constituencies. In Uttarakhand too, we are keen on contesting the elections. Though we have not short-listed any candidate so far, we want people to come and join our party,'' he added.

Maintaining that their party was above any caste and religion, Gupta said that anybody who wishes to bring a positive change to the present scenario and bring economic, social and cultural growth can join represent the party in the Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

''Ever since the inception of the state, the Congress and BJP, in their respective tenures have done nothing for the welfare of the people. Instead they have just contributed towards the deterioration of the state. We wish to change this and usher development in the state,'' said the party president.

BJP files complaint against Kunjwal for violating poll code
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Members from the state BJP lodged a formal complaint against Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

In a complaint submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer and addressed to the Chief Election Commission of India, the party stated that though holding a constitutional post, Kunjwal had been participating in election meetings with Chief Minister Harish Rawat in Kumaon.

“As Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly, Kunjwal occupies a constitutional post and should detest from participating in political meetings. It is a clear violation of the model Code of Conduct and we have urged the Chief Election Commission of India to take action against him,” said Teerath Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand BJP Chief.

Nod for filling all details of candidate in one affidavit
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
For providing greater ease to the candidates who would be participating in the Lok Sabha polls the Election Commission of India has granted permission for filling of all the details of the candidate in a single affidavit.

Earlier the candidate had to file the immovable and movable asset details, qualification, education and criminal details on a separate affidavit but now the Election Commission has done away with this practice.

''It proved quite cumbersome to the candidate as different affidavits had to be filled in but now the candidates can file all the details on a single affidavit,'' said Radha Raturi, Chief Electoral Officer.

BJP to set time, venue, date for leaders' public meetings

Dehradun, April 9
At the meeting of the committee on election campaign of the state BJP chaired by BJP chief Teerath Singh Rawat, it was decided to set the time, venue and date for the national leaders who would be extensively campaigning in all the five parliamentary constituencies.

Chairing the meeting attended by coordinator of the campaign committee Ajay Bhatt and general secretary (organisation) Sanjay Kumar a need was felt to prepare the programme schedule of the national leaders who would act as star campaigners for the party.

''Prior to the visit of the star campaigners, the programme schedule would be advertised extensively in the newspapers,'' said Teerath Singh Rawat. — TNS

Personnel selected for duty at polling booths
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
The first randomisation of the government staff to be deployed on the 1514 polling booths in the 10 Assembly segments of the district was done by the District Magistrate-cum-District Election Officer BVRC Purshottam at the National Informatics Centre here today.

Apart from selecting the personnel for duty at the polling booths, a 25 per-cent reserve was also created. Around 8882 personnel were selected with four earmarked for each booth.

In a press note issued here, Purshottam said that orders would be given to the Presiding Officer and Polling Officer (I). For the remaining personnel, a notification would be issued by their respective department heads in coming days.

“Based on the instructions from the Election Commission of India the second phase of randomisation would be conducted between April 15-18 under the supervision of an observer. The names of 12,000 personnel have been short-listed for the polling duties, out of which 8882 were selected today,” he added.

12 of Muslim community join BJP
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
As many as 12 members of the Muslim community joined the BJP here today. At a function held at Hindi Bhavan, BJP’s minority cell leader Amir Qureshi said a large number of the minority community members were getting attracted towards the BJP. He said they were hopeful that the NDA government at the Centre would address to their long-pending concerns.

Welcoming them into the party fold, BJP Tehri Lok Sabha candidate Mala Raj Laxmi Shah said the BJP would get a boost with members of the minority community joining the party in large numbers.

Maharaj not to destablise Harish Rawat’s govt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Former Union minister and BJP leader Satpal Maharaj today said he had no plans to destabilise the present state government headed by Harish Rawat and wanted it to complete its full term.

In a statement issued today, Maharaj also expressed happiness at the BJP poll manifesto focusing on providing relief and rehabilitation to the victims of the natural disaster of Uttarakhand.

Maharaj said besides relief, the BJP promised the setting up of 100 new cities, which was a welcome development, particularly for Uttarakhand. "If British could establish cities like Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Ranikhet and Nainital, why can't we create new cities in Uttarakhand," he added. Maharaj said the BJP manifesto also promised bullet trains to all parts of the country. "I myself have been trying to ensure that the Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway line comes up in the Garhwal region. I am very hopeful that the BJP on coming to power at the Centre will take the project forward," he added.

Raids on 3 schools conducting re-examination for failed students
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
A team from the state School Education Department conducted raids on three prominent private schools of the state capital and stopped the re-examination being conducted by them for the failed students.

A team led by Chief Education Officer SP Khali conducted a crackdown on Rajpur road-based Jaswant Modern School, Bindaal bridge-based The Cambridge School and Majra-based Children Modern School.

At Jaswant Modern School a number of failed students had appeared for the re-examination of class VI, VII and VIII. An amount of Rs 200 was charged from every student who appeared for the re-test. After pulling up the Principal, the CEO instructed him to return the money to the parents and promote the students to the next class.

An exorbitant amount of Rs 1250 per student was being charged by The Cambridge School for the re-test of failed students. After getting the refund, the CEO issued a show-cause notice to the school management.

A show-cause notice was also issued to the Children's Modern School that was found to be conducting a re-test of failed students from class IV-VIII.

Interacting with the media, Khali said that the raids were conducted following the complaints from a number of parents who were being forced to shell out huge amounts of money in the name of re-test.

Those who were part of the team included Padmini, UD Goswami and Indramani Balodi along with several others.

It is worth recalling that members of ABVP and NSUI have been protesting against the city's public schools for non-compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) provisions and also raising money from the parents of the students on the name of capitation fee.

Illegal structures removed from Chakrata Road
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Amid a protest by shopkeepers, a 150-member team led by City Magistrate Girish Gunwant and Additional Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Banshidhar Tiwari removed concrete and iron structures obstructing the footpath on the Chakrata Road here on the second day of the anti-encroachment drive today.

The drive was carried out from Clock Tower Chowk till Kishan Nagar Chowk, covering one side of the Chakrata Road.

Tiwari said the Chakrata road fell under phase II of the drive that was launched on Monday.

“In some cases, we had sent notices to the erring shopkeepers who had encroached upon a lot of area on the footpath in front of their shops. The shopkeepers were protesting but the situation was under control. However, no challans were issued,” he added.

Notably, after getting a rap from the Nainital High Court, the district administration sprung into action to make the footpaths of the state capital encroachment-free.

The orders came in response to a public interest litigation filed by Manmohan Singh Lakhera, a leader of the Uttarakhand Jan Mancha.

In the public interest littigation (PIL), Lakhera said, “The footpaths were created in Dehradun city to facilitate walking space for the commuters. However, the footpaths have been encroached upon either by shopkeepers or hawkers and vendors. As a result, commuters have to walk on busy roads and this leads to accidents.”

Earlier, in the first phase, encroachments were removed from the area around Clock Tower Chowk. Recently, the HC appointed president of the Dehradun District Bar Association Rajiv Sharma “Bantu” as Commissioner to oversee the ongoing work and submit a report on the action taken by the administration to remove the encroachments. The report is to be submitted within eight weeks.

Mussoorie MC land got vacated
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, April 9
Municipal Council officials led by Executive Officer Azhar Ali carrying out anti-encroachment drive forced four persons out of a MC land in Mussoorie today.

Executive Officer Azhar Ali reached Barah Kainchi Road and found that four persons were trying to encroach upon the property of the municipal council at Barah Kainchi and construct hutments there.

He also warned the residents of the Sapera Basti in Barah Kainchi not to encourage encroachments on the MC property or strict action would be taken against them too.

Azhar Ali, told mediapersons that the exercise to remove encroachments from the MC properties would continue regularly.

He said most of the illegal squatters near Barah Kainchi were in possession of legal electricity and water connections, which was unfortunate. He added directions had been given to the water and electricity departments not to issue connections without a no-objection certificate from the council.

Around 31 families are presently living near Barah Kainchi road illegally, said Azhar Ali.

GMVN canteen, info centre at Kempty in state of neglect
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, April 9
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) canteen and information centre, inaugurated around nine years ago with much fanfare, is still lying vacant and has turned into a state of dilapidation due to the apathy of the department concerned.

The GMVN canteen and information centre was constructed using the tax payer’s money in tune of several lakhs by Tourism Department in 2005 but has remained vacant, without any use since it was inaugurated here.

The canteen and centre came into existence in the name of serving the tourists visiting Kempty Falls and provide them the much needed service but the condition of the canteen and information centre with broken windows panes and locked gates tells a dismal tale of the nonchalant approach of the concerned department. The interior of the canteen is gathering dust and the villagers are using the canteen as shelter for their livestock.

The residents of the Kempty area are of the view that due to the absence of the tourist information centre the tourists return without having a look at the other interesting tourist spots around Kempty resulting in loss of revenue not only for the locals but also to the government.

When contacted MLA Mahavir Rangad, Dhanaulti, said that he has informed the senior officials of the concerned department who have promised to look into the matter on a priority basis.

He added that if the said tourism information centre and canteen was not brought in working condition, he would be forced to take to the streets after the culmination of the Lok Sabha elections.

Trekking routes yet to be repaired
Sport enthusiasts return disappointed
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, April 9
Trekking expeditions to Panchachuli group of peaks in Pithoragarh district and Sundardhunga Pindari and Kafni Glaciers of Bageshwar districts are still to start this year as the track routes and bridges on these routes are yet to be repaired.

Nine months after the natural disaster that devastated these routes, trekkers had to return disappointed as the area is not safe for such excursions. “Due to non-operation of these routes this year, not only thousands of trekkers who used to come for trekking every year have gone back disappointed, but the villagers who used to earn their livelihood courtesy such expeditions have been left high and dry,” said Dinesh Gururani, manager, adventure tourism at Kumoan Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), the nodal agency that runs the adventure tours on these routes.

“Over 600 families get employment as the season commences, when over 1,000 trekkers from metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Benguluru and Chennei, reach here for trekking expeditions. Most of these trekkers are students and youngsters,” said Dinesh Gururani, adventure tourism in charge of KMVN.

According to the information received from Darma valley in Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh district, which is enroute the Panchchuli track base camp, due to non-opening of the bridge at Kancholi near Tawaghat, hundreds of families of villages such as Sobla, Dar, Bongling and Duktu, would fail to get their seasonal earnings this year as no trekking party came this way to Sobla as the route beyond Kancholi is not fit for trekking.

The situation is no different in Bageshwar district, where trekkers come in huge numbers to visit the world-famous glaciers of Pindari, Kafni and Sundandhunga during the summer months, but due to last year’s natural disaster, eight bridges on the way from Khati to Dwali have been washed away and separate routes thereafter to the glaciers of Pindari, Kafni and Sundardhunga have been damaged. “We had to come back from Dwarpani last week when we were on an inspection tour to these routes, as the four-km long route from Dwarpani to Purkia was not visible,” said Ramesh Kapkoti, a tourist guide, who had gone to inspect these routes last week.

Though, the PWD and administration officers have claimed to have received a budget to construct bailey bridges and roads to these routes, even if these get repaired or re-constructed, the trekkers will have to give the adventure activities a miss this year.

Protest over Indian Oil’s move to shift LPG connections
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Irked over the shifting of their LPG connections from one agency to another, a large number of angry consumers staged a protest at Deepnagar today.

In a move aimed to provide better services to its LPG consumers, the Indian Oil had shifted the connections of 2,500 customers from Deepnagar-based Shiva Gas Agency to Himani Gas Agency. According to the company officials, due to large number of customers, Shiva Gas Agency was unable to provide refilled cylinders and new connections to the customers in time.

However, the move backfired with the customers threatening to shift back their connections with the original agency. The protesters said that they would take out a massive demonstration in case the company did not meet their demands within a few days.

Speaking to the media, Deepnagar Councillor Lalit Bhadri said due to incompetence of the agency owner, the customer had to face inconvenience.

“The move has severely affected the poor families, who now have to travel seven kilometres in a rickshaw to get a gas cylinder. The gas agency does not provide the home delivery service, causing further inconvenience,” Bhadri added.

Those who were part of the demonstration included: Arvind Sharma, Munshi Ram, Sonu Kumar, Bachhi Bhandari, Premlata Sharma and Manoj Kumar, along with several others.

Security up at inter-state border points in Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Security has been beefed up at inter-state border points in the city to check the smuggling of illicit money and liquor in the wake of the Lok Sabha elections in the state on May 7.

Twenty-four hour vigil is being kept on the vehicles crossing the border and entering Dehradun. Police personnel have been directed to thoroughly check all vehicles entering the state from Uttar Pradesh.

“Two major points in the Sahaspur area, Asarodi and Dara Rate, share border with Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Keeping this in mind, we have tightened security. Round-the-clock monitoring is being done to check the smuggling of unaccounted money and illicit liquor into Dehradun," said SP, Rural, Manikant Mishra.

Notably, a large quantity of illicit liquor has been seized in the Sahaspur area in the past one month.

Cops attend workshop on Information Technology Act
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
A one-day range-level workshop on Information Technology (IT) Act was held at Garhwal Range headquarters here today. Police station heads from the seven districts of Garhwal Range participated in the workshop and were briefed about the workings of the Act by experts.

Addressing the participating cops, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Amit Sinha said that the police were facing new challenges in the age of internet as people are committing cyber crimes through social networking sites and mobile messaging application, making it difficult for the cops to investigate.

He briefed them about how crimes that come under IT Act should be investigated and how such cases could be solved with the help of mobile location and other cyber evidences. The cops were directed to keep a close vigil on the social networking accounts of contestants standing in poll fray in forthcoming elections to check whether any leader is alluring the voters through illegal offers.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Special Task Force (STF), Senthil Avoodai Krishna Raj, gave a presentation on cyber crime and briefed about E-mail hacking and data theft.

He told the participants about the techniques to nab the culprit even if he has deleted the comment or photo after committing a cyber crime.

Police launch awareness drive to check crime

Dehradun, April 9
To curb the increasing number of loot and robbery incidents in the Sahaspur and Vikasnagar area, the police have initiated an awareness drive among the residents and briefed them about "do's and don'ts" to minimise such incidents here today.

A police team led by Dakhpathar police chowki head Bhuvan Chandra reached out to the residents of the area and specifically visited the houses, which are located at secluded places, and told them to remain alert during night hours. The police also shared mobile numbers with the villagers and local residents.

Vikasnagar Circle Officer Swapan Kumar said that such awareness drives would be continued to ensure better coordination between the local residents and the police so that prompt action could be taken in case of robbery or loot. — TNS

CS orders quick repair work in disaster-torn Kedarnath valley
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar has directed for speedy conduct of repair works in disaster-torn Kedarnath valley.

Presiding over a review meeting in Dehradun today, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, who recently went for on the spot assessment of disaster-affected Kedarnath valley, directed for employing at least 800 workers on the most affected Gaurikund-Rambada stretch that finally leads to Kedarnath temple. The entire Rambara was washed away in last year’s mid-June rain disaster. In addition it was decided to deploy 50 workers from each of the Public Works Department divisions in this stretch. It was also decided that under special circumstances, wages of the workers may also be increased. He instructed the Rudraprayag DM to regularly monitor work on the Sonprayag- Gaurikund stretch of road in coordination with the Border Roads Organisation.

According to the Chief Secretary, work was also on on a war footing on two bridges in Rambara. Construction of helipads at Linchauli and Kedarnath was under progress. Instructions were also issued at the meeting that 100 State Disaster Relief Force jawans be posted in Kedar valley.

It was informed in the meeting that during his site inspection, the Chief Secretary found that 150 sodium lights had been installed between Gaurikund and Kedarnath. The Chief Secretary instructed the Managing Director of UPCL to get at least 500 sodium lights installed.

Uttarakhand Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma, Principal Secretary SS Sandhu, Secretary Amit Negi and District Magistrate Rudraprayag, Raghav Langar, were prominent persons present on the occasion.

Nursing staff of Indresh Hospital undergo training
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
‘Training of trainers’ course for nursing staff of Shri Mahant Indresh Hospital (SMIH), Dehradun, attached to Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical Sciences and Health (SGRRIMHS), started today in which 36 senior nursing staff members are being trained as trainers. The course will run up to April 25, in two sessions daily, in which a total 16 topics will be covered by the facilitators from College of Nursing, SGRRIMHS.

Each trainer after successful completion of the course will in turn train all the nursing staff working under him, thus covering the second phase of training by May end, covering 500 nurses of SMIH.

Inaugurating the training course Brigadier (retd) Dr Vinay Rai, Medical Superintendent, SMIH, explained the need for such training on regular basis to update the staff nurses about recent advances in their field. He appreciated the training input from the faculty of College of Nursing, SGRRIMHS, and hoped that the trainers after getting trained in this course will in turn conduct the training for the nurses working under them. Prominently present in the inaugural function were M. Jasleen, Principal of the Nursing College SGRRIMHS, Gurpreet Saini, Additional Nursing Superintendent, SMIH, Kamaljeet Kaur, Deputy Nursing Superintendent, SMIH, Dr Vijay Thawani, Professor of Pharmacology, SGRRIMHS, and all the facilitators of the course from the nursing college.

Coronation Hospital faces shortage of EMOs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Coronation Hospital is again in the midst of shortage of emergency medical officers (EMOs), so much so the hospital authorities are being forced to take the services of the medical officers and physicians.

The situation was exacerbated after Dr Amit Jain opted to take up PG studies and decided to proceed on leave from the hospital. ''Though since the last few months, against the three sanctioned posts of EMO, one post was filled, but after Dr Jain proceeded on leave, now all the posts are lying vacant,'' said Dr Bharati Rana, Chief Medical Superintendent, Doon Hospital.

The emergency services are crucial for the hospital and according to norms all the hospitals should possess adequate staff that could be rotated for night shifts. But at Coronation Hospital the shortage of emergency medical officers continues to linger on.

''The issue requires immediate redressal. We have raised the matter with the Director General of Health from time to time so that a doctor could be sent on attachment but it seems other issues are keeping the DG office occupied,'' said Dr Rana.

Due to poor arrangements of emergency services at the hospital, the patients and their families think twice before coming to the hospital. ''It is not as if the doctors do not attend on us, most of the time they do. But these occasions are few and far between as they are seldom present, especially at night,'' said Digambar Singh, a patient.

On the other hand, Doon Hospital has surplus staff and could be sent on attachment to the Coronation Hospital to overcome the shortage of emergency medical officers but the DG office has so far not tried to divide the staff evenly.

UJVNL honours sportswomen
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) felicitated its women sportspersons today, who excelled in the recently concluded inter-corporations sports competition.

Among those felicitated included, Archana for excelling in badminton, Indu Singh for table tennis, Kamlesh Nautiyal for chess. All the three won gold medals in their respective disciplines in the inter-corporations sports competition.

Managing Director of Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited JP Patel on the occasion reiterated the department's concern to promote sports activities. He said sports not only keep the body fit, but also have a positive effect on the mind of an individual. Patel said it was matter of satisfaction that UJVNL sportspersons were bringing fame to the department.

UJVNL Sports Committee's nodal officer Pankaj Kulshrestra on the occasion informed about the annual sports activities. Director Operations Purshottam Singh, director HR SK Chopra and DGM Rajendra Singh were prominent present on the occasion.

Badminton tourney begins
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 9
The First Shri Guru Govind Singh Seniors Badminton Championship for 45 plus, 50 plus, 55 plus and 60 plus age categories, started at the Multi Sports Indoor Facility at Parade Ground here today. The Guru Govind Singh Badminton Association is organising the championship. Doon Club president DS Maan, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the championship.

In the inaugural match played in the 45 plus category, D. Juneja defeated Ravinder 21-6, 21-7 in a one-sided match. Matches in other categories were also played.

State-level cricket tournament from April 15

A state-level inter-district cricket tournament is going to be organised from April 15 at Abhimanyu Cricket Academy and Maharana Pratap Sports College. Teams from all 13 districts are going to participate in the six-day league tournament, which will conclude on April 22.

The tournament will be played in the under-16 and under-19 categories and the teams for Dehradun district have been selected. The District Cricket Association of Dehradun announced the list of 16 players each for both age categories.