students’ council elections
ABVP’s Paras wins president’s post 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Retaining its hold over the prestigious students’ body of DAV PG College, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won the president post for the eighth consecutive year in the student’s union elections, results of which were declared here today.

Counting of votes in progress at DAV PG College; and students (right) celebrate ABVP’s victory in the students’ council poll in Dehradun on Monday. Tribune photos: Vinod Pundir

Paras Goyal of the ABVP, who won the college union president’s post, secured 2,873 votes defeating his nearest rival Navdeep Negi, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) candidate, who got only 1,098 votes.

On the other hand, Jagdeep Singh, Aryan Group’s candidate for the general secretary post, won by a margin of 500 votes defeating Satyam Group’s Sandeep Sharma, who secured 1,081 votes.

Balan Singh was elected as the new vice-president of the college student union after defeating Sushma Chauhan by a margin of over 700 votes. Both fought the elections as independent candidates.

For the post of joint secretary, Student Federation of India (SFI) backed candidate, Vandana Gusain, registered an emphatic win after defeating her nearest rival Sagar. Vandana received 2,165 votes while Sagar got 1,696 votes. The SFI also bagged the treasurer post after its candidate Amita Negi clinched victory after securing 2,563 votes. Prashant stood on second position after fetching 1,300 valid votes. Monika, belonging to Pattu Group, once again registered win for the post of university representative (UR) after defeating Shivang by a narrow margin of 22 votes.

It is to be noted that the counting process began early morning on the college premises amidst tight police security arrangements. The voting for the student union elections took place on September 13 after the delay of three days due to the alleged distribution of fake student identity cards.

On Monday, ABVP’s candidate for the president post, Paras Goyal, maintained a comfortable leading margin over his rival from NSUI, Navdeep Negi, ever since the counting began in the morning. By afternoon, Paras stretched his lead by more than 1,500 votes and it remained mere formality before he was declared winner formally. Similarly, ambiguity on the other post got cleared by afternoon except on the post of university representative (UR) on which the fight was neck to neck. In the end, Monika won the election by just 22 votes.

Later, ABVP workers carried a winning procession from the college till Survey Chowk. 

Asha workers seek hike in salary, regularisation 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
The Uttarakhand Asha Workers Union under the aegis of AITUC took out a march on the theme of ‘Jawab Do Hisaab Do’ here today. Led by president Kamla Kunjwal and general secretary Kailash Pandey, the Asha workers raised several anti-government slogans while passing through the various roads of the state capital.

The demands raised by the Asha workers included permanent jobs, increment in salaries and non-violation of the labour laws.

Addressing the workers, the national vice president of AITUC Raja Bahuguna said that since the inception of the state, the condition of the labourers, especially the women, is pitiable and little has been done by the subsequent governments in the state. “Both BJP and Congress have done nothing for improving the condition of labourers in the state. The Asha workers are the backbone of health department in the state. In the month of January, the Central Government accorded the status of labour on the Asha workers. Therefore, they are entitled to every right besides being covered under the labour laws, he added.

The successive state governments in the state have continued to neglect the Asha workers leading to widespread resentment amongst the fraternity. While Rs 5000 was given to the Asha workers by the then Chief Minister Maj Gen B.C. Khanduri (retd), but till date the double bonus announced later has not been given. The workers should be given at least the minimum salaries as being given to their counterparts in Sikkim, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Later a delegation met Additional Secretary (Health) B.R. Arya. The delegation asked the officials to release the pending amount of Rs 5000 promised to them annually by the state government. “Since the announcement and government order for the same were passed in 2011, the arrears should also be paid at the earliest.’’

The union decided to sport black bands till their demands were not met. The members also decided to burn the effigy of Chief Minister Harish Rawat across the state in case their demands were not met within 15 days.

Those who were part of the demonstration included Reeta Kashyap, Saraswati Punetha, Leela Thakur, Devki Bhatta, Indra Deupa, Mamta Panu, Jyoti Upadhyay, Padma Pratholi, Rajni Bhatt, Meera Kashyap and several others. 

BJP activists take on admn for sewage treatment plant delay
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
BJP activists protested at Peyjal Nigam headquarters today against the delay in starting of sewage treatment plant in Dehradun. They threatened to intensify their agitation if the department did not accede to their demands.

The agitators under the leadership of former BJP national secretary Trivendra Singh Rawat gathered at the headquarters of Peyjal Nigam today and shouted anti-department slogans. They expressed concern that the department is yet to take effective steps to start laying of sewage lines in dozens of colonies of capital city.

The agitators lamented that memorandums highlighting their demands were submitted many times to department officials but work is yet to be started.

The agitated residents demanded from the department to start laying of sewage lines in Rajeev Nagar, Vani Vihar, Bhagat Singh Colony, Adhoiwala, Dharampur, Rishinagar and Rispana Nagar.

Speaking on the occasion, former BJP national secretary Trivendra Singh Rawat said that funds would would go waste if the department did not start laying sewage lines before the end of 2014-15 financial year.

The agitators threatened to intensify their agitation if the department does not take effective steps to address their grievances.

Ranjeet Bhandari, Satendra Negi, Sanjay Rawat, Atul Sharma, Vijay Uniyal, Kamli Bhatt, Hukum Gusain, Ajay Prakash and others were present.

UPNL employees stage protest

Dehradun, September 15
The agitated employees of Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Nigam Limited (UPNL) protested in front of the secretariat campus, today in support of their year-long pending demands. They threatened to intensify agitation if their demands were not met.

UPNL employees under the banner of UPNL Employees Association gathered at Raipur bus stand and took out a rally.

The agitators shouted anti-government slogans in support of their demands. They lamented memorandum highlighting demands were submitted many times to Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Panchayati Raj Minister Preetam Singh Panwar, and Soldier Welfare Minister Harak Singh Rawat, but the state government was yet to take steps to fulfill their demands.

Addressing agitators, Bhawesh Jagudi, state president of UPNL Employees Association said members were protesting for many days but state government was yet to take steps to address their grievances. He said agitated employees had decided to intensify agitation if the state government failed to take effective steps to fulfil their demands. — TNS 

Teachers’ agitation enters 833rd day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
The ongoing agitation by teachers entered its 833rd consecutive day today. The agitators have threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government does not take effective steps to fulfil their long-pending demands.

The agitators under the banner of the Shiksha Acharya Anudeshak Sangathan gathered at the old Raipur bus stand today.

They regretted that memorandums highlighting their demands were submitted many a times to the officials concerned but the state government was yet to take effective steps to fulfil their year-long pending demands.

Expressing his views over the issue, Devendra Singh Bisht said that trained and qualified teachers were not offered employment in the state Education Department despite a memorandum submitted to the authorities. The agitators have threatened to intensify the agitation if the state government does not take effective steps to fulfil their demands.

Prahlad Ram, Khem Singh, Ratiram, Amrish Rana, Shamsahd, Daulat Singh and others were present. 

Govt to revive handloom sector
To set up textile park on 75 acres at Jaspur in Udham Singh Nagar
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced to set-up a textile park on 75 acres at Jaspur in Udham Singh Nagar district. He stressed on the need of formulating a textile policy to attract investors to the state.

He said 50 exhibition facility centres for the display of handloom products would be set up across the state. While reviewing the progress of the textile industry at a meeting with officials of the State Industry Department here today, Rawat said the handloom sector, textile and the woollen industry would be merged under the textile policy with an aim to revive handlooms in the state.

He instructed officials to thoroughly review the textile policies of other states before implementing it in Uttarakhand. He directed officials to create textile cluster.

It was decided at the meeting to give subsidy on capital to the small and medium scale industry while four per cent subsidy on interest will be given to the textile industry. Rawat said owners of handloom units would be given rebate in value added tax. “The state government is committed to revive the textile and handloom sectors in the state,” he added.

Rawat instructed officials to frame a separate policy for handlooms in rural and hill areas of the state.

The department should launch a drive to give handloom-related training to people, he added. Rawat told officials to set-up sale counters in Uttarakhand Bhawan.

Dr SS Singhal, chairman, Uttarakhand Agriculture Development Board, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, managing director, State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand, Arvind Singh, Additional Secretary (Industry) and Sudhir Nautiyal, Additional Director (Industry), were present on the occasion. 

Turning fortunes

• Goverment to set up 50 exhibition facility centres for the display of handloom products
• Owners of handloom units to get rebate in value added tax
• Officials told to frame a separate policy for handlooms in rural and hill areas of the state
• The handloom sector, textile and woollen industry to be merged under the textile policy
• Government to give subsidy on capital to the small and medium scale industry while 4 per cent subsidy on interest will be given to the textile industry.

Revenue staff threaten hunger strike 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
The Uttarakhand Rajsva Sangrah Ameen Sangh staged a protest march demanding the fulfillment of their long pending demands here today.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Harish Rawat, enlisting the demands raised by them. Addressing the gathering, sangh’s general secretary Virender Singh Sajwan said it was almost a year ago when the Chief Minister had agreed to their demands. “However till date no government order has been issued, clearly indicating the indifferent attitude of the state government towards the government employees. We were forced to go on strike and stage a protest march to register our anger and resentment against the state government,” he added.

Demanding the restoration of six per cent quota for ameens in the appointment of Naib Tehsildar, the memorandum stated that until 2009 out of the 40 per cent reserved quota, six per cent belonged for the ameens. “However the same was revoked and in 2011 the reserved quota was revised wherein no reservations were kept for the ameens. This has curtailed the promotion prospects of the revenue staff members,” it stated.

The protesters further highlighted that while the state government increased the salaries of lekhpal, patwari and ministerial staff, it has failed to do so in case of ameens. They requested the government to increase the wages and make the revised scale effective from January 1, 2006.

Highlighting the pitiable amount of Rs 10 being paid as stationary allowance, Sajwan said the field workers from other departments were given Rs 500 as stationary allowance. “The disparity in stationary allowance has disheartened the revenue staff. The same should be revised and brought at par with other departments,” he added.

The protesters further threatened if their demands were not met at the earliest they would go on hunger strike. 

1965 war hero Col AB Gurung dead
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Colonel AB Gurung, a recipient of two Sena Medals and Bar, breathed his last in Dehradun on September 11. He belonged to the second generation of the Army officers who studied at King George Royal Military College. He was an excellent footballer and a long-distance runner.

He was commissioned in the 3/8 Gorkha Rifles on February 8, 1963. During his stint in the Army, he was known for his raid inside Pakistan during the 1965 war. The raid lasted for 50 minutes and the Pakistan army suffered 85 casualties while not casualty was suffered by the Indian side. As many as 10 Pakistan soldiers were killed by him in a hand-to-hand combat with his khukri.

He was awarded the Sena Medal for his bravery. He also took part in the Mirpur Operation on September 10-11, 1965. He received the second Sena Medal for his bravery during the Sunjoi Operation on September 3-4, 1965. He was instrumental in earning the Sunjoi Battle Honour for his regiment 3/8 GR on September 6, 1965.

He was a sharp shooter and is remembered by his friends and foes for his ability to write his own name by pistol fires. During his career, he enrolled more than 1,000 youths into the Army. He is survived by his wife Sunanda Gurung (77), two sons Colonel Yogesh Gurung and Colonel Mukesh Gurung.

Health minister-babu tussle chokes trauma centres
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
A tussle between the Uttarakhand Health Minister and a senior bureaucrat heading the Department of Finance has choked the equipping up of trauma centres at Rishikesh and Uttarkashi where accidents occur with macabre regularity.

At heart of the delay is procurement of CT scan machines for the trauma centres. The setting up of trauma centres at these places has been pending over the last seven years. In order to fast-forward the process, the centres were made part of the Chief Minister’s announcement and were accorded top priority. But far from gathering pace, the project lost steam midway due to a tussle between the Health Minister and a senior bureaucrat.

The senior bureaucrat is casting doubts over the tendering process which was recommended by the Department of Health at the behest of the minister.

While the Department of Health has already approved the tenders solicited during the last financial year to the company quoting the lowest price, the process that should have picked up pace suddenly began to meander when it reached the Department of Finance.

In anticipation of the setting up of the trauma centre at Uttarkashi where fatalities increase during the Char Dham Yatra, the Department of Health had dispatched Dr SP Kuriyal, radiologist from Doon Hospital, for setting up the trauma centre. But all the efforts of the Health Department have gone waste as the matter has been pending over the last six months with the Department of Finance since April.

The Department of Health had recommended the tender with an approximate cost of Rs 5 crore to Erbis company on the basis of the lowest priced tender. The company was to provide Toshiba machines from Japan for which, the payment was to be made through Foreign Letter of Credit (LC). To that end, the Department of Health referred the matter through the Principal Secretary Health to the Department of Finance. It is here that the matter got stalled. “The Finance Department is not keen on LC under which, a portion of the payment is first paid and then the machines are installed. Instead, it wants the machines to be installed first, which is not to the minister’s liking,” said a senior official in the Department of Finance.

While the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and the senior bureaucrat slug it out, people of Uttarkashi and Rishikesh are being denied benefits of life-saving equipment.

CM’s camp office opened at Dharchula

Pithoragarh, September 15
Amid landslide incidents at Ghatdhar and Chautaldhar last night, the camp office of Chief Minister Harish Rawat was inaugurated at Dharchula today.

Shankar Singh Rawat, officer on special duty (OSD) of the Chief Minister, inaugurated the camp office here.

He said all problems being faced by villagers would be redressed here at the camp office. “I have conveyed orders of the Chief Ministers to the Irrigation Department that they should speed up the construction of protection walls along the rivers of Kali, Gori and Dhauli,” said Shankar. Meanwhile, the landslide at Chautaldhar has disconnected Drama, Vyans and Chaundas valleys from rest of the district.

Besides Chautuldhar, the Ghatdhar locality in Dharchula along the Kali and Hararia bend on the Thal Munsiyari motor road remained closed for two hours due to landslide.— OC

Develop state as tourist destination, Rawat tells people
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Urging the various workers’ associations to work in unison towards making Uttarakhand a prosperous state, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said there should be a friendly relation between workers and the government.

Addressing the gathering during a programme organised by the Uttarakhand Diploma Engineer Mahasangh to mark the Engineer’s Day at Officer’s Club here today, Rawat said the government was dedicated towards the welfare of the workers and would take positive steps in that direction. The CM assured his support for the workers and demanded support from them in turn.

The Chief Minister inaugurated a blood donation camp organised by the mahasangh. Later, the mahasangh gave Rs 1,51,000 for the Kashmir flood victims.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said this day was observed in memory of Dr Vishvesharya and was an important day for Indian engineers. “An inspiration should be taken and work be done for the welfare of humanity. Today the engineers are building big dams but we are unable to develop the state as a tourist destination. The engineers should ensure natural beauty of the area while constructing something and developing an area scientifically. They should also work for the disaster-affected areas,” he said.

Manoj Tiwari, Congress leader Rajpal Kharola, Surendra Kumar, Jasbeer Rawar, US Mehar, Harish Nautiyal, Naveen Kandpal and V K Dangwal were present among others.

First female e-rickshaw driver of Haridwar district
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 16
From silver screens to metropolitan cities it is common to see women driving autos, buses and trains, too. But for a traditional society like in the pilgrim city of Haridwar, a woman driving a passenger vehicle remained a distant dream.

But call it fate or changing times, Tehri Garhwal born 40-year-old Sunita Pawar has become the first female e-rickshaw driver in Haridwar district.

Despite facing stiff resistance from her relatives and neighbours, autorickshaw drivers and also from fellow e-rickshaw drivers, Sunita decided to earn a living as her family’s financial life was not comfortable.

Facing exploitation and harassment from her inlaws and husband for the past few years, Sunita decided to live separately from them, so that she can educate her two children.

Aman (14) and Anchal (12) are currently studying in Rishikesh. They live with their maternal grandmother Darshini Devi.

Sunita Devi, while riding her e-rickshaw near Municipal Corporation route said that when she came to know of e-rickshaw being plied in Haridwar city, she immediately decided to opt for one so as to make a living out of it.

“Initially, I got little support when I expressed this desire with my relatives and family friends. Then I put forth examples of women driving similar vehicles in other cities and got inspiration from many the stories of courageous women published in newspapers on Women’s Day. Now, women stop me and without hesitation even are ready to be in my rickshaw despite it being already overcrowded,” said Sunita.

This e-rickshaw driver is a hard worker as from 7 am till late 9 pm she drives the e-rickshaw. “School fees of children, food, clothes and savings for their better future make me work for almost 12 hours. It is tough but I have faced such life in my early childhood in Tehri Garhwal, when we used to go for collecting wood and potable water for several kilometres in the hilly terrain.

‘’Also, the sinking of old Tehri town, the royal capital of erstwhile Tehri Garhwal dynasty, has made residents of Tehri tougher as we

local people saw their homes, farm lands and ancestral places getting destroyed slowly in the name of development, that is Tehri Dam,” said an emotional Sunita.

Is it a safe ride for a female in Haridwar ? Prompt comes the answer from Sunita: “Haridwar is a pilgrim city, so a majority of the riders are pilgrims, but it is also becoming an industrial hub.So, I make sure early in the morning and evening I operate in the pilgrim-local route.”

Recently, two young children on seeing me driving the rickshaw, shouted: “Mardani aa gayi,” said a blushing Sunita,referring to a recent film of Rani Mukherjee, where she essayed the role of a tough cop.

Doon Valley clinch football title
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Doon Valley Public School won the Colonel Shashi Memorial Inter-School Football Tournament after defeating Indian Public School (IPS) 2-1 in the final match played at Gorkha Military School here today.

For Doon Valley Public School, Harish scored the first goal in the 8th minute while Rupesh doubled the lead for his team after netting a goal in the 38th minute.

On the other hand, Sanky Singh scored the lone goal for Indian Public School in the 49th minute of the match.

Sanky Singh of Indian Public School was adjudged best player of the tournament while Sahil from the same school won the best goalkeeper award. Harish of Doon Valley Public School was adjudged best player.

Western UP, South Central lift kabaddi trophies

Haridwar: Western Uttar Pradesh today won the 27th National Kabaddi Championship after defeating South Central team in the U-19 boys’ category here today.

In the girls’ category, South Central Team beat Northern team at Saraswati Vidya Mandir Intermediate College BHEL-Sector 2 to clinch the titles.

Director of the 27 National Kabaddi Championship Dr Vijay Pal Singh Rawat distributed prizes to the winners. Tejpal Sethi, Dr Shiv Shankar Jaiswal, Shiv Prakash Aggarwal, Uday Raj Singh Chauhan, Ram Prakash Singh, Nathi Lal Bangwal, Bhanu Prakash Gupta, Bhagwat Sharan among others were present on the occasion.

As many as 600 players representing 48 teams in the U-14, U-17 and U-19 age group participated in the National Kabaddi Championship. 

Give peasants due weightage: Ambrish Kumar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, September 15
The BJP-led Union government directing state governments not to give bonus to peasants on purchasing of agricultural products at Minimum Support Price will have a negative impact on the agriculture sector.

This was stated by former legislator Ambrish Kumar during a media brief here in Haridwar today. He has been vocal on issues pertaining to the peasant community.

Citing delay in payment to peasants for their crops, Ambrish lamented that on one hand, the BJP government is inviting corporates with open arms, providing them with various sops, and on the other, debt-ridden peasants are taking to suicide.

Citing a recent survey which found that 46% peasants wanted to leave farming and opt for private jobs, Ambrish said the core problem lies in viewing agriculture as less productive than industries.

“Without agricultural self-reliance and productivity, India can’t feed 121 crore people. Green revolution scientist MS Swaminathan too had opined that to become a developed country, India needs to be self-dependent on its foodgrain production. Lands are shrinking and peasants are opting for non-agriculture avenues. Those who are still indulging in farming are being forced to die,” said Kumar.

Reacting to yesterday’s visit of BJP national president Amit Shah in Haridwar, Ambrish said BJP-RSS used to focus on Haridwar during the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 90’s, but now, as they have attained their objective of coming to power, their focus has shifted to Kashi (Varanasi).

He said political mileage is the aim of BJP as Haridwar generated nationwide Hindutva wave, which made them get foothold in other states, while Varanasi got Prime Minister Narendra Modi elected to the Lok Sabha and the party also bagged 73 seats in UP; they have forgotten Haridwar now and want to model Varanasi after Kyoto.

Former Municipal chairperson Satpal Brahamchari asked the BJP government to not only make Varanasi a model city but also develop all those cities that fall on the Ganga river bed from the Gangotri in Uttarakhand to the Ganga Sagar in West Bengal.

Brahmachari also sought special budget for Shri Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, recently organised in Uttarakhand.

City Congress unit president OP Chauhan said the Centre should provide maximum funds for organising Ardh Kumbh fair in Haridwar and assist in rehabilitation efforts in flash flood-affected areas of the state.

500 NCC cadets take part in all-India trek
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
As many as 500 NCC cadets participated in the All-India level trek being undertaken by NCC group, Dehradun. The trek would culminate on September 17.

Maj Gen Kuldip Singh, Additional Director General, NCC Uttarakhand directorate, flagged off the trek that aimed at fostering the spirit of adventure, national integration, brotherhood and love for nature, mountains and flora and fauna. In addition, cadets from various states would share their experiences and understand diversity of culture and heritage.

The trek is being undertaken in the areas of Santla Devi, Anarwala, Jharipani, Benog Hill and Jungle Trail (Asan Barrage). It will culminate with a visit to Paonta Sahib Gurdwara.

Awards given as Hindi Fortnight at NIVH concludes
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Director of National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) Anuradha Dalmia today exhorted the employees of NIVH to extensively carry out official work in the Hindi language.

Speaking today at the conclusion of the Hindi Fortnight, held between September 1 and September 15, Dalmia expressed satisfaction at the efforts being taken in the institute to promote the use of Hindi in the institute.

During the fortnight several competitions were held to promote the Hindi language and on the concluding day today awards were given to the winners in different categories.

In the Hindi Comments category Sukhwinder Kaur, who stood first, was awarded a cash prize of Rs 500, Bhawana Joshi, who stood second, Rs 450, Priyanka, who stood third, Rs 400 and Maheswari Bhandari got consolation prize of Rs 350.

In the Hindi essay writing category Promila Nainwal who stood first was awarded the cash prize of Rs 500, Shahlinder Tiwari who stood second Rs 450, Bhawna who stood third Rs 400 and L K Lal got consolation prize of Rs 350.

In the Hindi typing category Jitender Singh who stood first was awarded cash prize of Rs 500, Bhawna Joshi who stood second was awarded Rs 450, Deepa Gairola who stood third Rs 400 and Arun got consolation prize of Rs 350.

21 sub-inspectors promoted
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
As many as 21 sub-inspectors (Intelligence) were declared promoted to the post of inspector intelligence after day-long interview process held at Dehradun police lines here today. Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sidhu along with other senior police officials took the interview of more than 50 probable candidates after which the final list of 21 sub-inspectors, who got promoted to the post inspector, was released.

According to the final list released by the police headquarters, out of the total 21 who got promoted, eight are placed at police headquarters while five each from Dehradun and Haldwani sector have got promoted. Two from Champawat and one from Tehri also got promotion to the post of inspector, Intelligence. 

Shivanand: Govt formulating pro-quarrying policy
Tribune News Service

Haridwar September 15
Matra Sadan founder Swami Shivanand today cornered the Uttarakhand government’s lackadaisical attitude towards quarrying issue by citing a Nainital High Court judgment, wherein the court directed the government to review its policy regarding quarrying and stone-crushing operations in Uttarakhand.

Speaking to mediapersons here today at Matra Sadan ashram,5 kms from Haridwar city, Swami Shivanand cited May 1,2012, judgment pronounced by Chief Justice Barin Ghosh and UC Dhyani on a writ petition filed in the Kewlanand Kabdal versus State of Uttarakhand case.

The judgment given on May, 2012, had cited Matra Sadan vs Himalaya Stone Crusher Pvt Ltd case, directing Uttarakhand government to reapply the principles enunciated therein in its policy as quickly as possible but not later than six months from the judgment date.

The judgment also asked Uttarakhand government to review its quarrying-stone crushing policy and provide six months time to those stone crushers who do not fulfil the norms of the government policy.

As per Swami Shivanand, this is a blatant violation of the court’s judgment as Uttarakhand government has not responded to the court directives as no review of its quarrying-stone crusher policy has been done.

“This leads to contempt of court as already two years have passed since the Nainital court gave these directives. Uttarkahand government and bureaucracy seem to be deliberately trying to formulate a pro-quarrying/stone crushing policy,” alleged Swami Shivanand. The holy Ganga, local ecology and riverbed are getting affected, apart from huge loss to state exchequer via illegal quarrying operations,” stated the saint, who has for a decade been a flag bearer of many agitations against illegal quarrying on the Ganga riverbed in Haridwar.

Swami Shivanand has also expressed threat to his life from illegal quarrying mafia, as he has been opposing quarrying in the Ganga riverbed. The saint feared that earlier his disciple late Swami Nigmanand was murdered in hospital and now another disciple Swami Atmabodhanand, who is into the third week of the agitation against illegal quarrying, is being targeted, so that illegal quarrying can be done openly in Haridwar.

On this Senior Superintendent of Haridwar Police Sadanand Datte said that already security cover had been provided to Swami Shivanand and owing to the threat perception, Kankhal police station SHO has been directed to intensify security and patrolling in and around the Matra Sadan ashram. 

Women protest sale of illicit liquor
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, September 15
Fed up with daily fights and unrest being done by drunkards, women from Bhilkot area of Bageshwar district today demonstrated against illicit liquor being sold in the area.

The agitating women said if the administration failed to keep a check on the selling of illicit liquor and disturbances being created by drunkards in the area, they would resort to indefinite agitation against the anti-social elements and the administration.

“We have decided to act against the anti-social elements and hand over them to police if they create any disturbance in the locality,” said Anandi Devi, president of Maa Bhagwati Sangthan, an NGO.

According to the agitating women, the menace of liquor and drunkards is affecting women and children of Bunga, Bhilkot, Kotyura, Gheti, Amsyari and Chatia. “We have decided to end the menace of liquor from villages of the Devnai valley,” said Laita Parihar, a resident of Bunga village.

ITBP Academy foundation day celebrated

Mussoorie, September 15
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Academy celebrated its 37th foundation day with fervour and gaiety here today.

Academy director IG Harbhajan Singh emphasised to maintain dignity and prestige of the institution for which it was known. A meena bazaar was set up at Parade Ground where family members of jawans and officials were present. Academy deputy director Devendar Singh extended greetings. — TNS

CS assurance to ministerial staff
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
Demanding the acceptance of their three-point charter of demands, the ministerial staff, under the banner of Uttarakhand Ministerial Collectorate Karamchari Sangh, continued with their strike at the Collectorate here today.

Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar assured the delegation of fulfilling the demands by September 17. Among the demands, the ministerial staff sought a reservation of 10 per cent of appointment of naib tehsildar. Ashish Verma, Ajay Goyal, Rattan Singh, Rajender Rawat, Balakram Joshi, Teekaram Joshi, Sunit Singh and several others were part of the protest.

Govt to pay three-month fee of J&K students
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
The Uttarakhand Government has decided to bear fee expenses of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in various colleges and universities of the state for the next three months.

According to Chief Minister’s media in charge, Surendra Kumar, “The Chief Minister has taken a decision that the state government will bear the education fee of students from the flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir studying in various colleges and universities of Uttarakhand.”

It is to be noted that hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir would be benefitted after the state government’s decision as a large number of students from J&K are studying in various colleges and universities of Uttarakhand.

Robbery case: Constables interrogated 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 15
The alleged involvement of three constables of the Udham Singh Nagar police in a robbery, in which jewellery worth Rs 2 crore was stolen from a shop in Bulandshahr has brought embarrassment to the state Police Department.

The Uttar Pradesh police reportedly interrogated the three constables on Saturday to ascertain their role in the robbery.

As per sources, constables Satish, Pankaj and Deepak have been questioned for their alleged involvement in the robbery on the basis of a Closed Circuit television camera footage. A few policemen were seen accompanying the robber inside the shop during the incident on September 11.

Meanwhile, the constables have been suspended by Riddhim Aggarwal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Udham Singh Nagar, for dereliction of duty.

The Uttar Pradesh police are suspecting that the constables seen inside the jewellery shop were from the Uttarakhand police who had taken a prisoner, Manish Verma, from Haldwani to Aligarh for hearing in a loot case on September 11.

According to the Uttar Pradesh police, the man who was seen wearing a helmet in the Closed Circuit television camera footage was Manish Verma, presently lodged in the Haldwani jail in another case of loot committed in 2010.

Dry conditions forecast

Dehradun, September 15
State Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy conditions. Light rain and thundershowers may occur at some places, especially in Uttarkashi and Nainital districts, while dry conditions will prevail in rest of the state.

The Rishikesh-Kedarnath National Highway (NH-109) is open for traffic till Sonprayag. — TNS