Dehradun, November 18
From today onwards, commuters will have to shell out extra bucks to travel in private buses, auto-rickshaw and ‘vikrams’, as the State Transport Authority (STA) has increased fares on routes within the city.

“Although the private operators had demanded revision of fares by 50 to 80 per cent, the STA allowed 12 to 15 percent increase keeping in the mind the interests of commuters as well,” secretary STA Vinod Sharma said.

The revision has come after three years and operators had demanded it on account of hike in prices of diesel, lubricants, spareparts and wages of their workers as well as general cost of living.

The proposal to revise fares came up for discussion before the STA on November 6. It was felt that the revision was due under prevailing inflationary pressure. However, the authorities deliberated extensively to balance the interests of commuters and operators. Thereafter, a decision was notified today and it came into effect immediately.

There are at least 800 ‘vikrams’ and 450 auto-rickshaws besides private buses plying on various routes in the city.

As per the notification, the commuters will not have to bear any fare hike for a distance up to three kilometres while commuting in a private bus. But one will have to pay Rs 5 instead of Rs 4 for distance up to six kilometres. At this rate, the commuters will end up paying Rs 6, 9, 12 and 15 for the distances between 6-9, 9-15, 15-20 and 20-25 kilometres, respectively. The fare for ‘vikrams’ between designated routes has been revised by 15 per cent. It means a commuter will have to pay one rupee more than the existing fare.

Meanwhile, terming the hike as inadequate, the president of Dehradun Vikram Operators Association, Sati Sharma, demanded that it should be increased by at least 50 per cent.

Dehradun, November 18
The already divided state Congress has received another jolt, this time from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

In the election for the lone Rajya Sabha seat scheduled to be held on November 21, a section of the state Congress has fielded a local Congress leader as an independent to oppose former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. However, the BSP has decided to refrain from the contest.

Although the ruling BJP has a clear majority in the state assembly and is most likely to win the seat, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly Harak Singh Rawat, without taking the Congress high command into confidence, has fielded Manish Verma, a local Congress leader, as an independent candidate.

Seven of the Congress legislators belonging to the Rawat camp had proposed the name of Manish Verma. But Uttarakhand Congress president Yashpal Arya was not taken into confidence as he belongs to the rival camp. This has further divided the already fractured state Congress party. Arya has also complained to Bhola Pandey, the co-incharge of the state and secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC) about the state of affairs.

According to party sources, Bhola Pandey took Rawat to task for taking a unilateral decision without taking the party high command into confidence. He also asked him to furnish the names of the Congress legislators who proposed the name of the independent candidate.

On the other hand, Rawat has argued that BJP should not be allowed to win the seat without a fight. But the Arya group claims that since it was decided not to contest the seat by the Central party leadership there was no sense in fielding a Congressman as an independent. Harak Singh had claimed that he was in touch with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) legislators and would persuade them to vote for the independent.

Congress has 19 legislators while BSP has eight members in the state assembly. But even their combined strength would not be enough to ensure victory for the independent. However, Harak Singh camp got a jolt today when BSP state president Suraj Mal said his party would not support any candidate. “We would like to be neutral in the Rajya Sabha elections and abstain,” he said.

Notably, Congress and BSP are at loggerheads at the national level as well and there was no chance of any patch up in Uttarakhand. It is for sure that Koshiyari would go to the Rajya Sabha and it is also a certainity that his election would further fuel rivalry in the Congress party. 

Dehradun, November 18
Bharat Rashtriya Jagran Manch (BRJM), today demanded a ban on Maharahstra Navnirnam Sena (MNS) and to book its chief Raj Thackeray under National Security Act (NSA) as well as to withdraw his Z plus security on the charge of inciting regional sentiments detrimental to unity and integrity of the country.

Also demanding removal of Railway minister Laloo Prasad Yadav for his provocative counter-statements, which further fuelled the situation, BRJM chief Gyanveer Tyagi took the UPA government to task for allowing the situation to come to pass due to inaction on its part. “Due to violence against them, the north Indians are immensely insecure but the situation has shown no sign of improvement despite assurance by the Prime Minsiter. Instead of taking stringent action against Raj Thackeray, the government has accorded him Z plus security,” said Tyagi.

BRJM leaders condemned the role played by regional political satraps like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Laloo Prasad Yadav for playing the regional card. Both organised political rallies in Mumbai to strengthen their base in their respective states. But doing so they pitted helpless people of their states settled in Mumbai against the marauding MNS cadre. “The ensuing violence is the direct fallout of vote bank politics in which common people suffer.

While referring to the recent incident in Karnal where a Marathi family was threatened to leave the state, Tyagi said, “If things are not taken under control on time, there could be more incidents similar to Karnal which could also turn lead to violent.

Dehradun, November 18
The government doctors today withdrew their stir after receiving an assurance from the Uttarakhand government that their three major demands would be fulfilled. The boycott of the OPD for two hours, on since November 1, has also been withdrawn.

“A positive response from the government and principal secretary K.D. Raju made us call off the stir. We will wait for the recommendations of State Pay Commission and then decide the future course of action,” said Dr. D.P. Joshi, general secretary of Prantiya Chikitsa Evam Swasthaya Sewa Sangh, Uttarakhand.

The deadlock was broken after a delegation led by Dr L.M. Upreti, president of the Sangh, got a favourable response at a meeting held on November 11 with the principal secretary (health) K.D. Raju and additional secretary A.S. Nabliyal.

The government doctors are hopeful that the meeting has paved way for the acceptance of their major demands.

“We are optimistic that the government would pay heed to our demands that include Central parity on Non Practicing allowance (NPA) making it 25% of basic pay, as huge difference exists between our salaries and that of doctors working in other states. If the anomaly in the pay structure is removed there will be better working health infrastructure with no shortage of doctors in the state. And also other demands including implementation of DACP (Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme) to avoid stagnation, as the promotion avenues for the doctors are negligible after the abolition of time- bound scales and acceptance of Samta Committee recommendations given in 1988 when the state was part of Uttar Pradesh, would automatically lead to acceptance of Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations. Therefore, we decided to end our stir,” said Dr. LM Upreti. 

Dehradun, November 18
As part of ‘Jago Re Hindustan’ campaign, an interactive seminar on growing menace of terrorism was held at DAV (PG) College today. Chief Guest Dr. D.C. Dhasmana of Himalayan Hospital Trust Jollygrant exhorted the youths to stand firmly against the menace of terrorism. He also held that a change in education system was the need of the hour.

Social Activist Aloka Niyogi said terrorism today is a worldwide phenomenon and collective initiative is required to fight against terrorism.

Earlier, Uttarakhand president of Jago Bharat Dr. Dipankar Rai read out the message of Speaker Harbans Kapoor, in which latter had welcomed the efforts of ‘Jago Re Hindustan’, to fight against the menace.

He said the campaign has been undertaken with an aim of uniting people in fight against terrorism. He also disclosed that on October 18, over one lakh signatures have been collected against terrorism from Uttarakhand.

He also disclosed that October 19, candle peace march was carried out from Gandhi Park to Secretariat. Dr Rai also mentioned that another workshop was scheduled to take place at Himalayan Hospital on November 27 followed by two other interactions at DIT and MKP on December 3 and 11 respectively. 

Dehradun, November 18
ONGC’s wholly-owned subsidiary ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) has bagged two blocks in Colombia, including Block CPO 5 and Block SSJN 7.

Block CPO 5 is in the highly prospective onshore Llanos Basin and Block SSJN 7 is in prospective onshore Sinu San Jacinto Basin. OVL secured these two blocks amid stiff competition from international companies during ‘Colombia Round - 2008’, announced earlier by the government of Colombia, through its regulatory agency Agencia Nacional de Hydrocarbons (ANH).

In all, 43 blocks in four basins - Sinu San Jacinto, Cesar Rancheria / Guajira, Eastern Cordillera and Llanos Basin - were offered in the ‘Colombia Round - 2008’.

A number of E&P companies applied for qualification and ONGC Videsh was among the companies to be shortlisted as operator.

In a public ceremony in Bogota, Colombia, on November 7 this year, companies submitted bids for various blocks on offer, which were opened the same day. ONGC Videsh was declared the winner with 100% interest in Block CPO 5 in the Llanos Basin and 50% interest with Pacific Stratus for Block SSJN 7 in the Sinu San Jacinto Basin.

With this, OVL has further consolidated its presence in Colombia where it presently holds interest in a producing asset and in three offshore exploratory assets.

Dehradun, November 18
To spread the message of oil conservation, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had brought children from diverse backgrounds for a theatre workshop that concluded here today.

Children from different schools participated in the workshop headed by Anjana Puri, as part of the theatre in education initiative assigned by National School of Drama (NSD) along with theater artists from Rang Vidhushak, Bhopal.

“We began the workshop on Children’s day. The aim was to create a vibrant image of the oil industry amid children and teach them about oil conservation,” said general manager and chief knowledge officer of ONGC, Raja Gopala Rao.

Five children from Doon Sthali (Bindal) who come from economically weak families also participated in the workshop.

“Our greatest achievement has been bringing children from diverse family background and classes together, and providing an opportunity for them to learn about oil conservation,” said Raja Gopala Rao.

“Spreading education through theatre was the aim of workshop,” said Anjana Puri.

Dehradun, November 18
A fusion of colours and music was presented by Margaret Shilan, an eminent painter from Sussex, UK, at “Nanhi Duniya.”

In a unique experiment, Margaret selected a group of children comprising the disabled who were taught to respond to colours with the beating of the drum and tunes of the flute.

“ I am here to teach something new to the children on it’s 62 anniversary today. I have never done this before, it is novel and invigorating,” explained Margaret as she saw children express themselves with paint and brush. With the drums beating, the red colour signifying vitality was on the canvas board; similarly blue made an appearance with the flute.

Margaret teaches at Emerson College. She has a long association with “Nanhi Duniya”. “The participants presented an empty matchbox containing a coin to Kiran Goyal, the main force behind “Nanhi Duniya.”

“ The gesture has a special meaning, it conveys that each individual has the power of giving and we should learn to respect children and accept that they have a unique place in our lives,” said Kiran. 

Dehradun, November 18
Karanjeet Singh won the 100-mts sprint event at the sub-junior athletics competition underway at Pavilion Ground, here today. Samir Khan stood second and Vedpal was placed at the third spot. The district sports office had organised the competition.

In the 200-mts event, Ashish Bisht of Sanjay Public School emerged the winner. Samir Khan of Sanjay Public School secured the second spot and Shanu Kumar of KV ONGC stood third. Umesh Pathek of KV ONGC won the 400-mts race, while Vijay Kumar of Laksham Vidyalay stood second and Anil Nautiyal of Snatan Dharma Inter-College (Banu) secured the third place. Shitel Pundir of Lakshman Vidyalay won the 800 mts sprint, Umesh of K.V ONGC stood second and Anil Nautiyal of Snatan Dharam Inter-College (Banu) grabbed the third place.

In the field events, Ashish Bisht of Sanjay Public School was declared winner of the shot-put event, whereas Shubham Thapliyal of Sanjay Public School stood second and Nadeem was placed at the third spot.

Shubham Thapliyal of Sanjay Public School emerged winner in the Discuss throw event, Samir Khan of Sanjay Public School was placed second and Nadeem secured the third spot. Karanjeet Singh of Vikas Nagar stood first in the long jump event. Samrath of KV ONGC stood second and Gulshan of Sanjay Public School was secured the third place.

Vijay Kumar of Lakshman Vidyalay won the High Jump event, Ram Jatin of Sanjay Public School stood second and Mohit Thakur of Sanjay Public School stood third.

Dehradun, November 18
Himani of Udham Singh Nagar and Sumitra of Dehradun bagged first position in below 36-kg and below 40-kg junior girls category in the State Level Judo Championship at Narishilp Mandir here today. Participants from five districts are participating in the competition.

Results:

Junior Girls:

Below 36 kg: 1 Himani (Udham Singh Nagar), 2 Savita (Dehradun). Below 40 kg: 1 Sumitar (Dehradun). Below 44 kg: 1 Moyuri (Dehradun), 2 Nisha (Udham Singh Nagar). Below 52 kg: 1 Tulsi (Dehradun), 2 Rekha (Dehradun). Below 56 kg: 1 Shivani (Dehradun), 2 Priyanka (Udham Singh Nagar), 3 Kala Bhandari (Pauri).

Sub-Junior Boys:

Below 25 kg: 1 Ashish Rana. Below 30 kg: 1 Digvijay (Dehradun), 2 Ashish Kemini (Pauri). Below 35 kg: 1 Neeraj Boulela (Pauri). Below 44 kg: 1 Yamuna (Udham Singh Nagar), 2 Kamal (Dehradun).

Sub-Junior Girls:

Below 23 kg: 1 Kajal Singh (Dehradun). Below 27 kg: 1 Archana (Dehradun), 2 Avantika (Udham Singh Nagar). Below 32 kg: 1 Poonam (Udham Singh Nagar), 2 Chhaya (Dehradun). Below 36 kg: 1 Jagjeet Kaur (Udham Singh Nagar), 2 Nandi (Udham Singh Nagar), 3 Nidhi (Dehradun).

Senior Girls:

Below 36 kg: 1 Rakhi (Dehradun). Below 40 kg: 1 Manisha (Dehradun). Below 44 kg: 1 Shiva (Dehradun), 2 Sundaram (Udham Singh Nagar). Below 48 kg: 1 Sonam (Dehradun). Below 52 kg: 1 Vandana (Dehradun), 2 Ranjendra (Udham Singh Nagar), 3 Pooja (Pauri).

Senior Boys

Below 45 kg: 1 Arvind Kumar (Pauri), 2 Deepak Natwar (Nanital), 3 Arun Kumar (Dehradun). Below 50 kg: 1 Vineet Prasad (Pauri), 2 Gagan (Nainital), 3 Mandeep (Dehradun). Below 55 kg: 1 Gaurav Kumar (Haridwar), 2 Sandeep Rana (Pauri), 3 Ramesh Singh (Udham Singh Nagar). Below 60 kg: 1 Karan Singh (Pauri), 2 Abhishek Kumar (Haridwar), 3 Bhupendra Rana (Udham Singh Nagar).

Junior Boys:

Below 40 kg: 1 Himanshu Rawat (Pauri), 2 Ramesh Rai (Dehradun), 3 Hrigendra Rawat (Pauri) Below 45 kg: 1 Sanjeev Pal (Haridwar), 2 Kushmendra (Nainital). Below 50 kg: 1 Jahangir. Below 55 kg: 1 Vikram (Dehradun). Below 60 kg: 1 Naveen Bhilangwal (Pauri), 2 Sikshit Chetri. Below 65 kg: 1 Ankur Bahuguna (Pauri).