Dehradun, January 7
The Nainital High Court has issued orders directing that Rahul Rawat, who was elected president of the DAV PG College Students Union for 2008-09, will not function as president till further orders of the court.

Judge Prafulla C Pant has also mentioned in his order dated January 2 that Rahul Rawat has been allowed four weeks time to file his counter affidavit.

In August 2008, Rahul Rawat was elected president of the DAV PG College Students Union for 2008-09.

However, another college student Prashant Khanduri, who also contested the election for the post of president and lost, submitted a complaint to the college principal.

He argued that Rawat was not eligible as he had already contested on two previous occasions. He also took the matter to the Grievance Committee of the college but they also upheld the election of Rawat.

Then, Prashant filed a writ petition in the Nainital High Court. In his petition, he mentioned that the apex court had accepted the report of the JM Lyngdoh Committee.

As per the Supreme Court guidelines and the rules framed thereof, any student, who had already contested twice, would be disqualified from further contesting, the plaintiff pleaded before the court.

The counsel for the petitioner also submitted that Rawat had unsuccessfully contested elections for the post of president in 2004-05 and again in 2006-07.

“Apart from this, Rawat was disqualified from contesting the election in 2005-06 as he was caught adopting unfair means during the examination of M.Com (first year),” the petition read, while adding that Rawat’s move to contest elections again in 2008 was in violation of the rules.

Paresh Tripathi, counsel for the respondent, raised a preliminary objection that the writ petition is not maintainable, as the petitioner could have made a reference to the chancellor under Section 68 of the UP State Universities Act, 1973.

He also pleaded that since no fundamental right is violated, the writ petition
is not maintainable.

After hearing both sides, Judge Prafulla C Pant mentioned, “Prima facie, this court is of the view that the election of Rawat is not only in violation of the rules quoted in the petition but also against the directions contained in the judgment passed by apex court in University of Kerala case.”

“As an interim measure, it is directed that until further orders of this court, Rawat shall not function on the post of the president of the students union of DAV PG College (2008-09).”

Meanwhile, a section of DAV PG College students owing allegiance to Prashant have demanded the removal of the college principal Dr Ashok Kumar.

They demanded that the principal had not entertained the complaint filed by Prashant. He was at fault and should resign without delay.

Dehradun, January 7
Uttarakhand Chief Minister BC Khanduri today advocated one rank, one pension for ex-servicemen. He also sought better rehabilitation packages for them.

Participating at the 28th meeting of Kendriya Sainik Board, presided over by Union defence minister AK Antony in Delhi, the Chief Minister appealed to the Central and state governments to work towards better rehabilitation of ex-servicemen by ensuring better livelihood opportunities.

“It is the duty of one and all to work towards the betterment of these ex-servicemen who have spent the prime time of their life serving the cause of the nation,” Khanduri said.

The Chief Minister added that as many as four companies of the Eco Task force have been constituted in the state and all expenditure is being borne by the state government.

He said the companies of the Eco Task Force were proving to be of great assistance in providing employment to ex-servicemen and also serving the greater cause of the environment.

He pointed out that the disciplined force of ex-servicemen must be utilised in the interest of the state and the country.

He stated that the Uttarakhand government has increased the grant amount for the winners of war medals apart from hiking the pension of Second World War veterans from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.

He also held that the assistance amount for the widows of the martyrs and also the ex-servicemen has been enhanced substantially in the state.

Union defence minister AK Antony and Union Minister of State for defence MMP Raju lauded the efforts undertaken by the state government towards the welfare of ex-servicemen. They said maximum benefits should be given to ex-servicemen.

Dehradun, January 7
Seeking the Sixth Pay Commission benefits, non-teaching employees of various Inter-Colleges in Uttarakhand today threatened to boycott the forthcoming Board examination if the state government pay no heed to their concerns.

The threat came at a protest rally organised by the Uttaranchal Madhyamik Shikshanetar Sangh, in Dehradun today that was followed by a massive demonstration outside Secretariat.

Led by Ramesh Chandra Arya, state president, Uttaranchal Madhyamik Shikshanetar Sangh, the demonstrators also raised slogans against the state government.

Starting from Gandhi Park, the protesters took the Clock Tower, Panchayati Mandir, Lord Buddha Chowk and Lansdowne Chowk route before culminating their rally in front of the Gandhi Park.

Threatening to boycott the Board examination the convener of the Sangh, BL Saklani said, “Our next course of action would be to gherao the Vidhan Sabha complex on January 28 and if still the government does not provide us the benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission, we would be forced to boycott the forthcoming Board examinations.”

The protesters also accused the state government for dividing the non-teaching staff of different inter-colleges to serve their own interests.

Dehradun January 7
A 42-year-old woman committed suicide in Harawala near Dehradun on Tuesday. Vidya was in a state of depression after the death of her husband and two children.

According to the police, few days back, unable to cope up with her husband’s death, grief-ridden Vidya had consumed poison along with her two mentally challenged children.

However, at that time, due to the prompt medical care, the doctors at the Doon hospital were able to save her but her children could not be saved.

After her recovery, Vidya left the hospital and returned back to her residence without informing the hospital authorities.

According to the reports, her mental condition however continued to deteriorate. Blaming herself for death of her two children, Vidya committed suicide yesterday.

Dehradun, January 7
Be it jackets, bags, belts or wallets, leather accessories today play a major role in the wardrobe of those who want to be in vogue.

Whether it's a formal lunch with your clients or just another party with friends, leather accessories have become a style quotient.

And thankfully, Dehradun which is better known for its bakeries and schools is also providing some famous international brands in leather accessories.

From past two years, the city has witnessed a sea change in leather goods with the arrival of brands like Hidesign, Benetton and Wills.

The residents need not look around much for the variety and brands when they have everything easily available in the city.

"Earlier I had to visit Paltan Bazaar to buy bags which mostly offers synthetic
bags but now I am glad that now the city has something for everyone," said
Rashmi, a housewife.

"Not everyone wants to shell out lot on these high-end leather items but whenever people are hesitant about the prize, we assure them that Hidesign is value for money. The brand has stayed focused on innovation, based on the heritage of craftsmanship and is a recognised leader in the research of the ecological use of vegetable tanned leathers for its goods."

Poonam Singh, a HR executive, is a girl who believes in making a style statement and therefore, prefers carrying a Hidesign bag for work. "I can't imagine a day without my Hidesing office bag,” says Poonam.

Dehradun, January 7
Criticising the state government for not paying heed to their genuine demands, the agitating youth trained in Yoga said they would intensify their stir in the coming days and have planned a rally on January 9, followed by a gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence and the Secretariat.

Giving an ultimatum to the state government, the district president, Arvind Rana of Yog Prashikshit Society said, “We will stage hunger strike on January 10, if our demands are not met by then.”

The agitating youth received a boost today after the senior Congress leader and MLA from Mussoorie, Jot Singh Ghansola also joined the dharna at Gandhi Park.

Earlier, continuing with their meetings, the members also met the Uttarakhand education minister, Madan Kaushik.

“We were disappointed with the attitude of the minister who said that due to the absence of any budgetary allocation, no decision can be taken regarding our appointments,” said Arvind Rana, district president of Yog Prashikshit Society.

From last two-and-a-half years, youth trained in Yoga have been demanding permanent jobs in educational institutes, health and tourism department but there demands have not been met.

A total of 2,924 trained youth are agitating and demanding jobs. It may be mentioned that the government has made study of Yoga as a compulsory subject in schools for high school and intermediate classes.

Dehradun, January 7
Garhi Shampur today stormed into the semifinals after inflicting a 7-3 defeat on Sri Guru Nanak Inter College at the ongoing District Hockey league being played at SFS Ground in Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

The match however began on a bad note for Garhi Shampur team as it was pushed on the backfoot by Guru Nanak team in the initial minutes of the match.

Guru Nanak took Garhi Shampur by surprise in the 11th minute with a field goal scored by it’s forward Ashish to give his team an initial lead.

But their joy was shortlived as Garhi Shampur team got back with an equaliser in the 19th minute.

Garhi Shampur’s forward, Ashish Aswal hit a brilliant field to see his team level the score 1-1.

Garhi’s team struck again in the 22nd minute to take the lead for the first time
in the match.

Garhi Shampur’s forward, Yunis Khan dribbled his way through the defence of Guru Nanak team to score the second goal for his team, making the score 2-1.

They scored their third goal in the 28th minute through Yunis Khan, again. At the end of the Ist half the scores was 3-1 in favour of Garhi Shampur.

Garhi Shampur dominated in the second half also as Rahul scored in the first minute of the second half for the team, to further increase the lead 4-1. Shamshad scored again in the 33rd minute to make it 5-1 for Garhi Shampur.

In 37th minute, Guru Nanak team somehow managed to reduced the lead by scoring a goal through Mahindar Negi’ stick.

But it was of no good as Garhi Shampur team had by then complete control over the game, hitting another goal in the 38th minute through the stick of Yunis Khan making the score 6-2.

Guru Nanak’s Harendar Singh score the third goal for his team in the 39th minute. But it was of no use as Garhi Shampur’s team had already taken an invincible lead in the match.

Garh Shampur’s team finished the match with Shamshad’s goal in the 59th minute to put fine stamp to their victory, making sure that his team entered the semifinal.

In the semifinal, Garhi Shampur will now play its match against pool ‘A’ topper
Doon Hawks.

In the first semifinal Indian Council of Forest Research Institution’s (ICFRE) will meet pool ‘B’ topper Garhwal Sporting.

Dehradun, January 7
A superb all-round performance of Zunaid helped New Star Cricket Club win a closely contested match against MCC Mehuwala at the ongoing 57th District Cricket League being played at Survey Stadium here today.

Zunaid hit an unbeaten half-century and claimed 4-wicket for his team. Batting first MCC Mehuwala team had a steady start.

Their openers contributed 27 runs for the first wicket partnership at a rapid pace in just 3 overs. Irfan was the first to go at the individual score of six runs.

Thereafter, a good partnership flourished between Vicky and Tauseef to add 68 runs to the team total to 95 runs in 12 overs.

MCC team was looking comfortable at this time and was all set give a fighting target to their opponent to chase.

But it was a superb spell bowled by Sanjay of New Star Cricket, who claimed the wickets of Touseef and Galib in the same over.

Thereafter, it was Zunaid who ripped through the middle order of MCC team, breaking its backbone.

He claimed the wicket of Vicky who scored 37 runs, Ritesh at the score 28 runs, Vishal at 12 runs and Azeem at duck.

MCC team scored 89 runs in their allotted 40 overs. Chasing the target of 190 runs on board, New Star Cricket Club had a flying start.

Its opening batsman Shahnawaz played a blazing inning of 49 runs hitting six fours and a six to put his team on the commanding position in the first 10 overs.

Zunaid supported him well on the other end to make a steady 50 off 71 balls, helping his team reach the target slow and steady. Zunaid remained at the crease till the end helping his team achieve the target.