Dehradun, January 31
Exposure of irregularities in distribution of old-age and widow pensions to ineligible persons, including the dead, in Ataal village, near Dehradun, has put the functioning of the district social welfare department as well as the panchayat concerned under scanner.

In the enquiry marked by District Magistrate Amit Singh Negi upon receiving a complaint some days back, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tuni of Chakrata Block of the district found that pensions were being distributed to as many as 20 ineligible beneficiaries of village Ataal. This is the first instance of irregularities in pension schemes in the district involving so many persons in one single village. Taking a serious note of the findings, the DM has asked for a report from the district social welfare department.

On the other hand, district social welfare officer NK Sharma said pensions are given on recommendations of the village panchayat concerned. “So in this case, the gram panchayat and the beneficiaries are liable for action,” said Sharma.

According to the enquiry report, the beneficiaries included five dead persons whose kin continued to draw old-age pensions even after their death. These include Badri, Mohammad Ali, Elam Das, Mangat Ram and Fagunia. Badri had died two years back while Fagunia died recently. Another seven beneficiaries were not living in the village. It was also found that four widows and as many old-age pensioners were residents of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.

Since the Chakrata Block has a large presence of people who migrated from Himachal Pradesh long time back, the DM is of the view that they should be given a chance to prove their credentials as bonafide residents of Uttarakhand. For this purpose, he has asked the SDM to issue notices to such beneficiaries, as they have to get no-objection certificates from that state to prove that they are not drawing any benefits from there. The DM said the matter would be probed in detail.

Dehradun, January 31
Bachi Singh Rawat, MP from Almora and the chairman of a high-powered committee which was constituted to submit a report regarding simplification of some rules laid in the Forest Conversion Act, 1980, has advocated that there is an immediate need to simplify the procedure for the transfer of forest land for various developmental schemes.

He said that some provisions of the Act are adversely affecting the development in the state.

After submitting a 70-page report complied by the committee to Chief Minister Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd), Rawat said that besides making 12 important recommendations that will be sent to the Centre for its nod, the report has the detailed account of the changes required in the rules laid under the Forest Conservation Act.

The report, a copy of which is in possession of The Tribune mentioned, “The Lucknow-based regional office of Union Forest Ministry is the main coordinating office for land transfer cases arising out of four states - Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.”

“There is need for shifting the office to Uttarakhand as a number of the forest land transfer cases arise from here.”

The committee has recommended that the state government should ask the Centre to resume the authority for transfer of forest land measuring one hectare or less to the department.

“Earlier, the state government was empowered to transfer one hectare or less forest land for other activities on its own. However, after the promulgation of the Tribal Act in 2008, the state lost this authority,” mentioned the report.

The committee has also asked the state government to request the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment to amend its guidelines and strike off all ‘benami’ land from the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act.

Nearly 10 lakh hectares of the total forest land in the state was categorised as ‘benami’ land. However, half of it is now occupied by the state van panchayats, while the remaining 5 lakh hectares is ‘benami’.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khanduri has said that the state government will draft a proposal on the basis of the report soon. “The proposal will be sent to the Union government and the Ministry of Forest very soon,” he said.

Dehradun, January 31
The state unit leaders of the Bhartiya Janata Party today claimed that they would wipe out the Congress from Uttarakhand during the coming Lok Sabha elections.

State party chief Bachi Singh Rawat said the general sentiment of the masses was against the Congress and the election results would prove that. “Our party has announced its candidates from Uttarakhand and the entire rank and file of BJP has started working for ensuring the victory of candidates from all five parliamentary constituencies of the state,” Rawat said.

Coming down heavily on the UPA government, Rawat said the Union government has failed on all fronts. He said under the rule of Congress-led UPA government, inflation has gone up, while adding, “The Centre has failed to ensure the nation’s security and frequent terrorist attacks was a glaring example of it. Besides, the weak foreign policy, the economy of the country has also suffered a jolt under the UPA regime.” Rawat accused the Congress of indulging in polarisation of votes on the basis of religion.

Referring to the Union government’s announcement of reducing fuel prices, Rawat said the appeasement policy being adopted by the Congress, just months before the election, would not help them, as the people of the country are intelligent enough to understand such political tactics.

The BJP president also announced that the Union government had always meted out step- motherly treatment to Uttarakhand. “It was the NDA government that gave the industrial package to Uttarakhand in 2003,” he said.

He added that the party would make failures of the Union government and achievements of the Uttarakhand government the main plank during the poll campaign.

Replying to a query regarding denial of ticket to the family members of erstwhile King of Tehri Maharaja Manvendra Shah, Rawat said Manujendra Shah, son of Manvendra, is a member of BJP Central Parliamentary Board, adding that, “The name of Manujendra Shah’s wife Rani Mala Rajlaxmi Shah came up for discussion for Tehri constituency. However, as she is from Nepal and not an Indian citizen, a ticket could not be allocated to her for technical reasons.”

This time, Rawat, who is a sitting member of parliament from Almora constituency, has been nominated as the BJP candidate from Nainital, since Almora has been reserved in the delimitation. “From the past one year, I have my permanent residence in Haldwani and hence there is no question of being an outsider,” he said.

Dehradun, January 31
The hallowed portals of the Himalayan shrine of Badrinath will open on May 1 as decided at Tehri Rajmahal by the high priests in the presence of Tehri King Maharaja Manujendra Shah today.

“The doors of the shrine will open on May 1 at 9.10 am,” announced priest Shivnand Joshi, who attended the meeting.

According to the Vedic system, the meeting to decide the re-opening of the shrine is held every Basant Panchmi day. The shrine was closed for the winter months on November 30. Badrinath attracts pilgrims from across the country in large numbers.

The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee manages the shrine.

Dehradun, January 31
Male leopard Raja, which was saved last year after a cumbersome rescue operation, is presently housed at Malsi Deer Park where it has been kept under close monitoring as it reported to feel uneasy recently. The chief wildlife warden Uttarakhand had issued necessary directives to Dehradun Forest Division Office to keep the wild cat under medical supervision.

Raja had been in news after Uttarakhand forest authorities virtually saved him from the jaws of death after it sustained injuries across the neck after getting trapped in wire trap. It followed one of the biggest ever treatment meted out to any leopard in the region that lasted over six months. The treatment entailed prompt medical assistance provided in Dehradun followed by long drawn treatment by a team of doctors at Pantnagar Veterinary College.

Raja had subsequently recovered but the deep cut mark around its throat was a source of irritation for the wild cat and has been a cause of concern.

Taking into account severity of the injury, the office of Chief Wildlife Warden had issued necessary directives to Dehradun Forest Division Office that manages Malsi Deer Park to take all precautionary steps for well being of Raja.

Meanwhile, DFO Dehradun BK Gangte said all precautions were being taken for the well being of Raja and added that the leopard was reporting normal.

Dehradun, January 31
Twenty-five female members of self-help groups (SHGs) from Uttarakhand were taken on a study tour, for a comparative study on the functioning of the self-help groups, to Hyderabad.

The State Bank of India facilitated the visit that took place on 18-26 January, this year.

During the course of their visit, the SHG members from Uttarakhand got first hand experience about the working of SHGs, Mahila Credit Society, NABARD, DRDA and the functioning of other lending institutions.

“The tour will help them evaluate the working of their own SHGs and to introduce changes in their groups,” said DR Vanjani, assistant general manager, State Level Bankers Society, Uttarakhand.

“The tie-ups between the self-help groups and the banks proved to be successful in the state as as it develops saving habit among the members. Members could always use the saved money to start a small-scale industry of their own. The banks also provide loans to the groups,” said DR Vanjani.

Dehradun, January 31
The Samajwadi Party has dissolved its Dehradun Mahanagar to reorganise the party machinery in preparation for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Mahanagar president Dr RK Pathak announced the dissolution at a news conference here. He said the names of new office-bearers and the executive committee would be announced soon.

A workers’ convention would also be organised in February, he added.

Dehradun, January 31
Doon Valley will clash with Uttarakhand Police in the finals of the ongoing 1st President Cup District Football Tournament at the Pavilion ground, here tomorrow.

In the second semifinal played today between Doon Valley and Potala XI, the former won 4-2 in a tie-breaker. In the first half, Doon Valley came close on scoring in the 25th minute through a corner kick, but their forward line missed the opportunity. In the last minutes of the first half, Potala XI forward line earned a 30-yard free kick, but again failed to take advantage. The half remained goalless.

The second half saw Potala XI scoring a self-goal in the 50th minute and conceding a lead to Doon Valley. However, Potala XI found an equaliser in the 62nd minute, thanks again to a self-goal by Doon Valley.

The match was finally decided during the tie-breaker. Doon Valley scored their first three shots successfully, while Potala XI could only manage to score one, leaving the final score 4-2.

In the first semifinal held here yesterday, the Uttarkhand Police team had defeated Sports Hostel by a solitary goal, scored by Devendar Negi in the 25th minute of the first half.

Dehradun, January 31
Going ahead with its annual cricketing chart here, United Cricket Association (UCA) will soon be starting its Inter-District Cup Tournament in the state. The association also aims to start a cricket tournament in Kumaon known as Kumaon Cup and to make Udham Singh Nagar another cricketing center.

UCA president Chentan Chauhan announced that the association would host Inter-Club Tournament in every district before they begin with their Inter-District Cup. “ The Inter-District Cup will be commenced after preparing a district team from the Inter-Club Tournament. The cup will present the best of cricket talent of the state,” said Chauhan.

The association plans to select at least 30-35 players from this league for which special coaching camps will be organised along with tours to various states.

Ex-test player and secretary of UCA, Rajendra Pal, said, “We are starting Kumaon Cup 2009 from February 4 to February 12 at Rudrapur. This is our bid to expand cricket throughout the state and also to prepare turf wickets in the state.”

Association is eying to develop Udham Singh Nagar as the second major venue for cricket in the state after Dehradun. Chauhan ducked all question over affiliation and said, “It is ground work which matters the most, and our aim is to organise good cricket at ground level. BCCI is a specialist body and is a good judge, they will judge it themselves.” Chauhan also clarified that there is no rule in BCCI regarding holding posts in two states and his aim is to promote cricket, not to live here.

Dehradun, January 31
Doon Champs win match against Doon Giants by 53 runs at the 57th District Cricket League underway at Survey Stadium, here today. Depender played an outstanding knock of 83 runs.

It was a flying start for Doon Champs, as it hit 124 runs losing just 1 wicket in 18 overs. Depender smashed 83 runs in just 48 balls, hitting 14 fours and 1 six. Jamal accompanied Depender well on the other end hitting a steady 36 runs. In the end it, Ballu made an important contribution by scoring quick 28 runs of just 25 balls. Atul and Paras were only successful bowlers for Doon Gaints. Atul claimed important wickets of Jamal at 36 runs, Sahil at 17 runs, Abhishek on 20 runs and Faisal on 13 runs.

In reply Doon Gaints lost its openers early through run outs. Doon Gaints never recovered from initial setbacks and the team was all out for 185 runs falling short by 53 runs.

For Doon Champs, Nishant bagged three wickets and Ballu took two.