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Govt ignored ST welfare, alleges Cong
Ticket brawl over, BJP bigwigs regroup
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Back from surgery, CM in battle gear
This time, no candidate from Shah dynasty
EC meeting on April 4
IIT to run state portal for next 6 months
HC quashes student union election results
This summer, repair your skin with sun tan creams
INA veteran Narain Negi cremated
2 held with fake CSD labels
Doon Fair for students
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Govt ignored ST welfare, alleges Cong
Dehradun, April 1 At a press conference, Uttarakhand Congress chief Yashpal Arya and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Harak Singh Rawat today claimed that there was a wave against the alleged failure of the present BJP government and hoped that their party would win all five seats. Arya said that the past two years of BJP rule in the state have been thoroughly disappointing for the people of the state. He alleged that all developmental works had come to a halt. He charged that persons of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, backward and minorities are at the receiving end of the current regime. “The money for the special component plans and tribal sub-plan for these sections of society have been curtailed and the 15-point programme for minorities has been shelved. “There is no Wakf Board for the past two years and Muslim Educational Mission has been wound up,” he added. The Congress leaders further said that the industrial development of the state that started during the previous Congress regime has come to a grinding halt and the ambitious programme of the Chief Minister to have industries in the hills has failed to take off. Both Congress leaders highlighted the achievements of the five years of UPA rule at the Centre. Attacking Chief Minister Khanduri, Harak Singh Rawat, who himself hails from Pauri Garhwal, said that the people of the state and voters, particularly in Pauri Garhwal from where Chief Minister also hails, have been disappointed with the present BJP government. “Chief Minister Khanduri has represented Pauri since 1991 and now the people have realised that nothing has been done as far as developmental works are concerned,” he said. |
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Ticket brawl over, BJP bigwigs regroup
Haridwar, April 1 In this context, state election incharge for Uttarakhand, Krishna Morari Moghe, late last night held a party meeting in the city. The significance of the meeting can be gauged by the fact that all district legislators of the party and executive members were present and were given additional responsibilities in order to commit everyone to election work. KM Moghe was apprised by legislators and party workers of the current political situation in the constituency. The party general secretary Ajay Bhatt shed light on the election preparations till date. Local legislator and state cabinet minister Madan Kaushik, who was replaced by Swami Yatindranand for the Haridwar seat, had been keeping away from the party’s programmes for the past seven days. He too was present at the meeting and was given special responsibilities which he happily agreed to and said that the party’s aim was to win the seat. Present at the meeting were Haridwar party candidate Swami Yatindranand, Roorkee legislator Suresh Jain, Trivendra Singh Rawat and district party executive members. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal, who was also in the city, held a meeting with party workers and chalked out plans for the elections. He condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for acting against “innocent” Varun Gandhi while warning that the parishad would start an agitation if the government and election commission continued harassing
Varun. |
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Back from surgery, CM in battle gear
Before hospitalisation, Khanduri had spearheaded the party election campaign with whirlwind tours of various constituencies. But on account of his surgery, he had to skip action for 10 days. Speaking with mediapersons at his official residence here this morning, Khanduri was confident that his party would win all five Lok Sabha seats. “We are in a very strong position in Uttarakhand. The campaigning is gaining momentum and we will soon be convening meetings to formulate an election strategy,”the CM said. He evaded queries on the recent utterances of BJP legislator from Vikas Nagar Munna Singh Chauhan. Regarding the tussle with the party’s alliance partner Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, he said all was “fine” between the two and he would be speaking with the UKD leadership. The BJP refusal to allot any seat to the UKD had enraged the UKD rank and file which demanded that the alliance be terminated. On the non-utilisation of the funds, Khanduri said: “Funds pertaining to the district plan were released in April 2008 and I am satisfied with their utilisation.” Claiming that it was he who had put an end to the practice of utilisation of funds only towards the end of the fiscal year, Khanduri said as far as central funds were concerned, the Model Code of Conduct and procedural delays had impeded their utilisation to an extent. The Chief Minister, his wife Aruna Khanduri and his physician arrived here this morning. Chairman of the state media advisory committee Devendra Bhasin said after a day’s rest, the Chief Minister would be well enough to attend functions and rallies.
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This time, no candidate from Shah dynasty
Dehradun, April 1 Notably, some member or the other of the Shah dynasty, which once ruled Tehri, got elected nine times as Member of Parliament from this
constituency. The Shah dynasty had won with a massive majority of votes that maintained the popularity of the erstwhile royal family. In the very first parliamentary elections in 1952, contesting as an Independent candidate Maharani Kamalendumati Shah of Tehri royal dynasty won from Tehri. After this election, Maharaja Manvendra Singh took over the reins of Tehri from his mother and won consecutive elections in 1957, 1962, 1967 while contesting as a Congress candidate. But in 1971, Maharaja Manvendra had to taste defeat when a social activist Paripoornand Panyuli won the election. In the next general elections, Lok Dal candidate Trepan Singh Negi won and joined the Congress. He continued his winning spree in 1980 election as well. As Maharaja Manvendra Shah had taken a two decade-long political break and was disillusioned with the Congress, he joined the BJP. In 1991, he won as a BJP candidate and made Tehri once again a fortress of the Shah dynasty. He again won in 1996, 1998, and 1999 and in 2004. After death of Shah on January 7, 2007, Tehri lost its most loved King. And with his death, the political scenario too changed. What was once a bastion of the BJP now witnessed the rise of the Congress. After the death of Maharaja Manvedra Shah, his son Yajuvendra Shah contested as a heir to his father but lost his very first election. Vijay Bahuguna, son of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, won the by-election in 2007 putting a halt to the Shah dynasty. And this time, the BJP high command rejected the Shah dynasty’s candidature and gave ticket to ace shooter Jaspal Rana. After the delimitation, Tehri constituency now has 14 legislative assemblies with Narendra Nagar, the capital of the Shah dynasty, and Deo Prayag now going to Pauri Garhwal constituency. |
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Road Widening
Dehradun, April 1 Some Congress councillors are opposed to it on the grounds that no provisions have been made for the compensation and rehabilitation of the persons to be affected by it. As per a preliminary survey conducted by the Public Works Department, the executing agency, about 250 houses and shops have been identified for demolition to acquire the required space. Some state and Central government departments have agreed to spare space for the purpose. But Leader of Congress councillors in Dehradun MC, Ashok Verma, claimed that no such proposal to compensate and rehabilitate more than 3,000 affected families has been submitted. But, according to officials, the move to oppose the project on the issue of compensation and rehabilitation was baseless and showed ignorance of the councillors. The department has already submitted a proposal of Rs 27.6 crore for compensation and rehabilitation to the state Urban Development Department. The state government’s nod is awaited. Moreover, it has come at a time when the PWD has already received the first instalment of Rs 7.35 crore for the purpose. It has only forced the concerned higher state officials on back foot for the fear of letting the issue snowball into a controversy during election time. After a representation by the councillors led by Verma, Commissioner, Garhwal Division, Umakant Panwar has instructed the District Magistrate to organise a meeting of the concerned departments and the affected persons which, interestingly, included Verma’s brother. Confirming this, DM Amit Singh Negi said that the meeting would be called in mid-April after completion of the final survey in a week or so. The PWD has identified 30 intersections in Dehradun and 24 in Haridwar for the purpose under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) at estimated cost of Rs 29 crore and Rs 20 crore respectively. In the case of Haridwar, the PWD has also received Rs 4.76 crore as the first instalment of Central assistance. The proposal was sent to the Centre about two years back after discussion and approval of the concerned local bodies. But Verma alleged that local councillors were not taken into confidence. |
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EC meeting on April 4
Dehradun, April 1 The meeting, scheduled to be held in Secretariat, will mainly deliberate upon the election preparations. As per the information available, the filing of nomination for the five parliamentary constituencies of the state will get under way on April 17. Raturi will be reviewing the progress of the preparations. Preparedness of polling stations, checking of EVMs, identification of sensitive polling booths, implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and other issues will be discussed. Meanwhile, the District Election Officer-cum-District Magistrate Amit Singh Negi has constituted a committee of officials. He said that the DM would head the committee and Dehradun SSP will be the vice-president. |
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IIT to run state portal for next 6 months
Roorkee, April 1 Through a letter dated March 27, the government has asked the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT-R) to continue the functioning of the Uttara portal under its supervision for another six months. The government had decided in July last year to take over the project from the IIT team from April 1 to run it themselves. The IIT team had been running the project since its inception in 2003. As no preparations were reportedly made by the government in this regard, the IIT team was also in a dilemma over the continuation of all services of the portal as they, reportedly, did not get any request from the government till yesterday. The issue was also highlighted by The Tribune in these columns on March 16. Now, RK Mishra, additional secretary (IT), Uttarkhand, has asked the IIT-R to continue the project with the existing establishment at IIT-R for at least six months. The authorities have also asked the institute to provide necessary financial demand note for uninterrupted operation of the portal. “See the lethargic approach of the authorities. I received the letter yesterday though the date mentioned on it is March 27,” said HK Verma, deputy director of IIT and the project leader. The letter was faxed the same day (March 27) to the IIT but somehow, it reached me yesterday, said Verma. “Now, we will continue the operations of the portal for the stipulated time as per the government’s request”, added Verma. Pointing to the government’s sluggishness, Verma said, “One can well imagine the preparation of the government about taking over the project with the fact that only yesterday a meeting was called by the concerned authorities on selection of site for setting up the data centre at the Secretariat in Dehradun”. So far, Rs 15 crore have been spent on the portal project. |
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Doon Tiger Academy storm into final
Dehradun, April 1 A 99-run innings played by Sanjeev of Doon Tiger Cricket Academy fashioned the win of his team. Batting first, Doon Tiger Academy went on to score a mammoth 274 runs in their allotted 40 overs. Their opening pair took the attack to the bowlers to score 49 runs in the first five overs taking off the pressure from the middle-order batsmen. Bharat Gulati was the first to go at the score of 13 runs. The other opener Vijay scored 57 runs off 55 balls hitting eight fours and two sixes. Second-down batsman Sanjeev accelerated the run rate further taking the score to 261 runs before getting out to the bowling of Naman Sharma when he was at 99 runs. In his innings, he hit five fours and six sixes.
Middle-order batsman Kamal chipped in with a handy 26 runs off 31 balls to help his team reach the total of 274 runs. For LIC, Naman Sharma was the lead wicket-taker for the team with four wickets to his credit.
Munish supported him well on the other end to take two wickets. LIC could not repeat its earlier performance and the whole team was all out for 149 runs. It was a disciplined bowling display by Doon Tiger Cricket Academy as all of its bowlers clicked picking up wickets at regular intervals. Sanjeev was the lead wicket-taker with three wickets from his five over spell. Moni, Umesh
and Kamal took two wickets each. |
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HC quashes student union election results
Dehradun, April 1 National Student Union of India (NSUI) candidate Prashant Khanduri challenged the candidature of Rahul Rawat on the grounds that the ABVP candidate had violated the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations that no candidate can fight the student union elections three times. High Court ordered that Prashant Khanduri would be
eligible to re-contest the college election in the next academic year. Responding to the HC order, ABVP unit said the organisation was willing to take their fight to the next stage. They are preparing to appeal in the Supreme Court once the college receives the copy of the verdict in writing. During the 2008 DAV (PG) College election nominations, NSUI unit of the college had objected over Rahul’s re-contesting the election to the college grievance cell and chief election committee of the college. But the college administration overlooked the appeal and allowed Rahul to contest the elections in which Rahul emerged victorious. While commenting on the verdict Prashant Khanduri said,“We had made a valid appeal against Rahul during the election but college principal and administration had over looked our appeal and had allowed him to contest the election. Therefore, we were forced to take the matter to the high court. We are satisfied with verdict now.” But the ABVP now plans to take the matter to the Apex court. “We are unaware of the ground on which the high court has disqualified our candidate. Though we duly respect the verdict, once we know the grounds we will prepare our future strategy and make an appeal in the Supreme Court”, Virender Gusain, member of the ABVP’s state executive council of the state. |
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This summer, repair your skin with sun tan creams
There are varieties of sunscreens, sun blocks, sun tan packs and creams available in the market to keep oneself protected during scorching summers. “We have got diamond, gold and pearl facials to repair skin against the sun damage. We have Lotus, Shenaz Hussains and Boutique’s sunscreens and tan face packs,” said Puneeta, a beauty advisor. Where tan face packs by VLCC and Lotus are really in demand, international brands such a Neutrogena and St.ives are also preferred by lot of customers. Revlon has launched its Pure White range, Pure Skin range and Absolute C, which contain vitamin C and various others ingredients required for healthy and supple skin. Sales of tan packs and creams have suddenly picked up as people don’t have time to visit saloons and moreover these products are effective. For hair care, water based shampoos of Boutique, Loreal and Avon are available in fruity and refreshing fragrances to maintain the PH level of hair,” said Puneeta. Various saloons and laser clinics are offering packages and schemes to people to get rid of unwanted problems. “Yes, lot of variety in cosmetics is there for getting rid of sun tanning. “But people who are suffering from freckles and pigmentation have to take regular sittings of latest treatments introduced for freckles and pigmentation in laser clinics,” said Javed, owner, JVCC lounge. For summers we have introduced anti-tan facials, fruit facials and gel-based facials. For hair, we have hair spa treatments and hydra treatments to get rid of dryness and split ends,” said Deepa, beauty in charge, JVCC lounge. Dehradun being located at a higher altitude, have large number of people who suffer pigmentation and allergies caused by sun. “As compared to any other season, people suffer pigmentation, malasma and polymorphic (sun allergies) more in summers. Now, with lot of exposure and awareness people are taking keen interest in getting solutions to their beauty problems,” said Dr. Jyoti Malik, a dermatologist. “One should regularly use sunscreen that contains SPF 30, drink lots of water and must take vegetables rich in vitamin A and E, which contains sun defensive elements. Treatments like chemical peelings, micro-derma avarasion and skin lighting treatments also bring lot of difference to the skin without any detrimental side effects apart from redness for a day,” said Dr.
Jyoti. |
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INA veteran Narain Negi cremated
Dehradun, April 1 After the guard of honour, Negi’s eldest son Rakesh Kumar lit
the pyre. Negi was 85 years old and is survived by four sons and a daughter. The funeral procession started from Negi’s Defence Colony
residence. Earlier, various dignitaries and eminent personalities including Agriculture Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Air Vice-Marshal HL Kapoor (retd), former Governor of Delhi, and District Magistrate Amit Singh Negi paid floral tributes to Negi. In his message, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd) termed the demise of Negi as a
great loss. “The countrymen will always remember the sacrifice and the contribution of Negi towards the freedom struggle,” said the CM. Uttarakhand Governor BL Joshi has expressed grief over the demise of Captain Negi. In his message, Joshi said that he would always be an inspiration to the youth of the state. He prayed for the peace of the departed soul. |
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2 held with fake CSD labels
Pauri Garhwal, April 1 The police at Kotdwar has arrested Susheel Kumar of Meerut and Kamal Singh of Gaziabad and seized counterfeit wrappers with the CSD mark, empty bottles of Army supply origin, and ingredients for illicit liquor. Special Operations Group (SOG) inspector Surendra Samant said an informer tipped the SOG about the two accused. The SOG team last evening arrested Susheel and Kamal on the outskirts of Kotdwara town near the UP border and seized the contraband goods. The seized material included wrappers of brands with the Army Canteen mark and empty bottles of rum. The SOG team confiscated 40 liters of alcohol, 121 fake wrappers and 122 bottles. Both confessed to supplying the material to illicit liquor sellers in interior villages. The present consignment was to be supplied to a
person at Satpuli town of Pauri Garhwal. The police has sent a team to arrest the contact. |
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Doon Fair for students
Dehradun, April 1 “We expect at least 70 institutes to participate in one of the biggest educational fairs in the city. Apart from local college, institutes from Noida, Gurgaoan and few from abroad would also be participating in th fair,” said Amardeep Jaiswal, vice-president, Nidan Shiksha and Jan Kalyan Samiti. However, apart from guiding students, the Samiti is also showcasing an Auto Expo and Home Décor Expo. Educational and cultural programmes would be an educating and a recreational experience for general public. “We are organising a quiz show and in this period of economic meltdown, our various senior lecturers would guide students on how to avail opportunities in this period,” said Amardeep. |
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Dehradun, April 1
Dehradun, April 1