Dehradun, April 14
With the Muslim community having a sizeable population in Uttarakhand, their votes could prove decisive, at least in two parliamentary constituencies - Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar.

While in Haridwar 30 per cent of the electors are Muslims, their number in Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar is 17 per cent. These figures clearly indicate that Muslim voters will play a major role in these constituencies.

According to figures, the total population of Uttarakhand is approximately 85 lakh and as many as 12 per cent (10.12 lakh) of this comprises Muslims.

Haridwar has the maximum number of Muslims (4.78 lakh). From a total number of 12,78,262 electors in Haridwar, as many as 3.7 lakh are Muslims. The three assembly segments falling in Haridwar constituency are being represented by Muslim MLAs. The BSP has fielded its MLA Shahzad from this constituency. Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency has 17 per cent (2 lakh) Muslim voters.

Tehri Garhwal and Pauri have one lakh and 80,000 Muslim electors, respectively. The least number of the Muslim electors are in Almora-Pithoragarh constituency.

According to the political observers, Muslim voters can play a significant role in deciding the fate of the candidates in Haridwar and Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar. But in case of division of secular votes between the Congress, BSP and the Samajwadi Party, the BJP could also get benefit.

However, several crucial issues pertaining to the Muslim community in the state may swing the votes against the BJP. Some of these include failure of the Khanduri government in re-constituting the Waqf Board, discontinuance of the 15-point Minority Welfare Programme and non-utilisation of the Central funds for the minority community.

Keeping the elections in mind, the Muslims in Uttarakhand have already come out with a wish- list for various political parties, which was recently finalised at a convention of community leaders held under the banner of Muslim Alpsankhyak Kalyan Ekta Manch.

On behalf of the community Yakub Siddiqui said, "We have listed our requirements. Whosoever wants to approach us for votes needs to promise to address our concerns when voted to power."

Their primary demand includes separate reservation for the community on lines of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. In addition, the community wants that Constitutional status be given to Uttarakhand Minorities Commission and a Minority Welfare Board is establishment in the state.

"Arabic and Persian Madarsa Board should be constituted on the lines of the one working in the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh. We want that secular ethos of the Constitution should be maintained by all political parties. Over the last 60 years, the condition of Muslims has become worse than that of Dalits," said Siddiqui.

Besides, the implementation of the Sacchar Committee recommendations, the Muslims are particularly seeking that Dehradun and Nainital be added to the list of minority dominant districts and hence be provided with special benefits as recommended by the Committee. Besides, the Scheduled Tribe status is being sought by the community for Muslims who are residing in Chakrata, along with the Van Gurjars. The community has also demanded a white paper on the status of properties of the Wakf Board.

Meanwhile, in wake of the fairly good number of Muslim voters in the state, the political parties have already initiated measures to woo them. At almost every election rally, the Congress leaders are accusing the Khanduri government of being "anti-minority".

While accusing the BJP government of "ignoring" the minorities and stalling all the programmes initiated by the previous Congress government for the welfare of the minority community, Uttarakhand Congress chief Yashpal Arya has announced that if voted to power, the Congress would make sincere efforts to reconstitute the Waqf Board and revive the Muslim Education Mission (MEM).

The BJP leaders, on other hand, claimed that the Khanduri government has started special programmes for the welfare of minorities and all issues pertaining to them are being taken care off. "The government is laying stress on the economic uplift of minorities in the state," said Devinder Bhasin, chairman of State Media Advisory Community. 

Dehradun, April 14
Electorally surcharged atmosphere of Dehradun added political colour to the celebrations of the birth anniversary of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar. While public representatives from different political ideologies shared a common platform today, some parties took the day to further their political ambition.

It happens very rarely when politicians from opposite political parties share common platform especially during polls. But Baba Saheb’s birth anniversary seems to be a uniting factor.

At National Action Forum for Social Justice held a function at Gandhi Park, while BJP Mayor, Vinod Chamoli and party MLA Ganesh Joshi spoke on the life and policies of the Father of the Constitution of India.

Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker, Harbans Kapoor, said the contribution of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar towards the empowerment of unprivileged kept no parallels.

Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party members from Dehradun gathered at the party office extended floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar.

BSP members called upon the party workers to collectively work towards ensuring victory of BSP candidates.

At a meeting held on the occasion, State BSP general secretary Chowdhary Sheeshpal Singh while recalling the role of Dr Ambedkar towards the empowerment of downtrodden and unprivileged took the opportunity to appeal the party workers towards ensuring BSP’s victory in Haridwar and Tehri parliamentary constituencies.

BJP inclined Valmiki Krantikari Morcha also celebrated Baba Saheb’s birth anniversary here where speakers highlighted the plight of Valmiki 
community.

Speakers here pledged to work for underprivileged sections of society. Meanwhile, Akhil Bhartiya Ambedkar Yuwak Sangh took out a march to mark the occasion. Leading the rally Nohar Singh president of Akhil Bhartiya Ambedkar Yuwak Sangh recalled the role of the leader in empowering dalits.

Haridwar: Several programmes and functions were held in here to mark the occasion. Remembering the great work done by Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar, city congress chief, OP Chauhan said, “He was the first law minister of independent India and was appointed Chairman of the constituent assembly of India where he proved his vast experience and ability.”

In a meeting at the party office in Devpura, Congress leader Harish Rawat said the time has come to follow the ideals of BR Ambedkar who always worked for equality and communal harmony.

In another function held in BHEL silver jubilee park, BHEL executives and employees remembered Baba Sabheb. Executive director DK Mody underlined the path preached by Ambedkar and stressed on social equality.A separate program was organised by BHEL Karamachari Samiti.

BSP workers also held a special program at various places in Jwalapur and Bahadrabad. At party head office, party workers gathered and vowed to fulfill the vision of Baba Saheb.

BJP city office too held a program where the speakers stressed on the vital role of Baba Ambedkar in constituting the constitution of India, which is the backbone of Indian democracy.

Born in Mhow on April 14, 1891, BR Ambedkar was one of the first from scheduled castes in India to get a law degree.

He was also a doctorate in law and political science from Columbia University and London School of Economics and fought for right to equality and abolishing social evils like untouchability.

With Lok Sabha elections round the corner all major political parties organised function at their respective party offices with a hope to influence the sizeable Dalit voters in the constituency.

Roorkee: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a programme was held at Nagar Palika Hall, here today.

Ram Singh, a retired District Judge, encouraged people to follow the path of Baba Saheb. “The progress of our country lies in the progress of the Dalit community. Baba Saheb had done a lot for the progress and development of the community.

“Still a lot is needed to be done in the direction. We should follow the path, which Baba Saheb had shown to us”, said the Judge.While Hari Das, MLA from Landoura stressed that one should fight for their rights.“Baba Saheb always fought for the rights of Dalits. The struggle should be continued,” said the leader.

Dehradun, April 14
Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen at Haldwani in Nainital district today, Chief Minister BC Khanduri claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments in various states are known for honesty and commitment towards the welfare of people.

Khanduri was here to garner support for party candidate Bacchi Singh Rawat.

He said the BJP government does not make false promises and the BJP has always been committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen.

Khanduri said the steps taken by his government for ex-servicemen were even praised by the Union Defence Minister. “Being an ex-servicemen, I am aware of the problems and difficulties faced by them,” he said.

The CM alleged that the five years of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule at the Centre was lacklustre under a weak Prime Minister.

“In comparison, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee did a lot, especially for ex-servicemen,” he said.

He appealed to ex-servicemen to vote for Bachhi Singh Rawat.

“You will not only be electing a BJP-led government but a Union Minister from Nainital,” he said. Rawat, Uttarakhand BJP president, was a minister of state for science and technology in the NDA government.

Prominent among others who attended the rally included Vice-Admiral AR Tandon (retd) and Maj. Gen. Inderjit Bora (retd).

Later, while addressing a meeting of the minority cell of the BJP, Khanduri said his government was committed to the welfare of Muslims.

“Our government does not consider Muslims as a vote bank, but as equal citizens of the state.

“Without the welfare of minorities, overall development of the state is impossible,” he said.

Bacchi Singh Rawat said the presence of a large number of Muslims during the meeting pointed to the fact that minorities were with BJP.

Dehradun, April 14
Over 67,000 poor elderly have been identified, in the last three months, to cover under the old age pension scheme being implemented by the social welfare department.

As per official records, approximately 2 lakh persons have benefited from the scheme.

A special drive has been started to extend the maximum benefit of the scheme to the elderly below poverty line (BPL).

The identified elderly will now be eligible for Rs 400 per month as pension.

The formalities of opening a new bank account or post office accounts have been completed so that the pension could directly be transferred to their accounts without any delay.

Even in the case of existing beneficiaries, the social welfare department has been trying to replace the system of payment of pension through the money orders with a bank or post office account mode for speedy transfer of money to pensioners.

The number of below poverty line (BPL) beneficiaries of old-age pension scheme has grown more than two times in the last two years.

Haridwar district has the highest number of BPL beneficiaries with 35, 340 pensioners followed by Almora with 26,848 pensioners and Dehradun with 23,098 pensioners.

Dehradun, April 14
While their many international level sportsman trying their luck to enter the Lok Sabha this time and one of them is Jaspal Rana. The ace shooter is contesting from Tehri parliamentary constituency here but sportspersons at large in the state are unhappy with the condition of sports in the state.

They are disgusted with the attitude of the politicians towards the games particularly annoyed over the shabby treatment given to them by the politicians.

While few fed up with false promises of the politicians and do not feel like exercising their franchise in favour of any political party.

The long-standing demands of proper sports infrastructure, including a stadium is still lying in the lurch, which has made sportsmen most upset. Irked over the issue, Ravinder Singh a Cricket coach said, “Governments at power have done nothing for the sports.

The government not only failed to come up with sports friendly policies, it has also failed to come up with a sports stadium, a demand that has been raked time and again since the days of statehood agitation.

“ It clearly signifies government’s attitude towards sports in the state.”

He further complained ad hoc coaches in the state were paid very low salaries when compared to other states. A NIS coach gets Rs 1,200 per month, an international player gets Rs 1,500 and the North zone players gets Rs 800 per month only. This all is very miniscule even to eke out a basic living.

In UP the salaries of the sports coaches have been increased to Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month.

Ravinder said these salaries of the sports coaches were increased immediately after Uttarakhand was carved out of UP. This has miffed the sports persons here.

Echoing similar sentiments, another sportsperson, Dr DS Bhandari said to bring about any improvement in sports we need 
to elect a sportsman as a MLA and a MP.

Dehradun, April 14
Parents of students of Guru Ram Rai School met SDM Ajay Arora here today, asking him to intervene with the school authorities to roll back the fee hike.

A few days back, following a protest by parents over the hike in fee by private schools, the administration had ordered a rollback.

Several schools followed the instruction.

Today, agitated parents of the Guru Ram Rai School met the SDM and informed him that the school was not doing as told.

The SDM contacted the school authorities in an effort to bring about a consensus, but the issue is yet to be resolved.

The school had all of a sudden more than doubled its fee from Rs 1,400 to Rs 3,300 per month.

Earlier, the district magistrate had called a meeting of private schools, asking them to submit with him their fee structure.

Dehradun, April 14
Rao Cricket Club team beat Rising Star team at the first match of the Kalanga Cricket Tournament played, here yesterday.

In the first match, Rao Cricket Club team beat Rising Star by a huge margin of 149 runs. Batting first, Rao Cricket Club piled a mammoth total of 191 runs in allotted 15 overs.

Mukesh was the top scorer for the team with 79 run off just 27 balls. He hit one four and eleven sixes in his innings. Amit was the second highest scorer for the team with 47 runs. Chasing the victory target, Rising Star was all out for 66 runs in 9.5 overs.

The second match of the day was played between Aamwala Cricket Club and Dare Devils, which was won by Aamwala Cricket Club by 10 wickets.

Batting first, Dare Devils team could only manage to score 140 runs. Sumit Thapa was the top scorer for the team with 68 runs.

In reply, Aamwala Club reached the target in 10 overs with 10 wickets in hand. Rohit was the star performer for the team with 99 runs off 40 balls. Another opener Rohit made 51 runs.

In the third match, Natraj XI beat Aamwala Cricket Club by two wickets. Batting first Aamwala team made 97 runs in allotted 15 overs. Vipin was the top scorer for the team with 35 runs. Chasing the victory target, Natraj XI team reached the target with two wickets in hand. For the team Lawrence was the top scorer with 23 runs.

In the fourth match of the day, Bad Boys team defeated ACR United team by three runs. Bad Boys piled up a total of 95 runs in allotted 15 overs.

Shananu was the top scorer for the team with 24 runs. Chasing the victory target, ACR United team could only manage to scorer 92 runs in allotted 15 overs, falling short by 3 runs. Sunny was the top scorer for the team with 55 runs.

In the fifth match, Sardar Bhagwan Singh Medical College beat Invincible Club by 17 runs. Batting first Sardar Bhagwan Singh Medical College piled a mammoth total of 164 runs.

Opening batsman Nitin scored 94 runs off 50 balls. Chasing the victory target of 165 runs, Invincible Club was all out for 147 runs. Kamal was the top scorer for the team with 27 runs.

Dehradun, April 14
Defending Champions Welham Boys School will go for a title clash with Lawrence School, Sanawar tomorrow in the final of the 19th Afzal Khan Basketball Tournament underway at Doon School, Dehradun.

In the first semifinal match played here today, Welham Boys crushed Shri Ram Aravali School by a huge margin of 44 points. Welham Boys took possession of the match early in the game scoring 21 points in the first quarter.

Shri Ram Aravali School could only manage to score 4 points in the first quarter. Welham Boys kept on increasing the lead to add 8 points to its first quarter tally of 21 points.

Shri Ram Aravali could manage to score just two points in the second quarter.

In the third quarter Welham Boys further scored 13 points and Shri Ram Aravali managed just 4 points, making the score 42-10.

In the fourth and final quarter, Welham Boys scored another 19 points against seven points scored by Shri Ram Aravali. Thus, making the final score card read 61-17 in Welham Boys Schools favour.

In the second semifinal match, Lawrence School Sanawar outclassed Delhi Public School in a closely contested match by 58-39 to storm into the finals.

Quarterfinal matches were played earlier in the day. In the first quarterfinal match, Shri Ram Aravali beat Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. Whereas, in the second match, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road beat Pathways World School to move into the semifinals.