Dehradun, October 14
As Diwali gift to sugarcane farmers who had been struggling to get their dues, the Uttarakhand government has directed private sugar mills to settle their dues of previous years before Diwali. This was conveyed by the spokesperson of the state government.

Uttarakhand Sugarcane Minister Madan Kaushik convened a meeting of private sugar mills yesterday and directed them to make payment of roughly Rs 20 crore to sugarcane farmers.

He also warned them that if they failed to pay the dues, the sugarcane area of their respective mills would be curtailed.

Out of the 10 sugar mills in the state, six are government-owned and have settled the farmers’ dues, while the remaining four, owned privately, haven't done so and have to pay Rs 20 crore.

On the other hand, the government is planning to issue debit cards to farmers for getting their dues settled by sugar mills within a month in the coming season. The crushing season of sugar mills will start soon.

In addition, the government said it was working out a plan to give special incentives to farmers to increase sugarcane acreage in order to boost production.

Last year, sugarcane production had fallen 50 per cent due to a sharp decline in area under sugarcane cultivation.

The move to settle dues comes as farmers have expressed resentment over the delay in accepting their demands that include a bailout package for electricity bills and early announcement of the state advisory price (SAP).

Farmers under the banner of Uttarakhand Kisan Morcha (UKM) had held a series of demonstrations in various parts of the state. UKM general secretary Rakesh Agarwal has demanded that the state must fix SAP at Rs 200-250 per quintal for the next crushing season.

Last year, the Uttarakhand government had fixed SAP for ordinary sugarcane at Rs 143 per quintal and Rs 148 for the early variety, but this year, an expert committee has been set up to declare SAP. Officials said the committee is likely to give its recommendations on SAP by October-end. Before declaring SAP, the committee will hold a series of meetings in the sugarcane growing districts of Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

Dehradun, October 14
While Uttarakhand state authorities prepare for another foundation day, those behind the statehood agitation has decided to observe state inception anniversary at Gairsen, the nondescript township in Chamoli district that is being sought as permanent capital by a section of people of the state.

Reiterating its commitment towards permanent capital status for Gairsen, Kamala Pant, convenor of Gairsen Rajdhani Sanyukt Sangarsh Morcha today asserted that the majority of the people favoured Garisen as capital and it was only the political will that was a hindrance in fulfillment of this demand.

She disclosed that all the statehood agitators would be meeting at Ramlia Ground where a public meeting will be held in support of Garisen.

“Gairsain is not being proposed on the basis of few of individuals, rather there has been longstanding demands, agitations and after recommendations of so many committees and commissions that made Gairsain natural choice of permanent capital”, Pant added.

Referring to Dehradun interim capital status, Kamala Pant said making Dehradun capital would only go the benefit of few whereas a capital in centrally located hill area like Gairsen would be in the interest of entire sate.

Pant said the morcha would continue with the struggle till Gairsen was accorded the permanent capital status as per the popular sentiments of the people.

Another agitator Shamsher Singh Bisht also accused the state government of adopting an insensitive attitude towards the issue of permanent capital.

Dehradun, October 14
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today held a surprise inspection at the Secretariat to verify the presence of working employees. He even suspended one officer in a subsequent action.

The Chief Minister directed the suspension of Bhawani Ram, Review Officer, Social Welfare Department, who was found absent for the past three days from duty without any prior notice.

The Chief Minister said the Secretariat held much importance in the government and complacency in duty would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He, however, also added that the government would also be encouraging honest and sincere employees.

Dr Nishank also held inspections at various offices and sections of the secretaries. The CM also expressed concern over locked-up offices of the secretary at 10 am.

Dehradun, October 14
The Grand Post Office (GPO) today held Business Day during the ongoing National Postal Week here on the GPO premises.

The department had organised various programmes on the occasion. Officials at the GPO said a lucky draw was held for speedpost customers and three lucky customers would be selected and given prizes in the evening. A canopy was also erected on the premises to guide customers.

The GPO also met its big customers in the evening, including IGNOU, LIC and various banks. It shared the problems of its customers and also welcomed the suggestions made by them.

The electronic money order (EMO) system was also launched today. SS Chandan, Manager (BD), said with the EMO a customer could check the status of his money order.

Dehradun, October 14
Taking no chances and complying fully with the district administration’s influenza A (H1N1) guidelines, the Welham Boys Founder’s Day celebrations will be completely in house and a low-key affair this year. Quite different from previous years when ex-boys from different parts of the country flocked to their alma mater.

The founder’s day will be held on October 14 and 15 for which all preparations are complete. “But in the wake of the guidelines issued by the district administration ruling large gatherings, no outstation guests have been invited as a precautionary measure.

“But all activities that we observe during the founder’s day will be held,” said Mahesh Kandpal, Vice-Principal, Welham Boys School.

He said the school had a long tradition of organising Diwali festivities in the school campus in which the staff and students participated, thus squashing rumours that the authorities were denying students Diwali holidays.

“It is a normal practice, we have a holiday during which students have in-house celebrations complete with fireworks show, bada khana and performance by the school rock band,” added Kandpal.

It may be mentioned that the district administration had issued guidelines asking schools to refrain from gatherings and even travels as a preventive measure against swine flu, after several educational schools and institutions begin reporting H1N1 cases.

Dehradun, October 14
The Festival of Lights Diwali was celebrated with enthusiasm on the premises of Delhi Public School here today. The special assembly carried a message of sharing and giving.

Decorated with diyas and marigold flowers, the stage was a reflection of the joy and happiness prevailing within everyone. The celebrations began with the lighting of the lamp by Principal Urmil Verma.

“Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar”, a befitting start to the programme, was the recitation of Hunuman Chalisa by the tender lot of LKG.

To rejoice the truimph of good over evil, students of class 1 performed the Ramlila. Catching the attention of the audience, Mohammed Ahzam of class 1V gave the message of love and harmony. Dressed in vibrant lehangas, pretty girls offered prayers to Lord Rama through a beautiful kathak presentation.

In this season of festivity and joy, another main reason for the celebrations was that young skaters of the school, who participated in the 5th All-India Roller-skating Championship, had bagged 13 gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze medals. The programme concluded with the winners demonstrating team spirit, thus propagating the message of brotherhood and togetherness.

Dehradun, October 14
The Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC), Dehradun, today organised an awareness camp for students of the Government Inter-College as well as the Primary and Junior School on the occasion of International Disaster Reduction Day.

The United Nations observes this day on the second Wednesday of October every year. With reference to the retrofitting of the nearby building of the Government Primary School, Khurbara, done recently by the DMMC, the students were educated about the safety measures to reduce the damage to human life and property in the event of an earthquake as well as about various types of natural disasters.

The students were informed that retrofitting was a technique of improving seismic performance of buildings by undertaking suitable structural measures.

A street play was also organised by the local theatre group Sangam Kala Kendra to drive home the message in an entertaining manner.

Executive Director, DMMC, Piyush Routela said they wanted to organise such camps elsewhere in the state, but could not do so for want of manpower. Besides him, the experts present on the occasion included Dr KN Pande, Bhavna Karki of DMMC and RK Mukerjee of Technology and Research Network. Principal of the college Dr JP Darmora was also present. Around 250 students attended the camp.

Dehradun, October 14
Imparting knowledge-based education, discipline and preparing youth as mature citizens, Jaswant Modern Senior Secondary School (JMS) celebrated its 61st annual day here today.

On completing 60 years in the field of education, a number of activities were showcased by students. The annual day celebrations started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest Girijesh Pant, Vice-Chancellor, Doon University.

An exhibition by talented students of classes of V11 and XII on different subjects such as physics, biology, mathematics, commerce, social studies, computer and art craft were held. However, the main highlight of the exhibition were the models of the solar system, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a free blood test by students to generate awareness regarding this noble cause.

A thrilling presentation by the junior section on “Doon Mera Hai” on the famous Bollywood song “Bombay Mera Hai” made the audience applaud with gusto as it was an expression of love and a message that Doon city should remain clean and green. Chakravyuh, a folk theatre form of Garhwal, by Dr DR Purohit with the collaborative effort of 250 JMS students and the Centre for Folk-performing Arts, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, also made the annual day worth visiting.

The celebrations came to an end with an annual report presentation by Principal Meenakshi Gandotra and chief guest Girijesh Pant appreciating the efforts of students for their grand performance.

Roorkee, October 14
The Methodist Girls Inter-College won the first position in the science-drama event of block-level Vigyan Mahotsav held under the aegis of NCERT, Uttarakhand, here on Monday.

The theme of the drama for students of Methodist College was “Climatic Changes”.

Marwar Girls Inter-College remained at the second spot. Their students presented a skit on “Science for the Society” theme, while the third position was won by AE College, Roorkee.

According to AK Dubey, block science coordinator, 11 schools of Roorkee block participated in the event. “We gave six topics, including climatic changes, green energy, telephone and information technology to the students,” said Dubey.

Dehradun, October 14
With two more patients testing positive today, the number of confirmed positive cases of swine flu is now 72 in the state.

In all 53 patients have tested positive in Dehradun, 18 in Haridwar and one in Nainital. Both patients who tested positive today hail from Dehradun.

Meanwhile, at least six cases of dengue fever have been reported in Dehradun as of today, alerting the health authorities of a possible outbreak.

All dengue cases were first detected at private hospitals of the city and later they were sent to Doon Hospital.

The areas from where the cases were reported are being surveyed and the local administration has been asked to undertake fogging.

All health centres in the district have been asked to stock hospitals with aspirins and other medicines and ensure that all patients with fever, that runs for more than eight days, undergo compulsory blood tests.

“We are maintaining vigilance in Premnagar and Vikas Nagar and other areas adjoining the district and are routinely monitoring the cases,” said Dr Pankaj Jain, state nodal officer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

A team led by District Malaria Officer Jadish Prasad Bahugna has already undertaken survey of Adhoiwal and Prem Nagar areas where the positive cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever were reported.

Dehradun, October 14
RIMC began it annual sports meet here today. Cadet Nelson was the star performer of the day winning the 100 m heat clocking a 13.08 sec.

Other Results:

In 100m Heat 2: I- Cadet Prateek :13.49s; In 100m Heat 1: I- Cadet Swaraj:12.43s; In 100m Heat 2: I- Cadet Leonard :12.1s; In 100m Heat 1: I- Cadet Sonu :13.02s; In 100m Heat 2: I- Cadet Arjun :11.97s; In 200m Heat 1: I- Cadet Abhinav :25.52s; In 200m Heat 2: I- Cadet Swaraj:26.35s; In 200m Heat 1: I- Cadet Pegu:28.69s; In 200m Heat 2: I- Cadet Nelson:27.06s

In 200m Heat 1: I- Cadet Arjun :25.32s

In 200m Heat 2: I- Cadet Aryama :26.3s; In 400m Heat 1: I- Cadet Astitva :59.75s; In 400m Heat 2: I- Cadet Abhinav :58.54s; In 110m Hurdles Heat 1: I- Cadet Rohit C:21.4s

In 110m Hurdles Heat 2: I- Cadet Suman :20.74s; In 100m Hurdles Heat 1: I- Cadet Aryama:18.1s; In 100m Hurdles Heat 2: I- Cadet Ashutosh:18.69s; In 400m Heat 1: I- Cadet Rahul Mishra :55.7s; In 400m Heat 2: I- Cadet Panda :59.27s;

In Shot put: I- Cadet Pegu II- Cadet Saurabh III- Cadet Kush

In Discus Throw: I- Cadet Aman II- Cadet Dinesh III- Cadet Puneet

In Javelin Throw: I- Cadet Himanshu II- CadetPrashant III- Cadet Mrugank

In High Jump: I- Cadet Mayank II- Cadet Tuhin III- Cadet Shiv Shakti

In Long Jump: I- Cadet Abhinav II- Cadet Mukesh III- Cadet HimanshuIn Pole Vault: I- Cadet Nimon II- Cadet Kobing III- Cadet Dika

The Inter-Section Athletics Meet was declared open by Col H Dharmarajan, SM, Commandant, RIMC, the Chief Guest for the occasion. The other dignitaries present were Lt Col Rajesh Nathawat, Maj Rexson, KS Ahlawat, CS Vishwakarma, SK Tyagi, PK Sharma. The co-ordinator of the event was Birjesh Chauhan.

Dehradun, October 14
A resident of Dharmapur road was allegedly cheated of Rs 14 lakh after being sold a house, which was allegedly not sanctioned.

The victim complained to the police alleging that Manoj Jain, a resident of Haridwar road, sold him a house in Dharampur at a cost of Rs 27 lakh, but later he got to know that the house wasn’t sanctioned for sale by the authorities.

He had paid Rs 14 lakh and the rest of the amount was to be paid. The police said a case under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had been registered in the Nehru Colony police station.