Dehradun, October 27
Business interests of multi-national companies and poor adulteration-control mechanism are responsible for the rampant sale of non-iodised salt giving rise to iodine-deficiency diseases in the state.

This has brought to nought the 50 years of work by the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) on in the state.

“Close to 55 per cent of the people in the state continue to consume non-iodised salt in the state despite the ban,” said Principal Secretary Keshav Desi Raju.

He was speaking at a seminar on “Prevention of diseases caused by deficiency of iodine” organised by the state Health Department yesterday on the occasion of Global Iodine Deficiency Prevention Day.

Raju said several departments had been found lax in controlling the supply of non-iodised salt in the state. He said, “We have been unable to forcefully prevent the sale of non-iodised salt in the state and, in the hill districts, the situation is worse,” and further stressed, “The Civil Supplies Department needs to get its act together”.

The ban on the sale of non-iodised salt was imposed in 1976 in eight districts of the state.

The first visible symptoms of iodine deficiency is goitre or swelling of the thyroid gland which is found in children and even women at a later age.

“In the hills, cases of mental retardation, abortions, stillbirths, hearing loss and stunted growth and other iodine-deficiency disorders are commonly found,” said Dr Rahul Srivastav of the All-India of Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, at the seminar.

“Iodine is an essential micro-nutrient that is needed by the body to produce thyroxin, a hormone that regulates metabolism,” he added.

On a daily basis, adults need 150 mg of the mineral, while pregnant women and children need 200 mg and 90 mg, respectively.

The easiest way to consume iodine is through iodised salt in food. The irony, however, is that only a few people know the simplest way of keeping the disease at bay is through the consumption of iodised salt.

In rural areas of the state, only 32.8 per cent of the population consumes iodised salt. An earlier survey undertaken by the central coordinating unit of the ICMR, New Delhi, during 1997-2000 and by the IDDS Nutrition Cell, DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, in 1998 had shown eight districts of Uttarakhand to be endemic to goitre.

A study conducted jointly by the state Health Department and Department of Community Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant, found that enlargement of the thyroid gland was present in 1.2 per cent of the population and 0.42 per cent of school-going children. It was found to be more among females (1.8 per cent) than among males (0.6 per cent).

The survey was conducted in Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, Almora and Chamoli and then the overall status of the state was determined through random sampling.

An amount of Rs 18 lakh has been allocated for 2008-2009 under the National Iodine Deficiency Control Programme that is a 100 per cent centrally sponsored programme.

The promotion of iodine-rich diet and awareness generation campaigns are key components in the programme.

Non-iodised salt is available in plenty. Sometimes, it is sold in the open market cheaper than iodised salt or marketed as iodised when it is actually not.

“Stringent meaures against the sale of non-iodised salt in the state can be achieved if all players act in a proactive and purposeful manner. We have to make the testing of salt samples mandatory. These need to be taken on a regular basis like food samples,” said GC Kandpal, Chief Food Inspector.

Usually, rural areas are the main target of traders selling non-iodised salt. “Traders say that they are selling non-iodised salt for veterinary purposes, but it usually reaches the houses of poor people. House-to-house sampling can arrest the problem,” added Kandpal.

Stating that the non-iodised salt lobby was actively working at the cost of public health, Dr Sushmita Sengupta Pande, Secretary, State Information Commission, highlighted the Right to Information aspect of the issue. “The RTI Act can be effectively used in these instances as well. Information can be demanded on the supply of salt in the state and its quality,” she said.

Dehradun, October 27
Bangles have always been a favourite accessory for Indian women. It plays an important role in defining their beauty. The bangle market at Hanuman Chowk for decades is famous for satisfying customers with quality and the latest variety.

With a large number of variation available in plastic version now a days, glass bangles holds a special place due to its sheen and its significance associated particularly with married women. Brought from the biggest and the best market of bangles at Ferozabad (Uttar Pradesh), the shopkeepers get all the latest designs and range. “We get all our bangles from Ferozabad, India’s best market that manufactures glass bangles. Our shop is more then 60 years’ old and for the last so many years women come from far-off locations to pick up their favourite bangles,” said Sanjay Mittal of Ajay Kangan Store.

From plain simple designs, bangles embedded with kundan, stones and pearls are available here under one roof. While the price of simple bangles is Rs 10-15 a dozen, fancy ones are available for Rs 100, 200 and above. “As the marriage season is on, red churas, which are considered essential for a bride to wear, is in huge demand and comes in the range of Rs 200 to Rs 1,200,” added Sanjay.

However, where at every nook and corner general stores are also selling bangles, women still rush to purchase it from this famous market. “To some extent definitely our business is getting affected, but still there are customers who come here as we sell quality as well as the latest collection, which is hardly available in any other city market,” said Shakuntala, owner Mohan Bangle Store.

Dehradun, October 27
Everyone wants to look beautiful, whatever the occasion and the place.

With increasing awareness regarding holistic development in today’s fast-paced life, beauty academies in the city are booming, catering to the needs of those who want to do professional courses and have a bright career ahead.

Starting with one-month diplomas in the basics of makeup or personal grooming, advanced courses in cosmetology and dermatology are providing platform to many career-seekers who feel they have the knack to flourish in this industry. Loreal, Matrix and Swartzkopf are some of the leading international cosmetic companies, which have already made their mark in India due to its quality and professionalism.

VLCC Beauty Academy, which opened two years ago in Doon, has been providing professional courses in hair, skin and makeup segment. It provides numerous options to a large number of women and men to effortlessly venture into the field of booming beauty industry.

From high-class parties to reality shows, the demand for professional artists is on the increase. “The scope of beauty in every sphere is tremendous, be it hotel, movies or for personal needs. At present, it’s one of the fastest-growing industries. Also, with so much exposure by the media, people are becoming very conscious and are interested in doing professional beauty courses which can get them placed in famous companies like Loreal, Matrix, Habib and so many others,” Said Ananya Rajender, institute head, VLCC.

“As I wanted to learn the basics of makeup, I did a professional course so that I can save money as well as time,” said Pooja.

As these academies guide aspirants to hone their skills during these professional courses, men and even housewives are taking it as a serious career option. “For the past two years we have got a very good response not only from Dehradun, but also from neighbouring cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh. Moreover, along with college-going girls, we even have housewives and boys as our students who are learning professional skills under the guidance of experts,” added Ananya Rajender.

The future of the cosmetic industry with a large section of society venturing into it seems to be positive. “After getting a professional degree from Delhi, I opened an academy in the city as I felt people in Doon are pretty aware regarding their overall development. However, professional diplomas imparting both practical and theoretical knowledge in a big way can help them get good placements in the future and share their experience in India or abroad. The scope of beauty industry is immense,” said Mustqueen Salmani, owner of the Expression Beauty academy.

“Apart from my salon, I opened a beauty academy as I feel that due to media exposure and the contribution of beauty professionals in glamour industry, people not only want to take it up as a part-time job to fulfil their day-to-day needs but also a career option,” said Guncha of the JBCC Institute.

Dehradun, October 27
Remembering the monumental service rendered to India by the founder of renowned Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the AMU Alumni Association of Dehradun celebrated Sir Syed Day, birth anniversary, here today.

President of the association Ajay Kumar Garg welcomed the chief guest, Prof SK Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Hemvati Bahuguna University, Srinagar, Garhwal, and other invited guests and their families present at the occasion.

The alumni association paid homage to Sir Syed for sowing the seeds of AMU. Besides creating hundreds of freedom fighters who valiantly fought for India’s freedom, it has produced brilliant graduates who in their later years became outstanding statesmen, President and Vice-President of India, Governors, Chief Ministers, jurists, lawyers, scientists, technocrats, writers, poets, artists etc. Moreover, there is no domain of life where “ALIGS” (alumni’s) are not leaving their footprints.

The general secretary of the association, Dr Sajid Jamal, presented the annual report highlighting the activities of the association during the year.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh shared his experience of his tenure as a dean faculty of sciences and Head of Department of Physics and Achievements of Sir Syed. “He was not just a visionary, but also a revolutionary. He was a philosopher and a reformist. He was a pioneer of western education for Muslims in India, and above all a secularist to the core, said Dr Singh.

Guiding the present members, anchoring was done by Dr Riazul Hussan Siddiqui. However, to commemorate the occasion, the chief guest released the souvenir, “Clarion-de-Alig”, and honoured senior Aligarian AM Khan, vice-president, AMU Association.

A short and impressive cultural programme to entertain the guests was coordinated by Dr Shamim Khan, where a group of girls and boys sang the university tarana song.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr T Hussain, AMU treasurer, and the national anthem.

Dehradun, October 27
While the University Grants Commission (UGC) has already recommended pension revision for retired teachers of colleges, the Uttarakhand government has failed to do so. Agitated and perturbed with the government’s negligent attitude, members of the Uttarakhand Pensioner’s Federation for the retired teachers of colleges and degree colleges protested outside Gandhi Park here yesterday.

Showcasing resentment, the members said on the one hand since January 1, 2006, non-retired teachers were availing the benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission, retired teachers of colleges and degree colleges were still waiting for their rights. Moreover, retired teachers since July 2008 had also not received any sort of requisite relief grant from the rising prices.

Stating their demand the members also addressed a memorandum to Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, to fulfill their demands regarding the revision of pension and grant relief pertaining to the rising prices of commodities.

However, the members further added that their protest is to draw attention of the government, but incase their demands are not met then they will continue to fight, which can even lead to dire consequences. Along with Dr VP Sharma, president of the federation, present at the venue were secretary SN Sachan, joint secretary Dr Harishchandra and other members.

Dehradun, October 27
Continuing with a series of path-breaking initiative to improve the quality of education in Uttarakhand government schools, the Education Department will soon introduce Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meeting for primary, middle and classes X and XII.

A circular to this effect has already been issued by Secretary, Education, Rakesh Kumar and the first PTA meeting has been slated for November 14.

At the first introductory meeting, parents of children enrolled in primary, middle and classes X and XII will interact with teachers who will apprise them about the performance of their wards.

“Later on, the PTA will be held quarterly on the 15th of the month. If by chance there is a holiday on this date, it will then be held on the next working day. The teachers will have to give a progress report of the wards of the past three months and also elicit views from the parents,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar.

The teacher would be encouraged to keep a track record of the meeting in a separate diary, which would be useful for evaluation purpose.

In another decision to further improve the quality of education, the Education Department has suggested the creation of mentors who will be deployed at the primary and middle level schools, thereby strengthening the basics of students who will then go on to study in higher “The teachers of intermediate and high schools will be entrusted with the task of picking one primary/middle school falling under the catchment area and the responsibility of evaluation will be given to the Principal of the respective schools,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar.

The mentors will go on to prepare a short history of the school under them that will briefly delve on the past five years progress of the schools, the number of students enrolled and increase and decrease in enrollment. Also the absence and presence of teachers and other details will be present giving a wider information about the school.

The mentors will visit the school at least twice a month on Saturdays and assess the scholastic progress of the students and also guide the teachers of the schools. The Principals of the schools will have to maintain a diary on the evaluation done by the mentors. To further reward the performance of mentors, they will be nominated for national and state awards for excellence in teaching. However, the mentors will not be given any honorarium for their duties.

Dehradun, October 27
The four-day All-India Public Sector Sports Promotion Board Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated at ONGC Volleyball Complex, here today.

In all nine teams are participating in the tournament, which include host ONGC, BSNL, OIL, BEL, NALCO, LIC, SAIL, Neyveli Lignite Corporation and Coal India Ltd.

The teams are divided in two pools and the tournament will be played on league-cum-knock out basis.

RK Chaturvedi, additional director (Sports), Uttarakhand Government declared the tournament open. CBP Saini, former executive director, ONGC was the guest of honour at the function. The organising secretary, RD Sharma and Arun Saxena coordinated the matches. Four matches are slated for the inaugural day, which will be played between BSNL vs NALCO, LIC vs SAIL, ONGC vs NLC and ONGC vs CIL.

In the first match, BSNL team registered a convincing victory over NALCO team in the first league of the tournament today.

BSNL team dominated the proceeding right from the beginning and kept on scoring points on their opponent to win the first set by 25-5. NALCO team failed to make any impact on BSNL and lost the second set by 25-4.

Throughout the match NALCO team looked out of touch and failed to give any resistance to the stronger opponent who won the match by without much difficulty. BSNL team won the final set by 25-7.

Result of other league matches

ONGC beat NCL, OIL beat Coal India, ONGC beat Coal India and LIC beat NALCO.

Dehradun, October 27
Hilton School lifted The Frank Anthony Memorial Basketball Tournament in boys, whereas in girls Welhams Girls’ School emerged winner.

In the boys final, Hilton School defeated Doon International School by 32-21. In the first quarter there was not much scoring from both the side with Hilton managed to take a 4-2 lead. But scoring picked up for Hilton School in the second quarter with the team taking its score to 10 points whereas Doon International School was at six points.

In the last two quarters Hilton School’s Shankar scored some quick baskets for his side to make the final score 32-21. Shankar was the highest scored for his team with 14 points.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ match, Welham Girls’ School defeated St Thomas College by a huge margin of 24 points. Welham Girls’ took a important 12 points lead in the first quarter against St Thomas College, which failed to open its account.

Scoring did not stop for Welham Girls’ team as it scored another 10 points in the taking its score to 22 points. But St Thomas College lack behind and could only manage to score two points in the second quarter.

In the last two quarters, Garima Singh did heavy scoring for her team and took the score to 47 points, whereas St Thomas College could only manage to score 13 points. Garima Singh was the highest score for Welham Girls’ School with 22 points.

Dehradun, October 27
Sarvodaya and Akranta teams advanced to the next round of the 9th Gautam Memorial Football Tournament here today.

In the first match it was tough contest between Sarvodaya School and Gypsy team. Both the teams were equally placed at the first half with none of the team managed to break through each other’s defence.

In the second half, Sarvodaya team managed to score a goal in the 57th minute of the match.

It was Manoj Rawat who scored for the team from a 25-yard kick. Gypsy team failed to score an equaliser and lost the match by a solitary goal.

Meanwhile, in the second match Akranta team outplayed relatively younger Yankies Club team by 3-1.

Yankies Club gave Akranta team hard time from the beginning as they struggled to find the rhythm in the initial 25 minutes of the match.

But the team made a come back in the match through Manoj, who scored for his team in the 30th minute. Thereafter, scoring continued for Akranta team as Shyam Thapa scored the second goal for his side in the 45th minute. Amit came up with the third goal in the 55th minute.

On the other hand Yankies Club managed to score its first goal in the 56th minute through Piyush making it 3-1 in the match.

Dehradun, October 27
Bindal team lifted the SGRR Sahodaya Complex Inter-School Girls Handball Tournament here today. Bindal team proved a tough opponent for Talab team in the finals. Vandana was the star performer for her team by scoring three goals for her side.

Bindal team came close on scoring in the 10th minute of the match but it was a good goalkeeping display by Talab keeper to denied a certain goal to Bindal. Talab team tried hard to penetrate the defence of Bindal but failed in their attempts. Vandana scored for her team in the closing minute of the first half to make it 1-0.

In the second half Vandana scored another two goals for her side to make it 3-0.