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National Voters’ Day
Another shot in the arm for Indian democracy
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I-cards have eliminated bogus voters: Alva
Nainital achieves 100 pc enrolment
Topmost police award for Jaswant
Guv greets residents of U’khand on R-Day
Deans of schools appointed
Tribune Impact
Speed up revenue collection: DM
Workshop on learning material development ends
60th Dist Cricket League starts tomorrow
Body of tigress found
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National Voters’ Day
Dehradun, January 25 In fact, she finds EVMs very convenient. “When the machines were first introduced a few years back, I was very curious and waited for the elections to happen in my state to try out my hand at the machines. The sound emanating from the machines as soon as the vote is cast is indeed quite satisfying,” said Tiwari. Honoured by Governor Margaret Alva today, Tiwari presented a pretty picture of herself with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Still agile, Shivpati keeps herself busy making clothes for her family members. Shivpati said it was her late husband who ensured that all female members in the family exercised their right as voters. “My husband used to accompany me to the polling booth,” she said. Concurring with Shivpati’s views is 109-year-old Manohari Devi, who too has been an active voter all these years. “The zeal displayed by my mother has rubbed on all of us. We never miss our chance to vote,” said Sat Narayan, her son. Manohari is blessed with sound eyesight even at this age. Though she requires assistance now and then, her family members said that she eats meagre meals and that may be the secret behind her longevity. On the other hand, Brahma Nand (103 years) and Chander Singh Negi (102) were among the other centurions who were felicitated on National Voters’ Day. Chander Singh Negi, a Congress man and a freedom fighter, said inspiration has to be found in the non-violent struggle launched by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. “We will have not come this far were we not guided by the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel. The democratic process may often be slow, but it is the only system that allows human beings to elect their leader through a voting system,” said Negi. Along with the centenarians, the officers who helped in achieving the EC’s targets were honoured. They included District Magistrate Sachin Kurve, Additional District Magistrate Neeraj Kherwal and booth-level officers Prem Kumar, Nand Kishore, Umesh Rawat, Mohan Singh Rawat, Kusum Maindola and Nikita. The first-time voters who received identity cards included Rishab Kohli, Bharat Chawla, Pranab Rana, Abhishek Rana, Arjun Gupta, Payal Khandelwal and Gaurav Chauhan.
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Another shot in the arm for Indian democracy
According to a spokesperson of the Election Commission of India (ECI), starting this year, January 25 every year will be observed as National Voters’ Day throughout the country. It is the Election Commission’s foundation day.
The day today coincided with the conclusion of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Commission. The ECI was set up on January 25, 1950, while the Constitution came into force a day after - on January 26, 1950. He said the ECI’s objective behind National Voters’ Day was to increase the enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones, by using the occasion so as to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality and thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy. The day will also be utilised to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process. During the past 60 years, the ECI has conducted 15 general elections to the Lok Sabha and 326 elections to state Legislative Assemblies, thus facilitating a democratic transfer of power. “From the Himalayan heights to the deserts, from isolated islands to dense forests and other extremely difficult areas, the Election Commission endeavours to reach out with the firm conviction that the vote of every eligible Indian counts. The Commission’s journey has also witnessed a change in both quality and scale of its operations. In 1962, the voting process moved from the balloting system to the marking system and then, from 2004 onwards, to the present system based on electronic voting machines (EVMs). Printed electoral rolls have now been substituted by computerised photo-electoral rolls. The elector’s photo identity cards (EPICs), by now a cherished possession of all citizens, were issued to over 582 million voters in time for the General Election in 2009. Elections to the 15th Lok Sabha held in 2009 have been described as the biggest management event in the world. It involved 714 million voters, 8,35,000 polling stations, 1.2 million EVMs and 11 million polling personnel.
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I-cards have eliminated bogus voters: Alva
Dehradun, January 25 Praising the state Election Commission for its efforts, Governor Margaret Alva today said that the state would be able to achieve cent per cent voter identity card coverage in the coming days. “Voter identity cards have strengthened the electoral process by eliminating bogus voters. I am confident that the state will soon join Tripura that has provided 100 per cent voter identity card coverage among voters,” said Alva while speaking today at a function to mark National Voters’ Day. She said the fact that the day was being observed all across the country indicates that we have moved beyond symbolism and are now focusing on a people-centric approach. Chief Secretary Subash Kumar said the reforms brought in in the mid 80s and early 90s have ushered in greater transparency in the electoral process. Chief Election Officer Radha Raturi said India has a good track record of holding elections that is even appreciated by Western countries.
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Nainital achieves 100 pc enrolment
Nainital, January 25 He said a movement needed to be launched with regards to getting eligible voters registered and making them realise the importance of their voting rights. He appreciated the role played by booth-level officers (BLOs) in registering new voters in the recent enrolment drive launched countrywide and said that 200 booths across Nainital had achieved 100 per cent enrolment. In Udham Singh Nagar, District Election Officer Dr BVRC Purshottam, while participating in a function, said democracy was considered to be the best form of governance where a citizen not only chose the government and participated in the country’s development, but also had the right to express his feelings on issues. He appreciated the role played by the Election Commission in strengthening democracy in India. Similar functions were also held in Almora, Champawat and Pithoragarh districts of the region.
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Valiant constable to be rewarded
Dehradun, January 25 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganesh Singh Martolia told The Tribune, “Surender will be awarded with out-of-turn promotion and Rs 20,000 for his valiant deed. Recommendation for a gallantry award will also be sent by the department”. Yadav, a resident of Meerut, is presently posted at Lakshman police chowki and will now become Head Constable. The condition of Yadav, who is admitted in Doon Hospital, is stable. Yadav had stitches on his head. His right hand is badly affected, while his left hand has minor injuries. He was admitted at a hospital in Rishikesh after the incident, but was later transferred to Doon Hospital. The incident occurred when Vinod Kumar, a prisoner locked in Sudhowala Jail in a case of murder, was being brought back after a court hearing in Meerut by three Uttarakhand cops. Kumar, on the pretext of answering a call of nature, went towards the washroom with handcuffs, along with the constable, and on the way jumped from the train at Raiwala-Doiwala near Kansaro railway station. Constable Yadav, who was holding him with the handcuffs, followed him and also jumped from the train to catch him. “I sustained injuries on my head as I instantly without any thought jumped from the train to catch him, while his jump was planned,” recalled the courageous cop. The prisoner had covered just 50 m when Yadav caught him. During the chase Kumar attacked the constable with stones and whatever he could lay his hands on. The badly injured constable did not care for the wounds he suffered and continued to chase him. “We had a fight and ultimately I managed to catch him with the chain he was tied with after covering a distance of about 50 m. I lost my cellphone when I jumped from the train and couldn’t inform the police. However, two other cops, Head Constable Mahipal and Constable Vineet Saini, who were with me in the train, called up the police from a nearby police chowki and they reached the spot with force,” Yadav said, narrating the incident. He said Kumar was serving life-term sentence in the Dehradun jail in a murder case and was undergoing trail in Meerut in another case of Section 386 of the Indian Penal Code.
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Topmost police award for Jaswant
Dehradun, January 25 The ASP is being bestowed upon the award by Governor Margaret Alva for putting up 38 years of commendable service.
Before this, he was honoured with President’s Bravery Police Medal, Chief Minister’s Jeevan Raksha Police Medal and Chief Minister’s Police Medal. The officer has done commendable work during his postings in the districts of Moradabad, Bijnore, Rampur, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Dehradun and in the Uttarakhand Power Corporation. This is the topmost award in the police. Also, IPS Deepam Seth, DIG Kumar Vishwajeet, SP of Almora Puran Singh Rawat and DSP, ATC, Haridwar (Training Centre) Ramesh Chander Joshi will be given police medals for long and commendable service. Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Director-General of Police Jyoti Swaroop Pandey congratulated all the cops who have been named to be honoured on the Republic Day.
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Guv greets residents of U’khand on R-Day
The Governor said the past 10 years of the newly created state had been full of achievements, but the state had had to suffer a heavy loss of life and property due to disasters. "Many roads in the state were washed away, bridges were broken and agricultural fields too suffered extensive damage. In spite of these adverse situations, the state has, with the cooperation of voluntary organisations and volunteers, carried out the task of extending relief assistance to the affected people on a top-priority basis and helped in saving lives of thousands of people through operationalisation of relief and rescue works. Work on resettlement of a few villages is also to be done," she said. The Governor extended her thanks to the Prime Minister for giving Central assistance of Rs 500 crore towards relief and rehabilitation of the disaster-affected people in the state. "There is constant likelihood of repeated occurrence of disasters, therefore, we will have to impart appropriate training in disaster management in large numbers in every nook and corner of the state. In addition, the construction of buildings, roads and bridges etc will have to be carried out while keeping disasters in focus. This is not possible without people’s cooperation", she said. On the Kumbh Mela, the Governor said its successful conduct as the world’s largest gathering was a historical achievement of the state government. The Governor said due to suitable conditions and the presence of natural beauty in the state, the Indian Olympic Association entrusted the organising of the First South-Asian Winter Games to Dehradun and Auli. The Governor said, "Our growth rate at the time of the creation of the state was 2.9 per cent, which has now increased to about 9.5 per cent. This is higher than the national average growth rate. Similarly, at the time of the creation of the state, our per capita average income was Rs 14,000, which has now increased to about Rs 43,000. To sustain this growth rate and ensure that its benefits reach the last person in the hills is a challenge for us". She said Uttarakhand had received an ever-increasing annual plan allocation of funds from the Central Planning Commission. "In 2001, while the plan size stood at Rs 150 crore, it has now increased to Rs 680 crore. In the current financial year, the state has also received an additional assistance of Rs 360 crore from the Centre. The 13th Finance Commission has given an amount of Rs 1,000 crore as a reward to the state," she said. She said this amount would have to be utilised for fostering the all-round development in the state. Alva said Uttarakhand was endowed with natural beauty. "According to the Central Planning Commission, the state is at the first position in the country in terms of environmental conservation. The Jim Corbett National Park which showcases the state’s rich biodiversity is celebrating its platinum jubilee this year. However, due to the rising man and animal conflict in the state, there is loss on account of damage being caused to both. Measures will have to be explored to reduce this damage," she said. In her message, the Governor said women had a significant contribution in the socio-economic system of Uttarakhand. "Uttarakhand is far above the national average in terms of women literacy and sex ratio. Whereas on the one hand, the government has given 50 per cent reservation to women in panchayats, it has done a commendable work of giving them 30 per cent reservation in government jobs. Besides reservation, however, local bodies will have to be delegated power and funds so that women empowerment and democratic decentralisation can be truly brought about," she said. The Governor said, "I am glad that Uttarakhand is also surging ahead in health and technical education, besides school education, and is carving its own distinctiveness as an education hub. We will also have to decide upon systems to take this specialised education at the doorstep of the common man. Paucity of teachers in hill areas is creating a problem. A special recruitment procedure will have to be adopted for the purpose," she said. She said the Sapno ki Udaan scheme had been launched for community participation in primary education. "On the other hand, Pahal and Muskaan schemes have been launched to provide education to children of weaker sections of the society," she said. Throwing light on the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand, the Governor said the state was endowed with cultural heritage and historical monuments. "To encourage culture and art, a state-level centre for culture and arts is being established at Dehradun, the foundation stone-laying ceremony for which was solemnised on the 10th anniversary of the creation of the state," she said. Underlining the importance of restoration work on historical monuments and buildings, the Governor said work had been initiated on the same. "Work will soon begin on the Raj Bhawan in Nainital and the Nehru Ward Jail at Dehradun. Selecting all the monuments and buildings of historical importance in the state and making arrangement for their appropriate maintenance under a project is very much required," she said. She said the natural beauty of the region also held vast potential for the tourism industry. She said, "An appropriate policy will not only have to be drafted for this purpose, but also have to be implemented in a proper way. This will boost investments in the tourism sector and also make employment opportunities available to people". The Governor further said industrial development had taken place in the state in the past 10 years, but most industries had been exclusively set up in the plains and urban areas only. She said special emphasis would have to be laid on extending the industries to hill regions. Alva said, "All-round development is not possible without the welfare of all the sections of the society. Therefore, it is our abounding duty to extend the benefits of government welfare schemes to weaker sections of the society. These programmes will have to be launched without any discrimination being made on the basis of caste, religion or sex". The Governor said, "In the health sector of the state, 108 Emergency ambulances are providing good quality services, but to make hospitals, doctors and nurses available in hill regions is a major challenge. A new thought process is required to solve this problem". The Governor said, "The Ganga is our godmother as well as the life and soul of the Indian culture. With this view, the Save Ganga Project has been rechristened and commenced as the Sparsh Ganga campaign. Under this project, people’s campaign is required to maintain the purity of the waters of the Ganga".
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Blankets given to poor
Mussoorie, January 25 Municipal Council president OP Uniyal, along with Mussoorie SDM Manoj Kumar, Nayab Tehsildar Matadin, Mahila Congress head Geeta Kumain and certain ward members handed over the blankets to the poor. Uniyal, who was the chief guest on the occasion, greeted the people on the eve of the Republic Day celebrations. He said the society should come forward to help the poor on such occasions. Javed Khan, Harbhajan Thakral, BP Kukreti, Vijay Ramola, ward members Jasbeer Kaur, Kanta Bisht, Kedar Chauhan and Sushil Kumar were also present.
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Deans of schools appointed
Dehradun January 25 Prof NP Todaria, department of forestry-School of Agriculture and Allied Science Prof MSM Rawat, department of chemistry- School of Sciences Prof RK Aggarwal, department of commerce- School
of Commerce Prof Vijay Prakash Nautiyal, Seema Dental College, Rishikesh-School of Dental Science Prof LJ Singh, department of military science-School of Earth Science Prof RC Nautiyal, department of education, Tehri Garhwal-School of Education Prof NS Panwar, department of USIC-School of Engineering and Technology Prof SS Dev, department of English-School of Arts, Communication and Languages Prof Atul Saklani, department of history-School of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof AK Pandey, department of law, Tehri Campus-School of Law Prof SC Tiwari, department of botany-School of Life Sciences Prof SC Bagri, department of centre for mountain tourism and hospitality studies-School of management Prof SP Singh, SGRRI, Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun-School of Medicine and School of Ayurveda and Unani System.
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Tribune Impact
Mussoorie, January 25 He said the ice-skating arena at Dehradun was one of its kind in India and schools should promote the sport by sending their students for further training and courses that were already on in the stadium. Sharma said maximum number of schools of Dehradun had already joined in and were sending their students for training in ice-skating that was a fast-developing sport. So the students at Mussoorie too should avail this opportunity that was being provided in a nominal cost. He also said hoteliers, by forming an association, should get involved in the promotion of the game and arrange lucrative packages for tourists in the summer months that would act as an added attraction and generate valuable income for the industry. Mussoorie Hotel Association spokesperson Sandeep Sahni welcomed the move and said after consultation with the members, they would devise a plan to promote it as tourist destination.
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Students take out anti-pollution drive
Dehradun, January 25 The procession started from the school and, after passing through the Dharampur Chowk, Mothrowala Road and Saraswati Chowk, culminated at the school. The students displayed banners and shouted slogans to conserve the environment. They appealed to the masses to say no to polythene to save planet Earth. Present on the occasion were Uday Singh, post warden, civil defence, Tarun Sharma, secretary, Brij Mohan Sharma, RP Kanwal, Aval Singh Rawat, Avtar Singh Negi, Kundan Singh Rawat and many more.
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Speed up revenue collection: DM
Nainital, January 25 In a meeting held at the Kumaon Commissioner’s office here yesterday, Bagauli has asked bankers to become more active at the tehsil level. He has also called for a monthly review meeting of the bankers at the tehsil level. The Tehsildars have been asked to review the collections regularly. Bagauli expressed his displeasure at the slow pace of revenue collection in Haldwani which is a commercial hub of the district. He said only 63 per cent of the target revenue had been collected from Haldwani so far. The Tehsildars have been asked to remove encroachments on public lands. Bagauli stated that the beneficiaries of the Vir Chandra Singh Garhwali tourism scheme who had taken loans for running restaurants and other eating joints must be provided land at the earliest.
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Workshop on learning material development ends
Haldwani, January 25 The event held in the premises of the Haldwani Medical College by the Uttarakhand Open University saw experts in distance learning from various universities from across the country participating in the different sessions. Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof Majulika Srivastava of the Distance Education Council (DEC) stated that there was a need to open a large number of universities providing distance education so that every section of society gets the benefit of higher education. She also emphasised on the need for effective and optimum propagation of distance education facilities presently available in the country. In his message, Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of the Uttarakhand Open University, said, “We are convinced that education has a crucial role to play in nation building. “We have been striving to play a distinctive role in furthering the nation’s socio, cultural and economic growth by empowering the hitherto deprived sections of society.” According to Dr RK Mishra, Registrar of the university, “Under the open and distance learning (ODL) system, SILM is the most critical component in the entire process because it connects the learners to the providers of knowledge.” Participants at the workshop deliberated at length on a series of issues connected with the development of SILM. The sessions held during the two days revolved around topics like ‘An overview of ODL in India’, ‘Characteristics of SILMs and Instructional Design’, ‘Preparing Unit Structure and Beginning of a Unit: Introduction and Learning Objectives’, ‘Development of Self-Assessment Exercises and Activities’ and ‘Delivery of SILMs’. The concluding day of the workshop was marked by a series of group projects on a whole range of topics in which small groups tackled different problems associated with development of SILMs.
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Chauhan wins cross-country
Dehradun, January 25 The race started from the Gandhi Park at 9 am and finished at the same point. The race was flagged off by Additional District Magistrate Archana Gaharwar. A good number of participants from the district took part in the race. Naveen Parhar, Darshan Singh and Japa Damang bagged the fourth, fifth and sixth position, respectively. The winners were given prizes by Sports Minister Khazan Das at the multi-purpose hall of the Parade Ground. The minister also handed over bank drafts to the players who have performed well at the national level. District Sports Officer PS Lunthi and other officials of the department were present at the prize-distribution ceremony.
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60th Dist Cricket League starts tomorrow
Dehradun, January 25 All the offices and institutions can get the copies of their draw from the stadium authorities. In the first phase, matches between offices and institutions will be played.
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Body of tigress found
Dehradun, January 25 Corbett Director RK Mishra revealed that a three-year-old tigress was recovered from Kalagarh range of Corbett. “One porcupine quill embedded in the tigress chest could be responsible for her death, though the exact reason of her death will be confirmed after the postmortem examination,” he said.
— TNS
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Dehradun, January 25