The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Nishank seeks Rs 5,000 cr as ‘green bonus’
Dehradun, February 3
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has sought sanction of an amount of Rs 5,000 crore as “green bonus” to the state, keeping in view its contribution towards environment conservation.

Inter-city buses to hit roads in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar
Nainital, February 3
In order to address the transportation problems in plain areas of the region, the administration has decided to introduce inter-city bus service in parts of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Private parties will operate these buses.

Urban health centres to promote family planning
Dehradun, February 3
The urban health centres will now be used as counselling centres for promoting family planning services in the state to reduce the load on district hospitals and primary health centres.

Participants at a workshop in Dehradun on Thursday. A Tribune photograph

DM irked at slow progress of Horticulture Mission
Nainital, February 3
Expressing his unhappiness with the slow execution of works which have been taken up under the Horticulture Mission, the Udham Singh Nagar District Magistrate, Dr BVRC Purshottam, has ordered Horticulture Officer Mohammad Umar to identify the beneficiaries in a transparent manner while giving due publicity to the various schemes under the mission.

GMVN PROs allege exploitation
Dehradun, February 3
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) is openly flouting the government order by making four of its 12 public relations officers (PROs) work in different cities of the country. According to a government order, daily wagers cannot be transferred outside the state.

Anupama Murder Case
Fingerprints of Gulati, DNA test of body positive
Dehradun, February 3
The report of the DNA test of the body of Anupama, who was allegedly murdered by her husband Rajesh Gulati, and fingerprints of Gulati have come positive. The police has also sent details of the SMSes and e-mails, which Gulati had sent from the e-mail account and phone of his wife to her family, to Chandigarh for investigation.

Sundarkhal villagers burn Jairam Ramesh’s effigy
Dehradun, February 3
An effigy of Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh was burnt in the Jim Corbett National Park region today. Sundarkhal villagers, led by the Sanyukt Sangarsh Samiti, burnt an effigy of the Union Minister for his statement in which he favoured the imposition of the Section 144 in circumstances of man-tiger conflicts so as to ensure the safe rescue of the wildcat. Members of the Sanyukt Sangharash Samiti burn an effigy of Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in Dehradun

Members of the Sanyukt Sangharash Samiti burn an effigy of Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in Dehradun on Thursday.

	Stress laid on interfaith dialogue Tribune News Service Dehradun, February 3 Tracing the catholicity of Guru Nanak’s teachings, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr Jaspal Singh today laid stress on the need to initiate an interfaith dialogue to break the walls of fanaticism and religious prejudices. “Guru Nanak was a great believer of interfaith harmony and borrowed liberally from different religious traditions. Similarly, our association with the Nirmal and Udasin traditions should be strong because we worship the same Guru and religious book,” Dr Jaspal Singh said while delivering a lecture at a seminar on “Udasin Sampradaya Dwara Gurubani ki Vayakhya” organised by the Dr Balbir Singh Sahitya Kendra of Punjabi University here today. He said: “While Guru Nanak Dev held interfaith dialogue with even the Jews and the Muslims, we have completely shut ourselves to those who have spent their lives in singing paeans of our Gurus”. Dr Jaspal Singh announced that the university had begun a special project under former Pro-VC of Jawaharlal Nehru University Kapil Kapoor for tracing the antiquity of the Punjabi language. “The project materialised after Professor Kapoor said Sanskrit language was earlier Punjabi language. Now, the experts will be able to trace the linguistic history of Punjabi,” he said. In his address, Prof SS Bhatti of Punjabi University (Patiala) said understanding of Gurubani had gained immensely from the various commentaries of saints. “Let us acknowledge the contribution made by Brahmins and not ignore the commentaries written by the saints of the Udasin sect. The Khalsa Panth benefited from the scholarly treaties. It does not weaken the Gurubani in any manner. Knowledge and ideas should be allowed to come and not viewed as an end itself but an endless stream of flowing river,” he said. In his introductory address, Harbajan Singh, Project Director, said there should be a measure of cooperation and understanding between different panths so that the contribution of Udasin and Nirmal traditions could be made known to the practioners of Sikh religion. “The deep meaning of Gurubani can be unravelled by scholars and academicians and they can simplify it for the understanding of the layman,” he said. The Udasin tradition (Udasi or Udasin) is a religious sect (sampradaya), which considers itself as denomination of Sikhism, and focuses on the teachings of its founder, Sri Chand (1494-1643), son of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism. The seminar was attended by Mahinder Kaur, honorary director, Dr Balbir Singh Sahitya Kendra, Swami Surinder Muni, Maha Mandaleshwar, Haridwar, Sant Jodh Singh of Nirmal Ashram, Rishikesh, and others.
	Varun Gandhi avoids questions on sensitive issues Sandeep Rawat Tribune News Service Haridwar, February 3 It seems firebrand young parliamentarian of the BJP Varun Gandhi has taken lessons in speaking on sensitive issues, particularly those relating to minorities, terrorism, the RSS and Hindu fundamentalists involved in terror activities. This was quite evident during his brief stay in the city late last night when he halted here before moving to Bijnore to attend a political function. Clad in his traditional kurta-pyjama attire with a sleeveless khadi jacket, BJP’s national general secretary Varun Gandhi tried his best to avoid a volley of questions on sensitive issues. Knowing very well that any slight indication or response from him will only trigger a series of question and answers, the grandson of former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who is known for his straightforward answers and for his pro-RSS ideology, spoke only about non-controversial issues. Varun, whose marriage is slated for March 6 at Varanasi, when questioned if there will be an invitation for the other Gandhi family (relatives Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra), he said he just needed wishes of all. Varun urged the activists of the BJP to make sure they stuck to the party as the BJP was the only party, which catered to the needs of a strong India. Later, Varun performed the rituals at Ved Mandir Ashram, after which his cavalcade moved to Bijnore. Party workers jostled for a glimpse of their leader. This irritated the young parliamentarian who gave some harsh directions to the district leaders who were struggling to sit close to him on the dais. Notably, during the last LS polls, Varun was in the thick of news due to his controversial statement made at an election rally. The Election Commission of India had found him guilty of violation of the model code of conduct.
	Nishank seeks Rs 5,000 cr as ‘green bonus’ Tribune News Service Dehradun, February 3 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has sought sanction of an amount of Rs 5,000 crore as “green bonus” to the state, keeping in view its contribution towards environment conservation. In a letter written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister had initially sought Rs 5,000 crore as damages for the past 10 years, followed by Rs 1,000 crore every year as a consolidated amount. Presenting his case, Dr Nishank said a research paper submitted at the World Forestry Conference in Buenos Aires had put services provided to the country by the Uttarakhand forest to the tune of Rs 31,294 crore per year.
	Inter-city buses to hit roads in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar Tribune News Service Nainital, February 3 In order to address the transportation problems in plain areas of the region, the administration has decided to introduce inter-city bus service in parts of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Private parties will operate these buses. A decision to introduce the services was taken in a special meeting held under the chairmanship of Kumaon Commissioner Kunal Sharma here a couple of days back. The administration has drawn up an ambitious plan for the introduction of 71 white buses with red bands that will be plying on the lines of the mudrika or ring road bus service in the national capital. The routes of these buses will have the State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal (SIDCUL) zone at its core. These buses will be plying between SIDCUL and Kathgodam, along with the SIDCUL and Gadarpur areas. According to a government spokesperson, it was decided that these buses would have 28 and 32 seats. The introduction of these buses was based on the daily commuting of a large number of workers to the SIDCUL from various parts of the region. According to a survey, at least 18,000 workers travel out of SIDCUL area daily, besides other passengers travelling Kitcha and Lal Kuan where there was immense paucity of the public transport. A large number of these people have no individual mode of transportation. It was learnt that all the buses to be introduced would subscribe to Euro II norms. Media reports say that the issue of introduction of the privately run buses in the region had been hanging fire since 2001. Since it was the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation that was managing affairs at that time, the plan could not fructify. The plan was revived after a legal battle in 2008 and a survey was undertaken. Initially, there was a plan to ply only 50 buses, but the number has now been enhanced to 71. The circular routes to be followed by plus and minus mudrika service would include SIDCUL- Haldwani- Kathgodam-Lal Kuan-Kitcha-Lalpur-Rudrapur-SIDCUL and vice versa. The second circular route would be SIDCUL-Madkota-Dineshpur-Garapur-Rudrapur-SIDCUL and vice versa. The Commissioner has ordered the transport authorities to draw up a proper timetable for plying of the buses on the above-mentioned routes. He has stated that the timings should be adjusted in a manner so that it benefits the people. All the 71 applicants have been given clearance to ply on the said routes.
	Urban health centres to promote family planning Tribune News Service Dehradun, February 3 The urban health centres will now be used as counselling centres for promoting family planning services in the state to reduce the load on district hospitals and primary health centres. Though the urban health centres are equipped with a doctor and other staff, the auxiliary nurse and midwife (ANM) will play a crucial role in strengthening the services. Stating this yesterday at a workshop titled “Improving quality of ANM and teaching and family planning services” organised by Jhpiego, an affiliate of John Hopkins University (providing technical support to the state government) and the Health Department. Bulbul Sood, country director of Jhpiego, said the workshop would help upgrade the skills of ANMs and improve the quality of services. “The urban health centres are ideal for promoting health services, especially family planning methods and counselling. This will take the load off district women hospitals and primary health centres,” said Bulbul. Besides, the state has been increasingly banking on these centres to improve the health indicators of the women, “These will be used as counselling centres to promote the use of contraceptives, especially the IUCD that is being repositioned as safe and effective method for the family planning,” she said. In all, 18 centres have been set up in slum areas in Dehradun, Roorkee and Haldwin and more will be set up in other parts of the state soon.
	DM irked at slow progress of Horticulture Mission Tribune News Service Nainital, February 3 Expressing his unhappiness with the slow execution of works which have been taken up under the Horticulture Mission, the Udham Singh Nagar District Magistrate, Dr BVRC Purshottam, has ordered Horticulture Officer Mohammad Umar to identify the beneficiaries in a transparent manner while giving due publicity to the various schemes under the mission. He has asked Umar to furnish a list of the beneficiaries over the past five years and pointed out that any irregularities coming to light will lead to filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the guilty officials. At a meeting held to evaluate the progress of the mission held at Rudrapur on Thursday, Dr Purshottam warned the officials that mere paper work would lead to strict action. The officials were told to make maximum farmers and horticulturists aware of the schemes launched under the mission so that they could make use of the latest techniques in increasing the produce as well as their income. He said cosmetic production of vegetables, fruit and flowers for the sake of earning subsidy would be considered as a misuse of the scheme. Dr Purshottam also called for the establishment of self-help groups (SHGs) to promote horticulture in the district and said farmers should be given proper training under the Technology Mission. Umar said during 2009-10, 390 hectares had been brought under horticulture, and vegetable cultivation was introduced in an area measuring 390 hectares. He said spices were grown on 23 hectares and floriculture was undertaken on 75 hectares. As many as 88 bore-wells had been sunk and 88 vermi compost units were set up during the year.

GMVN PROs allege exploitation
Seema Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 3
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) is openly flouting the government order by making four of its 12 public relations officers (PROs) work in different cities of the country. According to a government order, daily wagers cannot be transferred outside the state.

The PROs are not even given the basic salary and other perks, including the mandatory house allowance, for such postings. Kailash Kothari is one such PRO, who was posted in Hyderabad six months back. “Despite the GO, I have been posted outside the state. I get mere Rs 10,000 per month and that, too, without house allowance and other perks. It is difficult for me to survive in a metro city at such a nominal salary”.

“The house rents are sky rocketing that eats away more than half the salary. If the department did not have any plans to regularise me despite my long experience, it should not have shifted me to a metro city,” he said.

Rajesh Uniyal, who has been working with the GMVN since 1995 as a computer operator, was transferred to Chandigarh as PRO in August this year. In his case, instead of increasing his pay, it was decreased by Rs 2,500.

“When I worked at Dehradun, I used to get Rs 12,000. When I was shifted to Chandigarh, this was reduced to Rs 9,500 after slashing Rs 2,500 that was added to my salary by the former MD in 2007 as recognition of my good work. Let alone the matter of seeking house allowance, I am imploring not to cut my salary, but no one is responding to my queries,” said Uniyal and threatened to approach the court if his pleas were not heard.

Uniyal, having an expertise in computers, was shifted to an altogether new field of bookings and augmenting business for the nigam.

“Since there has been no promotion in the GMVN since 1985, I accepted the offer of PRO 10 years back, taking it up as a promotion. I wish I am promoted in my own field, where I can make better use of my knowledge and skill,” he said. Uniyal has been loaded with targets to bring business from the whole of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal and Chandigarh.

Anurag Dangwal has also been working for the past 10 years as a PRO in Bangalore. “From 1993 to 2000, I had a long rickety career. I was deputed for six months at a place every year, which got streamlined only after 2000. But I am still not permanent and continue to get poor salary. It is not possible for anyone to live in Bangalore without giving bulk rent advance ‘pagdi’ to landlord. I, too, had to pay Rs 50,000 pagdi to rent a house. It is high time the GMVN takes up our case on the priority basis”.

Dangwal has also been given the additional charge of the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu for the past six years, besides Karnataka. The fourth PRO, RP Daundiyal, working in Lucknow, could not be contacted.

Kothari maintained that there were 23 posts of their scale lying vacant, and for which they had given interviews as well, but the nigam has done nothing in this regard.