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DELHI
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THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

D E H R A D U N    P L U S

Transfer policy replaces Act in Uttarakhand
Dehradun, May 16
Pushing the Transfer Act of former Chief Minister B.C Khanduri to the back burner, the Uttarakhand cabinet today decided to replace the Act with a transfer policy and also approved the creation of the District Reorganisation Commission.

Govt to introduce Audit Act in budget session
Dehradun, May 16

In a significant move aimed at ushering in greater transparency and compliance in the system of auditing, the Government of Uttarakhand will lay introduce the State Audit Act-2012 during the May budget session, integrating the three separate wings of audit into one state unit under the Finance Department.

Transport Minister planning to be UTC Chairman
Dehradun, May 16
Uttarakhand Transport Minister Surender Rakesh has sought a novel way to exert himself in his own department. The minister has plans to become the chairman of the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) by replacing the Commissioner, Transport.


EARLIER EDITIONS


Film actors of film "Raktbeej" during its promotion campaign in Dehradun on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph ‘Raktbeej’ star cast in city
Dehradun, May 16
The star cast of film ‘Rakthbeej’ was in town to promote their film. The leading hero, Sanjay Gagnani, who acted in several ad films and serials such as ‘Bairi Piya,' 'Tere Liye' etc and Mansi Dobhal, a known face featuring in various advertisements on television, and a fresher, Manas Shrivastav, were present on the occasion.
Film actors of film "Raktbeej" during its promotion campaign in Dehradun on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph

SJA students give farewell to Brother 
Brother Anthony, Vice-Principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, being given a farewell in Dehradun on Wednesday. Dehradun, May 16
St Joseph's Academy (SJA) bade an emotional adieu to its Vice-Principal Rev Bro KJ Anthony here today. During his tenure, Bro Anthony contributed to the growth of the school. He would always lend an ear to the problems of students and empathise with them.



Brother Anthony, Vice-Principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, being given a farewell in Dehradun on Wednesday. 

Annual speech and prize day of St. Thomas College
Dehradun, May 16
The annual speech and prize day - a much awaited event in the school calendar of St. Thomas College - was held here today. The chief guest on the occasion was Uma Kant Uniyal, Advocate General, Government Of Uttarakhand. The programme started with the academic procession, with all members of the teaching staff in their academic gowns.

Principal charged with fraud
Dehradun, May 16
People protest in front of the residence of the SSP against being allegedly duped by the principal of a school in Dehradun on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph A delegation of more than 80 men and women met Senior Superintendent of Police Neeru Garg today to apprise her about an alleged fraud committed by a government school principal, Nahid Anjum, in not returning their money which they had deposited with her under chit-fund system. The fraud amounts to Rs 7 to 8 crore in which the hard-earned money of more than 1,500 people is at stake.

People protest in front of the residence of the SSP against being allegedly duped by the principal of a school in Dehradun on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph

MDDA staffer commits suicide in Mussoorie
Mussoorie, May 16
Rahul, aged 22, a youth who was employed with the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority on a daily wages, committed suicide in his house situated at Rajmandi in Landour Bazaar today.

A match in progress during the 7th ONGC sub-junior basketball tournament in Dehradun on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph 

Sports College to clash with Doon Combined in final
Dehradun, May 16
Sports College will clash with Doon Combined in the finals of 60th Dehradun District Cricket League match. In the second semi-final played here today, Sports College won by 4 wickets against Pan Business Limited team. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Pan Business Limited scored 102 runs, losing all s wickets in the process. Vivek scored highest 25 runs, followed by Rajeev, who scored 19 runs. Vipin Kashyap and Sheetal took 3 wickets each for Sports College.

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Transfer policy replaces Act in Uttarakhand
Cabinet approves creation of district reorganisation panel
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
Pushing the Transfer Act of former Chief Minister B.C Khanduri to the back burner, the Uttarakhand cabinet today decided to replace the Act with a transfer policy and also approved the creation of the District Reorganisation Commission.

"There have been serious objections about some of the provisions in the Transfer Act raised by the members of the state employees' union. To tide over the situation, the transfer policy would be drafted and brought before the cabinet for this year. Meanwhile, in the intervening time, we would again review the Transfer Act," Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain, said while briefing the media persons today.

In another significant decision taken by the cabinet, approval was given for the creation of District Reorganiaation Commission that would examine the worthiness of creating districts according to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005 (FRBM Act). "The commission would be headed by Chairman of Board of Revenue Subash Kumar and members comprising Principal Secretary, Revenue, Commissioners of Garhwal and Kumaon, and Additional Secretary (Finance). They would examine the financial and geographical viability of creation four districts announced during the BJP's rule and give their recommendations within the time frame of six months," said Jain.

The cabinet also decided to apply the existing state reservation policy while recruiting employees through out-sourcing on vacant posts in different departments. "According to the state reservation policy, 19 per cent of the seats would be reserved for SC, 4 per cent for ST and 14 per cent for OBC employees," added Jain.

Significantly, the government also decided to relax rules for old institutions seeking permission to set up private universities. "Few amendments have been introduced in the policy for establishing private universities. Now those old institutions fulfilling the necessary conditions of possessing land, faculty and infrastructure could apply for Letter of Intent (LOI), bypassing the first step. However, all proposed private universities would have to make prior self disclosure about the approval, infrastructure etc on the website for the benefit of the parents and students," announced Alok Kumar Jain.

In another significant decision, the cabinet approved the Transit of Timber and other Forest Produce Rules (2012), thereby approving the charging of rate on timber being carried from forest on land and water on the basis of tonnage. However, women carrying wood on their heads for domestic purpose have been exempted.

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Govt to introduce Audit Act in budget session
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
In a significant move aimed at ushering in greater transparency and compliance in the system of auditing, the Government of Uttarakhand will lay introduce the State Audit Act-2012 during the May budget session, integrating the three separate wings of audit into one state unit under the Finance Department.

The State Audit Act, if approved by the house, would bring the three wings of audit - local fund audit, cooperative and panchayat audit, internal audit (carried by different state departments) under one roof and Uttarakhand would become the first state in the country to adopt a path breaking Act.

"A new cadre would be created under the state audit which would be independently headed by the Director but anchored under the Finance Department. The reforms are being initiated after a study carried by a financial management agency, hired by the government," said Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain at a cabinet briefing today.

The cabinet also decided to accept some of the recommendations of the third state finance commission calling for devolution of financial powers among the local urban bodies and panchayats. "The cabinet has approved sharing of 10.5 per cent of the taxes collected by the state between the panchayats and the local urban bodies. The share would be in the ratio of 50:50 from 2011-2012 to 2015-2016. This would help the bodies in paying salaries and pension to their employees," said Jain.

The government also approved the increase in lower slab of Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain goods from the existing 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent that is expected to bring the state revenue to the tune of Rs 35 crore. The cabinet also approved making Divali prasad tax free.

To supplement the existing Central Government-funded schemes, namely Border Area Development Plan (BADP), Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), the cabinet today approved the creation of State Border and Backward Area Development Fund with total contribution from the state.

"Funds from the budget would be earmarked for carrying out infrastructure development in 74 backward blocks of the state. As a first step a kitty of Rs 50 crore has been allocated under the fund. The district committee and state empowered committee headed by the Chief Secretary would approve proposals for carrying out infrastructure development activity in these blocks," said Jain. 

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Transport Minister planning to be UTC Chairman
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
Uttarakhand Transport Minister Surender Rakesh has sought a novel way to exert himself in his own department. The minister has plans to become the chairman of the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) by replacing the Commissioner, Transport. The minister wants to follow the Himachal Pradesh pattern in Uttarakhand also.

He said: “I came to know that the Transport Minister in Himachal Pardesh also doubles up as the Chairman of State Transport Corporation. I have asked the officials to gather all required information about that so that such a pattern could be emulated by our state as well.”

General Manager, STC, Deepak Jain, said the department would issue a government order after conducting a thorough study of the pattern adopted by Himachal government in this regard.

Surender Rakesh, in his defence, blamed the absence of Commissioner, UTC, SK Matoo, who is also Chief Resident Commissioner of the state in New Delhi, delaying the process of decision making and policy making on important subjects. He said: “If I become the chairman , then I will be able to hold meetings at a quicker pace and take actions on the important matters in time.”

SK Matoo refused to take onus for delaying any administrative proceeding in UTC on his behalf and said: “The chairman of UTC is not required on a daily basis. He is either needed to preside over board

meetings and as an authority to decide over the departmental enquiries or complaints. So it is wrong to say that I was delaying action on the policy issues . Whenever I am needed, I reach from Delhi.”

He said it would be quite strange that those who would formulate policies as part of the government would also enforce them by donning the mantle of an administrator.

According to sources, the concerned minister’s step is seen in context of adjusting a confidant on the position of chairmanship of UTC for political reasons. 

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‘Raktbeej’ star cast in city

Dehradun, May 16
The star cast of film ‘Rakthbeej’ was in town to promote their film.

The leading hero, Sanjay Gagnani, who acted in several ad films and serials such as ‘Bairi Piya,' 'Tere Liye' etc and Mansi Dobhal, a known face featuring in various advertisements on television, and a fresher, Manas Shrivastav, were present on the occasion.

The star cast of the film includes Rakhi Sawant, Tinu Anand, Rajesh Khattae.

Along with the movie promotion, these actors would also be seen promoting event ‘The Marriage Expo’ to be held on May 26 and 27 at ONGC Officers' Club in the city. — TNS

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SJA students give farewell to Brother 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
St Joseph's Academy (SJA) bade an emotional adieu to its Vice-Principal Rev Bro KJ Anthony here today.

During his tenure, Bro Anthony contributed to the growth of the school. He would always lend an ear to the problems of students and empathise with them.

On this occasion, a special assembly was conducted by the senior school to extend a befitting farewell to him. Vasundhara Sharma led all in prayer after which the students mesmerised the school with their dance performance on a Nepali song.

Joshua Anthony expressed his gratitude to Bro Anthony through a speech. Sanchar Saran recalled memorable time spent during a few outdoor tours with him. Bro Antony was presented with colourful bouquets by the children who prayed for his long life.

The little ones of the Junior School also organised a special farewell assembly. The prayer was followed by a kathak dance ‘Kaliya Daman’. The school choir sang ‘Showers of blessings”.

The students also highlighted the integrity of character of Brother Anthony. Lastly, Bro Anthony shared his feelings and said: “It is overwhelming to see the entire SJA family showering so much love upon me. The memories of the days spent at SJA will remain etched in my mind."

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Annual speech and prize day of St. Thomas College
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
The annual speech and prize day - a much awaited event in the school calendar of St. Thomas College - was held here today. The chief guest on the occasion was Uma Kant Uniyal, Advocate General, Government Of Uttarakhand. The programme started with the academic procession, with all members of the teaching staff in their academic gowns.

Uma Kant Uniyal gave away the prizes to the prize winners. Prizes were also given for excellence in sports and other extra-curricular activities.

The Principal, R. V. Gardner, in his annual report for the year 20011-2012 talked about the achievements of the college. The entertainment began with the junior school choir singing 'Candyman.' The junior school students then put up a play 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' and showed how the Pied Piper took his revenge when the Mayor of Hamelin played a trick on him. The little children of the junior school impressed everyone with their acting talent.

The middle school choir then sang a Hindi song which was followed by a folk dance from West Bengal, performed by the students of the senior school. The college band also performed. This was followed by the senior school English play 'Bunnies’ Song,' which showed how the tiny bunnies helped a depressed man to get back everything he had lost and how they also teach him a lesson when he tries to exploit them. Both the plays were appreciated by the large gathering of parents and guests.

An English song by the staff band and a western dance by the middle school followed next. The school choir then brought the evening to a close by singing the National Anthem.

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Principal charged with fraud
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
A delegation of more than 80 men and women met Senior Superintendent of Police Neeru Garg today to apprise her about an alleged fraud committed by a government school principal, Nahid Anjum, in not returning their money which they had deposited with her under chit-fund system. The fraud amounts to Rs 7 to 8 crore in which the hard-earned money of more than 1,500 people is at stake.

The members were not willing to file a legal complaint against Anjum as they did not want this matter to get stuck in a legal wrangle. They requested the SSP to mediate in this matter so that they could retrieve their money.

The SSP had deputed Circle Officer, Nehru Colony, to make efforts to solve this issue by holding parallel deliberations with both sides. She said if Anjum failed to return the money, then the police itself would take initiative in filing an FIR against her.

Principal of Government Girls Inter-College, Khudbuda, Anjum, started this business side by side some 15 years ago. She, however, stopped returning money two years ago. Most of the members also ceased paying the money but some continued to do so until six months ago.

According to Nehru Colony police, Anjum said she lost money in the business and had to sell off five plots as well.

She had also assured the people that she would start paying back from May onwards, which she had not done till date. Anjum is retiring in July.

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MDDA staffer commits suicide in Mussoorie

Mussoorie, May 16
Rahul, aged 22, a youth who was employed with the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority on a daily wages, committed suicide in his house situated at Rajmandi in Landour Bazaar today.

The police rushed to the spot and have recovered a suicide note found lying near the body. The police have sent the body for postmortem and are investigating the matter further.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 1.30 pm today, when his sister Manju called Rahul who was inside another room for lunch. But when she received no response, she entered the room and found him lying dead on his bed with marks on his neck.

Rahul in his suicide note stated that he was in mental depression and was ending his life as he had failed to fulfil the aspirations his parents had from him. He further stated that his parents should not be harassed and suggested his parents adopt a child. His parents informed the media that he never revealed anything about his intention to take his life in the past. — OC

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Sports College to clash with Doon Combined in final
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 16
Sports College will clash with Doon Combined in the finals of 60th Dehradun District Cricket League match.

In the second semi-final played here today, Sports College won by 4 wickets against Pan Business Limited team. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Pan Business Limited scored 102 runs, losing all s wickets in the process. Vivek scored highest 25 runs, followed by Rajeev, who scored 19 runs. Vipin Kashyap and Sheetal took 3 wickets each for Sports College.

Batting next, Sports College easily achieved the target, score losing 6 wickets in the process, thereby ensuring 4-wicket win. Kunal scored highest 32 runs and Fateh Singh Gill contributed valuable 26 runs to the Sports College team's score valuable 26 runs to the Sports College team’s score.

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