Arya justifies cancelling BJP govt order on new districts
Minister's reply in House during question hour
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Uttarakhand Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Yashpal Arya informed the House on Wednesday that as the decision taken by the BJP government to create four districts was a political one, announced without assessing the financial position of the state, nor the geographical feasibility of the new districts, the Bahuguna government was forced to cancel the government order, paving way for the setting up of District Reorganisation Commission to look into the issue.

While replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Vijaya Barthwal during question hour in the House, Yashpal Arya said, “The government order of December 8, 2011, pertaining to the creation of four districts of Kotdwar, Yamnotri, Didihaat and Ranikhet has been cancelled and instead the government had constituted the District Reorganisation Commission.” He said the minimum time limit for the commission to give it’s recommendations was six months.

In his reply the minister also said the BJP government’s decision had created controversy regarding setting up of district headquarters for the districts and inclusion of the areas for the new districts.

However, the minister failed to reply to a question posed by BJP MLA Dilip Rawat if the District Reorganisation Commission was empowered to look into the creation of new tehsils as the chief minister was make one announcement after another regarding the creation of tehsils.

The Revenue Minister was also taken to task by Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal for failing to provide information about a land dispute that took place in Khatima (Udham Singh Nagar) between two groups and steps taken by the government. BJP MLA Pushkar Singh Dhami had raised the question. “The member had provided you the list of questions two weeks in advance, but you have failed to come up with the desired information in the given time,” said Kunjwal.

To this the minister said he would provide information in a month's time; this gave opportunity to the Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt to chastise the government for adopting a lackadaisical approach to issues. “You lost no opportunity to bring former MLA Kiran Mandal to your fold. Can we expect the same alacrity from the government in responding to people/s problems,” questioned Bhatt.

Uttarakhand Food and Civil Supplies Minister Preetam Singh said despite difficulties in getting full quota for rice from the Central government, the Bhauguna government was in mood to discontinue the Atal Khadyan Yojana started by former BJP government.

Replying to a question raised by Chandan Ram Das of the BJP, the minister said as the Atal Khadyan Yojana entails providing 10 kg rice and 10 kg wheat to the APL card holders in the state, and the Central government had already cut the quota after the previous BJP government failed to lift 17,000 metric tonnes of rice, the state was unable to fulfill the demand of providing 10 kg of rice to APL card holders. “We require at least 20,000 metric tonnes of rice to meet out the demand. Due to resource crunch the state government was unable to make arrangements at it’s end. He also said there was shortage of kerosene and gas as against the demand of 26, 612 kilo litres, the state had received 908 kilo litres and only 53 per cent of the demand for as had been met till May 2012 for this financial year. He also said to check the proliferation of bogus card holders, the government would coumputerise the PDS system. “We have created a task force and advisory committees at the district and state levels to check fake ration card holders. A total of 20,000 bogus cards were cancelled during the drive,” said the minister.

To provide relief to the people of Dharchula (Pithoragarh) that was hit by natural disasters in the last 10 years, a total amount of Rs 2583.50 was sanctioned. While replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Pushkar Dhami, the Uttarakhand Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Yashpal Arya said the relief measures included house subsidy for the affected families, farm subsidy and finances for carrying repair work on houses.

Hindi edition of Jim Corbett’s ‘My India’ out
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
"Mera Hindustan", Hindi edition of Jim Corbett's famous "My India" was launched in Dehradun today. Releasing the book at the launch a ceremony organised by Doon Library and Research Centre and Natraj Publishers, renowned actor and author Tom Alter recalled the contribution of the late Jim Corbett towards making people realise the importance of faunal biodiversity particular in the Uttarakhand region.

He said Corbett had even during his days pointed out about the challenges that the growing population of simians would pose to humans, which today stands very true.

Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr RBS Rawat referred to the activities of the Uttarakhand Forest Department towards conservation of wildlife and promotion of eco-tourism.

He referred to the importance of Uttarakhand from eco-tourism point of view. He said the department had even come up with an eco-tourism map that was aimed to inform the masses about places of eco-tourism importance in the state.

Uttarakhand Principal Secretary, Forests and Environment, S Ramaswamy also spoke on the life of Jim Corbett. Dr BK Joshi of the Doon Library and Research Centre coordinated the proceedings. He disclosed that the Doon Library and Research Centre today had a total of 1400 members.

Demand for discussion under Rule 310
House witnesses uproarious scenes
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
The Uttarakhand Assembly was once again the witness to uproarious scenes as the opposition BJP MLAs demanded discussion under Rule 310 and the law and order situation prevailing in the state that was rejected by the Speaker who later adjourned the House for the day.

However, the house managed to pass four bills tabled yesterday.

As the House reassembled after lunch, the BJP MLAs reached the well of the House demanding discussion under Rule 310 (adjournment motion) raking up the issue of robbery at the Congress MLA's house in Roorkee and alleged threatening telephone calls made to former BJP MLA Khazan Das.

However, the Speaker refused to budge, instead gave consent for discussion of law and order situation in the state under Rule 58 which did not satisfy the opposition MLAs who reached the well of the House to protest and later the Leader of the Opposition led a noisy walkout.

Earlier in the morning as Question Hour was nearing to a close, BJP MLA and former minister Madan Kaushik derided the government for not taking up starred questions in the House as it would expose their lack of preparedness that was stoutly refuted by the Treasury Benches.

Thereafter, Ajay Bhatt brought three notices before the Speaker for consideration.

The notices included permission for a debate on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state under Rule 310 (adjournment motion), opening of liquor shops and conduct of Char Dham Yatra.

While the Speaker agreed on discussion under Rules 300 and 58, the opposition wanted it under 310 that incensed the opposition benches who created an uproar forcing Uttarakhand House adjournment till noon.

But the House could not function even after lunch.

Tobacco ban goes up in smoke
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
In the absence of an ordinance to fine offenders, the Anti-tobacco Act (2008) has become ineffective. The authorities continue to wait for the government to issue an ordinance that will empower departments to fine offenders.

“The provisions of the Anti-tobacco Act (2008) clearly states that the selected departments will be empowered to collect fine from defaulters but it can only become effective if an ordinance is enacted in the state,” said R K Pant, Chief Medical Officer, Dehradun.

The Act says the head of any department or office has the authority to impose a fine of Rs 200 on anyone who is found smoking on his campus while the police will have the authority to challan those persons who are found smoking on the road.

Whatever the amount of fine recovered by different departments, it is to be deposited in a head account, but no such account exists even after over two years of the imposition of the ban.

For the implementation of the Act, the Uttarakhand Government had launched an anti-tobacco programme that too comes to life only when the anti-tobacco day is observed.

CM for balanced policy on distribution of molasses
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has stressed the need for a balanced policy on the distribution of molasses. He said the welfare of sugarcane farmers, sugar and distillery industries would be considered while chalking out a policy regarding molasses.

A five-member committee headed by Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain had been constituted to draft a policy for the distribution of molasses. The other members of the committee include Principal Secretary, Industry, Rakesh Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister DK Kotia, Secretary, Finance, Radha Raturi and Secretary, Excise, SS Rawat.

Bahuguna during a meeting with officers of departments, representatives of distilleries and sugar mills held here today asked owners of distilleries and sugar mills to bring improvement in their performance. He pointed out that these industries had an important role to play as financial resources of the state.

He said such a policy for distribution of molasses should be drafted which would benefit all stakeholders, including sugarcane farmers, sugar mills, distilleries and the state government. He said a decision would be taken on reserving quantity of molasses for the domestic use, export and for distilleries keeping in view the interests of the state.

When he was informed about the MoU signed with the Uttar Pradesh for trading of molasses between the two states that ended in 2009, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to hold discussion with his UP counterpart to revive the MoU again.

He stressed on the budget management by sugar mills to check their losses. Responding to the demands of fodder producers to distribute molasses to them at the district level, Bahuguna directed the Secretary, Excise, to look into the matter and do the needful.

Also present at the meeting were Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister DK Kotia, Principal Secretary, Industry, Rakesh Sharma, Secretary Excise SS Rawat, representatives of distilleries, sugar mills and fodder producer.

IAF, Sahara India win matches
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Indian Air Force (IAF) and Sahara India teams won their respective matches in the 30th All India Uttarakhand Gold Cup Cricket Tournament played here yesterday.

In the first match, Indian Air Force defeated Uttarakhand Cricket Union (red) team by three wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, the Uttarakhand CAU (red) team scored 184 runs all out in 35.1 overs. Ankur Verma was the top scorer with 36 runs, while Rohit Negi scored 34 runs. Roshan Raj took three wickets for 37 runs. A. Aman and Abhishek Sakuja took two wickets each.

In reply Indian Air Force (IAF ) team scored 188 runs for the loss of seven wickets to win the match in 37.1 overs. Satish Upadhaya was the top scorer with 70 runs. Sakib took three wickets for 33 runs.

In another match, Sahara India team defeated Cricket Association of Uttarakhand ( CAU) (white) by seven wickets. The toss was won by Sahara India team and they put their opponents into bat. The CAU ( white ) team scored 156 runs all out in 40 overs. Kesav Negi scored 34 unbeaten runs while Anshuman, Shivam and S. Kashyap took two wickets each.

In reply, Sahara India team scored 159 runs for three wickets to win the match by seven wickets. Abhimanyu was the top scorer with unbeaten 62 runs, while Anshul Kapoor scored 39 runs. Sanjay took two wickets for 24 runs.

Students awarded for excelling in sports
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIP Dehradun's 15-day summer sports coaching camp concluded today. The camp provided coaching to a total of 100 children in the disciplines of kho kho, football, volleyball and handball. Friendly matches were also organised at the camp.

Chief guest at the closing ceremony today Subbarao awarded Vikas Thapa and Rohit for their performances in football, Monica, Madhuri and Kiran were awarded for showing excellence in handball, Isha and Ankit in kho kho and Kavita, Rasika and Sristhi were awarded in volleyball.

Deputy Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIP B Ram said the school was laying much emphasis on extra curricular activities of children.

He said such coaching camp bring hidden sporting talent within the children. Kendriya Vidyalaya IIP sports in charge DM Lakhera was also present.

Titanium Football Club enters semi-finals

Dehradun, May 30
Titanium Football Club, Kerala, and Garhwal Rifles, Lansdown, won their quarter-final matches to reach the semi-final stage in the Narender Kharola Memorial All-India Football Tournament being played at Ambedkar Stadium here today.

In the first quarterfinal match, Titanium Football Club, Kerala, defeated Northen Railways in a close encounter. Both the teams tried hard to score goal but it was Tomy of the Kerala team, who scored a brilliant goal in the 70th minute of the game to give inaccessible lead of a solitary goal to his team till the long whistle. In the second quarter-final match between Garhwal Rifles, Lansdown defeated the JCT Football Academy, Phagwara, by 2-0. It was Naresh Singh of Garhwal Rifles, who scored a field goal in the second minute of the game.

The Garhwal Rifles team earned a penalty kick and Arun Negi scored the second goal for his team in the 23rd minute. The Phagwara boys tried hard to score a goal but were unsuccessful.

The Garhwal Heroes, New Delhi, will meet the District Football Association, Hoshiarpur, while Punjab Police, Jalandhar, will take on the District Football Association, Dehradun, in the quarter-final matches on Thursday. — TNS

BDM XI, Moti Sons triumph

Dehradun, May 30
BDM XI and Moti Sons, Rajasthan, won their respective matches in the 30th All India Uttarakhand Gold Cup Cricket Tournament played here today.

The Rajasthan boys scored 175 runs in 22.5 overs, losing only two wickets to win the match by eight wickets. Opener Vineet Saxena remained not out on 88 runs. — TNS

8 die in two road accidents
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Eight persons have died in road mishaps in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in the past 24 hours.

While 5 persons were killed in the previous evening bus accident near Hathiparvat on Rishikesh- Badrinath highway in Chamoli, 3 other persons died in another road mishap incident at Mayapur in the very Chamoli district today.

The latest incident happened at 12.30 pm, when a Tavera car with 10 passengers heading towards Chamoli from Badrinath fell into a gorge, instantly killing 3 persons and injuring 7,5 of them seriously.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has extended his condolences towards people who have died in the road accidents at Chamoli district. He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families. He has also wished for the early recovery of injured persons.

Number of police circles goes up to 41
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Director General of Police Vijay Raghav Pant has increased the number of circles from the existing 34 to 41 under which 125 police stations will be covered.

The move has been taken to better the law and order situation and relief measures during calamities.

Each circle has at least two police stations under it.

Now there will be 6 circles in Dehradun, 5 in Haridwar, 5 in Naintal, 5 in Udham Singh Nagar, 3 in Pithoragarh, 3 in Amora, 2 in Bagheswar, 2 in Champavat, 2 in Uttarkashi, 3 in Paurigarhwal, 2 in Tehri Garhwall, 1 in Rudraprayag and 2 in Chamoli.

This way, one circle each has been created in district Pauri Garhawal,

Pithoragarh, Champavat, Bagheshwar, two in Almora and one more in Udham Singh Nagar.

Satpal Maharaj, Rawat greet topper
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
Uttarakhand Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj and Ramnagar MLA Amrita Rawat have greeted Sameer Riyaz for standing overall first in the state high school examinations, results of which were announced yesterday.

Sameer had made the entire Ramnagar proud, Satpal Maharaj said, asserting that there was no dearth of talent in Uttarakhand. Appreciating Sameer for his excellent performance in high school examinations, Ramnagar MLA Amrita Rawat said other children must also take inspiration from Sameer.

Guv to arrive at Nainital today

Dehradun, May 30
Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi will arrive at Raj Bhavan, Nainital, on May 31 for his proposed tour of the Kumaon region. The Governor will leave Dehradun tonight and reach Kathgodam by train tomorrow. After taking over as the Governor of the state, this will be his first visit to Kumaon. — TNS

Bus with Char Dham pilgrims falls into Alaknanda
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 30
A mini bus carrying Char Dham pilgrims fell into Alaknanda river near Hathiparvat on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand this evening. The number of casualties is still to be ascertained.

The number of pilgrims on board inside the bus was still to be known.