Assembly session begins today
Maikhuri to be declared Deputy Speaker
Tribune News Service

AP Maikhuri

Dehradun, December 4
The winter session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly will commence from Wednesday and is scheduled to continue till December 13 during which the supplementary budget and important bills are expected to be tabled.

On the first day tomorrow, two Bills pertaining to the Department of Cooperative and the Department of Labour are expected to figure prominently. After the zero hour, Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly Govind Singh Kunjwal will declare the result of the election of the Deputy Speaker for which only one nomination, that of Dr Anusuiya Prasad Maikhuri of the Congress, was filed today.

“The election for the post of the Deputy Speaker is a mere formality and will go the Congress way as no candidate is expected to file its nomination,” said a senior party leader.

While it has been the practice to leave the post of the Deputy Speaker for the opposition party, the BJP had started the practice of nominating its own party candidate for the post and Vijay Barthwal was made the Deputy Speaker during the erstwhile BJP rule. However, Vijay had quit the post after being made the Cabinet minister and the post remained vacant for the remaining tenure of the BJP.

However, the move by the Congress to nominate its candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker has not gone down well with the BJP. “During the nomination of Vijay Barthwal as the Deputy Speaker of the House, the party had held confabulations with the Congress (then in the opposition) but the Congress did not follow this practice,” charged Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.

On the first day of the House tomorrow, the BJP is expected to train its guns on the ruling Congress on the issues of lawlessness, price rise and poor pace of development works.

“We will be taking the government to task on the issue of giving unemployment doles to the youth of the state. The number of youth selected by the government is too less. It is giving doles to around 500 youth when the figure of the unemployed youth is around 5 lakh,” said Bhatt.

Legacy of good old radio lives on at Thukral Bros in Mussoorie
Ajay Ramola

Mussoorie, December 4
Few inventions evoke such nostalgia, such deep personal and vivid memories as the good old radio manufactured by the then famous companies like Phillips, Bush and Murphy in Mussoorie.

The only radio repair shop that has weathered all troubles and still exists by the name of ‘Thukral Brothers’ on the road to Landour Bazaar bears testimony to those good old times.

According to the owner of shop Thukral brothers, the crackling voice of the programmes broadcast by famous radios such as BBC, Radio Ceylon and Aakashvani on diverse issues of that time still revives vivid memories of the pleasure of listening to them.

Thukral, who, despite the onslaught of new electronic gadgets in the market, has not stopped the work of repairing old transistors. Taking out time of repair work on old a Phillips radio, Thukral says radio listening is one of the most imaginative ways of gathering information that will never die come what may.

“Old radios are rare now but they have not faded away as every mobile phone is now having a radio thus showing its popularity in the present age too,” adds Thukral.

The Thukral family came to India from Pakistan after Partition and at reaching the age of 20, when his father was posted in Kolkotta by the Army, he was attracted towards the garbling noise of a radio. He then decided to join a radio training course there. After completing the course, he came to Mussoorie and set up a radio shop at London House in 1950s.

Thukral says radio was so popular in those days that he received at least 20 radios for repair in his shop on a daily basis. In 1960s when duplicate radio parts flooded the market, he decided to become a dealer of Phillips radio as it was the only company that provided all spare parts to the dealers. This move attracted more customers and he gained a reputation as the finest repair mechanic of his times. For Thukral radio is by far the best medium for listening to programmes while working.

Local historian Gopal Bhardwaj while shedding light on the history of radio in Mussoorie says it was first introduced by the British around 100 years ago.

“My father also had a radio that was called Hellecrafter of Holland. He used to listen to the World War II news about Hitler regularly as it was the only way of connecting to the world then,” says Bhardwaj.

He says owners of radios had to submit a yearly licence fee of Rs 15 at the post office. The fee was later increased to Rs 150. However, this practice was abruptly discontinued in 80s.

Ganesh, 65, a local resident, reminisces the days of radio listening and says during the 1962 and 71 wars with China and Pakistan they remained glued to their radio sets to know about the outcome. Radio became the medium to connect to soldiers fighting for the country.

Later shows like “Binaca Geet Mala” on “Akashwani” became very popular, courtesy the booming voice of the anchor Amin Sayaani, adds Ganesh. The radio drama programme ‘Hawa Mahal’ was also very famous among the Hindi audience those days.

Sunil, another resident of the town, says they would follow the person who carried a transistor and listen to radio programmes all the way back home from school through Mall Road.

Upendar Lekhwar, another resident of the town, says radio contents and culture have kneaded and expanded the Indian psyche in many ways. They have brought a completely new auditory dimension to the lives of the audience.

“The radio has played an important role in shaping our views of race, gender roles, ethnic barriers, family dynamics, leadership, and the generation gap and will continue to do in the near future,” he adds.

With the advent of television, radio might have lost its sheen but it has survived all the changes which is still evident at the shop of Thukral Brothers. And the garbling noise of radio being repaired still emanating from their shop not only pleases old listeners of the radio but Marconi, the inventor too.

ASI restoring Ananda Temple in Myanmar
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The Archaeological Survey of India (science branch) is carrying out restoration work on the 11th century Ananda Temple in Bangan in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. It had earlier displayed its expertise by successfully restoring the Angkor Vat temple in Cambodia and Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.

“Ananda Temple is considered to be one of the finest surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture of the region. The science branch of the ASI has considerable expertise in carrying out a detailed analysis of the material used at the site so that similar material could be used for restoration and preservation of the temple. Most of the material used by us is organic,” said KS Rana, Director, science branch of the ASI.

Rana drew similarity with the restoration work done by the ASI on the Angkor Vat temple in Cambodia and said, “As it is located in the forest area, there is overgrowth of trees and stones have got embedded in trees. We are facing a daunting task as the restoration work has to be done without cutting trees. However, the situation is not new as we had carried out restoration work under similar circumstances on the Angkor Vat temple,” said Rana.

He said wall paintings at this single-storey temple were faintly visible under the veneer of a lime wash. The frescos were hidden under the lime wash and required cleaning and touching. The restoration work carried out by the ASI had also strengthened India’s cultural and historical ties with Myanmar.

Rana said due to the ASI’s continuous exposure in the neighbouring countries, there was a great deal of learning and sharing of information.

Back in Dehradun, the science branch used its expertise to analyse the exact temperature at which the bricks dotting Hampi (a world heritage site) were baked.

Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist and Chemist Shilpa Raturi said scientific know how was coming to the aid of conservators and was helping in recreating the nature of the material that may have been used several years ago. 

Ananda Temple is considered to be one of the finest surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture of the region. The science branch of the ASI has considerable expertise in carrying out a detailed analysis of the material used at the site so that similar material could be used for restoration and preservation of the temple. Most of the material used by us is organic.
— KS Rana, Director, science branch of ASI

ASI undertakes renovation of HP wooden temples
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The science branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out an extensive restoration and renovation of exquisite wooden temples in Himachal Pradesh.

On the concluding day of a national workshop on “Concepts of scientific conservation in archaeology,” deputy superintendent archaeologist and chemist YK Kanotra said work at the Chamunda temple (Chamba), Hadimba (Manali), Mirkula (Udaipur) and Lakshana Devi temple at Chaurasi in Chamba was full of challenges as these temples continued to be used by people. “While we have completed work at the Chamunda temple, restoration and conservation work is still on at the remaining temples,” said Kanotra.

He said timber had been extensively used in the temples and the ASI had a tough time erasing the soot and oil stains from the structures. “We cannot issue guidelines to people not to use incense sticks because this would interfere with their religious sentiments, so a lot of caution is practised while undertaking the work in which the support of the local priests has to be enlisted,” said Kanotra.

On the other hand, Nicolas Boyes, a private conservator from Scotland, said both India and Scotland seemed to face similar restoration and conservation challenges as there were a surfeit of sandstone monuments and laser technology was being increasingly used in getting rid of soiling.

We have completed work at the Chamunda temple, but restoration work is still on at the remaining temples. Timber has been extensively used in the temples and the ASI has a tough time erasing soot and oil stains from the structures.
— YK Kanotra, deputy superintendent archaeologist 

Both India and Scotland seem to be facing similar restoration and conservation challenges as there are a surfeit of sandstone monuments and laser technology is being increasingly used in getting rid of soiling.
— Nicolas Boyes, a private conservator from Scotland

Govt trying to sell 50 acres to realtors: BJP
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The Uttarakhand BJP has accused the Bahuguna government of allegedly trying to sell 50 acres of land belonging to Krishi Mandi Parishad at Rudrapur.

The Uttarakhand BJP spokesperson, Satish Lakhera, said that the land was to be utilised for the construction of hi-tech terminal in 30 acres of land (out of 50 acres) and 15 acres of land was to be used for a foodgrain market.

“The things have come to such a pass that around Rs 80 crore allocated under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2011-2012 and Rs 50 crore allocated under the same plan for 2012-2013 would lapse as the government has not shown any interest in carrying forward the project but is keen to sell the land allegedly to realtors and developers,” charged Lakhera.

Coop panels to have fixed term of five years
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said the tenure of the cooperative committees would be fixed for a term of five years. He said the cooperative committees ought to be kept free from government intervention.

Bahuguna, speaking as the chief guest of the convention of the cooperative committees here today, said the cooperatives could play an important role in taking the benefits of development programmes to financially weaker sections, the Scheduled Castes, the Schedules Tribes and the backward areas in the state like Uttarakhand with difficult geographical conditions.

Bahuguan said the state government was trying to strengthen the cooperatives and very soon the posts lying vacant in there would be filled.

Cooperative Minister Yashpal Arya said recommendations of the Vaidyanathan Committee would be implemented in the state. He said a lot of work had been done for the labour class and lot remained to be done yet and the cooperatives were still relevant in the economic development of the deprived people.

He hoped that the cooperative convention would set new directions for the future of the cooperatives this year which was being observed as World Cooperative Year. Stressing on the participation of youths and women in the cooperatives, Arya said the cooperatives could play an important role in resolving the unemployment problem. He disclosed the National Cooperative Development Corporation had consented to invest in Uttarakhand in health, tourism and other sectors. The Chief Minister also felicitated the persons who had contributed outstandingly in the cooperative sector.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bahuguna and Yashpal Arya went around the stalls put up on the occasion by various cooperatives. Dinesh Dhanai and Rajkumar, both MLAs, Secretary, cooperative, Subardhan and representatives of cooperative banks and committees were present.

423 arms licences obtained from other states cancelled

Pithoragarh, December 4
The District Magistrates of all six districts of Kumaon have started cancelling arms licences that have been obtained from other states. A total of 423 such licences have been cancelled so far.

The decision comes in view of the Ponty Chadha murder case, in which the licence of the weapon used in the crime had been obtained from other state.

"The highest number of arms licences, 380, have been cancelled in Udham Singh Nagar district, where the District Magistrate has also ordered the SSP to seize the arms," said a source at the office of the Kumaon Commissioner, Nainital.

According to information, Nainital has the maximum number (14264) of arms licences. Of these, 500 have been found to be procured from other states. The authorities have started the process to cancel them. “We have already cancelled the licences of 367 arms holders,” said Nainital DM Nidhi Mani Tripathi

According to the District Magistrates of Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh districts, of the 4,867 arms licences issued in these districts, 80 have been cancelled. “In Almora, the process to identify such arms licence holders is still under way," said Almora DM Akshit Gupta. — OC

Garhwal, Kumaon regions to have children’s homes: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has said one children’s home each would be established in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. He said necessary facilities would be made available at the children’s homes and teachers would also be appointed there.

Bahuguna, while speaking at a programme titled ‘Muskan’ here today, said special children needed affection and support and not sympathy. He added these children if trained and educated could also achieve success like normal children.

He urged the parents of these children not to give them inferiority complex and confine them to four walls of their homes.

The Chief Minister said these children should be given an equal chance to move ahead. He added several people in the world with physical disability had achieved great feats by not allowing their disability to come in their way of success.

Women and Child Welfare Minister Amrita Rawat said, if encouraged, these children could contribute to society and country as well. She added disability in children was in reality in the minds of the people. The thinking that these children were weaker than others had to be changed.

The children participating in the programme narrated their experiences and exhibited their talents. They were also honoured by eminent guests. Chairman of the State Child Right Protection Commission Ajay Setia and Additional Secretary Chandra Singh Napalchayal were also present on the occasion.

24 J&K youths meet Bahuguna
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
A group of 24 youths from remote villages of Mahore sub-division of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, today met Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna.

The group is on a tour of Dehradun as part of the Indian Army’s peace initiative ‘Operation Sadbavana’. With its theme ‘Travelling enhances knowledge’, the tour aims at promoting peace and prosperity in J&K.

Bahuguna welcomed the team to the state and encouraged them to spread the message of peace when they go back home. He also expressed hope that the youths would take back home good memories of Uttarakhand.

“It is important to change the mindset of these young people who are the future of the nation. We deem it our responsibility to enlighten them on peace and harmony and broaden their vision by showcasing the pace of development in other states of the country,” said the officer.

17 elected BJP dist presidents 
Bhandari, Bagauli chiefs of Pithoragarh, Champawat units
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, December 4
In the organisational elections to the district units of the BJP, 17 presidents out of 22 districts were unanimously elected today.

The elections for Dehradun, Rudrapur, Raniketh and Bageshwar districts have been cancelled. The election results of the BJP district chiefs were declared in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts while the name of the successful candidates from Almora and Bageshwar districts would be declared by the state party high command as the process to elect BJP district chiefs was completed today in four districts of the Kumaon region.

Kishen Singh Bhandari, a Chuphal loyalist, from Pithoragarh and Subash Bagauli, a Puran Singh Phartiyal’s man, from Champawat district were declared the district party chiefs by party observers amid heavy protests from other candidates and their supporters who accused the observers of playing in the hands of some influential party leaders.

“Bhandari was chosen after the election took place in the presence party observer Dan Singh Rawat, as more than 11 candidates were in the fray for the coveted post of the organisation at the district level,” said Govind Singh Mahar, a BJP spokesman in Pithoragarh district.

In Champawat district, Subash Bagauli, former chairman of the Tanakpur Mandi Parishad and the Zila Dugdha Sangh was declared the district party chief by party observer Khajan Das.

“The party observer was forced to declared the name of Bagauli under pressure from the local MLA as he had already declared that the results would be announced by the party high command,” said Naresh Karayat, outgoing party chief in the district.

In Almora district, the party observer, Balraj Passi, left it to the party state high command as both candidates, Govind Pilkhuwal and Lalit Singh Latwal, obtained nine votes each in the election process.

In Bageswar district, 18 candidates were in the fray for the post of party district chief. As no candidate was ready for consensus and the election was also not acceptable to them and their supporters, party observer Hukum Singh Kumwar left it to the party high command to decided on the results.

Not in race for any post: Dhasmana
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana has announced that he is not in the race to get ministerial-level positions to be given by the state Congress government.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Dhasmana said state Congress chief Yashpal Arya had forcefully pleaded with general secretary in charge Birender Singh during the recently held meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) to give positions of chairpersons of various boards and corporations to senior party leaders working in the organisation. However, he said that he had decided to dedicate himself to the organisational work.

“I am not interested in getting any such position and I have informed the Chief Minster as well as Yashpal Arya about my decision. I would like to go directly to the peoples’ court than getting a position through backdoor,” he said. He said it was his personal decision to work for the party.

But he pleaded that senior party workers should be honoured by giving them such positions.

Dhasmana further said a delegation of the PCC would soon meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi to invite her for the foundation laying ceremony of the Assembly building at Gairsain in Chamoli district on January 14, 2013.

The Congress leader said a “Chintan” meeting of nearly 100 senior party leaders from Uttarakhand would be held on December 14 in Dehradun in which they would be sensitised about the burning issues like FDI, 2G spectrum and coal block allotments.

He said the exercise was aimed at preparing the party leaders for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in May 2014.