Disparity between rich, poor a concern: Harish
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Union Minister of Water Resources Harish Rawat has expressed concern over the growing disparity between rich and poor and has appealed to the corporate sector to do more for the welfare of poor in society as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day international conference on Social Entrepreneurship and Strategic CSR Linkages 2012, jointly organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Green Earth Alliance, Rawat said the growing disparity between rich and poor was a matter of concern and it was the responsibility of the corporate to spend more on works of social responsibility so as to ensure improvement in the lives of poor and needy.

Referring to industrialisation in the state, Rawat said while industries had certainly come up in plain districts of Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar, the hill districts were still devoid of industrial development.

He also pointed out that industry coming up in cities Haridwar were also a source of pollution and asserted that industry needed to do a lot more in terms of CSR.

Later addressing the sessions, Ashok Arora, Former Secretary, Supreme Court of India, said the industry should genuinely work towards rendering some of their funds towards the welfare of the society. He said CSR today had become more of corporate Social formality than a corporate social responsibility.

Pankaj Sharma, Assistant General Manager, State Bank of India, spoke about responsible banking. He said the SBI, apart from social welfare works, also lent money in agriculture and other linked sectors. Chief executive officer, Patanjali Food, SK Patra, said Pantanjali Food was spending as much as 15 per cent of its profit in the CSR, which was one of highest spendings in the CSR by any corporate in the state.

Earlier, welcoming the participants to the conference, Anil Jaggi, chief executive officer, Grand Earth Alliance, said the government alone could not be an agent of change and asserted that the leaders from socio-economic fabric needed to act more responsibly and collectively and adopt an inclusive, multi-dimensional approach to faster economic development.

President, PHD Chamber, Anil Taneja, said the conference had brought together over 100 stakeholders. He said the conference also aimed at setting examples of successful social entrepreneurs.

Co Chairman, PHD Chamber, Rajiv Ghai, Doon University’s Vice Chancellor VK Jain and Congress MLA from Raipur Umesh Sharma were present on the occasion.

Appointment of 34 docs stuck in red tape
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Three months after a total of 34 doctors (specialist cadre) selected through the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UPSC) expressed their inclination to serve at government hospitals, their appointment has been stuck in red tape.

The Uttarakhand government had advertised for 583 vacant posts through UPSC a few months back. Out of these a total of 67 doctors were found eligible, including two cardiologists, three chest specialists, 11 gynaecologists and eight anaesthetists.

However, out of the 67 doctors selected by the government, only 34 doctors expressed their inclination to join the services and gave their consent in September. But more than two months have passed. The Uttarakhand government has failed to issue appointment letters.

“As it is, out of the 67 doctors who were selected, only 34 doctors are left. The entire exercise would be wasted if the government sits with the appointment letters. They, too, would leave if a better opportunity comes their way. Nobody is keen to serve in Uttarakhand because promotion avenues for doctors are too few,” said BC Ramola, president of the Provincial of Medical Health Services (PMHS).

Officials in the Health Department say that there had been frequent changes at the level of Principal Secretary in the Department of Health, resulting in delay in the movement of files.

Besides, they say, that no concerted effort had been made to address the problem of shortage of manpower. Even the government’s efforts by way of increased salaries for contractual doctors announced in November had attracted only 50 doctors.

“Though the number is still less when compared to the existing vacancies, there is small consolation that at least some of the existing vacant slots would be filled,” said RK, Pant, Director, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Along with facing scarcity of doctors at the middle level, in the coming days few more slots at the senior level are expected to fall vacant as doctors retire by the end of December.

Director of Uttarakhand State Aids Control Society (USACS) PC Kapri and Ratan Shahi would retire by the end of December this year, followed by Director and Principal Medical Superintendent, BC Pathak, and RK, Pant, Director, NRHM in January 2013, officiating Director General CP Arya in February 2013 and Director Ajab Singh Rawat in March 2013. 

Media drive on family planning
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Uttarakhand Health Minister SS Negi today launched a media campaign on maternal health and family planning comprising radio jingles, TV spot, posters, hoardings, folk media and brochures.

The media campaign has been prepared in association with the Improving Healthy Behaviour Programme (IHBP) and the Ministry of Family Welfare.

Speaking on the occasion Health Minister SS Negi exhorted the doctors and stakeholders to ensure that Uttarkhand accomplished the target of reducing fertility rate set. "We have attained sixth position in the country, but it is not enough. Much more needs to be done," he said.

Meanwhile, the tag line for the family campaign would now be 'Chance kyun lena.'

Coronation Hospital completes 100 years
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
To mark the 100th anniversary of Coronation Hospital today, the hospital authorities held free medical camps and honoured retired doctors who had served the hospital in the capacity of Chief Medical Superintendents.

The hospital would hold free OPDs for three days and free dialysis for five patients.

Besides, van services between Doon Hospital and Coronation Hospital for patients would also be started. The hospital also honoured Dr RS Aswal, Dr RC Juyal, Dr RK Pant and compounder Phool Singh, who had served in the hospital in the past.

Coronation Hospital on Curzon Road in Dehradun was established in 1911 to mark the coronation of King George V, who belonged to the House of Windsor.

In 2008, the BJP had renamed it as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Coronation Hospital. However, after the Congress came to power this year it had announced that it would rename it as Coronation Hospital. 

Bhatt flays govt on development front
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 21
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ajay Bhatt today lashed out at the state government for failing to implement developmental projects in its nine-month tenure.

Addressing mediapersons, Ajay Bhatt said the Congress government led by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had even failed to carry forward the development projects that were either going on or were sanctioned during the BJP regime.

"The state government has failed to spend even the 40 per cent of any fund. Frailing economy, halted development works and focus on red beacons allocations are hurting the people of this hilly state," said Bhatt.

On the issue of permanent capital venue preference among Gairsain and Dehradun, Ajay Bhatt tried to play it safe.

He stated that be it any city, if the government was working in right way for overall development of all 13 districts, then it doesn't matter where the capital was situated.

Citing 153 murders that have taken place in past nine months since the Congress came to power in the state, Ajay Bhatt said common man was not feeling safe as crime rate had spiralled.

"Unemployment, growth rate, migration, crime graph all have gone up", said Bhatt, while taking a dig on red beacon issue in Congress government.

Accompanied by local legislators Aadesh Chauhan and Chandra Sekhar Bhattewala, Ajay Bhatt was felicitated by BJP activists during his brief visit in the city.

‘Delhi rape accused in jail, Anshu’s killers roaming free’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Members of the Naujawan Uttarakhand Sabha today staged a dharna at Gandhi Park in Dehradun seeking justice for family members of Anshu Nautiyal. Anshu was raped and murdered in Dehradun in the year 2009.

Led by Pankaj Chetri, the Naujawan Uttarakhand Sabha members along with Anshu’s family members staged the dharna at Gandhi Park. Indermani Nautiyal, father of Anshu, accused the Dehradun police of adopting complacency towards bringing the culprits to book. He said while the accused of the Delhi gang-rape case were in jail, the killers of Anshu were still roaming free.

Pankaj Chetri said the Naujawan Uttarakhand Sabha would continue with the protests till justice was delivered to the Nautiyal family. He said while the recent Delhi gang-rape incident had become a big issue in the country, the Anshu rape case was still to be solved.

Ashish Darmora, Varun Rawat, Ritesh Kharka and Vijay Pal Rawat were prominent among others who took part in the dharna. 

Students spread awareness on harms of tobacco chewing
NSS camp begins at Bhatta village
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, December 21
The seven-day camp organised under the aegis of National Service Scheme (NSS) began at Bhatta village today in which students from Mussoorie Girls Inter-College spread awareness of the harms of chewing pan masala, smoking tobacco and other social issues.

The students distributed handmade cloth bags to promote its use and discourage the use of polythene which is harmful for environment. Shramdaan was also carried out in the morning followed by an educational awareness programme by the students.

The students also presented several cultural items which were much appreciated by villagers here. The chief guest principal Ghananand Inter-College Mussoorie SS Keda inaugurated the camp by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

He said the NSS was a government-sponsored public service programme conducted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports which had began in 1969. Its primary aim is personality development through social (or community) service.

The programme aims to inculcate social welfare among students and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity, added SS Keda.

The students will conducted a survey of the villagers of Bhatta and collect necessary data on their health, educational and social standards so that they can be provided benefits of the schemes run by the government.

The principal of Kanya Junior High School, Bhatta, Asha Negi and others were present on the occasion.

Organic Business Cell opens
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
The first Organic Business Cell of Uttarakhand opened in Dehradun recently.

Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board (UOCB) Lakshmi Rana inaugurated the cell and said the hill state had immense potential for organic agriculture. He added the cell would render expert advice to the entrepreneurs.

“Uttarakhand has created a niche in quality organic production in the country and the UOCB is working relentlessly in different districts to promote organic agriculture,” Rana said.

She added the business cell was a step forward towards facilitating the organic sector entrepreneurs in the state. It also intends to provide one stop solution to the entrepreneurs who like to invest in any part of organic agribusiness value chain in Uttarakhand. “This cell will provide information on production statistics, possible business opportunities and bankable business plans for select organic commodities,” she said.

Binita Shah from the UOCB said, “The state has made a steady progress in the organic agriculture sector. The Agriculture Department along with the UOCB has brought in more than 60,000 farmers and over 40,000 hectares under organic farming.”

Manoj Menon, Executive Director, International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), Bangalore, provided valuable inputs on business opportunities in the organic value chain. He said Uttarakhand with its favourable climatic conditions and traditional farming practices often tends to be organic by default. With further technical assistance it could become an ideal place for organic farming and offer the market opportunities arising due to changing consumption patterns and increased consumer awareness being experienced in India, Menon said.

The cell is a joint initiative of the UOCB, the GIZ Regional Economic Development Programme and the Uttarakhand Livelihood Improvement Project, commonly known as “Ajeevika”.

Questions raised on family planning camps in hill dists
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Questions were raised on the quality and utility of organising sterilisation camps in the hilly districts of the state where there was already shortage of doctors.

While participating in the discussion during the family planning experience sharing workshop today, Dr Meena Punetha, CMS of Haldwani hospital, said the Department of Health should stop holding sterilisation camps.

“As there was staff shortage to carry out family planning operations and they were unable to maintain quality, be it in the use of equipment and carrying out operations,” she said. She raised these points in the presence of the Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. "I suggest we stop camps and train MBBS doctors to carry out operations at the Primary Health Centres,” said Dr Punetha.

Similarly, Dr Deepa Sharma, CMO, Haridwar, also said the family planning programmes in Haridwar suffered due to lack of manpower. “In the absence of surgeons, we are forced to call surgeons from Dehradun,” she said.

However, Dr RK Pant, Director, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), said the Department of Health should adopt a middle path and not abandon the sterilisation programme.

The Principal Secretary S. Ramaswamy also stressed on the need to make men focus of the family planning programmes and giving greater say to woman regarding the size of her family.

Workshop on medicinal and aromatic plants
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
GIZ, Regional Economic Development (RED) Programme, organised a workshop on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Dehradun today.

The workshop was organised to share GIZ experience in the area of cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants and also to release a book titled, “The domestic market study for selected medicinal and aromatic plants of Uttarakhand”.

Releasing the book, Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr RBS Rawat said the book would be of great importance to different stakeholders of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) in Uttarakhand. He said Uttarakhand had identified 38 species of MAPs for cultivation and the state had a larger farmer base of around 23,000 registered medicinal plant farmers.

He also elaborated on the details of the work done by the Forest Department in promoting the sector and asserted that the department had played an important role in motivating cultivations of MAPs.

Dr Rawat disclosed that in order to bridge the gap between the department and the communities living in close proximity to the forest, initiatives were being made to reduce the number of nurseries being maintained by the department and encourage women Self-Help Groups for nursery development.

Dr Rawat emphasised on the conservation, development and harvesting approach and pointed out the state should have a hill specific policy perspective for such interventions. He emphasised the need for a competitive spirit among the farmers to boost the sector.

Earlier, Senior Programme Manager of GIZ, Uttarakhand Regional Economic Development (RED) Programme Subroto Roy welcomed the participants to the workshop.

Roy informed the participants about the initiatives taken by GIZ-RED programme in the field of MAPs. He further elaborated on the usefulness of the domestic market study and its benefits to the stakeholders of the sector.

Project Director, GIZ-RED Vijay Kumar speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of value chains approach in addressing the sector. He emphasised the need for a market-based approach and the relevance of such market studies became useful for the decision makers and ultimately the farmers.

Project Director, Aajivika project, Jyotsana Sitling, said the study had come up at right time as the Aajivika project entered a new phase and more and more farmers would be benefited from such initiatives.

BJP women’s wing burns effigy of Cong govt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
Taking the Congress-led UPA government to task for the deteriorating law and order situation, especially in the context of the New Delhi gang-rape case and the price rise, the women’s wing of the Uttarakhand BJP yesterday staged a protest and burnt the effigy of the Congress government.

Led by president of the Uttarakhand BJP women’s wing Mamata Paladiya, the BJP members raised slogans against the UPA government. The protesters said the Central government had failed to implement measures for the security of the women.

“The incidents of crime against women have increased but the UPA government seems to be sleeping over the matter and is indifferent towards the security of the women,” said Mamata. They also condemned the economic policies of the Manmohan Singh government which had put a cap on the subsidised cooking gas cylinders and failed to curb inflation.

Lab technicians call off stir
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 21
The striking medical laboratory technicians of Uttarakhand will resume work from tomorrow after the Uttarakhand Health Minister accepted most their nine-point charter of demands.

"The government has decided to fulfil most of our demands. As such we will be resuming work from tomorrow," said Manoj Kumar Mishra, general secretary, Uttarakhand Medical Laboratory Technicians' Association.

The demands that have been accepted include grade pay enhancement from the existing Rs 2,800 to Rs 4,200.