Uttarayani festival showcases Kumaoni culture, trade
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, January 16
Cultural activists and local veterans in Bageshwar town, the place of traditional Uttarayani festival, still remember old days when, according to them, the Uttarayani festival used to be a real showcase of the ancient Kumaoni culture, trade, crafts, agricultural surplus produce, politics and social life, besides the ancient tradition of sun worshiping of the region.

According to the local senior citizens, the festival of Uttarayani, which got prominence at Bageshwar due to significance of the sacred bath described in the Puranas at the ancient temple of Bagnath at the confluence of the river Gomti with Saryu, was indicator of Kumaoni life. Besides the cultural congregation for days together during the festival and display of local crafts and surplus agricultural produce, folk dance performers used to assemble in the fair and depict the best of their talent during the 5 days of the assembly.

“The first night of pre-Uttarayani day on January 13 used to be the night of jagran, when the local folk singers used to assemble to test the waters of competition on cultural singing,” said Ghansyam Joshi, a local resident in Bageshwar.

"The assembled folk singers used to take part in folk competition the next day at Gandhi Chabutara, where folk singers from the interior parts of Munsiyari, Kapkot, Lohaghat, Pithoragarh and parts of Almora used to assemble to take part in folk competition," said Gusain Singh Dafauti, a senior resident of Bageshwar town.

According to Dafauti, the songs are sung in mainly Jhora, Chanchari, Bhagnaula and Bair styles of Kumaoni folk, on which the artistes' latest presentations are based. "Not only do the folk artistes gather in the festival, the audience, too, comes from all parts of Kumaon and Garhwal districts. The people from eastern districts of Garhwal travel on foot to take part in the festival," said Dafauti.

Political leaders launched an agitation against the tradition of Kuli-Begar, the Uttarayani day, under the leadership of Kumaoni freedom fighters, Badri Datt Pandey and Hargoviond Pant in 1921. “Thereafter, the political parties, before and after Independence, used to assemble in Uttarayani to spread their message all over Kumaon, as it was the only fair where the people from all parts of the region used to assemble," said Ghanshyam Joshi, a local resident and journalist in Bageshwar.

"Traditional local crafts of Kumaon region, like wooden crafts from Talla Johar, iron wares from Barakot, bamboo crafts from Danpur Patti, Pashmina wool and dogs from Johat valley, besides honey and ghee from Nepal are brought for sale in the festival," said Shiv Singh Tanagaria, a senior citizen from Kapkot valley of the district.

"After Independence and further after the creation of a separate state of Uttarakhand, the centuries-old festival and a big platform for congregation of Kumaoni folk and craft is today in the grip of government-sponsored developmental programmes, thus leaving less space for the local artisans and folks artistes," said Gusain Singh Dafauti.

Political parties gather at Bageshwar to launch their action plans. Local veterans are not happy with the new changes brought in the traditional festival. Folk artistes, on whose names the festival was once known, have disappeared as no protection has been given to their art even after creation of the separate state. “The Chief Minister, while inaugurating this year's festival on January 13, announced to make it a state festival, but we merely requested him to make it a hub of local folk culture, art and crafts and surplus foodgrains being produced by our farmers,” added Dafauti.

Law Dept to transfer 3 acres for proposed Doon medical college
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
The Department of Law has finally agreed to hand over remaining 3 acres of land to the Department of Medical Education for constructing the proposed Doon medical college in the former jail premises located on Haridwar Road.

The Department of Medical Education was keen to acquire the remaining land in possession of the Law Department, but for more than two years the logjam could not be broken. It already possesses 7 acres of land but required remaining 3 acres of land, which was in the possession of the Department of Law. This led the Department of Medical Education to hunt for land elsewhere.

The Medical Council of India had relaxed norms for medical colleges to be built in the hill states, allowing them to build the medical college some distance from the existing hospital. To that end the Department of Medical Education was allotted land at Dehra Khas but at the same time continued talks with the Department of Law, that finally yielded and gave up it’s demand of 25 acres of land to be given in exchange of 3 acres of land. “The Department of Law has conceded to our demand. The 3 acres of land would be transferred to us. Now we will be able to build the medical college in the vicinity of Doon Hospital. With the hospital and medical colleges located in the close vicinity of each other, it would be convenient for both the patients and doctors. Both the medical college and the hospital would now be within the radius of 10 km,” said Harak Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand Minister of Medical Education.

The Department of Medical Education now plans to utilise the land allocated to it at Dehra Khas for building a hostel and other infrastructure required for the medical college. “We could even set up the proposed medical education university and directorate in the allocated area,” said Rawat.

Due to the non-availability of land, the Doon medical college project had been hanging fire since the plan was unveiled in 2009.

Chief Secy for tapping forest, mining resources
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain has stressed on looking for newer resources to increase revenue in the state to make it financially self-reliant.

Chairing a meeting of the Forest and Mining Departments at the Secretariat here today, he said the Forest Department and the Forest Development Corporation could play an important role in revenue generation.

Jain observed that there was no shortage of forest and mining resources, however, there was need to adopt new strategies for tapping these resources. This could increase revenue by several times. Uttarakhand gets revenue of Rs 100 crore from forest and mining, whereas other states get around Rs 500 crore. He said need was to study the action plan of other states and implement the same in Uttarakhand so that revenue could be increased.

Jain directed the officers of the Forest Department and the Forest Development Corporation to work in coordination and chalk out mutual strategies.

He said the Forest Department should increase its royalty and the Forest Development Corporation should check illegal mining. He directed the officers of the corporation to identify new potential area for mining.

Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Infrastructure Development, Rakesh Sharma said the corporation had to pay a revenue of Rs 30 crore in the current financial year. He said adopting the new working style, the corporation could generate the revenue of Rs. 50 crore by mining the 3000 hectare area in the state.

Sharma directed Managing Director of the corporation Srikant Chandola to prepare an action plan for mining the 7,000 hectare area in the next fiscal year. This would generate revenue of Rs. 450 crore, near to that of other states. He said the corporation should also survey those areas where mining was still to be carried out.

Chief Forest Conservator Dr. RBS Rawat said a revenue of Rs. 132 crore would be generated this fiscal year and target of Rs 155 crore had been set for the next fiscal year. He said Rs 26.51 crore had been generated through Lisa as against the target of Rs. 60 crore.

The remaining target would be achieved by coming March. Shrikant Chandola, meanwhile, said mining work was delayed due to late permission from the Government of India.

Also present at the meeting were Principal Secretary, Finance, Radha Raturi, Principal Secretary, Forest, S Ramaswami, Additional Secretary, Shailesh Bagholi, and other senior officers.

Bridge gates on Sharda to open for 6 hours only; traders threaten stir
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, January 16
Indian traders at the Indo-Nepal border town of Banbasa in Champawat district have threatened to launch an agitation against the decision of the officials of the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. The officials have decided that the bridge gates on the Sharda river, which make an entrance to Nepal from this border, will be opened for six hours instead of 12.

“We are losing 25 per cent of the daily trade due to this timing,” said Paramjit Singh Gandhi, chairman of the Bharat Nepal Vyapar Mandal, Banbasa.

The Sharda headwork, which is situated in Champawat district of the state, is still owned by the UP Irrigation Department, as the irrigation properties situated in the Terai region of the state have not yet been divided between the two states.

According to sources in the UP Irrigation Department, which owns the canal gates on the Sharda river here, timings of opening and closing these gates have been fixed, as the complaints of giving entry to traders from both the sides at illegal hours have been alleged on the workers of the Irrigation Department. “We have now fixed the timing from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and again from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm for the opening of the gates from the Indian side,” said RD Yadav, the in charge of the canal.

According to Indian traders, the timings of opening and closing of the gates have been fixed as the canal is owned by the UP government and not by Uttarakhand and the distribution of this property has not been finalised despite the creation of the state of Uttarakhand. “When state government officials tried to talk to the UP government officials in this connection, the SDO of the canal did not turn up at the meeting,” said Gandhi.

“We want the gates of the canal gates open round the clock so that the trade between the two countries gets a boost,” said Sanjay Aggrawal, vice-president of the Vyapar Mandal, Banbasa.

According to traders in Banbasa, the inconvenience has been created by the UP government to show their upper hand in the management of the canal. “They want to make us feel that it is they who ensure the trade from this way to Nepal and not us,” said Aggrawal.

The Indian traders have also demanded that the tax that the UP government staff on the Sharada canal recovers from the traders in the name of road maintenance and parking be deposited in joint account of UP and Uttarakhand, as the properties are yet to be divided between the two states. “The money, which is incurred from the Uttarakhand traders, is being deposited in the account of UP, making the newly formed state lose crores every year,” said a Vyapar Mandal source.

“We are bound to launch an indefinite agitation in the near future if the canal gates are not opened for 12 hours a day,” said Banbasa traders.

Bone of contention

• The Sharda headworks situated in Champawat district is still owned by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department
• The timings of 7.30 am to 11.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm have been fixed for the opening of the canal gates on the Indian side
• These timings were reportedly fixed after complaints were received that employees of the UP Irrigation Department were allowing traders’ entry from both sides during unauthorised hours
• Banbasa traders have threatened a stir against the decision of the Irrigation Department

Ministerial employees call off agitation
Government accepts demands
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
The ministerial employees have called off their stir after the government accepted their three-point charter of demands. The employees would report for work from tomorrow.

The employees have been demanding pay parity with Uttar Pradesh ministerial employees, to which the Uttarakhand conceded.

"The government has issued orders for giving pay parity from April 2013 and we will be able to get the benefits akin to Uttar Pradesh," said TS Pundir, president, Uttaranchal Federation of Ministerial Services' Association.

The strike of the ministerial employees had entered the 21st day today and had completely paralysed the functioning of the government offices.

CM opens Sri Swami Bhumanand Hospital
Seeks medical aid from ashrams, trusts for health sector
Tribune News service

Dehradun, January 16
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna inaugurated Sri Swami Bhumanand Hospital located at Ranipur Jhal, Hardiwar, today. Bahuguna said that private sector, with the help of the state government, could play an instrumental role in the improvement of health facilities through PPP mode.

Bahuguna expressed his hope that the hospital would provide best medical services to the people of hill areas and organise health camps with the state government. He said that the state government would provide all possible assistance to those interested in investing in the health sector.

Bahuguna said that conditions would be applied for the new doctors passing out from medical colleges so that they render their services in remote areas. He said that if ashrams and trusts decides to render assistance in the health sector, then the problem of the state government, which is reeling under a financial crunch, would be solved to a great extent. He said that persons with healthy body and healthy mind could contribute in nation building.

Remembering Swami Vivekananda on his 150th birth anniversary, Bahuguna also urged the youth to follow the path shown by Swami Vivekananda.

Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi said that there were scores of people who were financially backward and could not bear the expense of medical treatment. He said that Sri Swami Bhumanand Hospital could render services to them. Describing female foeticide a serious crime, he said that stern action would be taken against erring ultrasound clinics.

Also present on the occasion were former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, MLA Kunwar Pranav Champion, Sarvat Karim Ansari, Chandrasekhar Bhattewala and Pradip Batra.

Second Industrial Expo begins from tomorrow
Tribune News service

Dehradun, January 16
The Second ‘Industrial Expo’ will be held at SIIDCUL in Haridwar from January 18 to 21. The B2B (Business to Business) Industrial Show with special focus on medium and small enterprises and a buyer seller meet are being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) jointly with State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd (SIIDCUL).

Featuring exhibitors from across the country, the Industrial Expo 2013 will showcase the best and the latest developments in the manufacturing sector. The expo aims at building linkages between the large industry and medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs), facilitating business development.

Rakesh Sharma, Infrastructure Development Commissioner (IDC) and Principal Secretary, Industrial Development, elaborated on the industrial Scenario in Uttarakhand and said the state in a short span since its inception had made a place for itself on the industrial map of the country. Starting from virtually a zero industrial base, Uttarakhand has attracted industrial investments to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore over the past few years. “The state government is committed to further industrial development and has taken a series of initiatives, including development of Sitarganj Phase II, linking of the state to the Dedicated Freight Corridors and a policy for promoting industrial development in the hills. The focus is on strengthening infrastructure and an investor-friendly policy environment,” he added.

Sharma said the expo aimed at facilitating local entrepreneurs and MSMEs to tap opportunities in the state. “The fact that the event has generated interest across India corroborates that Uttarakhand is an important industrial destination,” he said.

He added that one of the key objectives of industrial development in the state was employment generation for the youth. “The expo will have a session on partnerships for skill development wherein various collaboration opportunities for skill development among the state government, industry and institutions will be explored,” Sharma said.

One of the key features of the expo is a buyer seller meet, said V Pandhi, Co-Chairman of the CII Steering Committee for Industrial Expo 2013. Pandhi is also Executive Director, BHEL, Haridwar. To name a few, big buyers like BHEL, Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DMW), Patiala, Tata Motors Ltd, Mahindra and Mahindra, Delphi TVS, IRDE and Minda Corporation will share their purchase processes and requirements with the prospective suppliers/vendors. “To promote use of LPG in industrial activities, a session on LPG for Industry by HPCL is also scheduled,’ he added.

V Gandhi, Co-Chairman, CII Steering Committee for Industrial Expo 2013 and plant head of Tata Motors, Pantnagar, said broadly the expo will focus on industrial sectors like auto components, hand tools, machine tools, featuring companies engaged in the manufacturing of automobiles, auto components, hand tools and machine tools; engineering, industrial maintenance, showcasing companies engaged in engineering and industrial maintenance; packaging labelling and green technologies, featuring packaging companies and promoting green technology by showcasing the best and the next; and Electrical and Electronics Equipment, which aims to promote companies related to electrical and electronics and testing and control devices. In addition, Tata Pavilion will feature TATA Motors and its vendors, he added.

Utilise funds fast, DMs told
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
Uttarakhand Planning Minister Dinesh Agarwal has directed the officers concerned to ensure the total utilization of fund allocated for Centrally sponsored, externally aided and district plans in remaining two and a half months of the current fiscal year so that benefits reaches to the public.

Agarwal was reviewing the progress of development programmes through video conferencing at the Secretariat here today. He directed the District Magistrates to carry out work on a war footing and achieve the target in the stipulated time frame.

Expressing concern over the decreasing sex ratio in hill districts, Agarwal directed the District Magistrates to take effective measures to improve the situation. He also directed them to conduct regular monitoring of vaccination under the NRHM, camps organised by mobile medical vehicles, Border Area Development Projects and projects under the MP Fund.

Commissioner, Kumaon region, Hemlata Dhaundiyal said owing to vacant posts of tehsildars, cases pertaining to revenue were pending in large number. She said this was due to naib tehsildars not meeting the qualification standards set for promotion to the tehsildar post. She also demanded Rs 20 crore for Solid Waste Management Treatment Plant for the Naini Lake.

Agrawal Sanskrit varsity VC
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi, Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit

University, today issued orders appointing Professor Mahavir Agrawal as the new Vice- Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University.

These orders were issued after the orders issued on November 24, 2012 (appointing Dr Pankaj T Chande as the VC of the university), were cancelled.

The appointment of Professor Agrawal is for three years or till the age of 65 years whatever is earlier.

Sridev Suman varsity to conduct exams in private colleges
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 15
The Uttarakhand government has vested the powers of conducting examinations in private colleges with Sridev Suman Affiliating University. The university will conduct private examinations from this session.

As a temporary arrangement the government had vested powers with Uttrakhand Technical University to conduct examinations of all private institutions and colleges. Now through an ordinance the powers have been taken back and vested with the Sridev Suman Affiliating University.

Further, in view of shortage of radiologists and anaesthetists, approval has been granted for providing special incentives and allowances to radiologists and anaesthetists at Srinagar Medical College on a contract basis. Now professor, radiology, will receive special incentives and allowances of Rs 1.10 lakh along with the already existing honorarium of Rs 1.40 lakh, associate professor will receive a special allowance of Rs 28,000 along with an honorarium of Rs 99,000, and assistant professor will now receive a special incentive allowance of Rs 68,000 along with an honorarium of Rs 82,000. Similarly, senior radiologist will receive a special allowance of Rs 30,000 along with an honorarium of Rs 60,000.

Similarly, professor/anaesthetist will receive Rs 70,0000 as special incentive allowance along with an honorarium of Rs 1.01 lakh, associate professor will receive Rs 51,000 as special incentive along with an honorarium of Rs 99, 000, assistant professor will receive Rs 28,000 as special incentive along with an honorarium of Rs 82,000 and senior resident will receive Rs 30,000 as incentive allowance along with an honorarium of Rs 60,000.

Centre weak in dealing with Pak, says Balkrishan
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
Acharya Balkrishan, a close associate of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, today appeared before the CBI court in Dehradun in the fake passport case.

Balkrishan, later talking to mediapersons outside the court campus, accused the Central government of being weak in dealing with Pakistan. He said Pakistan had beheaded two of our Army soldiers but the Union government had failed to give a befitting reply to the belligerent neighbouring nation.

“The Union government is more interested in various types of medicines being prepared by Ramdev’s Patanjali Yogpeeth rather than taking up the issue of safety and security of the nation,” he said.

Balkrishan added Ramdev would continue with its agitation against corruption. He appealed to the people to participate in Ramdev’s crusade against corruption in a big way.

Balkrishan is facing charges of faking documents to obtain an Indian passport.

CMD of ONGC, Max India Chairman honoured
Tribune News service

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna honours Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain at a function of the Doon Citizens’ Council in Dehradun on Wednesday.

Dehradun, January 16
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today honoured Sudhir Vasudeva, CMD of ONGC, and Analjit Singh, Chairman of Max India, with the Pride of Nation Award at a programme organised by the Dehradun Citizens’ Council at a local hotel. He also gave away the Pride of Uttarakhand Award to Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain, DGP Satyavrat Bansal, educationist Surjit Ahluwalia and social worker Shweta Rai Talwar.

The Chef Minister said Dehradun could be called ‘mini-India’ as people of various communities and religions live here in harmony. All should accomplish their responsibilities for an ideal society and building of the state, he added.

He said the forces that divided people on religion, caste and language basis could not be a friend of society. He added diversity was indicative of our cultural richness.

Bahuguna appreciated the efforts of the Doon Citizens’ Council and said honour and awards inspired everyone to work more. “One should take inspiration from the Himalayas and improve one’s personality and think big. The creation of an ideal society is possible only through helping others,” he said.

Subodh Uniyal, MLA, and Raj Kanwar and Dr S Farooq, president and general secretary of the Doon Citizens’ Council, besides SS Goyal, DS Mann and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Homoeopathic docs demand non-practising allowance
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 16
Members of the Prantiya Homoeopathic Chikitsa Seva Sangh, Uttarakhand, today drew the attention of the Principal Secretary, Ayush, towards the pending demands of homoeopathic doctors in the state.

The members demanded payment of non-practising allowance (NPA), assured career progression (ACP), immediate filling of vacant posts through DPC, opening of one homoeopathic college, reimbursement for homoeopathic medicines, creation of the post of senior homoeopathic officer at the District Hospital and creation of the post of District Medical Officer at District Women Hospital.

Dr AS Uniyal, president of the Prantiya Homeopathic Chiktisa Seva Sangh, said the doctors had gone weary waiting for promotions but so far not a single meeting of Department Promotion Committee had been held.

Publicity campaign on energy conservation
Tribune News Service

Officials of the ONGC during an awareness programme on oil conservation at a school in Vikasnagar on Wednesday.

Dehradun, January 16
The Corporate Energy Cell (CEC), Technical Services, ONGC, Dehradun, is making all efforts to spread oil and gas conservation message to rural masses.

Continuing its efforts to spread message of energy conservation to all sections of society, Corporate Energy Cell, Dehradun, is organising various activities during Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight-2013. The campaign is in line with this year’s theme 'Save fuel, yanni save money.'

SK Sharma, GM, HR, flagged off a publicity campaign van on oil and gas conservation from Tel Bhavan, ONGC, here today. On the occasion, while addressing the gathering, Sharma appreciated the efforts of the Corporate Energy Cell to educate rural masses about various means of oil and gas conservation. He indicated that the team of publicity will help in spreading the message about efficient utilisation of energy resources.

The publicity van escorted by officials visited schools around Bhauwala area of Vikas Nagar tehsil to create awareness among young and educate them about the means of saving oil gas conservation.

The team visited Junior High School, Tilwari, and Government Primary School, Jagatpur, Dalwala, where on-the-spot quiz competitions related to energy conservation were organised and the winners were given prizes. Children participated in large numbers in the competitions with high zeal.