Political uncertainty hits bureaucracy
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
It was long rumoured that Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma would take over as the Chief Secretary of the state. For months, there have been speculations about the present Chief Secretary Subash Kumar himself offering his position to Rakesh Sharma. But uncertain political climate prevailing in the state has upset their calculations.

According to senior officials, while Chief Secretary Subash Kumar has been throwing the bait at Rakesh Sharma to take over as the Chief Secretary of the state, Sharma, sensing the long political uncertainty and it's present fallout, has refrained from doing so.

So much so, eyeing a possible exit door, Chief Secretary Subash Kumar, who has also been been entrusted with the responsibility of Chairman of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam, has given enough indication to Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma to take the coveted seat. ''During the recent reshuffle Subash Kumar had been entrusted with the post of Chairman of UJVNL, a post that he would be too happy to keep in case he is shunted out. He had occupied this post earlier when the former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had removed him. However, Rakesh Sharma has been unrelenting,'' said a senior official on condition of anonymity.

The uncertain political situation in the state had put paid to the plans of additional chief secretary who refrained from throwing his hat.

Now with the exit of Bahuguna, the entire bureaucracy is in a tizzy, keeping its fingers crossed about the imminent change. However, once the new CM takes over, all eyes would be on the likely appointment of the chief secretary. ''We have two senior IAS officers, BP Pande and Rakesh Sharma, occupying the posts of Additional Chief Secretary and the new chief minister would have to either retain Subash Kumar or go for a change. All this would be clear in the coming days,'' added the officer.

RLEK flays Bahuguna's move to allot himself official residence

Dehradun, January 31
Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), a voluntary group, has strong criticised the move by the outgoing Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna to allot himself official accommodation in Dehradun at the expense of the state exchequer.

It is to be noted that RLEK had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Nainital High Court against the ''illegal and unconstitutional'' facilities being provided to the former chief ministers from the poor man's money. The case is still pending in the High Court.

Awdhash Kaushal, founder-chairman of RLEK, in a statement alleged that an ''unconstitutional and unethical'' trend is being followed in Uttarakhand by which outgoing chief ministers of the state, just before relinquishing the charge, allot a big house for themselves and orders crores of rupees from public money to be spent for renovating and furnishing it.

He said that if media reports are correct , the outgoing CM of Uttarakhand Vijay Bahuguna has allotted himself the old Bijapur guest house. He said that former Chief Minister ND Tewari, before the expiry of his term,

himself allotted a big palatial building in Forest Research Institute and spent crores from the poor man's money in its renovation. Former CMs Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, BC Khanduri and Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank are also enjoying such privileges. — TNS

ND Tewari may campaign for SP, “health permitting”
Tribune News Service

State in charge of Samajwadi Party Kiran Nanda (left) during a party executive working committee meeting in Haridwar on Friday. A Tribune photograph

Haridwar, January 31
While a reshuffle in the Uttarakhand state government may hamper the prospects of Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, these may suffer further owing to closeness between veteran party leader and former Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tewari and Samajwadi Party leaders.

ND Tewari,who is widely regarded as the face of Congress in the state, and currently recuperating at Lucknow, may campaign for Samajwadi Party if he is healthy and fit by the time parliamentary elections arrive.

Talking to TNS Samajwadi Party national general secretary and in-charge for political affairs in Uttarakhand Kiran Maih Nanda informed that ND Tewari's services will be utilised in the election campaign in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where he holds a major say even today.

Taking a dig at the Congress high command and state leadership for ignoring the veteran freedom fighter, Nanda said that it was only Samajwadi Party that had been keeping up with Tiwari at a time when he needed care and support.

He added that on a regular basis party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met him and it was not only for political benefit that they were doing so but also for long-term friendship between Mulayam and Tewari.

"Tiwariji has been Union Minister for Finance, Petroleum,Foreign Affairs, Steel,Heavy Industries and several other Cabinet portolios apart from being three times Uttar Pradesh CM,Uttarakhand CM and Governor of Andhra Pradesh.If he had not lost the 1991 Lok Sabha elections from Nainital ,he was the unanimous prime ministerial candidate.But Congress has sidelined his services and loyalty of more than 60 years,"said Nanda, prior to being appointed observer at Samajwadi Party's state level executive committe meeting in Haridwar.

While Samajwadi Party Uttarakhand president Satya Narayan Sachan said that ND Tewari's presence will boost the party workers' morale and the party will be able to win at least two parliamentary seats ,one being Nainital, the home and political constituency of the veteran leader.

Sachan also cited Narayan Dutt Tewari's allegiance with Socialist movement ,as he first contested two Assembly elections from Praja Samajwadi Party ticket in 1952 and 1957.

When contacted city Congress president OP Chauhan said that Narayan Dutt Tewari had always been in touch with Mulayam Singh Yadav,as they both remained Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh.

Chauhan also termed Tiwari as a father figure of Congress ,who always remained loyal to Congress, barring the early 90s phase when he formed his own Tiwari Congress.

This recent development has upped the political tempo in Haridwar,as in 2004 Samajwadi Party had won Haridwar Lok Sabha seat with its candidate Rajendra Badi emerging victorious.

With the Congress sitting parliamentarian from Haridwar Harish Rawat all set to become Uttarakhand Chief Minister,Samajwadi Party hopes to replicate this success.

Property dealer shot dead by unidentified assailants
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
A 40-year-old property dealer was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his home at Nunurkheda in the Raipur police station area here this morning.

The victim, Sanjay Nagar, who used to live in Anand Gram in Nunurkheda with his family, was at his home when three assailants came in the morning and fired six gun shots at him, the police said on Friday.

According to the police, the three assailants, who were wearing jackets and mufflers, reached Sanjay's house without any vehicle and called him outside his house before firing gun shots at him. The police are claiming that he was shot by 9mm and 7.62 mm pistols. While one gun shot had missed Sanjay, the rest five hit him, which proved fatal.

Reportedly, Sanjay was living at Anand Gram for the last two years with his wife and they were blessed with a daughter three days back. The police have been told that this is Sanjay's second marriage.

It is to be noted that Sanjay originally hails from Wazirabad in Delhi and has been living in Dehradun for the last two years. Meanwhile, the homicide cell has started investigations into the case and according to the police sources, few persons from Patel Nagar are being questioned for their alleged involvement in the murder.

2-day philately exhibition begins
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
A two-day philately exhibition has been organised by the Philatelic department of the Dehradun General Post Office.

Giving a glimpse into the world of stamps, the exhibition has on display a number of stamps released since 1975 along with their description. The exhibition also features rare stamps released to mark the fourth centenary of Ramcharitmanas in 1975, Indian masks used in dance drama in 1974, Bhagawadgeeta in 1978, 100 years of telephone service in 1982, the birth centenary of Jim Corbett in 1976, 50 years of Corbett National Park in 1986, and 100 years of cinema in 2013, along with several others.

Apart from this the first covers of some stamps have also been put on sale. The kiosk set up at the exhibition is also selling personalised stamps for those who wish to have their photographs along with the stamp.

The cost for 12 such personalised stamps would amount to Rs 300. Mugs with Madhubala stamp printed on it are on sale for Rs 200. For children, a photo book titled 'Postage Stamp View,' which shows stamps released by the postal department have been put on display.

Dist admn all set to go hi-tech

Dehradun, January 31
The Dehradun District Administration is all set to become hi-tech with a special camp being organised to provide training to the staff for running a web portal for registering and resolving the complaints online.

Giving this information Chief Development Officer Jyoti Neeraj Khairwal said the software would be installed in the offices of the District Magistrate, Chief Development Officer, Vikas Bhavan and Additional District Magistrates. The software contains the deadline for resolving various matters and also gives the liberty to increase or decrease the time frame based on the nature of grievance.

Deepak, a software trainer said a receipt would be issued to the complainant showing the estimated time of resolving the issue. As SMS alert facility would also be available and the complainant can check the stratus of his case online. — TNS

LPG shortage irks residents of Mussoorie region
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, January 31
Residents of Mussoorie are irked at the shortage and poor supply of LPG cylinders due to the mismanagement by gas agencies and have warned that if the situation does not improve soon they would take to streets in Mussoorie.

According to the residents, they have been facing the shortage of LPG gas cylinders for the past one month due to which are they are forced to take to burning fire wood as alternate arrangements to cook food.

The residents of the adjacent villages around Mussoorie are also facing acute shortage of LPG gas and have lamented the fact that they have not received any gas cylinder for the past two months. The gas cylinders to these areas are supplied from only one agency available in Mussoorie.

The residents are demanding restoring the regular supply from the existing agency or establishing another gas agency to fulfil the demand or else they would take to the streets.

The Municipal Council ward member Anuj Gupta said that whenever the people from his ward go to the gas office they are turned back empty- handed, which is really unfortunate. He also demanded opening of another gas agency to meet the supply demand gap in the town.

The manager of the Gas agency when contacted said that the paucity of LPG cylinders was due to limited supply from the bottling plant, and once the supply is increased, the residents would be provided the LPG gas cylinders without any hindrance.

Journalists played pivotal role in statehood movement: Negi
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, January 31
The pivotal and proactive role the media has been playing has reaffirmed its status as the fourth pillar of democracy. Mediapersons had played a pivotal role in the statehood movement and the formation of Uttarakhand.

Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi stated this while presiding over the oath-taking ceremony of the National Union of Journalists-Uttarakhand at the Press Club here yesterday. Negi assured the journalists that their long standing demands of a health card, a housing scheme and other issues would be addressed seriously.

“In Uttarakhand, the Press needs to raise more social issues as development is required to be extended to rural and far flung areas,” said Negi, who is the legislator from Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district.

Divisional president of the NUJI-Uttarakhand Sunil Dutt Pandey took up with the minister various issues related to mediapersons in the state. Mayor Manoj Garg said as Haridwar is a Municipal Corporation now, people should cooperate with it to ensure that it could have world class civic facilities.

PDF may play spoilsport for next Chief Minister
Demands ministerial berths for all its seven members
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
The Peoples’ Democratic Front (PDF), which is supporting the Congress-led state government, has demanded from the next Chief Minister ministerial berths for all its members as a pre-condition for continuing support. The PDF comprises three Independent legislators, three legislators of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the lone Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) MLA.

The PDF at a meeting here today demanded that all its members be made ministers.

Outgoing Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had four ministers from the PDF while the other three legislators belonging to the conglomerate were given top posts in various corporations.

Uttarakhand Social Welfare Minister Surender Rakesh, a BSP legislator, said after the meeting that all PDF members deserved to be ministers. It also clarified that they were supporting the Congress-led government in the state and not any individual.

However, the stance of the PDF could pose problems for the next Chief Minister in choosing his ministerial colleagues as he run the risk of annoying his own party MLAs.

Interestingly, Bahuguna in his last days in office allotted various offices to his favourite party leaders and workers. In the past two days, he bestowed on his favourite Congress leaders offices of various boards and corporations. In all, more than 36 such appointments were made. Congress sources maintain that his move would create problems for his successor.

Bahuguna during his nearly 22 months of rule had avoided giving such posts to the party leaders and had only given such posts to the legislators. Most of the party leaders were annoyed with him on this count and had even complained to party national nice-president Rahul Gandhi during a recent meeting in the national capital.

Men to watch The Peoples’ Democratic Front comprises three Independent legislators, three MLAs of the BSP and the lone UKD legislator Outgoing Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had four ministers from the PDF while the other three legislators belonging to the conglomerate were given top posts in various corporations Social Welfare Minister Surender Rakesh, a BSP legislator, said after the meeting that all PDF members deserved to be ministers Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna in his last days in office allotted various offices to his favourite party leaders and workers. In the past two days, he bestowed on his favourite Congress leaders offices of various boards and corporations

Ex-servicemen resent govt’s apathy
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
A large number of ex-servicemen today gathered under the banner of the Uttarakhand Poorv Sainik Evam Ardh Sainik Sangathan at Parade Ground here and held a protest against the state government. They alleged that the government was totally indifferent towards the issues of the ex-servicemen, veer naris and members of families of martyrs. They later submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam.

The protesters raised slogans against the state and Central governments. They said the governments had turned a deaf ear to the grievances of the ex-servicemen, who had given their youth and lives to the service of the country.

Sangathan president Lt Col Ganga Singh Rawat said the state government had turned Uttarakhand Sainik Kalyan Limited into a political outfit. The ex-servicemen body had deviated from its path of ensuring welfare of the ex-servicemen and the veer naris.

“While deserving candidates are jobless, those enjoying political patronage are getting jobs. The state government has regularised the services of contractual employees in other departments but it has refrained from following a similar policy for those appointed via Uttarakhand Sainik Kalyan Limited,” said the protesters.

“The Kendriya Sainik Board has failed to taken action on complaints against illegal appointments being made in the Directorate for Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Rehabilitation,” they added.

Over 4 lakh in Nainital to cast vote in panchayat polls
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, January 31
Over four lakh voters would cast their votes in the forthcoming panchayat elections in the Nainital district, to be held in March.

According to the information given by the district election office in Nainital, over 805 panchayat representatives would be elected in the district in the elections that includes 513 Gram Pradhans, 271 Block Development Committee representatives, panchayat representatives and 31 Zila Panchayat representatives.

To elect these panchayat representatives, the election office has prepared a total of 871 polling booths in the district.

The total number of voters in the district is 4,17,609 at present, which includes 2,01,289 women voters.

"We are expecting an increase of over 8 to 10 per cent in the total number of voters on the day; the final list of voters will get published on February 8,” said Vikram singh Karki , assistant district election officer.

According to the election officer, 5,441 employees would be deputed on the Election Day while 1,620 government employees would be on duty on the counting day. “We have planned to conduct the elections in Dhari, Okhalkanda and Ramgarh blocks on March 8, while Ramnagar, Betalghata, and Kotabagh, will go to poll on March 11 and the final stages of elections will be conducted at Haldwani and Bhimtal blocks on March 14, in the district,” said the election officer.

More security on border before elections: DIG

Anant Ram Chauhan, new DIG of the Kumaon region, has said he will focus on providing better security on the Nepal border to ensure successful conduct of the panchayat election.

Chauhan, while talking to mediapersons after taking over as DIG, said he was issuing orders to police posts situated on the Nepal border to provide extra security so that anti-social elements did not cross the border to create trouble during the election. “Though traditionally the border is sealed on the election eve, we will ensure more security even a few days earlier as anti-social elements can cross into India to create disturbance during the election. “We will alert all intelligence agencies active on the Nepal border before the election,” said the DIG.

He said his first priority would be to complete the panchayat election successfully and avoid any untoward incident. “To ensure the election is successful, I have decided to undertake an extensive tour of the region before the code of conduct comes into effect,” he added.

Chauhan said it would be ensured that nobody was inconvenienced due to heightened security. “Policemen should ensure that no person is troubled during the election,” he added.

Two injured in bear attacks
Our correspondent

Pithoragarh, January 31
Two persons have been injured in an attack by wild bears in the district in the past 24 hours. They have been admitted to a local hospital, Forest Department sources said.

In the first incident, Ram Singh Rawat (65), a resident of Bartiyalkot village, was attacked by bears when he had gone to graze his cattle herd in a nearby forest. “Though I was alone in the jungle, I tried to confront the bears. They attacked me when I was sitting on a stone alone,” said Rawat. He was later admitted to the Pithoragarh district hospital and is stated to be out of danger.

The residents of Bartiyakot village have demanded safety from wild bears that are being seen in the area regularly. “Wild bears are now entering villages and agriculture fields in search of food as wild grass and fruits have disappeared from forests,” said Rajendra Pandey, an animal lover in the district.

In another incident, Shobhan Ram (50) was attacked and badly injured by wild bears near Nachni village of Munsiyari subdivision when he was on his way to another village. “When the wild bears attacked me I resisted them with my full strength. I shouted for help and villagers rushed to my rescue. The bears fled to deep forest seeing the villagers approaching,” said Shobhan Ram, who is recovering at the Pithoragarh district hospital.

Sarangi maestro Kamaal Sabri captivates students
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
Students of the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) listened to a captivating recital by sarangi maestro Kamaal Sabri here today.

Playing decades-old instrument gifted to him by his ancestors, Kamaal was quick to point out its versatility (that is usually played with the help of nails). “The sarangi is the only instrument the notes of which may rival the human voice. No wonder the notes instantly strike an emotional chord,” he said while speaking with The Tribune.

Though the oldest reference to the instrument can be found in the 13 century’s Sangeet Ratnakar and the sarangi may have been inspired by Pinakini Veena. While other similar instruments like the surbahar are on the wane, the sarangi continues to be popular. “I think there is a curiosity among people to learn the instrument and we need more teachers so that the students’ hunger for learning could be satiated,” said Kamaal.

Though he hails from the Senia Gharana of Rampur, Moradabad, and belongs to the cradle of many a musician, Kaamal says with several opportunities available to the musicians it is no longer certain that those born in a gharana take to learning music. “Several top musicians who dot the musical landscape today may not have inherited music the way I did but they managed to find able gurus. Today, they are lighting up the classical music scene. I would say in India, there is no dearth of talent but good teachers, who take time to hone the skills of their pupils, are difficult to find. With the right kind of mentoring and opportunity, several bright singers could emerge even from villages,” he added.

In a concert with his nephew Nabeel Khan on sarangi and Pandit Rajnish Mishra on tabla, Kamaal presented Raag Nat Bhairav. The concert was organized by Spicmacay.

B.Ed trained teachers protest near Secretariat

Dehradun, January 31
The B.Ed Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) trained personnels staged a protest march towards the Secretariat in support of their longstanding demand of issuing notification for the vacant posts in the primary schools.

Earlier, the protesting B.Ed trained teachers gathered at the Parade Ground and stated marching towards the Secretariat while raising slogans against the government. Though the police stopped the protesters before they could reach the Secretariat.

According to the teachers, the last date to apply for the post of primary school teacher is March 31, 2014 while the government was playing with their future by not issuing notification for the vacant posts. — TNS

PNB staff distribute sweaters among schoolchildren
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
As part of its corporate-social responsibility initiative called PNB-Prerna, employees of the Punjab National Bank distributed sweaters among 50 students of various government schools in the city.

In a press release issued here, Dehradun PNB-Prerna president Promila Aneja said that PNB is active in the field of social work also and fulfills its duty towards society.

UJVNL surpasses generation target
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) has achieved more than the target set for power generation in the Chibro and Khodri power projects for the financial year of 2013-14.

The Chibro hydropower project has achieved its 827.703 (MU) power generation target for 2013-14. Similarly, the Khodri project has achieved its target of generating 827.703 MU for 2013-14.

Jaya Prada shoots film
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, January 31
Eminent Bollywood actress, who shot to fame with her films like "Tohfa" and "Sanjog", is shooting a Telugu film in the beautiful locales of Mussoorie and Dhanaulti.

According to sources, Jaya donning the hat of a producer, shot a few song sequences at Dhanaulti against the backdrop of snow peaks of the Himalayas yesterday. She, however, maintained a distance from the media during the film shooting here?

KV FRI win under-19 football tourney
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
Kendriya Vidhyalaya FRI won the District Boys Under-19 Football Tournament after defeating Balaji Football Club in the final match played at Pavilion Ground, here today. During the 90 minutes of match, both teams could not score any goal against each other and the match was decided in the tiebreaker. However, in the tiebreaker, KV FRI outplayed Balaji team 5-4 and won the tournament.

For KV FRI, Ajay, Rahul, Devesh, Devuanshu and Ankit scored the goals while for Balaji, Surya, Abhay, Vikas and Vipin converted their chances into goals.

Sunrise Cricket Club trounce Doon XI
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 31
It was an easy outing for the Sunrise Cricket Club when they defeated Doon XI by eight wickets in the ongoing 62nd District Cricket League, which begun today at the OFD cricket ground here today.

After winning the toss Doon XI elected to bat. They displayed a poor batting show and were bowled out at 69 runs. Himanshu scored the highest 28 runs for his team with no other player even reaching double-digit score. For Sunrise, Amit Rawat and Farsi took three wickets each.

In reply, the Sunrise cricket team chased the target at the loss of just two wickets. Opener Omkar Singh scored 39 runs while Rahul and Shubham remained not out and took their team to victory.

Cricket body formed in Pithoragarh
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, January 31
The Pithoragarh Cricket Association has been formed by the lovers of sports here, after the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association paved the way for Uttarakhand cricketers to play under its banner in professional cricket as no association in the hill state is recognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“We have been advised by our state cricket association at Dehradun to organise cricket competitions under 14 to 25 age categories for male players, talented players could be given a chance to play in Ranji like top national tournaments from the Uttar Pradesh cricket association,” said Ajay Rawat, secretary of the newly constituted association.

The association secretary said same initiatives were being taken in the state to form a women cricket association, to provide chances to talented women cricketers.

The meeting today elected Rajendra Singh as president, Rajendra Pandey as vice-president, Ajay Rawat as secretary, Abhikdek Singh Rawat as deputy secretary and six other members of the association.

Goons beat up taxi driver

Dehradun, January 31
A taxi driver was beaten up by four goons in middle of Mohand jungle and took away his car after throwing him in the jungle on Thursday.

Four persons hired a taxi from Saharanpur Chowk. When they reached near Mohand jungle, they asked the driver, Jagbir Singh, to stop the car and started bashing him. The police is investigating the matter. — TNS