ASSEMBLY SESSION
Govt should have told House about decisions, says Nishank
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Raising the issue under point of order in the Uttarakhand Assembly on Tuesday, senior leader of the BJP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today lambasted the Harish Rawat government for failing to keep the House informed about numerous announcements made in different parts of the statelast Sunday.

Harish Rawat calls on Governor

Dehradun, February 11
Chief Minister Harish Rawat met Governor Aziz Qureshi this afternoon which was termed as a courtesy meeting.

During the meeting, the two discussed several important issues, including the work being done and plans of action and schemes for providing a strong infrastructure in disaster-affected areas on a priority basis,according to a release issued by Raj 
Bhavan. — TNS

State govt’s rising debts sign of development, says Hridayesh
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh put a rest to the fears of the Opposition MLA’s regarding the state government’s rising debt; the minister said these debts indicated that the state was on the path of development.

She said, “No state can initiate development without borrowing from the Central government and other agencies. However, our borrowings are within limits as we are taking all the steps for proper budgetary management.”

While replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Madan Kaushik during the Question Hour, Hriyadesh said the debt on the government had increased to Rs 3,750 crore. In 2012 it was pegged at Rs 18,800 crore and in 2013 it was pegged at Rs 21,987 crore.

While listing steps to rein in the spending of the government, the minister said the government had introduced e-tendering, given a few loss making projects to the public-private partnership mode and started a new pension scheme.

OBC Scholarship

While replying to a starred question raised by BJP MLA Madan Kaushik on the scholarships being given to the OBC students in the state, Cabinet minister Surinder Rakesh said the government was giving scholarships to OBC students who had sought admission under the government quota only.

He said as the central government had expressed its inability to allocate more funds for the scheme, the state government had chipped in so that the OBC students could benefit from the scheme. He added the Central government was providing Rs 5 crore under the scheme, while the state government chipped in the remaining amount.

Vacant district welfare officer’s post

In a question raised by the Congress MLA Lalit Farswan abut filling of vacant post of the District Welfare officer at Bageshwar, that has been vacant for the last 12 years, the Cabinet minister Surinder Rakesh said the government had approached the State Public Commission with the request.

Tributes paid to MLAs

The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly today paid rich tributes in memory of MLAs Pritam Singh Vixit and Hira Singh Bora, who were members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and passed away last year.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the former MLAs. Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hriyadesh recalled the stellar role played by the MLAs who were scholars, academicians, social workers and politicians in their own right. “Hira Singh Bora was a scholar par excellence who did extensive studies on the cave dwellers or the Raji tribesmen and wrote two scholarly books that are used as reference books,” she said. Today, two Bills comprising Indian Stamp (Uttarakhand Amendment) Bill 2014 and Uttarakhand Minorities Commission (Amendment) Bill 2014 were tabled in the House. 

Order high-level probe into cases against Thukral, Kunjwal tells govt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, Govind Singh Kunjwal, today directed the Harish Rawat-led government to initiate a high-level probe into the arrest orders issued against BJP legislator Rajkumar Thukral for his alleged role in the Rudrapur riots that took place in 2011 and present its report in one month.

The Speaker conceded to the demand of the BJP to initiate a discussion on the issue under rule 58 instead of rule 310. The Leader of the Opposition, Ajay Bhatt, senior BJP leaders Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Harbans Kapoor and Madan Kaushik defended Thukral during the discussion. The Speaker directed the government to initiate a high-level probe into the issue. “Though the matter is before court and as citizens of the country we have to abide by the law of the country, I ask the government to initiate an inquiry to ensure that the MLA was not a victim of conspiracy, vendetta and repression,” said Kunjwal.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh put across the government viewpoint and sought the Speaker’s intervention in the matter. She said the government had tried to break the logjam by meeting the BJP legislators, who had started a dharna in Thukral’s favour and had implored them to suggest a solution. “As the matter was sub judice, the government could not intervene. We are concerned about the MLA, who was elected in the last Assembly elections. Hence, the Chief Minister had even gone to the extent of requesting the Opposition to name a legal expert who could suggest a way out. Now, we look upon you to suggest a way out and the government would accept your directives,” said Indira.

Before the Speaker could give his decision, Ajay Bhatt sprang to his feet and said he had received information that the previous Vijay Bahuguna government had withdrawn a fake degree case against an MLA from Roorkee. “This case is false and I urge the government to withdraw the cases against Thukral, whose entire family has been targeted,” said Bhatt. Later speaking to mediapersons after the House went into the recess, Bhatt said he would share the information about the fake degree case involving an MLA from Roorkee in a day or two. He added the Opposition would keep a watch on the government. “The coming few days would give us indications about the intentions of the government that how fast it was able to conduct an inquiry and also provide protection to the MLA,” said Bhatt. What clinched the deal for the Opposition was its persistence that the issue pertained to an MLA who had certain privileges and the government had assured it on the floor of the House to evolve an 
amicable solution.

DMVN agrees to start work on waste treatment plant
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The tussle between the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) and the Doon Valley Waste Management authorities over the construction of the Sheeshambada plant, the first solid waste treatment plant, has resolved with the latter agreeing to start work on the project.

As part of the first phase of the Rs 12.5-crore project being funded by the Centre under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the ground levelling of the site began today.

If things go as planned than within six monthsthe Sheeshambada plant would be the first one in the state to treat waste and produce compost, RDF (refused drive fuel, a substitute for coal) and recycling plastic.

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, only 75 per cent of the collected garbage can be recycled or legally sold. The remaining is to be taken as landfill. The site will be having a transfer station, a composting plant, workshop facility and land-fill facility.

It may be recalled that in the absence of a clearance certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the DVWM authorities had refused to start work on the project despite getting the approval from the DMC and the government.

DVWM CEO Sidharth Jain said: “As far as the construction work is concerned, we have got permission from the ministry. However, clearance for processing the waste is pending and we are hopeful of getting that by the time the project is completed.”

Earlier, perturbed over the failure of the government and the local bodies to get the necessary sanction for the treatment plant, the DVWM had served a one-month termination notice.

Mayor Vinod Chamoli said: “We have allotted 8.5 hectares for the construction of the plant and it is now up to the DVWM to construct the building and set up the plant. We have given a six-month period to the company to start the plant which will also include the scientific land-fill site.”

“Once the land-fill site is ready, we will be shifting the entire garbage from the trenching ground at Sahastradhara. We are aware that the trenching ground is causing a lot of problems to the area residents and they are highly prone to a number of diseases. But until an alternate site is found, we cannot do anything,” said the Mayor.

Bank staff continue strike for second day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Seeking better salaries, as part of the nationwide strike, bank employees in Uttarakhand continued with their stir for the second day today.

Under the banner of All India Bank Employees' Union, the bank employees today gathered at Ashley hall,Dehradun, where they raised slogans against the UPA government's pro-privatisation banking policies. They subsequently took out a protest rally which criss-crossed Dehradun city.

All India Bank Employees' Union's Uttarakhand general secretary Hariom Narang disclosed that the bank employees have been for long demanding better salaries but the Centre was least concerned about their genuine demand. He also held that the Centre on the other hand was encouraging pro-privatisation policies for public sector banks and resorting to rampant outsourcing of jobs. He said the bank employees will further intensify their agitation in the coming days.

Jagmohan Mehndirutta, GN Kukreti, Harendra Rawat and Lakshmi Maithani were prominent among the protesters.

Haridwar: For the second consecutive day, banking services remained affected in the district owing to two-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Union, demanding pay revision and other facilities.

The strike caused inconvenience to customers. Many of the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) got out of cash, as huge rush was being witnessed for the past two days.

At Oriental Bank of Commerce, a protest meeting was held by bank employees. NB Kapoor,Uttarakhand chapter president of United Forum of Bank Union said despite working for 12 hrs , bank employees were not getting adequate wages.

He said after every five- year span Indian Bank Association signed a wages enhancement pact, which had not been done from due date of November, 2012.

Chandra Mohan Rawat of the union cited non adherence of assurance given by the Central Labour Commissioner to the United Forum of Bank Union delegation earlier this year, as a result the employees had to resort to boycott of banking services.

Raj Kumar Saxena, NK Singh, Dheeraj Bisht, Satish Bhatt, Madan Pal, Pawan, SK Grover, Richa, Sonali, Kamini Mishra, Bal Kishang were also present at the protest meeting.

Centre not providing funds for road repairs to BRO, says Khanduri
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister BC Khanduri has termed Union Minister Oscar Fernandes statement baseless, where he (Fernandes) said the Centre would provide all funds to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the repairs and strengthening of the road network in the hilly areas of the state.

Khanduri in a statement issued here yesterday said the Union Minister was misleading the general public only to befool them ahead of the panchayat and Lok Sabha elections in the state.

He said it was exactly the opposite and the Centre was not providing funds to the BRO. “I had appealed to the Centre several times for making funds available to the BRO as the disaster-torn state needs immediate repairs of roads in the hills but the Centre is paying no attention to the issue,” Khanduri pointed out.

He added: “I tried to personally meet the Union Minister Oscar Fernandes but the latter was not available.”

Khanduri said finally in a letter dated July 8, 2013 addressed to the Union Minister, he had made it clear that BRO had to undertake repairs and construction of roads and urgently needed Rs 1,200 crore, but only Rs 150 crore could be provided.

He said instead of providing funds for repairs to the BRO, there have also been efforts on part of the state government to give the task of these road repairs to the Public Works Department rather than the BRO.

Former Chief Minister Khanduri said he had even written to the then Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna over the issue but the funds for BRO were still scarce.

Speed up widening of highway: Residents
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 11
Residents of Nainbagh in Tehri district have urged the administration to speed up widening work on Delhi-Yamunotri National Highway.

They said the work on the highway was going on at a snail's pace.

Traffic jams for several hours had become a routine affair on the highway and its nearby areas. The residents urged the authorities concerned to deploy additional staff so that work could be completed as early as possible.

They alleged the administration had failed to manage traffic in the area. Only one guard had been deployed since the creation of Tehsil at Nainbagh and that person,too, had been assigned the job at the headquarters instead of manning vehicles at the Nainbagh market.

One of the residents said due to the slow pace of the work, commuters faced a tough time everyday.

Traders' association president Sardar Singh Rana said their business was incurring huge losses as customers avoided coming to the market due traffic congestion. Residents were facing inconvenience at Nainbagh and on the Ainji-Pantwadi road, he added. Traffic flow on the highway was more as people from Barkot and Purola use this route on a daily basis.

The residents demanded that additional staff be deployed to manage traffic at Nainbagh to avoid botheration to the people.

SDM, Nainbagh, Devendar Sharma said he had directed subordinate officials to look into the matter and deploy additional staff to regulate traffic at Nainbagh.

Business is suffering heavy losses. Customers are avoiding coming to the market due to traffic congestion. Residents face a lot of inconvenience at Nain Bagh and on the Aingi-Pantwadi road.

Sardar Singh Rana, president of the traders association

Clean river drive fizzles out on second day 
DMC workers, NSS volunteers give it a miss
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The second day of the widely publicised ‘clean river’ campaign launched in the state capital appeared to be a sloppy affair with the Dehradun Municipal Corporation withdrawing its services and the NSS, NGOs and the civil defence too giving it a miss.

The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) launched the first phase of the campaign at the Rispana river after instructions from Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Launched with much pomp and show, a large number of volunteers, DMC sanitation workers, students, bureaucrats and even a Cabinet minister were present on the spot to clean the river.

However, the second day presented an entirely different picture. On a visit to the project site, a group of around 10 daily wage workers hired by the MDDA were seen picking garbage and polythene bags lying on the dry riverbed.

MDDA secretary Bansidhar Tiwari told The Tribune that the DMC had not sent their sanitation workers for clearing the riverbed. “We don’t know the exact cause or what kind of politics is going on in the DMC. When we asked it to send 
its workers, the officer in charge refused pointblank without giving any reason,” he added.

As part of the campaign, three seasonal rivers of the city, the Rispana, the Bindaal and the Choti Bindaal, would be cleared of garbage dumps and fortified with iron mesh to prevent further dumping of garbage by slum-dwellers living nearby.

“It would take a week to clean the entire riverbed of the Rispana after which we will start with the Bindaal. The cost of the project is around Rs 50 lakh and it is being funded by the MDDA,” said Tiwari.

The rosy picture being presented by the authorities concerned and the state government might not hold good for long as the officials believe the project won’t bear any fruit. An MDDA official present on the site said, “There is no point in picking garbage from a dry riverbed as during the monsoon it gets cleared on its own. Even if we clean it now, the area residents would continue to dump garbage here. The campaign is just a temporary measure and not a permanent solution,” he said.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate BVRC Purshottam convened a meeting with the officials of the Irrigation Department and the MDDA.

He ordered the MDDA and the Irrigation Department officials to prepare a project for river canalisation. “A JCB machine should be used to dig the rivers up to one foot and remove garbage to be taken to the trenching ground. Also, the rivers should be divided in the lot of one kilometer or 500 metres and set up for bidding to the builders and contractors,” said the District Magistrate. 

Mayor lambasts Chief Minister

Mayor Vinod Chamoli lambasted Chief Minister Harish Rawat and said the project of cleaning the rivers and visiting slum areas was mere an eyewash.

The Mayor termed the Chief Minister's decision to launch the project as immature and a sheer waste of public money. “Rivers are not cleaned like this. Instead a proper and detailed project is required. Harish Rawat has been an MP from the Haridwar constituency for almost five years now. Where was he earlier and why did he not start a project of this kind during his tenure as MP,” he asked.

“Just by visiting slums and embracing children of slum-dwellers you cannot win the hearts of the people. Rawat should understand that he is a Chief Minister now 
and should take decisions in that capacity. He should stop acting like a Municipal Councillor and pass orders of clearing garbage,” said the Mayor. — TNS

Cong extends support to Sartali seat candidate 

Mussoorie, February 11
The Congress has begun the exercise to extend its support to the candidates interested in fighting the panchayat elections in Jaunpur development region of district Tehri.

At a meeting held at Jagdhar village, Block Congress president Jot Singh Rawat announced support to former pradhan Gambhir Singh from Tator village as a candidate for Zila Panchayat from Sartali seat, today.

The party workers also discussed the names for Bistaunsi seat for the same post but could not arrive at any consensus.

Four candidates namely Pradeep Kavi,Amendar Bisht,Manoj Gaud and Gajendar Ramola have staked their claim from the party for the zila panchayat member from Bistaunsi seat.

Block Congress president Jot Singh Rawat said the final decision would be taken in consultation with the senior leaders and the name would be announced in the next meeting to be held soon. Indradev Dobhal, Surat Singh Sajwan,Shyam Singh Chauhan and others were also present on the occasion. — TNS

Ranjit Section lifts English debate trophy of RIMC
Tribune News service

Dehradun, February 11
Ranjit Section lifted the Inter Section English Debate Trophy of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).

In the juniors category, finals were held in ‘Modified Oxford Pattern’ while the senior debates were held in the ‘Modified Parliamentary Format’.

The topics for juniors and seniors were “Advertising Creates Artificial Needs” and “India has a Democratic System but not Democratic Values” respectively

DS Negi, Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, ONGC, was the chief guest. Neelam Ojha, Anita Singh and Rohini Puri were the judges. Col HS Bainsla, SM, Commandant RIMC, thanked the chief guest and judges.

Rawat releases book on civic affairs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Chief Minister Harish Rawat released “Katal Hota Shahar”, a book by Prem Pratap Singh on sorry state of civic affairs here today.

Rawat appreciated the issues raised in the book particularly of rampant urbanisation, reduction in agriculture land and depleting water resources in the city. Lauding the concern of the writer on environment degradation, he stressed on collective efforts towards conserving the environment of the region.

Author Prem Pratap said his Winsor Publications book “Katal Hota Shahar” highlights irregularities on part of the Mussoorie Dehra Development Authority towards checking rampant construction. The book also speaks of nexus between politicians and land mafia.

Jobs in SIDCUL-based firms
UKD seeks 70 pc quota for state residents
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 11
The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) has urged Chief Minister Harish Rawat to ensure 70 per cent reservation for state residents in State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL)- based industrial firms.

Extending his wishes to Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Uday Ram Semwal, Central Secretary, Labour Cell, UKD, in Ranipur, said owing to his background as a labour union leader, labourers across the state are pinning hope of pro- labour steps.

Welcoming the setting up of the ESIC hospital in Haridwar, Semwal said not only organised but unrecognised sector labourers need to be provided such facilities run by the ESIC.

Demanding action on the industrial firms which do not adhere to 70 per cent mandatory reservation in their factories and industries set up under the SIDCUL Uday Ram said these firms were being given concessions by the state government but they are violating agreement norms.

“Unemployment and mass scale migration, particularly from hill districts is being witnessed as these firms are not giving employment to local youths. Barely 20-30 per cent of local youths are being taken by Dehradun, Haridwar and Pant Nagar based SIDCUL industrial estate units,” said Semwal.

Ex-servicemen hail setting up of Seventh Pay Commission
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Hailing the setting up of the Seventh Pay Commission, Brig KG Behl (retd), president, Dehradun Ex-Services League, said the panel should look into the issues concerning the armed force closely.

In a press note issued here yesterday, Behl said it was a positive sign that Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur, who also headed the Armed Forces Tribunal, would head the Commission.

“It would have been better if a defence officer had been included in the Commission so that the complete data concerning the armed forces could have been be placed before the Commission. During the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC), the ground realities were not projected adequately by the Ministry of Defence before the panel, resulting in a large number of anomalies,” he added.

Behl said: “We hope that the Seventh Pay Commission would listen to defence officer and get a detailed information on the issues through the Chairman of the Chiefs of the Staff Committee. The wide gap between Majors and Lt Colonel in the Army and equivalent ranks in the Navy and the Air Force needs to be bridged as it adversely affects pensioners.”

Brief spell of snow delights tourists
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 11
Tourists were taken in for a surprise when they witnessed snowfall here in the evening today. Taking advantage of the situation they posed for pictures for saving cherished memories.

The temperature also plunged by two degrees forcing many town residents to wear woollens.

The snowfall lasted for 15 minutes followed by clear sky indicating frosty nights ahead. Hoteliers are anticipating increase of tourist inflow provided the snowfall continues for the next few days. With the plummeting temperatures, sale of the woollens has also increased. Most of the tourists were seen buying woollens. Persistence of cold wave has delayed the arrival of spring. Residents remained indoors to escape the chill.

“Usually the days start getting warmer around this time. But this year, the winter chill has not gone. It seems it is here to stay for longer duration,” said a Ramesh Singh, a resident. Dhanaulti, another tourist destination, 30 km from Mussoorie, witnessed one inch snow. Nag Tibba peaks also received moderate snowfall in the evening.

Uniyal against giving two barriers to private parties
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 11
Former Municipal Council president OP Uniyal has opposed the present MC's decision to give an eco-tax barrier at Kholhukhet and the Mall Road barrier to private parties.

He alleged the exercise was being carried out to benefit a few private players. Uniyal told mediapersons at a hotel here that during his tenure as the MC chief,

present MC president Manmohan Singh Mall had made all efforts to stop collection of eco-tax at the Kholhukhet barrier.

He said it was surprising that now Mall himself wanted to give both barriers to private players. Uniyal alleged that instead of getting the barriers repaired, Mall was accusing his staff of embezzling fee collected at the barriers

He criticised the MC for stalling the parking project at Picture Palace that was started during his tenure. Uniyal alleged that Rs 60 lakh had already being spent on the project and now Mall had stalled it due to the reasons best known to him. However, Mall said the project was related to a hotel and not parking.

Govt releases unemployment allowance
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The state government has finally released funds under the unemployment assistance allowance for the period from August to October. The amount has been transferred to the bank accounts of unemployed youth, who will be saved from the hassle of standing in long queues at the Employment Exchange. The remaining instalment for the period of November to January is expected to be released by next week.

After the initial launch of the scheme last year, the state government under former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had increased the upper age limit for beneficiaries from 35 to 40 years. It had also limited the enlisting criteria at the Employment Exchange to one year. 

Residents stop MC vehicles to protest garbage dumping

Dehradun, February 11
Agitated over dumping of garbage at Sahastradhara-based trenching ground, area residents stopped Municipal Corporation vehicles, here yesterday.

Demanding immediate end to the dumping of garbage at the trenching ground, protesting residents said in the absence of remedial measures, garbage was entering their houses causing problems.

The issue was later resolved and vehicles were released. — TNS

Stunt biker injures girl, her grandfather
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
A stunt biker injured a girl and her grandfather at Race Course last evening. The girl is admitted to CMI Hospital with multiple fractures while her grandfather has been referred to Jolly Grant Hospital considering his critical condition. According to information, the victims were on their scooter when they were hit by a stunt biker. The accused is the son of a property dealer.

“Youngsters can be seen performing stunts on streets risking their own as well as commuters' lives. Of late, the situation has become scary, especially during the night, as young bikers come from nowhere and start performing stunts,” said Surinder Singh, a resident of Cant Road.

Dehradun SSP Ajay Rautela said, "The incidents of bikers performing stunts and indulging in serious traffic violations are illegal and reprehensible. The Dehradun police is clear that it will initiate criminal action against any person indulging in such nuisance and aggressive behaviour. Action will also be taken against those motorcycle riders indulging in traffic violations such as dangerous driving, over-speeding, riding without helmets and triple -riding. I have asked police officials to identify places where such stunt performers are active. We will intensify patrolling in those areas."

Places such as Canal Road, Sahasthradhara Road, Vasant Vihar, Shimla Bypass and Race Course are among the favourite places for stunt bikers. 

Unison school hosts farewell for class XII students
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
Unison World School organised a farewell party for the students of Class XII here yesterday. A special assembly was held to bid adieu to the outgoing students.

The assembly began with a prayer and the lighting of a lamp.

The Principal, Veena Singh, presented mementos to the outgoing students. The students expressed gratitude to the Principal and acknowledged the strong support and guidance provided to them by all staff members of the school.

A cultural programme was organised by the students of class XI.

Meanwhile, Samia Ahmed was crowned Miss Unison World School 2014. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held on the occasion to wish students good luck for all their future endeavours.

MAD volunteers visit shelter home for poor kids
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
As part of their weekly activity, Making a Difference (MAD), an association of Doon’s own youngsters, visited the Rashtriya Madhamik Vidyalaya (also a shelter home for poor children) here yesterday.

MAD’s chapter at Graphic Era Hill University organised the activity. Rashtriya Madhamik Vidyalaya, has 50 less- privileged children who are living a life of simplicity. The group conducted a song and painting competition. The volunteers also played cricket with children and later felicitated the winners of the competitions by distributing books and chocolates.

Volunteers of the group Pratyuesh Kala, Abhinav Bahuguna, Manvenddra Rawat, Bharat Kumar Garg, Aman Joshi, Kashika Mahant, Prasoon Garg, Vidushi Kunwar, Ankit and Nupur were present on the occasion. 

Kasiga School students write letters to Pakistani counterparts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
"Route 2 Roots", an exchange for change' programme, was organised at Kasiga School here yesterday. Students of classes V to VIII participated in letter writing for their Pakistani counterparts.

The programme, initiated by a Delhi NGO and supported by the British High Commission, helps children understand and interact with their peers from across the border.

The first activity was successfully concluded with students sharing information about themselves, their school, hobbies and interests. They also wrote about monuments and festivals in India and many drew beautiful drawings to highlight a few. They described the variety of street food available in India and asked numerous questions about Pakistan.

They are now eagerly awaiting reply to their letters and are gearing up for the second stage where they will be exchanging picture postcards with their new friends.

DBS PG College hosts felicitation ceremony

Dehradun, February 11
The college student union of DBS PG College organised a felicitation ceremony, yesterday, for the students who excelled in academics and sports.

Senior congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana was the chief guest. The Vice-Chancellor of Sridev Suman University US Rawat was also present. — TNS

Rao academy win by 3 wickets
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The Rao Cricket Academy defeated the Surbery Cricket Club by three wickets in the District Cricket League being played here today.

The Surbery Cricket Club elected to bat first after winning the toss and scored a total of 142 runs in the allotted overs. Avinash scored the highest 36 runs. For the Rao Cricket Academy Pramod took five wickets.

The Rao Cricket Academy easily achieved the target losing seven wickets. Akash contributed the highest 43 runs.

Real Host win

Real Host won by 7 wickets against Synergy Doiwala in a match during the Uttarakhand Twenty20 cricket tourney here today.

Batting first, Synergy Doiwala scored 146 runs in the allotted overs. Tushar remained the highest scorer with 34 runs. In reply, Real Host easily achieved the target and lost only three wickets in the process. Vaibhav scored 53 (not out). 

Residents hope Gumdesh will get subdivision status
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 11
Residents from Gumdesh area of Lohaghat subdivision of Champawat district have expressed their hope in Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s leadership and said they expected to get new development packages and creation of a new subdivision at Gumdesh.

“We will resort to agitation, if the state government does not allocate special development packages for our area, which is one of the most backward parts of the district,” claimed Onkar Singh Dhauni, a youth leader from the area, who sent a memorandum to the state government in this regard.

“With a population of over 48,000 under 97 revenue villages, Gumdesh residents have been vying for a separate subdivision from the last four decades,” said Madho Singh Adhikari, president of Gumdesh Vikash Samiti at Pulhindola town.

According to Adhikari, the main problems of Gumdesh are related with getting clean drinking water and proper health facilities. “Even after 13 years of a separate state, the people of the area have to travel more than 60 kilometres to reach Lohaghat to use the nearest hospital in times of crisis. Our demand to create Gumdesh as a separate subdivision is pending even before the creation of Champawat district in 1997,” said Adhikari.

The Gumdesh Sangharsh Samiti president said in the last 11 years, Champawat district created 4 subdivisions, but their demand which has been pending from before was not met as the people of Gumdesh had no political clout at the district or the state level.

“We have passed a proposal to create a separate subdivision by incorporating 97 revenue villages in 11 patti’s and a separate block by incorporating 44 Gram Panchayats of the area, but our proposals have not resulted in any fruitful decision,” said the Sangharsh Samiti president.

Local MLA from the area Puran Singh Phartiyal that Gumdesh has remained backward in the last 13 years of statehood and 65 years post-independence. According to Phartiyal, the area not only needs clean drinking water, irrigation facilities and proper health services, but a proper system to check delays that have denied facilities to this area.

“After the creation of Barakot subdivision in the district, rising demands to create Gumdesh subdivision is obvious as the area has more villages than those in Barakot,” said the MLA.

BJP meeting at Piran Kaliyar on February 16
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 11
The state BJP in charge of SC-ST and minorities cell Baleshwar Pal today said a meeting will be held at Piran Kaliyar on February 16 to mobilise the minorities in favour of the BJP.

Speaking at a press conference, Pal said all the office bearers have been asked to gather at Piran Kaliyar for chalking out a strategy for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

On the other hand, the city unit of the BJP today propagated the ‘one vote, one note’ campaign that revolves around prime ministerial candidate Narinder Modi.

“The campaign will not collect funds for the elections but also seek involvement of the people to ensure that Modi becomes the Prime Minister of the country,” said Neelam Sehgal, President of the party’s city unit.