Northern Railway ticketing centre in a shambles at Mussoorie
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 12
The dilapidated reservation and ticketing centre run by the Northern Railway for the benefit of residents and tourists at Mall Road is lying in a shambles for the last several decades and is in urgent need of maintenance in Mussoorie.

The historic building belonging to the Northern Railway, also known as Railway out agency, is used as a reservation centre not only by residents but also tourists visiting Mussoorie, but due to negligence it is in poor shape and a portion is on the verge of collapsing any given moment.

The roof of the building has worn out at several places and poses imminent threat to the lives of people using the facilities as the prospects of its caving in have increased over the years.

During the monsoons the reservation hall is submerged in a pool of water making it difficult for the people to book tickets.

When contacted, former MC president OP Uniyal said that he had also reminded the railway officials about the dilapidated state of the building but no action had been initiated so far, which is really unfortunate.

The railway officials manning the centre said under anonymity that the senior railway officials had been apprised of the situation but no action had been taken yet.

The residents rued the fact that if the building is not renovated soon it could collapse any time and prove fatal. They further said that it was beyond comprehension that the Railways, which have a separate budget for such things, have no time to repair their own building.

According to the local chronicler Gopal Bhardwaj,the railway out agency was built to cater to the British population in the 19th century when a plan to bring a railway line from Shenshai Ashram to Mussoorie was proposed.

The British had visualised a rail link in Mussoorie way back in 1896 and still the remains of broken tracks and old railway tunnels were visible near Rajpur. Bhardwaj further said that the Dehradun-Mussoorie Electric Tramway Company was set up in 1921 with a share capital of Rs 36 lakh for undertaking railway construction, but the project was shelved due to political unrest and alleged misappropriation of funds by company officials. The Railways have not considered any new rail line to Mussoorie since then and have been neglected the only railway out agency with a rich heritage, which was really unfortunate.

When contacted Railway station master,Dehradun, HD Dobhal, said that the senior officials will be informed about the condition of the building and then only any action will be initiated. 

ASSEMBLY SESSION
Oppn grills govt on giving land tenure right to farmers
Yashpal Arya fails to answer questions
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Relentless questioning by the Opposition MLAs regarding the announcement made by the former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on giving land tenure right to the farmers of Chamba-Mussoorie fruit belt exposed the fate of such announcements that are made without carrying out a proper study.

While raising the issue during the question hour, BJP MLA Mahaveer Singh Rangar wanted to know if the government would accord land tenure right on the farmers of Chamba-Mussoorie fruit belt on the lines of the Sitarganj farmers.

While replying to the question, Cabinet minister Yashpal Arya appeared ill-prepared and was unable to reply to a battery of questions posed by both the Opposition and treasury benches. As the questions cropped up one after the other, it appeared that the government would be hard pressed to fulfil the announcement made by the former Chief Minister.

“The land that was leased to the farmers of Chamba-Mussoorie fruit belt for growing fruits is partly civil land and partly reserve forest land that was given on lease to the farmers and would go back to the forest in case no activity was undertaken. On the other hand the land in Sitarganj falls under Non-Zamindari Abolition Land Reform (ZLRA) Act, and as such the Land Revenue Department could take a decision regarding conferring land tenure rights on settlers from East Bengal, but the Chamba-Mussoorie land does not fall under the Revenue Department,” said Arya.

Issue of shooting certificate for acquiring arms

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh today assured the Congress MLA Kunwar Pranav Champion that the matter pertaining to the Haridwar SSP demanding a shooting certificate prior to issuing of arms licence would be looked into.

The MLA while raising the issue in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly said that the SSP was demanding a shooting licence from him before issuing him arms licence, “The demand is irresponsible as it would hurt the common man who would be forced to approach recognised academies located outside the state for procuring licences,” said the MLA.

Election official visits Dehradun

Dehradun, February 12
In view of the coming Lok Sabha elections, Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi today held consultations with the representatives of different parties.

Those who attended the meeting included Congress leader Surya Kant Dhasmana, BJP leader Vinay Goel, CPM leader Samar Bhandari, UKD leader Kashi Singh Airya and BSP leader Sheeshpal Choudhury.

Discussions were held on the issue of money-power, paid news and arrangements outside polling booths. — TNS

BJP plans privilege motion on sale of sainik farm
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
The BJP will bring a privilege motion tomorrow against the Congress government on the issue of illegal sale of sainik farm land located at Pathar Chatta in Udham Singh Nagar, Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, said on Wednesday.

The Opposition arrived at the decision after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh, speaking on the behalf of the government, denied that there was any such move to sell the land.

Soon Bhatt produced a government order dated January 15 signed by Additional Secretary Shailesh Baiguli, recommending initiating formalities for the sale of land. “The House has been provided incorrect information and tomorrow we will bring the privilege motion,” said Bhatt.

Earlier, while moving the motion under Rule 58, the Opposition benches raised the issue of efforts to sell 1,423 acres of sainik farm set up in 1953 at Pathar Chatta (US Nagar) for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependants.

“The government has been proclaiming to one and sundry about the decisions it has taken for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and their dependants but on the sly the government has unravelled a plan to sell the land where farming activity is under way. The earnings from it form part of the fund which is utilised for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and the dependents of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country,” said Madan Kaushik, BJP MLA.

Taking the debate further, Bhatt said in 1945 Uttar Pradesh post war services reconstruction fund was established with a Central assistance of Rs 50 lakh. “But the then UP Governor KM Munshi in 1953 decided to bring the state government into the picture so that it too could make contributions to tide over shortage of funds. To that end, sainik farms were set up in Amausi (UP), Attari (UP) and Pathar Chatta in USNagar where farming is being carried,” said Bhatt.

He said the funds thus collected were utilised for funding the education of the children of the ex-servicemen and martyrs, marriage of daughters, providing assistance implements to the handicapped soldiers and other welfare activities.

“But we have been forced to raise the issue in the House after we came to know that the government had already made up its mind to sell the land,” said Bhatt.

The MLA from Kichha (US Nagar) Rajesh Shukla too urged the government not to sell the land. “Already several hectares of land under the Pantnagar Agriculture University has been sold to the builders. The government should take prompt action to stop the illegal sale,” said Shukla. 

Battle tank, 2 Howitzers installed at Sainik School
General Bhatia performs the opening ceremony
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
A T-55 battle tank and two Howitzers adorn the campus of Sainik School, Ghorakhal, one of the best amongst the 24 Sainik Schools in the country.

Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, an alumnus of the school, inaugurated the tank, which has been stationed on a specially erected platform on the school premises. Bhatia also inaugurated two Howitzers, Indian mountain guns, placed at the school parade ground, on a specially designed platform.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhatia, who is also Colonel of the Parachute Regiment, said: “I am proud to be a part of this prestigious institution. I owe my success in career to the school.” He said the lessons he had learnt in the school had always kept him in good stead. Lt General Bhatia was a student of the Sainik School, Ghorakhal, from 1967 to 1970 before joining the 44th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA). He said the school had been doing extremely well and urged cadets to work hard and never give up on their dreams.

He said installation of these war trophies would serve as an inspiration not only to cadets, but also to the local population. He also announced the institution of a trophy for the cadet who excelled in outdoor activities. Bhatia was given a ceremonial guard of honour by school cadets. This was also the General’s farewell visit to his alma mater as he is to retire after serving in the Army for more than three decades. He also had lunch with cadets before leaving.

School Principal Col Devesh Gaur, officers, members of the staff and cadets of the school were also present during the function. Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Gaur said getting the war trophies was a Herculean task. He thanked Lt General Bhatia and other old boys for their untiring efforts. He appreciated the General for taking time off from his hectic schedule for the occasion. The Principal said his achievements would serve as an inspiration to cadets. The trophy instituted by the General would be named as Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia Rookie Para Trophy,” he added. He said the school had embarked on a massive infrastructure development and would spare no efforts in honing all round skills of cadets. The school was gearing up to launch its golden jubilee celebrations in the mid of 2015, stretching till 2016.

As many as 464 cadets of Sainik School, Ghorakhal, have joined the NDA till July, 2013. A large number of alumni have also joined the IMA, OTA, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, AFMC, Coast Guard and Merchant Navy. Many other cadets have joined the IAS, IPS, IIT, banking services. The school has won the Raksha Mantri's trophy for sending the maximum number of cadets to the NDA, seven times since 2000. 

Government allots land for Sainik School
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Decks were cleared for the long-awaited Sainik School after the state government allotted 16.20 hectare for the construction of building at Jakholi in Rudraprayag district.

If everything goes as per the plan, it will be the second Sainik School in the state. The first Sainik School, Ghorakhal, is in Nainital. The school was set up in March1966 in collaboration with the then Uttar Pradesh government and the Sainik School Societies.

Group Captain Surinder Singh, inspecting officer of the Sainik School Society, conducted a site inspection today. Giving details, an official from the Uttarakhand Directorate for Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Rehabilitation said, “While the construction of the school building and the management is looked after by the Sainik School Society, it is for the state government to provide a land for the school.”

“The site was finalised last month by the state government following which a notification was sent to the society. After the visit, the inspecting officer would finalise a report whether the site is apt for the school or not,” said the official.

Considered as the feeder institution for the armed forces of the country, at present there are 25 Sainik Schools in the country.

A girls’ school full of boys
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
A school meant to impart education to girls having classrooms full of boys may sound absurd, but it’s true in case of Government Girls Secondary School, Ajabpur Kalan. Nearly 90 per cent of the total students enrolled in the school are boys, thus defeating the very purpose of setting up an exclusive girls’ school in the area.

Interestingly, the higher authorities are totally clueless about the boys being admitted to the girls’ school. Located in a prime location, Rajkiya Kanya Purv Madhyamik Vidyalaya has 49 students in class VI to VIII. Of the total number of students, only 13 are girls. A majority of the students are boys, especially in class VI to VIII.

Officiating principal of the school Deeplaxmi Raturi told The Tribune, “Boys are being admitted to the school for the past 8 to 10 years. There are very few girls coming to the school and to keep it running we have to admit boys too. Under the Right to Education Act, we cannot deny admission or education to any child coming to a school.”

Set up in 1935, the school was shifted to the present location in 1990. Having only three classrooms, this dilapidated and crumbling building is an eyesore crying for immediate help.

A girl student from class VI said her parents had allowed her to take admission to the school as they were strictly against sending her to a co-ed school. “But now I have an argument with them daily as they want me to discontinue my studies as there are boys in my school. If the things don’t change I will have to discontinue my education as there is no government girls’ school nearby,” she said.

Schoolteachers too maintain that they have made repeated requests to the Education Department of either changing the name of the school or stop admitting boys, but to no avail. “Nobody is ready to listen to us. A lot of parents have started complaining about the presence of boys and it is getting difficult to pacify them. They have their concerns but we are helpless,” said Raturi.

Meanwhile, in the absence of any funds for the past several years, the school building and its playground is in a bad shape. With no proper arrangements of clean drinking water, the students are forced to quench their thirst from a makeshift water tank meant to clean utensils. The water tank, too, has not been cleaned for the past six years.

Director, Directorate of School Education, CS Gwal expressed ignorance about the issue. “I am not aware of any such rule that permits admission of boys to a girls’ school. This is the first time I am hearing of boys studying in a girls’ school. I will conduct an enquiry into the matter.”

About the poor condition of the school building, Gwal said, “Whenever we receive requests from the school authorities regarding the development or repairs of the school building, we release funds. So far, we have not received any request from the school for repairs.”

BJP concerned over poor health facilities in hospitals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Members of the Opposition took the state government to task demanding that the Uttarakhand government withdraw registration fee and user charges being levied in all government hospitals. They also demanded that the government must spell out the steps taken to improve medical facilities in these hospitals.

While raising the issue under rule 58, BJP MLA Madan Kaushik said the user charges that undergo a hike every year are proving to be a burden for the poor patients, “The patients have to pay extra for the diagnostic tests including blood test and X-ray which should be done for free. All these tests are free in Uttar Pradesh, we do not understand why the government must charge money for these tests from the locals,” said Kaushik.

Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt said the common man complained about being fleeced by the owners of the private hospitals, but there was no respite in the government hospitals. “In my view the government should make provisions for the common man too. Providing free education and health facilities should be the priority of the government, but as things stand today the government is not worried about the common man,” alleged Bhatt.

BJP MLAs Adesh Chauhan and Harbhajan Singh Cheema also raised the issue of poor medical facilities in the government hospitals. Cheema said the common man had lost faith in the government hospitals, “The doctors are hand in glove with the medical representatives and always prescribe medicines that have to be bought from the chemist shops,” he said.

However, Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi said the government had decided to do away with the user charges from April in all the government hospitals, “We are looking into ways to do away with the registration fee, however the final call is yet to be taken,” he said.

He added the decision to undertake yearly hike (10 per cent) in user charges was decided by the erstwhile BJP. “I do not want to go into the pros and cons of the decision and believe that it may have been done after careful thought. But I would like to tell the Opposition benches that all the services are free for BPL patients and patients suffering from chronic diseases,” he said.

Groupism in students’union spoils atmosphere at Sanskrit varsity
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 12
Two factions of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University have come out openly against each other making the campus atmosphere tense. The faction led by students' union president Vivek Mamgain has accused the university management of misusing special funds for Sanskrit institutions. However, the other faction has been defending the management.

Mamgain, who led a protest at Shri Agrasen square near Devpura, alleged the attitude of the state government and the university management was negative towards the cause of Sanskrit language. As a result, funds specified for enhancement and spreading of Sanskrit language were not being utilised properly.

Mamgain demanded additional budget for Sanskrit institutions from the state government and setting up of a committee to monitor the spending of funds efficiently and honestly.

Shri Bhagwan Das Sanskrit Adarsh Maha Vidyalaya student union president Pankaj Upreti said they locked classes at the university and affiliated Sanskrit colleges in the city periphery as it was an issue of Sanskrit language.

Upreti said former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had declared Sanskrit as the second official language of the state. But at the ground level, not much was being done for its cause and its students.

The opposing faction led by former university student president Rohit Lakheda said using force to disrupt classes was not a democratic way of protest. It did not go down well with the image of Sanskrit students.

Student leader Shiv Charan Nautiyal alleged that current student union president was calling students from outside university campus for holding protest. If he had any issue with the university management, he could take up the matter with the authorities concerned and the Education Minister by meeting or writing to them.

University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Mahavir Aggarwal said students should not resort to an agitation. No one had the right to disturb the academic atmosphere of the university, he added. He urged the protesting students to come to his office to discuss the issue. He termed the allegations as baseless.

Cong blames Ajay Bhatt for hindering hospital building
BJP accuses Mayukh Mahar of befooling people
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 12
Congress workers today burnt an effigy of Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, while BJP workers burnt an effigy of local Congress legislator Mayukh Mahar for obstructing the construction of a base hospital in the district.

The Congress workers gathered at Gandhi Chowk under the leadership of president of the district party unit Mahendra Lunthi and raised slogans against Ajay Bhatt. They said the BJP was worried that the new Chief Minister, Harish Rawat, had started working in the right spirit in the state and this may hurt its Lok Sabha election prospects.

“The question about the location of the proposed base hospital does not arise as the place selected by the Congress-led government has sufficient space even for a medical college proposed under a central government-sponsored scheme in the district,” said Lunthi.

Bhatt had asked a question during the ongoing session of the state Legislative Assembly that why the location of the proposed base hospital in the district was changed when the previous BJP government in the state had already been sanctioned funds and earmarked a place for its construction.

Later the BJP workers also gathered at the same place and burnt an effigy of Mayukh Mahar. They accused Mahar of misguiding the local people by getting the foundation stone of the proposed hospital laid by a minister at a new place which is yet to get forest clearance and a Budget.

“The Congress-led government and the local MLA Mayukh Mahar are befooling the local people by laying the foundation stone of the hospital at a new place for which even the detailed project report (DPR) has not been approved,” said Govind Singh Mahar, a senior BJP leader.

JE dies, 5 labourers hurt at construction site

A Junior Engineer of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) died on the spot while five labourers were seriously injured when a dump of debris fell on them last evening during the construction of the Tawaghat to Mangti motor road in Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh district.

“The body of Jasbir Singh (47), Junior Engineer, resident of Jind district, Haryana, was recovered from river bank near the accident spot and sent for post mortem after which the body will be sent to deceased’s village in Haryana,” said Pramod Kumar, SDM, Dharchula.

According to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the incident occurred last evening when suddenly a big heap of boulders fell on the party while the Junior Engineer and his team members were on duty and they were buried alive. The injured are undergoing treatment at Dharchula and Pithoragarh hospitals.

river-cleaning project
DMC refuses to provide sanitation workers to MDDA
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
The stand-off between the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) and Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) over the river-cleaning project got murkier with the latter refusing outright to provide the sanitation workers, forcing MDDA to hire 60 labourers from outside on the third day of the drive.

MDDA has hired labourers for hand-picking the garbage strewn on the dry bed of Rispana, the prominent seasonal river being cleaned in the first phase.

Talking to The Tribune, Bansidhar Tiwari, Secretary, MDDA, said it had been two days since they were waiting for DMC to send some of their sanitation workers for cleaning the rivers.

Despite repeated requests and instructions from the higher authorities, they, (DMC), have refused to send their workers citing shortage of staff as the reason. We cannot bank upon the Dehradun Municipal Corporation and let the project suffer so we have decided to go ahead with hiring daily wagers. The DMC is providing few vehicles for transferring the waste to the trenching ground, he added.

When contacted, Ashok Kumar, Mukhya Nagar Adhikari, said,” If we were to do the entire job, then why was the project handed over to the MDDA. The authorities should have entrusted us with the project rather than giving it to somebody who do not have the slightest idea of cleaning operations or have the requisite work force. Our sanitation workers are busy with cleaning the city and don’t have time for such extra tasks.''

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Harish Rawat has given a go-ahead to the MDDA of razing the illegal structures that have encroached upon river-bed here yesterday. Confirming the news MDDA Vice President Meenakshi Sundram said a plan was being drawn up along with Pollution Control Board to raze the structures located in the riverbed. However, the structures alongside the river would not be removed as of now, but the plan would cover them too,'' she added.

Interim Rail Budget
Kumaon residents unhappy as awaited projects ignored
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 12
Kumaon residents were disheartened as long-awaited rail projects in the region i.e. Tanakpur to Bageshwar and Tanakpur to Jauljibi rail lines were not sanctioned in the interim rail budget for 2014-15 presented in the Parliament today.

Reacting over the alleged neglect of the region in the rail budget, Gusain Singh Dafauti, President of Tanakpur-Bageshwar Rail Nirman Sangharsh Samiti, an organisation on agitation from the last 10 years for construction of rail lines from Tanakpur to Bageshwar, said people from the region could not get anything as the Congress government at the Centre does not want the region to develop.

“We have decided to oust the Congress government in the coming Lok Sabha elections as they have always failed our people. The government has ignored the needs of the people from this backward area,” rued Gusain Singh Dafauti.

Similar reactions were expressed by Lila Bangyal and Jodh Singh Bora, coordinators of Tanakpur-Jauljibi Rail Banao Sanghrash Samiti. The duo said it was sheer neglect of the area by the present government as it did not want the region to develop.

“We have been struggling for a long time to draw the attention of the government towards need for improved transportation facilities at the border, but today’s decision is a clear indication that the Centre did not care about the development of this region,” said Lila Bangyan, Samiti coordinator from Jauljibi.

Almora MP Pradeep Tamta expressed hope for the region in the rail budget presented today. He said, “As the government has agreed in principal that strong infrastructure will be laid on the China border, the rail projects proposed for the area will find place in the main budget later. The main rail and motor projects sanctioned on the China border region, includes several projects including some rail projects that have been given national status for Uttarakhand are likely to be presented later,” he claimed.

Mayor demands re-structuring of local bodies
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Mayor Vinod Chamoli met a 30-member team of the 14th Finance Commission that arrived in the city today to meet officials of the departments receiving funds from the Central government for various projects.

Giving details of the meeting, the Mayor said: “We have raised demand for the complete re-structuring of the local bodies and the creation of additional posts as per the requirement. The rules and posts have remained unchanged since Independence and there is a dire need to bring in a fresh perspective in accordance with the changing times.”

The Mayor also asked for the allotment of funds from the Central government in a single instalment. "Until now, the funds for various projects are released twice every financial year. It becomes quite difficult to plan and put them in use. Also we have asked the commission to include the development works like the construction of roads and parks in the Center-funded projects along with streetlight and sanitation projects being catered by them," he said.

Expressing displeasure over the state government "apathy" towards the DMC, the Mayor asked the commission to strengthen the local bodies and instruct the state government to adopt a positive approach towards them. "We are an autonomous body. The state government should work in sync with the local bodies,” said the Mayor.

Two-day strike by postal staff
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Postal services suffered a major set back as postal employees, demanding filling of vacant posts, went on a two-day strike here today. Postal employees from the state joined the strike on a call given by Akhil Bhartiya Daak Karamchari Sangarsh Samiti.

Addressing demonstrators, state secretary VD Bhatt said failure of the government to take any action on their long pending demands had forced them to go on a strike. Postal employees are demanding filling up of vacant posts, abolishing the downsizing, outsourcing, privatisation and contracts in government departments, provision for overtime, night and uniform allowance and five promotions for every employee. 

Tributes paid to disaster victims

Dehradun, February 12
The Badri Kedar Development Committee paid to the victims of the Kedarnath tragedy here recently.

Folk artistes also performed on the occasion. Students from Rudrprayag and Chamoli districts were also awards. Arun Thapliyal, a member of the committee, sang a song on the problem of migration in the state while Dr SB Maithani recited Garhwali bhajans. — TNS

Exam training under project ‘Udaan’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
The district administration has selected 50 students from various government schools to undergo a special training for competitive exams under its recently launched project “Udaan”.

The selected students will now be sent to Kota- based Allen Career Institute and Career Point for completing their Class XI and XII along with training for medical and engineering exams.

Giving details of the project jointly funded by private sponsors and the district administration, District Magistrate BVRC Purshottam said per student training cost would be Rs 3 lakh per annum. “Until now we have found 10 sponsors and are on a look out for more,” he added.

These students have been selected from 152 government schools in the six development blocks of the district. Around 294 students had appeared for the written examination and personal interview. The cut off for the selection was kept at 40 marks. 

Property dealer shot dead
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
Dharampal (55), a property dealer, was shot dead outside his house by two unidentified motorcycle borne assailants here today The incident occurred on Guru Road in the Patel Nagar police station area.

The victim was rushed to nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

The Homicide Cell and Special Operation Group (SOG) have been asked to investigate the case. The police have started gathering inputs on the basis of mobile surveillance.

Murders related to property disputes are on the surge in the city, as another property dealer, Sanjay Nagar, was also shot dead outside his house in Nunurkheda in the Raipur police station area last month. The police are still clueless about the killers of Sanjay. Similarly, Firoz Ali, who was also a property dealer, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his house in Jakhan in January. 

Missing woman, boy found dead
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
A 35-year-old woman and a 19-year-old boy, who had been missing for the past 10 days, were found dead in a farm in the Dakhpathar area this morning.

The police are suspecting it to be a suicide case, as a poison bottle was found near the bodies. The woman was the aunt of 19-year-old Mahendra.

They reportedly had a love affair. The woman is survived by three children. The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem. A case has been registered and investigations are on.

32 police inspectors shifted
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
In a major reshuffle in the police department, 32 inspectors were transferred here today.

Notably, 10 inspectors from the Garhwal range and seven from the Kumaon range were transferred, according to the police headquarters orders. Seven inspectors posted in the Vigilance Department and four in the Crime Investigation Division (CID) were transferred. From Dehradun, inspector Yogendra Kumar Sharma and Ashok Kumar Tyagi were transferred.

On the other hand, DIG, Garhwal range, Amit Sinha, also reshuffled 33 sub-inspectors posted in Dehradun and Haridwar district. Reportedly, all 33 sub-inspectors, who completed their tenure, were transferred to hill districts.

14 women honoured
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
The Mahila Samakhya today organised a programme here to celebrate 10 years of the launch of the women empowerment programme in seven districts of Tehri, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, and Haridwar. Fourteen women, who had played a stellar role in promoting education among women and their issues, were honoured on the occasion.

Among those honoured included Ramindri Mandawal, a former Protection Officer, Dr Anita Degey, Dr Kamla Pant, Beeja Devi, Shabnam, and Gulistan.

Though the Mahila Samakhya had extended invitations to Minister for Education Mantri Prasad Naithani, Principal Secretary, School Education, S. Raju, and Additional Secretary, Education, Radhika Jha, none of them made it to the programme.

Noida team beat Uttarakhand Blue by 11 runs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 12
The 6th All India Uttarakhand Girish Bhadri Memorial Cricket Tournament began here today. In the inaugural match played at Rangers College ground, the People Joint Cricket Association team (PGCA), Noida, defeated the Uttarakhand Blue cricket team by 11 runs. The PGCA won the toss and elected to bat first. It managed to score 163 runs. In reply, Uttarakhand Blue fought hard but lost the match by 11 runs.

Fourteen teams from across the country are participating in the tournament being organised by the Ajabpur Young Star Cricket Club. Madan Singh Bist, MLA, Dwarahat, and Awdesh Chaudhary, president of the All India Volleyball Federation, inaugurated the tournament.

Khalsa Academy win by 75 runs

The Khalsa Cricket Academy trounced Earth Cone Cricket Club by 75 runs in the ongoing HN Bahuguna Memorial Glocal Dehradun Premier League (DPL), played at the Global School, here on Wednesday.

Batting first, Khalsa Academy scored 195 runs with Vishal scoring a century and Gautam Taneja scoring 26 runs. In reply, Earth Cone began their chase well with opener Omkar Rawat giving them a good start but in the middle orders the team lost frequent wickets and could not recover from there. The team was bowled out at 119 runs.

In the second match, Pacific Mall Cricket team defeated Punjabi Morcha by 15 runs. Pacific Mall won the toss and elected to bat first and set a target of 156 runs. Vineet scored the highest with 38 runs and Akshay scored 35 runs. In reply, the openers of Punjabi Morcha, Gautam and Anish, gave them a good start with Anish scoring 66 runs and Gautam 35. But they got out and no other batsmen stayed on the crease for long. The entire team crumbled after scoring 141 runs. For Pacific Mall, Shubham and Ashwani took 2 wickets each.

St Thomas College pip Guru Nanak Academy

St Thomas College defeated Guru Nanak Academy by 6 wickets in a match during the Sub-Junior Inter-School Cricket Tournament here on Wednesday.

After being put into bat first, Guru Nanak Academy made 95 runs. Ayush remained the highest scorer with 39 runs. For St Thomas College, Eklavya took 4 wickets.

In reply, Eklavya of St Thomas College made unbeaten 54 runs. The team managed to achieve the target with 6 wickets still in hand.

St Joseph's register win

In the second match of the day, St Joseph's Academy registered win over The Heritage School. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, St Joseph's Academy displayed a good batting performance and managed to score 139 runs in its innings. Ishagra scored the highest runs (54) for the St Joseph's team.

In reply, The Heritage School showcased dismal batting performance with the entire team getting bowled out after scoring only 41 runs.

Jalin scored 9 runs for the team. On the other hand, Saharsh took maximum (4) wickets for St Joseph's Academy.