ferupur gang-rape
After three months, Chief Minister orders CBI probe
Action taken three days after victim’s family sat on a hunger strike at the Parade Ground
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Following pressure by various support groups and media reports, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat finally ordered a CBI probe in the Ferupur gang rape case, where a 13-year-old Dalit girl was raped and murdered in broad daylight nearly three months ago.

The action came three days after the family members and villagers went on a hunger strike at the Parade ground. Not to be outdone by the rivals and lose out crucial vote bank of his constituency, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, the BJP candidate from Haridwar, met the family members today morning after the decision of a CBI probe was taken.

“I met the family members and extended my full support to them, whatever has happened is very sad. I don’t understand what was the problem in ordering a CBI probe earlier,” said Nishank.

Speaking to The Tribune, Soran Singh, father of the victim, said they had been running from pillar to post and till date nothing had been done in the case. “After three months, the Uttarakhand police have failed miserably in identifying the accused. They have almost shut down the case as no investigation is being carried out. The previous Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had promised a CBI probe if nothing was done by the Uttarakhand police,” claimed Nishank.

“Our daughter is not going to return, but at least her perpetrators deserve a severe punishment for what they have done. Our only hope is the CBI enquiry. We are very poor and cannot afford to pay bribe for enquiries or arrest. Politicians come and go. They are just looking for votes ahead of the elections. Where were these so called leaders from the last three months,” questioned Soran.

The victim’s father added, “Suman (name changed) was just 13-years-old and she certainly didn’t deserve to die a humiliating death rendered to her by the assaulters. Worse, it has been nearly three months and till date neither her assaulters have been identified nor any arrests have been made by the police.”

Just like any other hosteller, Suman too had arrived at her parent’s house in Ferupur village of Haridwar district, to spend her winter vacations. A bright student of class VII and the only daughter of daily wager Soran Singh, Suman was brutally gang raped and murdered by the assaulters in a sugar cane field just 100 meters away from the local police station.

“She had arrived for her winter vacations on December 24. On the fateful day, she had gone outside the house to attend the nature’s call. When Suman failed to return after almost an hour, we started searching for her all over the village. Suman’s mother and brother saw her slippers outside the sugar cane fields. It was only after Suman’s mother sent her brother to call the family members, she discovered Suman’s lifeless body lying a few steps away,” said the father.

Nishank meets gang-rape victim’s family

Dehradun, March 25
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Haridwar constituency Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank met the family members of Ferupur gang-rape victim and urged them to end their three-day hunger strike.

The family members were staging a demonstration at the Parade ground after the state police failed to identify or nab the culprits.

The gang rape of the 13-year-old girl had taken place on January 7. The then Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had assured of a CBI probe in case the police was not able to solve the case within 15 days.

Nishank said he would join the protesters in case the justice is not delivered to them. — TNS

Nishank: Haridwar part of hill state because of BJP 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 25
BJP candidate Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank while trying to take credit of the developments in the Haridwar district, post creation of separate Uttarakhand, has claimed that Haridwar got inducted into the hill state owing to efforts of BJP only.

Nishank, who was active during 1999 and 2000, in Haridwar to support inclusion of Haridwar and Roorkee in Uttarakhand, said it was only due to the efforts of the BJP that both hill state and Haridwar got separate identity.

Addressing party workers in the city, the former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister said here today that after Haridwar got included in Uttarakhand, the district had fast 
been on the path of development, with Industrial Estate making it an industrial hub apart from maintaining the pilgrim city status.

Citing his connection with Haridwar, Nishank said apart from learning Sanskrit, he had been associated with the local party leaders, politicians, grassroot workers and public both politically and socially. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister also shed light on special attention given to Haridwar district, during his tenure and the successful completion of Maha Kumbh 2010.

Terming Maha Kumbh as one of the world’s biggest human conglomeration, Nishank said whole world appreciated the management of the mega fair in which more than 6 crore people arrived in the city, with 1.63 crore pilgrims and tourists arriving in just a single day on 
April 13-14 (2010) on the occasion of royal bathe (‘Shaha Snaan’).

Meanwhile, Nishank has also started regrouping senior party leaders, who off late remain alienated from active politics for some reason or the other. In this context he met former Municipal chairperson Raj Kumar Arora at his residence, appreciating their works for the party and also sought support for his campaign.

Former Minister Ram Moorti Veer and former district president OP Jamdagni have also actively been involved in the campaign of Nishank,which is proving vital as voices of dissent over ticket allocation have now almost silenced.

Separate statehood agitator Trilok Chand Bhatt pointed out that Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, had played pivotal role in generating mass appeal and consent among people of Haridwar, during creation of separate Uttarakhand.

Bhatt, who had written a book on Uttarakhand movement in Haridwar, said surely Nishank will get benefit of his vision as now Haridwar has industries, health facilities, four-lane highways, bridges, Municipal Corporation tag both for Haridwar and Roorkee, Cabinet representatives and all the benefits.

No hope for faction-ridden UKD
Members fight among themselves and struggle for dominance continues 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
While battlelines have been drawn for key Lok Sabha contests in Uttarakhand, the regional party, Uttarkhand Kranti Dal, seems to be in contest within its own self and struggle for dominance continues among its top rank and file.

It is all out war in Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, a regional party that once hoped to encash on the aspirations of people of Uttarakhand and stand as a formidable regional force in the region. While already in two factions, UKD (Pawar) and UKD (Airy), even feuds between these factions have become part of the day today.

UKD (Panwar) recently saw its officiating president AP Juyal getting expelled by the head of this very faction, Trivendra Panwar itself. On the other hand, Juyal in retaliation also expelled Trivendra Pawar alleging that he is no more the president and the entire state executive is with him. But the bad blood between the two parties has further tarnished the reputation of UKD.

Interestingly, UKD today has a lone MLA Pritam Singh Panwar, who represents Uttarakashi district in the Cabinet. Presently, Panwar is part of Progressive Democratic Alliance that includes BSP MLAs and Independents and is supporting the Congress government in the state. Panwar so far has kept distance from UKD despite being a member of the party and has even avoided party meetings.

Even in the past during the time of earlier BJP state government, two UKD MLAs Diwakar Bhatt and Om Gopal, who got elected on UKD ticket later switched their loyalty to BJP and became part of state BJP government. They even denied being part of UKD at the latter stage, the party on whose platform they were elected as MLAs in 2007 Assembly elections. Both fought 2012 Assembly elections on a BJP symbol and lost. Political analysts admit that UKD has failed as a political party. The support the party enjoyed during state agitation movement is no more. They say that the division in UKD due to individual ambitions has hurt the party the most. UKD has failed and in the coming Lok Sabha polls, its performance will turn from bad to worse. Even new entrant to the Uttarakhand political arena, Aam Admi Party is expected to perform better than UKD in the coming parliamentary elections.

There have been scant efforts to unite the two factions that are splitting 
further. If the trend continues, UKD could be a thing of the past and by next the Assembly could be completely decimated. 

What political analysts say

n They admit that UKD has failed as a political party. The support the party enjoyed during state agitation movement is no more. They say that the division in UKD due to individual ambitions has hurt the party the most. UKD has failed and in the coming Lok Sabha polls, its performance will turn from bad to worse across the state

Cong man Brahamchari hopeful of party ticket from Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Braham Swarup Brahamchari

Haridwar, March 25
Saint-turned-politician and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) treasurer Braham Swarup Brahamchari is also in the fray for the party ticket from Haridwar constituency.

Though, Brahamchari has refrained from commenting on ticket allocation issue,insiders close to the saint said that if Chief Minister Harish Rawat does not press for his family member for the party ticket,then Congress has only one candidate left in Brahamchari to give a tough fight to BJP candidate Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

Pro-Braham Swarup supporters are also trying to give momentum to his candidature,with a meeting held in this regard here today at Bhoopatwala. Pradesh Congress Committee secretary Rakit Valia in a statement said that as Harish Rawat is also sitting parliamentarian from Haridwar Lok Sabha,the party needs to have a strong candidate to ensure victory of the party in this election too.

Valia said that if party high command decides to opt for any other candidate from Harish Rawat family, then Braham Swarup is the best candidate to ensure the party's victory against BJP heavyweight.

On this PCC spokesperson Dhirendra Pratap said that Brahamchari has been vice president of PCC earlier and holds tremendous respect among local people of Haridwar;so he is very much in the race as any other aspirant.

Braham Swarup Brahamchari just said that he has been a loyal ,disciplined party worker and had last time also took back his claim ,when party high command had opted for Harish Rawat as party candidate.

“Our aim is to just ensure victory of Congress from Haridwar segment again irrespective of who is the official candidate. It was way back in 1989 that Congress had won this seat ,so after a gap of two decades we had wrested this seat from BJP,so we dont want to lose it again,” said Brahamchari.

Congress women told to prepare for Lok Sabha polls
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
In a meeting called by the Uttarakhand Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee Observer, Parmeet Brar, action plans were drawn for campaigning in the forthcoming general elections.

Sunita Prakash, spokesperson of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee, said the tips were given to the Congress women workers regarding the strategy to be adopted in the forthcoming elections.

Instructing the state mahila Congress president, Sarojini Kaintyura, to start conducting tours in the remotest areas of the state, Brar said: “During the tours the party workers should prepare the ground for the Congress candidates contesting from various Lok Sabha constituencies. The workers should form small groups and reach every household to popularise the developments brought by the UPA Government in the last 10 years including the RTI Act, one rank one pension and food security bill.”

Kamlesh Raman, Sunita Prakash, Najma Khan, Meena Rawat, Kanta Garg, Payal Behl, Mamta Gurung, Asha Sharma, Vimla Manhas and Sunita Saini attended the meeting.

Cong set to repeat 2009 performance
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 25
Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson and former Cabinet minister Dhirendra Pratap said today that his party would repeat the 2009 performance in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Dhirendra Pratap, who was in the city today, said the exit of Satpal Maharaj from the Congress to join the BJP would not affect the poll results much. He said there were many other senior leaders in the party who could give a tough fight to BJP candidate from Pauri BC Khanduri.

Dhirendra Pratap, who has also sought the party ticket from Pauri Garhwal, said the party high command decision would be final.

He said the Congress-led state government under former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna as well as present Chief Minister Harish Rawat had carried out mass development works in the state, which would help the party win the elections.

Takng a dig at the BJP, he alleged the party's election campaign was focused on only Narendra Modi, which was a clear indication of a tyrant governance.

Earlier in the morning, Dhirendra Pratap, along with other party leaders, performed religious rituals at the Ganga. He also met party workers and statehood agitators.

DM instructs officials to gear up for elections

Dehradun, March 25
Instructing the district officials to gear up for the forthcoming general elections, District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam, asked for the ‘pasting of oath’ on the walls outside the buildings that have been selected as the voting booths for the elections.

In a meeting held here yesterday, the District Magistrate said following the orders of the Election Commission, the government schools, government aided schools and government buildings will take oath on the polling day.

“The school and the department authorities should ensure that the rooms which have been short-listed for casting the votes should be made ready in time. The white wash of the rooms should be conducted in time and the oath should be pasted in a legible handwriting,” he added. — TNS

Top two parties sure of victory
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 25
The local units of both the Congress and the BJP have started gearing up for the forthcoming electoral battle.

Whereas, the BJP leader, Teerath Singh Rawat, inaugurated the party election office at Almora, today, the Congress workers have started a “padyatra” from Someshwar assembly constituency, today.“The Padyatra, which begins today from the interior part of the assembly constituency, will continue till March 30 and culminate at Someshwar market in the form of a rally and big public meeting, which will also be attended by Congress state chief Yashpal Arya and Almora MP Pradeep Tamta,” said Rajendra Barkoti, president of the Congress party unit of Almora.

The Aaam Aadmi Party has also started taking stock of people’s mood in the region as its candidate Harish Chandra Arya also held road show at Almora and Bageshwar district headquarters and Berinag town of the Pithoragarh in the last two days.

The BJP state president Teerath Singh Rawat, while inaugurating Almora election office of party candidate Ajay Tamta, said Congress is badly demoralised in the state as recent political events indicate. “This is an appropriate time when the BJP workers should reach to the voters with the appeal of making Narendra Modi as the next prime minister of the country,” said the BJP state president.

The BJP spokesperson Suresh Joshi, said with the coming of Satpal Maharaj into party fold, the Congress party has been fully shattered in the state.

CPI (ML) threatens to violate provision of Section 144
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 25
The local unit of CPI (ML) in Dharchula sub division of Pithoragarh district threatened to take out procession in the area to violate the provision of Section 144, if the district administration failed to open all the upper valley routes of Darma and Byans valleys in the next 10 days.

“Our party has decided to violate the provisions if the routes to the Himalayan valleys of Darma and Byans are not opened in the next 10 days as the returning schedule of the tribal villagers to their respective villages,” said Jagat Singh Martolia, CPI (ML) district secretary in Pithoragarh district.

Ex-servicemen’s cell of Congress seeks ticket for Negi

Dehradun, March 25
The ex-servicemen cell of the state Congress has written a letter to party President Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister Harish Rawat demanding the party ticket for Lt-Gen Gambhir Singh Negi (retd) from the Pauri Garhwal seat.

Capt Balbir Singh (retd), president of the cell, said after the exit of Satpal Maharaj, General Negi was the most appropriate candidate to give a fight to BC Khanduri. He said the Pauri Garhwal seat had the maximum number of ex-servicemen and General Negi would prove to be a formidable candidate for the Congress. — TNS

Demand to implement 73rd, 74th amendments gains momentum
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 25
The demand to implement 73rd and 74th amendments in order to strengthen the Panchayati Raj and local self government in urban areas is gaining momentum in Mussoorie.

The public representatives at panchayat and urban local bodies’ level emphasised the need to strengthen the Panchayati Raj and local self government system to ensure full empowerment and devolution of powers with accountability as elsewhere in the country by implementing the 73rd and 74th amendments made in the constitution in the state.

Mussoorie Municipal Council president and senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh Mall speaking on the matter to The Tribune said that the 73rd and 74th amendments were the vision of the late Rajiv Gandhi, who brought power at the doorsteps of the people and the same should be implemented in the state like other parts of the country.

He further said that the public representatives at the local bodies and panchayat level are in direct contact with the people and are under pressure to deliver on frequent basis.

However, the public representatives at the local body’s level have no say as most departments related to public dealing such as electricity, water etc are out of the purview of local councils and panchayats due to non-implementation of the 73rd and 74th amendments in the state, making it difficult for them to run their affairs at the local self government level, said Mall.

“The state government is required by law to respect the powers of gram sabhas and local bodies under the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution and the FRA, 2006, but nothing has been done so far,” said Manmohan Singh Mall.

Anuj Gupta, another ward member of Municipal Council of Mussoorie, said that the dream of Rajiv Gandhi to fully empower people at the grassroots in villages and urban areas would be fulfilled only when the 73rd and 74th amendment is introduced effectively.

When contacted the BJP Mayor of Nagar Nigam, Dehradun, Vinod Chamoli, said that the state government had no intention to implement the 73rd and 74th amendments in the state. Therefore the mandate given by the Constitution, not in force in Uttarakhand, lies elsewhere in the country.

He further said that the main benefit of implementing the 73rd and 74th amendments will be that it will empowers the local bodies and increases their income sources with the departments such as Jal Santhan,hydropower stations to sanction maps for building construction but the government instead was more interested in centralising such powers against the spirit of the Constitution.

When contacted the convener of Uttarakhand Andolankari Manch Jaiprakash Uttarakhandi, being critical of both Congress and BJP, said that both these national parties were never in favour of implementing 73rd and 74th amendments in the state and had paid only lip service due to their own vested interests. Thus, delaying the process to empower people.

He further said that both Congress and BJP were of centralised mindset with all powers vested in Central command such as Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

Uttarakhandi elaborating further said the empowerment of local bodies would become a problem for these two parties who are busy in selling of the Jal, Jungle, Zameen(Water,land and forest) of the state. Therefore the BJP and Congress had shown no inclination in implementing 73rd and 74th amendment in the state.

Many local level representatives are of the view that till the time new forces, either regional or at national level do not come to power in the state, the condition would remain the same at urban local bodies' level.

WB will support rehabilitation work in state: Onno Ruhul
Tribune News service

Dehradun, March 25
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar met the country director of the World Bank (WB), Onno Ruhul, at the Secretariat here today.

During the meeting, Subhash Kumar expressed satisfaction over the rehabilitation work in the state and gave a suggestion to prepare a concrete plan to overcome the disaster.

Kumar said the disaster management unit was being strengthened in the state and the state unit of the National Disaster Management Authority, named the State Disaster Management Authority was being constituted in the state.

A total of 300 people had been appointed and were being trained. Along with this, modern equipments were being arranged to manage the disaster relief.

“Work is on in the direction of early warning system. The work of river security and road construction is being done on scientific lines. Assistance is being taken from the GSI and the Indian Road Congress among other scientific agencies,” he added.

Ruhul said the World Bank will support all the rehabilitation work in the state. He gave suggestions to develop the disaster management model on the lines of Orrisa's model.

He said international experts for weather and construction work will visit Uttarakhand.

He also gave assurance that the International Rotary Club will repair the damaged school buildings in Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag. The World Bank will also provide assistance wherever required.

Aditional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma, In charge Secretary Amit Negi, Additional Secretary Shailesh Bagoli and officials of the World Bank were present in the meeting.

Illegal slums removed from govt land
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Amid protests and a mild lathicharge by the police, a team of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) removed illegal slums from the Rajpur road here today.

The illegal slums had come up on government land behind the Sai temple on the Rajpur road.

The anti-encroachment team of the DMC had to face the wrath of the area residents who alleged the drive was being conducted in connivance with land mafia.

The protesters also sustained injuries in the lathicharge.

Property dealer goes missing
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Amidst increasing incidents of gang wars among property agents, a complaint regarding a missing property dealer has been registered with the Dalanwala police.

According to police sources, Ved Prakash Sharma, a resident of Shastradhara road, who works as a property dealer, left his house a few days back and never returned. His family members allege that someone could have abducted him. They also said a few days ago Ved Prakash had done an agreement for the sale of land.

However, police sources held that the property dealer was under a heavy financial burden and thus could have gone into hiding. “Our investigation has revealed that Ved Prakash had to pay a debt of Rs 5.5 crore and could have gone into hiding,” said Chandan Singh Bisht, in charge of Thana Dalanwala police station.

Bisht apprised that Ved Prakash had even left his mobile at home. Police are investigating the matter. 

Police solve Anil Nagar murder case
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Dehradun police have solved Anil Nagar murder case and arrested Gautam and Jaiveer, allegedly responsible for the murder.

Addressing a press conference in Dehradun today, SSP Ajay Rautela said some unidentified miscreants murdered Anil Nagar alias Titu at Nalapani Chowk in Raipur, Dehradun, on January 31.

On investigation, it was revealed that the murder of Anil Nagar was part of a gang-war between the construction material mafia.

Sundar Bhaati gang murdered Anil Nagar in order to take revenge from Anil Dujana gang. Anil Nagar's murder was part of a series of killing and rivalry between Sundar Bhaati and Anil Dujana gangs.

Both the gangs deal in selling bricks and iron rods. The shooters, who came to Dehradun to kill Anil Nagar were given a tip off by his divorced wife, who knew about Nagar’s whereabouts in Dehradun.

The Dehradun police yesterday apprehended Gautam, one of the sharp shooters involved in the murder along with Jaiveer, who provided accommodation to Gautam at his Vasant Vihar residence.

Gautam belongs to Bagpath district of western Uttar Pradesh. Another shooter Rahul, who assisted Gautam in the killing, was killed early this month.

Students told to take part in extra-curricular activities
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 25
It is not only students who need to hone their skills on regular basis. It is imperative for teachers to enhance their knowledge.

Apart from academic studies, students should take part in extra-curricular activities like NSS and Scouts and Guides wing.

This was stated by Dr Richa Saini, programme officer, NSS, here today at Indra Basti,Jagjeetpur, during a national service scheme camp of Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalya.

Dr Richa said that national service scheme was a major scheme that had brought students closer to social and co-curricular activities, lending them experience, skill and confidence that have enhanced their overall development.

4-year-old drowned in water tank
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
A four-year-old child drowned in a water tank in a house at Gen Mahadev Singh Road in Dehradun today.

The incident happened in the afternoon when the child fell into an uncovered water tank. The police have sent the body for a postmortem.

In another incident, the Nehru Colony police recovered a body from Race course locality of Dehradun here today.

The deceased was identified as Om Prakash (55), son of Ram Gairola, a resident of Pipalkoti Chamoli. Om Prakash was staying at his relative’s house in EC road for the last few days.

He left the house on Monday evening for a walk and did not return home. His body was subsequently recovered from Race course today morning.

Retd MC staff await pension
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 25
Trade union leaders have alleged that the Municipal Council has failed to release the pension and gratuity funds since 2006 forcing the retired employees to fend for their families in immense difficulty in Mussoorie.

State general secretary of Nagar Nikay Karamchari Mahasangh Mahavir Singh Rana told mediapersons that the MC had failed to disburse the pensions and gratuity funds of the retired employees amounting to around Rs 3.75 crore since the rates were revised 
in 2006 as yet.

Rana alleged the nonchalant attitude of some officials was evident from the fact that they have not deposited the PF amount collected from employees in the bank.

He demanded immediate release of the outstanding amount to the retired employees and if the money is not released soon, then his organisation would be forced to take to the street.

When contacted the MC senior accountant Girdhar said that due to budget constraints there was a problem in disbursing the pension and gratuity amount but the problems will be resolved within a week.

Students prepare robot for rescue operations
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Graphic Era University, Dehradun, students have prepared a robot that can be very useful in conduct of rescue operations in cases of natural disaster.

Second year engineering students of Graphic Era University, Dehradun, Gurmohit Singh Grover and Sagar Rawat have prepared a robot that can work in adverse conditions in case of natural disaster and rescue operation.

Remote controlled robot can go to the specific places through sensors and can pull out the victims to safe places. They said often human fail to reach places affected by disaster due to destruction.

The Graphic Era University also got the award in the recently held annual function at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee for this very robot. While Gurmohit is studying computer science, Sagar Rawat is a student of electrical and electronic engineering.

Leopard fear haunts Kaulgarh area of Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 25
Leopard fear continues to grip Kaulgarh area of Dehradun after some residents complaining of leopard movement in the area a day back.

Kaulagarh area that falls in the outskirts of Dehradun city has been infested with leopards for quite some years now. The region has thick foliage with large number of trees. The forest area inside the Forest Research Institute has been in the thick of leopard movement.

Dehradun forest division authorities had some time back even installed cages in the region but failed to nab any leopard. FRI from time to time has been issuing necessary directions to the employees residing in the institute campus to be on caution and not to venture out late in the night or early morning hours as they can come under attack of leopard.

A resident of FRI, Virendra, admitted that they have to take extra caution, particularly about small children who can be vulnerable to leopard attacks.

The incidents of leopard venturing out in human incidents have increased in recent times in Dehradun. While forest cover has significantly reduced due to diversion of forest land for non forestry purposes, leopard entering human habitations has increased tremendously. This has also resulted in casualties in both the sides.

VC : Media must change its ‘profit-oriented vision’
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 25
Considering the status of the fourth pillar of democracy being given to journalism, in the current scenario the torch bearer of democracy needs to go in for a self introspection.

It is more so due to due to shifting of journalistic ideals from social-patriotic causes, to marketing-profit-oriented vision ,which is causing great damage to this profession.

This was stated by Uttarakhand Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Mahavir Aggarwal here today at a tribute-cum-discussion forum on the death anniversary of ace journalist and freedom fighter Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi at Press Club of Haridwar.

Aggarwal said the need of the hour was to have a neutral approach from media, particularly with many a journalist moving towards politics , while many getting involved in unethical practices.

Vice Chancellor Mahavir Aggarwal stressed the need of taking positive issues instead of magnifying sensational, crime and sex-oriented topics taken up by media.

Lamenting the drift in approach of journalism towards profit making, veteran journalist PS Chauhan said that journalism is losing its sheen and people's faith as well.

Chauhan urged younger journalists to follow in the footsteps of honest journalists like Vidyarthi, Mahkhan Lal Chaturvedi and also Mahatma Gandhi, who stressed on disseminating the message of freedom.

Eye hospital team fails to attend camp at Nainbagh
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 25
The poor villagers from more than a dozen villages around Nainbagh tehsil had to suffer due to the apathy shown by a team of doctors from the district hospital, as they failed to reach the one-day eye camp pre-arranged at Nainbagh today.

The administration had announced that a one-day free eye camp would be conducted for the poor villagers in and around Nainbagh tehsil in district Tehri.

The villagers adhering to the call reached the camp spot for checkup but were shocked to find the doctors who were supposed to treat them were not available here. The two lab technicians who had reached the spot from CHC, Thatyur, began the registration exercise but the doctors were not to be seen anywhere, leaving the hapless participants in the lurch.

The villagers, Kunwar Singh, Bori Devi, Kripal Singh, Siyaram, Sultan Singh were of the view that they had to walk several kilometres from their village to Nainbagh in the hope of treatment but due to the callous attitude of the medical staff that did not make it to camp had to go back without any treatment.

The agitated villagers created a ruckus as the medical team did not make it to the camp till late evening and cursed the department for such lackadaisical approach in the matter and were pacified only after the intervention of local public representatives.

The team did not arrive till the filing of the report.

When contacted the Chief Medical Officer, Tehri, informed that the team started late from the district hospital at Tehri and all the efforts to contact them were being made by him but there was no response coming forth. He further said that as soon as a contact is made with the medical team he would direct them to conduct a checkup on those who were registered today on Wednesday without any delay.

However, many agitated villagers vowed never to attend such camps again.