Narendra Modi to address poll rally in Herbertpur today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
With only a few days left for the May 7 elections and banking heavily on Modi wave to win all five parliamentary seats in Uttarakhand, the state BJP has planned a series of meetings of its star campaigners in the coming few days.

Leading the charge tomorrow, the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will address an election rally in Herbertpur (Vikas Nagar) tomorrow to prop up the BJP’s Mala Raja Lakshmi Shah, who is the party’s candidate from Tehri.

“Our leader Narendra Modi is much in demand and after his rally in December in Dehradun, it will be his second rally tomorrow in Dehradun district,” said Umesh Agarwal, BJP spokesperson.

On April 30 former national president of BJP will address an election rally in Haridwar. “Now that the elections are over in Maharashtra, Nitin Gadkari too will be addressing a rally here. We have also planned press conferences of senior BJP leaders Ravi Shankar and Ananth Kumar.We are also planning to at least hold one election rally of Hema Malini on May 5,” said Agarwal

Further, Narendra Modi would also be addressing election rallies in Srinagar, Almora, Roorkee and Rudrapur on May 3.

On May 2 stalwart from the BJP LK Advani will storm the state with his rallies to be held in Pithoragarh and Ghansali (Pauri). These rallies are expected to shore up the prospects of the BJP candidates Ajay Tamta and BC Khanduri.

In view of the popularity of the BJP senior leader Sushma Swaraj who was also a Rajya Sabha member from Uttarakhand, and depending on her availability, she is also expected to address rallies at Uttarkashi and Haldwani on April 30.

Taking under consideration the presence of a large number of ex-servicemen in the state, former Army chief and BJP leader VK Singh will also address rallies on May 2 and May 3. On May 2, he will address rallies in Ghansali and Pithoragarh and on May 3 in Pauri and Haridwar.

Meanwhile, District Election Officer-cum-District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam today reviewed security and administrative arrangements for BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally at Herbertpur tomorrow.

During the meeting, Purushottam directed the officials to make all efforts for the smooth conduct of the rally. The DEO directed Additional Commissioner, Excise, Ravneet Cheema and Additional Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Banshidhar Tewari to be present on the main stage during the rally. Gujarat policemen have also been asked to present at the rally spot.

The SDM, Vikasnagar, would be accompanying Modi from the helipad till the rally venue.

Security beefed up in and around Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
Security has been beefed up in and around Dehradun for BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's election rally at Herbertpur on Tuesday.

National Security Guards (NSG) special task force personnel from Gujarat and over 600 Uttarakhand policemen will turn the rally ground in Herbertpur into a fortress before the rally takes place on Tuesday. The police force from 13 police stations of Dehradun district will be a part of the overall security arrangements.

''Three SPs, 6 Additional Superintendent of Police, 4 DSPs and almost 600 constables from reserve force apart from Gujarat police and NSG would be deployed for the security of the rally,'' said one senior police officer.

A team of top cops from Gujarat is already camping in Dehradun to coordinate with local police to ensure that the rally takes place without any hitch. The Tribune has learnt that one DIG, one DSP, one inspector and 10 constables from Gujarat have reached Dehradun two days back to take stock of the last minute preparations.

Notably, the inner security ring of Narendra Modi will be taken care by Gujarat special task force commandos and NSG commandos. Quick response team (QRT) and brief force will be deployed in the stretch between the helipad and rally ground to make sure that the leader reaches the venue without any hindrance.

Metal detectors were installed at the entrance gates, parking slots have been earmarked several kilometres away from the rally venue. 

For NaMo’s safety

NSG’s special task force personnel from Gujarat and over 600 Uttarakhand policemen will turn the rally ground in Herbertpur into a fortress before the rally takes place on Tuesday. The police force from 13 police stations of Dehradun district will be a part of the overall security arrangements. 

Shilpi Arora predicts record win for Cong
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
Launching a scathing attack on BJP, Uttarakhand Congress committee spokesman Shilpi Arora said the party’s candidates would have a record win for all the five seats in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

She said the series of election rallies will start from Tuesday across the state and Rahul Gandhi will address three public rallies in Gauchar (Pauri), Kashipur (Nainital) and Almora.

Addressing the mediapersons here today, Arora said the Congress-led state government had introduced various beneficiary schemes for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society.

“The role played by the state government during the natural disaster was commendable, thus helped in saving lives of thousands of pilgrims, who were stuck along the Char Dham Yatra route,” she added. She said various beneficiary schemes would be launched for the welfare of Dalits, women, unemployed youths, if the Congress-led UPA was again voted to power.

She said all the three former BJP Chief Ministers including, BS Koshiyari, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Maj Gen BC Khanduri (Retd), who were contesting elections from Nainital, Haridwar and Garhwal parliamentary constituencies respectively, were using the name of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi instead of telling the voters about their achievements during their respective tenure.

She also expressed anger for Yoga Guru Ramdev for his remarks against AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi. 

BJP's Tamta highlights corruption issue during poll campaign
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, April 28
It is early morning and BJP workers in two vehicles are ready as Almora BJP candidate Ajay Tamta sets out for his day's schedule to campaign in Jakh Puran and Vadda localities of Pithoragarh Assembly segment, where he will visit 13 villages and three minor townships during the day. ''We are meeting over 2500 to 3000 people, spread in 15 to 20 villages or hamlets, every day of our campaign since we started campaigning a month ago,'' said a confident Ajay Tamta who heads towards his vehicle to begin the campaign.

''We prepare the schedule a day before to campaign in a particular area with the help of local party workers and senior leaders,'' said Tamta who heads straight to Arkini village where the local workers are waiting for him. During his village to village campaign in Arkini area the BJP candidate reached Badari, Kuseri, Vadda, Kashni, Nainisaini, Ormatha, Jajer Deval, Dhaura and finally heads towards district headquarters for lunch. ''Most of the time we have our lunch in the vehicles as there is no time to waste,'' said Tamta, the BJP candidate from Almora parliamentary constituency, from where he is contesting second after losing to Congress in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

Ajay Tamta during his address to voters highlights ''corruption'' both at the Central as well as state levels, high inflation of essential goods and promises that good days are ahead with Narendra Modi likely to provide good governance as the next prime minister. He is banking on the ''Modi wave'' to sail through this time.

Some youth surround him at Badari village and complain of absence of the Congress MP in the last five years. ''We had problems of non-availability of foodgrains at fair price shops in the last five years but the sitting MP did not reach us. We are voting BJP this time and hope Ajay Tamta will win and take up our problems,'' said Anand Singh Saun, a village youth. ''When I contested the last election, there were less roads in the constituency and our team had to visit distant villages on foot but this time road connectivity is better,'' said Ajay Tamta.

The caravan of vehicles which this time includes state general secretary Prakash Pant and party spokesman Suresh Joshi, reached a Dalit village of Puran after lunch as some local BJP workers welcome them .The BJP candidate talks to the Dalit community of the village. ''I have applied for old age pension since long but I could not get that till today,'' said Padima Devi, a Dalit woman from the village, who was promised by the BJP candidate that she would get her pension after the election. ''As this is geographically one of the biggest constituencies of the state, we will be satisfied if we could reach every voter at least once during the campaign,'' said Ajay Tamta.

Nautiyal joins BJP
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A day after quitting the Congress, vice-president of the state unit of the party Ram Sharan Nautiyal joined the BJP today.

He accused former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna of destroying the Congress and trying to run the government through a few officials close to him. Welcoming Nautiyal into the party fold, state BJP unit chief Teerath Singh Rawat said the Congress was badly demoralised and more leaders would desert the party to join the BJP. 

AAP gets public support at Jwalapur
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 28
Aam Aadmi Party candidate Kanchan Bhattacharya carried out a roadshow at suburban Jwalapur, here today.

Bhattacharya’s roadshow got a good response from the public as many people welcomed her along the way and apprised her of their problems.

Many traders also wore AAP caps, while party volunteers distributed pamphlets describing Kanchan’s manifesto for Haridwar parliamentary constituency.

She also met people personally, interacting with women, traders, minoirty communities, senior citizens and youths and urged voters to opt for a candidate that was closer to them, knew their problems and was honest.

“Simply voting for parties won’t change the system. Choose your candidate as one chooses a career or a life partner. Pros and cons should be evaluated, before pressing the EVM button on polling day,” said Bhattacharya.

Rahul, NaMo to slug it out today
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
With less than 10 days left for the parliamentary elections in the state, dozens of public rallies will be held as political stalwarts and cine-stars supporting the BJP and Congress are likely to visit state in order to lure voters for their respective party’s.

Rahul Gandhi, AICC vice-president, and BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will address public rallies in the state on April 29.

Rahul Gandhi will address a public rally at Gauchar (Pauri), Almora and Kashipur (Nainital), whereas Narendra Modi will address a single public rally at Vikas Nagar in Dehradun district for Tehri parliamentary constituency candidate Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah.

Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad, BS Hooda, former union minister Ambika Soni and Uttarakhand Congress Affairs in charge Rajeev Shukla are among the few political heavyweights who will address election rallies in the state in the coming week. Cinestars Nagma, Ravi Kishan, Raj Babbar and Amisha Patel, are also expected to address public rallies in favour of Congress candidates.

BJP leaders said Modi will again Uttarakhand once again to hold a public rally in Srinagar, Roorkee, Nainital and Almora, in the first week of May. Among other prominent BJP leaders who will address public rallies are BJP national president Rajnath Singh, LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Murli Manohar Joshi, Nitin Gadkari, Dr Raman Singh, Ravi Shankar, cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, Smriti Irani and former Chief of Army Staff Gen VK Singh.

After confirming that senior political leaders and cinestars were coming to Uttarakhand for election rallies, Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Surendra Kumar said all dates were tentative and leaders would hold two to three public rallies across the state.

After claiming that Congress-led state government would comfortably win all five parliamentary seats in Uttarakhand, Kumar said the CBI probe against NRHM scam during BJP regime in Uttarakhand would surely dent the image of Haridwar Parliamentary BJP candidate Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and other BJP candidates.

Kumar claimed that BJP Garhwal candidate and former Chief Minister BC Khanduri had also said that Nishank was the most corrupt Chief Minister of the state.

Behad: Congress will win all 5 seats
Says wave in favour of Congress, not BJP’s Narendra Modi
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 28
Former Health Minister and currently chairman of Seeds Certification Agency, Uttarakhand, Tilak Raj Behad today campaigned for Congress candidate Renuka Rawat here today in Haridwar parliamentary constituency.

Addressing an election meeting,Tilak Raj Behad refuted any presence of Modi wave in the hill state.Instead,he said that its Congress wave ,which will ensure a repeat of the party’s 5-0 clean sweep in all five Lok Sabha seats in the state, as was witnessed in 2009.

Citing his clean ,work-oriented tenure as state Health Minister from 2002-07,Behad said that many medical colleges were set up, a health mission programme was launched and specialist doctors were recruited during his tenure at district hospitals, and now current minister Surendra Singh Negi was taking forward his good work.

He alleged that Haridwar BJP candidate Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was involved in Mahakumbh fund scam, Sterdia scam and hydropower project allocation scam. He was favouring real estate builders to procure land in Uttarakhand, he alleged.

“Nishank will lose this election as the public knows his scam-tainted two and half years tenure as CM. He misused state exchequer to provide gains to his close aides, corporate houses and also misused Kumbh fund that was provided by UPA government for Mahakumbh fair,” said Behad.

Appreciating the fast paced development oriented working of Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the four times MLA from Rudrapur said that Rawat’s just 30 days work surpassed the total five year work done by BJP government under two CM (BC Khanduri RP Nishank).

On the upcoming Char Dham pilgrimage scheduled to commence from May 2 onwards, Behad said that the government was quite serious about preparations for Char Dham pilgrimage.

He said that construction of roads and providing of basic infrastructure facilities like water, food, power, tele communication and other services were going on in full swing,with Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Chief Secretary Subash Kumar personally keeping a tab on the pilgrimage.

Behad also stated that former UP-Uttarakhand CM and Finance Minister of India ND Tiwari will be campaigning at Nainital and Haridwar parliamentary constituency in favour of Congress candidates.

“Tiwariji is a veteran Congress leader, who represented Nainitial, Kashipur and Haldwani a number of times in the Lower House and the state Assembly. He holds tremendous grip on voters in Almora-Nainital and Haridwar belt.

His campaigning for party candidates will surely increase the victory margin,” said Behad, who was Health Minister in ND Tiwari-led first elected government of Uttarakhand.

interview Teerath Singh Rawat
BJP’s TS Rawat confident about landslide win in state
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
Upbeat with the reports coming form all parts of the country about a decisive win for BJP, the Uttarakhand BJP chief Teerath Singh Rawat is confident about the party winning all the five parliamentary seats in the state and also expecte a suitable change in the state. Excerpts from an interview:

In case your party comes to power at the Centre and instability persists in the state, will your party stake claim to form the next government?

One cannot rule out a possible change in perception of the people once Modi takes over the reins of the country as he has promised good governance and also a separate policy for the Himalayan states. The MLAs too would not sit back and watch as the restive people would demand the same. We will not fail the people but stand by their decision, even if it means a byelection in the state.

Your party managed to catch the big fish in the form of Satpal Maharaj who left the Congress to join your party and at the same time former BJP leaders too have returned back to the party fold after a brief spell in the Congress. The party seems to be becoming a haven for turncoats. How do you view the situation?

The joining of BJP by Satpal Maharaj is quite different. He is in a different league. During his meeting with prime ministerial candidate Narindra Modi, he had expressed his displeasure at the manner in which the Congress had not implemented some of his decisions like envisaging a separate Himalayan policy for the state, one rank one pension and rail link from Rishikesh to Karanprayag. Modi concurred with his views and these also find mention in our manifesto. On the other hand, if some of the former leaders want to come back to the party and are repentant, we cannot close the doors.

Recently you had launched a tirade against the Congress government for selling government land at SIDCUL and affecting a change in the liquor policy. How far will you go on this issue?

We will demand a CBI inquiry into the incident so that the truth is out. As far as the liquor policy goes, we had even taken the matter before the Election Commission. No wonder the government was forced to retract.

Are you satisfied with the functioning of the Election Commission ?

No doubt the model code of conduct has helped in curbing the use of money and muscle power. In several constituencies the Congress is using liquor and money to woo the voters. This needs to be curbed.

Modi is clean like Ganga river, says Tarun Vijay
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 28
A day after the BJP released a video film and a booklet on Robert Vadra's alleged land scams, Rajya Sabha MP from Uttarakhand Tarun Vijay said the Gandhi family had been promoting and protecting their son-in-law.

Vijay was here today with the Kalash yatra from Varanasi to Shri Badrinath shrine, which would be taken to all five parliamentary constituencies of the state, seeking victory of all BJP candidates.The Kalash contains holy Ganga water (Alaknanda) from Shri Badrinath shrine.

When asked about similar favours being provided to the Adani group by the Gujarat government, Tarun claimed that for whom Modi would accumulate money as he had no family.

"Modi is clean like Ganga river and has unprecedented fan following being witnessed throughout India during his election rallies. All land deals and other sops provided to corporates in Gujarat have been done as per law, it's only Congress which is trying to malign the image of Narendra Modi," said Vijay.

When questioned BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad on book release on the alleged Vadra land deals, then why did not BJP Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje take action against Vadra's land deals. Tarun Vijay escaped the question, saying that the deals pertained to some laws that fall under the Central Government purview.

Tarun Vijay claimed that BJP-led NDA would get a majority in the Lok Sabha elections, as people are not voting for candidates, but for Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party candidate Anita Saini alleged a ''back door deal'' between the BJP and the Congress as despite AAP raising land deal irregularities related with Vadra in Rajasthan, no FIR or any investigation has been initiated by the Rajasthan government.

AAP spokesperson JP Baduni said Tarun Vijay had been an RSS ideologue, who switched to politics from journalism and had glorified Narendra Modi equivalent to Hindu deities.

Laghu Vyapar Association extends support to Congress

Dehradun, April 28
Sanjay Chopra, state president of Laghu Vyapar Association, Uttarakhand, extended support to Congress-led state government. He said no political party other than Congress had taken important decisions to improve the social and economical status of street vendors in the country.

Addressing the mediapersons here today, Chopra said the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was passed in parliament on February, 20, 2014.

He said it created a conducive atmosphere for street vendors to do their business with dignity and provide livelihood protection to street vendors throughout the country. — TNS

Villagers adamant on boycotting poll
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, April 28
All the efforts of the local administration to pacify the villagers from Jaunpur development region in district Tehri to take back their demand of boycotting the Lok Sabha elections till the road to their villages is not constructed failed during a meeting held at Lal Tibba in Mussoorie yesterday.

The residents from villages namely Kafulta, Kanda Jakh, Kolti, Mawana, Tunota, Nautha etc have been demanding a road to their villages from the past several decades.

Seeing no action on their demands they decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections during a meeting held recently here.

The nayab tehsildar, Dhanaulti, Jayendar Rawat, reaching out to the villagers held a meeting with them near Lal Tibba in Mussoorie and tried to convince them to take back their call for the boycott of the elections. However the adamant villagers refused to comply.

The villagers also presented a memorandum addressed to the DM stating that they would close down the water pumping stations that supply drinking water to the hill town of Mussoorie till their demands were met. Rawat, Rai Singh Aswal,Kaur Singh,Mangat Aswal,Prem Singh Panwar and others were also present on the occasion.

Nautiyal promises development of his constituency
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April, 28
Anoop Nautiyal, AAP candidate from Tehri Garhwal, released his manifesto here today.

In the manifesto, he has assured the people of taking effective steps for the overall development of the constituency if voted to power.

Nautiyal alleged both Congress and BJP leaders had failed to address the problems being faced by villagers, especially in the higher reaches.

He said information technology companies would be urged to set up call centres in the hilly areas of the state. He asked the voters to submit their feedback on the manifesto.

Addressing a gathering here today, Nautiyal said the condition of roads, potable water pipelines and the education and health system were in poor condition in the higher reaches of the state.

He said AAP was releasing different manifestos for different parliamentary constituencies as every area had its own issues.

Nautiyal said the manifesto had been drafted keeping in mind the problems being faced by villagers in the Tehri parliamentary constituency.

He promised to take quick action in improving the status of potable water system, medical and health system and tourism and creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Substantial jump in the expenses of ECI
Rs 77 crore for facilitating over 70 lakh voters
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
From the last Lok Sabha polls in 2009 to the upcoming polls in 2014, there has been a substantial jump in the expenses of the Election Commission of India, which is expected to spend around Rs 77 crore for facilitating over 70 lakh voters to to cast their votes in the May 7 Lok Sabha polls.

While the politicians splurge money for wooing voters in their favour, on the other hand Election Commission of India has to earmark funds for facilitating the whole election process. “The cost of conducting elections too has been hit by inflation. In 2009 we had spent roughly around Rs 35 on one voter in the plain areas and around Rs 45-Rs 50 on the voters in the hill areas. But now the costs have substantially increased. We would be roughly spending around Rs 70 on a single voter in the plain areas and Rs 110 on the voters residing in the hill areas,” said Radha Raturi, Chief Electoral Officer

Significantly the total expenditure for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls is expected to be in the range of Rs 77 crore in both the hill and plain areas. In the 2009 elections, it was substantially lower and was below Rs 50 crore.

Besides, a substantial chunk of the Budget is also allocated towards the voter awareness drive carried by the Election Commission of India to ensure voters exercise their franchise and also get their EPIC card made. Then the Election Commission of India also makes substantial allocation for payment of remunerations to those engaged in the conduct of elections.

According to the Election Commission, the presiding officer is paid Rs 350 per day, polling officers (1 and 2) are paid Rs 250 per day and all fourth class employees are paid around Rs 150 per day. “In addition they are also eligible for payment of DA and traveling allowances right through their election duties. These remunerations are also same for Security and Police personnel,” said Soujanya electoral officer.

On the other hand higher remunerations are earmarked for sector magistrates, election expenditure monitoring officials and others. 

Over 650 students take part in rangoli, essay competitions
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A rangoli, art and essay competitions was organised at Lucent International School here today with over 650 students participating in the competition and displaying their talent. The students created awareness on environment, water and oil through their rangoli and art paintings.

Ayush Vohra, Arnav, Apoorv and Ritu were adjudged winners in the rangoli competition while Ankur, Ambika and Ashinka won the art competition. In the essay competition, Shashi, Harsh and Anuraj remained the winners.

Chairman of the school Bhupesh Kumar gave prizes to the winners in the different categories of the competition. 

43 students felicitated for clearing French exam
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
In a felicitation ceremony held at DIT University campus today, French students were awarded DELF, an internationally recognised certification by the French Ministry of Education.

It is to be noted that to equip the students for today's global scenario, DIT University signed an MoU with the Embassy of France for teaching the language, for which due certification is provided.

According to the college management, statistics reveal that there are 800 French companies in India, employing 1,50,000 skilled people.

To avail such opportunitie, students were taught French. The DELF certificate is awarded by the French Ministry of Education and is recognised globally.

It provides students with a professional edge in today's competitive environment.

It is to be noted that 66 students took up French as a subject, 4 as credit course and 25 as optional subject after their classes. While 44 students chose to take the DELF A1 exam, 43 cleared the exam.

Language benefit

• It is to be noted that to equip the students for today's global scenario, DIT University signed an MoU with the Embassy of France for teaching the language, for which due certification is provided
• According to the college management, statistics reveal that there are 800 French companies in India, employing 1,50,000 skilled people
• The DELF certificate is awarded by the French Ministry of Education and is recognised globally. It provides students with a professional edge in today's competitive environment

Annual fest of Maya colleges begins

Dehradun, April 28
The annual fest of Maya Group of Colleges Vibgyor 2014 was inaugurated here today with the lighting of a lamp followed by Saraswati vandana.

The fest began with a robotic competition that included robot war and robot race, which was appreciated by all the students. Along with this model and paper presentations, the college students presented dance and band performances.

At the end of the day Vice-Chairman of the institution Ashish Semwal and Managing Director Tripti Juyal Semwal awarded prizes to the winners on the day one of the fest. The students of other colleges also participated in the events. — TNS

The Creepy Cuties book launched at Tula’s Institute
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A book, "The Creepy Cuties", written by 20-year-old Shamita Harsh was launched on the sidelines of the youth conclave at Tula's Institute here today.

Eminent photographer Bhumesh Bharti and educationist Anil Jaggi released the book. The author is a student of mass communication.

"You have to believe in your story and have courage to face the fears that you once avoided. Don't be afraid to share your story, believe in your dreams. You are the only one holding yourself back, not society, not your parents and certainly not your friends. Remember change makers are the only true potters who alter the course of history," says Shamita.

According to the author, "The Creepy Cuties" is the story of five friends who together face struggles and discover a new meaning of their friendship.

Session on skill gaps in pharma sector
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A brainstorming session, ‘Assessing skill gaps in pharma sector’, was organised jointly by the Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre (USERC) and Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST), here today.

Manu Kochhar, chairman, state chapter of CII, started the session. Addressing the gathering, USERC director Vijay Kumar Dhaundiyal said there was a need to train the youth of the state for working in the pharma sector. “The youth can be involved in the production and availability of medicinal herbs. Stress should also be laid on developing the skills of youth so that they are able to generate income,” he added.

In his address, Vipul Dabar, coordinator with the Uttarakhand chapter of CII, stressed on the role of youth in development of small and medium sized pharma businesses.

He also underlined the various facts associated with their requirement in the sector and training.

Those who were present in the session included Dr Manju Sundriyal, Dr Om Prakash Nautiyal, Dr Bhavtosh Sharma, Dr BP Purohit, Dr JS Aswal, Dr Kailash Bhardwaj and Dr Prashant Singh along with several others.

Workshop on modern analytical techniques

Dehradun, April 28
A workshop on the modern analytical techniques, spectroscopy and its applications, was organised at Sardar Bhagwan Singh Post Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences & Research (SBSPGI) by department of applied chemistry in association with training and placement cell here today.

Students of MSc chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences attended the workshop.They were given training in solving numerical problems based on spectral techniques.

Dr DS Rawat, professor, department of chemistry, was the keynote speaker. — TNS

Film-making competition on World Health Day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A film-making competition was organised today at Delhi Public School, Dehradun, to mark World Health Day, which is celebrated each year on April 27 globally. A number of prestigious schools from Dehradun participated in the competition.

Aditya from Gautam International won the first prize for his short film while Delhi Public School's Siksha Ranjan bagged the second prize. Anamay of The Aryan School remained in the third position in the competition.

On the sidelines of the competition, the young participants were also told about the benefits of yoga and ill-effects of smoking. The students were also made aware about how positive thinking could help in having good health.

Zero FIR lodged against Ramdev
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A zero FIR has been lodged against Ramdev in the Kotwali police station of Dehradun for his controversial remarks on Rahul Gandhi and Dalit community.

SS Bist, inspector Kotwali police station said: “An FIR has been registered under SC/ST Act on the complaint of advocate LM Dass against Ramdev for allegedly insulting the sentiments of Dalit community through his comments. We have forwarded the FIR to Lucknow, where the alleged statement was made on April 25 and now the Lucknow police will investigate.”

Notably, a zero FIR can be filed at any police station in the country even if the complainant is far off from the place where the alleged crime took place. The complaint is then forwarded to the concerned police station under whose jurisdiction the incident took place.

What is a zero FIR ?

A zero FIR can be filed at any police station in the country even if the complainant is far off from the place where the alleged crime took place. The complaint is then forwarded to the concerned police station under whose jurisdiction the incident took place

Business fraternity has high hopes from Char Dham Yatra
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, April 28
The business community of the state, which is still recovering from the losses incurred during the natural disaster last year, is pinning hopes on the Char Dham Yatra beginning from May 2.

The yatra will begin with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri portals followed by Kedarnath on May 4, Badrinath May 5 and Hemkunt Sahib on May 25. Last year. the pilgrimage was stopped midway due to the natural disaster.

The mandatory registration process for the pilgrims that had been introduced for the first time as part of safety measures had started at Rishikesh, said regional tourism officer Yogendar Singh Gangwar.

Chief acting officer of the Badri-Kedar Mandir Samiti BD Singh said the Kedarnath area was ready to welcome the pilgrims. Nearly 100 labourers, along with several engineers, had removed snow en route the shrine. Arrangements were also in place to provide the overnight stay facility to the pilgrims at a place 1.5 km from shrine, where 500 to 1,000 persons could stay at one time.

On the other hand, a sporadic spell of rain and snow in the region has left many a worried about the successful yatra season this year.

Vijendar Pundir, a resident of Rudraprayag, said the Lok Sabha elections could also hamper the Char Dham Yatra as most of the government officials and voters were busy in their constituencies till May 16.

Another resident from Gyansu, Vipin, said boulders on way to Gangotri were still posing a threat to the lives of commuters. He expressed hope that the reconstruction work was completed in time.

Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt said they also wanted the yatra season to take off. However, when the Chamoli District Magistrate was not ready to allow the movement of heavy vehicles from Lambagad to Badrinath due to poor road condition, one can imagine the preparedness of the government for the yatra.

He said the administration had failed to create any alternative route to Badrinath. With the focus of the government on the elections, the reconstruction work had suffered a lot. The charges of helicopter ferrying pilgrims for one way journey to Kedarnath were exorbitant, added Bhatt.

He said less booking in hotels showed that the confidence of the pilgrims was at a low ebb and there was need to restore their confidence prior to the start of the yatra season.

Bhatt said the BJP was only trying to point out shortcomings so that the yatra was conducted smoothly and the state did not have to face the same disgraceful situation as was witnessed last year.

Inter-state robbers' gang involved in over 30 major thefts busted
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 28
Uttarakhand police today got a major success as it busted an inter-state robbers' gang which had till date been involved in more than 30 major robberies.

More than 20 people were involved directly or indirectly with this gang. They had carried out major robberies in Uttar Pradesh,Haryana and Delhi.

Last month on March 30, they had carried out their first robbery at Haridwar's posh Khanna Nagar colony,where they decamped with more than Rs 2 lakh worth of cash and jewellery.

A special police team was formed by Senior Superintendent of Haridwar Sadanand Date to investigate this robbery case,for which help of Special Operations Group was also taken.

Via CCTV footages and intelligence information from Uttar Pradesh police, sketches released by Uttarakhand police after Khanna Nagar robbery matched with similar sketches released in robbery cases released by UP police-on basis of eye-witnesses.

A special team was sent to Meerut in UP as an investigative team got clues of some gang members recently seen there, but no success was achieved.

But yesterday on a tip-off from an informer, the police arrested four members of this gang who were going to Dehradun via Haridwar from Meerut on two motor cycles (UP 15-BE-6797 & U 15-BJ- 4969).

At NH-58 near Sitapur bypass ,the police laid a barrier and cordoned off the whole area and succeeded in nabbing gang leaders Rashid, Sadab, Naushik and Rehan, all residents of Meerut.

During intense police interrogation all four accepted their involvement in Khanna Nagar dacoity as well as in 26 other dacoities carried out in Pillkhuva, Moradabad, Majhola, Saharanpur, Murad Nagar,Janak Puri,Delhi,Gurgaon,Panipat and other cities.

Against Rashid alone two dozen odd cases in various police stations in North India are registered,while 10 members of this gang are already in prison in similar cases. Rashid said that they used to identify rich families ,who lived in posh colonies and had nuclear families, as it was easy to carry out robberies in daylight.

"We used to then carry out a recce for a few days and then arrive in an SUV with branded clothes so that no one suspects us easily.In day time men are not in homes usually, so we use to carry out the heist in the day time only. Also it is easy to 
intimidate women as there is minimum chance of physical resistance,"disclosed Rashid.

On this success, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Garhwal Range) Amit Sinha has announced Rs 5,000 cash award to the 23-member investigative team with SSP Haridwar adding to it another Rs 2,500 cash award. Additional Director General of Police ,Uttarakhand, later also anounced cash award of Rs 10,000 to the joint police and SOG team.

Issue passes before start of border trade with Tibet
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, April 28
Tribal traders have urged the authorities concerned to issue passes for the Indo-Tibetan border trade prior to its beginning on June 1.

This was stated by trade officer and Dharchula SDM Pramod Kumar while reviewing preparations for the trade here today.

Pramod Kumar said traders had requested that they be issued passes before the start of the yatra so that they could reach Tibet in time and sell the maximum of their goods."

He said they had decided to sent an assistant trade officer to the Ministry of External Affairs to avail trade passes in time.

"The trade is affected every year as passes and other facilities en route are not ready in time," said Jiwan Singh Ronkali, president of the Bahrat-Cheen Vyapar Samiti, the body of traders.

Dalits burn Ramdev’s effigy for his derogatory remarks
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 28
The controversial and derogatory remarks made by yoga guru Swami Ramdev related to the Dalit community and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, two days ago, was condemned by people from various sections of the society.

Former Women State Commission chairperson Dr Santosh Chauhan termed the remarks uncalled for and hurtful for Dalits and all those are working for the uplift of the community.

Dr Santosh Chauhan question Ramdev why on one hand he was organising yoga camps, but the main component of his yoga preaching and talks was confined to bashing Congress and tirade on Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

Dalit youths today burnt the effigy of Swami Ramdev over his remark of Rahul Gandhi going for a picnic and honeymoon at Dalit’s houses, made at Lucknow.

Dalit community representative Shyamal Dabodiya said Swami Ramdev had hurt his followers as well as the community.

He said the yoga guru was a saint but his words, views and pro-BJP speeches did not augur well for a person of his stature, who revived yoga not only in India but worldwide.

Satish Kumar, general secretary, Shri Guru Ravi Das Lila Samiti, and advocate Rupesh said just seeking an apology won’t do as Dalit’s have been often abused on a regular basis.

They demanded stern legal action against those politicians and persons who make anti-Dalit comments.

Uttarakhand Kranti Dal Progressive central secretary Uday Ram Semwal also urged the guru not to indulge in such loose talks as he was widely respected by all communities and just propagating pro-BJP and anti-Congress stance would impact his image.

Traders asked to complete all licence formalities
Tribune News service

Mussoorie, April 28
The officials of Mussoorie Traders Association appealed to its members to complete the formalities of registering their licences and their renewal to avoid inconvenience during the annual meeting held in Mussoorie today.

The president of the association Rajat Agarwal distributing the forms for the registration and renewal of the trade licences said that the Labour Commissioner had informed him during a recent meeting in Dehradun to conduct a drive so that the process is completed in order to avoid any punitive action in near future.

He also asked the traders to complete their formalities for obtaining food licences without any further delay. He also directed the traders whose income was beyond Rs 5 lakh to submit the commercial tax without any delay till 30th June.

The traders also resolved not to use plastic carry bags on the occasion.

The issue of encroachment by street vendors also figured during the meeting where it was decided that the matter would be taken up after the lok sabha elections as model code of conduct was in place right now.

The treasurer of the association Sandeep Agarwal along with other members Sandeep Sahni, MPS Khurana, Anil Goyal and others were present on the occasion.

Alert against anti-national forces

Pithoragarh, April 28
Almora police is looking for the suspects who pasted anti-national posters in the name of CPI (Maoist) on the walls of Almora and Someshwar towns during the last two days, appealing to the voters to shun parliamentary democracy as it has completely failed . The police has sounded an alert in view of the proposed visit of senior Congress and BJP leaders, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Almora in the coming days.

''We have registered a case under Sections 153-A and 153-B, besides Section 127 of Representation of People's Act against unknown persons and have taken steps with the help of intelligence agencies to nab the culprits and arrest them soon,'' said Ashoka Bhatt, SP, Almora.

According to the SP, the posters pasted in the guise of common election posters at night are handwritten and incited for civil war against the Indian state and appeals to the people to boycott parliamentary elections in the state. ''The posters also depict boycott of FDI in retail sector,'' said the SP. According to the police it has kept all options open while investigating the case as it might be a mischievous action by some anti -social persons as well as some Maoist cadres might be involved in it. ''We have detained some people for interrogation but found nothing till date,'' said the SP. — OC

Seminar on science communication
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
A seminar on science communication was organised at the Doon University here today. Dehradun Doordarshan director Dr Krishan Kumar Rattu said with the changing times, social media and television has become the biggest source of developments in the field of science and technology.

“By making effective use of these mediums we can take the world of science even in the remotest areas of the country and educate people. By using the social media and television, we can help the students in learning the basic fundamentals of science. The social media will also ensure an active participation of the youth in the world of science and technology,” added Dr Rattu.

Dr Jairam, former science editor of PTI, shared his thoughts on science. He urged the students to generate interest in the world of science.

STF arrests four drug peddlers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has arrested four drug peddlers red-handed from near Rispana bridge while supplying charas here today. STF sleuths also recovered 2 kg charas and cash Rs 1,25,000 from their possession.

According to STF, two drug smugglers, Ravi and Raju, who hail from Himachal Pradesh, used to supply charas from Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand. Two more peddlers who were arrested are Mohammad Shariq and Ankit James, who are locals, and were responsible for selling the banned substance in Dehradun and other parts of the state.

Two cars have also been seized from them during their arrest. 

Successful paediatric surgeries
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
The paediatric surgeries of children through laparoscopic technique have been started at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital. A two-year old child had one of his testes embedded inside the stomach since the birth. Paediatric surgeon of the hospital Dr. Madhukar Maletha carried out a successful laparoscopic surgery and brought out the testes. In another successful operation carried out by laparoscopic technique, Dr. Maletha cured hernia of a two-year-old child.

After successful operations, both the children have been discharged from the hospital. Dr Madhukar Maletha said that only a few selected hospitals posses this facility. 

Ace badminton player felicitated
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28
Himanshi Rawat, an ace badminton player in the under-15 girls category, who is also No 2 in the country, has been selected for the Tata Badminton Academy of Bengaluru run by a former Indian badminton player Prakash Padukone.

She was given farewell by her mates at the Multi Sports Facility Centre, Parade Ground, here on Sunday evening. A friendly badminton match was also organised to give her a farewell.

According to Deepak Rawat, coach of Himanshi, “She has extraordinary talent and that’s why she is state champion in her category. I am sure that she will touch new heights under the guidance of country’s former great badminton player Prakash Padukone.”

On the other hand, Himanshi said she was going to miss Dehradun and would love to play in the same hall whenever she would come back to Dehradun. She has won most of the titles in the under-15 girls category in the state as well as in the country. 

Ann Mary School defeat Carmen School by 39 runs

Dehradun, April 28
Ann Mary School defeated Carmen School by 39 runs in the ongoing Inter-School Cricket 19th Gardner Premier League here today. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Ann Mary School scored 39 runs with Saumya making the highest 21 runs. In reply, Carmen School was bowled out after making just 17 runs with Suchita remaining the top scorer after making 5 runs.

Naseeba Hill Academy defeated Guru Nanak Academy by 3 wickets. Guru Nanak Academy elected to bat first after winning the toss. The team scored 34 runs with Sarwanaam making 9 runs. During the chase, Naseema Hill Academy easily chased down the target with Naman making highest 10 runs. — TNS