Visually challenged student tops CBSE class XII, scores 88.6 per cent
Tribune News Service

Dehradun/haridwar, May 29
Overcoming physical disability Prakhar Srivastav, a visually challenged student of class XII of Model School, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), has topped his class by scoring 88.6 percentile in the humanities stream of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examination, the results of which were announced today.

A total of 25 students, 18 boys and five girls, had appeared for the CBSE class XII board examination in the humanities stream. While Prakhar Srivastav topped his class, Sandeep Yadav, a resident of Azamgarh, scored 88 percentile and stood second. On the other hand Mayank Pande, a resident of Kanpur, scored 87.6 percentile and stood third.

Satisfied with his performance, Prakhar said that he would now opt for bachelor of arts and then take a shot at the civil services. ''Several visually challenged students have cleared the IAS examination and I am also keen on civil services,'' said Srivastav.

Elated with the board results, the Principal of the School Kulbeer Singh said: ''Every year the school has been posting cent per cent results and this year too the results have been good. A total of 23 students have scored 70 per cent and above and 24 students have scored first divisions and one student has scored second division,'' said Singh.

The students who study at the Model School are all boarders coming from different parts of the country. They are provided free education, boarding and lodging at the school.

All the toppers would now be entitled for a scholarship of Rs 2000 per month that would prove useful as they take up further studies.

Sainik School students outshine in class XII results

The cadets of Sainik School, Ghorakhal in Nainital, have excelled in the class XII All India Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (AISSCE). The school achieved 100 per cent pass result in the class X All India School Certificate Examination (AISSE) and class XII examinations.

In class XII results, out of a total 65 cadets, 12 cadets have scored 90 per cent and above with a total of 56 distinctions in English, 26 in Mathematics, 33 in Physics, 50 in Chemistry, 27 in Biology and 11 in multi-media and web technology respectively.

Cadet Rahul Shekhar scored topped with 96.4 per cent, and Cadet Adeel Mohammed secured 94.8 per cent in the AISSCE examinations.

Principal Colonel Devesh Gaur congratulated the students and praised the teachers for their commitment and dedication.

Tushar, Garima excel in CBSE intermediate exams

Tushar Mittal of Kendriya Vidhyalaya has topped the Central Board of School Education intermediate examinations in Haridwar scoring 95.4 per cent marks. The results of the CBSE intermediate exams were declared today.

Garima Singhal of Delhi Public School scored 95.2 per cent while Krishna Mehra of Kendriya Vidhylaya secured 93 per cent marks.

Aarjab (92.02) and Shantanu (91) were other high performers from the city. DPS principal KC Pandey, Shiv Dale founder Swami Sharad Puri Maharaj and DAV School principal PC Purohit congratulated the students for their meritorious performances.

Students of Gayatri Vidyapeeth, Shantikunj, also excelled in the CBSE exams. Gayatri Vidyapeeth registered 100 per cent pass results with all 24 students of the science stream getting the first division.

Besides Shantanu (91.8%) and Arjav Sharma (90.2%) three other students also scored above 90 per cent marks. Both of them want to become engineers. Shantikunj spiritual ideologue Dr Pranav Pandya Shail Jiji and coordinator Gauri Shankar Sharma congratulated the students for their brilliant performances.

Dehradun students steal the show

After impressive performance in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class 10th board exam results, Dehradun students once again proved their mettle in the CBSE class 12th examination results, which were announced today afternoon amidst great exultation and jubilation.

Once again, students of Scholars Home performed well in the board examinations. Kashish Thakur in humanities stream topped the school after scoring 97.4 per cent followed by Tapan Pandey in science stream who fetched 97.2 per cent marks. While in the commerce stream, Prabhpreet Bajaj remained on the top after getting 93 per cent marks.

Students of The Asian School also brought laurels to the school with almost 29 students got above 90 per cent marks. In the science stream Poorvi Maheshwari topped the merit list with a total of 96 per cent marks. Agniv Sharma, Vaibhav Gosain and Somyaa Agarwal secured a combined 2nd position with a score of 95.4 per cent. While in the commerce stream, Akansha Jain with a score of 95 per cent topped the merit list. Vandita Anand scored 94.4 per cent marks and got the second spot. Sucheta Garg and Akansha Thakur scored 90.6 per cent marks each and were third in the school merit list.

The management, principal and staff of The Asian School congratulated the students for their excellent results in the examination.

Doon science institutions hoping for initiatives from Prakash Javadekar
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
With Prakash Javadekar taking over as Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent charge), scientific institutions in Dehradun await the much-needed rejuvenation from the new minister.

Dehradun is home to a number of scientific institutions that keep immense national importance and contribute greatly to science and technology research in the country. Forest Research Institute, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Wildlife Institute of India and Indian Institute of Petroleum are among the long list of scientific institutions based in Dehradun.

During the UPA government, Jairam Ramesh was the sole Union Environment and Forest Minister who took keen interest in promoting science and technology and was frequent visitor to Dehradun. He even had plans to make Dehradun headquarters of forestry research in the country and shift some of the Delhi staff. He knew the importance of Forest Research Institute and left no stone unturned in patronising research.

But after the exit of Jairam Ramesh, Dehradun scientific institutions have yet again become a neglected lot. Jayanti Natranjan, who took charge from Jairam, never showed much interest and even avoided coming to Dehradun.

Lack of adequate funds and the declining number of scientists have been a major challenge for these institutions. The scientists in hushed tones admit that lack of funds do affect researches and are a hindrance for progress of science in the country.

Scientists in these institutions have been time and again seeking increase in their numbers in the larger interests of carrying out of research activities. The strength of research staff (scientists and supporting staff) has been dwindling in the recent years.

Dr Brijmohan Sharma, who has been working for promotion of science in Uttarakhand for long, asserts that science needs to be given adequate patronising, which can only be done if a scientist is adequately honoured and encouraged and does not feel neglected in the system. He said certainly scientists keep much hope from the new environment minister.

Interestingly, adding of the climate change to Union Environment and Forest Ministry has certainly revealed the seriousness on the part of the Union government towards climate change, a burning issue in the country these days.

Scientific institutions of Dehradun are certainly now looking forward for new environment minister’s visit to the city.

 Approval given for affiliation of medical colleges with varsity
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
At the first executive council meeting of HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University (Dehradun), the council members today gave approval for affiliating two medical colleges comprising State Medical College (Haldwani) and Veer Chander Singh Garhwali Medical (Srinagar) and five nursing colleges comprising State College of Nursing, Dehradun, Narayan Swami College of Nursing Dehradun, Nancy College of Nursing Nainital, Dron College of Nursing Nainital and Pal College of Nursing, Haldwani, with the HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University.

“The matter was discussed at the academic council meeting yesterday and today it came up before the executive council and we have 
recommended for providing affiliation. The final decision would rest with the government,” said Prof MC Pant, VC of the university.

Further, a letter of consent was also given to the proposed Sridev Suman Subharti Medical College (Dehradun).

Further during the meeting, it was also proposed to include studies on disaster in the syllabi of medical, paramedical and nursing colleges so that students could compulsorily learn how to deal with the situation arising after the disaster.

“We plan to start a certificate course in conjunction with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai,” said Prof Pant.

The issue pertaining to affiliation of para medical colleges, private medical/dental colleges also came up for discussion.

It may be mentioned that some of the private medical/dental colleges comprising Sri Guru Ram Rai Medical College, Seema Dental College and Uttaranchal Dental 
College have approached the High Court in protest against the compulsory affiliation of Medical University.

Earlier Dr RP Bhatt, Director, Medical Education, said that the department of medical education had managed to set up the state medical university in the shortest possible time. “By 2015, we will be able to conduct the entrance examination for PG courses and prepare the syllabi for the postgraduate courses,” he said. 

 ZP chief posts open for general category candidates
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Under the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, the Department of Panchayati Raj has declared that the posts of president of zila panchayats of five districts comprising Champawat, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar and Dehradun would be open for the candidates belonging to the general category.

Clearing it’s position on the reservation pattern for the posts of president of zila panchayats, the elections for which would be held at a later date, the Department of Panchayati Raj decided to persist with the reservation plan announced in February this year.

Now while five posts of president of zila panchayats have been de-reserved, the post of president of Uttarkashi zila panchayat has been reserved for female OBC candidates, Tehri seat has been reserved for female candidate, Pauri for female candidate, Rudraprayag seat for female candidate, Chamoli seat for female candidates belonging to SC community, Almora seat for female candidate and Nainital seat for candidates belonging to the SC community.

Further for the June 18 panchayat election to be held for the posts of members of gram panchayats, posts of pradhans of gram panchayats, posts of members of Kshetra panchayats and members of zila panchayats in 89 blocks of 12 districts, the reservation plan has also been announced.

According to the reservation plan for members of gram panchayat, out of the 49,337 posts, 28,497 posts have been reserved for female members. As many as16,309 posts are unreserved.

Out of a total of 7657 posts of pradhans of gram panchayats, 3849 posts are reserved for female candidates. A total of 2537 posts are unreserved.

Out of the 3054 posts for members of Kshetra panchayat, 1547 posts are reserved for female candidates and a total of 1100 posts are unreserved

Out of the 389 posts for members of zila panchayat, a total of 199 posts are reserved for female candidates, while a total of 136 posts are unreserved. 

The three-tier plan

* According to the reservation plan for members of gram panchayat, out of the 49,337 posts, 28,497 posts have been reserved for female members. As many as 16,309 posts are unreserved

* Out of a total of 7,657 posts of pradhans of gram panchayats, 3,849 posts are reserved for female candidates. A total of 2,537 posts are unreserved

* Out of the 3,054 posts for members of Kshetra panchayat, 1,547 posts are reserved for female candidates and a total of 1,100 posts are unreserved

* Out of the 389 posts for members of zila panchayat, a total of 199 posts are reserved for female candidates, while a total of 136 posts are unreserved

 MAD crucial meetings on environment change
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Making A Difference (MAD) conducted two crucial meetings here today in pursuance of the group’s agenda to engage the civic authorities to bring permanent change in the environmental and social interest of the city.

A delegation comprising founder chairperson Abhijay Negi and core team members Karan, Shardul Singh Rana and Abhinav Bahuguna visited the Town Planner’s office and held a 25-minute discussion with senior officials.

“We had prepared a comprehensive document on four issues and handed over to Senior Town Planner SK Pant in the end of March. We are glad to note that his office has opined favorably on each of our suggestions and by a letter dated May 9, 2014, forwarded the same to the Directorate, Urban Development,” said one of the volunteers.

The MAD volunteers had met then chief minister Vijay Bahuguna a few months back and raised four issues, the city’s dysfunctional garbage disposal system, the need to rehabilitate Doon’s 102 slum areas, concern about the dying streams of Doon valley and the need for the city to adopt a more planned model of development. The group also held another meeting with the CEO of the Cantonment Board. The delegation raised the issue of the Tapkeshwar Temple’s highly polluted and dwindling Tamsa Nadi with the CEO. According to the group, the two sides have decided to meet again and work towards making Tapkeshwar a model temple for religious waste disposal.

  Officers given duties ahead of panchayat elections

Dehradun, May 29
Dehradun district election officer BVRC Purushottam disseminated duties to officials before the forthcoming three-tier panchayat elections in the state.

He instructed the in charge and the assistant in charge to perform their duties as per the guidelines of the Election Commission. Purushottam instructed the officials to provide information about the measures taken by them to conduct smooth and fair elections. He appointed the chief developmental officer, Alok Kumar Pandey, as sub district election officer. Whereas, the commandant of home guard, Rahul Sachan, was appointed as the assistant in charge of police force.

Ratan Singh, district information officer, National Informatics Centre, Dehradun, has been appointed as the in charge of computerisation, Rohit Chandra will assist him for the upcoming elections.

The director of the DRDA, Sanjeev Rai, has been appointed as the in charge of ballot papers and he will be assisted by executive engineer of the MDDA, Anil Tyagi. Chief election officer SP Khali has been appointed as the in charge of training. — TNS

 CM flouted poll code of conduct, must resign: Bhatt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Armed with a copy of a government order indicating that the Harish Rawat- led government had indeed made changes in the distribution of foreign liquor to allegedly benefit a business man even as the model code of conduct was in place during the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt today charged the Chief Minister Harish Rawat with lying to the people of the state and demanded his resignation.

“When we had raised the issue before the Election Commission of India, the Chief Minister had vehemently denied issuing such a order. But we have now procured the copy of the government order issued on March 25 by using the Right to Information Act where orders have been issued restricting the sale (wholesale) of foreign liquor through two centres set up at Dehradun for Garhwal division and Udham Singh Nagar for Kumaon division. These have been signed by the then Principal Secretary, Excise, and the chief minister,” said Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly.

He alleged that with an eye on election, a conspiracy was hatched to procure funds for elections, bypassing the model code of conduct. “When we had raised the matter with the Election Commission, the government had hotly denied about taking such a decision and had stated that the order could have been forged. Now we have called off their bluff by procuring the copies of the government order. The chief minister should tender an apology for lying to the people of the state,” said Bhatt.

Significantly, acting on the complaint by the BJP, when the Election Commission had demanded an explanation from the government on the issue it was told that there was no change in the policy.

But yesterday the old order was again revived so that the changes in the policy could be effective from June 1. The decision was taken a day before the responsibility of the Department of Excise passed from Principal Secretary SS Sandhu to Principal Secretary Radha Raturi.

Sources claim that Principal Secretary Radha Raturi has shown disinterest in heading the Excise Department. 

 AAP undecided on contesting byelections
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
In the wake of poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections in the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is still undecided on contesting the byelections to various Assembly segments in Uttarakhand.

According to party office-bearers, the decision would be taken at a national-level meeting in New Delhi on June 6.

Notably, Doiwala MLA Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Someshwar MLA Ajay Tamta have resigned after winning the LS polls from Haridwar and Almora, respectively.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who took over the reins of the state on February 1 this year, will also have to win an Assembly seat to become a member of the state Assembly.

Although he is yet to disclose the name of the constituency from where he will be contesting the byelections, sources say he could contest from Dharchula or Doiwala.

In the recent LS polls, AAP's Tehri candidate Anoop Nautiyal was the only party candidate who was polled more than 20,000 votes and stood third.

State convenor of AAP Harish Chandra Arya said the decsion to field candidates in the bypolls would be taken on June 6 only. He said if the party decided to contest the byelections, only candidates with a clean image would be fielded.

Swami Chaitanyapuri asks saints to refrain from politics
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, May 29
Swami Hari Chaitanyapuri today urged saints to refrain from politics. He said politics was altogether a different thing. "A section of saints are maligning the clean image of sandhus by indulging in politics. It has become an easy way for them to attain power, money and status," he said.

The spiritual guru said saints should concentrate on religious and social works. “Politics should be issue-based. Personal benefits and mudslinging should be avoided. Saint-turned-politicians should also avoid maligning the clean image of other saints," he said.

He also urged people to shun the menace of female foeticide.

Swami Chaitanyapuri said, "In India, the girl child is worshipped. However, we have failed to give them an equal and rightful recognition."

He welcomed the change of guard at the Centre and said it was the need of the hour.

"Hopefully, the new government will be able to live up to the expectations of the people of the country," said Swami Chaitanyapuri added.

 Cong: Anti-hill stance of BJP exposed
Regrets no Cabinet berth given to any state MP
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, May 29
With none of the five Members of Parliament elected from Uttarakhand getting a Cabinet berth in Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government, Congress has termed this as an eyeopener ,which has exposed the real face of the ''anti-hill stance of BJP.''

As per Congress leaders, this will work in favour of Congress in the upcoming three-tier panchayati elections in 12 districts of the state, as people had high expectations and hopes of getting an MP berth in NDA- led Union Government of BJP.

A protest march was held by Congress activists in the city,expressing their resentment over non-induction of any MP from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in Cabinet berth of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Veteran Congress city leader and chairperson of Jwalapur Mandi Samiti Sanjay Chopra termed it unfortunate that despite all five BJP MPs being sent to Parliament by people of Uttarakhand with record margin wins, ''yet due to bias by top BJP brass towards hill states,neither any one from Uttarakhand nor Himachal Pradesh got Cabinet berth.''

He voiced that this ''bias by BJP government'' will only work in favour of Congress, as now the public is slowly realising that Modi wave was a media hype ,banking on billions of rupees of media-advertising budget.

Comparing NDA government with previous UPA government, Chopra said that Congress had made the then Haridwar parliamentarian Harish Rawat as Union Cabinet Minister for Water Resources from Uttarakhand,while BJP failed to even discuss the credentials of the likes of five-time seasoned Garhwal parliamentarian Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri ,Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, all ex-CMs.

''Saying and working of BJP is different as during election campaign rallies in Uttarakhand,Modi had heaped praises on BC Khanduri,who was the front-runner for Cabinet berth,owing to his successful golden quadrangular project as Union Minister for Road Surface and Highways in the NDA government.This is the treatment meted out to the MPs from Uttarakhand by BJP, in particular Narendra Modi,''said Chopra.

City Congress president OP Chauhan too has expressed disappointment over non-induction of any one of the BJP MPs from the hill state.

''Either PM Narendra Modi doesn't deem these 5 MPs eligible for Cabinet berth or they won on the Modi wave and not on their capabilities and popularity,''Chauhan said. ''Modi was advocating a separate hill state policy for Himalayan states but did not induct any hill MP in his 47-member Cabinet,'' he added.

Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt called on for patience, citing the assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that soon there will be expansion of his Cabinet and Uttarakhand will get its due representation and credit for 5-0 clean electoral sweep.

 ‘BJP committed to bringing back black money’
Tribune News Service

Haridwar May 29
The BJP will fulfil its commitment made to people during the elections about bringing back black money stacked in foreign banks. Ajay Bhatt, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, said this while speaking to mediapersons in Haridwar at a state guest house at Damkoti today.

Bhatt said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already deputed top officials to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to monitor government efforts to unearth and bring back black money stashed in foreign banks. By including high-ranked officials from the CBI, the IB, the RBI, and the CBDT in the SIT headed by Justice MB Shah, the BJP had arose hope among the common people that the Union government headed by Narendra Modi was working in the right direction.

"?Efforts to bring back black money are on the right track. The BJP believes in making and executing commitments at the earliest. The black money retrieved will be utilised in the development of the country and those who hold such accounts will be exposed?," said Bhatt, who is the legislator from Ranikhet.

He acknowledged the contribution of yog guru Ramdev to paving the way for the BJP's victory in the Lok Sabha elections and said the latter campaigned across the country to ensure that the corrupt and inefficient Congress-led UPA government was shown the door.

He added Ramdev did not return to his ashram in Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar for nine months until the BJP came to power with a handsome majority, which speaks volumes about his character and committment.

Bhatt said Harish Rawat-led state government had failed to facilitate pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra as they were facing problems due to lack of basic facilities and the poor condition of the routes.

 Tender scam in UPCL alleged
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Uttarakhand Kranti Dal general secretary, Shanti Prasad Bhatt, has alleged tender scam in Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). He said tenders were sought by the department to procure electricity worth lakhs of rupees. This despite the department not being financially sound at the time of procurement.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal general secretary Shanti Prasad Bhatt alleged that higher officials of the department were not taking action against corrupt officials even though they were provided enough details.

According to him, tender and Kumbh scams were proved in the audit reports, but officials were not taking action against officials involved in the alleged scams.

Bhatt alleged that bureaucrats and higher officials of the department were trying to shield corrupt officials of the department.

He demanded that the state government take stringent action against department officials found guilty of financial irregularities.

 Disaster-hit Darma valley was ignored: Chief Secy 
Residents complained about lack of ration godowns, health facilities
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, May 29
On a two-day tour of disaster-affected villages in the Darma valley of Pithoragarh district, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar has admitted that due to lack of timely attention local residents had been facing several problems related to food, health, communication and transport even 11 months after the disaster.

The government is committed to providing facilities of transport, communication, ration and health before the monsoon this year, said Subhash Kumar at Dharchula, after reaching there following his two-day visit to the disaster-affected Darma valley.

The Chief Secretary, who was to address district-level officers at Pithoragarh district headquarters, could not do so and flew to Dehradun as he was said to be injured during his track visit to Darma valley.

The Chief Secretary, who reached Tidang helipad of ITBP on May 27, thereafter visited Nagling, Chal, Sela and Urthing villages and reached Tawaghat last evening. He assured the Sela villagers that the 21-km road from Bongling to Sela would be completed by December this year, said a press note released by the Pithoragarh administration.

Residents of the Darma valley complained they had neither a ration godown nearby nor any health facility in 70-km-long valley villages situated in higher reaches of Himalayas here. "We have demanded appointment of doctors at thrice the salary in the valley hospital at Nagling and allocation of Indira Aawas to poor tribal villagers at their higher valley residences too," said Lila Bangyal, a social activist and chief of Darma Sewa Samiti, who accompanied the Chief Secretary on his two-day visit to valley villages.

According to Bangyal, the Chief Secretary took stock of the pathetic conditions. The residents have been living in upper reaches of Darma valley after last year’s disaster. "We have also demanded from the Chief Secretary that ration godown be opened either at Chipu or Marcha villages so that the villagers are not forced to go to Dugtu godown to take their ration, said Bangyal.

According to Bangyal, the valley residents demanded toilet facility in their villages and revival of drinking schemes affected by the said disaster. The villagers at Sevarla villages welcomed the Chief secretary and demanded that the 100-year-old bridge at Sipu-Marcha be reconstructed and communication facility in the Darma valley be restored.

The Chief Secretary revealed that he also belonged to Darma valley and assured all help of ration, communication transport and health to Darma residents. He said that the valley was neglected in respect of disaster relief and rehabilitation priority as the government paid more attention to disaster-affected areas of Garhwal region.

 Abhiyan volunteers unhappy with slow construction works
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 29
Volunteers of the Askot-Aarakot Abhiyan have said though one year has passed, the Uttarakhand government has done nothing to repair the infrastructure damaged or lost in the last year’s natural disaster which affected the border subdivisions of Dharchula and Munisiyari.

The abhiyan, which reached Narayan Nagar in Didihat yesterday, said the protection walls along the banks of Kali and Gori rivers had not been erected, track routes and roads to the disaster affected area were in such a shape that even slight rains can endanger any pliers on these roads. “The disaster debris from the farms of villagers, which hitherto have been their main source of livelihood, has not yet been cleared and the villagers are not in a position to cultivate these farms,” said Dr Shekhar Pathak, convener of the abhiyan.

On reaching at Narayan Nagar, the abhiyan members said the government had only managed high publicity in the name of disaster relief, rehabilitation and repair, but did nothing to bring the area back to life. “Even today, whenever the sky seems full of cloud, the villagers get into panic and afraid of their lives and property,” said Dr Pathak at Narayan Nagar where local people welcomed the participants of abhiyan.

The abhiyan participants shared their experience of visit to Dharchula, Kalika, Gothi, Bagrihat, Baluakot, Jauljibi and Dhungatoli and said the affected people were still afraid of natural fury as the government did nothing to give them feeling of security against the nature’s fury.

The Askot-Arakot Abhiyan which began on May 25, this year from Pangu village of Askot region, will enter Bageshwar district on June 2. “The number of participants in the abhiyan, which was 14 on the day of beginning, has reached 24 today,” said Dr Pathak.

 Haldwani cops seek more facilities
Our correspondent

Pithoragarh, May 29
The Haldwani policemen have demanded more facilities during night duty to protect themselves from sudden attacks by criminals, after Surendra Singh, a police constable, was killed on duty on Wednesday night by a criminal.

The constable was on duty to keep a vigil on an arrested thief, but the latter killed him with an iron rod. “We are asked to keep a strict vigil on criminals day and night, but have not been provided with essential equipment to protect ourselves from sudden attacks by them,” said an irked constable.

Surendra Singh was on duty at Mukhani police post and was keeping an eye on Rajendra Arya, an auto lifter, who was handed over to police after he stole a Scotty. When Surendra Singh stopped Rajendra from fleeing from police custody, he attacked the former with an iron rod that he picked up from the nearby scrap.

“Despite being badly injured, Surendra Singh nabbed the criminal. However, he died at Sai Hospital,” said Lalit Joshi, in charge of Mukhani police post. Chief Minister Harish Rawat paid tribute to the brave constable and sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for his family.

 CM opens info centre of Graphic Era University
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated the information centre of Graphic Era University at Rajpur Road here today. The centre has been opened with an objective of establishing a continuous connection between the university, students and guardians and to share information about the students with their guardians in a convenient and routine manner.

The Chief minister congratulated the university for taking a step to better the communication and coordination between university faculty and guardians of students that would ultimately benefit the students' future and welfare.

According to the university management, there would be two information centres, one at Dehradun and another at Haldwani. Besides, routine sharing of information, guardians will also be able to get various documents, marksheets and other certificates required by their wards who may be stationed in another part of the country or even abroad.

The chief minister also congratulated professor Kamal Ghanshala on the innovative projects made by the students of Graphic Era University. 

 Chaudhary Charan Singh remembered
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, May 29
Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India, was remembered on his 27th death anniversary here today. A special function was held at the Jatwada Ganga canal ghat where people from all sections of life participated in a yajna and prayers.

Charan Singh was a mass peasant leader who got elevated to the post of Deputy Prime Minister in Morarji Desai-led Janta Party government at the Centre in 1977.

“He fought as freedom fighter and took the causes of farmers by opposing Nehru’s collective land usage policies which made him flag bearer of agrarian community,” district spokesperson of Lok Dal Shyam Singh said.

While Shamsher Khan, a social activist, cited his tenure as Prime Minister was one of the shortest and he never addressed Parliament, as Congress withdrew support from his government just a day before the session.

Gurukul students chanted hymns as people gathered to pray for the peace to the departed soul with many urging today’s politicians to follow the ideals and ethics of Charan Singh.

A special hawan was performed at the BHEL by the Jat community in the memory of Charan Singh. 

 NGO to hold parents meet on May 31
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
NGO Parivaar working for children with mental disabilities will be organising a regional parents meet in Dehradun on May 31 and June 1.

Addressing a press conference in Dehradun today, Parivaar’s president Lt Col VK Gautam (retd) disclosed the meet will be attended by delegates from states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand.

He said the meet was primarily aimed to provide counselling to parents that have children with mentally disabilities. He said while physical disability does get importance in social welfare initiatives, mentally disability is largely overlooked in schools and institutions.

Dr S Farooq said the meet that will be organised at Lehman Hospital, Herbertpur in Dehradun is being sponsored by National Institute of Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad. 

 Drive against encroachmens undertaken
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Court commissioner Rajeev Sharma, along with officials from Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) and Public Works Department, launched an anti-encroachment drive in different parts of Dehradun here today. He said strict departmental action would be taken against those involved in encroachment into government properties.

The anti-encroachment drive commenced at Tehsil chowk and passed through Paltan Bazaar. The team measured width of road and told shopkeepers to ensure an encroachment-free market. Court commissioner Rajeev Sharma instructed PWD officials to ensure correct width of road in the market.

He expressed his concern over encroachment into recently constructed pavements on footpaths in the market. He instructed officials to ensure encroachment-free pavements.

City magistrate GC Gunwant, MDDA secretary Bansidhar Tiwar, AMNA Harshwardhan Mishra, Rajesh Naithani, Satyaveer Singh and other officials were present.

 Bolero SUV stolen from Dehradun
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
In yet another theft incident, vehicle thieves stole Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) parked in front of Government Inter College on Sahaspur Road in broad daylight here today.

According to the owner of the vehicle, Baaru Tomar, he parked his Bolero in front of the college this morning and when he went out from his house to go somewhere, the vehicle was not there. He immediately informed the police about the theft.

Meanwhile, the police have flashed the registration number of the vehicle to all police stations of neighbouring districts and alerted all nakas on inter-district and inter-state boundaries. 

 DAV College beat GGIC Girls College
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
DAV PG College thrashed GGIC Girls College 3-0 in the ongoing six-a-side Doon Girls Super Hockey League here today. Varsha for DAV PG College scored all the three goals in the match.

In the second match, Welham Girls School 'A' routed CNI Girls 'A' team 9-0 with Ishrab scoring 5 goals and Shruti Kaul hitting 3 goals in the match for Welhams. Welham Girls School 'B' team lost its match against CNI Girls 'B' team 1-0. Pooja scored the only goal for the winning team.

IDPL Rishikesh also won its match against DAV PG College team 1-0 with Aarti scoring the goal for IDPL. In another match, Stadium Trainees defeated Welham Girls School 'B' team 6-0. Mamta scored 4 goals in the match while Shikha and Shushma scored 1 goal each.

IAF beat LDA (Lucknow) by 10 wickets

The Indian Air Force (IAF) team thrashed LDA, Lucknow, by 10 wickets in a match during the 32nd All-India Uttarakhand Gold Cup Cricket Tournament here on Thursday. After losing the toss and being put into bat first, LDA, Lucknow, scored 153 runs. The entire team was out before the completion of the allotted overs.

Except Himanshu Asnora and Subodh Srivastav, who scored 44 and 32 runs, respectively, no other batsman could score well. For the IAF team, Saurabh Kumar took 5 wickets.

In reply, the IAF team had a good start. Devender Lochab scored 101 runs while Gaurav Kocher made 50 runs. They won the match for their team without losing a single wicket.

In another match, UNIDO Infrastructure defeated Defence Accounts Sports Control Board (DASCB) by 121 runs. Batting first, the UNIDO team displayed a brilliant batting performance and made 320 runs in 45 overs. Four of its batsmen score a half-century. In reply, DASCB had a bad start with its top three batsmen getting out without even scoring 10 runs. The entire team was out for 226 runs.

 Vikasnagar Footbal Club win by one goal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 29
Vikasnagar Football Club defeated Thakurpur 1-0 in a match during the District Football League here today. Nitin scored the lone goal for the winning team in the 55th minute of the match.

In the second match, Loko FC trounced KVS 2-0. Vasu scored the first goal in the 55th minute and Vivek scored the second goal in the 57th minute.

Governor’s golf tourney from Friday

The 12th Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament will be inaugurated by Governor Aziz Qureshi at the sprawling golf course of the Raj Bhavan at Nainital on Friday.

The Raj Bhavan golf club vice-president and secretary to Governor, Arun Dhaundiyal and Colonel (retd) SC Gupta informed that this year 130 players from 14 states hadconfirmed their participation and of these, 30 per cent would be new participants.

They also informed that on the first day, they would play 18 holes. While on the second day, selected players will play 9 holes. Categories for women, senior players (over 71 years) and under-18 have been made. A special punting contest for women players will be held.

While addressing the press conference, secretary to governor said with the governor’s initiative, membership to the gold club would soon be reopened to give an opportunity to people to play the game of Golf.