Protesting TET certificate holders detained
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
The police foiled an attempt by angry B Ed and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualified students to march to the Secretariat. The students accused the state government of playing with their futures. All the marchers were detained and taken away by the police.

The police attempted to persuade the agitating students to abandon the march, but the students insisted and the situation became tense.

“The notification for the posts of assistant teacher in primary schools was issued on February 1 and the whole recruitment process should have been completed by March 31 as per guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education, but the government deliberately delayed the process,” said Baldev Singh Bhandari, president, BEd (TET) Qualified Association.

During the protest, they raised slogans against the government saying that posts of B Ed qualified teacher in the government-run primary schools should be increased and the rule of age limit should be changed so that B Ed qualified, who have crossed the age limit due to the delay in the recruitment process, were not debarred from entering into government service.

Demands

• Posts of BEd qualified teachers in the government-run primary schools should be increased
• The rule of age limit should be changed, so that BEd qualified, who have crossed the age limit due to the delay in the recruitment process, are not debarred from entering into government service.

BJP’s national leadership to decide on bypoll candidates
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
The Uttarakhand BJP has left to the party’s national leadership the decision of declaring the list of candidates for the July 21 byelections to the Doiwala, Someshwar (SC) and Dharchula Assembly segments.

After holding extensive discussions in Rishikesh yesterday and today, the party finalised the panel of candidates for final approval from the BJP national leadership.

“I am going to Delhi with the panel of names and the central leadership will take a final call tomorrow,” said BJP chief Teerath Singh Rawat. On the Doiwala Assembly segment, the BJP leadership is undecided as both the three former chief ministers seem to be extending support to their respective choices, when it comes to candidates.

“It may become difficult for Trivender Singh Rawat, whose candidature is being opposed by both Nishank and Khanduri. Rawat is being supported by BS Koshiyari,” said a BJP leader. Both Khanduri and Nishank are said to be extending support to their own candidates.

As for Someshwar and Dharchula Assembly segments, the party is finding it difficult to zero in on a strong candidate.

Challenging task

• On the Doiwala Assembly segment, the BJP leadership is undecided as both the three former chief ministers seem to be extending support to their respective choices, when it comes to candidates.
• As for Someshwar and Dharchula , the party is finding it difficult to zero in on a strong candidate.

Reconstruction in disaster-hit areas
CM seeks addl funds of Rs 4,000 cr from Centre
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has demanded an additional assistance of Rs 4,000 crore from the Centre for carrying out the third phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation in the disaster-hit areas of the state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said residential complexes, electricity poles, potable water pipelines, drainage system, roads, schools and health centres were required to be reconstructed in the disaster-hit areas of the state.

The Chief Minister gave a detailed report of the damage incurred to the state due to the natural calamity in the state last year and the massive evacuation and reconstruction exercise undertaken by the state government in tandem with military and paramilitary forces.

He said 1.5 lakh victims were rescued from the disaster-hit areas with the help of defence forces, including the Army, the India Air Force, the ITBP, the NDRF, and the police. One MI-17 and two civil helicopters were crashed during the rescue operation.

Rawat said 131 relief camps were organised by the state government to provide immediate relief to the stranded victims. He said the state government performed the last rites of the victims after taking their DNA samples.

Thousands of stranded pilgrims were saved as Special Task Force personnel were instructed to expedite rescue works. In order to address the grievances of the disaster victims, the state government had doubled the monetary compensation for the disaster-hit villages.

Rawat said family members of the deceased were given a compensation of Rs 7 lakh each. Besides,

Rs 1 lakh each was given to the widows of the state.

Rawat said special skills development programmes were started by the government for the disaster victims. A sum of Rs 7 lakh each was given to villagers for reconstruction of residential complexes.

He said Rs 3,000 had been sanctioned against rent for the disaster-hit victims. The state government has relaxed electricity and water bills for disaster-hit villagers till March 2015.

Rawat said the state government was committed to reconstructing damaged infrastructure in the disaster-hit areas. He said 1,057 routes would be reconstructed in the disaster-hit areas of the state.

He said the government had decided to construct 52 helipads in the higher reaches of the state.

India-China border trade gains momentum
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, June 30
The India–China trade has gained momentum as the second batch comprising four tribal traders was lifted from Dharchula to Gunji by commercial helicopters today. The first batch has already reached Taklakot mart in China.

Dharchula SDM Pramod Kumar said a total of 91 trade passes, 51 to traders and 40 to helpers, had been issued for the trade this year. The trade commences from the 16,500-ft high Lipulekh Pass situated in the district.

“Traders have dumped their goods at the Gunji mart. From Gunji, goods will be taken to the Chinese territory of Tibet by mules and other animals on their back,” said the SDM, who is also the trade officer.

The India-China border trade, which began in 1992 after two countries consented to uplift the economy at both sides of the border, will run till October and conclude before the Himalayan passes get closed due to heavy snowfall.

“Indian traders have deposited jaggery (gur) and sugar candy (mishri), besides tobacco and other daily use items, at Gunji. During their four-month stay in China, these traders will touch base with their clientele in Tibet,” said the SDM.

Sources said in Dharchula, which is the base camp for India-China trade, traders were enjoying benefit of helicopter services being run on subsidy by the state government from Dharchula to higher valleys of Gunji, Kuti and Bedang villages of high Himalayan valleys.

“The 45-km-long track route from Dharchula to Gunji is being crossed in 17 minutes by helicopters. A sum of Rs 1,135 is being charged as a one-sided fare,” said VS Bhalla, a retired wing commander and pilot of a private helicopter plying between Dharchula and Gunji.

theft case
Man says Raipur police not ready to file FIR 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Manohar Singh Rawat, resident of Kidduwala in the Raipur Police Station area, has accused the Raipur police of not registering a First Information Report (FIR) in the case of theft in his house on June 29.

The victim reached the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Garhwal Range office today and submitted a letter of complaint against the Raipur police. According to Manohar Singh Rawat, he reached Raipur police station on Sunday to file a complaint as the theft occurred in his house on Sunday morning, but police seemed reluctant to file an FIR in the case.

Manohar and his wife reportedly left their house at 11.30 am on Sunday morning after locking the door. Around 3.30 pm, he received a call from his neighbour that their main door lock was broken. Both immediately rushed back to their house and found that their almirah was broken and 7 gold rings, 2 gold necklaces besides Rs 50,000 cash were missing.

“It was more shocking for me to find that the police were not ready to file an FIR in the case. Officials were trying to hush up the matter, after which, I decided to take the matter to higher level,” said Manohar.

A Raipur police sub-inspector told The Tribune, “We have taken his complaint letter and listened to his side of story. An FIR would surely be registered in the case.”

Proposed open theatre at parking place draws flak
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
The proposed construction of an open air theatre at the Garhi Cantt-based Defence Services Officers Institute (DSOI) has drawn opposition from the ex-servicemen fraternity who have termed the step non-viable.

In a press statement issued here, Brig KG Behl (retd), president, Dehradun Ex-Services League and a DSOI member, said an open air theatre was being planned at the parking lot of the institute. Members would have to park their vehicles outside the DSOI, he added.

“It’s a good idea to have an open air theatre, but keeping in view the unpredictable weather of Dehradun, it may cause chaos,” he said. Moreover, parking of vehicles outside the DSOI might not be safe for members who spend more time in the institute, he added.

“Even now, when bigger functions are held, members feel difficulty in parking their vehicles. At times, it becomes difficult to walk, especially for senior citizens,” said the veteran Brigadier.

The higher authorities were requested to reconsider the plan as it might distract older members from visiting the institute.

It is suggested that the construction of an open air theatre might be reviewed as it was not being favoured by a large number of members,” said Brig Behl.

AAP protests hike in sugar price
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
AAP activists today set up a sugar-free tea stall to register their protest against the increase in the price of sugar.

They also expressed their concern over the hike in rail fares by the Union Government. The protesters were led by AAP activist Sanjay Bhatt.

Bhatt alleged the Central Government had failed to check the rising prices of the essential commodities.

Suresh Negi, Priyanka Juneja, Ranjeet Chowdhury, Rajesh Bahuguna, Kamal Devradi, Sunita Singh, Vikas Chauhan, Udayveer Panwar, Puja Bhall and Madhusudan were present.

Woman duped of gold chain
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
A middle aged woman was allegedly duped of her gold chain by two unidentified persons, while she was waiting to board a Vikram tempo near railway station today.

According to the victim, who lives in Badowala, two men in a taxi started talking to her in local Garhwali language. Due to which, she trusted them and boarded the same taxi till Badowala.

She said while they were en-route Badowala, they asked her to keep her gold chain safely in a packet given by them and assured her that it would be returned once she get down from the taxi.

She said on the Shimla bypass, they asked her to get down from the taxi and handed over the packet to her. She was shocked to find small stones in the packet in place of her gold chain.

The victim filed a complaint against the culprits. The police assured her of investigating the matter. 

Serpent’s Tale staged in Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Leonid Andreyev’s monologue “The Serpent’s Tale” was staged under the auspicious of “Prerna”, a voluntary organisation, here recently.

The Serpent’s Tale, performed by former Miss India 2011 finalist, Kriti Kapoor, showcases a female serpent’s painful life experience of hurt, betrayal and anger. She takes revenge for the male oppression she had suffered. She hunts down her prey, seduces him, but finally kills him.

The monologue seems to be ambiguous till the protagonist confronts her pain and anguish. She questions the matter of beauty and love. She justifies her manner of loving as she feels that she deserves better because she is beautiful and amazingly appealing to the eye. Killing the man is her way of healing the wounds she has been hiding in her beauty.

The serpent was a queen and was full of love and compassion at one time, but is now full of poison. Earlier, she could kiss many times, but now only once, because her kiss is fatal. The tables have been turned. Earlier, she was trampled upon. Now, she seduces her tormentors, flirting with them and kissing them to put them to everlasting sleep.

The monologue was directed by Sujata Paul Maliah. The choreography was done by Harshit Gupta. The crew comprised of Monika Deshwal, Priyanka Dhyani, Sukanya Kimothi and Neha Bhatt. The lights were ably handled by T Aggarwal while Gyan Gupta was a part of the organising team.

Chief guest Dr KK Rattu, Director, Doordarshan Kendra lit the inaugural lamp. Sujata Paul Maliah thanked Dr Rattu for having agreed to grace the occasion and Veena Bhatt, Directorate of Culture, for providing the Bharatkhande hall for the performance. She apprised the gathering of the work that inspirations, “Prerna” is doing in the field of empowerment of citizens, especially women and children, through theatre, legal aid and legal awareness programmes.

THDC director conferred with HR Leader Award
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
SK Biswas, director (personnel), Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) India Limited, was conferred with the HR Leader Award during the 4th Annual Green-Tech HR Awards at a ceremony organised in Bengaluru on June 27.

The award is an acknowledgement of exemplary initiatives taken by Biswas in the field of Human Resources Management and his commendable efforts in making HR a strategic partner.

Leading HR professionals across the country, technocrats from various public sector undertakings, government organisations, academicians, researchers working in the field of HR and members of civil society from different walks of life were also present on the occasion.

The key features of the event included, knowledge sharing sessions, professional interaction, positive leadership and communication.

The THDC is one of the premier hydro power generators in the country, with an installed capacity of 1400 mw with Tehri and Koteshwar Dam to its credit. It also holds the Mini-Ratna-Category-I and Schedule ‘A’ status. 

• The award is an acknowledgement of exemplary initiatives taken by Biswas in the field of Human Resources Management and his commendable efforts in making HR a strategic partner
• The key features of the event included, knowledge sharing sessions, professional interaction, positive leadership and communication.

BJP fails to fare well in panchayat elections
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Overconfidence of the BJP and wrong selection of candidates for posts of zila panchayats has cost the party dear in the just concluded panchayat elections, where only 40 per cent of the candidates supported unofficially by the BJP were able to win the seats.

Despite the performance not being up to its expectations, the BJP is seeking solace in the fact that while the party had unofficially extended its support to several candidates, the Congress shied away from extending support to the candidates.

“Our performance may not have been to the level in the parliamentary elections, but only the BJP showed courage to extend support to several candidates. Around 50 per cent of our candidates were able to post victories. Besides, there are several candidates whom we had not extended support, but they have won the Zila Panchayat member seats. Thus, we have not performed badly,” said Uttarakhand BJP president Teerath Singh Rawat.

Party sources claim poor selection of candidates also marred the prospects of the BJP as many candidates who were looking for support from the party were ignored. Several of them managed to post victories.

Though the just-concluded panchayat elections were not fought on party symbols and only the BJP had extended support to several candidates for the posts of members of zila panchayats, the party’s poor performance has apparently come as a piece of good news for the Congress.

“Around 21 pradhans out of a total of 23, who are known to owe allegiance to the Congress, have won the seats in my Assembly segment,” said Umesh Sharma, Congress MLA from Raipur.

Out of a total of 389 seats of members of zila panchayat, the BJP candidates managed to win around 123 seats. In Dehradun district, the party candidates could win only 10 seats out of 43. Its candidates managed to keep the party’s hopes alive in Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat and Nainital.

But such is the nature of panchayat elections that for now, none of the parties are willing to accept defeat. Come the elections for the chairman of zila panchayats, the parties’ strength would be put to test again. The BJP is already claiming there would be Zila Panchayat chairmen supported by the party in at least nine districts.

MDDA’s move to levy parking fee opposed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Fearing a major setback to their already dwindling business, shopkeepers at the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) complex at Clock Tower have decided to fight against the parking fees being levied by a private contractor after getting a go ahead from the MDDA.

From July 1 onwards, the customers visiting the MDDA complex will have to pay parking fees on hourly basis fixed by the contractor.

Since the opening of the complex in January 2012, the parking of vehicles, including two wheelers and four wheelers, was free.

Nitin Kumar, president of the MDDA shopkeepers’ society, said the decision to charge the parking fee was incorrect on part of the MDDA.

“There are a few shops that have been opened in the complex and majority of these shops are not making a good profit in their business. Levying parking fees will only draw back customers from coming to the complex. We will take the issue with the MDDA authorities and protest against the same,” said Nitin.

“The parking facility in the basement of the building is not provided to the shopkeepers. As per rules, it is mandatory for every commercial building to have a parking lot. If the MDDA can waive off parking fee from other malls, then why are we forced to pay for parking in the government complex,” he added.

Satnam Singh, a shopkeeper, said the complex has three-level parking in the basement and there are no lifts.

“Nobody will prefer to climb three stories to reach the complex. Furthermore, there is no cleanliness in the parking lots and there is no arrangement for the security of vehicles being parked there. If the parking fee is levied, it will be a big blow to the shopkeepers, who are already spending days without any customer,” said Satnam.

“The MDDA should make an arrangement, so that the parking is free for the first one hour. However, those visiting the nearby shops can pay for the extended hours of parking. Earlier too, the MDDA had tried to levy the parking charges and following the protest from the shopkeepers, they had to drop the plan,” he added.

MDDA Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari said the decision to restart parking fee was taken as a lot of people were misusing the parking lot by permanently parking their vehicles for six to seven months.

“It is becoming a nuisance and therefore, it was decided to restart parking fee. However, it will not lead to downfall of customers as the areas outside the complex are a no parking zone,” said Tiwari.

He said the rates would be in accordance with an agreement signed with a private contractor.

Illegal establishments sealed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Officials of the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) sealed illegal shops in various parts of the city today.

A team, led by Assistant Engineer Anand Ram, sealed two floors of Hotel Muskaan on the Haridwar bypass, a shop at Brahamanwala, an under-construction complex on the West Canal road and two shops in the Pathribagh area of the locality.

MDDA Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari said prior to the sealing of the establishments, notices were sent to their owners. “The construction was being carried out by flouting the building norms. We have shortlisted several wedding points, shops, complexes and commercial establishments that have been constructed illegally,” he added.

Top seed Ishan lifts U-14 tennis title
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Top seed Ishan Anirud Sethi of Uttarakhand won the U-14 Boys Singles title in the 1st SelaQui International School All-India Tennis Association Championship Series 2014 here today. Ishan defeated Drona Walia by 7-6(3), 6-1.

Earlier in the boys’ semifinal event, Ishan got the better of Mudit Sharma by 4-0, 4-0 while Drona defeated Garvit Gupta by 4-0, 4-0 in the second match.

In the girls’ event, Kaavya Sawhney of Uttar Pradesh emerged victorious after defeating Yana Dhamija (10) of Haryana by 6-1, 6-2, despite a tough resistance by Yana.

Earlier, in the girls semifinals, Kaavya got the better of Sehajveer Bhandal of Punjab by 4-1, 4-0 while Yana defeated Tanvi Ahlawat of Uttar Pradesh by 4-2, 4-1.

Rashid Sharfuddin, headmaster, SelaQui International School, gave away prizes to the winners. The tournament was conducted by Indian Tennis Federation referee Joy Mukherjee of West Bengal.

Sales Tax Dept proposes land circle rates revision
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
A series of elections in the state forced the Uttarakhand government to keep the decision of revising the circle rates of land in abeyance. Now, with the election season coming to an end and the byelections scheduled to conclude on July 21, the state Department of Sales Tax has come up with a proposal for revision of the circle rates for approval.

Over the last three years, the circle rates have been pending in the state. “It is an unpopular decision, but is the only way through which we can keep a check on black money. But so far, due to elections, the government has refrained from taking the decision,” said an official in the Department of Sales Tax.

In places like Maharashtra and New Delhi, the rates are revised frequently, which allows the governments to keep a check on the market rate and bring uniformity, as the prevailing market rates and circle rates should be close. In Uttarakhand, the circle rates were last revised in 2011.

In Uttarakhand, politicians have been avoiding it as state has been a witness to byelections, parliamentary elections and panchayat polls in the recent past.

Concerned at the loss that the state has been suffering due to indecisiveness on the issue, the department has finally sent a letter for approval.

Significantly, for Uttarakhand, the commercial tax continues to yield the highest revenue, around Rs 5,000 crore, followed by the Excise Department, to the tune of Rs 1,300 crore. The earning from circle rate to the exchequer is around Rs 700 crore. “Most of the money pledged while making land registry is usually black money. In the market, 32%-40% of the registry can be considered legal. Raising of circle rates helps in checking black money and also helps in earning revenue,” said a senior official.

U’khand, Karnataka enter finals of target ball tourney

Dehradun, June 30
Uttarakhand will take on Karnataka in the final match of the ongoing Target Ball National Tournament after winning the semifinal match being played at the Pavilion ground here today.

In the men’s category, Uttarakhand defeated Telangana by 16-15 while Karnataka beat Jharkhand by 13-12 in the second match. In the match for the third place, Telangana defeated Jharkhand by 12-10 and won the bronze medal.

In the girls’ category, Uttarakhand will take on Telangana in the finals scheduled to be played on Tuesday. Uttarakhand defeated Delhi by 10-0 and Telangana got the better of Uttar Pradesh by 8-0. — TNS

BJP women’s cell celebrates NDA’s one month at Centre
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
The BJP’s women’s cell celebrated the completion of Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s first month in office.

Party activists said the government and all his ministers would give desired results in the coming days.

Addressing a gathering at the BJP state office here today, BJP women cell state president Manju Tiwari said women played a pivotal role in the development of the state.

She said the BJP-led NDA government had curtailed inflation in the state. She said prices of essential commodities were ably controlled by the Union Government. Tiwari said BJP candidates performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded three-tier panchayat elections in the state.

Among others present were Kanchan Thakur, president of the Mahanagar BJP, Madhu Chauhan, Laxmi Aggarwal, Manju Sharma, Seema Dora and Madhu Bhatt.

Moderate rain in plains likely
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Residents have heaved a sigh of relief as normal rainfall was recorded in different parts of the state in June in comparison to the total rainfall recorded last year. The department figures clearly indicate that the state experienced overall rainfall measuring 62.8 mm against normal rainfall of 167.8 mm.

Pithoragarh district of Kumaon division recorded the maximum rainfall among all districts of the state in June this year. The data compiled by the state Meteorological Department highlighted that Pithoragarh district recorded 128.7 mm rainfall against normal rainfall of 299.6 mm.

The state’s Meteorological Department forecast moderate rain in plains of the state, while the higher reaches might face heavy thundershowers in the coming days.

Anand Sharma, director of the state Meteorological Department, said rainfall was above normal in June 2013 while rainfall was below normal in June this year.

He said the plains of Uttarakhand may face moderate rains, while a few higher areas of the state may experience thundershowers in the coming days.

Char Dham shrines, which include Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkunt Sahib, will be cloudy on Tuesday. The region might face moderate rainfall while thunderstorms may occur in some isolated places.

As per Indian Meteorological Department data, 89.4 mm, 92.2 mm and 59.2 mm rainfall were recorded in Rudraprayag on June, 16, 17, and 18 respectively in 2013.

Uttarkashi district experienced 129 mm, 162 mm and 19 mm rainfall on June, 16, 17 and 18 respectively in 2013. Pithoragarh district experienced heavy rainfall measuring 117.2 mm and Nainital district witnessed 170.2 mm rainfall on June 18 in 2013.

The rainfall in Chamoli was 76 mm and it was 100 mm on June 17 and 18 in 2013.

Eight Canara Bank branches inaugurated
Tribune News Service

RK Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank, inaugurates a branch on Chakrata Road in Dehradun on Monday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, June 30
Eight new branches of Canara Bank were inaugurated by the bank Chairman and Managing Director RK Dubey here today.

Prominent places where the branches would be opened include Mussoorie, Chakrata Road, Kargi Chowk and Rajpur Road.

Addressing the gathering, Dubey detailed various facilities being offered by the bank.

“At present, we have 4,800 branches across the country. By March 2015, we expect the figure to cross the 6,000 mark. Uttarakhand has 52 branches at the moment. Efforts are being taken to reach the figure of 85 by March 2015,” he added.

Bhoomi Pujan of the administrative complex was performed. General Manager KN Ramamurthy and Assistant General Manager Ajit Kumar were present. 

St Peter’s Church celebrates 190th foundation day
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, June 30
St Peter’s Church celebrated the 190th foundation day here yesterday.

A religious procession, led by Bishop Francis from Catholic Diocese of Meerut, was also taken out on the occasion. Bishop Francis highlighted the importance of the church and blessed the devotees during special prayers organised at the church.

Students from St Clare’s School sang hymns in praise of the lord and prayed for peace and prosperity in the world.

St Peter’s Church is situated close to Lal Tibba and above the Army Institute. It was built in 1824 by the Army for its soldiers.

The church came into existence due to the thought and beneficence of a local catholic and old resident of Mussoorie, David Emily.

The church remained shut for several decades and was renovated and reopened in 2007.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Brother Dominic.

Poll code enforced in Dehradun

Dehradun, June 30
In the wake of the forthcoming byelections to three Assembly seats in the state, the model code of conduct has been implemented in the district.

In a notification issued here, District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav said Section 144 had been imposed in the district.

“No public gathering can be organised without the permission of the authorities. Any public address that may lead to public unrest disturbances will not be allowed,” he said.

No booths would be set up by any political party or representatives of the candidates within 200 m of the polling booths, added Yadav. — TNS

BJP councillors meet Urban Development Minister 

Dehradun, June 30
A delegation of BJP councillors met Urban Development Minister Pritam Singh Panwar here today to discuss the delay in the completion of development projects underway in the city. The councillors informed the minister about a severe shortage of staff at the Dehradun Municipal Corporation and crucial posts lying vacant for long.

BJP councilor Bhupinder Singh Kathaith, who led the delegation, said the minister had assured them of resolving their issues.

“We told the minister how the work at the DMC was getting affected due to the staff crunch. The delay often causes a lot of inconvenience to the public. Almost 60 per cent of the posts are lying vacant in the DMC. Projects related to the provision of basic amenities are hanging fire,” he said.

Nandni Sharma, Saroj Panwar, Daya Joshi, Ajay Singhal, Rajkumar Kakkar, Rakhi Berthwal, Anita Devi, Mahipal Dhiman, Vipin Chanchal and Neeru Bhatt were also present. — TNS

No MC support for development, says MLA Joshi
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, June 30
Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi today accused the Municipal Council of not supporting him in development works initiated by him in the past couple of months.

The MLA said he had been working continuously to resolve parking problem in Mussoorie. He also met Principal Secretary (housing) Rakesh Sharma a few days ago and discussed the issue with him. “The Principal Secretary has sanctioned funds for the construction of parking lots at Masonic Lodge and Library Bazaar,” said MLA.

MC president Manmohan Singh Mall alleged MLA Joshi was misleading people by saying the government had approved funds for the parking projects. “The MC has not received any such information and no request has been made to it for providing land for the same,” added Mall.

DM inspects District Women’s Hospital
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 30
District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan made a surprise visit to District Women’s Hospital here today.

He went around a few wards and expressed displeasure at facilities and health services being provided to patients.

Pendiyan directed the hospital management committee to ensure that all patients are provided with necessary and basic health services and cleanliness is maintained round the clock.

On the food being provided to the patients, he said it should be hygienic and nutritious and the menu be changed on a daily basis.

Pendiyan also inspected an under-construction building of the hospital. He directed the contractor to complete the construction work by September, otherwise he would be penalised for delay in the work. He said the construction work was already behind the schedule.

On the occasion, he also sanctioned a budget of Rs 80 lakh for the development of the hospital.

To the demand of doctors for a separate residential building, Pendiyan said he would take up the matter on a priority basis. Dr Bhawani Pal, Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr Aarti Dhaundiyal, Assistant CMO, and Jai Pal Singh Tomar, Chief Treasurer, were present on the occasion.

Fin dept panel to meet over promotion
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
The Department of Finance has put forward the names of Finance Controllers MS Bisht, PC Khare, Govind Prasad and Jagat Singh for Departmental Promotion Committee meeting due to take place in a day or two.

These officials would then be entitled for the grade pay of Rs 8,700. As of now, they are in grade pay of Rs 7,600.

“The committee would meet either tomorrow or day after to consider their cases. Once the approval is given, these officials would be entitled for increment from July,” said a senior official. 

UKD names its candidates
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 30
Trivendra Singh Panwar, central president of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), today announced that the party would contest the forthcoming byelections to three Assembly seats in the state.

He said the names of all three candidates had been finalised. Gopal Singh would contest from Dharchula, Praveen Arya from Someshwar and Sufi Khalifa from Doiwala. He said the Congress-led state government should take effective steps to declare Gairsain as the permanent capital of the state. Panwar also urged the government to expedite development works in the higher reaches of the state.

He made it clear that the party would neither support the BJP nor the Congress in the byelections.

He expressed concern that the state government had failed to take steps to address the grievances of the disaster-hit villagers. 

Contestants

• Gopal Singh to contest from Dharchula, Praveen Arya from Someshwar and Sufi Khalifa from Doiwala 

Shankaracharya for abrogation of Article 370
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 30
Having courted controversy over remarks on worship of Sai Baba, Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati — head of twin ‘muths’ — Jyotir and Dwarka Peeth, has now expressed his support for abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.

In Haridwar today, Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati said abrogation of the controversial Article of the Constitution was in the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.