Cabinet nod to hike in land circle rates
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Among a host of decisions taken by the Uttarakhand Cabinet today, approval was given for the increase in circle rates of the land in the state, creation of the Haridwar- Roorkee Development Authority, incentive for encouraging private education in the hilly districts of the state, and approval for creation of a separate structure for Finance Services.

While briefing mediapersons today, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said the revision in circle rates would help garner the state a revenue of Rs 75 crore annually. “The Districts Magistrates will soon announce the circle rates in their districts in the coming days in tune with the Cabinet decision,” he said.

The revision of land circle rates was carried during the first tenure of BC Khanduri as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. While the government is aiming to earn revenue, the land prices are bound to jack up forcing the common man to spend more.

Further, the creation of Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority would help the government to collect revenue while approving maps from Roorkee as well. Earlier, Haridwar Development Authority existed as a separate entity.

The matter pertaining to spending 75 per cent of the funds collected by the police through fines etc towards police modernisation and 25 per cent of the funds to be used for the welfare of the Traffic Police personnel too was discussed, but the decision has not been conveyed.

The transfer policy crafted for government doctors too did not figure today.

Among other decisions approved include setting up of the Karmachari Kalyan Nigam with its headquarter in Dehradun.

Revision of pay scales

Now the contractual guest teachers will receive a salary of Rs 30,000 per month, instructors Rs 26,000 per month and computer operators Rs 15,000 per month. Similarly, pay revision was also carried for contractual teachers in the department of Higher Education who were not regularised in 2006-2008 .

To encourage private education in the hilly districts, private players would be encouraged to open universities and institutes without having to worry about the formalities of change in land use. The approval would be given in three months time.

Further, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has also approved the decision to approach the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the payment of dues incurred to the tune of Rs 37crore while opening the national highway in Rudraprayag district which the Border Road Organisation had failed to open forcing the state to pitch its own agencies.

The cabinet also approved the amendment in the Factory Act, including use of power.

Ex-MP Satpal Maharaj’s ashram sealed
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 12
The Haridwar Development Authority (HDA) today seized the Muni Ki Reti-based ashram of former Pauri Garhwal MP Satpal Maharaj.

The ashram building was constructed without getting land clearance and in violation of the Nainital High Court directions issued in September 2013 that forbids any construction alongside the Ganga. A team of the HDA carried out the seizure process at the Sarv Dharma Ashram run by spiritual guru-cum-politician Satpal Maharaj at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh alongside the Ganga.

The construction was being carried out for the past five months with a community hall and mass kitchen proposed in the three-storey building. Followers of Satpal Maharaj and BJP leaders have termed the action as politically motivated as Satpal Maharaj had left the Congress prior to 16th Lok Sabha elections and joined the BJP.

HDA secretary Nidhi Yadav said four days back, vice -chairperson Dr Harbans Singh Chugh had carried out an inspection of the ashram site and found it to be illegal as it did not comply with norms.

Nidhi said the ashram blatantly violated the 200m ban of construction on the Ganga as given by the Nainital High Court. Several other structures would also be demolished, she added.

Rishikesh MLA Prem Chand Aggarwal lashed out at the HDA for only targeting Satpal Maharaj’s ashram. “In Roorkee and Haridwar, many ashrams have been constructed within the 200m periphery of the holy Ganga,” he said. Aggarwal said targeting only Maharaj’s Sarv Dharma ashram smells of political conspiracy.

Meanwhile, a delegation of residents of Mata Mansa Devi shrine area, trader community and youth activists of the Congress met Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority secretary Nidhi Yadav and apprised her of illegal constructions that have come up in the city.

Residents of Mata Mansa Devi shrine area complained of problems being faced by local people, pilgrims and tourists owing to encroachment alongside a nullah.

The trader community complained of illegal constructions at Khadkhadi colony. While Ranipur youth Congress activists also brought to the notice of illegal constructions going on at the HDA and Municipal Corporation land.

HDA secretary Nidhi Yadav assured the complainants of a stern action saying that notices had already been served to owners of identified illegal constructions.

Major setback The ashram building was constructed without land clearance and in violation of the Nainital High Court directions issued in September 2013 that forbids any construction alongside the Ganga. The construction was carried out in the past five months with a community hall and mass kitchen proposed in the three-storey building.

More rain forecast in Uttarakhand
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Rains will continue in Uttarakhand in days to come.

According to Dehradun met office, light to moderate rain or thunder showers would occur at many places in Uttarakhand in the coming days of August 13 and August 14. Further, rather heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar districts on August 14.Meanwhile, on the brighter side, most of the key Char Dham Yatra routes were open today in the state. Both Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway and Rishikesh-Badrinath highways were open for traffic movement.

As of rivers in the state, water level of Ganga river at Haridwar stood at 292.65 metres during evening hours today. Water level in Saryu river in Bageshwar stood at 866.10 metres while Gomti river in the district recorded 863 metres water level.

According to the Dehradun Met office, light to moderate rain or thundershowers will occur at many places in Uttarakhand on August 13 and 14. On the brighter side, most of the key Char Dham Yatra routes were open on Tuesday. Both Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway and Rishikesh-Badrinath highways were open to traffic.

When ministers rule the roost
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Over the years in Uttarakhand, instead of the chief minister being the arbiter in all matters concerning the state, the ministers have come to usurp that right, relegating decision making to personal interests. This is exactly what has happened with the transfer policy for government doctors.

While the chief minister had proposed it, his minister Surinder Singh Negi remained unwilling to unveil it at today’s Cabinet meeting for approval.

Painstakingly drafted and ready for final approval, the policy should have been piloted by the Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi, but the minister thought it otherwise. If the policy was given approval today, the Department of Health would have managed to affect transfers on the basis of the policy from this session itself. But it was not to be.

The policy drafted by the Department of Health and Family Welfare had tried to fix tenures of doctors at all levels so that their problems in the hills could be addressed. Taking inspiration from the transfer policy in place for employees in the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh, it aimed to offer incentives to the doctors to serve in remote and hilly areas. “It is aimed at rewarding doctors by giving them incentives and HRA for making their stay in the hills worthwhile,” said a senior doctor. In case a doctor after completing his tenure of four years in the hills was again willing to serve for another two years, there was a provision for 10 per cent monetary benefit (of basic pay), said an official.

For that matter, the policy had passed muster even with the Department of Finance and Department of Law and required state health minister’s approval, but the minister did not oblige. A senior doctor pointed out: “It was common knowledge that a transparent and clear transfer policy would help break the politician-doctor nexus engaged in reversing transfer decisions through the exchange of money and other favours,” he said.

While both the chief minister and chief secretary had showed keenness to bring the policy, it did not find favour with the minister. Sources claim that in the past too similar efforts were stalled by the minister.

Freehand? Instead of the Chief Minister being the arbiter in all matters concerning the state, the ministers have come to usurp that right, preferring decision making to personal interests. This is exactly what has happened with the transfer policy for government doctors.

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra begins from August 18
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Known as the Kumbh of Uttarakhand, the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, a pilgrimage besides being a dream trek for the adventure lovers, is all set to begin from August 18. Held once in 12 years, the yatra was postponed due to Malmaas (one inauspicious month) in 2012 and natural disaster in 2013.

Giving an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, besides exposing the virgin beauty of the landscape, the yatra would cover an arduous trek of 280 km over a period of three weeks. This yatra is more than special as it is being held for the first time since the formation of the state in 2000.

A tradition being followed from the past several centuries, the Raj Jaat Yatra originates from Nauti village, located 25 km from Karnprayag, where the Kunwar of village Kansua inaugurates the ceremony. As per the legend, the event is celebrated as a return of Nanda Devi, daughter of hills and wife of Lord Shiva, from her mother’s place. During the three- week-long event, the pilgrims of her maiti (mother’s home), escort her to her husband’s house at Mount Kailash. This procession is called Nanda Jaat and that the event is called Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. It is believed that before leaving her mother’s home the Devi cries a lot as a result of which it rains heavily when the yatra starts.

While the yatra is held once every 12 years, the entire scene is beautifully portrayed in the folk songs of the state. In fact a replica of the main yatra is held every year in the places housing the Nanda Devi temple. The origin of the yatra is still debatable with some legends suggesting that it was Jagadguru Shankaracharya who started the yatra. The historians base their belief on the idols of Parvati, Bhagwati and Bhigneshwar found in Dewal, Bdini and Kaila Binayak dating back from 8th to 10th centuries AD and the inscripted idol of Ganesh of 9th century AD at Jyurangli, which indicates towards the tradition of carrying out the yatra.

According to some other legends, it was in 15th century AD when King Ajay Pal (Shesh Pal) of Chandragarhi brought all the Jaats into one royal pilgrimage and started celebrating the farewell journey once in 12 years. Shesh Pal added the word Raj (royal) in Nanda Jaat and announced the participation of royal family and royal priest in the journey. Since then the yatra is organised by the successors of the royal family.

Roopkund, the famous mysterious lake, which falls in the yatra route, is closely associated with the yatra. As per the legend, the Kannauj king Jasdhawal decided to participate in Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra along with his army, dancing girls and his pregnant wife, much against the rules of the yatra. At Roopkund, the tired king asked the dancing girls to arrange for a show. It was also during this period that his wife gave birth to a still-born child and its placenta is believed to have flowed into the Roopkund. The entire episode made the goddess angry who unleashed her wrath on the king, his army, dancing girls and the queen. The skeletal remains of the soldiers and the stoned dancing girls are still found at the place.

Devotees from Kumaon head for Nandkesri
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh August 12
Devotees from the Kumaon region carrying the palanquins of Goddess Nanda Devi will meet the main procession of the Nanda Devi Rajjat yatra at Nandkesri in Chamoli district on August 26. The pilgrimage that is held once in 12 years starts on August 18.

According to Shirish Pandey, president of the Nanda Devi Rajjat Committee in the Kumaon region, the devotees taking part in the Nanda Devi Rajjat yatra will reach the Nanda Devi temple at Almora from various areas on August 23 and start moving to meet the main procession at Nandkesri in Chamoli district. “All symbolic yatra flags from Pithoragarh, Champawat, Bageshwar and Almora will unite at Baijnath in Bageshwar district on August 25,” he said.

Pandey added special prayers would be held at the Nanda Devi temple at Almora before the devotees from Kumaon proceed towards Nandkesri after taking the signage of Latu Devta from the Mallika Devi temple at Malla in Someshwar and the sword of Nanda Devi from the Lot Bramari temple at Garur in Bageshwar district.

BJP women’s wing burns effigy of Cong govt
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 12
BJP women’s district wing today staged a protest at Chandracharya square against the Congress-led state government for “misusing state machinery to garner victory” in the just held panchayat elections in the 12 districts of the state.

Led by women’s wing district president Sanjana Sharma, women activists burned effigy of Congress government, saying that Congress resorted to malpractices, violence, abduction, threat and money to lure the zila panchayat members to their side.

Citing various examples like in Champawat, Pithoragarh, Dehradun, Almora, Udham Singh Nagar,BJP activists said that state machinery was misused to such an extent that zila panchayat members were forcibly kept in alienation by the district administration officials to ensure they cast their votes in favour of Congress nominees.

“Is this the development oriented governance as claimed by Chief Minister Harish Rawat? First state machinery was misused during three Assembly segment byelections at Someshwar, Dharchula and Doiwala. Now, at panchayat level too Congress government did the same. They may claim victory but actually it’s murder of democracy and principles,” said Sanjana.

District secretary Reena Tomar also cornered Congress led state government for failing to provide proper rehabilitation of the last year’s flash flood victims and not being able to drop ration and essential items at flash flood prone villages.

Janmashtami function
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 12
A two-day Krishna Janmashtami function commenced at Sanskriti School here today. School coordinator Divya Panjwani cited the importance of inculcating cultural and religious traits among children from an early age.

Co-founders of the school Seema Dayani and Vinender said regular celebration of festivals at Sanskriti School has helped children understand the concepts and purpose behind these festivals.

Various cultural programmes were organised with tiny tots dressed beautifully as Radha Krishna, dipping the atmosphere in Shri Krishna Janmashtami fervour. Children presented skits, dance and musical presentations, based on the pastimes of Lord Krishna.

The best attire duo enacting as Radha and Krishna adjudged in three categories were Anshika Singh, Sadhyya, Vishaan and Kritarth, Ashi Garg and Ansh. Kanisha, Tarsh Pandey, Gurubani and Priyanshi were given special prizes for their performance.

Rising crime graph instils fear among Mussoorie residents
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 12
The recent spurt in crime has instilled fear among citizens, making them wary of the law and order situation in Mussoorie who are demanding tightened vigil, especially considering the rainy season

which has witnessed increased crime in the past.

In the wake of the recent theft cases, namely armed robbery near Bala-Hissar and a theft at MPG College chemistry laboratory, the citizens are greatly disturbed with the growing crime incidents in the town.

The BJP local unit general secretary Kushal Rana said that the recent armed robbery case where the family of a petrol pump owner was looted on gunpoint has brought the town in the grip of fear. He demanded increase in police patrolling to ensure their safety and restoring a sense of confidence in them, particularly among senior citizens living alone in their respective homes in the town.

He also rued the fact that in earlier meetings, it was decided that police patrolling would be intensified in the town but no action had been initiated so far.

Anil Godiyal, another resident of the town, suggested that a neighbourhood watch scheme and installation of CCTV cameras at vantage points should be done immediately so that the perpetrators are caught on tape, making it easy to identify and apprehend them in the process. He also suggested regular contact with senior citizens on their telephones to ascertain their safety, beat constables visiting them on appointed days and lonely spots in Mussoorie being adequately lighted.

When contacted police station in charge Jaimal Singh Negi said that they were still working to solve the pending crime cases in the town and were verifying credentials of the people who have shifted to the town recently. He also said that the night vigil has been increased, especially at the houses of senior citizens.

UKD delegation meets DGP

Dehradun, August 12
A delegation of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) met the state Director General of Police (DGP) over the rising number of crime incidents in the state and demanded immediate police action against the criminals.

The delegation led by party’s central general secretary, Jayprakash Upadhayay, told DGP BS Sidhu that Uttarakhand state is seeing rising number of heinous crimes and some prominent criminal gangs have become active in the state. UKD members demanded high level investigation in the Rookree gang war incident in which four people lost their lives. However, the DGP assured the delegation of taking needful action to curb the incidents of crime in the state. — TNS

Former student booked for misbehaving with vice-principal
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 12
An ex-student from the prestigious St. George’s College was booked on charges of creating ruckus and misbehaving with the Vice-Principal under the influence of liquor in Mussoorie today.

Mussoorie police have booked and apprehended the ex-student identified

as Deep Singh Siddhu, s/o Kunwarjit Singh, resident of Chandigarh, on the complaint filed by the school management here.

According to the police station in charge Jaimal Singh Negi, the ex-student Deep Singh, who was present in the school for attending some event, was performing stunts on his four-wheeler in the school under the influence of liquor.

When Deep Singh was stopped from doing so, he started creating a ruckus and misbehaving with Vice-Principal Brother Francis, resulting in verbal spat and a minor scuffle. The guards employed at the gates rushed to the rescue of the vice-principal and saved the situation from escalating further.

Brother Naveen Francis immediately informed the school management about the incident. A police complaint was filed immediately.

The police acting on the complaint apprehended the accused ex-student from the college and have registered a case under Section 323, 504, 506 and 427, IPC. The police have also registered a case under Section 30 under the Arms Act as a weapon was also recovered from his possession.

84 police officers to get medals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
The state Police Department has announced the names of 84 police officials who will be awarded the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and other medals and insignia on the occasion of Independence Day.

According to the list released by the police headquarters, Harish Kumar (DSP), Nandan Kumar Bist (Inspector), Kanihya Prasad (Inspector), Kailash Chandra Bhatt (Sub-Inspector), and Mahesh Chandra Joshi (Sub-Inspector) will be given the Chief Minister’s Medal for Meritorious Service.

Thirty-seven police officials have been chosen for the Chief Minister’s Medal for Commendable Work while 22 will be awarded the insignia for distinguished services. Besides, 20 police personnel will be awarded the insignia for meritorious services.

Sangharsh Morcha seeks Guv’s ouster

Dehradun, August 12
Raghunath Singh Negi, president of the Jan Sangharsh Morcha and former vice-president of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, has sought the resignation Governor Aziz Qureshi on moral grounds.

A protest was held at the SDM office, Vikasnagar. The agitators alleged Qureshi had failed to take any action against the alleged scams reported during the Congress rule in Uttarakhand.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the SDM, Vikasnagar, demanding the immediate suspension of Qureshi. — TNS

Industrialists to help in making Haridwar cleaner
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 12
The district administration has sought cooperation from industrialists and corporate houses under the corporate responsibility clause to make the pilgrim city cleaner and greener.

A meeting was held in this regard here today in which District Magistrate Senthyl Pendiyan met representatives of State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited. He urged the corporation representatives to contribute towards social causes and take up development projects like setting up parks, open auditoriums, flowering on both sides of roads, cleaning of Ganga ghats, development of jogging tracks and vacant land as ideal entertainment and picnic zones.

SIDCUL will develop a multipurpose entertainment park on 112 hectares near CCR Tower till Alaknanda Hotel in the Kumbh mela zone at Rodibelwala. Though it is a prohibited mela area, construction will be done as per the mela administration guidelines. Permanent structures will be avoided and wiring, sapling plantation, benches, mural paintings, flowering, jogging tracks and an open stair-oriented auditorium-cum-stage will be developed. Cultural programmes will be held at this place.

The SIDCUL representatives gave their consent to the development of Rodibelwala as a pilot project, with both sides agreeing to start the project on Independence Day by planting saplings.

The District Magistrate also urged the industrialists to cooperate with the administration in providing free medical aid to poor children.

Rs 102 cr relief funds still unused

Pithoragarh, August 12
Around Rs 102 crore out of the total Rs 453 crore received as donations from various orgnisations and persons from across the country and abroad for providing relief to the people affected by last year’s natural disaster in the state is still lying unused with the CM’s Relief Fund. The remaining funds have been spent on various relief works. This was revealed in the reply to a query filed under the Right to Information Act.

According to Vijay Singh Rawat, an RTI activist, he has received a reply to his application from the CM’s office that of the total Rs 453 crore received as donations for relief works following the natural disaster, Rs 351 crore has been spent for the purpose in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts. “The reply given by the CM’s office does not have details of the amount given by the Centre as relief funds immediately after the disaster struck,” says Rawat. — OC

Purohits entitled to pension: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Harish Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, said the state government had set-up a separate Sanskrit Education Department to promote Sanskrit language in the state. He said purohits (priest), who had attained the age of 60 years or more can avail the benefit of pension.

After inaugurating Sanskrit ‘Shobha Yatra’ in a function held at the Municipal Corporation campus, he said collective efforts were needed to make Sanskrit more popular among masses. He said the yatra would be beneficial to create awareness on Sanskrit language.

He emphasised on the need of improving Sanskrit language based schools and colleges in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanskrit Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani instructed officials to draft a project for popular use of Sanskrit language.

Panchayat members told to rise above party lines
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Chaman Singh, Dehradun district panchayat president, presided over the maiden meeting of newly elected panchayat members here today.

In his brief address, Chaman Singh called upon the elected representatives to rise above party lines and work for the betterment of the rural areas. He said every elected representatives must ensure development in his/her area.

Chandresh Kumar Yadav, Dehradun District Magistrate, said proposals made at today’s meeting would help in framing development policies. He said the proposals should not be individualistic and must be made keeping the general welfare of people in mind.

Ban on plastic National Flags
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
The government has banned the usage of plastic manufactured National Flags on events and occasions of national importance.

In a fresh notification, the government has directed that only paper made flags will be used by government officials and also public. It is generally seen that plastic National Flags used in public functions are later found scattered and thrown on the ground which in other way was bringing disrespect to the National Flag.

Tomato may get cheaper in Oct
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Tomato price will range between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,200 per quintal in October and November.

This was stated by scientists of Agricultural Economics Department of Pantvarsity. The scientists while working on ‘Network Project on Market Intelligence’ project have made this forecast.

The main objective of the project is to release price forecasts of selected agricultural commodities before sowing and during harvesting. The project team, including Dr AN Shukla and Rojani Mishra under the supervision of Principal Investigator Dr Anil Kumar, had conducted a market survey of the Haldwani Regulated Market, a major market for tomato in Uttarakhand, and analysed the wholesale price data prevailed for the last 13 years.

The econometric analysis indicated that the wholesale price of tomato in Haldwani market would range between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,200 per quintal in October and November.

This forecast was based on the past data and model and actual market price might not turn out to be the same as forecasted, said scientists. Scientists have informed that farmers who wish to take tomato cultivation in the coming season on their farms may have the above prices at the harvest time to prevail and thus, advised to decide the area under tomato crop.

India ranks second in tomato production contributing around 11.6 per cent of the world’s production. This crop is grown over 8 lakh hectares in India. The yield per hectare in India stands at 20 tonnes per hectare as compared to 50-55 tonnes per hectare in USA, Italy and Spain.

Major tomato growing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu which together account for about 90 per cent of India’s production. Tomato is a major vegetable widely produced throughout Uttarakhand both in hills as well as plains. Nainital, Dehradun, US Nagar and Haridwar are the four major districts producing tomato and constitute about 65 per cent of the total production in the state.

Farmers advised to decide area Econometric analysis indicates that the wholesale price of tomato in Haldwani market will range between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,200 per quintal in October and November. Farmers who wish to take tomato cultivation in the coming season on their farms may have the above prices at the harvest time

Protest by Cong workers at PWD office
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Activists of the Mahanagar Congress Committee staged a protest at Public Works Department (PWD) office against poor condition of roads in different wards of Dehradun today. The agitators threatened to start an intense agitation if the department does not take effective steps to repair roads.

The agitators under the leadership of Deep Vohra, senior vice president of Mahanagar Congress Committee, said that Congress-led state government is committed to improve infrastructure but the department is not taking steps to carry development activities.

He said that condition of roads in ward numbers which are 59, 08, 60, and 57 is the worst. He lamented that a memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted many times to officials but the department is not taking steps to address their grievances.

The activists have threatened to intensify agitation if the department does not take effective steps to repair damaged roads in different wards of Dehradun.

Ganga Chettri, Mohan Joshi, KK Sharma, Tajendra Kaur, Harjeet Singh, Deepa Chauhan, Aman Batra, Suresh Senwal, Bala Sharma, Devika Rani and others were present.

BJP protests delay in completing flyovers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
The BJP activists staged a protest at National Highway Development Authority office against slow pace of construction work of flyovers at ISBT and Bhandaribagh today. The agitators have threatened to start an intense agitation if the authorities do not complete pending development works in the given timeframe.

The BJP activists protested at the superintending engineer’s office of National Highway Development Authority today and raised slogans. The agitators expressed concern that the authorities have yet to speed up construction work of flyovers in the city.

They said authority officials were not working efficiently to complete construction of the flyovers.

The agitators have threatened to intensify the agitation if the authority officials do not take effective steps to complete construction of the flyovers soon. Anant Sagar, Satish Kashyap, Lokesh Saklani, Umesh Walia, Mahesh Pandey, Sushil Gupta, Rajkumar Kakkar, Kapil Chowdhury, Chandramohan Pokhriyal, Mukesh Singhal and others were present.

Angry students refuse to relent, continue stir
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Students under the banner of the Students’ Struggle Committee today continued their protest in front of DAV PG College against the management’s decision to make admissions only on the basis of academic merit.

The protesters termed the decision as anti-student and raised slogans against the college principal and management. They said the decision would deprive over 20,000 students of higher studies.

Siddharth Rana, president of the DAV PG College students’ union, said, “We will not call off our protest till the college management withdraw the decision or make an alternative arrangement in the interest of students seeking admissions in the 2014-15 academic session.”

On the other hand, the college management said it could not go against the High Court order directing HNB Garhwal Univeristy to make admissions only on the basis of merit.

Meanwhile, the students’ panel has decided to file a review petition in the Nainital High Court seeking respite for thousands of students who are left in the lurch in the wake of the order.

Dummy grenade found

Dehradun, August 12
A dummy grenade found at Gorakhpur Chowk in the Vasant Vihar police station area here today, triggering panic among the labourers and locals working there to lay the pipeline. The grenade was found when digging was carried out by the Peyjal Nigam for laying drinking water pipeline.

The police team reached the spot and cordoned off the area. After checking and removing the pin from the grenade, the squad found it was a dummy explosive, which was generally used for training purpose in the Army. Ajay Singh, SSP (City), said, “The grenade looks to be quite old with rust all over it and did not have any explosive.”— TNS

Spots identified for agitations

Dehradun, August 12
District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav held a meeting to identify the spots to hold demonstrations by the various organisations in the city.

The DM has instructed the administrative and police officials to prepare a report on the present demonstration spot located at the old Raipur bus stand near the parade ground. Once the report is submitted a decision would be taken on finalising the demonstration spot.

Instructions were given to the Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat to ensure bus parking spots at Chunna Bhatta, Raipur Road, so that the buses being operated from old Raipur Road bus stand could be shifted to the new location. — TNS

Contractual staff demand re-employment
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
The agitation by contractual employees of the state Education Department continued today.

Protesters have threatened to intensify the agitation in case the department did not take steps to accede to their long-pending demand. The agitators under the banner of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan protested at the state education directorate in support of their pending demand.

The agitators said the contract of lab assistants and office assistants has not been renewed, despite memorandum being submitted many times to officials concerned.

St. Lawrence School shines in cross-country race
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 12
Students of St. Lawrence School excelled in the cross-country race that was held on the eve of Independence Day near Garhwal Terrace under the aegis of Cultural and Sports Committee and Lions Club of Mussoorie today.

More than 300 students from various schools participated in the ‘Run for Nation’ in different categories to mark the occasion.

In the under-10 category, boys, Anurag Bisht, Vikas and Rahul from St Lawrence School were declared first, second and third, respectively.

In girls’ section, Shristi Rawat from St. Lawrence School stood first, while Reena from Nirmala Inter College and Kanika from Hampton Court School stood second and third, respectively, in under 10 categories.

In the under-14, sub-junior division, boys, Krishna from St. Lawrence, Krishna from Rama Devi Inter College and Vinod Rawat from St. Lawrence School stood first, second and third respectively. In girls’ section of the samecategory, Babita, Anita and Nishita stood first, second and third, respectively.

In the under-17 category of boys Deepak and Kamal Shah from St. Lawrence School stood first and second, while Kamal Bisht from Ghananand Government Inter College was declared third.

In the girls’ section, Monika from Nirmala Inter College stood first, while Diksha and Manisha Chauhan from St. Lawrence School stood second and third, respectively.

In the under-19 section senior division boys, Praveen from St Lawrence School stood first while Navraj and Himanshu from Ghananand Inter College were declared second and third. In the girls’ section Radha from St. Lawrence School stood first, Bharti Raunchela from Sanatan Dharm Girls’ Inter College stood second and Mansi from Mussoorie Girls Inter College stood third.

President of the organising committee Surendar Rana, general secretary Samuel Chandra, Sunil Panwar, Arvind Sonkar, Ghanshyam Arya, Mohan Negi, and Gaurav Garg from Lions Club were present on the occasion.

Manya of Ecole Globale qualifies for paralympics
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 12
Pistol shooter Manya Agrawal, a student of Ecole Globale Girls International School, qualified for the Asian Games and International Paralympic Committee Olympics after her performance in the International Paralympic Committee World Championship held in Suhl, Germany from July 17 to 28.

Manya edged out several participants from 53 countries in the second international match held in Shul and brought glory to Uttarakhand.

She is all set to take part in the Asian Games. She will also take part in the P2 women category in International Paralympic Committee Olympics, Rio de Janeiro.