DAV students protest merit-based admissions at Secretariat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
The Students Struggle Committee of DAV PG College staged a protest in front of the Secretariat here today against the introduction of merit-based admissions in DAV PG College and cutting down of the number of admissions for the academic year 2014-15.

Protesters led by DAV PG College Student Union president Siddharth Rana and union’s general secretary Jogendra raised slogans against the state government over its allegedly apathetic attitude towards the students’ interest. They claimed that the college management’s move would deprive thousands of admission-seekers of the opportunity to pursue higher studies.

They questioned the state government’s decision to hold evening classes for the students as, according to them, only an extra 1,150 students would be accommodated in those evening classes in the DAV PG College, which will not solve problems of thousands of students.

The college management is adamant on introducing merit-based admissions this year. It claims it is simply implementing the Nainital High Court order regarding merit-based admissions in colleges. Students are demanding that the state government must intervene and take decision in the interest of the students who are said to be left in the lurch following the court decision.

Two Kumaon dists face drinking water shortage
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 21
Villagers residing in interior parts of Pithoragarh and Champawat districts of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand will have to wait long for restoration of drinking water supply through their taps. As of now, over 400 rural drinking water schemes in both the districts are out of service.

“Of as many as 400 out-of-service drinking water schemes in the district, 122 schemes in rural areas are pending since the last year’s disaster. The rest of the schemes broke down in the last three months,” said VK Mishra, a Jal Sansthan engineer.

According to Jal Sansthan sources, almost all the schemes are supposed to be operative in Dharchula and Munsiyari areas. Proposals to rectify these have been sent to the government.

“We have received some money for setting right the schemes that went wrong in the disaster last year. While the budget for these schemes is still awaited, we are preparing plans to rectify these after the monsoon season. Till then, the villagers will have to wait for tap water,” said the engineer.

Lohaghat residents in Champawat district today gheraoed the Jal Sansthan engineer, demanding regular drinking water supply in Lohaghat town, where water is being supplied once in four days.

“We have given ultimatum to Jal Sansthan officers that if drinking water supply is not restored in three days’ time, people will have to resort to an agitation,” said BD Rai, a local resident.

Residents of Baluakot town of Pithoragarh district say they have been drinking polluted water from the Kali river as the water supply to their houses has been stopped over the last week after the rains wreaked havoc on the scheme which supplied water there. “Despite it being declared a disaster-prone area, we could not get the scheme repaired. This even though we have informed the department about this,” said BS Thapa, a Gasku village resident.

Health dept awaits order on NHM launch
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
With the change in leadership at the Centre, several Central Government schemes in the health sector have been kept on hold.

To that end, the Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare is awaiting directive from the Union Government for the official launch of National Health Mission (NHM) that has come into effect with the clubbing of existing National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

The programme was integrated at the fag-end of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government’s rule at the Centre.

Had there been no change at the Centre, the programme would have rolled in the beginning of the new financial year, with disbursement of the first instalment.

“We are awaiting directives from the Central Government and the programme is likely to take off in September,” said Dr Nidhi Pande, Secretary, in charge, Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Further, to boost the preparedness of Haridwar district that registers high incidence of dengue fever cases, a blood component separator machine for the Haridwar government hospital would now be made available through the National Health Mission programme.

Earlier, the request for a blood component separator machine was made to the national AIDS control organisation, which had expressed it’s inability to do so.

The machine will help in the better utilisation of blood components, especially while tackling dengue during which the requirement for blood platelets increases.

Four-horn ram attraction of Nanda Devi yatra
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Wildlife experts do not rule out “Chausingha Khaddu,” the four-horned ram of the sheep family, which is all in focus due to the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra in Uttarakhand these days as an interesting case of wildlife study.

Even though the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is held once every 12 years, its conduct depends on the birth of the four-horned ram called “Chausingha Khaddu” or “Mainda”, in the local dialect, which leads the arduous three-week long yatra. Usually black in colour, the ram plays a prominent role in the yatra that depicts the return of Nanda Devi to her husband’s home in Kailash after spending time at her parents’ house.

Those engaged in the study find the phenomenon of birth of four-horned ram once in 12 years interesting. Wildlife expert S. Satyakumar, who had been in the study of ungulates in higher Himalayas for past several decades, asserts that while birth of four-horned ram was certainly the result of genetic variations which though takes place once in million sheep and is rarest of the rare, but getting born in a particular region once in 12 years is certainly interesting and a case study for those in faunal genetic study.

“While genetic variations are the reason behind this four-horned sheep species but its re-occurrence, they say, after a gap of only 12 years was certainly an interesting coincidence and a matter of study,” Satyakumar observed.

Senior scientist BS Adhikari, who belongs to Kumaon, said while the people of the region keep high reverence for ‘Chausingha Khaddu’in the words of science, it was a case of deformity. He pointed out that while birth of four-horned ram was rarest of rare in Uttarakhand, it was the not the case with neighbouring China where four-horned rams are in abundance. “A lot of cross breeding between Australian and Europeon sheep has taken place in China and many of such exercises have resulted in birth of four-horned rams,” he argued.

Rakesh Kunwar, president of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat committee, acknowledges that it was a form of deformity being a four-horned ram. He said going back to history there has been cases when “Chausingha Khaddu” was brought from China when such animal was not born in the region.

Four-horned ‘Khaddu’’ at times is even born white in colour though its parents are always normal. As a matter of fact, in 1964 the yatra was cancelled in the absence of ‘Chausingha Khadu’s’’ birth. It was then held in 1968.

Vital concidence

• The conduct of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra depends on the birth of the four-horned ram called ‘Chausingha Khaddu’ or ‘Mainda’
• The ram usually black in colour leads the yatra that is held once in 12 years
• The phenomenon of birth of the four-horned ram once in 12 years makes it an interesting wildlife study
• Scientists say while the birth of the four-horned ram is a rarest of rare case in Uttarakhand, the animal is found in abundance in neighbouring China.

Stress on planning, creation of global cities within India
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
To highlight the role of architects and designers towards the creation of global cities, an architecture and design summit was organised by Somany Ceramics here today.

Addressing the gathering, Shreekant Somany, Chairman and Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Ltd, and Deputy Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry, Northern Region, said that if India had to join the league of developed nations, one essential aspect will be planning and creation of global cities within India. “Architects, designers and builders will play a crucial role in this progression and there is a strong need for these stakeholders to come together and chart vision on moving this industry to a level where India is able to retain its heritage architecture in structures to be built, and hence, create an identity on the global platform,” he said.

“With abruptly changing times, we need to retain the traditional and keep up with the modern upcoming architectural concept. This would chart a new recognition for India on global front along with retaining identities created long back. It is our continuous endeavour to support this cause and this is the reason we are with the summit in its second year as well.”

Speaking about the state capital, he said: “Dehradun is one of the historic cities of India with some of the greatest British architectural creations along with the planned urban structures. Besides the most prestigious educational institutes, it also houses important institutions like Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy, which make it a place of national importance. As the summit expands further to bring architects, interior designers, consultants and students together on one platform, it will enable breakthrough discussions and seamless interactions of business communities.

Roadways employees stage protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Roadways employees, under the banner of Uttarakhand Roadways Employees Union, protested in support of their year-long pending demands here today. They threatened to intensify their agitation if steps were not taken to fulfill their demands.

The agitators lamented that memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted many times to officials concerned but the department was yet to take steps to address their grievances.

Their main demands were to fill vacant posts of drivers and conductors, transperancy in the working of the roadways, discontinue outsourcing in the department, remove pay anomalies etc.

Students resent challaning
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
The situation got tense at DAV PG College chowk on East Canal Road on Thursday evening when heated arguments were exchanged between a group of college students and City Patrol Unit (CPU) team over challaning one bike belonging to one of the students.

According to eyewitnesses, City Patrol Unit personnel, who were patrolling on EC Road in the evening, stopped one bike to check its valid documents like registration paper and other necessary documents, to which the motorist objected and started protesting against the CPU unit, and blamed them of unnecessary troubling the locals.

Seeing the situation getting out of hand, the CPU personnel informed the senior police officials about the incident, after which SP City Ajay Singh reached the spot immediately and pacified the students and freed the CPU personnel.

Mobile forensic vehicles to help cops crack cases

Dehradun, August 21
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) BS SIdhu flagged off three mobile forensic vehicles from the police headquarters here today. The vehicles, equipped with all modern forensic equipments, have been included in the state police department as part of forensic science laboratory (FSL) modernization plan.

In the first phase, three such vehicles have been bought, one each for Garhwal, Kumaon and the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at Rudrapur.

Speaking on the occasion, DGP BS Sidhu, said the new mobile forensic vehicles would strengthen the investigative side of the state police and would reach to all heinous crime scene to collect the scientific evidence.

It is noteworthy that the newly inducted vehicles are equipped with all modern forensic equipments like stereo zoom microscope, metal detection kit, narcotics drug identification kit, explosive kit, GSR kit, semen detection kit, DNA sample kit, evidence packing kit, crime kit box, crime scene sketch kit, crime scene protection kit, search light and blood detection kit. All the three vehicles are fitted with GPS facility as well.

According to police officials, the forensic vehicles would be rushed to the crime scene immediately after receiving the information to collect the finger prints, blood stains, bullet shells in case of shooting, tyre prints and collecting other important evidences, which will be helpful in cracking the case. — TNS

Government asks officers to declare immovable assets

Dehradun, August 21
The Uttarakhand government has issued a directive asking all IAS, IPS, PCS and other allied services officers and other employees to declare details of their immovable assets according to service rules by August 31.

Principal Secretary Dr SS Sandhu has issued the directives in the backdrop of Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s announcement at a press conference on Monday that all officers and other employees have been asked to submit the details of their immovable assets.

The order states that in case the group I, II and III employees have failed to submit the details, they should submit these by September 10. Disciplinary action awaits those who fail to submit the details.

There is nothing new in the order, as the provision of making mandatory disclosures and disciplinary action in case of non-compliance already exists in the Service Rule book (rule-22). From time to time, the governments, in the past too have issued these orders, especially after the directives of the Central Government and implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI).

Further, every year, IAS and IPS officers submit yearly details of their liabilities and assets, maintained along with the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs). Now, in reaffirmation of an earlier order, disclosure of immovable assets too has been made mandatory. — TNS

Khanduri favours BRO for road construction
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Pauri Garhwal parliamentarian BC Khanduri has once again spoken in favour of handing over works of maintenance and construction of roads leading to the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

“The PWD does not have the required expertise for the construction and repair of roads. The Congress-led state government wasted precious time in deciding between the PWD and the BRO and ultimately handed over the road works to the PWD. At this rate, the yatra may again come to a naught next year,” he said.

Khanduir said the state government may claim that the Char Dham Yatra was going on but it was not at the same level as was in the past due to bad condition of roads. “The road beyond Guptkashi is in a state of disrepair and pilgrims find it difficult to reach the Kedarnath shrine. Similarly, the road beyond Rambara leading up to the Badrinath shrine too is not in a good shape. Instead of focusing on alternative routes the government should focus on repairing existing roads,” he added.

910 pilgrims visited Kailash Mansarovar

Dehradun, August 21
As many as 910 pilgrims, the highest ever, participated in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that began on June 12 this year. This was informed by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Managing Director Deepak Rawat.

Elaborating further, Rawat said that the pilgrims were divided into 18 batches for the yatra that would culminate on September 10. “Usually it takes around 24 days for a pilgrim to complete the yatra circuit. This year the figure is highest since the annual yatra was started in 1981. The year 2012 had registered 774 pilgrims participating in the pilgrimage. Till now a total of 13,535 pilgrims in 388 batches have undertaken the pilgrimage,” he said. — TNS

Not seeking ministerial berth or post of guv: BC Khanduri
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Former Chief Minister and MP from Pauri Garhwal BC Khanduri today denied reports that he was in the race for the post of Governor or envisaging a ministerial berth in the Modi government.

“I am content serving the people of Pauri Garhwal and the role of an MP suits me just fine,” said the former Chief Minister, while addressing the mediapersons today.

The former CM criticised the Congress government in the state for failing to implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and said the Annapurna and Antodya schemes were launched by the then Vajpayee government, but the politically motivated UPA government at the centre cancelled the scheme and tried to replace it with NFSA. None of the states have been able to implement it, he said.

He also took the Harish Rawat government to task on its efforts to bring an ordinance for the Lokayukta Act after it failed to appoint the chairman of the body in the stipulated time period of 180 days that would be over on August 26. “The government is not serious on curbing corruption. It became clear the day they rejected the Lokayukta Act brought by my government and then replaced it with a new Act, which too has been inconclusive,” he said.

In the same manner, Khanduri said the Congress government in the state one after another threw the legislations brought by his government like the Transfer Act and Citizens Charter.

On the issue of one rank one pension, the former Chief Minister said efforts to implement it in the country were started during the NDA government’s rule in 1991, “Now thanks to Prime Minister Narinder Modi, a provision of Rs 50,000 crore has been made for this year for its fulfilment,” he added.

BJVM activists burn Rahul’s effigy
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Annoyed over the controversial remarks made by All India Congress Committee vice president Rahul Gandhi, Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJVM) activists burnt Gandhi’s effigy, here today.

BJYM members burn effigy of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi at Clock Tower in Dehradun on Thursday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir

They demanded an apology for the controversial remarks. The BJYM activists under the leadership of BJP Mahanagar president Neelam Sehgal gathered at Clock Tower today and shouted slogans against Gandhi.

Addressing the activists, Sehgal said the Congress-led state government had completely failed on all fronts.

She expressed her concern that crime cases against women were rising across the state. Sehgal demanded the state government to take effective measures to maintain law, and order in the state.

She said the state government was yet to take steps to address grievances of those villagers, who faced the brunt of natural calamities.

Sachin Gupta, Himanshu Painyuli, Pawan, Deep Gupta, Pradee Anand, Dharmendra Gupta, and many more were present at the protest.

Raise social issues effectively, BJP members told
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 21
BJP in charge for Haridwar district and state women secretary Anuradha Walia today held a meeting of the party’s women cell activists at Devpura-based party office here.

She urged women cell leaders and activists to raise social issues, particularly those pertaining to women folk effectively.

Citing issues like female foeticide, gender bias, dowry, harassment, exploitation at home and offices and molestation, Walia said raising these issues effectively along with routine political issues is vital.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to all party wings to play a proactive role and remain connected with common people, Walia said the party’s women cell in Haridwar should raise voice and issues of women sincerely.

District women cell president Sanjana Sharma cited various agitations, programmes, conventions and programmes in recent times which the cell had organised to raise issues related with women folk.

District secretary Reena Tomar raised the issue of a section of BJP women who are holding various activities simultaneously as the women cell does in the district, which is apparently causing confusion in the party cadres as well as general public.

Atul Sharma stands first in inter-school debate contest

Dehradun, August 21
Wynberg-Allen School hosted the first T.W. Phillips Inter-School Debate-2014 in the Sir Kirby Laing Auditorium of the school here today. Atul Sharma of Colonel Brown School bagged the first position in the competition while Aditi Chand of Mussoorie International School and Vidit Puri St. George’s College stood on second and third positions, respectively.

However, St George’s College won the first T.W. Phillips Memorial Inter-school English Debate Trophy as the participant from St George’s College had the highest total.

Notably, the debate is named after T.W. Phillips who joined the school as the Principal in 1990 and retired from his post as Principal in 2006. — TNS

Eco Warriors, students plant saplings
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Eco Warriors of the 127 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco, Garh Rif, commenced a two-day mass afforestation campaign “My Earth, My Duty” here yesterday.

Eco Warriors and students from Doon School, Gorkha Military Inter-College and Narwodya Vidhalaya planted saplings in Dehradun.

Chief guest Col KS Jaggi emphasised on the importance of trees and asked students to be a part of the campaign.

The campaign under Major Yogendra Gaur will continue till tomorrow and a mass plantation drive will be held at Kauthi- Bhondi in Jaunsar-Bhabar area and Dewar-Khadora in Gopeshwar in Chamoli district.

Students depict Kedarnath tragedy on canvas
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 21
A drawing competition was organised with the theme being the Kedarnath valley flash flood tragedy to generate awareness among younger generation about environment conservation at Madha Rao Devley School, near Chandi Ghat.

Organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad, students depicted the flash flood tragedy moments in their creations with many giving messages of protecting environment.

President of Bharat Vikas Parishad JK Monga said that this competition was organised to bring out the sensitivity, emotions, views and concern among students about the flash flood tragedy that ravaged the Garhwal Himalayas last year.

Rekha Mohan, office bearer of the BVP, added that children have their own thoughts and “we want to give the world a message from children of conserving environment.”

The selected students’ names are Rani, Neha, Pooja, Nishan, Yograj, Abhisehk, Dhanraj,Sushil, Anand, Lav Kush, Pushpendra, Radhe Shyam,Uday , Rakesh, Abida, Rahmi, Preeti,Pinkki, Sunita, Saraswati, Arpita, Dhanvanti, Seema, Roompa and Ajay Vijay.

Meanwhile, at Roorkee, a camp is being organized by 84 UK Battalion of National Cadet Corps,where cadets are being trained in various spheres like shooting, tent pitching, map reading, drill,arms functioning, health-hygiene and other basic training chores.

Camp Commandant Shailesh Nanda said that the NCC cadets were also apprised about the concept of NCC, its values, benefits, working, functioning and objectives.

Five hundred cadets from Uttarkashi, Pauri, Nainitial, Dehradun, Roorkee and Haldwani are taking part in this 10-day camp.Deptuy Camp Commandant Colonel Sanjeev Singh, Subedar Major Raj Kumar Negi, Subedar Vijay NCC official MP Singh, Ashok Kumar, Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Ved Prakash Dobhal and AK Upadhyaya are coordinating the various events.

Shantikunj volunteers provide food to pilgrims at Karnprayag
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 21
Devotees taking part in the longest foot pilgrimage of Nanda Devi are being provided food and other services by volunteers of Shantikunj on the Himalayan route of Garhwal and Kumaon. Shantikunj had also provided devotees voluntary services during the previous Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra in 2000.

A special free eatery has been opened at Nanda Devi temple itself at Karanprayag in Chamoli district, while at various points along the pilgrimage route, Shantikunj volunteers are catering to the needs of the devotees, who are taking a palanquin, four- horned ram and Raj Chatoliyees(ritual umbrellas) in the 280-km-long pilgrimage.

As per Shantikunj manager in charge of the services being provided to the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, a team of 120 volunteers has been deployed for the pilgrimage, which comprises 20 chefs.

Besides the Nanda Devi temple at Jaysara, Kimili, Kimmar, Umatta and Langsoo villagers have set up free camps for the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra.

These camps cater to 2000 people at a time, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided free of cost to the devotees and local villagers. Food and medical aid is being provided by Shantikunj volunteers at Chandangiyaghat, which is the highest of the six camps.

Global Gayatri Shantikunj foundation spiritual ideologue Pranav Pandya said Shantikunj had always played a pivotal role in promoting Indian culture and assisting various social-religious-spiritual events.

Pandya said Shantikunj besides services during the Nanda Devi yatra also provided free food, lodging, education, medical aid and temporary shelters to the affected people in recent monsoon disaster that hit areas of Uttarkashi, Ghansali, Tehri Garhwal, Lansdowne, Kaljikhal, Dwarikhal, Yamkeshwar in Pauri Garhwal and flood-affected villages of Lakshar, Baliwala, Dumanpuri, Kalasiya and Rayasi.

Guv seeks details on ongoing yatra
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi has written to senior officials seeking details on the progress and arrangements of the ongoing Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra.

In a press release issued here yesterday, it was stated that as the chief patron of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra committee, the Governor will regularly monitor the arrangements and the progress of the historic yatra.

“The Governor has also written letters to the commissioner and inspector general of police (Garhwal mandal) as well as to district magistrate and SP of Chamoli seeking a daily report about the yatra,” the press note added.

CS visits Vyasi hydel projects
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar visited Lakhwar and Vyasi hydro-power projects yesterday. He apparently found construction work of 120 Megawatt Vyasi hydro power project worth Rs 936 crore satisfactory.

Kumar instructed officials to send him monthly progress report. It was stated that pace of construction work would be increased after September this year.

Kumar found that construction work on power house of Vyasi hydro power project is 90 per cent complete while the tunnel was dug up to 7 metre.

Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar also visited the 300 Megawatt Lakhwar multi-purpose hydro power project today.

The construction work of the project is halted as the department is yet to receive certificate of investment clearance. Kumar was assured by Cabinet Secretary Ajeet Seth that investment clearance would be given to the state soon.

He instructed officials to complete pending work in the given time frame.

GP Patel, Managing Director of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Director (Project) Sandeep Singhal, and General Manager (Lakhwar) Rajeev Agarwal were present.

Medical camp organised

Dehradun, August 21
More than 200 people received treatment during the free medical and disability detection camp held under the aegis of the Society for Social Service, a wing of official trainees from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), at Garhwal Terrace in Mussoorie, today.

The medical teams from Max Hospital, Coronation Hospital, Doon Hospital, National Institute of Visually Handicapped (NIVH) and other hospitals provided support to the trainees from the LBSNAA. — TNS

Gadkari orders repair of road
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Former Union minister Satpal Maharaj met Union Road, and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi yesterday and apprised him about the pathetic condition of the national highway 121.

Gadkari ordered immediate repair of the 52 km road between Rampur and Thakurdwara.

Maharaj requested the minister to sanction funds for the repair of other damaged highways along the Char Dham Yatra route in the state.

He expressed concern over the poor condition of roads between Delhi and Ramnagar.

sports
Welham Boys School, Asian School enter basketball finals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Quarterfinal and semifinal matches were played in both girls’ and boys’ categories in the ongoing District Youth (Under-16) Basketball Championship at The Aryan School here today.

In the boys’ category, Welham Boys School and The Asian School entered into the finals of the tournament after winning their semifinal matches. In the first semifinal, Welham Boys School defeated Woodstock School 47-35 with Vijay scoring highest 16 points for the winning team. In the second semifinal match in the same category, The Asian School trounced The Doon School 27-15 with Shiv scoring maximum 7 points for The Asian School.

In the girls’ category matches, Welham Girls School defeated St. Joseph’s Academy 38-7 in the first semifinal match with Sarah remaining the top scorer for Welhams. In the second semifinal match, Aryan School defeated Jaswant Modern School 24-15 score with Channi scoring highest 14 points for Asian School.

KV, Indian Public School win football semifinals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 21
Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) BIrpur and Indian Public School (IPS) have stormed into the finals of the ongoing 1st Selaqui Invitational All India Boys Inter-School Football Tournament after winning their semifinal encounters played at Selaqui International School football ground here today.

In the first semifinal match, KV Birpur defeated The Asian School in a tiebreaker 4-3 after both teams scored one goal each in the normal time. Wankit scored the first goal for Asian School in the 9th minute of the match while Sarthak of KV Birpur scored the equalizer in the 60th minute.

The semifinal between Indian Public School and The Doon School was also decided in a tiebreaker as both teams managed to score one goal each against each other in the regulation time. In the tiebreaker, IPS defeated The Doon School 4-2.

7-a-side football tourney from today

After successfully organising an All-India Schools’ Cricket Tournament earlier this year, Maa Anandmayee Memorial School (MAMS), Raiwala, is now focusing on promoting football in schools. The second edition of its Director’s Cup 7-a-side Football Tournament is slated to start at its grounds at Raiwala tomorrow. The first edition tournament was won by Welham Boys’ School last year.

Thirteen reputed schools from Dehradun, Mussoorie, Noida, Shimla, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh will participate in the tournament this year. The inaugural match will be played on August 22 at the school’s grounds at Raiwala. The tournament will conclude on August 24. “It is part of the school management’s vision to provide a platform to talented footballers from the hill state and create an environment for them to excel. The primary object is to give an impetus at the grass-roots level by providing favourable conditions to young footballers,” says Arpit Panjwani, Director, MAMS.

Some of the schools participating are Welham Boys’ School, Asian School, Doon International, Selaqui International School, Kasiga School, DAV Public School from Dehradun and Woodstock School from Mussoorie. Other participants are Genesis Global School (Noida), Bishop Cotton (Shimla), Pathways World School, (Gurgaon), Ryan International School (Chandigarh), Tibetan Homes School (Gauri Mafi), Nirmal Ashram Deepmala Pargani Public School (Rishikesh) and besides the host, Maa Anandmayee Memorial School.

Asian School lift Summer Valley football cup

The Asian School won the 2nd Summer Valley seven-a-side Invitation Football Cup after defeating Kasiga School in the final match played at Sumer Valley Football Ground here yesterday. Vinesh scored the winning goal for The Asian School in the 37th minute of the match.

During the closing ceremony, Vinesh from The Asian School was adjudged best player of the tournament. Dr Arvind Gupta, Director of Sports at The Doon School, was the chief guest during the closing ceremony.

Infighting cost BJP dear in bypoll, says Bachi Rawat
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 21
The BJP suffered defeat in the Dharchula Assembly byelections due to infighting and sabotage within the party. This was stated by BJP leader and former state BJP chief Bachi Singh Rawat here yesterday.

Former Union Minister Bachi Singh Rawat said fake voting managed by Congress candidates was another reason for the party defeat.

“The government machinery did not hear any voice of the Opposition which wanted to lodge protests and complaints against booth capturing and fake voting,” said the BJP leader.

Bachi Singh Rawat along with two senior party leaders has been instructed by Uttarakhand BJP president Tirath Singh Rawat to find out reasons of the party defeat.

The BJP leader visited Dharchula, Jauljibi and Didihat and met party workers, who in turn sought ouster of leaders who worked against the official candidate of the party in the Assembly byelections.