Preparations for Sanskrit conference reviewed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi today held a meeting with officials concerned to intensively review preparations for the three-day World Sanskrit Meet proposed to be held in Dehradun from September 26.

During the meeting, the Governor said this event would be of significance not just for Uttarakhand but for the entire country. It would provide a major opportunity to engage the efforts to make Sanskrit the language of the masses and highlight its richness as a scientific and literary language, he stated. The conference would give new respect to the heritage of our country, he went on to state.

The Governor said the conference would mitigate the negative effects which last year’s natural disaster had caused to tourism in the state. The state’s image as a safe and scenic tourist destination would be strengthened, he said.

He said efforts must be made at all levels to ensure success of the event. Transparency should be maintained in organising it, he stated. He said members of the committee responsible for looking after the delegates from the country and abroad should work in close coordination with each other.

He said the first global Sanskrit meet to be held in Uttarakhand should become a historic event. It should be borne in mind that Sanskrit has the status of a second state language in our state. He urged each official involved in the preparations to ensure that the meet establishes the prestige of Uttarakhand the world over.

Among the matters discussed in the meeting were the budget for the event, sending out of invitations, giving of a final shape to the research papers received and selected by a committee of Sanskrit scholars, security arrangements, food arrangements for the delegates and guests, lodging facilities and arranging for a multilingual anchor. Among those present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary S Raju, Secretary to the Governor Arun Dhaundiyal, Doon University’s VC Prof VK Jain, Sanskrit University VC Prof Mahvir Aggarwal, Additional Secretary to Governor Dr Nidhi Pandey, Additional Secretary (Sanskrit education) Vinod Raturi, Finance Controller (Raj Bhavan) Poonam Sobti, Director (Culture) Bina Bhatt, Director of Parmarth Niketan Ram Mahesh Mishre, Additional Director Tourism AK Dwivedi, Comptroller Raj Bhavan Pramod Chamoli and other officials.

Tandon memorial award conferred on Prof Purohit
Tribune News Service

Prof Aditya Narain Purohit

Dehradun, August 22
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University former Vice-Chancellor Prof Aditya Narain Purohit has been given RN Tandon Memorial Award 2014.

The award, instituted by the National Academy of Sciences, New Delhi, carries a citation and an honorarium of Rs 10,000.

The award has been given to him for his contribution in the field of Science. The award ceremony will be held in Dehradun shortly.

A Botanist, Prof AN Purohit, apart from being an academician of repute, has been actively working for the promotion Science in Uttarakhand.

Dr Rajendra Dobhal, president of the National Academy of Sciences, Uttarakhand Chapter, said it was a matter of honour for the people of Uttarakhand that a personality from the state has been given this prestigious award.

Rise in cases of vehicle thefts 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Cases of vehicle thefts are on the rise in the city with two separate vehicle theft complaints having been registered at the Kotwali police station in the last two days. In the first case, Vineet Kumar Malik registered a complaint on Wednesday about his stolen bike. According to the complaint, his motor bike was stolen from near his house at Kotwali in Paltan Bazaar.

In the second case, Mithu Lal filed a complaint in the Kotwali police station that his bike was stolen from Hanuman Chowk fruit market on Thursday morning when he was buying household items in the market.

It is to be noted that the district police undertook a major crackdown against vehicle thieves last month and a couple of vehicle thieves were arrested last week only. Several stolen vehicles were recovered from their possession. 

Revenue officials hold silent march
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Members of the Uttarakhand Rajsva Sangrah Ameen Sangh held a silent protest march till the Secretariat here today to attract the attention of the state government towards their long pending demands.

In a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the protesters sought promotion of Ameens to the rank of Naib Tehsildar on the basis of quota, increase in salary, a provision of pension and service related benefits and increase in stationery allowance for the field staff.

Virender Singh Sajwan, state general secretary, condemned the indifferent attitude of the state government towards the protesting ameens, who had been on a strike for the past 22 days. “Nobody has approached us from the government side for discussing our demands and finding a solution. Until our demands are met, we will continue with our protest,” he added.

Those who took part in the demonstration included Mahipal Singh Chauhan, Suresh Prasad Semwal, Shashikant Naithani, Sanjay Anand, Vimlesh Chamoli, Kamal Dangwal, and Virender Singh Rawat.

Tribute paid to Urdu novelist Hyder 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
A remembrance ceremony was held to pay tribute to renowned Indian Urdu novelist and short story writer Qurratulain Hyder on her seventh death anniversary at the Doon Library and Research Centre (DLRC) here yesterday.

The speakers said Hyder wrote numerous short stories and novels. She wrote three short stories having Uttarakhand background.

Radio artist Shama Khan, besides Meenakshi Kukreti Bhardwaj and Fatima Ali read out her storybooks.

Manoj Panjani, Research Associate, DLRC, recalled his meeting with Hyder in Kolkota in 1991 and said she was a great novelist.

Scooterist knocked down by speeding bus
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
A speeding city bus knocked down a scooterist here today. Police personnel with the help of local residents rushed the victim to the hospital. The condition of victim is normal. A case has been registered against bus driver.

According to information available, the scooterist was knocked down by a speeding city bus (UK07PA/1144) at Clock Tower today. The victim was dragged by the city bus before he was finally rescued by the city police.

The victim has been identified as Mohit, who is employed in the private sector. The victim has lodged a complaint against city bus driver for his negligent driving.

A case has been registered against the bus driver by the police. The victim is believed to be out of danger.

Setback to Hewal water project due to heavy rains
Officials yet to reach site to take stock of situation
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 22
Officials are yet to reach the site of Hewal Ghati pumping project being constructed on the banks of Hewal river near Chilogi Khal in district Tehri that incurred major damage due to incessant rains on August 15, much to the disgust of residents here.

The project amounting to Rs 16 crore was envisaged with an objective of providing water to around 46 villages of 21 gram panchayats in Narendar block. However, due to increase in the Hewal river water level on August 15 following heavy rains, the project suffered big damage. Officials from Peyjal Nigam are yet to reach the site to take stock of the damage.

The survey done on foot by The Tribune reporter of the site, which is around 10 km from Fakot village in the district, revealed that the pipeline of around 3 km that was laid in the first phase has been completely swept away in the incessant rains. The three chambers of treatment plant that were constructed in the second phase have also been decimated completely due to the falling boulders and accompanying mud and debris triggered by heavy rains. The boundary walls of the pumping station and water tank of around 100 kilo litre capacity that was constructed in the third phase has also incurred damage beyond repair, resulting in heavy financial loss.

Apart from this, the 16-km road from Shivpuri to Bhagori village that was serving as a link road to the water pumping station has been swept away due to the swell in the Hewal River. The 15-metre-long sidewall near the water storage tank(BFG) has also fallen apart due to the disaster. The persons working on the project were also injured but escaped with minor injuries.

The employees of the construction company said if the disaster had not struck the site, it would have begun supplying potable water to around 46 villages under 21 gram panchayats from November in Narendarnagar block of district Tehri.

The affected residents also rued the fact that the despite such loss to the project the senior officials have not made an effort to assess the damage incurred to the project and are yet to reach the site.

They also said that if the project is not started soon it would result in acute water shortage in the region.

When contacted the Executive Engineer, Peyjal Nigam, Mohmad Imran, said that as the road leading to the water pumping project had been damaged beyond repair, they were yet to assess the damage.

When contacted MD, Peyjal Nigam, Dehradun, Bhajan Singh, said that the directions have been given to the officials to prepare a detailed damage assessment report of all such projects that have incurred damage due to the natural disaster in the state. 

n The project amounting to Rs 16 crore was envisaged with an objective of providing water to around 46 villages of 21 gram panchayats in Narendar block. However, due to increase in the Hewal river water level on August 15 following heavy rains, the project suffered big damage. Officials from Peyjal Nigam are yet to reach the site to take stock of the damage

24 families go without electricity for 12 years
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 22
Over 24 families from Tankul, Bung, Bung Zipti and Kurila of Dharchula subdivision have left their villages in the past 12 years for want of electricity, despite a 280 MW Dhaulaganga hydropower project being situated near their villages.

Villagers protested at Dharchula subdivision headquarters, seeking power at their houses. “Villagers are fed up. They have been applying for electricity connections for the past 12 years. Many of them have left their villages and settled in Dharchula and Pithoragarh,” said Manjula Budiyal, newly elected zila panchayat member.

“Despite our repeated demands, the department could only install electricity poles, but the electric current is still awaited. We will meet CM Harish Rawat soon,” said Manjula Budiyal. The zila panchayat member has sought electricity from three micro-electricity projects if the villages cannot be connected to the Dhauliganga project due to transmission problems.

UKD takes up rape bid issue with SP

Dehradun, August 22
A delegation of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal met SP (City) Ajay Singh here today and demanded immediate arrest of the accused who tried to rape a UKD activist and badly thrashed her.

The delegation said around six miscreants had forcefully entered the house of a UKD activist and tried to rape her. It alleged that the miscreants also tried to abduct her and beat her up with hockey sticks before fleeing. — TNS

Renal diseases not covered in RBSK
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
The omission of kidney diseases under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a health initiative aiming at early identification of diseases among children from birth to 18 years, is proving to be a hindrance for children affected by the disease.

While tackling around 30 diseases, the RBSK launched in the state last year has been providing free medical treatment, but the children affected by kidney diseases are not being covered under the programme.

Health experts say kidney disease could affect children in various ways ranging from treatable disorders without long-term consequences to life-threatening conditions.

“The chronic kidney diseases, which often go unnoticed in children until the kidneys have been severely affected, are worrying, since some of them progress to an end-stage renal disease. From birth to age 4, birth defects and hereditary diseases are the leading causes of kidney failure,” said Dr DS Rawat, child specialist, Doon Hospital.

Early clues to kidney diseases in children are unexplained fevers. In boys, its difficulty is in passing urine or passing too much or less urine.

However, due to lack of awareness among parents, these symptoms go unnoticed. But the launch of the RBSK had instilled hope among parents residing in the remote areas where government doctors remain elusive.

But for children suffering from kidney diseases, the programme is of a little help. “We were unaware that our son’s growth had been affected. It was during a visit in New Delhi that the problem was detected,” said Sabal Singh, father of Rohit (8) of Pipal Koti Chamoli.

As of now, the focus of the programme is on providing intervention in case of deformities, development diseases and defects detected by a team of trained doctors, who are a part of mobile health teams.

“Around 148 mobile teams visited examined children in various blocks of the state. They were referred to District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs). The children are dropped to the centres through the “Kushiyon Ki Aawari” mobile van,” said Dr Archana Srivastav, Joint Director. 

n While tackling around 30 diseases, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, launched in the state last year, has been providing free medical treatment, but the children affected by kidney diseases are not being covered under the programme

Ex-gratia for disaster-hit victims revised
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
The state government has decided to increase the state share for gratuitous relief extended to the victims of natural disaster in the state.

The assistance for 2014-2015 will immensely benefit the people affected by the rain disaster in Yamkeshwar and other regions of the state recently. “In the mid June disaster last year, the affected people had received a substantial amount due to the contribution made through the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, but for the ongoing year, the funds from this head would not be available. To provide adequate monetary relief to the affected people, we have decided to increase the state’s share,” said Bhaskaranand Joshi, secretary, Department of Disaster Management.

Affected persons whose houses were swept away along with daily utility items will receive Rs 8,000 per family. Earlier, the amount per family according to the National Disaster Relief Fund and State Disaster Relief Fund norms was Rs 2,700 per family.

All district magistrates have been issued instructions to disburse the relief according to the new revised rates. Further, the revision will also be extended to the relief amount disbursed to surviving family members of the deceased who will receive Rs 3 lakh per person. The revision will also impact the relief amount disbursed to persons who are handicapped due to injuries sustained in the natural disaster.

Congress activists on ‘maun vrata’ against jeering of non-NDA CMs
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 22
Congress activists observed a ‘maun vrata’ in Haridwar today in protest against the booing of non-NDA Chief Ministers by BJP supporters at the rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.

Congress activists sat on a silent protest at the Chandracharya Chowk adjacent to the Ganga ghat against the booing incidents terming these as a deliberate attempt by the BJP to create an anti-Congress wave ahead of the Assembly elections in four states.

Former MLA Ambrish Kumar, former municipal council chairperson Satpal Brahmachari, besides Murali Manohar, Aman Garg along with party activists took part in the ‘maun vrata’. They drew the attention of the passersby.

Ambrish while addressing mediapersons questioned the Prime Minister’s silence when the booing incidents took place in his presence. “It seems to be a planned move to again create a pro-Modi wave as Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra are going to polls soon. Amit Shah, BJP president, is a master of such tactics and he is now using booing to again create an anti-UPA wave,” he said.

Satpal Brahmachari also termed the two incidents as planned that dealt a blow to democracy, federalism and the Prime Minister’s post.

Councillor Aman Garg said such jeering tactics did not bode well for democracy. As these incidents occurred in the presence of the Prime Minister when he was unveiling mega development projects, one could imagine to what level the BJP could stoop for electoral gains.

However, BJP district women cell president Sanjana Sharma said the Congress should introspect on the reasons of its defeat in the Lok Sabhas elections instead of blaming others.

“Silent introspection is the need of the hour for the Congress to ascertain the reason for its defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. It will again face defeat in the Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand. The Congress should understand that jeering by crowd is an indication of what is in store for it in the upcoming elections,” Sanjana said.

Dhanai outlines state’s plans for revival of tourism 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanai discussed at length the steps taken by the state government for the revival of the tourism industry, which was severely hit due to the natural disaster last year, during a national-level meet of tourism ministers of all states and Union Territories held in New Delhi recently.

Dhanai said the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) had established a control room for tourists to provide them information about various events, including yatras. “This facility provides information to tourists about the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib yatras, Kanwar Mela, and the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. Also, arrangements have been made for the ‘biometric registration’ of pilgrims at several places. For the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, 16 spots have been earmarked for the biometric registration and medical check up of the pilgrims,” he added.

“Plans are also underway to develop tourism facilities on the public private partnership mode at various tourist spots and national highways. Nine adventure centres to generate employment and resorts to provide accommodation in lesser known destinations are being developed. Plans to preserve and conserve heritage properties like forts in Pithoragarh, Almora, and Champawat are being executed,” he said.

Dhanai said last year’s natural disaster was a major setback to the state and sought extension in time frame for the completion of sanctioned projects.

According to the guidelines of the Union Tourism Ministry, the time limit for the completion of the sanctioned projects is two years. The state has requested for extension of 4 to 5 years in special circumstances in view of Uttarakhand’s geographical conditions where construction work can be carried out only in four or five months in a year.

The minister also sought a financial assistance of Rs 5 crore each for the Tehri Special Area Development Authority and the Kedarnath Development Authority. These authorities were constituted with an aim to develop different tourist spots and institutional services, and promote the participation of private parties in the state.

“The Central government should sanction Rs 1 crore for the promotion of the bed and breakfast programme started in the state under which locals provide one or two rooms to tourists on rent. Besides, the Central government should also provide Rs 5 crore for the state government’s proposal to install webcams at around 200 tourist spots,” he added.

Rajya Sabha MP seeks green bonus
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 22
Rajya Sabha MP Mahindra Singh Mahra has sought a sum of Rs 2,000 crore as green bonus from the Union Government to the state of Uttarakhand. According to him, high cost is being borne by the state government and the society of Uttarakhand to preserve the ecology of this part of the Himalayas by preserving the nation’s ecology. The MP was talking to mediapersons here today.

Mahra, quoting data presented by the Indian Institute of Forest Management at the World Forestry Conference held in Argentina recently, said the actual cost of preserving ecology in this part of the Himalayas is Rs 32,000 crore, which is being borne by Uttarakhand.

“Besides raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha, I have written to the Prime Minister,” said Mahra.

He added while the government was short of means due to expenditure on rehabilitation and reconstruction work due to the natural disaster last year, green bonus would help the state government fill the shortfall in the relief and rehabilitation work. “Even the 13th Finance Commission has recommended Green Bonus for Uttarakhand, besides other Himalayan states,” added Mahra.

Development projects in Doon reviewed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
To review the ongoing development projects in the district, Principal Secretary Manisha Panwar held a meeting with officials and demanded the reports prepared by them here today.

Stating that she would undertake physical inspection of the places where the development work is being undertaken, Panwar instructed the officials to get on-the-spot verification of the projects done by the task force constituted for the purpose. She asked officials to prepare a detailed report of the projects under them.

Reviewing the various pension schemes initiated by the Social Welfare Department, Panwar said pensions should be disbursed in time to the people covered under the scheme. The bureaucrat asked District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav to verify whether the students entitled for scholarship were getting the same on regular basis and on time.

“Regular meetings should be held with the staff management of the schools. Stress should be laid on regular disbursal of scholarships for minorities,” she added.

Later, Panwar asked the department’s officials to ensure that the funds allotted for various district projects are utilised resourcefully for timely completion of the projects.

Work on Pithoragarh roads suffers due to funds crunch
Our Correspodent

Pithoragarh, August 22
Construction work on over 13 major district roads and some internal roads in the towns of Pithoragarh and other parts of the district has not been started this year till date. Budget has been sought for these roads. The government has not released the funds sought, causing delay in construction of these roads, which has led to resentment against the department.

According to Pithoragarh PWD sources, the department has so far received a sum of Rs 4 crore for construction of district plan roads, while it had sought a sum of Rs 12.78 crore.

“Even under the state plan head, we have received a sum of Rs 16.38 crore while we have demanded a sum of Rs 66.73 crore under the head as several rural roads are to be constructed with help from this money,” said NC Joshi, an engineer in the department.

According to sources, the construction of several roads including the much-awaited ring road in Pithoragarh town, which is vital for reducing traffic burden on the highway that passes through the town, is yet to begin owing to lack of funds. “We have written to the government several times, but funds are yet to be received,” said the engineer.

According to PWD engineers, the much-awaited hot mix work on the city’s roads remained incomplete as funds for the project had not been received from the government.

“Against a proposal of Rs 18 crore we have sent to the government for hot mix on 45-km-long roads in the town, we could get only Rs 1.42 crore while there was approval for a figure of Rs 4 crore. This has resulted in completion of the hot mix stage on 12 km in the town of Pithoragarh. We would be able to complete the project only after getting the complete budget,” said the PWD source.

KV, Raiwala, beat Ryan International 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Raiwala, defeated Ryan International School 5-3 during the inaugural match of Director’s Cup Football Tournament being organised by Maa Anandmayee Memorial School at Raiwala, near here, today.

Rishikesh MLA Prem Chand Agarwal inaugurated the tournament and inspired all young athletes from schools across India to play hard but at the same time play the game fairly. He also released the monthly newsletter of the school known as ‘MAMS Tabloid.’

The second match was played between Doon International School- A and Tibetan Homes School -B. This match was won by THF 2-0. After a long wait, the host team finally took the centrestage taking on SelaQui International School. After a tied first half MAMS raised its game and in the end emerged victorious, courtesy brilliant play by captain Shubham Bhatt who scored 3 goals.

In the other matches played simultaneously on Ground B, DAV, Dehradun, beat Asian School 4-2. NDS, Rishikesh, prevailed over Woodstock, Mussoorie, 3-2 and defending champions Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun, got the better of SPS, Roorkee, quite convincingly, 8-1. In the post lunch session, Pathways World School, Gurgaon, edged over Tibetan Homes School - A (3-1) in a keenly contested match. At the same time, Genesis Global School, Noida, prevailed over Doon Int. School - B (6-1) with Uttam Nagar scoring 3 goals for Genesis.

There are 16 teams taking part in this tournament and 16 matches will be played in all on day 2. 

Welham Girls School win basketball finals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Under the District Youth Basketball Championship (Boys and girls) , Welham Girls School beat The Aryan School in the final match played at The Aryan School basketball courts today.

The Welham Girls School beat The Aryan School 38-19. The highest scorer from Welham Girls School was Seher with 12 points while the highest scorer from The Aryan School was Channi with eight points.

In the final match of the boys’ category, Welham Boys School beat The Asian School 37-22 points. The highest scorer from Welham Boys School was Vijay with 13 points and the highest scorer from The Asian School was Vaibhav with 12 points.

The chief guest for the final match was Sunny Gupta, Vice Chairman of the Aryan School. He gave away prizes to the winner and runnersup teams. 

Banks told to participate in state’s socio-economic development
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
Urging banking institutions to come together for redevelopment of the disaster-affected state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said they should come together and participate in the roadmap for the state’’s social and economic development.

Addressing a gathering of representatives from various banking institutions during the 50th annual meet of the State-level Bankers Committee, Rawat said they should become the helping hands of the state government towards the recovery of the state and disaster-affected people.

“Following the disaster, a majority of the population in the affected areas has lost its only source of income, causing them to plunge into financial darkness. The recovery of loans and payments of the loan instalment from those in the disaster-affected areas should be stalled for some time by the banks. This would help people recover and 
set up their sources of incomes from scratch. If it is possible, some concession could also be given on the rate of interest,” he added.

“The state government is not only trying to raise alternate sources of income for the disaster-affected but also find a solution to bail out the sugarcane farmers, who have suffered financial setback for their produce in wake of the poor condition of the sugar mills. In fact, a lot of sugarcane farmers are not even able to pay off the instalments on the loan taken from either the banks or money lenders,” said the Chief Minister.

The CM further asked the banks to motivate people to invest in small savings. He also urged the institutions to open branches in those places which have not been on their map yet.

“It is very important to have proportional vertical and horizontal development plan. While it is important to have an in-depth paper work before giving the loan, if the same can be reduced in case of small scale industrialists, artisans and micro businesses, it would help them stay away from the vicious circle of money lenders,” he added.

Urging easing of loan procedure, Uttarakhand Finance Minister Indira Hridayesh said the record of self-help groups have been good as far as the repayment of loans is concerned. “The banks should come forward in giving loans to women self-help groups so that they could expand their source of income. Banks can play an important role in drastically improving the lifestyle of the people,” she added.

‘Centre’s decision on FDI is without consent’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22
A meeting of employees of Defence Instruments Employees Union held was held at Instrument Research Development Establishment (IRDE), here today.

Addressing a gathering, SN Pathak, state president of All-India Defence Employees Union, expressed concern that the Union government had recently taken a decision to allow 49 per cent in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Defence sector without taking consent of union.

He expressed hope that the Centre would consider the memorandum submitted to the Union government. He said the Centre should take steps to give pension benefits to all civilian employees employed in the Defence manufacturing sectors.

Rs 50.52 crore project sanctioned for district scheme
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 22
For the financial year 2014-15, under the district scheme, projects worth Rs 50.52 crore were approved today during a meeting of District Scheme Committee at Roshanabad.

The meeting presided over by Uttarakhand Finance Minister and in charge for Haridwar district Indira Hridayesh unanimously approved the amount.

Of this budget, the Public Works Department has been allocated Rs 19.39 crore, the Health Department Rs 282 lakh, the Peya Jal Nigam Rs 527 lakh and the Irrigation Department Rs 356 lakh.

Indira Hridayesh asked Chief Development Officer Vishnu Singh Dhanik to review development of projects under the District Scheme as it has come to light that slow pace and inferior quality work is being done under this scheme. The Finance Minister took cognisance of lack of preparation and knowledge about district scheme projects as far as officials of various departments are concerned.

Hridayesh clarified that she would take stern action if during the next meeting, she finds laxity on the part of officials, as “it’s not officials but elected representatives who have to give an answer to the public”.

The Chief Education Officer was directed to inspect schools and give a status report on the availability of teachers, drinking water facility and toilets.

She laid emphasis on having separate toilets for boys and girls and ensuring cleanliness. On the issue of paucity of funds that causes delay in completion of projects, the minister said this will not be allowed to happen as the government is committed to providing full budget for the projects under the district scheme.

“As a Finance Minister of the state, I assure that the budget constraint will not be a hindrance for projects under the district scheme. The departments should carry on the work. The state government will provide the funds. If necessary, we will draw money for these development projects from the forthcoming Ardh Kumbh fair budget,” said Hridayesh.

Zila Panchayat chairperson Anjum Begum, legislators Swami Yatishwaranand, Aadesh Chauhan, Sarbat Karim Ansari, Furkan Ahemd, Pradeep Batra, Kunwar Pranav Champion and Mayor Manoj Garg were present during the meeting.

From the administrative side, Principal Secretary Radha Raturi, District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan, CDO Vishnu Singh Dhanik, ADM Jeevan Singh Nangiyal, Statistical Official RK Asthana and District Information Officer Manoj Shrivastava were present.

Gorkhali Teej festival tomorrow

Dehradun, August 22
Meenu Chettri, state president of the Gorkhali Mahilla Haritalika Teej Utsav Committee, said today that Chief Minister Harish Rawat would inaugurate the Teej utsav on August 24.

Chettri told mediapersons here that the Teej utsav would be held at Shaheed Major Durga Mall Park on Augus, 24. She said various competitions would be held during the festival and several stalls for eatables, and entertainment games would be in place at the park.

Godawari Thapli, Vandana Bisht, Suryavikram Shahi, Upasana Thapa, Puja, Manju Karki, Nandani Sharma and others were present. — TNS

ASHA workers meet Addl Secy

Dehradun, August 22
A delegation of Asha Swasthya Karyakatri Union today met Additional Secretary BR Tamta to discuss problems being faced by Asha workers.

The delegation members led by CITU general secretary Lekhraj said since long, the payment of ‘motivation fee’, amounting to Rs 5,000, has not been made to workers. The delegation members also sought honorarium and Diwali bonus. Tamta assured the delegation members of resolving the issue at the earliest and said the disbursal of pending fee would be made in two instalment. — TNS